Newsletter Edition 6, May 3

Acting Principal's Message

Dear Emmanuel College Families,

Welcome to term two. It was wonderful to come to the end of term one in early April and make it through a full term of uninterrupted face to face teaching and learning at school for the first time since term four 2019. I hope that many families were able to have some time to relax and refresh over Easter and the holiday break. I was very grateful for a week in Sydney and was blessed with some lovely warm autumn sunshine.

This year term two is a week shorter than normal. Whilst there are generally fewer disruptions this term the College calendar still has a number of excursions/events/activities for our students to engage in across the next two months. I hope that students are now well settled into school routines and their semester one subjects. The next eight weeks are a valuable opportunity for students and teachers to work together to maximise learning outcomes for students.

This term we welcome Renee Dyer to our teaching team. Renee will be teaching Humanities subjects in the Senior school and has most recently been teaching at Timboon College. We also welcome Catherine O’Donoghue and Bryce Dougherty who are assisting us to cover teachers on leave this term.

This week we wish our Year 12 students well as they attend their final Retreat at Port Fairy. I hope that the Year 12’s enjoy some time to take a break from what is a very busy final year to reflect on their own spiritual and emotional well-being and spend some quality time with their peers and teachers.

Congratulations to our College Swim team who last week competed at the State Swim titles in Melbourne. A team of 26 students represented the College with great pride and determination and were successful in winning three medals.

A reminder that Friday 6 May is a student free day. Our teaching staff and learning support staff will be utilising this day to undertake professional learning. Staff will be engaging in a number of sessions in the area of Learning Diversity with our theme ‘Actioning Education for All’.

ANZAC Day
On the first day of term staff and students paused classes just prior to recess to commemorate ANZAC Day 2022. A short service was held over the PA and wreaths were laid at both campuses as a sign of our respect and thanks to all men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in war so that we can have the freedom and peace that we share in our country today. I would like to acknowledge and thank the many Emmanuel students and staff that represented the College at the various ANZAC services held on the 25^th April.

Many families have their own personal stories of relatives who have served or are currently serving our nation in the armed forces. My own father, Brian, is a Vietnam veteran. Every ANZAC Day I am always in awe and amazed to hear new stories about various battles or of men and women that served and displayed unbelievable courage. When in Sydney I visited a beautiful War Memorial Walk in the North Head National Park in Manly.

NAPLAN Testing
Looking ahead to next week students in Year 7 and 9 will be undertaking NAPLAN testing. The testing will once again be completed online and all Year 7 and 9 students have participated in a NAPLAN trial during term one to ensure that student devices and the college network are well prepared. The College regards NAPLAN testing as one of many sources of valuable data that provides teachers with a picture of student abilities including their strengths and possible areas for growth and improvement. As NAPLAN did not occur in 2020 students in Year 7 & 9 have not completed the testing for four years. It is for this reason that we expect students to approach the tests calmly and sensibly so that the data received will be accurate and useful in assisting teachers to plan effectively.

Mother’s Day
On behalf of the College community, I would like to wish all mothers, grandmothers and carers within our community a special day this coming Sunday 8^th May. I acknowledge and thank you for the commitment you provide to care, love and support your immediate and extended families.



CBC Catch Up & Edmund Rice Feast Day

Thursday May 5^th is the feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice, the founder of the Christian Brothers. Last night, we welcomed alumni of CBC Warrnambool, gathering in the Emmanuel Centre for their annual ‘CBC Catch Up'. I’m sure there were many stories and laughter shared about old times at the CBC campus which is now our Rice campus for the Year 9 students. I wish to thank Alumni Coordinator, Candice Hampstead for her planning of the event.

CREED OF EDMUND’S PEOPLE

We believe the God fire burning in our hearts can transform both ourselves and our world.
We believe we are called by God to a deep personal relationship with Jesus, the lover of all creation, as a brother.
We believe we are called to be good news people.
We believe we are called to be stewards of creation.
We believe we are called to keep our hearts and minds open and attentive to God’s will.
We believe we are called to witness by prophetic action to our option to the poor, the oppressed, and people at the margins.
We believe we are called to immerse ourselves in the culture in which we live and work.
We believe in community which is prayerful, inclusive and welcoming.
We believe that it is in our own fragility that we can accompany others in theirs.
We believe in sharing eucharist and reconciliation that we are drawn beyond ourselves to the mystery of God.
We believe others share the charism of Edmund, and are one with us in living it out.
We hear the call to live justly, love tenderly and to walk humbly with our God.

