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Marian Day Mass, Friday 14th August, Purton Hall

Dear College Community

It is with great pleasure that I announce the Prefect group to lead the College in 2016.

Congratulations are offered to:

Head Prefect: Bradley McCarthyDeputy Head Prefect: Steven OhHead Boarding Prefect: Guy HutchinsonPrefect - Social Justice: Matthew Del CorsoPrefect - Internal Service: Dylan SmithPrefect - Community Activities: Jackson Moloney Prefect – Barron House Captain: Keanu Eliepa Prefect – Egan House Captain: Alexander Agostinelli Prefect – Gurr House Captain: James Snowball Prefect – Murphy House Captain: Weiqi (Yuri) Sun Prefect – O’Brien House Captain: Nathan Monda Prefect – Webb House Captain: James Simeonakis

I often speak to staff and students about servant leadership as our model at Rostrevor College. I am confident from the words and deeds of all our applicants that they also carry this sense of servant leadership in their hearts. I also spoke to the incoming Prefects about viewing leadership as a ‘spirit’ that flows through the entire community. My challenge to the Seniors of 2016 is to liberate the spirit of leadership throughout the entire community. While they may lead from the front, their ability to motivate everyone in our community to enter into a spirit of service will be their central challenge.

The kind of leadership that I have just described can be summed up in the beautiful story of ‘The Soup Stone’ on the following page.

For Rostrevor to continue to be a great community it does not take great resources or miracles; it takes people willing to pitch in and give of themselves.

God Bless

Simon Dash PrincipalT

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DATES TO REMEMBER

THE SOUP STONE

August/September

Week 6

Friday 28th Egan House Winter Sleep Out

Week 7

Tuesday 1st Junior Years Open Morning, 9.30am

Friday 4th Junior Years Father’s Day Breakfast, 8.00am, Junior Campus

Co-Curricular Assembly, 9.00am

Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th Boarders’ Exeat

ANNUAL MUSIC NIGHTThursday, 17th September at the Norwood Concert Hall.

Adult $20 Student/Concession $15

Tables of 10 available. Seating Plan available on the College website. BYO basket supper. Bar facilities available.

Tickets sales are available via Qkr!

There exists a tale, handed down from times long ago, of two travellers on a pilgrimage. Hungry and tired from a long day’s journey, they come to a small, impoverished, medieval village, where they decide to rest by the side of the road. One of the travellers builds a small fire, upon which he places a large pot, while the other, having drawn water from the town well, fills the pot and places into the vessel a simple stone. As the two men sit by the fire, bringing their “stone soup” to a boil, the local villagers become inquisitive of the curious antics of these strangers. Eventually, several townsfolk decide to investigate the matter and approach the two travellers to engage them in conversation.

Shortly thereafter, there is heard the sound of merriment, as the visitors, who turn out to be quite friendly, share their tales of the lands and people they have met throughout their journey and pilgrimage with the local villagers.

Finally, a young boy asks the travellers “But why, pray thee, are you boiling a stone?”

One of the pilgrims replies, “So we may eat stone soup.”

“It must be terribly bland!” says an old woman. “But I have a cabbage, which will add some flavour!”

“And I, some carrots, which will add colour!” says another villager.

“Some potatoes!”, offers another, until, shortly, by the contribution of a little by many, a hearty stew was made, upon which the entire village and the weary pilgrims dined... and while doing so, shared their tales, talents, and camaraderie throughout the night.

The very next day, the travellers (who by now could be called “strangers” no more), continued their journey, leaving the little town, and its people, behind. But the villagers never forgot them, and the lesson they had learned. In fact, during the hardest of times, in such a time as this tale, that little village thrived, because the townsfolk never forgot how to make “stone soup”.

MOTOWN MAGICWednesday, 9th September, Callan Hall.

Adult $12 Student/Concession $6

Tables of 10 available. Drinks available for purchase.

Tickets sales are available via Qkr!

