Verbis

In this the first edition of Verbis for 2017, let me welcome you all (once again for those whose daughters are returning and for the first time to our new parents) to another academic year. Already the first week of the Term has gone by and our students have settled well into their classes and there seems to be a vibrant buzz of learning being heard throughout the corridors of our buildings once more. No doubt this is a sign that our staff have prepared well for the girls’ return and by all accounts lessons have started with gusto. Our challenge of course is to keep up the enthusiasm over the entire year.

We were delighted to welcome the new Year 7 students to the College – their first day being Tuesday of last week when they spent the day being looked after by our Senior girls. It is always a very special day when you see the Year 12 girls welcome their ‘little sisters’ with such genuine warmth. No doubt they remember what it was like to walk into St Rita’s on their first day, and they go out of their way to make sure that the Year 7 girls feel a part of their school community as quickly as possible.

I have had a number of new parents contact me to say how truly special it was for their daughters to be welcomed into the school in such a genuinely warm manner. Our Senior girls are to be congratulated for the way they conducted themselves in this role and I thank them for the wonderful example of leadership they have displayed already. As is traditional for us here at St Rita’s College, we have once again set a theme for the year in order to focus our thoughts and actions towards one of the particular traits of our Presentation Founder, Nano Nagle. It was in her adult life that Nano came to appreciate the hollowness of possessions (she grew up in a very well-to-do family) and devoted her life to the poor and lived a life of SIMPLICITY – which will be our focus theme for the year.

In this day and age and in our society, the idea of living a simple life presents all of us with quite a challenge – it can be easy to lose perspective when surrounded by and exposed to so much comparative material wealth. How can one lead a simple life in a very sophisticated environment like ours?

We will be exploring with the girls how all of us can take on a demeanour of simplicity and, in large part, come to appreciate that it all comes down to the choices we make and the extent to which we choose to buy in to popular culture.

As an introduction of the theme to the girls, I shared with them a video on Materialism at our first Assembly (I did edit the video to erase some of the more graphic scenes of the presentation). You may be interested in watching it in its entirety as it poses some very pertinent questions for all of us to consider (Materialism trap). In its introduction it points out that by being in a position to be watching the video places the viewer amongst the world’s wealthiest ten percent.

The presenter proposes that our culture is obsessed with ‘things’ and that so much of our time is spent thinking about things and possessing things and that we are continually being fed the message that we can have it all and have it now. This is a similar message to that put forward by the novelist Daniel Akst, when he wrote recently in one of his books:

“We have met the enemy Self-control, in an age of excess (where we have problems of) managing desire in a landscape rich with temptation”.

Continued Page 2

YEAR OF SIMPLICITY- TRAVELLING LIGHTLY

2 FEBRUARY 2017, TERM 1, EDITION 1

DATES TO KNOWFRIDAY 3 FEBRUARYSwimming CarnivalYear 10-12 Dance

SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARYP&F Year 7 Welcome BBQ

MONDAY 6 FEBRUARYYr 7 Excursion Group 1, UQ Antiquities Musuem

MONDAY 13 FEBRUARYYr 7 Excursion Group 2, UQ Antiquities Musuem

WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARYYr 12 TVP P.A.R.T.Y, RBWH

IN THIS ISSUE

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE P1

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDIES P2

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDENTS P2

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MISSION P3

MEDICAL DETAILS P3

BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGN P4

PATHWAYS AND CAREERS P4

THE ARTS P5

LIBRARY P5

ST RITA’S DANCE COMPANY P5

YEAR 12 PARENTS WELCOME BBQ P5

MUSIC P6

DEBATING P6

ST RITA’S COMMUNITY P7

SPORT P8

COMMUNITY NOTICES P10

FROM THE PRINCIPALMrs Dale Morrow

ST RITA’S COLLEGE

Year 12, 2016 ResultsWe are very proud of all the graduates of the class of 2016. Thank you to our teaching staff for their contributions to the success of our students. It is important to recognise as well the work of the non-teaching staff and the supportive roles they have for our students and teachers.

Summary of results:OP 1 - 5 33%OP 1 – 10 85%OP 1 – 15 98%

• SRC achieved a median OP of 7 in comparison to the state median of OP 10

• OP-ineligible students achieved equivalent OP scores from 9 - 15

• 99% of students received a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

• 88%% of all students (both OP and Rank students) received their first or second preference offer from QTAC

• 97% of all students received a major round QTAC offer

Congratulations to our nine OP1 students - Sophia Asnicar, Isabella Borchet-Jonker, Alice Houlahan, Rachel Miller, Lillian Prince, Georgia Stones, Verity Tan, Nina van Zijl and Olivia Wu. This week we welcomed back these students and they shared with the College community

their tips for success. A video on their tips for success can be found on the MySRC Curriculum page.

