Bulletin, Issue 34, 2011 - Mount Carmel College

Issue 34, 17 th November, 2011M O U N T C A R M E L C O L L E G EA W O R D F R O M T H E P R I N C I P A LDear Members of the College Community,I had an idea just the other night;A fantastic idea it was, too.Magnificent, wonderful, clear and concise,Ingeniously smart through and through.It was just unforgettable, wondrously bright,Immortal and eternal too.And once I remember it, then I just mightBe able to share it with you.We are located at:361 Sandy Bay Road,Sandy Bay, TasmaniaOur address is:PO Box 217,Sandy Bay, 7006I don’t know if you have ever had a problem recalling a fact or a name orsomething that is just on the tip of your tongue. In this day and age when somuch seems to be going on simultaneously, it is probably no wonder that wesometimes have lapses of memory.Contact us at:Ph. (03) 62167900Fax. (03) 62167999or via the Internet:info@mountcarmel.tas.edu.auwww.mountcarmel.tas.edu.auAt this important time of the year, it can be the same for our students as they endeavour to revise fortests and exams and to complete final assessments. The Mercury last Saturday week published an articleentitled “Testing Times”. In it academic psychologist, Michael Carr-Gregg, said that the instantaccessibility of friends via social media sites such as Facebook had become a powerful exam timedistractor. Whilst he acknowledged that “at no time in your life is there a desire to be with your friendsso strongly as in adolescence,” he also noted a recent Catholic Education Office Survey in whichstudents with the top exam scores consistently attributed their success to the abandonment ofFacebook during swotvac.Whilst Year 11 and 12 and university examinations create far more pressure than those at secondaryschool level, our students still need to learn to manage their time and cope with test situations. This isa valuable learning process and the girls need also to realise that final results on tests and exams provideonly several more marks on a whole raft of assessments that have been accumulated over the year.They are not the be-all and end-all!Dr Carr-Gregg said that parents should act more like a cheer squad than slave drivers. “They shouldensure that students are properly fed and rested in a distraction-free environment.” This seems to bepretty good advice! A student who is under stress needs to know that they have the support of familyand friends. It is important that others should be sensitive to the extra strain they may be under, andallow them the space and time to study. Regular meals, appropriate opportunities for relaxation, andemotional support are all going to help. So is offering plenty of positive feedback, which candemonstrate confidence in their abilities.NOVEMBERFriday, 18th Visitation of His Grace ArchbishopAdrian DoyleFriday, 18th Year 10 Exams continueWednesday, 23rd Year 7—9 TriathlonWednesday, 23rd Grade 4 Excursion to Marion BayThursday, 24th Kinder—Grade 3 Excursion to thePantomimeThursday, 24th Primary AssemblyMonday, 28th P&F MeetingNOVEMBERFriday, 25thMonday, 28thTuesday, 29thDECEMBERThursday, 1stFriday, 2ndFriday, 2ndMonday, 5thYear 10 Exams concludeYear 10 Community ServiceYear 10 Community ServiceYear 10 Thanksgiving MassK—Gr 6 Orientation AfternoonYear 10 Leavers’ AssemblyGrade 6 Final Assembly

