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Friday, 5 April 2019, Term 1 Week 10

Heavenly Father,

As I enter another week of my

Lenten journey, guide me to the

path that leads to you. Fill my heart

with gratitude, patience, strength,

and peace as I strive to become the

best version of myself, honestly

admitting my shortcomings and

sins.

As I renew my resolve each day to

become a better person, let me

hear your voice in the deepest

reaches of my heart. Give me rest

in you.

Help me to accept others, showing

them your great love instead of

casting judgment.

Stay with me through the busy days

this week and remind me that when

I need comfort, solitude, wisdom, or

guidance, I can always turn to you.

Help me develop discipline and

generosity through fasting and

almsgiving, and come closer to you

through prayer this Lent.

In your name I pray,

Amen.

Dear Parents, Staff and Students

Easter

Over the upcoming holiday break the most important season on the Church’s calendar will

occur, culminating in Easter Sunday. I recently came across a message from Pope Francis

pertaining to this central belief of our Christian faith. As this is the final Newsletter for the

term, I have included some excerpts from the Pope’s address below.

‘Jesus is risen from the dead!

This message resounds in the Church the world over, along with the singing of the Alleluia: Jesus is Lord; the Father has raised him and he lives forever in our midst.

Jesus had foretold his death and resurrection using the image of the grain of wheat. He said: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn 12:24). And this is precisely what happened: Jesus, the grain of wheat sowed by God in the furrows of the earth, died, killed by the sin of the world. He remained two days in the tomb; but his death contained God’s love in all its power, released and made manifest on the third day, the day we celebrate today: the Easter of Christ the Lord.

We Christians believe and know that Christ’s resurrection is the true hope of the world, the hope that does not disappoint. It is the power of the grain of wheat, the power of that love which humbles itself and gives itself to the very end, and thus truly renews the world. This power continues to bear fruit today in the furrows of our history, marked by so many acts of injustice and violence. It bears fruits of hope and dignity where there are deprivation and exclusion, hunger and unemployment, where there are migrants and refugees (so often rejected by today’s culture of waste), and victims of the drug trade, human trafficking and contemporary forms of slavery.

May the risen Christ bring fruits of new life to those children, who as a result of wars and hunger, grow up without hope, lacking education and health care; and to those elderly persons who are cast off by a selfish culture that ostracizes those who are not “productive”.

We also implore fruits of wisdom for those who have political responsibilities in our world, that they may always respect human dignity, devote themselves actively to the pursuit of the common good, and ensure the development and security of their own citizens.

The words heard by the women at the tomb are also addressed to us: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen” (Lk 24:5-6). Death, solitude and fear are not the last word. There is a word that transcends them, a word that only God can speak: it is the word of the resurrection (cf. John Paul II, Conclusion of the Way of the Cross, 18 April 2003). By the power of God’s love, it “dispels wickedness, washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners, drives out hatred, fosters concord and brings down the mighty” (Easter Proclamation).’

About Catholic Schools

About Catholic Schools has been published in magazine format for over 40 years. With the

growth of social media, it has been decided to publish this magazine online. From Term 2

parents and students will be able to read stories about our schools by visiting the About

Catholic Schools website.

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Mr John Riordan

Principal

FINIS CORONAT OPUS - The end crowns the work

State Election Result

Everyone is aware that the Berejiklian Government was returned to office for the next four years. The Government has

promised to increase funding for capital works projects in Independent Schools to the tune of $500 million over the next term.

Catholic schools, particularly those in the developing areas of Sydney, will benefit from this new funding commitment. Thank

you to those parents who communicated with our elected representatives and other candidates to impress upon them the

importance of an adequately resourced Catholic education sector. Pressure from voters, particularly around election time,

focuses politicians’ attention on some of the vital issues such as education. With the Federal election due next month, it is

important to ensue both major parties renew their previous promises to our Catholic system of schools.

Public Transport

Following some complaints concerning a few students’ poor manners on public transport, the whole school was reminded

about the College’s expectations with regard to these matters. I am certain that parents also expect our young men to act in a

way that reflects the values they are taught at home. This week, senior members of staff visited train stations, bus stops and

the local shopping centre. This process will continue across the rest of the year. I am pleased to report that there were no

instances of our students behaving in an inappropriate way. A school’s reputation takes years to build and only a short period

of time to destroy. MCK has an excellent reputation in the wider community and any student who behaves in a way that may

affect that reputation will be dealt with according to the College’s student management and discipline policies. I know that I

will have parents’ support in this matter.

