Newsletter Edition 18 / 2023, November 20

Principal's Message

Dear Emmanuel College Families,

Year 12 Graduation
Nothing says the end of the school year is approaching quite like the Year 12 Graduation. Last Thursday’s graduation was a most successful event with the year 12s looking so grown up. The contrast between their year seven and year twelve photos displayed as each student graduates, juxtaposed with their dress and presentation on the night all speak of their growth over the last six years. At graduation they literally stand on the threshold of life beyond the safety of home and school, and we send them into that world with our very best wishes. No one knows this more than Shane Smith who has overseen the senior journey and graduation of one thousand plus Emmanuel students over twelve years as Director of the Senior School. Last Thursday was Shane’s final graduation in his current role and as the master of ceremonies of each year’s event. The College community is indebted to Shane for his commitment and role modelling and for his investment and deep interest in the lives and success of each student and the people they are becoming. I also thank the many staff members who worked behind the scenes, especially the Heads of House and the ICT Team as well as those who set up/packed up the venue, directed traffic and more, to make the graduation a memorable occasion. During the Graduation I spoke these words to the graduating students:

Today you completed a journey like thousands of young people in the State of Victoria, and you have graduated from Emmanuel College like generations of young people before you, earning the title Alumni. As an Alumnus of this College you join all those who have attended this school for 151 years since 1872.  On behalf of Emmanuel College, congratulations. 

Education is not just about preparing young people for the future.  It is about giving them the skills, the confidence, and the heart to shape the future. It is not just about giving them knowledge, but about encouraging them to be all they can be, to reach their full potential, to enable them to be people who will make a difference in a world that desperately needs honest, strong, compassionate leaders.

What the world needs is for you to be influencers. I’m sure you are aware of the impact social media influencers can have. Although often their influence focuses on and results in personal gain rather than contributing to and improving society. Our world needs a new form of social influencer. People who shape society, excel in fields and roles that improve the lives of others, and create tangible improvements that benefit humankind. Your Emmanuel education has prepared you to be the type of social influencer the world needs right now.

Influencers who:

• Will address the urgent need to adapt our consumption and practices that contribute to climate change.
• Know and understand that gender equity needs to be properly addressed if we are to achieve genuine equality.
• Practice inclusion of all people regardless of their ethnicity, their sexuality, or any other point of difference.
• Understand the pathway to reconciliation for First nations People is unfinished business.
• Like Australia’s own saint, Mary McKillop, never see a need without trying to do something about it.

Some people may say these expectations are too high. That I am asking too much of 18 year old women and men who have just finished school. But in my experience, no one is more idealistic nor holds more potential, than an 18 year old who’s just finished secondary school. When you are 18, you believe you can change the world.

Thanks to your Emmanuel education you are ready and able to make a difference in our world. Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy who established this school 151 years ago, believed in young people too. She said to the young women who joined her mission to provide education, that her best advice as they undertook their work, was to be good today and better tomorrow. Her philosophy was a simple but helpful one as you wait for the arrival of ATAR scores or for your employment to commence. No matter what your results are, no matter what job you have today, your ATAR score will be but one reflection of who you are, as each of you has an abundant capacity for future growth. Having graduated today, your education is only just beginning. 

Graduates, you are about to take a more active role in the world. As you make your way in life shine the light of your Emmanuel education into dark corners, help to expose the things that are unfair, work together to find solutions, and speak for those who do not have a voice. We can proudly say Emmanuel alumni are already doing this in every corner of the globe. Now it is your turn!

Our society is far from being a place that nurtures and provides for all people equally. As the recipients of a Mercy education, it is now your opportunity to make a difference. I encourage you through whatever careers and roles you undertake, not to stop at being good at what you do, but to strive to be your best, and for those of you with leadership capabilities, as you strive for your best, may you be an inspiration to others to be good today, and better tomorrow.

May you all be shining lights in your communities. May God’s mercy shine upon you always, and may the virtues of Faith, Hope and Love be a permanent reminder of your connection to the Emmanuel family. Farewell, and good luck.

