Newsletter Edition 8 / 2023, May 29

Principal's Message

Dear Emmanuel College Families,

Catholic Education Week
Last week saw the celebration of Catholic Education Week across the Ballarat Diocese. At a macro level, it is a time in which the significant contribution Catholic schools make to the educational landscape in Australia is acknowledged, as are individuals for their years of service. At the local level it recognises ways in which our schools enrich our communities and provide opportunities for intellectual and spiritual growth. Catholic schools welcome pupils from multiple cultural backgrounds and religious affiliations making them diverse, dynamic communities for learning, influenced and shaped by Gospel values and the model of Jesus Christ. 

Frozen Jr.
There are probably lots of ways to celebrate Catholic Education Week, and I think the staging of a fun, engaging musical like “Frozen Jr”, is most fitting. With all the public performances sold out, the shows were a tangible display of everything that’s good about our Catholic school community. Congratulations to all the staff, students and volunteers who worked for months to put on seven performances in the Wyton Theatre. Students from local primary schools, the Merri River School and residents from Moyne House all enjoyed shows, as did the public audiences. The pandemic put an end to full-scale musicals for a couple of years, but “Frozen” confirms they are back. I wonder what production we will see in 2024? My sincere thanks to the College staff and the many volunteers and supporters who enabled this experience, including:

• Producer: Megan Davies
• Director: Cindy Lee Morgan
• Musical Director: Dean Mulholland
• Vocal Director: Maria Carras Kerr
• Sound & Lignitng: Tom Ward, Logan Kelly & Peter Sassmanhausen
• Stage Manager & Props: Jack Caruthers
• Costumes: Sarah El Hage, Claire Murrihy, Skye Trussler
• Choreography: Pania Broadway, Sarah Fitzgibbon, Ava Macdonald, Grace Hickey
• Make Up & Hair: Natalie Elliott Jackson, Jess Bushell and Kate Partridge- Makeup

Reconciliation Week
As Catholic Education weeks concludes Reconciliation Week gets underway. Last Thursday the whole school gathered for the 2023 reconciliation assembly. As a Catholic community, we recognise that by raising awareness and knowledge of reconciliation, all peoples can ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. Through deep listening, connection with Country, sharing stories and having the courage to speak out for equity, fairness, and justice, we pray for a nation that celebrates our cultural identity, with dignity, and pride. The Catholic Tradition, grounded in the mission and teaching of Jesus, compels us to respect the sacred dignity of each person. Therefore, we pray for Justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. (Catholic Schools Victoria)

Year 10 Camp & Year 9 Immersion Week
This week year ten classes are spending three days and two nights in Melbourne. As well as navigating the city, each class will visit a range of tertiary institutions and explore future pathway options. The timing is most appropriate with decisions regarding the selection of 2024 subjects being made early in term three. Next week the year nine classes will undertake their second immersion experience. I am travelling to Canberra with the groups undertaking the community immersion, while the remaining groups will take part in resilience and exploration immersions closer to home. I acknowledge the staff attending each of the immersions who make these experiences possible, and thank Ben Woonton and Paul Aberline for the coordination of camps at each year level.

In closing this week, on behalf of the College, I extend our care and our condolences to staff member Maria Carras-Kerr following the death of her brother Greg last week.  We wish Maria and her family the support of her family and many friends. 

May Greg know the loving embrace of God, and may perpetual light shine upon him. 
May he rest in peace. Amen.

We stand too in solidarity with Monivae College who experienced the death of a year ten student in an horrific car accident over the weekend. We have offered Emmanuel’s support to the principal of Monivae College.

Let us pray today that Reconciliation will live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by just and respectful relationships between the wider Australian community,
and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
St. 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

Diversity Month Activities continue….
Over the past fortnight there have been various activities celebrating diversity at Emmanuel.

Sexual & Gender Diversity
We had a “colours” casual clothes day where all students celebrated IDAHOBIT day dressed in a particular colour of the rainbow for each year level. Students made great effort having some colour on from their allocated rainbow colour which saw a beautiful sea of colours throughout the day at school. We also celebrated with a lunchtime open mic "jam session" with a wonderful performance from Matilda, Estelle and Luke. 
As part of sexual and gender diversity awareness raising students completed a short activity in extended homeroom decorating paper people chains and writing on them supportive, positive comments about accepting diversity.

Cultural Diversity
Our whole school assembly began with recognising the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, including a wonderful performance by local indigenous musical artist, Lee Morgan, singing his reconciliation song. The assembly also allowed time for us to share the many different ways in which Emmanuel students are learning about Aboriginal culture. 