Years 11 and 12 Parent Information and QCS EveningThe Years 11 and 12 Parent Information and QCS Evening will be held on Tuesday 28 February at 6:00pm in Eirene. All Years 11 and 12 students and at least one parent/guardian are expected to attend.

Study at HomeAt Assembly this week I explained to students about recording in their Student Planner the number of minutes spent on studying for each subject • Years 7 and 8 students should study a

minimum of 1 ½ hrs per night• Years 9 and 10 students should study a

minimum of 2 hrs per night• Years 11 and 12 students should study a

minimum of 3 hrs per night• Assignment work is on top of this revision

time

Communication with class teachersIf there is a concern with a subject teacher, students and parents should contact the teacher in question in the first instance. Clear and direct communication with the teacher when a query arises is the most efficient way to address any concerns.

DEPUTY PRINICPAL - STUDIESMrs Maree Trims

Welcome to the 2017 school year. It is always a very exciting time of the year when the students return. The energy and hope is palpable. It is also a very busy time of year. Please take note of a few date claimers:

• Friday 3 February, Years 10-12 Dance Friday 7:30-10:00pm• Sunday 7 February, Year 7 Welcome BBQ, Hogan Place, 4:00pm• Tuesday February 21, Dr Judith Locke, clinical psychologist with an address which focuses on adolescent transition and issues, Eirene, 6:00pm.

The following article may be of interest to parents/guardians. As we all know children mimic adult behaviours. This article focuses upon a tinder-like app of concern. Click here

I look forward to communicating with you some of the fabulous ideas and initiatives that our College Captains are already working on. Many different opportunities to bring action/virtute to our pillar of Simplicity are underway.

It looks like it will be a good year.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDENTSMs Catherine Allen

Continued from Page 1

If Akst and the presenter of this video are right about modern life having become more about acquiring things, then there is more need than ever before to become better at exercising self-control over what we desire and acquire, because seeking happiness in materialism is doomed to end in grief. As St Augustine observed long ago:

Who has ever reached everything they hoped for? When you come close to grasping the object of your desire, it immediately starts losing its charm. You begin to hope for other things, other attractions. And as soon as you obtain them they too begin to lose their charm.

Our year’s theme of SIMPLICITY will present all of us with much food for thought and challenge in coming to value what truly is important in life.

Mrs Dale MorrowPrinicpal, St Rita’s College

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As we begin the new school year, the students will be participating in camps and various activities that will require College staff to have access to student medical information.

Parents/guardians will have received an email from the CareMonkey system, the College’s new platform to capture all relevant medical data, requesting you to complete a profile for your daughter/s. The completion of this profile is extremely important as this information will be accessed by your daughter/s teachers when they attend activities outside the school, such as excursions and camps.

You will no longer have to complete forms and medical details for each camp or excursion your daughter/s attends. You will now be sent an electronic notification with the excursion or camp details and you provide your acceptance electronically for your daughter/s to attend. From a security perspective, this information will only be accessible by the relevant teachers and staff of the College.

If you have not already done so, please revisit the CareMonkey email sent to you from the College and submit a medical profile for your daughter/s, as soon as possible. Parents/guardians may use a PC, laptop, tablet or

smart phone to enter the details including:• emergency contacts;• medical contacts;• medical checklist including asthma,

allergies, seizures, diabetes;• health insurance details; and • notes and other care instructions for

your daughter.

Please visit the CareMonkey website for more information and demonstration videos: www.caremonkey.com, or call Mrs Rosemarie Parisi, Business and Office Support Administrator, on 3862 1615.

Mr Ed GleesonBusiness Manager

MEDICAL DETAILSCareMonkey Profiles

Commencement Mass and Year 12 Investiture Ceremony On Wednesday 1 February, we celebrated our Commencement Mass and the investiture of our Year 12 class of 2017. I would like to extend my thanks to Fr Anthony Mellor, St Agatha’s Parish Clayfield, for celebrating Mass with us and the staff and students who assisted in so many ways to make it a meaningful occasion for our College community.

Thank you to St Rita’s Voices and the Liturgy Ensemble who lead the music so beautifully. I would like to thank in particular the Year 11 students and families who contributed to the morning tea for the Year 12 families and special guests and the Year 11s who assisted at the morning tea. We appreciate the time and energy you gave to make this occasion a memorable one for them.

Year 12 Retreat and Reflection Opportunities This year, the Year 12 Retreat will take place on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 November. This is a compulsory event and we ask all parents/guardians to support the College in ensuring their daughters are present for this significant experience. More information about the Retreat will be provided to Year 12 families in Semester 2.

In addition, Year 12 students will be given the opportunity to participate in two reflection evenings. The first will be Stations of the City, Friday 3 March, 3:30-6:30pm and the second,

a Twilight Retreat, Friday 28 July, 3:30-7:30pm. These experiences are optional and intended to be smaller and more specific in their focus. In the coming weeks, Year 12 parents will receive more information about these experiences including how students can register for these events.