Uniform

A reminder that students return in winter uniform from the commencement of next term. Students should also be reminded of

the College’s regulations around hair and grooming. Too many students test the boundaries on these matters with time wasted

by staff and students over something that is straightforward. All students sign an enrolment contract stating that they will

follow the College rules on hair, grooming and uniform. Consistency of application of school rules is one of the things that leads

to a settled school environment where we can focus on our main business of teaching and learning.

Upcoming Events

Friday, 12 April – Last day Term 1

– Easter Liturgy (Dismissal at approximately 1.00 pm)

Sunday, 21 April – Easter Sunday

Thursday, 25 April – ANZAC Day

Monday, 29 April – Term 2 commences (Day 1 on timetable). Full winter uniform and College blazer.

Tuesday, 30 April – ANZAC Ceremony

Second Hand Uniform Sale at the College

Blazers $50 House Polo $8

Blue/White Shirts $2 Sport Shorts $8

Grey Trousers $10 Track Jacket $25

Navy Shorts $10 Track Pants $15

Sport Polo $8 Pullover $20

Students need to accompany parents when purchasing uniforms from the College office

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PROJECT COMPASSION 2019

Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal is an extraordinary, ongoing demonstration of the faith, love and generosity of the Catholic congregation and caring supporters throughout Australia to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

Project Compassion theme this year asks us to: Give Lent 100% in the name of hope.

Starting with Ash Wednesday, 6 March, we at MCK are sharing stories from people in Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Australia, Bangladesh and Vietnam. Their stories humble and inspire us, and show how your contributions to Project Compassion help people build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities.

As Lent draws to a close, I would like to thank the College community for their generosity of gifting to this year’s Project Compassion Appeal. Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s

annual fundraising and awareness-raising appeal that brings thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. We have raised a remarkable $3231.10. I wish you and your families a very happy and a Holy Easter to come. May the Risen Christ be hope for all.

Ms Lauren Abihanna

Religious Education Co-ordinator

YEAR 8 MASS

On Wednesday, 3 April Fr Yacub, our Parish Priest celebrated the Eucharist with Mr Fitzgerald - Year 8 Coordinator, Year 8 Homeroom Teachers and the Year 8 cohort. This was our last mass for the term and further preparation towards Easter.

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NAPLAN Online Practice Test

On Wednesday, 27 March all of Year 7 and 9 participated in the NAPLAN Online Practice test

which was strongly encouraged by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).

Benefits of the practice test:

For the students:

develop better understanding of assessment tools (e.g. online calculator) as they may be different from what students are used to

become familiar with the types of questions

become familiar with any disability adjustments that have been allocated.

For the College:

become familiar with the functionality of the online assessment platform

establish if Wi-Fi access points provide sufficient coverage for the number of devices in a test session

trial test room set up with actual class groups

check correct version of browser has been installed.

Participating in the practice test was a key step in getting ready for the NAPLAN Online in May.

Mr John Carnabuci

Executive Assistant

Valid measures of student growth

‘Australia puts too much emphasis on students’ achievement at different points of time in their schooling, and not enough on students’ progress over the course of their schooling’ . (Peter Goss & Julie Sonnemann- The Grattan Institute)

In Term 2 all staff will participate in the ‘2019 MCK Valid measures of student growth’ NESA Registered professional learning. This course is designed to enable teachers to analyse, interpret and use data in order to strengthen their classroom practice by embedding targeted teaching and tracking student progress.

This is underpinned by contemporary research and literature by Higgins, et al. (2012), Hattie, J. (2009), Timperley 2009, Black & Wiliam (1998), Sydney Catholic Schools New Horizons Inspiring Spirits and Minds and the NSW Government Great Teaching Inspired Learning - a Blueprint for Action. Teachers will participate in professional learning to update their knowledge and practice targeted to data analysis, aligned with the 2019 College Annual Improvement Plan:

2.2.1 Provide professional development for classroom teachers in the analysis, interpretation and use of data in order to strengthen teacher classroom practice. This should include a range of data specifically in stages 4 and 5.

2.2.2 Develop a data strategy that enables the College to empirically ascertain a year’s learning growth for a year’s schooling.

