Interviews that assist student learning

The Year of Faith with Pope Francis I

May 2013

Catholic Education

Catholic Education Week photo highlights

Strategies for raising girls

This issue of Catholic Education Today focuses on parents’ relationships with their daughters and how they can support their daughters, especially through their teenage years. An article on parent–teacher interviews reinforces the principle that Catholic education is a partnership between Catholic schools and parents, who together support each child’s learning and wellbeing. In the August issue, there will be an article that will seek to assist parents raising their sons.

We have also featured excellence and achievement in our Catholic school communities. Nine Catholic school students have had their artwork chosen for the VCE Top Arts exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Catholic school students have also been selected for other artistic talents as part of the Season of Excellence, including Top Screen and Top Class.

On a separate matter, I recently appeared before the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Organisations. These shocking and vile crimes are a national disgrace. They were not confined to religious organisations but have been a blight across all levels of society. The insidious and devious nature of paedophilia means that we all must continually examine and strengthen the safeguards for the protection of our children.

I am heartened that Victorian parents continue to trust Catholic schools to provide a safe learning environment in which to educate their children. They recognise that the structures, checks and balances in place today protect children and reflect the latest legal and community expectations.

This is very important to me because we are indebted to our parish priests, principals, teachers, staff and members of religious congregations. They have contributed to the legacy of Catholic education and have helped develop generations of fine young people who are now shaping the world for our common good.

You will be aware that many groups have spoken in support of the Gonski funding proposals.

Catholic education is taking a more cautious approach because the Australian Government still has not provided us with the details on exactly what Catholic schools will receive and what conditions will be attached. We are continuing to negotiate with the government but are increasingly of the view that our best chance of getting a clear guarantee may be through you contacting your local MP.

If we do not receive the information we have requested from the Australian government in the next few weeks we may send a request to families – through each school – so we can get a clearer indication from politicians on how each party’s policies will affect Catholic schools.

I appreciate this is an important step but seek your support in ensuring any new policies do not put pressure on the fees that you pay or impact on our principals’ ability to make local decisions in delivering a Catholic education.

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Stephen Elder Executive Director of Catholic Education

Stephen Elder Executive Director of Catholic Education

Contents3 Supporting your daughters

6 A new approach to interviews

10 Taking heart from Pope Francis I

12 Pope named during a grand week

14 Apersonalreflection

15 One school, two teachers ... 65 years!

16 On top in arts

17 Holy Child on song with anti-bullying message

18 Around the Archdiocese

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Catholic Education Today is produced by the Catholic Education Office, James Goold House, 228 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne Victoria 3002.

© Copyright reserved

ISSN 1441–2802

Licensed under NEALS

The NEALS licence permits Australian schools and educational bodies to copy and print digital materials for educational use in schools free of charge.

Acknowledgments Thank you to those who contributed to the articles and to the staff and students of the schools featured in this issue.

Writer David Ahern

Photography Les O’Rourke

Printing Impress Print Management

Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Catholic Education Office Melbourne. The editor reserves the right to amend or reject any item submitted for publication.

Correspondence is welcomed to: David Ahern, Media, Catholic Education Office Melbourne PO Box 3, East Melbourne Victoria 8002 Tel: 03 9267 0228 Fax: 03 9415 9325 Email: dahern@ceomelb.catholic.edu.au Website: www.ceomelb.catholic.edu.au

Catholic Education Today is printed on environmentally friendly recycled paper.

Cover Image Feruccio Servello takes a close interest in the education of his daughter, Sarah, at Genazzano FCJ College, Kew.

From the Executive Director

M elbourne psychologist Therese Sheedy has one message for parents: Stay true to your values.

Ms Sheedy, who is running workshops for Catholic education on parent/daughter relationships in May and June, is well-placed to offer such advice. ‘Raising kids places a lot of pressure on parents,’ she said. ‘We all live in a very difficult social climate with Facebook and other forms of social media at our finger tips. Daughters feel the pressure too, to do better and go along with their peers.

‘But parents need to remain firm about the values they believe in. As a parent you need to risk an argument and stress to your child that you’re here to help them. It might be an argument over attending parties or how long your daughter is on Facebook each night, instead of doing homework.’

Supporting your

The substance of what is said is also critical. ‘It’s important not to send out negative messages, though, or make them feel judged,’ said Ms Sheedy. ‘Girls tend to close down their emotions and in some ways feel the need to protect their parents. They don’t want to bother them with what they think are mundane issues.

‘Girls will respect the boundaries placed on them, even though it may not seem so at the time. They will understand and it will re-affirm in their minds that they are capable young people and it will help build confidence in them.’