Today our Year Tens commence their final examinations. Hopefully they are feeling well-prepared andwe wish them all the best as they do their very best to make the most of their learning. Maybe theycould pray the words of St Thomas More:Dear GodYou know what today has in store for me.Please make me thankful for all I shall enjoyAnd help me to make the best of everything else.Amen.PathwaysPathway Planning is becoming firmly entrenched in the educational process. I can remember, in thedim, dark ages when I left school, that I did not even start to really think about what I wanted to dountil the end of Year 12. However, these days all students are encouraged to begin to consider theirfuture when they enter high schoolA good Pathways Plan enables a young person to think about who they are, what they know, wherethey are going, how they will get there and who can help them. It should offer opportunities for ourstudents to explore their unique set of needs and capabilities through identifying their personalstrengths, interests and goals. Opportunities are also provided for reflection to inform a Pathways Planwhich engages, enables and empowers young people.The Pathways Planning process should enhance a young person’s understanding of the direction theywish to follow and facilitate strategies that will assist them in realising their goals. Pathways Planning atMount Carmel is coordinated by Mrs Louise Chesterman, who is Acting Pathways PlanningCoordinator while Mrs Valery Kullrich is on Leave. She writes:On November 3 rd , Year 8 students visited the UTAS campus for a very informative and interactiveintroductory morning within various University Faculties. Students listened to a range of dynamicspeakers and participated in a number of hands-on activities which gave them the opportunity toexperience University life. The Faculties presented were in Business/Tourism, Law, Education andGeography/Surveying and Spatial Science. The lecturers were all impressed by the interest andenthusiasm shown towards all the sessions and felt the students engaged positively in their new learningenvironment. Next week, on Tuesday, Year 9 students will be experiencing a similar journey.Presentations by the Business/Tourism, Nursing, Law, Engineering and Geography/SurveyingFaculties will be offering valuable information and activities to these students.Year 7, 8 and 9 students were recently visited by Ra Hunter from ‘Small World Adventures’. They wereshown an interesting Powerpoint presentation on Africa which highlighted post schooltravel/educational opportunities.This week Year 10 students have had the opportunity to meet with Guilford Young College teachers tofinalise their subject choices for 2012. Year 10 students have completed their Pathway Plans and theinformation will be submitted to the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority in the near future. Many ofthese students have demonstrated excellent knowledge, skills and attitudes towards their LearningChallenge and Pathway Experience throughout the year and should be congratulated on their fineefforts.Realistically, the length of time workers now spend with any one employer is on the decline. In 1960,employees averaged fifteen years per employer. Today the average tenure has dropped to just fouryears. The school leavers of today will have more opportunity to change careers than ever, with theaverage school leaver of 2011 predicted to have at least six distinct careers in his/her working life. It isour aim to ensure that our girls feel confident in choosing an initial pathway and, if they do decide tochange direction, that they have the confidence and competence to do that also.

Archbishop’s VisitationTomorrow, His Grace, Archbishop Adrian Doyle will make his last official visit to the College asArchbishop. All the school will be involved in a liturgy of appreciation in the College Hall and a reporton this significant occasion will be presented in next week’s Bulletin.F R O M T H E A C T I N G D E P U T Y P R I N C I P A LMrs Laurie WolfePrincipalSecondary Focus Of The Fortnight – SleepResearch tells us that teenagers need more sleep than adults; however, as few as 15% of students reportthat they get at least eight and a half hours of sleep on a school night. A lack of sleep can change yourmood, affect your health, and limit your ability to listen, concentrate and learn. This week is NationalPsychology Week and the first week of Year 10 Exams. This is a good time to look at sleep hygieneand encourage healthy sleeping patterns.Remembrance DayLast Thursday marked the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18).The College observed one minute’s silence at 11 a.m. on 11 th November, in memory of those who diedor suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.Speech NightAs you would be aware by now, our 2011 College Speech Night and Year 10 Graduation will take placeon the evening of Thursday, 8th December at Wrest Point Convention Centre. A letter outlining thedetails of the evening will be sent home soon. Attendance at Speech Night is compulsory for allstudents in Grade 5– Year 10. If there are exceptional circumstances that will prevent a student fromattending Speech Night, please indicate this in writing to Mrs Wolfe.Year 10 ExamsStudents are encouraged to eat, sleep and exercise well during this time. There is no doubt that duringan exam period of this nature students experience a degree of stress. With good planning, self-care andsupport the pressure of exams can be put to good use to motivate students to do their best! We wish allour Year 10s well for the exam period.Library Overdues / Money Owed to the OfficeSecondary students are reminded that all library books must be returned and all money owed must bepaid to the Office before the end of Term.Students may only collect End-of-Year Reports and College Magazines when all library books issued tothem have been accounted for and all money borrowed has been repaid. Now is a good time to startchecking under beds and at the bottom of bags for the textbooks and novels that will need to bereturned soon.Mr Mathew DerrickActing Deputy PrincipalF R O M T H E A S S I S T A N T T O T H E P R I N C I P A L - P R I M A R YReportsEnd of Year Reports will be sent to you through the mail on Thursday, 8 th December. Even thoughthis is still a little way off, it is very important that we have updated address and contact details for allfamilies. We would be grateful if you could advise our office staff as soon as possible if these need tobe adjusted.

