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Absentee Line - Text 0417 596 611 or Phone Primary 8150 2397, Secondary 8150 2323 or Email student.reception@smc.sa.edu.au

News

Term 1 Week 3 2022

From the Deputy Principal

From the Deputy Principal

THE CLASS OF 2021 ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONY

It was with a great sense of Lasallian pride that we welcomed our Year 12 2021 Award winners and their parents back to St Michael’s College on Tuesday evening. Whilst proceedings were directed by SA Health requirements around COVID-19, it was important to the College to continue with this tradition where we acknowledge the outstanding academic and vocational results of the recent graduands. As such, the ceremony was held during the evening when we could have visitors on the campus. Numbers were limited to immediate family members and the event was filmed so that our Year 7 to 12 students could view the presentations during extended Pastoral Care the following day.

As our Acting Principal, Mr Damian Patton noted in his address the results for this cohort were equal to, or better than previous, reflecting our focus on continually striving for excellence, and there were many “good news” stories to celebrate:

“It is also important tonight to recognise former Principal, Mr John Foley, and his contribution to ongoing improvement in student academic performance. St Michael’s Grade Comparison is worth noting today, where in 2012, 24 students achieved an A+, in 2017 48 students and for the 2021 cohort, 75. It is results like these, and continual improvement, that recognise Teaching and Learning excellence at St Michael’s College.”

There were several award categories presented throughout the ceremony:

  • Subject Dux Certificate: Students who achieved the highest scaled score in their subject.
  • Academic Excellence: Awarded to students who achieved a SACE Subject Merit.
  • Outstanding Academic Achievement: Students who received 5 or more A grades and/or an ATAR above 95.
  • Outstanding Academic Achievement and Excellence: Awarded to those students who achieved 5 or more A grades, an ATAR of 95 plus, and/or a SACE Subject Merit.

We are always genuinely in awe of the exciting and diverse opportunities undertaken by our graduands in their chosen pathways. The medical sciences and law degrees remain very popular as well as creative options such as a Diploma of Screen and Media, a Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles and a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation. One graduand is reflecting a futures- focussed trend in undertaking a carpentry apprenticeship whilst studying Medical Science part-time.

The event culminated with acknowledging the stellar achievements of the 2021 College Dux – Valen Kostich – who achieved:

  • Subject Dux: Electronics, Physics, Specialist Mathematics
  • SACE Merits: Electronics, Research Project B, Mathematical Methods
  • “A” Grades: 5
  • ATAR: 99.9

Valen has elected to study a Double Degree program combining a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) with a Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at Adelaide University where he has been offered a Principal’s Scholarship. Valen’s acceptance speech reflected not only his heartfelt appreciation for his teachers but also his strength of character and he offered words of insight for all our students:

“…there wasn’t a single day at St Michael’s College that I wanted to stay…away from lessons. I attribute that to the overwhelmingly positive and supportive environment that the students and staff maintain. It was a wonderful thing, knowing…you can come to this place and feel safe and happy, being with your friends, joking with your teachers, and knowing that everyone is looking out for you…”

And specifically for our current Year 12 students:

“The year ahead will demand consistent focus, dedication, and a lot of hard work.  You should also be prepared to make a lot of sacrifices if you want to achieve highly.  Make sure to always keep your goals in mind, as these are your motivation to keep going.  Also, be proactive and don’t get caught up in work and fall behind…please look after each other and be nice.  Don’t compare yourself to anyone else – getting high grades requires teamwork and cooperation…help each other out wherever possible…and put your well-being first.”

To the Class of 2021, all at St Michael’s College applaud you on your efforts over 13 years of schooling. This next stage of your journey will be immensely exciting and we look forward to seeing you make your Lasallian mark on the world of your future.

Ms Bronwynn Kemp, Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning

Weekly Communication and Important Dates

Weekly Communication and Important Dates

IMPORTANT DATES

7 – 11 March
Secondary Campus Arts Week

8 March
International Women’s Day

CITY OF CHARLES STURT SCHOOL SAFETY PROGRAMME

The City of Charles Sturt has implemented comprehensive traffic management and parking schemes in the streets surrounding the schools within the community to help make it a safe place for children and help manage the traffic flow during peak periods.  They have commenced their School Safety inspections program for 2022 and will be conducting patrols at schools within the Charles Sturt area throughout the year.

