Newsletter Edition 2, February 22, 2022

Principal's Message

Dear Emmanuel College Families,

Evening of Inspiration 
Among the casualties of COVID lockdowns in 2021, the postponement of the biennial ‘Evening of Inspiration’ robbed us of the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary success of the Emmanuel College alumni community whilst also showcasing the talents of current students.  Inspiring us now for over a decade, the induction of alumni into the ‘Inspiring Alumni’ and, more recently, the ‘Young Alumni Achievers’, has seen more than 60 former students recognised for their success and the difference they are making to our society in fields as diverse as the arts, business, politics, science and medicine, law, sports, education and academia.  Regardless of the category, the quality we see most often exhibited by inductees is service, making them individuals who fulfil the Emmanuel College guiding principle of “serving and acting with compassion and justice as members of Church, local and global communities.”

Last Friday evening was no different, when finally, we could induct the 2021 ‘Inspiring Alumni’ and ‘Young Alumni Achievers’.  Congratulations to Inala Cooper, Dr. Alison Farley, Anthony Leddin, John McGrath OAM, Jacinta Reddan and Graham Warburton inducted into the ‘Inspiring Alumni’ and to Meleita Crimmin, Stephanie Thiberge, Dylan Lesock, James Kol, Daniel O’Keefe, Gary Roberts and Tom O’Connor all recognised as ‘Young Alumni Achievers’.  Despite a scaled down version of the event and a smaller audience in the College’s Wyton Theatre we neverthless experienced a celebration of those who are “shining lamps giving light to all around us” (Catherine McAuley).  The event also celebrates the transformative power of education; the foundation upon which all of our alumni stories are built with Emmanuel College the link that binds their stories together.  I trust you will enjoy reading the summary of each inductee’s achievements below and I encourage you to be on the search for those whom we may induct in 2023 with nominations invited this year.  Please contact Alumni Coordinator, Candice Hampstead, at champstead@emmanuel.vic.edu.au if you wish to nominate an Emmanuel College (inclusive of St. Ann’s and CBC) alumni for recognition.
To read about our Inspiring Alumni please click here:

https://www.emmanuel.vic.edu.au/alumni/our-inspiring-alumni 

Successful school camp and retreat 
Even with COVID restrictions in place both Year seven camp and Year 11 retreat ran successfully last week.  I extend a huge thank you to the coordinating staff Annabelle Morton, Dan Weymouth and Karen Hetherington at year seven and to Ben Nelson and Shane Smith at Year 11 as well as the many staff who assisted them. 

Swimming Sports and School Photographs
This week sees school photographs and the House Swimming Carnival.  Best wishes to all swimmers remembering that attendance is not only expected, but scores house points for the winning team. For school photographs on Thursday and Friday, students are expected to be wearing the College uniform according to our documented uniform guidelines including shoulder length hair tied back, NO facial piercings and approved jewellery only.  I do not expect teachers to have to spend time instructing students to modify their uniform so it aligns with our guidelines, however, they have my full support to do so if required.

Our Inclusive Community 
You may have been aware of the recently proposed Federal Religious Discrimination Bill.  While the Bill did not proceed, there was much media commentary, especially with regard to young people and matters of gender identity and sexual orientation.  I would like to reassure Emmanuel families the College does not discriminate against students and young people on the basis of their personal attributes including sexual orientation and gender identity, or other attributes such as disability or ethnicity.  The College already works and responds pastorally to the needs of community members and will continue to do so to enable students to feel safe at school and have freedom from discrimination.  As an inclusive faith community, we acknowledge that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and created with love.  All genders, sexualities are therefore respected, accepted and welcome in the Emmanuel College community.

COVID Information 
The College has been fortunate in the first few weeks of term that we have not had significant numbers of staff nor students impacted by COVID.  However, I remind families that this could change quickly and the school may be required to ask some classes or year levels to stay home if we do not have adequate staff numbers onsite.  We hope this will not be the case going forward, but if it does become a necessity, we will aim to minimise disruption.  I anticipate a school’s update very soon following government announcements last week and I will share information with College families as soon as possible.  Meanwhile, I seek your continued support for vaccinations.  COVID-19 third-dose vaccinations are now available to 16-17 year olds who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine three or more months ago.  Supporting eligible students to be vaccinated will help make schools as safe as possible.  There are many options to access vaccinations.  These include state-wide vaccination clinics, your local GP or pharmacy.  You can book your appointment in a few different ways, including:

