Issue 4 - March 21, 2014 - Academy of Mary Immaculate

Issue 4/2014 21 March 2014
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Members of the Academy Community,
Over the last few weeks we have had the pleasure of meeting
potential Academy students – girls who have applied to join us as
Year 7 students in 2015. It has been an absolute delight to meet
these girls and their parents and hear them articulate why Academy is
their school of choice.
During the course of the interviews and, again when conducting Talk
and Tours around the College, Mr Fuller and myself always alert
parents to our Vision, Mission and Values Statement to ensure that
parents understand that this statement is Academy – it encapsulates
who we are, our purpose, and our aspirations for the students in our
care. It is also appropriate at this time to remind parents that in
enrolling their daughter at the Academy they are confirming support of
the Vision, Mission and Values Statement and indicating that they can
resonate with its contents.
“The Academy is a vibrant learning community grounded in the spirit
and tradition of Mercy. At the Academy young women develop a
strong sense of social justice within a culture of educational endeavor
and individual empowerment.”
Prayer for Lent
God of all our journeys, send the
consuming fire of your love upon
us, as we travel through these
weeks of Lent.
Turn to ash all that makes us
selfish, violent, apathetic
towards you and one another.
Help us to remember the Ash
Wednesday touch of the saving
cross of Jesus which can rekindle
the fire of your love within us
and lead us to Easter Glory
“The Academy of Mary Immaculate educates young women to
develop knowledge, skills and attributes that will empower them as
global citizens of the 21st Century.”
As you read through today’s Newsletter and indeed all our newsletters
please take the time to focus on the “Great Learning” that is
happening at the Academy, of the ways in which we are addressing
our core challenge of being a vibrant and dynamic learning
community. Happy reading!!
With the near completion of our current significant building project, the Science Centre, the focus now moves
to the development of a new facilities Masterplan to drive us forward into the future. We are seeking the
contribution of all members of the Academy community in the development of this Masterplan.
Consultation with teaching staff has already begun with teachers submitting individual recommendations
followed by group recommendations. Next week our newly elected Class Captains and Vice Captains will
have the responsibility of conducting a consultation process with the students in their homerooms.
At Monday’s Parents’ Association meeting the Masterplan was one of the Agenda items and the parents
present offered a number of pertinent suggestions and comments. Later in the month all parents will be
invited to respond to an online survey and put forward their suggestions as to the areas of the College they
believe are in need of further development. It is an exciting time at the Academy.
As we move deeper into the season of Lent I invite all members of the Academy community to embrace this
season in all its dimensions. Lent is an opportune time to focus on our perspective on life and how we are
living as responsive and mature Christians. It is an invitation to appreciate how we have been blessed and to
re-evaluate how we respond, individually and as a group, towards our fellow human beings especially those
who are most in need of our assistance and support.
In the light of this I ask that you ponder the National Lament – a response to the harsh policies under which
those seeking asylum in Australia are subjected – a response of prayer, penance and action.
Every Blessing
Sr Mary Moloney rsm
Principal
NATIONAL LAMENT
National Lament
We are a society which has forgotten how to weep Pope Francis
Many people throughout Australia are disturbed by the punitive and harsh policies and conditions
to which people seeking asylum in Australia are being subjected. The recent incident on Manus
Island and the death of one person and the injury of many highlights the lack of care and dignity in
the policies of both the Government and the Opposition and the absence of awareness of their
legal and moral responsibilities.
In response to the desire for prayer and action, Catholic Religious Australia is launching a “National
Lament”. We are taking our inspiration from the words of Pope Francis when he visited
Lampedusa. The National Lament is a campaign of prayer, penance and action for people seeking
asylum in Australia. We are seeking to make a Christian response to these people, rather than
treating them as a “problem” to be solved.
The National Lament will have 2 parts:
Part 1 Engaging in prayer, penance and action for people seeking asylum in Australia
• Making Friday in Lent a day of prayer and penance for people seeking asylum
• Continuing this practice after Lent through to the Ascension
• Writing to one’s local Federal member and to the Minister, Scott Morrison,
expressing our lament for people seeking asylum in Australia
Part 2 Engaging in a Week of Prayer and Prophetic Presence
Ascension to Pentecost, 1 to 8 June 2014
For more information, email: [email protected]
National Lament
We are a society which has forgotten how to weep
Pope Francis
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia.
