#38 Term 4, 2012

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

COFFS HARBOUR

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGECOFFS HARBOUR 7 December | 2012

| Dynamic • caring • Optimistic

Issue # 38

www.bdc.nsw.edu.auC

oll

ege

New

s

It is hard to believe that this is our last newsletter for the year. I hope you have all enjoyed our move to a weekly online format. Allowing a PDF view has made it much easier to read on any device. I often read the PDF version on my iPhone.

Next year, we will introduce a BDC App. This will be available on your iPhone, iPad or Android. I want our communication channels to be as immediate as they can be. By allowing ‘push notices’ and ‘alerts’, you will receive prompts whenever a new news item, note, newsletter, or urgent message is sent from school. It promises to make a very positive difference to our lines of communication with our community.

Continuing this e-theme, I am happy to say that you will now find a good deal of information about BYOT on the home page of the College website. Just click on the BYOT button and you will be taken to those documents.

This week, we enjoyed two terrific Presentation Day/Night events. It is a great pleasure of mine to shake the hands of our Kindy children, each who receive an award. They are so excited when they come on stage (I am probably largely not in their focus), but I get a great kick out of their excited eyes as they see that book with their name on it!

Both events are real celebrations of the year that has been. It is a great relief to know that we will hold both events in our own Branson Centre next year.

It was really pleasing to see the C.ex Auditorium filled to capacity at both Presentation events on Tuesday. We can be very pleased indeed with the calibre of our children. We witnessed a great diversity of talent rewarded with awards, and saw our musicians, a dramatist and an aspiring poet laureate exhibit some superb talent. We can be justly proud of our children.

Last weekend, six of our French language students returned from their exchange to Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf in Montreal after a month in Quebec. They have not stopped talking about their adventure in Canada. I have spoken often with the Principal at Brébeuf, and he assures me that the exchange was a great success. This great opportunity will be open to students of French in Year 10 next year.

On Tuesday, 25 of our Year 11 students left for the annual community service trip to Cambodia. This has become a part of the fabric of BDC, and we look forward to their tales when they return. Building houses for poverty-stricken villagers is a key component of this trip. Cambodia is unforgivingly hot in December, so these young men and women will certainly push their physical boundaries on this adventure.

Who’s looking at us? At the top of our home page on our website, beside the Westpac ‘W’, there is a spherical icon. It is actually a globe, but we cannot make it any bigger. If you click on it, you will be taken to an interesting site that tells you who is accessing our site. Since adding this tracking feature to our website in September, we have had 15,500 visits from 51 countries. As I type this, we are being viewed in Paris. It is very interesting to see this great variety of viewing sites.

Congratulations this week must go to Mr Scott Rodham, who retires today after 47 years of teaching. He has taught at BDC almost as long as the school has existed. He leaves a lasting legacy. Scott received his Life Member badge at Presentation Night, something that I am sure is very dear to him. Scott has taught over 50,000 classes, and he has touched the lives of thousands of children. He will return to BDC as a part-time Archivist in 2013, where he will guard and preserve the history he has played such a huge part in forming.

Congratulations also to Courtney Martyn (12), whose HSC Visual Arts project ‘Six Degrees’, has been selected for exhibition at ARTEXPRESS 2013. This is an outstanding achievement. Only 412 of the 9,568 students who submitted major works had their work chosen for ARTEXPRESS, which is a celebration of the very best HSC work of the preceding year. This is just 4.3% of the cohort that sat the Visual Arts HSC. It is an excellent performance indeed.

Edward Condon (11) maintains this excellent standard in the performing and visual arts. He was awarded an ‘A’ grade in his AMEB Grade 8 Trombone examination in Brisbane this week, which is an outstanding achievement.

UNIFORM SHOP Please see our website homepage for a link to the opening times of the Uniform Shop over the holidays. Remember, APPOINTMENT ONLY!!

