Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- Social Media Update
- HSC Industrial Technology Furniture
- U-turn the Wheel - Driving Program
- From the Drama department
- Year 7 House Challenge Cup
- From the PDHPE Department
- From the Career's Department
- From the Finance Department
- Magdalene Impressions 2023 - Save the Date!
- School Student Travel - Term 4 2023 & 2024 applications now open
- School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)
Earlier this week, the Church celebrated the feast day of one of the very few saints, that many of us were alive at the same time as, and whom some of us may have seen in person on one of his two visits to Australia in 1986 and again in 1995. Pope John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, and was canonised by Pope Francis just 9 years later. Pope John Paul II was a vocal advocate for human rights, regularly speaking out about suffering in the world. He modelled the ultimate act of forgiveness after being shot twice whilst travelling through St Peter’s Square in Vatican City, only to eventually be released from hospital and visited his attacker in his prison cell to offer his forgiveness. In 1986, Pope John Paul II instituted the first international World Youth Day in Rome which has since travelled every 3-4 years to all corners of the globe, including to what remains the single biggest gathering of people in Australian history, for World Youth Day 2008.
St Pope John Paul II - Pray for us.
Over the past three weeks students from our graduating class of 2023 have been busy preparing for, and sitting, their Higher School Certificate Examinations. This significant examination period draws to a close over the coming week and, along with the conclusion of exams, comes the conclusion of secondary education for these fine students. I take the opportunity this week to congratulate each and every student for their hard work and dedication over the past year, but especially over the past few months. Together, we wait with great anticipation for their results to be released later this term. In congratulating our students, I also thank and congratulate the parents, carers and family members who have supported them in recent times, along with our fantastic staff who have walked alongside them. I particularly thank and acknowledge our HSC Presiding Officer, Mrs Michelle Cornett who has done an outstanding job in supporting, calming and encouraging our students each and every day of the HSC.
In acknowledging the work of our HSC students, I particularly acknowledge Brayden Chadwick of Year 12, whose major work in Industrial Technology - Timber (ITT), has been nominated for the Shape Exhibition, which is an annual showcase of outstanding student works created by NESA. In congratulating Brayden, I also thank and congratulate Mr Danny Avalos who invested a great deal of time and energy in supporting Brayden and all the ITT students to produce such outstanding major works.
Over the past few weeks, we have had a number of students participate in a range of Duke of Edinburgh experiences that have taken students (and staff) well out of their comfort zones and into the wild and a range of unpredictable situations. Congratulations to all students who have taken on these challenges and a special thanks to the teachers who have mentored, supported and guided these students on their respective expeditions.
Finally this week, a reminder that our next P&F Meeting will be held this coming Tuesday 31 October in the College Library, commencing at 7pm. All parents and carers are welcome to join us for what will be our final gathering of 2023.
Wishing you all the best for the week ahead,
David Cloran
Principal
The rapid growth of social media has an incredible impact on our young people and it is fast becoming the most common platform that they communicate on. Young people will rarely speak to strangers face to face, however, they will more often than not speak to a stranger online.
There are many websites that allow people to have live chats with random people under the guise of social networking. It has come to our attention that an increasing number of websites such as ome.tv are allowing students to have live chats with random strangers. Parents/carers and families are strongly encouraged to discuss the dangers of chatting to unknown people online with their children. Our understanding is that these websites, and others like it, can be used either on their computers or their smartphones and the website randomly matches people to meet online.
When discussing these websites, along with other chat sites, with your children you may want to consider the following:
- You don’t know who you are going to meet, the person on the other side of the camera could have sinister motives,
- There is no such thing as an anonymous chat, the person on the other side of the camera will notice something that will identify who you are, for example the crest on your uniform, a landmark in the background.
- The person on the other side of the camera could be recording your chat or screenshot your profile and then post it all over the internet.
- The person may seem nice, however, could stalk them on alternate social media applications like instagram or Snapchat.
The College is doing its best to ensure that websites such as these are blocked by our internet filters, but unfortunately students sometimes hotspot their phones. It is therefore imperative that in order to protect our young people we have open conversations about the dangers of live chats with them. More information about the dangers of ome.tv and similar social media platforms can be found on the eSafety Commissioner website. The attached article also has useful information about how to block the website and prevent your children from accessing it.
Brayden's project is a testament to his skill and creativity, as he designed and meticulously crafted a large study desk using Tasmanian Blackwood and Blackbutt, making him a standout candidate for this prestigious recognition.
Shape is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of ingenuity, craftsmanship, and innovation within the field of HSC Industrial Technology Furniture Course. Every year, this event brings together the finest projects developed by talented students from across the state. It is a platform that showcases their dedication, hard work, and passion for their chosen craft.
Class Teacher
Congratulations to our Year 12 Drama students who recently undertook their Practical HSC Drama Exam. Our Year 9, 10 and 11 Drama students had the privilege of being the audience for these performances and I know that they were amazed by the talent shown.
Both Group Performances, ‘The Prefects’ and ‘Cool Mums’ demonstrated outstanding devising skills and performance technique. All students chose Performance for their Individual Projects, and had a diverse range of topics and characters.
All students are to be commended for the time and effort they put into these performances both in class, and in their own time. Their presentation in this exam was exceptional, and the College is very proud of their efforts.
