- St Aloysius` College
Transcription
- St Aloysius` College
Friday, 19 July The world is round so that friendship may encircle it. – Teilhard de Chardin SJ Issue 2013/18 THE RECTOR Welcome back to Term III. This is a significant term, especially for our Year 12s as they complete their Trial HSC Examinations and Valete ceremonies. We pray the Spirit guides them through this final journey of their schooling. The Junior School has just commenced their Readathon, which will continue throughout Term III. As well as fostering skills in – and affection for – reading, this activity raises much-needed funds for Jesuit Mission. This year, the funds raised will be directed to the new Jesuit school in East Timor, Saint Ignatius of Loyola. The ten-minute film A New School for a New Country (http://youtu.be/IRebUDvOIwk) outlines some of the progress with the school. In a country where forty percent of families live on less than $1,000 a year and where almost half the population has little education, the opportunity for an education plays an important role in the transformation of the country. Education gives hope for the future. Our school community at St Aloysius’ shall endeavour to raise money to support this school, and the teachers’ college, over the next few years. Our faith is often witnessed by the care we offer each other. During the holidays, I received a note from a family saying: We would like to express our thanks to the College for the monies raised by the Year 12 students and staff to replace our son’s bike after it was recently stolen from our front porch. We were completely overwhelmed, as a family, at the generosity displayed by the students and teachers in responding to his misfortune. The true Aloysian spirit was displayed by the fine young men, in particular Ben Fong, who took it upon themselves to help their mate and ‘right a wrong’. We thank you both from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do to instil these values into these young men. This week, Mr Joe El-Khoury, Kamil Mrówka SJ and I shall accompany a group of fifteen of our Year 10 and 11 students, who will be representing the College at World Youth Day (WYD) in Brazil. We go with hearts open to the wonders that God has in store for each of us. Please pray for our young men as they embark on this pilgrimage of faith. We shall be in Chile this week, where we will spend time in Maipo parish, meeting the local people and contributing a little to painting and cleaning some community buildings. On 21 July, we travel to Rio de Janeiro for WYD activities that will include cultural activities, music festivals, catechesis, sharings and Stations of the Cross, culminating with an all-night Vigil and Final Mass with the Pope. It promises to be an extraordinary time. It is quite humbling to realise we are inspired by the same belief and companionship amidst such great diversity. Following the activities of WYD Rio 2013, we have a Retreat at Iguazu Falls with other pilgrims from the Sydney Catholic schools. In 2011, the Catholic Education Office sent over 500 student and teacher pilgrims to Madrid, and this year we join some 350 pilgrims from the Sydney Catholic schools. World Youth Day is one of the largest international celebrations in the world today. Pope John Paul II saw it as a way to reach out to the next generation, to show confidence in them, to rejuvenate the Church and to ensure that the important teachings of Jesus are shared and lived. In 1985, the United Nations declared International Youth Year and, to celebrate, in 1986 the Pope welcomed youth from all over the world to Rome for the first WYD. This was followed by Buenos Aires and about one million people attended. In 1989, it was celebrated in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. In 1991, Poland hosted WYD in Częstochowa and brought together over a million young people. In 1993, WYD was in Denver, Colorado. The largest WYD by attendance was in 1995, when nearly four million people gathered in Manila. Paris was the host city of WYD in 1997. Young people converged again in Rome in 2000. Toronto hosted WYD in 2002. In 2005, WYD pilgrims warmly welcomed Pope Benedict XVI in his homeland of Germany and over one million pilgrims went to Cologne. Many will remember the 2008 WYD in Sydney. In 2011, about two million young people went to Madrid for WYD. It is estimated that over two million young people will gather in Rio de Janeiro on 28 July to celebrate Mass with the first Latin American pope, Francis. The theme for WYD in 2013 is Go and make disciples of all nations! (Mt 28:19). In Matthew’s Gospel, after the death of Jesus, the disciples were frightened and locked inside their fear. The encounter with the Risen Jesus encouraged them to go forth with confidence. Mary Magdalene, and Peter and John at the empty tomb find faith, and proclaim that Jesus is alive and walks with us. The theme encourages us to recognise the light of Christ, which dispels the darkness of fear and doubt. It encourages us to be witnesses even in situations of pain and conflict, and to go beyond borders that divide and the barriers that cause rancour. The theme of WYD Rio 2013 invites young people from all over the world to witness to a living and renewing faith, helping transform the world. We, too, pray the Pilgrim prayer of Pope Benedict: Lord Jesus Christ, pilgrim of Emmaus, you make yourself close to us for love, even if, at times, discouragement and sadness prevent us from discovering your presence. You are the flame that revives our faith. You are the light that purifies our hope. You are the force that stirs our charity. Teach us to recognise you in the Word, in the house and on the Table where the Bread of Life is shared, in generous service to our suffering neighbour. And when evening falls, Lord, help us to say: ‘Stay with us’. Peter Hosking SJ THE PRINCIPAL The final week of Term II concluded with the celebration of the feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga. During that last week of term, the Richard Walker-Powell Medal was presented to Alex Hatten (SAC 2006) in recognition of his ongoing work with Life for Kids in Redfern, our musical talent was on display in an extremely well-received Gala concert, our Year 12 Drama students had their Showcase performance and the Gonzaga Society (more elderly members of the Old Boys and their spouses) had its biannual Mass and lunch. Aloys’ Day, itself, is one of two occasions where the whole school is together (the other being the Annual Distribution of Prizes). One celebrates the religious identity of the school, while the other marks the academic enterprise. The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist in the Great Hall. Year 3 led the procession in, placing candles at the foot of the World Youth Day cross. Our musicians were magnificent in providing the music for the liturgy. Two boys, Joseph Mayer from Year 6 and Tom