As you take your next step remember the first people who walked this land. Aboriginal
Catholic Ministry, Sydney
Our Lament
We lament the lack of compassion for people seeking asylum in Australia
We lament the denial of human dignity and freedom
We lament the indifference
We lament our inability to turn the tide
Our Challenge
"The other" is no longer a brother or sister to be loved, but simply someone who disturbs my life
and my comfort…
In this globalized world, we have fallen into globalized indifference. We have become used to
the suffering of others: it doesn’t affect me; it doesn’t concern me; it’s none of my business!
Pope Francis, Lampedusa 8.7.2013
Our Prayer
We beg forgiveness for our indifference to so many of our brothers and sisters. God, we ask
your pardon for those who are complacent and closed amid comforts which have deadened
their hearts;
we beg your forgiveness for those who by their decisions on the global level have
created situations that lead to these tragedies. Forgive us, Lord!
Pope Francis, Lampedusa 8.7.2013
For Reflection
Jesus said, “An evil spirit of this kind is only driven out by prayer and fasting” Mark 9: 29
Our Response
• Make Friday a day of prayer and penance
• Write to your local member and to the Minister, Scott Morrison, expressing your lament for
people seeking asylum in Australia
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Important Dates (End of Term 1 and the start of Term 2)
Tuesday, 25 March – Immunisations for students in Years 7 and 10
Tuesday, 1 April – House Athletics Carnival
Thursday, 3 April – Full College Assembly
Thursday, 3 April (last day of Term 1) - students finish classes at 3.15pm
Friday, 4 April – Staff Spirituality Learning Day – no classes
Monday, 7 April to Monday, 21 April – school holidays
o Sunday, 13 April
– Palm Sunday
o Thursday, 17 April
– Holy Thursday
o Friday, 18 April
– Good Friday
o Saturday, 19 Apri
– Holy Saturday
o Sunday, 20 April
– Easter Sunday
o Monday, 21 April
– Easter Monday
Sunday, 20 April – Foundation Day (157 Years at 88 Nicholson Street).
Tuesday, 22 April – Classes commence for all students.
Wednesday, 23 April – Michael Carr-Gregg visits the Academy
Friday, 25 April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday
Wednesday, 7 May & Monday, 12 May – Parent/Teacher Interviews (2.10pm to 8.30pm)
Class Captains and Vice Captains.
I would like to congratulate each of the students who has been elected by their peers to the position of Class
Captain or Vice-Captain. The election process has been an exhaustive one.
1. At each Year Level, students were given background to “What is Leadership? “& “What does it mean to
be a Leader?” at either a Year Level Assembly or in discussions with their Homeroom Teacher.
2. Students were nominated and these names passed to the Year Level Coordinator or Homeroom Teacher.
3. Each nominee spoke to their peers in Homeroom about “Leadership”.
4. Students voted in Homeroom for their representative - Class Captain and Vice-Captain.
5. The Student Leaders received their badges and were “invested” at a Year Level Assembly.
The College believes that it is important to have a group of students in positions such as these so that there is
a conduit for student opinions/views to be relayed to the College Leadership Team and Year Level
Coordinators; as well as a forum for the College to speak with student representatives. As Sr Mary indicated
earlier in this Newsletter, we will be asking these young woman to meet with us to garner their views in the
development of the College Masterplan.
Changeover to the Winter Uniform
Students may wear either the Summer or Winter Uniform in the first 2 weeks of Term 2; however, the Winter
Uniform is compulsory for all students from Monday, 5 May. The College Uniform requirements are listed
in full in your daughter’s Student Planner. As part of the Winter Uniform, students are expected to wear a Tie.
This does provide some challenges especially for students who may have never worn a tie previously or who
have forgotten the steps. I have included a web address that shows the different types of knots, including a
video presentation that can be used. The address is www.tie.a.tie.net
Go Academy!
I would like to wish the Swimming Squad all the best for their participation in the SCSA Swimming Carnival at
MSAC on 20 March. Your daughter’s commitment to those early morning training sessions (6.45am start) and
then travelling back to the College to eat a “hearty” breakfast will, no doubt, led to a fantastic team effort.