OFFICE CLOSURE The College will be closed from 2pm on 14 December until 9am on 14 January

BACK TO SCHOOLSchool resumes on Tuesday, 29 January

On behalf of us all at BDC, I wish you all a very happy, safe and holy Christmas, and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Principal’s App of the week: Geography Quiz Game

From The PrinciPal

Alan BallPrincipal

http://www.bdc.nsw.edu.au


COFFS HARBOUR



Issue # 38

www.bdc.nsw.edu.auC

oll

ege

New

s

Karin LisleDirector of Pastoral Care K-12

From The direcTor oF PasToral careIt is with a mixture of sadness and excitement that I write this last newsletter article under the banner of Director of Pastoral Care K-12. Although I will always care for all our students K-12, I will have a new role next year as Assistant Principal (Head of Primary). I am sure that the wealth of experience I have gained from working with so many different families has assisted me in this lovely promotion so I thank all you wonderful children and parents who have touched my life in so many ways and taught me so much.

I would also like to thank all you generous people who have thought of others and donated white shirts and picture books for our little school in Cambodia. Those gifts left last Tuesday and there will be many children who will shortly benefit from your kind donations. I am sure we will get photos next year so I will be sure to share them with you all.

Although the holidays are a great way for getting together with friends and loved ones, sharing food and gifts with each other, I would like to think of those families who have lost loved ones, for this time of year must be especially difficult. Young people need to make their own way in the world and we cannot protect them from every eventuality, so it is with sadness that I think of those poor families across Australia who have lost a student who has gone off to have fun after Year 12 and not come home. It is certainly a fine line when we want to protect our young people but they want to be independent. Please give your children an extra big hug, assure them of your love and then let them experiment at their level with some independence. I wish you all a very happy Christmas season and pray that you all stay safe.

Rev Marion TanfieldChaplain

chaPlain’s chaTThe BDC Carols evening was a beautiful reminder of our entering into the Advent season. I wish to say thank you to everyone who helped on the evening to make it such a success; Dale Condon and the musicians, the students, P&F and Staff and to you our parents. Here we are at the end of another school year. I must admit that there are times when I ask myself is it December already? So much has been achieved in just 4 terms. I look at the Kinder students and see how ready they are for Year 1 and it seems like it was only yesterday when they arrived at the College with bags that were too big for them! As Rev David mentioned in his article last week “For the times they are a changing”. For nearly 2 years Rev David and I have been a complimentary ministry team and it saddens me to say farewell to him as he prepares to take up the role as Locum in the Bellinger Parish. I wish him well in his new environment and look forward to his visit from time to time.

As we rediscover the mystery of the virgin birth this Christmas we are reminded in Matthews and Luke’s Gospel of the young woman named Mary. I want to share with you an excerpt from a book titled “The Miracles, Exploring the mystery of Jesus’ Divine Works” by Simon J. Kistemaker.

“As stories of the virgin birth circulated in the ancient world, near the end of the first century, a creedal statement with the simple wording that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary was already adopted by Christians.”“Immediately following the time when these Gospels were written, Jesus’ virgin birth was accepted as part of the apostolic doctrine. Similarly, the early church fathers during the second and third centuries regarded this tenet as a basic part of the Christian faith.”

Mary’s faith is exemplary. She believed the angel Gabriel and offered herself in obedience to God. She was only too aware of the shame and humiliation that her pregnancy would bring to her in Jewish society. Yet she composed a magnificent hymn about her child to be born. In that song she glorifies the Lord God and honours his name.

Luke 1:46-55 (NIV) Mary’s Song And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

May you and your family receive God’s richest blessing this Christmas as we come to worship our Lord and Saviour. May you have safe travels wherever you may be and I look forward to welcoming you in the New Year.

Throughout our journey may we grow and reap the good harvest as we too discover Jesus together.

Peace

PasToral care



COFFS HARBOUR



Issue # 38

www.bdc.nsw.edu.auC

oll

ege

New

s

Tim EganAssistant Principal (Head of Secondary)

Robyn CrispCareers Advisor

From The head oF secondary

careers

CONgRATULATIONSThank you to everyone who was involved in making our Presentation Evening such a success this week. Please enjoy these snapshots.

Students of Year 12, 2012 are reminded to sign up for UAC newsletters and check the latest changes in course offerings. Remember to change your preferences before January 3 for the main round. The latest UAC December edition is now out.http://www.uac.edu.au/media-hub/

Year 12 results and ATARsNSW HSC results released by Board of Studies Wed 19 Dec 2012ATARs released Thu 20 Dec 2012 at 9amNSW HSC result letter and ATAR notice sent Fri 21 Dec 2012

Also I encourage students to visit prospective universities especially in January when many host information days. The UTS Info Day will be held on Thursday 3 January 2013 from 9am to 4pm. At the information day, students can find out about admission requirements, entry pathways, alternative courses and taking a gap year. It is their last chance to speak to UTS academics and current students before main round applications close the following day.

