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BERWICK CAMPUS: Phone: 9702 6588 Fax: 9702 6599
BEACONSFIELD CAMPUS: Phone: 9707 3111 Fax: 9707 3601
PO Box 85, Beaconsfield, 3807 • Email: principal@sfx.vic.edu.au
Newsletter 10 Website: http://www.sfx.vic.edu.au June 26, 2008
From the Principal
Mr Paul Desmond
I have often spoken to you about the importance of community. I believe our College is a
strong, loyal, unified group of people with similar goals, common values and a preparedness
NEWSLETTER to create something better for the future. A community supports its members and does its
utmost to ensure all is well for as many as is possible. Some examples of community I have
witnessed this Term at our College are:
The prayerful support given to those who are unwell or recovering from surgery.
The kindness offered to a family recently arrived in Australia and who have been
experiencing great hardship.
The generous support given by students and members of staff to a colleague who has
St. Francis Xavier College
experienced a recent bereavement.
The efforts of our students involved in St Vinnie’s, REMAR and World Youth Day to
eradicate the hardship, loneliness and isolation felt by so many in our society.
Our Old Collegians who endeavour to help former students reconnect with their College
and their friendship groups.
The numbers who attended Ms Francine O’Shea’s memorial Eucharist last Friday
afternoon and came together afterwards to support the O’Shea family.
I feel very privileged to be part of this community, not only as its educational leader, but also
as one who has often been afforded great support by so many.
Examinations & Reports
Many students have experienced written formal examinations in recent days as part of their
Semester 1 assessment. Sitting examinations under stringent conditions is a key technique
which our students need to ‘fine tune’ as they move to higher year levels. Teachers are now
in the final stages of compiling the Semester 1 Reports which will be distributed to students
on Friday, 27 June.
World Youth Day
Our contingent of students and staff members participating in WYD in Sydney will depart
on Monday July 14, 2008. Please hold them in your prayers as they join with 500,000 other
young people from across the globe who will come together in celebration of their Faith.
Staffing Update
We wish Mrs Karen O’Gorman and Mrs Mariarosa Pandelidis, and their respective
families, a very relaxing period of Long Service Leave throughout Term 3.
We extend to Mr Ragaie Tahir a warm welcome for this period of time, teaching senior
Mathematics and Chemistry.
Mrs Jane Watkins will not be returning to classes prior to the birth of her baby. Mr
Stephen Palmer has been appointed to teach English in her place.
Mrs Patricia Portbury has informed me that she is retiring at the end of Semester 1 to
pursue other interests. Mrs Margaret Blythman and Mr Jon Nelson will take up the senior
classes of Visual Design & Communication.
Miss Kate Love has submitted to me her resignation, as she plans to travel the world for
much of the next six months.
Mrs Sharon McKechnie has accepted a position in junior Food Technology classes.
Miss Denise Dunne returns to us following her Semester 1 work in Catholic Missions in
the Philippines.
JUNE
DATES TO REMEMBER
Friday 27th Last day of Term 2. Finishing at normal time.
JULY
Monday 14th Staff Professional Development Day
World Youth Day Group depart
Year 11 Retreat commences
Tuesday 15th Term 3 commences. All students return
This Newsletter can be found
Thursday 17th Year 9 Outward Bound Information Night 7.30 p.m. at the Berwick
on the College website:
Campus
www.sfx.vic.edu.au
Wednesday 23rd Senior Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews, 2.00-7.30 p.m.
Please support our Parents & Friends Association
Our Parents & Friends Association is currently conducting
a fundraising drive by selling pavers to be used in a special
pathway at the College. Each paver will be engraved with
the name of the family purchasing it. I would ask every
family to look carefully at the flyer attached to this
Newsletter and consider giving support to the P & F, a
volunteer body which does so much for the life of our
College.
Holiday Period
I wish every member of our community a very safe, restful
and happy holiday. All classes resume on Tuesday, July
15. Our Year 11 students will take part in a Retreat during
the first week of Term 3.
EDUCATION MAINTENANCE
ALLOWANCE (EMA)
2nd Instalment
Must be submitted to the School
no later than August 1, 2008
REMAR
Parents with continuing eligibility, who have been paid the
first Instalment of 2008 through this school, will not be
required to complete a new application for the second
Instalment.
Sara Evans & Len Cooke
If you have not applied for the 1st Instalment and are
eligible for the 2nd Instalment you will need to complete the At our last meeting our guest speaker was Mr Mark
application form. Dawson who spoke to our Caravel on leadership. He spoke
of leadership as the skill of influencing people to work
The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is provided “enthusiastically” toward goals that were for the common
to assist eligible families with the costs associated with the good. He made us realise that leadership does not
education of their children. necessarily require a badge or official title. Leadership
emanates from our character and our actions. The shining
To be eligible for receipt of the EMA you must: example he gave us was Jesus who had no political or
* be either a parent or guardian of a student up to the age regal title, no army and no money, yet he changed the
of sixteen; and world.
