Newsletter - Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Transcription
Newsletter - Saint Ignatius College Geelong
T IGNATIUS COLLEGE SAIN Newsletter Edition 9, June 11th 2015 From the Principal Welcome! Coming Events Important Dates Term 2 June Friday 19th Student Free Day Correction / Report Writing Friday 26th Last Day of Term 2 Students dismissed at 2.20pm Buses depart from 2.30pm Term 3 July Tuesday 14th First Day of Term 3 for Students (Monday 13th is a Student Free Day) A more detailed calendar is on the last page. Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of the Saint Ignatius College community, I write to inform you of some exciting news for the College. As you may be aware, following a review of the Leadership Team roles and structure last year it was decided to increase the number of Deputy Principals from two to three with each having a different focus as follows: l l l Students Teaching & Learning Staff, Identity & Operations It was decided that Deputy Principal, Mr Paul Lewis would continue and take on the third mentioned position and deputise in my absence. As a result of Deputy Principal, Ms Kerry Sidaway finishing at the end of last year to take up a senior leadership position in an interstate Catholic school, two positions would need to be filled. For the interim period an Acting Deputy Principal, Mrs Annette Chidzey was appointed to cover Kerry’s position until the new deputies could commence. Subsequently we advertised during the last term holidays for these two new Deputy Principals. We were very pleased to receive a strong response. I was grateful we were able to assemble a very experienced selection panel to discern the best candidates. Thank you to Mr Tony Frizza (SICG Board Chairperson), Ms Victoria Myers (Catholic Education Melbourne, CEM), Ms Jennie Hickey (SICG Board, Jesuit representative), Dr Peter Casey (CEM) and Mr Paul Lewis for joining me on the selection panel. I appreciate their advice and wisdom to ensure best decisions for our College at this point in time. On behalf of the President of the Canonical Administrators, Father Kevin Dillon, I am delighted to announce the appointment of two new Deputy Principals to commence at the beginning of next year - Mrs Annette Chidzey (Teaching & Learning) and Mr Michael Timms (Students). Mrs Annette Chidzey Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning Mr Michael Timms Deputy Principal Students ....continued on Page 2 A Jesuit Partner School In Brief From the Principal (cont.) This Page: Continuation of ‘From the Principal’ I congratulate Annette and Michael on their appointments and look forward to Annette’s continuation on and Michael’s joining of the College’s Leadership Team. I trust you will give Annette and Michael your support and warmly welcome them into their new roles at our vibrant learning and faith community. Annette is obviously well known to many members of our school community as she has been at Saint Ignatius for the last seven years. I am very grateful that Mrs Annette Chidzey and Ms Anna Oliver have agreed to continue in the acting positions of Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning / Years 7 - 9 Students) and Head of Teaching & Learning, respectively for the remainder of the year. Page 3: Continuation of ‘From the Principal’ Page 4: Continuation of ‘From the Principal’ and From Fr Kevin Dillon Page 5: ‘Noises Off!’ Photos Page 6: Faith Matters Page 7: Term 2 Social Justice Report Page 8: Year 10 Career Expo Page 9: South India Training Expedition Page 10: Canteen Roster and Parents and Friends’ Association Page 11: English News: Upcoming Author Visit Page 12: Sorry Day Photos Page 13: Year 10-12 Girls Football Page 14 & 15: Performing Arts News Page 15 & 16: A Year in France Page 17: Vic Gov CSEF information Page 18: PFA Trivia Night Flyer Page 19: St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal Page 20: Further Education Expo Page 21: HUB Chats Flyer Page 22 & 23: Tertiary Institutions Open Days Page 24: YOGA Fundraiser Page 25 & 26: ‘What it means to be an emotionally intelligent parent’ by Michael Grose Page 27: School Calender Page 28 to 36: Pastoral letter Pastoral Letter on Same-Sex Marriage During her 38 years career Annette has taught for 35 of those years at four Catholic Colleges (Sacred Heart Geelong, Clonard Geelong, MacKillop Werribee & here at Saint Ignatius Geelong) and held many different positions of leadership. These positions include: Subject Coordinator, Year Level Coordinator, College Development Coordinator, Acting Head of Senior School, Head of Teaching & Learning and Acting Deputy Principal. Annette is a highly respected educator and published author who is passionate about quality teaching and learning to achieve the best possible educational outcomes for students. Over the years she has taught English, Geography, History, Politics, International Studies, Humanities and Religious Education. Annette is very committed to Saint Ignatius College and very enthusiastic about helping lead the College into a new phase of development. Michael Timms currently holds the position of Head of St Joseph’s College Geelong’s Westcourt Campus. Michael has achieved a Master of Educational Leadership with studies in leadership and student wellbeing. He has taught Religious Education, Physical Education, Health and Outdoor Education for over fifteen years at three different Catholic schools - Ave Maria College Essendon, St Kevin’s College Toorak and St Joseph’s College Geelong. Other than his current position, Michael has held Year 8, 11 and 12 Level Coordinator positions, Assistant Head of Outdoor Education and has been Acting Deputy Principal twice at St Joseph’s College. Michael is also very excited and keen to join the Saint Ignatius Leadership Team and is looking forward to working with our students, staff and parents. As incoming Deputy Principals, Annette and Michael’s individual and collective experience and expertise in Catholic Education make them well positioned to assume these important and challenging roles. Annette and Michael have a strong Christian faith, are passionate about and committed to Catholic Education and are active members of their current parishes. Their appointment will see them bring much energy, drive, optimism and a collaborative approach to leadership. I am very confident that their contribution to the College Leadership Team will assist in further building a stronger school. This will help to ensure a smooth transition to the new structure. Proposal to obtain more land - update In my newsletter message on April 30th 2015 I informed our school community that we had put a proposal to the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) to purchase from them some of the vacant land that adjoins the College’s property. The Council has started the process toward the sale by calling for submissions from the community. This will be the next hurdle, of a number, that we will need to get over. It is important that parents and friends of the College demonstrate their support for the College to obtain this land from the CoGG. Some key points to support the sale of the land are: l the land is vacant and has been since it was purchased by the Council over 20 years ago when it was used as farmland. l only land assessed by the CoGG as not needed to accommodate the Potato Shed masterplan that has determined the long -term development needs of this Multi-Arts Facility is proposed for sale. (Some people may think we want all of the vacant land beside us. The Council has identified and is retaining a sizeable portion of the vacant land beside the Potato Shed for its possible future needs. This land is outside of the land proposed for sale to us.) l the enhancement of Saint Ignatius College that can happen with the purchase of this land will benefit the Geelong/Bellarine Community by having an even stronger education provider to support the growth and the development of the Geelong region. l the land will provide the space for additional facilities and amenities to meet the requirements of and attract families seeking a quality Catholic co-educational secondary school to the region. l there are no future plans in place for the use of the land in question by the CoGG. l the land is very suitable because it will provide enough space to accommodate the growth of the school, allow construction of facilities ....continued on Page 3 A Jesuit Partner School 2 to be undertaken in a way that will minimize interruption and interference to the existing school and provide construction advantages due to the connectivity with our property. l The Greater Geelong Planning Scheme specifically provides for educational and community uses for the land in question and surrounds. This zoning, and associated local planning policies of CoGG, provides a “perfect fit” for the school’s proposed development. l I am very grateful that we have received notice that we have progressed to the final stage before approval of a Federal Government Capital Grant of $2 million dollars to build a new Year 9 Centre. The current Year 9 Homerooms are relocatable classrooms. We want to build the new Centre on the adjoining land as soon as possible. To take advantage of this funding support we need to meet the timeline for the building program and this is running out. We estimate the total cost of the new Centre will be around $4 million dollars. A construction program of this magnitude will also have other benefits for the local economy such as providing employment. Sorry Day Assembly and Reconciliation Covenant Sorry Day was commemorated with a full school assembly on last Tuesday that included an Aboriginal smoking ceremony led by Mr. David Tournier of the Wathaurong Coop. Sorry Day provides an opportunity for Australians to come together and share in the healing of the Stolen Generation. Reconciliation Week was celebrated last week, with and marks two events in Indigenous advocacy: the 1967 Referendum and the 1992 Mabo High Court Decision, which paved the way for the recognition of Indigenous people’s land rights. I thank Mr. Paul Lewis (DP) and Ms. Kelly Koumalatsos (Koorie Education Worker) for coordinating the assembly and thank you and well done to the students who took on various leading roles during the ceremony. To further our College’s support of the national reconciliation effort an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Working Party has been formed at school. We have produced a first draft that will be circulated for consultation soon. As a next step, this draft will be discussed at the following meetings - Staff, Student Representative Council, Parents & Friends Association and Board. Public Speaking Immersion Experiencs The ability to speak confidently in public is a valuable skill. As parents would know, there will be many occasions throughout life where one might be called on to speak publically. A few examples would be birthday parties, award ceremonies and meetings. Some people seem to take to the microphone easily whilst many more would be very anxious and shun the ‘spotlight’. The ability to speak in public can help build student self-confidence. On Friday (21/6/13) next week, two of our Year 11 students, Nicola Gordon and Jacob Cuthill will travel to Dili, East Timor with a group of Year 11 students and teachers from Jesuit and Jesuit Partner Schools from across Australia. We offer tuition in Public Speaking at the College and quite a number of students are