Oremus let us pray - St Aloysius
Oremus let us pray - St Aloysius
Oremus let us pray - St Aloysius
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Friday, 30 March Let <strong>us</strong> thank God, then, who lit for our guidance such an eager and splendid flame; and keep our eyes Issue 12/09<br />
on it while our dark journey lasts. – <strong>St</strong> Robert Bellarmine SJ on Aloysi<strong>us</strong><br />
THE RECTOR<br />
We are soon to celebrate Easter – the resurrection of Jes<strong>us</strong>. Next week,<br />
we begin Holy Week, marking the end of Lent. Around the world,<br />
Christians will celebrate the Passion of Our Lord this Sunday, the Mass<br />
of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday night, the Veneration of the Cross<br />
on Friday afternoon and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. These<br />
liturgies are deeply moving experiences for those who take part. Jes<strong>us</strong><br />
was falsely charged and unj<strong>us</strong>tly sentenced to a cruel death. He was<br />
betrayed by a friend and deserted by tr<strong>us</strong>ted companions. His<br />
crucifixion was demanded by the very people he sought to serve. He<br />
was nailed to the cross and hastily buried in a tomb. But that is not the<br />
end of the story. Jes<strong>us</strong> rose at Easter. The story reminds <strong>us</strong> that truth<br />
rises over falsity, integrity over inj<strong>us</strong>tice, and<br />
goodness over evil.<br />
We do not know the date of the first Easter,<br />
beca<strong>us</strong>e there is uncertainty about the year<br />
Jes<strong>us</strong> was born and his age when he died.<br />
Some propose 29AD or 32AD. If we could<br />
determine which year he died, then we<br />
could compute the exact date. However, the<br />
formula for calculating the date of Easter<br />
subsequently became more complex. The<br />
Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor<br />
Constantine in 325AD, decided that Easter<br />
would occur on the first Sunday following<br />
the first full moon that occurs after the<br />
vernal equinox in March. The time at which<br />
the ecliptic longitude of the sun is zero,<br />
varies slightly from year to year. To allow<br />
for this, the church authorities determined<br />
that the equinox would be fixed at 21<br />
March, and the full moon would be the one<br />
occurring on the fourteenth day after the<br />
new moon. Tables for Easter were<br />
produced, including a detailed one by<br />
Abbot Dionysi<strong>us</strong> Exigu<strong>us</strong> in 527AD.<br />
The date of Easter can vary by as much as<br />
35 days, <strong>us</strong>ing the Nicaean formula. It can<br />
be as early as 22 March or as late as 25<br />
April. This year it is celebrated on 8 April. Last year, it fell very late<br />
on 24 April and in 2013 it will be celebrated on 31 March. Our<br />
school holidays are factored around these dates. Further, the western<br />
and eastern Christian churches can vary as to when they celebrate<br />
Easter. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches <strong>us</strong>e the<br />
Gregorian calendar to determine the date; while many Orthodox<br />
churches <strong>us</strong>e tables based on the Julian calendar or a modified<br />
Gregorian calendar.<br />
Juli<strong>us</strong> Caesar, with the aid of astronomer Sosigenes, accounted for<br />
inconsistencies in the calendar by adding an extra year every fourth<br />
year and determining the year 46BC to be 445 days long! In 1582,<br />
Pope Gregory XIII reformed the Julian calendar. Experts realised the<br />
year set by Juli<strong>us</strong> was 11 minutes less than 365¼ days. This meant<br />
that, every 128 years, the Julian calendar erred by a day. The Jesuit,<br />
Christoph Clavi<strong>us</strong>, drawing on the research of Aloysi<strong>us</strong> Lili<strong>us</strong>,<br />
proposed a solution: 4 October would be followed by 15 October in<br />
1582, and a leap year assigned in those years divisible by four, except<br />
the century years not divisible by 400. Clavi<strong>us</strong> was a leading thinker<br />
of his era and brought meaning to the study of mathematics.<br />
Significantly, Galileo studied Clavi<strong>us</strong>’ work, corresponded with him<br />
and visited him in Rome in 1587. While the Gregorian calendar has<br />
been modified slightly, the overall structure remains as proposed by<br />
the Jesuit scholar. So accurate were his calculations that it will take<br />
3,500 years before an error of one day is reached.<br />
Last Sunday evening, current and<br />
prospective mentors in the Companions<br />
Programme gathered with trainer David<br />
White to share experiences about<br />
mentoring. The Companions Programme<br />
offers students who may be in need of<br />
additional adult support in their lives, some<br />
constructive role models to provide<br />
guidance and encouragement. Prospective<br />
mentees are identified by a parent or Year<br />
Co-ordinator, who approaches Chris Gould,<br />
Joe El-Khoury or myself. They may be from<br />
families where the father has died, or is<br />
absent due to overseas employment, or<br />
beca<strong>us</strong>e of the complexities of marriage<br />
breakup. We then meet with the student to<br />
talk about the programme and, if they are<br />
interested, we look to match them with a<br />
suitable mentor.<br />
The mentors are alumni of the College who<br />
know our values of care and service. They<br />
commit to social and recreational activities<br />
with their mentee for about two hours a<br />
fortnight. The mentor provides a s<strong>us</strong>tained<br />
presence of a caring adult in the young<br />
person’s life. The structured involvement<br />
and genuine concern of a responsible,<br />
trained volunteer helps develop a formative relationship over time.<br />
The mentor is not a replacement for a parent or other family<br />
member, nor is he a counsellor or teacher, nor is he simply an older<br />
friend. He can be a confidante to help a young person navigate the<br />
everyday challenges of school, society and the community. An<br />
effective mentor needs to be a good listener, patient, tolerant,<br />
flexible, non-judgmental, reliable, consistent, and have a sense of<br />
humour. We are blessed to have an inspiring group of young alumni<br />
who feel passionate about the programme and the opportunity to<br />
make a difference in a young person’s life. As one mentor said “I<br />
have learned so much from the mentee and his family, especially how<br />
important it is to take the time to do things together as a family”.<br />
Peter Hosking SJ
THE PRINCIPAL<br />
Last Friday, I received an email complimenting the school on putting<br />
on The BIG MAKado as a “brave, creative and outstanding m<strong>us</strong>ical<br />
experience”. The word ‘brave’ reminded me of the public servant in Yes<br />
Minister who would discourage Minister Hacker from pursuing a<br />
certain course of action with the opening gambit of saying how<br />
courageo<strong>us</strong> the Minister was being! The adaptation of Gilbert and<br />
Sullivan’s The Mikado into a contemporary A<strong>us</strong>tralian context,<br />
drawing on the traditions of comic opera and cutting satire, to poke<br />
fun at society, politics, sexuality, youth culture – amongst many other<br />
things – carried certain risks in terms of content. It would need to<br />
p<strong>us</strong>h boundaries and risk offence in order to have an impact.<br />
Overwhelmingly, audience response was positive – here was<br />
something different, produced with energy and creativity, and<br />
drawing on all of the talents of the cast and m<strong>us</strong>icians, to produce a<br />
memorable, if somewhat controversial, show. A number of people<br />
were disappointed, or offended, by some of the content, wondering<br />
why a religio<strong>us</strong> school would allow such a thing. There is a legitimate<br />
case to be made, which I respect. I was not always comfortable with<br />
the content, as has been the case with a number of other productions<br />
over the years. I do s<strong>us</strong>pect that if I were always comfortable with<br />
what was on stage, then the creativity, and the freedom that m<strong>us</strong>t<br />
accompany its exercise, would be greatly diminished.<br />
Would I do it again? Yes. There were a couple of parts which, in<br />
retrospect, I may have asked to be re-worked, and I think it would have<br />
been prudent to have advertised parental discretion, especially for those<br />
outside our school community. There has been a long tradition of a<br />
certain irreverence, or p<strong>us</strong>hing of boundaries, in dramatic productions<br />
and m<strong>us</strong>icals at the school. Would it be appropriate for every school? I<br />
s<strong>us</strong>pect not. But in the context of the nature of our student body and<br />
the formation that we seek to provide at Aloysi<strong>us</strong>’, as a school that<br />