In the course of their inspections, they have identified some common parking issues and have designed a brochure which covers some of the day to day parking issues around schools.  To access the brochure, please click on the link to view or download – School Safety Program.

 

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

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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.

Primary Campus

Primary Campus

THE A to Z OF STARTING SCHOOL

Starting school is a huge milestone for all of us and this year at the Primary Campus our Reception students have risen to the challenge with great resilience. Stories help us make sense of the world and early readers and learning your letters is helped with the use of rhyme. In  2021, someone I cannot remember who – had an idea about a picture book that would help our young learners feel welcome and settle in.

So, last year we asked all the illustrators (students) in our school to draw a picture that matched a letter of the alphabet, a letter that we used to tell a story about our school.  We then were fortunate to engage the services of a local artist named Kate O’Reilly who designed the front and back covers, all the lettering, and an outstanding pullout page in the middle of the book that highlights the special learning spaces in our school. The words were written by some of the teachers with the idea that they (mostly) rhymed and would help students remember some of the new routines and expectations at school.

It was quite a big project and the finished product is a result of everyone involved working together. Thank you to all the students who helped illustrate the book. We hope that the Reception students of 2022  and their families enjoy sharing the stories and pictures and making a few memories of their own.

Ms Joanne Gilmore, Director of Teaching & Learning (Primary)

#always learning

A VIRTUAL WELCOME LITURGY THAT ENCOURAGES US TO BE PRESENT TO EACH OTHER IN A REAL WAY

This pandemic has made us understand that isolation and social distance are necessary; but loneliness and fear should not be. Despite not being able to gather as a whole school community physically, we are reminded that the beginning of a new school year is special and so is celebrating together, albeit virtually.

On Friday 11 February St Michael’s Primary extended a warm invitation to staff, students and their parents to celebrate together our virtual Welcome Liturgy, encouraging us to be present to each other in a real way. As Christians we are invited to be like Simon Peter and his friends (Luke 5:1-11) who join Jesus to look for the people to do God’s work. We are invited to bring God’s hope to others, to show them a generous hand and a kind heart, and to help them believe in a brighter future. We envision wonderful things for the children entrusted to our care.

May this Liturgy be a message of hope and resilience for us all, sustained by God’s constant presence and love.

Please click here https://youtu.be/18yL4KOSF9I for the Welcome Liturgy. You may wish to celebrate together as a family, maybe invite your children’s grandparents to this special gathering. To prepare the prayer space, you could light a candle.

Prayer of Hope

Loving God, you promise to be with us always.

You gave us your son, Jesus, who, through his words and deeds, showed us how to live a hope-filled life.

Inspired by his message, may we be willing to shine this light of hope to others so that we can all find joy and promise in our lives and look to a brighter tomorrow.

Amen.

The Readers of the Prayer of the Faithful in the Welcome Liturgy

From left to right: Sotiri Tsaconas (6M), Daniel Romano (6B), James Del Bono (6M), Hunter Marr (6B), and Frank Marino (6M).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luke 5:1-11 Jesus Calls the First Disciples (Altar, School Chapel, 1954)

Having a visual representation of Luke’s Gospel reading encourages dialogue. A series of activities further enhances children’s understanding of the Bible story and meaning.

 

 

 

 

 

St Michael the Archangel (Lead lighting window, Chapel) watching over our students

Saint Michael is an archangel, a spiritual warrior in the battle of good versus evil. He is considered a champion of justice, a healer of the sick, and the guardian of the Church and its people. In art Saint Michael is depicted with a sword, a banner, or scales, and is often shown defeating Satan in the form of a snake or dragon.

 

 

 

 

Reception Children’s Acknowledgement of Country

Helping our small children to gain a sense of belonging and respect for the traditional owners of our country.
We would like to acknowledge Tina Albert from Lifelong Learning Centres https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSa- for inspiring this children’s Acknowledgement of Country.

Ms Patrizia Puglia, Director Religion and Spirituality (Primary)

Secondary Campus

Secondary Campus

GET TO KNOW OUR COLLEGE LEADERS AND HOUSE CAPTAINS

College Leader Rami Abu Hassan

As a leader I would describe myself as a passionate, helpful and hardworking person.

My favourite TV program is Cobra Kai

My favourite band is ACDC

I admire my father.

