St Mark's College Newsletter, 28 August 2020

Issue 13 28 August 2020 A moment of blessing at Year 7 Confirmation The Spirit within the Year 12 Retreat is powerful. Confirmation is uplifting. The Little Lions magically smile. Farewell Mr Phillips. 3 8803 Confirmation at the Cathedral Teachers Return from Retreat www.smc.catholic.edu.au The Bishop gathered the Confirmation I saw how tired the teachers were on their students minutes before the service began. return from Year 12 Retreat. It was held on a He offered them his prayers. He offered them Monday and Tuesday with a sleep over. They congratulations. There were to be thirty-eight had put much energy into the event. Wednesday Year 7 students confirmed in two ceremonies at came and there was a tiredness in their eyes the Cathedral. This was important to everyone. and a glazed resilience as they walked into There had been much effort from the teachers classrooms to continue their teaching. They in formation and teaching. The organisers, like could have done with a ‘sleep in’ but they Katie Pole, had things in hand. The families returned happily if somewhat drained. They were Covidly separated and waiting patiently. also returned with a deep, almost reverent, Mothers were quietly ticking off the details enthusiasm about the experience. They had of the celebratory gathering afterwards. The been touched by the sincerity and sensitivity Confirmation Sponsors stood vigilant and of the Year 12s. They wanted to tell stories of caring as the Year 7s shuffled, almost nervous, a wonderful group of young people. They were just wanting things to start. The Bishop smiled full of excitement. They gathered at morning and reassured them. “Now everyone”, he said tea to debrief and to share the success of “when I finish my sermon, and if you enjoyed the experience. They had been to a place of it, I want you to stand on the seats and call privilege – the hearts of our Year 12s. In the out ‘More! More!’”. The adults smiled and the activities and the sharing, and in the fun and children glazed over a bit. Our wonderful Bishop busyness, and in the risks of relationship, was working his magic and creating for our something special had happened. I was so students a warm and engaging experience. happy to hear that it had been a success. I was very proud of our students and I know that it He was to call out the name of each student and was achieved through the efforts of teachers a saint and then invite them to kneel at the altar. and the sincerity of the Year 12s. He was to watch them light a Baptismal Candle and bless them with chrism and individually At school that day some A4 envelopes were make connection. It would become a most put on the tables of the Year 12 Centre. They sacred and happy event. The Bishop was skilful were each labelled with the name of a Year 12 and holy, relational and wise and he touched on Retreat teacher on them. Little bits of paper the extraordinary importance of each person were supplied and the Year 12s were given the being Confirmed. Whilst no one stood on the opportunity to write a note of affirmation or seat at the end of the sermon his theme around thanks. Someone organised this. It wasn’t the the dignity of each child, and their importance teachers. Someone in that Centre felt the need in this world, needed to be applauded. Our to respond to the care and love of the teachers. students sang beautifully in the choir loft and Someone had an idea and wanted the efforts Mr Isaac Ellis played the organ. Our teachers of the teachers expressed in words. At the bustled and organised the lines and the people. end of the day the envelopes were filled with The Bishop was prayerful and smiled and the paper, an abundance of affirming responses students responded in a beautiful, dignified and from students. There was a spontaneous sacred manner. They were blessed with the gifts gathering then organised. It was student of the Holy Spirit. driven. A presentation occurred. The envelopes RECEPTION 7

