1. No category

12 November 2014
Volume No 22 Issue 35
Vision Statement
Mater Dei College believes in the dignity and the nurturing of the individual
And seeks to follow, with courage, Mary’s example of faith.
From the Principal
ASTRONOMY OBSERVATORY
In celebration of the installation of our Astronomy
Observatory, the P&F are hosting an evening function
on Friday, 21 November. The evening's conviviality will
supplement the observations transmitted from our
telescope now that it is fully operational. Further details
will be published but, please, note this date on your
family calendar.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
At 11 am on 11 November we gathered as a College
community in the front courtyard to both acknowledge
the sacrifice those who have lost their lives in conflicts
around the world and to pray for peace in those theatres
where there is still fighting and loss of life.
Lest we forget.
GALLIPOLI 2015
Our Year 9 student, Tahlia Fenton, has been chosen by
the Premier to travel to Gallipoli next year as part of the
Western Australian contingent celebrating the centenary
of the ANZAC landing in 1915. Tahlia will be one of 32
students chosen to represent Western Australia at the
centenary celebrations and watch the sun rise over
North Beach, Anzac Cove, Turkey, in April next year.
For Tahlia, it will be the experience of a lifetime and we
heartily congratulate her for her endeavour and success
in being chosen.
CADET REPRESENTATION
Year 11 student, Jarrod French, was selected to be part
of a national group representing Air Force Cadets in a
meeting with Prince Edward in his capacity as patron of
the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The chance to meet
Prince Edward and relate his experiences with the Duke
of Edinburgh program was a wonderful opportunity for
Jarrod.
RIVER CRUISE
On Wednesday night both Year 10 and Year 11 students
will board boats at different times at Barrack St Jetty
and embark on a wonderful night of merriment and
celebration whilst cruising up and down the Swan River.
The chance to dress up in costume is the highlight of the
event.
Having both Year groups together is part of the transition to
having the River Cruise as part of the Year 10 calendar.
Year 11 students will participate in a more formal Dinner
Dance in subsequent years as their major social event.
AWARDS NIGHT
For your family calendar, this year's Awards Night will be
held at the College on Tuesday, 9 December. Please keep
this night free to participate in celebrating our students'
successes.
TERMS' NOTICE
Parents who are anticipating that their Year 7 to Year 11
students may be leaving Mater Dei College at the end of this
year are reminded that we require a Term’s written notice of
ceasing enrolment. If less than one term’s written notice is
given, the College policy is to charge one term’s fees in lieu
of notice not given.
If there is any possibility of students leaving at the end of
this year, please indicate in writing that the possibility exists.
As long as we have some indication of intentions, then the
term’s fees in lieu are not required to be paid.
Please contact our Enrolment Officer, Mrs Barbra Moyle, if
there is the possibility that your child may not be returning
next year.
TERM DATES
Students in Years 7-10 conclude this year's classes on
Friday, 12 December.
Year 11 students will conclude the year with their final endof-year examination.
Mr Barry Alfirevich – Principal
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Note from the Counsellor
Learning Matters
College Life
College Noticeboard
Careers Information
Community Events
NOTE FROM THE COUNSELLOR
HONOUR OTHERS AS GEESE DO…
Last Thursday and Friday, the Year 8 students
attended their Year 8 Encounter Days. The theme of
the Encounter Day was to explore the 12 Tribes of
Israel and their values and traditions. In addition to
this, the students were encouraged to explore how they
listen and communicate with one another and embrace
and support those in their community.
While half of the year group attended the Encounter
Day at the Infant Jesus Parish Centre in Morley, the
other half remained in school and participated in a
number of different workshops. One of the programs
asked the students to look at how they support each
other and work together when faced with modern day
challenges, such as cyber issues.
take advantage of the ‘lifting power’. If we have as
much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with
those that are heading in the same direction as we
are (and be willing to accept help as well as give
ours.)
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into
the formation and another goose flies point. It is
sensible to take turns when feeling pressure and
demand. With people, as with geese, we are all
interdependent on each other.
Geese honk from behind to encourage those
upfront to keep up their speed.
Finally and this is important, when a goose gets
Using the Cyber Smart program developed by the
sick or is wounded and falls out of formation, two
Australian Government, the students explored the tribe other geese falls out with it to lend help and
in which they belonged to in the College. Following
protection.
this, they watched a short video and then broke into
small groups, in which they discussed how their
If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by
values may be challenged at times and how they can
each other in difficult times as then we are strong.
work together to support those around them.
