SMC Newsletter - Chiswick House School

St Martin’s College Newsletter
Autumn Term 2012 - 2013
MIDDLE SCHOOL, SENIOR SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM
SMC Academic Team
Director: Ms Bernie Mizzi
Head of Sixth Form: Mr Tonio Pace
Head of Middle & Senior School: Mr Patrick Padovani
Head of Early Years and Junior School: Ms Anita Seguna
Head of Registrations & Senior Leader - Promotion and Communication:
Ms Roberta Zammit Briffa
Senior Leader responsible for Premises and Operations: Mr Nello Calleja
Financial Controller: Ms Clare Camilleri
Head of Recruitment & Professional Learning: Mr Joe Balzan
Senior Leader - Administration & Procurement: Ms Marica Portelli
Pastoral Care Team Coordinator: Mr Julian Xuereb
Senior Leader Registrations and New Initiatives: Ms Sharon Scerri
Middle School Coordinator: Mr Bertrand Bonnici
Senior School Coordinator: Mr Anthony Abela
College Secretary: Ms Lina Chircop
Middle School Secretary: Ms Christianne Cassar
Sixth Form Secretary: Ms Rita Camilleri
Front Office Administrator: Ms Diane Erasmi
Librarian: Ms Romaine Petrocochino
Area Coordinators
ALP: Ms Charmaine Micallef
Creative Arts: Mr Victor Bezzina
English: Ms Maria Rosner
International Languages: Dott. Ernestina Cassar
ICT: Mr David Cutajar
Maltese: Mr Dennis Aquilina
Mathematics: Mr Steve Zammit
PE: Ms Jenny Pace Hickey
Humanities: To be appointed
Sciences: Mr Andre Seguna
Level Coordinators
Junior 6: Mr Mario Borg
Form 1: Ms Daniela Farrugia & Mr Mark Cutajar
Form 2: Mr Bertrand Bonnici
Form 3: Ms Rita Gatt
Form 4: Mr Charles Zammit
Form 5: Ms Pat Camilleri
Pastoral Care Coordinator: Mr Daniel Schembri
Activities Coordinator: Ms Andreana Spiteri
Spiritual Director: To be appointed
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Middle School
Dear Parents,
We hope you have all enjoyed a restful Summer and
that, like us, you are looking forward to another
enjoyable and successful scholastic year. In another
busy Summer period we have been carefully putting
together programmes, class lists, policies and outings
with a focus on consolidation and enrichment
throughout. We welcome all our new students whether
in Junior 6, Sixth Form or at any level to St Martin’s
College. We would also like to welcome all Form 3
students to Senior School. We look forward to working
with you all in the forthcoming years and are sure that
your children will find their time at St Martin’s College
valid, challenging and fruitful.
This newsletter highlights some interesting events
that took place in the last term as well as some of the
activities we look forward to. We thank you for the
ongoing feedback and support you provide.
We wish all students success in another busy and
rewarding year ahead.
Mr Patrick Padovani
Head of Middle & Senior School
Mr Tonio Pace Head of Sixth Form
New Level Names
In conformity with international level nomenclature we are moving
towards a harmonized system in which all schools will have similar
level names to ease transition and comparisons.
Senior School
Junior 6 (Middle 6)
Form 1 (Middle 7)
Form 2 (Middle 8)
Form 3 (Senior 9)
Form 4 (Senior 10)
Form 5 (Senior 11)
SF1 (SF 12)
SF2 (SF 13)
Sixth Form
News & Events
Scholastic Year 2011-2012 Term 3
Form 2 Rinella Outing
On Thursday 26 April 2012, the Humanities Department organised a visit for the Form 2 students to Fort Rinella that
was built during the time of the British rule in Malta. This visit is complementary to the History curriculum at St Martin’s
College in which students are encouraged to appreciate the military heritage of the Maltese Islands. During this visit
the students experienced, at first hand, how the British Empire defended the Maltese Islands during the 19th and early
20th centuries. Malta’s importance in the British Empire was also highlighted, and the students appreciated and better
understood our Island’s proud history. The students also got a chance to see a British military drill and how soldiers
carried out their military exercises.
