Newsletter Edition 13 / 2023, August 28

Acting Principal's Message

Dear Emmanuel College Families,

What a busy past fortnight we’ve had at Emmanuel culminating in the House Athletics Carnival and whole school assembly. Despite a mid-term break for the students, across the past eight days Emmanuel students have had the opportunity to participate in Science and Book week activities, a Year 10 Social, Year 12 English Performance, Volleyball and Hockey House Sport Gala Day, excursions in Literature and Art, Clay target competition and the Mercy Frayne Festival. Layer all of these extra-curricular activities over the classroom learning and assessment that occurs on a day-to-day basis and we can certainly attest to living our college vision of being a dynamic learning community.

AMSSA Conference
Recently, Claire Wrigley and I represented Emmanuel College at the biennial Australasian Mercy Secondary School Association Conference, which was hosted by All Hallows School in Brisbane.

‘Mercy in Liminal Times’ was the theme of the conference. The word liminal comes from the Latin word limens, which means “limit or threshold.” Liminal times refers to the transitional periods between different phases or states. These moments are often characterised by ambiguity, uncertainty, and a sense of being in-between. Liminal times can occur in various contexts, such as in personal experiences, cultural rituals, or societal shifts. During these periods, individuals or societies may be undergoing a significant transformation, leaving behind one familiar state and moving towards another, but not yet fully inhabiting the new state. The past few years has seen all of us genuinely realising liminal times.

Liminal times are often marked by feelings of disorientation and uncertainty, involving movement from one state to another. However, they provide us with opportunities for self-discovery, growth, and transformation. As old norms and structures dissolve, new possibilities and perspectives emerge. Liminal times are often likened to a threshold or doorway between one phase of life and another. Crossing this threshold can be both challenging and transformative. Overall, liminal times are moments of both uncertainty and potential, where individuals or communities navigate the complexities of change and transformation.

We were fortunate to hear from one of the keynote speakers Stan Grant. Stan shared his perspective on liminal times and his own personal experience of living between two spaces all his life. He spoke of his strong connection to the land and the importance of sharing this space and opening up conversations to unite us and not divide us as we are in a time of uncertainty with regards to the upcoming referendum on the voice to parliament. He challenged us to ask ourselves ‘Where are we’? – a question that creates a sense of belonging. Rather than the divisive question of ‘Who are you’?

For our Emmanuel College community, we play out our lives in liminal times. Whether it is in the classroom, as a Year 12 student preparing for life beyond secondary school, in coordinating various experiences for students such as camps and reflection days, collaborating with parents and staff to transition new Year 7 students or navigating through changing times, we face uncertainty but need to as Stan suggests walk on the journey together, ask questions that unite us and keep in mind the importance of sharing time together, breathing in air together and supporting one another on the journey.

House Athletics Carnival
Last Thursday we were incredibly grateful for some sunny weather whilst we held our annual House Athletics Carnival at the newly upgraded Brauerander athletics track. The students in attendance participated enthusiastically and the competition on both the track and in the field was fierce. Congratulations to the students that were recognised as age-champions at the college assembly.
As a proud Maguire House member, it gave me great pleasure to present the House Athletics shield to the Maguire House leaders. It was their first victory in the athletics since 2014. Best wishes to all the students that qualified to represent the College at the WD Athletics in early Term 4.

College Assembly & Emmanuel Day Launch
One of my favourite occasions in the term is when we come together as an entire school community to recognise and celebrate achievement at our whole school assemblies. On Friday, we acknowledged students from all year levels that had recently achieved a Gold Merit award. To reach 200 merits is an outstanding achievement, it shows incredible dedication and involvement in college life. We also acknowledged student achievement in Maths and Science competitions, celebrated our recent success in state sporting competitions and recognised the huge commitment of our dedicated performers in Frozen Jnr.

At the assembly our college Captains launched Emmanuel Day for 2023. A significant day on our calendar we look forward to a day of celebration and fun at the end of term. Further information about the day is included in the newsletter. I look forward to our community supporting our major fundraising effort of the year by purchasing a wristband for your child/children through TryBooking. All monies raised will be donated to Mercy Works and the Ruben Centre in Kenya. 

