Newsletter Edition 11 / 2024, August 5
Principal's Message
Dear Emmanuel College Families,
St. Ann’s Day is celebrated each year on July 26 and with St. Ann’s College being such an integral part of the Emmanuel story it’s a day we enjoy each year with the alumni of St. Ann’s. More than 90 women joined us for mass in St. Ann’s Chapel led by Fr. Bill Lowry, with music provided by the Emmanuel Singers. Afterwards the group adjourned to the Founders Room in the Emmanuel Centre to enjoy lunch served by year nine students who are studying food this semester, and to listen to year nine students Tessa Phillips, Lottie McCosh and Hannah McMeel speak about their experiences of 9@RICE and the immersion opportunities. Maintaining the year nine theme, the Chairs of the College Advisory Council and the Emmanuel College Foundation spoke about the fundraising they are doing to support the development of the new Edmund Rice Centre to house 9@RICE from the start of 2025. The capital appeal conducted by the Foundation has reached $1.1 million and aims to hit $1.5 million and will have a hugely positive impact on the project that’s due for completion in November. My thanks go to Candice Hampstead, the overall coordinator of St. Ann’s Day at Emmanuel.
We welcome students from Obirin High School, Tokyo to Emmanuel College for a two-week experience of learning Australian style. The College has a long-standing relationship with Obirin which has seen annual visits between the two schools for around two decades. The global pandemic halted overseas travel for schools making this the first visit by Obirin since 2019. Emmanuel students and staff will travel to Tokyo in September and be reunited with the young people they are currently hosting. On a similar theme the College will host the Mayor of Miura Prefecture, Warrnambool’s Sister City, for morning tea on August 13. The mayor is leading a delegation of visitors from Miura to recognise and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship. I thank staff member Mr So Ota for facilitating both experiences and the Languages team for their support.
The Olympic spirit was evident at Emmanuel College last week. Last Friday we invited the staff to take part in a staff casual dress day and encouraged them to dress in green and gold and to engage the students in discussion about their favourite parts of the games. With thanks to Mark Janz a genuine 2000 Sydney Olympics relay torch was available for students to experience and to take their photo with. Thank you to Assistant Principal Claire Wrigley for creating the joy amid a very wintry term three.
The Emmanuel College Advisory Council held it's Annual General Meeting recently. The College is supported by a strong and engaged Advisory Council that provides feedback and insight into many of the matters the College is managing or planning for. The AGM saw Maree Lane conclude her term on the Advisory Council, the last three of which were served as Chair. Stepping into the position of Chair is Bernadette Northeast and Deputy Chair, is James Gome. I thank Bernadette and James for accepting these roles. I thank Maree for her ten years of service and support during which time the College has completed a significant change in its governance and made major planning decisions such as the one to consolidate the school to a single site that is now very close to fruition.
A reminder that the main supplier of schoolbooks, Campion Books, has relocated. They have moved to their new Warrnambool store which is now open at 1090 Raglan Parade, opposite Callaghan Motors. The shop is located in the service lane so there is plenty of parking in the area.
We wish the staff and students travelling to the snowfields this week a safe journey, excellent snow for learning to ski and plenty of memories to share with everyone at home.
This week’s prayer comes from the Daily Messages for students. Have a wonderful week.
The Mercy values are an important part of the foundation of our school,
and wonderful values to express in our daily life.
May I face each day with courage,
May I express hospitality when I greet others and make them feel welcome.
Help me to feel compassion for all those in need of love and kindness,
Give me the strength to fight for justice, even when others do not.
Help me to use the best of myself to be of service to others.
May I respect everyone I meet and the world in which we live,
and may the same respect be returned to me.
Saint Joseph, pray for us. May the spirit of Catherine McAuley
and Edmund Rice guide us in all we do.
Amen.