Social Outreach Sign OnOver the past week, students in Cascian House have been given the opportunity to volunteer to assist with the Ecumenical Coffee Brigade. Over the coming week, all students will be given the chance to commit to a range of social outreach programs:

Virtute Social Justice Group: Years 7–12 Big Brekky Semester 1: Year 12 onlyBig Brekky Semester 2: Year 11 onlyZillmere Homework Help: Years 10-12 onlySmith Family’s Student to Student Reading Program: Years 7-10 (20 volunteers needed)

Rosters and lists will be posted to the noticeboard in the undercroft and students will

be notified via morning notices and email.

Expressions of interest will also be sought for:Murgon Immersion, June: Years 10 and 11 (limited to 16 places)Longreach Immersion, September: Year 11 (limited to 8 places)Cape York Immersion, September: Years 10-12

To sign on for these Immersions, students will be required to attend a lunchtime information session on Friday 10 February. Depending on demand, participation in an Immersion may be subject to an application process.

All outreach rosters and parent information and permission letters for Big Brekky, Zillmere Homework Help and the Ecumenical Coffee Brigade are now available via MySRC. Refer to the section, Mission & Outreach then Outreach. It is also anticipated that this information will eventually be available via CareMonkey. In the interim, students will be advised of the rosters via morning notices, email and Verbis.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MISSIONMr Richard Rogusz

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Seeking Electrotechnology Apprenticeship for a very keen Year 12 studentI know we have many parents in the College community who own and run their own Electrical businesses. I am currently seeking a School-based Apprenticeship for one of our Year 12 students. She is keen and successfully completed her Certificate III in Electrotechnology last year at Skills Tech. Please contact me either on email sax@stritas.qld.edu.au or on 3862 1615 if you would like to discuss the benefits of this opportunity further. The student is ready to commence asap.

Subject ChangesThe past couple of weeks have been busy speaking with students and parents regarding subject change requests. All changes for this Semester will have to be finalised by next Monday, 6 February. The next opportunity for Year 11 students to change subjects is at the beginning of Semester 2. For Year 9 students, you are only able to change at the beginning of Year 10 once you have completed at least a full year of your chosen elective. Sometimes this can be a lengthy process with SET Plans (Years 11 and 12 students) being updated and important discussions taking place. I thank both the students and parents for your patience since the commencement of the school year.

UMAT Information SessionsIn the coming weeks the Years 11 and 12 students will have the opportunity to listen to and ask questions of past students in relation to UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test) preparation and exams. These graduates have been through this testing process themselves in order to gain entry into some Medicine and Dentistry courses. The past students will provide some tips and advice for current students who wish to pursue these careers. Watch the morning notices for the date. Session will be held in the Auds at lunchtime.

Year 10 Careers Day – Wednesday 14 JuneIn Term 2, in the lead up to senior subject selection, the Year 10 girls will be involved in Careers Day. This day features guest speakers working with the girls in small groups. Numerous industries are represented and based on the request of the girls. Many of the guest speakers are parents/guardians, past

students or alumnae members. If you would like to be involved on by speaking with the girls so they can discover greater insight into particular jobs/careers please email me at sax@stritas.qld.edu.au

Options Career BulletinEach fortnight in Verbis I will highlight snippets of information from the Options Career Bulletin. This bulletin is stacked with the latest information gathered from numerous sources; local, state, national and international. I spoke with both the Years 11 and 12 students last week and stressed the importance of keeping up to date with careers information. They need to be researching the best options for them post school.

The Options Career Bulletin is one great resource that is available each fortnight. The link to the bulletin will be posted in my article and I would encourage all students and their parents/guardians to take the time to read this. The Bulletin will be emailed to the girls. Many important career decisions will be made by your daughters over the coming years and it is extremely important that you are both fully informed.

Highlights in the current edition of the Options Career Bulletin include:• Current skill shortage areas and the

projected job demands for 2030• Defence Forces information sessions

which are fast approaching and details of these are on pages 5 and 6.

• Some great strategies for Career Exploration

• There are some competitions that students may be interested in

• The latest course and institution updates are available

• Dates for your diaries for 2017 Open days, Expos and Careers Markets. Please add these to your diaries to avoid any disappointments

• Tips for those possibly looking at post school scholarships and gap year programs

• The occupation highlighted this fortnight is security and policing in Australia

• Don’t forgot the all-important QTAC and Tertiary Entry pages

• The Study Skills section on page 24 offers some very useful tips

Please see the attached bulletin for a more comprehensive read and important dates. Click Here

PATHWAYS AND CAREERSMrs Melanie Sax-Wood

The Solar Panels purchased through the Bright Future Campaign were installed during the Christmas/New Year holiday period and are in full use atop Eriene.