St Joseph: Pray for us,
May the spirit of Catherine McAuley and Edmund Rice guide us in all that we do
Amen

Mr Michael Wrigley
Acting Principal

A Message from Mrs Claire Wrigley

The students have had a great start to term two, with students involved in Year 9 Pat Cronin presentation on safe social behaviour, Year 7 letter writing session for Time and Space evening and cross country to finish off the week on Friday. We wish our Year 12 students and staff all the best as they head down to Port Fairy for their retreat this week.

Cyber Safety & Respect online
We have had reports of unsafe and disrespectful behaviour online by some students in our school community. Some students are under the impression that it is ok to post photos of people within our school community without their consent.  A number of students are following pages on instagram and tik tok that include illegal use of our college logo and college name.  

We continue to follow up with students at school and we ask parents to also support us by speaking with your child about their online activity. In particular, ask your child if they are following any pages that have the Emmanuel logo or name, or pages that have (a title).ships and if they are, we ask that they unfollow these pages. The pages with title ending in .ships involve students posting images of two students who are alleged to be in a relationship (ship), these images are often posted without the student's consent. Please click on the link to the e-safety commission that has many resources for families to access.

Education around vaping
We continue to educate and address any concerns with vaping in our school. Below is a link to an excellent article outlining the risks and addiction of vapes. We will also be hosting  for students in Year 9-12 a live webinar in June about vaping and students will hear about the “lived experience” of the presenter around her addiction to vaping. Parents are asked to open up conversations about vaping as many teenagers in society are experimenting with this substance and it can be most harmful to their health and wellbeing.

Vaping causes harm and addiction in 'new generation' of users, major report warns - ABC News

Parent series and students sessions
Our Fit4Life team has many wonderful sessions to offer parents and students over this term.
For parents there will be various presentations over this term and next.  

Parent sessions - SAVE THE DATE

• May 25 for Senior school parents 
  Sonia Karras - 7.00pm - 8.30pm on Safe Partying for Teenagers.
•  June 1  for Year 7 Parents
  Time & Space - Mother/Female Mentor evening  7.00pm -9.00pm
• June 16 for all parents 
  Michelle Mitchell - Live webinar on Raising teeanagers, with a Q & A session to conclude the presentation.

Student sessions 

• Diversity Month of May - various activities throughout the month, celebrating and raising awareness of diversity within our school community
• Year 9 - Pat Cronin presentation - April 28  - Safe social behaviour 
• Year 10 Respectful Relationships Day - May 16
• Police in schools - online safety presentation - Year 7 - May 23
• Paul Watkins Presentation - Year 11 - May 25 - From Failure to First, discussing resilience, discipline and mindfulness
• Sonya Karras Presentation - Year 12 - May 25 - safe partying and looking after mates

Mrs Claire Wrigley
Assistant Principal Students

NAPLAN 2022

Students in Year 7 and 9 will be completing NAPLAN online testing starting 10^th May. They will need to have charged laptops and working headphones for the tests.

If you would like to help your child prepare for NAPLAN, please read the attached information or click here for practice questions.

If you wish to withdraw your child from NAPLAN tests, please email Simone Rolfe srolfe@emmanuel.vic.edu.au. She will then give your child a form which needs to be signed by you and returned to Emmanuel before the tests.

The testing schedule:

Catch up sessions will be run during the following week to ensure that all students in Year 7 and 9 are able to participate.

Simone Rolfe
Director of Learning

Financial assistance for concession card holders

Parents/guardians holding a valid concession card on Tuesday 26 April 2022 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

Suzanne Dwyer
Principal's Secretary

School Photographs

School photographs have arrived and individual photos were distributed in Homeroom on Thursday 28th April.
Family Photographs must be collected separately from the McAuley Campus Office.  Students or parents may collect these.
For all photo queries, orders and re-orders contact Glen Watson on info@watsonphoto.com.au
Enjoy your school photographs!

