MONTE MATTERS

Stand for Sisterhood
MONTE MATTERS
10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
From the Principal 3
FROM DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS 4
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING 5
FROM THE HEAD OF MATHEMATICS 6
HIGHER EDUCATION & CAREERS ADVISOR 7
SR LECIA’S THOUGHTS 8
STUDENT SHOWCASE 11
SPORTS REPORT 14
Parents & friends 17
monte noticES 19
Produced by Monte’s Development & Community Relations Team
Feedback welcome - doshea@monte.nsw.edu.au

FROM THE PRINCIPAL
“Making our community
stronger by paying it
forward.”
MRS NICOLE CHRISTENSEN
words how they could make a significance difference to the
life of another deserving young woman. The main focus will
be on the purchase of Bursary Ribbon Pins, which they will be
allowed to wear on their College Blazer.
Making our community stronger by paying it
forward.
You can view the girl’s assembly presentation by clicking here.
Dear Parents and Friends of Monte,
In a recent article published by Mercy International Association,
Breege O’Neill RSM wrote that Catherine McAuley knew God
as the Compassionate One who loved her and provided for
her. Through the events of her life, God gradually shaped
Catherine into a woman overflowing with compassion. Her
whole personality became a hospitable place of welcome for
everyone she encountered. Catherine knew from her lived
experience that what the poor hold more precious than gold is
“the kind word, the gentle compassionate look and the patient
hearing of sorrows”.
She brought to all her dealings with those on the margins of
society, an inner quality of graciousness and combined it with
tender compassion. As Catherine McAuley said, “the poor
need help today, not next week.”
One of my Mother’s favourite sayings was, “After all is said and
done, more is said than done.” At Monte we don’t just talk, we
stand up and we take action.
At Monte we don’t do things for self-praise. We look for ways
to help build self-respect, respect for others and to make a
positive difference.
Catherine McAuley and our founder Mother Elizabeth
McQuoin would have been delighted that this generation of
fine young women were proud to be living and sharing the
virtues of the Mercy values.
This week our Senior Leaders collectively launched a new
student legacy of giving. Our College Captain Jordana Caravella
and Blue and Blue Scholar Grace Morahan encouraged
students to join them in participating in the inaugural student
Bursary Blue Ribbon Week. Starting this week and continuing
through to next Thursday, students will be organising “Blue
Ribbon” activities at the College, showing by actions not just
Two years ago we wanted to make a difference in Timor Leste,
after witnessing first-hand the huge number of girls who went
to school every day terribly undernourished. We had a dream
- to provide protein and nourishment to the young students
we had met. When we returned two years ago we launched
the “Food for Thought” program. We realised that if you are
hungry you can’t think or concentrate or learn and that the
provision of much needed protein would help make the most
significant difference to the future of these students. Two years
later the girls at Collegio are now thriving from regular protein
meals every week. In a couple of weeks, I will be leaving with
16 students and four staff to return to Timor Leste. We will be
taking with us around 50 Apple computers and supporting IT
as we are actively working with the teachers and students on
developing a robust educational opportunity that is just and
equitable.
Finally this week, our thoughts turn to all those whose lives
and livelihoods have been affected by rain and flood here in
NSW and throughout Europe.
May God give them the strength to work through their present
circumstances, the courage to undertake the journey ahead
and the support and assistance needed to face the future.
God Bless.
Mrs Nicole Christensen
Principal
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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FROM THE DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS TEAM
Deanne O’Shea - Director
This Week on Social Media
Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College
@montecollege
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Professional Learning: Staff Achievements in 2016
Marnie Butler
Director of Professional Learning
Continuing Leadership Learning (CLL) is a program offered
by the College to provide professional learning for College
leaders. This program was initiated in 2008 and has offered
an opportunity for College leaders, including, Heads of
Year, Heads of Department, Heads of specialist areas
within the College, Co-ordinators, Directors and Executive,
to develop and reflect on their leadership. The Program
for 2016, developed by Nicole Christensen and Sr Carmel
McDonough, focuses on “Leading Mercy into the Future”. We
have had the privilege of the expertise and wisdom of Anne
Ferguson and Margery Jackman, who have led us in our CLL
workshops this year. Anne Ferguson works for the Sisters of
Mercy Parramatta as the Co-ordinator of Mission Animation.
Anne provided us with an opportunity to explore Catherine
McAuley’s years of lay ministry and to reflect on what Mercy
lay spirituality, fully lived, may look like for leaders in 2016
and beyond.
