I read an article recently about ‘Concierge parents'. (Baker, J (2019, 24 Mar), " 'Profoundly dangerous': A generation at risk from 'concierge parents' ". The Sydney Morning Herald). Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au

This is a term used to describe parents who rush to rescue their children from the everyday challenges and minor failures such as a grievance with a friend, an approach from a teacher or a consequence for an inappropriate action. This is a growing phenomenon in schools where parents will  sort out any problem so that their child will not be confronted with set back, disappointment or challenge. They are sometimes known as the ‘snow plough’ parents who smooth the way for their children. In the article, several principals shared their experiences and confirmed the number of this type of parent is on the rise. St Patrick's is not without its own 'Concierge parents'. Parents who send emails threatening legal action before speaking with the College about their daughter’s involvement in an incident/situation. Parents who blame themselves for the submission of late permission notes because they were busy. Parents who cover for their daughter's unexplained absence so she doesn’t have to face the consequence of truanting.

Parenting is a far harder job now than it was twenty or thirty years ago. When children are born, they don’t come with a guide book. As parents, we all manage our way with the best of intentions and a few skills we have picked up through reading or watching others parent. Tough love is the commodity that ‘concierge parents’ could use a little more of. It allows children to face consequences, experience disappointment and failure and develop responsibility and maturity.   Through a little tough love, they learn to think before they act and that they and their needs are not at the centre of the universe. This is how we build resilience in our children.

This week we celebrated NAIDOC. The students in Year 11, with the help of other Aboriginal students, delivered an assembly which was both informative and entertaining. We began with a smoking ceremony led by Uncle Ivan and then a number of film clips, didgeridoo playing by the John Therry boys, dancing and presentations filled the assembly. Prior to the assembly Elders and special guests were treated to a lovely lunch of bush tucker prepared by the Hospitality class and Ms Matti. It was a wonderful celebration of Aboriginal culture and the giftedness of our own Aboriginal students at the College. It was very pleasing to see them as proud and capable young Aboriginal women sharing their culture with the rest of their community. I am very grateful for the work of the girls, the many teachers who provided them support and the elders who continue to follow our community with care and genuine interest.

On the following day we sadly learned that Aunty Muriel passed away during the night. She had been unwell and wasn’t able to attend our NAIDOC assembly, but she has been a long and strong supporter of the College and the girls. It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge her passing. She has been a very generous Elder in the community and much loved by all who knew her. We pray for her family who will be mourning her loss and the Campbelltown community who will be grieving her absence. May the light of God be upon her and may she rest in peace now with the Almighty.

Mrs Tanginoa has resigned from the College after four years of service. She has indicated a desire to pursue other interests and opportunities. We are grateful for the support Ms Tanginoa has provided the Aboriginal girls at the College and the wisdom she has shared with our community on Aboriginal culture and heritage. We wish her well in her future endeavours.

As we approach the mid-year break, I hope you find some time and space to breathe in the beauty of your environment and your life. I will leave you with a reflection on ‘Listening to the spaces’ by Noel Davis.

Blessings

Sue Lennox - Principal 

Spaces have their own lives.
Let them speak.
Listen to them with your eyes
in the quiet of your mind.
Give them the time they need
to tell their stories
for they are the nurseries of life
the fields of strength ready for harvesting
the cultivators of our bigger minds.
We crowd them out to stifle our fears
to douse the pain refining our humanity.

Let them be.

Wonder in their beauty
like the unseen air we breathe
the wind now still.
They hold the silence vibrant with life.
Listen to their stories
and let them take you
deep into the heartland of the real
and there gift you with new sight.

These values, the Benedictine values, are derived from the Rule of St Benedict. This rule was written to guide the lives of the community of monks he led as abbot so that they could live together in peace, directed towards the search for God. Despite these guidelines originating in the 6^th Century, various modern communities throughout the world, including ours, strive to follow and apply The Rule. Our College does so because we are a school formed by the charism of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, who are a Benedictine order. It is these sisters who have influenced the charism that we live by today.

