Monte Matters 17 October 2014 - Term 4, Week 2 For more information visit www.monte.nsw.edu.au Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College 128 Miller Street North Sydney , NSW 2060 Facsimile Absentee Office Business Office (02) 9956 5925 (02) 9409 6210 (02) 9409 6223 Registrar Development Office College Shop (02) 9409 6245 (02) 9409 6240 (02) 9409 6256 FROM THE PRINCIPAL Nicole Christensen O’Regan Arts & Cultural Common Opens this Sunday, 12.30pm All invited. Dear Parents and Friends of Monte, Monte’s new O’Regan Arts and Cultural Common will Inspired by Catherine McAuley’s pursuit of excellence be officially opened by Professor The Honourable Dame for the education of young women, this new facility has Marie Bashir AD CVO and blessed by Bishop Terence been designed and built for stimulating minds as well as Brady DD VG this Sunday, in the presence of the Sisters of providing a place for community to gather to celebrate Mercy North Sydney, members of the College Board and creativity and innovation. Board Committees, parents, students and staff. The College thanks all parents and members of the Monte The official ceremony will begin at 1.00pm, however Community for their passion, time and financial support guests are asked to arrive at 12.30pm for seating in the enabling us to realise this dream. McQuoin Centre. (Please note that there will be road closures on Miller Street up until 11.00am on Sunday and Lord we pray parking at the College will be restricted.) That the opportunities created by the O’Regan Arts and Culture Common ignite our imagination and facilitate Following the Opening Ceremony and the new building’s creative learning and problem solving. blessing, guests will be invited to see this state of the art facility in action, with students taking guests on guided Help us to be brave when we raise new questions, think tours. This will be a unique opportunity to experience first of new possibilities, and regard old problems from a new hand the magnificent visual, creative and performance angle. spaces now available for our students. Help us to understand that creative imagination can mark Don’t miss seeing the girl’s engaging music and drama real advances in our own lives and help transform the lives performances and visual arts and technology exhibitions of others, just as Catherine McAuley did. on show throughout the new building. Nicole Christensen Afternoon refreshments will be available in the McQuoin foyer with thanks to the Parents’ and Friends’ Association. This is an historic day for our community. The vision for the O’Regan Arts and Cultural Common started in 1986 when the Master Plan for Monte was developed and then later in 2007 when our former Principal, Catherine Alcock, the Sisters of Mercy North Sydney and the College Board commenced the project. Principal 3. Spotlight on Monte Teachers engaging in Highly Accomplished Teacher Accreditation. Mrs Jenny Uther achieved her accreditation at this level DIRECTOR PROFESSIONAL LEARNING in 2012. Mrs Uther has continued to mentor and guide Marnie Butler Standards and working with colleagues within and outside teachers as they undertake proficient and experienced teacher accreditation and has provided support for HAT’s. Since completing her Highly Accomplished Accreditation she has written articles for the Teacher Librarian Journal on achieving HAT accreditation, whilst also working on BOSTES and ISTAA Panels for accreditation. The most rewarding part of the process for Jenny was reflecting on her own practice by explicitly aligning it with the National the school on improving student learning outcomes. A Spotlight on Monte Staff Highly Accomplished Teacher Accreditation. A background to Teacher Accreditation in NSW To meet key requirements of both the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership’s (AITSL’s) National Performance and Development Framework and the 2013 NSW Government’s Great Teaching Inspired Learning (GTIL, 2013) document, teachers in NSW who began teaching after October 2004, are required to undergo accreditation. There are four levels of achievement in this process; Graduate, Proficient, Highly Accomplished and Lead. Both Graduate and Proficient Teacher accreditation is mandatory. Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher Accreditation is voluntary. As a member of the Australian Independent Schools (AIS), teachers at Monte may also gain accreditation through the Independent Schools Teacher Accreditation Authority (ISTAA), at a level above Proficient Teacher, known as Experienced Teacher. Teachers are also able to achieve Professional Excellence Accreditation through this body. 1. What is Highly Accomplished Teacher (HAT) Accreditation? “ It recognises highly-skilled teachers who routinely work to improve their practice and are knowledgeable and active members of their school. Applicants typically have taken on roles that guide or advise others and regularly initiate and engage in discussions about effective teaching to improve the educational outcomes for their students. Accreditation at this level is voluntary”(Bostes, 2014). 