2.6.1 Build teacher capacity to enhance student opportunity and engagement, in effective learning.

By selecting and using valid student data to analyse and evaluate student understanding of subject content, teachers will confidently identify interventions and modify their teaching practice. This practical opportunity will engage teachers in reflective practice around their capacity in analysing data whilst assessing their current performance to improve student growth and wellbeing outcomes.

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Construction gets creative

Recently the Australian Catholic Bishops asked all schools, parishes

and organisations to display the NATSICC Acknowledgement plaque.

This opportunity provided a team of Year 12 Construction students

led by Mr McKevett and Mr Somerfield to design a sculpture where

this plaque can be proudly displayed in our school grounds. The

plaque will be presented at the College Anzac Day ceremony next

term where our ATSI students will actively participate in this

memorable community event.

It is an exciting time for the Diverse Learning faculty at the College. With the launching of the new flexible learning space staff

are able to develop teaching activities that incorporate differentiated strategies to meet the specific learning needs of students

across the full range of abilities.

This space will operate by targeting small focus groups, reading recovery, numeracy & literacy intervention, special assessment

provisions, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander activities, writing groups, gifted & talented activities, WOT, STEM and lunchtime

activities such as chess & board games.

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Sydney Writers' Festival | Rebecca Traister: Good and Mad

Who: Public event Venue: UNSW Sydney, Leighton Hall, John Niland Scientia Building (map reference G19) When: 1 May 2019, 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm Rebecca Traister: Good and Mad, presented by UNSW Arts & Social Sciences, a partner of the 2019 Sydney Writers’ Festival.

Gifted Families Support Group (GFSG Inc.) The GFSG Inc. is a not for profit association designed to support families and educators of gifted children. GFSG Inc. is affiliated with the Australian Association for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children (AAEGT) and represents NSW on the national board. For more information, visit the GFSG Inc. website at www.gfsg.org.au

Focus on SENG SENG is a nonprofit organisation that empowers families and communities to guide gifted and talented individuals to reach their goals: intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Although it is based in the USA SENG aims to be accessible and inclusive – with online forums, support groups and webinars. SENG can be found here.

STEM education Our world is rapidly changing and is driven by complex environmental issues,

social challenges and technological advances.

What is STEM?

STEM education is a cross-disciplinary approach to the learning and application of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics outcomes, to solve real-world problems.

Why STEM?

Your child will be required to have the knowledge, skills and capabilities to be adaptive, creative, innovative and a collaborative problem solver. STEM education will have a crucial role in providing these opportunities.

STEM education is for every student

On Friday, 29 March I attended the SCS Statement on STEM Launch at the Institute of Science &

Learning, Taronga Zoo led by the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) STEM Team. This professional

learning provided an opportunity to listen to the keynote speaker Dr Jane Hunter who is currently conducting a series of funded research studies to build capacity in STEM and STEAM

in NSW, ACT and VIC.

Teachers then engaged in Sustainable STEM experiences led by the staff from Taronga Park Zoo followed by a Schools Showcase and a Q & A session that included an expert panel from NESA , ACARA and ACU.

Mrs Kylie Watson

Leader of Pedagogy

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FINIS CORONAT OPUS - The end crowns the work

Biophysical Interactions in a Coastal Environment

On Friday, 15 March the Year 11 Geography students undertook a fieldstudy at Garie Beach.

The focus of this fieldstudy was to consider how the Biosphere, Lithosphere, Atmosphere and

Hydrosphere interact and what impact humans have on the functioning of this environment.

Geography provides an important context to the understanding and development of natural

and human processes, which occur within the world’s environments. This is conducted by

examining a range of theoretical frameworks and practical skills through geographical inquiry.

In doing so, students become proficient in understanding and applying a range of

geographical tools and skills. This enhances the student’s ability to be critical and creative thinkers about contemporary

geographical questions and issues.

On the Garie Beach excursion, students were able to conduct fieldwork by -

• formulating a geographical question or issue for study;

• identifying, collecting and recording geographical data from a variety of primary sources;

• constructing a log of events and activities, which records the development of a fieldwork

activity; and

• synthesising data and evaluating the fieldwork activity.

Mrs Anita Flogeras

HSIE Teacher

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Mr Chris MacDougal

Sports Co-ordinator

MCC SQUASH

The annual MCC Squash tournament was held on Thursday 21st March 2019 at

Willoughby Squash Club. The squad of ten students were at school ready for the

90 minute drive in peak hour traffic at 7.25 am. Well done to all players for being

on time and ready to go.