Margery Jackman has had a long association with the Sisters
of Mercy as an Associate of the Brisbane Congregation,
Deputy Principal: Mission at All Hallows’ School, Brisbane and
as Principal of Catherine McAuley, Westmead, a position from
which she recently retired. Margery’s workshop examined
the concept of Hospitality in scripture and explored the
implications for us as Mercy Leaders. Margery helped us
realise that Hospitality, as Catherine McAuley saw it, was
much more than simply welcoming those we love and those
in need. It is an opportunity to welcome a stranger and an
opportunity to encounter God and more often than not the
opportunity to push ourselves beyond our comfort zone.
Margery challenged us to reflect on Hospitality as a call to
action for leaders to provide protection for salvation for those
in need, within and outside our community. As a leadership
group we were challenged to reflect on how we work with the
poor and marginalised without disempowering them, and
how, as Mercy leaders, we can ensure our colleagues and
our students encounter Hospitality as Catherine McAuley
intended.
We were left to reflect on these words from Margery,
“Hospitality is Gods gift of love to us so that we may bring
love to others”. She also challenged us as leaders to take time
to contemplate our actions, as this in turn provides a window
to true mercy leadership.
Action + Contemplation = Mercy
Amber Thomas (Music)
Amber Thomas recently published an article in the National
Music Education Journal titled, ‘Interdisciplinary learning as a
vehicle for Authentic Assessment’, Musicworks Vol. 21, 2016.
Karen Partington (English and Drama) - Pictured Below
Karen Partington recently received First place in course for her
Education Research Project and her Learning Technologies:
Contexts and Futures Unit at Macquarie University. Karen
was also awarded the 2015 Educational Technology prize for
proficiency in the Master of Education.
Joanna Kyprianou (Mathematics)
Joanna has recently written an article that will be published in
the June edition of Mathematics Association NSW, Reflections
magazine. The article is titled, “My Interdisciplinary Year”. The
article explores the interdisciplinary nature of Mathematics
and how Joanna worked with teachers from other
departments to help them teach the Mathematics content
in their courses.
Marshall Leaver (HSIE, Biamunga)
Marshall Leaver co-authored the 2nd Edition of HSC Society
and Culture text book published this year.
Deborah Brown (Manager, Library and Information
Science)
Deborah Brown completed her Masters of Education at
UTS in 2015 and will graduate in June this year. Deborah has
recently written an article for Incite Magazine in March this
year titled, “Shine a light on your library”, Incite Magazine,
March/April 2016, Volume 37 issue 3/4. Deborah has also
presented a session at the AIS Teacher Librarian Conference,
“Charting New Horizons”. Her presentation was titled “Shine
a light: Library annual reports for advocacy and reflection”,
May 13th, 2016.
Kerri Anne Ramsay (RE Teacher)
Graduated from her Masters of Educational Leadership,
Australian Catholic University.
Congratulations to all these staff and to all currently engaged
in professional learning.
Marnie Butler
Director of Professional Learning
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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Year 12 at Sydney University
FROM THE HEAD OF MATHEMATICS
Lisa Patterson
Head of Mathematics
“Everything is hard before it is easy.” - Goethe
Challenging enrichment activities that extend beyond the
curriculum form an important part of learning for our most
capable Mathematics students at Monte. This term has kept
our students busy with the Australian Mathematics Challenge
and the Australian Mathematics Olympiad competition
papers as well as a number of workshops run by Sydney
Universities for talented students.
Year 12 – Looking to the Future
This week I had the privilege of accompanying our Year 12 HSC
Extension 1 and 2 Mathematics students to Sydney University
for a day of challenging and intellectually stimulating lectures.
The Dean of Science, Professor Trevor Hambley opened the
day by strongly encouraging the students to pursue further
study of Mathematics at the tertiary level. He spoke of the
2015 Price Waterhouse Coopers STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics) report which found that 75%
of the fastest growing occupations in Australia require STEM
skills and that changing one per cent of the current workforce
into STEM roles would add $57.4 billion to GDP.
Students then heard about how some of the Mathematics
they have learnt at school has significant applications
in the real world. Topics such as the Mathematics of
Spiderman, the Shape of Space and the Mathematics behind
CT scans stimulated much discussion during the lunch
break. The afternoon sessions were devoted to revision
lectures on topics from the Extension 1 and 2 courses.
The message to students was clear; Year 12 Mathematics
is challenging and it is always difficult when you are first
presented with new material. To succeed you just have to
jump in and have a go, turning the unfamiliar into familiar.
With the HSC Trial examinations approaching early next
term, these revision lectures were very well received.
Doing Maths Like a Mathematician – UTS Workshop
Frederique Bosscher, Philippa Graham and Grace Marks
from Year 9, have been selected to attend an enrichment day
at the University of Technology next Tuesday 14 June. Our
students will have the opportunity to work with professional
Mathematicians and other high school students to share
strategies and solve challenging problems. The workshop
is being run by the Australian Research Council Centre of
Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers with the
aim of showing students what “doing mathematics” looks like
and teaching them strategies for thinking about and solving
problems.
Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT)
Competition Results
Last term a number of students in the Middle School
entered the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT)
competition. This national competition run by the Australian
Mathematics Trust, was a one-hour problem solving paper
which sought to identify computer programming potential.
Monte students performed very well in this competition
and we particularly congratulate the students below who
achieved Distinction certificates:
Year 7 – Sabrina Farmilo, Sophie Walsh, Lara Zannino
Year 8 – Charlotte Kutra
Year 9 – Sara Freilinger, Grace Marks
Lisa Patterson
Head of Mathematics
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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FROM THE HIGHER EDUCATION AND CAREERS ADVISOR
Sally O’Keeffe
Higher Education and Careers Advisor
“It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and
contribution. It’s also a very clear path to happiness.”
- Sheryl Sandberg
On the evening of Wednesday 18 May, more than 30 alumni
of the College spoke to current students and their parents
about their careers since graduating from high school. These
Monte women spoke about their work in advocacy, wellbeing,
innovation, entrepreneurship, communication, inquiry,
problem-solving, safety and creativity. Their industries
included Business, Design, Science, Health, Communications,
Politics and Law and their positions ranged from recent
university graduates to Director, Judge and CEO.
Whilst listening to several of the speakers, I was reminded
again how significant the contribution of educated, principled
and adept women is to the wellbeing and prosperity of
communities, large and small. All spoke about self-belief and
determination but the most inspiring highlighted their desire
to contribute; to go beyond the “what’s in it for me?” to the
“what’s in it for everyone else as well?”.
One speaker, Federal Court Judge Kathleen Farrell, was
passionate about the importance of seeking to do one’s best
and being true to not only oneself but others in the process.
In her important judicial role. Her desire to seek just and
well-considered solutions to problems has provided her
the pathway to being a successful legal expert. Kathleen’s
discreet humility offered a motivating framework for those
girls listening to her presentation; one student declared to
me after the event that she wanted “to be Kathleen Farrell!”.
When senior students meet with me to discuss their lives
after Monte, we always talk about values, interests, passion
and purpose. These point to the contribution that each
student will seek to make in her working life. For those
students who attended the Monte Alumni Careers Insights
Evening, and for others who have heard from distinguished
Alumni at school over the last two terms, taking inspiration
from others’ passion and contribution allows them to see
that preparing for work is more than ‘which course?’ or ‘which
university?’. It is about identifying what is important to each
young woman and giving her the tools to work out how to
contribute it to everyone else.
Year 10 students recently had the opportunity to meet with
specialist advisors from Career Avenues and in their sessions
the girls learnt more about their careers testing results and
talked through some of their ideas about study and work in
the future. Important feedback for each student is that any
aptitude can be nurtured and improved and that everyone’s
skills are needed to make the world of work, work! Focusing
on openness, effort and self-confidence over the next two
years will allow all of these students to identify and reach her
potential.
A group of Year 11 and Year 12 students attended the Child
Health Careers Day at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick
and observed a medical emergency simulation and explored
health specialties through a mini-expo. The feedback from
the 12 students (and accompanying teacher) who attended
was extremely positive about this very inspiring and
worthwhile event.
Sally O’Keeffe
Higher Education and Careers Advisor
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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SR LECIA’S THOUGHTS
Sister Lecia Coombe RSM
Mercy International Reflection
Dear Readers,
You will recall that last week I promised you an explanation of
MIRP. Let me begin with the logo, which is a circle representing
the Globe of the Earth. The eye is immediately drawn to the
centre where the red doors of Mercy International open out
to the world, enabling freedom of movement to come or go at
will. This is symbolic of The Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Twelve rays emanate from the centre, representing the twelve
congregations and institutions of Mercy Sisters in the world.
Their uniqueness of each one is represented by the different
colours of the rays. These rays radiate outwards from and
return to Baggot Street. They also form a continuous M for
Mercy, in the shape of a star.
The colours speak of The Earth: Blue for the waters of ocean
and sky; Green for the lush landscapes of Earth, Brown for the
soil out of which new life springs; and Yellow for the warm, dry,
parched lands - symbolic of the Cry of the Earth and the Cry
of the Poor.
The symmetry and order of the design reflect our capacity for
achieving or restoring harmony and balance, while the star
evokes a sense of outward energy. The colour and shape of
the logo suggest a stained-glass rose window, hinting at our
Christian tradition.