2. How many teachers in NSW have achieved this level of accreditation? As of August 2014 there were approximately 120 out of 75,000 teachers in NSW Government, Catholic and Independent schools who have achieved accreditation at the level of Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher (BOSTES, 2014). Currently Monte has four teachers engaged in the process of Highly Accomplished Teacher Accreditation; Mrs Leanne Pinnuck, Ms Sarah-Jane Grove; Ms Sandra Luiz and Ms Leonie Quinn. Both Mrs Pinnuck and Ms Grove started the process in 2013 with completion due within the next year. Ms Luiz and Ms Quinn, both began the process part way through this year. These teachers have received scholarships offered by the College to assist in attaining these credentials. Monte offers these scholarships to recognise highly skilled teachers who are knowledgeable, active members of the school community and who regularly engage in and initiate professional discussion, and actively support initiatives to improve the teaching and learning environment at the College. They are also committed to mentoring teachers undertaking accreditation at Experienced Teacher and Proficient Teacher Accreditation. It is a rigorous but rewarding process. HAT Accreditation has allowed opportunities for these teachers to be innovative and creative in leading initiatives in teaching learning. Ms Pinnuck worked with members of the ICT team to map ICT capabilities of the National Curriculum from Years 7-10. Ms Grove initiated a Research Action Project, “Mercy Links”, to provide staff with online resources to assist with embedding Mercy mission and ethos in teaching and learning. These are only two examples from a number of collegial initiatives lead by these teachers. The benefits of this certification for the teachers and College are the constructive feedback on teaching and learning practice; enhancing a culture of professional engagement; creating and developing networks of best practice in teaching and learning; collaboration with colleagues within and across schools and national recognition of quality teaching. Marnie Butler Director, Professional Learning TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED STUDIES DEPARTMENT Adrian Johnston Head of Department After two short train rides we arrived at the Opera House and were promptly met by our guide who later took us on a tour. We learned about the history and development of the Opera House. The guide told us all about Jørn Utzon who was the designer, how his designs were chosen and Design Week and Design Showcase. Design Week this year was held during the week of 18 – his inspiration of ‘Clouds’ for the outer shells. We also did a tour inside where we were shown the design elements and discussed the materials used in production. 22 August. The TAS students were involved in a variety of different initiatives that encouraged them to consider how design affects the way we live and exposing them to many fields of design. Due to the generosity of many industry contacts the workshops this year were diverse and highly entertaining ranging from interior and graphic design through to a sashimi chef demonstrating the slicing of a whole tuna. The inspirational event of the week was the Design Showcase. This presented the students’ work in a spectacular display of innovation, colour and enthusiasm. With 600 people watching, our Year 7 to 12 Design and Technology students strutted their stuff on the catwalk exhibiting a range of garments and projects made during the year, whilst the Year 11 Hospitality students offered culinary delights to tempt the tastebuds. The Year 12 Major Design Projects were the main highlight of the evening, culminating in almost twelve months work for each student. Adrian Johnston Head of TAS Year 9 Utzon and the Opera House Architecture Excursion On 19 August, the Year 9, 200hr Design and Technology classes went on an excursion to the Sydney Opera House. Our major assignment for the year was to design a bespoke range of jewellery relating to contemporary architecture in society. The Opera House is an iconic building, with an interesting design process which inspires designers all around the world. On return my mother showed me this picture of my great grandparents who lived in