Year 12s (finally!) had the opportunity to pause on Retreat P+F Meeting were offered. The spirit of the Retreat came nodded again in consideration. A leg then Monday 7 September, 7pm powerfully to life. The hearts of the teachers kind of stretched out from the group and was were filled already from the Retreat. In reading touching my foot. Sometimes a four year old the affirmations their hearts didn’t quite burst needs contact. Oh no! I didn’t want to get into but they slept that night enriched, tired and trouble with Miss Gadaleta. They have to cross deeply grateful. Something special goes on in their legs. Bottoms were shuffling and I sensed this place! the end of a collective concentration span. We finished with testing the magic qualities of Little Lion Magic lamingtons. (They were in the story). We put I read Possum Magic to our Little Lions last on the best grumpy face we could manage and week. I felt very grateful to see them as a ate a lamington and tested whether or not it group and they were going to get my best and made us smile. It did! It did! I left the experience most animated energy in the reading. This delighted with the students and deeply grateful felt purposeful. This was important. The Little that someone as skilful as Miss Gadaleta was in Lions program is about socialisation and care. charge of them. They are trained to sit with legs crossed and hands in lap. They are supported in listening Farewell Greg Phillips and being thoughtful and I was determined to We have received news from Bosco House give them my best effort. The Little Lions are leader and Physical Education teacher also given experiences that create confidence Greg Phillips that he has secured a place in in this wonderful school. I wanted them to enjoy the Metropolitan Fire Service. He has an the adventure of literature. This was now an opportunity to be a ‘firey’. It is time to say important occasion for us all. farewell to a loyal teacher at St Mark’s who ‘I’m gonna make this work! I’ll get theatrical.’ I has been here for many years. We thank him said to myself. ‘Once upon a time….’ for his work and wish him all the very best. We They seemed ready to respond to a vibrant certainly congratulate him on his courage to interpretation of the Mem Fox book. They pursue a new pathway and will miss his focus laughed at my voices and we made some sound and determination in the classroom and his effects together. They wanted to answer enthusiasm for Bosco House. questions about the images in the large book and I was happy to interpret. Suddenly a Mr Greg Hay, Principal question: ‘Do you know what’s in my pocket?’ Lamingtons brought a smile to Estella and all ‘What?’ of the Little Lions! ‘My pocket’ ‘I’m working the crowd here buddy’ ‘In my pocket’. The whole energy of the room turned to focus on the mystery of Charlie’s pocket. Somehow it immediately became more important than the adventures of Grandma Poss and Hush. Out came a tissue. ‘Oh! That’s interesting. A tissue’. There was a chorus of nods in agreement. On went the story. ‘Do you like football?’ ‘Football? Yes! And I believe Miss Gadaleta has been an elite player in her day’. She half glared and half laughed at me. Heads

Religious Education From the APRIM Trey Luteria, Aliza McBride, James Porta, Louie Koby responds to the Bishop San Gabriel, Jackson Smallacombe, Mason A prayerful moment on Year 12 Retreat Year 12 Retreat Smallacombe, Sophie Smith, Alex Spolding, The Bishop prays over Alicia Our Year 12 Retreat went ahead last week. Koby Staker, Kodi Stark, Daniela Thompson, We shared two big days of important themes Gracie Waters. and reflection. It was a time to reflect on and process a disrupted and uncertain final year Social Justice Sunday and to look with hope towards a future full of This weekend is Social Justice Sunday. The opportunity that is unknown. I was impressed Bishops have chosen to focus on the important with the way these young adults embraced the social issue of Mental Health in 2020. Most experience and engaged thoughtfully in the of us will experience a mental health problem sessions provided. What was more impressive at some point over the course of our lives. was the genuine gratitude shown by the Understanding mental health will help us to students for the support and encouragement be aware of those who need our support. The they have received from the staff. I hope they Bishops are calling for our parishes, our schools never lose that sense of the good in their lives and communities to be places of acceptance as they journey forward at the end of the year. care and healing, not places of rejection, judgment, or stigma. My thanks to the team who facilitated an outstanding experience for these senior In the Social Justice Statement To Live Life to students Ms Fiona Clarke, Mrs Margaret the Full: Mental Health in Australia today, the Congdon, Mr Marc Forster, Mr Matthew Bishops welcome the deinstitutionalisation of Munday and Mrs Annie Olsen. We are mental health care in Australia. They recognise grateful to Fr Jimmy Pantin for his support that without adequate funding we cannot close of this Retreat giving us the opportunity to the gaps that those suffering fall through. celebrate the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. We have been called to reject the stigmatism that surrounds mental health and support the Confirmation needs of those marginalised in our community Thirty-eight students confirmed their due to their mental health. commitment to be people of faith and service last weekend. Bishop Greg O’Kelly presided Jesus, you invite us all into the fullness of life. over two COVID friendly Confirmation Masses. They were joyful occasions that enabled May we support one another to flourish in each candidate to feel a sense of their unique body, mind and spirit. People called you purpose that they will serve in our world in living mad. Help us to recognise you in those who out their Catholic faith. I would like to thank the suffer mental ill-health today. Show us how to Year 7 teachers who supported them on this eliminate stigmatisation of mental ill-health journey of preparation and celebration from our parishes, schools, communities and Mr Isaac Ellis, Ms Lyn Ellbourn and Mrs organisations. You drew near to those who Margaret Congdon. A special thank you to our were suffering in body or mind. May we too feel vocal group from Bosco Campus who provided your nearness when we struggle with mental beautiful music for this significant occasion. health challenges. May we be one as members of Your Body. You invite us to share in your Congratulations to Akaila Ackland, Cohen ministry of love and true compassion. May we Amato, Jake Anderson, Mia-Lee Bateson, be empowered by your Spirit to reach out to all Mayah Camporeale, Michael Camporeale, people in need. May we build communities of Caitlin Caputo, Mae Caspers, Eva Christensen- welcome and inclusion. Amen Lauder, Maveric Connelly, Mitchell Court, Jack DeGioia, Tyson Degioia, Charlie Dickeson, Mrs Katie Pole, APRIM Cohan Dwyer, Bridie Ellis-Nunn, Alicia Farrugia, Davyn Freer, Alyssa Ganley, Kobi Ganley, Lukas Good, Violet Jackson, Brock Johanning, Jacob Kumar, Molly Lavis, Schofield Leske,