The initiative for MIRP came from the Global Team at Mercy
International Association. MIA operates from Catherine
McAuley’s original House of Mercy in Baggot Street, Dublin. It
is sponsored and supported by each of the 12 Congregations
and Institutes, four of them being from Australia. The idea
was to create a global way of responding with Mercy to world
crises, as our significant contribution to the success of this
Jubilee Year of Mercy.
The Global Team arranged for the training of group leaders
from each Congregation and Institute. Our 10,000 Mercy
Sisters are in 44 different countries of the world. The numbers
of groups and the numbers of participants in each area are
flexible. Together with their Mercy Partners, each group sends
a sentence or two about its reflections to the Global Team,
who will send back a compilation of responses from each
country. How all this is done is amazing, but enough for now!
Next time I will give further details about this wonderful but
challenging Mercy International Reflection Process.
Meanwhile, if you would like a little something to meditate
on, try Matthew 5:7, then the surprise of Galatians 1: 11-19
and maybe Timothy 3: 16-17, which tells us how we can be
equipped for any good work! And don’t forget Pope Francis’
request that we all read a Gospel passage and practice at least
one of the Spiritual or Corporal Works of Mercy each day.
Warm wishes to you all until next week from,
Sr Lecia RSM
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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PERFORMING ARTS UPDATE
Theatresports
It is not often that you get to say that you have achieved
something that no other girl at Monte has, but that is what
happened this week with the Theatresports team. The girls
are to be congratulated for placing tied 1st in last week’s semifinals
and becoming the first Monte Theatresports team to
make the Theatresports finals at Enmore Theatre on June 19.
The girls performed exceedingly well beating a tough North
Sydney Boys’ team and being awarded the highest score of
the night for their third round performance. Congratulations
to the wonderful work of Bridie Connell and Karen Partington
to help our girls achieve this tremendous result, and well done
to the girls for performing so well. Come support them!
Nathanael Primrose-Heaney
Head of Performing Arts
Sydney Eisteddfod 2016
Concert Band
Congratulations to our wonderful Concert Band and
Catherine Walmsley our Band Director on achieving 3rd Place
in the Secondary School Concert Band Event at the Sydney
Eisteddfod. The girls performed three works, Echoes of Sante
Fe, I got You / I feel Good and Bluster to a very high standard.
Well done girls, fantastic effort!
Stage Band
Our Stage Band Band performed Jumping Jack Jive, Early
Afternoon Blues and Take 5 featuring our soloists Hannah Clay,
Aiofe Rigby, Grace Marks and Eadelin Melloy. Congratulations
to all girls and Catherine Walmsley on your fine performance.
Ensembles Concert
Our Ensembles Concert was held last Thursday night in the ACC
Theatre. Our large ensembles performed a varied selection of
repertoire showcasing their work throughout Semester One.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the girls, parents
and staff involved in preparing for the concert. I would also
like to thank the Friends of Performing Arts for their support
and for supplying supper prior to the Concert. Well done to all
involved.
Andrew Young
Head of Music Performance
HSC Drama Performance Evening
On Tuesday evening, parents and students gathered in the
ACC to witness work in progress performances from members
of the 2016 HSC Drama class. The audience was delighted by
the calibre of the Group Projects and Individual Monologues.
The eight minute group devised performances were dynamic,
sustained and thought provoking. The students demonstrated
their knowledge and control over a range of theatrical
techniques and dramatic elements. The Monologues explored
a variety of ideas, styles and social and political thematic
concerns. Each piece was disciplined and finely tuned. The
performances elicited substantial audience engagement and
enthusiastic praise.
Well done, HSC Drama students! Congratulations to Ms
Sheridan for an entertaining and provocative evening
of theatre in which the Senior Drama students had the
opportunity to excel.
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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STUDENT SHOWCASE
MONTE NOTICES
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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YEAR 12 REFLECTION DAY 2016
On Friday 13 May, Year 12 participated in a well-needed
reflection day.
The day was framed around reflecting on the strengths that
can come from supporting each other as a “sisterhood” as
we make different decisions about our lives and where we
are going. We started the day by reflecting on our differing
perspectives on the issues that are confronting our age
group, at this time in our lives, and how we should respect
each other opinions. We participated in an agree/disagree
activity that allowed us to physically see, by our movement
of around the room, that everyone is different and that every
Year 12 student has her own opinion and we should take the
time to listen to each other.
Another activity that encouraged our sisterhood was that
each taking turns running through a tunnel made by our
fellow classmates’ outstretched arms. This game of trust and
faith challenged us as we had to believe that everyone would
raise their arms at the right moment to avoid collisions. It was
very funny to see each girls’ attempt as some chose to keep
low whilst running whereas some girls confidently stood up
straight as they ran around, completely trusting that nothing
would happen. Thankfully, there were no collisions!