Ice-cream day for a good cause
On Friday the 27th of April, the students of Junior 6 Yellow held an Ice-Cream Day for all Middle School children. This
initiative was a result of their desire to organise something positive for those less fortunate. It was a great success, raising
almost 400 euro for charity. The students decided to donate the money to the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation
Fund, a very worthy cause.
We are so proud of our children for their generosity and thoughtfulness. Well done!
Form 1 GES outing – Falconry and Limestone Heritage
On Friday the 4th May all Form 1 students were taken to
Siggiewi for a day trip to view two of Malta’s top tourist
attractions.
The Malta Falconry visit was a big hit with all the students.
They had a chance to see many different species of birds of
prey from the Maltese Falcon, to the Golden Eagle, African
Fish Eagle and Vulture some of which were partly covered
as they were protecting their eggs. The kids were given
information about each bird and allowed to take pictures
and ask questions about any species.
There were also many more types of owls and smaller
falcons out in the open and this time not behind cages.
This allowed students to see the birds very closely. All
this excitement was followed by a show in which several
students held birds on their arms and saw some very large
animals very closely. They especially enjoyed it when the
teacher was asked to attract a large eagle with a fake rabbit
and had to run for dear life.
After this we made our way to the Limestone Heritage
where we began our visit by watching a film clip of Malta’s
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Middle School
History and the development of the limestone heritage. This
was followed by a guided tour of the park with headsets
allowing students to move along the figurines at their own
pace, showing the way limestone is quarried.
The part the students enjoyed most was the limestone
carving where they got to experience, hands on, the way
you can work with this soft stone. They were also able to
take home their own piece of art work. At the same time
they were given a chance to see the animals held at the park
and enjoyed some time to relax and have lunch.
A very enjoyable and informative outing for students and
teachers alike.
Senior School
Sixth Form
News & Events
Scholastic Year 2011-2012 Term 3
Jr 6 GES Outing
On the 8th and 9th May our Junior 6 students went on a
school outing to Farsons Brewery. During this outing the
students were encouraged to ask questions regarding
import and export, environmental problems, the
importance of this industry in the Maltese economy, issues
concerning the consumption of alcohol and the number
of people involved in the primary, secondary and tertiary
sectors.
As part of the outing the students were taken around the
brewery where they were able to see machinery related
to beer and soft drink production. They were also taken
around the building where they were given a brief history
of the brewery. At the end students discussed various
issues over a soft drink.
ROCK THE HOUSE 5
The fifth edition of Rock the House featured a large
number of talented Middle School students. The event
took place in the school amphitheatre on Tuesday 15th
May and entertained all Middle School students for the
last three lessons of the day.
Nearly fifty students presented their talent in music,
drama and dance, and another ten contributed to the
smooth running of the event through their help in front
of house or backstage.
All Middle School Students and staff were united in
cheers for friends who performed after having gone
through auditions, hours of preparation, a number of
feedback sessions and a technical rehearsal before the
final performance.
The programme was varied and entertaining, and
consisted of individual and group singers, solo
performances on guitar and piano, solo and group
dancers and a comedy sketch. A group song featuring
staff and students from the Lion King rounded off the
concert. All performers then gathered to sing a finial
song.
The Numbers were prepared by students and their
dedication was evident. Well done!
Roll on Rock the House 6!
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Middle School
Senior School
Sixth Form
Sports at SMC
16th May: Girls Athletics Aggregate Meeting
6th June Waterpolo Festival
Our Girls showed great dedication and commitment as
Wednesday 16th was a Professional Development Day at
CHSMC and still, they came to school, enthusiastic about
competing in this inter-school meeting. Our U/12 Girls
placed 2nd overall, while our U/13 placed 3rd overall,
which allowed us to place 2nd Overall in the Junior
Category. Our SS Girls placed 5th overall.
