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News

Term 1 Week 2 2022

From the Principal

From the Principal

Dear St Michael’s College Community,

Welcome Mass

On Wednesday 9 February we celebrated our Welcome Mass at the Secondary Campus via Microsoft Teams. Mr Robert Dempsey (APRIM) developed the theme around ‘Challenge’ which is our focus for the year.

Having our Mass online wasn’t our preference, however, this event is of the utmost importance for all of us at St Michael’s. Our Welcome Mass signifies many aspects of our school community that we value, including our connections with one another and most importantly that we are a Catholic School in the Lasallian tradition. We may not have been together in Founders Hall, but we are connected in spirit as Lasallians.

The College and community continue to meet the challenges of the current environment, and we do this patiently because we know that it won’t be for long, including those of us working remotely and waiting to reconnect with our friends at school.

Therefore, when we are back to a more normal school environment, it is important we must grasp our opportunities with both hands. Students should look to enjoy the challenges we face and know that if we work with purpose and effort, we will achieve our goals in 2022.

For our community to continue to be a successful one, we need to aspire to:

  • Understand what our personal responsibility is during these times
  • Respectfully engage with one another
  • Connect with all that St Michael’s has to offer
  • Have a plan for success

These are the challenges I present to our students as we begin a new school year.

The Welcome Mass is the first opportunity for our new College Captains to address their cohort, and Avah and Massimo’s message highlighted many significant points for our fellow students. They spoke of the importance of focusing on creating a community where everyone is a known, valued and cared for; embracing the “big-brother” and “big-sister” relationships that are the hallmark of the College’s pastoral care program.

They acknowledged the unusual start to the 2022 school year due to COVID, congratulated students for their resilience in making the first two weeks of school a success and encouraged fellow students to continue to give 100% in their studies. They spoke of life’s lessons and challenges, encouraging us all to be resilient and to never give up striving for our personal goals.

Avah and Massimo spoke of the wonderful teaching staff here at the College, as well as the facilities available, all which are in place to assist students to achieve their best.

The message for the Year 12 cohort was to embrace their final year of secondary schooling, which will no doubt have its ups and downs, with confidence, determination and hard work.

Catholic Education South Australia

On Wednesday evening this week, Catholic Education South Australia presented an online launch of Towards 2027: Expanding Horizons and Deepening Practices – Strategy for Catholic Education South Australia. The full livestream of the launch of Towards 2027 is now available, including addresses from Dr Neil McGoran, Director, Catholic Education South Australia, Professor Denis Ralph Chair, South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools,  Premier Mr Steven Marshall, Opposition Leader Mr Peter Malinauskas, Minister of Education Mr John Gardner and Shadow Minister for Education Mr Blair Boyer.

Please click here to access the full livestream.

Kind regards,

Damian Patton
Acting Principal

Weekly Communication and Important Dates

Weekly Communication and Important Dates

RIP

Urbelina Araya Rojas
Much loved great grandmother to Bailey Cortes (Year 12) and Harrison Cortes (2018).

Olive Bastile Hodges
8 March 1914 ~  21 January 2022

As a mother of four children and to support her family, Olive worked for many years cooking for the Brothers at St Michael’s College and assisting with laundry and sewing. She was an integral part of the De La Salle Brothers community at our College. Olive’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all attended St Michael’s College. Pastoral Support Worker, Sr Nithya, values the time she spent visiting Olive. Olive’s 107 years of life was filled with love and a strong faith.

 

 

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace. Amen

 

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday 14 February
All classes onsite

Friday 18 February
Year 12 Seminar Day 1

PARENT SEQTA ACCESS

For those parents who are new to the College or have not yet activated their account on SEQTA, you should have received an activation email from SEQTA which will permit you to create a username and password to access this system. You have seven days from when you received this message to follow this process.

For those existing parents who are experiencing problems with your SEQTA Engage password, please contact SEQTA@smc.sa.edu.au from your registered email address and our IT team will assist.

