Ground - San Sisto College

Verigram
From the Leadership Team
Students, Past Staff and Community,
Welcome back to Term 3. I hope that
the holiday period was an enjoyable
and restful one for you.
The last day of term was a very special
day in the school calendar. San Sisto Day
Dominican Student Conference 2016
was a time for celebration—of reflection
a day in which we recognized and
acknowledged the gifts of those within
workers for the preparations and the
OP direct from her keynote speaking
successful running of this carnival.
role at the National CaSPA Conference
I had been excited
I would like to welcome Sr Sheila Flynn
about the experience as I had heard
and Mrs Jabulile Ndaba to the College
much of this significant day in the
this week. We are just one stop in
calendar over the past twelve months.
their very busy three week journey to
The day commenced with a prayerful
Australia.
our community.
celebration and was followed up by
activities imbued with laughter and joy,
singing and dancing and a staff/student
act which showcased the talents of both
staff and students. These celebrations
had special significance in 2016, as we
have joined with Dominicans all around
the world to acknowledge the 800
Jubilee Year. Thank you to all involved
for ensuring that we ended the term on
such a high note.
excitement with the College Athletics
Carnival
being
held
at
the
QEII
San Sisto College Carina will host
Common Ground 2016, a Dominican
Student Conference, from Friday 15 July
to Sunday 17 July. The College is proud
to welcome a cohort of 47 students
and 15 college staff leaders from
eight Dominican schools throughout
Australia and New Zealand. San Sisto
College student leaders and staff have
been working hard to organise a fun,
Stadium on Tuesday. The degree of
participation and athletic skill shown
by the competitors was inspiring to all
spectators. The girls were particularly
energetic as they motivated their house
groups with great spirit on the day.
for attendees.
Common
(National
Directors
of
Catholic
Secondary
Principals
Australia)
Melbourne earlier this month.
in
Also
presenting will be Sr Elizabeth Hellwig
OP, Archivist for the Dominican Sisters
of Eastern Australia and the Solomons
enjoyable and informative conference
The first week back has seen much
21
Common
Ground
Dear Parents, Students, Staff, Past
upon our past, but more importantly,
EDITION
14 JULY 2016
Ground
and Ms Marg O’Shea, Promoter of
Dominican Charism for the Sisters.
We at San Sisto College wish the
visitors to the conference all the best
for what is expected to be an exciting,
enriching and enjoyable event in which
they will get the opportunity to visit our
college, participate in a conference
at Noosa North Shore and make
new friends whilst further developing
insights into life through the wisdom of
the Dominican Catholic tradition. We
is
a
biennial
conference providing an opportunity for
students to feel part of the Dominican
story, to discover how they can share in
the creation of this ongoing story and to
determine how they will take this story
into the future.
thank all of our staff (led by Mrs Marlene
Warnick-Tomlinson) and students who
have been involved in the preparations
for their dedication to making this
conference such a success and wish
them well this weekend.
God’s blessing for the week ahead,
Thank you to the organizers (especially
Guest speakers at the Common Ground
Mrs Shelley Hamilton
Mr Ryan Gould) and all staff and parent
Conference will include Sr Sheila Flynn
Principal
Verigram I 1
Religious Education
UQ
World
Symposium
Religions
On Wednesday 13 July, a group of Year
11 Study of Religion students travelled
to the University of Queensland for the
World Religions Symposium with other
high school students from Brisbane.
We started the day with a plenary
introduction, where Dr Tom Aechtner, a
UQ lecturer, explained to us that studies
in religion are not specific to one faith,
but rather about multiple faiths that also
incorporate world politics, history and
science. We then broke up into a series
of different seminars with a variety of
different
speakers.