involved in this program. We look forward to finding out about their experience through the newsletter early next term. Last Tuesday evening, along with a number of parents and some staff, I attended a Public Speaking Recital Evening in the College’s Art Gallery where many of our students taking Public Speaking tuition ‘performed’ for us. In addition to this opportunity we will be providing three Immersion trips for Years 10 and 11 students this year run by external providers World Challenge Expeditions or Destination Dreaming as follows: They showed off their skills by presenting a ‘radio program’ that covered a variety of topics in a very entertaining way. Well done to the students involved and their teacher, Ms. Amanda La Bonte. Year 10 Work Experience Week Best wishes to all Year 10 students as they undertake their Work Experience placement during the last week of this term. The aims of the program include the following. l By learning to cope with new situations and new people and thus building up self-confidence and independence. l By learning about the changes taking place in society and in the workplace. l By learning in a practical way. l Work Experience allows students to explore a variety of career opportunities to decide how these relate to their personal interests, skills, values and goals. l Work Experience helps prepare students for life after school and gives an insight into the world of work. A number of Work Experience positions were made available through our College, however, students and their families were encouraged to use their initiative to secure a suitable and interesting place themselves. When I signed the Work Experience forms, it was interesting to see the diverse range of placements that our students have been able to obtain. Thank you to Mr Bruce Connor (Work and Further Education Coordinator) for his efforts to coordinate this program and the Year 10 Teachers involved. This “immersion” experience for the students will involve them visiting the Jesuit school and touring some of the surrounding areas. They will return late in the first week of the holidays. I wish them all a very rewarding and safe experience. Trip: East Timor Dates: 21/6/15 – 2/7/15 Org.: Destination Dreaming Students:13 Staff: Paul Lewis and Michael Wright Trip: Southern India Dates: 20/6/15 – 5/7/15 Org.: World Challenge Expeditions Students: 13 Staff: Andrew Smith and Michelle Chambers Trip: North Stradbroke Island Dates: 14/7/15 – 19/7/15 Org.: Destination Dreaming Students:17 Staff: Christian Berti and Stacey Learmonth As the first two groups will depart before the next newsletter, I wish the students and staff involved a very safe, enriching and enjoyable time. I look forward to hearing about their experiences early next term. I expect each group will share information about their trips with our school community, one way will be articles in the newsletter. Year 12 Winter Ball After much collaboration and organisation undertaken by the senior Student Leaders of all four Geelong Catholic Secondary Colleges, I am pleased to advise that on Wednesday 24th of June 2015 a Winter Ball has been organised, which will be held at St Joseph’s College. The Ball is only available to Year 12 students from Sacred Heart College, Saint Ignatius College, Clonard College and St Joseph’s College. Parents/guardians need not attend, however, staff from all four colleges will be in attendance to supervise. ..... continued on Page 4 A Jesuit Partner School 3 The evening will commence at 7.00pm and conclude at 11.00pm. Individual travel arrangements will need to be made between students and parents/guardians. Any profits generated from this event will be donated to “Head Space”, a local organisation that works with the youth of Geelong in the area of mental health. Headspace posters will be put up around schools leading up to the event and a guest speaker will make an appearance to discuss the issue on the night. The Winter Ball will be an alcohol free event. I expect all students to attend school on the day of this event for the full day and the next day. Please note that we don’t want students to have to purchase expensive clothing to be able to attend this social event. The dress code is semi-formal. Year 12 Students interested in attending have received a letter from Mr McLean (Year 12 Level Coordinator) to be given to parents that provides more details and a parental permission slip. 2014 Annual Report to the School Community I am pleased to inform you that the Saint Ignatius College Geelong 2014 Annual INTERPOL on Wednesday night put six men with links to FIFA on its most-wanted list, as the US-led probe into a $200 million culture of corruption at the world soccer body intensified. The bombshell came as Victorian leaders savoured the prospect of Melbourne hosting 2022 World Cup matches a dream made possible by Wednesday’s earlier announcement by FIFA president Sepp Blatter that he would resign. The FBI has confirmed it is now investigating Blatter, among a host of FIFA chiefs. Among the six men Interpol issued an international red alert for last night in connection with racketeering and corruption counts is Jack Warner of Trinidad and Tobago, an ex-FIFA vice-president. He has been accused of pocketing US$462,000 that Football Federation Australia gave soccer in his homeland, in advance of the 2010 vote for 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosting rights. A shock result saw Qatar win the latter, our failed bid costing $46 million. More revelations from the US Department of Justice are likely, with plea-deals on the table for 14 soccer and sports marketing officials including seven FIFA executives arrested last week. “Herald Sun”, Thurs. June 4 Report to the School Community is now available on the College Website www.ignatius.vic.edu.au and a copy is also available upon request at the College Office. The report covers three key areas: l Professional Engagement; l Key Student Outcomes; and l Financial Performance. The last day of term two is Friday 26th June 2015. Students will be dismissed at 2.20pm on this day due to the region’s school bus last day of term timetable arrangements. Welcome to new staff member Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Australia On behalf of the College community I welcome Ms Patricia McKay who is replacing retired Finance Officer, Ms Jo Baxter. Ms McKay brings a wealth of experience from her previous appointment in an independent secondary school in the areas of finance and school administration. Reminder about dates A reminder about some important dates: Next Friday 19th June 2015 is a Correction / Report Writing Day and there will be no classes. From Fr Kevin Dillon Can you list the “Seven Deadly Sins”? If not, then in alphabetical order they are: Anger, Envy, Gluttony, Greed, Lust, Pride, Sloth (or Laziness). So that’s the alphabetical order. But what is the order of “deadliness”? Traditionally, “Pride” would have “pride of place” as the deadliest sin, and that is quite arguable. But a number of modern commentators have elevated “Greed” to Number One position as the “most deadly”. Of course, “Greed” can be an expression of “Pride”, or “Pride” can cause “Greed”. Either way, “Greed” can and will cause enormous pain on many levels. More often than not, greed can be the prime cause of marriages breaking down, car thefts, home burglaries, businesses going bust - and international wars. The amazing thing is that greed can often go unrecognised until it has reached a flashpoint and then the fallout, and in some cases massive fallout, begins. We see greed at work often enough, but pay attention only when the accusations, charges, court hearings and sentences come to public notice. This week’s horrific debacle in world soccer and with FIFA in particular - will come as no surprise to most. Term Three commences on Tuesday 14th July 2015. (Monday 13th July is a teacher inservice day.) The Archbishop of Melbourne, His Grace Denis Hart, has written to principals in Catholic schools asking that the Pastoral Letter on Same-Sex Marriage approved by the Australian Catholic Bishops during their plenary meeting in May 2015 be distributed to parents. The Pastoral Letter (at the end of this newsletter) is also available to download from the CAM website, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne: Church in Melbourne, Australia > Archbishop > Pastoral Letters and Messages > Same Sex Marriage. Best wishes, Michael Exton Principal The storm clouds of rumours and veiled accusations have been doing the rounds for years. Now it’s a matter of justice hopefully being done. The amazing things is that the key players in the FIFA scandal have all been talented, successful people - becoming relatively wealthy by legitimate means. They would have been able to live in substantial homes in good localities, drive quality cars, eat at better-than-average restaurants etc. - yet the deadliest sin of “greed” convinced them that all this was not enough, and that they deserved something better! And if those desired possessions could not be obtained legitimately, then “greed” convinced them that corruption and bribery had to be used. The collapse of FIFA’s “ruling class” is a worthwhile cautionary tale, reminding us of just how powerful can be the conniving infiltration of “greed”. Does it deserve the title of “deadliest” sin? If not, then it would still be pretty close!. Fr Kevin Dillon, Geelong Deanery Coordinator and Association of Canonical Administrator President OAM A Jesuit Partner School 5 ‘Noises Off!’ Photography by David Alexander The VCE Theatre Studies class presented a short season of Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off!” at the Potato Shed Theatre in June. The play was Directed by student Billy Dando with assistance from Prue Brunt and Olivia Lewis. Every aspect of the performance was student driven, from the lighting to the publicity, costume to make up and acting to set design/construction. The four performances were well attended with glowing reviews praising the students hard work quick to follow. Mr. Chris Dainton A Jesuit Partner School 4 The Five Steps of the Ignatian ‘Examen’ Prayer Faith Matters Thanks I give thanks for the graces, benefits and good things of my day. Famiglia Help I ask the Holy Spirit for help to discern my day with openess. He noted especially those who we do not have the opportunity to see often. Life is busy. Review I review my day, hour by hour, to see how God is working in my life. Response I respond to what I felt or learnt in the review of my day. Resolve I resolve with hope and grace to amend my life tomorrow. ‘Examen’ adaption by Fr. Michael Hansen SJ) Recently a colleague reminded me how important family is. It is hard to stay in touch when there is so much going on. When you reflect on the important things in life however the short list runs along the lines of God, family and health. With these three key components life is good. Removing or failing to appreciate one or more leads to misery. We have the time and opportunity to follow this approach to the world. I would like to encourage you to pray for your family, my family and all those around the world who are lucky enough to have loved ones that they can be with. Let us be truly present to those who are most important in our lives. If only we could be more like Jesus. If only we focused on the importance of each moment. Living as if time was insignificant. I must end my message here as I