England and were on a cruise ship whilst on holidays in Australia in the mid 1960s. I was amazed to see the Opera House taking shape and how different it looks today. Rosie Loneragan Year 9 Year 12 Hospitality Parent Dinner The 2014 Year 12 Hospitality students transformed the The food and presentation rivalled any hatted restaurant! usually frequented thoroughfare of the McQuoin Foyer Well done to the girls for their meticulous planning and into a contemporary ‘pop up’ restaurant. The mood was preparation and most certainly on their professional welcoming with candles and tastefully coloured balloons execution of a wonderful meal. It was fantastic night for and the table setting was well equipped for a decadent all who attended. 8-course degustation meal. A well deserved congratulations to Sophie Abbott, Madison Thursday, 28 August was the much-anticipated date, when Agostino, Charlotte Akopian, Jordan Bamford, Monique the hospitality students demonstrated their culinary skills Bernauer, Rachael Cain, Rachael Callister, Samantha to their parents and members of staff. The carefully Ienco, Emma Jackson, Laura Kavanagh, Lucy McDonald, selected menu was the masterpiece of each student’s input Kelly O’Keefe, Lara Patel, Anna Sheehan, Elissa Simpson, and respectfully showcased their gastronomic skills. Lily Skalla and Alexandra Smith The food extravaganza began with a decadent slow Nadia Nero cooked pulled pork slider, equally matched by a pumpkin Hospitality Co-ordinator and goats cheese ravioli entrée served with truffle butter. If this wasn’t mouth watering enough, guests were treated to ricotta, lemon and lime zucchini flowers. Refreshing lemon, lime and mint palette cleaners followed. Once the plates were cleared, students began adding the final touches to the main meals of risotto stuffed quail and pan seared chermoula ocean trout served with a lemon scented fennel salad. No meal is complete without a decadent dessert of deconstructed snickers bar - a combination of salted caramel cheesecake, chocolate mousse macaroon, complimented by vanilla bean ice cream. And the meal finished with an array of imported cheese and dried fruits. STUDENT SHOWCASE By Francesca Sekel Year 8 Summer is… Sand in my multi coloured toes Chocolate paddle pops melting down my arm Peaceful waves crashing Friends talking loudly Seagulls stealing fish and chips Sweat Sour Mangos dripping down my chin Tanning on the beach for hours Surfing in the refreshing salty water Ice cream trucks ringing bells Sailing around Middle Harbour Driving for hours to beach destinations Cooking sausages on the BBQ in the beaming sun Flowing dresses to keep cool Sunscreen melting off my face Swimming late at night with friends Bananas growing off trees Water Sun Freedom………….. ANNUAL DEBATING AWARDS By Isobel McDonald Debating Captain 2013/14 The Annual Debating Awards evening for 2014 capped off what was an extremely successful year of Debating at Monte. Many teams reached the semi- finals of both Archdale and ISDA Competitions. Teams were Grand Finalists in the RQ Competition and two students, Charlotte Haunton and Katrina Milliner were selected for the Representative AHIGS team. On the Awards Evening parents and students intensely debated the topic of tiger parenting, with the parents narrowly defeating the students in a close run debate. Congratulations to all award winners, To all debaters thank you for such a in particular: fantastic year! Charlotte Haunton Thanks as always to the excellent for Best Senior Speaker Debating Co-ordinator Tash Sanjay, and her fantastic team of coaches and Georgia Cooper parent helpers, who ensure debating for Best Junior Speaker runs smoothly throughout the season. Bronte Lawrence Isobel McDonald for the girl who best personifies the Debating Captain 2013/14 College motto. MERCY ACTION GROUP By Sarah Ephraums Mercy Action Group Captain 2014/15 Ending Poverty: Imagine a world where no one is hungry. On 17 October the global community focuses its attention on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. People all over the world bear witness to situations of extreme poverty and to the hidden efforts made by families living in poverty to support one another and to contribute to their communities. This day is a time for people to renew their common commitment toward fighting the injustice of poverty. The UN theme for 2014 is: Leave no one behind: think, decide and act together against extreme poverty. The “Post-2015 Development Agenda” which will replace the Millennium Development Goals, recognises the demanding challenge of identifying and securing the participation of those experiencing extreme poverty and social exclusion. An estimated 