values the religio<strong>us</strong>, the academic and the creative, the production<br />
fitted. We seek to encourage our students to question and to challenge,<br />
to explore and to be creative. The production, and criticism of aspects<br />
of it, both are appropriate. I do believe our boys are capable of<br />
distinguishing between performance and the values of the school (and<br />
their own), and of seeing what is being parodied or poked fun at for<br />
what it is, rather than being influenced or shaped by the content. We<br />
do so in the belief that the boys themselves can be discerning in<br />
distinguishing what has validity in terms of a production, and what is<br />
simply crude or shocking, and with a confidence that our faith<br />
tradition, with its long and powerful links to cultural expression, has<br />
little to fear by allowing creativity or questioning.<br />
Generally speaking, I have tried to minimise the exercise of censorship<br />
in areas such as the arts or literature in the school. In disc<strong>us</strong>sing the<br />
Internet and social media, also, my emphasis has been on meeting the<br />
challenges and opportunities provided, rather than foc<strong>us</strong>ing primarily<br />
on control and limits. Where a line is to be drawn, the work should be<br />
judged on its merits and not beca<strong>us</strong>e its author has a particular<br />
viewpoint, or beca<strong>us</strong>e it may contain elements that are at odds with<br />
faith. We would not prevent our m<strong>us</strong>icians from listening to Wagner<br />
on the grounds that he was an anti-Semite and anti-Catholic. Nor can<br />
objections to the subject matter, as such, rule out a book, as much of<br />
human literature could th<strong>us</strong> be banned. Shakespeare’s works contain<br />
much violence, explorations of love beyond the traditional norms and<br />
even themes such as matricide and incest. Is a poet like Wilberforce to<br />
be removed from study beca<strong>us</strong>e the poet was on opium at the time of<br />
writing? Are some artists to be banned beca<strong>us</strong>e they deal with<br />
controversial themes and confronting images?<br />
The Church itself has struggled with finding balance in this area, even<br />
at its heart in Rome. The Church that commissioned Michelangelo’s<br />
extraordinary art, and which showed an appreciation of classical art,<br />
also saw later, more puritanical, Popes consider covering up the<br />
nudity in the Sistine chapel (luckily not done) and the attachment of<br />
fig leaves to statues (which was done).<br />
If a case can be made for artistic merit or educational value by having<br />
something confrontational or challenging – or even disturbing – I<br />
would, as a rule, err on the side of giving permission. We have a boys’<br />
school where Art, M<strong>us</strong>ic, Drama and English are all flourishing at the<br />
moment, in terms of academic results, performance and involvement.<br />
In part, I think this is the result of valuing creativity, tr<strong>us</strong>ting those<br />
with expertise, and being confident in the students themselves. Our<br />
students are not naïve, and I believe they respond well to our tr<strong>us</strong>ting<br />
them to handle the different, the vulgar and the diverse.<br />
I do believe that the success of this approach does also depend on<br />
having confidence in the religio<strong>us</strong> life of the school. On Sunday<br />
morning (the morning after!), one of the production leads was<br />
Eucharistic Minister at a tutor group Mass at the College Oval. There<br />
is no necessary tension between having a liberal or incl<strong>us</strong>ive approach<br />
to creativity and expression, and encouraging a lively religio<strong>us</strong> culture.<br />
Indeed, in our context, there might even be a benefit to promoting<br />
the possibility of faith by holding to a confident and open<br />
commitment to the Gospel without a note of defensiveness or<br />
playing safe. I would argue that for a religio<strong>us</strong> school dealing with<br />
teenagers, especially those interested in art, m<strong>us</strong>ic, drama and culture,<br />
then respecting their freedom does in fact create a climate where the<br />
spiritual can be proposed more easily. Might I be putting my head in<br />
the sand, given the tide of secularism and dropping rates of religio<strong>us</strong><br />
practice amongst Catholics?<br />
There are signs that the vitality found in the arts does indeed resonate<br />
with the religio<strong>us</strong> life of the school. <strong>St</strong> Aloysi<strong>us</strong>’ sent more students to<br />
World Youth Day than any school in A<strong>us</strong>tralia. Our m<strong>us</strong>icians,<br />
including all the leads in the production, regularly contribute to Mass<br />
both here at the school – where they provide magnificent support –<br />
and, in many cases, in their parishes. The Mass is celebrated daily in the<br />
College, and there are nearly forty major liturgies celebrated in the<br />
school year, many of which draw on the same m<strong>us</strong>ical and dramatic<br />
talents that were on display in the m<strong>us</strong>ical. One of last year’s Seniors<br />
won the significant Clancy Prize for Religio<strong>us</strong> Art last week, reflecting<br />
one aspect of the Art programme here at the school. A young Old Boy,<br />
James Dixon (SAC 2004) has j<strong>us</strong>t been awarded a scholarship by the<br />
Royal Academy of M<strong>us</strong>ic in London, where he will specialise in<br />
conducting Sacred Choral m<strong>us</strong>ic. Over one hundred and thirty of our<br />
Senior Year will participate in the four-day Kairos retreats in holiday<br />
time during the year. A number of staff and students undertake the<br />
Retreat in Daily Life, and there is a growing offering of experiences in<br />
Ignatian spirituality for parents. Fourteen of last year’s Year 12<br />
graduates are undertaking service overseas for either six months or a<br />
year in Micronesia and Vietnam. Nearly forty Year 10 and 11 students<br />
go on a three-week immersion in the Philippines and East Timor each<br />
year. The student Ho<strong>us</strong>e leaders, this year, have enth<strong>us</strong>iastically taken<br />
up the challenge of Project Compassion, raising tho<strong>us</strong>ands of dollars<br />
for the Catholic charity. I think there is sufficient evidence to show that<br />
a school culture that values creativity, incl<strong>us</strong>ivity and freedom of<br />
expression, and a religio<strong>us</strong> culture that affirms the spiritual dimension<br />
of the human, and witnesses to the Gospel of the Lord, can and do coexist,<br />
and may actually be a pl<strong>us</strong> for both.<br />
While there has been disc<strong>us</strong>sion and criticism about some of the<br />
content of the production, the effort that went into it and the array of<br />
talent and creativity on display, were readily apparent to all.<br />
Mr Melvyn Morrow (SAC 1959) was the Director of the The BIG<br />
MAKado or Three Little Maids from Schoolies, his own adaptation of The<br />
Mikado. Mr Jeremy Curtin (SAC 2003) was the Producer, assisted by<br />
Mrs Eleanor Koh. Mrs Sia Mastro was the M<strong>us</strong>ical Director of an<br />
orchestra that included students, members of the M<strong>us</strong>ic staff, and<br />
recent Old Boy, Harrison Collins (SAC 2011). The twenty-four piece<br />
orchestra, itself, was an ambitio<strong>us</strong> project for a largely studentcomposed<br />
group, and one that attracted much favourable comment.<br />
A seven-piece rock band also supported the production. Many<br />
parents, led by Mrs Melanie Wright and Mrs Merin Boyd, did a<br />
superb job co-ordinating the costumes for the large cast, with<br />
Mrs Xavier McKenzie looking after Props. We were grateful for the<br />
support of many girls in the cast from Loreto, Monte and Wenona,<br />
and especially the leads, Lucy Parsons, Matilda Longfield, Emmy<br />
Dougall, Sarah McMan<strong>us</strong>, Sarah Levins and Dominica Ingui.<br />
2
Ben McCann (left) & Oliver Gibson<br />
Despite the proximity of exams, there was a strong Year Twelve<br />
presence in the production. Year 12 leads Ben McCann, Dominic<br />
Scarf and Anthony Slaven capped off wonderful personal<br />
contributions to the stage at Aloysi<strong>us</strong>’. Alex Smith, Marc<strong>us</strong> Paxton,<br />
Michael Paton and Joseph Mastrangelo were in the Orchestra,<br />
Patrick Lau was in the male ensemble and Sam Diamant was ever<br />
in control as <strong>St</strong>age Manager.<br />
Other cast leads included Daniel Verschuer (Year 11), Oliver<br />
Gibson (Year 11), Henry Wright (Year 10), Ang<strong>us</strong> Wright<br />
(Year 10), William Boyd (Year 10), and Max Walburn (Year 5).<br />
They were ably supported by a big cast drawn from across all Year<br />
levels in the Senior School.<br />
The ten-man stage crew Max was Walburn led by & Lucy MIC Parsons Josh Edwards (SAC 2010),<br />