Mendes from Year 11 provided an insightful reflection into St Aloysius through a two part play. A number of Junior School boys enacted the gospel through liquid movement while it was read. Our three Gap students were farewelled as was Kamil Mrówka SJ who leaves us early this week, via World Youth Day, to return to his studies for priesthood in Poland. Our newest old boy, Edoardo Fumagalli (Year 9), was acknowledged prior to him returning to Rome. It was truly an occasion to lift our hearts in prayer and song, affirming something of the heart and soul of our school. Much of the rest of Aloys’ Day was spent in celebration. The agenda was simply to have fun, and this is no bad thing. Various bands and musicians entertained us in the Great Hall. There was the Gonzagarama film festival of student productions. The staff and students played a game of Basketball. Money was raised for the Philippines immersion, an orphanage in Uganda and for the Jesuit school in East Timor. Bennies promoted a petition for human rights. And there was a wide range of rides. For our Year Twelves it was their last Aloys’ Day, and one further step on the home straight for them. In staffing news, Mr Phil Turnock, our Head of English, is away this term on paternity/long service leave. Ms Carla Maxted takes over the running of the Department. Three new Gap Students have commenced at the College: Harrison Walsh and Steven Kaaber-Gore from Stonyhurst College in the UK and Daniel O’Sullivan from Clongowes Wood College in Ireland. Steve will work in the Music Department and Daniel with Year 7, while Harrison will work in the Junior School. A new version of the School Diary has been rolled out this term on the iPads. It is the creation of two of our Year Eleven students, Giorgio Doueihi and Declan Scott, who have created a more userfriendly and personalised electronic diary. It was the boys’ initiative, and illustrates another dimension to news skills being unlocked by the technologies available to the boys. At the start of holidays, some sixty cadets spent five days on the Cadet Promotions’ Course at Singleton. The College congratulates all those who gained promotions. We also congratulate the new student leadership of the Unit for the coming year: Senior Under Officer (SUO) Daniel Pigott Adjutant Callum Ryan Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Harrison Duncan Support Company Commander Dominic McEwen Support Company 2IC Lachlan Brimson Alpha Company Commander Will Noonan Alpha Company 2IC Elliot Knox Bravo Company Commander James Dainton Bravo Company 2IC William Calov Staff Sergeant Bravo Tommy Lewis Charlie Company Commander Joshua Hertz Charlie Company 2IC William Wade Staff Sergeant Charlie Joseph Dirckze Logistics Commander William Boyd Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (RQMS) Ben McLellan Training Officer Declan Scott Training Warrant Officer 2IC Ben Nissen Training Warrant Officer-Signals Conor Lyons Training Warrant Officer- Medics Tom Raeside 2 IC Medics Edward Dennett Training Warrant Office- Engineers Michael D’Souza Training Warrant Officer-Scouts George Stylianakis These appointments also mark the first transition of leadership to the Class of 2014. During this term, Prefects for the coming year will be selected. One of our tasks as a College is to provide as much as possible a range of experiences of leadership for students. Congratulations also to the younger cadets who achieved promotions within the Unit. As usual, there were numerous other activities during the holidays. Mr Sam Di Sano and Mr Greg Duggan took fourteen Year 11s on a Philippines immersion experience. William Calov and Sean Thomson also participated in the third Jesuit and partner schools’ immersion to East Timor. Such immersion experiences have become very much a feature of the Jesuit schools in Australia. Thirty Year 11 students undertook the four-day Kairos retreat at Tallong. Jonathan Boyle from Year 12 was the Rector, and was ably assisted by student leaders Josh Caccamo, Ben Kyriazis, John Lewis, Matt Tarlinton and Henry Wright, all from Year 11. Young Old Boy, Nicholas Aboud, provided a valued Old Boy presence. Mr Paul Batten and Mr Nico Lariosa SJ also assisted Mr Ticinovic and myself in running the retreat. Again, the boys have a significant experience of community in the context of exploration of self, their relationships and their spirituality. Providing significant retreat and immersion experiences have become key elements in nourishing the spiritual life of the school. Our Firsts Debating team of Sergio Badilescu-Buga (Year 12), Ethan Sommers (Year 12) and Damien Vickovich (Year 11) competed at the Jesuit Schools Carnival at Riverview. Sergio was named in the Australian Jesuit Schools’ Debating team. Thirty-six students from Years 5 to 10 and four staff attended a Snowsports camp, with a number staying on to compete in the Interschools’ competition. My thanks to Mr Michael Rogan, Mrs Marianne Rogan, Mr Chris Oxley and Mr Michael Taylor. Bill Biviano (Year 8) qualified for the NSW finals. Last Saturday, our A teams in both Rugby and Football played trial games against Oakhill College. The First XI won 3-1 with Mason Yates (Year 12) scoring two goals, and Adrian Peronace (Year 11) scoring a goal. The Year 8s and 9s also scored impressive wins (Ben Wong, Year 9, scoring five goals!) with the 7As drawing. In Rugby, the 16As scored a good win, but Oakhill had the better of the other results. The College also congratulates a number of boys who attained representative honours during the break. 2 Fabijan Krslovic (Year 12) played in the Australian U19 team in the World Championships, though his participation was cut short by an injury in the first game. The team came fourth. James Reid (Year 11) represented NSW in the National Championships in Water Polo in Perth. The team came second. In Fencing, Lachlan Fitzgerald (Year 12) placed second in the State U23 Epée championships. At the 2013 Australian National Fencing Circuit Cadets (U17) and U15s Tournament, Kelvin Peh (Year 9) was selected in the NSW team in Epée. In Foil, Emmanuel Lapitan (Year 10) was selected in the U15 NSW “A” team. Young Joseph Mayer (Year 6) was selected in the U15 NSW “B” team. A reminder, too, of the upcoming Rugby lunch on 26 July. In addition to supporting the Foundation and the Rugby programme at the school, it will provide an opportunity to hear Bill Pulver (CEO of the Australian Rugby Union), Michael Hawker AM (Chair of the Australian Rugby Union) and our own Keith Gleeson (SAC 1993) discuss future direction for Rugby. Finally we wish Fr Peter, Mr Joe El-Khoury, Kamil Mrówka SJ and our fifteen pilgrims from Years 10 and 11 (Lachlan Brimson, Liam Crisanti, Harrison Duncan, Austen Hunt, John Lewis, Tommy Lewis, Joshua Maas, Liam MacWhite, James O’Sullivan Avery, Nick Paton, Conor Roberts, Connor Scicluna, Liam Shiel-Dick, Konrad Stilin and Daniel Wade) all the