Newsletter - T3W10 - 17/9/21
From the Principal
We made it! It has been a wonderful week to see all students and staff back onsite for face-to-face teaching this week. It has been one of reconnection, consolidation and community. As difficult as things have been for everyone this term, there is a distinct feeling of moving forward, and I sincerely hope that this will be the last lockdown that we have to endure.
All students have been impacted by the lockdown but none more so than our seniors - Year 12 in particular. We have made plans for both Graduation and the Formal for next term. At the moment, there won’t be any guests allowed at either event, but all will be Zoomed for all parents and families to watch. We are hopeful that there may be some lifting of restrictions before these events, and that we can change these arrangements.
All Stage 6 students will be back next term to ensure a rigorous preparation for their HSC exams starting in November. There will be a mixture of learning activities for the students to ensure they are ready to sit the HSC and will include: normal timetabled classes, seminar style workshops, practice Trial examinations, study periods, and some welfare activities. We believe that this is a great opportunity to consolidate their learning, and prepare for the exams in a meaningful way. The timetable for the first four weeks next term will be shared with all students today.
Due to the lateness of the HSC exams this year, the transition to the next academic year has also had to change. Traditionally the College changes over to the next academic year in week 6 of Term 4. This year the changeover will occur in Week 9 of Term 4. This is a delay, but a necessary one to give our compressed curriculum students the best opportunity possible in their HSC this year.
As we finish this term I would like to share a prayer with you all:
We thank you Lord, for this term.
For our challenges, our successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt.
Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.
Give us strength and courage to do what is right: to be witnesses of our faith.
Help us to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others, to be peacemakers in our family.
Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun.
Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.
We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents and a community that cares for us.
May we always be conscious of you in our lives.
Amen
Finally, I would like to wish all our families, staff and students, a very happy holiday. This term has tested us all with its challenges and uncertainties. The Professional Development Day which had been planned has been cancelled, and so Term 4 will start on Tuesday October 5, after the long weekend. This decision was made for the benefit of the students and families in our school community. Keep well and stay safe.
Tracy Robinson
Principal
Parish Mass Times
Weekend Mass
5 pm (Sat) & 8 am (Sun)
Weekdays
Monday 9.00am
Tuesday 8.00am
Wednesday 8.00am
Thursday 9.00am
Friday 9.00am
Saturday 9.00am
RECONCILIATION
Saturday 8.30 am - 9.00 am
4 Square Metre Rule
Please sit in allocated seats
2 per pew
MASKS ARE REQUIRED
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From the Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
Stage 6 Term 4
The CSO gave the schools in the Diocese some guidelines for our Stage 6 students in term 4 this year.
They have indicated that students are to return to school for the first 4 weeks of the term.
The College is working with students to try and figure out what these 4 weeks will look like for them.
A proposed outline will be sent to students before the end of the day on Friday.
Term 4 Uniform
A few students have returned from blended learning having forgotten what the College uniform provisions are. Given that it has been difficult to procure haircuts etc, we are trying to be lenient this week, but the following College rules will be in place at the beginning of next term and students will be expected to abide by them:
- Hair is to be neat and tidy. If it is longer than shoulder length, it needs to be tied back.
- Mullets are not permitted. Students will be asked to get their hair cut if they return to school with a mullet.
- Nail polish needs to be clear, light pink or white.
- Skirts need to be knee length. (A lot of girls have grown since they last wore their Summer uniform, please adjust skirt length if needed).
Masks and Student Exclusion
Under Level 3 restrictions, students are required to wear masks indoors at all times.
Students have been warned several times about this and are very well aware that failure to wear masks indoors means that they will be sent home. An email did go home to parents informing them of this as well.
We are trying to adhere to the instructions we have been given from the CSO, and we are trying to implement a College policy that we believe is in the best interests of both students and teachers.
If your child is sent home under these restrictions, we would appreciate your cooperation and respect when speaking with administration staff. Parents may request to be contacted by the teacher who sent their child to the office at a later time in order to clarify the situation within the class. Teachers are always happy to communicate with parents.
If we are to continue into term 4 on Level 3 restrictions, the College is asking for the support of parents in trying to uphold safety standards for both students and staff.
Nadine Connolly
Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching
From the Assistant Principal - Mission
It has been fantastic to be able to see our community together again this week.
Transition from Blended Learning
This week we have focused on the joy of being in communion with our community. For our students who struggled with the social isolation as a result of the lockdown, this week has been a chance for them to reconnect. Students have been encouraged to take time to validate their own feelings and to show empathy to their classmates and teachers as we work through our transition.
