Emmanuel College Warrnambool eNewsletter

Principal's Message

Dear Emmanuel College Families,

Just a couple of weeks after communicating my hope for the 2021 school year being one that’s close to normal, Victoria was plunged back into Stage 4 restrictions last week with students learning from home for three days. I commend the Emmanuel staff and students for their rapid response and congratulate them for demonstrating how quickly the College can pivot. It confirms our 2020 experiences has helped us develop the capacity to move quickly between learning at school and learning at home, which is both a desirable capability and one that will serve us well if and when we are challenged in the future. There was evidence the students managed seamlessly and were ready on-line on Monday morning to continue their learning for which they deserve to be congratulated. They will be stronger and better prepared for life and learning, more adaptable and flexible; skills nurtured by their teachers and the sudden lock down experience. What value do we put on this? Priceless!

Ash Wednesday
Among the many consequence of the sudden lockdown were school camps and our annual Ash Wednesday Liturgy. On return to school students experienced the Ash Wednesday message in their RE classes. They heard that Ash Wednesday is significant for Catholics all over the world as they embark on their own Lenten journey. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent as a time of contrition, or a time to reflect on past behaviours or ways that could be improved upon. It is also a time when we explore how we can ‘Be More’. When we consider the statement ‘Be More’ we consider the notion of being more like Christ; more loving, more forgiving. Traditionally we would begin Lent with the marking of the Ashes on our foreheads; a public expression of our faith and repentance. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, or giving to others. Through prayer we come closer to God so that we are better able to realise our baptismal promise to live justly as Jesus teaches us. Fasting joins us in solidarity with people experiencing poverty who often have no choice but to go without the basic human needs. Sharing what we have, or ‘almsgiving’, is a sign of our commitment to justice and our thanks for all that God has provided. Students were reminded that Lent prepares us for the season of Easter, the most important time in the Church’s calendar. By praying, fasting and giving alms, we are reminded of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus brought the promise of hope to all people so that we may “Have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). During this Lent may we be encouraged to ‘Be More’ in our own lives, and in the lives of others.

College Advisory Council
This week will see the first meeting of the College Advisory Council. With Emmanuel’s transition to Mercy Education Ltd., the previous Board of Management transitions to a College Advisory Council which provides advice and support to the Principal. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated work of the previous Board of Management and I look forward to working with the new College Advisory Council. It is a measure of the commitment of the past Board’s members that all have transitioned to the Advisory Council; a unanimous show of support and commitment to the success of the College. In 2021 the College Advisory Council comprises:

Mrs Maree Lane (Chair)
Mr Michael Klem (Chair, Finance Committee)
Mr Chris Steel (Chair, Building & Facilities Committee)
Dr Veronica Hughson
Mrs Jo McCormack
Mr Brendan Howard (St. Joseph’s Parish representative)
Andrew Watson (Catholic Education Ballarat representative)
Mr Stephen Kerr (Business Manager)
Mrs Suzanne Dwyer (Minute Secretary)
Mr Peter Morgan (Principal)

From time to time the meeting is attended by Mr Christopher Houlihan, CEO Mercy Education Ltd. During 2021 the College will recruit additional members from our parent community to join the Council. In particular we are interested to attract members with experience in strategic planning, marketing, communications, policy development and review, risk management and project management. Please contact me: principal@emmanuel.vic.edu.au for a confidential discussion about College Advisory Council membership if you are interested.

200 Years of Catholic Education
As well as our own 30 year celebrations this year, last Thursday marked the 200^th anniversary since the start of Catholic education in Australia. The Catholic Church provided education in Australia long before State and Federal education systems were established. In Victoria, a free and compulsory school system didn’t begin until 1872. A 200 year history would, I think, make the Australian Catholic Church an early worldwide provider of education and reflects the value placed on learning by Catholic monasteries and universities which have operated far longer than 200 years. In May this year we will celebrate Catholic Education Week and to recognise the long tradition of learning sponsored by the Catholic Church, our soon to be completed library expansion and revitalisation will be officially opened during that time.