assisted by Mr David Clancy, with Sam Diamant (Year 12) as <strong>St</strong>age<br />
Manager and Daniel McCreton (Year 11) as Deputy <strong>St</strong>age Manager.<br />
Ryan Keniry (Year 11) was the Director’s Assistant. Nicholas<br />
Paton (Year 9), fresh from performing at the Opera Ho<strong>us</strong>e, was the<br />
Property Manager. The responsibility that these boys carried so well<br />
did them great credit. It was also an invaluable opportunity for all to<br />
work with highly regarded professionals in these fields.<br />
Anthony Slaven<br />
A production of the size and ambition of The BIG MAKado calls on<br />
the generosity of many, not the least that of the families of those<br />
involved. For the cast and crew, the production undoubtedly<br />
demanded much commitment and time, and this carried some<br />
pressures to balance time and other involvements. There are,<br />
however, a number of significant values for a school in supporting<br />
such productions. There is a unique experience of working together<br />
with students from across different Year levels, with teachers and<br />
with professionals in the field to produce a performance of quality.<br />
Above all, there is the opportunity for both participant and spectator<br />
to rejoice in the creativity and energy of cast and crew in expressing<br />
themselves and putting on a show that brings entertainment, laughter<br />
and enjoyment, and one that provokes thought and critique.<br />
M<strong>us</strong>ic, and in particular m<strong>us</strong>ical theatre, has an intrinsic place in our<br />
school tradition. There is remarkable diversity as well as quality in our<br />
m<strong>us</strong>ic programme, and The BIG MAKado was a reminder of both. It<br />
is perhaps also worth reminding ourselves that modern m<strong>us</strong>ic in all<br />
its forms owes much to the Christian Church, and on the value the<br />
Church placed on m<strong>us</strong>ic throughout its history. Siena Cathedral in<br />
Italy holds the oldest extant m<strong>us</strong>ical score – it was m<strong>us</strong>ic written for<br />
worship. It is hard to appreciate the great classical composers without<br />
acknowledging the great religio<strong>us</strong> m<strong>us</strong>ic that expressed their creativity<br />
(and churches were often the homes of their performances). Nor is it<br />
possible to write the history of rock and roll or jazz or the blues<br />
without examining the great impact of Gospel m<strong>us</strong>ic on these genres.<br />
Churches and cathedrals have traditionally not only been places of<br />
<strong>pray</strong>er and worship; they have been places of human creativity<br />
expressed in art, sculpture, architecture, m<strong>us</strong>ic and the like. There is a<br />
Jesuit church in Germany that is regularly host to exhibitions of<br />
modern art. In Boston, on New Year’s Eve, many of the city’s<br />
churches host free concerts of classical, jazz, folk and contemporary<br />
m<strong>us</strong>ic. The Catholic Church, at its best, has always embraced the arts,<br />
and particularly m<strong>us</strong>ic.<br />
Congratulations to Seb Liell-Cock (Year 7) on receiving an<br />
Achievement Medal for ASCA (A<strong>us</strong>tralian Speech Communication<br />
Association) on Sunday. Seb was one of seven students selected to<br />
perform his memorised extract from Great Expectations, at the awards<br />
ceremony.<br />
Robin Pfister (Year 11) has been playing Queensland on the Pro<br />
Tour Tennis circuit and has j<strong>us</strong>t earned his first ATP point and, as<br />
such, gained a professional ranking in his sport.<br />
A number of boys competed in the Little Ath<strong>let</strong>ics <strong>St</strong>ate final. Alec<br />
Diamond (Year 9) won the U15 disc<strong>us</strong>. Luke Gorman (Year 9)<br />
went close to breaking the 14s 800m record, held by Tom Switzer for<br />
twenty-five years. James McFadden (Year 8) recorded two PBs.<br />
Congratulations to the Tafft brothers on their success in the NSW<br />
Judo Qualifying Tournament. Kiernan Tafft (Year 8) was runner up<br />
in the Senior Boys U40kg and Xavier Tafft (Year 6) won the Junior<br />
Boys U42kg class.<br />
With the Rugby season commencing, it was pleasing to note that the<br />
Super 15 team of the week that is named in the Sydney Morning Herald<br />
included three Old Boys – Tom Kingston (SAC 2009) and Bernard<br />
Foley (SAC 2007) from the Waratahs, and Patrick McCabe<br />
(SAC 2005) from the Brumbies.<br />
Chris Midd<strong>let</strong>on SJ<br />
<strong>Orem<strong>us</strong></strong><br />
<strong>let</strong> <strong>us</strong> <strong>pray</strong><br />
For those who have died:<br />
Robert Hehir, grandfather of Liam Fardy (Year 6)<br />
Ask and you shall receive … knock and the door will<br />
be opened unto you.” (Matt 7:7)<br />
If you would like someone to be <strong>pray</strong>ed for by the College community<br />
(even anonymo<strong>us</strong>ly), please pass the details to the Rector<br />
3
THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL<br />
Parents are now able to access all staff email addresses from Manresa.<br />
Visit the Parent tab and click on <strong>St</strong>aff Contacts (see below) for a list<br />
of all teaching and support staff in the Junior and Senior School.<br />
While we acknowledge email to be a legitimate and effective mode of<br />
communication, there are some protocols that are in force to protect<br />
our staff.<br />
In brief, staff are asked to reply to all forms or modes of<br />
communication as quickly as is reasonably possible. With respect to<br />
teaching staff, due consideration needs to be given to the fact that<br />
teaching and attending to students and supervision takes priority over<br />
all other duties, hence it may not be possible for teaching staff to<br />
reply to messages until a break or the end of the day. One needs also<br />
to take into consideration the nature of the reply requested; while<br />
some conversations require only a short response, for which email is<br />
ideal, some consideration also needs to be given to the time required to<br />
consider a more detailed, measured and appropriate response to a more<br />
complex matter in question. <strong>St</strong>aff are also under no obligation to reply<br />
to messages outside of normal work hours, again, beyond what is<br />
reasonable; hence a message sent at 8.00pm at night should not expect<br />
an immediate response. <strong>St</strong>aff are also advised not to reply to any<br />
messages which <strong>us</strong>e ab<strong>us</strong>ive, threatening or intimidating language and<br />
are asked to report those to me immediately. Finally, with respect to<br />
student contact via email, that too is perfectly legitimate, but students<br />
are asked to <strong>us</strong>e their school-provided email address when contacting<br />
their teachers. Relations between staff, students and parents on the<br />
whole are positive and built on mutual respect.<br />
The prevailing dynamic here is ‘conversation’, which forms good<br />
relationships. Reminders and parameters such as these I hope<br />
enhance and add to those good relations.<br />
Once again this week I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr James<br />
Cathroe and Mrs Therese Cordina from Campion Books. Again, they<br />
thanked <strong>us</strong> for our b<strong>us</strong>iness in preparing our textbooks. <strong>St</strong>atistics for<br />
2012 show that <strong>us</strong>e of the online services to order text continues to<br />
grow, with over 91% of orders from <strong>St</strong> Aloysi<strong>us</strong>’ College made<br />
online. The booksellers handed over a commission cheque for<br />
$18,564.13 as a result of our continued <strong>us</strong>e of their service.<br />
The hot topic in the ind<strong>us</strong>try is the A<strong>us</strong>tralian Curriculum and e-<br />
books. The anticipated commencement of a national curriculum will<br />
see new publications and re-publications over the next few years. We<br />
have been mindful of that, ensuring minimal change immediately prior<br />
to that. To date only about 10% of new curriculum resources are slated<br />
as ‘e-book only’. The more common experience will be for booksellers<br />
such as Campion to provide site licences to schools, hosting these on<br />
their website, and providing students the opportunity to download<br />
resources from there. The other option is ‘e-book subscriptions’ –<br />
single <strong>us</strong>er site licences sold directly to the student, providing full<br />
interactivity. Closer to time, we will be in a better position to assess<br />
what resources and method of delivery will be available for students. I<br />
do continue to urge parents to <strong>us</strong>e the facility provided by Campion to<br />
source textbooks. There are no doubt cheaper third party ways of<br />
finding texts online, new or second hand, but I doubt any can provide<br />
