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Friday, 8 March 2019, Term 1 Week 6

Dear Parents, Staff and Students

State Election Update

Last Friday I had the opportunity to meet with Mr Chris Minns (Member for Kogarah) and Mrs Anne Melrose, Principal of Mater Dei Primary School Blakehurst. The purpose of the meeting was for Mrs Melrose and myself to ensure Mr Minns (former student of MCK) was well aware of the challenges the Catholic education sector was facing due to the lack of funding from the State Government. We were seeking a commitment to an increase in capital investment and a continuation in the existing levels of recurrent funding should a Labor Government take office after the upcoming election. In essence, this would ensure that Jesus, you place on my forehead the sign of my sister Death: the State Government would assist with the building of new schools and the expansion of Remember you are dust, existing schools. In addition, we were looking for an assurance that the funds we receive for and to dust you shall return. our operating costs are maintained. These things can never be taken for grantedasis evidenced by the previous removal of the interest subsidy and the recent arguments with the How not hear her wise advice? Commonwealth Government about their commitment to Catholic schools. One day my life on earth will end; the limits on my years are set, though Treasury modelling for recurrent grants clearly indicates if the current situation is not I know not the day or hour. addressed that Catholic schools will be $40 million worse off over the next 5 years. As Shall I be ready to go to meet you? mentioned above, this directly affects the day-to-day operation of a school and detracts from Let this holy season be a time of grace for me and all this world. the quality of the resources we are able to supply. Of even greater concern is the proposed funding for capital works over the next 4 years - a massive $5.9 billion difference in State Teach us to number our days aright, Government funding between the government and non-government sectors. that we may gain wisdom of heart. O Jesus, you place on my Mrs Melrose and I were pleased to recognise that our local member, Mr Chris Minns, is forehead the sign of your saving Cross: onside and sympathetic to the concerns we raised. I am also aware that my Principal Turn from sin and be faithful colleagues were meeting with Mr Steve Kamper, Member for Rockdale. Many people would to the gospel. know that Mr Kamper’s sons attended MCK and that he is an advocate for Catholic schools. Should a Labor Government be elected, I am certain that we will have a strong voice for How can I turn from sin unless Catholic education in caucus. I turn to you?

You speak, you raise your hand, Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) you touch my mind and call my name, Each year the Commonwealth Government collects data to inform funding decisions to Turn to the Lord your God again. support students with disabilities. Although the funding will never be sufficient, there are

These days of your favour leave a many millions of dollars at stake. It is important that every student who is entitled to support blessing as you pass on me and all receive an education that prepares them for life beyond school, which can only happen with your people. personalised and specific intervention and adjustments. Further information can be found by Turn to us, Lord God, clicking on the link below. and we shall turn to you. 2019 NCCD Fact Sheet Amen

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Road Safety

Early in the school year, it is probably worth revisiting some points about road safety for our students and parents. The immediate vicinity around schools is always busy and last week I noticed the Council Rangers taking photos of car number plates where the drivers were in breach of parking and pickup regulations. Double parking while waiting for your sons,or dropping them off whilst doing the same, has the potential for serious injury or worse. All of our young men are capable of walking relatively short distances to school. Dropping them off at a point further away from the school is much safer and gives them the opportunity for a short walk before or after school. I believe the fines are significant and may attract a loss of points. Please click on this link below for updated information from Bayside Council regarding parking safely around schools.

Bayside Council Road Rules Reminders

Behaviour

So far this term I have received some very positive comments about our students’ behaviour and manners on public transport as well as some that are less complimentary. I have taken the opportunity to speak at a whole school assembly about this and the impact both types of comments have on the College’s reputation in the wider community. We take the excellent reputation MCK has in our community very seriously and I would ask that parents also have this conversation with your sons.

Affirmations

Recently an experienced teacher was discussing with me the dramatic change in the attitude and behaviour of one ofthe students in her class. It would seem that affirmation and positive reinforcement when the student was doing the right thing has had an impact on this student’s general outlook on life. Affirmations are positive comments made by someone whose opinion we might respect that can have an influence on our decisions and behaviours. For many young people, for a variety of reasons, all they hear are negative comments and criticisms. It can be difficult with some adolescents to find behaviourthat we can affirm. It is a challenge for teachers and parents to find those opportunities for affirmation but something that is worth the effort.