Primary AssemblyPrep students will host the second last Primary Assembly of the year on Thursday, 24 th November inthe College Hall, commencing at 11:50 a.m. and concluding at approximately 12:30 p.m. As usual, wewould love to see many parents and friends there on the day.Grade 6 AssemblyGrade 6 students will host the last Primary Assembly of the year on Monday, 5 th December. Allparents and friends are warmly invited to attend this special event for our Grade 6 students and theprimary school community from 11:30 a.m. until 12:35 p.m. in the College Hall.Visiting Author and IllustratorLast week a letter was sent home to parents of Grade 3 to 6 students with information about a visit byauthor, Tracey Hawkins and illustrator, Jacqui Grantford on Monday, 28 th November. They haverecently published a book which is set on the Tasman Peninsula entitled, Nancy Bentley: The FirstAustralian Female Sailor. The letter featured an order form, enabling your daughter to purchase the bookat a cost of $24.95 so that she can have it signed on the day. If you wish to do this, please return theform and the money by Monday, 21 st November.Hopefully, the presentation by Tracey and Jacqui will inspire our budding writers and illustrators.Speech Night and Year 10 GraduationGrade 5 and 6 students have begun to prepare a choral piece, as well as a dance item, for our SpeechNight and Year 10 Graduation. This special event will take place at the Wrest Point ConventionCentre on Thursday, 8 th December, commencing at 7:30 p.m. Attendance at Speech Night iscompulsory for all Grade 5 to Year 10 students and an explanation in writing would need to beforwarded to Mrs Wolfe if it is not possible for your daughter to participate. I’m sure students, parentsand staff alike, will find the evening memorable and uplifting.More details will be sent home regarding the rehearsal day and Speech Night very soon.Primary Nativity Play and Celebratory BarbecueThe Primary End of Year Function will take place on Tuesday, 13 th December at 6:30 p.m. in theCollege Hall. All Kindergarten to Grade 4 students will be involved in retelling the Nativity story andwe hope our Grade 5 and 6 students will also be in attendance to sing carols and be part of thisbeautiful and meaningful occasion.We would like to conduct a family barbecue immediately after the Nativity play from approximately7:15 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the College grounds. As Grade 5 and 6 students will not be on the stage onthe night, we are hoping to secure some assistance from Grade 5 and 6 parents/carers. Cooking willneed to take place outside while the Nativity Play is on, which makes it difficult for parents of youngerchildren to help. We would be very grateful if you are able to offer your assistance, particularly withcooking the barbecue, from approximately 6:00 p.m. Please phone the College Office or email me atthe following address if you are able to lend a hand.therese.mcdevitt@mountcarmel.tas.edu.auMore information will be forwarded to you soon but in the meantime, highlight the 13 th December inyour calendar.Miss Therese McDevittAssistant to the Principal - PrimaryG E N E R A L N E W SSchool Fees

