Vol. 38 No. 9 2 nd April 2009 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Winter Uniform Dear Members of the Marcellin Family, I wish to remind all parents & students that full winter uniform is required from the commencement of Term At the beginning of this week I was fortunate to attend 2. Details of the official College uniform supplier are the Year 11 Champagnat Retreat held at Lysterfield. outlined on page 12 of the 2009 Student Planner. This was a terrific occasion for the boys to reflect on their own life journey. They had opportunities to A time to reflect… explore themes focused on leadership, spirituality, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all affirmation and self. One of the more moving moments circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ while away was a session that centered on hurts and Jesus.” (Thessalonians 5:16-18) reconciliation. I am proud in the manner in which the boys embraced the three days and actively involved themselves in all activities and workshops. It was a great time to build and confirm relationships with each other, the staff, Ms Angela Bottari and myself and the three Old Boys who attended, Tom Stammers, James Winstanely & Joshua Iezzi. Inter-House Athletics carnival On Tuesday 24 th March Marcellin hosted its annual Inter-House Athletics carnival. This was a wonderful day that was highlighted by positive student During the Easter period perhaps we all need to ask involvement and active participation. I wish to ourselves, Why do we have to take up the cross, take congratulate all Houses for the manner in which they on sacrifices? During this time of Lent and Easter as participated in the spirit of the day and in particular to Catholics we are called upon to renew our dedication Champagnat House for being crowned the champions to God and understand the sacrifice of Jesus. Although for 2009. there is still hardship, there is still war and injustice in the world; we need to focus on the light of the Thank you to all the staff involved in the staging of resurrection that shines on us all. this annual College event. I wish to highlight the wonderful work of our grounds staff in ensuring the I encourage all families to take the time to pause and track & field areas were well prepared and to our reflect upon the gifts we all have and the light in our Sportsmaster, Mr. Ben Reynolds for his organisation of boys and find ways to “take up the cross” for those less the entire day. Special mention too all the mothers who fortunate than us all. worked the BBQ lunch, providing nourishment for our boys. Jesus said,“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) I wish all members of the Marcellin community a safe and enjoyable Easter break. Yours sincerely, Adriano Di Prato Image: Greg Loucas, Joshua Edwards, William Hogan, Danny Schneider, Ben Kerton, Daniel Balassone Acting Principal Yr 12 SEMINAR PROGRAMME DIRECTOR OF LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES Mr. Patrick Green st REMINDER the 1 day back TERM 2 is a Seminar Day. Live Athletics Day Coverage ststst Tuesday 21 April aatt the following Venues: The recent House Athletics Day was a resounding success! To add to the day the IT Department took the Augustine & Kenny – initiative to post live scores and photos on the school Templestowe Memorial Hall, TEMPLESTOWE Faulkner & Marlhes – web site so parents and the Marcellin Community Bulleen and Templestowe Community Centre, LOWER could keep abreast of all the action. It was a TEMPLESTOWE resounding success with 'hits' coming from the US, Champagnat & Mannes – interstate and locally. We had over 800 unique 'guest' Koonara Hall, BULLEEN visitors for the day and a similar number the next day, Redden – many no doubt checking out the full results listing. Scots Uniting Church, HEIDELBERG Results, videos, pictures and comments can still be LaLaLavallaLa valla – seen on the Sports pages of the school web site. Ivanhoe Uniting Community Centre, IVANHOE We had some very positive feedback from people who DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS – YEARS 7- 9 were watching the updates as their work day Mr. Mark Ashmore progressed. Some feedback included: The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests for Year 7 and 9 students "This was an exciting event and I felt I could will be held on Tuesday 12 May 2009, Wednesday 13 participate from my workplace. Well done, great May 2009 and Thursday 14 May 2009. The initiative!" compulsory NAPLAN tests are conducted by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority "What a great idea! I have been checking in throughout (VCAA) on behalf of the Ministerial Council on the day while here at work and info very interesting. Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs More than I would have got from my son tonight!!!" (MCEETYA). "Had it on all afternoon and followed the results. Poor The results of the tests provide diagnostic information old Augustine just never quite get there……even when for parents and teachers about a child’s performance in I was there 33 years ago." Literacy and Numeracy. This information can be used to support teaching and learning programs and improve Special thanks to Grant Fisher and Ed Best from our IT student achievement. Support Team who were the architects in getting this up and running. Later in the year, you will receive your child’s We plan to cover other events such as Winter Sports personal report. The report will describe your child’s and are ready to do some 'live' streaming so...stay particular skills in reading, writing, language tuned! conventions and numeracy. The report will also show how your child performed in relation to national LEARNING COORDINATOR - MATHEMATICS benchmark standards. These benchmarks describe Mr. Nick Moloney minimum acceptable standards for students across Australia. NAPLAN Practise tests for Year 9 students The NAPLAN testing on Numeracy for Year 9 I am confident that the information you receive as a students will be conducted at the College on Thursday result of your child’s participation in the NAPLAN 14 th May. As a support and in preparation for this tests will be valuable in helping you to assess your testing, your son will be given the opportunity to child’s progress in Literacy and Numeracy. undertake a number of practice trials of the NAPLAN assessment. The first of these will need to be For more information about the tests, please visit the completed in the term 1 holidays. A practice paper and VCAA website at www.vcaa.vic.edu.au or the answer sheet will be placed on the student M: drive NAPLAN website at www.naplan.edu.au . which is accessible from home. It is an expectation that all Year 9 students access the paper and follow the instructions provided. All work will be submitted during the first Mathematics lesson in term 2. SPORTS NEWS In addition to overall team points, tallies were taken for Year Level Champions which recognize individual 2009 House Athletics Carnival excellence of boys in all events. Congratulations to the The annual House Athletics Carnival was held on following award winners: Tuesday on the Gartner Fields. It was a fantastic day with keen participation and support from students and YEAR 12 staff. Daniel Ballasone YEAR 11 The Carnival was very keenly contested with Danny Schnider maximum participation apparent in all eight houses. A YEAR 10 variety of opportunities presented to the boys included Ben Kurten track events ranging from 100m- 1500m, relays such YEAR 9 as 6 X 50m and 4 X100m, field events and novelty Josh Edwards events with the Tug ‘ O ‘ War and High Jump proving YEAR 8 conclusively to be the crowd favorites on the day once Billy Hogan again. YEAR 7 Greg Loukas As the day progressed three houses began to stand out above the rest, Faulkner, Champagnat and reigning Special thanks to all staff that assisted in a variety of champions Kenny. Fiercely contested until the final roles on the day and ensured the smooth running of the event the champion house had become apparent carnival. Congratulations to all students on their effort opening a considerable lead on the other houses. and enthusiasm on the day, particularly the year 12 cohort who culminated their involvement in whole As the day concluded it was Champagnat House who school house activities in an excellent manner. prevailed with some excellent relay performances and terrific team spirit amongst the House spectators. MARCELLIN COLLEGE Congratulations to Pauline Bellofiore, House Captain CALENDAR DATES 2009 Ari Loukas and House Vice Captain Robert Kemp and all students and staff of Champagnat House. The day was particularly successful and students are to be congratulated on their efforts and enthusiasm on the April 333 Term 1 concludes day. The final scores were as follows: 202020 Staff commence Term 2/8.4 & 8.7 Outdoor Education Camp 212121 Students commence 1 CHAMPAGNAT 1594 Term 2/Year 12 Seminar Day 2 FAULKNER 1417 222222 Parent/Teacher Interviews 3 KENNY 1369 A-K surnames 4 MARLHES 1297 272727 8.8 Outdoor Education Camp 5 REDDEN 1283 282828 Parent/Teacher Interviews 6 AUGUSTINE 1262 L-Z surnames 7 MANNES 1202 8 LAVALLA 1117 TUCKSHOP ROSTER ––– Beginning Term 2 Monday 20 ththth April STUDENT FREE DAY Tuesday 21 ststst April Julie Carey, Liz Chard, Ivette Dauer, Sue Noske, Jenny Hook, Kate Hubbard, Jenny McCormack Wednesday 22 ndndnd April Sue Gordon, Jenny Lowther, Jane Hunt, Ivy Bowler Louisa Cianflone, Jenny Hamilton, Anna Appleby Thursday 23 rdrdrd April Chris Neeson, Leanne Dowling, Maria Spink, Jenny Hollaway, Debra Bowman, Amira Abiad, Marguerite Jones Friday 24 ththth April Image: Champagnat House running a victory lap.