Mr John Riordan Principal

Second Hand Uniform Sale at the College

Blazers $50 House Polo $8

Blue/White Shirts $2 Sport Shorts $8

Grey Trousers $10 Track Jacket $25

Navy Shorts $10 Track Pants $15

Sport Polo $8 Pullover $20

Students need to accompany parents when purchasing uniforms from the College office

FINIS CORONAT OPUS - The end crowns the work

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PROJECT COMPASSION 2019

Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal is an extraordinary, ongoing demonstration of the faith, love and generosity of the Catholic congregation and caring supporters throughout Australia to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

Project Compassion theme this year asks us to: Give Lent 100% in the name of hope.

Starting with Ash Wednesday, 6 March, we at MCK are sharing stories from people in Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Australia, Bangladesh and Vietnam. Their stories humble and inspire us, and show how your contributions to Project Compassion help people build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. Money for Project Compassion will be collected in homerooms on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. Thank you in advance for your support of this great initiative.

PANCAKE TUESDAY

On Tuesday 5 March, the College commenced its annual Caritas Lenten fundraising appeal, Project Compassion with a pancake morning. Traditionally on the day before Ash Wednesday (the beginning of the Lenten Liturgical season), people would gather all their rich food ingredients such as eggs, butter and sugar to make pancakes as Lent was associated as a season of fasting.

Students were encouraged to make a $1.50 donation for a delicious homemade pancake, with all proceeds going towards the extraordinary work of Caritas overseas in the Asia-Pacific regions and at home in Australia.

In total from that morning, we raised $666.35 an exceptional amount demonstrating the College’s support for solidarity.

On behalf of the College community, I would like to thank all the families, teachers and students involved in this fundraiser!

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ASH WEDNESDAY

This week we celebrated Ash Wednesday. We began the season of Lent with Mass in the College Chapel at 8.10 am. Father Yacub commissioned the Year 12 students to facilitate the distribution of ashes in liturgies in all homerooms.

The Year 12 students were outstanding. They were reverent and wonderful examples of faith filled young men.

Ash Wednesday began the season of Lent. During this time in the Church’s Liturgical Calendar, we are called to pray, fast and give alms. The Church encourages us at this time, to reflect on our attitudes, values and actions. Lent is a time of the year wherein we prepare ourselves spiritually for Holy Week and commemorate the death of Jesus and celebrate His resurrection.

Ms Lauren Abihanna Religious Education Co-ordinator

FINIS CORONAT OPUS - The end crowns the work

LENTEN PENANCE

In this season of Lent, we seek to experience the mercy of God the Father, and to practice it in our daily lives. But first we must experience our need for mercy, that is, our brokenness and, indeed, our sinfulness, insofar as we have failed to love God above all, and to love our fellow men and women as ourselves. This is why the Church’s Canon Law reaffirms the obligation to do penance – to interrupt the usual comforts of life, to rediscover in prayer the merciful love of God, and to practice charity and justice towards those in need. The special times of penance are all Fridays throughout the year and the season of Lent.

We recall that St John the Baptist prepared for the coming of the Lord by “preaching a baptism of repentance”. Jesus began his ministry with the exhortation: “Repent and believe the Gospel” (Mk 1:15). Repentance means the rejection of sin. It implies conversion to, and reconciliation with, God. Prayer, self-denial, and works of charity are the concrete expressions of repentance. Each of these identifies us more closely with our Saviour. By penance we make satisfaction for our sins, and take real steps in the renewal of our lives. Repentance and conversion are central, on-going, and even daily practices of Christian living.

In nominating special times of penance, the Church encourages and promotes in all of us the habit of penance. Furthermore, observance of these special times by all Catholics throughout the universal Church emphasises what we call “the social dimension of sin”. The sin of the individual member always in some measure infects the whole body. Therefore during Lent and on every Friday throughout the year, we do penance, not only on our own account, but also in the name of the Church and of the world. We must take very seriously our penitential obligations and be sure to carry them out. The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference has not restricted our penance to fast and abstinence; in all cases, it has left room for our own responsible choice. We should carefully select the form of penance that we consider most appropriate for our own circumstances and growth in the Christian life.

DAYS OF PENANCE 1. Abstinence from meat, and fasting, must be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. All who have completed their eighteenth year and have not yet begun their sixtieth year are bound to fast. All who have completed their fourteenth year are bound to abstain. 2. On all other Fridays of the year including the Fridays of Lent, the law of the common practice of penance is fulfilled by performing any one of the following: (a) prayer – for example, Mass attendance; family prayer; a visit to a church or chapel; reading the Bible; making the Stations of the Cross; praying the rosary. (b) self-denial – for example, not eating meat; not eating sweets or dessert; giving up entertainment to spend time with the family; limiting food and drink so as to give to the poor of one’s own country; limiting use of social media, smart phones or television. (c) helping others – for example, special attention to someone who is poor, sick, elderly, lonely or overburdened.

