Year 12 News 2011

Year 12 Boarding News. Week 1, Term 3, 2011

Dear Year 12 parents,

A wet and windy start to the term – perfect for study! This is an important term for the Year 12s obviously and we will do all we can to keep the boys focussed but calm.

I have included some important dates for Year 12 this term. I showed this to the boys on Wednesday and I will give them a copy so that they can get themselves organised. Most of these are in the calendar and diary but I would like to point out two:

• Tuesday August 9th is census night and all boys sleeping at the College will fill out their census form. This will be done as a whole year group.
• Friday 2nd September we will be having the Year 12 father’s day breakfast BBQ at the pool BBQ at 7.30am. This has been a very successful and enjoyable event where the boys can cook for and serve their dads in the lead up to Father’s Day. If the fathers can let me know if they can attend simply via a brief email, this is all that is needed from your end. We just need numbers and there is no cost, of course!

At the College Assembly we had Angus Le Lievre receive the Pierre De Coubertin Award for outstanding sporting achievement. This was well deserved and is great recognition for all that Angus has achieved and contributed while at Joeys. We were also able to congratulate Ben Sandell, Matt Gillis and Phil Moser for receiving Defence Force scholarships. Finally, Nick Rhodes had all the older members of staff humming along to “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” which he played beautifully on the guitar in preparation for his HSC musical performance.

All the best

Pat

Nick Rhodes performing at yesterday's Assembly

Year 12 Academic News. Week 1, Term 3, 2011

Game on! We are now at the business end of Year 12 and it is already evident on the faces of our senior students this first week back to classes. Trial HSC examinations commence on Monday week, 1st August and I have provided a full timetable of exam dates, venues and times on this week’s blog for your easy accesss. I know that the vast majority of students were hard at the books over the holidays and this will hold them in good stead for their Trial examinations.

Congratulations

It was terrific to see Matthew Gillis, Ben Sandell and Phil Moser receive Defence Force Technical Scholarships today at Assembly. These scholarships are valued at $3,000 each. A Defence Technical Scholarship (DTS) is a fantastic opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students, intending to pursue an ADF general entry technical trade career after completing Year 12. The DTS rewards technically-savvy students for staying on at school and enrolling in specific subjects.

It was also great to hear news over the holidays that Brad McIntyre and Lachie Lord have been offered presigious UTS Co-Op Scholarships in Accounting for 2012. Congratulations also to Michael Abdallah who was offered an Accounting Cadetship with Ernst & Young in 2012. These are wonderful achievements and a real expression of the ability of the Class of 2011 to achieve well.

The following students will receive Study Effort Awards for their application throughout Term 2. They have been recognised by the majority of their teachers as consistently applying themselves to their studies last term. Congratulations to these students.

Luke AMASI
George ATKIN
James DAVIS
Daniel DUGGAN
Greg FARRELL
Reggie HOWARD
Tom KENNEDY
Joshua KLARICA
Jack LAING
Sam LANE
Angus LE LIEVRE
James LIANG
John O’CONNELL
Joshua PARKER
Daniel RODEN
Duen SIAUW
Joel TALBOT
Benjamin YUN

Attendance and Application during the Trial HSC Examinations

A Trial HSC Examination Timetable with venues and times is provided below.

I will speak specifically about exam-week procedures at our next Form Meeting on Wednesday but I list a few important items here for the benefit of parents and carers.

It would be very unusual for a student not to attend an examination. He would have to be physically incapable of sitting in the exam room for this to occur. The College and the Board of Studies has procedures and provisions in place to assist students who are unwell at the time of their examinations and it is in boys’ best interests to attempt their papers if they can. Students who are unable to attend an exam are to telephone my office on 98160878 before the exam. They will be asked to provide a doctor’s certificate explaining their absence.

All students are to be at the College during the examination period unless there has been a written request for leave approved by Mr Rodgers or myself. All boarders and weekly boarders must be at the College on the evening prior to their next examination. Day students must be at the College no later that 8am on the day of their examinations. Students do not have permission to leave the College during the exam period without the permission of Mr Rodgers or myself.

I expect students to assemble at the exam venue no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start of their examination. I will not allow late comers to disrupt others who have commenced an exam.

Students will wear their correct school uniform for their examinations. In addition, they will be clean shaven and their hair and uniform will be tidy.

It is my practice not to allow students to leave the exam room before the scheduled finishing time.

Studying in-between Exams

Students will, for the most part, be expected to study in their own rooms during the exams. They will be given permission to work with peers in the Year 12 Common Room if they ask. If students are disturbing others during study time, they may be sent home or restricted to studying in the Study Hall. it is important for boys to be at the College, close to their teachers who are very happy to assist students should they need help.

Year 12 Class Teachers

It is unfortunate that Mrs Christine Smith is currently on sick leave after due to a painful stress fracture in her leg. Mrs Smith was scheduled to take over the English Advanced class of Mrs Julie Burke who has resigned from the College. These students will now be well cared for by the Head of English, Mr Matt Bentley. We wish Mrs Smith a speedy recovery.

UAC Guide Books

Each student received a UAC Guide Book on Wednesday. This is an important book that is the ‘bible’ for reading about and selecting university courses. We will be using it later in the term when we walk students through the process of registering for university course offers.

Regards,

Mark Fenech

Year 12 Careers News. Week 1 Term 3, 2011

‘Early Entry’ University Programs

Year 12s should consider applying for ‘Early Entry’ at university.

Advantages of ‘Early Entry’ Programs:
•Year 12 students may receive an ‘early’ university offer in November 2011 (to commence university in March 2012).
•‘Early Entry’ considers more than the ATAR – co-curricular activities will be considered.
•Students are not committed to any ‘Early Entry’ offer received. Students can change their university preferences.

Disadvantages of ‘Early Entry’ Programs
•Only six universities in NSW have ‘Early Entry’ programs Joeys students can apply to.
•‘Early Entry’ requires an application form and school reference so there is some paperwork involved.

Details of University ‘Early Entry’ Programs are below (in order of closing dates)

University of Notre Dame in Sydney (ND)
Closing date 5th August 2011
Collect a form from Mrs Charters
http://www.nd.edu.au/sydney/careerAdvisorAndTeacher/Earlyofferprogram.shtml List of courses at ND http://www.nd.edu.au/sydney/courses/undergraduate.shtml
ICMS (Manly) offering Macquarie University degrees
Closing date 30th August 2011
Download a form from the web page below or collect a copy from Mrs Charters
http://www.icms.edu.au/earlyentry.html http://www.icms.edu.au/images/stories/early-entry-scheme-dl-flyer.pdfList of courses at ICMS http://www.icms.edu.au/courses/undergraduate.html
University of Wollongong (UOW)
Closing date 1st September 2011
http://www.uow.edu.au/future/earlyentry/index.htmlList of courses at UOW http://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/coursefinder/view5.aspx

University of New England in Armidale (UNE)
Closing date Friday 30th September 2011
(2011 forms not yet available)
http://www.une.edu.au/admissions/unextra-early-entry.php http://www.une.edu.au/for/future-students/sl/ocug/degree/early.php List of courses at UNE http://www.une.edu.au/about/faculties/
University of Western Sydney (UWS)
Closing date 30th September 2011
http://www.uws.edu.au/informationabout/tripleadvantage/earlyoffer List of courses at UWS http://future.uws.edu.au/ug

Australian Catholic University at Strathfield and North Sydney (ACU)
Applications open 14th August, expected to close 14th October 2011
Applications not yet open but register on the web page below to receive updates
http://www.acu.edu.au/about_acu/why_choose_acu/choosing_the_right_university_to_attend/early_entry/
http://www.acu.edu.au/apply_and_enrol/register_your_interest/
List of courses at ACU http://www.acu.edu.au/information_for/future_undergraduate_students/

See Mrs Charters for help with applications.