A very young waterpolo team, mainly consisting of Form 3
and Form 2 students (and one Junior 6 student) competed
in the Waterpolo Festival which we have organised for the
past 4 scholastic years. Despite losing all 4 games, the boys
gave their all and did not stop despite the defeats.
17th May : Swimming Festival
A group of 10 students attended this fun swimming
festival, which involved fun games and swimming races.
No scores were kept as the primarily aim was to promote
swimming.
23rd May : Boys Athletics Aggregate Meeting
Unfortunately our MS group placed 7th and our SS
group placed 8th overall. We are hoping that with the
introduction of the Fitness Sessions, more students will
be running and will understand the benefits of regular
physical activity. Apart from that, Athletics will be pushed a
lot more next year, with individuals having more practicetime throughout the scholastic year rather than mostly in
the last term.
28th May : Swimming Aggregate Meeting
This event was our most successful inter-school
competition of the year! The students scooped up 21
individual medals, 6 Gold, 11 Silver and 4 Bronze, and they
also placed first in both the boys and girls relay races! Our
MS Girls won 2nd place in the overall standings, while
our MS Boys placed 1st and our SS Boys placed 3rd in the
overall standings, which allowed them to place 1st out of
the 10 schools and win it by a 5-points lead ahead of the
second placed school, San Andrea.
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Middle School
Next scholastic year ...
Next year we will be selecting the best athletes to
represent SMC in inter-school competitions. In order to be
of a certain level, they will need to meet certain criteria
as set up by the Sports Dept. Age will no longer be the
determining factor when selecting teams, but quality too
will enable students to qualify. In this way, even if students
are younger, if dedicated enough, attend sessions regularly
and are qualified they stand a good chance of being chosen.
Peeking in the future ...
We are looking at the long-term future of not simply every
team in every sport discipline, but of every individual
here at SMC. The Sports Dept is working tirelessly to
come up with innovative programmes and schedules for
our students at SMC. We are structuring a plan wherein
our athletes at SMC will be given individual attention
throughout every week of the scholastic year, will have a
2-way communication session when necessary, and will
report back in log-books (provided at the beginning of
the year) of their respective training sessions outside of
school. We are currently working on a 5-year plan and we
are hoping to officially deliver our project to the Heads in
the coming weeks. Every journey begins with a single step!
The PE Dept would like to thank all heads, teachers and
members of staff who have helped us throughout the year.
Senior School
Sixth Form
Drama Trip 2012
St Martin’s College has once again organised its annual drama study trip to London in May. The students were given the
exciting opportunity to work with professionals from fields of dance and drama at the prestigious Pineapple Performing
Arts School. Whether it was ‘popping and locking’, a branch of hip-hop dance, improvisational comedy or physical
characterisation, the students were exposed to a wide range of performance skills and definitely received the chance to
hone their creative energies.
St Martin’s College offers this one-week programme to provide students with a taste of what being part of a formal theatre
is like. They learn about the skills, discipline and dedication required of career professionals and are given the chance to
improve on existent dramatic and dance-based talents.
My Experience on the LONDON TRIP!
A week I will never ever forget is the week in which I went to London with my friends and teachers from St Martin’s
College. From the first week of May I was on cloud 9, having fun with friends and having a good laugh but still learning
so much about dancing and acting.
On the very first day our teachers, Mr Cini, Ms Erica and Ms Marica took us to the Natural History and Science Museum.
It was full of different models and interactive models so it was super easy to have the time of our lives. We were so busy
pressing buttons and reading chunks of information that the time flew by and soon we were in our hotel rooms ready to
go to bed.