Catherine Brandon, a psychologist and counselor at Genazzano FCJ College in Kew, said establishing or maintaining a good relationship with your daughter can be challenging. ‘Many parents work long hours or travel and there are a number of demands on parents’

Daughters need their parent’s support, especially during their teenage years. The following article includes professional advice on how best you can assist your daughters. A follow up article for parents on raising boys, including nurturing and motivational strategies, will be included in the August issue.

As a parent you need to risk an argument and stress to your child that you’re here to help them. It might be an argument over attending parties or how long your daughter is on Facebook each night, instead of doing homework.

>> CONTINUED PAGE 4

Girls will respect the boundaries placed on them,

even though it may not seem so at the

time. They will understand and

it will re-affirm in their minds that they are capable

young people and it will help build

confidence in them.

Good friendship: Matthew Wesson with daughters, Emma and Amy.

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time, including maintaining the household, driving kids to their activities, helping with the homework, time with their partner or following up on work issues,’ she said.

‘Daughters also have a full schedule with homework, friends and activities. At times there is an attitude’ to contend with. You may have asked her to do something (e.g. housework, homework, get off Facebook or the phone) and you are completely ignored.

‘Becoming frustrated or angry can escalate the situation, but remaining calm and reasonable can also take superhuman strength. As you will be aware, the influence of the peers is extremely powerful. Girls are driven by the need to belong, and the desire to fit in can manifest in behaviours you would not have thought possible and skew her judgment.’

Ms Sheedy agreed that peer support for girls was vital. ‘Don’t remove your daughter’s peers from the conversation because isolation is worse than death for them,’ she said.

Research has also shown that it’s important for girls to have friendships with ‘confident and competent’ adults outside the family. ‘They need someone talk to, not necessarily mum or dad. It may be a sports coach at school or someone else in the local community they trust,’ Ms Sheedy said. ‘It’s about extending their social interaction and learning about their personal character and their strengths.

‘It’s also important for parents to connect with other parents who have daughters to build a network of support. Everyone will benefit – the children and the parents.

‘Girls can be particularly secretive. Where boys are much more overt in what they do and show their emotions through (rough) contact with their peers, like wrestling, girls show their passion and aggression in other more covert ways.

‘The covert response which girls have down to a fine art form can be emotional and reflected in mood swings, not sleeping well, not communicating, not wanting to go to school or crying.’

Ms Brandon said parental support was important at all times. ‘Finding a way to communicate is essential. Starting early and developing the pattern is the key. Little girls like physical play and they thrive on hugs and praise. Finding a common interest or activity, be it a sport, TV show, or hobby is the key.

‘One girl told me that her dad was really busy but he brings home the paper most days and they compete against each other for 10 minutes or so to see who can get the most answers in the quiz. This is a short time but it is quality time. She sees that he is interested in her intellect and makes an effort to bring home the paper and spend that time with her.

Attentive: Feruccio Servello, pictured with his daughter

Sarah, believes parents should take an active interest in their

daughter’s education.

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Dads are extremely influential in the development of their daughter’s

attitudes, thoughts and feelings. Having

an understanding of this can motivate

dads to examine their interactions

with their girls and provide them will

strategies to guide their daughters.

Daughters want to be connected with their

parents. They need love, acceptance, boundaries and care. At times where

daughters seem to be defiant, withdrawn or

pushing parents away, often there is a girl

underneath who is hurting, scared or struggling to find herself. Ways you can connect with your

daughter include:

‘Interestingly, as important as the peers are, dads are extremely influential in the development of their daughter’s attitudes, thoughts and feelings. Having an understanding of this can motivate dads to examine their interactions with their girls and provide them will strategies to guide their daughters.

‘Their experiences with their father shape their own perception of self worth, femininity and personal confidence. Dads can help their girls feel valued and emotionally secure by being positive.

‘Motivation and drive will increase the ability to perform “in the zone of peak performance”. Too much pressure leads to anxiety and a drop in performance so it’s really important to send the message that her best effort is good enough. A ‘personal best’ should be the aim, but we need to consider other life factors such as health, relationships and coping when determining what constitutes a ‘personal best’ at any given time.

If all else fails, Ms Sheedy added that communicating with your daughters in the car or another less confronting environment can assist. ‘If she doesn’t have to look you in the eye, she will often feel safer. You can say something like “I know things are going on and you don’t have to name names but …” Keep the conversation on fairly broad terms, so your daughter doesn’t feel trapped,’ she said.

‘It’s about being cooperative, engaged and not overreacting. And be understanding!’

In the August issue Catholic Education Today will examine boys’ issues, including strategies for parents on how to keep their boys safe, secure and motivated.

