FROM THE PRINCIPAL
We have recently welcomed many hundreds of Year 10 students and their families to
begin the process of transition to Guilford Young College. At each gathering our current
students stepped up to confidently tell their story of moving into a bigger world, embracing
new and demanding learning and expansive opportunities. Many more of our students
accompanied our visitors around the Hobart Campus, again enthusiastically conveying
their love of the College and all it has been for them. Their
stories give us energy and great assurance that our Guilford
Young College provides an exceptional education experience.
On Tuesday evening I popped into the Playhouse Theatre
to see our students rehearsing The Addams Family for
the first time on stage. With just over a week to go before opening night on 25 June, I
was so impressed by the polished performances of an amazing group of students. All
matinee shows are sold. We are close to being sold out on Friday and Saturday nights
with Wednesday on the way. Seats are available still for Thursday evening; however,
these will disappear very quickly. The word seems to have spread that the show is excellent. Purchase your tickets at our Campus offices (and see the back page for photos from
recent rehearsals).
Next week we eagerly await the opening of tenders for our Creative Arts Link and anticipate the immediate start to our building.
As our world continues to be confronted by war and the oppression of one human being
by another, we pray that the blessing of peace be breathed into the hearts and minds of
those crippled by this inhumanity …
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.
a Gaelic Blessing
Mrs Bobby Court
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPALS
ONE PART OF OUR LEARNING: EXAMINATIONS
In recent years Australian education has
moved further towards the utilisation of a ‘high-stakes’ testing regime. The introduction of various national and international benchmarking tests such as NAPLAN (National Assessment Progress Literacy and Numeracy) or the OECD
PISA (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Program for International Student Assessment) elicit
comparisons between students, schools, states and ultimately countries. This, in turn, results in much media coverage
and community debate. The senior secondary years are no exception to this, where, depending on a student’s pathway,
examinations forms a large part of assessment. Results can often act as indicators of future success and form a popular
editorial topic following the publication of end of year results.
In comparison, the Finnish system has no standardised national testing until its National Matriculation Examination in
students’ final years. Edwards (2014) reports that, “A bi-product of this lack of emphasis on testing seems to be a drop
in levels of anxiety and stress amongst both teachers and students.”
For us, the time of preparation for mid-year examinations can be stressful for some of our students and families. It
is perhaps timely to remember that, at GYC, examinations form only one part of a suite of educational experiences
designed to develop each individual for future success.
We encourage the focus of mid-year examinations to be on the process of learning rather than simply the result. A positive shift in emphasis occurs as a consequence. Students are given permission to concentrate on their own development
and growth. Positive character traits and skills are developed; these include work ethic, effective study patterns and
undertaking examinations. Students’ sense of achievement can lift, even in the face of disappointment, with a determination to use the experience for further improvement.
(continued next page ... Tips for exam times)
GUILFORD YOUNG COLLEGE
Phone: 6238 4300
Email: [email protected]
continued from DEPUTY PRINCIPALS, page 1
Here are a few tips to support families during this time:
•
Encourage your son or daughter to focus on the process of learning
•
light
Create a place for study within your home with good ventilation and
•
Establish good routines of sleep, nutrition and exercise
•
Be present for your son or daughter, actively listening and providing
support
•
Remove electronic devices (e.g. ipads, phones, laptops) from the
bedroom before sleeping to ensure adequate sleep is achieved
•
Encourage your son or daughter to be well prepared - perhaps access
old exam papers and find out what the exam will entail
•
Finally, encourage your son or daughter to ask for assistance when
needed. Our teachers and tutors are willing and keen to support their
learning.
For further insights into the Finnish system see Edwards, S. (2014) https://www.bggs.qld.edu.
au/2014/02/finnish-lessons-bggs/
Mrs Emma Burgess, Glenorchy; Ms Helen Spencer, Hobart
FROM THE DIRECTORS OF MINISTRY
SPECIAL PARTNERSHIPS
Educational research conducted by Terence Lovat indicates that there are three
areas in which schools can provide students and communities with strong educational leadership: through the provision
of quality teaching, the engagement with values education and by embedding service learning. At GYC we are conscious
of exercising leadership in all three areas.