For most of the week we went to Pineapple Dance Studios. Here we met a couple of great actors and dancers. They taught
us break-dancing, popping and locking and many others. After only 5 days at Pineapple we put on a show for our teachers
and they were amazed!
Some of the highlights of the week for me were the West End Shows we went to watch. I honestly cannot pick a favourite
because they were all special and fun in their own way. ‘Shrek the Musical’ was funny and it made me remember how
much I enjoyed Shrek when I was younger, but this time there was singing too! Next there was ’39 Steps’ which had an
element of mystery but was full of comedy. Even though there was no music it was still great because of the miming which
was used a lot by the characters. Lastly there was Roald Dahl’s story, ‘Matilda the Musical’ which was sweet and funny. It
was inspiring to see children my age or younger on the stage singing and acting. They were amazing shows and we had
great seats so we could laugh and enjoy the shows.
After all that hard work at Pineapple we were overjoyed to go to Chessington World of Adventures! We screamed and
laughed and had a whole lot of fun spinning around on the rides. And even though it was cold and drizzling we still had a
great time! It was a very fitting end to one of the best weeks of my life and I’ll NEVER forget it!!
Rachel Abela
Form 1 Red
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Middle School
Senior School
Sixth Form
PGL Trip 2012
Liddington Centre
Kayaking, Giant Swing, Zip Wire, Understanding the Environment, Map Challenge, Quad Biking, Jacob’s Ladder and
Treetop Trail are just a few of the multi activities, our Form 3 & Form 4 students experienced throughout their stay, in
PGL Liddington center in Wiltshire, UK, from the 1st to the 9th of April 2012.
The Centre itself has 150 acres of land, with natural landscape including the woodland and two lakes and eleven full size
football pitches where Swindon Town football club train daily under the supervision of Paolo Di Canio.
Besides the Adventurous Activities, and Field-Studies sessions, such as improving the environment and adaptations held
during the day, our students also enjoyed evening entertainment activities such as quizzes, Easter egg hunt and much
more. In addition to this, an Easter Sunday Mass was held at the PGL center for all teachers and students.
The trip also included an excursion day, which consisted of shopping in Westgate Shopping Centre and a fantastic visit to
Cotswold Wild life Park, in Oxforshire, where most of us were left amazed by the various species such as Rhinos, Giraffes,
and may other mammals, reptiles and birds.
All students where supervised by their teachers at all times, We therefore would like to thank Ms Cynthia Ransley, Ms
Jenny Pace Hickey and Mr. Anthony Abela for their hard work and dedication towards making education and learning,
enjoyable and constructive in a different way.
We are already planning next year’s trip with great anticipation and since we do have a limited space, do plan ahead to
avoid any disappointment, therefore contact, The Coordinator, Ms Cynthia Ransley on [email protected] for
further details.
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Middle School
Senior School
Sixth Form
Lejla Maltija - Maltese Night at SMC
During Term 3, the Maltese department held a series of activities to mark Maltese week at the College. Students had
the opportunity to interact with local authors and continue to appreciate their literature. Trevor Zahra, Ivan Debattista,
Claire Azzopardi and Rita Saliba visited the students and discussed their works in the College library. Under the
dedicated guidance of their teachers, students addressed various topics related to Maltese culture, traditions, crafts and
the geography of the Maltese islands.
The activities of the week culminated in an evening activity at the College. This allowed the students to showcase their
work which ranged from paintings and poems to photographs. A number of local artists too exhibited their work, such
as an exhibition of incredibly intricate egg art. Local producers of olive oil and honey provided those present with an
opportunity to sample their products.
Throughout the evening, entertainment was provided by the students attending St Martin’s College. A number of acts
were included. These included the reciting of Maltese poems, dancing and singing. A group of students sang a number
of Maltese songs, while the audience gladly joined in. Other numbers were sung by Mandy Tabone, the duo made up of
Mandy and Orville, and Charles Dalli and the group Xtend. Christabel Borg, Corazon Mizzi and Daniel Testa who are past
and present students of the College also sang songs as part of the evening’s programme.