Our students have been making and designing purple flowers in recognition of National Sorry Day, with many of the flowers on display in our school library and  many more part of a community  display at the Warrnambool library.

Fit4life Parent Series
Tomorrow night, May 30 - "Embracing Neurodiversity: Understanding Our Tricky Brains & How to Empower Your Child (and Yourself!)"
7.00pm - Wyton Theatre

June 13  - Safe on Socials 
7.00pm - join us online or at The Wyton theatre for a live streaming of the presentation. 

Concerned about your children’s safety on social media? Looking for the answers but not sure where to turn? The Safe on Social Media presentation and Q&A session delivers real life case studies and strategies to help parents support their children.  
This presentation is in the form of a live webinar 
An operoo RSVP will come out to parents in the coming days.

Supporting Teenagers - Vaping  
Parents, carers, schools, and community all play an important role in protecting children and young people from, and educating them about, the harmful effects of smoking and vaping.

Research from the Royal Children’s Hospital shows many parents and carers are not aware of the harmful effects or how their views about smoking and vaping can impact the likelihood of a young person taking up smoking or vaping.

The Department of Education and Training has developed resources to help you learn more about the health risks of smoking and vaping, and some suggestions about how to talk to children and young people about vaping, and where to get support. Access the resources here.

You can also view this video on smoking and vaping from experts at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne for health advice and tips for starting a conversation with young people

Get the conversation going - Talking about vaping with young people.

Pick-up of Students
We understand that it is busy before and after school for a short period of time and thank parents and students for using the provided pick up and drop off points at school.

We do ask that parents are not using the St John of God carpark areas on Botanic Rd or Barbers Lane, these are for clients and families who are accessing SJOG facilities and should not be used as a pick up point for Emmanuel College students. We thank you for your understanding on this matter.

Mrs Claire Wrigley
Assistant Principal - Students 

Catholic Education Week 2023

In the midst of a busy school term, it’s good to pause and reflect on where we have come from and where we are going as a Catholic school community. 
Catholic Education week was celebrated from the 21st - 26th May, and our guiding Scripture for 2023 is "Let the words you speak always be full of Grace" (Colossians 4:6).

This text invites us to be discerning in the ways we dialogue with others. It invites us to converse with wisdom, courage and compassion for the common good.
‘Dialogue opens us to the other, to learn and to change – it is an openness to be moved or influenced and allow for the spirit to be present – this is the invitation our theme offers.’

Catholic Education Week is also an opportunity to reflect on the determination and sacrifice of those who have gone before us. The Sisters of Mercy & Christian Brothers, along with staff, students and local Catholic families, have forged a path based on the common good and compassion for others. 
A key part of being Catholic is enacting social justice in our daily lives, and at our whole school assembly last week we outlined what the Social Justice/Vinnies group does here at Emmanuel.  

Our aims are:

• To raise awareness of inequality in all parts of our community, locally, nationally and globally.
• To raise funds to assist the most vulnerable people in our community, to provide them with dignity, empowering them to help themselves.
• Social injustice occurs in many different ways, and it is our aim and our responsibility to demonstrate empathy, care and assistance in any way possible.

There are many people who need help in our local community, and one event in particular that can give immediate help to people in need is our Vinnies Winter Sleepout, happening early in Term 3. Students can help by registering and participating, and getting sponsored for their efforts, or if you can’t participate, to sponsor another student. 

This event also helps to raise awareness of homelessness in our community, which is something we have seen first hand through people who attend the Emmanuel Community Meal. 

Other Upcoming Events include:

• Community Meals @ Emmanuel - senior students can volunteer for this
• Seeds of Justice - a 2 day social justice event with other Mercy schools, in Anglesea in September
• Refugee Program - at Star of the Sea parish
• Mercy Foundation Art Prize 
• Green Futures -  ‘Winter Clothing Drive’ 

Prayer: 
God, we give thanks for the imagination and courage of those who have gone before us. We are grateful for the inspiring efforts and dedication of our founders, Catherine McAuley and Edmund Rice, and those who followed in their footsteps, who helped to create a lifelong journey of learning for generations of Emmanuel students.
May we continue to shine a light on this journey for each other, and for future generations. 

May we live as people of faith, walk as people of hope and grow as people of love.
St Joseph, pray for us. May the spirit of Catherine McAuley & Edmund Rice guide us in all we do. Amen.