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Communication

At Rostrevor, we believe that creating a partnership, especially around student wellbeing and academics, is critical when it comes to student achievement at school. The College encourages open and honest communication between families and College personnel and offers quite a range of formal and informal opportunities for this to occur. We have recently developed a document which outlines communication strategies for staff and parents. The document lists communications channels which are currently available for parents and staff as well as what is deemed as inappropriate ways in which to communicate.

Some useful tips for parents:

•Take an active role in communicating with teachers and the College. Make appointments with your son’s teachers direct to discuss educational concerns or seek information regarding academic progress.

•After contacting the College to leave a message for an individual staff member, allow 48 hours for the staff member to respond.

•Make your son’s learning the main focus of your communication with the school. Remember that this is the common goal you and the school share - to see your son succeed in their learning. In particular:

•Provide information about your son’s needs and discuss your expectations with your son’s teachers;

•Find out about what your son will be learning (subjects, topics, content) and how they will be learning (classroom activities, processes, technologies);

•Remember that today’s classrooms may be different from your own school experience. Talk to your son’s teachers about aspects of the class program that seem different and the reasons for these approaches;

•Use the language of learning to talk to your son about their day to day experiences. Discuss with teachers the terms and phrases they use to make sure you both have a common understanding.

SACE Course Counselling Evening

It was great to see so many parents at the Years 10 to 11 and 11 to 12 SACE Counselling Evening on Tuesday night. We hope that the guidance offered by counsellors assisted you and your son with selecting appropriate subjects for 2016.

Your sons will be notified of their confirmed course for 2016 in mid-November. At this time there will be a small window of opportunity for students to tweak their courses, although we don’t expect that there will be too many, given our counselling process. This becomes even more difficult next year, when classes may be full. So, it is worth emphasising once again the importance of selecting appropriate subjects (including any reserves) with careful consideration of strengths and weaknesses as well as meeting tertiary requirements.

Subject Selection for 2016

Current Years 7 to 9 students will be expected to finalise subject choices next week. Pastoral Care teachers have been assisting your sons with both the selection of elective subjects and the process of entering these online as per the WebChoice instructions previously issued to students.

Please refer to the Curriculum Handbook for useful information regarding academic policies, subject details and the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) if your son is in Year 9. This booklet has been designed to help students as well as parents choose the most suitable courses for Years 8, 9 and 10.

Subject teachers and Pastoral Care teachers are available to provide information to students and parents and assist with selecting subjects. We urge parents to contact teachers or Heads of Faculties if necessary. If your son has a ‘learning impairment’ or diagnosed learning disabilities, please contact our Director – Equity Services, Mrs Cherrell Murray, for information regarding assessment variations, SACE Modified Subjects, as well as adjustments and support offered via the Inclusive Education staff.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

•Make use of the range of communication tools and channels provided by the school, including newsletters, websites, emails, assemblies, Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews, and the Parent Portal.

•Find out how the school communicates about opportunities for parents and the community to engage in school activities.

•Discuss your communication needs with your son’s teachers or the Deputy Principal, especially if you need access to information in other languages or in other forms.

Based on these tips, we ask that parents avoid:

•contacting the College to leave further messages for the same individual staff member within 48 hours of your initial telephone call/email;

•contacting the College or an individual staff member in order to pass on messages which could be more efficiently communicated by email or text message directly to your son;

•being rude, condescending and/or aggressive either over the phone or in written form to any staff member;

•continuing to contact the same staff member if a response has been provided but you do not agree with the outcome. In such cases please refer to the College Grievance Procedure;

•contacting the College with the expectation that your son is called into Student Services to speak with you over the phone;

•expecting the College or an individual staff member to contact another relative, friend or family member on your behalf;

•expecting to be transferred through to a staff member whilst he/she is in class teaching.

While we have only listed guidelines for parents here, we have also included guidelines for staff in our Communications Strategies document. The full document is available from the Parent Portal.