Emmanuel Alumni
I continue to hear wonderful stories about the success of our Emmanuel Alumni. Congratulations to Rachel Dickson from the Class of 2019 whom we recently heard was awarded the Jacob Malmo Scholarship by the Gardiner Foundation which will support Rachel to study a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne this year. If you know a great story about one of our Emmanuel Alumni, I encourage you to communicate with Alumni Coordinator Ms Candice Hampstead: alumni@emmanuel.vic.edu.au or phone the College 03 5560 0888.

College Opening Evening
Finally, the 2021 Emmanuel College Open event will be conducted on Wednesday 17 March. This year the enrolment information night and the traditional open day are being rolled into a single event with the College open to visitors from 4.30 – 7.30pm. With COVID restrictions still in place bookings are essential for the Information Sessions running at 4.45pm, 5.45pm and 6.15pm. Please see the Emmanuel College Website to make bookings or see further information in this newsletter. Given the very high demand for enrolments and 245 Year seven students starting this year I encourage you to submit enrolment applications by the closing date: Friday 30 April, 2021.

As we begin the season of Lent we pray:

We pray, fast, and perform the works of Mercy in this time of grace, so that the Lord might find our hearts ready and fill them with the victory of his love. (Pope Francis)
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

Open Evening 2021

Emmanuel College is conducting a differently styled open event for 2021.

Replacing the two-part event of previous years is a single evening on Wednesday 17 March.

Please join us for a short information session, twilight tours and a learning expo.

Due to COVID restrictions bookings are essential.

Bookings can be made here

Once you have made your booking there will be no need to queue to register your details on the night.

A message from Mrs Claire Wrigley

As we celebrated the House swimming carnival on Monday, we witnessed great house spirit and friendly competition that created a wonderful atmosphere at the pool. These days are important on our school calendar for our school community as they create life long memories and experiences that are a highlight for our students over their time at Emmanuel.

Uniform

Creating pride and a strong sense of community within our College is supported by our student’s presentation in uniform. The majority of our students wear their uniform very well, however a few areas that need improvement are the PE uniform, jewellery and hair presentation expectations. We ask that students wear minimal jewellery to school and that students with piercings follow our guidelines as outlined in our uniform policy. No nose rings - instead a clear retainer for a nose piercing and that one earring is worn in each ear. There shall be no hair colour and hair on the shoulder needs to be tied up.

We request that parents support their children by ensuring your child has the correct PE uniform. Plain navy shorts are not permitted for PE classes. Students must wear College logo shorts. Please be aware that uniform breaches are tracked and communication will be made with home if there several breaches and if the situation is not rectified a detention will be given.

Bus Travel

Due to capacity numbers on bus travel, we are not able to give bus passes for other students to travel on buses. Students are not permitted to use contract bus services for reasons such sports training, sleep over visits etc. This rule will be strictly applied for the safey of all bus travellers to avoid overcrowding on buses.

The only occasion a bus pass may be approved is for emergency situations. The parent would need to call Jill at Brauer College direct and discuss the nature of the emergency situation (e.g. family member hospitalised and student needs to stay at someone’s house for care, etc).

Webinars for parents and carers

The esafety Commissioner offers a number of free parent/carer webiners.

These live webinars explore the latest research and they are a great way to learn how you can help your child develop the skills to be safer online. All sessions are delivered by eSafety's expert education and training team.

The webinars will look at how parents and carers can support young people to have safe and respectful online relationships and what to do if things go wrong.

It will cover:

starting conversations with your child about their online friendships and positive ways to deal with changing relationships
understanding the rights, laws and community expectations that govern social media use
where to seek help if your child is involved in a cyberbullying incident.

The webinar will include case studies, research and targeted advice so you can support the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.