From the Deputy Principal Year 2s with their ‘Pig the Pug’ inspired artwork Auskick Important reminders Please be mindful that the carpark is a 10km Tuesday 1 and 8 September, lunch Arriving at the midway point of Term 3 reminds zone and the roads surrounding it during school Year 4 Blue Excursion me of just how quickly another year can pass time are 25kms. We are very lucky we have not Wednesday 2 September by even with COVID-19! The uncertainty, had an accident as a number of vehicles are Year 4 Red Excursion implications of restrictions and sudden decision regularly exceeding these limits. Again, your Friday 4 September making we experienced in Term 1 seems so long child may be safe in your vehicle but that is not Little Lions ago. Social distancing, hand sanitiser, regular the case for the others. Please allow yourself Session 6: Friday 4 September playground washing and Covid Marshalls is the more time so that you are not speeding through Session 7: Friday 11 September new norm. As always, the contribution of staff and around the carpark. It may be that some SAPSASA Football in organising these matters is dedicated and of our family friends/caregivers may also need Monday 7 - Wednesday 9 thorough. I’d like to thank them for their ongoing a reminder, thank you for your anticipated September work in ensuring we are doing all we can to cooperation. Benedict Sports Photo Day provide a healthy environment. Thursday 10 September Soon we will begin the considered and lengthy Year 2 Excursion Something interesting to note, is that when we process of working out classes for 2021. If you Friday 11 September had the ‘yellow line’ morning drop off, students have a request based on educational outcomes, arrived on time and were keen to get to class. please collect a form from the Benedict Office Unfortunately, this term has seen a huge to complete. Please note: requests for specific increase in the number of students arriving late, teachers will not be considered. Please return after 8:45am. to the Benedict Office, no later than Friday 16 October (Week 1). For each child who arrives late/leaves early this is at least 10 minutes that the class teacher Last week was National Science Week with needs to stop their teaching/facilitating and many classes enjoying some extra scientific the rest of the class’ learning is interrupted. activities. Fun experiments, Solar Systems and Often, it is not just one student! Please be Natural Disasters are fondly recalled by some mindful that whilst it might be convenient students: for you, the impact on not only your child missing times of the day where important We made volcanoes in the sand pit. They details are shared but of the impact on the erupted with vinegar and powder (bi-carb soda). whole class’ learning is being continually It was red because we had red food colouring. It interrupted. These constant interruptions to was exciting. Eli and I made the biggest! class time are becoming problematic. Whilst Bailey, 1G we can appreciate there are exceptions ie one off family events, important medical The best thing about Science Week was that we appointments etc there are currently just too could do really fun experiments. The best bit is many interruptions to classes. This is a friendly that if it doesn’t work you can try again. You just reminder regarding the importance of adhering have to be persistent! to school times for the benefit of all. Therefore, Astrid, 1G I ask you to please have students in their class by 8.45am. Any arrivals after that will need to We also put water and food colouring in a little be to the office. School concludes at 3.20pm cup. We put flowers into the cup to see if the please make any appointments after this time petals changed colour or not … and they did so as not to impact on the class teacher time. change colour! They are still in our classrooms. Lily, 1G Whilst on friendly reminders, it seems a few people in the carpark are in a desperate hurry! Please turn over

