Friday 30 January 2015 / Issue 1

The Globe

Gleeson College 24Hr Absentee Line: 08 8289 0438 | www.gleeson.sa.edu.au

REGIONAL STAFF MASS BRINGS NORTH EAST CATHOLIC EDUCATORS TOGETHER

This year, Gleeson College had the opportunity of hosting the Regional Staff Mass in our Dame Roma Mitchell Centre on Thursday 22 January. This was the Opening Mass for the school year and all staff from Our Lady of Hope School, Saint David’s Parish School and St Francis Xavier’s Regional Catholic School, joined staff from Gleeson College at this very special event.

The Mass was celebrated by Father Eric Alleaume from the Tea Tree Gully Catholic Parish, and we thank him for leading this Eucharistic celebration for us. The theme for the Mass centered on ‘Commissioning’ and the readings focused upon this aspect. Firstly, the greeting between Saint John the Baptist and Jesus Christ; Saint John the Baptist points out Jesus in the crowd and exhorts his own disciples to follow Jesus, which they do. Secondly, the commissioning of Saint Paul, as he rides towards Damascus; Saint Paul encounters Jesus, moves away from his role as persecutor of the followers of Christ becomes a Christian himself. He becomes the disciple who takes the Gospels to the gentiles.

Father Eric, brought these two readings into his homily, and he encouraged educators to follow the calling which we have to not only teach the young people in our charge, but also to ‘live out’ the Gospels and be the ‘face, voice and actions’ of Jesus Christ as we set an example for our students and the wider community.

The morning drew to a conclusion following the Mass with a combined morning tea, so the Eucharist did continue beyond the Mass into the community gathering and celebration for the year ahead.

Mr Richard Sellers, APRIM

‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will,to see the Just One and to hear his own voice speaking;because you are to be his witness before all the world,

testifying to what you have seen and heard.’Acts 22:15-16

A WARM WELCOME TO THE 2015 SCHOOL YEAR

It is with great pleasure that I am able to write my first newsletter item for 2015. A particularly warm welcome to staff, students and families who are new to our College. It is my hope that you have settled in well to our community, and that your faith and learning journey at Gleeson College is filled with many special moments. I have been very impressed by the way that the student body have approached the first few days this year. There has been a very settled and respectful approach, and the staff have both often commented on and certainly appreciated this attitude. It is certainly our hope and aim that this positive beginning is carried forward throughout the year.

I am aware that many of our families may have been impacted in some way by the devastating Samson Flat bushfire that occurred in early January. Indeed some of our families may have been a part of the remarkable CFS effort or other volunteer groups as well. If any family was adversely affected by the fire and this is causing any distress or impact that we should be aware of here at Gleeson please contact me at the College so that we can ensure that the necessary support is in place.

Most definitely education works best when there is a respectful and genuine three way partnership between staff, parents and students. I therefore encourage all parents to begin, and continue, conversations with your children’s teachers. It is working in the spirit of mutual support and understanding that the best and most rewarding outcomes are achieved. These conversations begin in the first few weeks of school, and I urge you to continue them throughout the year.

Some of you may have seen the Four Corners program last year where three different Australian schools were examined that had developed and changed to become great schools. The central message of the program was that these schools became successful primarily because there had been a renewed emphasis on the relationship between students and teachers, the high priority given by leadership to teaching and learning based on these relationships, and a sense that high expectations in learning and behaviour had been asked of the young people in these schools and they had responded accordingly. I have a sense that the high quality educators that work here at Gleeson College are instinctively aware of these truths.

I would like to welcome our new staff this year; Mr Joshua Boden, who is teaching Japanese, Legal Studies, History and RE; Mr Daniel Uglesic, teaching a Year 8 Learning Team and Ms Emma Gay, who will be working in an ESO capacity in the Thomas Library. Each of you are very welcome to our special community here at Gleeson College and I am sure that you will find your time in our community both rewarding and positive.

In addition to our new staff there are a number of current staff members who have taken on formal leadership roles within the College and a full list of these people can be found in this newsletter for your reference.

Finally, at least one of the four brothers in my family was destined to become a teacher with both my parents being teachers. My father taught for over 40 years and I often reflect on the way that over that time he must have influenced literally thousands of students and families. I would go to school early with my dad and watch him meticulously prepare the days lessons in his wonderfully neat cursive handwriting on the chalkboard. This may have been my first real inspiration with regard to teaching as a profession.