Year 12 Academic News. Week 8, Term 2, 2011
Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

As mentioned in last week’s Blog, I attach a copy of the 2011 Trial HSC Timetable for your information. Two printed copies have also been enclosed in the Term 2 Interim Reports which were posted today. Also attached below is the Assessment Schedule for Term 3. Please read the second page of the Assessment calendar which has the College’s rules and procedures for assessments on it. Students will be given hard copies of both of these documents upon their return to school.

Term 3: The final run home
Term 3 is huge in relation to the HSC for a number of reasons. Firstly, the Trials are the last time that students sit for formal exams so it is the last practice session before the big game kicks off in October. Exam techniques need to be honed and everything from timing, pen speed, essay technique, quotations, drawing tables and diagrams, short answer responses and multiple choice strategies need to be fine-tuned. What students do in the Trials, they will likely do in the HSC examinations. The examination timetable will also test how organised students are in their study program – there will be some days, perhaps even several consecutive days, when they don’t have an exam and others that are fully loaded with examinations. What will your study patterns involve? What recreation and sleep patterns will be put in place? What sacrifices have to be made? Secondly, many of the Trial examinations are weighted heavily for assessment. For example, the Economics exam in the Trials is worth 40% of total assessment marks. Students should refer to their HSC Course Handbook that they received in Term 4, 2010 to check the weighting of these exams in each of their subjects. Finally, the Trials signal the end of assessments for many subjects so it is the last chance to make an impact.

During the holidays
Students should remember that teachers can still be contacted by email over the holidays. They should use this technology to their advantage to send practice exam responses to their teachers for correction. My advice is to handwrite your practice papers and scan these documents to your teachers. Typed essays are unrealistic at this point because you won’t be typing the exams in October/November.
While it is important to get good rest over the vacation, it’s not good to sleep late into the day or even grab that siesta after lunch. Trial exams will commence as early as 8.30AM and afternoon exams may kick off immediately after lunch. Students need to train their body clocks to be ready for action at these times so being asleep at times that you should be awake over the next three weeks will be a bad habit to break.

At least 4 hours per day for 5 days of the week should be dedicated to Trial HSC preparation. Studying day and night is also not helpful – find a balance that works for you.

Parents and siblings should be prepared to allow students to have a bit of quiet around the house while study is going on. They can help by providing yummy snacks or a partner for recreation time – shooting some hoops; kicking the footy; going for a run or a swim. Instead of nagging boys to hit the books, compliment them for those times that they do – (if they don’t make a start, then I would definitely nag them!)

Returning to school
It is important that all students return to school on time for the start of Term 3 lessons. Make travel arrangements early because I don’t want anyone to be late back. Most importantly DON’T LEAVE ANYTHING AT HOME that you need to have with you for classes and the Trials.
Mr Rodgers and I will be very strict on disruptive boys next term. They can expect to be excluded from classes if they wish to disrupt lessons and they can expect to lose the privilege of their rooms if they are disturbing others or out of bounds during Study. We want a productive and peaceful working environment for all Year 12 students during Term 3 and the HSC exams.

English Advanced
By now, most students and parents would know that Mrs Julie Burke will not be returning to the College in Term 3. Mrs Burke has resigned as Head of our Learning Enrichment Centre and valued English teacher to take up a similar position at another school. We wish Mrs Burke all the very best and thank her for her outstanding work at St Joseph’s College. Mrs Burke’s English Advanced class will be ably continued by Mrs Christine Smith who has taught English and Ancient History at the College for many years. Mrs Smith is very experienced in the English Advanced course both as a teacher and HSC marker.

Best wishes for a safe and rejuvenating holiday,

Mark Fenech

Year 12 Careers News

The Western Sydney Careers Expo 2011
Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush (Hall 4) – Map
Thursday 23, Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 June 2011, 10am – 4pm. Refer to the following site:
http://www.westernsydneycareerexpo.com.au/sites/default/files/wsce_2011_exhibitor_list.pdf

HSC Study CoursesA reminder to book for July holiday HSC preparation courses.
Visit the websites below to see what’s on offer and how to register.

Tsfx at the University of Sydney
http://www.tsfx.com.au/nsw/

The Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Sydney
http://www.cce.usyd.edu.au/courses/hsc+preparation

The University of Western Sydney College at the University of Western Sydney
http://uws.edu.au/uwscollege/courses/local/Professional_development/hsc_preparation_days?gclid=CIKztLn0w6kCFQTzbwodhll1RA

Macquarie University Physics and Chemistry HSC enrichment program
http://www.chem.mq.edu.au/news/HSC_Enrichment_Day_flyer_2011.pdf
http://shop.accessmq.com.au/shop/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_course&page_id=1303&course_id=1028
http://shop.accessmq.com.au/shop/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_course&page_id=1303&course_id=1027

Studying in the USA

This information evening on Thursday 30th June is highly recommended for any studnets thinking about studying at universities in the USA. Just click on the poster to enlarge.

Mrs Lorna Charters, Careers Adviser

Year 12 Boarding News. Week 7 Term 2, 2011

Dear Year 12 parents

I hope you were able to enjoy the long weekend. It certainly came at a good time during this very busy term. The boys have been told that it is now very important to finish this last part of the term off strongly in their studies and sport.

We had a special Reconciliation Assembly with the journalist, Jeff McMullan, speaking passionately about his experiences in indigenous communities around Australia. Year 12 played key roles in the Assembly:

• John Grant introduced Jeff very well.
• Nick Weber gave a very informative report about the UK/European football tour. The video clip about this trip is included in this blog
• Ben Yun played a beautiful piano piece

In sport five runners represented the school at the CIS Cross Country championships at Eastern Creek. Aidan Blair finished 10^thto progress to the next round, while Matt Smith, Josh Klarica, Dom Egan and Josh Parker won the gold medal in the team event for GPS. Michael McGinley was named in the GPS 1^st XI football team and Nathan Upton was selected in the 2^nd XI. Unfortunately their matches were washed out on Tuesday but they play next week.