Sincere thanks from the College Board, Leadership, staff and students go to the families who made donations to assist this important project.

The project is yet another step in the College’s quest to reduce our carbon footprint, develop a sustainable campus and in doing so will save the College approximately $30,000 annually. The curriculum the students study will reflect sustainability initiatives, particularly within our science and business departments.

An acknowledgement to our valued donors will be placed at Students Services in the coming weeks. Thank You.

Mrs Anna RobertsManager, Community and Development

BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGNThank you

Brightfuture

Campaign

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2017 looks to be an incredibly exciting year in the St Rita’s Library. Our Read Like a Girl calendar has been filled by acclaimed international and national authors and we can’t wait for the launch of our first event with Australian author Kate McCaffrey on the evening of Tuesday 7 March. Kate McCaffrey’s novels portray realistic and poignant representations of many teenage sub-cultures such as bullying, social media use and acceptance, and her characters leave us questioning how the decisions we make impact others.

Be quick to book your tickets for our wine and cheese night featuring McCaffery in conversation with our College Principal, Mrs Dale Morrow, as they discuss the difficulties of growing up as a teenager in a world of social media and peer pressure.

Riverbend Books will be in attendance on the night selling McCaffrey’s novels, as well as those written by our other featured Read Like a Girl authors. We look forward to working with you to inspire and encourage our students to enjoy reading and the benefits it has to offer.

Stay tuned for further events over the course of the year featuring popular authors, Kate DiCamillo, Lynette Noni and Bec Sparrow.

L IBRARYMrs Kathryn Schravemade

Auditions for the St Rita’s College Dance Company will be held on Thursday 9 February from 3:20-5:30pm in Trinity Hall. Those students successful in their audition will be emailed on Friday 10 February, with acceptance confirmation of the offer required via email from parent/guardian by Monday 13 February. Company Director, Mr Gareth Belling, and Head of Faculty – The Arts, Mrs Newton-Turner, will be running the auditions.

Students will be auditioned on technique (a requirement of the Company is that students are competent in dance) and their ability to work with others. Students will also need to demonstrate their ability to think and work creativity and innovatively as the focus of the Company is for students to choreograph and perform their own original work under

Mr Belling’s direction. It is recommended that parents/guardians and students read the St Rita’s College Dance Company Handbook found on the Dance Company’s MySRC page under Cocurricular Arts for further information.

Students are required to wear a leotard (no mid-drifts) and no shorter than mid-thigh bike pants to the auditions. Soft ballet shoes are also required (no ballet tights). Hair needs to be either in a bun or in a secure and neat pony tail. Students will also be required to bring a water bottle to the audition and eat a snack prior to the auditions commencing.

Dance Company classes will begin Thursday 16 February from 3:20-5:30pm in Trinity Hall.

ST RITA’S COLLEGE DANCE COMPANYAuditions

During the 2017 September holiday period, the Arts Faculty is offering an opportunity for Years 10–12 Curriculum Arts (Visual Art, Music, Drama and Film & Television) and Years 10–12 Cocurricular Music students to travel to New York and Los Angeles for a 12 day Arts Tour.

This is the first time this kind of experience has been offered to the Arts students at the College, with the intention to continue offering the experience every three years.

Parents/Guardians and students are invited to attend an information evening on Monday 6 February at 6:30pm in Ballygriffin.

Attendance at the evening is a must if you wish to register your interest for the trip and receive important information regarding costs, payment terms and relevant forms to be completed.

We look forward to seeing you there.

USA ARTS TOURInformation Evening

Dear Year 12 Parent/Guardians

To welcome in the new school year, Alison and Wim van Zijl are kindly coordinating a Year 12 Parent Welcome evening. Come along for a drink, or stay on for dinner.

Saturday 4 February 6:30pmThe Royal, Nundah1259 Sandgate Road, Nundah

Meet some “old and loved or new and fresh” faces to celebrate the beginning of a fantastic year ahead for us and our daughters. Alison and Wim van Zijl

Please email Alison van Zijl on avanz8@eq.edu.au to RSVP.

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Welcome to the Music department for 2017. It certainly looks to be an exciting year for the department with continued growth in all areas of the program. It has already been a very busy start to the year for our musicians with their involvement in Music Camp and the Inaugural Mass. With some ensembles already having had their first rehearsals, it is great to see so many new faces in our ensembles. I also look forward to seeing many of our new parents at some of the music events throughout the year. If you have any questions about the program, ensembles, lessons or the like, please send me an email and we will get things sorted.

Music on MySRCHave you visited the Music page on MySRC? If you have deleted an email with performance details or would like to find out what’s coming up next; these are some of the things that you can find as well as see recent photos.It’s also not too late to enrol for lessons or ensembles. Although all ensemble rehearsals and lessons have commenced this week, visit the Music page on M ySRC to complete the online enrolment forms. Rehearsal and Performance schedules can also be found on this page.

