Author: mblair

5.3 Mathematics with Mr Sidgreaves

mblair

The boys are working hard in Mr Sidgreaves’ class. He writes:

As we move into the algebra topics we have a focus on getting the balance between speed and accuracy. There is no use racing through all the questions but only get half of them correct. At the same time, there is no point in getting every question you attempt correct if you only attempt half of them. So it is all about balance.

So … we are battling it out in a “Tournament of the Minds”. A knock out competition where boys are pitted against each other. Two boys have to complete the same question. First one finished wins and goes through to the next round. If you get it wrong though – you are out!

Our winners so far are Tom Burke, Luca Burnett, Archie Curtis and Will Gibbs. Long way to go yet though!!!

Sunday evening Mass

mblair

Mass is held each Sunday evening at 8:15pm for the boarders who have returned on Sunday. Parents and other family members are also welcome. Currently, as the Chapel is being refurbished, Mass is held in the Br Emilian Hall.

Tonight the Year 9 boys assisted Father Gavin with the mass by handing out Mass booklets, doing the readings and the offertory.

You are most welcome to join us for Mass each Sunday evening at 8:15pm.

 

 

15B’s cricket after training

mblair

A photo of the 15B’s cricket taken by their coach, Mr Burns, on No. 1 after training.

Back row (L-R): Charlie Redwin, Will Young, Jeremy Redwin, Sam Bertram, Harrison Snell, Willis Gunesekera, Hugh Kennedy.

Front row (L-R): James Hendren, Michael O’Farrell, Cameron Horne, Finn Scott.

Apologies if I mixed up Charlie and Jeremy in the photo above. I am pretty sure I have them right, however I thought I had better check with them both just in case. Neither of them had the faintest idea…

Ash Wednesday and Lenten appeal

mblair

This morning the school gathered in the Hall to recognise the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Zac Burgess from Year 9 led the singing at the liturgy. During the liturgy Fr Gavin asked the boys to reflect on what they can sacrifice to help others.

Jack Rath from Year 12 launched the College’s Lenten appeal which is raising money towards building a new Marist School in Timor-Leste.

As at 5pm today Year 9 have already raised $76.50 towards this worthy cause which is a great start on the first day!

 

Sleeping habits

mblair

This week in Pastoral groups the boys are discussing their sleep habits.

Sleep is a vital component of life. It assists with our development, performance, and good health.

Research has demonstrated that certain daily habits and routines assist in a good quality and quantity of sleep. Research has also demonstrated the effects of sleep deprivation on the human body and brain.

Encouraging reading

mblair

Below are some tips on encouraging reading from our Head of Library, Mrs Linda Roden.

So what can I do to help encourage my son to read?

  • Acceptance: Accept the broad range of reading in which your son is engaged in. Not all boys will be drawn to reading the “classics” and if this is all we will accept from them, they are likely to further turn away from reading. Encourage your son when he reads a variety of texts including newspapers, magazines, websites, comics, graphic novels, humorous books, fiction and non-fiction. It is all reading and is helping your son further develop his skills as a reader.
  • Modelling: A male role model is invaluable as teenage boys often view reading as a feminine activity. Teenage boys need to see that men read too. A powerful act is for dad or a significant male to read the same books as your son and open up discussion about this book. It not only sends the message that reading is valuable, but also that your son is valuable and that you are interested in what he is involved in.
  • Environment: Try to provide a home environment that values reading. Keep reading material available and let your son see you reading. Ideally, set a regular reading time, such as 20 minutes of reading each night before bed. It is important to build a reading culture around boys. On a long road trip play an audio book.
  • Praise: Praise all efforts your son makes in reading. Do not criticise your son if he is reading magazines or graphic novels.
  • Tap into their interests: Try to match reading material with your son’s interests. If your son is not reading for pleasure, perhaps begin by purchasing him magazines or information books in his interest area. It is OK if your son is reading comics – encourage this and then start to slowly introduce new and more challenging texts. Have a look at the Top 10 list in the reading pamphlet provided. All of these books are extremely popular with Joeys boys, and most are part of a series and the boys will often get hooked once they start the first book.
  • Embrace other technologies: Many teenagers enjoy technology so try to get it working for you:
    • encourage them to read blogs on topics that interest them
    • if they loved a particular  movie, buy or borrow the book from which the movie was adapted. The book is almost always better.
    • encourage them to go online to find out more about a movie they have enjoyed
    • try an eReader. Some teenagers love to read from an electronic device. We have eBooks available for loan in the Joeys library, as do most public libraries.
  • Don’t give up: keep encouraging him to read.

Preparing for Year 9 NAPLAN

mblair

On Monday morning Year 9 were given some information on the upcoming NAPLAN tests by Mr Matthew Bookallil, Director of Teaching and Learning, Mrs Emma Rothwell, Head of English, and Mr David Hill, Year 9 Academic Coordinator.

The presentation “busted some myths” about minimum standards and told the boys what they can do, and what the College is doing, to prepare for the NAPLAN tests.

Mr Bookallil has also written to all parents with similar information presented to the boys which is included below.

 

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