Benedict Campus We made big hills in the sand and then made a hole at the top. I made my hill with Max, Kingston and Rocco. We put in red vinegar and bi carb soda. It exploded and then was bubbly, all the way down the hill. I predicted that it was going to explode and it did. Luke, 1G We had a glass jar and we put some oil, water and a white tablet into it. We put on the lid. It smelt like lemonade. It made a lava lamp! Sophie, 1G In class we painted foam balls to make planets. Lily and Olivia make volcanoes Evie-Rose and Jameson admire the lava lamp We had to learn the order of the planets from Max creates rainy clouds the sun. We are half way through the project to Pandorah made rock candy make our own Solar System. Emily, 5B We started by researching the Solar System. After about six sheets of work, we started to paint the foam balls to make planets. Each group had to paint ten foam balls. We also tried to measure out the Solar System at school. 1cm = 1, 000, 000kms. We started at Mr Swensson’s desk and ended up on the other side of the Good Samaritan Hall. Riley, 5B We went into our classroom one morning and Year 6s clean up after the natural disaster found that most of the desks had been flipped over and there were books everywhere! My first reaction was. ‘Wow!’. I thought I was pretty lucky because my desked wasn’t flipped over. Bailey, 6R We went to have a look at the other Year 6 classes. Something ‘funny’ I noticed in every class was that the teachers’ desks were not touched at all! We figured out it wasn’t a robbery because the windows weren’t smashed. Tahlia, 6R Everyone started saying, “Don’t clean up,” so we didn’t have to do any work! All the Year 6 classes then grouped outside and the teachers asked us to share our initial thoughts and then write them down. It really made me think about Natural Disasters, it was fun and I’m really glad my Manga art work wasn’t destroyed in the event! Zackary, 6R Ms Melissa Gadaleta, Deputy Principal, Benedict Campus Ted and Nate explore some rocks

Benedict Campus Year 5s explore the Southern Flinders Congratulations Year 5s enjoyed visting Melrose and a trainride on the Pichi Richi. Star Salesian Students Year 5s at Woolshed Flat 6 Red Liam Saler 6 Blue Danniella DiGeronimo 6 Green Khyleen Joice Macatangay 5 Red Noah Nicholson 5 Blue Anika Taylor 4 Red Bailey Ferme 4 Blue Jett Dunstall 3 Blue Jordy Scarce-Evans 3 Red Jack Cole 2 Blue Pandorah Clarke 2 Red Khobi Mitchell 1 Blue Will Halvorsen 1 Red Emersyn Benson 1 Green Martha Bishop Rec. Blue Khadija Hendy Rec. Red Xavier Griese Rec. Green Finlay Saracino Star Samaritan Students 6 Red Elise Vanlaarhoven 6 Blue Mason Hocking 6 Green Sophie Bessen Ngarapanha, Rechyane and Aiman Joel, Jake and Noah 5 Red Curtis Cullen 5 Blue Ada Eiffe 4 Red Sienna Yull 4 Blue Ceana Spadavecchia 3 Blue Kian Connolly 3 Red Riley Pisani-Yuke 2 Blue Sierra McLaughlin 2 Red Mercedes Will 1 Blue Addison Bradley 1 Red Isabelle Hutchison 1 Green Sherdin David Rec. Blue Campbell Stark Rec. Red Fergus Bone Rec. Green Paxton Sismey Emily, Anika and Paige Tarj, Ryley, Aiden, Finn and Charlie

From the Deputy Principal Final Assessments and Deadlines for Year 12 Students As the end of the Year 12 academic year approaches the pressure of final assessments and preparing for examinations intensifies. It is a busy time of term where good time management skills and a high level of organisation and planning is essential. For the short term, Year 12 students should consider placing a larger focus on their studies by reducing external commitments. At this time, it is important for students to recognise that deadlines are critical. As the year draws to an end, the possibilities for extensions are reduced as teachers must mark and submit results to the SACE Board by set dates. These dates are not negotiable, and students must therefore carefully plan their final weeks and talk with their teachers immediately if they feel like they are not keeping up. I also take this opportunity to remind Year 12 students that their Trial Examinations will take place in Week 8 and 9, Term Three. The Exam timetable along with expectations and protocols have been distributed to parents via CareMonkey, and students via their email. Date Day Subject Time Room Equipment Needed 7 Sept Monday Modern 8.30-10.40am P3 History Laptop 8 Sept Tuesday and non- 10 Sept Thursday Psychology 8.30-10.40am P3 Bluetooth 11 Sept headphones 15 Sept Friday Biology 8.30-10.40am P3 16 Sept Tuesday 8.30-10.40am P3 Laptop Thursday Nutrition 8.30-10.40am P1 17 Sept 8.30-10.40am P1 Paper-based Friday Physics exam 8.30-10.40am P1 and P2 Chemistry General Mathematics Mathematics Methods Preparing for Summer impressed by Lucy’s written application and stated that her ‘confident presentation at As the days begin to warm up, we are the interview was noteworthy’. In particular, reminded that Summer is near, and with that, mention was made of Lucy’s leadership Summer school uniforms will begin to make qualities. Again, congratulations to a an appearance. For Weeks 8 and 10 of Term 3, meritorious recipient. either the Summer or Winter uniform can be worn. I would like to take this opportunity to Mr Marc Forster, remind students that it is expected that they do Deputy Principal, Bosco Campus not mix and match the two uniforms. Students not wearing winter uniform within the College guidelines will be required to change. In preparation for Summer, it is important that students check their Summer Uniform still fits! New College uniform items are available from MES Street Wear. Music Gala Evening Outdoor Ed Camp Monday 31 August, 7pm The Year 11 students undertook their hiking Year 11 Retreat camp in Wilpena Pound. The hike challenged Tuesday 1 September them all but they all made it. Tom Gilligan, Year 11 Leadership Hike Outdoor Ed teacher, said that he was so Wednesday 2 September impressed with their efforts and determination SAPSASA Football to keep going. There were icy nights, long Monday 7 - Wednesday 9 days of hiking and heavy packs. They saw September some beautiful sights and got to be a part of Bosco Sports Photo Day something few people get to do. Thursday 10 September Well done Year 11s! Congratulations Lucy Lucy, recipient of the RSL Bursary for Congratulations to Year 12 student Lucy St Mark’s with RSL President Malcolm Bond Pennell, the St Mark’s winner of the 2020 Port Pirie RSL Education Bursary. The panel was