TH LENT LASTS FROM ASH WEDNESDAY (6 MARCH) TO THE MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER TH (18 APRIL). ON GOOD FRIDAY AND, IF POSSIBLE, ALSO ON HOLY SATURDAY UNTIL THE EASTER VIGIL, THE EASTER FAST IS OBSERVED.

PASCHAL PRECEPT

Each of the faithful is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year. This is to be done between Ash Wednesday, 6th March, and Trinity Sunday, 16th June, 2019 unless for a good reason it is done at another time during the year. All the faithful are obliged to confess their grave sins at least once a year.

St. Mary’s Cathedral SYDNEY 6th March 2019 ARCHBISHOP OF SYDNEY Page 5

URBAN DYNAMICS- GREEN SQUARE A FIELDWORK PROGRAM TO SUPPORT STAGE 6 GEOGRAPHY

Green Square’ is a Geography fieldwork program that focused on the urban dynamics of urban consolidation and renewal in the Green Square development area.

Students viewed Green Square development sites, including the new Green Square Town Centre, and Victoria Park, to identify and investigate the urban dynamics of renewal and consolidation. Students also discovered how Green Square’s renewal and consolidation is helping to achieve the goals of the Sydney Metropolitan Plan 2036 to slow urban sprawl and make Sydney a more compact city.

During the fieldwork day, students:

 Visited the City of Sydney Library in the new Green Square Town Centre, to hear from Urban Growth NSW representatives about their role in developing Green Square;

 Identified the urban dynamics associated with shaping this brownfield site along with the economic, socialand environmental outcomes;

 Applied geographic skills like observation, recording and mapping to familiarise themselves with the study area; and

 Observed Victoria Park and the new town centre in Green Square to view examples of Urban Dynamics in operation and to complete a liveability assessment of the area. Mrs Kylie Watson Leader of Pedagogy

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MCC TENNIS GRAND FINAL On Thursday, 28 February, the Marist Kogarah MCC tennis squad etched their place in history by winning their first MCC Tennis Grand Final. Since 2016, the tournament switched from an annual one day gala event, to a complete summer tournament played over Terms 4 and 1.

Prior to this year’s win the last time any tennis silverware graced the cabinets of our hallowed halls was the year 2000. The 21 player squad is made up of a group of young men that not only possess the necessary skills and determination to play an entire season undefeated, but are some of the most respectful and well mannered young men I have had the pleasure of coaching in twenty years as a coach.

Starting the season in style by defeating Lewisham in round one, the victory meant a lot to our senior students who have had to endure defeat to Lewisham in the semi final of the previous two seasons and watch them go on to win consecutive premierships. As the season rolled on and the victories mounted, a self belief grew within the squad that 2019 was in fact our year. Despite losing key players to injury at various times throughout the season, each and every member of the squad found what was needed to continue to perform on the court, earning themselves the reputation as the team to beat. Lead by our captain Joshua Saoumi and Vice Captain Johnie Carino, the team put on a stellar display of skill and power in hot conditions winning the title 73 to 48 putting an end to Randwick’s hopes of winning the title this year after losing to Lewisham last season.

While all 15 players who took part in matches on the day played superbly, David Chin was voted the Most Valuable Player on the day by both schools coaching staff after demolishing his opponent 11-2. James Konstas was equally impressive winning the coaches award for the day after grinding out an 8-2 battle only days after having his moon boot removed.

Congratulations to all players involved this season, the future of tennis at Marist Kogarah looks bright Mr Azar and Mr Lemos Coaches

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MCK SWIMMING CARNIVAL On Friday, 1 March, the College Swimming Carnival for 2019 was held at Botany Pool. A beautiful sunny day accompanied the students for the entirety of the day and the energy and house spirit on show from all students is a reflection of the Marist Spirit we so often talk about. Participation amongst all students was fantastic with Year 12 leading the way as usual. The winning house for the Carnival will be announced in the coming weeks. Mr Chris MacDougal Sports Co-ordinator

MCC REPRESENTATIVE POLO This year MCC has gone with the one MCC Polo shirt for ALL MCC representatives across ALL MCC teams. Students will purchase the shirt through their College once they have been selected to represent MCC. The shirt will cost $30 (students to pay the College) and there will be an order form for students to complete.