It was a busy day consisting of umpiring, playing and hydration with very little time

for much else.

Kogarah was up against exceptional competition. Each player held his own despite

having minimal squash experience.

Overall there were some impressive victories and the majority of losses were hard

fought and by the narrowest of margins.

The players did their best and finished 6th overall. The day went smoothly and was enjoyed by all involved.

Thank you to all players for your commitment and professionalism on the day.

The 2019 Squash team:

Romeo Ladkani, Justin Cibalevski, Damian Dimoski, Brandon Hoang, Kylen Mabey, Dennis Liang, Dylan Utomo, Zack Lim, Lewis Mabey and Zachary Jonathan.

Mr Frank Azar

NSW SURF LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Over consecutive weekends Fletcher Warn (Year 8) has been competing in the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships at Swansea where he achieved some outstanding results. The first weekend saw Fletcher win Gold in the Under 13 Ironman after reducing a 50m lead after the Board leg. He also finished a commendable 5th in the Under 13 Male Surf Race and All Age Board Relay, both of which he was battling illness.

The following weekend, Fletcher raced against boys 2 years older than him and was lucky enough to also bring home a silver medal in the Under 15 Male Surf Teams event.

A huge congratulations must be given to Fletcher on an outstanding achievement.

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MCC CROSS COUNTRY

The MCC Cross Country was held on a dry Thursday, 28 March 2019.

In each age group the best 5 runners from each of the 7 MCC schools

run a cross country course whereby the winning runner receives 40

points, 2nd place gets 39 points, 3rd place gets 38 points, 4th place gets

37 points and so on ... So that the 40th placed runner receives 1 point.

To get an age group to score around 150 points means that all of their 5 runners need to be in or around the top 10 places. We

managed to get over 150 points in the Opens race.

The order of races changed like last year. It meant we started with the Opens (8km race), then

the 16’s (6 km race), followed by the 12’s (3km race), 13’s (3km race), 14’s (4km race) and

finishing the day with the 15’s (4km race). The Kogarah Opens runners dominated their race

and ended up catapulting us into the lead after the 1st event. We stayed with the front three

schools for the rest of the races throughout the day until Randwick and North Shore managed

to edge past us in the last two races of the day. This meant we ended up coming 3rd by a

narrow margin of 12 points.

All MCK runners deserve praise on their courage, stamina and endurance. Special

congratulations Dylan Nadal (1st in the Under 12’s division), Escher Corbett (2nd in the Under

13’s division), Jonathan Soares (4th in the Under 14’s division), Ashley Markovski (5th in the

Under 15’s division), Hugh Africa (4th in the Under 17’s division), Matthew Pogorilic (6th in the

Under 17’s division) and Jackson Beame (2nd in the Under 18’s division). All of these runners

made it through to represent MCC in the CCC selection carnival at Eastern Creek in June.

Thanks also to all the reserves that came out on the day, Mr Hildebrandt and Mr FitzGerald for being field marshals and

taking photos on the day and to the coaches Mr O’Brien, Mr FitzGerald and Mr Scali, for all their hard efforts during the

summer training. Our squad looks like it will go even better next year.

Mr Chris MacDougal

Sports Co-ordinator

Walkathon 2019 is fast approaching. As a College, in Week 6 of Term 2, we will

celebrate our Marist faith by undergoing a walk from Kyeemagh to Dolls Point

followed by a BBQ lunch. Students will raise money which will be donated to

Australian Marist Solidarity who are an agency working for people in the Asia and

Pacific Island region. Money will develop and support educational opportunities for young people in these regions. More to

follow on this important College event early next Term.

Your support will encourage our students to raise money for educational opportunities for young people on the margins in

Asia and the Pacific.

If you, or somebody you know are able to donate prizes for the raffle, please contact me at the College on 9587 3211 or email

me directly at alexandros.sinadinos@syd.catholic.edu.au

Thank you in advance for your support of this important College event.

Mr Alex Sinadinos

PDHPE Co-ordinator

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BIG DAY IN CAREERS DAY AT UTS

Year 11 students studying the various computing courses at Marist College attended the Big Day In careers day at the

University of Technology Sydney. This event is aimed at senior secondary school students interested in careers in ICT and

technology. BIG DAY IN helps students obtain more information about ICT and technology careers, and helps them make a

better-informed decision about their future.