Mr Peter Morgan
Principal
A Message from Mrs Claire Wrigley
Emmanuel College Child Safety Committee
We have expanded our Child Safety committee in 2024 to include students and parents, the Child Safety Committee meets twice a term With the committee formation it meets the following child safe standards.
Standard 2: Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance, and culture.
Standard 3: Children and young people are empowered about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
Standard 4: Families and communities are informed, and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing
The objectives of the Child Safety Committee include:
- providing a platform for ensuring a culture of child safety is embedded within the school
- providing student and parent voice on child safety matters
- monitoring areas of risk associated with wellbeing and safeguarding of young people
Membership of the Child Safety Committee will include a minimum of one student from each sub school, two parents, and the Child Safety Officers.
The current members are:
Students:
Year 11 – Mia Hynes, Evie McCosh
Year 10 – Sam Anderson
Year 9 – Sienna Plozza
Year 8 – Adele McNamara, Rushleigh Jefferies
Year 7 – Lucy McLean and Joel Hennig
Parents:
Kerryn Anderson,
Jo-Anne Nelson
Child Protection Officers (staff):
Michael Wrigley, Deputy Principal
Claire Wrigley, Assistant Principal – Students
Rachele Sloane, Fit4Life Wellbeing Team Leader
The Child Safety Committee works to the following Terms of Reference:
- reviewing procedures and protocols for child protection and risk management at the school
- undertaking a risk analysis at each meeting to look at any possible safety concerns on the school sites
- being an advisory body to the College Advisory Council and to report on aspects of child protection
- facilitating the school community's efforts to protect children and young people effectively as possible
- promoting a culture of wellbeing and safeguarding across the school
- providing a platform for ensuring a culture of child safety is embedded within the school.
The Child Safety Committee meets twice a term.
2024 Red Earth Immersion
Late last term a group of senior school students embarked on an immersion to Central Australia. After a smooth flight to Yulara we met our Red Earth leaders and headed to our campsite to set up our swags in preparation for our first night sleeping under the starts in the desert. Day 2 provided an opportunity to get up and close to Uluru where we had a guided tour with a local Anungu elder who shared some creation stories with us. From Uluru we headed further north until we reached the beautiful Sandy Bore (Tali Walpa) where we would stay on country for the next three days. The traditional owner of the homeland, Syd, welcomed us with a smoking ceremony and we enjoyed sitting around the campfire listening to him share stories of his homeland and his life. Everyone had an amazing time at Tali Walpa with the highlights being our time on country digging and eating maku (witchetty grubs) and making traditional clapsticks. Whilst staying at Sandy Bore we also travelled out to Wattarka (Kings Canyon) to complete the hike to the top of the scenic rim. The views were spectacular!
After a sad “see ya later” to Syd we made the long, bumpy drive south into the APY lands. A part of Australia that you require a permit to visit. A stop at the Ernabella Arts centre to see and chat with some of the amazing indigenous artists was very enlightening. One final bus trip had us arriving at our second homeland at Yunyurinyi (Kenmore Park). The Fraser sister’s showed us all amazing hospitality whilst we stayed on their homeland. We all had a great time playing with the young kids. We undertook our community project, constructing windbreaks to provide shelter for future groups who camp at the site. Painting and jewellery workshops, bush dancing and time learning about the land were part of the experience. On the final night many students dined on kangaroo tail, some enjoyed it but others not so much. One final big trek back to Yulara allowed us to enjoy another magical sunset and sunrise before we headed back home. The group became incredibly close during the immersion and everyone came home so grateful for this amazing once in a lifetime opportunity.
2025 Red Earth Immersion to Central Australia
Over the past two years we have seen over 40 students participate in the Red Earth immersions. In the coming weeks we will be launching the opportunity for current year 9 & 10 students to apply for the 2025 Red Earth Immersion to Central Australia, June 29 - July 7. The student launch will occur during extended homeroom on Thursday August 22 and an online parent information session will occur the following week on Wednesday August 28 at 6.45pm-7.30pm. To register click on link below.