2024 Student Diary
Every year, the Year 11 Visual Communication Design class, guided by Mrs Skilbeck, create a unique design for the Emmanuel diary cover. This project is a great opportunity for students to have their work published and for other students to have a say and be inspired by the creative work of their peers. The theme was ‘inspired by nature’, and the winning design was created using Adobe Illustrator, with layers of shapes, patterns and vibrant colours.

Over 150 students from Years 7 & 8 voted for their favourite diary cover designs for 2024, from a shortlist (created by Ariana Matthews, Estelle Evans, Isla Walther, Jonty West, Rose Keldan & Ava Wolff). The 2024 Student Diary design competition result was announced at the College assembly with congratulations going to Rose Keldan whose colourful design was selected for the cover of the 2024 student diary.

Edmund Rice Centre Update
If you follow Emmanuel on social media, you may have seen the drone footage of the earth works that commenced at the back of the McAuley campus in the last fortnight. It is very exciting to see the next phase of the new Edmund Rice Centre get underway. The facility is taking shape, adjacent to Mercy Place and will be a wonderful hub for our Year 9 program from the start of 2025. If you drop off students in the Goold loop you may have also noticed some excavation works in the paddock below the carpark. This area will be the new home for some maintenance and storage sheds along with an access road off Hopetoun Road. 

Finally, we wish students in Year nine all the best for their final immersion experiences this week. I acknowledge and thank the staff coordinating, running and/or attending these activities and those held recently, such as the Year 8 camp to Melbourne. The workload is significant, as is the responsibility, and I appreciate the efforts of those staff who make school camps possible.

Mr Michael Wrigley
Acting Principal

A Message from Mrs Claire Wrigley

Fit4life Parent Series - Greg Mitchell 
Tuesday August 29 @ 7pm in the Wyton Theatre
All parents in our school community are invited to a wonderful presentation from Educational consultant Greg Mitchell, who has over 40 years experience as a teacher and deputy principal and educational consultant. Greg will be presenting on insights in the teenagers emotional world. This is a community event so friends with students in Warrnambool primary schools or secondary schools are welcome to attend. It is likely this will be very popular so parents will need to register via try booking to attend. See the flyer and scan the code if you wish to attend.

Homeroom/Mentor group Planning for 2024
The year level teams will shortly begin preparing homerooms and mentor groups for 2024. The year level team invests a great deal of time and discernment in developing homeroom groups for a new school year.

We are aware that moving into a new school year creates for some students a level of anxiety, however it is important to understand that we are dealing with a number of variables that influence the makeup of homeroom and mentor groups. Such variables include elective choices, students with individual learning plans, teacher observation and feedback, and classroom dynamic, and in the senior school the house group a student belongs to. 

As students transition through the school, we also encourage them to work with other students and become less reliant on being with their friends, and as such build resilience to become independent learners.

In the senior school, students will be in a vertical homeroom structure with students from their house group from Year 10 to 12, whilst all academic classes are entirely dependent upon their subject selection. Students currently in Year 9 will not be moved out of their current house for senior school. Generally speaking we do not put siblings into the same mentor group however, if you would like to request siblings to be together, please email the Year 9 coordinator.

If you have any concerns about your child’s 2024 homeroom/mentor group, please communicate with their current Year Level Coordinator in writing by Friday 15 September, via email so we can keep your concerns on record. 

This way we can hopefully address these concerns before homeroom/mentor group lists are published, as after publication, changes become very difficult to accommodate. Changes will not be made unless there are extenuating circumstances and a process for review would be followed by senior college leadership. Requests for specific teachers cannot be accommodated in fairness to all students. 

Year level coordinators:
Year 7 - David Alger  dalger@emmanuel.vic.edu.au
Year 8 - Carina MCosh - cmccosh@emmanuel.vic.edu.au
Year 9 - Ben Brisbane bbrisbane@emmanuel.vic.edu.au

Emmanuel Day - Friday Sept 15
A highlight on our school calendar is Emmnauel Day. The purpose of this day is to come together as a school community to celebrate and have some fun as a school community, and to raise awareness and much needed funds for two organisations, Ruben Centre in Nairobi and Mercy Works Projects. These organisations do fantastic work with some of the most vulnerable communities here in Australia and overseas.