have to call my brother who I have failed to contact for a few weeks. Although he lives in Townsville I can still be present, if only I make the time. Why then do we sometimes neglect those we love? We fail to spend those extra few moments ‘with’ them. We fail to make contact with those who we love who are separated by distance and time. We have a tendency to live for the future, we often plan ahead. Do you have someone you need to call also? How many times do you think ‘it will be better when’ or ‘I can’t wait until’? Prayer for Families We fail so often to live in the moment. Jesus was the perfect example for all of us. He showed us how to be present. How to truly value those in our lives and experience all of the joy those precious seconds, minutes or hours offer. He gave all of his attention to those he was with. I can only imagine what those he interacted with experienced by being in his presence and feeling of his presence. I imagine that you would know when he was around and you would know when he spoke to you or focused on you time was insignificant. In his humanity Jesus encountered all of the emotions that we do in our lives. He felt the love of his family, sorrow, joy, pain and happiness. In his divinity he connected those in his time, and us today, closer to the Father through these human experiences and emotions. In being human God lived and died. In Christ’s resurrection we are promised that those we love today will be with us eternally when our time comes, in the presence of the Trinity. We have been shown the way. We have been given all the gifts required to live like Jesus. Yours in Christ, Brendan Nicholls Liturgy Coordinator Dear Lord, Today we pray for our family. We pray especially for those who live far from us. Those who are waking up in rural centers, those living interstate, loved ones preparing for bed in Europe those enjoying the afternoon in America and those loved ones holidaying in our Australasian region. No matter where they are Lord, be with them today or watch over them as they sleep. We pray for family members who have through their choice, or ours, are estranged and no longer enjoy our love. Send your Spirit to soften their heart and ours, so that we may again open our arms to one another and live as you want us to. We pray that those we love who have passed away and now are with you. May they watch over us carefully and guide us today through their spiritual presence. Father forgive us. Forgive us for all of the times we have failed to reach out to our family members, whether near or far. Guide our hearts and prompt us to make time for them. The business of this day will pass with little reward. Remind us that our reward is in loving others, especially those in our family who support us and keep us in their prayers. Amen A Jesuit Partner School 6 Term 2 Social Justice Report There is always something happening in Social Justice at the College, and Term 2 is no exception. Homeroom captains were recently bestowed their badges at year level assemblies and acknowledged at the whole school assembly; and these captains are currently working in their homerooms to make the annual College Winter Appeal a success. The Winter Appeal is an important Social Justice initiative whereby we collect nonperishable pantry and household items in addition to winter warming items like blankets, coats, beanies and scarves. Also in these holidays, is the Refugee Holiday Program in partnership with all other Geelong Catholic Colleges and Diversitat. Always a fun and rewarding day, more information will be coming out regarding this very soon - so watch this space. Senior students, start thinking about whether you want to be part of the College’s annual Winter Sleep Out. Places are restricted to 25 and all participants are required to raise a minimum of $60 to participate. Again, stay tuned for more information so you don’t miss out - a meeting for interested students will be held in the last week of term and is open to Years 11 and 12 student only. The College Social Justice Committee looks forward to your support in these upcoming initiatives. Sarah Callahan Social Justice Coordinator. All items donated are passed on to St Vincent de Paul and help local Geelong residents get through the coming winter months. The Appeal runs until the end of term - so it’s not too late to donate! As ever, our eager and community minded students are inundating us with the desire to help at the Christ Church Meals Program in Geelong, and it was tremendous to see our College Captains Vievey Nicholls and Harry Stannard, in addition to Milly Stannard at the Meals Program recently. Saint Ignatius College volunteers fortnightly at the Program, which feeds Geelong residents a hot breakfast every day of the year and a two course hot meal twice a week. Our commitment to the Meals Program continues throughout the holiday period, so if you are willing and able to volunteer between 3:30 and 6pm on Wednesday July 1st, please email callahans@ignatius. vic.edu.au for more information. Student Procedures when accessing Headspace Bellarine It is essential that all students who leave the College grounds during the school day to visit Headspace adhere to the following procedure. l l Have a note in your daily planner signed by your parents that clearly states the time of your appointment. If for some reason you are unable to have your parents sign your planner you should then seek out either one of our Student Wellbeing Officers. Mel Anset or Adam Dickinson may then write a note in your planner. This can only be done before school on the day of your appointment. l Before leaving the College grounds you must follow the normal exit procedure. You will need to present your note to the front office and sign out. As soon as your appointment is finished you will need to return to the College via the front office where you will sign in. Failure to follow the above procedure may result in you being unable to attend your appointment. Further consequences may also ensue. A Jesuit Partner School 7 Year 10 Career EXPO - May 27th On Wednesday May 27 our Year 10 students heard from a variety of visiting speakers including the opportunity of listening to Dr. Jude Walker a Futurist with the Geelong Local Learning Employment Network (GLLEN) regarding jobs of the future and current employment trends. Representatives from Deakin, Victoria, LaTrobe and the Australian Catholic Universities as well as The Gordon TAFE provided students with an overview of their courses on offer and later met with each of the students in the Potato Shed for an EXPO style presentation. Ms. Leesa Snookes (along with first year VCAL Intermediate student Nicola Gordon) provided a presentation on the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) program and the benefits of undertaking a “hands-on” course of study. Kirsty Cassidy [email protected] Nicola has plans to go on to further study and University in her area of passion, which is Graphic Design. Joanna Little [email protected] Students wishing to contact the presenters can do so on the following emails Paul Newitt [email protected] Sarah Andrews [email protected] Elsie Stoel [email protected] Louise Goodwin [email protected] Bruce Connor Work and Further Education Coordinator Students were given the opportunity to discuss particular courses and gather Undergraduate and Certificate course guides in readiness for the upcoming Open Days, beginning in early August. Ms. Louise Goodwin representing G-Force Recruitment presented to the students and focused her delivery on; interview preparation and tips on developing a relevant Resume as well as letter writing skills. She finished off clearly identifying the differences between apprenticeships and traineeships. Two previous Saint Ignatius College students provided students with some insight into their lives beyond Saint Ignatius College. Mr. Nick Tsavaris (ex student) with Mr. Bruce Connor Current University student Michael Clifton explained how he went from an average student to a high achieving one thorough discipline and hard work. Michael is on the verge of completing his Honors Degree in Engineering (Mechatronics) at Deakin University. Nick Tsavaris provided students with a little insight into his Real Estate career to date where he often works up to 80 hours per week. The enjoyment he gets from being able to provide a service to a person buying a home is one that keeps him going. “I could not think of anything else I’d like to do, I love it”, Nick said. Ms. Leesa Snookes and Nicola Gordon (current VCAL student) Following on, Ms. Anna Oliver spoke briefly about the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the importance of choosing subjects that you will enjoy and that you intend to do for years 11 and 12. Mr. Paul Newitt (Deakin University) Mr. Michael Clifton (ex student) A Jesuit Partner School 8 South India Training Expedition Thirteen lucky students headed for South India on a World Challenge trip this June/ July school holidays, recently spent two days in Daylesford on a training expedition. While the day spas looked like the much better option, the purpose of the training weekend was to ensure that the student Challengers, from Years 9 and 10, and School Leaders were familiar with hiking and camping, to go over safety and hygiene instructions for the trip and it was a chance to get to know each other in an environment that has somewhat similar conditions to those that will be experienced on the trip to South India. Although the overnight low of 1°C didn’t quite feel like the Monsoonal Indian weather to be expected when they arrive, the expedition proved a valuable experience for the Challengers to take care of a budget, buy and prepare meals, navigate walking tracks and participate in a range of scenarios that they may face in India. When the students land in India, they will spend an orientation day in Kochi, trek the rolling hills of Munnar, work on a community project, and enjoy some rest and relaxation time on the coast. Saint Ignatius College The countdown is now on for the school holidays. World Challenge South India 2015 Michelle Chambers and Andrew Smith South India School Leaders Come to our new FREE lunch time Inventors Club Learn to invent robotics and microchips in a fun practical way with Science Technology Engineering Maths Social Enterprise Learning (STEMSEL). Michael Clifton a robotics University student from Deakin University has offered to run a STEMSEL Inventors Club on Tuesdays and Fridays during lunch. The workshops initially will be FREE for the term so that anyone can get started. The program is suitable for students of all year levels. This will help you understand STEMSEL at school and many students have won scholarships based on their experience at STEMSEL Inventors Club! Heath came to STEMSEL Inventors Club and became an inventor. See his video: http://youtu.be/02HEg2WrQog Click here to read about his winning trip to Singapore The Club will be held at The Technology building (T6) provided enough people contact me that they would like to be involved. Email Mr. Zanghi on [email protected] to be a part of the STEMSEL club or if you require further information. A Jesuit Partner School 9 Canteen Roster Parents and Friends’ Association: Starting 15th June Monday 15th T. Kevich, A. Brown, J. Chainski, B. Rees, E. Hudson Tuesday 16th L. Vella, C. Duncan, C. Carey, B. Downey Meetings for 2015 Wednesday 17th R. Scott, T. Gullan, R. Hay, L. Eastwood, M. Sideris, P. Vaughan