Music Support GroupWe will always welcome new faces to the Music Support Group. If you would like to find out more about how you could get involved, please join us for our first meeting next Wednesday 8 February at 6:00pm in the Staff Lounge, Stanley Hall. You can also sign up to the Music Support Group page on mySRC by choosing ‘Join Group or Activity’ from the menu on the left. This is one way to stay abreast of the Music Support Group if you are unable to attend our monthly meetings.

Music CampLast weekend around 120 of our music students boarded a bus for Mt Tamborine to kick start the musical year. Many of our instrumental teachers also joined us on the Saturday to work with the students. On the Saturday, we were very fortunate to work with a renowned Brisbane based choral educator, Gary Holley. His infectious enthusiasm was inspiring for the girls and this was most evident in their beautiful performance of the Toto classic, Africa, upon our return. Complete with body percussion to imitate rainfall, flutes and other percussion, the performance was a great way to end the camp. Thank you to all of the teachers who accompanied the students and worked with them throughout the weekend. Thank you also to the many helpers of the Music Support Group who were there to feed us a BBQ lunch and welcome all of our new families to the music community. We hope that you and your daughter enjoyed your first music experience and we look forward to many more to come.

2017 Debating Captain’s welcomeMy name is Lucy Shephard, and as this year’s Debating Captain, I am very excited to welcome you to the 2017 debating season. With two competitions open to debaters, the Queensland Debating Union [QDU] and the Brisbane Girls Debating Association [BGDA], the year is sure to present many exciting opportunities for girls of all Year levels to participate in this fun, challenging and enriching academic team sport. Looking back on my time at St Rita’s, some of my fondest memories were formed through my involvement in the debating program and I am really looking forward to working with the girls, staff and the wider College community to offer my support in making debating a really positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. I can’t wait to meet this year’s debaters, new and returning, for another great season together.

Lucy Shephard, 2017 Debating Captain.

2017 Debating ProgramThis year, St Rita’s will compete in the QDU and BDGA competitions. The Years 8 - 12 students are currently registering their interest for this upcoming season of competition through lunchtime meetings this week. It is anticipated that St Rita’s will field teams in QDU for each Year level, with the hope to field teams in the BGDA competition for Years 10, 11 and 12. Competition for QDU begins on Wednesday 1 March and the BGDA competition begins on Monday27 February. Later in Term 1, Year 7 will be invited to begin coaching sessions and to join a debating team for the QDU competition beginning on Wednesday 14 June. For further information for either competition: QDU http://qdu.org.auBGDA http://www.bgda.org.au

Debating has a page for the students on MySRC. Currently, this is for students who will be the registered competitors. I invite parents to browse through their daughter’s access. I look forward to working with the Debating Captain, Lucy Shephard, and helping fulfil her visions for the debating program in 2017. For any matters, please contact me through the school email. I look forward to working with the 2017 debaters.

Mrs Lorraine SpecognaDebating Coordinator spe@stritas.qld.edu.au

Qld State Debating Team TrialsAn invitation is extended to students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to register to trial for the State Team as coordinated by QDU. This program will include opportunities for a preparation workshop, seminar and trials. Students who have previously attended this program are encouraged to participate. Registration is made through the College. For further information click here.Intention to register is required by Monday 6 February and can be emailed through to Mrs Specogna, Debating Coordinator.

DEBATING

MUSICMr Craig Kennedy

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Safe Driving Reminder to Parents and Student DriversThe College received a report of disturbing parent driving behaviour which occurred on Enderley Road last week. We implore parents and student drivers to obey the traffic laws, take extra caution in Enderley Road and the surrounding streets, not only at drop off and pick up times, but at all times, and adhere to the provisions of the Traffic Management Plan at all times.

• The approach to the College in Enderley Road is a 40km maximum speed zone during the hours of 7-9am and 2-4pm

• Drop off and pick up zones in Enderley Road are two minute zones only

• No stopping or parking is allowed in yellow lined areas either in Enderley Road or Stafford Street

• No students are to enter or exit the College via the Stafford Street entry to the College

• Double Parking is illegal, regardless of whether the driver is in the vehicle

• Please also respect access to driveways for residents when parking

• Students who are driving to the College are to submit written parental permission to the Principal, and include the make, colour and registration of the vehicle/s to be driven with that permission.

Translink TimetablesTranslink have issued timetable changes for some routes across Brisbane. Please check the TransLink journey planner

If you are looking for information regarding student concession fares, School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) fares or other school transport information, please visit the TransLink website or contact the Translink call centre on 13 12 30.