To ensure the smooth running of the day, students are required to purchase a wristband. An early bird special for $10 (+50c booking fee) via trybooking will allow access to over 15 activities with no more to pay, some of which include  a Mini golf course, inflatable bungee run, Silent disco, a chill-out games zone and live music from Gabby Steel. After Sunday 10 September, tickets will be $15 (+50c booking fee). There will be prizes to be won at some of the activities, and for best dressed students, the day will conclude with the much anticipated ‘Emmnauel’s Got talent’.

There will be food vans, BBQ and food stores available with a variety of food options for students to purchase. We ask that students bring in gold coins or small notes if purchasing food as this helps with floats etc. 

We also encourage students to collect an Emmnauel Day passport and by visiting a number of activities and collecting stamps, those who complete the passport will be in the running for a main prize - and every entry earns points towards the house cup for their house.

Please purchase wristbands via trybooking link by Sunday Sept 10 to get the early bird special.
https://www.trybooking.com/CKVDO 

Mrs Claire Wrigley
Assistant Principal - Students 

Student Voice - Year 10 Drama

EJ Gass, Year 10
Hello from Year 10 Drama.
We have been preparing our monologues for our assessment.

In two weeks, we have to present a monologue to the class, it must be at least 2.5 minutes long. Many people have found monologues from shows, classical literature or other pieces of media that they enjoy. A couple of students have taken on the challenge of writing their own.

Emily Rankin has written her own called the '5 Stages of Grief'. She thought of a singular catchy line and formed a story around it, adding in characters and history. She had a framework where her character went first through denial, then anger, bargaining, depression, and finally the acceptance that she was going to die. She found it helpful to focus on one emotion at a time.

Matilda Woodward has been rehearsing and memorising her monologue called ‘I Hate Performing’ written by Amber D.During this memorisation process, she hasn't found it difficult as she enjoys memorising long pieces of writing. Practise at school, and advice from her peers has made it easier.

I am doing a scene from Hamilton where I play two characters, both Hamilton and Burr. The memorisation process hasn't been too hard as it is a rhyming song. I have found thinking deliberately about position and change of position on stage as it relates to what is happening in a character's head, and the transformation of character to be interesting things to explore. Incorporating stagecraft elements has also been important.

Through drama, students can express emotions and explore perspectives that differ from their own. Drama remains a critical creative space for students at Emmanuel.

Student Voice - Year 11 Literature Excursion

Jessica Keast, Year 11
On Friday August 18, our Literature class went to Buij Bim, an indigenous National Park just near Portland in order to learn about indigenous culture in preparation for our multimedia study.

The landscape was beautiful, with a huge lake surrounded by bushland on one side and farmland on the other. Arriving at the National Park, we were met by the tour guide, Reuben, a local member of the Peek Woorrong people who educated us about the significance of the land and his culture. He spoke of the stories that had been passed down by his ancestors through oral communication, such as the rainbow serpent, which holds a huge significance in the history of Buij Bim. He walked us through the land on which his ancestors lived on, explaining their ways of living, showing us their food sources and ancient houses, which have been there for over 6000 years!

This provided us with insights into how important and historical the area is to the Gudijimara people. Overall the excursion was a great educational and eye-opening experience that provided us with insights into the cultural history of the land we live on.

Student Voice - Year 10 Social

Don Heenpalla, Year 10
On the night of August 16th, 188 students and multiple staff members went to the most socially interactive event thus far. The bright lights and sounds tied in with the chaotic atmosphere which was one to marvel all while enjoying some sodas and pizzas too of course. Many people arrived to the social, with wonderful outfits such as pretty dresses to sharp and fancy suits. It was a great time to socialise with others whilst jumping and dancing around to the amazing songs that the dj performed live, along with the many sprays of smoke and lights flying at your face.

Alongside this there was also the opportunity to watch some of the Women’s 2023 Fifa Football Games ranging from Spain versus Sweden towards the historical game between the Waltzing Matilda’s from Australia versus England. Throughout the event many of the guests took lovely and memorable photos with themselves and their friends which I know they will cherish for a long time to come. In conclusion it was a truly remarkable event as much time and effort was put into consideration. I’m sure that everyone who had attended would’ve had a wonderful time and a special night to remember in the year 2023 and onwards.

Sports Update

Volleyball and Hockey Gala Day
On Monday the 21st of August over 130 students took part in the Volleyball and Hockey Gala Day. With the Volleyball held in the Emmanuel Centre, there were two pools consisting of a Morning and Afternoon Competition. Egan House took out the morning session, with Maguire being successful in the afternoon session. Congratulations to all students who participated in the day and thank you to the Warrnambool Hockey Club who hosted us.  