These
Indigenous Dance
included
sessions on how science and religion
can come into conflict, Buddhism, new
religious
movements
and
spirituality
in the everyday life. We finished with
a very interesting and insightful panel
discussion which opened our eyes to
different views on common political and
religious issue and the existence of a
form of God. As we sat in each of the
seminars, we got a true taste of what
university is like, including lunch in a
bustling university food court. Overall,
the day was thoroughly enjoyable, and
it opened our eyes to different views on
religion. The day was fast paced and
insightful, and on the bus ride home, we
could not stop talking about how excited
we all were about university, and all the
different options we have for our futures.
We would also like to extend our thanks
to Miss Lang, Mrs Qureshi and Ms
Cleary for their assistance in preparing
for the day and for taking us to UQ.
Your hard work, time and effort is greatly
appreciated.
Luisa Randall
On Wednesday morning our Year 9
students
and
attended
an
Indigenous
Indigenous
students
dance
performance and presentation by Troy
Allen. This is another way we celebrate
NAIDOC Week.
Mrs Erica Qureshi,
Academic Leader: Religious Education
e [email protected]
2 I Verigram
Parenting Page
A Parent’s role in the
selection of subjects and
career direction. How to
do it well.
At this time of year, students across
many secondary schools are discussing
subject selections for 2017. Parents
have hopefully just attended evenings
at schools to learn more about the
options and are now listening to their
teenagers talk about career direction –
or perhaps just hoping they would talk
about career direction. At San Sisto, we
have just had the Year 10 into Year 11
evening and the Year 8 into Year 9 is
coming up in August.
Choosing subjects is an important part
many girls come to the WELL, who want
As parents, it’s important to keep the
to talk about the pressures they are
ball rolling and communication flowing.
feeling from parents in terms of subjects
Really listen to your teen and resist the
and career expectations. They are torn
temptation to offer unsolicited advice
between not wanting to disappoint, but
of your daughter’s life as she takes the
or lecture, even if your daughter keeps
wanting to be free to choose and begin
changing her mind. Provide respect
first steps on the path of her potential
the next phase of their lives.
and support while giving up some
Essentially, students need to choose
control. This is a time for young people
future career, but keep in mind that
today’s students will quite possibly have
several careers over their working lives,
including jobs that may not even exist
yet.
subjects
they
are
interested
and
to develop decision-making skills and
engaged in and are good at. If parents
problem-solving skills.
support them in this, then young people
The internet is a good starting point
are likely to do better. Furthermore,
for researching information on your
Parents want what is best for their
with this approach, young people are
daughter’s interest or course options.
teenagers, however when it comes to
less likely to do what friends are doing
Encourage her to research the career
choosing subjects and future careers,
or throw in the towel. Your daughter’s
paths of people in the public eye or
parents must refrain from running the
choices may be different from yours,
those whom she admires. You might
show and stick to their role which is
but remember that a happy student/
be pleasantly surprised. Be open to
only as an advisor. Career Counsellor,
worker will always be more satisfied
discussing your own choices and
Dr John Taccori, says ‘sometimes
than one who is stuck in a subject/
encourage her to speak with other
parents are overwhelmingly keen to the
career, or they do not like. Remember
family or friends about theirs. Getting
point that it suffocates the child’s ability
that all Year 10 girls have done the
a few days work experience with family
to freely choose their own subjects.’
Career Voyager, which is the first step
or friends can also be invaluable. Also,
Instead of making decisions for them,
in identifying areas of interest. Ask your
speak with current subject teachers
he suggests parents should let their
daughter about this as a conversation
who can give your daughter a feel of
children own their decisions and not
starter.
what the subject content will be for
overly try to influence their child with
When the topic is ‘your future career’
particular subjects.
their own perceptions. I have seen
many young people try to shrug it off.