Ms Jacinta Skilbeck
Director of Faith & Mission and Social Justice Coordinator

7A Class Poem

Last week, Year 7A students completed a poem as a whole group, based off George Ella Lyon's poem 'Where I'm From'. George created a poem based off a list that she made, regarding her past, future, favourite things, characteristics, family etc. George put the list together to create their poem entitled 'Where I'm From'.
This inspired 7A to create their class poem, which has one line from most of 7A students. 

WHERE WE ARE FROM - 7A
I am from the teacake that my mum makes.
I am from the tractor cab at 11 o’clock on a 26 degree Summer’s night.
I am from the Koroit footy oval.
I am from the smell of the salty water that fills my nose.
I am from the honey biscuits that come out every Christmas.
I am from the bending rods and screaming reels.
I am from the trampoline that my cousins and I played on.
I am from the pavlova that is placed at the Christmas table.
I am from where I ride in the truck with Pop Pop.
I am from the people who are slightly estranged, but still shape who I am.
I am from the Dennington football oval where I hide from my family, so I don’t have to
leave my friends.
I am from the trampoline that twisted and broke my leg.
I am from the weekly trips down to Melbourne.
I am from the powerful deep water reefs to the shallow beach breaks.
I am from the smell of chocolate ripple cake, I make every Christmas for the family.
I am from the late nights watching Netflix.
I am from the cold Sunday mornings playing netball.
I am from 7A.

Ms Julia Gibbons
Teaching Staff

Student Voice - Year 8 Fit4life Day

Chloe Dumesney, 8G
Year 8 Fit4life day was a beneficial and enjoyable experience. All year 8’s and staff were involved. The day took place on the 10th of May at the Goold Campus, The Stage and various foreshore locations across warrnambool.

In the morning all year eights were assembled into their homerooms with their homeroom teachers to undergo a variety of activities based around effective teamwork.
The activities involved brainstorming ideas about effective team work and how we best contribute to a team. We did a “Stepping stone” activity where they had to work together in their homeroom to cross an imaginary river using paper stepping stones. We also completed a Year 8 general knowledge quiz that was a competition for each class to complete as a group.
These activities were aimed to build teamwork and communication skills across the cohort. 

In periods 3 and 4 all year eights and staff sat in the stage and listened to the “Project rockit” presentation presented by two Melburnians Carla and Carly.
This presentation taught us about the importance of cyber safety and what to do in the face of cyber bullying. Multiple fun activities and games were involved during this presentation. Everyone had a fun time and got involved.

In the afternoon all year 8’s were sorted into house groups Rice, McAuley, Maguire and Egan and completed an approximate 3km walk in various locations around the Warrnambool foreshore.
During this walk house groups were to carry cups of water from point A to point B, spilling as little water as possible. At the end houses poured the water back into the original bucket it came from and compared water from start to finish.
The house that had the best results at the end would obtain 200 merit points for their house, second place receiving 150 points, third place 100 points an fourth 50 points.

In the end, Egan house won the competition with Rice in close second. Maguire placing third and McAuley coming fourth.

Year 8’s and staff congregated at the end of the day to reminisce and discuss the days events.

Each year level looks forward to Fit4Life day every year as it is fun, holds beneficial activiites and teaches important life lessons. All year 8’s enjoyed the day being active, having fun and working together in their teams to achieve common goals.

We thank the year level coordinators, staff and everyone else involved that makes Fit4Life day possible annually. We look forward to it next time and can’t wait too see what activities next year brings. 

Student Voice - Year 12 Fit4life Day

George Stevens, College Captain
Overall, our Fit4life day was a huge success.
We started the day with a quick presentation from Mrs.Wrigley. She spoke about a book named ‘Atomic Habits, and the learnings that she was able to take away from this book. It was very much based on 1% improvements over time leading to greater growth in the long term. 
We then moved into 4, 30-minute workshops in our house groups. These 4 sessions included…

Let’s talk- Tacos, Tea, and Milkshakes
This was run by Rachael Sloane, our Wellbeing Coordinator. She went into great detail on consent, and the laws surrounding consent. It was a very open conversation where students were able to ask questions and learn a lot about this particular topic in a short period of time. Rachael was amazing in her ability to be open about this topic, in order for us as students to be able to feel comfortable asking questions but to also learn about an important topic that may not be spoken about too often.

Eating Well For Living Well
Ruth Walker, who works as a dietitian outside of teaching here at Emmanuel, gave an insightful presentation on how important it is for us as active teenagers and students to be fuelling our bodies and brain appropriately in order for us to perform at our best. This involved a talk from her, followed by the opportunity to make up our own smoothie bowls that consisted of, milk, yogurt, berries, banana, granola, and coconut flakes. It was a very interactive workshop and awesome to get the opportunity to make a healthy snack option.