Academy Parents’ Association – Save the Date
Mothers’ Day Movie Night at Westgarth Theatre – Friday 23 May at 8:00pm
New release feel good musical – ‘Summer on Leith’ – Light Super provided. More information will be provided.
College Procedures
Notes Explaining a Student’s Absence from or Late Arrival to the College
In the event of absence due to illness, doctor's appointment etc., your daughter is expected to give a note
signed by you, the parent / guardian, to her Homeroom Teacher on the day of her return to the College. In the
event of late arrival, a note of explanation is required on arrival at the College or on the following day.
The College asks that the following information is included in the note: Homeroom, Student Name, date of
absence/late arrival and the reason for absence and parent / guardian signature.
Notes for Students Leaving Early
If your daughter needs to leave the College early i.e. before 3.15pm, you are asked to send a signed note to
the College with the following information: Student Name, Homeroom, date and the reason for leaving
early, the time of departure from the College and parent /guardian signature.
Students are asked to:
 Place the note in the yellow box in the Student Reception before homeroom or upon arrival to school;
 Inform the subject teacher that they need to leave early;
 Come to Student Reception to collect the Leave Pass at the time of departure or ebfore if possible;
and
 Sign out in the Early Leavers folder (orange folder located in Student Reception).
Sickbay Procedures.
Sickbay is provided as a low care facility for students who feel unwell during the school day.
When a student is unwell, she needs to do the following:
 Inform her homeroom or subject teacher that she is unwell; and
 Ask her teacher to issue her with a note to attend Student Reception.
 Students are not to text or call their parents directly. This will be done by Student Reception.
Upon arrival at Student Reception, your daughter will:
 Have her illness recorded on the College Administrative System;
 Be given a reasonable rest time in Sick Bay; and then
 Be sent back to class.
If your daughter is still unwell after her visit to the Sick Bay, you will receive a phone call from Student
Reception and be asked to collect your daughter from the College. We ask that if any contact details change
during the course of the year that the College be notified so that our records can be kept up-to-date.
Yours sincerely,
Deputy Principal
DIRECTOR OF FAITH AND MISSION
Archbishop’s conversation with students
Imogen Gandolfo Year 12
On Thursday, Clare and I were privileged to attend the annual Student Leaders’ "Conversations with the
Archbishop". The focus of the day was looking at the place of youth in the Church and what the youth of the
Catholic Church can do in our schools and local communities. It was a very interesting day consisting of group
sessions, meeting people from other Catholic schools and hearing from Archbishop Dennis Hart himself.
Clare Martin and Celine Pierre (OLMC Heidelberg) introduce the Archbishop to ‘a selfie’ and
the Archbishop with Clare and Imogen
Year 12 Reflection Days, 11th and 14th March
Emma Lightfoot Year 12 Blue
On Day 1, we were joined by the Simonds boys for an
informative and engaging presentation by Mr Paul Dillon about
the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol by youth.
We then set off for the Cardinal Knox Centre to hear from a
truly inspiring woman, Michelle Newland. Michelle moved us
with her story of determination and faith as she struggled to
overcome the limitations of her debilitated physical state (the
result of a severe asthma attack when she was just 19 years
old). What was most astonishing about her was revealed in
her responses to our questions. She was so humble about her
achievements, and not once did she bemoan (when many of
us would have) the adversity she faced. When asked if she
ever wondered, “Why me?” she responded, “Why not me?”
and went on to compare her faith to oxygen, “I need it to live.”
L-R: Ms Fogarty, Cindy Racolini-Michelle’s
support worker, Michelle Newland, Ms
Luscombe and
Anne Newland (Michelle’s mother
In our concluding reflection, we thought about the College theme and the place of our faith in our identity
(especially as exemplified by Michelle).
We came back for Day 2 with an open mind. This session was run by the Youth Mission Team who guided us
through various activities and discussions about how we define our individuality. The day ranged from icebreaker activities (such as a blindfolded balloon search) to performances by the team, to sharing our personal
stories and thoughts in smaller groups. The day concluded with a reflection in which we all lit an individual
candle as a personal prayer.
The programme was enjoyed by all and certainly left us with plenty to think about. It is fair to say that with so
much going on in the pressure-cooker that is Year twelve, opportunities for quiet, pensive reflection are
greatly appreciated.