Tips to connect with your daughter

• Show acceptance of who she is, how she looks, her talents, difficulties

• Show love and affection often and appropriately

• Be involved with her activities and interests from an early age. Listen to her talk about her day and share your thoughts and feelings

• Respect her privacy and support her to be independent at appropriate stages

• Try to remain calm and supportive when she is going through a hard time. Listening more than talking is often a good strategy to keep the communication lines open

• Set limits and have expectations for your daughter’s behaviours. It is often a good idea to include your teenager in creating the limits. This will help her develop responsibility and trust. Limits need to be adapted as your daughter gets older

• Discuss your relationship and ways to make it better

• Find quality time to spend together regularly

• Give your daughter genuine compliments and praise for her achievements and efforts

• Work on a project or set a goal together

• Do fun things together – it could be fitness, outings or let your daughter suggest the activities she would like to do

• Be patient and persistent.

Catherine Brandon is a psychologist/counsellor at Genazzano College in Kew, a P–12 girls’ school. Therese Sheedy is a registered psychologist and Director of Future Directions: Counselling, Consultancy and Training in Melbourne. Her presentation, Girls Rule, part of the Parent Seminar Series, will be held at Catholic Regional College, North Keilor on 30 May and Our Lady Help of Christians School, Eltham on 5 June.

Girls can be particularly secretive.

Where boys are much more overt

in what they do and show their

emotions through (rough) contact with

their peers, like wrestling, girls show

their passion and aggression in other

more covert ways.

Friendship groups: Amy Wesson, Elissa Servello (middle) and Emma Wesson from Genazanno FCJ College show the importance of peer support amongst teenage girls.

Parental support: Year 8 student at Genazzano FCJ College,

Olivia Peters, with mum, Nadia..

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T he children at St Therese School in Torquay thrive with their many responsibilities, organising and participating in parent–teacher interviews being one

of their most important. Interviews are held after school every second Wednesday during the year.

The school’s Year 3/4 Literacy Leader, Anne Jordan, said the interviews last for up to 20 minutes. ‘The children conduct the interviews and present the

“evidence” to their parents on what they have learned, including any strategies they have been taught in class,’ Ms Jordan said. ‘The principle question we ask the children is what did they learn in a particular subject?’

‘It’s a three-way partnership between the parents, teacher and the children, which creates the best

The way teacher–parent interviews are conducted has changed over the years. This article details a new interview approach being taken by Catholic primary and secondary schools.

learning environment, based on communication. We focus on the children’s work habits, time managements skills and ensure our expectations are the same.’

The idea behind the continuous cycle of interviews was to provide more flexibility for parents, said Ms Jordan.

‘Rather than lock the parents in to once or twice a year, we thought it made more sense to give parents as much access to teachers throughout the year as possible. It was a big change at the start but it’s worked very well.’

On the other side of the Archdiocese at St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully, the fundamental principle of school–parent communication focuses on the learning journey of each student, which is a three-way partnership between students, parents and the teachers.

It’s a three-way partnership between the

parents, teacher and the children,

which creates the best learning

environment, based on communication.

A new approach

Partnership: Teacher-parents interviews at St Joseph’s College are a three-way

partnership. The learning progress of student Travis

Strange is outlined by teacher Rosalynn Rechichi (right).

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‘Some time ago we made a conscious decision to change the title of our meetings with parents and students, from parent–teacher interviews to parent–teacher–student conferences, to better reflect this partnership,’ said St Joseph’s Professional Practice Coordinator, Brendan Leane.

‘The concept of an interview tends to conjure up images of a very formal, one–way and somewhat intimidating situation, as opposed to a three–way conference, where thoughts, ideas and suggestions are shared by everyone involved to assist every student achieve their personal best.

‘St Joseph’s prides itself on its reputation as a school that “welcomes”. This sentiment is reflected in the manner our college conducts the parent–teacher–student conferences (interviews). Parents are warmly welcomed by staff and quickly made to feel at ease.

‘Students are actively involved in the process and are asked to initiate the conference by introducing their parents to their teachers. This gives the students a real sense of participation and ownership of the conversations that are about to take place and it is clear that our boys take great pride when introducing their parents.

‘In terms of parent preparation, we encourage all parents to take an active role in their son’s learning journey and suggest that they assist in the development of a study/homework timetable and regularly encourage their sons to always do their best.’

Mr Leane said the conferences at St Joseph’s were an important opportunity for parents to ask questions or address any concerns they may have about their son’s progress.

