Ssssnakesssss Alive!

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IMG_7330Last Thursday the boys were treated to a wonderful reptile show for Science. The show was led by Ranger Mick from the Australian Reptile Park. For those who enjoy Australia’s Got Talent, this is the same Ranger Mick who had his alligator (Rosey) kiss Kyle Sandilands – the same alligator (which I suspect was just out of therapy after the Sandilands experience) joined Mick here at Joeys.

Ranger Mick had an incredible ability to tell the story of how reptiles have evolved in a captivating way. His personality added to the show and I doubt there would be any boys who didn’t enjoy the experience.

IMG_7433Ranger Mick brought with him a cane-toad (which he licked in order to prove that their skin was not poisonous), lizards, goannas, turtles and alligators – all of which the boys were able to hold at the end. He also brought along a funnel-web spider and shot down the myth that they could jump. How does a man like Ranger Mick shoot down such a myth? Well … put a cup containing the funnel-web up to his eye of course!

It goes without saying that the crowd favourites were the snakes. Unfortunately I was not able to stay for this part of the show due to prior commitments, however, the boys animation coming into lunch and talking about it later was a clear indication that they were great! The photos speak for themselves!

IMG_7416Ranger Mick has been coming to Joeys for over 10 years now and each year manages to keep the boys entertained while at the same time teaching them a huge amount about the history and biological characteristics of the reptiles in Australia. This show has always been a highlight of Year 7 … there is no doubt that this year has been no different!

Pictured in Photo 1: Ranger Mick with a cane toad.

Pictured in Photo 2: Harry Dodd (Tathra) holds Rosey the alligator.

Pictured in Photo 3: Tom Wright (Coogee) holds a snake.

Beatles Mania

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Ok … a confession … I wrote a big blurb for this post. I read over it and while everything that I wrote was true … when I read it I thought to myself “Why am I writing this … there is no need … it speaks for itself”.

So … I deleted what I wrote and wish to just leave you with the video. Below is Oliver Sumsky (Alexandria) from Year 7 performing “Let it Be” by the Beatles at last week’s assembly. I could talk about the fact that Oliver is a Year 7 boy. I could talk about the fact that he was performing in front of a school of 1000 boys. I could talk about the fact that you could hear a pin drop in the hall. I could talk about how outstanding the performance was … but I won’t.

I need say no more … just … enjoy!

Group 6 at Colo

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Written by the Colo Staff

7.6 pic 4The boys were pumped for the orienteering session and were keen to set the new 2010 record. There were many outstanding efforts during the session with 6 out of 11 groups getting the maximum score. The record of 42 minutes was equalled by the teams of Matt Curtin (Gordon) & Cameron Fazzari (Henley) and Ben McGinley (Clontarf) & Tom Flitcroft (Epping). It was an excellent effort.

The rain decided to come down on Tuesday and it was great to see this not deter the boys from going mountain bike riding. For many of them it was more fun as they competed to see who could have the dirtiest bike. The boys, especially Matt Curtin and Will O’ Leary (Elong Elong) tired hard to wear Mr Bryant out at they wanted to just keep on riding laps of the course. Colo staff love this enthusiasm as the boys wanted to make every minute of the mountain bike session last. 

7.6 pic2The high ropes were deemed as the most challenging activity on camp.  Everyone completed the route up to the ‘Flying Fox’ and whizzed down the cable with ease.  Ashley Ursino (Erina) and Dylan Grant (Abu Dhabi) showed unstoppable determination crossing the ‘Burma Bridge’ and hurtling down the flying fox.  They were both very proud of their efforts. 

The boys that went mountain bike riding during the afternoon session showed lots of enthusiasm and ability as they manoeuvred their bikes around the single tracks and across the obstacles at the bike skills park.  There were some hotly contested challenge races at the skills park between Cameron Fazzari, Eddy King (Mosman), Ben McGinley, Dylan Grant, Ben Ticehurst (Hunters Hill), Matt Curtin, Tom Flitcroft, and Daniel Alessi (Pymble). 

7.6 pic1The day of the bush-walk was magnificent; it was warm and sunny, which made conditions ideal for swimming in the Colo River en route to the campsite at Robyn’s Flat.  The trail to the camping ground provides many interesting sights such as the wetland environment at Gosper’s Lagoon, a large Sea-Eagle nest perched high in a tree top, rocky escarpment and caves, and a small grass tree forests.  Everyone walked well and reached their destination safely.  The campsite completion, which is awarded to the group that demonstrates the best skills in pitching tents, lighting the campsite fire, cooking dinner, sensible behaviour and packing up was won by Malcolm Campbell (Carlingford), Declan Kerr (Lane Cove North), Will O’Leary, Ashley Ursino and Dylan Grant.  Although only one group won the competition, all of the groups did remarkably well and showed that they are capable of safely meeting the challenges of camping in the outdoors.

The week ended in a furocious four way tug of war with no groups able to win the competition.  This concluded the week and demonstrated the incredible teamwork that the whole group possessed.  An excellent week of fun, learning and co-operation at Colo.  Well done everybody!!

