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14 CatholicOutlook October 2011Photo: Wendie ParkinsonEffective study tips for studentsJust as each student learns differently,there is not a one-size-fits-all approach tostudy. Students should try a range of studyapproaches in order to find those that bestsuit their particular needs.As the Higher School Certificate andend-of-year exams approach, here are somegeneral tips for students to keep in mindwhen preparing for examination:• Study in a quiet environment;• Break big tasks down into manageablechunks so you’re not overwhelmed;• Use a variety of study techniques– reading, writing, diagrams, questionand-answer,note-taking, summarisingand essay formats all help you preparefor the different types of questionsyou may face in the exam – findapproaches that best work for you;• Consider studying with a friend aslong as it doesn’t distract you, orfind out if your school offers studygroups or additional support;• If you don’t feel well prepared, don’tstress just try to focus on whatyou can do in the time remaining– speak to your teacher/s for adviceon the key areas to focus on;• Try to exercise regularly andeat a balanced diet;• Get sufficient sleep and stick to a routine;• A little bit of pressure is not a bad thing– it’s to be expected and can enhanceperformance. However, let someoneknow if you’re feeling overwhelmed;• Have regular breaks. After a whileconcentration decreases andyou become less productive;• When you take a break – enjoy it.Don’t spend this time worrying aboutwhat you should be doing; and• Stay positive.Other tried and tested tips from pastHSC students include:• Visualisation: “Taking a few minutes eachday to visualise what you’d like to happen,whether it’s acing an exam, sharing yourmarks with your family or somethingelse that will support your success, itwill help you re-focus and give meaningto your efforts.” – Hannah (2010)• Know what to study: “There is nopoint studying what you already know,recognise the areas where you need toTop five foods to boost brain power1.Blueberries – research has proventhat regular blueberry consumptioncan improve memory function,balance and coordination;2.Salmon – Omega-3 fats areproven to boost brain function;3.Flaxseeds – healthy fats such asALAs aid the part of the brain that isresponsible for processing information;4.Avocados – promoting blood flowand keeping your mind functioningat its peak, avocados are a provenfood to boost brain power; and5.Chocolate – dark chocolate isfull of antioxidants that can helpimprove focus and concentration.improve and prioritise them, makingsure you still refresh up on those areasyou feel confident in.’ – Tara (1995)• Utilise technology: “The internet hasbecome the world’s largest source forinformation. Utilise online libraries anddatabases to source credible informationfor research. Websites like NSW StudentsOnline (www.studentsonline.bos.nsw.edu.au) and the Board of Studies (www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au) can helpwith study material, tips, quizzes andpast exam papers.” – Annette (1988)• Maintain Concentration: “When takingbreaks from study, keep your mindfocused with brain exercises such ascrosswords, Sudoko, games of strategy– even juggling! This ensures that youenjoy your study break while keepingyour brain active.” – Olivia (2001)• Reduce stress: “Be focused,be calm.” John (1966)• Make your study relevant: “I oftenfound remembering facts, theoriesand equations difficult so I wouldmake up stories and use acronymsabout something I was interestedin (friends, family, etc.) to triggermy memory.” – Katie (2001)Referenceshttp://www.dirjournal.com/health-journal/top-10-brain-foods/http://www.studentsonline.bos.nsw.edu.auhttp://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.auSt John’s celebrate love of reading at family eveningOn 24 August, St John’s Primary, Riverstone, invitedstudents and parents to celebrate their love ofbooks as part of Book Week activities leading intoNational Literacy and Numeracy Week (29 August– 4 September). With the theme of Book Week ‘OneWorld, Many Stories’, students and staff were invitedto come to school dressed as characters from storiesset in another continent for a book parade and fair. In Students participated in a book paradethe evening, students and their parents were invited to return to St John’s for a sausage sizzle aspart of a family