The Hospitality and Coversatio Award recognises a students who has: 

- Participated in service programs within the College and broader community.

- Sought opportunities to be of assistance to others within the school community

- An understanding of servant leadership, demonstrating a personal commitment to peace, justice and compassion

- A commitment to caring for people within the community through positive interactions, mutual respect, courtesy and genuine concern for members of the school community

- Actively participated in activities which raise awareness of people in need and promotes equality

- A commitment to the dignity of the human person

- Demonstrated strategies for positive  interactions (characterised by, care for each other, mutual respect, courtesy and genuine concern for members of the school community)

- A commitment to developing a great sense of community through mentoring and peer support programs.

Congratulations to our 2019 recipients:

Year 7 - Yasmin W

Year 8 - Jeanne O

Year 9 - Olivia L

Year 10 - Breana J

Year 11 - Erin M

Year 12 - Rhiannon K

The unit description states: Students initiate ways to support themselves and others ... they identify organisations and key people who can assist in various ways ... students develop problem solving techniques to work through challenges and they recognise how their sense of self impacts on their decisions, behaviour and ideas about the world.

But the learnings from this unit became much more than the stated description. As Year 9 investigated, and then presented a person of choice who had overcome adversity, each class gained a better understanding of how to bounce forward with resiliency skills. The students discussed and explored personal strengths, characteristics and qualities that enable one to cope with or overcome an adversity. Year 9 also reflected on what they had learnt about these inspiring people to then apply to their own future challenges and to see them as opportunities to grow. As the girls presented their people of choice, Tanya Savva, a mother of a special needs child, who is a mentor to me, came to mind. She has inspired me to be a better version of myself through my adversity and this is why I have started Thoughtful Thursdays, a small mediation group open to all students. Tanya presented her story to the whole school at assembly and inspired our students. Her brief biography is below and I encourage you to reach out to her and purchase her book if you are interested.

https://www.tanyasavva.com/the-adventures-of-kenzie-moo

Tanya transformed her life to align with her passions when she became a single mother to her daughter who is blind and autistic. She left her career and life in Sydney to travel Australia in a caravan with her daughter and has since become a Women's Empowerment Coach, author and yoga and mindfulness teacher. She runs retreats for special needs mothers that bring women together and supports them to live life full of joy, despite adversity. She is also the author of "The Adventures of Kenzie-Moo", a true story inspired by her daughter during their caravan travels.

Maria Boulatsakos - Year 7 Coordinator

Over the past several weeks teachers have been busy writing reports for our girls across all years and have been reflecting on their learning.  We hope that the reports  you will receive or have received in the mail are an informing snapshot of where your daughter sits in the learning continuum for each of her courses. It is recommended that each student thoughtfully measures the advice given to her through the report comments and set goals from her reflections for Semester 2.

Our Year 10 students have been engaged in some discerning relating to the decision-making involved in selecting courses that ignite their passion and talent for their individual patterns of study in their Year 11 and Year 12 academic years. There have been many considered and reflective conversations between students, parents and members of staff during our subject selection seminars, subject information evening and the upcoming consultation interviews. Soon our Year 8 girls will begin their electives selections for the Stage 5 courses.

Chris Bettiol - Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching

Bring your own device (BYOD) means that students bring to school a personally owned or family owned device to support their learning. Equity and access are essential for the success of any BYOD program. To this end, St Patrick’s College has developed a BYOD Equity Policy that provides a framework to guide the BYOD program’s implementation.

Minimum specifications – BYOD Requirements
St Patrick’s College Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program requires families to provide a laptop computer for use at school and at home. This program enables access to College-provided ICT resources including the Wi-Fi network, electronic texts, subscriptions to a range of eLearning materials, printing facilities and software licensing. The BYOD Minimum Specification Advice document is designed to guide families in the purchase of a suitable device.

Transition from iPads to Laptops
From 2021, students entering Year 7 are required to bring a laptop to the College. iPads will be phased out and will no longer meet the minimum requirements for the BYOD program.
Transition
In 2020 and beyond, no families are required to purchase another device if a suitable device is in current use. The transition to a fully laptop school will take several years.