REGISTER NOW

Dates (Australian Eastern Daylight Time):

Tuesday 16 March 7.30 to 8.30 pm

Wednesday 17 March 12.30 to 1.30 pm

Wednesday 17 March 7.30 to 8.30 pm

Thursday 18 March 3.30 to 4.30 pm

Monday 22 March 12.30 to 1.30 pm

Online_gaming_information_for_parents_and_carers.pdf

Mrs Claire Wrigley
Assistant Principal - Students

School Photo Catch Up Day - March 1

For those who were absent and missed out on their school portrait or, if those who would still like a family/sibling portrait there has been a photo catch-up day scheduled.

When: Monday 1 March

Where: The Emmanuel Centre Founders Room (upstairs on the Mezzanine Level).

For Family portraits, you will need to order online prior to 1 March by following these simple steps. (You can also follow these steps if your child has already been photographed and you would like to order photos):

Go to www.glenwatsonphoto.com.au
2. Enter this access key: AW8U7BY5
Choose your individual and/or family photo package
Arrange for you your children to meet the photographer at one of the following times: Before school (from 8am). Recess or lunch time.

Please note that Family groups need to coordinate with each other to arrive at the time they have decided on to meet for family photos. We don’t have the ability to seek out and gather individual students from around the school grounds during recess and lunch if one of the siblings does not arrive.

Prayer, Hope and Love

As we come out of the recent Covid-19 Lockdown we may find ourselves needing to be reminded that God is the one guiding history and we must place our care and anxiety in his hands. He wants to bring his peace into our hearts. Jesus said to his apostles, “Peace be with you” (John 20:21). God brings peace into our souls; we just have to let him. And, as we know, prayer is not a simple act of relaxation, but an encounter with a person, with God himself. At the end of the day, he is the source of our joy and being in communion with him is our greatest good.

Prayer is an important part of our college and we not only spend time in prayer at the start of our learning day we also look for opportunities to embrace it in our Religion classes and where possible. Over the last few weeks students have created thoughtful prayers for the year ahead to add to their Homeroom Prayer Book. A selection of Catholic prayers can also be found in the front of the junior school diary.

Prayer in a Time of Anxiety

It seems that I return to you most easily when I need comfort, O God.

Hello… here I am again, knowing that you are waiting for me with love and warming light.

In the shadow of your wings I find respite and relief that feeds my innermost self and renews my soul. Day and night, you are my refuge.

These uncertain days of news conferences and quarantines tempt me to assume the worst for my loved ones, myself and my community. “Pandemic” is a frightening word, and I can easily feel confused or helpless to respond. Now I am relying on you to lead and guide me, to put my anxiety in its place. Help me see it as a human response that keeps me conscious of the seriousness of this moment, but do not let it overwhelm my spirit. Buoyed by your love, I choose each day to let peace reign in me. Breathing deeply of your calm, I repeat, again and again, “You are here.”

Good and gracious Companion, my family and friends need tranquility and assurance. Help me to offer them your tenderness. Those in my community who are suffering need care. Help me to be generous and to keep contact with the forgotten. Our world calls for cooperation among national leaders, scientists, health care providers, and all who are instrumental in overcoming this crisis. May my prayers and support be with them all.

I have come back to you, and I will return, knowing that your open arms will never fail. God of hope, may your love blanket the earth, as you teach us to live more generously today than yesterday. May my anxiety be transformed into love.

- Author requested to remain anonymous

Ms Sue Bourke
RE Coordinator

Year 11 Retreat

What a week! Warm weather, amazing scenery, challenging activities, a disconnect from technology and a reconnect with each other. All of this and more was achieved on the Year 11 Retreat this year and just in time as we travelled home to Warrnambool to a pending five-day lock down.

Students and staff worked through a range of sessions in small groups activities based around goal setting and planning the year ahead. Larger group activities were adventure based and included a combination of Hiking, Canoeing, Archery and Bush Cooking, Mountain Bike Riding, Group Initiatives and High Ropes. We also shared time together as we enjoyed a Formal Dinner, Trivia and Games night and a hotly contested Skipping and Limbo Competition.