* be an eligible beneficiary of a Centrelink pension,
allowance or benefit within the meaning of the State Mr Dawson challenged us to start spending time with
Concessions Act 2004 or be a Veterans Affairs (TPI) ourselves. Leave the mobile and the ipod at home and
pensioner or be a foster parent. regularly go for a 20 minute walk. Firstly to be comfortable
Consequently, parents/guardians are able to access the with ourselves and then to start reflecting on our strengths.
EMA if they have a current Health Care Card or Pension I guess in today’s busy world this is a difficult challenge,
Card. The eligibility criteria must be met as at the first day yet its simplicity and effectiveness makes the challenge
of Term 3 which is July 14, 2008 for the 2nd Instalment. imperative.
The EMA provides an annual amount of $420 for
secondary students and is paid in two instalments on a
70/30% basis. This amount is split evenly between the
parents/guardians and the school. Schools receive the
PRESENTATION BALLS – 2008
Geraldine Nunn
school portion electronically twice a year (this portion is
credited to your Fee Account) and parents/guardians
Dance practice for the Presentation Balls will not take place
receive their portion via two cheques. Students turning 16
during the first week of Term 3 (Monday July 14 and
years in 2008 will be paid a pro rata basis.
Wednesday July 16) as Year 11 students are on Retreat.
The Application Form can be collected from the School Office
at Beaconsfield and Berwick. If you are eligible, please Also dance practice is cancelled on Wednesday July 23,
complete the form and return to the School Office with your as parent teacher interviews are scheduled.
Centrelink Card (a photocopy of your Centrelink Card will be
taken and will be attached to your application).
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
booklet in order to complete the unit “All Sorts of Sports”.
TEACHING & LEARNING: The money should be in an envelope clearly marked with
FAITH & LITURGY the student’s name and Care Group. Students can hand it
Mr Malcolm Joseph – Deputy Principal, Mission to their Physical Education Teacher in the first week of
classes.
IMPORTANT DATES
Year 7 students will be taking part in Literature Circles for
1. Semester 1 Reports will be sent home with students English in Term 3. The College will be providing novels for
on Friday, 27 June. this learning activity. It is expected, however, that each
2. Senior P/T/S Interviews on Wednesday, 23 July. student will have an English folder NOT an exercise book
for writing.
SENIOR STUDIES INFORMATION EVENING
On Thursday, 31 July there will be information sessions for Year 8 and 9 students have received letters outlining their
ALL students who are currently in Years 9 and 10. The units of study for Semester Two. Please ensure that all
topics are required books and stationery are purchased ready to begin
• Beginning Senior Studies the new Semester. Most families purchased everything at
• Beginning the VCE the end of last year, however, copies of booklists are
• VET and Pathway Programs available from the office if you have misplaced yours and
• What is VCAL? need to check what is needed.
• How can I support my child in the VCE?
On Wednesday June 11 Year 9 students were involved in an
The sessions begin at 6.00 pm and will be repeated at information session during which our Careers Counsellors
7.30 pm. There will also be subject displays in the Hall from Ms Williamson and Mr Apperley outlined some of the study
6.00pm onwards. All parents are urged to attend. Please choices regarding Pathways and the Vocational Education
see the attached flyer for details. and Training (VET) courses which will be available to
students on the Senior Campus in 2009.
Mr Dennis Krinas: Director of RE, Berwick
RELATIONSHIPS & ADOLESCENT IDENTITY As they prepare for their journey through Year 10 and into
On Monday June 16 and Tuesday June 17 all our Year 7 post-compulsory schooling it is essential that they make
students attended a Religious Education Incursion. The informed choices. I have encouraged them to ask lots of
guest speaker was Mrs Sue Collis from the Catholic questions, to discuss different pathways and their interests
Education Office in Warragul. This Religious Education with teachers, careers counsellors and with you. I
incursion tied in well with our Religious Education Unit on encourage you, as their primary care givers, to take the time
Relationships, Adolescent Identity, Sexuality and Spirituality. to begin such conversations, if they have not already begun,
in your homes. For more information about what lies ahead
Mrs Collis spoke to the students about things such as: in VCE, VET and VCAL, go to http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au.