• 2020 – Years 7 to 12 students who are using iPads may continue to bring an iPad as a BYO device. BYO iPads will continue to be supported until the device reaches its end-of-life.

• 2020 – Years 7 to 12 students who have not yet purchased a device, or who are considering upgrading to a new device, are advised to purchase a laptop computer that meets the minimum BYOD specifications.

Purchasing a device
Parents are able to purchase devices from anywhere and there are a range of devices available that meet our minimum specification. Together with the College Technology team, JB Hi-Fi have created a purchasing portal. Access the JB Hi-Fi Education portal here - https://www.jbeducation.com.au/byod and use the school code: SPCBYOD19.

Loan Devices
To ensure access to digital technologies and equity for all students, the College has established procedures for families to apply for assistance in obtaining access to a device.

Day Loans
To ensure access to digital technologies and equity for all students, the College has established procedures for families to apply for assistance in obtaining access to a device that meets the minimum BYOD specifications.

BYOD Day Loan Request Form (SPC students only)
1. Students complete the online Day Loan Request form.
2. Go to the library between 8.00 am and 8.20 am
3. Pick up laptop
4. Return the laptop at 3:08pm (after the final bell)

Week Loans
For BYO devices that may be under repair, the College has established an extended loan process (one week) that can be used by parents or carers to apply for student access to a loan laptop.

BYOD Weeklong Loan Request(Parents / Carers to complete)

1. Students complete the online Day Loan Request form.
2. Go to the library between 8.00 am and 8.20 am
3. Pick up laptop
4. Return the laptop at 3:08pm (after the final bell)

Extended loans
To ensure access to digital technologies and equity for all students, the College has established procedures for families to apply for assistance in obtaining access to a device. If parents/caregivers believe they are unable to provide a device that meets the Minimum Device Specification for an extended period, they need to complete the following steps:
1. Make an application in writing to the Business Manager or make an appointment to speak with the Business Manager indicating that assistance is needed in meeting the requirements of the Bring Your Own Device program.
2. Liaise with the College to identify the most appropriate way to provide access to digital resources.
3. Enter into a written agreement between the College, student and parent/carer that confirms alternative arrangements made for access to digital resources.

Applications to the Business Manager are initiated by parents or carers completing the following online form:Request an Extended Loan.

Please click through to the Learning Technologies information available on the College website - (http://www.saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au/academic-care/learning-technologies.)

I have some more questions, who can I ask?
Please feel free to forward any questions you may have regarding our College BYOD program to the Leader of eLearning and Library Services (elearning@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au).

Debra Bourne - Leader of eLearning and Library Services

The College has an extensive pastoral program that includes education in appropriate use of technology.

Tablets, laptops and smartphones, being personal devices, have changed the way our students are using technology. Personal devices are often used out-of-sight and their use is not easily ‘seen’. It is important that behavioural boundaries established by a parent or guardian extend to digital technology use.  Setting limits by giving clear directions for what you expect is an important part of your daughter’s development.

The College has prepared some advice for families to guide them in establishing positive routines outside of school time for digital technologies. The document lists the apps that are managed and pushed to iPads in Years 7 and 8, as well as advice in establishing boundaries around digital technology used at home. In addition, the document lists several resources that offer good information about children's use of technology. 

Access the BYOD use at home advice to families here.

Some of the key places we will be visiting include London, Stratford Upon Avon, the Cotswolds, Bath, Paris, Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome. We will have expert guides with us as we explore Shakespeare’s birthplace, the Globe Theatre, Tower of London, British Museum, WWI Battlefields of the Somme, Eiffel Tower, Pompeii, the Colosseum, John Keats’ Apartment, the Vatican, and many more. This tour plans to give our students the chance to see first hand many of the sites, societies, texts and writers we study in the History and English courses.

The tour is aimed at students who have a sense of adventure and are open to travelling and experiencing new cultures, places and people. They need to have a sense of curiosity and willingness to learn through travel. We are initially targeting students who will be Year 11 and 10 in 2020 and are enthusiastic students of English and/or Modern and Ancient History. However, we encourage eager students in Year 8 and 9 in 2020 to express their interest and come along to our information sessions in case we have spots available to bring them along too. It will all depend on how popular the tour is and how many students take up the opportunity.