Enjoying the lovely surrounds at
Amberley.
Alexis Melchor, Miriam Terbah,
Erin-Rose Donohue, Emma Lightfoot,
Right: Sophie Caruso and Chau Tang.
o
r
k
e
r
,
M
i
c
h
e
l
l
e
N
e
w
l
a
n
d
,
M
s
Ms Karen Fogarty, Director of Faith and Mission
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
Great Learning Happens at the Academy!
There are revolutions of all types within education. We are well familiar with Kevin Rudd’s ‘Education
Revolution’. You will remember a policy that was packaged with the glitz and glam of great promise but
arrived more as a worthwhile innovation than a game changing event.
At Academy, there is a quiet revolution occurring in teaching and learning. The only fanfare for this revolution
is the hard work of teachers and the wonderful spirit of our students. It has been developing over the past few
years with the carefully planning, trialing and reviewing of innovative teaching and learning strategies and it is
going to make a quantum difference to the classroom environment at the Academy.
Our 2014 College motto is ‘Dare to Change. Act with Courage’. We know that real change, sustained change,
does not just happen overnight. Our current Year 12 students chose the motto at the end of last year.
L
u
s
c
o
m
b
e
a
n
d
Unwittingly or not, the challenge and the call to action of this motto could not have been chosen for a better
year.
Slowly, purposefully, teachers at Academy have researched a powerful curriculum development strategy
known as ‘Understanding by Design’. They have researched possibilities for an exciting and ‘revolutionary’
Year 9 program. They have explored new and powerful ways of becoming ‘data informed’ teachers who are
better able to respond to the learning needs of our students.
Over the forthcoming period, this newsletter will keep you informed as all departments implement units
developed under the principles of Understanding by Design – Units that will add excitement and enhance
student engagement with their learning.
Some of the strategies rely on the powerful opportunities provided as our laptop program rolls out across the
College. Other strategies utilize the rich opportunities afforded by our inner city location. Some of the
developments enhance the capacity of the College to provide differentiated learning to the diversity of student
needs in our class rooms. Some are responses to the challenges of the Australian curriculum to engage more
fully with Asian and aboriginal perspectives. I will leave you to imagine the excitement and energy that is
developing within the Science department as they watch a wonderful new Science Centre quickly moving
towards completion.
It is going to be an exciting year. We look forward to sharing it all with you as our quiet revolution rolls out at
Academy.
Interim Reports
The Term 1 interim reports will be prepared by teachers in the last week of Term 1. The reports will be printed
over the holidays and will be distributed to the students during afternoon homeroom on Tuesday April 22.
Parents should note that they will be able to access their daughter’s report on PAM from April 7, the first
Monday of the school holiday.
Year 9 & 10 Students Selecting to Study an accelerated VCE Unit 1&2 (in Year 10) or VCE Unit 3&4
Subject ( in Year 11)
Year 9 & 10 students will make their VCE subject selections in August. This seems to be a long time off and
students and parents will be given a lot of information and support for this process.
However, those Year 9 & 10 students who may be thinking of applying to study one accelerated VCE Unit
need to be aware that the success of any application to study an accelerated VCE Unit is dependent upon
their academic efforts in both Semester One and Semester Two...
For a successful application, both Semester Reports must have:
 No NGL, NS, UG or E grades in any Subject
 An average grade for all Subjects of at least a B.
 No days absent without a College Approved Reason.
These criteria have been established to provide for an objective and fair means of assessing a student’s
readiness to accelerate her VCE studies.
Mr Mark Hyland, Director of Teaching and Learning
GREAT LEARNING HAPPENS AT THE ACADEMY
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Great Learning happens at Academy or should I say, “Great verbal
combat takes place at lunchtimes at the Academy!” Of course this is
condoned by staff, even strongly modelled by staff in a number of
small student groups where teams gather together and practise the
skills of logic, the thrust and parry of rebuttal, raise arguments and
plan a team case as required for competitive debating.
The College registers several teams in the DAV Competition each year, held at Mercy College in Coburg
every three weeks on a Wednesday evening. The lunchtimes that lead up to the debating performances are
often a meeting of frenzied ideas, frustration at the debating topic, enlightened thinking, a myriad of differing
approaches, the assigning and reassigning of speaker roles and the ‘Googling’ of all manner of topics and
issues. The bell rings and the team members each agree on their ‘homework’ until the next lunch meeting. For
these dedicated students, this is great learning regardless of whether they win or not!