Enlist
Verigram I 3
the
support
of
College
Counsellors Mrs Kerry Kearns and Ms
It’s never too early to start having
Kyra Greisbach or Academic Leader
conversations or planting the seeds
VET and Careers, Mrs Kim Blake. These
about possible career options with your
Principal
people are qualified and experienced
daughters, even as early as Year 8.
and can steer your daughter in the right
This helps them to start thinking about
Mrs Shelley Hamilton
e [email protected]
direction or refer them to good sources
what their aspirations are and what
Deputy Principal
of information. These staff can help
subjects they might need. Opening your
students see the wider picture of career
daughter’s eyes to the possibilities out
Mr Brad Barker
e [email protected]
planning and understand that this next
there is one part of the role of parents.
stage is really a launching pad not a ‘live
The other, though hard to do, is to step
or die’ moment. Parents and students
back a bit. Young people must feel free
across all year levels are welcome to
to choose whilst understanding that with
make a booking to see these staff at any
choice comes consequence. Trusting
time, through the WELL. Remember,
them to know what is best for them is a
all parents of Year 10 students will be
difficult yet important step in assuming
involved in a SET plan interview with
responsibility for one’s own life.
their daughter during this term and Year
Mrs Megan Vardanega,
12 girls will all have individual QTAC
Student Wellbeing
interviews.
e [email protected]
San Sisto Directory
Assistant Principal RE
Ms Marlene Warnick-Tomlinson
e [email protected]
Assistant Principal
Mrs Anna Doré
e [email protected]
Business Manager
Mrs Susan Boban
e [email protected]
SCHOOL COORDINATORS
Caleruega (Years 7 and 8)
Ms Lyne Tilt MacSporran
Upcoming Events
e [email protected]
Term 3
13 — 14 July
Sr Shelia Flynn and Mrs Jabulile Ndaba Visit
26 July Year 7/8 Immunisations Boostrix
15 July Year 12 Accounting - GU Careers in Commerce Day
15 — 17 July
Common Ground Dominican Student Conference
18 July Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews
3.30 pm — 8.30 pm
20 July Salaka African Drumming Troupe - Yrs 7 & 8 +
Classroom Music
21 July Year 9 English/
Drama Excursion
23 July Working Bee
8.00 am — 12.00 pm
‘Barber of Seville’ Excursion - Italian Students
12.00 pm — 1.00 pm
Year 7 2017 Parent
Information Evening
7.00 pm — 8.00 pm
30 — 31 July
Sports Aerobics FIASF National Competition
Sleeman Sport Complex, Chandler
Fanjeaux (Years 9 and 10)
Mrs Louisa Makepeace
e [email protected]
Bologna (Years 11 and 12)
Mrs Julianne O’Leary
e [email protected]
COLLEGE CONTACT INFORMATION
t 07 3900 9800
f 07 3843 1921
e [email protected]
2 Aug
College Assembly
9.00 am — 9.40 am
3 Aug
St Dominic’s Feast Day
STUDENT ABSENCE LINE
5 Aug
Dominican Family Day
San Sisto & St Martin’s Primary School
t 3900 9888
PCYC Dance Carindale
7.00 pm — 10.00 pm
9 Aug
Year 8 into Year 9 Subject Selection Evening
www. sansisto.qld.edu.au
ROSE RETAIL CENTRE
The Uniform Shop Hours:
Wednesday
9.00 am — 2.00 pm
Thursday
9.00 am — 2.00 pm
or by appointment.
e [email protected]
4 I Verigram
Study Tips with Mrs Doré
As we approach the second semester
now is a good time to do a bit of a
check-up to see if you can improve your
approach to school:
•
Have you set yourself goals to
strive for over this year? YES / NO
•
Do you know what motivates you to
do work? YES / NO
•
Do you try to take a positive
approach to your studies? YES /
NO
•
the thoughts in your head positive
ones? YES / NO
•
•
you don’t understand something?
YES / NO
•
NO
•
bigger tasks and scheduling the
work in your diary/planner? YES /
•
Have you been keeping track
what
you
complete
unfinished
and
•
thought
•
Have you organised your folders
half hour blocks)? YES / NO
•
Do you have folders or somewhere
schoolwork at home? YES / NO
•
at home to file away all your work
for your topics? YES / NO
Have you decided what you will
keep or do your study notes in?