Milton Olson
I have previously used the Geese analogy when
addressing support, communication and working
Have a great week!
together in the college and have included this for you
now.
Mrs Sally Stott - College Counsellor
Have you ever seen Geese heading South for the
winter, flying along in a ‘V’ formation? Next time
you do, consider what science has discovered as to
why they fly that way…
As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for
the bird immediately following. By flying in a ‘V’
formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying
range than if each bird flew on its own.
People who share a common direction and sense of
community can get where they are going more
quickly and easily because they are travelling on
the trust of one another.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly
feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it
alone…and quickly gets back into the formation to
Contents
LEARNING MATTERS
Top 10 Tips for Students for Managing Technology
Distractions:
Continuing the theme from last week, here are some
tips for students on the use of technology.
1. Allocate specific times for work and for
technology- this can be tricky given that much
of the time students need to use technology for
research. However, making a timetable which
clearly identifies time for homework/study,
games and other online activities, means you
know that you will soon get an opportunity to
get back online. It’s best to make these blocks
in the time when you aren’t at your most
“productive” with work.
2. Turn off your technology distractions - turn
off as many things as you can e.g. phone, iPad,
iPod, Facebook, Instagram, even your
computer if you don’t need it for that piece of
work. If you aren’t aware of messages or
notifications coming in, then you won’t need to
check them. Try it for half an hour and then
get back to your messages once you’ve
finished that work block.
3. Set clear goals - once you have achieved your
work goal, reward yourself with technology.
Allow yourself 20 minutes of guilt free online
time.
4. Set a timer - if you can’t stop gaming or
checking facebook, even when your allocated
time is up, set an annoying timer….which you
place away from where you are playing, so that
you have to get up to turn off. Once it’s off,
you have already broken the connection to the
game and it should be easier to get on with
your work.
5. Install software on your computer to help
manage distractions - there are lots of
different packages available to assist you in
controlling your computer use - how long you
use particular programs for and what you use.
More information is available in the Managing
Distractions Unit of the Study Skills Handbook
http://www.studyskillshandbook.com.au/inside
/inside_content/home5c.html
6. Don’t make in-App purchases - lots of us
have downloaded a “free” app only to get
caught up in the cycle of “in app” purchases so
we can just get one more level or win. Making
a deal with yourself to wait for a while to have
another go at a game both saves money and
gives you 20-30 minutes to focus on
schoolwork instead.
7. Remember TV is technology too - working in
front of the TV can be just as distracting as
other forms of technology. Save up your easy
work - like title pages, or filing, to do in front
of the TV and use your technology free time to
focus on more challenging work.
8. Enlist some help - ask your parent or sibling
to help you manage your technology
distractions by sitting near you while you work
to monitor what you are doing, testing you on
your current topics or holding on to your
devices for you.
9. Find a different place to work - some work
can be done outside, or while you are
exercising. Why not step outside to review
your study notes, or read your novel? Record
your notes or listen to a podcast when you are
out walking the dog?
10. Do some mental skills development - if you
really need to improve your focus, attention
and memory, try doing some specific exercises.
http://www.cogmed.com.au/schools offers a
formal school based program. Also
http://www.lumosity.com/ and
http://www.mindgames.com/brain-games.php
Mr Jef. Middleton - Deputy Principal
Contents
COLLEGE LIFE
CONGRATULATIONS
KIRA BAKER – YEAR 9 - MERH
Congratulations to Kira Baker (Mercy H - Year 9) who
placed second at the WA State Figure Skating
Championships at the end of October.
Kira has now successfully qualified and been selected
to represent WA at the National Figure Skating
Championships to be held in Brisbane later this month.
This is something that Kira has been working towards
throughout the year, having skated and placed at each
qualifying event.
Well done, Kira
P&F GOLF DAY
The P&F and College held an Inaugural Golf Day at
Marangaroo Golf Course on Sunday, 9 November
2014. There were 62 players on the day who included
College Families, Staff, Friends and Sponsors.
To say it was a bit warm on the course is an
understatement - the temperature tipped over 35.
However, in the spirit of true Golfers, they persevered
with the weather and enjoyed the day. Requests were
made on quite a few of the holes to have the sprinklers
turned on! The round finished with a sausage sizzle
and a very cold drink.