Frank Ranaldo

Frank Ranaldo Deputy Principal

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The highlight of this term within Equity Council has been the official opening and blessing of the new Equity Hub. The Equity Hub consists of a number of staff who all contribute to providing a “wrap around” approach towards equity for all students. Such staff include The Director of Equity Services, Learning Centre staff, Indigenous Liaison Officer, Post- Secondary Pathways Coordinator, Psychologists and Heads of House. Within the parameters of the Equity Hub are state of the art Senior Years Study areas with access to technology as well as smaller study hubs.

In 2011 a paper was prepared by the Public Policy Institute of the Australian Catholic University for the Independent Schools Council of Australia “Issues Paper 1: Equity and Education” In this paper the terminology of equity in education is explored as there are many varied notions of the meaning of the word “equity” within the context of education. One such notion is taken up from the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (2008) which as its primary or first goal is: “Australian Schooling promotes equity and excellence.” This goal encompasses schools providing access to high quality education for all students devoid of discrimination, addressing issues in education in relation to students who are marginalised and/or disadvantaged whilst promoting social inclusion and fostering a culture of high expectations.

EQUITY SERVICES

Official blessing and opening, Michael Smith cutting the ribbon, with Claudio Galloni (Chair of College Board) and Kevin Duggan (first Chair of College Board).

Year 7 Retreat

On Monday we held our Year 7 Retreat. The day was based around the themes of: each person is unique and special, key aspects of Friendship and contacting God in my life. The students started with a Jelly bean meditation which makes the point that people like the beans have different flavours but are made of the same stuff. If we don’t stop to notice the differences we miss the uniqueness. The boys shared well and showed that they understood the importance of having good friendships in life. They really contributed well to the lifeboat dilemma, which poses a situation with a ship sinking and only a certain number of lifeboat places are available. Who does one save? The day finished on a good note with a liturgy in the chapel.

First Communion

The previous Sunday finished the Confirmation and Communion cycle with all Year 4 students and two Year 7’s making their first Holy Communion at Tranmere. Some chose the evening Mass on the Saturday, while the rest attended the Sunday morning Mass. Once again thanks to all the staff involved, especially Mr Pipe and Mr Aufderheide.

Webb House Mass

Friday saw Webb House hold their Mass for the year. Thanks to Fr Shibu for agreeing to be the celebrant. The Gospel was the story of ‘The Great Banquet’ from Luke’s Gospel Chapter 14. This story reminds us all to take every opportunity that life presents us.

Refugee and Migrant Sunday

Finally this Sunday is Refugee and Migrant Sunday: He are a few thoughts from the Catholic Alliance for people seeking asylum.

Get Involved

We can sometimes feel powerless in the face of such harsh treatment of people seeking asylum, however there are many ways you can get involved. We are all called to use our unique skills and initiative to make a difference.

SPIRITUALITY

Br John Ahern Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

A few suggestions include:

I CAN pray

• If your parish is not already doing so, suggest asylum seekers be considered in prayers of the faithful or in other ways.

• Include compassion for asylum seekers in your personal prayer or in groups.

I CAN use my skills

•Write to asylum seekers in detention

•Collect food or other material aid for people seeking asylum who are living in poverty in our community or volunteer to teach English to people seeking asylum. Many parishes and schools are already involved in these kinds of activities.

• If you are not sure about what opportunities are available in your area, please contact info@capsa.org.au

I CAN stand up for change

•Share reliable information and challenge falsehoods where you hear them

•Write to your local member or the relevant Minister or Shadow Minister

•Visit your local MP and talk with them about your concerns and desire for better treatment of people seeking asylum in Australia

Br John Ahern

Cherrell Murray Director - Equity Services

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A Celebration of Culture and Language

Last Friday our Languages Other Than English Staff (Belinda De Conno-Coward, Elizabeth Trasente and Emily Xiao) presented us with an amazing number of opportunities to engage in the Cultures connected to our two language offerings at Rostrevor College; Chinese and Italian. All the evidence available about successful language teaching/learning strongly points to the links between learning language and experiencing culture. Whilst the best case scenario would be to put all of the boys on an international flight to experience culture first hand, I’m not entirely sure our business manager here would have been all that comfortable in allowing 160+ boys and staff that opportunity!

