YEAR 10 PASTORAL DAY

On Friday 19 November, the Year 10 cohort gathered in the Chapel for a Year Level gathering. This included the recognition of several students including those who have been assisting junior students at various schools with reading, also known as the ‘student2student reading challenge’ for The Smith Family. Students then viewed over 240 photos from when they were in Year 8 and this gave them the opportunity to reflect on their past few years at SMC.

The cohort then travelled by bus to AFL MAX at The Adelaide Airport precinct. While at AFL Max, students participated in a supervised 2-hour program across eight activities such as AFL mini games, bouncing castles, abseiling, wall-climbing and target setting. This day also gave all students the opportunity to catch up before their exams in Week 7.

Mr Andrew Spencer, Year 10 Director

YEAR 9 TIFF MANUELL INSPIRED ART

Year 9 Art students have been exploring multidisciplinary artist and designer, Tiff Manuell. Manuell’s focus has been abstract, expressionistic artworks brought to life with acrylics on artist canvas and most popularly known on her clutches. Students were given the project to create their own Tiff Manuell inspired clutch and share their experience below:

“The theme for this project was to explore the use of different colour palettes and painting techniques to create a final, Tiff Manuell inspired clutch piece with a colourful, abstract design. Throughout the project I have developed my ideas by stepping outside my comfort zone and experimenting with different colours and ways of expressing myself through shapes and lines. My work started with simple shapes and colours, developing into the use of multiple colours on backgrounds, water colour paint, use of sponges, dry brushing and dripping”. – Sophia Goldsworthy (9GPC-04)

 “Throughout this project I have gained knowledge and experience in different skills such as how to create a paint drip effect. First you have to thin your paint through watering it down and then placing you page upright and using a paint brush to drip paint downwards. I have also learnt how to use alternate painting devices including sponges and palette knives and how to layer paint with a sharp finish when painting lines, specifically when using white paint”. – Nicolle Mihnev (9GPC-03)

Ms Tess Morcom, Design and Technology Teacher – Secondary

YEAR 7 COOKING IN ITALIAN

On Wednesday 17 November, Year 7 students from 7GPC-02 participated in a Slow Food project as part of their Italian studies this term.

The teaching and learning environment of this unit reflects a Content and Language Integrated Learning Pedagogy (CLIL) wherein students will learn the content of another area of the curriculum through the target language.

In preparation for this activity, students were required to create a traditional antipasto dish from their chosen region in Italy. They were also required to use seasonal ingredients and were able to source some ingredients from the herb garden at school. Students also learned food preparation skills and hygiene considerations, all delivered in the Italian language.

It has been an enjoyable and innovative way of learning and teaching Italian through this project-based approach. Students were able to improve their Italian as well as learn the content of various other learning areas, such as food technology, through Italian.

I am extremely proud of the innovation demonstrated by the students during this project.

Miss Olivia Andreula, Italian Teacher – Secondary

YEAR 10 SCIENCE AROUND US

This term the Year 10 Science Around Us class have been studying Space Sciences. Students have learned about galaxies, stars, and the solar system. Students have also learned of evidence which supports the idea of the Big Bang Theory. To support their study, the class were offered the opportunity to visit the Adelaide Planetarium. See what the class thought of the experience below:

“Our class, along with Mrs Casserly, visited the Adelaide Planetarium at Mawson Lakes to consolidate our knowledge and understanding of space. The session we attended was run by an astronomer who was able to take us on a journey into space and explore all the planets, constellations, and stars including indigenous and traditional star lore, and mythology. We got to imagine what the sun will look like when it becomes a white dwarf as well as how to identity planets and galaxies in the Adelaide sky. We were fortunate to watch a short film on Australian Space Exploration which provided context for what we are achieving in this area more locally. Thank you to Mr Alberton for his help in organising the excursion, we all had a fantastic time”. – Year 10 Science Around Us Class

Mr Jack Alberton, Acting Head of Science – Secondary

ABORIGINAL ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

St Michael’s College Indigenous Program has been hosting Aboriginal Artist Chris Crebbin as an artist in residence in Term 4 as part of working with the Catholic Education South Australia Aboriginal Education Program.