Athletics Carnival
On Thursday August 24th we held our House Athletics at Brauerander Park on what turned out to be a sunny day. As students worked their way through the different events there was terrific support for all teams as they fought it out for the Athletics Shield. Congratulations to all competitors on the day. All results are below, good luck to those now progressing through to WD Athletics next Tuesday.

Champions: MAGUIRE House - 1369 points
Runner Up: EGAN House - 1125 points
3rd Place: McAULEY House - 1095 points
4th Place: RICE House - 1031 points

A big congratulations to the following students that were the Age Group Champions:

Girls:

• 12-13: Winner: Lucy Howland (McAuley) & Runner Up: Zoe Davis (Rice)
• 14: Winner: Milan Clark (Egan) & R/Up: Amelia Bussell (Egan)
• 15: Winner: Mia Hetherington (Rice) & R/Up: Indigo Sewell (Rice)
• 16: Winner: Molly Mansbridge (Maguire) & R/Up: Lila WIlkinson (Rice)
• 17: Winner: Matilda Sewell (Rice) & R/Up: Emma Hannagan (Egan)
• 18-20: Winner: Ruby Couch (Egan) & R/Up: Ailsa Gome (Maguire)

Boys:

• 12-13: Winners: Damon Warburton  (Rice) & Hugh Hunter (Maguire)
• 14: Winner: Jake Denaro (Egan) & Runner Up: Paddy Ragg (Maguire)
• 15: Winner: Leo Ellerton (Rice) & R/Up: Jed King (McAuley)
• 16: Winner: Will Callaghan (McAuley) & R/Up: Henry Hoffmann (McAuley)
• 17: Winner: (name cannot be published) & R/Up: Sam Carter (Maguire)
• 18-20: Winner: Segdae Lucardie (Maguire) & R/Up: Thomas Lane (Egan)

Clay Target Championships
Emmanuel had another successful day at the South West Schools Clay Target Championships in Noorat last Thursday. Overall, Emmanuel was only 5 points behind the top school - competition was tight! 
The below students achieved some terrific restuls and will now be invited to attend the State School Student Championship in Echuca early September.

• Cody Brown - 1st Senior boy
• James Wood - 3rd Senior boy
• Bridie Mason - 1st Junior girl
• Kayla Foley - 3rd Junior girls

Congratulations to all Clay Target students, they represented the school superbly.

Mr Alastair Templeton
Sports & Lunchtime Activities Coordinator

Performing Arts Update

VCE Drama
Preparation is underway for the Unit 4 Solo exam which is on the 16^th October at the Lighthouse Theatre. Students are provided with 8 different stimuli to choose from to devise a 7 minute solo performance which is performed in front of three VCAA assessors.

Each stimulus has a performance focus and dot points to cover including performance styles, re-creating, creating, and comparing. In total it takes at least 10 weeks to research, devise, improvise, script, edit and refine the piece in readiness for the solo exam which is worth 35%, while the written end of year exam is worth 25%.

Last week the students attended a Drama Victoria Workshop in Geelong which was a great way to meet other Victorian Drama students and develop their ideas with an assessor. On Saturday, James Cutler, who is an examiner as well as a professional director and actor, conducted a workshop to refine solo exam ideas. The Performing Arts Department ensures through such activities that our students receive the same opportunities as Metropolitan schools.

Ms Megan Davies
Head of Performing Arts & Instrumental Music Coordinator

Library News

CBCA Book Award Winners & Book Week
On Friday 18 August, the Children’s Book Council of Australia announced the 2023 Book Award winners.  Each category had a shortlist of books, from which the Award winners were announced.
The full list of CBCA Award winners can be found here:  https://cbca.org.au/winners-2023
Many activities were held during Book Week for students to participate in including competitions, viewing the CBCA shortlisted books and photo frame opportunities.

Journal Club
Our first Journal Club for Term 3 took place last Tuesday in the Library. Students worked with staff member, Caroline Garner, to do some journalling. There will be two more Journal Club sessions on the next two Tuesdays. Students interested in joining in can email msinnott@emmanuel.vic.edu.au to be a part of this fun after school event.

