Newsletter Edition 4, March 22 2021

Principal's Message

Dear Emmanuel College Families,

Last week the College held its annual open evening and information sessions for prospective 2022 Year seven families.  A lovely, balmy evening provided the perfect backdrop for visitors to view the College including the recently completed Library extension and refurbishment.  Ongoing COVID restrictions placed a limit on the number of people attending the information sessions however, there were no restrictions on the number of visitors able to visit the ‘Learning Expo’ or tour the College and experience ‘Learning in Action’.  We are aware some families were unable to attend the information sessions due to the restrictions.  Consequently, a video recording of the session will be available in the next day or so.  Anyone whose name was on the waiting list for an information session will automatically receive the recording via email.  If you missed the Open Evening please contact Mrs Jo-Anne Nelson to request a school tour and link to the recorded information session.  Enrolment for Year 7, 2022 is now open and the last day for the lodgement of applications is Friday 30 April.  Letters of offer of 2022 Year 7 enrolment will be posted to families on Friday 14 May and need to be accepted by Friday 28 May.  Offers not accepted by this date will be referred to those on the waiting list.  All enquires regarding 2022 enrolment, including enrolment into Years 8-12, may be directed to the College Registrar, Mrs Jo-Anne Nelson.

Refurbished Library and Science Project
As mentioned above the recently extended and refurbished Library was completed in the nick of time for Open Evening visitors to explore last week.  The 150 students who volunteered for the open event were treated to a special early viewing of the Library.  Their responses were wonderful to witness as they explored the various locations within the Library for reading, collaborating and studying, and all enjoyed finding themselves in the ‘extra-large’ version of the whole school photo taken this year to commemorate the 30^th anniversary of Emmanuel College. 

I extend my appreciation to the Library staff and members of the College Management and Maintenance Teams, many of whom worked extra hours the previous weekend to return the book-stock to the library and to set up furniture.  The new space is modern, light filled and welcoming.  It is the perfect space for students to complete homework after school or attend Study Hall and to be collected by parents when they finish work.  The Library project was funded entirely by the College putting families’ building levy to responsible use.  Our experience working with Fairbrother Constructions was a good one, and the same company has been appointed to complete the new science precinct comprising six new and refurbished laboratories, four general purpose classrooms, staff offices and meeting rooms, plus unisex toilet facilities for staff and students.  The project is funded by a $2 million grant from the Victorian Government with the balance borrowed from the Catholic Development Fund, and is due for completion at the end of the year.

With the completion of the Science project mentioned above the College reaches the end of its first ten-year master plan.  The master plan has guided all capital works to date and places the College in the position of commencing 2022 with Years 7 and 8 housed at Goold Campus, Year 9 operating at Rice Campus and Years 10, 11 & 12 accommodated at McAuley Campus.  During term two this year the College will work with Baldasso-Cortese Architects to prepare the next iteration of the master plan to guide the next ten years of development at the College.

St Joseph's Day
Last Friday saw a number of activities play out at Emmanuel including “Bullying - No Way” Day, and a causal clothes day for Project Compassion and Caritas.  March 19 was also the Feast Day of St. Joseph.  While St. Patrick’s Day just two days prior is rather well known, less so St. Joseph’s Day.  At Emmanuel we recognise St. Joseph every time we conclude prayer with the words: “St. Joseph: Pray for us.  May the spirit of Catherine McAuley and Edmund Rice guide us in all that we do.”  Our prayer recognises the College link to St. Joseph’s Parish which has been in place for over 100 years.  St Joseph’s life is largely hidden from historical records.  What is told of this man, however, highlights the importance of faithful listening to God’s word spoken in the ordinary experiences of one’s life and the need to respond with generosity and courage.  Mary McKillop was a great advocate of St. Joseph reminding the Sisters whom she named the Sisters of St. Joseph: “In every difficulty apply to St. Joseph and you will never be disappointed.” (Mary McKillop 1906).  Pope Francis says: “Through Joseph, Jesus learnt the value, the dignity and the joy of what it means to earn an honest living and to provide for his family… Joseph instilled strength which gave order, peace and courage that help others complete their work.”  Francis’ message reminds us of the dignity that comes with employment.  This St. Joseph’s day may we value the dignity that comes from our work and may all those anxiously awaiting the end of Jobkeeper, be assured of ongoing employment enriching themselves and their families.