the follow up, service and security offered by Campion.<br />
Notes on 2013 dates: There will be an Easter break from 29 March<br />
(Good Friday) to 1 April (Easter Monday). The last time there was an<br />
Easter Recess was 2005 and 2008 – 2013 follows the same pattern.<br />
Anzac Day is 25 April, the Queen’s birthday holiday is 10 June and<br />
the October Long Weekend occurs on 7 October.<br />
<strong>St</strong>aff days are yet to be determined for Term 1 and Term 4, but<br />
29 April and 15 July will be staff days.<br />
Sam Di Sano (sam.disano@staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au)<br />
4
WHAT’S COMING UP<br />
31 March Year 5 Parent Function<br />
2-5 April Year 12 Examinations<br />
3&4 April Junior School Parent-Teacher Meetings<br />
4 April Year 10 Aloysian Faith in Service Evening<br />
3-5 April Years 7-11 Camps, Activity & Reflection Days<br />
5 April Term 1 concludes<br />
Junior School Easter Paraliturgy<br />
10 April Advance Party to Cadet Camp<br />
11-16 April Cadet Camp<br />
16-18 April Football Camp<br />
16-19 April Kairos Retreat<br />
19&20 April Junior & 13s’ Rugby Clinic<br />
19-21 April Prep 1st, 14s & 15s’ Rugby Camp<br />
19-22 April 16s & Opens’ Rugby Camp<br />
21&22 April HSC Physical Theatre & GDP Workshop<br />
22 April Cadet ANZAC Day Ceremony<br />
24 April Term 2 commences<br />
25 April ANZAC Day (Public holiday)<br />
Cadet ANZAC Day March<br />
29 April Year 7 Mass & Morning Tea<br />
THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL<br />
Next week is Holy Week, a very special time in the Liturgical calendar,<br />
bringing to a close the holy season of Lent and culminating in the most<br />
glorio<strong>us</strong> celebration of the Easter Resurrection. Coincidentally, Term 1<br />
also comes to a close on Holy Thursday, following an Easter<br />
paraliturgy in the Boys’ Chapel, commencing at 2.00pm. This liturgy<br />
should hopefully be the start of many sombre and reflective services<br />
that are on offer at most of our parish churches over the three days<br />
leading up to Easter. We hope that you will be able to participate in<br />
some of these occasions for <strong>pray</strong>er that go hand in hand with the<br />
Easter Eggs and the Easter Bunnies. As it is the final week of Lent next<br />
week, we are asking boys to return the Project Compassion boxes to<br />
school with whatever contribution they are able to make. On 3 April,<br />
boys will be encouraged to observe a ‘fast’ – to the extent that they can.<br />
We are calling this fasting occasion “Famine” day. The fast is not<br />
compulsory but, for those who would like to join in, we will provide a<br />
bread roll (and water) for lunch, for a gold coin donation towards<br />
Project Compassion. Also, you would have received by now tickets for<br />
our annual eastern Raffle. Once again, the proceeds will go to Project<br />
Compassion. There are some very attractive prizes, and the raffle will<br />
be drawn at recess on the last day of term.<br />
On 4 April at 9.00am, we will have our end-of-term assembly in the<br />
Boys’ Chapel. At this assembly, as per our <strong>us</strong>ual practice, five boys<br />
from each of the twelve classes will be presented with a Merit<br />
Certificate in acknowledgement of their consistent application and<br />
constant effort during the past nine b<strong>us</strong>y weeks of curricular and cocurricular<br />
involvement. The following students have been nominated<br />
by their class teachers and we offer our congratulations to them:<br />
Year 3.1 Year 3.2 Year 4.1<br />
Hugh Albert Daniel Rice Charles Newton John<br />
Benjamin Hughes Oliver Brooks Liam McSweeney<br />
Joshua McGillicuddy Zac Newton John Thomas Smelt<br />
Samuel Vincent Charlie Sato Hugo Wicks<br />
Lawrence Wonhas Wil Farrugia Patrick Murray<br />
Year 4.2 Year 5.1 Year 5.2<br />
Luca Antico Marc<strong>us</strong> Firth Felix Scott<br />
Joseph Wallace Samuel Petry Joseph Orlando<br />
Henry Cox Anthony Sahagian Samuel Solichin<br />
Alexander Glase Louis Santopaolo Tobias Brooks<br />
Lachlan Welch Thomas Salier Alec Elhindi<br />
Year 5.3 Year 5.4 Year 6.1<br />
Nicholas Kayik Thomas MacDonnell Ferg<strong>us</strong> Abbott<br />
Luke Ingram William McCarthy Max Marchione<br />
Joel Larsen Daniel McNamara James Armstrong<br />
Jack Marning Nicholas Pilling Joseph Knox<br />
Thomas Henry Thomas Sato Timothy Xenos<br />
Year 6.2 Year 6.3 Year 6.4<br />
Matthew Abram Ang<strong>us</strong> Barry Jasper Hudson<br />
Jacob Manu Luke Bartels Christian Kain<br />
Sebastian Christie Christian Cubelic Thomas Moiso<br />
Declan Thomas Liam Gorman Timothy Fane<br />
Edward Smith James Fernie Brendan Daly<br />
Our congratulations this week go to the following boys who are<br />
celebrating their birthdays this week and the next:<br />
26 March Cameron Ingle<br />
28 March Patrick Chambers<br />
30March Simeon Casey<br />
3 April Alex Harsas<br />
4 April Zac Ienco<br />
6April Max Mazaraki, Daniel Rice, Jem Wells<br />
7April James Armstrong, Franco Pelle, Harry Schmidt<br />
We congratulate Edward Smith and Kieran Dean on their<br />
successful trials for a berth in the CIS AFL team for 2012 held at the<br />
end of last week in Wagga Wagga. Well done to the Transport<br />
Committee, headed by its Prefect Nicholas Moore, on its successful<br />
running of the Ride2School Day last Friday. J<strong>us</strong>t over 100 students<br />
chose to walk, or ride to school on their bicycles, scooters or<br />
skateboards. Congratulations to Xavier Tafft who competed in the<br />
3rd NSW Judo Qualifying Tournament at Nowra on the weekend,<br />
where he won the Junior Boys U42kg Division.<br />
As this is the final news<strong>let</strong>ter for this term, may I take this<br />
opportunity to thank you for your support over these hectic few<br />
weeks, and to wish you and your families a very happy and holy<br />
Easter and a very relaxing break? Boys will return to school on<br />
24 April, to commence Term 2 in their winter uniform.<br />
Martin Lobo<br />
THE DEPUTY HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL<br />
Famine Day: On 3 April, we will be celebrating the end of our<br />
Lenten commitment by having a Mufti Day and Famine day. All boys<br />
in the Junior School will take part by fasting at recess, and eating<br />
rice/bread roll and water for lunch. This will be modified for the<br />
younger classes and for boys not wishing to participate. A note will<br />
go out next week explaining further details. Boys are asked to bring in<br />
a $2 gold coin donation to Project Compassion. Please ensure that all<br />
Project Compassion boxes are back by 4 April. Thank you for your<br />
generosity and continued support of Project Compassion.<br />
Easter Raffle: Each family from Years 3-7<br />
have now received a book of raffle tickets for<br />
our Easter Raffle. The money raised from this<br />
raffle will go to our 2011 Junior School Project<br />
Compassion Appeal for Caritas A<strong>us</strong>tralia.<br />
Tickets are $1.00 each and the raffle will be<br />
drawn at recess on 5 April. Please send money<br />
and tickets back in an envelope by 4 April.<br />
Please label all tickets with your son’s name.<br />
Again, our sincere appreciation is extended to Anderledy Lodge,<br />
<strong>St</strong> Mary McKillop Place, Garfish Restaurants, Flight Centre Kirribilli,<br />
Boo Radely, Mosman, Mrs Melissa M<strong>us</strong>han, Mrs Rose El-Khoury,<br />
Mrs Debby Edwards, Mrs Julianne Little, Mrs Erin Breznik, Thai<br />
F<strong>us</strong>ion, Cool Mac Café, Ray the Butcher, Italian Village and the boys<br />
of the Liturgy Committee for their support and generosity.<br />
Holy Week Paralitury: Holy Week is the most sacred time in our<br />
Church year; the time when we remember Jes<strong>us</strong>’ life, death and<br />
resurrection. We remember what Jes<strong>us</strong> has done for <strong>us</strong> so that we<br />
might live in God’s friendship forever. On 5 April, Fr Chris<br />
Midd<strong>let</strong>on SJ, Year 4.2 and Mr Van Der Meer will lead <strong>us</strong> into the<br />
presence of our sacred Christian story by reflecting on some of the<br />
events of Holy Week. Parents and friends are invited to join <strong>us</strong> at<br />
2.00pm in the Boys Chapel in the Senior School. I would like to take<br />
this opportunity to wish all our families a happy and holy Easter, and<br />
a restful break. I look forward to seeing you in Term 2.<br />
Joe El-Khoury<br />
5
THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE<br />
Olympic Champions: <strong>St</strong> Aloysi<strong>us</strong>’ Old Boys have won three Gold<br />
and one Silver medal at previo<strong>us</strong> Olympics – that we know of. If you<br />
know of any Aloysi<strong>us</strong>’ Old Boys, parents, teachers or members of the<br />
Aloysian family who have not j<strong>us</strong>t won, but represented A<strong>us</strong>tralia or<br />
any other country at the Olympics, please <strong>let</strong> me know. Also, if your<br />