805 million people are still chronically undernourished according to the latest Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO). The Monte community continues to young students in the Collegio in endeavor to respond to the hungers Maliana in Timor Leste, with whom of our time in ways that are creative, Monte has already established strong compassionate, respectful, life-giving connections. You will receive further and life-changing . information about this evening. We invite you to keep the evening of Sarah Ephraums 13 November 2014 free to attend a Mercy Action Group Captain 2014/15 Cultural Evening and the launch of the Timor Leste “Food for Thought” Project, to raise money to meet the nutritional and literacy needs of 450 SPORTS REPORT By Stuart Hanrahan, Sports Program Manager Australian Catholic Social Justice Council people with disabilities. What needs to happen to enable Last week I set out the first three steps in the ‘Ten steps them to become involved? Help someone in your street or Towards Being a Good Sport’ which forms part of the parish obtain some sports gear or to join a club. Sport has Australian Catholic Social Justice Council’s 2014-15 a role to play in fostering inclusiveness and reconciliation, statement – A Crown for Australia: Striving for the best in working to prevent youth suicide, and promoting our sporting nation. This week I would like to outline the reconciliation. next three steps for you. (These extracts have been taken from the document Ten Step 4: Research and support clubs in your local area Steps Towards Being a Good Sport). You may be surprised at how many clubs and associations are in your local area. They may get a surprise when you join the pool of volunteers who help them! Google the clubs in your area to see what they have to offer – and what you might be able to offer. Play, coach, mark lines, umpire/referee, cheer from the sidelines or help with catering. Over two million people – 14% of adult Australians – volunteer their time and effort to sports and physical recreation organisations. Without them our sporting events would not be a success and many of the sporting organisations would not exist. What can you do? This step leads me to think about how Monte runs its sports program. For those of you who may not realise, Monte acts as a pseudo sports club, which participates in numerous sporting association competitions – both school and club based. This means that you can fulfil Step 4 by helping us. Do you have skills in umpiring? Do you have time to act as a team manager? Are you a qualified scorer? Are you interested in sitting on a local sporting association committee as a Monte representative? Can you help set up fields or courts first thing on Saturday mornings? There are many ways in which you can help – don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to contribute. Step 5: Help challenge bullying, racism and sexism in sport NSW All Schools Athletics Championships Too often we see sport as a way of bullying or exploiting Congratulations to all of the Monte girls who competed others. It can happen in schools, in sporting clubs or at elite in the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships between sporting levels. It may not be easy to stand up to bullies Thursday and Sunday last week. Monte students achieved personally, but you can let us know of instances where some exceptional results headed up by Athletics Captain bullying may have occurred or be occurring and we can Jacinta Fisher who won the Gold Medal in the 17 Years all work towards creating and facilitating an environment Triple Jump, was 2nd in the 17 Years Long Jump and 5th in that is respectful of everyone who chooses to take part. the 17 years 100m. Step 6: Who’s on the edge? Build inclusiveness Sara Dougan, who has been tearing up the track in recent Find out who is not included in local sports activities: months, was again in hot form as she broke the NSW migrants, refugees, women, girls, low income families, record when she jumped 5.43m in winning the gold medal SPORTS REPORT By Stuart Hanrahan, Sports Program Manager Other notable performances included Johanna Biddle’s 5th in the 15 years long jump, Olivia Beck’s 5th in the 17 Year 1500m, Holly Anderson’s 8th in the 13 Years Hammer Throw and Rosie Bokeyar’s 9th in the 17 Years Javelin. Congratulations Year 12 student and outgoing Water Polo Captain, Kate Biviano was this week called into the Australian Schoolgirls Water Polo Team that will tour New Zealand in December. This is a great accomplishment for Kate and is a tribute to the hard work she has put into Water Polo and Swimming at the College over the last six years. We wish her all the