Just two housekeeping matters:

• A reminder that for any medical appointments, the Health Centre needs to be notified on 98160808 or health@joeys.org. They then let all staff know if your son is missing. If you wish to let me know also or check with me about timing that is fine, of course.
• A number of boys have been using mobile phones during study. This can be distracting to them and their neighbours. Could calls to and from home be very limited between 6.30- and 8.30pm during the week if at all possible? We would never discourage contacting home but I am sure that you can appreciate some of the problems that this can cause.

On Saturday we have the second round of rugby and football against Scots at home. The weather has been awful this week but all games will go ahead thanks to the fantastic drainage we have and the care from our wonderful ground staff.

The term ends on Wednesday and all Year 12 rooms and dayboy lockers will need to be emptied. Some gear may be able to go home this weekend. Regardless, a thorough check of all rooms will happen after school on Wednesday after which boys may leave. There will be some travelling to the country on Thursday morning (as long as some roads are open by then).

All the best

Pat

Year 12 Academic News. Week 7, Term 2, 2011

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week has been a difficult one and, unfortunately, a bit of a disappointing one for Year 12. While the majority of the Form are on-side with the guidelines that have been set to provide the best possible environment, supervision and assistance for their academic lives here at the College, there are larger numbers by the day who:

• skip lessons
• sleep during day-time study periods
• arrive late to classes
• arrive without the equipmnent that they need to work
• fail to complete homework

In addition, many boys are found in other’s rooms during night study and daytime study periods so very little work is being done in these circumstances. Pat has indicated that boys are using their phones during study and I would add that dodging our security measures to access Facebook is another growing problem with Year 12 at the present time. All of these situations are unproductive to the students involved but they also distract staff away from getting to work with all of our senior students.

Preparing for the Trial HSC

Next Wednesday I will publish the examination timetable for the 2011 Trial HSC. This will be posted on the Year 12 blog and I will include a 2 hard-copies in each report mail out. I will also post a Term 3 assessment calendar. Parents should expect their sons to have a lot of work to do in preparation for the Trials. My guide is that students should be spending a minimum of 4 hours per day for at least 5 days of the week during this vacation. For the most part, very little would need to be done on the computer.

I would strongly suggest the following three strategies when preparing for the Trials:

1. Accessing and practising exam-type questions. This is best done through past exam papers which are readily available in every subject on the Board of Studies website. Students need to develop a 360 degree perspective on question types in every topic that they study. It is of little value spending hours studying a topic (eg. trigonometry) if they get a trig question that they have never seen before.
2. Building up quality quotes  and statistical data to support arguments. Use this time to rote learn those poetry quotes and those unemployment numbers as well as any other specific content that will dazzle the markers.
3. Boost your literacy. Know specific terminology for each subject and each topic. Have a few killer phrases to wow the markers.Look to use sophisticated vocabulary. Language will be a differentiating factor between performance bands.

HSC Science Workshops.

Science students may wish to investigate this website for details about HSC Science workshops these July holidays:

www.alpha-omega.org.au or call 96463356.

I wish you and your sons a safe and healthy holiday.

Best Wishes,

Mark Fenech

Year 12 Boarding News. Week 5, Term 2, 2011

Dear Year 12 parents,

Thanks to all of you who attended our Information Evening last Saturday. For those who were not able to be there, all of the details that were presented are included in the blog this week. I must apologise for leaving out a slide on the Graduation Mass and Dinner. This is now in the powerpoint. I would encourage you to make a note of the important dates for Year 12 for the rest of the year. Closer to the time, I will be sending out information about the graduation program which requires you to reply.

Many boys found the Careers Expo. on Tuesday very useful and it is great to see so many parents there.  The Careers Expo will give our students a lot to think about over the next few months as they decide on university courses, TAFE courses and other courses of study and practice.

Anthony Alafaci, James Hegerty and Ben Waters at the SJC Careers Expo.

 It makes accessible to our students, information that is usually only available on Open Days, which sometimes clashes with our own weekend commitments at the College. A huge thank you must go to Lorna Charters for organising such a successful evening.

Today we had an assembly that the boys greatly enjoyed. Mr John Healy was the special guest presenter of the jerseys to the 1^st XI and 1^st XV. Mr Jimmy Gray introduced John and outlined the enormous contribution he has made over his 30 years as a fitness trainer and mentor to many Joe boys. John is a very humble man whose words of wisdom have struck a chord many times.

Jake Healy and John Healy after yesterday's Assembly

Today was one of those times and the sustained ovation he received was evidence of that. We wish all the boys the best as the competition starts this weekend. Also good luck to Josh Klarica and George Atkin who will debate in the Grand Final of the Fed Cup this Friday.

A word on procedures for the weekends:

On Saturday during the winter seasons, it is the expectation that once a boy arrives at his game he remains in the care of the College until after check off at the conclusion of the First XV match. This means that at home games he remains on College property and at away games he remains at the away venue.

If there is a circumstance which requires a boy to leave our care during a Saturday, this permission must be sort from his Boarding Coordinator.

Also, on Sunday we have the Family Mass which will celebrate the Feast of Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers. All boys must be seated in the Hall by 9.45am and they must check off after Mass in my office. Your help with this is much appreciated.

The College breaks up for the long weekend on Thursday 9 June. Boys leaving on buses will do so the following morning. There will be a bus to the airport at 4pm on the Thursday.

Until next week

Pat

Year 12 Academic News. Week 5, Term 2, 2011.

It was great to catch up with many Year 12 parents over the weekend either at sport, at the Parent Information Night or at Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews on Sunday. It reinforced to me the tremendous support that families give to our boys in such a wide variety of endeavours and how fortunate these lads are to have both the opportunity and support in these diverse areas. The PDF of last Saturday’s Parent Information Night is included at the end of this report for your interest and future reference.

HSC Practical Examinations

This week, I registered on-line our language students for their HSC speaking examinations. It was a timely reminder to me that the business end of the HSC is fast approaching particularly for students who are performing in Drama and Music, speaking in languages and making projects in English Extension 2, Visual Arts, Industrial Technology and Design and Technology. We wish these students well as they approach the end of these practical examinations that, in many cases, have taken months to complete or rehearse for.

Holiday Study Programmes

Several parents have asked me about holiday programs for Year 12 students to compliment their school study. There are quite a few companies that provide these services and, without pushing one over another, I have provided some links to these below for those that are interested. These can be quite expensive – but so can a holiday of going to the movies, clubs, etc.! Try the following links:

University of Sydney:  http://www.cce.usyd.edu.au/hsc+preparation

University of Western Sydney: http://uws.edu.au/uwscollege/courses/local/Professional_development/hsc_preparation_days?gclid=COKY5tacmakCFQnwbwodQwz0tw

The School For Excellence: http://www.tsfx.com.au/nsw/

Best wishes,

Mark Fenech

Year 12 Boarding News. Week 4, Term 2, 2011

Dear Year 12 parents,

This is a busy part of the term for Year 12 with many assessments on at the moment. Some still managed to squeeze in a viewing of State of Origin last night and this was enjoyed (especially by the Maroon supporters!).