family has a strong relationship with any famo<strong>us</strong> past Olympian or<br />
had any other role linked with the Olympics, please <strong>let</strong> me know.<br />
James Halliday (james.halliday@staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au / 9936 5568)<br />
Development Officer<br />
CURRICULUM NEWS<br />
THE DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM YEARS 3-8<br />
NAPLAN: Last week your son was given a note giving the<br />
information below. Uniform national testing will take place for<br />
students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The dates for these tests are:<br />
15 May Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation and Writing Test<br />
16 May Reading Test<br />
17 May Numeracy Test<br />
Testing is done in the morning <strong>us</strong>ually, and this information can also<br />
be found in the College Diary. In the coming weeks, students will be<br />
given past papers in order to ensure that they are familiar with the<br />
format of the papers.<br />
ICAS Competitions for Years 3-6: <strong>St</strong>udents at <strong>St</strong> Aloysi<strong>us</strong>’ participate<br />
in a number of competitions. A schedule can be found below:<br />
22 May Computer Skills (Year 6) 31 July English (Years 3-6)<br />
6 June Science (Years 3-6) 14 Aug<strong>us</strong>t Mathematics (Years 3-6)<br />
CSIRO Holiday Workshops: The CSIRO conduct holiday<br />
programs with topics such as <strong>St</strong>ream Watch, Sound Workshops, How to be<br />
a Scientist and The Transit of Ven<strong>us</strong>. Full details, including dates and<br />
costs, can be found at www.csiro.au/events/nswhelix.<br />
Suzanne Leahy<br />
CAREERS<br />
Thought for the week: “You’ll never get mixed up if you simply tell<br />
the truth. Then you don’t have to remember what you have said, and<br />
you never forget what you have said.”<br />
Sam Rayburn (1882-1961), American politician who served as Speaker of the US Ho<strong>us</strong>e of<br />
Representatives for 17 years, the longest tenure in US history<br />
If you want to attend something which is advertised in the school<br />
news<strong>let</strong>ter or website or in the newspapers, apply as soon as you see<br />
it – remember, competition for these events is very high across<br />
Sydney. It is a good idea to also put future dates or Open Days (see<br />
the Careers Website on Manresa) into your Diary now, or on your<br />
fridge door at home, so everyone is aware of them.<br />
I strongly recommend that Year 10 students and their parents go<br />
along and hear from the universities about HSC subject choice, their<br />
entry requirements, bon<strong>us</strong> points, etc. The more you know, the more<br />
likely that you make the best decision.<br />
UNSW Year 10 Subject Selection Information Evenings: These<br />
provide excellent information for students who are considering<br />
university study in the future. Information on UNSW’s admission<br />
processes, bon<strong>us</strong> points and degree specific assumed knowledge is<br />
presented, along with comprehensive HSC subject selection<br />
information provided by a Board of <strong>St</strong>udies NSW Liaison Officer.<br />
Additionally, there will be staff from all faculties and scholarship<br />
office. Parking permits are available for UNSW Kensington camp<strong>us</strong>.<br />
Please register ASAP to avoid disappointment. Space at these<br />
evenings is always limited.<br />
Each evening is identical – 9, 15, 16*, 21, 22*, 28* May. Dates marked<br />
with an asterisk are for Network schools only (of which <strong>St</strong> Aloysi<strong>us</strong>’ is<br />
one) and will take place off-camp<strong>us</strong>, eg Wahroonga, Parramatta and<br />
North Sydney. Register via www.network.unsw.edu.au; keyword:<br />
Year 10.<br />
University of Sydney, 6 & 12 June: Help for Year 10 students<br />
choosing their HSC subjects. Bookings will be available at the start of<br />
second term.<br />
INFORMATION RECEIVED THIS WEEK<br />
17 May, 6.00pm: UNSW Faculty of Science invites Year 11 and 12<br />
students and their parents to an Information Evening on Science and<br />
Mathematics in the John Niland Scientia Building. The program will<br />
cover Introducing the Faculty of Science, Science Career<br />
Opportunities, Overview of Science Degrees and <strong>St</strong>udent Life at<br />
UNSW. Guest speaker will be Wilson da Silva, science journalist, editor<br />
and documentary filmmaker. Following the presentation there will be<br />
an opportunity to speak to some current students and academic staff.<br />
Registration is essential. (http://www.science.unsw.edu.au/parentstudent-night-2012/)<br />
28 May, 9.30am-1.00pm: Careers Day at Sydney Children’s<br />
Hospital, Randwick. Cost is a gold coin donation. Excellent<br />
opportunity for students interested in studying medicine to go along<br />
and hear from experts in the health areas. Names of students wishing<br />
to attend are due in before the end of this term, so please see me next<br />
week. For more information contact Tat Garwood (9382 0871).<br />
12 May: Rotary Adventure in Citizenship – an intensive and funfilled<br />
week-long program to help prepare young adults for full<br />
participation as citizens of A<strong>us</strong>tralia. Spend time in Parliament Ho<strong>us</strong>e<br />
and visit Canberra icons. Contact infor@raic.org.au or Colin Homes<br />
(0408 756 120). Applications close 13 April.<br />
Professional Cadetships A<strong>us</strong>tralia: Year 12 students are invited to<br />
apply for a cadetship with UBS. Applications opened 12 March and<br />
close 9 May. (http://www.b<strong>us</strong>inesscadetships.com.au) 2013<br />
Engineering and Technology Cadetship Program will be available soon.<br />
7 & 15 May, 8.45am-3.00pm: Social Work Careers Days to be held<br />
at Westmead Hospital. RSVP to kay.deridder@wsahs.nsw.gov.au or<br />
phone 9845 6699. Cost: $10 per student. A great chance to learn<br />
more about the fields of social work and degree combinations.<br />
23 May, 4.30pm: Chartered Accountants Cadetship Evening at<br />
Sydney Convention Centre.<br />
3 & 4 July (school holidays): Experience UTS Day – there will be a<br />
range of 25 workshops and info sessions across their different course<br />
areas including Law, Medicine, CSI and IT. Registration will open<br />
early June. Contact future.students@uts.edu.au or phone 9514 1711.<br />
(http://datasearch2.uts.edu.au/undergraduate/events/index/cfm)<br />
22 Aug<strong>us</strong>t, 4.30pm: Meet the B<strong>us</strong>iness Leader – For Years<br />
10&11. (www.charteredaccountants.com.au/students)<br />
IMPORTANT DATES FOR HSC CANDIDATES<br />
Applications to sit UMAT on 25 July close early Term 1.<br />
Applications for scholarships in Accounting and Information<br />
Technology at UTS due by end of May. Interviews will be held<br />
during the July vacation.<br />
UAC 2013 Guide will be distributed to all Year 12 students early in<br />
Aug<strong>us</strong>t.<br />
28 September: Closing date for on-time applications for university to<br />
UAC or interstate equivalents. Most scholarship are also due on this<br />
date.<br />
19 December: HSC results released by Board of <strong>St</strong>udies<br />
20 December: ATARs released by UAC<br />
4 January: Last date for change of preferences through UAC for<br />
Main Round offers<br />
16 January: Main Round offers to universities released online by<br />
UAC<br />
For full edition of this week’s Careers Corner, pl<strong>us</strong> other<br />
information, please go to Careers section on Manresa<br />
(http://manresa.staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au/<strong>St</strong>udents/Careers/Sitepages/<br />
Home/aspx). I will be away from the College on long-service leave<br />
during second term.<br />
Deirdre Agnew<br />
Careers Counsellor (deirdre.agnew@staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au)<br />
My <strong>us</strong>ual days at the College are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday<br />
6
KIRCHER LIBRARY<br />
The Gerard Manley Hopkins Reading Challenge for 2012 is now<br />
underway. Requirements for students in Years 7-10: <strong>St</strong>udents are<br />
presented with a list of books and are required to read as follows:<br />
Years 7&8 will select eight books from the thirty in the main body of<br />
the list. They are required to read four of their own choice. They then<br />
have six challenging books graded from bronze to gold to attempt.<br />
Years 9&10 will select six books from the thirty in the main body of<br />
the list. <strong>St</strong>udents are required to read six of their own choice. They then<br />
have six challenging books graded from bronze to gold to attempt.<br />
Certificates: <strong>St</strong>udents who read from the main body of the list pl<strong>us</strong><br />
their own choices will receive the Gerard Manley Hopkins Award.<br />
<strong>St</strong>udents who read to bronze and silver level will receive the Cervantes<br />