College teachers Chris Bonnici and James Utting played traditional Maltese marches in a small band that was put together
for the occasion. Members of the Għaqda tal-Armar ta’ San Ġorġ, Qormi and the Kumitat Festi Esterni ta’ San Ġwann
decorated the premises with large flags and traditional village feast banners. Hand painted flags were displayed by Mario
Muscat.
Nathalie Demicoli, another teacher of the Maltese department, coordinated an art exhibition in collaboration with the
College’s art department. Various art students exhibited their works.
An interesting exhibition of models made by Carmelo Camilleri, was also set up. These included scale models of the
traditional coloured fishing boats - the luzzu and kajjik. The terramaxka , a musical box that was traditionally pulled along
the streets by a donkey, attracted the attention of the young children in the audience.
A set of statues was displayed by the artist Robert Bartolo. These were primarily made of clay or wax and displayed
religious figures such as Saint George Preca and different scenes from the life of Jesus. Students were able to appreciate
the detail, skill and passion that Maltese craftsmen put into their work. Authors Oliver Friggieri and Trevor Zahra were
the special guests of the evening.
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Middle School
Senior School
Sixth Form
Francofête 2012
This year St Martin’s College students participated in
the annual francofête activity organised by the Centre
franco-maltais de documentation et de recherche to
celebrate the Journée de la Francophonie on March
20th. This event is open to all secondary school
students of French across Malta and Gozo.
Designed to promote discovery of aspects of French
culture, activities included a quiz for Form 3 and 4
students, and a competition for Form 1 and 2 students
who created models and posters inspired by a French
region or a speciality linked to a French town.
Despite intense competition, St Martin’s students won
3 prizes. Sara Vella placed 2nd in the Form 4 quiz and
Julia Kosorukova won 1st prize for her exceptional
poster of Dijon mustard and was thus was awarded this year’s Form 2 trophy.
SMC Library News
The library is open during September on Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays between 9.00-12.00 and we
urge students to make the most of this opportunity to
borrow books and catch up on their reading during the
remaining Summer holidays. Have fun, relax and read
an exciting and wonderful book because ‘reading is a
basic tool in the living of a good life’ (Mortimer J. Adler,
American philosopher).
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Middle School
Senior School
Sixth Form
Student of the Month
Class
of the
month
Feb/
March
2012
6 Red
1 White
2 Yellow
April 12 6 White
May 12
9
6 Red
Student of the
month
Matthew Tortell
Nicole Brockorff
Neil Brincat
Excellence in
Sports
Upholding
St Martin’s
Image
George
Martha
Micallef Attard Portelli
Sue Pace
Simon Apap
Dean Ciantar
Patrick Brejza
Thomas
Wareing
Jacques
Galea Souchet
Vojtech
Rottenberg
Hanna Chircop
Philippa
Desira
Prize for hard
work
Gabriel
Elena Rizzo
Micallef
Daniel Cutajar
Thomas Borg
Christine Gafa’
John Blake
Mohammed
Philippa Galea
Salomone
Kyra Lautier
Kelly Azzopardi
Kate Pace
El Haddar
Middle School
Prize for
Maltese
John Blake
Megan Bonello
Steven Galea
Thomas Grixti
Matty Galea
Souchet
Daniel Muscat
Sarah
Demicoli
Mia Vickery
Marc Aquilina
Jean Pierre
Said
Adam
Bradshaw
Michela Galea
Louisa
Valenzia
Violeta
Toncheva.