• online: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine
• by phone: 1800 675 398 (Coronavirus Hotline)
• using the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder - COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder | Australian Government Department of Health
• In person: talk to your local pharmacy, doctor, or attend one of the State Vaccination Centres. https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-children-and-teenagers

Catholic School Parents Victoria
Catholic School Parents Victoria (CSPV) invite you to contribute your parent/guardian voice to various topics in education.  CSPV seeks your perspective so they can share resources, present webinars, events and other projects based on your needs as Catholic school parents.  You are invited to complete the following survey to share what is most important to you now your children are back at school.   Please complete by Friday 11 May 2022.  Click here to access the CSPV survey: https://forms.gle/HHrxfv6QhYeYzhBJ8

“The Lord is kind and merciful. (Ps 102)
I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. (Jn 13:44)
St. Joseph: Pray for us.  May the spirit of Catherine McAuley and Edmund Rice guide us in all that we do.  Amen.

Peter Morgan,
Principal.  

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VCE Drama

VCE Drama students have started well this term, adapting their acting while wearing masks. Perhaps we should study Greek theatre?!
The term always starts with the combined Unit 1 and Unit 3 students revisiting improvisation, the skill of making and accepting offers, experimentation with characterisation and generally getting to know each other as performers. In our last lesson we used props and light costuming to develop character while informing their piece through the use of different styles of theatre using conventions of Epic Theatre (Brecht) and Poor Theatre (Grotowski).

Megan Davies,
Head of Performing Arts. 

Emmanuel College Bands are Back!

At the moment while our junior students learn and reacquaint themselves with their instruments, the Concert Band had their first rehearsal for the year in the absence of Year 11 who were on retreat.
Band practice times are on student daily messages and the Performing Arts team encourage all music students to come and have a go.
For Term 1, band practice on Monday 3.30-4.30pm includes all members of the previous Junior and Senior bands.
Megan Davies, 
Head of Performing Arts.

Library News

New Books
The Library has a great range of new books.  We have some new graphic novel basketball books, a book on Kobe Bryant and the Friday Barnes series by R A Spratt (we already have copies but have bought extra due to its popularity).  Visit the Library to have a look at these books and others.  Ask the Library Staff if you need some help in finding the right book for you to read.  Students can also do a search for books on the Library home page via SIMON.  We welcome any suggestions for new books that we may not have in our Library collection.  Students can talk to the Library Staff about these suggestions.

Audio Books
The audio books as companions for the English and Literature texts are proving to be very popular.
Students are encouraged to have the text and listen to the book while reading along.  The books can be found on:

https://soraapp.com/library/emmanuelau
https://emmanuel.wheelers.co/
https://emmanuelvic.borrowbox.com

Please ask if you are unsure as to how to use these digital reading platforms.  As well as the audio books and ebooks that link with our English and Lit texts, there are lots of books for leisure reading.

Journal Club
Year 7 and 8 students are invited to participate in Journal Club in the Library during March.  We introduced this Club last year and it was extremely popular, with the students enjoying the chance to be creative in a relaxed atmosphere in the Library.

Library Lovers’ Day 2022
Students participated in activities for Library Lovers’ Day on Monday 14 February.  There were quizzes, some brightly coloured snacks and a photo opportunity.

Marg Sinnott,
Library Coordinator.

Year 9 Healthy Tucker

Our Year 9 Healthy Tucker and Food for Fuel classes have been doing some fun cooking in their first 3 weeks at 9@Rice.  We have made cookies ‘n’ cream sundaes, whole food chocolatey muffins with spelt flour, fresh bread (served with olive oil and balsamic vinegarette), breakfast tortillas with chorizo, our own puff pastry and sausage rolls. Students have enjoyed comparing the whole foods that they have made themselves with commercial products. We have also learned how the food we eat can help to fuel our bodies well to live well. One of the best times in our lessons is when we get to eat outside, enjoying the lovely weather we have in Warrnambool at the moment, our beautiful environment and the social aspects of eating together.  
Ruth Walker, 
Teaching Staff.

