Issue 13/2015, 2 September 2015

Issue No. 13/2015
Wednesday 2 September 2015
FROM THE PRINCIPAL…
Leadership has been a major focus at Star over the past few weeks. The selection of student leaders for 2016 is underway and
students in Year 10 and Year 11 are applying for a wide range of leadership roles. Students who applied for the positions of
College Captain, College Vice-Captain and House Leaders delivered speeches to their peers and staff last week. Elections take
place after speeches are made. Congratulations to our 2016 College Captain, Thea Guiry-Stewart, and College Vice-Captain,
Lucinda Sutcliffe.
It takes courage to put oneself forward and I commend all students who take this step. They delivered their addresses with
passion and commitment to the College. At the heart of leadership is service to others. I am proud and pleased to say that
each candidate spoke about actions they would take to further enhance life at Star. Student leaders are aware that they play
a powerful role in shaping the culture of a school and are role models for others. Star has a long history of strong student
leadership. I am confident that this tradition will continue. Whilst there are thirty-five leadership roles to fill, not everyone can
be selected to wear a badge. Our VCE cohort recognises that, as seniors, they share responsibility for not only setting the
tone of the College but supporting their elected leaders.
At the beginning of last week, five Year 10 students - Lily Zuzek, Josephine Holland, Victoria Coyne, Clare Cooper and Elouise
Ackerman, accompanied by Mrs Jennifer Levett - flew to Perth to spend a week at Iona College as the first part of a school
exchange program - see photos on page 7. Iona is also a Presentation College and a member of the Nagle Education Alliance
of Australia. Whilst at Iona, students stayed with host families and took part in a range of school activities. Next week we
have the pleasure of welcoming a group of students from Iona College to Star.
Half of our Year 8 cohort left for camp at the Valley Homestead, Myrtleford, last Sunday - the second half departed on
Wednesday. There has certainly been great excitement and anticipation in the Year 8 area. Whilst on camp, they have taken
part in outdoor activities and team-building exercises. Thanks to Year 8 Pastoral Coordinator, Gail Clayford, and the staff who
accompanied the students.
Speaking of Year 8, it was lovely to meet Year 8 parents and grandparents last Thursday as they enjoyed their walk through
Trasna. The feedback was very positive about the new learning space.
Last Friday afternoon, the Parents’ Association held a Father/Daughter gathering. Guest speaker, Peter De Santo APM,
stepped in at the last minute as Jason Mifsud was unavoidably detained. Peter is the father of Ella in Year 9; he is also the
Commander of State Anti-Gangs Crime Division and has been a member of the Victorian Police for 37 years. Not only did
Peter share with us information about his work; he reinforced the need for strong communication between parents and
children and encouraged young people to think about careers where they can give service to others. We are very grateful to
Peter for giving us his time and insights. All in attendance enjoyed a BBQ and were entertained by senior Music students.
Thanks to the Parents’ Association - in particular Gerard Brown - for organising such a successful gathering: see the attached
Parents’ Association flyer for photos.
Sunday’s second reading urged us to ‘be doers of the word and not hearers only’ – a wonderful paraphrase of our College
motto. As we head into the new season of spring, we pray:
God of new life,
You call us to look beyond our small realities to your vision of Your Kingdom.
Inspire us to embrace anew the possibilities of faith, hope and love.
May we create a space in our hearts and minds for faith.
May we meet the despair of asylum seekers with hope.
May we forgive seventy times seven and increase our love.
We make all our prayers through Jesus Christ, our Lord and friend. Amen
Sandra Diafas - Principal
[email protected]
IMPORTANT DATES (Term 3, 2015: September 3 - 16)
DON’T MISS …
Mon Sep 7
Year 9 Reflection Day / Environment Camp (Sep 7 - 11) /
Parents’ Association Meeting
Student news
Pg. 2
Fri
Stacella Concert (7.30pm) & Saturday September 12
Invitation to Mass of Remembrance
Pg. 4
Mon Sep 14
Art Week begins
Year 7, 8 & 9 news
pg. 5&6
Wed Sep 16
Year 7 Grandparents’ morning tea
Sep 11
70-84 Martin Street (PO Box 7001 Gardenvale LPO) BRIGHTON VIC 3186
Phone: (03) 9596 6099 Fax: (03) 9596 6821 Email: [email protected] www.starmelb.catholic.edu.au
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STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE
Student News ...
Star’s family newsletter is published fortnightly and we want your items for our popular feature … STUDENT
NEWS. It’s easy! Email information and a photograph (if possible) of your daughter’s achievements outside of
school hours to Judy Ryan, Publications Officer: [email protected]
Congratulations to Bridget Chadwick (Year 10), co-editor of the spring edition of Australian Catholics.