Please note that SEQTA provides an App on both Apple and Android. Simply search for ‘SEQTA Engage’ and log in with the credentials received in the email. Major advantages of the App include push notifications and fingerprint security.

Mr Ashley Morrison, ICT Manager

Click here for Term Dates.
Click here for Uniform Shop hours and information.
Click here to purchase the Entertainment Book.

For previous editions of The Star Newsletter, if using Desktop, please navigate to the side bar to view previous editions or if viewing on a mobile phone scroll to the bottom of the page.

 

Not all College activities make it into The Star so please be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date.

Whole School

Whole School

THANKS TO UNCLE ROD O’BRIEN – WELCOME TO COUNTRY

At the beginning of the College year, staff were fortunate to witness the “Welcome to Country” given by Uncle Rod O’Brien. The Welcome recognises both Aboriginal people from another country and non-Aboriginal people. The Welcome can only be undertaken by Kaurna people having the authority and respect within the Kaurna community.

Uncle Rod O’Brien is a proud Kaurna Elder and Cultural Advisor who works at Wirltu Yarlu, at Adelaide University, where he brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and pride in his Aboriginal heritage and culture and a willingness to share, teach and grow. Uncle Rod advises on a range of Aboriginal matters and provides culturally appropriate support to all students and staff of the university.

We thank Uncle Rod O’Brien for his time and effort in presenting the College with The Welcome to Country and we look forward to working with him in the future.

 

ANNIVERSARY OF THE APOLOGY (13 FEBRUARY)

On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd publicly apologised, on behalf of the Federal Government, to the Stolen Generations – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities by successive colonial and Australian governments.

The Stolen Generations refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities as children. From the early 1800s to the mid-1900s, a series of government policies enabled the removal of many thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their homes and communities. They were sent to children’s homes and training institutions and/or were fostered or adopted (usually by non-Indigenous families). In addition to the trauma of being forcibly removed from their families and communities, many children suffered significant physical, sexual and/or psychological abuse from those who were supposed to be ‘caring’ for them. The trauma of these experiences continues to impact many members of the Stolen Generations and their families today.

The apology was a significant milestone for Australia’s Indigenous peoples as it was the first time that the government formally acknowledged the mistreatment that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were forced to endure under successive colonial, Commonwealth, State and territory ‘protection’ and ‘welfare’ laws and policies. At the time of the apology, the government also committed to decreasing social inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians through the Closing the Gap initiative.

At St Michael’s College we respect all races and endeavor to work toward Reconciliation with our Indigenous students, their families and with all Australians.

Mr Andrew Spencer, Indigenous Coordinator – Secondary

Secondary Campus

Secondary Campus

GET TO KNOW OUR COLLEGE LEADERS

 

College Vice Captain Rana Hussien

As a leader I would describe myself as confident, caring, respectful and outgoing.

I am proudest of when my story was published in The Advertiser for my business, Wrap It, which raises awareness about the stigma associated with headwraps.

My favourite artist is Dave.

People I admire are my mother and sisters because they are the best!

My favourite book is Becoming by Michelle Obama

The best thing about attending SMC is that I can be myself, the teachers always encourage me to be the best I can be, and I am always challenged to do better.

Leadership is not about spoken language or clothing; leadership is the calling of one’s soul. A calling to be of service to others, to create community, and to empower people to be the best version of themselves.

In my spare time I like to listen to music and go to the beach.

A person I most admire is Michelle Obama as she is one of the most powerful and inspiring women in our society. I love the things she does as she inspires me to be a better person, and one day I will be Michelle Obama 2.0!

A quote that I believe in is “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people” – Nelson Mandela

Teachers at SMC I admire are Mrs Papuc because she taught me not to give up and she never fails to put a smile on my face, Ms Henry and Mrs Thorn because they taught me to always believe in myself and change a challenge to a lesson, and Mrs Porcelli because she is a great role model for me and is someone that I look up too.