The musical, ‘Joseph’, has been a huge success and we have a large number of boys attending the production this evening. Well done to the following Year 12s involved as they have given enormous energy and commitment to this big undertaking: Luke Amasi, Hamish Mathers, Julian Herrera, Tim Hill, James Liang, Max Ford, Duen Siauw, Kristian Lojszczyk and Harry Coppen. They have either been on stage performing, working behind the scenes or providing the musical accompaniment.

Last Friday Joe Carey and George Atkin competed in the semi final of the Fed Cup debating competition at Barker and were victorious. We wish them well for the Grand final next week.

At our year meeting on Wednesday, Mrs Charters gave the boys information about the Careers Expo in the Hall next Tuesday from 6.30pm. She outlined the organisations that are coming and what courses they can offer. All of Year 12 will visit the expo and you are all very welcome to attend with your sons. Lorna will speak about this on Saturday night at the Information Evening. Mrs Di Stewart also spoke to the boys at the meeting and asked for volunteers for this year’s Marist Children’s Camp in early December. Although the boys will have left school and may have other plans for this time, the camp really relies on the experience of the Year 12s for its success. (see below for more information about registering for the Marist Sony Children’s Holiday Camp.)

At the meeting I was happy to highlight the number of Year 12s who volunteer to coach sporting teams and/or referee on Saturdays. Often these are boys who are also playing their own match during the day. This sort of contribution is tremendous.

Tomorrow we have school photos and the boys know that they must present themselves well for this. The outside group, Advanced Photography, are experienced school photographers and can be contacted on 1300 728 972 if you have any queries about orders etc.

I look forward to seeing many of you over the weekend at sport, the Information Evening which begins at 6.30pm in the Br Michael Theatre and at the Parent Teacher interviews on Sunday. On Saturday night, there is also the Year 11 Information Evening and the Year 7 dinner, so parking will be tight. Please allow time for this as we are hoping to start on time. This morning Lisa Sweeney has sent a message about the social function that follows the information session. Thank you to all of those who have been able to support this.

All the best for now

Pat

Marist Sony Childrens’ Holiday Camp

For students who wish to apply for this year’s MSCHC, there are 3 steps you must follow:

1) Complete the online registration at  http://mschc .  This site is now open. Registrations close next Tuesday, May 31  

2) Attend the MSCHC 2011 Information Night: 7pm next Wednesday, June 1 in Br Michael Naughtin Theatre. 

    Attendance is mandatory if you wish to apply to be part of the MSCHC 2011 team.

3) Complete the online application. Details of how to complete this process will be given to you during the Information Night.

Best wishes,

Mrs Diane Stewart

Year 12 Academic News. Week 4, Term 2, 2011

Dear Parents and Carers,

I have spoken to our senior students about the importance of attending all classes. Each week there are a few boys who take the easy option to cut classes. I will be clamping down on this practice and offenders will be spending their free Sunday on detention at the College. In some cases, students may be penalised assessment marks if I can see that they have gained advantage by absenting themselves from a particular lesson.

On Tuesday evening I met with Mr Reading and Mr Rodgers and Year 12 applicants who had been short listed for GAP positions in the UK in 2012. I was a wonderful reminder to the three of us of the exceptional quality that we have in our young men at Joeys. These applicants go about their business in quiet and modest ways making the most of their talents and opportunities and generously serving others in our school community. I must admit that I sometime lose sight of these outstanding students in the daily bustle of chasing the few rascals that we have amongst us.

Parent Information Evening

This meeting is scheduled for 6.30PM on Saturday night May 28th, in the Br Michael Naughtin Theatre. The meeting will be addressed by Mr Pat Rodgers, Year 12 Boarding Coordinator, myself as Academic Co-ordinator and Mrs Lorna Charters, Careers Adviser. Pat will brief parents on the busy Term 3 calendar for Year 12 students as well as boarding procedures for the HSC examination period in October/November. I will outline some of the teaching and learning strategies being employed in Year 12 classes at the moment. I will also discuss the ATAR and how it is calculated and academic procedures for the HSC exam period, including Illness and Misadventure Appeals during those exams. Mrs Charters will present information on our own Careers Fair as well as opportunities for scholarships, cadetships, apprenticships and university entry.

Parent, Student and Teacher Interviews.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Mark Williams and Mrs Susan Wakeley for their organisation of the Parent, Student and Teacher Interview appointments for this Sunday, 29th May. Interviews will be held in the College Resources Centre and Year 10 classroom block commencing at 9:00AM. In order for the day to run smoothly, I ask that families keep to their appointment times and arrange for a follow-up telephone conversation should they need more time with a teacher. Please note that Year 12 students must attend these meeting with their parents if an appointment has been scheduled and they should be dressed in their Blues. Teachers may exercise their perogative not to conduct the interview if a student is not present for their interview.

1st Place in Courses at the Half Yearly Report

Congratulations to the following Year 12 students who received certificates last week to acknowledge their 1st place in courses at the Half Yearly Report. Placing 1st is difficult by any measure and these students should be very proud of their excellent efforts.

Current topics being taught in Year 12 at the moment.

Here is a snapshot of what our boys are doing in their classes at the present time:

In Business Studies, students are studying ‘Global Business’ and are preparing for an ATB next Thursday at 8.00a.m. Japanese Continuers are speeding through the course and are about to start their second last topic:  ‘Future Plans’ while Japanese Extension students are tying up their study of the Miyazaki film, Spirited Away looking at the last section of the movie. Standard English classes are preparing for Module C, Texts and Society – Elective 2, ‘Into the World’ next week and will read the play Educating Rita. Advanced English students commence Module C, ‘Representation and Text’, Elective 2: History and Memory, reading The Fiftieth Gate.Extension 1 English classes are on to Module B – ‘Texts and Ways of Thinking,’ Elective 3: ‘Navigating the Global’ by studying Lost in Translation. Extension 2 English students continue to work on the draft version of their Major Work and Reflection Statement. The Fundamentals class is currently working on “Film-making 101” by revising a range of key film techniques to help them in their study of Witness for Standard English. The year 12 Biology students are currently studying the defence mechanisms of the human body to pathogens and the body’s response to infection. PDHPE students are currently doing studying the topic ‘Improving Performance’. Their assessment task Analysing How Elite Athletes Improve Performance is due on Thursday. In Music 1, the class is studying rock music. They are looking at the musical as well as some of the historical developments of rock which have shaped early as well as contemporary styles. Towards the end of this term, students will then complete their next elective assessment task. In French Continuers the focus is on French speaking practice on their ‘Personal World’ and the study of the environment in French. In Ancient History, students are looking at images of Cleopatra and the enduring question of whether she was beautiful. Year 12 Industrial Technology Metal students have submitted folios for review and have completed 50% of their Major Projects…… more next week!

I look forward to seeing some of you on the weekend.

Mark Fenech

Year 12 Careers News. Week 4, Term 2, 2011.

Parents are encouraged to attend the St Joseph’s College Careers Expo on the evening of Tuesday 31 May 2011 from 6.30 – 8.00 pm. Twelve universities, TAFE, the defence force and a range of private colleges will be in attendance. Detailed information is available on the Careers Blog.