Thus, last Friday, we launched our inaugural FLIC Day – “A Festival of Languages in Italian and Chinese” and we can overwhelmingly report that it was a success! The LOTE staff ensured there were many and varied activities for the boys to gain further exposure to the cultural aspects of the languages they learn. Our boys had opportunities to: play ‘Briscola’, compete in Soccer and Bocce, challenge each other with Tombola, build a Chinese friendship wall and a Chinese lantern, produce Italian celebration masks and try out the art of calligraphy. Feedback from staff and students alike indicated the boys enjoyed the variety and flexibility the day offered them. For some it also simply provided an opportunity to have a day free of the normal classes on the timetable.

All enjoyed Italian cakes for morning tea and a lasagne dish was offered for lunch. We must apologise to some boys that a rice dish we ordered did not arrive and thus some boys were disappointed at not receiving their choice. We will endeavour to ensure that next year there will be an alternative for those who wish to try an Asian style dish.

EQUITY SERVICES

The Equity Hub reflects this first goal of “equity and excellence” for all students and is at the cutting edge of inclusive practice in education. We have many people to thank for this innovative concept and look forward to progressively utilising the facilities to its full extent.

In providing “equity and excellence” for students some members of Equity Council are currently supervising placement students from the University of South Australia who are completing either an Undergraduate degree in Psychology or a Masters in Social Work. These university students bring a wealth of experience, expertise and renewed energy to the College for both the boys and staff, working individually with the boys, in small groups, completing student observations within the College environment, or working on specific programs in relation to their chosen area of study. One such specific program is Kids Matter Mind Matters and involves Vanessa McCombe and Changxi Cao who are completing post graduate studies in Social Work.

The Kids Matter program is predominantly for Primary School students whilst the Mind Matters program is for Secondary students. Both programs are similar in the framework however, activities are aligned to the various age groups of students. This is a whole school initiative for student wellbeing and connects to Social Work Theories and Principles. Both Vanessa and Changxi have 500 hours to complete at Rostrevor and are contributing to activities aligned to the implementation of the framework of this program, and integrating support mechanisms working towards building a positive school community for all.

For more information on Kids Matter Mind Matters please refer to the following websites www.kidsmatter.edu.au and www.mindmatters.edu.au

Cherrell Murray

I wish to personally thank our tremendous staff for their support of a new initiative this year – days like these can be tough but all seemed to go smoothly. I also wish to thank our LOTE staff: Belinda, Elizabeth and Emily, for their vision and willingness to try something new. We will certainly offer the experience again in years to come.

Reconciliation

Boys participate in many formal rites of passage throughout their lives. As a significant part of their faith lives, the rite of Reconciliation is an important step in acknowledging that all of us are not perfect but if we seek God’s forgiveness then he will forgive us. God loves us all unconditionally!

Next Wednesday 2nd September a number of boys from Years 3 and 4 will be invited, along with their families, to attend the Rite of Reconciliation at the Tranmere Parish Church. We are pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for the boys and families as a part of our own Sacraments Program in the Junior Campus.

Can I ask you all that we keep these young lads in our thoughts and prayers next week and we look forward to celebrating with them at school after the event.

Geoff Aufderheide

JUNIOR CAMPUS

Geoff Aufderheide Director - Junior Campus

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ENGLISH

Poetry in Action

Year 10’s experienced the inaugural performance of the touring company Poetry in Action this term. A group of three young, energetic and passionate performers presented an engaging study of Wilfred Owen’s war poetry, exploring the form, function, power and beauty of this poet’s work. The performers used humour, contemporary references, and profound performances of the various poems to engage our students in this poet’s body of work, and not only conveyed the beauty of the poems selected for performance, but the beauty of poetry as a whole.