This week Grade 5 students from St Paul’s Catholic School, Bridgewater, came to GYC Glenorchy Campus to
engage in reading, art and physical recreation activities with our students who greatly enjoyed offering them one-on-one
support and friendship. The partnership will be ongoing, providing service learning for our students. Similarly, students
from John Paul II Catholic School, Rokeby, will join us at the dress rehearsal of our College Musical next Tuesday
at the Playhouse Theatre. Classes from JP2 will work with Hobart Campus students on literacy, physical recreation and
art projects next term.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL
Thank you to the generous families who are providing Winter Woollies for the
Annual Winter Appeal. Donations will be collected throughout winter. Tonight (Thursday) the Director of Catholic
Education in Tasmania, Dr Trish Hindmarsh, and Mr Patrick Carlyle (Bethlehem House) will be among the CEOs to
participate in the annual St Vincent de Paul-organised CEO Sleep-out. Please sponsor either Dr Hindmarsh or Mr
Carlyle online.
Our students will be able to hear about homelessness in Hobart from those who know tonight (Thursday) when we head
to Bethlehem House for our first Street Retreat for 2014. This is a service opportunity for small groups of students as
they assist in serving meals at both Bethlehem House and on Louis Van.
PHILOSOPHON
Dr David Treanor has again organised Philosophon which was hosted by GYC
last evening. Philosophon involved students from Years 7 to 12 from a number of Hobart schools and colleges. Divided
into mixed teams on the basis of year level, they had a short time to discuss a philosophical proposition and report with
their answers to an audience. The critical thinking of students was first class.
OFFERING HOPE
This is Refugee Week, when we are called to “restore hope”. At the instigation
of Glenorchy Parish Priest, Fr Lawrie Moate SDB, GYC hosted a soccer match between 10 young asylum seekers from
Vietnam and some of our soccer players ahead of reconciliation and Mass (in Vietnamese) and a social gathering. More
details are on the GYC website.
Simone McManus, Hobart; Kylie Sullivan, Glenorchy;
Director of Religious Education Susan Bunkum
GUILFORD YOUNG COLLEGE
Phone: 6238 4300
Email: [email protected]
FROM THE DIRECTORS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
Exams will be held from Tuesday 29 July to Tuesday 5 August (inclusive).
This week Teaching and Learning Managers have taken students through a presentation designed to assist them with
their preparation for exams. They have also been issued with the Mid-Year Examination Guide which contains a copy
of the timetable with the rooms and times for exams. Students should check this information carefully as no allowance
can be made for mis-reading the timetable.
MID-YEAR EXAMINATIONS: If a student is unable to sit an exam for any reason the Campus office must be notified. In case of illness, the medical
certificate in the booklet must be used and forwarded to the College within three days. Students cannot sit an exam at
another time (unless there is a clash and this will be managed by the College). A student who is unable to sit an exam
may have access to the paper at a later date and can arrange with the teacher to attempt the exam. However, this is for
the purpose of practice and feedback and results will not be used for formal assessment.
TCE SAFETY NET TESTS: A reminder to all students who have notified the College that they intend to sit
these tests that the tests will be held on Monday 28 July at the TQA office, 5th Floor, Kirksway House, Kirksway Place,
Battery Point, starting at 9:30 am. The cost is $40, payable at the time. Each test takes about one hour.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION: A reminder that all applications and supporting documentation must be
returned to the College no later than Friday 20 June so that this can be processed for submission to the TQA. The
TQA cannot accept applications after the end of Term 2.
ASSESSMENT ONLY QUALIFICATIONS: The end of Term 2, Friday 4 July, is the final date for applications to
the TQA for assessment in other languages. This is for students who speak and write another language and there is no
internal assessment. Further information and the languages available can be accessed at www.tqa.tas.gov.au/9786
Mrs Vivienne Hale, Hobart; Mr Brett Stephenson, Glenorchy
YEAR 12 LEAVERS’ TOPS ....