Words for Wellbeing
The Emmanuel College Wellbeing Team produce a regular publication entitled “Words for Wellbeing."  The publication is shared with Emmanuel students and can be accessed by anyone on the College website.  Last week’s edition covered many topics including the issue of consent which has received much media attention following the decisions of young women to speak about this issue.  The topic consent is covered at various year levels within curriculum and ‘Fit4Life’ days at Emmanuel.  However, experience tells me young people don’t always internalise the topics covered at school and it can be that when the media focuses on particular issues, they wonder why they haven’t heard about them before.  Assistant Principal Mrs Claire Wrigley is working with the Wellbeing Team to ensure students hear about and explore the topic of consent.  Meanwhile, I commend the item ‘Teenage Sexuality & Consent’ included in the latest edition of ‘Words for Wellbeing’.  The Youtube clip titled ‘Tea Consent’ is a simple way for parents and children to discuss the topic of consent with some of the discomfort removed.  Please view the latest ‘Words for Wellbeing’ Edition 3, March 15, 2021.

Congratulations and sporting achievements
Congratulations to McAuley House, winners of the recent College Athletics, with Egan House a close second.  We were blessed with a fine day that saw good participation rates from House members and a happy, friendly atmosphere.  Congratulations to the following female and male age champions:

Under 13         Poppy Myers & Ryder Morgan

14 years           Lila Wilkinson/Hilary Hannagan & Hamish Alexander

15 years           Abbey Titmus & Jeffrey Collins

16 years           Millicent Illingworth & Harrison Keast

17 years           Ellie Ryan & Ethan Boyd

18-20 years      Amy Johnson & Balun Cumming

Congratulations to our College swimmers who attended the GWR Swimming Competition in Horsham last Friday.  Fionn Ginley, Jude De Silva-Smith, Maggie Hintum and Jade King qualified individually for the State Finals while a large number of team members qualified for relay events at the State Finals.  Well done to you all and to supercoach Paul Aberline.

I don’t think we have had students participate in Beach Volleyball before, so special congratulations to sisters Emma and Hilary Hannagan who represented Emmanuel in the Victorian Beach Volleyball Schools Cup last week.  The girls smashed their way into the Grand Final where they defeated Billanook College to become the State Champions and were presented their gold medals by Volleyball Australian Olympian Tamsin Hinchley.  What a wonderful achievement by the girls and I thank them for representing the College and their family who made the trip to South Melbourne beach with them.

We also congratulate Emma Zerbe and Emily O'Toole who recently represented Emmanuel College at the Head Of Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta on the Barwon River in Geelong. Emma placed 2^nd in the B Final Open Division Single Scull, while Emily won gold in the A Final Year 10 Single Scull. Emily’s name will be inscribed on the perpetual trophy for the Year 10 Single Scull, which is held with Rowing Victoria.

Congratulations to Rorie Miller in Year 7 who raised a significant amount of money and competed in the recent Ski for Life event. Rorie raised an amazing $11,500 for this event. Fundraising enables Ski for Life to provide grants to groups undertaking projects which align with their mission.

School Review
Next week, Emmanuel College will complete its five yearly external School Review.  A review panel comprising Mrs Michele Haeusler, Principal of McKillop College Swan Hill, Dr. Andrew Watson and Ms Ange Jones from Catholic Education Ballarat, and panel chair, Dr. Helen Goode from the University of Melbourne, will attend the College for three days to investigate and report on the school’s progress in the areas of: Catholic School Culture, Community Engagement, Leadership & Stewardship, Learning & Teaching and Wellbeing.  The Panel has received the school’s self-reflection report and over the three days they will interview a number of staff, students and parents.  If you would like to join the parent group being interviewed and you are available during the days Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 March, please email my PA, Mrs. Suzanne Dwyer: sdwyer@emmanuel.vic.edu.au

This is the final Emmanuel Newsletter for term one.  A reminder the term concludes at 2.25pm, Thursday 1 April, the day prior to Good Friday.  Students return to classes on Monday 19 April.  I wish you and your family the blessings and the hope that is the enduring message of Easter; the promise of life anew for those who grow their human capacity for love of self and love of neighbour.  Until then, and as we continue the season of Lent leading us to Easter, we pray:

The Fast Life

Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from fear of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on speech that purifies.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on hope.
Fast from negatives; feast on encouragement.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that sustains.
Fast from anxiety; feast on faith.
- Author Unknown

St. Joseph: Pray for us.  May the spirit of Catherine McAuley and

Edmund Rice guide us in all that we do.  Amen.