Safe Partying for Teenagers

State Swim Titles

On Thursday April 28th, 26 swimmers descended on MSAC Melbourne with the hopes of great success after a restful overnight stay at the North Melbourne YHA. All our swimmers competed fiercely with pleasing results achieved. A special congratulations to Jude De Silva Smith in the 50m backstroke and the 15 years girls freestyle relay team (Jade King, Molly Mainsbridge, Hannah Van de camp and Kendra Wellens) for taking home the bronze in each of these events. Overall, our school placed 8th in the state, a great achievement by all involved and one we are extremely proud of.
Thank you to Jaffa, Paul Aberline, Isaac Jones, Suzie Wellens and many parents for supporting the
state swim team.

RESULTS:
Emmanuel College Team - 8th in the state
Individual Events:
Oscar Cooke
200m Freestyle : 2:27:06 7th
Adam Lee
50 m Breastroke 42.39 8th
Jade King
50m Butterfly 31:78 4th
50m Freestyle 29.39 4th
50m Backstroke 33.85 4th
Emma Hannagan
50m Butterfly 33.81 7th
50m Freestyle 30.21 6th
50m backstroke 34.10 4th
Abigail McNaught
50m Freestyle 30.95 6th
50m Backstroke 39.12 8th
Paddy Ragg
50m Freestyle 31.32 8th
Jude De Silva Smith
50m Freestyle 27.81 5th
50m Backstroke 31.50 3rd
Kai Moloney
50m Backstroke 39.04 8th
Layla McCarthy
50m Backstroke 37.39 8th
Relays:
Medley
12 -14 girls 7th
12- 14 boys 6th
15-16 girls 6th
Freestyle:
12-13 girls 8th
12-13 boys 5th
14 girls 8th
14 boys 6th
15 girls 3rd
16 girls 7th

9@RICE Canberra Immersion Week

Throughout the year Year 9 students visit Canberra as part of their Community theme within the 9@RICE program. Our first group attended late in Term One. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families and schools in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributes funding of $45 per student towards these costs, under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program, with the rebate being paid directly to the college upon completion of the excursion.

Back at school students reflected on what they had seen and learnt; please enjoy reading two excerpts of these reflections.

The first place we explored was the Museum of Australian Democracy, also known as the Old Parliament house. The Old Parliament House was the seat of the Parliament of Australia from 1927 to 1988. It is a sacred building in Australia's history so we all had to be respectful. We were given gloves so we wouldn't damage any of the history or put oil onto the furniture. We visited the rooms where some of the major debates in history happened. We got to roleplay and act like we were politicians. We got a topic and the teachers picked some students out and gave them a script, and the debating started. It was a fun game and was entertaining to watch as all you could hear was 'hear hear' or 'shame', which in politics is basically saying you agree or don't agree. After roleplaying, we explored all around the cherished building and learned about its history and about politics. We learned about the positions of politics and what happens in the two chambers.

Next was the Parliament House. I was looking forward to viewing the Parliament House as it is a significant part of Australia and its history. It was intimidating walking in as it was very serious. We had to go through security and put objects onto a tray. It was like airport security. We got a tour of the building and went into the chambers where some of the biggest debates happen. The rooms looked luxurious and super clean with heaps of open space. We learned about the history of the politicians and roleplayed again.
Natasha Barker 9I

The War Memorial construction started in 1928 and ended in 1941. The purpose was to commemorate the sacrifice of those who have died in war or on operational services and served the country during conflict times. The War Memorial includes a wall written with the names of those who didn't come home. The War Memorial is important because it acts as a historical touchstone. It allows the past to link to the present and enables the people to respect and remember the ones who passed away due to war and conflict. It teaches the new generation the horror of war.

What I saw at the War Memorial was fascinating. The place has plenty of weapons that were used throughout centuries. They were all kept inside glass structures. Planes and military weapons like mortar were displayed without glass. There was also reconstructed battlefields with soldiers fighting and their living conditions. Paintings by artists who travelled to the battlefield directly after the war were displayed. It shows how horrifying war was for soldiers combined with the sounds of warlike bombs and guns.