We need your support can you assit by offering: Goods - Vouchers Services Thursday 18th E. Carpenter, C. Lyons, M. Hallam, M. White Suggestions - Workplace Vouchers, Sponsorship Restaurant Meals, Wines, Experiences, Gifts. Friday 19th No Canteen Student Free Day Starting 22nd June Monday 22nd C. Dumarezq, A Brown, N. Van Vliet, Needed Tuesday 23rd R. Morrison, T. Vuleta, T. Mifsud, T. Tormey, S. Schwaiger Wednesday 24th J. Laney, A. Schneider, M. Sideris, Needed Thursday 25th P. Bakker, S. Clark, M. Van Loon, M. White, T. Wagener Friday 26th E. Stokie, D. Byron, W. Boylan, L. Hart, K. Butler, S. Anson If unable to attend, please make sure you get a replacement. Sandra Woodall Tel: 0417 050258 The Parents & Friends’ Association cordially invite all those interested to their meetings for 2015 held from 7.30pm onward in the Food Tech Centre on the following dates: Meeting schedule: July Monday 13th August Tuesday 11th September Monday 14h October Tuesday 13th November Monday 9th AGM DecemberTBA All donations will be gratefully received and acknowledged. Thank-you. Please contact our Parents and Friends’ Association Rep: Erin Carpenter email: [email protected] Supporting Performing Arts Deptartment and The Musical 2015 Parents and Friends Contact List The Minutes for all meetings can be found on the College website in the Parents and Friends’ Portal when available. The Agenda for the up-coming meeting is also available from the website just prior to the meeting date. Uniform Shop The uniform shop is located behind the office and is open Monday mornings between 8.30 and 9.30am, and Monday afternoons between 2 and 3.30pm. It is the start of a new year and time to update the Parents and Friends Contact list… We have a wide variety of uniform in stock and we also sell new socks. If you are an existing Member of the 2014 Parents and Friends list, please email Kristi (Secretary) to ensure all your details are still correct. Please email [email protected]. edu.au for any enquiries regarding buying or selling uniform. If you would like to have your name added to the Parents and Friends Contact list and you have never been on this contact list before, please email: Kristi Papp (Secretary, Parents and Friends’ Association) on [email protected]. edu.au with your name, email address. We are also looking for volunteers to help out once a month, either mornings or afternoons. Contact us on [email protected] if you are intetrested. There are many events and activities throughout the year which you may like to support or be a volunteer for. You do not need to attend any or all of the Parents and Friends’ meetings in order to assist with Working Bees, Open Day, or other Fund Raising Events. Every small contribution is highly valued and greatly appreciated Kristi Papp - Secretary A Jesuit Partner School 10 English News: Upcoming Author Visit On Monday 15th June, Ellie O’Neill, author of “Reluctantly Charmed” will be coming to Saint Ignatius College. Ellie will be talking to students from the year 12 LEAP class, as well as students from various Literature and English Elective classes from years 9-12. She will speak about creating and developing original writing ideas and the process of working towards publication. The presentation will take place in the ILC at 3:15 This is a great opportunity for our students to meet and chat with an accomplished author in a relaxed and informal fashion. Ms Gemma Etherington Head of English Thursday September 3rd and Friday September 4th 2015 @ GPAC Booking details to follow shortly. Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund Announced Main Points lThe Victorian Government has announced $148 million over four years for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), to ensure all Victorian students can take part in school trips and sporting activities. lFamilies who hold a valid means-tested concession card or who are temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. lThe information available on the CSEF website includes: l CSEF Application form for parents/guardians l CSEF A4 flyer to assist schools with promoting the CSEF to parents/guardians. lPrincipals have primary responsibility for communicating the availability of the CSEF to their school community, and directing them to the application form. lSchool administrators will be required to enter the parent/legal guardian’s information from the application form into the online CSEF web system. Schools will need to maintain remittance advices for audit purposes. lThe CSEF web system is now live for schools to commence entering applications. lThe CSEF payments will be remitted directly to schools and be tied to the student. Critical Dates: lIn 2015, schools will be able to accept and process applications until 26 June 2015. lFinal payments are expected to be received by schools early in Term 4. Additional Information: Further information on the fund can be viewed at the Victorian Government Department of Education and Training website: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/Pages/csef.aspx. A Jesuit Partner School 11 Sorry Day Ceremony Photography by Paul O’Brien Photos from our Sorry Day ‘Smoking’ Ceremony held on Tuesday the 2nd of June. A Jesuit Partner School 12 Year 10 - 12 Girls Football Saint Ignatius senior girls football side fought hard all day to record excellent results at the GISSA carnival. Players were kitted up and ready to pounce on the Sacred Heart Girls side in round one, but despite being in the game all day just went down to the opposition in a close one with final scores locked at: Sacred Heart 5.9.39 and Saint Ignatius 0.0.0. All players showed determination, courage and skill and were willing to work for each other and leading the way was midfielder and the day’s best player Tiahna Andree-Jansz. More swithed on in game 2 lead to the wolverines singing the song for the first time. Co captains Sarah Van Arend and Rebecca Haines and Kelsey Notting were starting to get busy in the middle of the ground. Kelsey slotted the first goal and when Maddie Searle followed up with a second moments later there were jubilant scenes on the bench. Teleea Drever was also a good link up player and Alexandra Gannon provided a strong target at half forward. Final scores: Saint Ignatius 2.1.13 to Clonard 1.0.6 The Year 12 girls gave an impassioned plea at half time about this last opportunity to represent the college in Girls football and the rest of the girls followed. Now used to the mud players were asked for an extra effort. And things were looking good until Teleea Drever went down with an ankle injury half way through the match. Victoria Herrring was marking strongly, Laura Mellican showing skill and Cecilia Johnston creating space on the half forward flank. Wild scenes followed the final siren as players celebrated with photos and mud all mixed in together. Madeleine Lakey continued to rebound from defence and again Tiahna and Kelsey were amongst our best. Final Scores Saint Ignatius 0.0.0 to Kardinia 2.2.14 The coach was last seen talking to some interested AFL scouts. In the last match the coach let the players choose their own positions and it worked. What a pleasure it was to see the enthusiasm, spirit and manner in which these girls performed and represented the school. Well done to all. Mr O’Brien Year 10-12 Girls Football Coach Saint Ignatius went on to win 2.2.14 to Christian College 0.3.3. Goal kickers were Kelsea Notting and Phoebe Carr. ‘Saint Ignatius, 3222 - Radio Play’ Public Speaking Evening See the ‘Performing Arts News’ article on the following page A Jesuit Partner School 13 Notre Dame Choir Performing Arts News Choir students were treated to an amazing experience recently when they were invited to attend the Notre Dame Choir concert and workshop in Melbourne. The talented choir performed to many students from various catholic colleges, followed by a liturgical workshop and mass. Mr Brendan Nichols and myself were so inspired by this day and we are both looking forward to our students singing many of their wonderful songs. Year 10 music students entertain the families at the soup kitchen. Year 10 Music in Motion Music in motion is a subject which is based on serving others. Pictured: Sarah, Catherine, Abbey, Laura, Heidi , Notre Dame Student. Year 11 Music Soirée The year 11 music class experienced their first VCE Soirée last week in the potato shed when they performed their solo and group works to staff, parents and friends of the college. I was very proud of all the students and I am looking forward very much to their next Soirée in November. The year 10 class recently performed at the Geelong soup kitchen and I am sure the many families were impressed by the students’ talents and also their willingness to assist with the meals. Thanks to Ms Doble for organising this event. Dance /Drama Night Last Tuesday evening parents and friends were treated to a great night of entertainment from the Years 9 and 10 drama and dance classes. Year 10 student Dylan Crawley. Year 12 Play “Noises Off” Mr Dainton and his VCE drama students have been very busy for many weeks as they rehearsed for their play “Noises Off”. It was wonderful to see so many members of the community, parents, friends, teachers and students attend the many performances. Well done to the VCE drama students and to Mr Dainton for a job very well done. Many thanks to the students involved and special thanks to Mr Dainton, Ms Chambers and Mrs Brown. Pru Brunt in “Noises Off”. A Jesuit Partner School 14 Performing Arts News Voices for our future Orchestra Excursion The college art gallery was the perfect setting for parents and friends of the college who attended the Public Speaking recital which was held last night. Many of our orchestral students both junior and senior attended the combined schools band workshop and concert which was held at St Joseph’s college last week. The theme for the evening was “Saint Ignatius, 3222 - Radio Play”. Students reported that it was a great opportunity to work with other students from the Geelong region and get the experience of playing in a large ensemble. I couldn’t help but think during the recital, that tuition in public speaking is certainly a great step in the right direction for our future leaders, not only for our college but in the wider community. Congratulations to all the students and many thanks to our inspiring public speaking teacher, Ms Amanda La Bonte. Thanks to Ms Doble for organising this excursion. Ms Cordell conducts the Year 7 band. Instrumental Music Tuition Semester 2 Timetables are now being organised for Semester 2, so students interested in private music or public speaking tuition are to obtain an instrumental form from the front office. Please complete and return forms as soon as possible to the office or to Mrs Pape. Performing Arts Coming Event Monday June 15th, 6pm Year 7 Instrumental Showcase, Potato Shed. Thursday June 18th 6pm. Year 10 Music in Motion, College Art Gallery. Thursday June 25th, 6pm Year 12 Soiree, Potato Shed. Friday June 26th, 6pm Year 12 “Community Concert”, Potato Shed. Looking forward to seeing many parents and friends at our special nights. Regards, Linda Pape Learning Area Leader - Performing Arts A Year in France Current Saint Ignatius student Samantha Gravener shares her experiences gained five months into a 12 month student exchange to France under the auspices of Rotary International. Where? For the entire year, I am living in a