curriculum evening where parents were given the opportunity to see first-handsome of the learning activities their children experience during the day. St John’s acting principal,Michael Mifsud, said the curriculum evening was part of the school’s focus on literacy. “We used aset book to share with parents some of the things we do to help develop reading skills, so they areable to support their child’s reading at home.”Debating win for Patrician Brothers’ BlacktownFrom left: Peter Brown,Joshua McNulty and Hayden SmithOn 29 July, Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown,defeated more than 60 schools across Sydney totake first place in the Catholic Schools DebatingAssociation senior competition. Year 12 studentsJoshua McNulty, Hayden Smith and Peter Brownfrom Patrician Brothers’ College were the winnersof the open division grand final. With a final topic,‘That society’s needs should come before theindividual’, Joshua, Hayden and Peter defeatedOur Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta, successfully debating the negative stance to takeout the championship. This is the first time Patrician Brothers’ College has won the CatholicSchools Debating Association finals and Principal Santo Passarello said he was delightedwith the result. “This is a momentous occasion for the school community. We have had greatsuccess in this field having also being crowned the public speaking champions this year.”Opening and Blessing ceremonies to recognise BER programThe Australian Government’s Building the EducationRevolution (BER) program is a once-in-a-lifetimeopportunity for schools and has successfully beenimplemented across primary and secondary schools inthe Diocese with the focus on improving the learningoutcomes for all students. The following schools heldceremonies during September:5 September (Blessing) Blessed John XXIII Primary,Stanhope Gardens, $3 million multi-purpose hall andrefurbished classrooms (opening was held 19 August);From left: Fr James Stack; Sue Guilfoyle;Jason Clare MP; Bishop Anthony Fisher OP;Greg Whitby and student Aneesa Eldickat Holy Family Primary, Granville East7 September (O&B) Holy Family Primary, Granville East, $2.5 million library and refurbishedclassrooms; 7 September (O&B) St Oliver’s Primary, Harris Park, $2 million multi-purpose spaceand refurbished classrooms; 7 September (Opening) Cerdon College, Merrylands, $3.1 millionlanguage centre and refurbished administration building (Blessing was held 8 September); 9September (O&B) Chisholm Primary, Bligh Park, $3 million multi-purpose hall and refurbishedclassrooms; 23 September (O&B) St Michael’s Primary, Blacktown South, $3 million multipurposehall and refurbished classrooms; and 23 September (O&B) St Finbar’s Primary,Glenbrook, $2 million multi-purpose hall and refurbished classrooms.(O&B – Opening and Blessing)For details about each ceremony please visit our website: www.parra.catholic.edu.auWebcast a cyber success as Mary MacKillop concert goes globalThe website of Mary MacKillop Primary, SouthPenrith, was inundated with hundred of hits on6 and 7 September as the community logged onto watch the live stream of the school’s concert.Streamed over two nights, the performancesallowed students from Kindergarten to Year 6 toshowcase their learning in Music to their parentsThe school media team filming the concert and friends, and the world. The audience enjoyeda special guest performance by Wiggly dancer and singer Brad Carroll performing with theMacKillop choir and ensembles. Brad has just returned from the US where he toured asthe purple Wiggle with ‘The Wiggles’. MC and Year 5 teacher Darren McErlain guided theaudience through the different performances. “I enjoyed using the technology to communicatewith both the online audience and those present within the multi-purpose centre.”Br Pat celebrates his Golden Jubilee as a Marist BrotherOn 9 September, Br Patrick Howlett FMS celebratedhis 50 th anniversary as a Marist Brother with a Mass atParramatta Marist High School, Westmead, during theday and a dinner at Oatlands House in the evening.Vicar General Rev Peter Williams VG was the principalcelebrant for the Mass, which was concelebrated by FrArthur Bridge, Parish Priest at St Oliver’s, Harris Park. Inwelcoming the school community, Fr Peter spoke aboutVicar General, Fr Peter Williams (left)celebrated the Mass for Br Pat (right)Br Pat’s vision and leadership as principal. “Br Pat has always been on the front foot to providethe best learning outcomes for students.” Addressing the students, Br Pat recalled his experienceof schooling. “A lot has changed over the years, but change is important and will most certainlyoccur in your lifetime.” Br Pat has been a teacher for 44 years. He joined the Marist Brothers inJuly 1961 and trained for six years before making his final profession.For more school news and to follow us on and visit www.parra.catholic.edu.au