and Molière awards. <strong>St</strong>udents who comp<strong>let</strong>e all these requirements will<br />
be awarded a gold certificate, the James Joyce Award.<br />
Reading lists: Reading lists for Years 7&8 are designed to encourage<br />
wide reading. Lists for Years 9&10 support the thematic study for<br />
their year and introduce them to texts, which will be <strong>us</strong>eful for their<br />
English studies in Years 11&12. Find the lists on Manresa at<br />
http://manresa.staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au/Library/librarysearch/SitePage<br />
s/Home.aspx.<br />
Please help your son by: Talking to him about your favourite books,<br />
your current reading material or the books you enjoyed at his age.<br />
Suggesting he makes a regular time to read for at least half an hour.<br />
Suggesting he visits the local library or bookshop for any titles that he<br />
finds difficult to obtain. Planning his time to so that his goal is<br />
achievable. More information will follow from your son’s English<br />
teacher. Please contact me if you need any assistance.<br />
Serena Ahern (serena.ahern@staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au)<br />
Head of Library Services<br />
MARY MACKILLOP LIBRARY<br />
Library books are generally borrowed for a period of two weeks.<br />
Please could you check with your sons that their books are rotating<br />
on this basis? If your son wishes to extend the loan period on his<br />
(overdue) books, this can be done from home by logging on to the<br />
school website and clicking the Mary MacKillop Library site. By<br />
entering his name and password your son can renew, search and<br />
research and put a hold on a book/s. If the book is available<br />
immediately, he will need to note the call number (ie F CAB or 325.4<br />
DON) and find it on the shelf anytime the library is open. If the<br />
book is currently ‘out’ putting it on hold will mean it is reserved for<br />
him on its return.<br />
Next week I will be sending out a list of overdue/lost books before<br />
the holiday borrowing can take place. Any book overdue for a<br />
considerable period of time will be considered ‘lost’, and the<br />
replacement cost will be need to applied to the borrower (patron).<br />
Some boys, after a thorough search at home, occasionally find their<br />
book on the library shelf. This is a bon<strong>us</strong> for all concerned and earns<br />
them two merit points for persevering in search of the missing article.<br />
This week a number of ‘keen’ writers from Year 5 will be involved in<br />
a poetry workshop with Loreto. We aim to spend the day exploring<br />
and enjoying different kinds of poetry, and composing some<br />
‘inspired’ works of literature which we hope will be good enough to<br />
enter into the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards. The theme for the<br />
day is Wheels and Wings and Marvello<strong>us</strong> Things. If you would like more<br />
information, please log onto the Dorothea Mackellar website.<br />
Caroline Byrne<br />
Teacher Librarian<br />
MATHS CHALLENGE CORNER<br />
Last week’s solution:<br />
A = 1 B = 0 C = 8 D = 9<br />
Explanation: 9 times A is a single digit D, so A m<strong>us</strong>t be 1 and D<br />
m<strong>us</strong>t be 9. Thinking in a similar way gives the value of B and C.<br />
This week’s puzzle:<br />
×<br />
1 0 8<br />
×<br />
9 8 0 1<br />
Suppose you have cards with the digits from 0 to 9,<br />
one card for each digit.<br />
Comp<strong>let</strong>e the following calculation <strong>us</strong>ing all of the<br />
cards.<br />
+<br />
This week’s solution will appear in the first Gonzagan in Term 2.<br />
The Maths Department wishes the Aloysian community a safe and<br />
happy Easter break.<br />
<strong>St</strong>ella Robinson<br />
Head of Mathematics<br />
THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY<br />
THE PARENTS’ & FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION<br />
We are coming up to the end of what has been a very b<strong>us</strong>y first term,<br />
and I am sure you are looking forward to a happy Easter break and<br />
holiday. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all those parents<br />
who have assisted in promoting the “fun” raising activities we have<br />
sought to bring you so far this year – in particular in attending or<br />
assisting with the Commencement Party, along with other events that<br />
have been held across the vario<strong>us</strong> year groups.<br />
There are a few things coming up that we wanted to bring to your<br />
attention. The SAC Solo Group organises a number of friendly,<br />
welcoming social functions and would love to welcome more people,<br />
men or women who would like to join what is a very important<br />
parent support network for single parents. If you are interested,<br />
please don’t hesitate to contact Louise Kelly via<br />
PandF@staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au.<br />
The Ordination of a Priest does not occur often, and we are<br />
honoured and delighted that David Braithwaite, a very popular<br />
Scholastic who was at Aloys for a number of years, will be ordained<br />
in the Chapel on 21 April, with his first Mass being held the<br />
following morning. This is something for <strong>us</strong> as a parent body to<br />
celebrate and, as a gesture of congratulations and support for David,<br />
the P&F will be hosting a morning tea after the Mass on Sunday. If<br />
you are planning to attend either or both of these special ceremonies,<br />
you are asked to reply <strong>us</strong>ing the TryBooking service (see<br />
advertisements in this and previo<strong>us</strong> issues of The Gonzagan).<br />
We are delighted to be hosting the Annual Mothers’ Day Dinner on<br />
3 May. A copy of the invitation appears in this week’s Gonzagan, with<br />
9<br />
9<br />
9<br />
7
details on the event. Our keynote speaker and special guest will be<br />
Dr Christobel Llewellyn, who is a parent in the College and also an<br />
accomplished m<strong>us</strong>ician, who has been recognised for her extensive<br />
research on the benefits of m<strong>us</strong>ic to the development of the brain.<br />
This promises to be another wonderful evening, so please book early<br />
as the numbers are strictly limited.<br />
Details on all of these and other parent activities can be found at<br />
http://www.staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au/associations/pnf/default.asp.<br />
Something to ponder from the famo<strong>us</strong> French mathematician,<br />
scientist and philosopher, Rene Descartes: “It’s not enough to have a good<br />
mind. The main thing is to <strong>us</strong>e it well.”<br />
Regards, Bryan Jenkins<br />
President<br />
DIARY DATES<br />
The following functions are scheduled early in Term 2:<br />
3 May Mothers’ Day Dinner: 7.00pm [Foyer]<br />
5 May Year 10 Parent Function: 7.00pm [Juana Mateo Room]<br />
20 May Mother & Son Mass and Morning Tea: 10.00am [Boys’<br />
Chapel & Canisi<strong>us</strong> Room]<br />
26 May Year 8 Parent Function: 7.00pm [College Oval]<br />
CONTACT DETAILS<br />
Chairman Phillip Cornwell 0414 223 765<br />
President Bryan Jenkins 0414 355 255<br />
Vice-President Merin Boyd 0419 969 111<br />
Vice-President/Pastoral Care Michael Morgan 0419 679 591<br />
Secretaries Ann & Alex Paton 0412 250 551<br />
Assistant Secretary Jacqui <strong>St</strong>ene 0408 969 766<br />
Treasurers Cate & Greg R<strong>us</strong>sell 0405 100 463<br />
Assistant Treasurers Marie and Chris D’Cruz 0413 255 400<br />
Logistics Co-ordinator (JS) Jo Marchione 0488 230 198<br />
Logistics Co-ordinator (SS) Catherine Verschuer 0404 050 673<br />
Oval Canteen Co-ordinator Bruno Moscaritolo 0414 365 511<br />
Prayer Group Co-ordinator Edwin Lapitan 0410 463 517<br />
PROJECT GREEN – EARTH HOUR<br />
Attention – Year 11 parents: Senior blazers, which are needed in<br />
Terms 2&3, are available in sizes 15 to 26. Please ask your son to<br />
come in to purchase his blazer if you are unable to accompany him.<br />
If you’re not satisfied with sizing, you are welcome to exchange, as<br />
long as the garment is in its original condition.<br />
Embroidery of Colours: For those boys who have been awarded<br />
Colours, please bring in your blazer, with forms, on the last Tuesday<br />
of the month during school term. An extra collection day before the<br />
Winter uniform requirement will be 3 April. For those who<br />
submitted their blazer for colours embroidery on or before 20 March,<br />
these will be available for pick up in the last week of term. Any<br />
blazers handed in thereafter will be ready on the first day back in<br />
Term 2 (24 April).<br />
Trading Hours in April:<br />
2, 3, 4 & 5 April: 8.00am-4.00pm<br />
Term break: 20 April: 9.00am-3.00pm; 23 April: 8.00am-3.00pm<br />
24, 26, 27 April: 8.00am-3.30pm<br />
Normal trading hours recommence on 1 May: 8.00am-3.00pm<br />
Delivery to Junior School: Orders can be made by email, phone<br />
(from 9.00-11:30am) or leaving a message on our answering machine.<br />
