Newsletter March 4 09 - Marist College Kogarah

Dear Parents, Staff and StudentsWednesday March 4, 2009 Week 6, Term 1Regional MassOn Thursday 19 th February everyone connected with Catholic Education in the Eastern Regionwas invited by the Regional Director Mr Couani, to join Cardinal Pell and Pastors for the AnnualRegional Mass. Many hundreds took up that offer to celebrate the theme “We have set our hopeon the Living God.” At this Mass the community was able to acknowledge the work and outstandingcontribution to Catholic Education of Br Kelvin Canavan as Executive Director, as wellas welcome his successor Dr Dan White. Dr White has been Executive Director of CatholicSchools in Hobart and previously held senior positions in the Dioceses of Bathurst and Parramatta.Cocktail PartyFriday 20 th February saw the commencement of the Centenary Year with a gathering attended byover 100 people. This special occasion was shared with the College Community by His GraceBishop Terry Brady, The Hon. Kevin Greene, Minister for Gaming and Racing, Br Kelvin Canavan,Executive Director of Schools, Mr John Couani, Regional Director and Mr Peter McNamara,Executive Director of Marist Ministries. There were many other guests including our localpastors, Brothers, Nuns, former students, parents and staff. Br Kelvin (also an old boy of MCK)launched the College’s Mission and Vision Statement in what was to be his final official duty asExecutive Director, after more than 20 years in that position. Thank you to all staff and studentsassociated with the evening especially Ms Diakanastasis, Mrs Dein, Mr O’Reilly and Mr Frazer. Aspecial acknowledgement must also go to Mr Brotherton and Mr Chantler for the wonderful DVDthey produced outlining the history of the College.is a time of• Preparation throughprayer, Penanceand Almsgiving.• Repentance andrenewal.• Forgiveness.• Growth.HSC UpdateThe news concerning our students’ outstanding HSC achievements continues. The College has just been notified that theIndustrial Technology major work submitted by Perez Kyei has been selected to be included in the InTech Display at FoxStudios. This follows on from the Powerhouse Museum Award achieved by Alfred Boyadgis for his Design and Technologymajor work. It has also been confirmed that 91 students were offered a place at university for 2009. It is also worth repeatingthat 21 students achieved a UAI above 90. Congratulations to teachers and students for these excellent results. It is clearthat students at this College are being well taught by a dedicated staff. If students have the ability and commit to their work,they will achieve results they deserve.Swimming CarnivalThis day was an outstanding success. I have not previously witnessed such full scale participation by students. Everyonewas having a go at something! The day was well run by Mr Scali and staff. Many hours of planning and preparation are requiredif these days are to be valued by students.Unfortunately the Swimming Centre did not adequately convey to its regular customers that the carnival was happening.Consequently some members of the public were inconvenienced by the volume of traffic and sheer magnitude ofour numbers. Thank you to the many people who commented on the exceptional behaviour of our students, their politenessand good manners as well as the clean and tidy condition they left the complex in at the end of the day.Bushfire AppealStudents were keen to make a contribution to assist those suffering due to the recent catastrophe in Victoria. A mufti daywas held and over $3000 was raised. Our Parish Priest Fr Brendan Quirk, has put us in touch with Pastors in a few of theaffected centres and these funds will be distributed directly to families most in need. Everyone’s generosity is very muchappreciated.Upcoming EventsTuesday 3 rd March – Year 6 visits (9:30am)Wednesday 4 th March – Year 6 visits (9:30am)Wednesday 4 th March – Parent Information Evening Year 7, 2010 (7pm)Friday 6 th March - Public Speaking Competition BankstownTuesday 10 th March – Pupil Free DayWednesday 11 th March – MCC Swimming Carnival Olympic Park (7pm)Wednesday 18 th March – Year 12 Assessment Block commencesMonday 30 th March – Year 12 Retreat Week52 WOLSELEY STREET BEXLEY, 2207 TELEPHONE 9587 3211 FACSIMILE 9556 1790WEBSITE: www.mck.nsw.edu.auEMAIL: admin@mckogarah.catholic.edu.auMr John RiordanPrincipal