Current Year 9 Work Experience 2013Dates have been confirmed: 24-28 June: First week mid year holidays.In 2013, as part of our Careers Education Program, Bishop Druitt College Year 10 students are invited to participate in an optional Work Experience Program (or approved alternative volunteer or community service program) during the first week of our three-week mid year break. Essentially students are encouraged to find, apply and secure a work place for their work experience. Developing confidence and job seeking and application skills are expected outcomes of the program.

I am writing this now, to give you plenty of notice to discuss preferences for work experience and apply over the summer holidays. It is true that applications for work experience in some highly sought after workplaces are required six months or more in advance. I can be contacted by email for assistance [email protected].

UNIFORM 2013In reference to my newsletter item a few weeks ago regarding the Uniform changeover period, I would like to remind parents that Secondary Girls need to be ready for the full implementation of the pleated style skirt, orders need to be placed now. Please do not wait until the beginning of the academic year next year, only to find that the Uniform Shop has run out of your size and they need to re-order. The other items that are required next year include the all blue P.E. uniform and socks with the College logo. The Uniform Shop will be open until Friday 21 December 2012 and will re open on Monday 7 January 2013. Please phone and make an appointment if needed (ext 238).

HOLIDAYSThank you to all families of the Secondary school for your support with everything throughout this year. I hope that you all enjoy a happy and Holy Christmas and you have the opportunity to spend some quality time with your family and friends.

secondary school


mailto:[email protected]


COFFS HARBOUR



Issue # 38

www.bdc.nsw.edu.auC

oll

ege

New

s

anoTher year overThank you to all who have supported the Music Department during the year, in all ways possible! We have had so many performances and achievements that would not have been successful without the talent of the students, the commitment of the teachers and the support of the parents and caregivers. Just to name a few:

Drumbeat, Multicultural Harmony Festival, Superstrings Camp, Gene Peterson Live, The Samba Experience, Brass & Woodwind Soiree, String Soiree, Piano Soiree, Coffs Harbour & District Eisteddfods, Enrichment weekend for HSC students, AMEB exams, Trinity exams, Kalamunda Youth Swing Band workshops, View Clubs National Convention Grand Celebrations, Symphony Orchestra workshops with Warren Stengaards, the Ensembles Concerts, 10 Things – College Production, over 30 assembly student performances, jazz band, concert band, the new orchestra, choirs, primary & secondary guitar bands, the new brass ensemble, superstrings, senior string quartet, junior string quartet, Kodaly, Primary Performance & Training bands, Middle School band, not to mention over 230 instrumental music students.

You have helped raised $6000 this year! We are very close to our goal of purchasing some new, much needed percussion for the students.

musical noTes

Graeme NaftelAssistant Principal (Head of Primary)

From The head oF Primary2013 PRIMARY SCHOOL ARRANgEMENTSStudents in Years 1 – 6 are scheduled to start school on Tuesday 29 January 2013. Kindergarten students are scheduled for Best Start interviews on Tuesday and Wednesday. All Kindergarten students are expected on Thursday and Friday, but can be collected at lunchtime. Full days for Kinder students begin on Monday 4 February.

2013 SCHOOL UNIFORMPlease note that the two year changeover period for the new school uniform is now over. All students are expected to wear the new uniform items, including the BDC socks, as of the start of the 2013 academic year.

The Uniform Shop will be open by appointment from Monday 7 January. Appointments can be made by contacting Dale Stafford at [email protected].

2013 PRIMARY SCHOOL LEADERSCongratulations to the following Primary School Leaders, who were announced at Presentation Day. I am confident they will serve their school with distinction next year.

CaptainsClaudia BensonJonah Summersell

Vice CaptainsYulahra Habgood-WilliamsZane Misios

LeadersLilly AitkenKeanu ChapmanLaura HarringtonTahnee MarrDarcy NewellTom Winchester

FAREWELLThank you to all those members of the BDC community who attended my farewell afternoon tea last week, to those who have emailed me their well wishes, and to those who have made the effort to speak with me personally. I have been most humbled by the number of well wishes I have received. My family and I will look back on our time at BDC with great fondness. My sons, Jonas and Marius, have thrived at the school, Venka has thoroughly enjoyed her experiences working here in various roles and meeting great friends, and I will take away a great many wonderful memories. I have been fortunate to work with some truly outstanding colleagues, have been privileged to work with many caring parents, and have enjoyed every minute of the time I have spent with our wonderful children.

