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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
In the Gospel this week (Mark 8:27 – 35) Jesus asks the question of the disciples; ‘who are people saying I am?”. In response, Peter uses the term ‘Christos’ for the first time since chapter 1. The use of the term Christos (Christ or Messiah) foreshadows Jesus as the chosen one and therefore makes a clear link to Him as the Son of God. In the following sections of St Mark’s gospel (the Transfiguration), this link becomes increasingly clear and we are led to an understanding of the divine nature of Jesus. Our focus for this gospel is to consider the question as to who we think Jesus is and how this might be answered by the link to His divinity. Our understanding and acceptance that Jesus is God will help us to accept His guidance and role modelling for how our lives might be lived. This is an opportunity to reflect in our own hearts and make the link.
As you would all be aware, earlier this week I sent a letter informing you of our difficult news of the arrest of a CeDOW employee who has worked at Mount Carmel. Since then, I have tried to be available to students and staff where needed. I can once again confirm that we have offered extra support and counselling to both students and staff and will continue to do this where necessary. As previously stated, I encourage you to let us know if there are any concerns or if there are any supports that you feel you child may need moving forward. Please communicate with the College or Catholic Education in Wollongong where appropriate.
On Wednesday evening our Year 12 students and parents had the opportunity to meet for the last time in their schooling for the parent/teacher/student meetings. These were held on the ground level of the STEM building and gave parents another opportunity to view the new facilities. The meetings are a final chance to provide feedback to students on how they might improve in their final weeks. A number have told me that they have been offered early entry to universities but are still keen to show what they are capable of and aim high. I have encouraged them to continue working until their final exams so that they can achieve their best. Thank you to the parents and staff who attended the evening to provide guidance and opportunities for excellence.
As stated last week, we have been advised that our canteen renovations will begin by the end of week 9 (next week). Whilst this canteen will be a significant internal refurbishment, it is anticipated that it will only take around four weeks (two of which will be the holidays). This will mean there will be a reduced offering from the canteen during this time and we will relocate it temporarily across the passageway into the old science building. They will serve the students from a window. We will advise more details around this in the coming weeks.
From the start of next term, we are considering changing our newsletters from weekly to fortnightly and increasing our social media presence. I had previously mentioned this in newsletters a few weeks back, I ask if any parent has a view on this, please contact the front office either via email or phone to let us know.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
Good afternoon everyone,
The past week has witnessed a range of activities and events that have complemented the day to day learning that occurs in our classrooms. Each of these initiatives support our aims of enhancing the learning, wellbeing and faith development of our students.
- Monday: Year 9 Fast Forward Careers excursion
- Tuesday: SRC Bishop’s Mass and Lunch for current SRC leaders
- Wednesday: Year 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
- Thursday: Yr 7-10 Tracking report data accumulated for production of end of term reports.
- Today: Preliminary exams commence
- Throughout the week: a range of Staff vs Year 12 competitions.
Thanks to all staff and students involved in the organisation of, and participation in, of these important co curricular events.
The coming week, as we head towards the last fortnight of what has been a productive term, will continue to see further opportunities for students to engage in a range of initiatives to extend them beyond the normal parameters of the classroom.
- Monday: Preliminary exams continue
- Tuesday: Year 9 Emerald English Parent evening
- Thursday: PASS Students refereeing Diocesan Basketball Championships
- Friday: Pastoral Assemblies for year groups.
A few important reminders.
Uniform
Students and carers are reminded that full winter uniform is to be worn until the end of the term. Should you have an issue with your son or daughter being able to comply with this expectation, please contact their respective year Coordinator or provide a written explanation outlining the circumstances involved.
School Photos
Due to some issues involving the consent request sent through the Compass portal, the availability of photos has been delayed somewhat. This issue has been addressed and it is hoped that photos will be available sometime before the end of the term.
Drop off and pick up of students
Please be reminded that when dropping off or picking up children, we ask that you do not enter the turning circle in front of the Admin office at peak times each morning and afternoon. Students need to be dropped off in the parent carpark which is to the left as soon as you drive through the College gates, or they can be dropped off or collected from along Spitfire Drive. Spitfire Drive in particular does not have a designated pedestrian crossing and I remind students and carers to be patient, especially during the afternoon pick-up. Please also be aware that the use of the Parish Child Centre Car park coincides with their peak period as well. The centre has allocated specific spaces for their exclusive use and would greatly appreciate our assistance in providing a safe environment.
