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