Students have been emailed an information sheet outlining the approximate costing. However, please feel free to contact either Ms Treanor or Mrs East for more information on atreanor@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au or least@saintpatricks.nsw.edu.au.

Ann Treanor - English Coordinator

Over the three days that we spent at Galston Gorge Conference and Recreation Centre, I personally found that taking some time out is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health. Although we engaged in activities and different sessions during the day, we were able to get away from the stress that school and life can place upon us, and use that time to understand the importance of being in the moment. The biggest thing that I will take away from this experience would be how important it is to reflect. Whether it be on your day, yourself, relationships, difficulties, timeout, remembrance or prayer, reflecting for a few minutes can really help your mind to focus on the things that truly matter, and to break away from the negativity that life can bring.

Out of all of the sessions that we participated in over the course of the three days, I really enjoyed the sessions where we were given some individual time. In this time I definitely learnt how powerful reflection can be and how much I needed that time out. The whole experience was very different to what I had in mind prior to the retreat, but it had so much more of a positive impact on all of the Year 11 girls than I thought it would. The girls who are in Year 10 this year who will be attending this same retreat in the near future, are probably having similar thoughts about the Year 11 retreat experience that our grade did before we left. However, it is important that those girls look at those three days as a time to share, empathise and understand, just as we did.

This experience was really important and I, along with all of the Year 11 girls, am grateful that we were given the chance to share this time with our friends and our teachers, who made the experience so much more influential. Thank you to all the staff who organised our retreat experience, and thank you to all of the girls who really put effort into this retreat and connected with others. I took a lot away from this retreat and I can say the same for the rest of our grade.

Ashleigh K - Year 11 Student

We left at 2pm heading to Liverpool Catholic Club for the night, accompanied by our trainer, Mr Muller. Upon arrival we were provided with our shirts (which we were allowed to keep) and got changed into the uniform. After this, set up was the main goal. We allocated names and pamphlets to chairs for the guests such as VIPs, Finalists and Sponsors. We then did some role playing to go through the procedures of the awards ceremony. The positions included Ushers (Toni E and Bianca P), registration for VIPs and Finalists (Karly B, Ashya P and Alicia F) and Awards and Trophy Setup Crew (Brooke K, Rachel P and Kayla B). After receiving their awards, we ushered each winner outside to have their photos taken. The night was hosted by an amazing MC, named Jason, who filled the night with lots of laughs. It was a night to remember, not only exciting us, but also showing us what options are out there in the business sector.

Toni E - Year 11 Business Services Student

G’day – a special day for Grandparents, Special Friends and Guests was on Thursday 27 June. It was a beautiful occasion where our Year 7 students took lead roles in the liturgy and heard wisdom from Grandparents.

Afterwards, Year 7 performed items at the assembly to showcase the many talents of Year 7. Romina A, Emeline L and Meghan W reflected on their first Semester of Year 7, Arachana K performed a song and all Year 7 recreated their Polynite performance of La Bamba and Sin Je Je lead by Mrs Samyia. We also celebrated 36 girls who had received a Silver Principals award for obtaining 30 merits and heard from Eve M, Laura Z and Bronwyn Z who spoke about two co-curricular groups the History Club and Knitting Group respectively.

Our special guests then were treated with a tour of the College followed by lunch. We raised $136 on the day as our guests purchased raffle tickets for Year 7's fundraiser of the Good Samaritan Kinder School in the Philippines. A BIG thank you must go to Stephanie E and Kate R for leading us in prayer, the Year 10 Peer Support students for ushering our guests into the MSC, Mr Nash and the Bio Box girls, Mr Gattone and Mr Combes for the liturgy, Mrs Samyia and Miss Macri for the songs and Ms Renshaw and her support staff for our morning tea and lunch.  Thank you to our guests, some of whom travelled quite extensive distances to support our girls. We truly value the contribution you make to our school community and look forward to seeing the families here for many years to come.