Edmund Rice Centre
Development of the Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) is proceeding at a good pace as you will be able to see from the drone footage taken by staff member Logan Kelly from our ICT Team -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iTPWBxLGfEzO8pmGMNDgwitq_mfezY9C/view?usp=sharing 

This most recent footage captures the latest concrete pour last Friday. You will see on the large concrete section the steel structures to support the stadium roof have been delivered awaiting to be craned into position which we expect to happen this week. The large flat area of sandstone towards the left of the footage will form the upper level of the ERC. At the most recent site meeting, Nicholson Builders indicated they aim to pour the concrete slab for this prior to Christmas. If this is achieved the project will go into the new year ahead of schedule. I wish to thank our College Building Committee for the support they give us throughout the year. With so much capital development over the last few years and continuing through to the end of 2024, their advice is hugely important. My thanks to Chris Steel, Donna Monaghan and Chris Van de Stare who join Business Manager Stephen Kerr, Deputy Principal Michael Wrigley, and myself on the Committee.

Staff Farewell
I extend my best wishes to Sam Phayer who worked at Emmanuel College for the last 12 years and concluded quietly last Friday. For the last few years, Sam has been the Manager of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure across the College and has led the team providing service and support to staff and students. The College has experienced exponential growth in the provision and use of ICT during the last ten years. The quality of ICT provision and the robustness of the supporting infrastructure enabled the smooth transition to remote learning during the global pandemic, and Sam was an integral member of the critical response team throughout that time. I know the College community joins me in wishing Sam every success as he explores new opportunities beyond the College, and I thank him most sincerely for his contribution to Emmanuel College.

Alumni Lisa Gorman
Over the weekend I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the exhibition at the Warrnambool Art Gallery featuring alumni Lisa Gorman. Lisa’s installations share gallery space with the art of Mirka Mora. In 2016 Lisa and Mirka collaborated on their first collection of garments, their collaboration visible in the current exhibition entitled To Breathe with the rhythm of the heart. It is a vibrant, colourful exhibition of the work of two pioneering Australian artists whose practices traverse generations and medium. It is well worth a visit and is open until March 2024.

McKillop Family Services Christmas Appeal
I would like to commend to you the McKillop Family Services Christmas appeal which the Vocational Major (VM) class is supporting this year. They have installed a Christmas tree in the foyer of the College Office, and I know they would appreciate your support by placing gifts suited to young people under the tree, or by sharing a gift card to a local store that the VM class will be able to include with the gifts they pass on to McKillop Family Services. I thank you in advance if you are able to assist.

Wishing you a rewarding week this week.

God of peace, hear our prayer.
Guide our steps in the way of peace.  
Instil in our hearts the courage to take determined steps 
to achieve harmony in our lives.
You call us to live as brothers and sisters. 
Give us the strength each day to be instruments of peace; 
enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister.

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

Student Voice 
Throughout the year, a dedicated group of students convene regularly, typically once or twice per term, to delve into matters submitted by their peers to the student voice committee. This committee champions student advocacy, fostering spirited discussions and making informed decisions. Topics under consideration often revolve around issues like uniform policies, subjects, the campus grounds, and any other concerns raised by our student body.

A standout illustration of the impact of student voice and actionable outcomes occurred when a Year 8 student proposed the idea of a designated seating area to the student committee. Embracing this suggestion, Mrs. Wrigley and the student collaborated, meeting with our business manager, Steve Kerr, to inspect the potential location and explore various seating options. Subsequently, seats were ordered, and our maintenance team recently installed the seating area, providing students with a dedicated space to relax and enjoy their breaks. This initiative stands as just one among numerous discussions and initiatives effectively addressed by the student voice committee. We look forward to more students getting involved in student voice next year.

End of Year Student Program Overview
As the school year draws to a close please see a brief overview of the end of year student program. It's important that students are attending school over the next few weeks as there will be assessment tasks/exams happening in classes along with important transition programs. More details will follow from various year level coordinators in regards to final day arrangements.

