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News

Term 1 Week 5 2022

Whole School

LET US BE BEACONS OF HOPE FOR ALL FUTURE GENERATIONS

On Wednesday 2 March, our Primary Campus students and staff participated in an Ash Wednesday Liturgy. The day marks the beginning of the season of Lent for Christians. Lent is a time when we pray, do kind things for other people, give up things and give to others, as we prepare to celebrate the great feast of Easter.

For forty days, we accompany Jesus on his journey to Calvary and we see the mercy he shows towards others, despite his suffering.

Just as God shows mercy towards us, like Jesus, we try to show mercy to others.

This Lent, we are also making our journey alongside families around the world living in poverty, especially those who do not have the basic things they need like enough food or clean water. (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) – Just One World)

Ash Wednesday Liturgy Opening Prayer:

Let us remember we are gathered in God’s Holy presence.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Let us pray

Loving God, be with us in a special way during this time of Lent so that we can become a people of love and service.

Help us to think about how we treat others, the way we act, the way we live our lives and how we look to the needs of others rather than our own needs.

Help us to challenge ourselves to be beacons of hope For all future generations and to show more kindness, forgiveness, compassion and gratitude.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mrs Patrizia Puglia, Director of Religion and Spirituality – Primary

 

ASH WEDNESDAY AT THE SECONDARY CAMPUS

Ash Wednesday is one of the most important Holy days in the liturgical calendar and begins the season of Lent, a time of fasting, almsgiving and prayer. As we journey through the Lenten period, let us remember and pray for the people who are less fortunate, suffering from illnesses, grieving and experiencing hardship in their lives.

The Secondary Campus participated in Ash Wednesday during pastoral class as students are unable to gather in the chapel. Thank you to Mr Robert Dempsey and Sr Nithya for organising this service.

Community

GRADUATION BALL

On Saturday, the 26th of February, the Year 12 cohort of 2021 celebrated their Graduation Ball at the Adelaide Convention Centre; one of our students’ most significant and anticipated College events. The Graduation Ball was postponed last year due to COVID restrictions, and whilst this was a disappointment at the time, Saturday night acted as a quasi-reunion for the Class of 2021, encompassing a wonderful atmosphere for all families in attendance. In the ballroom, there was great excitement in the air, with students, parents and staff reminiscing on the year that was. The graduates reflected on the success of the evening, highlighting the wonderful community spirit and elegance of the occasion.

Throughout the evening, Pastoral Teachers presented members of each Pastoral class. We were fortunate to have in attendance our Principal for 2021, John Foley, who congratulated each student on stage. Parents and teachers got to see the pride on the graduates’ faces as they were presented, many taking the opportunity to thank John for all he contributed to their senior school journey.

The evening was also an opportunity to thank the 2021 College Captains Alice Kneebone and Sebastian Leaney, and Vice Captains Elena Antoniadis and Sam Hornibrook, for their leadership of the cohort during a challenging year.

Staff and students also commented on the fantastic social occasion that allowed the St Michael’s community to see friends, peers and teachers in a different and more relaxed environment. After the formalities were complete, attendees were able to enjoy each other’s company, over a few drinks and a delicious three-course meal.

On behalf of myself and Assistant Director for 2021, Ady Webb, thank you to Sarah Sokolovic and Ellena Williamson for helping to organise this massive event, managing the ever-changing COVID landscape right up until the night of the Ball. It was an outstanding effort. A thank you too to the Pastoral Care teachers, Deputy Principal Matthew Williams, Acting Principal Damian Patton, and Director of Pastoral Sam Kitschke, who all helped facilitate the smooth running of the occasion.

To the Class of 2021, you are to be commended for your exceptional participation and behaviour on the night – all the very best for your future endeavours!

Thank you to those who could attend the 2021 Graduation Ball and helped to create a truly memorable evening.

Mr Mark Labrosciano, Year 12 Director

Weekly Communication and Important Dates

RIP

Peter Jordans
Much loved grandfather of Natessa Stevenson (Year 7), Brodie Stevenson (Year 11), and Aidan Stevenson (2021).

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

IMPORTANT DATES

Week 6

7 – 11 March
Secondary Campus Arts Week

8 March
International Women’s Day

Week 7

14 March
Adelaide Cup Public Holiday

17 March
National Close the Gap Day

18 March
National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

2022 TUITION FEES

Given the disrupted start to the academic year, Catholic Schools in SA decided to defer invoicing the 2022 Tuition Fees.