Maria Boulatsakos - Year 7 Coordinator

Our debaters have shone this year on so many levels, not only in debating but with great teamwork and intellectual agility, jumping in to help each other and adapting to the situation as it arises. I am proud to say that we put up 12 debates each and every week, upholding our no forfeit policy. Of the 12 teams, three progressed from the Preliminary Rounds into the Elimination Rounds. 7A (Meghan, Romina and Emeline) and 12B (Kayla, Payton and Rhiannon) bowed out at Elimination One (marking the end of six fabulous years of debating for 12B). The 8B team (Molly, Charley and Isabella) were undefeated for the season, progressing straight to the Quarter Finals and defeating St Scholastica’s, Glebe. They will meet Brigidine, Randwick in the semi-final on 26 July and we wish them the very best. Thank you to the St Patrick’s Debating community for an excellent experience of debating in Term 2.

Mrs Marguerite Pulham – Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator

Mrs Lennox welcomed our guests and did an acknowledgment of country. Layla E officially welcomed our guests and played a video on the Anzacs of Macarthur that Olivia L and her had made. Madison M and Caitlin R gave an overview of all the activities the History Club has been involved in over the past year and introduced Eve M’s video on the College’s Anzac nurse project (this video has been submitted as part of the Anzac Day Schools Award). Chelsea P and Amy W gave a brief historical overview of the experience of nurses in World War I and then each of the History Club members dressed in World War I nurses outfits from Anzac Day, each representing one of the Campbelltown nurses, and spoke about their lives.

We had several distinguished guests attend the launch including Dr Mike Freelander, Federal Member for Macarthur and Mr Greg Warren, State Member for Campbelltown. We were honoured to have several veterans attend including 103 year old World War II veteran, Mr Bert Collins. Mr Elwyn Spencer and Ms Maria Pownall (ex-student) attended from Campbelltown RSL Sub Branch, Mr Peter McFarlane and Mr Paul Gribble, Ingleburn RSL Sub Branch and Mr Jim Wrigley and Mr Bert Collins, Bankstown RSL Sub Branch. Other guests included Lucette and Paul Zapirain (Lucette created all the nurse outfits), Ms Claire Lynch, Local Studies, Campbelltown Library, Mr Jeff McGill, historian, Margaret and Kevin Rixon of Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society and representatives  from Campbelltown District Family History Society and Picton Historical Society. Mayor George Brticevic attended his own viewing of the display this week.

The display also gained a great deal of attention from our visitors on Grandparents Day. If you would like to see the display it will be up for the rest of the year. Please contact me and I can organise a viewing.

Link to article in the Macarthur Advertiser https://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/story/6243832/st-patricks-college-honours-australias-service-women/?cs=1437

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher

He was unable to attend last week's official opening ceremony, but was keen to see the efforts of History Club students. He met with Bronwyn Z, Laura Z, Emeline L, Abbey C, Eliza P  and Chantelle G  and wanted to speak with them about how they created the exhibiton. 

With a group of students, Mr Nathan East and myself, the Mayor also visited the small graveyard next to the school where we showed him the four World War I memorials and discussed the need to preserve and safekeep the site (which is owned by Council). Jeff McGill kindly attended and took the photos in this article.

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher

The Knitting Club presented its first instalment of blankets and scarves to the St Vincent de Paul Society on 4 July.  Olivia L and Layla E (our most prolific knitters) were our presenters and spoke on behalf of the students. Room H13 was turned into a kaleidoscope of colour with our blankets displayed throughout the room. One special touch to our knitted items this year was a new cotton label which reads ‘Handmade with love by the St Patrick’s Knitting Club’ which has been sewn onto each item.

Forty two blankets and 28 scarves were presented to Jane Willoughby, Patrick Jordan (ex-staff member) and Cynthia Fenemore of the St Vincent de Paul Society. These ladies spoke to the Knitting Club about the types of welfare cases where these blankets and scarves would be given. These include the homeless, women fleeing domestic violence and the elderly in the local Macarthur area. The students also had an opportunity to ask questions of the St Vincent de Paul Society members.