• the dignity of the human person
• the physical, emotional and social development of Together we can support our students/children as they
females and males make informed choices so that they are happy with their
• the gift of procreation decisions and strive to achieve high standards. We will
• TV/media & sexual messages support them and encourage them to set goals and then put
• the gift of procreation steps into place so that they might achieve them.
• significant health risks to teenagers
Early next Term we will run another session during which
Students also viewed a section of the video I’m Stepping they will receive their subject selection booklets and begin
Out which provided information and offered reassurance the process of choosing subjects for 2009. As a follow up,
about common anxieties many adolescents have about on Thursday July 31 the College will hold a Senior Studies
their changing bodies. Information evening which is compulsory for Year 9 students
and their parents. On this night you will receive information
The incursion was a great success and students were regarding studies at the Senior Campus. I look forward to
appreciative of the presentation by Mrs Collis. seeing you all there on the night, ready to make the journey
with us and the students as we begin a whole new cycle of
Mrs J. Prestia: Director of Learning, Berwick life-long learning.
As Semester 1 draws to a close, exam marking and report
writing are busily coming to a conclusion. As teachers take “It’s only when we acknowledge that there are things we
a breath and students attend their last few classes of first don’t know, that we are ready to learn.”
Semester, we pause to reflect on the last twelve weeks of Jacqueline Grennon Brooks
Term. There were wonderful learning moments and lots of
activity along the way which this Newsletter has covered
every fortnight since the beginning of the year.
A reminder to all Year 7 parents that the students will remain
in Core Groups for Semester Two. The only cost for books
in Semester Two is a $10 charge for a copy of the PE
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
YEAR 9 OUTWARD BOUND
Peter Robinson – Outward Bound Co-ordinator
St Francis Xavier College
Cookbook
Trelene Luecke
A reminder that the Parent Information Evening will be held
in the first week of next Term – on Thursday, July 17 at
7.30 pm. The Information Evening will be held in the Hall While the Africa Appeal is not until August, I am hoping to
at the Berwick Campus. A speaker from Outward Bound put together a Recipe Booklet that will be sold to raise
Australia will explain the aims and philosophy of Outward funds for the Ruben Centre. We did this a few years ago,
Bound. The clothing and equipment list will also be and a number of teachers contributed their recipes to the
distributed on this night. There will be an opportunity to ask booklet. This year, I would like to get recipes from students
questions. Please note that this evening is for parents and families (from both Campuses).
only.
If you have a great, tried and true recipe that you would like
Year 9 Students will participate in an information session to share with the world, simply type it up and e-mail it to
during the day on July 17. Students will find out their groups me. If you are able to also e-mail me a picture of the final
in early Term 3. dish, that would be excellent. I will be collecting and
collating recipes throughout this Term and early next Term,
The school holidays provide a very good opportunity for and would love to hear from budding chefs and cooks.
students to work on their physical fitness. While high levels
of physical fitness are not a prerequisite for Outward My e-mail address is: tluecke@sfx.vic.edu.au
Bound, some preparation prior to the expedition will make
the experience more enjoyable. Students should take the Families will be able to buy the Recipe Books some time in
time to walk a few kilometres several times per week over August.
the next 8-10 weeks. If they can carry some weight in a
pack or school bag while they walk it will be even more
beneficial. Students will be given more information about
how to prepare physically for Outward Bound in their
Physical Education Classes. Parents & Friends Association
More information will appear in the Newsletter in the weeks
leading up to the Outward Bound Expedition – including
travel arrangements and emergency contact information. Term 2 Fundraiser
This Term’s fundraiser will be held in conjunction with the
In the meantime if you have any questions about any St Francis Xavier College 30th Anniversary. Pavers with
aspect of Outward Bound please do not hesitate to contact your personal message will go on sale. Last chance - this
me at the Beaconsfield Campus on 9707 3111. is the final week!
Market Night
JUMP ROPE 4 HEART This will be in the Berwick Campus Hall on Friday,
Mrs Michele Knight – JRH Co-ordinator November 14, 2008
Shopping Tour
There will be a Shopping Tour on Saturday October 4, 2008.
To book a seat please fill in the form below and return it to
the College with a $10.00 deposit.
This year is the 25th Birthday of JRH. Over the past 15
years the College has been involved and has raised SHOPPING TOUR DEPOSIT
$22,000 for the Heart Foundation. This year all Year 7s will
be skipping and fundraising in order to raise $3,000 – and Name: ................................................................................
therefore a total of $25,000 in the 25th year! All money
and sponsorship forms are due to the Berwick Phone: ...............................................................................
Campus office this Friday June 27. Any queries contact
Michele Knight at the Berwick Campus. Meeting Dates for 2008
Our meetings are held on the following dates and all
St Francis Xavier College actively promotes the Heart families are welcome.