best, as they venture to Rio for the celebration of World Youth Day. Students from Aloysius’ have participated in World Youth Day since Toronto in 2002, followed by Cologne in 2005, here in Sydney in 2008 and Madrid in 2011. A number of young Old Boys are also attending, either with the Jesuit Magis programme for young adults or with local church groups. THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL Welcome back all to the start of Term III. I hope that the three weeks’ break was a pleasant reprieve from the challenges of regular school routine, especially once you managed to survive the wet and cold weather during the first week. It is hoped that this new term, while promising lots of action as always, will be more even paced, thanks to the relatively longer duration of ten weeks. Some of the highlights include annual examinations in Week 9, a number of ICAS competitions (which are listed in the diary), the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola on 31 July, Grandparents’ Day on 15 August, IPSHA Performing Arts Festival on 7 August – amongst others. Grandparents’ Day is a much-looked-forward-to event on the Junior School calendar and so is the Fr Schneider Cup. Please note that there is a change of date for the Fr Schneider Cup this term. The new date is 13 August, which is just over a week earlier than that listed in the diary. We will remind you of the important dates as we get closer to these events. Chris Middleton SJ Oremus Let us pray For those who have died: Gino Tagliavia, grandfather of Adrian (Year 11) & Antony (SAC 2012) Peronace Glenn Sunderland, grandfather of Nick (SAC 2006), Bill (SAC 2008) & Patrick (Year 11) Sunderland Jenny Welch, grandmother of Lachlan (Year 5) & Curtis (Year 3) Welch John Sherwood (SAC 1955) Dr Paul (SAC 1935) & Kevin (SAC 1937) Cahill, brothers of Dr Lloyd (SAC 1932)(dec) & Dr Peter (SAC 1942) Cahill Maureen Ross, sister of Mick (SAC 1955) & Denis (SAC 1961) Morris Ask and you shall receive … knock and the door will be opened unto you.” (Matt 7:7) If you would like someone to be prayed for by the College community (even anonymously), please pass the details to the Rector WHAT’S COMING UP 20 July Year 6 Parents’ Function 23 July Vaccinations: Years 7&9 HPV (Dose 2) & Year 7 VZV 24 July Your Son in Year 10 25 July Year 7 Parents & Sons’ Study Skills Evening 26 July Rugby Lunch Tutor Outings 27 July Year 7 Parents’ Function 28 July Year 8 Family Mass & Morning Tea 29 July Year 9 Dance Newest members of the Junior School Community: Julian Boyle, Harrison Walsh (Gap Scholar) & Benjamin Chery I would like to extend a very warm Aloysian welcome to two new students to the Junior School this term. Benjamin Chery (Year 4.1) and Julian Boyle (Year 4.2), and their families, have recently returned from Paris and Singapore, respectively, having spent several years there and other places, due mainly to work commitments. Please make them feel welcomed into our extended family. On the staffing front, we welcome Harrison Walsh from Stonyhurst England as our new resident Gap exchange scholar. Three practicum student teachers from Notre Dame University will be with us for this Term. Jessica Kerr (Year 5.4), Kirstie Greig (Year 5.3) and Scarlett Kasperski (Year 6.3) will mainly work with classes as designated, but will also teach and learn from and with all teachers in the Junior School. A small number of staff attended miscellaneous professional development courses over the break, and I was fortunate enough to be invited and able to attend two thoroughly informative and enjoyable conferences. The first one of these was the ICP (International Confederation of Principals) held in Cairns and the second one was the annual Jesuit Province Gathering held at Riverview. The first one primarily focussed on the quality of teaching and learning in world’s leading nations and/or cities such as Finland, Shanghai, Japan, and Hong Kong, relative to the education systems in the English-speaking world – in particular, Australia. Professor Yong Zhao, author of World Class Learners – Educating Creative and Entrepreneurial Students and Presidential Chair for Global Education with the College of Education at the University of Oregon, was inspirational in his presentation on how we can and should challenge our students to be creative and entrepreneurial by developing their ability to solve problems, and not just to wait for and carry out instructions. The goal of education he said is for every child to be “better than they are now” and that education should be a personal 3 experience where each one is developed and measured against his/her given gifts, and not just certain sometimes arbitrarily agreedto common standards. Amongst other presenters, it was a joy to listen to Tim Costello (brother of the other famous Peter Costello) and retired head of our Defence Forces, General Peter Cosgrove. The Province Gathering was a time to meet colleagues from various Jesuit ministries around Australia and reflect on a couple of important challenges facing the Catholic Church in general – and especially for those like ourselves working in the education ministry – on how we must take most seriously our responsibility of protecting and safeguarding our children from abuse and the forces of evil. We were able to share the thoughts and insights of leading professionals in the area of child protection, and reflect on our obligation to unreservedly be sorry for all transgressions of the past and walk compassionately with those hurt and still hurting – as Jesus would want us to. Finally, I would like to remind everyone about the upcoming Rugby fundraising luncheon to be held at Sofitel Hotel in the City on 26 July. This event, like the very successful Football luncheon held late last term, goes a long way in resourcing the College’s sporting programme especially in Rugby and Football. While the British & Irish Lions may have had the last laugh in 2013, you never know. We could be helping produce a world-beating Wallaby or two for the 2025 series out of our Junior boys, just by coming along and having some fun with your fellow parents over lunch. Please go to www.trybooking.com/CNVP to secure your place. Our congratulations this week go to the following boys, who are celebrating their birthdays: 15 July Andre de Mestre 16 July Braith Alexander, Joaquin Cipriano 17 July Connor Eaton 19 July Tom Mateffy 20 July Finn Harrison 21 July Will Hyde Martin Lobo The SAC Rugby Lunch will be held on 26 July (2nd week of Term III) The following is one of the fabulous items that will be up for auction: 7 nights’ stay in a luxury villa in Bali (sleeps ten) (fixed dates 22-29 September 2013 – last week of the holidays) Enjoy . . . ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ A 15-metre infinity pool Five staff A luxury vehicle and driver, inc transfers from Denpasar Five extra-large bedrooms This package is valued at $12,250 – and could be yours for a lot less! So, plan a group, book a table and make your best bid on the day. For a preview, visit www.goodwillgetaways.com/home/bali-joglo-villa Bookings at Trybooking.com/CNVP CURRICULUM NEWS THE GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT Impressive Results: Students at the College posted impressive results in the 2013 Australian Geography Competition. It is wonderful to see our students performing so well. We want our students to learn about the world, and the connections between places and people, so that both now and in the future they are inspired to care and to make a difference in the world in which they live. The Competition is open to students studying Geography in all years of secondary school. The Competition is a joint initiative of the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland and the Australian Geography Teachers’ Association. The Geography Department would like to congratulate the boys, who achieved an impressive 93 High Distinctions and 51 Distinctions. Each year more than 75,000 secondary school students from around Australia test their geographical knowledge and skills in the competition. Students are also required to demonstrate their knowledge of global and local geographical issues. Three Year groups – Years 7, 9 and 10 – sat the test. One third of the candidates, some 144 boys, achieved either a High Distinction or a Distinction. The boys competed by three age categories – Junior, Intermediate and Senior. The boys who achieved a High Distinction or a Distinction are listed below: Junior Distinction: Fergus Abbott, Sebastian Christie, Samuel Davis, Samuel Droga, Luis Esteban, Mason French, Jamie Graham, Matthew Hipkiss, James Knaap, Thomas Larkin, Charles Laukka, Thomas Lukic, Max Mazaraki, John Murray, Andrew Nicholson, James Price, Alexander Rahme, Charles Sengupta Junior High Distinction Ned Aedy, Nathaniel Breen, Joshua Chahoud, Patrick Dawson, Nicolas De Matteis, Jason Djafar, Joshua Esman, Dylan Ferguson, James Fernie, Thomas Gillis, Liam Gorman, William Greenland, Daniel Hughes, Sebastian Judge, Patrick Kelleher, Joseph Knox, Max Marchione, Bobby Melhem, Rhys Michelis, Joshua Mortimer, Fintan O Shea, Max Paul, Matthew Rannard, Alexander Rozenauers, Edward Smith, Michael Sywak, Xavier Tafft, Sam Trotter, Jack Vozzo, Joseph Whyte Intermediate Distinction: Nicholas Angelucci, James Browning, Topie Burt, Patrick Butler, Pearce Cohen, Luke D’Cruz, Daniel Fane, Luke Gelagin, Dominic Harrison, Steven Heyen, James McFadden, Andrew Holland, Kelvin Peh, Anthony Pham, Lachlan Riches, Jack Scanes, Benjamin Shatek, Eric Stene, Timothy Tagle, Alex Walker, Joshua Wong, Martin Wrzos Intermediate High Distinction: Patrick Brimson, Jack Buckley, Liam Burke, Kieran Casey, Gaelan Chalk, Jack Clarke, Liam Crisanti, Thomas Crosby, Jonathan Curulli, Liam Denvir, Patrick Doyle, James Elhindi, Alexander Favotto, Shaun Foo, James Forster, James Frederiksen, Luke Gorman, Keegan Gyoery, Joseph Hansen, Nathaniel Harverson, Matthew Hayes, Aidan Haynes, Alexander Heath, Gerard Hughes, Benjamin Kassabian, Jeremy Kendy, Alex Keogh, John Kim, Alexander Lalor, Marcus Lee, Kenneth Leung, James MacNaughton, Andrew Makin, William McDermott, John McNally, Brendan McRae, Nicholas Mechtler, James Morel, Maximilian Molloy, Ollie Moore, Joshua Moran, Kristian Murray, Thomas Nowlan, Karl Peric, Adam Perkovic, Sebastian PorterZadro, Alex Robinson, Zachary Sanchez, Oliver Scharkie, Justin Shaw, Liam Shiel-Dick, James Tian, Conrad To, Daniel Vlachos, Daniel Wade, Christian Walsh, James Willock, Max Worrall Senior Distinction: Luke Dennis, Alec Diamond, Jack Gilroy, Sean Irving, Sam Lawson, Christian Pappas, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Rush, Milo Ryan, Julian Sheldon, Edward Whiston Senior High Distinction: Dominic McNally, Alexander White Rob Marchetto Head of Geography/Legal Studies PASTORAL NEWS THE DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL SERVICES The holidays are always a time to relax, recharge the batteries, reflect on what has passed and look forward to the future. One of our parents shared an interesting analogy with me at the end of last term, based on the concept of positive psychology, and I thought I would share it with you. The concept was also reinforced in the holidays when I attended a leadership course on how to analyse your strengths and weaknesses. 4 The analogy is provided by Dr Robert Biswas-Diener, the Indiana Jones of Positive Psychology. He likens weaknesses to the hull of a boat. It doesn’t matter how great the boat, the hull will always leak. The amount of attention you should pay to your weaknesses depends on how much water they let in. Sometimes the leak is only minor, and you just end up sloshing around in a bit of water in the bottom of the boat. These weaknesses can be ignored – there is really no harm to come from them. Sometimes the weakness creates a bigger leak, and some attention must be paid to prevent the water from rising – maybe a bilge pump or bucket is needed to drain the water out. Other times, the weakness is so great that it threatens to sink the boat, and at these times the boat must be taken from the water, put into dry dock and completely repaired. You need to deal effectively with your weaknesses to make sure they don’t sink you. But focus alone on the weaknesses won’t move you anywhere. You need sails to propel you forward, and these are your strengths. Your strengths are where you should invest your time as these are the things that will help you explore new lands and have great adventures. Trying to make minor improvements in things that really don’t matter is a poor use of limited time and energy. Developing strengths, which energise yourself and others, and which will make you feel happy, fulfilled and productive is a very wise investment indeed. Dr Robert Biswas-Diener’s motto is: Build on what’s strong versus fix what’s wrong. Apparently, Dr Sandy Gordon (Australian researcher) used this concept on the WA & Sri Lankan cricket teams. I managed to finish reading the autobiography of Andre Agassi in the holidays, titled Open, as I have a great personal love for tennis. In many ways, I feel that Andre Agassi was an example of someone who would have greatly benefitted at an earlier age to focus on his strengths and not dwell on his weaknesses. It is wise advice for all of us. Will Calov and Sean Thomson in the group that went to Timor Leste Philippines and Timor Leste Immersions: I have included here a couple of photos of the boys who attended the two immersions in the holidays. Once again, I thank all those that contributed to the success of these Immersions, especially the teachers who travelled with them. Sam Di Sano & Greg Duggan with the Philippines Immersionistas Kempsey Immersion: At Tuesday’s Year Assembly, Year 9 students were given information outlining the application process for the