‘White Card’ Construction Ticket

There is an opportunity to complete the White Card/OHS Construction Induction course here at school on the evening of Monday 30^th May (3.30 pm – 8.30 pm). there cost of $140 will be charged to students’ accounts. Registration closed at 4.00 pm today.

Mrs Charters

Year 12 Boarding News. Week 3, Term 2, 2011

Dear Year 12 parents/ carers,

Today at Assembly we had a large number of Year 12 students on stage for study effort and Academic Achievement and Excellence awards. These were from the term one exams and recognised the very good performances of boys at that time. This is one encouraging aspect among quite a few at the moment. It has been pleasing to see the overall effort being made with assessments, sport, the musical and aiding younger boys in Maths just to name a few. There is a willingness by many to contribute and to make the most of their opportunities here. I think a lot of the year group have realised how little time there is left if they wish to succeed. There are many careers appointments with Lorna Charters being made and just yesterday 15 Year 12s attended a cadetship presentation from several top accounting firms at Darling Harbour.

The following is from Sharon Taylor who heads up the Friends of Joeys Music:

Dear parents,

Joeys’ amazing production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” begins on Tuesday with a matinee performance, and evening performances all week at 7.30pm. If you have not already purchased tickets there is still time to do so via the College website or by contacting the Music Centre directly(98160875). Our talented musicians and actors(and girls from sister Schools as well as a wonderful young chorus from Villa Maria) have been rehearsing for many months now and would love to see a full-house every night enjoying this fabulous Show!!

Hope to see you there,

Friends of Joeys Music.

The school photos day is next Friday 27^th May. All Year 12s will have an individual photo taken. Order forms for this were sent with the reports. They can be sent straight to Advanced Life Photography or sent to me at school. There will also be an aerial photo of the whole year group. Order forms for this were sent out in the mail to all full boarders and handed to all other students to bring home. Again these can be sent back to Advanced Life or me. There will also be a photo of “the originals”, that is the boys who started from the first day in Year 7 2006. This will be published in the College magazine. All boys must have a clean set of blues and well groomed hair for this. Your help with this would be greatly appreciated.

We have the Year 12 Parent Information Evening from 6.30-7.30pm on Saturday 28^th May. This will be in the Br Michael Theatre. Boys do not attend this. This is followed by the social function at the Hunters Hill Club which is proving popular. Lisa Sweeney will be asking those who have replied if they intend to have a meal there as the Club needs to know numbers. Please help by RSVPing to her and providing this information. The next day is the parent teacher interview Sunday and your schedule for that should be communicated very soon.

Finally a reminder that boys returning from leave on Sunday must be back by 8pm so that they are ready for Mass at 8.15pm.

Until next week

Pat

Year 12 Academic News. Week 3, Term 2, 2011

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

While this was ‘another normal week of the HSC grind’ for our Year 12 men, there are a few matters that I can bring to your attention:

Academic Ecellence Awards:

The students listed below received these important certificates at Assembly today to acknowledge their consistently outstanding academic performances in the Year 12 Half Yearly Exams. The criteria for Academic Excellence Awards reads as follows –

To qualify for a HSC Academic Excellence Certificate in Year 12, a student must achieve a course ranking of 5 or less in four or more Board-Developed courses in their Mid-Course HSC Course Academic Report or their Trial HSC Course Academic Report.

Luke Amasi

George Atkin

Callum Barry

Joseph Carey

Peter Distapan

Dominic Egan

Angus Le Lievre

Scott Leung

Yingdong Liang

Bradley McIntyre

John O’Connell

Christopher White

Teaching Staff in Year 12

Many parents would already be aware that our Director of Mission, Mrs Helen Smith, has been on leave following a bad fall after Easter. Mrs Smith is making a good and steady recovery and has been in constant contact with her students and with myself via email to ensure that her classes continue to work through their HSC course content. Mrs Sue Tracey has taken over Mrs Smith’s Studies of Religion 2U class in Year 12 during the absence of Mrs Smith. We are very fortunate to have an experienced teacher of this course in Mrs Tracey to take over the reigns and I sincerely thank her for picking up this extra work. In addition, Mrs Anna Nasr has been on leave and is recovering at home after a planned stay in hospital. Her Year 12 classes have very ably been managed by Mrs Irma Bortolotti who taught in our Religious Education Department in 2010. Again, we are very fortunate to have an experienced teacher to keep Year 12 on track, and we thank her also. Both Mrs Smith and Mrs Nasr have indicated to me that they intend to be present at Parent/Teacher Interviews on Sunday 29th of May. I’m sure that everyone will agree that this is an impressive gesture on the part of these two very dedicated teachers.

That’s all from the classroom trenches this week. I look forward to seeing many of you at our Parent Information Night and Parent/Teacher Interviews next weekend.

Best wishes,

Mark Fenech

Year 12 Boarding News: Week 2, Term 2, 2011.

Dear Year 12 parents/carers,

The cold snap has caught us all by surprise but it hasn’t meant a slowing down of events here in the past week. Just to give some idea of Year 12 matters:

• On Wednesday evening all Studies of Religion students had a presentation from a guest speaker about topics being covered in their courses.
• Today in Assembly, Kurtley Beale was a special guest. He presented the school his Waratahs cap for his 50 NSW appearances and his first Wallaby cap. The boys appreciated the great generosity and the reason why this was done as Kurtley wished to show his gratitude for the opportunities that Joeys had presented him with. Additionally, Mr Guy and Mrs Jenny Reynolds from Macquarie Sports were thanked for the enormous contribution that they had made to Joeys over many years. Any of your sons who have a fleece, a ball, boot bag or any other bit of sporting gear while they have been here, probably have Mr Reynolds to thank. In addition, he has provided playing and training uniforms, clinics and special coaches and speakers on a regular basis. The boys recognised all of this with a tremendous ovation today.
• The Year 12 jersey orders have been put in this week. When they arrive, the boys will need to pay cash or cheque for them. This will be at the end of this term or early in term 3 and I will inform you of the cost.
• Winter sports began very well last week. Quite a few teams played opposition that were more highly graded and the competitiveness of the Joeys’ teams was outstanding. The leadership shown by Year 12s in these games was excellent. This is a trial period where there are many changes to teams each week especially in opens rugby. The boys have been told to be patient while this is happening and to continue to work hard.
• Mrs Lorna Charters spoke to the Year 12s at some length about the various matters that they need to attend to during the next two terms. She will be speaking to Year 12 parents at the Information Evening on Saturday May 28^th.  Mark Fenech and I will also be presenting some important information then. For those unable to attend we will be able to send this information to you but I encourage you to be there if possible in order to fully appreciate what is happening in the year group.

I have sent requests for help at the grandstand canteen earlier this week. Please support this if you can by emailing Maree Jones. Also the invitation to the Year 12 social event following the Information Evening was emailed to you again this week. There has been a very good response to this and I urge you to RSVP to Lisa Sweeney so this can be well organised.