Seeking the Overflow
Our school psychologist Jodie Fleming was the presenter of Seeking the overflow in The Stage. Jodie shared her thoughts on how important it is to always be making sure we are caring about ourselves first and not always just others. We had the opportunity to do a self-reflection on some key parts of our life, how highly we value them, and how satisfied we are with these parts of our life today. This also enabled us a clearer view of what we recognized individually as areas in our life we need to put more time and effort into. Putting all of this together, the main theme was based around filling up our cups, not allowing them to empty, so that our overflow can be our stressors and the things we have to worry about.

Stress Less
This workshop was run by Kristy Cameron, who is a psychology teacher at our school. Mrs. Cameron went into detail on how to deal with our day-to-day stress and strategies to engage our parasympathetic nervous system when under stress or nervousness, in order to calm ourselves down and be able to think/perform at our best. This also spoke about the importance of having a good balance in life, which involved including exercise, sleep, and socializing.

In addition to this, Jodie also ran a 15-minute mindfulness exercise in the stage, which was quite a unique experience. It involved sound and light, and the ability to stay in the present moment. 

To end the day, we were extremely fortunate to have Sonya Karras come into our school and provide us with a presentation on ‘Safe Partying’. It was a very timely workshop for most of us Year 12s entering this stage of our lives, with many 18th birthday parties occurring and opportunities to legally have a drink. Sonya was amazing in her ability to interact with us as a crowd, adding a bit of humor but also getting the right message across, that being that we all need to make sure we are staying safe and looking after our friends while enjoying one another's company while partying. 

We were also lucky enough to be provided recess and lunch by McMahon’s Catering. We were treated to muffins, fruit, lasagne, salad, and chips throughout our breaks.

As a year 12 group, we are extremely grateful for the opportunity we were given to learn more about some areas of our life that are important to us, in the present time right now. We can not thank everyone involved enough, but particularly those who gave up their time to come and speak to us. We all took so much away from the day and look forward to our next Fit4life Day next term!

Frozen Jr.

Approximately 13 weeks ago, a group of students with varying experience, began a journey to create the magical experience of Disney’s Frozen Jr production in our Wyton theatre.

With the experienced direction of Cindy Lee Morgan, a giant in Warrnambool’s community theatre sector, we knew we were in safe hands. Emmanuel music teachers, Dean Mulholland and Maria Carras -Kerr spent many hours collaborating to ensure our cast knew the songs and especially the difficult harmonies. For 2 hours after school, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they met to bring to life the popular musical. Our young people coped with learning singing, dancing and script lines on top of school, work and other commitments. We are so proud of them and thank parents and guardians for their support.

A school production is like an iceburg (sorry about the pun). The tip protruding out of the sea is majestic and awesome, but the mass unseen, underneath is the important part. A school production becomes a ‘home’ for many. A place of acceptance and a safe place for expression. New friends are made, challenges are accepted, risks are taken and growth in so many ways is achieved.

Follow the link to watch a behind the scenes video - https://youtu.be/QLqsCWpY-MQ

Click here for more photos - the password to open the gallery is: ECFJ23

Ms Megan Davies
Producer - Frozen Jr
Head of Performing Arts

Environment & Sustainability Update

Last week, Year 11 Outdoor Education students planted trees along the Merri River. Year 12 OED students will be heading out in Term 3.

The students are planting to help carbon offset the manufacture and delivery of new homeroom / house group recycling bins. These bins are made from 100% recycled plastic in Melbourne. They were purchased as part of a program foused on reducing our landfill waste. A grant from the Climate Health Fund and the WCC has been used for this program. We thank them for this.

Our OED students learnt the importance of purchasing goods through a circular economy, like these bins. They were taught to consider purchasing products made from recycled materials. But, also to factor the end of life product processes before purchasing. Students were asked to think about the carbon footprint of 'cheap' international purchases. Then encouraged to shop locally or complete an activity such as this to help carbon offset.

Chris Wilson from GHCMA also linked the tree planting in with their lessons. He discussed with them the benefits of riparian vegetation on biodiversity and habitat creation for land, as well as waterways. Chris also encouraged students to reflect on the importance of planting specific plants in locations based upon the climate and even water runoff.

From the Faith and Misson Team, a big thankyou to VCE OED students and staff, and Chris Wilson for their hard work and passion for our natural environment. 