Mr Peter Morgan
Principal

A Message from Mrs Claire Wrigley

Bullying No Way Day – March 19
The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA) is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative, connecting schools and communities to find workable solutions to bullying and violence. Awareness of the day and its purpose was highlighted to our students through activities during extended homeroom and a casual dress day with many students wearing a touch of orange. A lunchtime activity was led by our Wellbeing intake worker Tracey van Rooy and Year 10 leaders.

Support for families can be found here

Together we can take action against bullying and violence.

BullyingNoWay#NDA2021#TakeActionTogether 

Thinking about our actions
Director of Junior school, Karen Hetherington and the junior school team are working with the students to ensure they understand the responsibility for their actions. Karen created this interactive display in the junior school area that challenges our students thinking.  Students can stand and look at the display and see in the mirror the person responsible for their choices, grades, success, words and actions. We encourage all our students to take a look at the display in the D corridor. With responsibility of our actions comes ownership and personal growth.

Collecting students up during the school day
If parents wish to collect their child during the school day, the students require a parental note to give their class teacher so they have permission to leave class and meet their parent/s at the front office to sign out.  It is school policy not to call students over our PA system during class time. If parents can ensure their child is notified of appointments prior to school and have an appropriate note, this alleviates this situation. Naturally, we understand emergencies happen, but where possible the practice of providing notification to the Homeroom and class teacher is our preferred way of handling these situations. Thanks for your support.

Uniform
Please be aware that all students will be required to wear full winter uniform from the beginning of term two.

The uniform shop is open:

• Monday 8.00am – 12.00pm
• Wednesday 10.30am – 4.00pm
• Friday 10.30am – 4.00pm

Mrs Claire Wrigley
Assistant Principal - Students

My New Gallery

School Review - Parent Feedback Wanted

Emmanuel College is currently undergoing a School Improvement Framework (SIF) review and the final stages involve a review panel meeting with stakeholders over three days. 

The review panel are seeking feedback from a group of parents on Tuesday 30 March at 3.00 pm in the McAuley Campus Heritage Room for 30 minutes.  If you would like to contribute, please email Suzanne Dwyer at info@emmanuel.vic.edu.au to register your attendance.

The SIF review process is conducted in Catholic schools every five years and is central to the ongoing process of a school’s self-evaluation of performance and growth.  The expectation at the core of the framework is that all schools demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.  The review engages staff, students, parents, and the College Advisory Council as part of the feedback process. 

Suzanne Dwyer
Principal's Secretary

Welcome to the new library

We Are Open!

The newly renovated and expanded McAuley Library opened today after being closed for ten months.  We are thrilled to have staff and students using the space once again.

We would like to give thanks to the Library team, Emmanuel Staff, architect Matt Cirillo and Fairbrother Construction.

Last year on May 29 the Library team bought the first Bunnings boxes and a bag trolley and started moving items on June 4 to the TLRC (Temporary).  Our temporary Library home for ten months had previously been a part of the Convent building with the nuns using that room as their kitchen. It later was the Drama room, the Uniform shop and then the Temporary Library.

The changes to the Library began a couple of years ago with many discussions and inspirational photos of other libraries and spaces, visits to school Libraries in Geelong and Melbourne and a visit to Emmanuel College by Kevin Hennah, Library Consultant in October 2019.

We now have a dynamic and welcoming space with many different work and leisure areas, catering for both individual students and staff and for group classes.   Essentially, we have almost doubled the space we had previously (gaining back the building that was once the Library, then became the Music Room) and is now incorporated back in to the space.  We are pleased with how beautiful and functional the space is, catering for individual students wishing to study, to have a game of Chess, borrow a book, play cards or learn with a class. The Library has been fitted out with all brand new furniture and shelving, giving it very much a design look.

In future newsletters we will bring you a Gallery of photos of the Library.  We look forward to welcoming you to our new Library space.

Mrs Margaret Sinnott
Library Coordinator and Teacher Librarian

Congratulations Emma and Hilary - State Beach Volleyball Champions

Congratulations to Emma Hannagan of Year 9 and her sister Hilary of Year 8 who recently represented Emmanuel College at the Victorian Beach Volleyball Schools Cup. The girls won all their pool matches and won through the quarters and semi finals. Emma and Hilary then went on to win the grand final defeating Billanook College two sets to one and winning the title of Year 9 pairs State Champions.

The medals were presented by volleyball Olympian Tamsin Hinchley. Tamsin later gave the girls some extra kind words of encouragement. 

Well done girls!

Below are a few words from Hilary about the Volleyball competition.