Foundation motto of “Be active, enjoy healthy foods and Wednesday August 6 Wednesday September 3
be smoke free”. Thank you for supporting your Wednesday October 8 AGM Wednesday November 12
son/daughter in this fun-filled fitness fundraiser!! Wednesday December 3
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
• Neat hair, naturally coloured and tied off the face and
FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOL off the collar
Mr Mark Brockhus – Deputy Principal, Head of Campus • Length of dresses (below the knee)
If a student is not wearing the full uniform for a legitimate
Report Distribution reason (wet blazer, broken shoes, etc) a note must be
This week will see the distribution of Semester Reports for placed in the student diary (see below) seeking permission
Years 10-12, and with it the opportunity to reflect upon the from the House Co-ordinator stating the reason. If
effort made in studies thus far. I would ask that all students permission is granted, it is only for 24 hours. Without such
ask themselves three questions: a note, students will be sent home!
• Do my reports reflect the amount of work I have put in
over the semester?
• Am I still ‘on track’ for where I would like to be at the end
of the year?
• What do I need to do now to achieve the goal(s) that I set
for myself at the start of the year?
With a full 12 weeks of classes left for Year 12s, the
opportunity to make constructive changes to study habits,
effort and initiative is now. Parent-Teacher-Student
interviews on July 23 (2.00-7.30pm) will also provide a
chance for further discussion and advice. I strongly urge all
parents to make appointments where necessary.
Year 10 Reflection Day Mobile Phones & Ipods
On Friday June 13, Year 10s participated in a Reflection The Semester exams held recently at the Senior Campus
Day at St Patrick’s Parish, Pakenham. The day was ran very smoothly, with students showing that they were
designed to provide the opportunity to look back on the well prepared and very serious in their general approach.
experience of Outward Bound and to explore ways of using This was especially true at Year 12, where staff reported
the lessons learnt in everyday life. Guest presenter, Mark students making good use of extra preparation classes on
Dobson, both entertained and challenged the students to offer. One negative aspect was the increased number of
step outside of ‘comfort zones’ and set goals which were phones/ipods being confiscated in the exam venue, as well
real. Many thanks to the staff involved in the day, as well as as a spate of thefts from bags left outside exam venues.
to Fr Bernie and the parishioners of St Patrick’s who Can I stress to all students:
allowed us to use their centre for the day. On a negative • Phones & ipods are NOT permitted inside an exam
note, I was disappointed to see that 65 students chose not venue under any circumstances
to attend the day. Experiences such as these are a valuable • The only safe place for valuables is in a locked locker
part of the curriculum and certainly not an ‘optional extra’. I (preferably left at home on the day of an exam)
would expect parents to support ALL compulsory College
activities in future. SENIOR
PARENT/TEACHER/STUDENT
Uniform Expectations
As most parents would be aware, a significant change to INTERVIEWS
the uniform will come into effect in 2009 and it is timely to Peter Robinson – College Organisation Co-ordinator
remind everyone what this change will be:
Senior School Parent/Teacher/Student interviews will be
All girls will be required to wear the full Winter uniform held on Wednesday, July 23.
in Terms 2 & 3.
These interviews give parents an opportunity to follow up
For girls in Year 11, it may well be appropriate for parents to on Semester One Reports and for VCE Students and their
purchase the winter uniform now in order to get the most Parents to discuss strategies with teachers as students
out of the purchase. begin preparing for their final examinations.
The forthcoming holidays are a good opportunity for Students will be able to make appointments with their
students (and parents) to ensure that uniforms are in a good teachers prior to the interviews.
state of repair and clean. On returning to school on July 15,
House Co-ordinators will be carefully checking all uniforms Interviews will begin at 2.00 pm and finish at 7.30 pm.
to ensure they are being worn correctly. As I have said on Students at the Beaconsfield Campus will be dismissed at
many occasions, I believe our uniform is one of the best 1.00 pm on July 23. Students at the Berwick Campus will
when worn well and stands out amongst other school be dismissed at the usual time. Contract buses will pick
uniforms. Things we will be looking out for are: students up at the Beaconsfield Campus at the earlier time.
• Correct shoes, clean and done up properly Students at the Berwick Campus will be able to catch their
• Ties, correctly fitted (with top button done up!!) buses as usual. If you have any questions please do not
• Blazers, clean and worn to/from school each day hesitate to contact me.
