From the Principal Important Dates

No. 7 / March 14, 2012
Important Dates
Thursday March 15
 Year 7 Camp
 Year 8 Camp
Friday March 16
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Year 7 Camp
Year 8 Camp
PDSSSC Touch
CSDA Public Speaking Final
Year 12 Assessment Block
Monday March 19
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Year 12 Assessment Block
CCC Hockey
Year 8 PDHPE Excursion
Year 8 Visual Arts Excursion
Year 9 and 10 Science Club
Excursion
Tuesday March 20
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Year 12 Assessment Block
Year 7 and 10 Vaccinations
Year 8 PDHPE Excursion
Year 8 Visual Arts Excursion
Wednesday March 21
 Year 12 Assessment Block
 Ultimate Frisbee Senior
Championships
 Cambodia Post Trip Parent
Evening
Table of Contents
From the Principal
1
Staff Profile
2
Curriculum
2
Cocurricular
6
Sport
7
Parents
8
From the Principal
Catherine McAuley Award
Last week was a very busy week in the College. On Tuesday at the College Assembly, the
Catherine McAuley OLMC Parramatta Alumnae Award was presented. The Award which is an
initiative of the OLMC Parramatta Alumnae Association is presented each year to a significant ex
-student. This year’s recipient was Carol Harding who completed her education at the College in
1964. Carol married her husband Ken in 1967 and, in addition to the eight children they had,
they fostered three others. Now the family gather together once a week at the Harding home and
they regularly have 20 – 30 there for dinner!! Carol has been very involved in her local
community in sport (Little Athletics, Netball) and in 1998 she received the RSL ANZAC Award for
Community Service and for her contribution to community and sport, Carol was selected to carry
the Olympic Torch for the Sydney Olympics.
While her children were growing up, Carol worked as a volunteer at St Bernadette’s Castle Hill,
St Michael’s Baulkham Hills, Parramatta Marist High and Gilroy College. In 1991 Carol accepted
a position at St Michael’s Family Centre Baulkham Hills, one of the works of the Sisters of
Mercy, as a Support Worker and has worked there ever since as a Case Worker, Case Manager
and from 2006 as the Coordinator of the Family Support and Accommodation Program. Carol
has attained a Diploma in Community Service (Welfare) and has a Diploma as well as Facilitator
credentials at St John of God Institute of Counselling Life Skills Program.
In speaking to the students Carol emphasised the wonderful opportunity she had to carry on the
work of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy. Her dedication, commitment to justice and
care for women and children less well-off demonstrated most clearly to all who had the privilege
of listening to her how she is indeed a true woman of Mercy. Carol is a worthy recipient of the
Catherine McAuley OLMC Parramatta Alumnae Award.
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College Open Day
On Thursday amid all the rainclouds, we welcomed over 200 visitors to our Open Day. It was a great opportunity to showcase the skills
and talents of staff and students. The staff in a variety of classes demonstrated their expertise across a range of subject areas from
Mathematics, Drama, English, Technology, Music, Languages to Science. The students were excellent ambassadors for the College and
many of the visitors were extremely complimentary about the Homeroom Leaders who acted as tour guides.
CSDA Public Speaking
Last Friday night the first round of the CSDA Public Speaking Competition took place at Marian College Kenthurst. Congratulations to the
12 students who participated and special congratulations to the five students who were successful in going through to the Zone Final.
Thank you to Mr Ostrowski and Mr Llewellyn-Evans for their support of the girls.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Isabella Khoudair who achieved 5 th Place in the All Schools Intermediate Triathlon competition. Isabella will now
compete at the National Championships. Congratulations also to Alecia Anderson and Mikayla O’Connor who are competing in the
National Open Swimming Championships which will be held in Adelaide this week. We wish them well for these coming events.
Kitty Guerin
Principal
Staff Profile
I enjoy working at OLMC and being in the IT Department at the College as there are many challenges; the College is
fast paced with many frequent changes in ICT so this alone keeps my team and me on our toes.
I previously worked for a large Food Manufacturer as the IT\Projects engineer working with different operational areas
of the business and providing IT solutions to enhance their business opportunities. I have also worked for a Global
manufacturing company where I held the position of IT Technical Services Manager, again providing IT
solutions\services to the business.