Something interesting about me no one knows is I am East African, and I speak Arabic.

College Vice Captain Lyndon Williamson

As a leader I would describe myself as hardworking and easy to get along with.

The things that I do that I am the proudest of are my sporting achievements because my hard work and commitment has paid off.

My greatest sporting moment was when my team won our Football Grand Final in 2019.

People I admire are my parents.

In my spare time I like to hang out with my friends and family, go to the beach, and train for my sports.

The best thing about attending SMC is it provides great opportunities for all students and encourages every student to be their best.

One chore I don’t like doing is washing the dishes.

I have a pet dog whose name is Jack.

To be a Lasallian Leader means to be graceful and to follow the College’s motto of ‘be the best you can be’.

This year as a College Leader I wish to be best known as a leader who is willing to help and give back to the school and help other students.

Five words which best describe my personality are funny, kind, helpful, respectful, and hardworking.

A quote that I believe in is “You can’t be afraid to fail. It’s the only way to succeed”. – LeBron James

A teacher at SMC I admire is all of them! I have been fortunate to have great teachers at SMC who have all inspired me to become a leader.

BRAIN BEE CHALLENGE

The Brain Bee Challenge is a free competition for all Year 10 Australian students and Year 11 students in New Zealand to learn about the brain and its functions, explore developments in neuroscience research, find out about careers in neuroscience and to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses.

The program was started in Australia in 2006 to address several deficiencies in the public’s perception of science in general, and neuroscience in particular. The ABBC and NZBBC provides current and accurate information on the latest advances in neuroscience research, its value to the community, and promote careers in science and technology.

There are four rounds to the Australian and New Zealand Brain Bee Challenge:

Round 1: Online Quiz
Round 2: Regional Finals
Round 3: National Finals
Round 4: International Finals

For more information, please click here. Students interested in the competition should express their interest to their Science Teacher or email Mr Alberton (jack.alberton@smc.sa.edu.au)

SENSORY ROOM

Learning Support has recently established a Sensory Room to augment support for students at St Michael’s. The room has been specially fitted out with a variety of tactile objects, furniture, and curios, and enjoys a serene view looking out toward the ovals and beyond.

It will provide a safe and calming space for students who experience difficulty with self-regulation and who might be feeling anxious or overwhelmed. The sensory room is located upstairs in Turon and has already proven invaluable in supporting St Michael’s diverse student population.

Mr Andrew Hynes, Learning Support – Secondary

YEAR 8 AND YEAR 10 SCHOOL IMMUNISATION PROGRAM

IMMUNISATION INFORMATION FOR PARENTS / LEGAL GUARDIANS OF YEAR 8 AND YEAR 10 STUDENTS

The SA School Immunisation Program will be offered at St Michael’s College by the City of Charles Sturt.

All Year 8 Students will be offered:

  • Two doses of human papillomavirus vaccine, Gardasil 9 at two separate visits
  • One dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough vaccine, Boostrix

 All Year 10 Students will be offered:

  • One dose of meningococcal ACWY vaccine, Nimenrix
  • Two doses of meningococcal B vaccine, Bexsero at two separate visits

Immunisation consent packs will be sent home with all Year 8 and Year 10 students. It is important that you read the information contained in the packs before you give consent for your child to be vaccinated at school.

All parents/legal guardians are required to complete, sign, and return the Consent Cards, even if you do not consent for the student to be vaccinated at school. Students aged 16 years and above can consent for themselves.

If you do not receive an immunisation consent pack from your child, please contact the school.

If you do not want your child to be vaccinated at school, they can attend our clinic. Please click here to visit the City of Charles Sturt website to make a booking.

Alternatively, please check with your doctor if they can provide this service free of charge.

If you have any questions about this program, please contact the Immunisation Section, SA Health, on 1300 232 272 or City of Charles Sturt on 8408 1111.