Bridget worked with students from other Catholic secondary schools to produce an excellent edition based
around the theme Count your blessings … and make your blessings count! Bridget contributed the editorial,
an article about young sailor, Jessica Watson, and a profile of Star past student, Rosie Cooper, who is
involved in Edmund Rice camps at an international level. Heartfelt thanks to Jesuit Publications for the
imagination and insight to invite young Catholics into this unique experience of communication and
evangelisation.
The Pierre de Coubertin Award recognises secondary school students who demonstrate values consistent
with the Olympic Movement through participation in sporting activities. In the Literary component of the
award, students must submit a piece of work which demonstrates an appreciation of Olympism.
Participation in sport is a core value of the Olympic Games. In 2015, nominees shared one or more Olympic
moments that epitomised this core value. Star is delighted to advise that Ann Cooper (Year 12) has been
awarded the Pierre de Coubertin award in 2015.
The 60th ByThe Bay Eisteddfod was recently held at the Kingston Arts Centre. Star students excelled in the following sections:
16 years and under - Junior Vocal
Second
Madeline Kelly
18 years and under - Contemporary
First
Tess McCullough
Second
Isabelle Coyne
Third
Mali Booth & Bridie Mannion
Honourable Mention Bonnie Nolan
18 years and under - Jazz
Honourable Mention Tess McCullough & Hayley Stone
18 years and under - Musical Theatre
Honourable Mention Hayley Stone & Bonnie Nolan
18 years and under - Duet
Madeline Kelly &
Second
Hayley Stone & Isabelle Coyne
Jade Leonard,
Third
Mali Booth & Bridie Mannion
teacher
Doris Berwick Award - Own Choice
First
Hayley Stone
Enya Broadley (Year 10) represented Victoria at School
Sport Australia’s National Netball Championships held
in Sydney from 23 - 28 August in the 15 years and under
section. Enya and the Victorian team finished on top of
the competition after completing the qualifying rounds,
dropping only one game to Western Australia. The
team went on to win a hard fought gold medal against
Queensland. Go Enya … go Victoria!
CLASS OF 1985 - 30 YEAR REUNION
Date:
Time:
Venue:
Drinks & finger food:
RSVP:
More details:
Saturday, 24 October
7.00pm
Jimmi Jamz, 130 Ormond Road, Elwood
bar prices
Friday, 9 October
Gen O'Meara(Kinnaird) 0407 667686 or [email protected]
Gina Strupl (Ferrigno) 0418 811881 or [email protected]
STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE
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CHARLOTTE KEON REFLECTS ON THE PRESTIGIOUS QUEEN'S GUIDE AWARD …
Further to the report in the last edition of the newsletter on the receipt of a Queen’s Guide Award by two Star
students, Charlotte Keon (Year 12) has reflected on her involvement with Girl Guides Victoria (GGV) and the
Queen's Guide Award – see below.
The other winner, Holly Felsenthal (Year 11), provided us with her thoughts in the last edition of the newsletter.
To recap: The Queen's Guide Award is Guiding’s peak achievement award. The Award is similar to the Duke of
Edinburgh Award - it focuses on the awardee’s personal development that will benefit the community in the long
term. The Award requires completion of the following components …






accomplish leadership tasks and undertake courses
community service with more than 140 hours of volunteer work
outdoor skills including first aid training and outdoors qualifications
cultural awareness
working with peers
advancing personal development including research projects from historical events to copyright law
How long have you been involved with the GGV?
I've participated in the GGV for nearly eight years.
What would you tell your friends was the best aspect of being in GGV?
I appreciate how the GGV provides a welcoming environment for all girls regardless of their religion, ethnicity,
sexuality, etc. A lot of girls may not have access to this sort of space otherwise, nor are some able to actively
discuss issues pertaining to women in their other peer-based activities. As an older member of the organisation,
the opportunity to help facilitate discussions and ideas between younger members is always rewarding.
How long did it take you to complete all of the requirements for this award? Give an example of how you met
one of the requirements of your choice …
I was relatively quick to complete all of the requirements: the bulk of the work took me just over a year. In order
to fully achieve the community service requirements, I worked upwards of 140 hours volunteering during this
time period.
After achieving Guiding's Peak Achievement Award, what is the future for
you at the GGV?
I intend to continue taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the
GGV. I hope that I can continue on to achieve the even more
prestigious Olave award and gain more first aid qualifications in the
meantime.
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STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE
STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE
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Year 7 News ...