The presentation gave us an opportunity to spend some time with the volunteers who give up much so much time to assist the students. Special grandmothers Mrs Jan Vacchini, Mrs Pam Poole and Mrs Lynn Carlin knit prolifically for the group and always send in squares and blankets. Mrs Judith Andrews, who has been knitting for our group for over five years, sent her apologies.  We are very fortunate to have many ex-staff and friends of the College volunteer their time each Thursday lunchtime to teach the girls to knit, fix up those dropped stitches and sew the squares together. I  would like to acknowledge Mrs Maxine Evans, Ms Lorraine St John, Mrs Maureen O’Brien, Mrs Maureen McCann, Mrs Janine McLeod, Mrs Cathy Johnson, Mrs Shirley Mills, Mrs Jean Mills, Mrs Glenda Gaskell and Mrs Dell Costa.

This is our first instalment of knitted items for the year and we will continue to knit each Thursday lunchtime until Term 4.

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher

Year 7, 8, 9 Basketball

After a fantastic season which saw the girls winning the East Zone final against John Therry, the team then went on to represent the East Zone at the Interzone finals. The girls showed their class in the first game taking a hard fought win against Wollondilly Anglican College 44-32. The girls then outclassed the North Zone team quite convincingly winning 42-12 which earned them the title of Overall Interzone Champions. This result was quite remarkable considering the team is still quite young but played well beyond their years under the guidance of super coach Mrs Nash.

The team consisted of Sienna T, Ava H, Fale’ofa A, Jaqueline C, Charlie C, Mia F, Amelia M, Sarah W, Charlotte F and Katarina S. Coach Mrs Nash.

Year 10, 11, 12 Cricket

Much like the basketballers, the cricketers also had a fantastic season going through undefeated, enabling them to qualify for the Interzone final. Unfortunately, the girls had an off day with the bat and the ball and lost both games to their North and West rivals. A disappointing way to end the season considering the girls set such a high standard for themselves but they should be content in the fact that they represented themselves and the College with distinction regardless of the results.

The team consisted of Bridie B, Minduli T, Eilidh C, Rachael T, Rebecca O, Emilee O, Stephanie M, Rachael W, Brooke K, Alysha B and Stephanie E. Coach Mrs Lawrence.

Year 11, 12 Netball

Our netball girls had a fantastic season going through the round games undefeated and finishing in first place. Unfortunately, they stumbled in the East Zone Grand final going down to a very determined Magdalene team. Contributing to the result was the fact they played a player short due to a number of injuries as well as students being unavailable for the final. Again, it was a disappointing way to end the season, but the girls were outstanding ambassadors for the College and will be even stronger as we head into the rep netball season. It should also be noted that due to some confusion around the age groups for netball season, St Pat's played eight Year 10 students in the Year 11/12 competition which just goes to show how talented our students are.

The team consisted of Hannah S, Maya B, Chantel S, Amadee T, Evana S, Brianna C, Kassandra S, Olivia F, Piper A and Eva B. Coach Mrs Arena.

Year 10, 11, 12 Soccer

With a number of factors working against this team, including injury and the availability of players, the girls showed great determination and spirit to finish 4th overall in the East Zone. The girls learnt a lot over the term and will be better for the experience in the years to come. Special mention should go to the senior players most notably Andrea M, Tara B and Cecilia P, who gave 110% every week even when the odds were stacked against them. 

The team consisted of Amelia M, Chantelle D, Julia P, Emily-Jane U, Emily A, Tara B, Emily M, Andrea M, Cecilia P, Emma G, Sarah P, Sophie M. Coach Mr East.

Year 7,8,9 Frisbee

2019 was the first time St Pat's would play Ultimate Frisbee in the MISA competition. Added to this was the fact it was a mixed competition which saw the girls competing against boys on a weekly basis. The interest in playing frisbee for the College was quite overwhelming with over 30 girls attending trials which meant the team selected was very strong. While the girls put up a strong fight in all their games, the advantage gained by other schools having four boys in the team made it a massive obstacle for the girls to overcome in order to get a win. While they pushed all schools to the limit, the girls were unable to get a win for the season but were absolutely outstanding in the way they played and participated. There is no doubt that when the competition moves to a single sex sport, the girls will prove to be extremely tough competition for their rivals.