Year 7 Welcome BBQ Reminder – Sunday 5 FebruaryYear 7 families are reminded of the Welcome BBQ being hosted by the P&F this Sunday, 5 February from 4:00-6:00pm. The BBQ is a St Rita’s tradition presented by the Parents and Friends to welcome new families and enable you to meet one another.

For catering purposes, we welcome your advice of how many in your family will be attending. Please email me at aroberts@stritas.qld.edu.au

College Dance Parent VolunteersThank you to the parents who have volunteered to assist with supervision at the Year 10, 11 and 12 College Dance tomorrow evening, Friday 3 February.

St Rita’s excellent track record in running safe and enjoyable dances for the girls and our guest students is very much due to the wonderful assistance the College receives each year from parents volunteering in supervision and general assistance roles on the night.

Parents and Friends Meeting – Tuesday 7 February, 6:30pmThe President of the College P&F, Mrs Donna Hancock, and the P&F Committee invite all parents/guardians of the College to attend P&F meeting. The first meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday next week, 7 February, commencing at 6:30pm in the Heritage Room of Stanley Hall.

Mrs Maree Trims, Deputy Principal – Studies, will speak to the College’s 2016 OP and VET outcomes. Our College Captains will also attend the meeting. Meeting are generally concluded by 8:00pm.

Mrs Anna RobertsManager, Community Development

COMMUNITYMrs Anna Roberts

On 7 February 2017 the College is celebrating Safer Internet Day.

This day aims to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile devices, especially amongst children and young people.

This year’s theme is: ‘Be the change: Unite for a better internet’. Help spread the word and raise awareness of emerging online issues. Watch Xaverian House’s video on esafety here.

Visit esafety.gov.au to find out more.

SAFER INTERNET DAY

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Acqua Rosa Clayfield Swimming ClubFor those who aren’t aware, our swim squads are members of Acqua Rosa Clayfield, a Swimming Queensland/Australia affiliated club.

With training year round and plenty of opportunities to compete at meets it’s a great way to improve your swimming and have heaps of fun in the process!

We also have Club Night’s every second Friday during Terms 1 and 2 which are a great, low-pressure, way to introduce racing to young swimmers.

For more information about the Acqua Rosa club please visit www.acquarosaclayfield.swimming.org.au

Mr Luke StaffordHead Coach, Swimming

Interhouse Swimming CarnivalFriday 3 February, Centenary Pool

Parents/Guardians are asked to please note the early start for the following competitors:

a) Girls in any age division (12 and Under through to 17 and Over) who nominated for any 100m Freestyle or 200m Individual Medley event are requested to arrive at the pool by 7:25am at latest with the first of these events to commence at 7:30am. Supervision and warm-ups lanes available from 7:00am. Transport is unable to be provided by the College for these competitors. On arrival, please ensure your name is marked off from the role. Due to time limitations for the use of the pool, it is not possible for students who are late to be put into later races. b) All girls in the 16 Years or 17 Years and over age groups: ie born in 2000 or earlier (regardless of Year level) will commence their 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke events prior to the arrival of the rest of the students. These girls are also asked to make their own way to the pool and arrive no later than 8:20am to be ready for the first event at 8:30am. Girls are to report to staff at the Centenary pool gates on arrival to have their name marked off the roll.

Early arrival of these two groups are to enable the completion of the Carnival within the time allocated to the College and to allow the return of all students to the College for presentations and dismissal by the normal end of school time.

Siblings of girls going direct to the pool may also travel direct to the pool with their sister/s. All students going direct to the pool must have their name marked off as soon as they arrive.

All other students, i.e. girls 15 years and under or who are not competing in any 100m Freestyle or 200m Individual Medley event, are to be at the College for House Group in the Sister Assumpta Pavillion by 8:25am after which they will be transported to the venue by College chartered buses. At the end of the Carnival, ALL girls will be transported back to the College for presentations and in time to connect with normal after school transport arrangements.

ProgramsLimited numbers are given to the House Captains on the day. A copy is available for parents to download from – MySRC 2017 Interhouse Swimming Program Part 1 and Part 2. This should be available sometime after 3:00pm today.

SpectatorsParents and relatives are most welcome to attend as spectators however all students MUST stay in their House area at the Carnival. Parents are of course welcome to sit with their daughters in the stands. Students are not permitted to travel home from the pool with their parents. All students are required to take the College transport back to school and be present for the Carnival Presentations which acknowledge all competitors and winners of the meet.

UniformYear 12 - may wear their Senior shorts and Senior House shirt – all other rules as for Year 7–11s apply for travelling or when not competing: St Rita’s House shirt (or PE shirt if do not have a House shirt yet), St Rita’s PE skirt/shorts, House bucket hat, enclosed footwear to and from the venue or school. Students do not need to bring their ‘dress uniform’ to school on the Carnival day – you may travel to and from school in the above items.