One thing that I did learn from my father and his approach to teaching that has stayed with me was the empathy

he displayed toward students and his determination for all his students to succeed in some way. I know that he was deeply respected by the students that he taught, and it is this mutual respect in the relationship between teacher and student that has formed my basic philosophy on education.

Sadly my dad passed away on January 3, the same day as the bushfire tragedy at Samson Flat. I take from him the unshakable belief that every young person I encounter is immensely capable; and that my role as a teacher and a Principal is to care for your children and to create the conditions here at Gleeson College for them to be the very best version of themselves that they can be.

I very much look forward to the year ahead and the limitless possibilities that it offers.

Mr Andrew Baker,Principal

SCHOOL CARD 2015Families eligible for School Card, or who think they may be eligible in 2015 and have not yet submitted

their application form, are asked to contact the Bursar as soon as possible

to obtain the relevant School Card Application Form.

Information about the School Card scheme can also be obtained from the SA Government website at the

following link: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-skills-and-learning/

financial-help-scholarships-and-grants/school-card-scheme

Mary Hennessy, Bursar

GLEESON COLLEGE LEADERSHIP STAFF 2015

Gleeson College Leadership Team:Mr Andrew Baker PrincipalMr Joe Corbo Deputy PrincipalMr Paul O’Connor Business ManagerMr Richard Sellers Assistant Principal - Religious Identity & Mission (APRIM)Mrs Sue Smith Assistant Principal - CurriculumMr Adam Cibich Assistant Principal - Student DevelopmentMrs Amanda Price Leader of Community, Engagement & Innovation

Gleeson College House Coordinators:Mr Shannon Bertram Damiani House CoordinatorMrs Sarah Kerrigan Fyfe House CoordinatorMr Adrian Ranieri Hughes House CoordinatorMr Steven Hicks McDonald House Coordinator

Gleeson College Key Learning Area Coordinators:Mrs Kirsty Jeffree LOTE Key Learning Area CoordinatorMrs Jessica McCarthy English Key Learning Area CoordinatorMrs Carly Meakin Arts Key Learning Area CoordinatorMs Candice Mitchell Health & PE Key Learning Area CoordinatorMrs Grace Napoli Science Key Learning Area CoordinatorMrs Kate Pill Humanities & Social Sciences Key Learning Area CoordinatorMrs Lina Russo Flexible Learning Key Area CoordinatorMr Daniel Ryall Mathematics Key Learning Area CoordinatorMs Denise Spiroulias Business, Enterprise & Technology Key Learning Area CoordinatorMr Alex Daw Special Education Key Teacher

Social media has changed the way people work, live and play. It’s changed the way we connect with family and friends, with colleagues, with service providers, organisations and governments.

Gleeson College recognised this fact and this is why we have our own official Facebook page to help parents, students and the wider community keep up to date with current news, student achievements and events happening at Gleeson.

To receive updates on your FB news feed from our page, simple ‘Like’ us on our Facebook homepage at:

www.facebook.com/GleesonCollege

Don’t forget to visit our College website for a more comprehensive guide to our school including latest news, events calendars,policies and guidelines:

www.gleeson.sa.edu.au

‘LIKE’ US ON FACEBOOK!

FIRS

T D

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2015

‘THE WEDDING SINGER’: A HILARIOUS STORY OF LOVE & LAUGHTER!

Gleeson College 2015 School MusicalIn 2015, Gleeson College will be presenting a production of ‘The Wedding Singer’. ‘The Wedding Singer’ is based on the 1998 film of the same title, which starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. It is an hilarious story of love and laughter set in the amazing decade that was the 80s!

The Production Team is excited to announce the following students who have been successful in gaining lead roles in this year’s production:

Role StudentRobbie Hart Fabian Morales VargasJulia Sullivan Serena Martino-WilliamsHolly Daria HodderSammy Kyle McCarthyGeorge Dylan CreeneyGlen Gulia Ben AltieriRosie Tayla SlackLinda Stephanie StavropoulosAngie Gabriella CentofantiChina Clerk Lady & Tiffany Cherie SurmanDavid & Ricky Matilda ComleyDonatella Tiana MaginCrystal Sarah Roden

Auditions 2015There are still many ensemble and minor acting roles available. Auditions for these roles will take place on Wednesday 4 February (Week 2) from 3.30-5.00pm in D1:6-7 (Dance Room).