Items will be delivered to the Reception at Junior School for collection<br />
before lunch. Please inform your son to collect from Reception.<br />
Bob <strong>St</strong>ewart Credit Accounts: I urge that, if you have not yet<br />
opened a Credit Account with Bob <strong>St</strong>ewart, kindly please do so; as it<br />
helps to process transactions much faster and gets the boys back to<br />
their classes. For more information, please go on to the College<br />
website, under Uniform Shop, to download the form. If you do not<br />
wish to open a Credit Account, please obtain a form of payment for<br />
your son to make a purchase.<br />
* If you would like to send your son to the shop for a uniform<br />
purchase, we are happy to fit him for your convenience. We accept<br />
cash, cheques (payable to “Bob <strong>St</strong>ewart Pty Ltd”), credit cards,<br />
EFTPOS or Bob <strong>St</strong>ewart Credit Account.*<br />
Irene Lau<br />
Supervisor (staloysi<strong>us</strong>@bobstewart.com.au /9955 4193)<br />
CO-CURRICULAR NEWS<br />
Earth Hour is scheduled for 8.30pm on<br />
31 March. At that time people around the world<br />
switch off their lights to signal their care for the<br />
planet. It is a small symbol each year to remind<br />
<strong>us</strong> to reduce our energy <strong>us</strong>e and to work<br />
together for a more s<strong>us</strong>tainable future. Here at<br />
<strong>St</strong> Aloysi<strong>us</strong>’, the Junior School, on 30 March<br />
will turn off lights, computers and other<br />
electronic devices, from recess to 3.00pm.<br />
THE SENIOR SCHOOL CANTEEN<br />
The following parents have kindly offered their services in the Senior<br />
School Canteen for the week commencing 2 April:<br />
Monday Leigh Carroll, Doreen David, Louise Kelly, Sue<br />
Neely, Joanne Perry<br />
Tuesday to Thursday: Camps & retreats<br />
Nadia Lorenzutta<br />
Canteen Manager<br />
THE UNIFORM SHOP<br />
The Uniform Shop operates Tuesday and Friday from 8.00am to<br />
3.00pm during school term.<br />
The Winter uniform for Terms 2&3 is now available.<br />
New sublimated Rugby jersey now available for U9, U11, U13 and<br />
U15, at the cost of $89.95.<br />
THE DIRECTOR OF CO-CURRICULA<br />
The BIG MAKado has come and gone, and it was a thoroughly<br />
entertaining production. There was plenty of action and song, and it<br />
was apparent that all cast really enjoyed performing on stage.<br />
Individually, Ben McCann, Dominic Scarf, Anthony Slaven, Oliver<br />
Gibson, Henry Wright, Ang<strong>us</strong> Wright and William Boyd were superb<br />
in their roles. May I take this opportunity to thank everyone involved<br />
in the m<strong>us</strong>ical, including Director Melvyn Morrow and M<strong>us</strong>ic staff<br />
Sia Mastro, Lindy Montgomery, Jeremy Curtin, Eleanor Koh, Chris<br />
Oxley and orchestra, and other staff working behind the scenes,<br />
including David Clancy, Simon Turner, Peter Gough and Xavier<br />
McKenzie; and, of course, all other parents who were crucial to the<br />
m<strong>us</strong>ical’s success.<br />
The College played the Cranbrook School in unofficial rugby and<br />
football trials last Saturday. Unfortunately, we could only play them at<br />
1sts, 2nds, A and B level in all grades due to oval availability.<br />
In rugby, it was evident – especially in the younger age groups – that<br />
Cranbrook had done much off-season work with their players. They<br />
were too strong in the 13s, 14s and 16s. However, it is only early<br />
days, and we are still grading our teams and attempting to trial as<br />
many boys as possible. The 1sts had a strong 24-10 win, scoring four<br />
tries to two. Experienced players from last year’s 1sts stood out,<br />
including Alex Perkins, Mitch Wood, Luke Vevers and Dylan<br />
Goodearl. The 2nds lost 5-12, but little separated both teams. The<br />
15As had a close but impressive victory.<br />
Whilst on rugby, it was great to see two Old Boys figure significantly<br />
in the NSW Waratahs’ win over the Sharks on the weekend. Tom<br />
Kingston (SAC 2009) scored the winning try and played solidly<br />
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throughout, as did fullback Bernard Foley (SAC 2007). Patrick<br />
McCabe (SAC 2005) also played a prominent part in the Brumbies’<br />
win on the weekend, too. All three players were picked in the<br />
A<strong>us</strong>tralian Super 15 Team of the Week by Sun Herald Rugby<br />
journalist, Greg Growden.<br />
Honours in football were shared between both schools. The 1sts had<br />
an impressive 2-0 win at Dangar. Tom Craven, in his return to<br />
football, scored one of the goals. Others who impressed included<br />
John O’Toole, who was a constant threat in attack, and Will Morgan<br />
and Ben Rowbotham, who played solidly. Well done to other winning<br />
teams, including the 8Bs (6-0) and 7As (4-2). Year 8 student Kiernan<br />
Casey scored three goals in the 8B victory. The 2nds, 10Bs and 9Bs<br />
drew their matches.<br />
In ath<strong>let</strong>ics news, Alec Diamond won the U15 Little Ath<strong>let</strong>ics <strong>St</strong>ate<br />
Championships disc<strong>us</strong> event with a throw j<strong>us</strong>t short of the record he<br />
set last week. Luke Gorman, in the 14s, went close to breaking Tom<br />
Switzer’s 25-year-old College record in the 800 metres. James<br />
McFadden (Year 8) did two personals bests in the 400 metre and 800<br />
metre events.<br />
This weekend, there will be no rugby trainings on Saturday due to the<br />
Smart Rugby Course, which coaches need to attend. Football<br />
trainings are on as scheduled in the pre-season training timetable. Tae<br />
Kwon Do is in the gym at 8.30am. Monday trainings will be on as<br />
normal, but no other trainings will be held later in the week due to<br />
retreats and Year 12 exams.<br />
Saturday Details<br />
Rugby<br />
Smart Rugby Course (coaches only): 8.00-11.00am [College Oval]<br />
No trainings for any rugby teams<br />
Football<br />
All trainings at the College Oval: Year 10 8.00-9.30am<br />
Opens 9.30-11.00am<br />
Year 9 11.00am-12.30pm<br />
Year 8 12.30-2.00pm<br />
Year 7<br />
2.00-3.30pm<br />
Normal Tuesday trainings will resume on the first day back in Term 2<br />
(24 April). The training schedules for all rugby, football and tennis<br />
players in Term 2 appear later in this news<strong>let</strong>ter.<br />
Paul Rowland<br />
THE JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTSMASTER<br />
CIS Swimming: On 22 March, three boys from the Junior School<br />
Swim Team represented IPSHA at the CIS swimming carnival. It was<br />
a great day and the boys all swam well. Antonio Perez competed in<br />
the 50m Breaststroke and came 2nd in his heat with a time of 42.96<br />
and then improved this time to come 5th in the final with 41.53.<br />
Darcy Hampton swam in the 50m Backstroke and swam 39.29 in the<br />
heat, and also improved his time in the final to finish equal 9th with<br />
39.01. He also swam in the 50m Butterfly, coming 2nd in his heat<br />
with 35.47, and in the final he finished 7th with a 35.52. Thomas<br />
Gillis swam the 100m Freestyle, which was a timed final, and came<br />
second in his heat with 1.08.30 which gave him 6th place overall.<br />
Congratulations to these boys who represented the school so well.<br />
I would also like to say well done to all the boys in the Junior School<br />
Swimming Team this year. Everyone swam really well and, as a<br />
Captain, I was really proud of everyone, especially winning the<br />
Brothers’ School Carnival. Thank you to Miss Agnew who was MIC<br />
of swimming and was a fantastic support to all the boys during all the<br />
carnivals. – Thomas Gillis, Captain of Swimming<br />
AFL CIS Trial: On 23 March, Edward Smith and I went to Wagga<br />
Wagga to trial for the AFL CIS team. When we turned up to the<br />
park, after doing a six-hour drive the night before, the selectors<br />
needed to make sure that all of the 51 boys had turned up to the trial.<br />
They then sorted <strong>us</strong> into three teams of 17, making sure we got the<br />
right jerseys that they gave <strong>us</strong> and made sure that they recorded all<br />
the numbers of all the players. We then went into some mini drills,<br />
testing <strong>us</strong> on our handballing, kicking and talking (as in calling for the<br />
ball). When that took about 30 minutes, we stopped the drills and<br />
went straight into games. They had one team off each time while the<br />
other two teams played. They mixed <strong>us</strong> around in all positions and<br />
made sure that we gave it everything. It was all we did for three hours<br />
and took away most of the trial time. In between, we also got to have<br />
snacks and lunch. Right at the end, both Aloys’ boys were picked, as<br />
well as the rest of the team, to go to a four-day carnival in Griffith<br />
later this year in May. We had to stay at the ground for a bit longer to<br />