As always, thanks for your ongoing support with all matters relating to Learning and Wellbeing. Please contact your son or daughter’s respective Year Coordinator or Pastoral Advisor should you have any questions or concerns.
Mr Simon Huntly
First Reading: Isaiah 50:5-9The Lord stands with his prophet during opposition.
Second Reading: James 2:14-18
Faith without action is useless.
Gospel: Mark 8:27-35
A follower of Christ must take up the cross.
Mrs Christine Meharg
Catholic Mission Launch - Socktober
By Lovinia Camasosa & Katiana Gramelis
Year 11 Preliminary Examinations
The Year 11 Preliminary Examinations will take place between Friday 13 September - Tuesday 24 September. Students are reminded that they are expected to be at the College 30 mins prior to the start time of each examination.
A few reminders to ensure that College expectations are met during this assessment period:
Illness/Misadventure
If, for any reason you are ill or cannot attend the examination because of an accident or misadventure, you must contact Mrs Pearce (pearcec01@dow.catholic.edu.au), Mr Lozelle (lozelleg01@dow.catholic.edu.au), Ms Miller (millerc06@dow.catholic.edu.au ) and Mr Teuma (teumad01@dow.catholic.edu.au ) at the College as soon as possible. The general rule is that the student is to attend the examination if possible, unless there is significant medical advice not to do so.
If you miss an examination, you must follow the College Illness/Misadventure process which includes contacting Mr Teuma and Ms Miller to make arrangements for the rescheduling of missed examinations.
Attendance
Students are only expected to attend the College for their scheduled examinations. Students timetables on Compass will indicate an event for their exams and flexible attendance during the examination period.
Students are welcome to attend the College on days that they do not have a scheduled exam. In this case, they must sign in and out at the Library. Students will only be permitted to sign in and out once (i.e they cannot come and go multiple times in a day).
Students are also welcome to study before an afternoon examination or after a morning examination in the College Library. They will be required to sign in and out at the Library.
Uniform & Grooming
Full College uniform is to be worn to each examination and regular grooming and jewellery expectations apply.
This is an important time for them to exercise their focus on their learning goals and execute strategies to study and revise and work out what best works for them in preparing for examinations. Students are encouraged to continue to work with their teachers on revision, practise questions and to seek feedback. The Library is open on Tuesday afternoons between 3:00 -6:00pm, should students wish to utilise this space to study. Regular lessons will resume on Wednesday 25 September.
The College wishes Year 11 all the best in their examinations.
TERM 3 |
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| Week 9 |
Year 11 16/9/2024: 11 SOR 2, SOR 1, SICT, Photography, Visual Design, Ceramics, SLR1, Work Studies 1 17/09/2024: 11 English Advanced, English Standard, Business Studies, Work Studies 2 18/9/2024: 11 PDPHE, Modern History, SLR 2 19/09/2024: 11 Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Standard 1 & 2, Investigating Science 20/09/2024: 11 CAFS, ITT, Hospitality, Legal Studies, Music, Biology Year 10 20/09/2024: 10 Science Year 9 PASS - See assessment notification for specific date 9 Science - See assessment notification for specific date Year 8 Technology Mandatory - See assessment notification for specific date Year 7 Technology Mandatory - See assessment notification for specific date |
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| Week 10 |
Year 11 23/09/2024: 11 Chemistry, Physics, Society&Culture 24/09/2024: 11 Food Technology, Ancient History, Mathematics Ext 1 Year 9 Year 9 Computing Technology -See assessment notification for specific date Year 9 Catholic Studies -See assessment notification for specific date Year 8 Year 8 PDHPE -See assessment notification for specific date Year 8 Catholic Studies- See assessment notification for specific date Year 8 Languages - See assessment notification for specific date |
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Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Compass Parent Alerts - Toilet Pass
We would like to inform you of a new process we are implementing at the College through Compass, aimed at keeping you informed about your child’s wellbeing during school hours. Starting next term, parents will receive an email notification whenever their child requests a toilet pass to leave class.