Year 8 Picture Book Shortlist
As part of the activities happening for Book Week at Emmanuel College, the Year 8 Picture Book Shortlist was announced. These students have been nominated to be included in the shortlist by their English teacher. Judging of these books is currently occurring with the Year 8 Picture Book Presentation afternoon on Thursday September 7 at 5pm.  Please see below the Shortlist.

Library and Information Week Competition Winners
Lolly Guess                               
Maddie Irving, Year 12

Source/Sauce                           
Logan O’Shannassy, 7B
Thomas Parkinson, 7D
Jameson Nelson, 7B
Sam Bushell, 7B

Wordsearch                              
Mia Hynes, 7F          
Rebecca Huntly, 7F
Archie Metcalfe, 7G

Food Sources/Sauces             
Madison Keller, 7F
Gin Leahy, 7F
Dusty Robertson, 7C
Ailsa Gom, Year 12

Thank you to all of the students who took part in the competitions and activities for Library and Information Week.

Mrs Margaret Sinnott
Library Coordinator

Career News

SWTAFE VETDSS 2024
Those students that have indicated they wish to enrol in a VETDSS at SWTAFE for 2024 recently received an email with all the details on how to apply, this includes the process to obtain a USI, Enrolment into the course, PTR and LLN details.
This needs to be completed by August 31^st to avoid disappointment.
Following on from this, SWTAFE have organised a Orientation evening to be held on the last week of term
Sherwood Park Campus – September 14^th 5pm – 6pm (Building and Agriculture)
Warrnambool Campus – September 14^th 4pm-5pm (all other courses)

This is to meet the program teacher to have group discussions about expectations and requirements for 2024, SWTAFE are asking this to be a compulsory event.

The latest Career Newsletter can be read here - https://www.emmanuelcollegecareers.com/
and includes information on the following:

Year 12 Students

• Tertiary applications – resources, support, key dates, reminders, accommodation etc.
• Upcoming open days

Year 10 & 11 Students

• Agriculture program – Defying the Drift
• Upcoming open days

Year 9 & 10 Students

• Agriculture program – Discover Dookie
• Upcoming open days

All Students

• Apprenticeship & traineeship resources
• Employment resources
• Competitions
• Careers in engineering
• Camps for First Nation Australian students (engineering and university experience)
• Digital technologies – online courses and competitions
• Podcasts
• UNSW – join the mission for earth habitation
• Engineering at Monash University
• Upcoming career events. 

Mr David Gladman
Student Pathways & Careers Leader

Health Discovery Day

Youth Awards - Nominate a young person today!

The Moyne & Warrnambool Youth Awards is an annual event coordinated by the youth teams at Moyne Shire and the Warrnambool City Council, with help from our Youth Ambassadors (previous award recipients). They are a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate our regions young people. The awards are open to young people aged between 12 and 25 who live, work, volunteer or study in the Moyne and Warrnambool municipalities.

• Cooperation
• Resilience
• Responsibility
• Kindness
• Passion

Nominations close Sunday 3 September. 

Warrnambool Show 2023

The Warrnambool Show is coming up on Saturday, 28^th October 2023. We would like to invite local school children to participate in this year’s show!

We have sections in Art, Craft, Photography and Horticulture just for children.

• The theme for this year’s art section is “The Great Warrnambool Outdoors”
• Photography has an amazing new “Selfie” section which we are sure children would enjoy
• Why not enter Horticulture Class 4045: Display of fruit, vegetables and herbs from a school garden

Visit our  website for all of the schedules and information on how to enter. 

Hope to have you involved in this year’s Warrnambool Show, “Our Community Show”.

Upcoming Events

Monday August 28
Third Year 9 Immersion Week (all week)
PST Conference Bookings Open - 4pm

Tuesday August 29
Fit4life Parent Series - Greg Mitchell

Friday September 1
State Netball - Year 8 

Monday September 4
PST Conference Bookings Close - 6pm
State Netball - Year 9 & 10

Tuesday September 5
PST Conferences 4pm - 7pm 

Wednesday September 6
Independent Learning Day - Year 7 - 12
PST Conferences 9am - 1pm 

Thursday September 7 
Sports Gala Day - Year 7 - 12
Year 8 Picture Story Book Event

Monday September 11
AME Ballarat International Foto Biennale Excursion - Year 11 Photography

Tuesday September 12
Grampians Excursion - Unit 2 Outdoor Education Studies