Ms Anne Natoli, Debating Coach
(On behalf of the debating coaches and the D, C, B and A Debating teams)
VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
Madeline McCurry Collects Special Commendation Award at CEO Exhibition
Academy was represented in this year’s Catholic Education Week Visual Arts Exhibition by five students.
Madeline McCurry (etching and aquatint), Anna Vuong (ceramic sculpture), Jennifer Ha (colour reduction
lino Print), Jade Razlog (lino print) and Devi Langley (Beaded Necklace and jewellery).
Madeline McCurry of 10 Blue, received Special Commendation for her artwork. This was a terrific effort, as
Madeline and our other students were competing against all of Victoria’s Catholic Schools.
I congratulate the above girls for being selected to represent our school and in particular Madeline for her
commendation. I encourage all of our budding young Art students to continue striving for personal success
and enjoyment through the Arts.
Madeline McCurry’s (10B) Specially Commended Artwork – Etching with Aquatint
Mr. Martin McInerney, Head of Visual Arts
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
Year 10 Mathematics Committee
Congratulations to the thirty five members of the Year. 10 Mathematics Committee. They will be busily
working in the next few weeks to prepare the term two Year 7 Mathematics Pentathlon. This is a fun maths
event in which all Year 7 students will participate.
The committee is organised and kept in line by their secretary, Rizella Garcia, 10 Blue.
The members are:
Leah Alysandratos, Anna Vuong, Lucia Soriani, Christina Sementilli, Reyan Saeed, Raquel Romano,
Charlotte Roberts, Madeleine Rendina, Louise Possee, Stefania Polizzi, My Nguyen, Mary Nguyen, Alicia
Nguyen, Sienna Morel-Shields, Carla Monaco, Meagan McKirdy, Madeline McCurry, Yani Ly, Carla Loccisano,
Mary Lioupas, Katie Lewis, Bridget Healey, Emma Gibson, Alyssa Bovezza, Rizella Garcia, Ruby Dao, Abby
Dionysiou, Teresa Devine-Hercus, Georgia Clarke, Brittany Clarke, Millicent Boag, Alexandra Antonowicz,
Brittany Clarke, Tiana Farrugia and Eva Franklyn
Mathematics Enrichment Infinity Program
The Mathematics Enrichment Infinity program
is aimed at high achieving mathematics
students in Years 7 and 8.
As parents are aware, Year 7 and 8
mathematics classes are mixed ability groups
with teachers providing a curriculum for all
students suitable to their ability. In Year 9 and
10 some formal differentiation exists with
students selecting an Advanced or Core option in Year 9 and separate pathways in Year 10 and VCE. The
Infinity Program enables the mathematics teachers to make the extension tasks part of the mathematics
curriculum and provide appropriate feedback on each student’s progress.
Students identified for this program will be approached by their teachers and provided with appropriate tasks
and activities. These tasks will be assessed and included in the student’s interim and semester reports. A
letter explaining the program will be provided to parents of participating students.
Developing a strong understanding of algebra is vitally important in
success outcomes in mathematics. Teachers in year 7 to 10 have begun
using Algebra Tiles to assist students in directed number and algebraic
expansion, simplification and factorisation. The
resource assists students to “see” like terms,
identify patterns and test rules. When a rich
understanding is achieved students can
continue with or without the resource as an aid.
The photos show Christina Sementilli and
Charlotte Roberts (10 Red) using the tiles to
expand (x+1) (x-1) and to factorise monic
quadratic expressions in Year 10 Mathematics.
The tiles enable the girls to work with a
concrete model and develop a stronger
understanding of like terms and the link
between multiplication and division.
In Year 7 and 8 the girls are using the tiles to assist them in understanding the addition and subtraction of
positive and negative numbers. The students are able to “see” the end result of adding and subtracting
negative numbers and generalise rules to then use without the concrete materials. In the 7 Green
mathematics class visited Christa Hubik and Isabella Solano demonstrate how to add negative three to a
number.