Year 7  
Normal timetabled classes Nov 20 - Dec 7. 
Dec 7 - period 1 & 2 - Step up program: Year 7 into Year 8. Period 3 - Junior school merit assembly
Dec 8 - Final day, various activities planned.

Year 8 
Normal timetabled classes Nov 20 - Dec 7. With the exemption of activities below;
Dec 4 - period 3 & 4 - English exam
Dec 5 - period 1 & 2 - Science exam
Dec 6 - period 3 & 4 - Humanities exam, period 5 or 6 visit to Year 9 expo.
Dec 7 - period 1 & 2 - Step up program: Year 8 students to Year 9. Period 3 - Junior school merit assembly
Dec 8 - Final day, various activities planned.

Year 9
Normal timetabled classes Nov 20 - Dec 7. With the exemption of activities below;
Dec 4 - period 1 & 2 - Maths exam
Dec 6 - Expo day
Dec 7 - period 1 & 2 - Step up program: Year 9 into Senior school. Students are to go straight to McAuley campus on this day. Period 3-6 final day activities at Rice campus.

Year 10 
Normal timetabled classes Nov 20 - Dec 6. With the exemption of activities below;
Dec 5 - period 4 - 1.00pm - Maths exam
Dec 6 - period 1 - 11.20am - English exam. Period 4 -6, various activities, final day.

Year 11 (compulsory attendance over the following dates)
Exam period Nov 14 - Nov 24.
Unit 3/4 & VM Early start program - Nov 27 - Dec 1.

Missed school vaccinations 2023
The Secondary school immunisation program offers free vaccines provided by the National Immunisation Program each year to students in Year 7 (HPV and Diphtheria/Tetanus/Whooping cough) and Year 10 (Meningococcal ACWY).

If your child missed out on receiving their vaccinations at school this year, it's not too late to get vaccinated. Free vaccines can be accessed at your local council immunisation service, GP or pharmacist immuniser.

To see if your child is due for any vaccines, check your child’s immunisation history statement on the Australian Immunisation Register using your MyGov account. Children aged 14 years of age and over can access their own immunisation history statement via MyGov.

Further information
Contact the local council immunisation provider Warrnambool City Council 
https://www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/childhood-immunisations

Better Health Channel – Secondary school immunisation program fact sheet 
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-in-secondary-schools

Mrs Claire Wrigley
Assistant Principal - Students 

Empowering Parents: A Guide to Supporting Your Child's Learning - End of Year

Dear parents,

There’s a lot of things going on with the last three weeks of the 2023 school year.

The 2024 Booklist information was sent last Tuesday the 14th November, via an Operoo email for parents to engage with Campion Education’s website. They have set a deadline of Sunday the 17th December to have orders in. All students were sent a copy of their 2024 subjects that afternoon and they are to ensure their parents receive these. Copies of the booklist are located under ‘Student Information’ on the School Links on SIMON / PAM and the ‘how to order’ instructions were also included as an attachment in the email to parents.

End of year exams are coming up for Year 8-10 and these dates are all on the SIMON calendar. Whilst there are many forms of assessment throughout the year, exams are an essential part of determining a student's knowledge. Whilst the VCAA instructs us to have written exams for students completing Unit 3/4 studies, it’s very important that exams are part of our processes from Year 8, to ensure students have experience in completing them within a large group environment, as well as the study habits needed to do well in exams. 

Currently the Year 11’s and some Year 10’s are completing their end of year VCE Unit 1 & 2 exams and then they will begin a week of Unit 3 & 4 Early Start so they can begin work on next year’s studies. The next few weeks for all our students signals the need to finish off the year well by completing assessments and being engaged in classes right up until the end of the year.

Mr Justin Houlihan
Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning

Year 12 Graduation Photos

Photos are now available to download or purchase!