On Saturday all boys are required at Kings in the afternoon. They may leave from there or back at school. If there any more overnight requests, could they be sent today please? Return time is by 8pm on Sunday as Mass is at 8.15pm in the Chapel. Parents are always very welcome to this.

I hope that you enjoy some pictures below of our Year 12 students engaging is a variety of activities. We have included them as a practical reminder of the diversity of life as a senior student at Joeys. It is truly a very full life.

Until next week

Pat Rodgers

Year 12 Academic News: Week 2, Term 2, 2011.

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that all the mums enjoyed a day of pampering last Sunday. If it was anything like ours, we had a sumptuous lunch, relaxing drinks and fattening desserts…and then went home to get the ironing done in time to return to the dorms!

Assessment Calendar for Term 2.

You would have received a Term 2 academic calendar with the Half Yearly Reports. I distributed another copy to all Year 12 students on Wednesday at our Form Meeting. For your convenience, I include it in this week’s blog, below.

Illness and Misadventure during Assessments.

I am continually reminding students of the procedures for gaining an extension on if illness or misadventure interrupts a student’s performance for an Assessment Task. They should not assume that additional time will be granted and it is crucial that they see me as soon as possible with a doctor’s certificate explaining their particular circumstances.

I also encourage parents and carers not to allow studnets to fall in with “monday-itis” as a way of getting assessment work completed. This is very unfair on other students, particularly country boarders who can’t do the same. It also interrupts important classwork that is needed to complete the HSC course of study. Abscences from school during assessment periods will also require a doctor’s certificate.

Study Effort Awards for Term 1.

At the Headmaster’s Assembly next Thursday (19th May), the following students will be presented with Study Effort Awards for their work in Term 1. These awards are voted upon by teachers who nominate three students in their classes. Study Effort Awards are not about gaining high marks but making consistently strong efforts in classwork and homework, positive attitudes to learning and perseverence. It is great to see some students receiving these awards for the first time as they are accessible to every student regardless of their academic ability. Parents may wish to attend the assembly on Thursday at 9:50am if they wish to see these Awards presented on stage.

Award winners for Term 1 are:

1. AMASI, Luke
2. BARRY, Callum
3. BAYFIELD, Nicholas
4. DISTAPAN, Peter
5. EGAN, Dominic
6. FARRELL, Gregory
7. FEENEY, Patrick
8. GALEA, Eden
9.  KARIKIOS, Jack
10.  KLARICA, Joshua
11.  LANE, Sam
12.  LAWLER, Lachlan
13.  LIANG, Yingdong (James)
14.  McALLAN, Stuart
15.  McINTYRE, Bradley
16.  MOSER, Phillip
17.  O’CONNELL, John
18.  PARKER, Joshua
19.  PIPOLO, Julian
20.  RODEN, Daniel
21.  SIAUW, Duen
22.  TALBOT, Joel
23.  YUN, Benjamin

Congratulations to these students.

Best wishes,

Mark Fenech

Year 12 Careers News, Week 2, Term 2, 2011.

This is a very busy term for Careers News. Students are parents need to keep a close eye on these blog entries.

Careers Expo for Year 11 and 12 students.

Date: The St Joseph’s College Career Expo is on Tuesday 31 May.

Time: 6.30 to 8.00 p.m.

Purpose: This is an opportunity for students and parents to speak directly with a range of universities, TAFE, colleges and apprenticeship organisations and to collect information from them.

Parents: This is the Tuesday after the Year 11 and 12 Parent-Teacher interview weekend. Parents are encouraged to join their sons at this event. Siblings who are interested in gathering career information are welcome.

Below is a list of organisations attending.

Defence Force GAP Applications:

The Defence Force GAP year program opens tomorrow on Saturday 14^th May

There are only two weeks in which to apply. Applications close on the 29th May.

This one year in the military is very well paid and there are many applicants for each place.

Students should email me if you are interested and I’ll arrange a time to go over your application and prepare for the interviews etc. Over the weekend look at http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/gapyear/

Regards,

Lorna Charters

Year 12 Boarding News: Week 1, Term 2, 2011

Dear Year 12 Parents/Carers,

I hope that you had a relaxing Easter and a holiday break with your families. It was pleasing that so many Year 12s gave of their time in the holidays: the European football tour, the Bougainville immersion trip, the musical rehearsals, the cross country training and the Coffs Harbour Rugby camp all included boys from this year group who contributed so willingly. Reports from all of these activities have been very positive.

The boys have begun the term well overall. From a boarding perspective we welcome Mr David O’Malley to the Year 12 staff. David is an old boy who is training to be a teacher and he will be able to assist Economics and Business Studies students in particular. We have had the volleyball court resurfaced and the dorms have had a thorough clean in the holidays.

Winter sports have started and a reminder that of the compulsory attendance at 1^st XV rugby games starting this Saturday at Scots. The debaters continue the ISDA and Fed. Cup competitions this Friday, while those involved in Joseph, the musical have a big rehearsal on Friday evening also.

You would have received order forms for the boys’ photos in the mail with their reports. For Year 12 there is just an individual photo to order. A whole year group shot will be taken and order forms for it are being sent in the mail to full boarders today. All other Year 12 boys will be given an order form to take home for this weekend.

The main events for Year 12 this term are the Parent Information Evening on Saturday May 28^th at 6.30pm in the Br Michael Theatre. This is followed by the Year 12 social function at the Hunters Hill Club. This invitation was sent last term and I will be resending it. I would encourage as many as possible to attend on this evening. The following day the parent teacher interviews are being held.

I wish all of the mums a very happy day on Sunday. Return time for Sunday night is by 9pm as a result.

All the best until next week

Pat

Vincent Musolino at Wembley Stadium, London, holding the FA Cup

Year 12 Academic News: Week 1, Term 2, 2011

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is only Thursday of the first week back from holidays and it seems like we were never way; such is the life of a Year 12 student. I hope that you were able to spend some quality time with your boys over Easter and that it gave you an opportunity to discuss their report and academic progress. I mentioned to the Form on Wednesday at our weekly meeting that it was great to see the improved marks and encouraging comments on many of the reports as they came off the printer. This was reinforced this week when one student came to my office to discuss an estimated ATAR; the look on his face was one of happy surprise as the estimation exceeded his previous plans. However, not so the case for just as many students. The Half Yearly Report served as a rude wake up call for some that downing tools on the weekends comes at a cost. Whatever the situation, the Half Yearly Report provides all Year 12 students with a very timely opportunity to re-assess their commitment to study, the quality of their exam preparation and the realism of their own expectations relative to their ability and application.

Term 2 Study: Beware of Complacency

 Term 2 can be fraught with difficulties for Yr 12 students in terms of their academic progress and study program. The fact that the next formal examinations are the Trial HSC exams in August may cause some students to think that they can ease of their studies. Add to this the excitement of Winter Sports, the increasing regularlity of 18th birthdays and the challenge to stay on track becomes difficult. All subjects have assessment tasks this term, mostly in the form of written assignments, in-class tests, practical exams and performances or speaches. I will include a Term 2 Assessment Schedule in next week’s Blog to keep parents and carers informed of the nature, marks value and dates of HSC assessment tasks for Term 2. In the meantime, students and parents can still refer to the HSC Assessment Booklet that was issued at the start of the HSC course back in Term 4, 2010.