This was my favourite place out of every location visited during the Canberra trip. I have learned plenty about war and its history with Australia with one of the most important lessons and that is violence and war is never the key. It also told stories about why some people volunteered to be a soldier in a war and the answers were heart touching: they wanted to reunite with their long distance family or keep peace for their countries.
Khang Dang 9H

Students try their hand at Kanji

In Year 11 Japanese class, students tried to write their own name in Kanji with an authentic Japanese calligraphy set. Kanji is one of the Japanese writing systems originated from Chinese letters, and they all have unique meanings. Students chose their own Kanji to match the sound of their actual name in English by considering the appropriate meaning for them. Some students’ names ended up meaning “beautiful ocean” and  “earth respecting jasmine”. It was an extra fun activity to learn Kanji outside of their textbook.

So Ota
Teaching Staff

Sports Update

Western District Athletics- On Tuesday the 5th of April the School was represented by our students at WD Athletics. On what was a successful day, Emmanuel was able to take out the overall school championship. Students who were successful will now progress to Region Athletics held at Ballarat's Hollioake Park in term 4.

House Cross Country- Last Friday all students in Year 7,8 and students who nominated themselves in Year 9 and 10 competed in the House Cross Country. Despite some tough conditions it was terrific to see competitors giving their best and pushing themselves in what is always a tough event. Students who finished in the top 10 will now progress through to WD Cross Country held at Woodford next Monday the 9th of May.

Individual age group winners were:

Year 7 Boys- Jake Denaro
Year 7 Girls- Indi O’Connor

Year 8 Boys- Hamish Dobson
Year 8 Girls- Indigo Sewell

Year 9 Boys- Jack McNeil
Year 9 Girls- Lila Wilkinson

Year 10 Boys- Harry Jenkins
Year 10 Girls- Brigid Ewing

Mr Alastair Templeton
Sports Coordinator

VCE VET Music goes electronic

Ever wondered what it would be like to enter the world of electronic music and composition? A place where sounds generated by instruments that look part keyboard, part electrical switchboard, part space station are your tools for creating and performing music? Emmanuel College students joined peers from across the region for a week of electronic music exploration and composition last week in a new program established by the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio  (MESS) and the South West Local Learning and Employment Network (SW LLEN) to find out more about the fascinating process of making their own electronic music.

Kicking off on last weekend of the school holidays and culminating in an engaging evening and afternoon of performances over the recent weekend students explored electronic music with the guidance of experts in the field from MESS and incorporated the history of our local Fletcher Jones story. The week long program was hosted by One Day Studios (based at the old Fletcher Jones factory site) where students learnt about the history of the site and used this as a starting point and inspiration for their musical works developed in small groups using a special range of electronic music instruments provided from the amazing collection from MESS, normally based in Melbourne. Elements of the program included:

• Investigating graphical notation for scoring their musical works
• Access to unique electronic instruments, synthesizers and equipment to create original compositions
• Developing and using improvisation techniques in performance
• Collaborating with others in the composition process
• Performing with small groups of other artists and students to present their works
• Learning about the wider creative arts industry and pathways for entry into the creative arts for young people

We look forward to seeing MESS back in Warrnambool next year to continue more amazing experiences through electronic music. Congratulations to all students involved in the program.

Brendan Donahoo
Teacher

Library News

Deakin University/QUT Teen Reading Survey Information
Did you know that 61% of Australian teens identify difficulty in choosing a good book as a barrier to them reading more? 48% say that having more good books at their school library would help them to read more.

But what do teens think are good books? And how do they find good books in an increasingly saturated entertainment market?

Researchers from Deakin University and Queensland University of Technology aim to answer these questions and more surveying secondary school students in WA, VIC, NSW and QLD asking Australian teens about their reading practices and preferences. Our school has been selected to participate in the survey and you will be informed whether your child will be invited to complete the survey. It takes only 10-15 minutes to complete the survey online using a computer, phone, or tablet. All responses will be anonymous.

If you would like to know more about the research and meet the researchers, you can watch this short video 

It is the aim that two classes from each year level will participate in the surveys, giving us a broad view of teen reading across all the age groups.  Students will start doing the 10-15 minute online surveys on Friday 13 May, mainly in their English classes and most likely all classes will have completed the surveys by around 20 May.  Participating families will be sent a message on Operoo which will need families to give permission for their student to participate.  Students also give permission when they start to do the survey.