All students (who are not yet cast) wishing to take part in this year’s production must attend this audition. All students auditioning will be asked to sing, dance and act in a group situation. Please bring a comfortable change of clothes.

Year 8 Students: As Year 8 students will be on camp at the time of auditions, there will be a separate Year 8 audition time. Any Year 8s wishing to audition (and please do, you are most welcome), must meet in the Dance Room (D1:6-7) at Lunchtime on Tuesday 3 February (Week 2).

It’s going to be an incredible show. Don’t miss out on being a part of it.

The Production Team: Mrs Meakin, Mrs Deptula, Mrs Parsons, Mr Crosby

There are still many ensemble and minor acting roles available! See below:

STUDENT ID CARD PHOTOGRAPHS 2015

Student ID Card photographs will be taken next TUESDAY 3 FEBRUARY.

Please ensure your child/ren are in correct College uniform, adhering to our College policies regarding hair,

make up and jewellery.

SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICEAll babies, children and young people under 18 years are welcome to

attend the School Dental Service. Dental care is FREE for most children.

SA Dental Service participates in the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. A small fee may apply for children who are not eligible for the Child Dental Benefits

Schedule. All dental care provided is FREE for preschool children.

To locate your local School Dental Clinic, or for more information about the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, please visit www.sadental.sa.gov.au

PARENT INFORMATION EVENING: Monday 9 February 2015 @ 7pm

A letter has been sent home to inform all parents and caregivers that our annual Parent Information Evening will be held on Monday 9 February 2015 at 7pm. The information below explains the areas in which specific year levels will be meeting. Please note all meetings start at 7pm sharp and that students are not required to attend this evening.

Year 8 & 9: Information will be presented within your child’s Home Room presented by their Home Group teacher. Parents are asked to make their way to the Gleeson College Courtyard and will be directed by staff to the correct classrooms.

Year 10: Information will be presented in the Gleeson side Lecture Theatre within the Dame Roma Mitchell Centre, please follow directions from staff.

Year 11: Information will be presented in the Thiele Side Lecture Theatre within the Dame Roma Mitchell Centre, please follow directions from staff.

Year 12: Information will be presented in the Gleeson College Learning Centre, located on level 2 of the Lowes Building, please follow directions from staff.

We ask that every family be represented to ensure that maximum parent understanding and support is achieved for students at each year level of study. Research has shown that student performance is directly proportional to parent interest, support and encouragement. If for any reason families cannot be represented at the evening, we ask that apologies be recorded on the supplied Reply Slip.

Each session will have its own distinctive, informative programs. Once these have been completed parents will have the opportunity to meet with all teachers in the courtyard where supper will be provided, the night will conclude approximately at 8.30pm, with some words from Gleeson College Principal Andrew Baker.

I ask that you mark this date in your diary and make every effort to attend. If you have more than one child at the College, you will need to decide which Year Level meeting to attend. There will be an opportunity to meet with all teachers during supper.

Mr Adam Cibich,Assistant Principal - Student Development

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) 2015As you may be aware we have conducted a successful trial in of BYOD 2014 for Year 8 to 10 students. In this trial students were invited to bring their own digital devices to school in order to access the curriculum as required. The trial highlighted that bringing your own device allowed students to: start work more quickly, save work and continue working at home without difficulty, use a faster device, carry a light-weight device and they were able to enjoy the benefits of using their personally configured device when required.

You may also recall that last year all families were asked to respond to a Statement of Intent in order to indicate which of the options provided for BYOD best suited their needs. The options provided are outlined below.

Option 1: The student brings their own existing digital device to school each day. The device meets the minimum requirements for successfully accessing the curriculum as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Option 2: The student buys one of the devices recommended by Gleeson College from the suppliers recommended on our College website. The student brings this device to school each day.

Option 3: The student rents a device from the College and returns it at the end of the academic year. The rental cost will be approximately $100 for the year. A Rental Agreement form will be sent home as soon as possible.

As 2015 will be the first year of our full BYOD program we will have some laptops available for students to borrow on a daily basis should there be a problem with their own device. If none of the options offered are suitable then you are asked to contact the College through the BYOD feedback email address, by phone or in person to discuss the matter further.