YEARS 7-9 LEARNING AND WELLBEING CHARACTER STRENGTH FOCUS

Week 2: Hope

We can’t eliminate the challenges in life that sometimes menace hope. Sometimes bad things just happen, and they are out of our control. In our beautiful Welcome Mass on Wednesday, which we celebrated as a community both together and apart, we were reminded of the challenges Jesus faced when he went to pray in the Garden of Gesthemane, reflecting on his impending fate. The past years have shown us how difficult a protracted challenge can be. But it’s also true that hope can help us prevail. Research shows that when we choose to focus on hope we are more directed, and we become healthier with stronger self-confidence. Our relationships are also more rewarding.

We can all think of historical figures, and others around us who are beacons of hope; they are those who persevere, and do not give up in the face of challenge, and who keep their eye and hearts on their goals. As College Co-Captain, Massimo Cavallo, said humbly in his first College address this year; “the world is full of challenges and we must be the change we want to see in the world”.

Sometimes we see optimism and hope as the same thing, but they are a little different. Hope sees the goals we set as possible, with an approach to those goals which demonstrates our belief that we can ‘get there’ in the end. It involves a planned course of action to achieving those goals we have set for ourselves, a bit like Acting Principal, Damian Patton encouraged at Mass, “we need to have a plan for success”. Optimism, on the other hand, is more about expecting that good things will happen in the future. In essence, while optimism is about expecting good things; hope is about how we plan and act to take steps towards the goals we would like to see eventuate.

So, if it’s an all-around winner… how can we boost hope?

I shared these strategies, amongst others, with students this week:

  • Set yourself some SMART goals in all areas of your life: school, home, sport, health.
  • Work out a plan of how you will achieve them (think about the steps needed) and keep it visible and in your mind. Tell your best supporters about it!
  • Celebrate the progress you make – it feels good! ?
  • Focus on your mindset…make it open to growth. See mistakes as important opportunities to learn.
  • Call on the strength of hope when you’re concerned about something… say a prayer or two.
  • Practise mindfulness – being present in the moment.
  • Be grateful for all your blessings and focus on the ‘good stuff’ in your life.
  • Surround yourself with positive people and be on the lookout for examples of hope in those around you. Be inspired by them.
  • Be the voice of hope with your family and friends!

The final hymn at Welcome Mass this week encouraged us to lift our eyes in times of challenge and see life in a different light. Perhaps we can choose to do this through the lens of hope? In this way, we will be empowered to know, value and care for each other better, and be more confident in exploring our curiosities and the challenges that may bring.

Stay safe and well!

Mrs Tonia Carfora, Year 7-9 Wellbeing Initiatives Leader

SMC ARMY CADETS UNIT

ECO SQUAD NEWS

The Eco Squad is a co-curricular group who work on a range of activities.

Over the past three years we have:

  • established the orchard and vegetable garden on Lawrie Street (next to the Uniform Shop);
  • grown food which our Food Technology classes have used in their cooking practicals;
  • run the Clean Up Australia Day activities for the College;
  • planted the rosemary hedge in the ANZAC Courtyard;
  • developed our own range of personal care products;
  • made mosaics;
  • worked on mats for charities that support people who are homeless;
  • Visited Monarto Safari Park and planted trees as part of their revegetation work;
  • Visited the Henley Beach Community Garden; and
  • Constructed shade structures and worked on paving projects in the garden.

New and continuing Year 7 to 11 students who would like to participate are encouraged to register by clicking here, or by visiting the garden on any Tuesday or Friday lunchtime.

Year 12 students who wish to be involved are asked to contact Ms Pearce during PC or use the link above.