We know the value of routines and have worked hard to assist our students reestablish routines in the learning environment. We hope all students have been able to access their learning in a way that helps them feel successful.
If your young person is struggling as a result of the lockdown, please contact their Year Coordinator. We are eager to help students transition back into school next term.
Uniform
Seeing our wonderful students back this week we can see just how much height many of them gained during the lockdown. Please check the hem of uniform items, it is one of those jobs we often put aside, but we would appreciate all students wearing their uniform correctly and with pride when we see them back on campus next term.
I hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday. We look forward to seeing you all next term.
Clare Axman
Assistant Principal - Mission
From the Leaders of VET, Careers and Resources
With term three drawing to a close, most students in Year 12 will have completed University applications if this is their preferred pathway. Students can always defer an offer if they have applied through UAC, QTAC or VTAC. Once students are satisfied that they have their applications complete, I encourage them to apply for scholarships as there are many. I have emailed students details in previous newsletters, they can be found on individual University websites and those I receive are put into the scholarship section on the careers website under the Students tab. A number of opportunities do come up at this time of the year and I will post in the newsletter as I find them.
For students looking for apprenticeships and traineeship, see below and for those looking to enrol at TAFE details may be found here.
Students interested or applying for University
Early Entry to SCU and CSU
Due to the recent COVID disruptions, SCU has extended time to apply for Star entry until 30 September.
Charles Sturt University, who have an excellent campus in Port Macquarie, have opened a third round for students who wish to be considered for their Advantage program, (early entry). Round 3 is open now (it has been open since 1 September) and will close at midnight on Monday 4 October. Students who apply between 1 September and Midnight 4 October will be notified of the result of their application in late October. The same course offerings will be available, with some courses still being competitive and the application process is the same as Round 1 and 2.
Parent Information Session - Charles Sturt University
We are holding our second Parent Information Night for 2021 on 21 September (from 6:30pm). This online event is a great opportunity for parents and students to get in contact with the experts about their plans for next year. We’ve arranged for UAC to join us on the night and they will be running their own information session, covering off any changes due to COVID-19. There will also be the opportunity for parents and students to ask any questions they might have too.
The online event will be as interactive and fun as possible. Students and parents will have the opportunity to pick from one of three faculty sessions, and one of four specialist sessions:
- UAC information session
- Early entry and Charles Sturt Advantage
- Accommodation
- The cost of uni and scholarships.
If you are interested, please register here.
Griffith University
Griffith University also has their early entry open now. Please see link for requirements.
https://www.griffith.edu.au/apply/guaranteed-admission-scheme/early-offer
The Women's College within The University of Sydney
Multiple scholarships for academic merit, leadership, co-curricular talent and financial need. Other scholarships include regional/rural students, indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students, government school students, students with an education disadvantage/low SES schools/areas applying for The University of Sydney E12 scholarships. Closing date 5 Oct. More info: www.thewomenscollege.com.au
Upcoming Opportunities
UNSW Girls in Engineering Club for high school girls interested in STEM It’s the fun, inspiring community for high school girls wanting to explore the diverse fields of engineering. Membership is FREE and students receive a monthly newsletter packed with engaging content and activities, invitations to events and workshops, and the opportunity to be mentored by current UNSW engineering students. Join: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/study/girls-engineering-club
My Future Workforce
Training Services NSW and Industry are working together to support 2021 school leavers with their transition into local job opportunities and further training (fee free) post school.
If you would like to gain skills over summer with free training, the Summer Skills program has been designed specifically with school leavers in mind. The program allows students to explore their interests and gain valuable skills that they’ll be able to take with them, wherever they end up. Please see details on the below flyer.
Students may also like to register for My Future Workforce, a platform that connects prospective employees to potential employers.
Richmond Valley Council
RVC will now run their proposed Career Expo virtually. They will have apprenticeship, traineeship, job opportunities for 2021 school leavers. They will host a 45 minute virtual information session in T4/Wk2 - Wednesday, 13 October 1.30pm to 2.15pm and are presenting another session the day before on Tuesday, 12 October 1.05pm to 1.50pm. Students will be able to view this in the Library.
Students will have an opportunity to hear what jobs are on offer and how to apply, as well as learn more about careers in local government.
Please see attached flyer for students and parents.