The event was won by:
1st Place - PKF
2nd Place - Leaning Family &Friends
3rd Place - Tara Uniform/College Staff
Closest to the pin Hole 4 - Andrew Torry
(A.E .Smith Sponsor)
Closest to the pin Hole 6 - Paul Edwards
Closest to the pin 12 - John Carmody (PKF)
Closest to the pin Hole 16 - Derek Coleman
Longest Drive Hole 5 - Daniel LaSpina
Longest Drive Hole 17 - Ashley Hutchinson
Thank you to all who attended, I’m sure next year will
be even bigger and better.
Contents
Contents
YEAR 8 COMMUNITY MISSION PROJECT 2014
As part of the College’s Mission Program the Year 8
student body have undertaken the task of providing
essential items for families who have been
HOMELESS for a time but have been able to find
somewhere to live as a family.
The Year Group was divided into their Houses and
given a specific selection of items to gather from
within their House group. Their aim was to gather as
much as they could with the help of their entire
HOUSE group not just from within the year group
itself. Homeroom teachers did assist this process but
the Year 8 students, themselves, were the ones behind
it all.
A list of items to bring in were given to the Homeroom
teachers from week 1, term 4 until Monday, 10
November 2014.
Romero:
Benedict:
PERSONAL TOILETRY PACKS;
soap, deodorant, toothbrushes,
toothpaste, face cloths and shavers.
CLEANING PRODUCTS; sponges,
tea towels, scourers, chux, small bins,
dustpan and brush, brooms, plastic
buckets, spray and wipe.
Salvado:
CHILDRENS EQUIPMENT; pencil
cases, coloured pencils, textas,
colouring books, puzzles, games, rain
jackets.
Mercy:
KITCHEN ITEMS; can openers,
whisks, tongs, spatulas, peelers, ice
cube trays, plastic mixing bowls,
measuring cups and spoons, fruit
corers, sandwich bags, resealable
plastic bags, measuring jugs.
Siena:
GENERAL TOILETRIES; toilet
paper, tissue packs, paper towels,
kitchen gloves.
McCormack: CLOTHING; sport socks, general
socks (dress), beanies, scarves,
gloves, hand towels.
Thank you to the College community for
contributing to this mission project facilitated by the
Year 8 students. All items went to the Ruah
Community Services.
Tegan Banks, Layne Wilson, Jessica Langdon and
Elise Rushton - Year 8 students.
Contents
COLLEGE NOTICEBOARD
YEAR 9
END OF YEAR ACTIVITY
The Year 9 cohort will have an end of year activity at
the AMF Bowling Alley in Joondalup on Thursday
11th December 2014, being the second last day of
term four.
The cost for each student is $18, which includes
transport to and from the venue, two games of bowling
and a BBQ lunch back at the College. The bus will
leave the College at 9.00 am and return by 12.55 pm.
Payment needs to be made at the front office by
Thursday, 4 December, where a receipt will be issued
and the name of the student recorded as paid.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to
contact me at the College.
I look forward to a successful and enjoyable end to the
year.
Students are expected to wear full Mater Dei Sports Mr Craig Rodgers – Year 9 Coordinator
uniform, including sport shoes. Any student not in
full uniform or groomed appropriately will not be
permitted to attend and will remain at the College.
MATER DEI COLLEGE UNIFORM SHOP
TERM 4 2014
Week 1-10
Monday 8.00 am -12.00 pm
Wednesday 8.00 am -9.30 am
Thursday 8.00 am-12.00 pm/12.30 pm/4.30 pm
Mrs Linda Caporn -Uniform Shop Manager
PLEASE NOTE THAT NO SECOND HAND
ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
THE LAST TRADING DAY FOR 2014 WILL BE
THURSDAY, 4 DECEMBER
MATER DEI COLLEGE CAFETERIA
St Catherine’s Cafeteria needs volunteers for 2014.
If you can spare some free time ANY DAY
please contact Beryl Lythgoe, Cafeteria Manager, on 9405 0528.
LATEST RECIPIENTS OF MERIT CERTIFICATES 7/11/14
McCormack House
Jordan King (Yr 7) x1 merit certificate
Mercy House
Gina Sciuto (Yr 8) x4 merit certificates
DIARY DATES
The next Board Meeting will take place on Tuesday, 18 November 2014 at 7.00 pm
Contents
CAREERS INFORMATION
Central Institute: Course Information Sessions
Looking to study at Central in Semester 1, 2015?