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
SIS GIRLS SOCCER SIS YEAR 9 GIRLS NETBALL
Vicki Thompson SIS Champions
Kate Meyer
During Term 2 the Year 9 Girls Netball team participated in
the SIS Division A Competition. The girls represented the
College superbly displaying excellent teamwork and
For the last five weeks the Year 9 SIS Soccer Girls have superior skills throughout the competition. Results were as
taken on quality opposition in the Intermediate SIS Weekly follows:
Soccer Competition. The first round saw us take on Game 1: SFX 27 defeated Flinders Tyabb 21
Maranatha College. With a 2 goal lead the girls were quietly Game 2: SFX 67 defeated Nazareth 3
confident of starting the competition with a win however the Game 3: SFX 61 defeated St Peter’s 3
last 10 minutes of the match saw the opposition level the Game 4: SFX 50 defeated Padua Mornington 15
score and the game finished as a draw. Game 5: SFX 69 defeated John Paul 9
Game 6: SFX 48 defeated Beaconhills 20
With a hard session on the training track the girls were re-
focused and determined to get a win on the board. The The Netball squad members were Emily Wilson, Kate
opposition was St. Peter’s College and they were tough Patterson, Kayla Wilson, Amanda Brew, Oakleigh Mullan,
and well-skilled but, to the girls’ credit, they fought off a late Kate Muccignat, Georgia Keysers, Jessica Cunningham,
charge to win the match 3-2. Kaitlyn Paligorov, Maggie White, Alexis Bell, Megan Munday
and Rebecca Magdich. Thanks also to Danelle Dias and
With some confidence from the last victory the girls headed Kirrilee Smith who umpired throughout the competition.
down the highway to Rosebud to take on Padua. The girls
were in blistering form scoring 3 goals in the first 15 Congratulations to all team members whose skills and
minutes. They attacked at every opportunity and were teamwork saw them crowned SIS Champions for 2008!!
rewarded for their great play amassing many goals. When
the final whistle blew the girls had won the match 8-0.
Brimming with confidence the girls headed to Beaconsfield
to take on Top of the Ladder – Flinders College. The
opposition came out firing, playing some strong balls and
doing the majority of the attacking. St. Francis held off for
as long as possible but the opposition was too dominant
and the girls were defeated 3-0.
LIBRARY NEWS
The girls were determined to finish off the season against Mrs Anne Fuller – Teacher Librarian
Beaconhills with a victory. As the rain bucketed down from
the sky so did the goals for the opposition. The girls lost State Library competition (ERGO website)
the match 3-0. The girls are to be commended on their Many students entered the competition. Congratulations to
season’s effort. They gave their all in every match and the winners: Jeremy Monckton, Darren Harvey and Rian
played within the spirit of the game. Pobog-Jaworowski.
A choice of novelty prizes goes to Sam Papasavvas and
Senori Thewa Hettige. This is a wonderful website for
students. It will teach you exam, research and study skills.
The State Library made it for you ... so have a look at it.
http://slv.vic.gov.au/ergo/
UNIFORM SHOP MS Read-a-thon – and Library Prizes
Beaconsfield Avenue, Beaconsfield Congratulations and thank you to all students who are
Mrs Jennifer Taylor going in the read-a-thon. The library is offering 5 novelty
prizes for students.
Hours 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Once you have read 3 books you can show your reading
list to library staff. They will give you a competition ticket.
Last Saturday of the month
You can get as many tickets as you like to read! The
9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon
money you raise goes to research for MS. We do need a
cure and you are helping. It's not too late. You can still read
and be eligible. Start today! Winners will be drawn on
Thursday 31st July.
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
HEAD LICE OUTBREAK –
FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL BERWICK CAMPUS
Mr Andrew Walsh – Deputy Principal, Head of Campus
Head lice are on the increase again. Could all parents
please ensure that their children comply with the hair
Reports will be sent home with students on Friday June 27
regulations found in the School Diary on page 17. Head
the last day of Term. These Semester Reports are
lice are contracted by direct contact i.e. head to head. By
summative reports of each student’s achievements in their
keeping long hair tied up neatly for girls and shorter hair
studies throughout the semester. Included with the reports
styles for boys you can avoid contact with head lice.
is a general letter addressed to Parents and Students which
Please notify the College of any incidents of head lice so
highlights some achievements throughout the Semester
that we have some idea of the extent of the outbreak. An
and some areas that still require further improvement.
extensive 5 page information sheet is available from the
nurse in Sick Bay, Berwick Campus. Information includes
The letter reads as follows;
what to do for repeat or stubborn infections. For further
information contact Kim de Waal – Berwick Campus Nurse.
“As Semester One draws to a close and we draw breath
over the holiday period and prepare for the second half of
the year, I find that this provides an opportune time to review
what has taken place and to address some of the
expectations of all students for the remainder of the year.