The Liturgy on the last night of each retreat was led by staff and students and combined elements of music, fire, prayer and reflection, to provide a unique experience for all involved. The students are to be commended on the reverence they displayed in their involvement in the Liturgy, which forms an integral part of the Retreat Program.

A huge thank you to all the staff involved in making the Retreat a wonderful experience for all.

Mr. Nelson & Mrs. Macpherson

“I liked the games night on the second camp as it was really fun.”

“The camp was great because of all the great activities and the organisation of it was awesome. The camp was about getting away from our phones and social media and I didn't miss it during the camp.”

“Year 11 retreat was a good way to get to know my year level better and grow closer with them.”

“The retreat was good I got to meet people that I knew but I got to know them better, there was people that I was unsure of that I'm now closer with.”

“I really liked the exercise circuit we did. It was a great as we got to do a run and finish with recovery in the pool.”

“The liturgy was unexpectedly the best part of the retreat.”

“Retreat was good, the activities were mostly engaging and the liturgy was very beneficial.”

“In the evening everyone took time to reflect and participated in a moving liturgy that Mr Nelson and Mrs Macpherson led beautifully where we learnt about true forgiveness and letting go. Overall, Year 11 Retreat was a great experience and we're all thankful for the hard work that went into making it happen.”

“The retreat was focused on growth and development, which we learnt through exerting ourselves out of our comfort zones, the 7 meter tall leap of faith definitely taught us! It was an unreal experience over the three busy days and an awesome time to meet new people and become closer as a student and staff Year 11 team.”

Year 11 Retreat 2021

Kiri Hawkes, Caitlin Williams, Halle McDowell, Arley Street (Year 9 Street Art and Contemporary Art, 2020) and Ruby McKenna showed great enthusiasm, repainting pre-loved canvases, giving each one a second chance to become a brand-new artwork with another Emmanuel art student.

The students were so enthusiastic with the result, they even preferred the new-look canvas with cool and interesting textures to the plain, shop-new ones.

Every year, many canvases are left behind by out-going art students - now, with the generous support of students like the crew pictured here, these can be creatively reused and avoid becoming landfill.

Ms Jacqui Floyd
Teaching Staff

Career News

The Emmanuel College careers site can be viewed here.

The aim of this is site is to provide all the latest information that will help you make decisions about your furture career and your life beyond school.

You can use this site to locate University, TAFE and any other type of course across Australia, get information about the VCE, search for job vacancies and much more. There is also a weekly careers newsletter that can be viewed.

Below are topics that you can read more about in this week's Careers Newsletter.

Apprenticeship and traineeship websites
Careers in the maritime industry
New medicine pathway course
Careers With STEM articles
Important information for students Interested in applying for medicine, dentistry or oral health
Apply for university now to start in 2022!
University – early entry programs
Study to become a pilot at RMIT
RMIT Health Clinic – access affordable health care from RMIT University students
Take an online career quiz
Become an au pair and work in Australia!

The Careers Team

Laudato si - Care For Our Common Home

On your way to Thunder Point, you might notice the spectacular parkland growing beside the Merri River. It is hard to believe less than two years ago Year 7 (7E 2019) students and their RE teacher joined with the local council to help plant tiny tube stock trees, shrubs and grasses.

Now established and thriving, these plants, endemic to the local area, are already providing welcome habitat, food and shelter for our beautiful birds and other wildlife.

The project was 7E’s way of living out Care for Our Common Home - Laudato si. The community, flora and fauna all benefit - what a beautiful legacy to their work and efforts.

Pictured are students from 7E 2019 assisting WCC council planting tubestock along the new Merri River reserve. Also pictured is habitat, food and shelter for our local birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Ms Jacqui Floyd
Teaching Staff

Congratulations to our Equestrian Team

Despite a challenging year of travel restrictions and few opportunities to compete, our Emmanuel Equestrian Team put on a great show at the recent Macarthur Pony Club Interschool Show-jumping Day, with clear rounds and placings for the individuals and first place in the team event.