Chris, who has the Aboriginal name, Burthurmarr (meaning brolga and native companion), has been working with some of our Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. The group have been taking a journey that reflects on respectfully exploring Aboriginal Arts and Cultural traditions.

Chris has the ability to deliver storytelling in an open and caring way by sharing personal insights into his life that have included issues with racism, developing his own identity, and examples of his own family challenges. This opportunity allowed our students to build a working relationship with Chris through art, thus helping students to feel comfortable with asking questions whilst exploring a range of artistic techniques and learning about sociocultural issues.

This significant experience gave students an understanding about the importance of recognizing and respecting the traditions and culture of Australia’s First Peoples.

Mr Andrew Spencer, Indigenous Coordinator – Secondary

YEAR 11 GEOGRAPHY CAMP

In Week 3 of Term 4, Mrs Kearin’s Year 11 Geography class, accompanied by Mr Chatterton, embarked on a three-day Geography Camp to the South Coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, particularly Port Elliot, Victor Harbor and surrounds. Establishing our basecamp at the Port Elliot YHA, we conducted fieldwork revolving around coastal environments and processes of erosion, as well as studying how humans interact with the environment and the effects of tourism and recreational activities at locations including Granite Island, Port Elliot, Victor Harbor Town Centre, and Waitpinga Beach. The camp was of great value in developing our fieldwork skills and collecting data necessary to complete our Fieldwork Assignment on a local geographical issue of our choosing.

As well as the educational aspects of the Geography camp, it was also a great opportunity to get to know our classmates and teachers outside of an everyday classroom setting. Some of the highlights included the traditional game of ‘Aussie Rules Marks Up’ to introduce our English classmate David to footy, the teacher versus student table tennis match between Mr Chatterton and Georgie that lasted for some 200 points, and students engaging in the art of backseat driving while travelling on the bus.

Whilst returning on the causeway from fieldwork on Granite Island, a few of us were even treated to some entertainment involving Ms Kearins’ brand-new straw hat, the wind, the ocean and a hasty rescue by some nearby construction workers in their small boat! We had the ability to develop our social capabilities on the camp, by planning our meals, shopping for supplies and cooking our own dinner in small groups on the first night, and going out for a class meal on the second.

I’m sure I speak on behalf of my fellow classmates and teachers in saying that the camp was of great educational and social value to all of us. For me at least, it was a great opportunity to get out of the classroom and participate in more practical Geography, whilst also enjoying the company of others and having fun too. The camp is definitely a perk of studying Year 11 Geography! I would like to thank Mrs Kearins for her efforts in organising and conducting the camp, and Mr Chatterton for accompanying our class and providing both a wealth of knowledge and various anecdotes about places we visited and things we saw. The camp was truly fun!

Written by Year 11 student Benjamin Ryan (11PC-05)

SECONDARY DANCE

In 2021, senior dance students worked with Claudia Papillo on a lyrical/contemporary piece for their final assessment. Claudia then invited the students to make a promotional video for the school as part of her education studies at Flinders University. Together with old scholar, David Roberts (2020) who is studying a Bachelor of Film and Television at the University of South Australia, this film was created.

Mrs Dani Caputo, Dance Coordinator – Secondary

YEAR 9 BREADTAGS FOR WHEELCHAIRS CHARITY DRIVE

Since the beginning of August, Year 9 students have been collecting bread tags to support the’ Bread Tags for Wheelchairs’ charity. The organisation uses the funds from the recycled bread tags to buy wheelchairs for the disadvantaged, mainly in South Africa. The students did an amazing job of collecting hundreds of bread tags, and the drive culminated with a mosaic competition that brought out some unique and creative designs. Thank you to all students, parents and staff who supported this very worthwhile charity drive.