Tips for teacher interviewsEvery parent wants the best for their children, and a good education is one of the best ways to help your child in life. The following tips for parent–teacher interviews may be helpful:

• See if there are any opportunities to meet some of your child’s teachers beforehand, which will make the formal interviews less demanding

• Before the interview/s compile a list of questions

• Ask your child if there is anything he/she would like you to ask the teacher

• Approach the interview/s with a calm, positive demeanour

• Ask what the children are doing in class right now

• Ask what they will be doing during the term

• Ask the teacher if they have any concerns with your child

• Ask if your child is at the level he/she should be at

• Ask if your child is actively involved in classroom activities

• Ask where your child could improve

• Ask what you can do at home to support your child’s learning

• Ask if your child has a strong friendship group

• Ask for a contact number or email if you require further follow up.

>> CONTINUED PAGE 8

The concept of an interview tends to conjure up images of a very formal, one–way and somewhat intimidating situation, as opposed to a three–way conference, where thoughts, ideas and suggestions are shared by everyone involved to assist every student achieve their personal best.

Students are actively involved in the process and are asked to initiate the conference by introducing their parents to their teachers.

Convivial: Interviews at St Joseph’s College, Ferntree

Gully, are held in a friendly, informal manner.

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‘Time allocated for each conference can be limited, so it’s worthwhile for parents to come well prepared by carefully reading any report material that has been sent by the school and having questions or concerns written down and ready to ask,’ said Mr Leane. ‘In the general conversation it is easy to forget an important question, so having them written down ensures everything has been covered thoroughly.

‘If a parent has a serious or major concern, it is often more appropriate to make an appointment with the teacher or coordinator for another time, where the issue can be discussed privately and without time constraints.

Parent–Teacher interviews can be found on the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website, and shows parents how to get the best out of a parent–teacher interview.

www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/primary/pages/parentteacher.aspx

Making the Most of Parent–Teacher Interviews has been compiled by the Australian Government- approved Kids First Children’s Services, and contains some advice for parents preparing for teacher interviews.

www.kids-first.com.au/app/articles/articles/view/making-the-most-of-parent-teacher-interviews

School A to Z Parent–teacher interviews is a NSW Government Education and Communities website, which contains practical tips for families on a range of issues, including parent–teacher interviews.

www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/planning-for-the-future/parent-teacher-interviews

Raising Children Network is an Australian parenting website, containing comprehensive information on a range of educational issues, including handy tips on how best to approach teacher interviews.

http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/tips_for_parent_teacher_interviews.html/context/1138

More helpful hints can be found at the following websites:

‘The conferences are usually a very affirming experience and a great opportunity for everyone to work together for a common goal, which is a rewarding and successful time in all aspects of school life for our children,’ said Mr Leane.

A similar philosophy applies at St Therese School in Torquay. ‘The children are constantly encouraged to identify their own strengths and weaknesses and outline where improvements can be made,’ said Ms Jordan. ‘It’s the best outcome for the teacher, the parent and the student … and makes for a happier child.’

Conversational: Parent-teacher interviews are a

partnership between the school, the student and

the parents at St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully.

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Scan here for more parent–teacher

web links.

If a parent has a serious or major

concern, it is often more appropriate to

make an appointment with the teacher

or coordinator for another time, where

the issue can be discussed privately

and without time constraints.

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F or the past year we Australian Catholics have been praying and searching for a renewal of grace in our lives, our Church and in our school communities.

We called it a ‘Year of Grace’. Why a Year of Grace? Well – we certainly need plenty of grace these days!

We all know the Church has been going through difficult times. Feelings of shame and embarrassment can easily overcome us. We can even be tempted to cynicism or to just ‘walk away’ inwardly.

In addition, it is so easy in our Australian culture today to be agnostic about the Spirit and the presence of Grace. The life of the Spirit is neglected or feared by many of us. We are all urgently called by Jesus to grow in our faith or else our faith will become sterile or even die. That is why we need to get back to basics, i.e. to be more alive to the presence – the grace – of God in our ordinary lives.

from Pope Francis I

Mark O’Connor FMS, Director of the Archbishop’s Office for Evangelisation, looks at the Year of Grace, which merged into the Year of Faith at the feast of Pentecost, on 19 May 2013.

And now we enter into a new phase of this journey – the Year of Faith in 2013 – because we realise only our faith can sustain us, in good and bad times. Australian Catholics everywhere are praying for the grace of faith. We need the Holy Spirit to rejuvenate us and our Church! And much good news and renewal is happening.

And what more of the action of the Spirit than the events of the last few months! The Spirit has answered our prayers and there is renewed faith and hope in God’s grace with the miracle of the election of the first Latin American Pope: Pope Francis I, a man who inspires faith through his very simple loving actions. Pope Francis gives us examples of this renewed faith every day in his marvellous pastoral outreach to people.

The image of Pope Francis I bowing before the people of God and asking for their blessing before beginning

Living the Year of Faith for Catholic families

1. Have a family discussion about the simple actions we can take to show our love and concern for each other. These include acting graciously by sharing, helping, keeping promises, being fair and aware of each other’s feelings.

