Issue No. 11 - May 20, 2011 - Whitefriars

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Belong. Believe. Become. Year 9 OLP Camp Mr James Box Middle School Coordinator On Monday 13 May the Year 9 cohort set off on what was to be, I am sure, a very memorable camp. The Year 9 program was set in three different Alpine areas. These being – Mt Stirling, Mt.Hotham and the Bogong High Plains. Whitefriars in conjunction with the OEG (Outdoor Education Group) aims to educate through a focus on life skills which endeavour to equip students with skills that allow them to make positive life decisions and cope with our ever-changing world. These camps are created to be challenging both physically and emotionally and centre around resliance, self learning, social and spiritual development. It gives our students the opportunity to show leadership skills in an environment away from their normal surroundings and gives them the opportunity to interact in a different environment. I am confident that after the experience of last week these outcomes and aims of the program have certainly been met. These young men should be very proud of the way that they dealt with the changing environment and at times quite severe weather conditions. It was very pleasing to see such positivity and enjoyment of the experience from the boys as they departed the bus on Friday afternoon. Thanks needs to go to the OEG leaders, who with many years of experience in such conditions were able to adapt the plans to make the program for the boys both safe and unforgettable. Also thanks to the staff members from Whitefriars for their time and effort, both at College, and in dealing with the conditions and making sure that the camp was a success. Below are two accounts form students on their experiences throughout the week. Julian Virgona – Year 9 Lisieux – Mt Stirling On Monday 9 May, the Year 9 level of Whitefriars ventured for what was, no doubt, going to be a very memorable camping trip. My group travelled to the cold mountain known as Mount Stirling. It started off nice and sunny, but soon turned cold and snowy, as 25cm of snow fell on our tents overnight. We were one group lucky enough to go cycling on the first day, before it snowed, up to a beautiful lookout point where we saw a deer. In the end, the snow provided us with a lot of entertainment, as we got into many heated snowball fights and made a snowman named Billy. The camp was a lot of fun. This year’s camp was definitely a great experience, as many of us who had never been to the snow got to experience it in a beautiful environment and got to camp in it, as well as hike and slide. Ryan Malt – Year 9 Soreth – Mt Hotham At 7:30am on Monday 9 May the Year 9s headed off to their selected OLP camps. On the bus to Mt Hotham feelings of anticipation and excitement where running high. I think I speak for the whole Year level when I say we were nervous, and for a good reason. Year 9 camp had earned itself a tough reputation, but no matter what the older boys said nothing could prepare us for what lay in store for us. The weather was freezing and the wind was relentless. Tents were weighed down by the snow, shoes froze and clothes got wet. It was challenging and draining, both physically and mentally and it took a lot of self-determination and perseverance. All in all it was a challenging week for all but a very enjoyable one. Learning Enhancement Ms Tania Sheko Learning Enhancement Coordinator Parent resources for the identification and support of gifted children. How do you know if your child is gifted What can you do to support your gifted child Is there a list of characteristics to identify gifted children What’s the difference between being bright and being gifted If you have asked yourself any of these questions, you might like to have a look at the Parent Resources for Gifted Support in The Friars Factor, Whitefriars’ new website for learning enhancement. Of course, only a professional will be able to confirm whether or not your child is gifted, but these online resources are a good starting point for parents. The Friars Factor provides links to a range of information including gifted organisations, checklists, advice on how to work with your gifted child’s teacher, insights into how gifted children learn, and why gifted children need to be challenged. Here is the web address of The Friars Factor: https://sites.google.com/site/thewhitefriarsfactor/home If you have any questions, I can be contacted by email tsheko@whitefriars.vic.edu.au or by phone 9872 8338. Page 4 Issue 11 20 May, 2011
Belong. Believe. Become. Study Skills Workshop for Year 9 Students Thursday 26 May Study skills are important as we need to structure information and to recall this easily. There are many facts to learn - some related, some not. How we order this detail and learn it affects how we can recall and use it. And yes....study is a skill. We all need to learn how best to study and extensive research and our individual trial and error has highlighted what works. The Learning Support Centre will be holding a one hour workshop for all interested Year 9s on Thursday 26 May from 3.15pm - 4.15pm. Please email Mrs Marina Ensor (mensor@whitefriars.vic.edu.au) or Ms Elske Tecklenburg (etecklenburg@whitefriars.vic.edu.au) if you are interested in attending. Please join us to learn to learn. Year 12 Drama Excursions Ms Catherine Wells Year 12 Drama Teacher On Saturday 9 April and Friday 6 May, the Year 12 Drama students attended The Malthouse Theatre and MTC Theatre respectively, to view plays on the VCAA Playlist. As part of Unit Three Coursework, students are required to view a number of plays, and analyse and discuss the non-naturalistic features of the performance. Year 12 Drama Students (left to right): Michael Croke, Tom Fitzgerald, Michael Trotta and Kristian Bressanutti The first play was The Soul Miner, which explored the trauma of returned soldiers from Gallipoli in the First World War. The second play Random, highlighted a day in the life of a family when their son and brother is killed suddenly. Both plays were performed by a single actor who transformed into a diverse range of characters. Performing Arts News Ms Rachel Valentine Head of Performing Arts Music In May Concert This Wednesday evening 25 May Whitefriars and Siena students will be performing at the Music In May concert in the Healy Wilson Theatre. All tickets have been snapped up and the students are excited to be performing to a full house. On Monday 23 May Period 1, Senior Concert Band will be rehearsing in the Theatre. Tuesday 24 May the Senior Guitar Ensemble will rehearse Period 2, Senior Vocal Group Period 3, and the Senior Concert Band Period 4 and after school with Siena. Dress rehearsals continue on Wednesday for Drum Line Period 2, College Choir Period 3 and Stage Band Period 4. Year 7 Class Concert Band Program Letters were sent to relevant Year 7 parents last week informing them of the Year 7 Honours Band which begins next Wednesday. I encourage all students who are interested in this extension program to let Mr Collidge or me know as soon as possible. And Then There Were None – 28, 29, 30 July Rehearsals continue for this Agatha Christie play and take place Tuesdays and Thursdays after school under the directorship of Ms Nathalie Fox. Upcoming Events Wednesday 25 May – 7.30 pm - Music In May – Healy Wilson Theatre. Tuesday 7 June – 7.00 pm – Rock Concert – Healy Wilson Theatre. Page 5 Issue 11 20 May, 2011
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Issue No. 11 - May 20, 2011 - Whitefriars

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