EntrepreneurFEST
Students interested in Entrepreneurial opportunities, don’t miss this one. An opportunity to learn from the best in setting up your own online business. Sessions are free and will run in the second week of the school holidays.
For full details of the program, please see this link
Apprenticeship/Traineeship Opportunities
HVTC have the following Traineeships advertised. Go to https://www.hvtc.com.au/jobs and type in job reference number.
- Cert III Outdoor Power Equipment Technology
Located in Ballina – job ref #PL000076
(CLOSES 27 Sep)
- Cert III Dental Assisting (ATSI Identified)
Located in Casino – job ref #PL000075
(CLOSES 27 Sep)
Apprentice Electronic Security Technician
MEGT have this advertised in Ballina
A position is available for an Apprentice Electronic Security Technician.
Bev Champion
Leader of VET, Careers and Resources
Leader of Welfare
GameAware Weekend Online Programs
Parents may remember Andrew’s Parent Game Aware Webinar organised by the Catholic Schools Parent Assembly last year. GameAware is offering some weekend online programs for parents starting this weekend.
If you are interested in registering for any of the online programs please visit https://www.gameaware.com.au/
HSC Workshops and Seminars for Seniors
The Richmond / Tweed Library in partnership with the Regional Education Support Network (RESN) to host a series of free online HSC workshops and seminars coming up in September and October.
https://rtrl.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-SCL-05-80-61
Michele McCaffery
Leader of Welfare
Literacy Coach
In continuing to provide tools to support your student at home in our Literacy Focus areas of:
- Elements of Grammar: such as maintaining correct tense when writing, using a range of sentence structures and phrasing to improve the quality of student’s writing
- Spelling accuracy
- Using punctuation correctly
Here are a few tips to remember:
We always encourage students to proofread and edit their work before submitting it. An important part of this process is to read aloud their work and listen to hear if it makes sense. This is good practice and possibly an opportunity for the student to read their work aloud to you. You could support their editing if their work does not sound quite right and an opportunity to hear the quality of their work.
I will continue to provide tips to support your student at home in these areas in the coming newsletters. If you have any questions about this work, please do not hesitate to contact the College or Kelly Winters, Literacy Coach by email at kelly.winters@lism.catholic.edu.au.
Kelly Winters
Literacy Coach
Reach Out
What is telehealth?
Telehealth is a way of accessing a health appointment from a computer or smartphone, from anywhere in the country. There are lots of mental health professionals who are able to do their job using telehealth, including psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors and social workers.
Why is telehealth a good idea?
In a telehealth booking with a mental health professional, you’ll receive the same service you’d receive from them in person. They will also have the same level of qualifications as someone you’d see in person. In fact, studies have shown that therapy done through telehealth is as helpful as talking to a health professional in person.
Here are a few reasons why seeing someone through telehealth might be a good fit for you:
- You could have more options available to you than just the mental health professionals in your local area.
- You could have a better chance of finding a professional who’s an excellent fit for you.
- You could feel more comfortable in your own home than in a therapist’s office.
Since you won’t have to commute to a mental health professional’s office every week or fortnight, you’ll have more time available for activities you enjoy.
How to book a telehealth appointment?
- See your GP. You will have an opportunity to talk to your doctor about what’s going on in your life and about what you think might help. Your doctor will then offer their perspective and write up a mental health plan that will allow you to receive 20 sessions a year at a discounted rate with the Medicare rebate.
- Book directly
For more information go to: https://au.reachout.com/articles/telehealth-and-more-getting-psychological-help-online
Canteen
Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers to assist in the Canteen. Please contact the Canteen via the College office if you are available at any time to help.
Flexischools
Flexischools is a well-established organisation allowing you to easily place all your canteen orders online at any time.
Download the Flexischools app from the App store or Google Play. Click here for details on how to set up your account.
Once registered, you can start placing orders immediately.
Please note that sushi orders will need to be placed before Tuesday afternoon at 1pm as Sushi will only be available for Wednesday orders.
There is a charge of $0.29 per order for using this service.
If you have any questions, please contact the Flexischools Customer Service Team via their website contact page.
The normal process of ordering from the canteen (cash, eftpos, morning lunch orders) is still available.
Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Tuesdays 3.15pm to 5.00pm
Thursdays 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Payments of cash, cheque or EFTPOS are welcome.
Second Hand Uniforms
Sustainable School Shop is an online shop dedicated to buying and selling of second hand uniforms. For more information ring 1300683337 or visit www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au.
Please note that this facility is available for use with the new College uniforms only.