Orders and payment are due NOW!
Students should go to the uniform shop on
their Campus to check the size required.
Fill in the details electronically WHAT IS ORDERED IS WHAT WILL COME.
Pay $45 to the Campus Office NO PAYMENT, NO TOP.
Payment appreciated by 27 June DEADLINE 4 JULY.
MAINLAND UNIVERSITY EVENING
Guilford Young College
will host representatives from Australia’s major universities (including the
University of Tasmania) at a Mainland University evening before the end of
term. This is a great opportunity for students, parents, friends and teachers to
learn about the opportunities for study and accommodation interstate.
date: WEDNESDAY 2 JULY 2014
time: 5:30 – 7pm
location: Hobart Campus – Assembly Area
RSVP: Jo Harris ([email protected]) by Wednesday 26 June.
Universities attending will include … Australian Catholic University, University of Adelaide, Australian National University, Bond University, Deakin University, Defence Force
Recruiting, International College of Hotel Management, Longerenong Agricultural College, Monash University, University of Melbourne, University of Tasmania, Victoria University, Blue Mountains Hotel Management School.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SPORT
BADMINTON
As the roster reaches the midway point all GYC teams are performing well. The two GYC boys
teams recently played off against each other having some tight tussles, while the girls fought out some tough games
against Elizabeth College.
HOCKEY
The girls put in a great performance in their most recent game against ladder leaders St Michael’s Collegiate School, unfortunately going down 1-2 in the final second of the game. The boys’ next game is against
The Hutchins School.
BASKETBALL
The 1st grade boys and girls teams performed well at the recent Tasmanian Basketball Championships. The girls finished 3rd and the boys lost in the final to Hellyer College. The girls’ 2nd grade team is continuing
its good form with a recent win over Calvin Christian School.
WATER POLO
After a narrow 3-4 loss to Rosny College, the girls’ team bounced back with a strong win over
The Friends’ School 8-1. The boys also won their recent game, outclassing Friends’ 8-3.
BOYS’ SOCCER The 1st grade boys’ team has had a perfect start to its season with dominant wins over Hutchins
9-0 and Friends’ 5-1. The 2nd grade team also remains undefeated with a recent 5-1 win over Hutchins.
Mr Zain Wright
GUILFORD YOUNG COLLEGE
Phone: 6238 4300
Email: [email protected]
The Addams Family to visit Hobart!
Will you be one of the guests at the dinner
when the whacky Addams clan meets the
normal Beineke family? Will love prevail?
BE THERE! FIND OUT! the Playhouse
Theatre next week, Wednesday-Saturday
at 7.30pm. Tickets: Adults $25; student
concession $20, from your Campus Office.
The cast: CHARACTERS
Alex Donnelly
Gomez Addams
Emily Dean
Morticia Addams
Jack Dare
Lurch Addams
Miranda Robinson
Grandma Addams
Connor Haas
Pugsley Addams
Samantha Williams Wednesday Addams
Sebastian Roach
Fester Addams
Max Crosby
Mal Beineke
Abbey Ratcliffe
Alice Beineke
Jack Norris
Lucas Beineke
ENSEMBLE
Michaela Fehlberg, Samantha Fehlberg,
Gemma Direen, Chloe Evans, Serena
McQueen, Stevie Fluke, Trent Marriott,
Georgia Oates, Isabella Roldan, Bonnie
Aitchison, Beth Brcic, Lauren Rowlands,
Tash Peers, Hanna Garwood, Isabella
Geniola, Carter Harris.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION
IMPORTANT DATES
...
Friday 20 June
Enrolment applications
for 2015 are due
Wednesday 25 Saturday 28 June
musical: The Addams
Family
Tuesday 1 July
All Schools Cross Country
Simmonds Plains
Friday 4 July
End of Term 2
(important deadline for Teaching and
Learning matter)
SEE THE GYC WEBSITE
www.gyc.tas.edu.au
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
and like us on FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/guilfordyoungcollege
GUILFORD YOUNG COLLEGE
Phone: 6238 4300
Email: [email protected]