Potential students and their parents are invited to attend
information sessions.
- Diploma of Commerce: Wednesday, 26
November, 6 pm – 7 pm @ 30 Aberdeen St,
Northbridge
RSVP Online:
http://www.central.wa.edu.au/Future_Students/Pages/C
ourse-Information-Sessions.aspx
Defence Work Experience: Flight Camp for Girls
Tuesday, 10 - Friday, 13 March 2015, RAAF East Sale,
Aerodrome Road, East Sale, Victoria.
Applications close Friday, 6 February.
Flight Camp is a four day residential program designed
to showcase the diverse activities aimed solely at young
women who have an interest in flying. Held at RAAF
Base East Sale, Flight Camp is designed to give
participants a comprehensive overview of life in the Air
Force, particularly as a pilot. The dynamic program will
include flying in Air Force aircraft, an opportunity for
some time in a flight simulator and observing actual
squadron operations. Serving Air Force pilots and other
members will talk about their roles and personal
experiences, specifically, what motivated them to
become an Air Force pilot.
Students must be 16-18 years at the time of placement
https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jo
bs.listJobs&audiencetypecode=defenceworkexp
Westpac Bicentennial Foundation Young
Technologists Scholarships which are now being
advertised on the ECU website and can be viewed at
http://www.ecu.edu.au/scholarships/scholarships-bypathways/undergraduate/details/westpac-bicentennialfoundation-young-technologists-scholarships
Edith Cowan University is the only university in
Western Australia partnering with the Westpac
Bicentennial Foundation to offer the Young
Technologists Scholarship in 2015.
The Young Technologists Scholarships will be
awarded to current Year 12 school leavers and aims
to strengthen Australia's pool of technology talent by
encouraging greater diversity and broader participation
in technology-related studies.
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
(WAAPA) Production Tour at our Mount Lawley campus.
For those interested in Live Production specialising in
Costume, Design, Lighting, Props and Scenery, Stage
Management and Sound this is a fantastic opportunity to tour
our world-class facilities and venues, and find out about the
structure of the course and how it can transition from a
Diploma to a Bachelors qualification.
WAAPA Production Course
When: Wednesday, 12 November, 6.00 pm
Where: ECU Mount Lawley Campus
To register for this event and more please visit Future
Student Events.
SAE Creative Media Institute: Open Day 2014
Saturday, 15 November @ Level 1, 3-5 Bennett Street, East
Perth.
Thinking about a career in Animation, Audio, Design, Film
or Games? Visit the SAE Perth campus to check out the
facilities, and take in course presentations and live studio
demonstrations. There will also be opportunities to chat with
staff and current students to get your questions answered.
Ph: 08 6217 4100, email: [email protected]
http://sae.edu.au/news-and-events/events/perth-campus-openday-november-15-2014/
Fremantle Ports Maritime Day Expo
Saturday, 8 November, 10 am - 4 pm @ Victoria Quay,
Fremantle. The expo celebrates the maritime industry and
Fremantle Port, and provides the public with information
about maritime education and careers.
http://www.fremantleports.com.au/Community/Pages/Mariti
me-Careers.aspx
We are now seeking scholarship applications from current
Year 12 students intending to enrol in Semester 1, 2015 in
one of the following ECU courses as agreed with the
donor: Bachelor of Computer Science
Bachelor of Information Technology
Bachelor of Technology (Engineering)
Bachelor of Technology (Electronic and Computer
Systems)
Bachelor of Technology (Motorsports)
Bachelor of Engineering (Computer
Systems)/Bachelor of Computer Science
Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security)
These scholarships are now open and application forms
(Word and electronic version) are available to
download/complete from the above page.
Mrs Tara Hill – Career Coordinator
Contents
COMMUNITY EVENTS
OUR LADY OF THE MISSION
PRAISE ‘N’ WORSHIP NIGHT - FRIDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 2014
P&F GOLF DAY SPONSORS
AN EVENING
UNDER THE
S TARS
Please join us for an
Evening Sundowner
on
FRIDAY 21 NOVEMBER at 7PM
in celebration of the formal commissioning of the
MATER DEI COLLEGE
ASTRONOMY OBSERVATORY
VENUE: THE CATHERINE BUILDING
*Drinks & Canapes will be served
CLICK HERE TO RSVP