Mrs Marino
Here is a message from one of our Year 11 Drama students, recounting her experience as an audience member;
During the Year 12 Drama Practical examination, I had the privilege of witnessing a diverse array of performances, each showcasing a wide range of theatrical skills and styles. From individual student presentations to group performances, Year 12 students demonstrated the remarkable capabilities of each performer, offering our class an exciting preview of what our upcoming HSC year will entail.
I found myself thoroughly enjoying every performance, each of which exuded a creative flair and an evident dedication to their performance. In particular, the group performance stood out for its remarkable display of collaboration. It was evident how these students seamlessly worked together, and this unity was beautifully reflected in their performance, underscoring the essence of what drama brings to our college.
During this experience, I learnt about the process of HSC Drama. The major work is not just performing, as there are many components to it. The most important lesson I learnt while watching year 12 is the value of working with your class to push each other to achieve our best potential. This whole experience really showed me why I love drama!
Emma Burrows
The Year 7 House Challenge Cup kicked off in Week 1 of this term. Each week, students are competing within their house groups in a range of sports against the other houses for points. We also have an MVP nominated by our Year 11 Sport Leadership group for each sport.
COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Communication is the exchange of information and ideas. It’s going on every day, all around us. It’s also an essential element of nearly any aspect of businesses and other organisations. When communication happens between staff, managers, suppliers, and clients, it’s called workplace communication.
Great communication at work can help to:
- Avoid confusion
- Provide purpose
- Build a positive work environment
- Facilitate teamwork
- Boost productivity
- Create accountability
There are lots of types of workplace communication
It’s easy to gloss over exactly what counts as workplace communication, but when you think about it, we’re communicating for a massive proportion of our time spent at work. In fact, some people spend up to 80% of their workday communicating.
Here are some of the different types of workplace communication you might use.
Verbal communication
When you think of communication, the most obvious form is probably talking. Every conversation you have, from your interview to phone calls, meetings, and presentations are all based on verbal communication.
You’ll need to focus on using the right words and terminology in the right context. Try not to over complicate things or use jargon; that just means that some people won’t understand what you’re talking about.
Non-verbal communication
You may not always be aware of when you are using non-verbal communication, but we often send cues using actions instead of words. This can be things like the tone of your voice, facial expressions, posture, hand gestures, eye contact, body language, and even appearance; in fact, non-verbal communication can actually be one of the clearest forms of communication between co-workers.
Written communication
Of course, you can’t forget about the value of written communication at work either. Emails, letters, memos, reports, minutes, proposals, and contracts are just a few of the forms of written communication you might think of off the top of your head.
Then there’s the information you read on websites, adverts and other promotional material – even the messages you might get left on your desk.
Written words and numbers account for a large chunk of the information that we take in and send on.
Visual communication
If you haven’t considered the importance of visual communication in workplaces yet, that’s understandable. Actually, it’s a commonly used way of communicating important and relevant information quickly.
To improve workplace safety, for example, you might see or use wall signs, equipment labels, chemical labels, floor signs, or industrial floor tapes to warn or remind people about their surroundings.
Using images, charts, and infographics can all help to share information in less time and with a greater rate of comprehension. Photographs, videos, film, and social media are all other ways visual communication is used in workplaces.
Workplace communication needs to be effective
If you’re at work and have a phone call, conversation, meeting, receive an email, letter, or message, and you don’t understand what it means or what action you need to take, then it hasn’t been effective.
If you’re trying to send information and the receiver doesn’t understand what you’re communicating or they interpret it the wrong way, then there’s been a communication failure or break down.
Not only can that be frustrating for everyone concerned, ineffective communications could even prevent you from doing your job properly. This ultimately costs organisations time, productivity, customers, and profit.
Tips for effective workplace communication
Here are a few things to think about to ensure that your workplace communications are effective:
- Speak to people face-to-face. That way you can understand tone, read body language, and ask questions directly.
- Work on and use your active listening skills.
- Be mindful of the language you use.
- Tailor your communications to specific audiences.
- Ask questions.
- Make sure that your non-verbal communication is in tune with your verbal communication.
- Remain diplomatic and professional.
- Timing is important, so be strategic about when you ask for meetings or plan presentations.
- Be positive and offer positive feedback (if you have to say something negative, try to balance it). This builds trust, openness and encourages better communication
- Stick to the point.
- Proofread written communications before sending them.
- Take a breath and think before responding.
2024 SCHOOL FEES - PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES BY INSTALMENT
EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR COLLEGE WITH INSTALMENTS
- If you are currently paying by instalments there is no need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment as your request carries over from year to year unless you wish to amend the frequency of your payments eg Weekly to Fortnightly
EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR COLLEGE WITHOUT INSTALMENTS
- If you would like to pay school fees by instalments in 2024 and have previously not taken up this option for payment, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form which is available on the school’s website or from the school’s administration office. On completion of the request either email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au or submit at the school office. Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your school fee account during the process of invoicing 2024 school fees. Your school fee statement will provide a list of scheduled payments and their due date depending on the frequency you have chosen eg Fortnightly, Monthly, etc.
IMPORTANT: Please note that if you currently have a child or children at another school in the Diocese and you are paying by instalments at this location, you will not need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment. The instalment request carries over from school to school with the same frequency of payment eg Weekly, fortnightly, etc.
To boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, the Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, is working with NBN Co to provide up to 30,000 families with no internet at home free NBN for 12 months.
To be eligible, a family must:
- Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school
- Have no active broadband service over the NBN network
- Live in a premise where they can access a standard NBN service
- Not have had an active NBN service during the previous 14 days