Matthew Marcellino
Manager Information Services
Curriculum
Library Report
It has been very refreshing to be able to begin 2012 with the new library a familiar part of the OLMC landscape.
This year, the patronage of the library has increased immensely and there are many lessons where every available spot is occupied.
Years 8 and 9 Science, Years 9 and 10 History, Year 11 Ancient History, Year 11 SOR 2, Year 10 Food Technology and Year 11
Economics have been busily researching for assessment tasks and gaining valuable assistance from the Teacher Librarians. In addition,
Year 11 and 12 students utilise the facilities of the library during their study lessons.
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Year 11 and 12 utilising the Senior Study Area
Extended Library Hours
To date there have been 2 sessions of the extended library opening hours and this has been wholeheartedly embraced by the Year 11 and
12 students with well over 30 students at each session.
Year 7 Notebooks
On February 7 the Year 7 students received their new notebooks from the library and each core group has completed one library
orientation lesson. Later in the term, another lesson has been organised to consolidate and build on their knowledge of the College’s
resources and how to use them.
Resources of Catherine McAuley Library
As there are many families who have joined the OLMC community this year, it is timely to reiterate the services that the library offers.
All students at OLMC are encouraged to utilise a variety of different sources when undertaking research tasks. The OLMC Infor mation
Gateway (illustrated below) provides the perfect starting point for research. This page opens automatically when students acc ess Internet
Explorer and should be utilised to gain maximum success when searching the internet. These resources can also be accessed via
MyOLMC
Some of the components of the OLMC Information Gateway which may assist all students with internet searching are:
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Library Catalogue - as well as books, this is a great starting point for finding suitable websites. It is arranged in subjects and
provides students with more educationally suitable results than searching with Google. This catalogue works from home.
How to – provides step by step instructions for important skills such as referencing research tasks, literacy scaffolds, printing and
scanning in the library and how to construct a table in Word.
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Components specifically for Junior Students
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The College subscribes to two encyclopaedias – World Book Encyclopaedia and Encyclopaedia Britannica. Being a subscriber
enables us to access these resources at various levels e.g. World Book Advanced and World Book for Kids. Often there are
suggested websites and other avenues to research. Both encyclopaedias require a username and password from home (these
passwords are contained in a file called “online passwords’ on the front page of MyOLMC.
Ebsco - provides access to full text newspaper and magazine articles and the password is provided in the above file.
On the front page of MyOLMC there is also a link to ELES which is an on line Study Skills Handbook. The password from home is
also in the above file.
Fiction
Year 7-10 Wide Reading classes are a regular component of the English program at OLMC where students enjoy the opportunity to have
time to read for pleasure.
Years 7-9 students are all encouraged to participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge which runs from March 5 until August 31. Details
have been outlined to Wide Reading classes and all parents/carers are encouraged to support their daughters in reaching the m ilestone of
twenty books.
The Reader’s Group
The Reader’s Group under the guidance of Mrs Ebbott meets on Wednesdays at lunchtimes in the library. The members of the group are
very enthusiastic readers and enjoy sharing their latest reading exploits as well as taking part in the varied reading activities.
Year 7 students who enjoy reading are encouraged to join the group – it is a great way to meet and share ideas with fellow students in all
year groups who love reading.
Pauline Tan of Year 8.3 – Winner of the Library Lover’s Competition
Friends of OLMC Parramatta
For many years, we have had a group of “friends” who have provided assistance to the library staff for a couple of hours or as much time that
can be spared. We would like to extend an invitation to new families that have recently joined the College to become a member of this group.
Your participation would be most appreciated. Please contact Mrs Hackett on 88381211 if you are interested.
Mrs Christine Hackett
Coordinator of Library Services
TAS Report
What a difference twelve months makes. The beginning of the 2012 school year has been much smoother with the Food Kitchens being fully
equipped and operational. Classes have enjoyed the opportunities made available with the new facilities.
Year 7 Technology students are excited to be experiencing a variety of technologies in the TAS subject area. Learning how to thread and use
a sewing machine, mark and cut timber on the scroll saw and use kitchen equipment are life skills that contribute to lifelong learning. By
completing the On Guard Safety tests students are made aware of the hazards and risks encountered in each of the different workshop
environments.
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Year 8 Food students are planning and organizing a child’s birthday party. Practical experiences are incorporated into the unit to develop
food preparation skills. Students were able to put into practice some of these skills by designing the labelling appropriate for packaged biscuit
samples distributed on Open Day.