Miss Catherine Pearce, Head of Humanities – Secondary

Careers and VET Services

Careers and VET Services

2021 YEAR 12 GRADUATES

We are celebrating the success of our 2021 Year 12 Graduates and will share some of the highlights over the coming weeks. Preliminary analysis of Year 12 Destinations information has revealed over 80% of our students received an offer for university for 2022 with 95% receiving an offer for their first or second preference. Class of 2021 student Nadia Spaccavento is currently attending The University of Technology Sydney to study Fashion Design and Innovation. This course had an ATAR cut off of 98, however Nadia secured her place in the course with an early application based predominantly on her Year 11 achievements and projected Year 12 grades. Contact is still being made with graduates and we offer support in their transition and will finalise our 2021 Destination Report. To maintain contact, we ask that past students update any changes to their personal details by clicking here.

2022 YEAR 12 STUDENTS

The first key date for 2022 has arrived. Students who have their name on a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card who wish to sit the UCAT as a requirement for entry to Medicine Dentistry and/or Oral Health should be aware the Concession Application is now open on the UCAT ANZ website and will close on 10 May 2022. These students can apply and have first choice in the date they wish to sit the UCAT. All other students need to wait until 1 March 2022. Students who qualify for Concession as per the website should book an appointment with Ms Coorey ASAP. We will be communicating with any student interested in Medicine Dentistry and/or Oral Health in the coming weeks. To make an appointment with a Careers Counsellor, please visit Mrs Tidd at the LEC Front Desk.

University of Melbourne have opened their Aspiring Scholars Program. 2022 Aspiring Scholars is for high-achieving secondary students in their final year who live in Australia outside of Victoria or in New Zealand, to join their online community of Aspiring Scholars – students connected by their interest in moving to Melbourne to study at the University of Melbourne. If you are interested, students need to contact Ms Coorey who can initiate the application. Please click here for more information.

University of Adelaide have announced their 2022 Arts Workshops. Students can take part in interactive workshops crafted for students to discover how the Arts can take them into exciting global careers.

Choose one or choose them all, from French, English, Criminology, History, Creative Writing, Media, and Geography. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of discipline-based learning with hands-on activities and seminars delivered by current university students and world-leading academics.

Workshops available:

Tuesday 12 April – History Workshop
Thursday 14 April – Geography Workshop
Tuesday 5 July – Media Day
Tuesday 20 September – English and Creative Writing Workshops
Friday 30 September – Criminology Workshop

Year 12 students who are interested in attending should email arts_recruitment@adelaide.edu.au. Please note that as these workshops are conducted during school hours, students must discuss this with relevant class teachers and Year Level Directors in the first instance.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Each year we encourage community members to contact us if you have employment opportunities for our students. We currently have two 2021 Year 12 graduates still looking for part time casual employment in the retail space. Neither of these students have experience in the job market and are struggling to secure their first step and may require that extra bit of support. We would love to hear from you if your business could support these students.

Mrs Rose Coorey and Mr Anthony Vizaniaris, Careers Counsellors

 

Congratulations

Congratulations

SANFL DEBUT

Congratulations to Year 10 student Emma Kilpatrick (10PC-10) who will be making her SANFLW debut for West Adelaide on Friday 11 February at Hisense Stadium. Emma will be joining teammate and old scholar, Jessica Macolino (2010) on the pitch tonight. The College community wishes you the best of luck, Emma!

ICE SKATING

Congratulations to Year 8 student Jasper Cusack (8BPC-06) who has proudly finished off his 2021 Ice Skating season ranked number one in the country for his division! In the next few weeks, Jasper will be training with Olympic figure skater, Brendan Kerry. We hope you have another successful year, Jasper!

BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Congratulations to Year 10 student, Sienna Grieger (10PC-05), who has recently been selected to represent SA Metro in the Under 18 Australian Junior Basketball Championships. Sienna will be playing in a weeklong tournament in Ballarat, Victoria starting 10 April. The College community wish you the best of luck Sienna!

At St Michael’s College we take pride in sharing our students’ accomplishments both in and outside of school. If your son/daughter would like their achievements shared with our community, please send your story to community@smc.sa.edu.au.