Throughout Semester One there have been many
instances where students have demonstrated excellence,
perseverance, courage and compassion, in a variety of
pursuits. These students have been formally recognised
and acknowledged for their efforts in activities such as SIS World Youth Day
Sport, Impro Theatre Sports, State Aerobics Rhonda O’Connor
Championships, Debating etc, as well as recognition for
their efforts in academic pursuits or social justice and
fundraising for Caritas or the Bishop’s Family Foundation.
Our students do some amazing things.
There have also been instances where students have not
lived up to the expectations that we as a College, and I am
sure you as parents have of and for them. Although this is
a small number of students, the behaviours to which I am
referring do take up an extraordinary amount of time and The final Countdown to World Youth Day is upon us. On
effort and generally do inconvenience other students (their Tuesday night we had our final pilgrim session for the Sale
peers). Diocese. We have over 500 pilgrims going up from the
Diocese, 52 staff and students in our School group and
It is disappointing to continue to discuss and act upon another 15 students attending as part of their parishes.
issues such as behaviour on buses, acts of vandalism or Please keep these pilgrims in your prayers. We leave early
graffiti on school and student property, instances of theft, on Monday July 14 and will return on Monday July 21. You
uniform, classroom behaviour and poor behaviour in the can follow their journey on www.wyd2008.org.
wider community.
I would urge all parents and students, before they return to
A big THANK YOU again to
school for Semester Two, to read through the Rights, Mark Tabone and his family
Responsibilities and Expectations and College Rules
relating to uniform etc. in the Student Record Book or in the for their enormous effort
booklet distributed to all families which précised these.
Ultimately the impact of these issues is on the students and on the Elvis Night.
I am sure that there are enough students who are tired of
the behaviours of a few and are prepared to no longer
The final total raised was $3250.
tolerate them.
Semester Two begins on Tuesday July 15 and I expect to
see all students prepared for a great Semester. One where
they can be engaged in their classes, one where they can
be the best that they can be, one where the expectations
that are asked of them at school are met without question.
I ask you to continue to support us in this endeavour.”
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
SIS Theatresports and
The competition in the finals was fierce, with both Junior
ImproGames 2008 and Senior competitors pulling out all stops to better the
Miss Sally Fithall
opposition. As a surprise for the competitors, Matt
This year the College has yet again involved itself in two Werkmeister (Zeke, from “Neighbours”) was invited to the
interschool improvisation competitions – SIS Theatresports competition as a guest judge!
and The Youth Improgames, hosted by AdLib
In the end, the Junior Section was won by “Frozen Solid”
Entertainment. These competitions aim to introduce our
from The Knox School, a team who also finished fourth in
young performers to the importance of teamwork,
the Senior Section. St Francis Xavier’s “Listen to Your
negotiation and active listening, whilst trying to create an
Mother” was edged out of Second position by ONE POINT
entertaining performance for the audience in less than
against St Joseph’s and “Oakleigh” finished a valiant Third.
fifteen seconds. It makes for fast paced, nerve wracking
Catastrophe struck our Seniors, “The Squirrel Captors”,
and hilarious entertainment.
when three of the five competitors were unable to attend.
St Francis Xavier College are the current Junior Champions Luckily, Tara Crivari, from “Zoltan Returns”, stepped in to
for SIS Theatresports and Improgames Champions for 2007 make up a small team of three. This was a formidible
and this year, we hope to hold fast to our Junior title and also combination for SFX, as our three edged out other teams
contest strongly for the Senior trophies. of more experienced players to finish Second to St
Joseph’s, who retained the title from last year.
Competitors for 2008 in the Junior Section are: Jason I’d like to thank each and every student; Lauren Bertolini,
Gonzalez, Hannah Pratt, Sheldon Rouse, Mitchell Weybury Joshua Bridgett, Dylan Gray, Justin Hester, Rebecca
and Stephanie Whiteman Magdich, Lucan Macreadie, Samantha Moxey, Oakleigh
And our Seniors: Alan Bates, Georgia Oldis, Harrison Mullen and Megan Munday (Juniors) and Alan Bates, Tara
Mullen and Will Thompson. Crivari, Crysten Daniells, Michelle Graham, Brittany Jansz,
Monica Kwiecien, James McGuire and Dylan Paraga
SIS THEATRESPORTS WORKSHOP (Friday, 2nd May) (Seniors) for representing the College with such excellent
Each year, SIS runs a workshop for the Theatresports sportsmanship. Thank you for training so hard and
competitors, facilitated by professional entertainers from convincing your parents to give up their Sundays to support
Impro Melbourne. This day gives all of our improvisers a such a great activity!
chance to test out the games for the competition in an
unfamiliar, but uncompetitive environment.