Guided meditation and self-reflection allowed us to think
about the future. Personally, I found that this session was
very relaxing and for the 20 minutes that I lay resting, I wasn’t
worried about what was happening at school or exams.
To draw our day to a close we each designed a wooden outline
of a girl to represent our uniqueness, value and individuality.
These were all displayed together showing the incredible
diversity and creativity within our year group.
After this activity, we broke into Homeroom groups. A blanket
was laid out with small items spread out above it, such as a
light bulb, a candle, chocolate, a slinky, a piece of string and
an onion, plus many more. We were then asked to pick an
item that best reflects ourselves and share it with the group.
In our Homeroom groups we also decorated a wooden board
with words and images that represented our Homeroom and
our year. This provided us with a sense of belonging and
community and time to learn more about each other. Some
Homerooms were very creative and used some of the items
that were on the blanket from the previous activity such as a
teabag as many girls enjoy a cup of tea to stay calm whilst at
home and in the common room.
Overall, it was a great day and when talking to a few girls
afterwards, they did say that they felt more relaxed. Thank
you to Ms Priest, Mr Petrie, Mrs Nero, Ms O’Haiher and
the Year 12 Pastoral team for organising this relaxing and
reflective day. It was greatly appreciated and was a fun day.
Claire Miller
Liturgy Captain, Year 12
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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MONTE ‘GO WILD FOR LIFE’ - WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2016
On Monday 6 June, the Monte community dressed up in
an array of coloured animal onesies to support the World
Wildlife Fund campaign “Wild Onesie Week” for exploitation
and illegal trade of endangered animals. An Australian made
event, the aim of this fundraising initiative was to raise
awareness about the increasing number of species becoming
extinct, and support those who are endangered. Monte
contributed to this national event by supporting the cause by
donating a gold coin for every dressed up individual. MEGA,
Monte’s Environmental Group for Action, chose this event to
also celebrate World Environment Day, which was on 5 June.
The involvement and generosity of the students and teachers
exceeded our expectations. There were teachers that also
dressed up in their onesies, something that didn’t go underappreciated.
We raised nearly $700, and to see so many
people ‘rugged up’ on the cold day in support for the day was
amazing to see.
World Environment Day and the Wild Onesie Day are both
two events, which remind us to appreciate the world around
us. Since becoming MEGA’s leader I’ve noticed significant
development of the the attitudes that the students of Monte
hold towards environmental initiatives with their support.
The Monte community showed overwhelming care for the
state of our planet and the animals that we share it with.
Our photograph from the day has trended with the Hashtag
“#Wildforlife” and has even been received by the organisation
WWF itself, being reposted on their Instagram and website.
This amazing achievement wouldn’t have been possible
without the large amount of support MEGA received.
Thankyou to everyone involved. I hope in future MEGA
has many future successes like this, and that the Monte
community continues with these initiatives that support the
words written by Pope Francis Encyclical for the Environment,
Laudato Si.
Sarah Upfold
MEGA Captain
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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SPORTS REPORT
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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SPORTS REPORT
Stuart Hanrahan
Sport Program Manager
Athletics Carnival
The Monte House Athletics Carnival is a unique and wonderful
day highlighted by high levels of participation and school and
House spirit. Congratulations to McQuoin House on winning
the 2016 event. McQuirk House were awarded ‘Cheering
Champions’.
14 Years
1st – Lara Halmarick - McGuirk
2nd – Emma Cruzado - Rankin
3rd – Kate Barry - McGuirk
15 Years
1st – Sara Dougan - McGuirk
2nd – Hannah Peric - McGuirk
3rd – Holly Anderson - McQuoin
16 Years
1st – Emma Smith - Rankin
2nd – Molly Quoyle - McQuoin
3rd – Emily Smelt - McGuirk
17+ Years
1st – Zara Hoare - Aquinas
2nd – Ciara Ryan - McQuoin
3rd – Mia Duggan - Aquinas
Netball Umpires
Congratulations to the following Netball Umpires who obtained
levels last weekend:
• Bridget O’Sullivan - JL3
End of Term 2 Sport
The only Monte sport being played this June long weekend
is Football on Sunday 12 June. All other sports will have the
weekend off – training to resume for everyone as usual on
Tuesday 14 June.
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded
‘Age Champion’ honours at the College assembly held on
Thursday 9 June.
IGSSA Basketball and SEHA Hockey will play their final rounds
on Saturday 17 June whilst NSNA Netball continues through
until Saturday 25 June. Netball returns on Saturday 22 July.