Mrs Anna Haracic, Assistant Year 9 Director, and Mr Brent Parfrey, Year 9 Director

FARM BARN AND BEERENBERG EXCURSION

On Tuesday 23 November, a group of Year 7 to 9 students had the pleasure of visiting Hahndorf, determined to brave the rain, pet some animals and eat some strawberries!

Flynn found his calling among the farm animals, while Isaac and Jason were determined to spend all their money… and did so. Hannah and Kayla marveled at the peacock, pleading without success for it to open its feathery tail, and Ava perfected her delightful impersonation of a nanny goat – or was it a lamb? Either way it was a very happy impersonation! Ali did his best to take on the camel without getting bitten, while Jack and Brodie looked on with the cool air of an 80’s grunge band crew, sneaking pats with the kangaroos when nobody was looking. Isabella bonded with a guinea pig over a shared love of carrots, and Courtney and Charlotte delighted in feeding the baby lambs and goats with carrots and potatoes. Ms Pope proved a natural in the milking pen, while Ms Ravenscroft leapt tall strawberry bushes in a single bound to find the juiciest, reddest and sweetest strawberries in the patch.

A special thank you to Mrs Pellicone for all her work in the background to make the day a hitch free success, the front office staff for their support with phones and first aid supplies, to the teachers who covered us in our absence, and to the SMC community for supporting such a wonderful activity!

Ms Heidi Claus, Counsellor/Learning Support – Secondary

SEMESTER 2 DANCE SHOWCASE – PARKS THEATRE

YEARS 7-9 LEARNING AND WELLBEING CHARACTER STRENGTH FOCUS

Week 7: Love

As I wrote earlier this year, love’s power is very clear. It is one of the most empowering character strengths of all. They say it can ‘move mountains’ and energise us towards objectives like no other catalyst. Just think about what you would do for your children or loved ones, and what you have done! Many of us can attest to actions and change they would have never thought possible without such a powerful force of nature.

On Tuesday as I watched the news and saw the footage of loving reunions as the borders reopened, there was no doubt about the power of love. The reunions were so joyful and demonstrated the overwhelmingly emotional feeling of having a personal connection with people we love.

In his letter to the Corinthians (Chapter 13 verses 4-7), St Paul defined love:

‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres”.

Together with the other strengths of the last two weeks; kindness and gratitude, love is like the third of the triple antigen ‘vaccine’ that protects our wellbeing and our relationships with others.

Over past years we have become increasingly aware of the endless interconnectedness of the world, and of the truth that none of us can live well in isolation. Love creates positive emotions which help us to overcome loneliness, anxiety, and depression; it is linked to good health and longevity; and provides a sense of purpose in life. Love, as we were reminded at Year 9 Retreat with its focus on Laudato Si’, also needs to be directed at the world we live in, at other peoples and at the environment, so that we can safeguard our world for future generations.

But life wasn’t meant to be easy, as they say, and there are days when we are all tested, especially when circumstances out of our control surround us, and contribute to momentary loss of focus. Having said this, seeing a situation through the lens of love does always help us to view things in a more positive way. It helps us feel better and be healthier, and fundamentally helps each of us to contribute to the community where we are all known, valued and cared for.

We can all accept the challenge of working with love in mind in many ways. We can show our Love for others through the generosity of spirit and we can use it to support social justice initiatives such as the Vinnie’s Drive and Moore St. This love speaks volumes and has far reaching consequences, as the love of Jesus works through us to help those in need.

As a community, we all show love towards each other, supporting each other in the hardest of times and celebrating together in times of joy.  We look forward to the special time of Christmas as we celebrate Advent in coming weeks, together.

Wishing you warmth and love as we approach the end of the term and the Christmas season!

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

YEAR 7 AND 8 CHRISTMAS DRIVE FOR VINNIES

As the year comes to a close, Year 7 and 8 classes are busily gathering items for donations to St Vincent de Paul for Christmas Hampers.

Any food donations will be greatly appreciated. We thank the St Michael’s Community for their kindness and generosity of spirit in bringing hope and gratitude into the homes of many families.

Year 7 and 8 Pastoral Teams