Mr Mark Hildebrandt MCC Secretary

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Sydney University Year 10 Student and Parent Information Evening • Thursday, 4 April 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm • Tuesday, 7 May 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm • Thursday, 16 May 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm Presentation at USYD that will answer the important questions: How does scaling work? What should you considerwhen selecting your subjects for Year 11 and 12? What are prerequisites and assumed knowledge? What is university really like? You will hear from a range of speakers including University staff and students. To register: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-university-of-sydney-year-10-information-evenings-2019-registration-55555636404

UNSW Year 10 Subject Selection Evening

 Wednesday, 10 April 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm  Thursday, 2 May 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm  Monday, 20 May 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm Leighton Hall, Niland Scientia Building Thinking about uni in the future? This evening is the best place for you to start if you are thinking about coming to uni in two years' time and are currently a year 10 student (or you are the parent or teacher of a year 10 student). Advice will be given on navigating HSC subject selection. https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/year-10-subject-selection-evening

UNSW Year 12 Medicine Information Evening Wednesday, 20 March 6.30 pm to 9.00 pm Leighton Hall, Niland Scientia Building If pursuing a career in Medicine is what you've always dreamed of, then make sure you don't miss the Medicine Information Evening. This evening provides a general overview of the UNSW Medicine degree as well as detailed information on our application and admissions process for 2020 from current staff and students in the Faculty of Medicine. https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/year-12-medicine-information-evening

Study Medicine – New Information Added to Study Medicine: Frequently Asked Questions and the AMA. This free resource provides detailed information to questions such as: How do I increase my chances to get into medical school? What's Plan B if I don't get into medicine? The FAQ links to the Australian Medical Association (the AMA also links to Study Medicine), pointing students to highly credible and authoritative information. https://www.studymedicine.com.au/ama/

Australian Jobs Australian Jobs is an easy to follow guide to the Australian labour market. It includes information about industries and occupations as well as states, territories and regions. The publication highlights trends in the Australian labour market and pro- vides guidance about job search and the skills employers value. https://www.jobs.gov.au/australian-jobs-publication

Mr Peter Fitzpatrick VET/Careers Co-ordinator

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AUSTRALIAN AIR LEAGUE FUN, FRIENDSHIP, RIVERWOOD FLYING SQUADRON “JOIN THE face book: Australian Air League Riverwood Hornets ADVENTURE!” Instagram : Riverwood hornets You tube : Australian Air League Riverwood Hornets Google Plus: Australian Air League Riverwood Hornets Home of the Hornets NEW CADETS WANTED ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE The Australian Air League NSW boys group is a AUSTRALIAN AIR LEAGUE uniform youth organisation for boys aged 8 years which encourages an interest in aviation  Camps and Fun Outings as a career or as a hobby for the youth of  Building and Fly Model Aircraft Australia. Members of the Australian Air League  Team and Leadership Building take part in fun and interesting activities on a  Supporting the Community weekly basis while also learning important life  Fly in Powered Aircraft skills like leadership, discipline, self-confidence  Air Show Visits and teamwork.  Duke Of Edinburgh Awards  Free Music Lessons The aims and objectives of the AAL include:  Participating in Festivals/Parades - To promote and encourage the development  Swimming Carnival of Aviation in the Youth of Australia.  Athletics Carnival - To promote good citizenship  ANZAC Services - To promote ingenuity and  Public Speaking classes resourcefulness of it members - To develop the physical and mental abilities.

Address: Riverwood Squadron Hall, Bland Oval, Bonds Rd, Riverwood (Near M5 overpass) When: Every Friday nights 7pm till 9:30pm

Cadets: Boys aged 8 years and up are welcome. Officers: 18 years and up are welcome For further information please contact: Come along and join the Biggest & most Officer Commanding Chris Bailey on 0414467987 successful Squadron Nationwide. Email: [email protected] Page 10

From the College Counsellor Angry boys: how boys can better manage their emotions By Michael Grose

Increasingly boys are becoming angry, aggressive and violent. News reports of young men committing acts of violence against each other in the streets is an increasing occurrence. More and more, acts of physical aggression and violence are played out in schoolyards across the country and they involve boys on most occasions.

So what’s behind this aggressive behaviour?

Boys Education expert Ian Lillico believes that much of the aggression that plays out at home and at school stems from a denial of boys’ feelings. When you close a boy down and don’t give voice to their emotional life and don’t teach them how to recognise and manage their emotions, then when they are placed in emotionally-charged situations, or situations where they can’t talk their way out of they’ll act out, often demonstratively. Girls, on the other hand, who are denied an emotional voice will act in or internalise their distress so they may experience eating disorders and depression, whereas boys’ outward aggression can harm others.