When competing: St Rita’s – brown/white togs or water polo togs and House swim cap whilst competing. Girls without St Rita’s togs must wear another set of modest speedo-like togs and then borrow a pair of St Rita’s togs to wear over the top. Girls not in correct togs will not be allowed to start in their race. No boardshorts, bike pants etc. Sunshirts may be worn whilst competing. OtherDigital/other music devices/magazines/paint or coloured zinc etc – are not permitted at the Carnival. Remember to bring and use sunscreen. A canteen will operate at the pool, but it is recommended to bring food and drinks.

NominationsAll girls have had multiple opportunities to check their nominations and make changes during this week and report any problems to the Head of Sport.

For Marshalling, competition and Team trophy rules please check MySRC.

SPORT

Water PoloSt Rita’s held its first Water Polo camp during the Christmas holidays for our junior water polo girls. The U12s and U13s girls participated in a three day camp from Monday 16 January, and the U14s and U15s camp was held from Thursday 19 January until Saturday 21 January. The camps included skills sessions, swimming and legwork fitness, games and talks from dual Olympic bronze medallist and Rio Captain Bronwen Knox and Ashley Southern. The camp was a success with the girls improving their general skills and game knowledge.

Miss Jodie StuhmckeWater Polo Coach

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SwimmingCongratulationsMackenzie Carsley (Yr 11) and Emma Brennan (Yr 11) have both just returned from Brighton Beach in Adelaide where they took on the best Open Water Swimmers in the country at the Australian Open Water Swimming Championships.

Mackenzie finished 7th place in the 5km while in the 7.5km event she won the silver medal with Emma Brennan finishing in 13th place.

2017 SRC Swim CampWe will be holding a swim camp at the Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre for SRC Swimmers from the afternoon of Friday 17 – Sunday 19 of February.

The camp involves four swim training sessions, group activities, instructor-led land fitness and strength sessions, great food and an amazing opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime! More information to come.

TennisTrials were completed last Saturday and Round 1 play begins on Saturday 11/02. Draws should be accessible soon and emails will notify team members and their parents where on MySRC these will be found. Teams commenced training earlier this week.

CaSSSA Tri-1 sportNominations closed at 9:00am today. Students need to check MySRC this afternoon or tomorrow to see if any sports will not be going ahead. There will also be information in student notices.

Trials will be held next Wednesday, 8 February and Monday, 13 February, from 3:05-5:15pm. Please be aware that whilst we attempt to get all triallists into a team, places are limited by the number of available coaches with the necessary expertise (staff, parents, external coaches).

Training sessions will commence on Wednesday 15 February for all teams. Normal trainings will be on their appropriate afternoon from Monday 20 February. Round 1 begins 22 February. Weekly draws for the following round of matches are posted on MySRC, after the draws are set on Monday 15 February and as soon as venues are confirmed – usually by the Friday prior. CaSSSA draws, along with results and points tables are available through a link on MySRC or at www.casssa.org.au. Some matches may be negotiated away even on a home draw to maximise use of quality facilities and lessen travel costs. Therefore the St Rita’s weekly draw sheet of matches should be referred to by parents and team members.

Whilst it is a goal to have all girls who trial for a position in a team, due to numbers and in some instances a lack of coaches means this is not always possible. Girls who trial and are not selected are placed on a list to be called if a position in a team opens up.

Girls who put in their form after the due date/time are also placed on a list in order of arrival of the form, to be called up should a position becomes available. Our aim is not to cut girls out of trials, but to ensure those that follow procedures are not disadvantaged by those who don’t.

UniformTraining: uniform appropriate to the activity. Matches – 100% correct or no play. Mouthguards for AFL are mandatory - girls will not be permitted to take part in matches or training contact drills without a mouthguard. For full details for all sports uniforms please visit MySRC. SafetyWe ask parents to be timely in collecting

their daughters from sporting training and competition venues, including at St Rita’s. Girls will not be left waiting at a venue for parental pick up after a match without supervision unless a parental note requesting this is given to the team coach. No bus will wait for a girl to be collected by a parent – as this disadvantages all others waiting to be taken back to school. In the event of a parent not arriving in a timely manner, the student would be transported back to school if supervision at the venue is not available.

If you wish your daughter to use alternative transport arrangements, e.g. walk home, wait without supervision (although we do not recommend this), or to be transported by another parent – a written approval request from the parent/guardian to the Team Coach is required.

District and Regional Sport TrialsPlease regularly check the appropriate page on MySRC. Notification of posting of Trials information is only given through ‘News’ on MySRC. Information includes selection to attend relevant North Independent (13–19 Yrs) or City (12 Yrs) District trials for sports and age groups including Basketball, Football (Soccer), Hockey, Netball, Softball, Touch, Volleyball. If selected in a District team, girls will then have the opportunity to qualify for the Regional team. And for District Trials: City – for 12 Yrs or North Independent District (NID) for 13-19 Yrs or Regional Trials: Metropolitan North (12 Yrs and 13-19 Yrs).