Ms Brooke Jones
Enironment & Sustainability Coordinator

Sports Update

Intermediate Boys Football
On Monday the 15th of May we had 50 boys represent the College in Intermediate Boys football with two teams playing off against Brauer and Warrnambool College. With a mix of year 9’s and 10’s involved in both teams, we had one side go through the day undefeated, whilst our second side had two wins and two losses. They boys have now qualified through to the Region final in Ballarat held on the 6th of June.

Intermediate and Senior Netball
The 15th of May also saw our Intermediate and Senior Netball team play at the Arc against Warrnambool and Brauer College. Our senior girls were terrific however went down to Warrnambool College by two goals in a highly competitive contest. Our intermediate girls side were classy all day, remaining undefeated and now progressing through to the region finals on Tuesday the 6th of June.

Premier Girls Football
Emmanuel 2-6-18
Maribyrnong 11-7-73
Last Wednesday our Senior Girls Premier League team headed off early to play Maribyrnong College in the second game of the Premier girls. With a couple of forced changes, our side started slightly slower than the opposition and found themselves 6 goals down at half time.
However with a lift in contested ball and some increased tackle pressure we saw a more level second half.

The girls have qualified for a Semi final on Wednesday the 14th of May however the opponent and venue will not be known until later this week.

Best- Ruby Couch, ​​Alysha Ralston, Scarlett O’Donnell, Olivia Wolter, Kate Noseda

GWR Intermediate Girls Football
On Tuesday the 23rd of May our Year 9/10 girls intermediate football team competed at the GWR finals held at the Walter Oval. With our team showing great depth, the Girls were undefeated in all their games and have now progressed to the State Quarter finals held in Ballarat on August 8th. Congratulations and good luck to all involved

Mr Alastair Templeton
Sports & Lunchtime Activities Coordinator

Library News

New Books
The Emmanuel College Library has many new books ready for borrowing. Students might like to borrow some of these books:
The Sad Ghost Club graphic novel series – books 1 and 2 by Lize Meddings
The Seagull Who Soared by Dave O’Neill and Isabella Gagliano – the story explores the theme of chasing our dreams. Stevie the Seagull often dreams of exciting adventures. She visits Torquay, Lorne, Stingray Bay, the 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay and right along the Great Ocean Road.
Paws: Gabby Gets It Together by Michele Assarasakorn and Nathan Fairbairn – book 1 in the graphic novel series
Gymnastics Payback – a Jake Maddox mystery.  Find this one on the School and Sport shelf.
Fear Street – 2 scary stories by R L Stine.

National Simultaneous Story Time
On Wednesday 24 May some classes celebrated National Simultaneous Story Time by reading the book The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie.  The story is about a sloth who runs in a race with lots of other animals.  While she tried her hardest she does not win the race.

In classes students were read the book and also viewed a Zookeeper from the Singapore Zoo – the world’s best rainforest zoo – reading The Speedy Sloth with a real sloth in their enclosure.

Sloths are tree dwellers of Central and South America and spend their lives in the tropical rain forests.  They move through the canopy at a rate of about 40 metres per day, munching on leaves, twigs and buds.  Sloths can spend 15 to 20 hours per day sleeping.

It was a fabulous opportunity for students to be involved in a story time event that was happening across Australia and with an international guest spot by a Zookeeper from Singapore.

Mrs Margaret Sinnott
Library Coordinator

Careers Seminar for Parents

The Neil Porter Legacy invite you to come along to their upcoming Careeers Seminar!
Click here to regsiter your attendance. 

Winter Clothing Donation Drive

Trees for Fish Planting Day

Upcoming Events

Monday May 29
Year 10 Camp - Egan & Maguire (Monday - Wednesday)
GWR Cross Country

Tuesday May 30
Fit4life Parent Series - The Teenage Brain

Wednesday May 31
Year 10 Camp - Rice & McAuley  (Wednesday - Friday)
Boys Premier League Football - Senior vs SEDA College

Friday June 2
Girls Football Academy Excursion

Monday June 5
World Environmental Day
Second Year 9 Immersion Week (all week)

Tuesday June 6
Red Earth Immersion Pre-departure Meeting 

Thursday June 8
GWR Year 7 & 8 Football

Friday June 9
Waurn Ponds Forensic Detective Excursion - Year 10 Cold Case Class

Monday June 12
King's Birthday Public Holiday

Tuesday June 13
Fit4life Parent series - 'Safe on Socials' Online Presentation