Please note that invoices will be processed over the coming weeks and payment terms extended to accommodate the delay in invoicing.

New parents will receive a link from School Smart to set up their payment arrangements within the next week.

We apologise for the inconvenience.  Please do not hesitate to contact the College if you have any concerns.

Mr Dominic LoBasso, Business Manager

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

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Secondary Campus

GET TO KNOW OUR COLLEGE LEADERS AND HOUSE CAPTAINS

College Leader Sebastian Benedetti

As a leader I would describe myself as confident and easy to communicate with.

My favourite TV program is Top Gear.

My greatest sporting moment was making my senior debut in the NPL for my club Croydon Kings.

My favourite artists are Drake and Travis Scott.

In my spare time I like to play soccer.

The best thing about attending SMC is all the friends I’ve made and the great teachers.

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

Leadership means to me leading the way by being a role model to the younger year levels.

Five words which best describe my personality are sporty, funny, friendly, kind-hearted, and outgoing.

A quote that I believe in is “legends aren’t born, they are created one practice at a time” – Lionel Messi.

A teacher at SMC I admire is Mr Rosman because he’s a great person who you can have a chat with about anything.

Something interesting about me no one knows? I have two metal screws in my ankle.

MacKillop House Captain Bailey Cortes

As a leader I would describe myself as enthusiastic, energetic, and inclusive.

The thing that I do that I am the proudest of is my ability to learn from losses and learn from past experiences because it is an important thing to do as a leader, and I can apply it to my life at school, my sports, and other situations.

My greatest sporting moments are kicking a barrel for a goal against Scotch College for the 2nd XVIII team and making 130 in school cricket.

In my spare time I like to go to the gym.

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

Leadership means to me that I should set an example, encourage, and support younger students to be the best they can.

I have a pet lorikeet whose name is Reggie.

To be a Lasallian Leader means that I must be responsible and assist my peers and those in younger year levels throughout the year.

This year as a House Captain I wish to be best known as a good leader.

Five words which best describe my personality are outgoing, optimistic, positive, charismatic, and trustworthy.

A person I most admire is Joe Burrow because he shows persistence.

A teacher at SMC I admire is Mr Biggs because I see him as my mentor.

 

YEARS 7-9 LEARNING AND WELLBEING CHARACTER STRENGTH FOCUS

Week 5: Prudence

This week our strength of focus is prudence. It isn’t a term we use a lot in everyday language – and we’re more likely to use words like care or caution.

At this time in the Church’s calendar, prudence, together with humility (next week’s strength), can also help us in our reflection as we approach Lent, a time in which we are invited to be better people, thinking about the choices we make in daily life and the impact we may have.

Year 12 College Leaders visited Pastoral Classes in Years 7 to 9 this week, to connect with the younger students and to explore with them the application of this strength at this special time, as you can see below.

The painting is a long way away from Henley Beach but can still connect to our intentions here and inspire us. It resides in a wonderful gallery called Museo San Donato which is a part of the Monte de Paschi bank in Siena, Italy; the world’s oldest, or second oldest bank, dating back to 1472. At this time, Siena was a republic and the institution was created to offer loans to the poor.

Sapienza e Prudenza – Wisdom and Prudence was painted by Francesco Rustici in the 1600s and adorned the wall of the bank’s director for decades so that he faced it each time he entered his office. It was positioned this way to remind him that his decisions he should be wise and prudent in a balanced manner, every time he entered the room. It’s a wonderful example of how art can inspire us.

In the painting, we see that Wisdom is on the left and Prudence (one of the cardinal virtues) is on the right. Dressed in the clothes of a young and glowing girl, Prudence is sitting beside a snake winding itself around a sceptre (power) and she holds a mirror in her right hand. The idea of the snake comes from one of the passages of Matthew (10,16) “…be as prudent as snakes.” The mirror, drawing on medieval traditions, alludes to the idea that prudent people always consider past (experience) and future (consequences) in decision making.

As an earthly virtue, Prudence indicates towards the ground with her index finger; there is a contrast with the hand of Wisdom raised to the sky, indicating nature and divine inspiration, reflected in the presence of the dove of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom rests her arm on the Sacred Book of Scripture, taking her cues from this text. Nearby we see a clear reminder of the temporary nature of life and worldly goods, in the sinister profile of a skull in the bottom left corner of the painting.