The team consisted of Annabelle M, Siena B, Jordanne M, Hannah R, Darcy E, Breanna R, Amy Y, Faith R, Carrera K, Amy W, Olivia H, Summer D and Amelia B. Coach Ms Wallin.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activites Coordinator

It was clear from the onset that the College has a number of extremely talented young athletes and there were a number of girls that obviously put a great deal of time and energy into training in the lead up to the carnival. Some of the individual performances were outstanding and at times had the whole grandstand on their feet cheering. Equally impressive was the rate of participation and support displayed by the students throughout the day. Full credit to the PDHPE staff on their work in upskilling the girls and developing their confidence to participate regardless of the final result.

A big thank you must go to the College staff for their efforts throughout the day as without their input, the day would not be anywhere near as successful.  

Our Age Champions for the day were:

12 Years – Siena B

13 Years – Aaliyah B

14 Years – Amy Y

15 Years – Ashalea W

16 Years – Piper A

17+ Years – Amy S

The overall Age Champion for the day was Piper A and the overall winning house was Kenny. Lyons finished in second place, with Chisholm in third and Gilmore in fourth.

Scott Ashcroft - Sports and Activities Coordinator

With exams on the horizon, the library is offering extended hours, trialling for term 3. The Year 12 area will also offer a small kitchenette style trolley complete with a small fridge and microwave, for their convenience.

All we ask of the Year 12 students is that they consider their peers and the library staff when using the area; keeping it clean and clear of food scraps and rubbish.

The College Library

We have had many teachers, pastoral and subject, who have taken the opportunity to bring their classes to the library to utilise the games. Maths classes have bartered for property and finances, whilst the pastoral groups have taken the opportunity to socialise with their peers in a more relaxed setting.

This week saw Mrs McDonald bring her Year 11 pastoral class in for some 'Game Time'.

These tips are an abbreviated version of the handout available in the Study Skills Handbook, within the  Things To Print page to see the full version.

1. Don’t waste time in any of your classes at school. Make the most of every moment so you have less to do at home and set up a buddy system in case you miss any lessons. 
2. Prune your activities and see if there is anything you can cut to reduce the pressure.
3. Make a timetable so you can schedule in everything that you need to do and want to do.
4. Use all little pockets of time. If you are waiting before training then use that time to complete some homework.
5. Always prioritise before you start work to ensure that the most important and urgent work is completed first.
6. If you are too tired when you get home from training it may be better to get to bed early and get up a bit earlier in the morning when you are fresh and do your work then.
7. You may need to sacrifice an occasional lunchtime when you know you will be too busy that night.
8. Let go of perfectionism. It may not be possible to do everything as fully as you would like. Take smart shortcuts when you can.
9. Use any big blocks of time to tackle the time-consuming tasks that you haven’t had time for.
10. Some work like study notes, assessments or major works may be able to be left to the holidays.

Remember to be kind to yourself.  It is difficult to have enough time to excel in every aspect of your life! All you can do is make good choices with the time you have and make the most of that time and still try and get the best results you can given the time constraints you are working under.

Traditional board and card games have been available in the Library for students to use before school, and during recess and lunch, and it has been so encouraging to see students put their devices down and group together to play Uno, Monopoly, Game of Life, Cluedo and Checkers. Our communal jigsaw puzzle has been especially popular, and it has been a delight to see the girls excited to finally complete the puzzle after weeks of perserverance! 

The College Library

Traditional board and card games have been available in the Library for students to use before school, and during recess and lunch, and it has been so encouraging to see students put their devices down and group together to play Uno, Monopoly, Game of Life, Cluedo and Checkers. Our communal jigsaw puzzle has been especially popular, and it has been a delight to see the girls excited to finally complete the puzzle after weeks of perserverance! 

The College Library

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