Grandparents and Special Friends’ Morning Tea …
… is in Week 10. RSVPs are due Friday, 11 September via Care Monkey. Contact Anna Dortmans, Year 7 Pastoral
Coordinator, for details: [email protected]
Year 8 News ...
We welcome Sarah O'Hanlon, 8DU2, to Star of the Sea College. Sarah has settled in very well and has developed
strong friendships.
The Year 8 students are enjoying their second day at Valley Homestead in Myrtleford. The students are
challenging themselves and overcoming many fears whilst experiencing new activities such as abseiling and aerial
obstacle courses. They will have much to share with you on their return home.
Gail Clayford
Year 8 Pastoral Coordinator
[email protected]
Year 9 ANZAC News ...
This term, Year 9 students have been undertaking a study of Australia’s participation in World War 1 in a unit
appropriately entitled ‘Legends’. We have been fortunate to experience a varied range of activities to complement
this unit.
There have been many highlights including an excursion to the Shrine where all students participated in an
educational program that explored the Anzac Experience. Last week the cohort was fortunate to listen to the
exploits of Lambis Englezos, a historian who has been instrumental in the excavation and respectful burial of the
unknown soldiers at Fromelles. His stories certainly stirred many emotions amongst the students as we listened to
the written words of a mother pleading for information from the Red Cross as to the whereabouts of her son.
Guest Speaker: Deane Williams
On 10 August, Year 9 students from ANZAC had the privilege of listening to a film lecturer from Monash University
and ‘Star’ dad, Mr Deane Williams. He spoke to us in preparation for our study of Peter Weir’s film, Gallipoli
(1981). He taught us about different film techniques and discussed and examined the final scene of this terrific
Australian film. It was fascinating to have an insight into the film industry from a professional perspective. He
helped us understand how to successfully analyse different scenes which was incredibly interesting. We thanked
Mr Williams for spending some time with Year 9 and sharing his knowledge. He has broadened our knowledge and
given us a new appreciation of the classic Gallipoli.
Eliza Morley
Rats of Tobruk Visit
On Wednesday, 19 August, twenty students from Year 9 visited the Rats of Tobruk. Waiting for us were four past
veterans from the Battle of Tobruk - Ron, Bob, Alf and Jack. In a hall filled with items and images from the war, the
four recounted their remarkable stories and memories of Tobruk. We had the opportunity to ask them personal
questions about their time serving throughout the war including their reasons for enlisting, the conditions and the
friendships they made during the war. They loved to share their knowledge and experiences with us with a sense
of seriousness mixed with a keen sense of humour. It was an amazing opportunity and we were able to leave with
a deeper understanding of what the Rats of Tobruk went through to serve our country.
Sophie Buckeridge
(Continued on page 6)
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STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE
(Continued from page 5)
Tess Wallace ready for action
Rats of Tobruk visit
Our Shrine Visit
As part of our ‘Legends’ unit, each Year 9 homeroom has gone on an excursion to the Shrine of Remembrance. We
have enriched our knowledge of WW1 with both a self-guided and expert-guided tour. Throughout the term, we
have focused on the ANZACs’ contribution to both the Gallipoli campaign and the Western Front. We experienced
a very special moment at the Shrine: we participated in a memorial when on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the
11month, the sun shines directly on the word ‘love’ which is engraved on the plaque Greater love hath no man.
This excursion really broadened our knowledge and interest in the history of WW1. Everyone enjoyed this
experience immensely.
Meg O’ Sullivan
Eva Rafferty as a
WW1 nurse
Gallipoli 1 on the steps of the Shrine
Marnie Duncan places a
poppy in the Wall of
Remembrance
STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE
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MATHEMATICS CHALLENGE
At the start of Term 2, over three weeks in April and May, 98 Years 7 to 10 students attempted a range of six
problem solving challenging questions in either the junior or intermediate Mathematics Challenge. Each student
wrote and explained the solutions of their findings. The thirty best entries were sent in and we congratulate the
following students on receiving these awards:
HIGH DISTINCTIONS
DISTINCTION
CREDIT
PARTICIPATION
Year 8
Annie Nicola
Ashley Bell
Catherine Campbell
Christy Lang-Waite
Emma McCann
Jess D’Este
Lauren Loschiavo
Nicky Grenville
Sienna Fernando
Zoe McAlroy
Year 7
Charlotte Freeman
Year 7
Charli Marinelli
Hanna Vine
Steph Paul
Isabella Mann
Louise Nguyen
Michaela Perkins
Sophie Bottero
Year 7
Monique Moor
Rebecca Shaw
Year 9
Sophie Buckeridge
Eliza Morley
Ella De Santo
Ellie Hearnes
Year 9
Steph Iera
Grace Dwyer
Isabella Molino
Olivia Santospirito
Riley Hodgson
Year 10
Mairead Carrig
Janelle Thirard
Mathematics Coordinator
[email protected]
STAR STUDENTS VISIT IONA COLLEGE, PERTH …
Star has the pleasure of welcoming students from Iona next week.