My greatest sporting moment was hitting a buzzer beater to win the game in basketball for my team when I was only 8 years old.

The best thing about attending SMC is the inclusiveness of the community.

My favourite book is Diary of a Wimpy Kid

In my spare time I like to play sport and hang out with friends and family.

One chore I don’t like doing is taking the bins out on bin day.

Leadership means a few different things to me –

  1. It means you bring others around you together as one. Great leaders have a way of supporting others and making them more productive and effective.
  2. Leadership means you put people in the right place at the right time. It’s tough, but when you help someone find their “groove” and you let them stay in their space, they can excel.
  3. With leadership comes trust and respect with those that you work with. I would like to encourage these qualities in all my peers.

 A quote that I believe in “Actions speak louder than words”.

A teacher at SMC I admire is Mr Labrosciano because he is very helpful and also funny.

Benilde House Captain Teresa Arena

As a leader I would describe myself as an honest, open minded and kind-hearted person always willing to put others’ needs before myself.

The thing that I do that I am the proudest of is helping other people. I’m proud to have this quality as there are many people that need a helping hand.

My greatest sporting moment was winning the Athlete of the Year award at my cheerleading club.

My favourite band is Five Seconds of Summer.

I admire my Mum.

In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and friends and create memories, doing things such as eating at different places, going on holidays and beach days.

The best thing about attending SMC is the many memories I have created with my friends and the relationships formed with teachers.

Leadership to me means guiding and supporting people to ensure they work to the best of their ability and that they feel welcomed and wanted.

To be a Lasallian Leader means following the College’s Mission and Vision to create a community where everyone is known valued and cared for.

This year as a House Captain I wish to be best known as an approachable person that anyone can come to when needing help, and an uplifting Captain for Benilde!

Five words which best describe my personality are bubbly, happy, energetic, friendly, uplifting.

A quote that I believe in – “everything happens for reason”.

A teacher at SMC I admire is Mrs Porcelli because she is understanding, supportive and enthusiastic in her job and made Year 11 memorable.

COUNTRY OF THE WEEK INITIATIVE – UPDATE FROM PASTORAL CLASS 7BPC-02

As a new Teacher graduate, I am constantly looking for exciting and innovative ways of engaging students. When I found out I was going to be a Co-Pastoral teacher with Tess Morcom to a group of Year 7 boys, I knew I’d have my work cut out for me. Due to my love for all things international and being from South Africa myself, I thought having a Country of the Week focus would be a great opportunity to explore something I’m very passionate about but also something the students could benefit from. The ‘Country of the Week’ initiative encompasses greeting and farewelling one another in the national language of the country in focus, as well as discussing things like national food, landmarks, history and fun facts!

The focus of this week was Russia, which was suggested by one of our students who has a part Russian background. Thanks to Ms Morcom’s amazing memory of her students, she was able to remember Elina Gretchkosiy, who she had taught previously and the fact that she was of Russian heritage and visited her homeland relatively frequently. After little convincing, Elina, who is currently in her final year of schooling, delivered a fantastic presentation to her college peers about her life, Russian traditions, places of interest and correcting our pronunciations of Russian words.

Overall, it was a great start to the Country of the Week initiative and was thoroughly enjoyed by both students and teachers. We hope to have many more exciting and collaborative weeks such as this one in the future, but for now, DA SVIDANIA! (Goodbye!)

Mr Nolan Naicker, Design and Technology Teacher and Year 7 Pastoral Teacher. 

Pictured: Elina Gretchkosiy (Year 12 ), Henry West and Rafferty Casey (Year 7) with Elina’s Babushka Dolls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 St (next to the Uniform Shop),
  • grown food that 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,
  • Constructed shade structures and worked on paving projects in the garden.

New and continuing students who would like to participate are encouraged to register.

Students in Years 7 – 11 can register using this link https://forms.office.com/r/seniAipznA or by dropping in to The Garden on any Tuesday or Friday lunchtime.

Year 12 students who would like to be involved can speak to Ms Pearce during PC or by using the link.

Miss Catherine Pearce, Head of Humanities

MATHSHELP

MathsHelp is once again running every Thursday lunch time in LEC-03 (downstairs in the LEC). If students need some one-on-one assistance with any Maths problems, they are welcome to bring their lunch and come on Thursdays, starting in Week 4.