12 Years
1st – Kaitlin Williams - Xavier
2nd – Grace Kells - McGuirk
3rd – Eve Shaw - Xavier
13 Years
1st – Claudia Perry - McQuoin
2nd – Bianca Jom - Xavier
3rd – Sophia Morahan - Xavier
3rd – Elysha Cramer - Aquinas
Football plays right through the school holidays and only has
Saturday 10 July off. There will however be no training during
the school holidays.
#ITSOK2PLAY - keep warm during winter by exercising and
getting the blood pumping!
Stuart Hanrahan
Sport Program Manager
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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SPORTS REPORT
Introducing the Athletics Captain
Introducing the Dance Captain
Hi my name is Zara Hoare and I am the Athletics Captain
for 2015-2016. I have been participating in Athletics since
I was in Kinder and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have
been competing for many years and have attended many
State carnivals, representing my school and my club. I have
represented Monte at the IGSSA and CGSSSA Carnivals as well
as at the NSW All Schools Carnival. I also train and help coach
in my community club and love working with the younger kids
to develop their skills. I am really excited to be captain of the
team this year and look forward to training and working with
all the girls. I hope to encourage all girls to do their best, no
matter whether they win or lose, and will support their passion
for sport, keeping that Montevation spirit high.
Zara Hoare
Athletics Captain
My name is Grace Newman and I am thrilled and excited to
be the Dance Captain for 2015-2016. I started dancing at a
young age doing jazz, ballet, lyrical and contemporary and it’s
something I’m passionate about. I love performing on stage!
It gives me the best feeling and it’s something that can’t be
described. I always feel so happy when I am dancing because
I’m always wanting to improve and learn new skills. This sport
is always so rewarding.
Since being at Monte I’ve been part of the Dance team since
Year 7 representing the school in CGSSSA contemporary, jazz
and creative dance. My hope for being Dance Captain is to
get more girls at Monte involved in this sport. You don’t have
to be too flexible or coordinated to dance, there is so much
more to it. It’s more about being part of a team, learning new
choreography and skills, and working together to put on a
performance that you would be comfortable with and proud
of. I hope all girls who are involved in Monte dance next year
have a really rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Grace Newman
Dance Captain
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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PARENTS & FRIENDS

PARENTS’ & FRIENDS’ REPORT
Hi everyone,
Dates for your Diary
As Term 2 moves along at a real pace perhaps I’m not the only
parent with one eye on the holidays which are fast approaching.
Another opportunity for us all to recharge the batteries, spend
extra time with family and friends and perhaps a change of
scenery be it close to home or somewhere a little further
afield.
We hope you’ve taken the opportunity to mix with your fellow
parents throughout this term - perhaps at one of our Year
group parent functions, or at our recent P&F Presentation or
perhaps at last week’s wonderful Ensembles Concert. Many
thanks to all involved in organising these events be they from
the P&F Executive or our wonderful Year Co-ordinators and
Class Parents as well as numerous other volunteers including
those who assisted the College on Grandparent’s Day last
Friday.
Particular mention to Diana Choquette and her team who
form Friends of Performing Arts. What a lovely welcome you
gave to those attending the Ensembles Concert on Thursday
of last week. Thank you so much. Similarly a big thank you
to Nicole Ueland and the numerous parents who assist with
Friends of Debating - always rolling out the welcome mat and
offering wonderful hospitality to visiting students, coaches
and parents of our opposing schools. We always receive so
many compliments about our Monte hospitality - the bar has
been set very high!
DATE
Sat 18 June
Fri 29 July
Tue 26 July
EVENT
Year 10 Parent Function
When: Sat 18 June
Where: Drink Better Wine, 189 Miller St
Cost: $30 per person (includes substantial
finger food and complimentary drink on
arrival)
Time: 7.00pm
RSVP: 11 June - www.trybooking.com/IECT
Year 11 Parent Function
P&F General Meeting
Venue: OR301
Time: 7.00pm for a 7.15pm start
We’ve had some terrific attendance at events this term which
is so great to see. Its an ideal way to build and strengthen our
community. The Year 10 Parent Function is set for Saturday
18 June so please secure your tickets via the trybooking link if
you’ve not already done so.
P&F General Meeting and Forum. A reminder that this event
which was scheduled for Tuesday 14 June has been postponed
to Tuesday 26 July. This rescheduling was to secure our desired
speaker for the event so do mark your diaries to come along
early in Term 3. More information to follow.
Year 11 Parent Function. Please note this event has also
been rescheduled to the Friday evening, 29 July, due to venue
availability.
Best wishes for the remainder of this term and the mid-year
break ahead.
Cathy Cooper
Vice President, Social
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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MONTE NOTICES

MONTE NOTICES
Year 7 Reporting &
Assessment Information Evening
All Year 7 parents, and also parents of students new to the
school, are warmly invited to an information evening focusing
on criteria-related assessment, MYP and BOSTES grading
and reporting practices in Years 7 to 10 at the College.