In our lives in 2022, far away from medieval Siena, when we exercise prudence, we keep ourselves safe and follow our dreams with care, mindful of our impact on others. As the painting reminds us, there must be a balance and we should exercise care in our decision making, stopping and reflecting on the impact of our words and actions before we let them fly, so that we don’t create situations we regret later and that we are empowered to flourish safely as we navigate life. This aligns perfectly with our reflections during the season of Lent, as we work towards growing in our faith and knowing, valuing and caring for each other, exploring our curiosities and becoming the learners and leaders of the world.

Enjoy the temperate weather and have a wonderful week ahead!

Mrs Tonia Carfora, Year 7-9 Learning and Wellbeing Initiatives Leader

Careers and VET Services

SCHOOL-BASED APPRENTICESHIP

Congratulations to Year 12 student, Jonte Dametto, who started his school-based apprenticeship last week with West Elite Electrical.

As a Year 11 student, Jonte completed a Certificate II in Electrotechnology and Certificate II in Electronics at PEER. During his VET studies, Jonte undertook work experience with an electrician, though they were not ready to recruit an apprentice but recommended him to West Elite Electrical. Over the summer holidays, Jonte undertook some work experience with West Elite Electrical as a junior labourer. They were so impressed with Jonte’s hard work that they offered him a school-based apprenticeship.

Jonte will be able to finish Year 12 and receive his SACE as well as commence his apprenticeship to become an electrician. He will be completing a Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician and working on the tools every Wednesday and Thursday

Congratulations again to Jonte, as he begins his journey towards a career as an electrician.

For more information regarding Australian Apprenticeships, please click here.

Ms Leanne De Young, VET Coordinator

CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORING PROGRAM

Register now for the ‘Girls on Track’ program held at the 2022 Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix.

Open to: Women aged 15-22
Date: Thursday 7 April 2022
Registrations close: Friday 11 March 2022

Click here for more information.

YEAR 12 STUDENTS AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY (ANU) EARLY DIRECT APPLICATION NOW OPEN

Australian National University (ANU) direct applications for 2023 admissions are now open. Interested students must be eligible for an ATAR and will be assessed on Year 11 results and Co-Curricular or Service requirement (CCS). CCS is a mandatory section of the ANU application asking you to demonstrate involvement in activities outside the classroom including sport, paid work, volunteering and more.

Applications close on 23 May 2022 and outcomes will be released 5 September 2022. Don’t forget to check out the scholarships page while you’re there. Please be aware if you wish to apply for a scholarship as well, the application deadlines are much earlier. Click here for more information.

ANU THE TUCKWELL SCHOLARSHIP

The 25 students awarded the Tuckwell Scholarship at ANU each year receive $22,350 per annum (2021 rate) (increasing with inflation) for each year of the length of their undergraduate degree. This will cover on-campus residential costs, books, and general living expenses priority access guaranteed to ANU-approved student accommodation. They will also receive an annual allowance of up to $2,000 to assist with their move to Canberra and to support two annual return journeys (e.g. airfares) between their home and the university for each year of their degree. The allowance will be dependent on the proximity of their family home to ANU. There is also an allowance to help cover the transport costs for your parents/caregivers to attend Commencement Weekend at the start of the program, and an ANU Sports Centre membership for the length of the degree. Click here for more information.

CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY NSW EARLY ADVANTAGE APPLICATIONS

The Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program is open to Year 12 students Australia wide for 2023 entry. CSU assess two things, your Year 11 results and your ‘soft’ skills. In short, you need to respond to three questions demonstrating your communication, resilience, empathy and motivation. Round one applications are already open meaning you could receive a course offer as early as May. Although there are three rounds, popular courses can fill up in the first round (apply by 31 March 2022). Please note the locations of the Charles Sturt Campus include Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga. Some of the courses which are part of this program include Medical Radiations. Click here for more information.  Charles Sturt Advantage – Study (csu.edu.au)

DEFENCE WORK EXPERIENCE

Year 11 Virtual Work Experience
A new government initiative to help build the Defence industry is the Virtual Work Experience Program. The Defence Industry Virtual Work Experience Program will provide opportunities for students who may face geographic or other barriers to participating in traditional work experience. Students will undertake collaborative, group science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) projects, including projects linked to real-world research and industry challenges. The program will commence in Term 2, 2022 with a pilot of approximately 30 students. Please email workexperience@csiro.au to register for more information.