Ms Anne Finlay, Head of Mathematics

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. https://help.educationperfect.com/article/23-what-is-the-brain-bee-challenge

Students interested in the competition should express their interest to their Science Teacher or contact Mr Alberton ( jack.alberton@smc.sa.edu.au )

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.

SA ARTIST CALL OUT – SEEKING SKILLED TEENAGE ARTISTS FOR THE CENTENARIAN PORTRAIT PROJECT BY TEENAGERS

The Centenarian Portrait Project by Teenagers is a community arts project that promotes intergenerational friendships, celebrates life at 100 (in all its forms) and fights the negative ageing stigma.

The South Australian rendition will culminate in an exhibition in June 2022 presenting 100 portraits of 100-year-olds by local teenage artists, following a life-affirming inter-generational process.  The program offers teenage artists the opportunity to get to know a local 100-year-old. They are currently looking for young people in Adelaide and its surrounds, who are interested in drawing, painting, etching (etc) a portrait of a South Australian centenarian.

Please visit their website for more information www.embraced.com.au

If you are interested, please contact Mrs Nicolle LeRay-Warren for more information the application process.

nicolle.leray-warren@smc.sa.edu.au

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YEARS 7-9 LEARNING AND WELLBEING CHARACTER STRENGTH FOCUS

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence is the ability to find, recognise and take pleasure in the existence of goodness in the physical and social worlds. A person who is strong in this strength frequently feels emotions such as admiration and wonder. Little children are champions at this- the whole world and the simplest things in it are constant sources of awe and wonder!

This character strength is fundamentally about noticing what’s right instead of what’s wrong. When we open our minds to notice the good, something wonderful happens. Our thinking becomes more open and we can feel our bodies relax. We are less likely to snap at others and our ideas can start to flow. The great thing is that the more open we are to looking for excellence and beauty, the more we will notice it!

We celebrate so much excellence at St Michael’s. This week we honoured the excellence of our graduating Class of 2021. The ceremony highlighted teaching and learning excellence, and demonstrated our perseverance as a community, to continue to celebrate achievements notwithstanding current constraints. The remarkable results of our Year 12’s filled us all with wonderful hope for the future.

Valen Kostich’s speech (Dux for 2021), was eloquent and humble and paid tribute to both his family and the education that had empowered him to explore his curiosities and position him to be a leader and learner for the world. In his personal address his words abounded with gratitude, teamwork, perseverance and also the appreciation of excellence. His embodiment of the Lasallian charism was noted by the Chair of the Board, Mrs Marie Dorrington.

In addition to academic excellence, we also remember that excellence and beauty take many forms and they are all equally stunning in their own ways. The beauty of our College garden creates a space for us to connect with nature, to watch insects thrive in their natural habitats and of course to nurture fruit and vegetables until they are ready to pick and enjoy. The garden is lovingly tended twice a week by our Eco Squad of Year 7-9 students, led by Ms Palmer and Ms Pearce, and some amazing Year 12 Leaders who have just begun to work with their younger ‘brothers and sisters’. This is one example of how St Michael’s College exudes beauty and excellence!

There is never a better time to look for and cherish the amazing good that surrounds us; families and friends, and all the people in our lives and their remarkable contributions, gifts and achievements, amazing nature spaces and places we share, to the technologies that make our life easier, our many opportunities, and our current relative ‘normality’ of life!

Year 7s recently filled a mural board with their beautiful hopes for the year ahead – many of these reflected a strong appreciation for beauty and excellence. Perhaps in 5 years’ time, these hopes will see them standing with pride on the podium at the Academic awards ceremony of 2027!

Have an awe-inspired week!

Mrs Tonia Carfora, Year 7-9 Wellbeing Initiatives Leader

Pictured: Year 7 Hope Board – Students record their hopes for the year on the board designed and crafted by Mrs Nicolle Le-Ray

Pictured: Eco Garden – Year 12 leaders and Eco Squad busy at work; harvesting and planting.

 

Careers and VET Services

Careers and VET Services

2021 YEAR 12 GRADUATES

We are celebrating the success of our 2021 Year 12 Graduands and will share some of the highlights over the coming weeks. Preliminary analysis of Year 12 Destinations information has revealed close to 20% of our graduating students have secured employment and 12 into confirmed Apprenticeships.