John Paul College hosted the workshop for 2008 and it was
a wonderful day for Junior and Senior competitors alike.
YOUTH IMPROGAMES
The College was represented in spectacular form at the
Youth Impro Games this year, with two Senior and Two
Junior Teams competing for the Major Prize. Held over
three gruelling rounds spanning over a month, our
dedicated team members gave up precious Sundays to
battle the wit and spontaneity of schools such as Drouin
Secondary College, Trafalgar Secondary College, The
Knox School and St Joseph’s.
Southern Region Heat One finished well for all but one of
our teams, “Zoltan Returns”, who were victorious in the
Junior Section in 2007, unfortunately ‘lucked out’ against
some tough Senior competition. Our other Senior Team,
“The Squirrel Captors” finished in the top three, whilst our
Juniors, “Listen to Your Mother” and “Oakleigh” finished
Second and Third.
The second round proved equally successful for our
remaining three teams, who after finishing in the top three
once more, qualified for the finals, which were held last
Sunday, 22nd June at the Basin Theatre.
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
VCAL NEWS
Reported by
Daniel Nguyen & Ashleigh Cox
Scope Presentation – Monday 16th June 2008
On June 16, 2008 both VCAL classes came together in the
Hospitality Centre for the third and final Scope presentation
of the year. The purpose of the presentation was to teach
VCAL students about interacting and communicating with
disabled persons.
Vanessa, the Scope representative, brought Joel from
Scope who has Cerebral Palsy. Joel spoke to us about his
life, how he lives with his disability and how he gets through
day-to-day life. Joel told us how he travelled overseas on a
boat with fourteen other people who have Cerebral Palsy
and that he would like to travel more in the future. We also
found out that Joel has a girlfriend and they have been
together for five years. He hinted that he would like to marry
her someday. We soon discovered that persons with
disabilities lead a normal, healthy life.
Joel’s disability means that he thinks like anyone else
would, but he has difficulty communicating it; it is a lot
harder for him to speak at a normal pace, but he thinks like
any other man or woman. This was very evident, as Joel
was constantly teasing Vanessa throughout the
presentation; he has a very keen sense of humour.
All VCAL students found the Scope presentation to be very
beneficial, as they were able to interact and communicate
well with Joel.
VCAL Project for Term Three
Souperb!
One of the VCAL projects running during Term Three is
Souperb! Every Day 6 at lunchtime the VCAL group will be
cooking soup to be enjoyed by the wonderful students,
teachers and staff of St Francis Xavier College.
There will be a different type of soup offered each time and
all proceeds will be donated to charity. So if you feel like
something warm and comforting, come down and support
our VCAL group. A cup of soup costs $1.50 and a cup of OUR PARISH MASSES
soup with a bread roll costs $2.00. We hope that you have
a Souperb time. Berwick: Sat. 6.00 p.m.
Sun 9.00 a.m., 10.30 a.m. & 6.00 p.m.
Narre Warren: Sat. 6.00 p.m.,
Sun. 9.15 a.m., 11.00 a.m. & 6.00 p.m.
Pakenham: Sat. 6.00 p.m.
Sun. 9.00 a.m., 10.30 a.m.
Koo Wee Rup: Sat. 7.00 p.m.
Iona: Sun. 11.00 a.m.
Lang Lang: 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month
at 9.00 a.m.
Nar Nar Goon: 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month
at 9.00 a.m.
Maryknoll: 4th & 5th Sunday of each month
at 9.00 a.m.
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
arts, design process capability, presentation skills and
CAREERS NEWS computer skills.
Mr Phil Apperley – Careers Advisor
WANT TO STUDY VETERINARY SCIENCE? Melbourne is
the only Victorian university offering this course. As part of the
introduction of the 'Melbourne Model', Veterinary Science will
VTAC PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT is to be held on
commence a graduate entry program from 2012, after
Tuesday August 5 at 7.00 pm in the Rosanove Auditorium at
completion of the BSc (veterinary stream). The last intake for
St Margaret’s School Berwick, access is via St Margaret’s
the ‘current’ 1-year pre-veterinary stream/Bachelor of Science
Place, Berwick. This is an opportunity for parents of Year 12
pathway will be in 2009. The last intake for the ‘current’ 4-year
students to be well informed regarding the application process
Bachelor of Veterinary Science program will be 2010, and this
used when applying for courses at University and TAFE.