2. Acknowledge the feasts of saints after which family members are named. Find a picture and look up information about how these saints lived their faith.

3. Make a family prayer board where prayer intentions can be posted.

4. Go for a nature walk and draw pictures or take photos of some of the small miracles of nature you discover. Discuss what they tell us about God’s grace.

5. Pray the Year of Faith family prayer. Choose a time when the family is likely to be together and make this a regular weekly practice.

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his Petrine ministry will remain forever in my mind as a moment of grace and hope for our Church. Pope Francis is showing us how to be humble servants and urging us to act with compassion for the poor. That seems to me to be just the right ‘message’ as we deepen our faith journey in contemporary Australia.

We know it won’t be an easy journey. We all still experience the ‘usual’ things that life can throw at us – family troubles, work difficulties, dealing with past mistakes individually as a Church or and the stress of just ‘turning up’ in life. The challenges to our faith will still be there.

But let’s take heart from our new chief Pastor, Francis, and live the Year of Faith like him.

He shows us the kind of faith that moves people’s hearts. It is a faith that doesn’t ‘know’ all the answers. It gets back to basics – to a faith in Jesus that says in deeds, not just words: ‘I don’t know the future, but I trust and I serve God and others with humility and simplicity.’

The Spirit has answered our prayers and there is renewed faith and hope in God’s grace with the miracle of the election of the first Latin American Pope: Pope Francis I.

A Family Prayer for the Year of Faith

O God our Father,in Jesus you call all Christian families and homes to be signs of living faith.By the light of the Holy Spirit,lead us to be thankful for the gift of faith,and by that gift may we grow in our relationship with Jesus, your Son, and be confident witnesses to Christian hope and joy to all we meet.In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

2013

A highlight of the Catholic school calendar is Catholic Education Week. This year’s event, which was held from 10 to 17 March, was given added importance by the announcement of the new Pope, Francis 1, on the day Catholic schools celebrated the Mass of St Patrick for Schools.

>> CONTINUED PAGE 12

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Pope named during a

The television news crews swarming the grounds of St Patrick’s Cathedral on the morning of 14 March were a sign of the exciting news that had broken in Rome several hours earlier. The Catholic Church had a new leader in Pope Francis I – the first Jesuit to be bestowed the honour – and journalists were keen to gauge the reaction of some of the more than 2,000 students attending the Mass of St Patrick for Schools.

>> CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK 2013

➊ Exciting news: The Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, holds court with the media

to talk about Pope Francis I.

➋ Great excitement: Students from St Francis Xavier School,

Frankston, celebrate the naming of the new Pope who is a Jesuit.

➌ Greeting: The Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, meets

students after the Mass of St Patrick for Schools.

➍ Party time: Students enjoy the Catholic Education Week concert in Treasury Gardens.

➎ Reflective moment: The Young Speaker’s Colloquium

was popular with the 160 students who attended.

➏ Special award: Executive Director of Catholic Education,

Stephen Elder (from left to right), principal at St Francis Xavier

School, Montmorency, Phil Doherty, the Victorian Education Minister, Martin Dixon, Dr Anne Cloonan, School of Education, Deakin University, Win Murphy,

acting principal, St Andrew’s School, Werribee, and Rosaria

Pellegrino, Science Coordinator, Nazareth College, Noble Park North, at the Celebrating the

Leadership and Learning in Catholic Schools presentation.

➐ Happy faces: Year 4 students at St Simon’s School, Rowville,

won the Eileen Canty Award for their artwork titled,

Cats and their Shadow.

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C ardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected the new Pope, which fortuitously coincided with the Mass. This year’s theme for

Catholic Education Week was Entrusted with Something Precious, which comes from a passage in St Paul’s second letter to the young disciple, Timothy.

The Mass, celebrated by the Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, began with a procession of school banners into the cathedral, led by the Archdiocese’s newest school, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Catholic Parish Primary School, Epping North. After the Mass the Treasury Gardens provided the picturesque location for the concert with police band, Code One, on centre stage. Students from three Catholic schools also performed: Trinity Catholic School, Richmond North, Galilee Regional Catholic Primary School, South Melbourne, and Sacred Heart School, Fitzroy.

A new event this year was the Young Speakers Colloquium for Year 10 students, which was held at the new Catholic Leadership Centre in East Melbourne. The topic was What Shapes your Identity? Speakers were Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Kangaroos’ footballer, Daniel Wells, paralympian, Dylan Alcott, and Brighid Feeney, a volunteer with the Sudanese Australian Integrated Learning (SAIL) program Inc.