Kempsey Immersion, taking place later this term. Students and parents should have received the relevant information in an email. Don’t forget the application deadline is 22 July. Chris Gould THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY THE ALOYSIAN 2012 Every student who attended the College in 2012 should have received a copy of this annual from their Year Co-ordinator in the Senior School. They were distributed in the Junior School on St Aloysius’ Day. Magar Etmekdjian Editor STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL The last Friday of Term II saw the College celebrate the feast day of our patron, St Aloysius. Both the Junior and Senior Schools celebrated the day, with a whole school Mass in the morning, followed by rides, food, the annual Aloys’ Got Talent competition and Gonzagarama movie competition, as well as Year group events throughout the day. The day provided the boys with a fun way to finish the term, enjoying the blow-up jumping castles in the Quadrangle, the bucking bull in the Year 12 Common Room and cupcake sales in the Canisius Room. Amongst all the fun of the day, it was this year decided by the SRC to not supply the students with a donut for the day. This money was saved, and is now being donated to the Manjeri School Project in Uganda, co-run by Old Boy of the College, Oliver Doraisamy. This amount of over $1,600 will be added onto contributions already made this year by the SRC, on educational and farming supplies for the school to help the many disadvantaged children in the area. Additionally, for the first year in almost eight years, the dunking machine was brought back to Aloys’ Day. Father Middleton, Mr Di Sano, Kamil, Mr Portelli and some Year 12 boys all volunteered time to sit on the machine, suffering the wet and freezing temperatures to help raise money for the College’s East Timor partners, with over $2,000 being contributed to building houses in East Timor. In all, almost $7,100 was raised for charity on the day, a huge amount that will no doubt go far in each respective case. Thank you to all students and teachers who made the day possible, for the generous heart of the monetary donations made, as well and time and effort put in by many students and teachers. Also, particular thanks must be made to all SRC reps, especially our newly voted Year 7 reps – Oliver Boyle, Thomas Verschuer, Louis Esteban and Harry Hertz. Also, a huge thank you to Mrs Loomes for her consistent contributions to Aloys’ Day over the years. Liam Thomson Chair of SRC 5 SECONDHAND UNIFORM SALE Anyone interested in purchasing well-loved, second hand uniforms for your boys in the Junior or Senior Schools, please come along on 6 August, from 8.30-9.30am. The sale will be held outside the Uniform Shop (Dalton Hall, Jeffreys Street). If you wish to donate any uniforms prior to the sale, please drop them off at the Uniform Shop. Thank you for your support. For any further details, call me on 0407 977 180. Jenny Carter THE PARENTS’ & FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION Term III is upon us and it is full steam ahead. Welcome back for what will be a term of beginnings and endings. Year 12 boys head towards their final endeavours and the Year 11 boys will be approaching their final year at school. We have a parent volunteer for the Jesuit Mission role that was recently advertised in The Gonzagan, Ruth Tate-Young. Ruth has sons in Years 8 & 10. The P&F, on behalf of the school, would like to thank you Ruth for taking on this important role in assisting with the Indian Bazaar. Ruth needs a few helpers for the day and in the lead up to 14 September. One role in particular is to help manage the silent auctions. If you are able to assist Ruth, please contact her directly by email ([email protected]). To conclude the efforts of our boys’ sporting teams, several end-ofseason dinners are proposed, so look out for the details and support your son’s sport finale for the winter season. Each year, the North Sydney Parish of St Mary’s hosts a Women’s Night of Spirituality. This year’s event will be 11 September. Always an amazing night, this year’s speakers include Kath Evans (recipient of St Mary MacKillop’s second miracle), Sophie Kearns (linguist & Director of Pastoral Care at SCEGGS Darlinghurst) and Lyn White (Campaign Director for Animals Australia, animal advocate & animal cruelty investigator). The evening is hosted by the parish of St Mary’s and Caroline Jones, who is a well-known member of the media and community in Australia. Entry is by donation and funds go to the respective charities the three speakers’ support. If you can get to nothing else this year, make this the occasion that you do go to. The Year 7 Parent Night is coming up on 27 July. There is a copy of the invitation, with all the details, later in this issue. A special welcome to all the new Year 7 parents is being extended. Please do not be shy to come along and meet other parents in your son’s year. The Year co-ordinators, Jo Marchione and Claudia Whyte, would be happy to answer any questions. REMINDERS The next St Aloysius’ P&F discussion and meeting will be held on 4 of September and all parents, as usual, are most welcome. A reminder that we have copies for sale of the Entertainment Book – a very popular discount voucher book for a whole range of entertainment options across Sydney. The P&F receives a donation on the sale of each book, so if you would like to do buy one please see the note later in this issue. They have a special free home delivery option until 31 July so order now and save. The Year 6 Parent Night is tomorrow night (20 July). Finally, our prayers and thoughts are with all the boys (and their families) and staff who departed this Wednesday for the World Youth Day events. We wish them all the best on this journey of a life time, and look forward to reading of their experiences on their return. P&F 2013 DIARY DATES 20 July 27 July 10 August 16 August 18 August 31 August 1 September Year 6 Parent Night Year 7 Parent Night Year 10 Parent Night Opening Night, Senior School Art Exhibition: 6.00pm [Canisius Room] Year 11 Mass & Morning Tea Year 9 Parent Night Fathers’ Day Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) Conference: The attendance at the Conference, held on 25&26 May, was outstanding – each day, 200 parents and educators from dioceses across NSW, as well as the Qld Catholic Parents’ Association. Both Federal and State MPs for Parramatta attended the opening. The theme was iConnect. Delegates were given iPads to use and were encouraged to Twitter and post items to the conference webpage wall. That alone, was very educational and a big learning curve for many there. The calibre of speakers and topics was high. Andrew Fuller, child psychologist, spoke about how we as parents and educators help kids not just develop resilience, but be optimistic about their future, so that they can capitalise