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPALAll students have received a copy of the Assessmentbooklet for their Year Group; I hope that parents havehad an opportunity to look through this with their sons,becoming aware of expectations and tasks as they will fallacross the semester and year. A big thanks to Ms Romberg,the Curriculum Coordinator, who, with the Studies Coordinators,put(s) a great deal of time and effort into the materials,timelines, expectations etc included in and for Assessments.All students received a copy of a letter regarding the Staff ProfessionalDevelopment Day to be held next Tuesday March 10.If students have missed out on this letter they can collect itfrom the College Reception.A reminder to parents dropping their sons to school not to enterWashington Street please. Rockdale Council and Kogarah Policehave been active in the area of late monitoring traffic andparking; for the safety of all students and staff we really need tokeep Washington Street free of double parking, U-Turns, 3point turns – Dunmore, Wolseley and streets connected tothem are ideal for dropping off, all with short walks to the College.With best wishes,Patrick O’ReillyAssistant PrincipalREMINDERYear 7, 2010 Parent Information Evening (tonight) March 4 in the Marist Centre, 7.00pm.This is an opportunity for parents to see the College and to hear what we have to offer in the wayof a Marist Education.SYDNEY FEDERATION OF CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENTSInvite you to theAnnual General Meetingand Election of Office Bearers for 2009Guest Speakers:• Dr Dan White—Executive Director of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Sydney.• Warren Hopley—School Principal, St John’s Primary, Auburn. What influences authentic school/parent partnerships?• Peter Ford—Head of Employment Relations, Catholic Education Office, Sydney. What are the legal responsibilitiesof school Parent Bodies?• Bob Patterson—Professional Officer, Catholic Education Office, Sydney. What are the financial responsibilitiesof school Parent Bodies?Venue: The Catholic Education Office, 38—40 Renwick Street, Leichhardt.Date: Wednesday 25th March, 2009.Light supper served at the completion of proceedings at 9.30pm. There is no parking available in the grounds, Meteredparking is available in Renwick Street. (Please PARK and ENTER from Renwick Street)For more information go to www.ceo.syd.catholic.edu.au and click on ‘for parents’.Registration forms are available at the College Office.Beginning on Ash Wednesday (for the Latin Rite)Lent is:• A Time of Preparation through Prayer, Penance and Almsgiving• A Time of Remembering and Reflection• A Time of Repentance and Renewal• A Time of Forgiveness• A Time of GrowthWhile Lent is a time for the wholeCatholic Community to prepare forEaster, it is also a time of preparationfor those people waiting to be receivedinto the Church through theSacraments of Initiation at the EasterVigil.The Sundays of Lent during 2009(Year B) follow an established pattern.First Sunday:The Temptation of Christ in the DesertSecond Sunday: The TransfigurationThird Sunday:Jesus and the Money ChangersFourth Sunday: God so loved the worldFifth Sunday:Wanting to see JesusIn a poignant way these Gospel passages deepen our understanding of thepower that Jesus can have on our lives. During the weekdays of Lent theScriptures focus on the traditional themes of the season.The Church has set aside certain times throughout the year to help us rememberparticular events in the life of Jesus and to remind us of who we areand what we are called to do.During the liturgical season of Lent, which lastsfor forty days, we remember the forty days thatJesus spent alone in the desert. In the course of aliturgical year the whole mystery of Christ is unfolded,from his birth through to his Ascensionand to Pentecost. Lent is one of these times whenthe Church especially calls us to do penance andto renew our love for God and for others.UNIFORM SHOP NEWSMCK Blazers: All sizes now available. In preparationfor Term 2, now is the time for blazer fittings.To avoid disappointment, it is best to befitted early. The Uniform Shop will be fitting boysduring March for the winter blazer.Now in stock:Calculator: Casio FX82AU $32.00Safety glasses $ 9.00Black leather belts—all sizes $22.00MCK swimwear—all sizes $38.00MCK Chiropak School bags—med. $92.00Reminder: Phone order/payments are acceptedfor major credit cards. Boys require ID on pickup. Cheque facility also available with fulldriver’s licence and contact details listed on reverseside

In this Centenary Year, wetake time to reflect the successesand achievements ofthe past and formulate a plan that will take MCK into the next 100 years as a leadingschool in Catholic Education.During the Cocktail Party held on 20th February, Br Kelvin Canavan in his last officialduty as Director of Catholic Education, launched the Mission and Vision Statementthat will act as a blueprint for the future of all at Marist Kogarah.This document was drawn up after consultation with staff, students and parents ofthe College and shows the Vision and Values of everyone who is part of the MaristKogarah Community. With its rich history and future direction so clearly defined,MCK will continue to grow.Accompanying this Newsletter is a copy of this important document