Bishop Long’s message was one of responsibility to the marginalised in society; Brighid spoke about the importance of family and faith in guiding your decision making; Daniel said it was important to stay strong in what you believe, if you want others to respect you; and Dylan’s words of advice were to grab every opportunity when it comes along and ‘don’t hold back’.

Earlier in the week, the Victorian Education Minister, Martin Dixon, attended the Celebrating the Leadership and Learning in Catholic Schools presentation, where he acknowledged the outstanding work of Catholic school leaders and teachers. The presentation was held at the Catholic Leadership Centre, as was the Visual Arts Exhibition. The move to the new venue proved popular for art lovers, attracting one of the largest crowds ever to the presentation day.

Scan here for the full list of the Visual Arts Awards winners.

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T he Young Speaker’s Colloquium was a tremendous success. I, as well as other students from the Academy of Mary Immaculate, Fitzroy,

and Simonds Catholic College, West Melbourne, were given the special privilege to be an MC for the event. I am sure I can speak for the others when I say that it was a wonderful experience to introduce some very renowned Victorians. The day was very inspirational and topped my expectations.

As each guest speaker presented their motivating speech, I was very moved to see the many ‘intrigued’ students listening intently to every speaker. Every word that was spoken resonated ‘something’ within each person who was present on the day.

Even after the event I could not help but contemplate about what shapes my identity. I began to acknowledge how often people neglect the little things that guide us through our way in life. Our family, friends and the Catholic faith; the goals that we strive to achieve each day would not be possible without these fundamental necessities.

This was the key lesson that I and many students got out of the event and because of this I started to adopt a very positive outlook for the future. Many students left the event feeling very optimistic, confident and inspired. They realised that hard work and dedication, staying focused on what they believe in and taking every opportunity that comes their way will lead them a step closer to achieving their future aspirations.

Edward Bituin, Simonds Catholic College

>> CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK 2013

Edward Bituin from Simonds Catholic College, West Melbourne, joined 160 other Year 10 students for the inaugural Young Speaker’s Colloquium during Catholic Education Week. Here he reflects on his experiences.

Many students left the event feeling very optimistic, confident

and inspired.

➊ Brighid Feeney

➋ Bishop Vincent Long

➌ Dylan Alcott

➍ Daniel Wells

Edward Bituin

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I n 1975, Alison McNeil, a teacher at Aquinas College in Ringwood, was asked if she could teach the Year 12 politics class after one of the teachers

suddenly left. It seemed like a reasonable challenge considering her great uncle was Jim Scullin, Australia’s ninth prime minister.

It was also the year the Governor-General dismissed the Whitlam government, so there was no shortage of political intrigue. ‘I taught politics for two terms,’ said Ms McNeil. ‘I loved the subject but hated the responsibility.’

Ms McNeil, at that stage, had been at the school for two years. Fast forward to 2013 and she is still at the college, with no immediate plans to retire.

Forty years at the same school may be enough to take most teachers’ breath away but Ms McNeil said the answer was simple. ‘The kids are great. They care for one another and they care for others … as do the staff,’ she said. ‘They are generous, caring and loving. They live out the Gospel values.’

Principal Tony O’Byrne agrees with that summation. ‘It’s a very good learning environment, providing great challenges and opportunities for the students,’ he said. ‘Equally, the teachers give their best to the students in their care.’ While Mr O’Byrne can’t quite match Ms McNeil’s longevity at the school, this year he celebrates his 25th year as Aquinas principal, a record in itself. Previously, he was principal at St Leo’s School, Box Hill, for three years, which closed in the early 1990s.

Ms McNeil started her teaching career at St Martin of Tours School, Rosanna, in 1963 and in the intervening years has taught a variety of subjects, including geography, English, music and Religious Education.

One school, two teachers …

She remembers the days before federal and state government funding for Catholic schools and when school teachers did not receive regular pay. ‘Those were the days when parents made great sacrifices to send their children to a Catholic school, and in some parishes, teachers had to wait until after the Sunday collection before they were paid,’ she said.

Mr O’Byrne is justifiably proud of his tenure at Aquinas College, guiding a building renewal program and developing the music and arts programs. The college has also nurtured positive sister school relationships with schools in France and China, said Mr O’Byrne, and introduced an immersion program with Indigenous children in the Northern Territory.

‘Another highlight would be the school’s accreditation with the Council of International Schools,’ said Mr O’Byrne. ‘Only two other Catholic schools in Australia are accredited with the Council, which focuses on school improvement.’

After so long at the helm, Mr O’Byrne plans to retire at year’s end. ‘I’m looking forward to it. I would like to get some consulting work and join several not-for-profit boards. I’ll still have plenty to do,’ he said.

Ms McNeil, on the other hand, reckons she is still good for another year. ‘I’d love to come back next year if they’ll have me,’ she quipped.