Presentation ceremony photos (These photos are free to download):
https://galleries.watsonphoto.com.au/ecgradceremony23

Graduate portraits & family & friend photos (These images can be purchased as digital downloads & prints from the gallery):
https://galleries.watsonphoto.com.au/ecgradports

Mo Day

Movember is an annual event to raise awareness of men’s health issues, particularly men’s mental health, suicide, testicular and prostate cancer. Emmanuel College wanted to support the message however growing a moustache doesn’t quite fit in with our clean shaven uniform policy! So instead we asked students and staff to wear a faux mo. There’s much fun to be had when wearing a fake moustache! There were quite a lot of giggles at Wellbeing where students were able to collect a lollipop, provided they were wearing a mo, of course. Our staff hammed it up, including those affectionately known as Mo and JoMo. We discovered on “Mo Day” that having some silliness is sometimes the best way to highlight a serious issue, as well as create a great vibe around our school. It’s fabulous when our community comes together to support initiatives like Movember. 

Wellbeing Team

Western Victoria Chess Championships

On the 13th of November, 15 chess club members participated in the Western Victoria Chess Championships. The competition took place in Hamilton at Baimbridge College. There were four high schools which participated in the competition. The Competition was run by Leonid Sandler from Chess Victoria. After seven rounds of chess, Emmanuel College won with more than a 10 point lead from the runner up. The final positions of the schools, together with the games won by Emmanuel’s participants, are displayed in the table below. A big congratulations to all of our team members with a special mention to Xavier and Sawyer Whichello and Jack Gibson, for the top three positions. This competition represents our final competition for the Year.

Mr Andrew McKenzie
Chess Coordinator

Student Voice - Year 9 Respect Cup

Tom Bellman & Georgia Ierodiaconou, 
A few weeks ago, the Emmanuel respect cup team travelled to Trinity College in Colac to partake in the Respect Cup. The respect cup team was decided by our Fit4Life teachers, who selected the best Respect Effect project from each homeroom. The Respect Effect projects addressed various social justice issues and we worked on them earlier in the year. Once the respect cup team was decided, we all came together to create and implement another project. This ended up being a combination of some of the group member’s Respect Effect projects which focused on domestic violence. We named our project ‘No Excuse for Abuse’ and presented it at Trinity College on the Respect Cup day.The Respect Cup day involved Emmanuel, Mercy, and Trinity Colleges all sharing our projects with each other and a panel of special guests, and a series of round-robin netball games. We also listened to a presentation from one of the guest speakers which addressed gender equality. For the round-robin netball, Emmanuel split up into two teams. Unfortunately, neither team made it to the finals but our presentation went really well and we all had a great day meeting new people and got a lot out of the experience.

Sports Update

State Basketball
The boys had some outstanding performances but were defeated by some very polished opposition. Thanks to coach Byrne and assistant Curran O’Donnell for their assistance on the day.

Year 7 boys
V Notre Dame C L 40-32
V St Helena SC L 38-34
V Berwick C L 49-29

Year 8 boys
V Catholic College Wodonga W 43-38
V Nothcote HS W 50-35
V Berwick C L 35-54

Intermediate Girls
On Tuesday we had our Year 8 and Intermediate girls basketball teams compete at the SSV State titles at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics centre. Both teams played exceptionally well against some very strong sports schools of Melbourne.
Rounds:
Emmanuel 24 lost to Catholic College Wodonga 39
Emmanuel 33 defeated Eltham High School 30
Emmanuel 24 lost Berwick Secondary College 30

Year 8 Girls
In an amazing effort the Year 8 girls made it to the State final against Templestowe High. The game was extremely close with our girls playing exceptional defense keeping the scores low against a very talented team. Congratulations to the girls on their efforts for the day.
Rounds:
Emmanuel 36 defeated Catholic College Wodonga 35
Emmanuel 35 defeated Aitken College 17
Emmanuel 27 defeated Berwick College 24

State Final:
Emmanuel 19 lost to Templestowe 26

Can I thank Colleen Pope, Jaffa and Jordan Garner as well as the many parents who attended and supported the teams on the day.

- Mr Shane Smith

State Cricket
On Friday the 10th of November our Intermediate Boys took part in the State Cricket finals held in Melbourne. With an early start, our boys took on Melbourne College in the Semi Final at 9:15am

After making 130 from their 20 overs, we were able to restrict the opposition to 8-115, booking our spot in the State Final against Rowville.