small town called Saint Jorioz. It is located on Lake Annecy, and surrounded by mountains (I see ‘Mont Blanc’ everyday when I drive to school). Saint Jorioz is located about 15 minutes from the beautiful city of Annecy. It is a relatively small city in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in South-Eastern France. What are the objectives of Rotary Youth Exchange? The objectives of Rotary Youth Exchange include various things. For example, furthering international goodwill and understanding by enabling youths to learn about, and accept cultural differences of people in lands abroad. Through accepting and learning about a new culture, the youths are also able to advance their education by learning life lessons that you wouldn’t learn in your typical classroom at home. Youth exchange students obtain a role of acting as Youth Ambassadors for their own country and their Rotary Club. They do this by imparting as much knowledge they can of their own country to the people they meet during their exchange year. A Jesuit Partner School 15 What is Rotary? Rotary is an international, non-profitable service whose purpose is to bring together a variety of business and professional leaders in a bid to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. lThe development of opportunities for service. lHigh ethical standards within professions (the worthiness of all useful occupations and dignifying by each Rotarian of his occupation as an opportunity to serve society). lAdvancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace. What are the objectives of the youths going on an exchange? lTo experience first-hand some of the accomplishments and differences of people in other lands. lTo broaden our outlook by learning to adapt to the day-to-day living of a completely different culture. lTo potentially pick up a foreign language. What qualities do you need to be an exchange student? lThe ability to adapt lBeing willing to step out of your comfort zone lConstantly being eager and willing to try new things lSmile! lThe ability to integrate lAlways (within reason) say ‘yes’ to new opportunities lBe happy to learn and also to teach lBe mature, respectful and independent What are the expectations of an exchange student? Many people view an exchange year as a ‘holiday’; however, it’s nothing close to it. It may seem like it is because you could be travelling often like I have been, but unfortunately, it’s much more challenging than your everyday life. You’re faced with many struggles that generally succumb from cultural and language differences, along with homesickness… As an exchange student you cannot go into your year expecting that it will be a holiday. lIt is expected that you abide by all guidelines set by Rotary. lMake every effort to adapt to cultural differences. lLearn and speak the countries language. lLive as a family member rather than a guest in your host family. lBe more than prepared for homesick ness, as there’s no doubt you will suffer from this at some stage of your exchange - it’s normal. lYou must attend school and work conscientiously for good results. lHave a general knowledge of Australia’s history, traditions, and current events. lBe truly appreciative for your opportunity. lDon’t be critical of the culture of your host country. lBe conscious of your actions at all times. You are seen as an example for other current, and future exchange students. As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, it is normal to have three or four ‘host’ families. I have three. During the year, you live within these families (who generally have children your age) as if you were a part of the family, not a guest. My families thus far have done all they can to make me feel at home and I’m very appreciative for this, as I am very comfortable with them. I appreciate and love my host families. I attend school everyday just like a normal student; however, there are some occasions that I miss school due to organised trips with Rotary or my host families. For the first half of the year I went to a ‘professional’ school, which is like a vocational school in Australia. I studied Commerce and Aesthetics. The classes I attended were relatively easy and this gave me the chance to focus on learning the language. For the remainder of the year I will attend a ‘science’ school, where I will study Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths, Spanish, French and English. It will be much more difficult. Between these studies I’ve been travelling a lot and playing sport. I have been to many cities in France - Lyon, Grenoble, Paris, Cannes, Nice, etc., but also other countries. I have had the opportunity to go to Germany, Monaco, Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain. For the first few months in France, I skied often (every weekend) with my host families. Now that it’s summer, we do a lot of hiking in the mountains and also long bike rides. I have made very close friendships with other exchange students. I would never have expected to be such good friends with people from Ecuador, Finland, Brazil, Mexico, Poland and America. The connection all of the exchange students have is really difficult to explain, something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put into words. These people understand everything that you go through because they are going through it too, so it’s like a huge support system - like a makeshift family. I don’t get to see my entire district of exchange students often, but there are five others who live in my city that I see all the time. It’s strange to think people who I didn’t know a year ago, have now become some of the most important people in my life, and at the end of the year these goodbyes will be the hardest because I don’t know if I’ll ever see them again. Samantha Gravener A Jesuit Partner School 16 Financial Assistance Information for Parents Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF) Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund will ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum. CSEF will be provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities. If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance will be paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions, or sporting activities for the benefit of your child. The annual CSEF amount per student will be: • $125 for primary school students • $225 for secondary school students. How to Apply Contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from www.education.vic.gov.au/csef Closing Date You should lodge a CSEF application form at the school by 26 June 2015. For more information about the CSEF visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef A Jesuit Partner School 17 Saint Ignatius College Geelong Parents & Friends Association et k c i T r e P 0 0 e l p $15. o e p 0 1 s e l Tab a i v s t e k G Tic O X H / m o c . g n i ok o b y r t . ce i f f www O l o or Scho s only) e (cash sal ? Saturday 1st August 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start BYO Food &Dri Coffe nks e &Te a Pro vided . om o R r e e Pion ’s St Mary e ic f f O h s i Par . t S a r r 150 Ya Geelong Trivia Night Supporting Performing Arts Dept & the Musical A Jesuit Partner School 18 St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal When: Start of May to the end of June Why: To help Vinnies care for those in need in the Geelong region a ! e ce ak en M fer if D Where: Every homeroom Students are asked to help Vinnies by bringing non-perishable food items and good quality winter blankets, coats, scarves and gloves to school. All items donated to St Vincent de Paul. A Jesuit Partner School 19 Further Education Expo Further Education Expo Participants Australian Catholic University Australian College of Applied Psychology Deakin University Deakin College Federation University JMC Academy La Trobe University Monash University Navitas College of Public Safety RMIT University Swinburne University of Technology The Gordon The University of Melbourne Victoria University William Angliss Institute of TAFE Deakin Waterfront Campus 1 Gheringhap Street Geelong Monday 20th July 2015 4:00pm - 8:00pm A Jesuit Partner School 20 INFORMATIVE - ENGAGING - INSPIRATIONAL - CHALLENGING COME AND ENJOY AN ENGAGING EVENING WITH THESE INSPIRING LADIES Sarah Valentine Accredited Business Coach and Trainer www.sarahvalentine.com.au/about-sarah Sarah Carroll Ukulele Queen of The Bellarine www.facebook.com/sarahcarrollukulelequeen When: June 17th, 2015. Doors open at 6.30pm for 7.00pm start/8.30pm Carol McCarthy Proprietor Helloworld Drysdale www.helloworld.com.au Venue: Potato Shed, Bellarine Multi Arts Centre. 41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale. Admission: $5 Includes light refreshments. You will find this meeting informative of what is happening in your Bellarine District; come along and be inspired! Info: www.hubbellarine.com Phone : 0452 212 230 Email : [email protected] Bookings essential Book early 5251 1735 HUB Bellarine A Jesuit Partner School 21 OPEN DAYS 2015 INSTITUTION Australian Catholic University Melbourne Campus Ballarat Campus Australian National University DATE TIME CONTACT DETAILS Sun 9 August Sun 30 August Sat 29 August Sat 25 July 10am – 4pm 10am – 3pm 10am – 4pm 2pm – 8pm Sun 23 August Thurs 13 August TBC 2pm – 6pm Sat 22 August Sun 2 August Sun 9 August Sun 23 August Sun 30 August 11am – 3pm 10am – 3pm 9am – 3pm 9am – 4pm 10am – 3pm 16 July 13 August 17 September 22 October 19 November Sun 22 August 10am – 6.30pm La Trobe University & La Trobe Melbourne Shepparton Campus Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus Bendigo Campus Mildura Campus Albury-‐Wodonga Campus Monash University Berwick Open House Peninsula Campus Clayton & Caulfield Campuses Parkville Campus (Pharmacy Focus) RMIT City, Bundoora & Brunswick Campuses Fri 7 August Sun 9 August Sun 16 August Sun 19 August Fri 28 August Wed 29 July Sat 1 August Sun 2 August Sun 16 August Sun 9 August TBC 4pm – 8pm 10am – 4pm 10am – 4pm 10am – 4pm 10am – 4pm 1800 666 274 www.monash.edu.au/openday Swinburne University Hawthorn Sun 2 August 10am – 4pm 1300 275 794 www.swinburne.edu.au/openday University of Melbourne Parkville & Southbank Campuses Burnley Campus Victoria University Footscray Park campus William Angliss Institute of TAFE Sun 16 August Sat 5 September Sun 23 August Sun 9 August 9am – 4pm 10am – 2pm 10am – 3pm 10am – 4pm 1800 801 662 https://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/exp lore/events/victoria_and_interstate/victori a/university_of_melbourne_open_day Bond University Box Hill Institute Central Queensland University (Melbourne) Chisholm Institute Deakin University & MIBT Warrnambool Campus Geelong Campus (Waurn Ponds & Waterfront) Melbourne (Burwood) Campus Federation University of Australia Mount Helen Campus; SMB Holmesglen Institute Open Thursday’s – all campuses JMC Academy 10.30am – 3.00pm 1300 ASK ACU Email: [email protected] www.acu.edu.au/openday http://www.anu.edu.au/study/events/anu-‐ open-‐day-‐2015 1800 074 074 https://bond.edu.au/future-‐ students/study-‐bond/see-‐yourself/open-‐ day-‐bond-‐university 1300 269 445 www.boxhillinstitute.edu.au https://www.cqu.edu.au/calendar/event-‐ items/graduation/melbourne-‐open-‐ day?SQ_CALENDAR_DATE=2015-‐08-‐13 http://www.chisholm.edu.au/open 1800 334 733 http://openday.deakin.edu.au/ 1800 333 864 http://federation.edu.au/future-‐ students/study-‐at-‐feduni/open-‐day 1300 MY FUTURE http://www.holmesglen.edu.au/open 1300 410 311 http://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/events/o pen-‐days/register-‐for-‐our-‐next-‐open-‐day-‐ 2015.aspx 1300 135 045 http://www.latrobe.edu.au/openday 9925 2260 www.rmit.edu.au/openday 1300 VIC UNI www.vu.edu.au/open-‐day 1300 ANGLISS http://www.angliss.edu.au Addresses of tertiary institutions are available via VTAC on www.vtac.edu.au or by ringing the institution directly or visiting their website. Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to go along to Open Days A Jesuit Partner School 22 OPEN DAYS 2015 Getting the most out of an Open Day Most institutional Open Days are held in late July and August (see over the page for Open Day dates). However, you are more than welcome to contact an institution to arrange a visit any time. What happens on an Open Day? On Open Day you can visit an institution when it’s at its best. Everyone is there – academics, lecturers, current students and information officers. More importantly, you can talk with academics, lecturers and current students about what certain courses are actually like, and what is required to get into them. Who should attend an Open Day? Anyone who is considering studying at a tertiary level in the next few years should attend. Why should you attend an Open Day? Apart from the opportunity to obtain course information there are many other reasons why attending an Open Day is a good idea: • You are going to feel more comfortable arriving at a university or TAFE institute on the first day of classes if you have been there before. • What is really involved in the course or courses you are interested in? • If you have to move away from home, where are you going to live? • Will you be happier studying in a large metropolitan institution or a smaller, perhaps rural institution? • What does the place ‘feel’ like? Is it a bustling environment with lots of activity or a quieter, more relaxed campus set in landscaped grounds? • How are you going to get there? Is it close to public transport or should you start saving now for a car? If you don’t know the answers to any of these questions, then you should attend an Open Day! How to make the best of Open Days To make your Open Day visits fun and informative, here are some pointers: • Write down a list of questions you would like to ask about particular courses • Be there early. Crowds tend to develop as the day progresses • On arrival, get a map from a central point and ask for directions to the relevant faculties or schools • Ask questions! • Don’t spend the day collecting printed information only. Use the opportunity to speak directly with academics before applications close • Introduce yourself to selection officers if you feel it is appropriate, but don’t be pushy • Check out the residential colleges, if available. After all, it is you that will be living there. • Walk around the campus. Have a good look! See what sporting facilities and other services are available. • Enjoy the visit! Not everyone can attend every Open Day and various Institutions hold their Open Days on the same date! If you can’t attend an Open Day and you are interested in a particular institution, you may visit at other times. If you wish to speak to a particular person, it is essential to make an appointment first. Addresses of tertiary institutions are available via VTAC on www.vtac.edu.au or by ringing the institution directly or visiting their website. Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to go along to Open Days A Jesuit Partner School 23 Support Others Survival YOGA Fundraiser for Vanuatu Saturday June 20 19 Sydney Avenue, Geelong REGISTER / DONATE www.athayoga.com.au 0407 684 355 CLASSES *Beginners *Women *Men *Athletes *Kids *Teens *Gentle *Prenatal A Jesuit Partner School 24 INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships WORDS Michael Grose What it means to be an emotionally intelligent parent Ten year-old Elle liked to be active, but one weekend things got out of control. A jazz ballet concert, a game of netball, and a family visit to her cousin’s house meant no time to herself. And she let her parents know it with constant moaning, as well as a tantrum or two. Her father held his tongue for most of the weekend, but couldn’t help but give her some fatherly advice on Sunday night. “You’ve spent the whole weekend moaning about how busy you are. Maybe you need to drop one of your activities, if they are stressing you out so much!” A tantrum followed…from Elle. Elle’s mum took a different tack. She had a hunch that something was bothering her daughter. “You sound like something is bothering you big-time. What’s up?” her mum understood how she felt. In fact, her mum had unlocked the problem for her and reflected back how she felt. Elle’s dad focused on her behaviour and responded in kind (with well-meaning advice about her future behaviour), while her mother focused on the feelings that acted as a possible driver to her daughter’s behaviour. She took an emotionally smart approach, which turned out to be the right one in this circumstance. Emotionally intelligent parents don’t dismiss children’s behaviour and allow kids to do as they please. There are times that we need to focus on a child’s behaviour. A child who is rude in public should be reminded in no uncertain terms that poor manners are inappropriate. “I’ve got to give a talk at school on Monday in front of the whole school and I haven’t time to prepare. It’ll be awful and everyone will laugh.” However, there are times when smart parents need to look beyond the obvious behaviours to get an good understanding of what’s happening to their child, and to help a child better understand and manage their emotions. Her mum replied, “You sound like you might be pretty nervous. That makes sense. Giving a talk in front others can be nervewracking.” So what does an emotionally intelligent parent look like? And importantly what is the impact on kids, parents and families of this approach? Elle dropped her shoulders, smiled and said, “You bet!” She was relieved because Emotionally intelligent parents have the following five attributes in common. They will usually: 1 Listen more and judge less There is nothing better than being understood. Parents who operate from an emotionally-smart mindset are more likely to listen to their kids when emotions are high, trying to access what may be going on, rather than clamping down their behaviour or closing them down with wellmeaning advice. IMPACT: Better, more open relationships. 2 Accept strong emotions Anyone who lives with teenagers will know that emotions can run very high. They can say the worst possible things to each other and, at times, to you. Ten minutes after delivering a hateful tirade they can be cuddling up to the person who was the butt of their anger, frustration or anxiety. Emotionally intelligent parents know that feelings need to expressed rather than bottled up, and allowed to fester. They also believe there is nothing so bad that a child can’t give voice to in a family, however there are behaviours that are not unacceptable. IMPACT: A healthy expression of emotions. more on page 2 e from Michael Grose. Join Stay one step ahead of your kids with great ideas & expert advic b.com.au. You’ll be so glad you did. Michael’s NEW Parentingideas Club today at parentingideasclu © 2015 Michael Grose parentingideas.com.au INSIGHTS 2 Building parent-school partnerships ... What it means to be an emotionally intelligent parent ... 3 Focus on the present 5 Develop a language Most parents are rightfully future-focused. We focus on the homework that needs to be handed in tomorrow; the washing that needs to be done; the meal that needs to be cooked. That’s part of everyday life. Children generally focus on the here and now. That of course can be frustrating to a task-oriented future-focused mother or father. However when we lower our gaze we are more likely to pick up how kids are feeling, and importantly help them understand and manage their moods and emotions. IMPACT: Happier families and less stress felt at home. 4 Use rules rather than their moods to determine discipline Some parents discipline according to their moods. If they feel good then they give children plenty of lenience. If they are feel bad then they pick their kids up on every little thing. It’s better to stick to the family and house rules; that makes you more predictable, which kids really crave. IMPACT: More consistent parenting around feelings A family develops a vocabulary around the things that are important to them. Kids in a sport mad family will inevitably have a rich vocabulary around their chosen sport. The same holds for emotional intelligence. Families that truly value building emotional smarts will develop in kids a rich palette of words that will help them describe how they feel. This vocabulary will inevitably stay with them for life. IMPACT: Better relationships later in life at work and in their own families. At a time when anger and anxiety has never been so high in families, there is a massive need for a parenting approach that includes emotional intelligence. Many parents struggle in the area of helping children understand and manage their emotions because we’ve never had any training in it. We didn’t learn it from our parents, and more than likely haven’t learned it at work. Emotional intelligent parenting can be learned. At Parentingideas emotional intelligence is central to the work we do with parents. We know first hand that kids who have parents versed in Emotional Intelligence are more likely to raise kids with the skills to be happier, enjoy better relationships and experience more success at school. Michael Grose e from Michael Grose. Join Stay one step ahead of your kids with great ideas & expert advic b.com.au. You’ll be so glad you did. Michael’s NEW Parentingideas Club today at parentingideasclu parentingideas.com.au School Calendar June 2015 June 2015 Thursday 11th Year 11 Exams Continue Thursday 11th and friday 12th Thursday 11th India Immersion Pre-departure Check Thursday 11th Year 10 Debating Geelong Grammar Friday 12th Year 9, 10 and 11 Exams Conclude Friday 12th Year 8 Football Grovedale Secondary College Monday 15th VCE Semester 2 Commences Monday 15th Year 7 Music Concert Tuesday 16th Year 12 Business Excursion Godfrey Hirst and Barwon Water Tuesday 16th College Production ‘Hairspray’ Rehearsal 3.00pm to 5.30pm Wednesday 17th Year 8 Leadership and Mindfulness Session Potato Shed Thursday 18th Music in Motion Concert Sant Ignatius College, 7.00pm to 8.30pm Friday 19th Year 7 / 8 Basketball Werribee Stadium Saturday 20th South India World Challenge Immersion Saturday June 20th to Sunday July 5th Sunday 21st Timor Leste Immersion Sunday June 21st to Thursday July 2nd Monday 22nd Year 10 Work Experience Tuesday 23rd Year 12 Mid Year Assembly ‘Red Frogs’ Tuesday 23rd College Production ‘Hairspray’ Rehearsal 3.00pm to 5.30pm Wednesday 24th Year 11 ‘Fit to Drive’ Driver safety run by Vic Police, TAC and City of Greater Geelong Thursday 25th Year 12 PE Excursion Exercise Research Australia Thursday 25th Year 12 VCE Soirée Potato Shed 7.00pm to 9.30pm Friday 26th Year 12 PE Excursion Exercise Research Australia Friday 26th National Sorry Day Friday 26th Last Day of Term 2 Classes finish at 2.20pm Buses commence leaving 2.30pm July 2015 Monday 13th Student Free Day Staff in-service Monday 13th Parents and Friends’ Association Meeting Food Tech from 7.30pm Tuesday 14th First Day of Term 3 Tuesday 14th College Production ‘Hairspray’ Rehearsal 3.00pm to 5.30pm Tuesday 14th Indigenous Immersion to Stradbroke Island Tuesday 14th to Sunday 19th July Monday 22nd Jesuit Province Immersion to Timor Leste Monday June 22nd to Monday July 6th Look for the Calendar available through the Saint Ignatius College Website: www.ignatius.vic.edu.au T IGNATIUS COLLEGE SAIN Saint Ignatius College Geelong 27 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale, Victoria. 