1. family and parenting
2. children

Newsletter
15 August 2014
‘I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me will not be
walking in the dark; he will have the light of life.’
John 8.12
Lumen’s Festival Stars
Year 9 Drama Scripted Theatre
Culture and Colour Highlight CSPAF
Lumen Christi College student’s feedback for the Catholic
Students Performing Arts Festival performances so far have
been a testiment to the high quality of the Arts programs at
the College.
Performances for the CSPAF began as far back as May when
adjudicators attended the Friday performance of Guys & Dolls.
They were full of praise for all performers and musicians, and in
particular the lead actors.
Over the last two weeks, Lumen has contributed more quality
performances to the festival playbill.
The Clarinet and the Saxophone Ensembles performed on
Tuesday, 29 July and did very well, receiving the award of
‘Certificate of Merit’.
The Liturgical Dance group performed ‘Veil Over Their Hearts’.
Brooke
Specialist
GreenDance
and Jordan
GroupAnthony
during rehearsals
This was a dance set to a number of pieces of music including
Safe and Sound by The Vitamin String Quartet and received an
award of ‘Honorable Mention’ for its bold and beautiful imagery
and choreography [see pg 4].
Vocal soloist, Julia Mutard gave a lovely cover of Regina
Spektor’s Samson. The Year 9 Drama class were outstanding
with their Scripted Theatre dealing with image and culture.
The Swing Band performed on Tuesday, 5 August and received
valuable feedback and the drum solos by Payton Fisher and
Lleyton Franklin were very well done.
Performances still to come are the guitar solos, the concert
bands, flute and clarinet solos and duet, the choir and the
specialist dance.
Make sure you book your tickets for the specialist dance through
Ticketek. Be quick as this event sells out fast!
Lumen Christi College - STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
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From the Principal’s Desk
Building Resilience in our Children
In recent weeks, the media has certainly been directing a great deal
of attention to issues of mental health, self-esteem and resilience in
children. Within emotively headlined newspaper articles and ‘expert’
television reports, various child health experts, sociologists and
even school principals have all given quite varied opinions on the
importance of giving praise to students, having clear consequences for
particular behaviours and the lessons that can be gained (learned) from
occasionally failing and working through hardship.
It is very important to have a positive mindset and to adopt a view in
which one looks for the good in all things and searches for the good
in all people. A focus on the positive rather than the negative is an
admirable outlook. However, it is also important to be a realist. In life,
difficult situations will present, negative results will occur and failure
is likely to happen along the way. The ability of our children to bounce
back from such situations will determine their growth as people.
How children cope with such hardships will be determined by their
resilience.
While it is vitally important that children constantly receive
affirmations for their efforts it is equally important that we do not
set up systems that artificially praise all of the time; or in which
competition does not occur; or in which hardship and/or failure never
exists. This is not how life works! While promoting each and every
child’s self-worth is an important role for parents and schools, as
a society we must be careful not to go too far with the self-esteem
movement where we must ‘feel good all of the time’. A major problem
with an over-played self-esteem movement is that it focuses on just
‘feeling good’ rather than ‘doing good’. In doing so, it can give an undue
focus on the needs of the individual to the detriment of serving others
and the community. It can be a little self-centred!
While I am certainly not suggesting an approach that reduces the selfesteem of our children, I am advocating a system where young people,
actually all people, develop a real and genuine sense of resilience. It is
impossible to always get what we want; or what we apply for; or to win
all the time. One of the best ways to develop resilience is to experience
both failure and success. Making mistakes or experiencing failure is a
mechanism for our overall development. History, both recent and more
distant, is punctuated with many important and very famous examples
of discoveries and triumphs that have eventually succeeded after many
failed efforts and whereby valuable lessons have been learned from
mistakes along the way. Developing determination, perseverance and
being optimistic are all important aspects of building resilience.
Resilience in children can be enhanced by the approach adopted
by the significant adults in their lives – essentially their parents,
families, teachers and coaches. Parenting has always required an
exceptionally strong set of skills, including that of caring, nurturing,
encouraging, leading and negotiating. Parenting is also about teaching.