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STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE
ENGLISH NEWS
Every week is a big week in English … Week 6, and specifically August 19, was bigger than most.
In the morning, Star hosted 120 Year 12 Literature students from three other schools as they participated in a
workshop on Antony and Cleopatra.
After school, Year 12 English students were treated to a lecture by Dr Josh Nelson from RMIT University on their
final text from the film All About Eve.
It’s been a busy few weeks for Year 12 English students who have also had the opportunity to attend a
performance and Q & A on Summer of the Seventeenth Doll.
At VCE level, all students must study an English subject: English or Literature or EAL. These external opportunities
are very engaging and give students ideas about their texts that they may not have previously considered. This is
critical as we support them moving towards their final assessments.
Fiona King
English Coordinator
[email protected]
STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE
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RE News …
Reconciliation Liturgy
We celebrated our annual Reconciliation Liturgy on Tuesday, asking God to grace us with the gift of forgiveness of
self and others.
Our Liturgy was led by members of Ave House under the guidance of Liturgy Captain, Clodagh Grogan, and
Pastoral Coordinator, Clare Meehan. Through prayer, song and student art, we contemplated the complexity of
forgiveness and the freedom that is gained when forgiveness is grasped. The songs and silence, colour and
companionship marked a beautiful start to the season of spring. Heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this
celebration.
Anne Muirhead
Faith & Mission Coordinator
[email protected]
Philosothon
I have had the privilege of being a member of the Philosothon team for three years. This small group that includes
students from Years 8 to 11 meets in Term 3 to discuss philosophical questions and ideas. These meetings are the
preparation for the annual Philosothon competition: a formal discussion between a number of Victorian schools
on various contemplative questions regarding issues or dilemmas relevant to current society such as
environmental issues and human rights.
On Wednesday, 26 August, the 2015 team was introduced to the creator of the concept of a community of
inquiry, Laurance J Splitter, a renowned Professor of Philosophy. Professor Splitter is currently a member of the
Department of International Education and Lifelong Learning at the Hong Kong Institute of Education. His
research has included Philosophy of Mind, Mathematics Education, Self and Identity, Thinking and Language, and
Dialogue and Inquiry.
After a brief lunchtime with the Professor, we were able to gain vital strategies and techniques to help
understand and challenge philosophical questions, respond to stimulus, and adapt and embrace opposing
viewpoints. This great insight will be very useful not only for the competition but also to apply to our future
experiences and allow us to ponder and reflect many aspects of our lives.
Annette Hill
[email protected]
Philosothon team & Prof Splitter
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STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE
SPORT NEWS …
We are fast approaching the end of what has been a very hectic but eventful third term of sport.
Only one GSV team sports round remains, followed by finals for those lucky enough to win their zone. Combine
that with the Athletics Victoria Track Relays and Knockouts, GSV Athletics Finals evening, Victorian Schools Netball
finals, Inter-Schools’ Gymnastics competition, Aeroschools Aerobics Nationals and selection try-outs for Term 4
sports … there is still a fair bit to do before the term winds up!
With only one round of Term 3 GSV sport remaining, it will be interesting to see how many teams will finish on top
of their zone. At this stage of the season, it all looks impressive for our three junior, two intermediate and one
senior Soccer teams as all six teams are yet to lose a game. On top of that, four Volleyball teams are also holding
either top spot or narrowly missing out on percentage. Team ladders and results can be viewed online:
www.gsv.vic.edu.au. All going to plan, we should have another good representation in next week’s finals.
Sports requiring creative movement have become increasingly popular over the years. Apart from Star’s highly
successful Aerobics group, we also has more than fifty students competing in the Inter-Schools’ Gymnastics
competition. In this event, competitors are required to compete on a number of apparatus in various ability
divisions. Last year, Star won the overall ISG award for the fifth year running so it will be interesting to see if we can
maintain the trend.
Our performance at this year’s Division One GSV Track and Field Championships saw us finishing in fourth position
overall. In what had been a premier and dominant carnival sport at Star, having won the GSV division one carnival
between 2001 and 2008, track and field is no longer the misere it once was. This is due, on the one hand, to the
overall improvement of our competitors and, on the other hand, to the number and variety of sports on offer at
Star. A review of the program will come in the ensuing weeks with the aim of re-establishing Star as a top
contender in this prestigious carnival sport.