Parent information session registration
Mrs Claire Wrigley
Assistant Principal - Students
Red Earth Immersion 2024
Library News
Library and Information Week and Student Visits
Last week the College acknowledged Library and Information Week, a celebration of all things Library. Students from Year 7 English classes visited the Library and read the Children’s Book Council of Australia shortlisted books in the Picture Book and Early Childhood category. They read the books and then discussed for each book, the text, the pictures, the theme, readability and message. They then gave each book a score out of 25 and at the end of the class were asked to nominate the book they thought should win. Their answers will be looked at once CBCA announces the Award winners of Friday 16 August.
Olympics – Spelling Bee and Watching
The Olympics are being shown on the Library TV at Lunchtime each day. Last week the first of two Olympic Spelling Bees were held. The words used for the Spelling Bee were all Olympic related. The next Spelling Bee will be on Thursday 8 August.
CBCA Shadow Judging
The Student Book Club has been meeting each week at lunchtime to discuss and read the CBCA books in the Picture Book category. The six book are listed in the table below.
For a full shortlist of all the book categories visit:
https://cbca.blob.core.windows.net/documents/BookOfTheYear/2024/2024_CBCA-Shortlist-FullList.pdf
The students completed CBCA Shadow Judging Journals making notes and then used the notes to help in the decision of which book the group would like to see win the Picture Book of the Year Award. After discussion, the CBCA Emmanuel Shadow Judging group voted for Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker. On Friday 16 August the Children’s Book Council will announce the winner for each category and the Shadow Judging winner. The Award then involves both adult judges and student judges in deciding the best books.
The Student Book Club made a creative response for each of the books. The creative responses submitted by Emmanuel College for the Picture Book category can be found here:
https://shadowjudging.cbca.org.au/all-creative-responses/ There was a variety of creative responses submitted by all year levels. There were drawings, collage works, modelling clay subject and paper flower making.
Thank you and congratulations to all the students for being on the Shadow Judging panel.
Book Week
Book Week will be celebrated at Emmanuel from Monday 12 August to Friday 16 August. The theme for this year: Reading Is Magic. We are looking for students to do some magic or card tricks on the Thursday of Book Week. They are asked to have a look at the Daily Messages to see how to get involved.
Some of the activities taking place at Lunchtime include:
Monday 12 August
Zart Art Book Week Activity
Tuesday 13 August
Board games and card games
Wednesday 14 August
Cosentino, illusionist and magician on the Library TV at Lunchtime
Large Scrabble game
Thursday 15 August
Magic Show in the Reading Room
Friday 16 August
12 noon – CBCA Book Awards and Shadow Judging Award announced – live on the Library TV
Board games and card games
Zart Art Book Week Activity
VPRC
Emmanuel students participating in the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge have until Monday 2 September to enter the books that they have read this year on to the Challenge website.
Mrs Margaret Sinnott
Library Coordinator
Performing Arts News
Mercy Place Visit
Members of 7G performed for the residents of Mercy Place during their music lesson time. It was a fantastic experience for the group to perform what they have been learning over the year in the Year 7 band program. It is also a great opportunity for our students to connect with elderly people in their community.
Thank you to music tutors, Erin Toulmin and Airlie Tait
STUDENTS
Sasha Hartwich
Hugh Mathews
Grace McDonnell
Mia Jackson
Joel Hennig
Lewis Taylor
Dakota Symons
Elli Ludeman
Chloe Kermeen
Amelie Williams
Warrnambool View Club Performance
The Brass and Woodwind Ensemble were invited to play at the VIEW luncheon at the Warrnambool football Club. The VIEW is a valued part of The Smith Family. Through social, community and fundraising activities VIEW members have supported the work of The Smith Family for 60 years. More than 14,000 members across Australia, VIEW's reach and networks in local communities help to raise awareness and strengthen the impact of the work of The Smith Family.