Mr Craig Tellefson, Head of Mathematics
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
In Year 7 Religious Education this week, students have been completing their Belonging Posters. The girls
reflect about themselves, their family and Academy. In the next couple of weeks, they will be starting to look at
seasons in the Church, the Easter story and prayer.
Ms Andrea Luscombe, Religious Education Teacher
MCAULEY RESOURCE CENTRE
VCE Book Group
VCE Book Group members attended their first meeting at
Brunetti’s where they discussed The Book Thief by Marcus
Zusak. The book is narrated by Death and tells the story of
Liesel, a young German girl who is sent to live with Rosa and
Hans Hubermann during the Second World War, and her
relationship with Max, a young Jewish man who takes refuge
in the Hubermann household.
The book has won a number of awards and was listed on the
New York Times Best Seller List for over 230 weeks
(Wikipedia) and has sold over 8 million copies worldwide.
Next on the list for discussion is The Rosie Project, by
Graeme Simsion which is narrated by Don Tillman, a
genetics professor at Melbourne University, who is on a quest
to find the perfect wife.
VCE Book Group members decide on the book to be read and then meet once a month after school on a
Friday to discuss their thoughts.
In a recent email Heidi of Year 11 stated, “I'm so delighted to be a part of this book club.”
Ms Heather McPhee, Head of McAuley Resource Centre
SPORTS DEPARTMENT
Tennis Success
It is quite a few years since our seniors have experienced success at the SCSA Tennis; however, 2014 has
been the year. Our girls played a thrilling final to clinch the senior Division 3 title in the last rally of the day.
The Junior team was placed 3rd and the Intermediates, 5th.
Individual awards for the event are as follows:
Isabella Sgro (Year 8) – Most Valuable Player. Isabella played the singles rubbers for the Juniors and only
dropped 2 games for the whole day.
Isabella Godfrey (Year 7) – Encouragement Award – Isabella had 100% attendance and effort at training and
on the day.
Mia Crane (Year 10) – Most Consistent Intermediate on the day
Anna Selzer (Year 11) – Most Consistent Senior player
Ella Baulch and Sylvia Rienks (Year 12) – Best Doubles Pairing
Thanks to staff coaches Miss Brogan and Mr Tomassini
Ms Tyrell Harding, Director of Sport
YEAR 12 REPORT
I want to begin by congratulating the girls on their excellent behaviour at the Year 12 Formal held on Friday,
February 28 at L’UNICA@PARKVILLE. They did themselves and the College very proud. They portrayed
themselves as sophisticated and elegant young women and I also would like to thank the parents for the
support you provided during this often stressful period.
I was delighted to meet many of you at the “VCE Meet The Teacher Evening”, on Wednesday March 5 and I
am sure you were also pleased to have the opportunity to chat with some of the teachers. Thank you for
supporting the evening and I look forward to meeting with you throughout the year. I hope you also had the
opportunity to read through the VCE guide provided during the evening which may answer some questions
you may have.
I had the great pleasure of taking the Senior Student Leadership Team to the GRIP leadership conference
held at the Melbourne Convention Centre on Friday, March 7.
Developing our leaders from good leaders to great leaders is something we take very seriously and
throughout the year these girls have the opportunity to further develop their leadership skills. Keeping in mind
always that “to lead is to serve” the privilege of their position offers them a myriad of opportunities and
develops skills that will take with them into their adult lives.
It was a dynamic and interactive day with over 800 students and an opportunity to take away some practical
strategies that the girls are keen to implement in some College based activities. It was also a great opportunity
to network with a number of leaders from a variety of different schools.
Thank you to Ms Manolopoulos-Tzikas for the Careers seminar held on Friday March 7. I am sure many of the
students would be feeling a little less apprehensive about next year when they consider the wealth of
opportunities next year will offer.
Please do not hesitate to call me should you have any questions or queries.
Mr John Andritsos, Year 12 Coordinator
EVENTS AT THE COLLEGE
Paul Dillon at the Academy
“Great” – the verdict from both students and parents about their
experience with Paul Dillon, our guest speaker on Teenagers, Drugs
and Alcohol.
Information leads to informed decisions and this is what Paul bases his
entire presentations upon.