This notification is purely informational and designed to help you monitor the frequency of your child’s requests to access the bathroom during lessons. We understand that students may occasionally need to leave class, but this process allows parents to be aware if it becomes a recurring pattern that may need further attention.
Please note that this is not intended to restrict students' access to the bathroom but rather to support parents in keeping an eye on their children's habits. If you notice frequent notifications, we encourage you to discuss this with your child and, if necessary, reach out to the College for further support.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to ensure the wellbeing and success of our students.
"R U OK?" Day and Supporting Healthy Parent-Teen Relationships
Navigating the parent-teen relationship can often be challenging. With the pressures of academic demands, extracurricular activities, and the complexities of the digital world, communication and understanding between parents and their teenagers can sometimes falter. This week, as we observed "R U OK?" Day, we are reminded of the importance of fostering strong, healthy connections between parents and their adolescents.
"R U OK?" Day, held on the second Thursday of September, highlights the power of a simple question: "Are you okay?" While this may seem like a small gesture, its impact on teenagers, who often face stress and uncertainty, cannot be overstated. Opening the door to honest conversations about emotions, struggles, and mental wellbeing is crucial for their emotional development.
One of the core messages of "R U OK?" Day is the importance of mental health awareness and support. Adolescence is a period of significant emotional growth, and teenagers may wrestle with feelings of anxiety, stress, and self-doubt. A strong parent-teen relationship can act as a protective buffer, helping them navigate these challenges with greater resilience.
When teens feel comfortable talking to their parents, they are more likely to express their thoughts and concerns. Creating an environment of open communication fosters trust and allows parents to better understand their teenager's world. Adolescents need a safe space to share their emotions without fear of judgment, and emotionally available parents can provide this essential support. By modelling healthy behaviours and problem-solving strategies, parents can equip their teens with vital life skills that promote resilience and emotional wellbeing.
So, how can parents strengthen their relationships with their teenagers?
- Active Listening: Pay close attention to your teen’s thoughts and feelings. Show genuine interest, even if you don't fully agree or understand.
- Empathy: Try to see the world from their perspective and validate their emotions. Avoid dismissing their feelings as trivial.
- Quality Time: Set aside time to engage in shared activities, whether it’s a family meal, a hobby, or a simple outing. These moments build connections and create lasting memories.
- Setting Boundaries: Establish clear and reasonable boundaries, making sure your teenager understands your expectations while respecting their need for independence.
By fostering open communication and building strong relationships, we can create a supportive and caring community where our young people feel empowered to thrive. Let’s remember that asking “R U OK?” isn’t just for one day a year but part of a daily commitment to mental wellbeing and open dialogue. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our teens.
Catholic Care Parent Evening - Monday 9 September
On Monday evening, our College library hosted a valuable presentation by Rita Maher and Dayna Sales from Catholic Care, focused on helping parents navigate difficult conversations with their teens. This session, held as part of Child Protection Week, addressed essential topics such as how to communicate effectively when teens are facing challenges like anxiety, depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
We extend my sincere thanks to all the parents who attended in person and those who joined us via Zoom. The session underscored the importance of fostering open, healthy conversations with teens, especially during difficult moments.
A special thank you to Dayna and Rita for their insightful and practical presentation. For those who may need additional resources, please refer to the slide below, which offers further support options for both parents and teens.
We appreciate your commitment to creating a supportive environment for your children and for engaging with such an important topic.
Term 4 Reminder:
Return to School in Summer College Uniform;
Monday 14 October
As we approach the school holidays, I encourage parents and carers to take the opportunity over the next few weeks to check their child’s uniform in preparation for Term 4. Given the growth that many students experience between Term 1 and Term 4, it’s important to ensure uniforms still fit correctly.
Please refer to our uniform guidelines outlined in the College Diary on pages 17-20 to ensure compliance with our standards.
A few important reminders:
- Sports Shorts: There should be no alterations to the length of College sports shorts. They must be worn as purchased from the uniform store, at the appropriate length. We have observed a trend of some female students rolling the waistband or cutting the shorts to a shorter length, mid to upper thigh. In such cases, parents will be contacted to collect their child from school to address uniform concerns.