on their full potential. Andrew was full of practical and useful strategies. Father Richard Leonard, speaker on “Getting Real – being on mission with Christ”, lived up to expectations with a powerful and inspiring message to parents about the Good News story of being a Catholic. CONTACT DETAILS Chairman President Vice-President/President Elect Vice-President/Pastoral Care Secretary Assistant Secretaries Treasurers Assistant Treasurers Logistics Co-ordinator (JS) Logistics Co-ordinator (SS) Oval Canteen Co-ordinator Prayer Group Co-ordinator Simon McSweeney 0418 111 956 Merin Boyd 0419 969 111 Marte Tagle 0424 662 668 Bryan Jenkins 0414 355 255 Jacqui Stene 0408 969 766 Sophie Lynch, Barbara France & Margaret Cassidy Marie & Chris D’Cruz 0413 255 400 Sandra Menendez & Carina Colinares Jacinta Eaton 0419 213 882 Catherine Verschuer 0404 050 673 Harry Boudakin 0418 474 111 Edwin Lapitan 0410 463 517 THE SENIOR SCHOOL CANTEEN The following parents have kindly offered their services in the Senior School Canteen for the week commencing 22 July: Monday Leigh Carroll, Doreen David, Louise Kelly, Joanne Perry Tuesday Martha O’Meally-Spence, Marisa Anderson, Cathyn de Mestre Wednesday Amanda Swann, Patricia McCarthy, Marie D’Cruz, Kay Jamieson-Kell, Caroline Thomas Thursday Caitlin Douglas, Lynne Shearman, Petra Mazaraki Friday Erin Buckley, Kylie Craig, Barbara France, Eleanor Noonan Nadia Lorenzutta Canteen Manager THE UNIFORM SHOP The Uniform Shop operates Tuesday and Friday from 8:00am to 3:00pm during school term. Delivery to Junior School: Orders can be made by email, phone (from 9.00-11:30am) or leaving a message on our answering machine. Items will be delivered to the Reception at Junior School for collection before lunch. Please inform your son to collect from Reception. Bob Stewart Credit Accounts: I urge that, if you have not yet opened a Credit Account with Bob Stewart, kindly please do so; as it 6 helps to process transactions much faster and gets the boys back to their classes. For more information, please go on to the College website, under Uniform Shop, to download the form. If you do not wish to open a Credit Account, please obtain a form of payment for your son to make a purchase. * If you would like to send your son to the shop for a uniform purchase, we are happy to fit him for your convenience. We accept cash, cheques (payable to “Bob Stewart Pty Ltd”), credit cards, EFTPOS or Bob Stewart Credit Account.* Irene Lau Supervisor ([email protected]/9955 4193) CO-CURRICULAR NEWS THE DIRECTOR OF CO-CURRICULA The 2013 Rugby Lunch is only one week away. It is not too late to purchase tickets for what should be another fantastic lunch. Speakers include Bill Pulver (CEO Australian Rugby), Michael Hawker (former Wallaby test centre & current ARU Chairman), and ex-student and former Irish Rugby International, Keith Gleeson. Profits raised from the lunch will go towards rugby at the school as well to the College Foundation, who is organising both events. Booking details are available online. Please refer to fliers later in this issue for more information. Last Saturday, our 1sts rugby and 1sts football teams, along with A teams in both codes, played Oakhill College, in friendly trial games in preparation for CAS competition recommencing this week. In football, the 1sts won handsomely 3-1 but could have easily added to that score. The 10As went down 0-2.The 9As’ 6-0 win included Ben Wong contributing five goals!! The 8As won 3-2, whilst the 7As had to settle for a 0-0 draw. Rugby teams overall were not as successful as the football teams. The 1sts were beaten four tries to one, but the team was minus many key players. The team started strongly and dominated early possession and territory, but failed to convert that to points. The 16As played impressively as a team, to win 33- 12. Oakhill was too strong in other age groups. The Australian Jesuit Debating Carnival was held during the recent holidays and was hosted by Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview. The competition was keen amongst all eight Jesuit schools competing. Our team finished officially fourth, being beaten by Xavier College, Melbourne in the playoff for third placing. Little separated the top four teams in competition. Congratulations to host school Riverview in winning the final against Saint Ignatius’ College, Adelaide. Year 12 student Sergio Badilescu-Buga was selected in the Australian Schools’ Debating Team, announced at the end of the carnival. Whilst on debating, the CAS season begins this Friday with debates at home against Trinity Grammar. Good luck to all coaches and teams involved. In fencing news, three of our school fencers represented NSW at the Australian Fencing Circuit Cadets during the holidays. Kelvin Peh (Year 9) competed in the U15 and U17 Epée teams, and individually. Emmanuel Lapitan (Year 10) also competed in the U15 Foils team and individually, and was later selected to join the U17 NSW B team following excellent performances at the tournament. Despite being only in Year 6, Joseph Mayer participated in the U15 Foil competitions and did well enough to join the U15 NSW B Team. Well done to all boys. Also, Lachlan Fitzgerald came second in the NSW U23 Epée Championships during the break. Congratulations, Lachlan. Athletics pre-season training commenced late last term. Trainings are on currently on Tuesdays at Rotary Athletics Field and at school on Thursdays. The official season is fast approaching – only four weeks away. Any potential athlete hoping to do well this season is strongly encouraged to attend at least one of the sessions. This Saturday, our sporting teams play Barker College with 1sts’ teams playing away at Barker. Good luck to all coaches and players. Cross country is at Centennial Park at 10.00am. Taekwondo is not on this Saturday, but resumes next week. Paul Rowland THE SPORTSMASTER Welcome back to Term III and the remainder of the winter season. Over the past months, several issues have come to the fore in sport – both in the wider community and within our association and school. Issues of performance-enhancing drugs, racial vilification and spectator behaviour have certainly been prevalent in the media. Performance enhancing drugs in elite sport again reached the international press this week, with news that top level sprinters had been found to have produced positive doping tests. This is the last in a long litany of stories this year, including Lance Armstrong’s fall from grace. At present, the College is working towards producing a policy on how the issue of performance-enhancing drugs will be dealt with within our school. The final policy produced will be one of information and guidance in which future perspectives on education, testing and sanctioning will certainly be explored. Due to questions over both the efficacy and safety of long-term use, the College strongly advises against ‘legal’ nutritional ergogenic aids – such as creatine, caffeine tablets, individual proteins, amino acids and Fat Burners. While these products are not illegal, and individuals are free to make their own choice regarding their use, a balanced diet in conjunction with proper exercise prescription should be adequate for boys to meet their performance needs. During National Indigenous Reconciliation Week, the issue of racial vilification in sport received attention, with Sydney Swans player Adam Goodes being taunted by a spectator. Mr Goodes immediately identified the individual, which allowed security staff to act immediately in apprehending a thirteen-year-old girl. Last term, I received several reports from families or coaches of our boys who had reported similar abuse to them. In each of these cases, I contacted the relevant school who followed up the allegations internally. Being targeted in this manner is totally unacceptable and I commend these boys for speaking up and reporting the abuse. While it is certainly hurtful to be targeted in this way, by reporting it you fail to become a victim of it. In the future, if any boy feels they have been the target of racial vilification I would ask them to report it to their team captain, the match official and their coach or manager immediately. The sooner a positive identification of the perpetrator can be made, the better. This will allow staff from both schools to begin the process of dealing with the individual, leading to a more accurate and definite outcome. I would also hope that students from St Aloysius’ would not racially abuse another person. However, this is an area where we do need to show special care. If you become aware of any of our students who, through malice or insensitivity, display behaviour or use language which is racially offensive, I would ask you to bring it to my attention immediately. Thirdly, spectator conduct at our sporting fixtures is important. You are ambassadors of our school and all the good values that we want it to represent. When you attend your son’s sport on the weekend, you should be there to support your son and his team, as well as the opposition with whom they compete. Barracking should always be positive and should not be restricted to our teams. The practice of “giving advice” to referees or match officials is unwarranted and seldom helpful. The “ugly parent” is not a good look and it gives our students certain permission to exhibit behaviour that I do not believe should be part of their formation. Please remember that our acts define us as a school and a community. All CAS schools have the responsibility to provide a safe environment for players, spectators and officials at all grounds. Abuse of match officials and negative behaviour is outside our Association’s code of conduct. Such action is expected to be acted on by the officials themselves, as well as ground marshals. They have been advised to identify and, if necessary, stop play and remove individuals if they do not desist when requested. I am sure that the majority of our community 7 members share my sentiments on this, and I look forward to everyone providing an environment for our students and their competitors to enjoy their sporting experiences. If you have an issue with the officiating at any game, please feel free to email the Masterin-Charge of your sport, who will forward your concerns to me. Lastly, all the very best of luck to all teams for the final four games of the season. Sinclair Watson THE JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTSMASTER Athletics Training: In preparation for the Athletics season that commences after the Winter Sport season, the following program will take place from Week 1 onwards. The target group will be those boys who placed 1st in their races at the recent Athletics carnival. The core focus of the program will be the development of speed, agility and quickness. Components covered will include: stability, strength and power muscle and joint elasticity joint mobility and flexibility movement technique Sessions will involve general warm-up, specialised drills (strength and movement technique) for linear speed development, and work (running) sets. Work sets will involve shorter efforts (based on ability to maintain correct movement technique) with multiple repetitions per set. In addition to improvements in running efficiency (covering speed, agility and quickness), the participants will also make improvements in general fitness through ‘adaptation’ based on session duration/load. The meeting point for all sessions will be the under-croft area at the Junior School before we proceed to the bowling green, Bradfield Park or Dalton Hall, based on what is possible. Initially, we will offer two sessions per week on Monday and Thursday mornings from 7.15-8.15am. Boys are asked to wear their sports uniform to these sessions before changing into their school uniform after returning to school. The program will end on 29 August. Trevor Dunne Holiday Football Clinic: This year’s Junior School Camp was a great success. The sun was shining and the Collage Oval had a coverage of lush green grass. The Camp went for three days starting a day late due to wet weather. The camp was a success on many levels, with the boys learning a lot of technique and understanding of individual roles and their functions within the team. The boys worked very hard but had a lot of fun while doing so. We had a good, strong coaching team, with Ray, Marcus and Max working with the younger boys (9s/10s), and Andres and Nacho working with the (11s/12s.) This year things ran extra smoothly, with the addition of Petra, who looked after roll call, lunches and parental contact – among a variety of other roles – leaving me free to work more closely with the coaches. After two solid days of working hard on technique, it was pleasing for the coaches and me to observe the techniques we worked at being put to use in the games of the final day. I would like to congratulate the boys on their behaviour and enthusiasm throughout the camp, as it certainly contributed to the success of this year’s camp, and extend my thanks to all involved for their contribution in making it so successful. Eric Daly Director of Football CHESS On the last Friday of Term II, on the feast of St Aloysius, the St Aloysius’ College Chess team competed in the sixth round of the Secondary Schools’ Chess Competition. After a great performance in the draw to competitors Manly C last week, the Senior team was handed all four points with the opposition, Saint Ignatius’ Riverview, forfeiting their boards. This capped off an exceptional year for the Senior Chess team, placing second in an extremely competitive group. Well done to all members of this team. Due to Cadets and family holidays, the Intermediates were forced to forfeit two boards. However, despite this, Luke Gelagin and Brendan McRae fought valiantly against