The ability to pass on skills, knowledge and attitudes is perhaps the
most important parenting skill of all. As parents we teach by modelling
behaviours and attitudes, but we also have wonderful opportunities
to teach children explicitly about how they cope or manage different
and difficult situations that they may experience. When moments of
hardship, failure or disappointment do occur (and experience would
suggest that they will), we need to see them as ‘teachable moments’
– real opportunities for children to grow and learn from some of
the challenges they face. Recognising and grasping these teachable
moments is how parents, indeed all significant adults, can help children
become resilient and bounce back from some of the setbacks they will
encounter now and into the future.
Children live in the ‘now moment’ and it is easy for parents to
get caught up in ‘their now moments’, particularly when they are
experiencing hardships, frustrations and difficulties. Our natural
instinct is to step in and take away their pain and protect them! When
we focus solely on making the situation better we may miss valuable
opportunities to help children learn and grow. The big learning
opportunities are usually hidden as problems. Most commonly they
present as; change, loss, rejection, failure, disappointment and
conflict. Not being picked for a team that they have tried out for, or
being ignored by friends, or failing a topic test are likely scenarios for
most children at some point in their life. When parents and teachers
have mindsets for building resilience then they see such situations as
teachable moments. While we never wish these things upon any child,
they do allow us to explore lessons about the value of striving for
your best, turning tough situations around and talking about personal
feelings. While we can enjoy moments of triumph and rightly give out
praise when they occur, it is equally important to use those moments
of hardship as an opportunity to learn and grow. It is not the amount of
times you stumble and fall that matters, rather it is the number of times
you get back up. Parenting is certainly exciting…. and wonderful!
Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival
The Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival is now well and truly
underway. This is a month long festival in which some 20,000 students
from both Primary and Secondary Catholic Schools from across the
state will compete and showcase their talents in the Arts. Of course,
with such a well-earned reputation for excellence in the Arts, Lumen
Christi College is heavily involved with over thirty entrants in drama,
music and dance – some individual or small group ensembles, while
others are major bands and dance groups.
While it is difficult to see all of our students perform, I do have the
pleasure of seeing many of our large group performances. Last week
I was able to see our Year 9 Drama group perform, while on the same
evening the College Swing Band took to the stage. Last Wednesday
morning, our Liturgical Movement Group performed a very beautiful
piece at the Mercy Chapel. The Adjudicators Reports for all groups
reflected on their preparation, polish and quality. This week, I was
able to attend the Angelico Exhibition for visual arts. Held in the City,
it brought together a collection of stunning art pieces from students in
Catholic schools across the state. Once again, our College had several
students selected to show their work. This week end, our Junior and
Senior Concert Bands will perform as part of the WA Schools Band
Festival and they will perform once again as part of the Catholic
Performing Arts Festival later this month. Our Specialist Dance Group
is scheduled to perform in front of a full house at the Perth Convention
Centre next Friday evening, 22 August. I am sure many families and
friends are excited about seeing their showcase performance.
All of these students have worked very hard for several months and
they have certainly learned the valuable lesson that hard work and
perseverance pays off. They are wonderful ambassadors for our College,
have done themselves proud and should be justifiably excited at how
well they have performed. I commend the many students who involve
themselves so enthusiastically in the Arts. May I also acknowledge the
extraordinary work of all of the Staff and Tutors in the Arts Learning
Area. Such dedication to our talented students is certainly appreciated
May the Light of Christ shine upon you
Mr Darren O’Neill, Principal
Latest information about news and events happening at the College and with our students.
Lumen News
Lisa Harper-Brown’s Choral Masterclass
for the Lumen Christi College Choir
Angelico Art Exhibiton
Smarter than Smoking Video Production
Angelico Art Exhibition byMr Lance Taylor
statistics about smoking.
The 21st Annual Angelico Art Exhibition officially opened with a
formal cocktail function for invited guests. The speeches focused
on celebrating the talent and efforts within our in Catholic
schools.