In another tight final, Emmanuel batted first and made 6-105. In reply, Rowville we able to chase the total down with one over to spare. Congratulations to the students who represented the College on their efforts, runners up is a terrific result for the college. Thanks to Mr Tim Cain and Jordan Garner for coaching on the day

State Tennis- Year 7 Boys
On Friday the 17th of November the Year 7 Boys tennis team took part in the State Finals in Melbourne. After winning round one against Cathedral Wangaratta 24-6, a round two draw against Greensborough College and a final round win against McKinnon Secondary College 4-17, the team found their way into a Semi Final. Taking on Maribyrnong SC unfortunately the team was beaten 2-12 vs 4-20. Congratulations to the team made up Hudson Green, Kodi Ryan, Monty Darcy and Roy Savage.

Mr Alastair Templeton
Sports & Lunchtime Activities Coordinator

Performing Arts News

The Step-Up Band played in the Emmanuel Centre Foyer on the day of the Leader’s Investiture Assembly. It created a wonderful environment for our visitors and students to be greeted on entering the centre. A special thanks to Mr Leonard and Mr Mulholland.

Currently, Year 7 Drama students are completing their Fractured Fairy-tale scripted ensemble. There have been a lot of laughs and some great acting shown on stage.

Year 7 Band Showcase Day was a special day. Each homeroom performed to an audience of grandparents, family, and friends to show off their hard work in learning a new instrument for the year. I’m sure it was a good experience for parents and guardians who have only heard one part of the band chart and FINALLY they had the opportunity to hear all parts together to form a song. It is a rite of passage for Year 7 to play Two Tone Jam and Doctor Rock and l am sure they will remember this experience fondly.

Ms Megan Davies
Head of Performing Arts & Instrumental Music Coordinator

Annual School Fee Raffle

Join the college community in purchasing tickets to our annual Fee Raffle!

Money raised from your support will go towards a bus shelter at the new Hopetoun Road entrance to keep students sheltered during inclement weather.

PRIZE: Win 2024 school fees for one student to the value of $5,000.

If you don't have a student at Emmanuel College but would like to pay it forward or donate for a student or family in need, we welcome these entries too if you are the lucky winner.

You can purchase your raffle ticket online at the following link:https://rafflelink.com.au/emmanuel-fee-raffle

The winner will be announced on December 13!

Library News

Year 11's
Last week we said farewell to the Year 12's and welcomed the Year 11's into the Library for their exam preparation. Students are encouraged to use the Library spaces for study: the meeting rooms and the other areas available.  The meeting rooms have whiteboards for students to use.

Sustainable School Shop
Emmanuel College has paid a subscription to the Sustainable School Shop for you to sell and buy items. The College booklists have been uploaded to this site. You will then be able to check which items are on our booklist and see which edition of textbooks are required for 2024 schooling. You will need to register on the site to see the items. You won't need to pay a joining fee. On the site you can buy and sell books and calculators as well as uniforms. The site has a contact number that you can ring if you have any questions. Sustainable School Shop - Second hand Textbooks, Uniforms etc

Book Clubs
Emmanuel College has two Book Clubs. There is a Student Book Club which meets throughout the Term. This year the Club has taken part in an excursion to the Melbourne Writers Festival, sold some books donated by Campion Education for the Ruben Centre, had a book quiz and discussed great books to read. The Parent/Guardian Book Club meets in the evening, usually a couple of times during Term.  Different books are discussed each time.
Students or parents/guardians who would like to join the Book Club are asked to email Mrs Sinnott - msinnott@emmanuel.vic.edu.au

Mrs Margaret Sinnott
Library Coordinator

Staff Achievement

This week, one of our dedicated teaching staff members, Mr Andrew McKenzie, has the amazing opportunity to attend and present at the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) conference held in Sydney. The topic of his poster and oral presentation is “The benefits of Teaching Forensic Science Electives at High School.” Andrew's journey of teaching Forensic Science began in 2011 when he taught his first class of Forensic Files. This elective has gained momentum over the years and there are now multiple classes taking Forensic Files each year. With the popularity of this subject, students began to enquire about further opportunities in Forensics. In 2021, Andrew met certified Forensic Pathologist, Prof Ryan Blumenthal. They communicated via emails and with his help, we were able to design and offer a Year 10 Forensics elective called, “Cold Case - Let the evidence do the talking.” The elective was officially launched in 2022 and to date there have been 5 classes taking this new course. Over the last 10 years, Andrew has been able to present 5 workshops at STAVCON (Science Teachers Association of Victoria), sharing ideas and activities with other Science teachers.