Aggregate points aside, some fine individual performances were achieved on the day: the highlight being Annabelle
Eastman setting a new school record in the 1500m event in a time of 4:56.53.
Outside the boundaries of the GSV, Star also has relay teams entered in the Athletics Victoria track relays. We
compete against schools such as Caulfield Grammar and Haileybury in a number of relays, ranging from 4x100m to
4x800m. This event is being held on Thursday, 3 September at Lakeside Stadium and promises to test our list of
talented sprinters and middle-distance runners.
Concluding the track and field season is the GSV Finals evening and All Schools Knockout being staged next week.
These two events are by invitation only and involve our more experienced and accomplished athletes. Those
students competing should have already been notified of their inclusion. The Finals are being held on Tuesday, 8
September while the AV Knockouts are on 10 September , both at Lakeside Stadium. I wish all those involved the
best of luck as they measure themselves against the best that the GSV and Victorian athletics has to offer.
In an effort to provide as many sporting opportunities as possible, Star has again entered a senior team in the
Victorian Schools Lacrosse Championships being held next Monday in Altona. Having a group of students already
proficient in the sport will be an advantage.
Now that the term is nearing completion, Term 4 sports are in the preparation phase with selection try-outs for
Cricket and Basketball beginning next week. Throughout the last two weeks of term, selection sessions will be
conducted during lunchtime and after school. Students are encouraged to keep an eye out for information of the
try-outs through the student bulletin and sport notice boards.
It is always good to learn about notable sporting results achieved by Star of the Sea students outside of school. Last
week, Enya Broadley (Year 10) represented Victoria at the National All Schools U/15 Netball Championships in
Sydney which Victoria won – see Student News, page 2. Also last weekend Annabelle Eastman (Year 10) was a
State representative at the National All Schools’ Cross Country event, finishing seventh in her age group.
Peter Bengough
Coordinator of Sport
[email protected]
August
8, 2014
September
3, 2015
A FANTASTIC FATHER’S DAY AFTERNOON!
Our Father Daughter BBQ Afternoon was a great
success with nearly 200 Dads and Daughters in
attendance. We were very lucky to have Detective
Superintendent Peter De Santo APM, father of
Ella in Yr. 9, who stepped in at the last minute as
Jason Mifsud was unavoidably detained.
Peter has been a member of Victoria Police for 37
years and is Commander of State Anti Gangs Crime
Command. He was the former Head of the Victoria
Police Security Intelligence Group for Counter
Terrorism and currently has responsibility of several
crime squads and task forces that deal with organised
crime, outlaw gangs and high risk offenders. Peter is
also the recipient of the Australian Police Medal
(APM). Peter spoke about the devastating effects of
drugs and crime in our society and we are very
grateful for his insightful advice to our girls.
There were a few grey clouds hovering above but that
didn’t stop our volunteer Dads cooking up a storm!
There were plenty of hot sausages to go around –
perfect food for a wintery afternoon and entertainment
from our fabulous Yr. 12 music students rounded off a
lovely afternoon! Many Dads also took the opportunity
to take a tour through the newly renovated classrooms.
A HUGE THANK YOU to all the teachers and volunteers
who gave their time to make this event a success.
Star of the Sea Parents’ Association Presents
STAR PA GOLF DAY
Friday Oct 9, 2015
Sandringham
Golf Course
Cheltenham Road,
Sandringham
www.sandringhamgolfcourse.com.au
Ambrose format for all
skill levels.
Time : 9.00am individual
tee times to be confirmed
Cost : $70/pp (includes
lunch pack & post game
refreshment)
We look forward to the support of the Star community golf enthusiasts! Friends of the
College are also welcome. Group and individual bookings accepted and all levels of golf
are most welcome. Come along for what promises to be a great day out!
Please complete the Entry Form below to secure your participation – early
responses encouraged as places are limited. Bookings close Monday Oct 5th, 2015.
Name
Total no. of players
Email Address:
Handicap
Phone
Payment Included $
Form of payment
Visa
Expiry Date
cheque
Mastercard
credit card
Card No.
Name on Card
Signature
Please print this form, fill in with credit card details or cheque made payable to Star of the Sea
Parents’ Association and mail to Star PA Golf Day c/- Sallie Dowdney, Star of the Sea College PO
Box 7001, Gardenvale LPO Brighton Victoria 3186 . Contact Phone. 0415 748 543 or email:
[email protected]