Mr O’Byrne is justifiably proud

of his tenure at Aquinas College,

guiding a building renewal program

and developing the music and arts

programs.

Forty years at the same school may be enough to take most teachers’ breath away but Ms McNeil said the answer was simple. ‘The kids are great. They care for one another and

they care for others … as do the staff,’ she said. ‘

Longevity: Principal Tony O’Byrne and Alison McNeil have spent 65 years at Aquinas College between them.

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T hree of the nine Catholic school students are from St Columba’s College in Essendon, while 43 works in total are on display at the Ian Potter Centre,

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, film and printmaking are among the featured artwork.

Forty-five VCE students from 22 Catholic secondary schools in the Archdiocese had their work from 2012 selected for exhibition in the Victorian Season of Excellence. As well as the nine students in Top Arts, two Catholic school students were selected for Top Screen; one in Top Class (Sound and Dance); six in Top Class (Music Performance); four in Top Class (Drama and Theatre Studies); and 18 in Top Designs.

Visual Arts Coordinator at St Columba’s College, Seth Seiderman, said the VCE Top Arts was important but so was art generally. ‘Art helps students to evolve certain skills. Art is not just about making things, it’s about developing critical thinking,’ said Mr Seiderman, who was one of the Top Arts judges this year.

The artwork of nine Catholic school students from the Archdiocese of Melbourne is being featured in this year’s VCE Top Arts exhibition as part of the Season of Excellence.

‘Being at the opening of this event and seeing the pride that students and parents feel about their work is overwhelming. It makes the students realise that you can achieve something that you didn’t think was possible.

‘All the students in all schools who express their creativity through art need to be acknowledged. Their work is no less credible than the selected artwork.’

The successful Catholic school students are:

• Valona Flamuri, Phobias, St Columba’s College

• Angie Tsonidis, Decay of the Media, St Columba’s College

• Brigette Pusello, Fab-ri-ca-tion, St Columba’s College

• Stephanie Berlangieri, The end of desire, Avila College

• Sam Cucchiara, Not Over You, Nazareth College

• Ginny Hodgkinson, Crowd, Portsea backbeach, Loreto Mandeville Hall

• Marie Kinsey, Otways, Loreto Mandeville Hall

• Mietta Mullaly, The road ahead, Star of the Sea College

• Sarah Ujmaia, A depiction of Andrea Italia, St Monica’s College.

VCE Top Arts is being exhibited in the NGV Studio for the first time. David Hurlston, Australian Art and Coordinator, NGV, said it was an exciting move. ‘One of the things we wanted to bring to this year’s Top Arts, particularly given that it’s in the NGV Studio, is an insight into the development work that goes into producing a finished piece,’ said Mr Hurlston. ‘The exhibition is more visible and accessible in its new location.’

Top Arts 2013 is open daily from 10 am until 5 pm and runs until 7 July. Admission is free. The Top Designs exhibition at the Melbourne Museum closes 30 June.

On top in

Creative: Some of the featured artwork at the VCE Top Arts

exhibition are Crowd, Portsea backbeach (below) and

Fab-ri-ca-tion. Images courtesy The National Gallery of Victoria.

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H oly Child School in Dallas has received a $5,000 grant through the Victorian Government’s Bully Stoppers initiative to

implement its own anti-bullying program titled Start Up that includes songs about bullying. The initiative focuses on prevention and includes an Expectations booklet for parents, which the students take home to prompt family discussion about the expected behaviour at school.

Principal Alan Smith said the school had adopted the mantra: Safe, Happy and Ready to Learn, and proudly educated students from 21 different cultures. ‘Around 93 per cent of our students come from a language background other than English, so engaging students on important issues, like bullying, helps creates a friendly culture. It also contributes to their sense of what is right and what is wrong,’ he said.

Holy Child on song with

Catholic schools across the archdiocese are taking a proactive approach with students on antisocial behaviour, such as cyberbullying.

‘As part of Start Up, the kids make up songs and rhymes in the classroom about bullying. By engaging them in this way, it provides more opportunities for students to play out a bullying scenario, rather than act one out in the school grounds.’

Since Start Up began, Mr Smith said student interaction had improved markedly. ‘The kids’ language is starting to change. It is, “Can I please have this?”, as opposed to “Can I have that?”. Their manners in their normal day-to-day conversations have greatly improved,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the first school in Australia to be accredited as an eSmart school, St Charles Borromeo School in Templestowe, was the only Victorian primary school to win the national Safe Schools are Smart Schools competition. The school is one of 15 schools Australia-wide to win a $5,000 voucher for education resources, and a ClassMovies starter pack to film and produce a video about its anti-bullying initiative.