Building Levy Annual Statement 2010Parramatta Diocesan Catholic Schools CouncilDiocesan School Building Levy Fund Statement for 2010Opening Balance (broughtforward from previous year)Actual $2010Actual $20093,267,073 7,652,572Commercial kitchen at the Loyola Senior High SchoolTrade Training Centre, Mount DruittBishop Anthony Fisher OP blesses the Diocese’s newest school, OurLady of the Angels Primary, Rouse Hill with Fr Warren Edwardsplus Cash Receipts:School Building Levy 12,423,481 11,891,186Other Cash Contributions -Interest 166,841 260,371Total Cash Receipts 12,590,322 12,151,557less Cash Payments:A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP ANTHONY FISHER OPOver recent months, I have been visiting many schoolsin the Diocese for the opening and blessing of their newlearning spaces, which are funded under the AustralianGovernment’s Building the Education Revolution (BER)program. These vibrant and well-planned spaces have been avery worthwhile addition for our communities and will supportthe provision of a quality Catholic education to our families.The success of the Diocese’s response to the BER programis in a large part due to the commitment of our parishes andschools, and the Catholic Education Office, to plan spaces thatwill meet the needs of students and teachers now and as theDiocese continues to grow for many years to come. The hallswill also be a boon for our parishes and local communities.While the BER will run its course in the near future, the ongoingsupport and planning for future capital works projects willcontinue primarily through the Diocesan School Building Levy.The building levy enables us to combine our resources andensure all parish communities in the Diocese are able to meetFROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLSThe Diocesan School Building Levy has enabledthe Diocese of Parramatta to fund the building andupgrade of our 78 schools over the past 14 years.The capital needs of our school communities have been metthrough the contribution of our Catholic school families andthe assistance of the Diocesan Development Fund, as well asfrom funding from successive state and federal governments.The support of our families through the building levy ensures theDiocese can continue to provide quality infrastructure and facilitiesto meet the learning and teaching needs of our school communitiesand cater to the growth of the system in the fast growing areasof western Sydney. The school building levy contributes to therepayment of loans for past building projects, currently accountingfor about two-thirds of the total annual levies received.Over the past two years, the Australian Government’s Buildingthe Education Revolution program has also provided a once in alifetime opportunity for schools to fast-track some building andSince the commencement of the Diocesan School Building Levy in1997, parishes have been relieved of any financial responsibility forsystemic Catholic schools in the Diocese. The cost of providing newfacilities and upgrading school buildings is shared by families withchildren attending our schools, the Parramatta Diocesan schoolsystem budget, and funding from state and federal governments.The building levy is charged per family and is collectedat the school attended by the eldest child in the family. Allrevenues from the levy are pooled and used to meet the costsof annual payments of principal on those school building loanstaken over from parishes from 1 January 1997, and one-offcash contributions and annual loan payments (debt servicing)associated with all new building projects approved by theParramatta Diocesan Catholic Schools Council (PDCSC). If, dueto financial hardship, a family is unable to pay the building levy,arrangements can be made to have the levy reduced or waived.The school building levy is a successful initiative which hasrefurbishment projects. However, the Australian