The group loved having the ensemble play as it links with their mission and work of empowering and supporting young people in the community. The performance repertoire was:
-Ode to joy
-Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
-Morning has broken
-Irish Washerwomen
-Allegro
-Waltzing Matilda
Teachers: Dean Mulholland, Airlie Tait, Maria Carras-Kerr.
Akira Fish Laird, Belle Plozza, EJ Gass, Nikolas Keramaris, Grace Stephens
Performing Arts Teacher SPOTLIGHT
ERIN TOULMIN BIO- BMus, Dip.Ed (Sec), AmusA
Erin is currently teaching the clarinet as part of the year 7 band program at Emmanuel College this year. She has always known that she’d like to teach music, ever since she was handed a clarinet in grade 3. Erin went on to study a Bachelor of Music at Monash University and following that, a Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne with a double major in Music. Erin is also a co-founder and Board Director of the South West Music Education Centre and South West Performing Arts, where she has strong interests in assisting generalist Primary Music Teachers in upskilling in the field of music, as she sees the importance of Music being a part of every child's education, every day. Erin has worked as a classroom music teacher at Emmanuel College, Brauer College and Warrnambool College, but is currently the Director of Instrumental Music at Warrnambool College and teaches Clarinet to Emmanuel’s year 7’s. Erin loves the opportunities that Emmanuel College provides for each year 7 student; the study of music is so important for many reasons. Amongst the academic benefits, it helps to create all-round young citizens, preparing them in good stead for their future!
Words for Wellbeing
Student Placement
The Wellbeing Team welcome John McKenzie. John is completing his student placement hours here at Emmanuel College.
Some of you may already know me; my name is Johnathan (John). I'm a former student who graduated back in 2013. I'm here as part of my diploma of Community Services, so I will be around a fair bit. Since I have been out of school, I spent some time in the IT industry before moving into the Security industry, where I worked until the end of 2022.
As mentioned, I'm now pursuing Community Services and have just started my second year. I've been married for the last two years and have a one-year-old son. Thanks for having me back, and I'll be seeing you all around.
The Olympics
Have you been watching the Olympics? There have been so many highlights but here in the Wellbeing Team we loved the emotional and self aware messages boxer Harry Garside delivers after his first round loss.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-Ah1opvtj2/?igsh=N2pyYzE5aDF4MHpz
School TV
Emmanuel College subscribes to School TV which has a wealth of free information for parents. Children don’t come with a handbook but you will find that schoolTV is a handy resource on a wide variety of parenting topics.
https://emmanuel.vic.schooltv.me/
Vaping Seminar
Warrnambool City Council and community partner organisations (including WRAD Health, Brophy and South West Healthcare) are hosting a parent information session on vaping on the 12th of September (5.30pm-7.00pm) at the Lighthouse Theatre, Studio room. The session will feature a presentation from Blurred Minds followed by a panel discussion (Q & A session) on vaping.
Save the Date Class of 1994 - 30 Year Reunion
Can you believe it? Three decades have passed since the Class of 1994 last walked the halls of Emmanuel College!
In a year that saw so many now iconic films released including Pulp Fiction, the Lion King, Priscilla and Forrest Gump, and the launch of the first PlayStation, Emmanuel College farewelled the equally iconic Class of 1994.
The crew is soon, and excited to come together again to toast their 30-Year milestone. So if you started at St Ann's or CBC in 1989 or joined them along way as the schools amalgamated, get ready for a night of laughter, nostalgia, and rekindled connections. The best is yet to come, and they can't wait to see you there!
Find more information by joining the chat in Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/511977825588077
Upcoming Events
Monday 5 August - Year 12 OES Ski Trip
Wednesday 7 August -Senior Boys Herald Sun Football match
Monday 12 to Friday 16 August - Year 8 Camp
Monday 12 to Friday 16 August - Book Week
Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 August - Road Smart Incursion
Monday 19 August - Mid Term Break - School Closed
Child Safety