Research, designing and experimentation are all part of the steps experienced in design projects in Technology. In the wood w orkshop, Year
8 are experimenting and developing their skills on the scroll saw and in the use of the drill as part of their clock design. It is rewarding to see
their fears vanish as they develop confidence in using the equipment.
There has been considerable excitement with Year 9 Textile Technology students as they fold, twist and stitch fabrics in preparation for
dyeing. The excitement reaches a crescendo as the fabric is unfolded after the dyeing process is complete. The colours and patterns rival
Joseph and his coat of many colours. The lengths of fabric will be made into a fashionable maxi dress, results of which will be paraded at the
end of the year in the TAS Exhibition.
Year 9 Design and Technology are embarking on a new project under the guidance of Ms Combe. Skills are being developed in the use of
equipment in the wood workshop to produce an adjustable deck chair suitable for a young child. Once the wood frame is produced, textiles
skills will be used to create a delicious striped canvas cover. The end product will be the envy of any young child.
Are you looking for a special hat for the racing carnival? Year 10, Design and Technology participated in a hat making workshop. The results
are worthy of any race carnival outfit. Students will build on these skills and develop a range of hats reflecting a chosen inspiration.
Year 11 Textiles and Design are in the process of producing a corset as a textile art. The inspirational ideas are strongly r eflected in the
choice of colours and decorative techniques used. It is very exciting to see the end products being paraded in November at the TAS
Exhibition.
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This report gives just a glimpse of what is happening in TAS. Are we only in Week 8 of Term 1? It is a very active subject area developing
skills in a variety of materials. Much of this could not happen without the enthusiasm and dedication of the TAS staff. We welcome to our
faculty Miss Hayley Brown, who brings outstanding skills and passion in the TAS area.
Robyn Scott
TAS Coordinator
Cocurricular
National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
On Friday March 16 2012 schools throughout Australia will join together to celebrate the annual National Day of Action Agains t Bullying and
Violence. The focus of the day will be on parents and families taking a stand together with school communities and recognising the important
role everyone plays.
I would encourage parents to:
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Visit the new parent portal on the Bullying. No way! Website http://www.bullyingnoway.com.au/talkout/nationalday.shtml to get ideas
on how to support your child as a victim or bystander of bullying, or if they are displaying bullying behaviour.
Visit the cybersmart website to get ideas on how to safely guide your child's online experiences.
Wear orange on the day to show your support for the National Day and take a stand together.
Encourage your child to visit the Kids Helpline website and let your child know it is okay to contact them if they want to talk to
someone else.
On Friday girls are encouraged to wear an orange ribbon to show their support for this National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.
Girls are encouraged to visit the new www.takeastandtogether.gov.au website. They are also able to download the free iPhone application
that includes resources on how to manage bullying and also an Avatar game.
Anne-Maree Donnelly
Acting Assistant Principal
Study without Stress Program
Years 10, 11 and 12 are a challenge for most students. With the time-pressure and high expectations associated with the High School
Certificate, many students find this period very stress-provoking.
"Study without Stress" is a new program being offered at the The Centre for Emotional Health (Macquarie University).
It is designed to specifically target the difficulties many students have in coping with the building stress during Years 10, 11 and 12. The
program teaches students cognitive and behavioural skills to manage the stress of the increased workload and pressure for per formance
associated with the HSC.
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Understanding stress
Stress management
Challenging unhelpful thinking styles
Managing high workloads
Dealing with exam anxiety
Tips for managing procrastination
Tips for keeping perfectionism under control
Problem solving
Creating a study-life balance
This program is ideal for students already experiencing high stress levels. However, it is also very beneficial for students who are in the early
stages of the HSC, to learn skills to deal with the increased stress that they will face as the HSC period continues.
What do I do now?
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If you have any further enquiries or would like to express interest in our program, please feel free to contact the Clinic di rectly on (02) 98508711.
website : http://centreforemotionalhealth.com.au/default.aspx
Anne-Maree Donnelly
Acting Assistant Principal
Public Speaking
Last week saw the beginning of competition for no less than thirteen students. On Wednesday, Bernadette Weston of Year 10 took part in the
first round of Rostrum Voice of Youth, held at Jamison High School at Penrith. Bernadette competed in the Senior Division against students
from Years 11 and 12, and her third placing is a credit to her talent. Although she does not progress to the next round, Bernadette can be
proud of her efforts. Thank you to Mrs Lynch, who gave up her time to attend the competition and support Bernadette.