'Emma and I competed in the Volleyball Victoria Beach Schools Cup last Thursday. We played in three pool games, a quarter, semi and grand final and stayed undefeated all day. We ended up winning the Year 9 Girls Pairs division. Tamsin Hinchley (Olympian 2000, 2008, 2012) awarded us our medals and gave us some really nice words of encouragement. Overall it was a really good day out and our beach volleyball game play improved a lot.' 

A win to McAuley House at Athletic Sports

On the 10^th of March the annual athletics carnival began with bright blue sky’s and excitement for the day. Due to Covid 19 the athletics sports were cancelled last year, so this year students were very eager and ready to go.

The music started and so did the track and field events, with crowds of both students and teachers cheering loudly. The sun soon came out making the day to be quite warm and left everyone looking a bit rosy.

On top of the hill the Young Vinnie’s team, lead by Mrs Jacinta Skilbeck, ran a great cake stall which was a huge hit among the school, as well as the Art activities in the shed and novelty events on the oval.

A huge congratulations to McAuley House for winning on the day, only 20 points ahead of Egan house. Mr Brown will be jumping for joy!

1^st McAuley 1242

2^nd Egan 1222

3^rd Maguire 1202

4^th Rice 1104

Age Champions

Athletics Carnival 2021

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Rorie Miller raises $11,500 for charity

Year 7 student Rorie Miller and her family participated in this years Ski for Life event. The event is held over the long weekend in March raising awareness and promoting mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. 

Rorie raised an amazing $11,500 for this event. Fundraising enables Ski for Life to provide grants to groups undertaking projects which align with their mission.

Congratulations Rorie on raising such a significant amount of money  and your involvement in this event. A wonderful achievement!

'Over the course of the Labour day weekend my family, friends and I went to Murray Bridge to participate in a 456 km water ski along the Murray River. The charity ski event went from Murray Bridge to Renmark over the course of three days (Friday Saturday and  Sunday) for charity. We raised over $11,500 for mental health and suicide prevention. Along the way we learnt the importance of mental health and self care. We also heard a lot of sad, happy and inspiring stories. We will definitely be back next year bigger and better.' Rorie Miller Year 7

Lions Youth of the Year

On Tuesday the 9th of March Year 12 student, Oliver Hammond and Year 11 student, Louise Tamer, participated in the Lion's Youth of the Year Competition Warrnambool regional final for public speaking. Both students did really well and represented Emmanuel College proudly. 

Each student gave a five minute prepared speech plus two impromptu speeches on sight unseen topics. They also had to undergo an interview earlier that day before the speeches took place that night.

Neither won, but they came very close and were pretty unlucky in my book. Oliver spoke passionately in his prepared speech about the need for Government support of the Humanities. While Louise spoke about the importance of generosity in life.

For other upcoming opportunities in debating or public speaking, students can email myself, James Laidler or Catherine Ryan for more information. 

James Laidler
English Coordinator

Winter Uniform Fittings

As of Term two all students are expected to wear the Emmanuel College winter uniform. The uniform shop will be conducting new student uniform fittings in the on-campus uniform shop. Fitting dates can be made by appointment up until March 31.

You are invited to book your child's uniform fitting on-line. Please follow the instructions in the information provided below or click here

It is highly recommended you make an appointment to ensure the staff can provide you with a personalised and efficient fitting service.

For further enquires please call the uniform shop on 5537 9287.

Laurisanne Brown
NOONE

Success at Rowing Regatta

Emma Zerbe in Year 11 and Emily O'Toole, Year 10 recently represented Emmanuel College at the Head Of Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta. This Regatta is a 3 day event held on the Barwon River in Geelong which had over 60 schools competing.

Emma placed 2^nd in the B Final Open Division Single Scull, while Emily won gold in the A Final Year 10 Single Scull.

This is an outstanding achievement against much larger schools, with dedicated rowing programs, and a testament to the hard work and training that the girls have undertaken.

Emily’s name will be inscribed on the perpetual trophy for the Year 10 Single Scull, which is held with Rowing Victoria.

Congratulations to Emma and Emily on their success at the rowing regatta.

Career News

VETDSS at SWTAFE
There have been a number of enquiries regarding VET courses at SWTAFE on Thursday April 1. The message I have received is that it will be a normal day 1pm – 5pm with everyone expected to be there. Please contact me if you have any further enquires.

UCAT
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by the UCAT Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes.

The test helps universities to select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers. It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as interviews and academic qualifications.

