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 YEAR 12 GRADUATION

In a year where so much has been cancelled, postponed, shifted or simply stopped, we had a wonderful Graduation for our Year 12 students last night. Under the current covid-19 rules from NSW Health, each graduating student could only invite two guests from their direct family members. This sadly meant that the tradition of having Mum and Dad, siblings and Grandparents attend was no longer an option and I thank the families of all involved for the way in which this was worked through. Congratulations go to all students but particularly the Major Award Winners.

Br Clarence Award for Academic Excellence - Isabella Gerace, Griffin Hills,

Amith Jacob-Kovoor, Jessica Soh, Olivia Mesa (first in every course)

Jack Crawford and Vince Villa Sporting Award - Olivia Southby

Marcellin Champagnat Allrounder Award - Kyle Kalabric

Fr John Therry Spirit Award - Luke Kotsu

Cultural and Creative Arts Award - Jessica Soh

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Encouragement Award - Jay Lindfield

St Vincent De Paul Award - Mariel Venal-de Leon

Spiritus Sanctus Citizenship Award - Sophia Wolczak

Our Lady Help of Christian Marian Award - Giselle Levine

St Joseph Award - Lauren Forzeman

St Francis of Assisi Award - Alyssa Powell

ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award - Riley Tonna

ADF Future Innovators Award - Anthony Dellis

Campbelltown Achievement Award – Mr Greg Warren - Olivia Mesa

Science Teachers Association Award - Riley Tonna

Recta Sapere Award - Amith Jacob-Kovoor

NAIDOC WEEK

NAIDOC week was moved to this week because of the Covid -19 pandemic. We commenced the week last Sunday with a wonderful Mass at the Church of the Holy Trinity at Minto. Sr Kerry conducts the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry from there and the mass was celebrated by Bishop Brian and a number of elders and supporters gathered for a lovely celebration and recognition of the oldest continuous culture on our planet. A big thanks to the College staff who gave up their Sunday to attend – Mr Mayes, Mrs Carroll, Mr Robinson and especially Cherrylle and Brian Nau. I was very proud of our John Therry students who danced and provided didgeridoo accompaniment. 

HELPING KIDS DEAL WITH DISTRESSING NEWS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

We live in a world of instant news and communication. So, at times filtering does not take place and uncensored material can become available. Graphic images have been brought into our living rooms and onto our devices via the media over the last few weeks and will continue to do so in the immediate future. But what about the impact of the event and the subsequent effect of media coverage on children and young people? As adults we all want our children to live carefree and happy lives. In reality we can’t achieve this. So what is a parent, teacher, or other caring adult to do when such events fill social media and the consciousness of society?

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS:

1. Reassure children that they are safe. The consistency of the images can be frightening for young children who don’t understand the notion of distance and have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fiction. Let them know that while this event is indeed happening it will not affect them directly.
2. Explain what happened. Sounds obvious but it’s important not to simply assume that children and young people understand what’s happened. Be calm and stick to the facts.
3. Be available. Let kids know that it is okay to talk about the unpleasant events. Listen to what they think and feel. By listening, you can find out if they have misunderstandings, and you can learn more about the support that they need.
4. Help children process what they see and hear, particularly through social media. Children are good observers but can be poor interpreters of events that are out of their level of understanding.
5. Support children’s concerns for others. They may have genuine concerns for the suffering that will occur and they may need an outlet for those concerns. It is heart warming to see this empathy in children for the concerns of others.
6. Let them explore feelings beyond fear. Many children may feel sad or even angry with these events so let them express the full range of emotions.
7. Avoid keeping the television on all the time. The visual nature of social media means that images are repeated over and over, which can be both distressing to some and desensitising to others.
8. Be aware of your own actions. Children will take their cues from you and if they see you focusing on it in an unhealthy way then they will focus on it too. Let them know that it is happening but it should not dominate their lives.

Children’s worlds can be affected in ways that we can’t even conceive of, so adults need to be both sensitive to children’s needs and mindful of what they say and how they act in front of children.

In difficult times, it is worth remembering what adults and children need most are each other.

Source: Practical Parenting

One  Giant  Leap  Australia Foundation is sending native golden wattle seeds to the International Space Station in early December, 2020.

In collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) the seeds will live in space for six months, returning to Australia in time for Science Week 2021.

John Therry has been selected as one of 150 schools, scout groups and Australian Air Force Cadets across Australia to receive wattle seeds that have flown to space, plus seeds that have not. The seeds are from the same seed lot. Students are asked to germinate and grow their seeds, recording data about the germination and seed growth. Data will be uploaded to the ‘What’ll happen to the wattle??!’ app.

Watch our winning video below:

Special thanks to those that helped put the video entry together - Damian for his comedic script writing and providing the epic soundtrack, Harry for his editing expertise, Kate for alerting us to the project and to all the students involved. Also, to the Exec who provided video input, but fell on the cutting room floor (your input was used in the written application I promise).

The Australian Mint has recently released a new $1 coin, the ‘Donation Dollar.' On one side, the new Australian $1 coin has an image of Queen Elizabeth II. On the back it’s stamped with a message: “Donation Dollar: Give to help others." 

The coin, the first of its kind in the world, can be spent like any other money. But it’s intention is to be shared with people in need and we are asking our Marist Schools Australia network to use this great new Aussie initiative to support the work of Australian Marist Solidarity.  

So bring in your loose change and there will be a Marist Solidarity Box in student services where you can pop this special coin or any loose change you have as you pass to support the work of Australian Marist Solidarity. 

We believe that education provides the best catalyst for building brighter futures for vulnerable young people and their communities.  

Below are examples of what we hope to achieve with your support in 2021:

1. ACCESS FOR ALL
Access to quality education for vulnerable children and young people

• Providing computer classes for vulnerable young people in Uai-Lili, Timor-Leste
• Investing in the education of young Burmese migrants in Thailand

2. FACILITIES FOR THE FUTURE
Investing in infrastructure to ensure safe places for learning

• Installing water tanks to improve hygiene and sanitation in Bougainville
• Building toilet blocks and communal spaces for a school impacted by climate change in Kiribati

3. RESILIENCE AND READINESS
Supporting community development activities that prepare vulnerable young people to engage with education

• Provide care and support for the girl children of females working in prostitution in the Philippines
• Empower and build the life skills and literacy of young people with a disability in Bangladesh