Girls who believe they may be of a sufficiently high standard must check the details posted in ‘District and Regional Trial Information and Form Links’ on MySRC and report to the Head of Sport who will decide if they are of a standard to attend the District / Regional Trial. Students permitted to attend a trial must then download the appropriate forms and return them completed to the Head of Sport for authorisation and to receive further information. This must be completed by the due report to date listed in the District and Regional Trial Information and Form Links on MySRC.

Parents are responsible for notification of any absence from school via the normal school procedures, any costs, transport and supervision at all trials.

GeneralThe Cocurricular Sport area of MySRC is being restructured to make it easier to access information. We ask parents and students for patience during the process.

Mr John PendallHead of Sport

Cross CountryAfter a successful 2016 we are looking forward to another great year. Once again the squad will be coached by Olympian, Mr Michael Hillardt and will also benefit from new support coaches with high level experience. The Captains this year are Hannah Bain and Sophie Morgan.

Cross Country pre-season training commences on Monday morning 13 February. This year we will have three weekday training sessions:Monday 6:15 -7:45am Hogan PlaceTuesday 6:15 - 7:45am Hogan PlaceThursday 6:15 - 7:45am Hogan PlaceTuesday 14 February will be a one-off 6:30am start

Later in the Term we will also commence Saturday afternoon races, check morning notices for this information.

Students must wear St Rita’s uniform to training, that being SRC Bike Pants and PE shirt. Students are also to have correct running shoes to prevent injury and bring asthma puffers if required. Do not bring phones or music devices.

Any questions please contact the captains or us.

Mr John Mundell and Mr Shaun BarryCross Country Coordinators

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Greater Brisbane Junior Tennis Association (GBJT) is a parent run, volunteer community tennis club providing school aged children with organised tennis fixtures on a Saturday afternoon for over 50 years.

Greater Brisbane Junior Tennis (GBJT) offers juniors up to and including year 12 tennis fixtures on a Saturday afternoon at the Queensland Tennis Centre and The University of Queensland during school Terms. For more information, please visit our web site at www.gbjt.org.au or telephone Mrs Peta Davis, Secretary on 3374 0516.

Full details of GBJT can also be found at our web site at www.gbjt.org.au

Mr Peter DavisPresident

COMMUNITY NOTICES

OPEN DAYAUSTRALIAN ARMY CADETS

109ACU CHERMSIDE

When: Sunday 12 February, 10:00am – 2:00pmWhere: 61 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside

The Australian Army Cadets is a premier youth development organization for young people between the ages of 12 and 17. You will learn leadership, discipline, teamwork and a range of

military-based skills.You are invited to come along and talk to Cadets and Staff about

enrolling in the Australian Army Cadets and view displays of some of the experiences you may enjoy as a Cadet.

There will be a Sausage sizzle available for a gold coin donation.

MORE INFO CLICK HERE

www.esafety.gov.au

DIY eSafety checklist

Do you respect others and only post

what you’d say to someone’s face?

Do you use strong privacy se�ings and

passwords, and update these regularly?

Unite for a be�er internet

Is your time between

screens and other

activities well

balanced?

Do you get consent before sharing an image or video of another person?

Have you secured your digital lifestyle with

the right so�ware and se�ings?

OCESC16.1701

Unravelling the mystery behind endometriosis6.00pm, Thursday 2 March

Special Guest Mia Freedman

Presentations by

Sylvia and Lesley Freedman, EndoActive founders

Dr Susan Evans, Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon

Professor Grant Montgomery, Senior Research Fellow, UQ Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Panel discussion led by

Mia Freedman, Co-founder and Creative Director, Mamamia Women’s Network

1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis – a common, yet poorly understood disease.

§What causes endometriosis? Is it inherited? §Will surgery cure endometriosis? §What is normal period pain and when should you seek treatment? §Why does it take 7 to 10 years before most women are diagnosed?

Experts will answer these questions and more at this upcoming community event. Want your questions answered? Come along and

join in the conversation.

State Library of Queensland Auditorium, South Bank, Brisbane Canapés and drinks will be served from 5.15pm – 6.00pm

Register today at imb.uq.edu.au/endowhat

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

work at kmartGain experience & start

a career in retail.Flexible hours & great

staff benefits!apply in store or online: kmart.com.au/jobs

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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO FOR ST RITA’S COLLEGE STUDENTS

2017 SIGN ON DAYSUNDAY 29TH JANUARY 2017

For more info please email: registrar@northsjuniorrugby.com.au

150 Shaw Rd WAVELL HEIGHTS

10AM - 3PMBoys & Girls 5-17

NEW PLAYERS WELCOME

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