"Ryan Blumenthal has certainly been a good friend and mentor over the last few years. With his statement and encouragement of “Tell your story,” I decided to take on the challenge of writing and submitting an abstract to IAFS earlier this year. My abstract was accepted and I have the privilege of proudly representing Emmanuel College at this prestigious international conference. I plan to participate in as many workshops and lectures as possible to gain more knowledge, insight and experience in Forensic Science. With this information, I hope to improve and take Forensic Science further at Emmanuel College and ultimately work towards the design of a VCE course in the near future." - Mr Andrew McKenzie

Career News

Enrolments for the Future Doctors Australia 2023 2024 programs are now OPEN 
The Future Doctors Australia program is an incredible opportunity for prospective medical students (Ages: 14-18) to find out more about the industry by taking part in an intensive, but highly engaging, fun, and motivational experience.  In addition to the National Institute of Education senior staff, we will also bring in a panel of high-profile medical specialists to spend time and teach attendees. 

Limited spots left for Melbourne and Brisbane

• Have you considered medicine as a future career option?
• Do you know what it is like to study medicine at university?
• What do you know about the pathways to get into medical school?
• What about life as a junior doctor OR a registrar?
• Have you thought of different specialties in medicine?
• Would you like to meet and spend time with some very high-profile medical specialists?

All of this and much much more can be achieved by attending one of the Future Doctors Australia program sessions brought to you by the National Institute of Education – Careers.

Brisbane: 9 - 12 of December 2023 (Taringa) - 75% full
Melbourne: 19 - 22 of January 2024 (Richmond) - 55% full
Sydney: 18 - 21 July 2024 (Chatswood) - 20% full
Sydney: 11 - 13 October 2024 (Chatswood)

To find out more please visit the official page at: www.niecareers.com.au

Career Newsletter
Topics include:

• Focus on summer schools- explore careers over the Christmas break
• Competitions
• Passionate about sport? Check out these amazing courses
• University – early entry programs
• Stay up to date with The University of Melbourne’s fine arts and music courses
• University versus apprenticeships – Riley Payne’s story.
• Apprenticeships and traineeships – resources and tips
• Free career development programs
• Upcoming events

More information can be found by following this link - https://www.emmanuelcollegecareers.com/

Mr David Gladman
Student Pathways & Careers Leader

Port Fairy SUFM

Theos Port Fairy

Upcoming Events

Monday November 20
Year 11 Unit 1/2 Exams continued (all week)

Tuesday November 21
2024 Year 7 Walk & Talk Sessions (from 4pm)

Thursday November 23
Year 8 Girls Cricket State Final

Monday November 27
Unit 3/4 Early Start Program (all week)
Year 7 2024 - Parent Information Evening (7-8pm)

Wednesday November 29
2024 Year 7 Walk & Talk Sessions (from 4pm)

Monday December 4
2024 Year 7 Walk & Talk Sessions (from 4pm)

Wednesday December 6
Year 10 Students Final Day
9@RICE Passion Project Exhibition

Thursday December 7
Year 9 Students Final Day
Junior School Assembly (11am-12.15pm)

Friday December 8
Year 7 & 8 Students Final Day

Monday December 11
VCE Results released

Tuesday December 12
Year 7 2024 Orientation Day
Year 7 2024 Parent Info Session - Wellbeing 

Wednesday December 13
Student Awards Ceremony (7-9pm)

Thursday December 14
Basketball Academy NBL Game Excursion

Friday December 15
Officed Closed
Reports released to Parents