a tough North Sydney Boys’ E team, only to be defeated at the final hurdle. This was an unfortunate end to a strong overall performance in this competition, where they placed third, behind the North Sydney Boys’ teams. Congratulations on an impressive year. In the Juniors, the team won two matches to a Chatswood A side featuring a star player. Congratulations to Dean Thill on his marvellous win. After filling in at short notice, this was a game worth watching. Well done also to Brendan Kell on his win. 2013 was a rebuilding year for the Junior team, with the entire team consisting of Year 7s. It has been the best year for participation amongst this year group in recent memory. The team finished fourth, and are looking to do even better next year, when all players are back playing in the same division, with much more experience under their belt. Overall, well done to all those who represented the school in Chess this year. You have done the school proud. In 2014, with all players in all divisions again available for selection, these results can only improve. MUSIC Fr Willcock Instrumental & Vocal Competition – Final Concert: The Final of the competition will be held on 30 July from 6.00pm in the Boys’ Chapel. Guest adjudicators will be Fr Willcock SJ and Mr Barry Walmsley (Director of Music, The King’s School, Parramatta). All are welcome to attend. Gala Concert – Well done!! Congratulations to all of our Core and Extension Ensemble performers, directors, accompanists and technical crew. It was a wonderful showcase of the boys’ talent, which was enthusiastically endorsed by the standing ovation from the capacity audience. Thank you to all involved in making it such a successful and memorable concert. Semester II Performances: Term III: Choral Showcase, Year 12 Valete Mass Term IV: Wind & Brass Showcase, Annual Distribution of Prizes, String Showcase and Carols Festival Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat: This popular musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber will be presented by the College in 2014. The musical will be produced by Jeremy Curtin and directed by Billy Kanafani, and accompanied by the SAC Symphony Orchestra, directed by Tim Chung. There will be five performances in March 2014, with auditions commencing in the second half of Term III, 2013. Rehearsals begin in Term IV and will be held on Tuesday and Sunday afternoons. Further details will be announced soon. Special Guest Role: We are extremely excited to announce that Fr Chris Middleton SJ will be performing the role of Jacob for all five performances of the musical. USA Music Tour 2014: An information night for the tour will be held on 23 July from 6.00-7.00pm in the Bellarmino. A flyer with further details of the tour can be found later in this issue. Tim Chung Head of Music (Performance) PUBLIC SPEAKING vir eloquens Coaching sessions will be held on Wednesdays, from 3.305.00pm, commencing in Week 3. All interested students, old and new, are invited to attend. Attendance at one of these sessions is required for competition preparation. All information relating to this co-curricular activity will be relayed through this publication, Year meetings, Line-ups and the electronic noticeboards throughout the College. 8 1. The Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition: This will be held on 26 July at Normanhurst Boys’ High School. We wish Thomas Verschuer and Tristan every success. Details at www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au. 2. The Art of Speech Competition – The Richard Hockey Trophy: Please see notice below for details. As other competitions become known, their details will be disseminated. All interested in participating at a competitive level are expected to attend coaching sessions conducted by Old Boys with experience and success at public speaking. The Art of Speech Competition: This competition was inaugurated in 1947. Past winners include Mark Simkin (ABC reporter), Adam Spencer (The Breakfast Show) and Julian Morrow (The Chaser). All students in Years VII-X compete and the better speakers from each Year will speak at the Grand Finals. It is optional for students in Years XI & XII; however, the better speakers are strongly encouraged to enter. The formation of articulate and talented young men has always been central to Jesuit education, and its importance has been reinforced within the context of the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm. Alongside this formation, however, is the religious formation that gives what is said a moral and social purpose. In 1982 we were fortunate in having a generous parent donate a trophy for this competition. The Richard Hockey Trophy for Public Speaking is awarded to the best speaker overall. Please inform all your students, including those in Years XI and XII for whom it is voluntary, but from whose members we need three speakers to represent each Year group at the Finals night. The topics for 2013 are as follows: Paying the Price A Good Book Our Biggest Failure The End of the Beginning The Kindness of Strangers Good Neighbours The Usual Suspects The Games People Play Blood will have Blood Flights of Fancy Good Government There is Providence even in the Fall of a Sparrow Stage I: In the last week of Gonzaga Term (II) all classes are expected to have some classes in speech making. Please see accompanying information. Also, a podcast recording of a Grand Final is available on the Intranet (Students-Faculties-English-Art of Speech). An audio-visual recording of a Grand Final was also placed on Clickview. Stage II: Before the end of Gonzaga Term (II) all students should be given the topics. Stage III: During the forthcoming break, students are expected to write their speeches. Stage IV: In the first week of Loyola Term (III) all teachers (7-10) should listen to all speakers in their classes and select the top three or four speakers. (Suggested marking guide attached) Stage V: Year Finals – see dates below. Representatives from all classes will speak before their Year group and the top three will represent them in the Grand Final. Stage VI: Grand Final - see date below. Please encourage all students to attend. For those who reach the Grand Final, the same speaking times apply – Years VII & VIII: 3 minutes, Years IX & X: 4 minutes and Years XI & XII: 5 minutes, but they have the option of delivering the same topic or a topic of their own choosing. Year Finals will be held in the Bellarmino on the following dates: Years XI & XII 12 August (Day 6), lunchtime Year X 13 August (Day 7), Periods 4 & 5 Year IX 14 August (Day 8), Periods 4 & 5 Year VIII 15 August (Day 9), Periods 4 & 5 Year VII 16 August (Day 10), Periods 4 & 5 The Grand Final will be held on 23 August, from 7.30 pm, in the Bellarmino. Magar Etmekdjian ([email protected]) 9 SENIOR SCHOOL SPORTS FIXTURES 10 11 12 13 14 15
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