UCAT applications opened on March 1^st till May 17^th, testing will then start from July 1^st till August 11^th

For further information please contact Mr Gladman, Mr Lee or Mr Smith

This weeks newsletter
Topics this week include:

• Australian Defence Force – Gap Year Program now open
• Electrical Careers – pre apprenticeship test
• William Angliss – learn about careers in the food, events, hospitality and tourism industries
• The Hotel School Melbourne - learn about careers in hotel management 
• Motorsports courses
• Overseas gap year adventures (you can volunteer at Fiji or New Zealand and be close to home!)
• Join the Year13 website and explore your future pathway options
• Focus on engineering courses and careers
• Health and medical sciences at The University of Melbourne and Monash University
• Would you like to study in the UK?
• Apprenticeships and Traineeships

For further information please visit the College Careers Website

Smart Phone Filmmaking Workshop

Free smartphone filmmaking workshops will be held at One Day Studios in Warrnambool 8-9 April (Thursday and Friday).

Workshops provide participants with skills in creating films/screen stories using their smartphones to film and edit. Its open to both people interested in filmmaking, but also to anyone in the community with an interesting story to tell. No experience is required!

Further information can be found here

The program is supported by VicHealth and other partners together with Warrnambool Art Gallery.

2021 Short Play Festival

Port Fairy Theatre Group presents the 2021 Short Play Festival from Friday March 26 until Sunday March 28.

Easter Arts Festival

The Easter Arts Festival is designed to be an inclusive and celebratory series of arts events including sculpture, painting, literature, music, singing, performance, dance, photographic - art film and all forms of textile art. Festival events are held at various venues during March and April.

The program this year has something for everyone to enjoy.

Further information and event details can be found here

Easter Fete

Warrnambool Tooram Scouts are holding an Easter Saturday Fete from 10am-2.00pm on Saturday April 3 at the Scout River Hall, Scoborio Reserve (Off Otway Road) Warrnambool.

There will be qualitity second hand goods, sausage sizzle, Fresha Juice, C U Latte, kids lucky dip and more.
All fund raised will help send Warrnambool Tooram Scouts to VicJam.

Women on Farms Gathering

The Women on Farms Gathering invites you to join them at "Women For All Seasons". This event will be held at Southcombe Park Port Fairy on March 26-28 2021.

It’s your chance to catch up with like-minded women in an atmosphere of fun and friendship. Join us in 2021 to explore and celebrate the seasons & stages of our lives as women in agriculture.

For further information please see their website or contact Lorraine Ermacora 0409 188 890 or Alecia Dodson on 0418 227 428.

The 4 Peaks Challenge

Are you up for the challenge? Do you think you can rise to the challenge of 'summiting' Mt Leura, Mt Sugarloaf, Mt Elephant and Mt Noorat on the same day?

The 4 Peaks Challenge is being held on Sunday April 18 2021. All are welcome.

For further information please see the attached flyer or contact John Fallon on 0487 341 337.

Sporting and Umpiring Opportunities

Dennington Football Netball Club

The Dennignton Football Netball Club are Seeking Under 18 and Under 15 footballers

Training is on Monday and Wednesdays at 5pm

Dennington Football Netball Club is a registered Good sports Club.

Back N Forth - April School Holiday Clinics

April School Holiday Netball Clinics. All ages and abilities welcome.

Mini's & Littles $10pp
Big's $12 pp
Teen's $14pp

Contact Meagan on 0458 184 835 for more information or to book your spot now. 

Football Umpire Opportunities

The Warrnambool & District Umpires Association is looking for people who would be interested in joining them for Season 2021.

They are seeking to recruit field, boundary and goal umpires for the 2021 season and beyond.

If you are interested in becoming a football umpire or would like further information please check out their website.

Upcoming Events

Monday March 22
Week A
Year 9 Camp

Tuesday March 23
Year 9 Camp

Wednesday March 24
Year 9 Camp

Thursday March 25
Year 9 Camp
9.00am Year 7 NAPLAN Practice Test

Friday March 26
Year 9 Camp

Monday March 29
Week B
Year 7 Camp

Tuesday March 30
Year 7 Camp
Western District Athletics

Wednesday March 31
Year 7 Camp
4.00pm Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

Thursday April 1
Year 7 Camp
2.25pm End of Term One

Friday April 2
Good Friday

Monday April 19
Term Two Starts
Week A
Winter Uniform Change

Tuesday April 20
College Cross Country
4.00pm Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

Thursday April 22
State Swimming Carnival

Friday April 23
College ANZAC Service
Western District Girls Football (Year 7-10)