Production of the commercial began on the 25 July. The class
developed a storyboard and video footage. The Editor, Producer
and Director then worked together to select and edit the video.
Lumen Christi College had six pieces of work included in the
exhibition. The works were created by Year 10 and 11 students.
Shannyn Pomersbach and Emily Richter (Yr 10) submitted
crazy ceramic tattooed dragons while Antonia Alaniz, Renata
Nagtegaal, Ashley Wilkins and Chelsey Primrose (Yr 11) chose
impressive drawings and paintings of classical figures to be
included in the exhibition. Our students artworks were well
received and made a very positive impression. Congratulations
to our talented Lumen artists!
The Master of Class by Miss Jessica Del Borrello
Professional opera singer Lisa Harper-Brown gave a fantastic
Masterclass to our Lumen Choir students this week. Lisa
delighted audiences with her vocals at the S’Wonderful concert
in July. Our Choir had the opportunity to perform with her on
stage. To our excitement Lisa returned to Lumen to impart her
knowledge and skills for our students.
The students were taken through an energetic warm-up
that prepared their lungs to sing in four-part harmony. She
demonstrated each part of a small chord progression for the
students until the Choir joined together making the most
harmonious sound.
“As singers, our bodies are our instruments,” Lisa explained as
the students stand tall and ready to rehearse their pieces for the
Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival.
Smarter Than Smoking by Cheyanne Enciso
During the last two weeks of Term 2, the Multimedia class in
Year 10 started planning to make a Smarter Than Smoking TV
Commercial. The project aims to prevent teenagers taking up
smoking in Western Australia. The initiative began in 1995 and
resulted in a decline in youths smoking.
We started our campaign with Smarter Than Smoking branding
visibale at the College Athletics Carnival. Teardrop banners were
placed in prominent positions and we also had students do live
commercial reads over the speakers, which included facts and
Spiritual Hugs by Ms Anne Kennedy
Even in this day and age many people view God as a snooping
‘Big Brother’ character, constantly watching over us, waiting to
catch us out. Yes, God is watching over us, but like all parents,
with eyes of love. God is the best of big brothers; always ready
to help pick us up, dust us down and set us back on the right
path when we’ve got lost.
God’s grace can provide a spiritual hug or a shoulder to cry on,
and the courage to carry on. If in doubt, check out the current
Sunday Gospels. The stories provide wonderful examples of how
God keeps the promise made to his people many generations
ago. God promised to always love us; even when we doubt that
truth.
Last weekend the Gospel recounted how Peter, was able to walk
on water. The story shows the disciples overcoming their fears,
growing in faith and gradually recognising the power faith can
bring. The message for us is as clear as it was for Peter. If we
take our eyes and focus off Jesus we begin to sink. We need to
recognise him as the source of our strength, our guiding light.
This coming Sunday’s Gospel introduces us to the faith of a
Canaanite woman, a non-Jew, whose daughter is possessed by a
demon. Despite her heritage, and low status in the community,
the woman has faith. Not merely in the power of Jesus to heal,
but in his willingness to accept and respond to her justly. The
story gives a clear indication of God’s abundant mercy and offer
of salvation to all of humanity. Too good to be true? It’s well
worth a punt in my book!
Going Private for Peace of Mind by Kerri Pollett
Lumen’s Private Bus Routes are gaining popularity as they
offer a safe and affordable option for students to get to school.
Currently we have two routes; Brookdale and Canning Vale. For
regular users, the cheapest option is a Term Pass where you
save $120 per term. For more details http://web.lumen.wa.edu.
au/life-at-lumen/bus-services/private-bus-services
Lumen Christi College - STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
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Liturgical Dance
2014 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL
“The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures:
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul:
He leads me in the right paths for
His name’s sake.”
Veil Over Their Hearts
In contemporary society, we often find ourselves trapped
by pressures and high expectations.
We need to remember that the Lord’s saving grace and
His power through the Resurrection are always with us.