9@RICE Parent Information Evening

It was wonderful to see a large number of parents in the Emmanuel Centre on Tuesday 15 February, to hear about the inaugural year of 9@RICE in 2022. The presentation covered a variety of topics designed to ensure parents understand key features of the 9@RICE program. 
Glen Martin, Year 9 Student Coordinator, spoke about the key themes that underpin our work with students in terms of wellbeing and behaviour. Claire Wrigley provided a brief outline of our new Fit4Life curriculum and the important sessions that all Year 9 students will participate in throughout the year. 9@RICE Program Coordinator James Laidler explained the reasoning behind our reinvigorated Year 9 curriculum, providing an example of a current podcasting task that students are undertaking in Communication. A brief outline of the three Immersion Weeks was provided and, most importantly, you will find in our presentation a summary of the Immersion Week order of events for each class. Detailed information will be communicated via Operoo for each Immersion Week throughout the year. Some emphasis was also given to looking to the future, including a brief guide to our processes with helping students consider their subjects for Year 10 and beyond. More information will be provided to families in the middle of the year when we begin subject selection.
We thank all families for their support as the College transitions to this new phase and look forward to continuing to develop our program, always with the focus of supporting and educating our young people.
Josie Monro,
Director 9@RICE.

Career News

Topics for the Career Newsletter this week:

• Scholarships for high achieving students (YR12)
• University course search tools
• Australian Defence Force Gap Year Program (YR12)
• UCAT ANZ – information for students applying for medicine and dentistry (YR12)
• Inspirational STEM and Health Science career videos
• Start the school year by setting goals
• ATARs for several health study areas (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy)
• Upcoming career events
• How to find casual employment
• Information about careers with the Victoria Police
• Information on apprenticeships and traineeships.

For more Information go to https://www.emmanuelcollegecareers.com/

Victoria Police
The Victoria Police Applicant Attraction Team are hosting an information session on the police officer role in Warrnambool on Thursday 17^th March.  There will be a focus on how students and younger applicants can improve their chances of a successful application and some of the attributes Victoria Police are looking for.  Please see event information below:

EVENT DETAILS:
When:  Thursday 17^th March 2022
Where: City Memorial Bowls Club
50 Cramer St, Warrnambool
Time: 6pm - 7.30pm
If you are seeking a stimulating, challenging and rewarding career and have values aligned to those of Victoria Police, we encourage you to consider a career in policing.
Please join us for an information session to learn about the Police role, the recruitment process, training at the Academy and a Q and A session with some local members.

To register : https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/57956400153 
or visit www.police.vic.gov.au/police-information-sessions
To find out more about the role of a Police Officer, visit www.police.vic.gov.au/police

David Gladman,
Student Pathways & Careers Leader.  

Western District Summer Sports

On Friday  the 11th of February the College was represented at WD
Summer Sports in Cricket and Tennis by some of our Year 9/10 (Intermediate) and 11/12 (Seniors) teams. In what turned out to be a successful day, students played a number of different formats against Brauer and Warrnambool College.

Cricket 
The Senior Boys played in a 25 over a side game against Warrnambool College at the Harris Street oval where they compiled 230 batting first. Tom Powell (56), Ethan Boyd (52) and Nick Blacker (60) all contributed well with the bat. The boys were then able to restrict Warrnambool College to 124 in reply.
The Intermediate boys had mixed fortunes on the day. After three pool games, One side made it through to the final against Warrnambool College. Despite a steady partnership from Mitch Lloyd and Sam Allen the side fell one run short off the last ball finishing runners up.
The Senior girls side were in trouble early making 56 with the bat. A dangerous spell of bowling from Millie Illingsworth saw them able to defend the small total and progress through.
The Intermediate girls showed their skills by accounting for the two Brauer teams comfortably. There was an even spread of contributors on the day with the sides fielding being a key difference in the matches.

Tennis
In the Tennis, all Emmanuel sides returned as winners in the teams based format of the day. Some standout performances included Toby Gedye in Intermediate boys and Max Phillips playing underage in the Senior boys while Caitlin Williams showed her skills in the Intermediate girls.

The winning teams will now progress through to Regions on March 2nd held in Ballarat.

Alastair Templeton,
Sports & Lunchtime Activities Coordinator.

Bus Travel - Conveyance Allowance

Do you drive your child more than 4.8 km to catch a country school bus
OR
Does your child catch a town bus to school?
If so, you may be eligible to claim the Conveyance allowance from the Victorian Government.  The allowance provides financial assistance towards the cost of transport for students travelling to and from school.
Students travelling by private car for more than 4.8 km to catch a country school bus should complete the Application Form for Private Car Travel.
Students travelling on a town bus who reside more than 4.8 km from the school and purchase a yearly or half-yearly bus pass from Warrnambool Bus Lines should complete the Application Form for Public Transport Travel to be reimbursed for this cost.  A copy of the receipt from Warrnambool Bus Lines should be attached to the application.
Application forms for the next claim period should be returned to Suzanne Dwyer via the school office or email to info@emmanuel.vic.edu.au no later than Thursday 17 March.
Payments made are deducted from a family’s school fees at the end of each term.
Further details can be found at the Department of Education and Training website:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/conveyance-allowance/policy

CSEF - Financial assistance for concession card holders

Parents/guardians holding a valid concession card on Monday 31 January should submit an application form for the Camps, Sports & Excursion Fund (CSEF) allowance to Suzanne Dwyer via the McAuley Campus office or email info@emmanuel.vic.edu.au by Friday 24 June.
Parents/guardians who have already applied for the allowance this year do not need to apply again.
The CSEF allowance is valued at $225 per student and is for holders of a health care card, or are a foster parent, or a Veteran Affairs pensioner.  Payments are made to the school and will be deducted from a family’s school fees.
Further details about the CSEF allowance can be found at the Department of Education and Training’s website at https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/csef.aspx

School Tours Welcome

Prospective students and families are invited to take a tour of Emmanuel College.  Bookings are essential and can be booked here : https://www.emmanuel.vic.edu.au/event-registration 

Save the Date for Emmanuel College Open Day, Wednesday 30th March, 2022.  

Mercy Education Board of Directors

Beyond the Bell Youth Conversations

Here is an exciting opportunity for enthusiastic young people aged between 12-19 to represent their local government area and make change in their community.

Hear Me. See Me. Act.

On Sunday the 27th of February, thousands of women and allies from across the nation will join in solidarity calling for equality and justice as part of the March4Justice movement. 
This year March4Justice aligns with the submission and implementation of 33 Gender Equality Action Plans across the region, the launch of Respect2040 in G21 and the Great South Coast, and state and federal election advocacy initiatives.   This alignment presents an incredible opportunity to turn local activism into action. So, we are asking local women what they think needs to change for women in our region to be happy, safe and to access all of life's opportunities. These ideas will directly inform our regional planning and our local, state and national advocacy. Click on the link below to share ideas.
 https://womenshealthbsw.org.au/event/march4justice

Upcoming Events

Tuesday February 22 
Swimming Sports 

Wednesday February 9
Senior School Rice & Maguire Information Night 5.30pm

Thursday Febraury 24 
School Photos Year 7,8, 10, 11, 12 and Families.
                                                          Senior School Information Night 7pm

Friday February 25 
School Photos Year 9  

Tuesday March 1
Chess Coaching with Leonid Sandler

Wednesday March 2
Ash Wednesday
Year 7 and 10 Immunisations 

Thursday March 3
School Photo catch up day 
Western District Swimming Sports 

Tuesday March 8 
International Womens Day - Girls Got Talent 

2022 Term Dates
Term 1: Tuesday 1 February to Friday 8 April (2.25pm finish)
Term 2: Tuesday 26 April to Friday 24 June (2.25pm finish)
Term 3: Monday 11 July to Friday 16 September (Emmanuel Day 2.25pm finish)
Term 4: Monday 3 October to Friday 2 December (Year 10: 30/11. Year 9: 1/12. Year 7 & 8 2/12)

 Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences – 4pm-8.00pm
Tuesday 5 April (all year levels)
Thursday 28 April (all year levels)
Thursday 18 August (Year 10-12 only)
Wednesday 7 Sept (Year 7-9 only)

 2022 Student Free Days
Term 2
Thursday 5 May: May Race Day
Friday 6 May: Staff Professional Development Day
Tuesday 21 June: Correction and Report Preparation Day

Term 3
Monday 15 August: Mid-term break
Tuesday 16 August: Staff Professional Development Day
Friday 26 August: Year 7 & 8 Independent Learning Day

Term 4
Tuesday 1 November: Melbourne Cup Day (this day replaces Warrnambool Show Day)
Wednesday 9 November: Staff Professional Development Day