3222 E: [email protected] T: 03 5251 1136 www.ignatius.vic.edu.au A Jesuit Partner School 27 Don’t Mess With Marriage A Pastoral Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Australia to all Australians on the ‘Same-sex Marriage’ Debate Respect for all © 2015 Australian Catholic Bishops Conference At this time in history there is much discussion about the meaning of marriage. Some suggest that it is unjustly discriminatory not to allow people with same-sex attraction to marry someone of the same sex. Others believe that marriage is an institution uniting a man and a woman. We wish by this pastoral letter to engage with this debate, present the Church’s teaching to the faithful, and explain the position of the Catholic faithful to the wider community. The Catholic Church opposes all forms of unjust discrimination. We deplore injustices perpetrated upon people because of religion, sex, race, age etc. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls for understanding for those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies for whom this may well be a real trial. “They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.” {2358} The Catholic tradition teaches that every human being is a unique and irreplaceable person, created in the image of God and loved by Him. Christians believe that all people including those with same-sex attraction are called by God to live chastely and that, by God’s grace and the support of friends, they can and should grow in fulfilling God’s plan. Even those who take a different view to us about the place and meaning of sexual activity can appreciate the particular significance and importance of this institution. We now face a struggle for the very soul of marriage. Because of this, every man, woman and child has great dignity and worth which can never be taken away. This includes those who experience same-sex attraction. They must be treated with respect, sensitivity, and love. To obtain further copies visit www.catholic.org.au 2 | Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2015 Don’t Mess With Marriage | 3 Marriage equality & discrimination Advocates for ‘same-sex marriage’1 rarely focus on the real meaning and purpose of marriage. Instead they assume that equal dignity and the principle of nondiscrimination demand the legal recognition of same-sex relationships as marriages. justice demands that we treat that union accordingly. If marriage is an institution designed to support people of the opposite sex to be faithful to each other and to the children of their union it is not discrimination to reserve it to them. This appeal to equality and nondiscrimination gets things the wrong way around. Justice requires us to treat people fairly and therefore not to make arbitrary, groundless distinctions. Indeed, in this pastoral letter we argue that what is unjust – gravely unjust – is: We must treat like cases alike and different cases differently. Only women are admitted to women’s hospitals and only children to primary schools. We have programmes targeted at Aborigines, refugees, athletes, those with disabilities or reading difficulties, and so on. Thus privileging or assisting particular people in relevant ways is not arbitrary but an entirely fair response. And if the union of a man and a woman is different from other unions – not the same as other unions – then If we are right in this assertion and if the civil law ceases to define marriage as traditionally understood, it will be a serious injustice and undermine that common good for which the civil law exists. Whether we are right depends upon what marriage really is… •to legitimise the false assertion that there is nothing distinctive about a man and a woman, a father or a mother; •to ignore the particular values that real marriage serves; •to ignore the importance for children of having, as far as possible, a mum and a dad, committed to them and to each other for the long haul; •to destabilize marriage further at a time when it is already under considerable pressure; and •to change retrospectively the basis upon which all existing married couples got married. 1. Although we use the language of “same-sex marriage” throughout this pastoral letter, we do not consider that same-sex relationships can ever amount to marriage. As we argue, the meaning of marriage is confined to relationships between a man and woman entered into voluntarily for life to the exclusion of all others and which is open to the procreation of children. 4 | Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2015 Don’t Mess With Marriage | 5 Emotional tie -v- Comprehensive one-flesh union spiritual, sexual and reproductive, permanent and exclusive. It is in these senses that marriage is comprehensive. One view of marriage is that it is nothing more than a commitment to love. On this view, marriage is essentially an emotional tie, enhanced by public promises and consensual sexual activity. The marriage is valuable as long as the good emotions last. Proponents of this view of marriage argue that, given that men and women, men and men, and women and women, can have these sorts of emotional ties, all such unions should be recognised as marriages in law. (On this logic marriage could be further redefined to include various types of relationships.)2 The traditional view of marriage, which the Church has always supported, is different. It sees marriage as about connecting the values and people in our lives which otherwise have a tendency to get fragmented: sex and love, male and female, sex and babies, parents and children. This view has long influenced our law, literature, art, philosophy, religion and social practices. On this view, marriage includes an emotional union, but it goes further than that. It involves a substantial bodily and spiritual union of a man and a woman. As the Old Testament taught and Jesus and St Paul repeated, marriage is where man and woman truly become “one flesh” (Gen 2:24; Mt 19:5; Eph 5:31). It is a comprehensive union between a man and a woman grounded on heterosexual union. On this traditional view what allows for this special kind of union between a man and a woman in marriage is precisely their difference and complementarity. Their physical, spiritual, psychological and sexual differences show they are meant for each other, their union makes them whole, and through their union ‘in one flesh’ they together beget children who are ‘flesh of their flesh’. They share the sameness of humanity but enjoy the difference of their masculinity and femininity, being husband and wife, paternity and maternity. Same-sex friendships are of a very different kind: to treat them as the same does a grave injustice to both kinds of friendship and ignores the particular values that real marriages serve. This union is centred around and ordered not only to the wellbeing of the spouses but also towards the generation and wellbeing of children. This is true even where one or both spouses are infertile: they still engage in exactly the same sort of marital acts as fertile couples, i.e. that naturally result in a child. Marriage for them as for other truly married couples is grounded on a total commitment: bodily and 2. There have been examples of “throuples”, that is three people, being ‘married’ in private ceremonies. 6 | Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2015 Don’t Mess With Marriage | 7 The importance of marriage and family The Catholic Church cares deeply about marriage because it is a fundamental good in itself, a foundation of human existence and flourishing, and a blessing from God. The decision to commit permanently and exclusively to sharing the whole of one’s life with someone of the opposite sex and to raise any children that are the fruit, embodiment and extension of that union, is good in itself, even if no children are conceived. But because children are the natural result of marital life and are best reared within the commitment of marriage, this makes marriage also an essential part of the propagation and nurturing of the human family. Marriage also joins distinct families to each other, fostering greater communion between people. Each marriage, from its beginning, is the ‘foundationin-waiting’ of a new family and each marriage-based family is a basic ‘cell’ of society. Families also provide the social stability necessary for the future by modelling love and communion, welcoming and raising new life, taking care of the weak, sick and aged. The principal ‘public’ significance of the marriage-based family is precisely in being the nursery for raising healthy, well-rounded, virtuous citizens. Governments normally stay out of relationships: it is none of their business to say who may be friends with whom and on what basis. 8 | Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2015 But because of the crucial role marriage plays as the nursery for the future of the community, and its responsibility always to act in the best interests of children governments everywhere recognise and regulate marriage. Marriage also has a religious significance. The Catholic Church believes that God is the author of marriage and has “endowed marriage with various benefits and purposes” including “the good of the spouses and the procreation and upbringing of children”.3 Christ raised the matrimonial covenant between baptised persons to the status of a sacrament “in which God helps the spouses live out the dignity and duties of their state” and so work out their salvation with Him.4 For these reasons the Church can say that marriage is not only a natural institution but also ‘holy’.5 Thus the Church, as well as the state, has an interest in the right understanding and support of authentic marriage. 3. Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes §48. 4. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio. 5. E.g. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions between Homosexual Persons, 3 June 2003. Don’t Mess With Marriage | 9 The importance of mothers and fathers Every child has a biological mother and father. But the importance of mothers and fathers goes far beyond reproduction. Men and women bring unique gifts to the shared task of raising their children. Mothering and fathering are distinctly different. Only a woman can be a mother; only a man can be a father. A mother and a father each contributes in a distinct way to the upbringing of a child. Respecting a child’s dignity means affirming his or her need and natural right to a mother and a father. And there are countless reliable studies that suggest that mothers and fathers enhance – and their absences impede – child development in different ways.6 The Church acknowledges the difficulties faced by single parents and seeks to support them in their often heroic response to the needs of their children. There is a big difference, however, between dealing with the unintended reality of single parenthood and planning from the beginning artificially to create an ‘alternative family’ that deliberately deprives a child of a father or a mother. 