Throughout this piece, our performers expressed the
joyful sense of freedom and safety that comes
through the offer of salvation.
performed to a selection of music including
Safe & Sound by The Vitamin String Quartet
View more photos on facebook.com/lumenchristicollege
More Lumen News
Mr Rory McNally, soon to be Foundation Principal of the new
Catholic Care School in Maddington
Daffodil Day 22 August 2014
Beyond Blue Fundraising
May the wind be ever at your back Rory
Lumen Christi College’s Learning Support Coordinator has been
appointed to the position of Foundation Principal of the soon
to be established, Catholic Care School in Maddington. This is a
wonderful appointment for our wider Catholic Education system
and an exciting time for Rory as he will bring his knowledge, skills,
experience and his extraordinary capacity to show genuine care
for children, to this important role.
Of course, Mr McNally will be sadly missed by all within our
College, particularly those students, families and staff who are
part of our Learning Support Program. Over the past seven years.
Rory has been central in the implementation and development
of many initiatives and programs that have afforded meaningful
and rewarding pathways for many of our students. I certainly wish
to affirm that his efforts and vision have certainly enriched our
School community and acknowledge the very special legacy that
he leaves.
On behalf of the Lumen Christi College Community, I wish to
congratulate Mr McNally on his appointment as Principal and wish
him every success as he takes up this role in the coming weeks.
I pray that the Light of Christi continues to provide him with
direction and inspiration.
Unfortunately depression doesn’t discriminate and can affect
anyone at any time. Right now, 3 million Australians are living
with anxiety and depression.
If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, you can read
more about signs and symptoms using the links below. You can
call our Support Service on 1300 22 4636 to work out the next
steps with us, or call 000 in a crisis. If you’ve been meaning to ask
how someone is, or talk about what you’re going through, don’t
wait – start the conversation now.
The next fundraising effort from the SLT will be on Friday, 22
August for Daffodil Day to raise money for Cancer research. You
can help by donating some spare change, buying cakes from the
stall or wear a splash of yellow for a gold coin donation.
Recent Sports Results
Soccer Results
Lumen Junior (0) Vs Safety Bay A (3)
Lumen Senior (3) Vs Servite College (5)
Rugby
Lumen Year 10s (0) Vs Thornlie Christian College (52)
We wish him good luck and God’s blessings.
State Inclusion
SLT News
Lucy Cuppari has been selected to represent WA in the 2014 State
Touch Football team in the National Schools Championships in
Morwell, VIC from 18-25 October.
Lumen’s SLT work tirelessly throughout the school year to raise
money and awareness for charitable causes.
Our hardworking Student Leaders raised nearly $800 for Beyond
Blue last month. Beyond Blue are an organisation that offer help
and support for people suffering from anxiety and depression.
A topic that is forefront on many peoples minds after the recent
loss of comic genious Robin Williams. The Beyond Blue CEO,
Georgie Harman issue this statement:
Many of us are distressed at the tragic loss of Robin Williams.
PHOTO
S
JR
GUYS AND DOLLS
Now Available for Purchase Online
for a Limited Time Only
Digital Photo Files $6ea | Expires 29 August 2014
lumen.wa.edu.au Password MissAdeliadeSings
A diverse range of activities take place at Lumen throughout the school year. This edition of the newsletter features the events
coming up this month.