Parent/Guardian Reading Forum
Continuing with our focus on Literacy this year at Emmanuel, on Wednesday June 8 we will be conducting a Reading Forum for parents and guardians.  This is an opportunity for families to find out more about reading, helping their child to find a good book to read and to find out about some of the learning tools we offer to students to help them with reading.  The session will be conducted from 5.00-6.00pm in the McAuley Library.

Year 7 and 8 Journal Club
Journal Club is back.  We will be having three sessions during Term 2.  The dates are:

Tuesday May 24, 31 and June 7.  Time: 3.45-4.30pm

Rotary Club of Warrnambool Second Hand Book Sale
Over the Easter break Rotary conducted a second hand book sale in Warrnambool.  The Student Book Club and Emmanuel Library provided second hand books to be sold.  John Beks (past staff member) from Rotary has written to us to thank us for our support.  Rotary raised over $5,000 from this sale.

Sora Sweet Reads – Online Reading

https://soraapp.com/library/emmanuelau

Students have access to many books online on the Sora app available on the Library home page or by using the above link.  Audio books and ebooks are available all of the time on this site but from May 5 to August 20 Sora has a special promotion that offers a collection of simultaneous use young adult and junior ebooks and audio books.  That means that as many students as would like, could read the same book at the same time during this period.  Students can visit the Library to find out more about Sora and the other digital reading platforms we offer at Emmanuel College.

If you would like further information about the teen reading survey or any of the sessions please email msinnott@emmanuel.vic.edu.au

Mrs Margaret Sinnott
Library Coordinator

Career News

Topics this week:

Year 12 students

• Australian Defence Force Gap Year Program
• Apply for universities now for the 2023 intake!
• Medicine and Dentistry – UCAT ANZ registrations close in May

All students

• Competitions
• Career Expos
• Tutoring (Year 11 and 12 students)
• How to research university and TAFE course options
• National security careers – digital apprenticeship program and work experience
• Interested in constructions careers? You could win $5000!
• Dates for your diary

For more detailed information please visit the College Careers Website 

Mr David Gladman
Student Pathways & Careers Leader

Community News - Green Futures Now!

Green Futures Now! is a leadership program that connects people aged 12–25 with local environmental action. This is a fully funded program that involves a series of intensive workshops here in Warrnambool along with activities that introduce young people with the work that is happening locally to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Participants meet people working in a range of fields focused on creating an environmentally sustainable future. Young people participating in this program lead their own project to address climate change and sustainability issues they identify.

Young people from First Nations communities, young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, , and young people living with a disability are encouraged to sign-up.

Applications are open until Monday 9^th May. See the attached flyer for 2022 program dates.

More information about Green Futures Now! along with the online application form can be found on here:

Support with applications, along with alternate ways of applying to this program are available – please get in touch.

Becky Nevin Berger
Youth Development Planner 
rnevinberger@warrnambool.vic.gov.au

Community News - Table Tennis

Invitation for any students and parents to have a training/fun time at the Warrnambool Table Tennis centre on Wednesday afternoons from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The invitation is open to all and the cost is free, but for regular attendees we would expect you to join the club as a social member, to cover insurance costs.

For more information contact Pat Nicholson 0418 173 854.

Upcoming Events

Monday May 2
Week 2B
Year 12 Retreat
Winter Uniform Change Over

Tuesday May 3
Year 12 Retreat
WD Junior Winter Sports

Wednesday May 4
Year 12 Retreat
Clay Target Shooting
VCE Drama VCAA Playlist Trip
9.15am University of Melbourne Maths Competition
12.00pm Senior Boys Premier League Football
1.30pm AMT Maths CAT Competition

Thursday May 5
Edmund Rice Day
May Races - Student Free Day

Friday May 6
Staff PD Day - Student Free Day

Sunday May 8
Mother's Day

Monday May 9
Week 3A
WD Cross Country
Big Science Competition

Tuesday May 10
Year 7  & 9 NAPLAN

Wednesday May 11
Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN
Year 10 Metalwork Local Manufacturing Excursion
1.30pm Year 12 English SAC

Thursday May 12
Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN

Friday May 13
Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN
Year 7 2023 Letters of Offer Released
Year 11 & 12 Art Excursion - Hamilton