St Charles’ Borromeo teacher, Sue Cahill, said the school had a strong buddy system, which had provided a firm foundation for creating a safe and friendly learning environment for students. ‘We always encourage our students to work towards building relationships and to show love and respect for one another,’ she said.

Cyberbullying has also been a big agenda item at Sacred Heart School, Fitzroy. Education Minister, Martin Dixon, visited the school to promote an online conference aimed at tackling cyberbullying. The school was one of more than 230 Victorian schools to participate in a promotion, as part of Safer Internet day – a global event aimed at educating students and families about being safe online.

message

Quiet read: Holy Child students, Marissa De Oliveira, Christian Oraha, Rabeil Toma and Jessica Chevchenko read together in the library.

Online awareness: Victorian Education Minister, Martin Dixon, Alannah and Madeline Foundation chief executive Dr Judith Slocombe (middle), Sacred Heart Fitzroy principal, Mary Lawrey and students.

The school had a strong buddy

system, which had provided a firm

foundation for creating a safe and

friendly learning environment for

students.

the Archdiocese

Daniel’s crowning achievement Daniel Passante, a Year 6 student at St Louis de Montfort’s School in Aspendale, has been elected junior mayor for the City of Kingston for the next 12 months. He defeated other candidates with his speech about making Kingston even more environmentally sustainable and his desire to have every household use compost bins. ‘I come before you honourable people to talk about our council and how it could help our community to become even more environmentally sustainable,’ Daniel said in his winning speech. ‘All members of the community need to reduce, reuse and recycle.’ Daniel also spoke about the school’s environmental and recycling initiatives. In congratulating Daniel, St Louis de Montfort’s principal, Tom Lindeman, said the school prided itself on its Student Leadership Program, Take Action Make Difference. ‘We believe this initiative has supported the development of strong student leadership at St Louis and has been instrumental in our school producing students with outstanding leadership qualities,’ said Mr Lindeman.

Acknowledging the pastSt Columba’s College in Essendon has recognised the indigenous peoples who lived in the area long before the Sisters of Charity founded the school in 1897. A monument has been unveiled at the school in honour of the area’s original inhabitants. Nishka Pinto, the college’s social justice captain, said, ‘In Australian history the word ‘Sorry’ has never been as significant as in February 2008 when (then prime minister) Kevin Rudd apologised to the Indigenous peoples of our country for the blemished chapter in our nation’s history’. St Columba’s celebrated this anniversary with the blessing and induction of the college’s first stone monument. The purpose was to acknowledge the land and people of the Kulin Nation, upon which St Columba’s College has stood for 116 years. The stone inscription reads: The community of St Columba’s College is proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the original inhabitants of this land. We recognise and regret the wrongs of the past and commit ourselves to working towards a just future for all people in our land. St Columba’s Indigenous Perspectives Coordinator, Eva Angsiting, attended the ceremony, along with local Indigenous Elders.

Indigenous recognition: St Columba’s students

Eva Angsiting and students, Nishka Pinto, Dominique

Montalto, Jennifer Ma and Annie Rice at the new

monument. Photo courtesy Emma Ferguson,

St Columba’s College.

This initiative has supported the development of strong student leadership at St Louis and has been instrumental in our school producing students with outstanding leadership qualities.

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Crowning moment: Kingston City Council junior mayor, Daniel Passante, with City of Kingston Mayor, Ron Brownless. Photo courtesy City of Kingston.

We have an inspiring role model in St Mary of the Cross MacKillop … we are inspired by her courage and her commitment to action and we hope to live these qualities in our daily interaction here at school.

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T he community at St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Catholic Parish Primary School at Epping North gathered in celebration earlier this year for the

blessing of their new school. The Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, blessed the Archdiocese’s newest school in front of special guests, parents and students.

Principal Geraldine Dalton said the blessing of the new school was a proud moment for the local community.

‘I’m very excited about the future that lies before us. It is a wonderfully calm learning environment and we

New beginning: The Archbishop of Melbourne,

Denis Hart, unveils the new plaque, assisted by principal

Geraldine Dalton, federal member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell and Father Maurie

Cooney. Image courtesy St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Catholic Parish Primary School.

have had a happy and successful beginning to our school year,’ said Ms Dalton.

‘We have an inspiring role model in St Mary of the Cross MacKillop … we are inspired by her courage and her commitment to action and we hope to live these qualities in our daily interaction here at school.’

Some of the words of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop near her tomb at North Sydney read: Remember we are but travellers here’. Ms Dalton said the words were prophetic. ‘The words have an urging about them, an urgency too … and a determination. The word “travellers” also convey the image of ‘making an impression along the way”.’

The local community was joined at the opening by the federal member for McEwen, Robert Mitchell, and parish priest, Father Maurie Cooney.

Saint Mary the ‘traveller’

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