Correction
Last week we published the below photo with the wrong
corresponding student names. Please see the correct names
below.
Date: Tuesday 14 June 2016
Venue: ACC Theatre
Time: 6.00pm - 7.30pm
Please note that students are not expected to attend this
presentation. We look forward to seeing as many of you as
possible.
Michelle Stocks (Director Middle School and MYP
Coordinator) & Allyson Mascarenhas (Deputy Principal
Curriculum).
author MICHAEL GRANT WITH Amelia Raines AND Emily Carson
From the College Shop
Lost Property – All un-named lost property will be cleared
from the lost property bins at the end of the term and disposed
of. If you have lost any items of uniform please make sure she
checks the lost property bins.
Faulty Blazer Piping - Some blazers that were purchased over
the past two years have a fault with the piping, our supplier is
aware of the problem and will repair the blazers at no cost.
If you purchased you new blazer in the last two years and the
piping is coming undone, please return your named blazer
to the College Shop for repair on Thursday 23 June after the
NAIDOC Assembly.
The blazers will be repaired during the holidays and returned
for the start of Term 3.
Nikki Horbach
Monte College Shop
Music Notices
Auditions are now open for all singers Years 7-11 for our
very first Broadway Showcase!! Please sign up on the Music
noticeboard for Friday 17 June from 3.30pm. You need to
prepare a song from either a Broadway Musical or Movie
Musical. There will be six solo spots available. Please see Mr
Young or Ms Walmsley if you have commitments on Friday
afternoons and need to organise an alternate audition time.
From the Health Centre
We have a case of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease reported to
the School. This is usually a harmless disease that presents
with flu like symptoms and blisters on the hands and inside
the mouth. It is contagious and spread through the respiratory
system or fluid from the blisters. As always good hand hygiene
is very important and cough etiquette is vital”.
Below is a NSW Health Fact sheet. Any concerns please
the Health Centre or see you doctor for diagnosis. http://
www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Factsheets/
handfootmouth.pdf
Winter and early spring are the peak times for Meningococcal.
Please read the fact sheet from NSW for more information.
Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacterial infection
and can lead to serious illness. It is uncommon in NSW, and
occurs more often in winter and spring. Infants, small children,
adolescents and young adults are most at risk. Early treatment
is vital.
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/
Factsheets/meningococcal.pdf
Lauren Jacobs
College Nurse
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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MONTE NOTICES
Artwork:
Nangkari by Selina Kulitja
Join Maruku artists for a dot painting workshop - 22nd & 23rd June at 5.30 - $35 per person
Book your workshop @ https://www.trybooking.com/LVBU
Volunteer Help for Maruku Marketplace
This year Monte is hosting an extended Aboriginal Art Market
of paintings, carvings and weavings from the Central Desert.
We are opening from Tuesday 21to Friday 24 June in the ACC.
Hours are from 12.30 to 7.30 pm. This year there is also the
opportunity to do a Dot Painting Workshop. See flyer in this
issues of Monte Matters.
We need parents to help with daytime Maruku Marketplace
Art sales. Are you available to do a 2 or 3 hour shift 12.30 -
2.30/ 3.30 pm on any day from 21–14 June. Maruku Staff will
be there but its always handy to have people there to help
with sales, talking to customers and wrapping items. If you are
interested and available please contact Marshall Leaver on
mleaver@monte.nsw.edu.au.
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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MONTE NOTICES
i N V i t a t i o N F R o m m o N t e S a N t ’ a N G e L o m e R C Y C o L L e G e
monte San’t angelo mercy College
Parents & Friends
Cybersafety information Session
tUeSdaY 26 JULY 2016
Guest Speaker - Susan mcLean
We welcome Susan who has an extensive background in law enforcement and Cyber
Crime prevention. As a mother of three children, she is acutely aware of the issue of
Cybersafety from a parental, school and legal perspective. She has worked almost
exclusively with youths and the community for the past 17 years. She has also
conducted significant research on the issue of Internet misuse and Cyber-Bullying.
Her expertise in Internet crime and young people has seen her being sought after as
a consultant. She has worked with police internationally, including the Dallas Police
Department in the United States.
She also provides advice and assistance to a range of key youth stakeholders
including various government and non government bodies, adolescent psychologists,
magistrates, counselors and nurses.
date / time tuesday 26 July 2016
6.00pm
VeNUe
monte Sant’ angelo mercy College
128 miller Street, North Sydney
Friday 22 July 2016
RSVP
https://www.trybooking.com/LVQZ
Booking essential for entry
eNQUiRieS
Contact Rosemary trenaman on rtrenaman@monte.nsw.edu.au
Light refreshments will be served. Please note, audio and visual recording of this event is strictly prohibited.