Verigram I 5
Do you remove all distractions etc.
when you are focusing on your
for papers and digital resources for
school? YES / NO
Have you allocated set periods of
•
Do you prioritise each afternoon
Have you thought about how you
will overcome the obstacles you
realistically
time for school work (eg at least 3 x
work?
YES / NO
•
assessment? YES / NO
face in achieving your best? YES
/ NO
outside school activities? YES / NO
rescheduling
•
you
Are you doing more than ‘just
reading’ when you study for an
about whether you have too many
NO
•
NO
Are you doing around an hour and
Have
Have you reviewed the different
use for your learning style? YES /
•
(2-3 hrs for seniors)? YES / NO
conditions?
study techniques that you should
a half of schoolwork most nights
Have you been breaking down
of
•
Have you set up a good study
YES / NO
examination
YES / NO
where you can focus and work?
Have you been writing all your
Do you try to do lots of the practise
under
environment at home, a place
planner and getting it done? YES /
•
•
Do you have a term planner above
see the heavy weeks? YES / NO
homework into your diary or online
•
‘practise’ the skills? YES / NO
your desk where you can easily
Have you been asking for help if
When you study for a test, do
you both ‘learn’ the content and
Have you been working on study
for a subject? YES / NO
Are you making the most of class
completing all work? YES / NO
•
•
•
notes each time you finish a topic
time, listening and focusing and
•
YES / NO
Do you make an effort to make
•
Have you set up some routines to
try and create habits that will help
you this year? YES / NO
You can learn more about being more
effective and efficient in your schoolwork
at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by
logging in with these details:
what you will work on that night?
Username: forsansistoonly
YES / NO
Password: 29results
When you make study notes, are
Mrs Anna Doré ,
you making them visual with mind
Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing
maps, highlighting etc? YES / NO
e [email protected]
Working Bee
2016 Reunions
Talent Quest
Saturday 23 July
8.00 am — 12 noon
All Past Students are invited to join us for
Hurry. Tickets sales close 31 July 2016.
San Sisto Day
Highlight of the
College’s Calendar
The night’s live entertainment will feature
Each year on San Sisto Day, the
powerhouse
annual College Talent Quest takes
our Black and White Dinner on Saturday
13 August 2016 at the Stamford Plaza.
entertainers,
Sirens.
Possessing vocals that will amaze,
Sirens combine mesmerising guitar
stylings making them a powerhouse
six piece band that will liven up our
celebrations.
Sirens feature music from the 70’s
through to today.
The
We are having our Working Bees
on Saturday 23 July. We have lots
of pressure washing, top soiling,
weeding, pruning to do. Please
bring wheelbarrows, gardening tools,
gloves spades and pressure washers.
graduating
years
of
1966,
and
2006
1976,
1986,
1996
will
be
celebrating
their
10th,
20th,
30th,
and
40th
50th year reunions.
Past and current students of the
College are invited to join the San Sisto
Alumni Group on LinkedIn for San Sister
networking purposes. Attendance at the Working Bee
Search San Sisto College Alumni and
contributes towards your 15 hours
click on the ‘Request to Join’ option in
needed to qualify for a part Service
LinkedIn.
and
Development
Levy
refund. The P&F Committee put on a great
morning tea, so come along and get
involved.
place.
This year did not disappoint, with a
variety of teenage talent on display
from solo performers to group and
ensemble acts,
including vocal,
music and dance.
A major highlight for the entire College
was the teachers’ performance of
the Grease classic - You’re The One
That I Want, especially Mrs Megan
Vardanega and Mr Ferraioli leading
roles. Pink definitely was the colour
that ‘ruled the school.’
The Talent Quest is a just one
of the wonderful forums which
demonstrates
the
variety
and
diversity of the talent of our students
in singing, music and dance.