On Friday night, twelve girls took part in the first round of CSDA Competition at Marian College, Kenthurst. The postponement from the week
before (because of flood threats) meant the girls were well and truly ready to perform, and the results reflected this. Five students progressed
to the semi-finals this Friday. Bridget Kirwan and Breeanna Mathews (both Year 7), Anita Donovan and Helena Rainert (Year 10), and Elise
Deprez (Year 10 but competing in Senior) all impressed the judges. Elise’s effort was particularly praiseworthy as she not only competed in a
higher division, but also came in late to replace a student who had to withdraw. All girls, however, are to be congratulated on their
achievement. The other girls who competed also performed very well, but unfortunately did not get the judge’s nod. Well done to Ashleigh
King and Madison Noud (Year 8), Natasha Martin and Alessandra Rodrigues (Year 9), Mounira Batach and Jodie Rodrigues (Year 11) and
Alison McGuirk (Year 12). Thanks must also go to Mr Llewellyn-Evans and Mrs Lynch, whose coaching and support for the students played a
big part in their success.
The venue for this week’s semi-finals had not been decided at the time of the writing of this report, but we wish all girls the best of luck on
Friday.
Mr Christopher Ostrowski
Public Speaking Coordinator
Sport
OLMC Cross Country Carnival
This year’s Cross Country Carnival will be held on Monday March 26 through Parramatta Park. This is a normal school day. All girls in Years
7-10 will be participating in the Cross Country Carnival during Periods 2 and 3. Periods 1 and 4 will be as normal for Day 1. Any students in
Years 11 or 12 who would like to participate can fill in a nomination form from the student centre and will compete in with t he other year
groups.
Students in Years 7 to 10 will be allowed to wear their PE uniform to and from school on the day. Water will be provided but it is encouraged
that all students bring their own water, sun protection and asthma medication.
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NSW All-Schools Triathlon
On Tuesday March 6 Isabella Khoudair (Year 10) and Isabella Mamas (Year 7) competed at the NSW All-School Triathlon as individuals.
Isabella Mamas, competing in the Junior Division, finished 17 th in NSW CCC. Isabella Khoudair, competing in the Intermediate Division, has
shown great determination in the past year and it has paid off. Isabella finished 5 th overall! In doing so, she has also qualified for Nationals.
She will be competing in WA in April. We wish her all the best.
On Wednesday March 7 OLMC competed in the NSW All-School triathlon Team Event. OLMC was represented by Alexandra Kuznicki, Sara
de Silva, Madalyn Incognito, Sasha Ho, Sophie O’Reilly, Samantha Assaf, Jazmin Kokoszka, Chloe Singleton, Bronte Owens, Caitlin
Edmonds, Isabella Khoudair, Daniella Milicevic, Alecia Anderson, Maddison O’Connor, Aleen Khoury, Jasmin La Hood, Caitlin LeMottee,
Alison McGuirk, Madeline Ibrahim, Talia Kuznicki, Sofia Jenson, Katie Mater, Alana Leabeater & Emma LeMottee. Congratulations to
Isabella, Caitlin & Daniella who finished 3rd in Intermediate NSWCCC, a fantastic effort. Alecia, Aleen & Maddison finished 6 th in Senior
NSWCCC, Madeline, Talia & Sofia finished 12th, Katie, Alana & Emma finished 19th and Caitlin Jasmin & Alison finished 24th. In Juniors Sara,
Madalyn & Alex finished 7th in NSWCCC, Sasha, Sophie & Samantha finished 22nd and Bronte, Chloe & Jazmin finished 53rd. Well done to all
the girls and a big thank you to Ms Sunner for all her help.
CGSSSA Touch Football
On Wednesday March 7 OLMC competed in the CGSSSA Touch Football Championships. With a change of venue due to ground closures,
we made a two hour trip into Queens Park. The Junior Team which consisted of Madielyn Nolan, Madison Noud, Chloe Deprez, Rebecca
Castor, Madeline Ferguson, Gabriella Wehbe, Elleanor Jones, Meagan Sultana, Alexandria Colosimo, Montana Eltakchi & Marissa M entis,
had a tough pool and were defeated by Brigidine & Monte. But the Juniors were able to defeat Domremy which put them into the 2nd Division
playoffs. The Juniors pulled together and won their quarter-final and semi-final. They then went on to defeat Brigidine in the Final.