Students listened to various speakers throughout the day from organisations and speakers talking about subjects including

career paths, career opportunities, the latest developments, the future of technology and much more.

Presenters include Wisetech Global, Adobe, Microsoft, Technology One, Animal Logic, WestPac Bank, Australian Government, Lace Space and Defence Forces.

Mr Peter Fitzpatrick

Careers/VET Co-ordinator

University of Notre Dame – A Day in the Life of a Nursing Student

Wednesday, 10 July 10.00 am to 2.00 pm

‘Day in the Life of a Nursing Student’ will provide you with a unique opportunity to experience what it is like to study nursing at

the number 1 university for overall quality of educational experience in Australia.

https://www.notredame.edu.au/events-items/aditl-nursing-student

University of Technology Sydney - Campus Tours

Book yourself in to one. Explore Australia’s most innovative campus, located in the heart of Sydney with the best the city has to

offer. Our experienced Student Ambassadors will lead you through the Broadway and Haymarket precincts, including a stop at

the iconic Dr Chau Chak Building and the 220 seat multi-disciplinary Super Lab. They can help you answer your questions about

courses, university life and all the exciting opportunities available to students.

https://forms.uts.edu.au/web/index.cfm

University of Wollongong - Early Admission applications open early August

UOW Early Admission is an early entry program that gets to know students through both academic and extracurricular factors.

UOW assess their suitability for a UOW degree and can reward successful students with an offer to a place or places at UOW

before they sit their final exams.

This year, Early Admission applications will open Thursday, 1 August. Keep an eye on the link below for details and updates.

https://www.uow.edu.au/early-admission/index.html

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Marist College Kogarah

52 Wolseley Street Bexley, NSW 2207 Telephone 9587 3211 Facsimile 9556 1790 Website: www.mck.nsw.edu.au

Email: info@mckogarah.catholic.edu.au

From the College Counsellor

Convince me! By Michael Grose

Kids of all ages are excellent at wearing down the resistance of a parent who denies permission for them to go somewhere

due to lack of safety or suitability concerns. Unfortunately many kids use annoying methods such as:

repetition (Can I go? Can I go? Can I go?);

questioning (Why can’t I go?);

guilt (You never let me go anywhere!);

nagging (Can I, can I, can I go, pleeease!) and

whining (Ahhh! Whyyy Caaan’t I gooo!)

Often we are so tired that we give just to gain some peace, which makes

pester power a useful strategy as kids achieve what they want.

One way to avoid this obnoxious pestering is to ask them to convince you that they are responsible enough, old (read

mature) enough or aware enough to be allowed to go somewhere.

Here’s an example:

“Amelia, I’m not sure that I should allow you to take the train into the city with friends. I’m worried that it might not be safe.

Convince me that you can do so safely.”

This response puts the onus back on the child or young person to think to counter your concerns. Listen carefully to their

response as it will indicate whether they really have considered your concerns and are aware of the depth or range of

potential difficulties.

Simplistic responses don’t cut it

If they respond with simplistic comments such as; “I’ll be okay”, “we’ll stick together” and “I won’t do anything stupid” then

they are probably unaware or unprepared for contingencies that may arise.

However if they provide a response with more depth, they may demonstrate their readiness. An example for this might be “I

know you are worried that we might get picked on by older kids on the train. That worries me too. We’ll make sure we pick a

carriage with plenty of adults and if kids hop on that look like they’ll give us a hard time, we’ll get off at the next station.”

Minimising risk

Answers such as the above show they understand your concerns and also that they have some strategies in mind to minimise

risk. As a parent we’d like to remove risk from our kids’ lives but this is unrealistic. As kids grow up their world rapidly

expands taking them further away from the safe confines of home, and exposing them to new and potentially risky situations

and people. Our hope is that our kids are able to avoid or counter the risk as much as humanly possible. One way of assessing

this is asking them to convince you that they are responsible, old enough and possess sufficient awareness to go into new

situations and places.

“Convince me!” may well be the smartest two words you’ll ever use as a parent. It may stop pester-power in its tracks and at

the same time induce your child or young person to think ahead and better prepare for spreading their wings when you don ’t

feel they are quite ready.

https://www.parentingideas.com.au/blog/convince-me/

Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the best-selling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children.

Ms Amy Martin

College Counsellor

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