Laura
Demicoli
Senior School
Julia Woods
Julia
Kosorukova
Zachary Perini
Casey Bonnici
Kayleigh Gauci
Alexia Bonnici
Shaun Chircop
Petra Chircop
Adam Abela
Tessa Borg
Bartolo
Ella Zahra
Sixth Form
Altruism
Daniel
Caruana
Alexander
Deeley
Steven Grima
Bettina
Ellul Vincenti
Bettina
Cassar
Torreggiani
Reading
Desiree Sant
Amoury
Deborggraeve
Thomas Vella
Krista
Caruana
Andrea Saliba
Kayleigh
Gauci
Max Vassallo
Agius
Keith Bajada
Bettina
Camilleri
Ambassador of the People’s Republic
of China visits SMC
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malta, His Excellency Mr Cai Jinbiao, visited St Martin’s College.
He was met by the Mr Patrick Tabone as well as Mr Patrick Padovani, and Mr Tonio Pace.
A choir made up of College students, coached by Ms Mandy Tabone, welcomed the Ambassador. Their rendition of
the Maltese song Il-Bajja tal-Mellieħa was particularly well received. Our thanks to Ms Mandy and our students for the
thorough preparation involved.
Ambassador Jinbiao had the opportunity to visit various classes from Middle School through to Sixth Form, where he
spoke to teachers and students. He also toured the various facilities and laboratories of the College.
In preparation for the event, students discussed various aspects of Chinese culture during their Active Citizenship and
Cultural Studies (ACCS) lessons. They were then given an interesting talk by the Ambassador where he explained his
work in Malta, relations between China and Malta and the educational system in China. Students were then presented
with a slide show about China after which the Ambassador answered questions that the children put to him.
The Ambassador was presented with a beautiful painting inspired by the Tarxien Temples. It was especially painted for
the occasion by Corinne Sammut Micallef Grimaud, one of our highly dedicated art students.
At the end of his visit, Ambassador Jinbiao presented the College with a number of interesting books about China,
its history, geography, culture, traditions, art and Chinese folk stories. These books will now be placed in the College
library and will complement the already extensive range of books.
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Middle School
Senior School
Sixth Form
Sixth Form
The last term for our Sixth Form students ended with a grand finale – the Sixth Form Thanksgiving Mass and School
Leaving Ceremony. 48 students proudly received their School Leaving Certificate to culminate the end of a two-year
journey. Mass was concelebrated by Fr Brendan Gatt, whilst Awards and Certificates were presented by Prof. Alfred
J. Vella, Pro-Rector at the University of Malta. Ilona Deguara and Jorinde Degenhardt delivered speeches, which were
delivered with emotion and a touch of humour. One of our First Year students, Eleanor Borg sang the National Anthem.
An element of surprise and anticipation prevailed just before ten students were called up to receive special awards.
Mr Tonio Pace, Head of Sixth Form, explained the idea behind these awards: A number of qualities which form part of
a complete learning process have been identified. These are qualities which we value and try to promote in our Sixth
Form. The Awards were given as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Academic Excellence - Sophie Degiorgio, Hannah Flynn and Abigail Galea
Co-operation and Collaboration - Ilona Deguara and Thomas Fenech
Independence and Initiative - Veronica Castillo
Leadership and Good Judgement - Nick Bradshaw
Resilience, Perseverance and Tenacity - Chiara Monterosso and Giulio Sammut
Self-Discipline - Martina Woods
The ceremony ended with refreshments and music in the Piazzetta. It truly was a memorable evening for all.
This summer, Sixth Form has remained a hive of activity, starting off with a very well-attended Open Evening that was
held in July. Prospective students and their parents met with various Sixth Form teachers and the Career Guidance
Team and were shown around the college. Another Open Evening was held early in August, for our Fifth Form School
Leavers. Revision classes for Chemistry, Biology and Pure Maths have been ongoing and planning is well-underway for
the new scholastic year, which is proving to see a record number of new entrants to Sixth Form.
The new year for our First Years will kick-off with a Welcome Evening for new students and their parents on the 26th,
followed by Induction Day on the 27th and Icebreaking Day on the 28th September. Lessons will start on Monday 1st
October.
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Middle School
Senior School
Sixth Form