The Senior Team, which consisted of Taylor Mikaelian, Rhianan Karlic, Sarah-Jane Eltakchi, Natalie Apikotoa, Cynthia Bellucinni, Courtney
Duguid, Sarah Wehbe, Kaylah Franklin, Kaitlin McCaffery, Ashley Gray & Patricia LaHood, were playing to reclaim their title. They easily
defeated Waverley, Ashfield & Hurstville in their pool to move into the finals. They then easily defeated Loreto in the quart ers, then had a
tough semi against Monte. Monte lead 2 nil, but with true OLMC spirit, the girls re-grouped and ended up scoring 3 tries, one on the buzzer,
to move into the Grand Final. The Grand final was against Brigidine, but they were no match for our senior girls who won 5 – 2 and were
crowned CGSSSA Champions for the 3rd year in a row. A fantastic achievement girls, well done.
Thank you to Mr Turl for all his help with the teams.
IGSSA Swimming
On Friday March 9 OLMC competed at the IGSSA Swimming Championships. The team consisted of Jessica Grubba, Johanna Cusack, Amy
Gallegos, Madalyn Incognito, Rebecca Ibrahim, Katie Mater & Alecia Anderson. All the girls swam really well against a very strong field.
Congratulations to Jessica Grubba, Katie Mater, Madalyn Incognito & Alecia Anderson for making the finals. Unfortunately Jessica was sick
and was unable to contest the finals, but a valiant effort considering she was sick.
A big thank you to Ms Sunner and Mrs Mater for all their help.
Stuart Guthrie
Sports Coordinator
Parents
Parents & Friends Association contact details: [email protected]
Vaccination Time
March 20 2012
Dear Parents/Carers,
Year 7 girls will receive the HPV dose 1 vaccination as well as a Hep B dose 1 vaccination on Tuesday March 22 if returned consent forms
have been received.
Year 10 girls who have returned a signed consent form will receive a booster dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis on the same day.
The girls are permitted to wear their PE unfirm for the entire day, including travel to and from school. Girls are reminded to wear the correct
footwear, white lace up sport shoes and not Volleys or Rabens.
Girls are able to bring their iPod to listen to while waiting for their injection.
Students will be expected to bring their normal school bag as notebooks and all other equipment that will be required on that day must also
be brought to school.
Please feel free to contact me at the College on 9683 3300 should you have any queries regarding your daughter’s immunisation program.
Ms Ann-Marie Herd
Acting Director of Pastoral Care
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From the Uniform Shop
Shop Location:
Telephone:
Trading times:
Price List:
Email:
4-6 Ross Street (corner of Trott Street)
8838 1275 (If unattended please leave a message)
Monday and Wednesday – before school - 8:00am - 9:30am
Please visit College web site www.olmc.nsw.edu.au/generalinfo/uniformshop.html
[email protected]
Student uniform orders – Uniforms can be ordered and paid for over the telephone or via email. Ordered uniforms are then collected at
the Uniforms Shop or the Student Centre.
Winter uniforms – Letters were sent to Years 7 and 11 students last week advising arrangements for the sale of winter uniforms. Please
respond to this letter now even if you already have uniforms. All winter uniforms will be available from March 23. At present we do have
some supplies but not every size.
Winter uniform trading times – as well as the normal Monday and Wednesday before school (8:00am – 9:30) the Uniform Shop will be
open on Friday March 30 and May 5 between 3:00pm and 4:00pm. In addition the shop will be open on Saturdays March 24 and 31, April
21 and 28 and May 5. To purchase uniforms on a Saturday you will require an appointment and appointments can be made by calling the
shop on 8838 1275.
Gold Merit Certificate Students – Students who have been awarded the Gold Merit Certificate and want their blazer pocket embroidered
can now leave their blazer at the Uniform Shop. Blazers need to be at the shop by Wednesday March 21. Blazers can then be collected on
Wednesday March 28. Please have your letter of notification in the pocket.
Paul and Christine Bourke
Uniform Shop