The final instalment for fees for 2011 was sent out on 1 st November. Those families who utilise theEastern Shore Bus service will have one more account in December. Please note that all school feesshould be finalised by the end of November. If you are having problems with payment of your feesplease telephone me to make alternative arrangements.Mrs Kerrie Loveluck,Finance OfficerPhone 62167902Rose’s Cupboard Shopping EveningCome and join the Mount Carmel College Parents and Friends for champagne and some stress freeshopping on Wednesday, 23 rd November from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Rose’s Cupboard, 435 MacquarieStreet, Hobart.N E W S F R O M T H E P R I M A R Y S P O R T S C O O R D I N A T O RAthleticsThe Junior SSATIS (independent) Athletics carnival has been held, thus completing the representative season.Hobart, fortunately, turned on an impressive day for the event, during which all athletes competedenthusiastically. As the host school, Mount Carmel provided a large number of staff, secondary students andother volunteers who are all to be congratulated on their efforts. Sincere thanks must go to Mark Scott and EllenBowerman, who shared the role of Starter, Chief Start Marshal, Melanie Sluyters, Rosemary Mann – ChiefTimekeeper extraordinaire, Anthony Borghesi as sound and IT guru, and Kylie Button and Helen Harris whoaccompanied the team on the day.Secondary students filled roles in greeting patrons at the front gate, timekeeping, catering, recording, ribbondistribution and chaperoning the primary students to their events. Staff members from other independentschools were all extremely complimentary about Mount Carmel Year 8 and 9 assistants, and they are to becongratulated on their manners, cheerfulness and willingness to help. Students included: Ella Anderson, IsobelPattinson, Chelsea Alderton, Tegan Fone-Stevenson, Francisca Tello, Phoebe McCormack, Karli Wilton, CarlyMacpherson, Blaise Heaney, Isabella Gaylor-Smeeks, Claire Mackintosh, Elena Mitchelmore, Merran Heuke,Victoria Ims, Victoria Saville, and Shannen Smith.Junior SSATIS Athletics ResultsThird: Lauren Canning (long jump), Sophie Scott (400m), Millie Pattinson, Sophie Scott, Mackensie Belbin,Charlotte O’Neill, Lucy Allwright, Rebecca Davey (all 100m), Holly Clark Geale (long jump), Sophie Cooper,Ella Tantari, Sophie Scott (all 200m).Second: Lucy Allwright, Lauren Canning (both 400m), Isabel Searle, Verena Koerner, Rochelle Smith, SophieCooper, Grace Moritz, Georgia Summers, Paige Evans, Sophie Hargrave, Lauren Canning (all 100m), NatalieNewland, Lucy Allwright, Laura Coad, Rebecca Davey, Lauren Canning (all 200m), Madeleine Fasnacht (800m),Grade 3 relay team, Grade 5 Division B relay team.First: Madeleine Fasnacht (1500m), Lucy Allwright (vortex), Laura Coad, Ella Tantari, Portia Memeo, StephanieConnell, Charlotte Pattinson (all 100m), Portia Memeo, Mackensie Belbin, Stephanie Connell, CharlottePattinson (all 200m), Lucy Allwright (800m).Tee-Ball/SoftballAfter watching the Grade 3/4 Tee-Ball last week, all players are showing impressive skills on the field. ThisMount Carmel team is thus far unbeaten in the 2011 season. Good luck to all players for the final game!Games for 22/11/11:Grade 5/6 versus St. Mary’s at Ham Common at 4:00 p.m.Grade 3/4 versus Dominic at Dominic at 4:00 p.m.Touch FootballThere are only two games to go in the season – good luck, girls, as Touch Football for 2011 draws to a close.Games for 23/11/11:

Mount Carmel Gold versus St. Mary’s Blue at Lower Queenborough at 4:00 p.m.Mount Carmel Blue versus Fahan Ochre at Fahan at 4:00 p.m.Contact details:Email: kirstin.palfrey@mountcarmel.tas.edu.auTelephone: 62167926 (Direct)62167900 (College Office)Miss Kirstin PalfreyPrimary Sports CoordinatorNEWS FROM THE SECONDARY SPORTS COORDINATORState Basketball ChampionshipsGood luck to the following girls who are involved in the State Basketball Championships in Ulverstone thisweekend: Dimitria Jaynes, Georgia Fagan, Jessica Dobbie, Madelin Grace, Phoebe McCormack, Amy Onaca,Lucinda McMahon and Lucy Osborn.Thank you to Mr Eddie Onaca for coaching the team and Mrs Merryn Onaca for managing the team.TriathlonThe Schools’ Triathlon event will be conducted at Bellerive Beach on Wednesday, November 23 rd.A reminder to all students involved in the triathlon to return their permission slip to me if they have not done soalready.Those students involved in an individual or cycling leg must ensure they bring a bike with them to school thatday. All bikes must be in good working order and have their tyres inflated. Please ensure your daughter also hasa helmet.A meeting will be held next week and attendance is compulsory for all those participating in the triathlon.Numbers, participant packs and safety information will be given out. Please listen to the notices carefully.State SelectionCongratulations to Brianna Huxley who has been selected in the Tasmanian Surf Lifesaving Team. She willtravel to NSW in January to compete in the national championships.Contact details:Email: angela.green@mountcarmel.tas.edu.auTelephone: 62167926 (Direct)62167900 (College Office)Ms Angela GreenSecondary Sports CoordinatorRESULTSTennisYear 7 defeated Friends Red 4-2 rubbers.Year 8 lost to Fahan Blue by 8 games.Year 9 v Collegiate (no result reported)Year 10 defeated Collegiate by 4 games.BasketballYear 9 defeated St. Mary’s, 32-27.Year 10 defeated Friends, 28-12.SoftballYear 9 lost to Collegiate, 9-16.Touch FootballYear 7 lost to Fahan Navy, 3-5.Year 8 Gold lost to Pirates, 1-8.

Year 8 Navy had a bye.Year 9 lost to Dominic, 2-6.Year 10 defeated Fahan, 12-4.