Belong. Believe. Become. Academic Enrichment Careers News College Calendar College Services Community Edith Stein News English International News Languages Learning @ Whitefriars Library News Parents Association Performing Arts Science & Engineering SET News Sports Reports Good Sports Nominations ACC Match Results ACC Fixtures In Fide Issue 48 18 2March June 20162017 From the Principal Mr John Finn Principal The College held a prayer service for Jack Stanbrook (Class of 2014) and his family in our Chapel on Wednesday evening. Amongst the full Chapel were many of our Class of 2014, along with some older past students from the Class of 2009. Those young men were there to particularly support Jack’s brother, Tom. These situations are always challenging in terms of how to best respect the wishes of the family in celebrating a life. Mark and Virginia told me that they were incredibly grateful for the support of so many and had their spirits lifted on the night. They are a wonderful, loving family. We continue to support them on their journey this Monday with Jack’s funeral, which will be held at 11am in the McPhee Gymnasium. We are privileged to be able to offer our facilities to the family. Particular thanks go to a number of young men from the Class of 2014, who helped to put together the service. Whitefriars exists for all members of our community, present and past. As I write this piece, I am surrounded by the smell of dumplings and all things Asian. It is Multicultural Week at Whitefriars. Such weeks reinforce the diversity of our own population and the need to continue to work at harmonious and productive relationships with all. As we are now officially an International school, we take every opportunity to focus on global citizenship and an outward looking view of the world. The Whitefriars International Students Program (WISP) is in its 20th year. This is a fine effort. We have a healthy and vigorous program, one much sought after by overseas students. To recognise this achievement the College had a celebration at the Manningham Convention Centre with over 170 people in attendance. It was a night of music, formal talks, dancing and singing (even Elvis made an appearance!). Well done to Mrs Emilia Fields and the international staff team. Principal’s Report continued over page ... Whitefriars College Inc. Telephone +613 9872 8200 156 Park Road Donvale Victoria 3111 Australia www.whitefriars.vic.edu.au Email [email protected] ABN 35 808 045 134 | REG A0029974Y | CRICOS 01680G Belong. Believe. Become. In Fide Newsletter Issue 8 2 June 2017 Principal’s report continued. The Senior Years production of “The Three Musketeers” has taken place; it was completely produced by the Theatre Studies class. This meant that all lighting, sound and performance cues were student driven. Congratulations to the boys on such a successful and entertaining evening. The Class of 1997 gathered in the Functions Room last Friday evening. There was a tangible camaraderie in the room along with considerable nostalgia for times past. The interesting aspect to note was the number of these men who have regularly stayed in touch with each other since school days. So many had been to each other’s weddings and family occasions. Whilst the age of the cohort may be twenty years beyond their school time, personalities did not seem to differ too much nor did the telling of tall tales. It was also fascinating to see the diversity of occupations in the room. Whitefriars continues to try to meet the needs of all boys, no matter what their talents, interests and abilities. Our Year 9 families have had the opportunity to attend one of a number of Study Skills sessions recently. The Theatre has been close to full which tells a tale of high parent interest in their son’s learning. Thank you to the many parents who took up this opportunity. We have many talented young sportsmen at the College. We also have talented staff. Ms Kelly Hoinville recently won two gold medals at the Tasmanian Open Karate Championships. These were in Super Division 1 and the female open categories. Ms Hoinville is aspiring to both the World and Olympic Championships. I am on sabbatical for the next few weeks. Mr Brad Bird will be Acting Principal for the first part of that time. Please keep John Piera (L6) and his family in your thoughts and prayers on the recent loss of his grandfather. May he rest in eternal peace. Almae In Fide Parentis. Whitefriars College Inc. Telephone +613 9872 8200 156 Park Road Donvale Victoria 3111 Australia www.whitefriars.vic.edu.au Email [email protected] ABN 35 808 045 134 | REG A0029974Y | CRICOS 01680G Belong. Believe. Become. In Fide Newsletter Issue 8 2 June 2017 Learning @ Whitefriars Mr Mark Ashmore Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching Stages of Learning As we learn we experience a variety of emotions and behaviours. The learning process includes stages that allows for new learning, consolidated learning, a time when one may feel like they are ‘treading water’, or