Laughter: Best Medicine

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IMG_0921Last Tuesday all boys in Years 7, 8 and 9 were fortunate enough to see a production called “The Teenage Alchemist”. This production was performed by the education team from Camp Quality and was outstanding.

Camp Quality is the children’s cancer charity and while there was certainly many cancer references in the play, the messages within the production were invaluable for the boys as they move along their path of developing into young men. Issues such as resilience, positive thinking, self-image, fear, hope and courage were all addressed. The play encouraged the boys to make positive life choices and keep things in perspective.

IMG_0927The way the story of Joshua and Xanthe was told was quite unique. It was set in cyber-space through a chat room – the place where Joshua and Xanthe first met. While they also met in real life in the play, the majority of their interaction was across the Internet. This helped ensure that the focus was on what the characters were saying with little need for props.

The production was very funny at times while at other moments incredibly emotive. There is no doubt that the experience for the boys was a roller-coaster of emotions which all culminated in a positive message for them to take away.

The two actors then spent considerable time answering questions that many of the boys had. The questions were insightful and illustrated how much the boys had taken in and learned from the production. With one in two men in Australia being diagnosed with cancer before they turn 85, there is no doubt that the production was an excellent experience for the boys who we hope can take the positive messages from it.

IMG_0929The catch cry of Camp Quality is “Laughter is the Best Medicine”. This was particularly focused on at the end of the production and ensured that the boys left with a positive approach to life and dealing with the many challenges that it throws at us.

A huge thank you to the actors Rachel and Paul. They were approachable for the boys and did a magnificent job in passing on all the wonderful messages of the play to three different year groups in one morning. It was obvious from the boys focus throughout the production and interest during question time that they had got a huge amount from the experience.

‘A’ for Effort

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Each term, the College acknowledges a limited number of boys by awarding them with “Excellence in Effort” awards. These awards are presented by the headmaster and are one of the most prestigious awards that a Year 7 boy can achieve.

In order to receive one of these awards, a student must be nominated by three of his teachers. What makes it difficult, however, is that teachers are only allowed to nominate three boys from their class. Therefore, for a boy to be nominated by three of his teachers is an exceptional achievement.

What I love about these awards is that any boy in the form is able to achieve one of these awards. They are not based on progress or results but rather the attitude and effort of the boys. It is wonderful to see a wide range of boys being nominated each term.

Congratulations to the following boys who were awarded Excellence in Effort awards for Term 3:

Study Effort T3

On Thursday at the College’s Headmaster’s Assembly, Mr Tarlinton presented these boys with with their awards in front of the whole school and all the staff. This is obviously a special occasion and we congratulate each of the boys who received the award, with some of them being nominated by up to six teachers!

The video of the presentation at assembly is below.

Click here to see the Presentation

Leading Mass

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JackThis evening, our Year 7 boys who were staying in the night were rostered on to lead the weekly mass here at the College. This means that they do all the readings as well as the Offertory Procession and handing out of mass booklets.

This is an excellent experience for the boys and also a real confidence builder. It is certainly hoped that their experiences in contributing to masses is something that they can take back into their home parishes both during the holidays and when they leave school.

This evening’s mass was an important celebration for us as we prepare for the Canonisation of Mary MacKillop. There is no doubt that Mary MacKillop (who will become known as Saint Mary of the Cross after Sunday) will always be important to us as Australia’s first Saint. For boys at Joeys, a school with so many from country areas of Australia, Mary MacKillop’s determination to educate children in rural areas makes this celebration all the more important for us.

Mary MacKillopWith Fr Andrew being in Rome for the Canonisation, we were fortunate for Fr Bob Barber to preside over mass this evening. In his homily it was very fitting that Fr Bob highlighted to the boys that Mary MacKillop presents as an excellent role model for us. In particular, he highlighted two of her strong attributes. Firstly her courage as she fought strong opposition throughout her time (which included excommunication from the Church at one stage) and secondly, her absolute trust in God. Both these traits, Fr Bob explained, were important for us all to develop.

We thank Fr Bob for joining us in this important celebration and congratulate the Year 7 boys who read and contributed to the mass so well this evening.

Pictured: Jack Biddle (Armidale) and Bayley O’Donnell (Hong Kong)

A Little Can Be A Lot

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HarryLast term, the English department ran a competition during Literacy Week for all boys in Year 7, 8, 9 and 10. They needed to complete a 50 word short story and they had to use the stimulus word “Cerise” as part of it.

Although short, this is far from easy and boys need to be able to write succinctly while showing a good use of the English language and grabbing the reader’s interest.

These stories were judged by Mr Lee MacMaster (Year 7 boarding staff member & the Director of Teaching and Learning) with a first, second and third place being awarded. On Thursday, our Head of English, Mr Matthew Bentley, joined us at our Division Meeting to present the three place-getters with a certificate and prize.

In third place was Jack Renshaw (Northbridge). His story which is below was entitled “William’s Amazing Fight”.

William the Knight embarked on his journey to the lands of the dreaded Klashkalar and arrived there in two days. When he arrived the Klashkalar was waiting for him. William fought to the death with his enchanted cerise sword against the fire breathing monster. He was eventually victorious against the beast.