To be eligible to participate in the Virtual Work Experience, students must be:

  • A Year 11 student
  • Aged 15 to 17 years old for the duration of the work experience
  • Enrolled in a school in Australia and able to commit to the designated days as specified by the supervisor (with students seeking approval from their school)
  • Be supported by a teacher, parent or other approved adult in their physical location throughout their work experience project

The experience will be run by the Department of Defence in conjunction with Australia’s National Science Agency, CSIRO.

Year 11 and Year 12 Defence Work Experience Program (in person)
There are already a range of work experience opportunities for students advertised on the Defence Work Experience Program website.

These include:

  • 11 to 14 April, Army Familiarisation – RAAF Edinburgh
  • 12 to 13 May, Army Familiarisation – Keswick Barracks
  • 23 to 26 May, Air Force Familiarisation – RAAF Edinburgh
  • 28 to 29 July, Army Familiarisation – Keswick Barracks
  • 19 to 22 September, Air Force Familiarisation – RAAF Edinburgh
  • 27 to 29 October, Army Familiarisation – Keswick Barracks

Students need to in Year 11 or Year 12 participate with the support of St Michaels College and must be able to get to the location as public transport options to Edinburgh are extremely limited.

WORK EXPERIENCE 2022 

Work Experience Term 1 Holidays

Please note: the first allocated week for Work Experience this year is in Week 1 of the Term 1 holidays (Monday 11 April to Friday 14 April 2022).

Students will need to complete all Work Experience requirements by the end of Week 8 (Friday 25 March 2022). Students in Year 11 and 12 that are considering Work Experience at any time during the year for VET requirements, subject requirements or career research must attend a compulsory preparation session to be held on Thursday 10 March from 9:00 am to 9:40 am in the LEC Auditorium. This session will provide students with the information required to prepare for work experience during the year.

Students requiring Work Experience for VET will automatically be registered for this session. Any student who is considering undertaking Work Experience this year either for Workplace Practices, Maths in the Workplace or for their own career research / choice must register to attend by emailing Ms Tidd nikki.tidd@smc.sa.edu.au  by no later than Wednesday 2 March 2022.

NO PLACEMENTS CAN BE AUTHORISED OR COVERED BY INSURANCE WITHOUT ATTENDING THIS SESSION AND MEETING ALL PREPARATION REQUIREMENTS.  

2023 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE GAP YEAR APPLICATIONS FOR YEAR 12 STUDENTS OPENING IN MARCH

If you’re 17-24 years old and interested in experiencing the Navy, Army of Air Force without making a long-term commitment, the ADF Gap Year program is a great option. The program will enable you to get paid for meaningful work while travelling around Australia, gain skills for life, and make lifelong friends.

Applications open in March and with more than 20 roles to choose from, you’re sure to find one to suit you and your interests.

The program offers experiences including what it’s like to be an officer, in management, engineering, logistics, warehousing, combat, security and administration. The very popular roles such as Helicopter Pilot fill up as soon as applications open, so we advise checking each day in March to seize this opportunity.

With an ADF Gap Year you’ll:

  • Enjoy a great salary package plus free healthcare.
  • Gain valuable skills and work experience.
  • Have job security and stability.
  • Live a varied, active, and healthy lifestyle.
  • Make friends with like-minded people.
  • Have the opportunity to see more of Australia.

Click here for more information.

FLINDERS UNIVERSITY STEM CLUB NEWSLETTER FOR STUDENTS

Expand your interest interest in STEM by subscribing to the Flinders University STEM Club eNewsletter. Students can win prizes worth $100 each newsletter just by subscribing! Readers will be engaged with STEM breakthroughs that will leave their minds blown. Click here for more information.

Ms Rose Coorey and Mr Anthony Vizaniaris, Careers Counsellors

Co-curricular

click here to view results & fixtures

 

TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS

On Wednesday 2 March, a team of 16 students from Years 7 to 10 participated in the School Sport SA State Triathlon Championships at the West Lakes Canoe Club.

Due to Monday’s torrential rain, the water quality was deemed too poor to risk swimming in, so the swim leg of the triathlon was changed to another run leg. Despite our athletes not being able to compete in the swim leg, they did an amazing job in the ‘Come n Try’ individual events, State individual qualifying, and also the team events.

Congratulations to our medal winners of the day, Year 7 student Mercy Walsh (7GPC-04) who placed third, and Year 8 students Sanur McMahon (8GPC-03), Maeve Nicholas (8GPC-03), and Jessica Burton (8GPC-03) who also placed third for the team event.

The weather was perfect and the team did St Michael’s proud!

Mrs Leanne Burton, Girls Co-curricular Officer