I advise parents and carers to keep a tight reign on the weekend activities of their sons during this term. A string of late Saturday nights and Sunday morning sleep-ins won’t add up to respectable grades.

I have encouraged all Year 12 students to heed the following advice with regards to working on Assessment Tasks during Term 2:

• List all assessment task dates on your wall calendar. Keep these in sight to avoid losing track of time.
• Start the assignment as soon as you get it – even in the smallest way – by making a title page, collecting resources, complining a bibliography’ sketching out a contents draft or a mind-map. Hours searching the internet doesn’t really count in terms of a productive start.
• Keep the assignment outline and marking guidlines on your notice board so they are easy to refer to.
• Plan to finish the task before the due date. This will allow some time to read over the work in order to make any final adjustments.
• Organise any special equipment that you need for the task well in advance.
• For class tests, complete as many practice papers as you can under the same conditions as you will have for the actual test. Run these practice papers past your teacher for advice.
• Give it your very best shot. It will probably be the last time you will do an assignment for that subject.

Board of Studies Notices

On Wednesday, I was able to hand each student a letter from the Board of Studies that listed their HSC PIN details. I asked boys to immediately put this number into their mobile phones and I have advised them to “get mum to write it down somewhere!” The boys also kept the hard copy of the letter. This PIN, together with their HSC student number will allow students to access their HSC Exam Timetable and their results via the Students On-Line site at the Board of Studies.

I also distributed a notice from the Board about Assessment rules and procedures, particularly relating to plagarism.

Parent, Student, Teacher Interviews (Sunday May 29th)

Parents and Carers that live outside of the Sydney Metropolitan Area now have access to Parent Teacher Student Interview appointments through the College Website. Metropolitan residents will be able to make their appointments on-line in the same way from Wednesday 11th May. These interviews provide an opportunity for all parties to follow up on the Half Yearly report marks and grades. As interviews are only very brief in duration, I encourage these discussions to be frank but constructive. Should parents wish to continue with the discussion, then a telephone appointment or alternative meeting time should be made so that appointments can run on time. It presents as a formal opportunity for parents and students to thank Year 12 teachers in person for their work.

I take this opportunity to wish all our Year 12 mothers  an enjoyable Mothers Day this Sunday.

Regards,

Mark Fenech

Year 12 Careers News: Week 1, Term 2, 2011

Law:

UNSW Law School Parent & Student Information Evening – Thursday 12 May

Once again, UNSW Law School is inviting Year 11 and 12 students, their parents and careers advisors to a night of information and insights into what studying law is really like.

When: Thursday 12 May 2011, 6-8pm
Where: The Law Building, UNSW Kensington Campus

Places are limited and registration is essential at www.law.unsw.edu.au.

Medicine UMAT

The Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Test (UMAT) is a requirement for undergraduate admission to medicine at most universities.

Admission to university medicine courses generally requires a minimum UAI of 95, UMAT and also involves an interview process.

Important dates:
Registration for UMAT is now open and closes Friday 3rd June 2011. The UMAT test is only offered once each year – in 2011 it will be held on Wednesday 27th July.

• Information on the UMAT test http://umatweb.acer.edu.au/

• University courses requiring a UMAT test
http://umat.acer.edu.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=9&Itemid=39

• UMAT practice questions are available on the UMAT website at:
http://umat.acer.edu.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=3&Itemid=3
             
• UMAT coaching information:
http://umat.acer.edu.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108&Itemid=9
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/189_05_010908/gri10324_fm.html
St Joseph’s College cannot recommend coaching organizations but examples are:
MedEntry http://www.medentry.edu.au/ 
Face 2 Face http://www.f2fumat.com.au/?gclid=CMfhstus5p8CFc4vpAodWz6vGQ
Icarus http://umed.edu.au/icarus.html

 Mrs Lorna Charters, Careers Adviser

Year 12 Boarding News. Week 9, Term 1, 2011

Dear Year 12 parents /carers,

With exams finished, the boys have experienced some rare time when they haven’t been as busy. The Reflection Day yesterday which was well received by them was followed with some touch footy , soccer and tennis at the park last night. Today the boys have been back in class and they are receiving results from exams-some are pleasantly surprised, some disappointed and some have received what they expected!

At Assembly this morning, the rowers were presented on stage and wished all the best for the weekend. John Reading told the story of an incredible Joeys Old Boy, Joe Fazio, whose wife Di works here as a Maths support teacher. Joe lost his father when he was only 9. He was sent to Joeys from Taree in 1955 and became a top class rower and 1^st XV player. However during his time at Hunters Hill he was involved in an accident at cadet camp which saw him badly injured and his close friend lose his life. When he left school he rowed for clubs and NSW before winning a silver medal at the Mexico Olympics. Joe was also a successful businessman and in the 1990s volunteered to coach rowing at Joeys. Tragically, in his early 50s he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and this illness prevented him from being with us today. Di was honoured to present the rowing singlets to the 1^st VIII on behalf of Joe and we were honoured to have her do so. This was one of the most inspiring assemblies that I have been to in the Hall. It is a story of overcoming adversity, determination and hard work that rang true for all of the boys and staff.

The details for the Head of the River on Saturday are that Year 12 have breakfast at 7am and leave from Mark Street at 7.30am. We will be back by 2pm. The rally begins at 4.30pm and those with overnights, weekly boarders and dayboys may leave after this (about 5.30pm). The Year 12s led a cheering practice at the end of Assembly today and this was very well done. I am sure the support on the banks will be as strong as ever on Saturday.

This weekend may be an opportunity for the boys to get some gear out of their rooms. These rooms need to be totally cleared out. There is some storage for full boarders over the holidays. Boys may leave from 5pm next Thursday after their room has been checked. Those travelling on Countrylink buses will depart on Friday morning.

 When the boys return on Sunday night there will be Mass again at 8.15pm. Some boys were late for this last weekend and so your help with a return by 8pm is appreciated. Also we are hoping to boost our Lenten collections on Sunday night or Monday morning when the boys check in and any prompting with this would be appreciated.

Many boys have received their flu vaccination in the last few days. If this hasn’t been done at the school, I would encourage a visit to your local GP as contracting this can be very disruptive to a Year 12 boy and not very pleasant.

We congratulate those Year 12s who have been selected in Combined GPS teams at the end of the summer season: Angus Le Lievre who was vice captain of the GPS cricket team that won the NSW Schoolboys tournament; Hugh Sterndale Smith who was selected in the GPS tennis team that played yesterday and Declan Carroll who was chosen in the Combined GPS 2nds for basketball. I will list other boys as they come to light who have earned such honours. This week has seen the commencement of winter sport and the boys have keenly participated in this.