Lachlan Boyle (Longueville) was awarded second place with his short story entitled “Imagine”.

Imagination is something people underestimate.
It’s something one can not abbreviate.
Imagine cerise toadstools decided to awaken,
And attack and destroy all the bacon.
But the bacon awoke, and in one single stroke,
The toadstools flew away.
But the toadstools returned
And with all glory earned
They fought to victory

And a big congratulations to our Year 7 winner, Harrison Fricot (Glebe) who wrote a wonderful short story entitled “The Coming of the Mediator”.

During the final days on Earth, cerise light glowed through the dying air of the atmosphere. Earth’s clock was ticking. The Redeemer came. For he would be the salvation for humanity. He was a flood of light and evil washed off the Earth and into the void.

Well done to all the boys who contributed stories for this competition. They certainly have shown an enthusiasm towards their writing and without any doubt – plenty of talent!

Pictured: Harrison Fricot (Glebe)

Back for One More

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LawrenceWell, we are off on running on the final leg of the year for what will be a great term I am sure. There is no doubt … it is a busy one, however with the weather warming up it is sure to be a great one!

It was wonderful to see all the boys back together this morning – you can probably imagine the noise levels in the dorms as the boys shared stories about what they had got up to over the holiday period. There was much excitement and it is always pleasing to see the boys enjoy each others company so much.

We did have a short Division Meeting to start the term off during which both Peter and I explained to the boys the importance of them working hard towards their end of year exams which are not too far away at all.

I also spoke briefly to the boys about how I would love for this term to be one of positive attitude (and that’s not to say that previous terms have not been). We can, however, during times of high stress (such as exam preparations and assignment deadlines), sometimes think that we have things tough. We are all so lucky and I am keen that during this term that when the boys face hurdles they are able to keep these challenges in perspective and see the big picture.

This is reflected in this weeks quote and something that I will be elaborating on more with the boys over the first two weeks of the term.

In the meantime … let’s get stuck into it!!!

Pictured in Photo: Lawrence Lo (Artarmon)

The Musical Change

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During Term 3 the boys in the “Young Guitar Ensemble” (named after Neil Young rather than being based on the boys’ age) were invited to play in front of the whole school at the College Assembly. Although this may have sent shocks of anxiety into the boys, it was certainly a wonderful opportunity for them.

The boys played “My Girl” made famous by the Temptations in 1965 when it became a number one hit.

I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is the best ensemble performance I have seen by a group of Year 7s at an assembly in my time at Joeys. When you watch the video below, you will notice how in-tune the boys are and most importantly, how in-time they are with each other … not something that is easy to achieve with so many boys playing the guitar at once.

Apologies if it is a little slow to load, however, I really wanted both this video and the one below to be in the same blog post … I’ll explain the second video after you watch this one. Enjoy!

Click here to view the Year 7 ensemble!

Ok … now that was good … well done to all the boys in the Young Guitar Ensemble!

Now … it is hard at this time of year not to reflect on the journey of the Year 12 boys as they graduate from the College. For Year 7 parents, it is more about looking forward rather than reflecting … this next video is a way of looking forward.

Below is the final performance of a group of Year 12 boys. I guess, having just watched the Year 7 boys perform, it is worth seeing where they may well be at in just 5 years time.

Again, apologies if the load time is slow … trust me, it is definitely worth watching. Further, it appears that the audio cuts out after Br Anthony introduces them – don’t worry, that is just the switch of the microphone. Please be patient as David finds his pick! No matter what … you have to watch this one until the end!

Get your dancing shoes on as Jordan, James and David, on behalf of Year 12, take you rocking back into history!

Click here to view the Year 12 band!

For those of you who have a good musical knowledge … apologies that I spelt the title incorrectly … it should be “Johnny Be Goode”. Unfortunately by the time I realised, it was too late!

I really do look forward to seeing the current Year 7s perform just as well, if not better, in only 5 years time!

Getting DIRTy with Books

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DIRT 1Term 3 saw the start of the DIRT reading program in Year 7. This program (which is an acronym for Daily Independent Reading Time) is designed to get the boys reading more consistently. Something that we believe will benefit the boys in all of their subjects.

As a Mathematics teacher, I can say that beyond a doubt, one of the biggest obstacles for boys in their senior years is the literary demands of examinations. I suspect that teachers of other subjects would see the same in their students. As a result, the DIRT program is something that the whole school is behind.

You would have received information about the program in the mail earlier in the term and on the whole, we are very happy with how the boys have embraced this program and kept their log books up to date. The boys who sleep the night at Joeys have at least 15 minutes reading time before they go to sleep each evening and in speaking with the boys, it has been great to hear how boys are excited about how many books they have read. One boy told me that he had never finished a book before – he finished two in Term 3!

For boys who go home each evening, we do ask parents to keep encouraging their sons to read for at least 15 minutes each night. It is amazing how quickly the benefits of regular reading become noticeable and we certainly do believe that if boys are to achieve to their academic potential, consistent reading will be one of the keys.

Pictured in Photo:  Sam de Courcy (Greenwich)