One success story is about Nicolas Andresakis. Nicolas always had an interest in barbering but when in Year 11 there were no opportunities for this pathway. His backup interest was electrical, so he undertook the two year Electrotechology course at PEER.  This allowed him to experience the VET setting and have a back-up plan. In July of Year 12 he decided he really wanted to find out more about barbering so through the College he organised a week of work experience. This confirmed his passion and added to his resume. The other strength Nicolas displayed was putting himself out there and networking. A relative in the industry flagged an opportunity at Zaks Grooming for Men at Glenelg and the rest is history. Nicolas has made a somewhat sensible decision to not enter into a formal apprenticeship. He is paying for his way through to a Cert 3 at Adelaide TAFE and working two days a week at Zaks. This allows him to earn a higher hourly rate and have more flexibility and control. He has even worked out by starting with the competencies in the Certificate 2 Salon Assistant he can eventually save time and money with credits into his 18 month study pathway to complete the Certificate 3. We have always been impressed with Nicolas’ great communication style, resourcefulness and planning. Skills we want all our graduates to have. Congratulations Nicolas!

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.

2023 UNIVERSITY CONDITIONAL OFFERS SCHEMES BASED ON YEAR 11 GRADES

For the last two years University of Adelaide and Flinders University provided a pathway for entry to some of their courses being based significantly on Year 11 Grades. We have heard from the University of Adelaide that at this stage they have no plans to run the program for this year’s Year 12 students. Flinders do not usually confirm if the program will continue until late June.

The emphasis for now will be achieving a competitive ATAR. Year 12 students who are concerned about this pathway not continuing are encouraged to book an Appointment with one of the Career Counsellors to discuss.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Each year we encourage community members to contact us if you have employment opportunities for our students. We currently have a graduate looking specifically for an Electrical Apprenticeship. If you know of an opportunity, we would appreciate hearing from you.

HARTWIG AIR FLYING SCHOOL OPEN DAY

Hartwig Air flying school are excited to announce that they are conducting an Open Day on Saturday 19 February from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for any interested students who are passionate or inquisitive about a career in aviation.

They will be holding seminars covering pathways to a career in commercial aviation and avenues to enter their Associate Degree of Aviation course in partnership with RMIT university.

They will also have tours around the training aircraft and theory delivery facilities and will be taking one lucky guest for a flight around Parafield Airport!

If you have any questions or inquiries about a career in aviation and the training process please feel free to contact Liam Sullivan – liam.sullivan@hartwigair.com.au or 8258 4244.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms Rose Coorey and Mr Anthony Vizaniaris, Careers Counsellors

Congratulations

Congratulations

DANIELLA D’SILVA

Congratulations to Year 11 student Daniella D’Silva for successfully auditioning for the 2022 Class of Cabaret, which runs under the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Class of Cabaret provides a unique learning opportunity for passionate and courageous students to develop the skills to engage an audience as they explore issues and ideas using the cabaret art form as a voice for their generation.

Daniella will work with mentors and professional artists to develop her skills through masterclasses, workshops and a bootcamp.

Daniella has been heavily involved in the Arts at St Michael’s. She was a member of the cast of “Mary Poppins” in 2021. She has also been a member of Vox Pop, Intermediate Pop Vocal, and this year, Senior Vocal Jazz. Daniella is also an accomplished violinist, being a member of both the Combined Schools String Ensemble, and the newly formed SMC Senior Strings.

We congratulate Dani on this wonderful achievement and wish her well with both the program and her solo performance at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival for 2022!

Tim Donovan, Director of Music
Emily Burns, Drama Co-curricular and Events Coordinator

 

CHARLISE FALCONE

Congratulations to Year 10 student Charlise who was given the opportunity to illustrate her Aunty, Renee Melizza’s, children’s book dear darling: A book about gratitude. dear darling is a sweet, rhyming tale about gratitude. It’s about noticing the many wonderful and simple things in life.

The book has recently been published and the College is very fortunate to have received a donated copy for the library. The book will be placed on display showcasing the illustrations created by Charlise.

Well done Charlise, we look forward to seeing your fantastic illustrations on display and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

dear darling: A book about gratitude : Melizza, Renee: Amazon.com.au: Books

 

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.