Help them let their bad feelings out

Healthy environments for boys operate under the following maxim: “There is nothing so bad a boy can’t talk about it, but there are actions that are unacceptable.” For a start don’t accept a ‘boys will be boys’ mentality. While boys may have more of a propensity to resolve conflict physically, as parents and teachers we need to do all in our power to help them express emotions verbally and in other socially acceptable ways. That can get a little tricky, particularly when their comments to a sibling or friend can become personal. It’s better for a boy to say to a sibling when he is angry with them, “I don’t like you” than to hit them, which they may feel like doing. It’s better still if he can articulate feelings behind the behaviour rather than the person. “I don’t like it when you take my things, because it’s just not fair!”

Sometimes boys need help to give voice to their bad feelings. This may mean sitting with them when they are angry and helping them calm down, then helping them articulate what it is they are angry about. When there is long-term bad blood involving a boy at home you may have to sit with both children and give them a chance to voice their thoughts about the other in a controlled way.

Sometimes you need to sit down with both of them to clear the air. Make sure you sit both children down opposite each other. Give both kids a chance to have their say about the behaviour of their sibling. Say something like: “Sam, I notice every time your sister says something you get angry and say awful things to her.” “Jessica, you always seem to be arguing with your brother. Is there a reason for this?” Then ask them what they’d like to change about the other; what they’d like the other to do or not do. You’ll often hear comments such as: “I’d just like you to stop calling me ‘stupid’. I hate it when you do that. I really hate it.”

Give them space and silence to process

Parenting educator Maggie Dent says that boys need quiet spaces to help sort out their thoughts. Some boys, like wind-up toys, just keep going until they run out of puff. They have two switches – fast and off. These boys benefit from some space and silence too. They just can’t stand too much of it. Encourage downtime so they can relax

According to Maggie Dent, boys’ constant activity can be stressful as the heightened cortisone levels, from being in the go-go-go state, can create serious problems with anxiety and later fear based mental health problems. Constant activity can also cause sleep deprivation as winding those bodies and busy heads down for sleep is not easy. That makes relaxation and downtime essential for boys. They become highly wired when they’re overloaded with activity meaning that they can easily act out rather than chill out when they are under stress. Put relaxation activity on their daily routine.

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From the College Counsellor

Encourage them to let off steam in healthy ways

If aggressive behaviour continues then consider scheduling regular time for boys to let off steam. Boys are more likely to let off steam when they are outside – whether in organised activities or simply exploring the natural environment or their neighbourhood, and when involved with some type of activity with others. Playing outside also helps boys sleep whichis important when we’re talking about helping them manage anger and aggression. Those boys who have a tendency toward anger and aggressive behaviour generally have poor sleep habits as well. Lack of sleep leads to irritability and increased difficulty managing your emotions. Check their environment for modelled aggression

Many boys are susceptible to copying aggressive behaviours that they are exposed to. It’s important then that the males in their lives can model healthy emotional expression for their boys to see. If the males close to them are constantly angry and aggressive (either physically or verbally) then this not only shows the way but gives them permission to be the same way. Also keep a check on the videos they watch, the digital games they play and the books that they read. While not all boys will be adversely influenced by the content of the images, games and text theyare exposed to there is no doubt that some boys are more susceptible than others to aggression displayed in their environment – particularly when it’s displayed by heroes and those they look up to and admire. Coach boys to respond slowly

Fortunately, most boys will respond well to a parent, teacher or coach who is willing to assist them to better self-manage and be better communicators. It helps that they know that you care for them and that you treat them respectfully. Encourage the boy in your life to think before he acts. That may be easier said than done as many boys are hard-wired for reflexive action, rather than reflection. That doesn’t mean that they can stop and think, just that it may require some practice. Here’s a strategy to try: Encourage a boy to temporarily step away from a source of stress or a situation that makes him angry. Moving away needs to become his default mechanism. Then he should take some big belly breaths to engage his parasympathetic system that enables him to relax, which is essential if he is going to reflect rather than react to his emotions. Many boys respond to think language

A boy may scoff if you ask him how he feels. This reaction is maybe because he may feel uncomfortable talking about his emotions. Also talking about emotions may not be the done thing in his peer group. As an entry into his emotional world you will have more success asking him what he thinks about something. “What do you think about missing the team?” “Awful. I hate it. The coach doesn’t like me.” His response will in all likelihood be on an emotional level, which is what you want.

Emotional self-management begins will adult validation. Let him know it’s normal and okay to feel angry, annoyed or let down. Help him verbalise his emotions and look for ways to put a gap between his feelings of anger and taking action. The longer the gap the less likely he is to be aggressive in his response.

Click here for link to article

Michael Grose Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the best-selling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It and his Ms Amy Martin latest release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children. College Counsellor

Marist College Kogarah 52 Wolseley Street Bexley, NSW 2207  Telephone 9587 3211  Facsimile 9556 1790 Website: www.mck.nsw.edu.au Email: [email protected]