course will run in its current format until 2013. After this school
SENIOR INFORMATION NIGHT will be held at the leavers will need to complete a 3-year Bachelor of Science
Beaconsfield Campus Hall on July 31. This is the start of the (veterinary stream) degree before entry to the 3-year Doctor
process in choosing subjects for 2009. For Year 10 students of Veterinary Medicine course. Selection into the veterinary
this is a most important time as the subjects you choose will stream will be after the second year of science, with later
determine what type of courses you can study at University or progression to the DVM. (There will be guaranteed entry of a
TAFE. It will also determine the type of career you can small number of school leavers with exceptional ENTER’s
undertake when leaving school. Students and parents can get directly into the BSc (veterinary stream) and DVM). Pre-
help by making an appointment with Mr Apperley. I can be requisites for the BSc will be: Units 3 and 4, with a study score
contacted at the College on 9709 2124 or email of at least 25 in English (any), maths methods, and in one of
papperley@sfx.edu.au. VET Program Applications will be biology, chemistry or physics. The minimum ENTER for
available on this night. Australian students for 2009 is 85. See
www.vet.unimelb.edu.au.
FIND OUT ABOUT AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
WANT TO CHECK OUT MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY?
– ACU A public university, funded by the Australian
The Access all Areas program (held in March) is to be
Government is open to students and staff of all beliefs. It has
repeated. It is designed for senior secondary students and
a reputation for quality and innovative teaching, and it’s small
families, offering a personalised look at the uni. The day-
classes result in a personalised learning environment. ACU’s
long program commences with an introduction to the
Victorian Campuses are in Fitzroy (Melbourne) and Ballarat.
Melbourne Model, as well as sessions covering how to get
It has degrees in arts, business, counselling, creative arts,
into Melbourne and transition to university.
exercise science, information systems, midwifery, music,
When: Friday 11 July; Cost: Free; Registration:
nursing, paramedicine, psychology, social science, teaching,
www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/.
theology, visual arts and youth studies. Want to know more?
‘University Experience’ is for Year 12’s considering university
DO YOU KNOW? A cornerstone of the New Generation
study. Get a taste of uni life by attending sessions based
degrees at Melbourne University is the requirement that
around courses at ACU. When/where: Melbourne (115
students undertake at least a quarter of their subjects from
Victoria Pde, Fitzroy), Mon 7 & Tues 8 July; Ballarat (1200
outside the core program (breadth subjects). Other breadth
Mair St), Mon 30 June; Info/reg’n:
subjects will be interdisciplinary. For example, university
www.acu.edu.au/universityexperience. NOTE: ACU is offering
breadth subjects draw on foundation knowledge from the
an Early Achievers Program as part of selection to courses
humanities, social sciences and sciences. These subjects will
for next year. This program will consider Year 12’s contribution
address issues facing the world today such as climate
to their community, through school, local community
change, the role of science & technology. Info:
organisations, culture, sport or religious group. See
http://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/breadth/info.
www.acu.edu.au/earlyentry for info.
INTERESTED IN JOINING VICTORIA POLICE? You could
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MONASH UNIVERSITY –
be suited if you: can analyse complex situations; have an eye
‘Explore Monash’, (in last newsletter), is for Year 10-12
for detail; are a problem solver; want to make the world a
students and parents wanting to find out more about
better place; are honest; organised; can work under pressure.
Monash. When: 10am-4.15pm, Mon 7 July; Where:
These are some characteristics you will need. All applicants
Clayton;Enquiries: 9903 4758; Details/bookings:
must be Australian citizens/residents, have a full driver’s
www.monash.edu.au/study/events/experience.
licence, pass medical, agility, psychological and educational
PLANNING TO STUDY ART/DESIGN AT MONASH? The tests and complete an interview. There are various
panel will be assessing the folio and asking questions to see specialisations like the dog squad, mounted branch,
if you will benefit from studying at Monash. Are you open to search/rescue, water, special operations, prosecutions, traffic
intellectual and artistic challenge? Does your work and child abuse. Useful VCE subjects (not prerequisites):
demonstrate that you have a curiosity towards creative and politics, legal studies, psychology. Possible tertiary courses
visual exploration? They will want evidence of: technical skills, are: Criminal Justice Admin/Studies at RMIT and Victoria Uni;
visual literacy (how you communicate and think visually), Legal Studies at La Trobe, Vic Uni and RMIT; Arts degrees
spatial understanding, originality and independent thinking, with criminology major (eg Monash, Deakin, Melbourne);
and, if relevant to the course you are interested in, awareness Criminology at Deakin, and Diploma of Justice at TAFE (eg
of art & design historical discourse and engagement with Holmesglen, Kangan Batman, RMIT). Info: 13 20 01,
contemporary practice, motivation towards the fine and visual www.police.vic.gov.au.
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
St. Francis Xavier College, 2008 – 30 Year Anniversary – COURAGE TO CARE