Government’sinvestment is given on the proviso that our system will maintaincurrent levels of investment to school infrastructure in the future.The Diocese is committed to the ongoing investmentof world-class educational infrastructure to supportquality learning and teaching now, and in the future.I would like to thank our families, parish and schoolcommunities, the Parramatta Diocesan CatholicSchools Council under the chair of Bishop AnthonyFisher OP, and state and federal governments for theirongoing support of our capital works program.Gregory B WhitbyExecutive Director of SchoolsABOUT THE BUILDING LEVYthe desire of families for Catholic education, to a consistent highstandard, despite socio-economic differences in some areas.State and federal governments do provide some financialassistance, however we receive significantly less assistance forland purchase and building per capita than our governmentschool counterparts. This is why the Diocesan School BuildingLevy is a vital source of income for our school communities.In commending this report to you, I wish to thank allthose who have given of their time and resources toensure the ongoing sustainability of our school buildingprogram and thank those who have contributed fortheir continued cooperation and generosity.Most Rev Anthony Fisher opBishop of Parramattaenabled necessary school facilities to be established in thediocese far sooner than would otherwise have been the case. Asa consequence, staff and students are accommodated in learningenvironments consistent with the high standard of education thatparents have come to expect of Catholic schools in the Diocese.Substantial levels of capital investment will be required wellinto the future to meet the needs of our fast growing Diocese.Furthermore, to maintain standards at their present level, and tomake improvements where necessary, funds for capital replacementwill also be needed. The use of the levy for these purposes isas important today as it was when the fund was established.In determining the projects that will be undertakeneach year, the PDCSC receives advice from its Financialand Physical Resources Committee based on submissionsreceived from schools. Priority is based on educationalneeds and standards relating to area, the functionality andrelationship of spaces, and the quality of accommodation.Debt Servicing (7,623,197) (7,210,848)Cash Contribution (4,030,829) (9,326,209)Total Cash Payments (11,654,026) (16,537,056)Closing Balance (carry forward to next year) 4,203,369 3,267,073less Commitments:Non-Loan Cash Contributions(for approved projects awaiting construction in 2011)(4,600,000) (4,500,000)Total Funds After Commitments (396,631) (1,232,927)Note 1: Accounts are prepared on a cash basisNote 2: 2010 Financial Year covers the period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010.Construction Program:The continuing success of the Diocesan School Building Levy has enabledthe Parramatta Diocesan Catholic Schools Council to implement its policy tobring all schools up to the levels established by the Bishops of NSW, basedon Australian Government standards. The current construction program totals$232m of projects planned for construction between 2011 and 2020:SchoolLocationSt Michael’s PrimaryBaulkham HillsSt Michaels PrimaryBlacktown SouthProposed PrimaryBox HillProposed SecondaryBox HillSt Bernadette’s PrimaryCastle HillGilroy Catholic CollegeCastle HillMcCarthy Catholic CollegeEmu PlainsDelany CollegeGranvilleOur Lady Queen of Peace Primary GreystanesSt Paul’s CollegeGreystanesSt Patrick’s PrimaryGuildfordSt Clare’s Catholic CollegeHassall GroveOur Lady of the Rosary PrimaryKellyvilleMarian Catholic CollegeKenthurstSt Andrews PrimaryMarayongSt AndrewsMarayongCerdon CollegeMerrylandsSacred Heart PrimaryMount DruittLoyola Senior High SchoolMount DruittGood Shepherd PrimaryPlumptonSt John’s PrimaryRiverstoneSt Agnes High SchoolRooty HillOur Lady of the Angels PrimaryRouse HillSt Josephs PrimarySchofieldsTerra Sancta High SchoolSchofieldsSt Columbas High SchoolSpringwoodOur Lady of the Rosary PrimarySt MarysJohn XXIII Catholic PrimaryStanhope GardensSt Mark’s Catholic CollegeStanhope GardensMother Teresa Primary*WestmeadCatherine McAuleyWestmeadParramatta Marist HighWestmeadBede Polding CollegeWindsor SouthTO VIEW THE FULL BUILDING LEVY REPORT VISIT WWW.PARRA.CATHOLIC.EDU.AU
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