10 | Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2015 Sometimes people claim that children do just fine with two mums or two dads and that there is “no difference” between households with same-sex parents and heterosexual parents. But sociological research, as well as the long experience of Church and society, attests to the importance for children of having, as far as possible, both a mother and father.7 ‘Messing with marriage’, therefore, is also ‘messing with kids’. It is gravely unjust to them. We know that marriages and families are already under very considerable pressure today and that there is already much confusion about what they mean and how best to live marital and family life. The Church devotes much of her pastoral energy to supporting people to live married and family life well and to assisting the victims of marital and family breakdown. This convinces us that a further tearing away at the traditional understanding of marriage and family will only hurt more people – and especially more young people who, because of their vulnerability, demand particular care. 6. See references at the end of the document. 7. See references at the end of the document. Don’t Mess With Marriage | 11 Here are a few real life examples that have occurred recently: •The City of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, ordered Christian ministers to perform samesex weddings under pain of 180 days’ imprisonment for each day the ceremony is not performed and fines of $1000 per day; some British MPs have threatened to remove the marriage licences from clergy who fail to conduct ‘same-sex marriages’ Consequences of redefining marriage Beyond the effects on spouses and on children, redefining marriage to include same-sex relationships will have far reaching consequences for all of us. The world around us influences the communities in which we live. Cultural and legal norms shape our idea of what the world is like, what’s valuable, and what are appropriate standards of conduct. And this in turn shapes individual choices. That’s one of the main purposes of marriage law: to enable and encourage individuals to form and keep commitments of a certain kind. But if the civil definition of marriage were changed to include ‘same-sex marriage’ then our law and culture would teach that marriage is merely about emotional union of any two (or more?) people. 12 | Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2015 All marriages would come to be defined by intensity of emotion rather than a union founded on sexual complementarity and potential fertility. Husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, will be seen to be wholly interchangeable social constructs as gender would no longer matter. And people who adhere to the perennial and natural definition of marriage will be characterised as old-fashioned, even bigots, who must answer to social disapproval and the law. Even if certain exemptions were allowed at first for ministers of religion and places of worship, freedom of conscience, belief and worship will be curtailed in important ways. •Clergy in Holland, France, Spain, the US and Australia have been threatened with prosecution for ‘hate speech’ for upholding their faith tradition’s position on marriage; the City of Houston, Texas, has even subpoenaed pastors, compelling them to submit sermons to legal scrutiny when discussing sexuality •In Colorado and Oregon, courts have fined bakers who refused on religious or conscientious grounds to bake wedding cakes for ‘same-sex weddings’; in New Mexico a wedding photographer was fined for refusing to do photography for such a ceremony; and in Illinois accommodation providers have been sued for not providing honeymoon packages after ‘same-sex weddings’ •Yeshiva University in New York City was prosecuted for not providing accommodation to ‘same-sex married couples’ and other Catholic university colleges have been threatened with similar actions •Catholic adoption agencies in Britain and some American states have been forced to close for not placing children with samesex couples: for example, Evangelical Child Family Services in Illinois (US) was shut down for its refusal to do so •Catholic organisations in some American states have been forced to extend spousal employment benefits to same-sex partners •In New Jersey an online dating service was sued for failing to provide services to same-sex couples and a doctor in San Diego County was prosecuted after refusing personally to participate in the reproduction of a fatherless child through artificial insemination •Parents in Canada and several European countries have been required to leave their children in sex-education classes that teach the goodness of homosexual activity and its equality with heterosexual marital activity; for example, David and Tanya Parker objected to their kindergarten son being taught about same-sex marriage after it was legalised by the Massachusetts Supreme Court, leading to David being handcuffed and arrested for trying to pull his son out of class for that lesson. They were told they had no right to do so •The Law Society in England revoked permission for a group called ‘Christian Concern’ to use its premises because the group supported traditional marriage which the Law Society said was contrary to its ‘diversity policy’ •In the US, Canada and Denmark pastors or religious organisations have been forced to allow same-sex marriages in their churches or halls: Ocean Grove Methodist Camp in New Jersey (US) had part of its tax-exempt status rescinded because they do not allow same-sex civil union ceremonies on their grounds •British MPs have threatened to stop churches holding weddings if they do not agree to conduct same-sex ones Don’t Mess With Marriage | 13 We all know and love people with same-sex attraction. They are our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and neighbours. They need love and support like anyone else. But pretending that their relationships are ‘marriages’ is not fair or just to them. As Christians we must be willing to present the truth about marriage, family and sexuality and to do so charitably and lovingly. •The Chief Rabbi of Amsterdam and a Bishop in Spain have been threatened with prosecution for ‘hate speech’ merely for restating the position of their religious traditions •The Deputy Chief Psychiatrist of the state of Victoria was pressured to resign his position on the Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission after joining 150 doctors who told a Senate inquiry that children do better with a mum and dad; in several US states and in England psychologists have also lost positions for stating that they favour traditional marriage or families based thereon •Having allowed ‘same-sex marriages’, polygamous marriages have been permitted in Brazil and pressure for their legalisation is strong in Canada and elsewhere •Businessmen, athletes, commentators, teachers, doctors and nurses, religious leaders and others in several countries who have spoken in support of traditional marriage have been vilified in the media, denied employment or business contracts, and threatened with prosecution. Thus a view of marriage – as between a man and a woman – which was previously common to believers and nonbelievers alike, across a whole variety of cultures and times, is increasingly becoming a truth which cannot be spoken. Redefining marriage has consequences for everyone. 14 | Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2015 Additional References 6. See e.g. P Amato, “Research on Divorce: Continuing trends and new developments,” Journal of Marriage and Family 72 (2010): 650-666; S McLanahan and C Percheski, “Family Structure and the Reproduction of Inequalities,” Annual Review of Sociology 34 (2008): 257-276; S McLanahan and G Sandefur, Growing Up with a Single Parent: What Hurts, What Helps (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1994); B Ellis, et al., “Does Father Absence Place Daughters at Special Risk for Early Sexual Activity and Teenage Pregnancy?” Child Development 74 (2003): 801–21; W B Wilcox, et al., Why Marriage Matters: Twenty-Six Conclusions from the Social Sciences, 2nd ed. (New York: Institute for American Values, 2005); E Marquardt, Family Structure and Children’s Educational Outcomes (New York: Institute for American Values, 2005); P Amato, “The Impact of Family Formation Change on the Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Well-Being of the Next Generation,” The Future of Children 15 (2005): 75–96; C Harper and S McLanahan, “Father Absence and Youth Incarceration,” Journal of Research on Adolescence 14 (2004): 369–97. 7. See, e.g.: S Brown, “Marriage and Child WellBeing: Research and policy perspectives” Journal of Marriage and Family 72 (2010): 1059-1077; D P Sullins, “Emotional Problems among Children with Same-Sex Parents: Difference by Definition,” British Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science 7(2) (2015): 99-120; W B Wilcox, et al., Why Marriage Matters; W B Wilcox, “Reconcilable Differences: What Social Sciences Show about the Complementarity of the Sexes and Parenting,” Touchstone 18, no. 9 (November 2005): 36; M Regnerus, “How Different Are the Adult Children of Parents Who Have Same-Sex Relationships? Findings from the New Family Structures Study,” Social Science Research 41 (2012): 752–70; and L Marks, “Same-sex Parenting and Children’s Outcomes: A Closer Examination of the American Psychological Association’s Brief on Lesbian and Gay Parenting,” Social Science Research 41 (2012): 735–51, 748. Time to act The word ‘marriage’ isn’t simply a label that can be attached and transferred to different types of relationships as the fashion of the day dictates. It has an intrinsic or natural meaning prior to anything we may invent or the state may legislate. It reflects God’s plan for humanity, our personal growth and that of our children and society. To say that other friendships are not marriages is not to demean those other friendships or the individuals concerned, but merely to recognise that... ...marriage is the covenant of a man and a woman to live as husband and wife, exclusively and for life, and open to the procreation of children. We call upon all those of good will, to redouble their support for the institution of marriage in our community and for the laws and culture that sustain it. We particularly urge you to make your views known to your parliamentary representatives. At this moment in our nation’s history married people must give the testimony of their own lives in this matter. We especially pray for genuine friendship and love in every person’s life, married or unmarried; for a right understanding of the meaning of marriage and the requirements of justice; and for an increasing openness to the powerful witness of married couples in our world. Other resources For those who wish to read more we recommend the publications of the Bishops’ Commission for Pastoral Life, available at http://tinyurl.com/pastorallife Other Church documents include John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio (1981) and Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions between Homosexual Persons (2003), both available at www.vatican.va Don’t Mess With Marriage | 15 Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Bishops Commission for Family, Youth and Life PO Box 368 Canberra ACT 2601 Telephone: 02 6201 9845 www.catholic.org.au