Bosco Campus Esports season draws to a close As the main competition rounds of the META Esports League draws to a close, St Mark’s students have continued to practice and improve their game play. Every Monday, students gather to practice at lunch time, including a number of students who are new to the games. Students are practicing problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, communication skills and team work through their involvement in Esports. They are learning how to be gracious in both victory and defeat, as they honour their team mates and opponents. New players are welcome, and we hope to celebrate the inaugural season with a combined team get-together later in the term. Mrs Briony Forster, Esports Manager Maea celebrates her first victory Amelia and Riley coach their teams Louie, Sarim and Latrell strategise while Ethan focuses intently Year 9 Geography Blake, Zac, Keeley, Jazlyn and Amity with their field drawings Year 9 students have been learning some geography field work skills. Due to the virus we couldn’t plan our normal excursion activities so we had a mini-excursion to the oval instead. Whilst there the students were developing field work sketching skills. They had to work quickly in case the weather changed. Students had to draw the main fixed features, both built and natural. Field work also requires colour to hint at what the environment looks like and annotations for each key feature. The students enjoyed the challenge! Ms Veronica Travers, HASS Amity’s field drawing Keeley’s field drawing Jazlyn’s field drawing

Bosco Campus Around Bosco Campus Outdoor Ed students exploring the Flinders Ranges Year 12 fun on Retreat Hayden, Mason and Aaliyan with their biome Casey and Jack at Year 12 Retreat Kayla, Jessica, Ruby and Georgia with their for Geography biome diorama Isabella, Keeley and Lara on Year 12 Retreat Bella, Grace and Ella with their biome diorama Owen and Georgia at Year 12 Retreat

College Sports Kickstarting sports Junior students are enjoying Net-Set-Go and Auskick! Olivia stops at the goal line Isabelle catches the ball Ivy takes a shot Nate chases Darby for the ball Friends and footy, Willow and Indiana Zaiyden lines up for a kick St Mark’s represents at SAPSASA Soccer Matilda Angas, Beau, Lawson, Michael, Cohen, Jack, Tyron, Tyson and team were undefeated in the competition

Important Health Reminders : COVID-19 Waiting for your COVID-19 test resut? House rules for self-isolation • Stay home until you get your results and • Stay at home or in your hotel room you no longer have symptoms (unless to seek medical attention). No trips to work or the shops. No visitors. • Avoid contact with others (even those who live in the same house as you) • Cover coughs and sneezes, and dispose of tissues. • Have friends or family drop items at your door, or shop for food and essentials • Wash hands frequently with soap and online water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser. • Do NOT go out to public places (e.g. work, • Other people living in the home (unless a school, childcare, university, shopping carer) should consider staying elsewhere, centres, public parks, social or religious especially people who are elderly, have gatherings) compromised immune systems, and chronic health condidtions. • Do NOT have visitors • If members of the household stay, do not share rooms with them (including the bathroom if possible). Do not have face- to-face contact. TENNIS REGISTRATION Tennis registrations forms are available at both Bosco and Benedict Campus student offices. If you would like to play for the College, registrations are due by Friday 5 September. Please contact Lisa Manners on 8633 8802 for any queries. Community Notices Port Football and Open Day Community Sporting Club Thinking Uni? Think Uni Hub! Open daily from 9.00am Uni Hub Spencer Gulf is the local link between you, your study and your university. Find out more at the Uni Hub Open Day: Monday, 14 September, from 12pm - 7pm Uni Hub, 97 Ellen Street, Port Pirie Click here for free tickets for information sessions and tours. Online Canteen Orders for Benedict and Bosco: www.flexischools.com.au