Pictured are Hannah Dyson, Ella Gapes, Sophie Gapes, Charlotte Dyson, Matilda Graesser and Josie Collins.

Ms Jaqui Floyd
Teacher

Library News

Library Student Book Club
The first meeting of the Student Book Club will take place on Thursday 25 February at Lunchtime. Students (from any year levels) interested in joining or who would like to continue being in the Book Club are asked to meet at the Temp Library. We are looking forward to meeting as a group. Please bring along any ideas for Book Club for this year. It will be an exciting year with the opening of our newly refurbished library and expanded library spaces.

Library Lover’s Day
The Library celebrated Library Lover’s Day with a photo shoot. It was a chance to celebrate libraries and the joy and the place they hold for students and staff.

Year 7 Photo ID Cards
Year 7s will receive their new ID cards this week. They will be able to use the cards in the Library to borrow and renew books independently on the self loan station. They are asked to look after these cards.

New Books
The new Gary Ablett biography is now available for borrowing from the Library. Please ask if you would like to put a reserve on it – already it is proving very popular and there are a number of reserves on it. We will notify you when it is ready for you to borrow.

Reading Online
Students are able to access audio books and ebooks for the texts they are studying in English.

The texts can be found from the SIMON homepage under School Links -- click on LIBRARY. There are other books on these sites for leisure reading. Well worth having a look to see what other titles that are available for reading or listening to. You log in with your user name and password to access.

Sora: https://soraapp.com/library/emmanuelau 

Wheelers: https://emmanuel.wheelers.co

Bolinda: https://library.bolindadigital.com/emmanuelvic

Mrs Margaret Sinnott
Learning Resource Centre Coordinator and Teacher Librarian

My New Gallery

Ride2School Day

National Ride2School Day for 2021 will be held on Friday March 19.

Ride2School is a nationwide program delivered by Bicycle Network, designed to support schools to encourage, empower and enable more students to get physically active on their journey to school.

Over the coming weeks we encourage students to ride, scoot or walk to school. When students are physically active on their journey to school they are more focused and ready to learn compared to those who are driven.

Ride2school_poster_get_active.pdf

Warrnambool Youth Council

Applications to join the next Warrnambool Youth Council are open now!

The Warrnambool Youth Council aspires to be a proactive team of up to 16 young people, aged from 12 – 21 years, who undertake peer and community leadership roles and who are aware and connected to youth, Council and the community. We are looking to hear from local dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic young people who want to have a stronger voice their community.

If anyone is interested in finding out more information and apply directly online they can do so here.

An application form can be downloaded below or an online version of the form can be found here

Applications for 2021 Youth Council are now open and Close on 8th March 2021!

Youth_Council_Application_Form_2021.pdf

Interested in playing football

Merrivale Football Club
The Merrivale Football Netball Club would like to invite students to join our under 15s side for the 2021 season.
Training will be Tuesday and Thursday nights at 4:30pm.

For more information please contact:
Junior development coordinator Rohan Crispe 0434196117
Merrivale Football Netball Club Facebook Page

Russells Creek Football Club
Russells Creek Football Club is looking for under 18 Football players

Training is at the Mack Oval Grafton Road Monday and Thursday nights from 5.30pm.

For more information contact Adele Griffin Junior Football Co Ordinator 0400501969

Merrivale_Footbal_Club.pdf

Upcoming Events

Monday February 22
Week A
College Swimming Carnival

Friday February 26
WD Intermediate and Senior Summer Sports

Monday March 1
Week B
School Photo Catch Up Day
Mobile Zoo (Year 9 Science Classes)

Tuesday March 2
Mobile Zoo (Year 9 Science Classes)
WD Swimming
Year 7 and 10 Immunisations

Wednesday March 3
GWR Cricket and Tennis - Senior and Intermediate

Thursday March 4
9am College 30th Anniversary Mass

Monday March 8
Labour Day Holiday

Tuesday March 9
Week A

Wednesday March 10
College Athletics Carnival

Newsletter Edition 2, February 22, 2021