On Tuesday March 11, Paul Dillon, an internationally recognised expert
in the field of Drugs and Alcohol, gave presentations to Years 10, 11
and 12 and conducted an evening session with our parents. This is the
second year that Paul has engaged with our girls and because it has
proven to be such a valuable and interactive event, it will be an
ongoing association. Paul himself was delighted to engage with the
students, in particular, because they demonstrated a great recall of the
material he covered in his previous visit.
Mr Paul Dillon
Paul’s address to the parents was challenging; however, he provided parents with current data and trends to
do with alcohol and drug consumption in Australia whilst dispelling quite a few myths in the process. He gave
concrete suggestions on the development and maintenance of the communication lines between parents and
children
Much of his focus was on providing age- appropriate strategies for dealing with what may be a difficult subject
for families to tackle.
Paul is still actively involved in the formation of government responses and policies in these areas and his
website is constantly updated to offer the most current information, blogs, fact sheets and help for parents.
The website – Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia - http://darta.net.au/
Date For Your Diary – Wednesday April 23, 2014, 7.00pm in the College Hall
Michael Carr-Gregg speaks to parents at the Academy
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is one of Australia's highest profile
psychologists who specialises in the area of parenting adolescents
and adolescent mental health. He sits on the Board of the Young
and Well Cooperative Research Centre, and is the parenting expert
for Channel 7’s top rating Sunrise and The Morning Show and is a
columnist for Girlfriend and New Idea magazines. He is also the
psychologist on 3AW's Morning Show with Neil Mitchell.
Educated in Kenya, England, New Zealand and Australia, in 1985
Michael founded the world's first national teenage cancer patients
support group, CanTeen - The Australian Teenage Cancer Patients’
Society. A founding member of the National Centre Against Bullying
(an Initiative of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation), he has
worked in private practice as a family therapist, child psychologist
and clinical psychologist, as an academic and researcher, and for
four years as a political lobbyist.
Michael comes to the Academy on Wednesday April 23 to speak to our Yearws 11 and 12 students and later
to staff.
At 7:00pm in the evening he will make a presentation to Academy parents – “How to raise happy and
resilient teenagers” – the latest news from the science of positive psychology applied to bringing up
teenagers and children. It is an opportunity not to be missed.
Ms Tyrell Harding (Head of Health Sciences)
Ms Giovina Costantini (Student Councellor)
YEARS 7 TO 11 CLASS CAPTAINS AND VICE CAPTAINS
Congratulations to the following students who have been elected to significant positions of
responsibility.
11 Blue:
Captain - Cyndi Makabory
Vice-Captain - Tamika Chikulin
10 Blue:
Captain – Taylor Armani
Vice-Captain – Tess Devine Hercus
11 Green:
Captain - Georgia Hill
Vice-Captain - Ella Morgan
10 Green:
Captain – Lucia Soriani
Vice-Captain – Sienna Montalto
11 Red:
Captain - Aesha Abenir
Vice-Captain - Sonia Rechichi
10 Red:
Captain – Abbie Conway
Vice-Captain - Millie Boag
11 Silver:
Captain - Yolanne Carvalho
Vice-Captain - Kemely Haveaux
10 Silver:
Captain – Lucy Wallace
Vice-Captain – Phung Quang
9 Blue:
Captain – Lillian Starling
Vice-Captain – Vittoria Greco
8 Blue:
Captain - Linnea Shields
Vice-Captain - Steffanie Mutter
9 Green:
Captain – Aisha Buckle
Vice-Captain – Geneva Forster
8 Green:
Captain - Emmasyn Willie
Vice-Captain - Eliza Hine
9 Red:
Captain – Corin Powell
Vice-Captain - Alana McKirdy
8 Red:
Captain - Abbey Hill
Vice-Captain - Elizabeth Heaton
9 Silver:
Captain – Mattea Spielrein
Vice-Captain – Rebecca Dougherty
8 Silver:
Captain - Whitney Luu
Vice-Captain - Alice Punaro
7 Blue:
Captain – Olivia Bula
Vice-Captain – Grace Homes
7 Green:
Captain – Anthea Talatau
Vice-Captain – Ava Lugli
7 Red:
Captain – Vanessa Moles
Vice-Captain: Scarlett Silverback
7 Silver:
Captain – Indiana Shepherd
Vice-Captain – Stefania Ferraro.