Past Students can also follow the
College on the official Facebook page,
simply click “Like” at the top of the page
- SanSistoCollegeCarinaQLD.
If you have some spare time, please
notify the office, ideally by 9 am Friday
(to allow for catering to be determined),
by phone on 3900 9800 or email
[email protected]
Mr Chris Steffan,
Information Technology and
Facilities Officer
e [email protected]
6 I Verigram
6
1
0
2
y
a
D
o
t
s
i
S
San
Verigram I 7
8 I Verigram
Café Caterina
Welcome Back!
We have done a lot of work on the daily
specials for this term and I am sure you
will see there is more variety, but please
note that some of our specials are only
available through Flexi Schools. We
From the Minister of Education
2016 Early School
students.
Leavers Survey
Between July and August 2016, our
The Queensland Government is
conducting its annual statewide
are endeavouring to Green our menu
survey
so you may have noticed some items
school in Years 10, 11 and prior to
disappearing! We will, however, be
completing Year 12 during 2015.
introducing new healthy options.
Coming Soon
of
students
who
left
The Early School Leavers survey
is a short, confidential survey
that collects information about
what young people are doing the
Mrs Margaret Kupper,
Café Caterina Convenor
e [email protected]
students who left school in Years
10, 11 and prior to completing Year
12 last year, can expect to receive
an invitation to complete a webbased survey or a telephone call
from the Queensland Government
Statistician’s Office to complete
the survey. Please encourage
early school leavers to take part.
year after leaving school. The
For
more
information,
information from the survey helps
w w w. e d u c a t i o n . q l d . g o v. a u /
our schools to understand the
nextstep/ or telephone toll free on
pathways young people follow
1800 068 587.
after leaving school and to plan
services to support transitions
into study or employment for our
Habits of Mind and Spirit
Ask your daughters how they have used these habits during the week.
Habits of Mind
Habits of Spirit
Thinking and communicating with clarity and
percision.
Acting justly and seeking justice for all.
Verigram I 9
visit
Why Study a Language?
Ruby
and
Sammie,
our
2016
Languages Representatives, have
been researching the benefits of
studying a language and reflecting
on their own experiences of studying
Japanese and Italian.
The benefits of language study
Studies have shown that learning
a
foreign
language
has
many
benefits. As language students,
we both strongly agree with the
following
statements.
Firstly,
learning a foreign language can
boost brain efficiency. As the brain
works out meaning, it sharpens
Hi, for those of you know don’t
languages for approximately 13
know me, I am Ruby Davidson,
years now, and Italian is by far my
the Japanese representative for
favourite! One of the largest benefits
2016. Personally, I started studying
that I have noticed throughout
Japanese
simply
my Italian studies is that it has
enjoyed the culture and customs.
improved my English skills. I am
I have now studied Japanese for
constantly leaning new words that I
approximately nine years and am
have never heard before and I have
hoping to continue studying it into
also gained a further and deeper
recall
the future. After graduating at San
understanding of some aspects
information better. A third benefit
Sisto, I hope to study a course
of grammar. Therefore, from my
includes expanding career options
involving international relations and
own personal experiences, I can
and potential. Being multilingual
Japanese at university. Throughout
promise you that through learning
gives you a definite competitive
my time studying Japanese, I have
a language your vocabulary will do
edge over others. It is an ability
discovered that all of the above
nothing but grow and your grammar
that tells of a person’s dedication,
statements are true. I hope that
skills will improve (that’s right, you
openness to a diverse range of
many of you consider studying a
can achieve the impossible).
people and culture and also thinking
foreign language, as it is not only
skills. Learning a foreign language
a subject, but an asset to hold onto
Ruby Davidson and Sammie Berry,
can even just be a hobby! You may
forever.
skills on reading, negotiating, and
problem-solving. Another benefit is
the improvement of memory. The
more the brain is used, the better
its functions will work. Learning
a foreign language strengthens
memory because the brain has built
its ability to associate information
with
mnemonics
and
be interested in other cultures, or
simply language itself.