All the best

Pat

Year 12 Academic News. Week 9, Term 1, 2011

Dear Parents and Carers,

Year 12 students are now back in their classes where they have been de-briefing their Half Yearly Exams. By mid next week they should receive their corrected papers from their teachers. It is important to keep these scripts as the corrections and comments will be useful when preparing for the Trial HSC exams in August. They give the student an opportunity to look at their answers without the pressure of the exam clock and reading these responses with fresh-eyes can be enlightening. Similarly, marking criteria that accompany these scripts help to make clear to the student the sometimes subtle differences in quality between Performance Bands. Exam papers are mostly unseen by parents but they make very interesting reading if your son is willing to share them with you. Students will be protective of their work and parents should be sensitive to their feelings in this regard.

Year 12 Examinations

I wish to thank everyone who assisted in the very smooth running of the Year 12 Half Yearly Exams. Thanks to Mrs Susan Wakeley, Mrs Julie Burke and the Learning Support Staff for managing students with special needs. I have greatly appreciated the work of all Year 12 teachers and support staff in assisting with the good management of these exams and the additional assistance offered to our senior students during their exam period. The following parent volunteers have been extraordinary in their assistance over the past few weeks of exams: Mrs Chris Aldridge, Mr Alan Bolster, Mrs Jenny Bolster, Mrs Olivia Campbell, Mrs Jenny Coorey, Mrs Belinda Dowsett, Mrs Lisa Gould, Mrs Suzanne Nash, Mrs Jane O’Brien, Mrs Cathy Pedley, Mrs Rose Simpson, Mrs Louise Thompson and Ms Donna Warfield. I thank them most sincerely on behalf of our Year 12 men.

Year 12 at their Reflection Day

Year 12 Reflection Day

Pat Rodgers has already mentioned the Yr 12 Reflection Day that was held on Wednesday. It was a wonderful opportunity to follow up on the thinking and feeling that our young men experienced on their Senior Retreat before Christmas. It was also a well timed chance to mentally and spiritually wind down after two heavy weeks of exams pressure. I would like to thank Mrs Helen Smith, Director of Mission, for the very detailed work and care that she puts into the spiritual welfare of our Year 12 men. Mrs Smith is greatly experienced and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to providing meaningful, reflective and enriching experiences for our students. Take a moment to consider how difficult and sometimes how delicate it can be working with young men in such a transitional period of their lives and the sensitivity required to read in young men that balance between motivation, reassurance, doubt and the raw nerve of emotion… then times that by 155! In thanking Mrs Smith, I also acknowledge the support and professionalism of our Staff that also assisted at the Year 12 Reflection Day, despite mountains of work back at school that they put on hold for the day. Thanks to : Mrs Stella Holmes, Mrs Margaret Borger, Mrs Sue Xouris, Br Tony Glassick, Fr Andrew Nee, Mr Pat Rodgers, Miss Cassandra Aitkin, Mr Ralis Vane-Tempest, Ms Martine Valentine, Mrs Tonia Steller, Mr Lee MacMaster and Mr Mark Hegarty. The following is Mrs Smith’s report on the day.

On Wednesday 30 March Year 12 students were able to take off their ties and leave the exams behind as they shared a day with Br Tony Leon as a follow-up to their Retreat in October last year. Br Tony focused on the theme of ‘Hope’ encouraging the boys that at this half-way point in their journey towards the HSC that they don’t give in, and that they continue to ‘Strive for Better Things’ in all they do.

Br Tony used extensive examples of people who had endured great disappointment and ‘failure’ on the way to achieving their dreams including Abraham Lincoln, Walt Disney and even St Marcellin Champagnat who had many challenges in completing his study for the priesthood.

A particularly poignant and inspirational story shared towards the end of the day was that of Tanzanian runner John Ahkwari who was the last to finish the marathon in the 1968 Mexico Olympics. He came in about an hour and a half after the winner, practically carrying his leg, as it was so bloodied and bandaged.  When asked, “Why did you keep going?” He said, “You don’t understand. My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start a race; they sent me to finish it.” Br Tony used this example to remind the boys that their families, often at great personal cost, have sent them to Joeys to ‘finish the race’.

If you would like to watch a short video of this event go to: http://speedendurance.com/2007/07/15/how-to-finish-a-marathon-1968-olympics-in-mexico-city/

The boys are to be congratulated on the wonderful spirit with which they entered into the day. It was a privilege to share with them and witness their ability to engage in the fun, the reflection and also to see their respect for each other during the time of the concluding healing liturgy.

We hope that the central thought of the day stays with them long after they take off the Cerise and Blue for the final time:

Sow a thought and you reap an action;

sow an act and you reap a habit;

sow a habit and you reap a character;

sow a character and you reap a destiny.

Deep in reflection

2011 HSC PIN ready for students

Our Director of Teaching and Learning, and Acting Deputy Headmaster, Mr Lee MacMaster, forwarded the information below to me from the Board of Studies this week . The information follows up a point I made in our Blog a few weeks ago about HSC PIN details. The Board of Studies website provides the following:

In the first week of April, 2011 HSC students around the state will begin receiving their four digit HSC Personal Identification Number (HSC PIN) on a handy card from the Board of Studies.

HSC students need their HSC PIN and their eight digit Student Number to log in to Students Online and also to retrieve their results online or by SMS on 14 December.

Students Online (studentsonline.bos.nsw.edu.au) is a website designed specifically for HSC students, with information, tips and tools to assist them in their study throughout the year. Staff and parents and are also encouraged to visit the site to find useful information about exam preparation and frequently asked questions about the HSC.

There is also a personal account section called ‘ My Details’, which students log into with their HSC PIN and Student Number. ‘My Details’ is where they can check their personal HSC status including:

• enrolment and contact details
• personal HSC exam timetable (available 28 April)
• assessment ranks (available after the written exams)
• HSC results (December)

Students are also able to submit or update their email address to get HSC information and to help if they lose or forget their HSC PIN. They can also register now to receive their HSC results by SMS on 14 December.

The Board of Studies HSC PIN and Student Number are different to the UAC application number and UAC PIN. Visit the Universities Admissions Centre for more information.

This will be our final blog entry for the term. Pat and I, along with Assistant Boarding Coordinator, Craig Attwater, wish you a safe and restful holiday with your sons and a Happy and Holy Easter.

Best wishes,

Mark Fenech

Year 12 Careers News. Week 9, Term 1, 2011

HSC Prep courses

The Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Sydney is running intensive HSC Preparation courses in a variety of subjects for Year 12 students who want to extend their studies and enhance performance in their HSC year.

The next series of courses commence between Tue 29 Mar 2011 and Mon 18 April 2011.

These HSC courses are designed to assist students in improving performance in all HSC assessment tasks and facilitate a deeper conceptual understanding of course content. Visit http://www.cce.usyd.edu.au/hsc to browse the range of courses online and register your booking.

The Centre also offers a free copy of Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide to students and their parents. Download your free copy here.

Centre for Continuing Education
THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
Level 1, Darling Building L03F, 160 Missenden Road | Newtown | NSW | 2042
T +61 2 9036 4789 | F +61 2 9036 4799
E cce.info@sydney.edu.au | W http://sydney.edu.au/cce