for you to read.Mrs Sue Dein.Executive Director of Schools Br KelvinCanavan, MCK Principal John Riordan andMinister for Gaming and Racing, KevinGreene.Spiritual Formation Team member Br Robert O’Connor, Kevin Greene, EasternRegion Director John Couani, author of the History of MCK book Br Tony Butler andBr Kelvin Canavan.Vicki Lavorato, Regional Consultant andMCK teacher Darren Chantler.MCK Archivist Sr Catherine Harris, Br Kelvin Canavan, Sr Pat Anderson (MCK Archivist1995—2007), Br Tony Butler and Peter McNamara, Executive Director MaristMinistries.A JOURNEY FOR YEAR 11On Monday February 16, Year 11 students were fortunateto spend the day together, getting to know themselves,one-another and God more deeply. The theme for the daywas “Journey” and provided an important first step in thefinal years of their schooling. As students embark on theirsenior studies,it is vital thatthey are ableto set goalsknowing thatthey enjoy thesupport of theirclassmatesand teachers.The facilities,at the ElanoraConferenceCentre, and the weather hampered the proceedings but did not dampen the spirits ofthe students. They willingly engaged in activities such as “Getting to Know You” andMeditation.Thanks to all staff and students for the day – it was a positive experience for individualsand effective in building community spirit. Mrs Lyn Blundell REC Coordinator

Congratulations to the Gonzaga Houseon winning the MCK Swimming Carnival:.1. Gonzaga 3782. Lindwall 3503. Cooper 3104. Gilroy 287Well done to Mrs Vrahnos (Gonzaga HouseCoordinator) and Peter James Garcia(Gonzaga House Captain) for their successfulleadership.Championship:Congratulations to the following studentswho competed in the Championship eventsheld before the Swimming Carnival:Under 12:1. Kevin Ateng (Lindwall)2. Joshua O’Neill (Cooper)3. Thomas Doyle (Gonzaga)Under 13:1. Adrian Piotrowski (Gonzaga)2. William Shaddock (Gonzaga)3. Daniel Cole (Gonzaga)Under 14:1. Thomas-John Fotiou (Cooper)2. Clyde Welsh (Gilroy)3. Nathan Stares (Lindwall)Under 15:1. Anthony Aronis (Gonzaga)2. Mel Koinis (Lindwall)3. Matt Hespe (Gonzaga)Under 16:1. Michael Fernandez (Lindwall)2. Matias Simoes (Cooper)3. James McLaughlin (Gilroy)Opens (3 students tied for first):Jake Kefford (Lindwall)Jonathon Ford (Gilroy)Peter-James Garcia (Gonzaga)MCC TOUCH GRAND FINALCongratulations to theUnder 15 Touch teamthat defeated Lewisham 4-2 at Beaman Park last Thursday to win the MCCCompetition.These boys have capped off an amazing three years winning their third Premiership,having only lost one match in their first year. The boys have gone throughthe last two years undefeated.Going into the match, the side knew it was going to be tough having only justbeaten Lewisham in last year's decider and having another tough match earlierin the season. Lewisham scored first and looked very good in the first half. However,a good try toAlex Smidmore sawthe two sides go intohalftime at 1-1. Furthertries to GeorgeFilipoulos and DanielPappas saw Kogarahgo 3-1 up andsome awesomedefence for the finalten minutes withLewisham attackingour line restrictingLewisham to onlyone try. Kane Meyn was able to make it 4-2 on the siren. The boys played verywell to restrict a very determined Lewisham side to only two tries.The side was: Jordan Tourany (Capt.), Kane Meyn, George Filipopoulos, DanielPappas, Trent Tarbey, Chris Kissas, Jordan Rowland-Wild, Alex Smidmore,Jose Talite, Arthur Mamalikos, Dimitri Giakoumelos and Luke Milkins.Well done Boys! Mark Hildebrandt.Last Thursday (February 26) wehad three sides compete in GrandFinals:Opens Cricket defeatedWahroonga by 22 runs.MCK: 6-114 def Wahroonga: 7—92.Well done to all players and theircoach, Mr Donohue.Under 15s Touch defeated Lewisham4—2 in a very close match.This side remained undefeated allyear. In fact, in the three years thisCricket (Bus departs 12.40pm,returns to school at 2.30pm)First XI : Cronulla BeachU16: Cronulla BeachU14: CronullaBasketball (Bus departs 12.40pm,returns to school 2.30pm)A Grade: Cronulla BeachB Grade: Cronulla BeachU15: Cronulla BeachU14: Cronulla BeachTouch (Bus departs 12.40pm,returns to school 2.30pm)A Grade: Cronulla Beachside has been together, they havewon all three grand finals and lostonly one game. Well done to all theplayers and to their coach, MrHildebrandt.Opens Touch unfortunately lost toRandwick 7—4 in a high qualitygame. This team scraped into thesemis and defeated the numberone ranked team Lewisham in thesemis last week.Well done to all players and theircoach, Mrs Wakely.MCC SPORT MARCH 5, 2009B Grade: Cronulla BeachU15: Cronulla BeachU14: Cronulla BeachSquash (Bus departs 12.40pn,returns to school at 2.30pm)All Ages: Cronulla BeachCross Country: (Bus departs12.20pm, returns to school at2.30pm)All Ages: Training, LeichhardtSwimming Squad: (Bus departs12.40pm, returns to school at2.30pm)All Ages: Col Jones, Tempe