Events in the Lumen Calendar
Catholic Performing Arts Festival
Calendar of Lumen Christi College Performances
Lumen Events
College Tour
Saturday, 16 August 2014; 10.00am
Parish Visits | Sacred Heart
Saturday & Sunday, 16 & 17 August 2014
Sacred Heart Church, Thornlie
Year 11 River Cruise
Thursday, 28 August 2014
Student Free Day
Friday, 29 August 2014
Head Boy & Girl 2015 Applications Open
Monday, 1 September 2014
Book Week
Monday-Friday, 18-22 August 2014
Year 10 OLNA Testing
Monday, 1 September 2014
WA School Bands Festival - Senior Concert Band
Saturday, 16 August 2014; 2.05pm, Churchlands SHS
Year 12 Mass
Monday, 1 September 2014
CPAF Junior & Senior Concert Band Performances
Wednesday, 20 August 2014; 7.00pm
Chisholm Catholic College, Bedford
Year 9 Mass
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
CPAF Flute & Clarinet
Friday, 22 August 2014; 11.30am-12.30pm
Isabella Eagles, Isabella Nguyen - Solo Performances
Isabella Eagles & Linda Solomon - Flute Duet
CPAF Specialist Dance
Friday, 22 August 2014; 7.00pm
Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre (Tickets through Ticketek)
CPAF Piano Solos
Monday, 25 August 2014; 11.05am | Zenith Music, Claremont
Isabella Nguyen & Isabella Eagles
Wednesday, 27 August 2014; 11.00am | Zenith Music, Claremont
Angelique Ogden
Friday, 29 August 2014; 11.35am | Zenith Music, Claremont
Sophie Nagtegaal
CPAF Choir Performance
Wednesday, 27 August 2014; 7.00pm
Trinity College
Whole School Assembly
Wednesday, 27 August 2014; 8.55am
LCC Sports Centre
Principal’s Cup Basketball/Netball
Monday, 1 September 2014
Year 9 Mass
Thursday, 4 September 2014
Community Mass
Thursday, 4 September 2014; 8.10am
Fathers’ Day Service & Breakfast
Friday, 5 September 2014; 8.00am
Reminders
College Fees
All College family fees are due and payable by Sunday, 30
November 2014, unless an approved payment arrangement
is in place. Please contact the Finance Department to arrange
payment of your fees. Please refer to the 2014 College Fees and
Charges schedule for further information.
http://web.lumen.wa.edu.au/enrolments/fee-schedule
Student Pick Up/Drop Off
Please do not use the Administration Entrance (Station St) to
drop off or pick your children up from the College. Please use
the Senior Centre Entrance on Mills Road West.
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Lumen Community
COMMUNITY NOTICES: Space permitting Lumen Christi is happy to support local initiatives by publicising community news items in this newsletter. We are unable to provide endorsement for any such items or programs.
Community Notices & Events
Central Institute of Technology - Health Campus Open Night
Health Career Info - Specifically for Secondary Students
Wednesday, 24 September 2014; 5.00-7.00pm
Central Institute of Technology, 397 Lord St, Mt Lawley
Enquiries [email protected]
Maddington Little Athletics Club
Training Starts Thursday, 18 September at Harmony Fields, Alcock
St, Maddington
Training Days Tuesday and Thursday; 4.30-6.00pm
Competition Commences Saturday, 11 October at Langford
Sporting Complex.
Roman & French
Online Boutique for First Holy Communion and Confirmations
www.romanandfrench.com
Lumen Christi PnF Association
Community Bingo [7.00pm (eyes down at 7.30pm)]
Arts - Friday, 15 August 2014
Matrix Mission & SEEDS - Friday, 19 September 2014
Switch Your Thinking - Volunteers Required
Residents in City of Armadale, Gosnells, & Shire of Jarrahdale
To be eligible you need to have lived in your house since Jan 2014
and be eligible for a Health Care Card (under $51Kpa)
Registered participants will receive on SMS message a week with
an energy saving tip, a $25 Woolworths voucher on registration
and a total of $150 of vouchers during the trial.
Details www.switchyourthinking.com/switched-on-homes
Email [email protected] or 9397 3207
City of Gosnells - Safe City Awards
Do you know someone who makes your community
a safer place
Applications open for the Community Initiative, Constable Peter
Ball Memorial and the Community Kids Awards.
For more details or to enter online www.gosnells.wa.gov.au
PnF Meetings
Come along to the next PnF Meeting. We welcome all Parents
of students at Lumen Christi College to join us in the
Staff Room on Tuesday 9 September at 6.30pm
Keep in touch with Lumen Christi on social media
facebook.com/LumenChristiCollege
twitter.com/LumenChristiC
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Lumen Christi College - STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE