TECHNOFERENCE

I came across this term while reading an online article. It basically talked about the interference that technology is causing in peoples lives and how we are dealing with our addictions to the technology we have. One of the major effects is that family connections are being damaged. So how do you improve your family time and interactions and still use technology effectively?

I often take my three year old grandson to the local park. I constantly see other parents with their children and Mum or Dad on their phones while the kids are ‘playing’ or trying to get their parents involved in their play. ‘In a minute’ is often used as they check their messages. Does this sound familiar? Is it something that you have seen?

Ninety-eight percent of families have at least one internet connected device in the home. Parents use their device for an average 3.5 hours per day and children for 2.5. But this varies widely depending on the situation. Research says that 47% of families use devices while eating the evening meal.

Research also tells us that parents consumed by their devices have an effect on their own children. The children can become sad or withdrawn or can act out to get their parents attention. Haven’t we all been having a wonderful conversation with others when suddenly a phone rings or beeps. In a millisecond it is instantly checked, indicating it as a priority over conversation.

When I read this article I immediately took stock of the technoference in my own life. And I was a little disappointed. Although I am old enough to have spent my early life without the internet, I haven’t ‘grown up’ with a mobile phone (and therefore am not fully addicted). I do have a heavy reliance on it though. Most of my use is as a work tool, but I also use it for many other purposes that sometimes interfere with my family relationships. The versatility and range of needs it meets, makes the phone very attractive. Not only does it meet our needs for communication and entertainment it also occupies us.

To understand the importance of mobile technology and its good uses is important. It is such a necessary tool for so many people over a range of purposes. But to also understand the negative side of excessive use is equally important. 

We use technology extensively at the school if it supports the students learning. Our teachers constantly use technology to develop resources for the classroom and assist their teaching.

Why don’t you do an audit of your technoference? Why not google the term and have a read? (Statistics from The Conversation).

From investigating the effect of phone radiation to studying the local koala population in an effort to improve conservation practices, John Therry Rosemeadow student, Riley Tonna, has a heart and mind for science. His dedication and hard work in his Science studies have seen him awarded a prestigious Victor Chang School Science Award.

For the full article please see the link below.

https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/general-news/john-therry-rosemeadow-student-riley-tonna-wins-victor-chang-school-science-award

SPORT REPORT TERM 4 

Round 3 Week 4 VS St Benedict’s and St Patricks

MISA RECAP: After an excellent week VS MCCC (winning 7 out of 9 games) the JT team faces St Patricks College and St Benedict’s College today.

After a few warmer weeks at sport we were relieved with some cooler weather for our MISA competition and recreational sport. There was a slight breeze which did not seem to affect our volleyball and frisbee teams. This week we unfortunately did have one bus not turn up meaning our Softballers were unable to play their game verse St Patrick’s. Disappointing after building some great momentum with a close win against MCCC. We are now at the midpoint of the competition and it is time for our teams to refocus work to achieve the best result possible.

Students leaving sporting venues:

A number of students have asked to leave recreation sport venues in recent weeks with a written permission note. A written permission note asking to walk from a venue is not to be accepted. We have a legal obligation to supervise the students until 2:40, hence students will need to come back to school to be dismissed. If a parent signs their student out from the venue that is the only exception (eg. has watched son/ daughter play a MISA game).

Thank you for your support in this matter.

Sports Assembly News

As we approach the end of the year, I am calling out for any students that have gained selection into a NSW team, either via pathways into a NSW CCC team or external to school sport earning themselves a “Sporting Blue”.

Our Annual Sports assembly is coming up later this term, where we celebrate the sporting achievements of our students throughout 2019. More details to follow throughout the term. Location: William E Murray Hall Date: Tuesday 10th December Time 1:00- 2:30

*If you have any sporting news you would like to share with our community, please contact Mr Daniel Goodhew daniel.goodhew@dow.catholic.edu.au

For more sporting information, please visit the John Therry Sport Page

https://sites.google.com/dow.catholic.edu.au/johntherrysport/home

Regards

Mr Daniel Goodhew

John Therry student Mason Mcphee superstar baseballer

Mason McPhee (year 8) recently competed as part of the Macarthur All Stars Representative baseball team at the NSW Baseball State Championships. His team won the championship and travelled to Adelaide where they competed in the National Championships. This team placed 5th at Nationals, a few spots away from winning a ticket to compete at the Arizona World Titles. A remarkable effort from Mason and his team. Mason was also awarded the Campbelltown Catholic Club Hotshot award, extract is below.

Campbelltown Catholic Club Sport Hotshot

Mason McPhee’s sporting achievements tend to be very team-based. They can’t not be, because the 14-year-old competes with local teams – baseball, softball and basketball. But, in the midst of that team unity, Mason’s own personal milestones have been shining through lately – from personal best batting averages, to winning “junior player of the year” awards for two different clubs.

That’s why the John Therry Catholic High School student has been named as the latest winner of Campbelltown Catholic Club’s monthly Sports Hot Shot award. That comes with a $500 prize.

“Thank you so much, Catholic Club, for your encouragement,” Mason said. “I’ll be using money to buy a new bat and gloves to help with my baseball.” Mason, from Ruse, is aiming to eventually play college baseball in the United States – a very competitive field.

But his proud mother, Selena, thinks he’s got the right attitude – aiming for PBs while still

“This is the first time a junior league team from Macarthur has achieved this honour. Mason and his team will now be competing at the National Championships in Adelaide in a bid to become National Champion and earn a spot in the Junior League Baseball World Series which will be held in Michigan, USA, in August.”

We all wish Mason and his teammates well. The Club’s Sports HotShot award encourages young sportspeople to share their story online for the chance to win cash every month.

Our last student who competed at the NSW baseball state championship was ‘Rhys Dewick (class of 2018). Rhys has stepped out onto the field as a NSWCCC, NSW All Schools and an Australian Schools representative, with his efforts culminating in a recent baseball tour of the US in front of the sport’s top scouts.

On returning to Australia, Dewick has been awarded CEDoW’s highest honour for a male student athlete - the Bishop Mascord Trophy for Most Outstanding Secondary Sportsman at the 2018 CDF Sports Awards.

*If you have any sporting news you would like to share with our community, please contact Mr Daniel Goodhew daniel.goodhew@dow.catholic.edu.au

Tyrone Harding arrived at Belmore from Wests Magpies in 2017 and spent two seasons with the club’s SG Ball team before appearing in the back end of 2019 for the Bulldogs under 20s side. Schooled at John Terry Catholic High, the talented outside back is in his first full pre-season and is contracted with the club until the end of 2021.

https://www.bulldogs.com.au/news/2019/11/05/2020-development-player-tyrone-harding/