- Skirt/Dress Length: As specified in the diary, skirts and dresses must be of a modest and reasonable length, sitting at or below the knee.
- Hair Cuts and Grooming Male students - An outline of what is acceptable for haircuts/styles is outlined in the College diary (a reminder nothing below a 2 gauge blade must be blended). Male students must also be cleanly shaved.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the standards of our College uniform and thank you for helping us ensure that all students return to school appropriately dressed for Term 4.
Mrs Theresa Moore Miss Rebecca Toogood
Acting Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinator
The following comment by the American literary critic and theorist Robert Scholes powerfully captures the nexus and interplay between the two critical literacy modes of reading and writing: ‘Reading and writing are important because we read and write our world as well as our texts, and are read and written by them in turn. Texts are places where power and weakness become visible and discussable, where learning and ignorance manifest themselves, where structures that enable and constrain our thoughts and actions become palpable. This is why the humble subject English is so important.’
After teaching English for nearly fifty years, I have come to appreciate that this wonderful subject’s core is ‘story’: the students’ stories, the teacher’s story, and the endless array of the stories of others. The storyteller deep inside each one of our students can potentially find expression through the opportunities English teachers provide and the strategies they implement in their classrooms. The goal is to fill young people with intense curiosity, lively imaginations, and the capacity to be comfortable with life’s ambiguity and complexity, while at the same time joyfully anticipating its possibilities.
My Year 9 English students are currently writing their own short stories with an evident enthusiasm, perseverance, and commitment to the task. These compositions, exploring a diverse range of thematic concerns including war in the Middle East, homelessness, the refugee experience, and life at sea, will be published in a collection to be displayed in the College Library. After immersing themselves over the past three terms in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and short story writers such as Flannery O’Connor, Roald Dahl, Anton Chekhov, and Tim Winton, students are now writing with considerable confidence, enthusiasm, and skill. This supports contemporary writer Stephen King’s assertion that ‘If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others, read a lot and write a lot.’ American poet Charles Bernstein echoes King’s claim when he states, ‘To create good writers you need to create good readers. There is not shortcut.’
Clare Murphy
English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach
Around the Grounds
Success was brought back to the College with two trophies being won by our girls 7-9 years and boys 9-10 years soccer teams. We also ended up runners up in the Softball competition with a close defeat to Saint Patrick’s College. Due to our solid results over the term we are currently first in the Overall MISA Championship schools which is a testament to the hard work from our students this year.
We also had the Staff VS Year 12 competition over week 8 with many close games being played throughout the week giving the students a chance to overcome their older adversaries. Thankfully the ‘experience’ of the staff teams managed victory in Volleyball, Netball and Basketball.
MISA
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Sport |
Result |
MVP | Short Report |
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AFL - MARP Years 10-12 Boys vs MAG Finished 3rd |
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AFL - ABRN Years 10-12 Girls vs MAG Finished 3rd |
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Netball Years 7-8 Girls PONT |
vs WAC 3rd Place Playoff Win 15-11 |
Fisiilose (Lose) Feiloakitohi |
Third place in division 1!!!! Such a great finish to the MISA season for our girls Years 7/8 netball team. The girls were pumped and ready to play. They all played exceptionally well with great composure throughout all thirds on the court. Our defence was solid as always. Getting above the opposition when fighting for rebounds and putting strong arms over every ball and pass. Our mid court were in tune with one another for the entire game. They were offering and re-offering all game, contesting every loose ball. Our shooters were calm and collected, especially with the game being so close. Once again an all round team effort where every player filled their role and worked hard for the team mates around them. One very proud coach. Well done girls!!! Team List: Ella Persson, Avah Paea, Lose Feiloakitohi, Disney Teiotu, Emma Gorham, Annalise Montgomery, Georgia Metekingi, Eva Alvarado, Maliya Pupuke-Hona, Sherlyn Ghimire and Penny Brcic. Student Helpers: Jane Mikaele, Celestine Lemalu and Maletina Uvea. |
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Softball Years 10-12 Girls HOBR
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vs SPT Loss 7-0 |