Primary school



COFFS HARBOUR



Issue # 38

www.bdc.nsw.edu.auC

oll

ege

New

s

imPorTanT daTes and evenTs

2013 Bus Passes

ParenTs and Friends

college communiTy

change in music FeesIn 2013, payment for Music fees must be made via the College website www.bdc.nsw.edu.au and the link to TryBooking. Payments will also be accepted at the Accounts Department if you do not have Internet access or a credit card. This procedure will start in Term 1, 2013. At the beginning of Term 1 you will receive a reminder letter regarding due date of payment for your child’s music lessons, then at the end of Terms 2 – 4 (inclusive).

Please note that this payment cannot be added to your College account.

Click on the Events tab, scroll down to Activity Payments and select “Term 1 2013 Instrumental Lessons”, where you will be taken to the TryBooking website for payment. Then follow the prompts and select the appropriate lesson type (Individual 30min, 45min, 60min etc). Payment is due by 11pm on Friday 8th February 2013, when bookings will close.

Should you not have internet access, bookings and payments will be accepted at the Accounts Department by 3pm on Friday 8th February 2013.

The procedure is the same for Instrument Hire & Primary Bands. You can use the “Continue Shopping” button to do all of your school music payments in one easy-to-use place. Once again, a letter will be issued to you if you are required to pay for instrument hire.

Thank you, Merry Christmas and have a safe & happy holiday.

Dale CondonHead of Music K-12

BDC Symphony Orchestra at Presentation Night

14 Dec BDC Offices Close14 Jan BDC Offices Open29 Jan Term 1 2013 Commences - Year 1-7, 11 & 12 return30 Jan All students return

A reminder to parents of all students going into Years 3 and 7 next year that you need to reapply for a bus pass. If you have not already done so, please obtain an application form either from the school or directly from your bus depot, and return it to the school before 14 December to ensure your student receives their pass before the beginning of next school year.

WELCOME TO PARENTS, 14 FEBRUARY - MARK IT IN YOUR DIARY NOW!The P&F will be holding their annual Welcome to Parents Evening on Thursday 14 February, commencing at 6pm in the Green Room. This will follow the Year 7 Meet & Greet and Camp Information night. Come along for a fun, social night and to meet and chat with other new and current parents. Drinks and refreshments are provided. The P&F will also organise entertainment for students up to Year 7.

CONTACT USFor more information, to view our Constitution or read our latest meeting minutes, click on “Our Community” then “Parents and Friends” on the College website. We look forward to your support.President: Allan Williams 0408 332 082 [email protected] & F email: [email protected]

NExT MEETINg: 18 FEBRUARY 2013, 6.30PM, SENIOR COMMON ROOM, REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED

The Bishop Druitt College Parents and Friends Association is an organisation that supports the aims and objectives of the College. It does so through the promotion of fundraising, fellowship, friendship and fun.

cccc“God so loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.” John 3:16





COFFS HARBOUR

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGECOFFS HARBOUR

BDC Uniform Shop Holiday Opening Times

The BDC Uniform Shop will re-open from Monday 7 January until Friday 25 January between 8:30am and 3:30pm on an appointment only basis. The shop will then return to normal Term time hours from Tuesday 29 January.

Normal Trading Hours During School Term are:Tuesday - 8:00am to 12:00pmWednesday - 10:00am to 2:00pmThursday - 11:30am to 3:30pm

To make an appointment, it is imperative to contact Ms Dayle Stafford using one of the following methods:

Phone: 02 6651 5644 ext 238E-mail: [email protected]

If the staff are busy serving, it may be necessary to leave a message on the voice mail. You will receive a phone call back as soon as they are able.

The Uniform Shop is currently located on the lower level of the School of Music.

7 December | 2012


Issue # 38

www.bdc.nsw.edu.auC

oll

ege

New

s


COFFS HARBOUR



#38 Term 4, 2012

Documents

Transcript of #38 Term 4, 2012