Exam Preparation for Students of English Studies

As always, our cohort of English Studies students attended the valuable Exam Preparation Evening presented by SAETA. This is an annual event, and Rostrevor students never miss this opportunity to glean some useful tips from a few of the best Studies’ teachers in the State. Thank you to all students for their enthusiastic attendance! Now it’s on to the exam in November…

Tanja GehrenHead of English and LOTE Faculty

Exam Preparation Evening

SAVE THE DATESPRING FAIRSaturday 31st October

It’s coming soon....

A Young Writer in our Midst!

Congratulations to Chris Saji! Chris wrote a beautiful narrative based on his experiences during the Indian Pilgrimage, and was awarded SECOND place in the Year11/12 Prose division of the Young Writers’ Awards adjudicated by SAETA. This competition is open to all South Australian students, and receives thousands of submissions in all divisions, thus his achievement is quite an honour. Chris also received an honourable mention in the Future Leaders National Writing Competition in his category. Chris will read his narrative to fellow students during the Social Justice Assembly. We are proud of your creative efforts, Chris!

Chris Saji receiving his award

YEAR 11 SEMI FORMAL

On Saturday 15 August, the Year 11 students held their first Semi-Formal since moving away from the combined Year 11 and 12 event.

It was a great evening and enjoyed by all. Those in attendance are to be commended for their behaviour throughout the evening. True gentleman and a credit to the College.

Winners of best dressed couple

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CO-CURRICULAR NEWS

Term 3 Co-Curricular

The Winter Co-Curricular Program has now concluded and coaches have determined the player they deemed most deserving of the most valuable player award. Invitations will be sent home this week to families of recipients and I look forward to sharing this celebration at the winter co-curricular assembly next Friday.

The SAAS association have requested for Rostrevor to confirm nominations for Summer Co-Curricular activities and all boys who competed in activities in Term 1 are reminded of the need to fulfil their commitment to summer sport by attending all trainings and games in Term 4.

Debating

The minor rounds of the debating season came to a close this week and I am happy to announce that we have the majority of our teams competing in the Quarter Finals.

The boys would dearly love additional support as they continue representing Rostrevor.

Year 9 – Rostrevor vs PACTuesday 1st September, 8.10pm (Room 4), Pembroke Senior School (18 Holden Street Kensington Park) Topic: That South Australia should adopt the Victorian ‘no jab, no play’ legislation (negative)

Year 10 – Rostrevor vs Adelaide High SchoolWednesday 2nd September, 6.40pm (Room 3) Pembroke Senior School (18 Holden Street Kensington Park) Topic: That Nick Kyrgios’ sledging is part of sport (affirmative)

Round 5 results:

Year 7 - Daniel Leonard, Luke Washbourne, Domenic Strangio, Chair: Christy SajiRostrevor defeated Magill Green by 0.7 points Topic: “That children should get money for good grades” (negative)Best speaker: Luke Washbourne

Jeff Fischer Co-ordinator - Co-curricular Activities

Year 8 - Jack Myers, Jack Reginato, Luca Chiuchiolo, Chair: Peter VardaroRostrevor def by Glenunga International High Orange by 2.8 points. Topic: “That main roads aren’t meant for cyclists” (affirmative)Best speaker: Jack Myers

Year 9 - Patrick Moller, Patrick Russo, Luke Valente and Cyril SajiRostrevor 80.83 defeated by Aberfoyle Park 81.67 Topic: That Studio Schools should be adopted in Australia (negative)Best speaker: Cyril Saji

Year 10 - Alex Carter, Anthony Luppino, Jonathon Cavuoto, Owen Selby and Xavier Montin Rostrevor 88.8 defeated Pembroke 85.5 Topic: That the fans who booed Adam Goodes were racially motivated (affirmative)Speaker of the night: Jonathon Cavuoto

Send us Your Story

If your son, be he a past or present scholar, has made a significant achievement outside of the College, please pass this on to me via phone or email, (jfischer@rostrevor.sa.edu.au), for inclusion in the weekly newsletter. Photos are also welcome.