even the feeling of ‘drowning’. Every person learns differently and most will experience all four stages of learning described above. What typically happens when learning something new? What does it feel like? What does it look like? Think back to a time when you have learnt a new skill – answering a mathematical question, learning to snow ski, drive, speak in public, or to research information. In learning something new we may experience a lack of control, uncertainty, anxiety; some may experience excitement, joy or even optimism. Effective learners persist, practise, experiment, ask questions, reflect, and construct meaning. Learning is messy and complex; a normal part of the new learning is that it is difficult or awkward. Confidence, happiness and energy is built when at a stage of consolidation. A student when consolidating demonstrates their learning, questions the learning in the context they are in, maybe they seek further affirmation; they are engaged in a ‘doing’ phase. Collaboration and making connections with our own experiences, and others, happens at this stage of learning. This ensures that the neural pathways are consolidated and embedded. Students can become disengaged if they are bored, frustrated, complacent, disruptive, or withdrawn in the process of learning. In this the ‘treading water’ stage, no new or consolidated learning can happen. Likewise, if one is overwhelmed then the drowning stage can develop. Drowning may mean that emotions and behaviours like frustration, despair, defensive responses, vulnerability, isolation, deflection, delusion, and avoidance become evident. People who procrastinate or quit are most likely to be experiencing treading water or drowning. It is important to note that treading water and drowning are normal states of learning…and these states can shift to new or consolidated learning with a change in mindset or focus. A misconception in student learning, and often the first reaction, is to quickly lose confidence and give up completely. What do I need to do? Beliefs, values, mindset, and focus – this self-regulation ensures an emotional response through the pre-frontal cortex of the brain to ensure a strategic response and new or consolidated learning. Resources are from the International Leadership and Management Program (ILMP) and Educaa (2015, 2017). Examination Preparation Years 9, 10 and 11 students are now preparing for their Semester One examinations. The examination period (Wednesday 7 June – Thursday 15 June) is an important to time to consolidate learning, practice responses to questions and seek feedback. Students have been reminded that they may access the Elevate Education website (www.elevateeducation.com.au) to receive strategies in regards to use of class time, studying and examination techniques. Likewise, Year 9 students can use the skills learnt during the recent Study Skills Workshops. The College understands that examinations are just one way of assessing a student’s knowledge and understanding in their academic studies. Continued over page... Whitefriars College Inc. Telephone +613 9872 8200 156 Park Road Donvale Victoria 3111 Australia www.whitefriars.vic.edu.au Email [email protected] ABN 35 808 045 134 | REG A0029974Y | CRICOS 01680G Belong. Believe. Become. In Fide Newsletter Issue 8 2 June 2017 Learning @ Whitefriars continued In preparation for the examinations, students should be demonstrating the skills important to learning as highlighted in our Learning @ Whitefriars document: - Clarifying what is to be examined in each subject by asking the teacher questions - Collaborative academic conversations with their peers - Practicing questions and essays before submitting these to the teacher for feedback. - Reflecting critically on the learning that has occurred during the semester. If further strategies are required or if one is experiencing anxiousness over the next coming weeks, they are encouraged to speak with their Pastoral Leader, Head of House, subject teacher or College Psychologist. Please Note: Year 11 students accelerating in a Unit 3 subject and Year 10 students accelerating in a Unit 1 subject, or studying a VET course are required to attend examinations as per the examination schedule. When not scheduled to sit an examination students are to attend their accelerated classes as per the Semester One timetable. Year 11 students have student free days during the examination period to study for the Semester One examinations. Year 9 and 10 students are to be at school to attend scheduled study sessions during the Semester One examinations. Year 9 students attend school as normal as the examination schedule is structured within the timetable. ACC Art Exhibition The Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) Arts and Technology exhibition is a celebration of the Art and Technology student work across all ACC schools. The exhibition, in which Whitefriars College is well represented, highlights the artistic and design talents of our Senior Years students.