It is important to note that most of our College laptops are nearing the end of their useful lifespan and that they are quite heavy to carry around. We will not be replacing these laptops in 2016.

The information sent home to families includes the Code of Conduct and Code of Conduct Agreement. It is critical to the success of our BYOD program that you please read this carefully and then indicate which option you prefer for 2015.

Click on the following link to view this document in full on our College Website:http://www.gleeson.sa.edu.au/component/content/article/69--gleeson-byod-program-2015

Please feel free to forward any questions you may have regarding the Gleeson College BYOD program 2015 to:byod.feedback@gleeson.catholic.edu.au

Mr Andrew Baker, Principal

GLEESON YEAR 11 CYCLIST BRADEN O’SHEA WINS FOUR GOLD!

Talented Year 11 cyclist, Braden O’Shea (11 FSIMB), won an outstanding four gold medals at the recent South Australian Junior State Track Championships held in Adelaide on January 11-12. Braden (pictured at the event at left) won gold in the U17 200m Sprint, 500m Time Trial, 2km Individual Pursuit and Team Pursuit events, while also winning silver in the Team Sprint and bronze in the Scratch Race.

His performance at the meet ensured his selection to represent SA at the National Junior Track Championships to be held in Melbourne late next month. We congratulate Braden and wish him all the best as he continues on his journey to the elite level.

We would also like to highly commend Braden on his exceptional, continued effort raising much-needed funds for the Cancer Council. Braden is again participating in his ‘Ride for a Reason’ campaign, having raised an amazing total of $23,000 for this important cause over the past four years! With this year’s total currently sitting at $1795, he is right on target to reach his goal of $3,000 this year!

Braden rode in the Bupa Challenge Tour from Glenelg to Mt Barker as part of the Tour Down Under last Friday 23 January, cycling the 154km course in memory of his Auntie Leanne who sadly lost her battle with cancer in 2011.

We would love all members of our Gleeson College community to consider sponsoring Braden on his ‘Ride for a Reason’ in 2015. There is no donation too small, so head to his fundraising page at:https://secure.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?RegistrationID=824898#&panel1-4

Year 8 Cyclist Emerson Nugent Selected To Represent SA at 2015 National Junior Track Championships

We congratulate Year 8 cyclist, Emerson Nugent (8 FMWIL), who has also been selected to represent SA at the National Junior Track Championships in Melbourne late next month!

Emerson performed well at the recent SA Junior Track Champs recently, winning two silver medals (U15 Sprint & Time Trial) and two bronze (Individual Pursuit & Scratch Race).

Well done Emerson and all the best for the upcoming nationals!

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TERM TRADING TIMES:Monday: 1.00pm - 2.30pm

Tuesday & Wednesday: 8.15am - 9.15am 1.00pm - 2.45pm 3.15pm - 4.15pm

Thursday: 1.00pm - 2.45pm

First Saturday of Month: 9.00am - 12.00pm

THE GLEESON COLLEGE SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP IS OPEN EVERY TUESDAY AFTERNOON 3.30PM - 4.30PM.

GG CAMPUS UNIFORM SHOPDevon Clothing | P: 8289 5564

Are you aware that you can now also purchase your Gleeson College uniform

requirments at Totally Schoolwear, Clovercrest Plaza?

LOCATION & CONTACT DETAILS:Shop 24 Clovercrest Plaza

429 Montague RoadModbury SAT: 8396 6465

OPENING TIMES:Monday - Friday: 9am-5pm

Saturdays: 9am-12noon

DOWNLOAD OUR GC SKOOLBAG APP TODAY!

Installing the App is easy…follow the step-by-step instructions below to download on your phone or tablet device. If you have any questions or issues installing please contact sales@skoolbag.com.au

For iPhone and iPad Users: 1. Click the "App Store" icon on your Apple device. 2. Type your school name in the search, using suburb name will help. 3. If iPhone, you will see your school appear, click "Free" then "install". 4. If iPad, change the drop list to "iPhone Apps", your school will then be visible, click "Free" then "install". 5. When installed click "Open" 6. Select "OK" to receive push notifications, when asked. 7. Click the "More" button on the bottom right of the App, then "Setup". 8. Toggle on the Push Categories that are applicable for you.