Jeff Fischer

Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. At Rostrevor College we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce or related circumstances, young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. We are therefore offering a very successful education program called Seasons for Growth for 13-15 year olds in Years 7, 8 and 9. This program is facilitated in small groups and is based on research which highlights the importance of social support and the need to practice new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. The Worden’s Tasks of Grief diagram below depicts the different stages of Grief. The program focuses on issues such as self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and support networks.

If you think your son would benefit from Seasons for Growth we would encourage you to talk to him about participating in the program and speaking with his Head of House.

Rostrevor College is pleased to be able to offer this important program and we are confident that it will be a valuable experience for those who request to be involved.

For more information please contact Cherrell Murray on 8364 8366.

SEASONS FOR GROWTH GRIEF PROGRAM - LEARNING TO LIVE WITH CHANGE AND LOSS

CESA has released updated information relating to protective practices behaviour guidelines for staff and volunteers working with children and young people. This online brochure explains guidelines with which staff and volunteers in schools must comply. It describes appropriate behaviours and also behaviours which are not appropriate as staff and volunteers interact with children and young people.

Please use the following link to access the new brochures: https://online.cesa.catholic.edu.au/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-26057

PROTECTIVE PRACTICES

67-91 Glen Stuart Road, Woodforde, SA 5072T +61 8 8364 8200 F +61 8 8364 8396E roscoll@rostrevor.sa.edu.au W www.rostrevor.sa.edu.au

A CATHOLIC ALL BOYS’ DAY & BOARDINGCOLLEGE IN THE EDMUND RICE TRADITIONReception to Year 12

TERM DATES 2015

Term 3 Tuesday 21st July – Friday 25th September Labour Day Holiday 6th October

Term 4 Monday 12th October – Friday 4th December

2016 Term 1 Tuesday 2nd February - Friday 15th April Adelaide Cup Day Holiday 14th March Good Friday 25th March Easter Monday 28th March

Term 2 Tuesday 3rd May - Friday 8th July Queen’s Birthday/Volunteer’s Day Holiday 13th June

Term 3 Tuesday 26th July – Friday 30th September Labour Day Holiday 3rd October

Term 4 Tuesday 18th October – Friday 9th December

COLLEGE

PALA ERENTI

Follow our Old Collegian Clubs. Visit their websites below for recent results and more.

ROCFC www.rocfc.com

ROCSC www.rocsc.org

ROCCC www.roccc.sa.cricket.com.au

CO-CURRICULAR JUNIOR YEARS

Week 5

FOOTBALLYEAR 1/2/3 15.6.96 def St John’s/Belair 3.6.24

BestT Sweeney, D Zappia, O Di Marzo, T Fotheringham, M Maiorano, A Maiorano

BASKETBALLYEAR 6/7 BLACK 12 def by Norwood 48

Best Good team effort

YEAR 6/7 RED 22 def St Pius 14

Best J Sun, K Pratt, E Luppino

YEAR 6/7 WHITE 18 def St Andrews 10

Best J Piantadosi, M Beltrame, M Callisto

YEAR 4/5 BLACK 21 def Prince Alfred 11

Best M Deng, L Gigos

YEAR 4/5 RED 17 def by East Adelaide 19

Best All played well

YEAR 2/3 8 def by Walkerville 22

Best N Crafter, M Bernardi, N Babic

SOCCERPRIMARY B BLACK 3 def East Adelaide 1

Best All played well

YEAR 4/5 BLACK 1 def by Rose Park 5

Best C Corbo, M Pipicella

YEAR 4/5 RED 5 def Linden Park 2

Best S Severino, B Caveney, O Luscombe, M Disciscio

YEAR 3 4 def Pemroke 2

Best A great team effort

YEAR 1/2 4 def Burnside 0

Best R Merenda, X Kelly, E Pipe