GET TO KNOW OUR COLLEGE LEADERS

College Captain Massimo Cavallo

As a leader I would describe myself as outgoing, caring, resilient, approachable

I am the proudest of the relationships that I have in my life with my parents, teachers, friends and family. This is because I believe it Is important to have a good relationship with all the people in your life.

My favourite song is Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! by ABBA

Someone I admire is my dad as he has been faced with various hardships in his life. However, he has never let this stop him from accomplishing anything and I aspire to be like him.

Funniest moment in my life was my first day of Reception. I was very scared and didn’t want to stay so after my mum left I panicked and ran after her but the gates were shut, and being a smart five year old thought I could fit though the gate. Long story short, I got my head stuck in the gate!

In my spare time I like to play music and clean my car.

One chore I don’t like doing is mowing the lawns.

Leadership means to me being able to lead for others not just myself, and being an approachable leader and to give assistance to anyone who may need help. It is also a chance to give back to the community and be the change in the school/world that I want to see.

To be a Lasallian Leader means leading with the same mannerisms that St John Baptist de La Salle lead with.

This year as a College Leader I wish to be best known as a funny, approachable, and kind person that values everyone and is always there to brighten someone’s day.

If I could create one change for SMC in 2021 it would be to produce a College podcast.

Something funny that has happened to me was when I once ate an entire apple pie and forgot to leave any for my family because it tasted so good.

College Captain Avah Topp

As a leader I would describe myself as kind, caring, determined, and someone who always has others best interest at heart.

I am the proudest of winning the 2021 Division 1 Grand Final with the Henley Sharks under 17.5’s girls’ team. It took hard work, commitment and persistence to win the flag undefeated.

My greatest sporting moment was making my debut in SANFLW at 16 years old.

My favourite band/artists is Billie Eilish.

Funniest moment in my life was being in the Christmas Pageant last year.

In my spare time I like to play football with my team and spend time with my family.

The best thing about attending SMC is the loving and inviting community and the endless opportunities provided.

Leadership means to me to support, encourage and strive towards a common goal in order to help others be the best version of themselves.

I have a pet dog whose name is Ollie.

A quote that I believe in is “Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader… they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role and always about the goal”.

A teacher at SMC I admire is Ms Blunt because she has a kind, caring and supportive nature that never fails to make everyone smile

Something interesting about me no one knows? I’m one of six children and the only girl.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SPACE SCHOOL PROGRAM

Over the summer break, Year 11 student, Paul Choimes (11PC-02) was selected to participate in the 2021 South Australian Space School Program. Paul joined 22 other students from around the state to take part in an intensive four-day educational experience. The program highlighted careers available in the Space and Astronomy fields. The program also involved students in practical sessions related to astronomy, microgravity and saw students build and launch rockets. In addition to this, Paul had the opportunity to speak with scientists and engineers about careers in the fields of physics, engineering, and Space Science.

Paul reflected on his experience below:

“It was a fantastic experience which allowed me to meet new people and learn more about jobs available in the space industry. I highly recommend this experience for any future Year 10 students who wish to apply”.

Congratulations Paul on being selected for the program and for demonstrating your curiosity and love of learning for Science.

Mr Jack Alberton, Head of Science

YEARS 7-9 LEARNING AND WELLBEING CHARACTER STRENGTH FOCUS

Week 1: Love

Welcome to 2022!

Love’s power is very clear; it really 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. Saints and philosophers have grappled with it, trying to understand and unravel its force as a phenomenon; Shakespeare and Dante are famous for their takes on it; Jesus encourages us to ‘love one another’, Mother Teresa affirms that love can solve the world’s problems; Mary MacKillop sustains ‘in all things love’ and St John Baptist de La Salle speaks of touching hearts.

None of us can live well in isolation. Recent times have really brought this home as we have found alternative ways to connect when the physical is not possible. Love drives this too.

Love helps to create positive emotions which are fundamental to our wellbeing. It helps us to overcome loneliness, anxiety, and depression. It provides a sense of meaning and purpose and is linked to good physical health and a long life. Without love, the strong relationships with our families, friends, or communities are not as easy to achieve.

Interpersonal relationships aside, love also needs to be directed at the world we live in, at other peoples and at the environment, as Pope Francis’ Laudato si’ would share with us. This literally means ‘praised be!’.

St Michael’s is a place where we aspire to a vision where each person is known, valued, and cared for, whether student, staff, or family member. As a community, we all show love towards each other in various ways, supporting each other in the hardest of times and celebrating together in times of joy. School is also a place where students are reminded of our responsibility for stewardship for our world and its health. The Eco Squad, and our attention to COVID safe directives are just two examples of this.

Our vision and mission also see us be challenged through engagement, opportunity, and recognition; all of which is underpinned by a learning culture that is authentic, challenging, and supportive. Love has a clear role to play here too. It plays out in the approach of each individual, in the learning experiences, in the relationships they share with their learning journey and with those around them, and in the way that they challenge and support each other.

As students reentered the school gates this week, it was heartwarming to see the smiles and connections that followed. In one of my classes I asked students to post an image of a place, thing, or person that they loved and to explain why it was significant, as an introductory activity. Here are several of the student contributions:

“Nature is important to me because it allows me to find a sense of calm and surround myself with beautiful scenery and animals”. – Avani Grewal (9GPC-03)

 “I like Rugby because it’s fun and I’ve met some new people”. – James Mazzone (9BPC-04)

 “I love the sunsets because they’re really pretty when they’re pink, orange and purple. They remind me of my nonna”. – Simona Struga (9GPC-01)

 “This is my dog, Lucy. She is six years old and means very much to me and I love her very much because she brings joy to the family”. – Karina Phillips (9GPC-05)

Each of us can accept the challenge of working with love in mind. There are days when we are all tested, especially when circumstances out of our control contribute to momentary loss of focus. Despite this, seeing a situation through the lens of love does always help us to view things in a more positive way, helps us to 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, and are better engaged in working towards being the best we can be.

In the meantime, we can do our best to follow St John Baptist de La Salle’s wisdom and, “Often ask God for the grace to touch hearts”.

Hoping your Week 1 and journey ahead continue to be awesome!

Mrs Tonia Carfora, Year 7-9 Wellbeing Initiatives Leader

Library display of books that reflect the character strengths