For Android Users: You must first have signed up with a Google Account before installing the app. 1. Click the "Play Store" button on your Android Device 2. Click the magnifying glass icon at the top and type in your school name, using suburb name will help. 3. Click the school name when it appears in the search. 4. Click the "Install" button. 5. Click "Accept" for various permissions (please note, we do not modify any of your personal data on your device). 6. Click "Open" when installed. 7. Click the "More" button on the bottom right of the App, then "Setup". 8. Toggle on the Push Categories that are applicable for you.

Term 1, 20153 Feb Student ID Card Photographs (MSP Photography)4 - 6 Year 8 Camp: Wallaroo & Pt Hughes9 Parent Information Evening, Gleeson College (7pm)11 Gleeson College Swimming Carnival15 - 16 Student Leadership Camp18 Catholic Girls Swimming Carnival: Adelaide Aquatic Centre18 - 20 Year 10 Ex-L Camp: Normanville27 Gleeson College Athletics Carnival5 Mar Year 8 Retreat: Sunnybrae Function Centre9 ADELAIDE CUP PUBLIC HOLIDAY14 St Francis Xavier’s Regional Catholic School: MAD MARCH FAIR17 Gleeson College OPEN NIGHT 2015 (4 - 8pm)23 Catholic Co-Ed Athletics Carnival: SANTOS Stadium25 - 27 Year 9 Ex-L Camp: Woodhouse Activity Centre2 Apr Catholic Girls Athletics Carnival3 GOOD FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY6 EASTER MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY7 - 8 Year 8 Pastoral Care Interviews10 FINAL DAY OF TERM 1 - STUDENT REPORTS DISTRIBUTEDTerm 2, 201527 FIRST DAY OF TERM 2 FOR ALL STUDENTS

2015 GLEESON DIARY DATES

2015 GLEESON COLLEGE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Wednesday 11 FebruaryWaterworld Aquatic Centre

The Gleeson Swimming Carnival will be held at Waterworld Aquatic Centre, Ridgehaven. A letter is being sent home today via the CELT system, outlining the expectations for ALL students. As a College community we are expecting that all students will bring team spirit, enthusiasm and be part of this enjoyable event.

• ALL STUDENTS are expected to meet at Waterworld Aquatic Centre by 8.40am (buses will be provided for those students requiring transport from Gleeson College) where they will meet their House Coordinator in their appropriate area to have their name marked off by 8.45am. The Swimming Carnival will conclude at approximately 3.00pm.

• Please indicate your child’s transport by requirements by CLICKING HERE so that appropriate bookings can be made. Buses will be provided for any students requiring transport. They must be at school by 8.25am sharp.

• Each student has been allocated to a House team. These teams are as follows:

McDonald: Yellow Fyfe: Green Damiani: Blue Hughes: Red• Students are expected to wear their

Gleeson College House colour T-shirt on the day with PE shorts or track pants and hat.

• Senior students who do not do PE can wear mid-thigh length shorts (Football shorts or board shorts are appropriate) or track pants.

NOTE: • No singlets/tank tops or cut-off shirts

are allowed.• Sneakers or School shoes MUST be

worn to and from school. Thongs may be put on at the pool only.

• Students are expected to compete in at least one event during the program. Students who feel they cannot participate need to provide a valid reason and should see Miss Mitchell to be allocated alternative

duties on the day.• An invitation is extended to all

parents to come along and support the Swimming Carnival. The program is scheduled to commence at 9.00am.

• Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch/snacks and drinks. There are canteen facilities available at the Waterworld Aquatic Centre.

• When students aren’t involved in an event or helping, they will be required to sit in their House area and support their fellow students. The only exceptions are if they are going to the canteen or toilet.

• Students are encouraged to be sun smart and wear a hat and sunscreen (some sunscreen will also be provided in house areas).

DONT FORGET:• The Swimming Carnival is considered

a “normal” school day. Any absentees must be treated in the same manner as they would throughout the year.

• Any medication (e.g. Inhalers etc) that your child needs. There will be first aid kits at the Waterworld Aquatic Centre for any injuries that need to be treated at the pool.

• At the completion of the event, ALL STUDENTS (except those requiring transport by bus back to Gleeson) will be dismissed from Waterworld Aquatic Centre at 3.00pm.

• The College already has your child’s medical information, should you need to update this information please contact the College as soon as possible.

Thank you for your support in this College event,

Miss Candice Mitchell,Sports Coordinator