The Languages Representatives:
because
I
Year 12 Languages
Representatives
Working along Ruby in 2016 will be
myself, Sammie Berry, as the Italian
Representative.
I
have
studied
10 I Verigram
Our Community
Creating Behavioural
Change - Free Workshop
Come along to this free workshop on
Wednesday 27 July from 10 am to 12
noon at St Catherine’s Community
Hall, 388 Newnham Road Wishart,
the workshop has been developed for
parents, teachers, and teacher aids. The
workshop is introductory presentation
designed specifically to meet the needs
of children and adolescents of all ages,
their families and support people and will
address the many issues that parents
and educators in the home, school and
community environments today face
around behavioural problems.
•
Does your child have a diagnosis
of ASD; ADHD; Dyslexia or
Verigram I 11
otherwise?
•
Is your child having difficulty in
communication, learning, attention
& / or behaviour?
This introductory evening is designed
specifically to meet the needs of children
& adolescents of all ages, their families
and support people, and will address
the many issues facing the parents
and educators in the home, school and
community environments today.
The
evening
is
for
parents,
grandparents, guardians and school
staff looking to increase effectiveness
and
ease
within
process
evidenced-based practice.
Presenter: Scott Hardie
utilising
Senior University Lecturer in Early
Education; Adjunct Lecturer in Speech
Pathology
Speech
Pathologist,
Autism
&
Behavioural Coach, Master Coach /
Trainer of Coaching; NLP; Time Line
Therapy®; Hypnotherapy & Mindfulness
When: Wednesday 27 July 2016:
10 am – 12 noon
Where: St Catherine’s Community Hall,
388 Newnham Rd, Wishart.
RSVP: Monday 25 July 2016 to
Julie Laherty on m 0419 880788 or
e [email protected]
Tea, Coffee and Nibbles will be provided
for the workshop.
Tertiary Studies Expo
This Weekend
16 – 17 July
This weekend, the 35th annual Tertiary
Studies Expo (TSXPO) is on again at
the RICC, Brisbane Showgrounds,
admission is free.
Featuring many
local, interstate and overseas education
providers
and
support
agencies,
TSXPO offers a unique opportunity for
anyone interested in starting, changing
or upgrading their career!
If you have any questions, please
contact the Expo office directly via
www.careersevent.com
or by email
[email protected].
Saver Plus
achieve a savings goal over a 10
month period, which is then matched
up to $500 per family on completion of
the program. The funds must be used
for education related expenses.
The Smith Family Matched Savings for
Education Costs
‘Saver Plus’ has now assisted over
30,00 disadvantaged families over the
13 years that the program has been
running.
Some of our successful families have
already been matched to pay for items
such as ...
•
School Uniforms and shoes
•
Qld Resource Scheme
We appreciate your on-going support
and if you could include the attached
flyer in your newsletters and on your
Facebook page this term that would be
fantastic.
•
School Camps and excursions
•
Sporting, Art, Dance or Music fees
•
Laptops, IPads
equipment
Just a reminder that my role, through
The Smith Family, is to deliver a
program which assists families in need,
to develop financials skills in saving
& budgeting. The ultimate goal is to
For
more
information,
please
contact David Smit on t 07 3115
6202, m 0417 436 183 or by email
[email protected].
Visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au
and
related
Saturday 13 August 2016
Hurry! Ticket sales close 31 July 2016.
7.00 pm — 11.30 pm
San Sisto College
To celebrate 800 years of Dominican life,
for Parents, Staff, Past Students and Past Staff
Tickets:
includes
petit fours.
$125 per person
dinner,
drinks,
Black & White Event Features:
we will be holding a
Dinner
coffee/tea
and
Dress:
Semi-formal (Black and White attire is encouraged)
• Live Entertainment
• Kopanang Women’s Group Stall
Purchase online through Flexischools www.flexischools.com.au
12 I Verigram