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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MONTE NOTICES
IMPRO AUSTRALIA PRESENTS
THE
SCHOOLS CHALLENGE
GRAND FINALS
Over 120 teams from high schools across NSW took part.
Now it’s down to the final 8 in each division.
SEE
Monte Sant’ Angelo
Mercy College
battle it out in the
SENIOR GRAND FINAL
SUNDAY 19 th JUNE
ENMORE THEATRE, 118 ENMORE RD
5pm - Senior Division (yrs 11 & 12)
Cheer your fellow students as they create comedy scenes on the spot. It’s like
“Whose Line Is It Anyway?” live on stage.
Tickets: Adult $36, Student $26
or $92 for a family of 4 (save $32)
plus booking fee - Book through www.ticketek.com.au
For more information go to www.improaustralia.com.au
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
PAGE / 22

MONTE NOTICES
INSIGHTS
Building parent-school partnerships
WORDS Michael Grose
Teen Time
Teenagers need their parents more than at any other
stage, yet too often they are left to their own devices.
‘The younger the child, the more they need
their parents” has been traditional wisdom
for some time. Many parents respond to this
mantra by spending as much time as they can
with babies and toddlers, then ramping up
their careers as their kids move into school age.
The older the children, the less time is put aside
for them appears be the current practice.
The Twists and
Turns of Development
This notion assumes that child development
and children’s independence is a linear process
where parents can increasingly step back as
kids get older. BUT this is wrong!
A child’s development is full of twists, turns
and reversals so that a 10-year-old who is
beginning to experience the confusion that can
come with early adolescence has a far greater
need of her parents than she did at eight.
While toddlers are very adaptable and can be
satisfied with attention from caring adults,
teenagers are far more in need of the special
care and supervision that their parents provide.
The age between 10 and 14 is a particularly
needy time. Friendships become complex
and the challenges of school can overwhelm
children at this stage. They benefit a lot from
late afternoon and evening chats with a parent.
Mornings are too rushed for the types of
conversations they need.
The Myth of ‘I don’t need you’
Ken and Margaret Mellor, in their wonderful
book Teen Stages, dispel the myth that
teenagers don’t need their parents. The
authors state that teenagers need their
parents, but they won’t let on.
My experience raising three teenagers
supports the fact that teenagers want their
parents to succeed in managing, guiding,
nurturing and supporting them. Adolescence is
too hard for them to go through on their own.
They benefit from the close physical presence
of a parent – not in a smothering way – but
someone who is monitoring their wellbeing
and supervising their behaviour.
This can’t be done by mobile phone. Yet
most teens won’t show their gratitude if you
provide the close parenting they need. It’s not
until they reach their early to mid twenties that
they come clean and deliver a sort of belated
apology to their parents. In the meantime, you
need to hang in there.
Parenting Teens Is Tiring
While parenting toddlers can be physically
tiring, responding to the mental and emotional
demands of teenage children is equally if not
more exhausting. If you come home totally
fried by the demands of work, the last thing
you want to engage in is mind games with a
tricky but needy teenager. You’ve got to be fit
and focused (on them) to parent teens well!
Minimise Being Home Alone
Late afternoon is a recognised danger zone for
adolescence. Toddlers stay in long daycare and
primary-aged kids use after-school care or are
happy to be picked up by others. However, for
teenagers who are testing their independence
this is a tricky time.
Teens who are left to their own devices
are more prone to engage in risk-taking
behaviours, lose themselves online or in some
cases become addicted to computer games.
The world is trickier than when we grew up.
Cyber-bullying, self-harm and depression are
now part of the adolescent landscape.
Teenagers still need supervision, whether it’s
through structured activities such as sports
training or after-school or holiday programs.
They also need parents who check up on them,
make sure homework is completed and ensure
that they have fulfilled their family obligations
including completing their chore list.
Turn Conventional Wisdom On Its Head
It’s time to turn conventional wisdom on its’
head and start dedicating more rather than
less time to raising teens. That way we’ll go a
long way to giving them what they need, that
is, parental guidance, management, nurturance
and support to help them safely negotiate the
twists and turns of the developmental journey
from childhood into adulthood.
Want more ideas to help you raise confident kids and resilient young people? Subscribe to Happy Kids
newsletter, my FREE weekly email parenting guide at parentingideas.com.au. You’ll be so glad you did.
parentingideas.com.au
© 2016 Michael Grose
MONTE MATTERS 10 JUNE 2016 / TERM 2, WEEK 7
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