Hannah Casey & Maria De Lima Goncalves Fernandes Da Mota | In the finals this week, the Senior Girls Softball team faced off against St Patrick's, who showcased superior skills throughout the match. Despite their valiant effort, our team struggled to match the high level of play and ultimately fell short. Nevertheless, they upheld impressive sportsmanship and maintained high spirits, reflecting their dedication and resilience. |
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Football Years 7-9 Girls HEAS
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vs MAS Finished 1st Won 4-0 |
Lillian Jackson |
The MISA Girls Soccer Team finished an undefeated competition with a dominant grand final victory, 4-0. Displaying exceptional skill and teamwork, the team controlled the game with standout passages of play and solid defence. Congratulations to the team on an outstanding competition and well-deserved win! |
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Football Years 9-10 Boys BERB vs JTCC FT 0-0 ET 0-0 Won due to placing higher on the table MVP Harry Peeters |
Not the most exciting game based on the scoreline, but definitely a lot of action. It was always going to be a game that would be decided by which team would concede fewer goals - which turned out to be none in the game. The energy in the first few minutes was incredibly high and the boys were definitely up for the challenge of a grand final. We started off strongly and maintained some good structure by keeping shape all throughout the park. Strikers were kept quiet on both sides and the majority of play was battled out in the midfield. Marcus and Logan played well out of the back, and overall the team was just solid - not putting ourselves under too much pressure while taking maybe a little too much care in the opposing half. The best chance we had was when Baxter drove the ball into the penalty box and made a pass into David, which unfortunately was a little too high for him and was eventually retrieved by the goalkeeper. A few personnel and tactical changes were made at half time and soon after the whistle the game opened up a little more. We looked a little freer and we got into more dangerous areas - however we still struggled to convert with not many shots on target. There was a little scare in the defence when Marcus was exposed at the back and left his line, with their attackers driving fast into the box. We got a little lucky with their shot deflecting off the post and back into Brodie’s hands. Special mention to Brodie who made 2-3 critical saves to keep the clean sheet. Both teams went into the second half knowing that all they needed was a goal to win - fortunately for us we finished higher on the ladder in the season so all we had to do was defend hard and not concede. Despite a few heated moments where JTCC weren’t happy with some of the fouls or slow play, in the end MCCC got the job done and walked away with the trophy. Another special mention to the MVP of the match, Harry Peeters, who worked incredibly hard in the middle of the park and was absolutely solid in both defence and attack. He was a key link between the defenders and attackers and was winning the majority of his 50/50 battles. Well done Harry, and well done boys for getting the result in the end. |
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As always, students are encouraged to sign up and trial for representative teams. Below you will find registration links for both our DIO and NSWCCC events. If you require any further information please visit the Diocese of Wollongong sports here.
Representative Pathways
| MISA Website | https:/wwwwmisaonlineeorgg.au/ |
| Diocesan Sport News | Updates and news on Wollongong Diocese sport events and trials can be viewed here |
| NSW CCC/CSNSW Sport News | Higher level CCC trials and events status can be monitored here. |
| School Sport Australia Sport News | More School Sport Australia information can be found here |
A weekend experience for fathers and their teenage sons.
One of the most important influences in the lives of men is the relationship they had with their father or significant father figure. The encouragement and affirmation that this relationship could, and should, provide, is a key ingredient for how young men view themselves and embrace their faith and gifts as they take their place in the world.
Growing Good Men is an experientially-based program which encourages and enables fathers and sons to strengthen their relationship and to explore important issues of growing into manhood. It is designed for fathers and their adolescent sons aged 12 to 17 years (school years between 7 and 11).
Please see letter regarding School Opal Card use and the importance of tapping on and off every time.
Transit Systems school bus route timetable is available via this link. Contact phone number is 8118 7102. This timetable now in includes the Willowdale transit routes.
Enrolments 2024 Onwards
The CEDoW has transitioned to a new online enrolment platform, called Funnel, removing the use of all paper forms. Please take note, particularly for sibling applications. The online application form is accessible from the College website.
Social Media – Facebook & Instagram
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Coming soon! Watch this space!