best in New Zealand. in the 13 years Long Jump. Sara was also placed second by just 0.02 seconds on the 13 years 100m, 4th in the 200m and 5th in the 80m Hurdles. Sara and Jacinta will head to the National Championships in Adelaide in December. “Just because it didn’t last forever, doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth your while.” -- Author Unknown Stuart Hanrahan Sports Program Manager PARENTS & FRIENDS By Lauren Heath , President MSAMN P&F Association I was lucky enough to get a ‘sneak peek’ of the O’Regan Arts and Cultural Common last week and was truly in awe of this magnificent, state of the art learning centre. From the 300 seat theatre, graced with a glorious Steinway piano, on the lower ground floor of the building to the numerous music practice rooms and specialised dance and drama studios on the upper levels, this building is a sight to behold. The seamless integration of old and new, particularly with the rear of our historic chapel, makes a once neglected area a lively school community space. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Sunday 19 October Opening of the O’Regan Arts and Cultural Common Friday 31 October Monte Golf Day Tuesday 4 November Melbourne Cup Lunch Tuesday 11 November P&F General Meeting Saturday 15 November Christmas Cocktails with Catherine Your chance to see this magnificent learning centre comes at the official opening and blessing on Sunday. When you take this opportunity, it is worth remembering that our MONTE P&F GOLF DAY daughters are benefitting from the vision, hard work and generosity of past and present members of the Sisters of Mercy, the College Board, the College Executive, staff and The President’s Cup parents and friends. Encourage your daughters to take Friday October 31st every advantage of the creative environment it offers and look for opportunities to be part of the legacy that is Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College. Lauren Heath P&F President toheaths@bigpond.net.au MORE HELP REQUIRED We are still in need of more plates of sandwiches on Sunday and it’s not too late to contribute. To see what we need go to: http://www.trybooking. com/102326 Drop food to the McQuoin foyer on Sunday between 11.00am and 12:45pm. How hard can it be? Join Monte Parents and Friends in a fun Ambrose competition at Moore Park Golf Club to win the prized President’s Cup! Arrive at 7.30am for a 8am shot gun start. Stay for lunch and for awards and prizes. $60 per player Carts $40 pay on the day http://www.trybooking.com/95523 CANTEEN ROSTER There is no Canteen roster for the rest of the year. Catholic students taking a stand against children in detention, gap year options for school leavers. Check out these and other articles in the CCSP’s 1st issue of Parent Talk go to http://bit.ly/1CeFhZC PARENTS & FRIENDS By Lauren Heath , President MSAMN P&F Association Melbourne Cup MONTE SANT ANGELO LUNCH 2014 Tuesday, 4th of November, 12 Noon ~ 4 pm North Sydney Harbourview Hotel 17 Blue Street, North Sydney. $95.00 per head Champagne on arrival, a Three Course Meal, Lucky Door Prizes, Sweeps & a Stunning view over Lavender Bay to the Harbour Bridge. ( Drinks purchased at bar prices ) Tables of 8 ( Book a table with friends or we will happily place you on a table ) RSVP Tuesday, 27th of October Contact Jenny Avvenevole 0418 459 808 jennyav01@bigpond.com Purchase your ticket at www.trybooking.com/105410 C H R I STM A S C OC KTA I LS w i t h C A TH ER I NE the MONTE P&F INVITES ALL PARENTS TO ATTEND THE 2014 CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL PARTY AND CELEBRATE THE LEADERSHIP OF MS CATHERINE ALCOCK venue: monte sant’ angelo date: saturday 15 november 2014 time: 6:30pm - 11pm dress for cocktails with a touch of christmas $50 per ticket (includes food, drinks and live band) tickets available at trybooking http://www.trybooking.com/107842 rsvp 12 nov 2014 SHARING SOME THOUGHTS By Sister Lecia RSM “My lifelong favourite saint is St Therese of Lisieux, known as The Little Flower.” Here we are well into October, enjoying the delights of Spring. Perhaps you have been in touch with Angels this week – I have met a few, who have spoiled me with kindness! Today, I will try to honour the Saints! By the Church’s own definition, a saint is one who practices heroic virtue. That could include you and me! Imagine my surprise, when in the summer of 1988, when I was participating in a program called “The Palestine of Jesus”, I was greeted by a pastor of an Eastern Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, where there was a replica of Jacob’s Well. He addressed me as “Saint Lecia”. “One look at my white hair, and my Mercy Cross convinced him. He said “You have given your whole life to God. You are definitely one of the saints!” Perhaps I should have remembered that St Paul also referred to his followers as “the saints”. But what of the heroic virtue? Now, that could be food for thought! I really love the fact that the Church celebrates The Feast of All Saints, because then everyone gets acknowledged, not just the relatively few canonised saints on the calendar. Do you have a favourite Saint? Some friend you know in Heaven, who can inspire you on your journey? My lifelong favourite is St Therese of Lisieux, known as “The Little Flower”. In that same summer of 1988, I pulled into Cherbourg, placed my luggage in a locker and caught the train to Lisieux, intending to stay a few hours en route to Paris. I stayed two whole days, not caring that all I had was my handbag and the clothes I stood in! I met the kind, Carmelite Sisters, found accommodation in a hostel next door, met some Passionist Missionaries from Africa, who took me everywhere with them in their vehicle, and I was totally engrossed with Therese’s life. For the centenary of her death in 1997, the Church honoured her as “Doctor of the Church” – meaning her teachings are in full accord with the Gospels and can be profitably followed by the faithful. Her “Little Way of Love” is fully explained in her autobiography “ The Story of a Soul”. Try to read it if you can. You will not want to put it down. May our saints bless you and your families this week! Best wishes from Sr Lecia RSM. MONTE NOTICES COLLEGE SHOP PERFORMING ARTS Congratulations Congratulations to Katrina Milliner, Year 10, who gained an A (Honours) for 3rd Grade Bassoon in a recent AMEB examination. Katrina is a student of Ms Shona Curtis. Andrew Young Head of Music Performance CAREER NOTICES Year 9 Senior Uniform Outfitting The College requires students entering Year 10 to purchase a Senior School uniform for the school year commencing 2015. This uniform comprises of a senior suit top and a senior suit skirt. The cost of each item is $65. The following dates have been set aside for Year 9 to be fitted: Monday 27 October, Tuesday 28 October and Thursday 30 October Monday 3 November, Tuesday 4 November and Thursday 6 November Please note – there is no senior outfitting on Wednesday IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2014 December Wednesday 10 December 2014: Macquarie University School Leavers Information Evening http://mq.edu.au/future_students/undergraduate Wednesday 17 December 2014: University of Melbourne Course Information Day http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/explore/events 29 October and Wednesday 5 November. RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS: The College shop will be opened from 8.00am to 1.30pm Career information and exploration for students on these days. Students are required to be fitted before school, during recess or lunch. Students are not permitted to be in the College Shop during class time. Payment may be made by cash, cheque or credit card. Should you have any queries regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Margaret Eade or Jan Hunter at the College Shop on 9409 6256 or email meade@monte. nsw.edu.au. Margaret Eade College Shop Manager 9409 6256 meade@monte.nsw.edu.au and their parents. Produced by the Commonwealth Government, it is a comprehensive and national resource, with special pages for parents and carers. www.myfuture.edu.au On the Job Targeting younger students, this site offers information about jobs and work. http://webapps.acu.edu.au/onthejob/info.htm COMMUNITY NOTICES Eco-Mission NSW invite you to a Film and Dialogue Evening “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.” (Ps 24:1) Fractured Country Brought to you by the Eco-Mission NSW Network Did you know that mining and exploration licences cover 80% of this beautiful State? Join us for this film screening and lean more about coal seam gas mining and what it is doing to our land. TIME & DATE: Tuesday, October 28th, 6.45pm– 9pm LOCATION: St Francis Xavier Church Hall, 19 Mackenzie St, Lavender Bay (North Sydney) SPEAKER: Byron Smith, Lay Minister at St George’s Anglican Church, Paddington HARBOURSIDE LOCAL AREA COMMAND Love for Lucas Help raise funds to support Lucas Browne and his fight against brain cancer Hosted By: Luke Jacobz and Katie Hansen Fundraising Dinner 7:00pm Saturday 1st November 2014 Norths Leagues Club 12 Abbott St, Cammeray $100pp (Cocktail attire) 3 Course dinner Beverages Ray Hadley DONATE NOW NSW Police Legacy Love for Lucas Appeal BSB: 815 000 Acc: 279 622 BUY TICKETS ONLINE For more details Contact North Sydney Detectives Ph: 9956 3174 https://love4lucas.gofundraise.com.au