try on our gear and record the sizes of ourselves, so we can order<br />
them before the trip. Well done to both boys for getting into the CIS<br />
AFL team for 2012! – Kieran Dean (Year 6)<br />
NSW Little Ath<strong>let</strong>ics Championships: On Friday and Saturday at<br />
Homeb<strong>us</strong>h, we had several boys from the Junior School participate at<br />
these championships. Felix Scott from 5.2 ran in the 400m (12th<br />
overall) and on Saturday morning ran the heats of 800m, placing 2nd<br />
and coming 2nd in the finals. Jack McFadden from 5.4 also competed<br />
at this carnival and ran the 60m hurdles, placing 3rd in the final; also<br />
running the 800m finals, placing 6th. In field events, Jack came 3rd in<br />
disc<strong>us</strong> and 1st in shot put. Liam and Kieran Gorman ran in 1500m and<br />
800m respectively, with Liam placing 9th in the 1500m and 6th in the<br />
800m, and Kieran placing 7th in the 1500m. Congratulations to all.<br />
Term 1 & 2 Dates:<br />
31 March – IPSHA Cross Country [Kings School North Parramatta]:<br />
The following boys are involved. Good luck to all participating.<br />
Age Group: 8/9 Years Age Group: 10 Years<br />
Team 1 Oliver Brooks Team 1 Kieran Gorman<br />
2 Jack Callanan 2 Lachlan Roughley<br />
3 Marc<strong>us</strong> Spano 3 Xavier Branagan<br />
4 Hugo Wicks 4 Harry Rudd<br />
5 Joaquin Cipriano 5 Leon Rebecchi<br />
6 Francis Dunkin 6 Finn O’Loan<br />
7 Josh Arnolda 7 Luca Antico<br />
8 Felix O Brie 8 Emmett Murphy<br />
9 Louis Pribola 9 Ang<strong>us</strong> Murray<br />
10 Kalan McEvoy 10 Charlie Newton John<br />
Age Group: 11 Years Age Group: 12 Years<br />
Team 1 Felix Scott Team 1 Liam Gorman<br />
2 Jack McFadden 2 Tom Gillis<br />
3 Daniel Rasm<strong>us</strong>sen 3 Tallon Zahra<br />
4 Rory O Shea 4 Miles Branagan<br />
5 Sam Potter 5 Darcy Hampton<br />
6 Xavier Menzies 6 Luke Ryan<br />
7 Thomas McDonnell 7 Declan Thomas<br />
8 Corey Grace 8 Luis Esteban<br />
9 Ben Pollack 9 Nick Moore<br />
10 John Macken 10 Flynn Jowitt<br />
Team lists will be displayed on the noticeboard on 2 April. You may<br />
now purchase your winter sports uniform. Movement between teams<br />
is expected once the season commences.<br />
School Holiday Dates<br />
16-18 April, 9.00am-1.00pm: Football Camp at College Oval.<br />
Information and registration forms still available at front desk.<br />
19-21 April: Prep Rugby tour to AIS Canberra.<br />
Term 2 Dates<br />
Week beginning 23 April: Mid-week training sessions for all teams<br />
in both Rugby and Football commences.<br />
28 April: Round 1 Winter Sport<br />
29 May: Junior School Ath<strong>let</strong>ics Carnival at SOPAC Homeb<strong>us</strong>h<br />
(please note change in date and venue).<br />
Trevor Dunne<br />
JUNIOR SCHOOL DEBATING<br />
It was great to see so many boys and parents last Friday evening at<br />
our debate against Abbotsleigh. Congratulation to both the teams on<br />
their win! Thank you to Maria Santopaolo, Rebekah Dorter and<br />
Karen Maughan for co-ordinating the transport in the horrendo<strong>us</strong><br />
traffic last Friday night to Abbotsleigh.<br />
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All boys this week will be attending the Friday workshop from 3.15-<br />
5.30pm. They have all been allocated a role to prepare for the mock<br />
Debate on Thursday. Good luck to all the boys debating this week<br />
against <strong>St</strong> Aug<strong>us</strong>tine’s. As this is a home debate, can I ask parents to<br />
bring in sweet and savoury plates for supper, and to help set it up and<br />
serve it to our visitors. Jo Marchione has kindly offered to co-ordinate<br />
this week’s supper.<br />
A TEAM<br />
B TEAM<br />
1st Jacob Manu 1st Chris Curulli<br />
2nd Alexander Di Sano 2nd Thomas Verscheur<br />
3rd Max Marchione 3rd Dylan Ferg<strong>us</strong>on<br />
4th Edward Whittingham 4th Sam Davis<br />
Chairperson: Harry Lidbetter Chairperson: Louis Santopaolo<br />
Timekeeper: Patrick Dixon Timekeeper: Finn Crawford<br />
Feedback: Rest of team Feedback: Rest of team<br />
Joe El-Khoury<br />
Debating Co-ordinator<br />
The Sydney FC Cup is a new competition for the U15s. We were<br />
fortunate to be invited to participate by interim Sydney FC CEO,<br />
Mr <strong>St</strong>efan Kamasz. We hope the experience gained by our Year 9<br />
squad will assist their preparation for the CAS season ahead. The<br />
one-day tournament will be held at The Kings School on 23 April.<br />
<strong>St</strong>aff Contacts (reprinted): It is important that parents<br />
communicate with the College in the event of their son’s absence<br />
from training. To facilitate this, <strong>St</strong>aff Managers are allocated to each<br />
year group as the first point of contact. It would be expected that any<br />
absence from training would be communicated to the appropriate<br />
<strong>St</strong>aff Manager.<br />
Year 7 Mr Saltos (Chris.Saltos@staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au)<br />
Year 8 Mr Portelli (Michael.Portelli@staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au)<br />
Year 9 Ms Aronson (Lisa.Aronson@staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au)<br />
Year 10 Mr Schneider (G.Schneider@staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au)<br />
3rds-5ths Mr Shanley (Brian.Shanley@staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au)<br />
1sts-2nds Mr Bentley (Matthew.Bentley@staloysi<strong>us</strong>.nsw.edu.au)<br />
Antony Sindone<br />
MIC<br />
FOOTBALL<br />
PUBLIC SPEAKING<br />
vir eloquens<br />
Cranbrook fixtures: As reported earlier in<br />
The Gonzagan, Football ‘spoils’ were shared between<br />
Cranbrook and ourselves last Saturday, with three<br />
wins and four draws among the fixtures played. The<br />
First XI and 7As had solid wins, while the 8Bs were<br />
the most dominant team on the day, with a 6-0 win.<br />
Well done to Kieran Casey for the first ‘hat trick’ of the season.<br />
Holiday Football Clinic: Thanks to all those families who<br />
submitted their forms by 23 March. There are, however, still<br />
vacancies if boys are interested in attending. The deadline has been<br />
extended to 2 April.<br />
Team selection: Parents are understandably concerned about their<br />
son’s team selection. At this early stage, I would ask parents to avoid<br />
placing undue pressure on coaching staff regarding their son’s team<br />
selection. Players can, and will, move up and down throughout the<br />
season. Age Co-ordinators in Years 7-10 will watch all games across<br />
an age group each Saturday, with a view to placing boys in their<br />
appropriate team. Please allow the trial process to ‘play-out’ as it<br />
should.<br />
Training Gear: A reminder that the following training gear is to be<br />
worn by all players in Years 7-10.<br />
College Polo (Royal blue/gold) – This is the same polo players have<br />
been required to purchase for Summer co-curricula (NOT playing<br />
jersey)<br />
Navy (College-crested) football shorts or blue PE shorts, SAC<br />
Football socks (royal blue) or other blue socks, shin pads, football<br />
boots (bring runners to all training sessions) and College tracksuit.<br />
Game day: The clear expectation is that boys will wear the<br />
designated playing strip on game day. The official College Tracksuit is<br />
the only additional item to be worn. NO OTHER apparel is<br />
permitted. Senior School coaches and managers will ask your son to<br />
remove any items worn (including SAC apparel belonging to other<br />
sports, or Football tours). Please ensure that your son is appropriately<br />
attired with the playing strip and College track suit ONLY. Boys<br />
wishing to watch Opens games at the College Oval are similarly<br />
reminded that playing strip/tracksuit or full winter College uniform<br />
are the only items to be worn. Boys who participated in the 2010<br />
European Football tour are once again reminded that Tour apparel is<br />
not to be worn.<br />
<strong>St</strong> Andrew’s Cup and Sydney FC Cup: In addition to the Football<br />
clinic, a number of other football activities will be taking place. The<br />
first of these is the <strong>St</strong> Andrew’s Cup. Although hosted by Oakhill<br />
College, the round robin competition for Opens teams (18&19 April)<br />
is organised by <strong>St</strong> Andrew’s College. We last won this Cup in 2005<br />
and look forward to competing strongly in this year’s competition.<br />
Coaching: will cease for Magis Term and resume in Gonzaga Term<br />
(Week 2), on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3.30-5.00pm in The<br />
Bellarmino.<br />
Congratulations to Jonathan Parker (Year XII) for securing Third<br />
Place in the Grand Finals of the Catholic Schools’ Debating<br />
Association Grand Finals (see www.csda.nsw.edu.au for details).<br />
Rostrum Voice of Youth: Congratulations to Jonathon Parker who<br />
has been selected to speak at the Regional Final (see<br />
nswvoy@rostrum.com.au for details).<br />
Trinity Grammar School 13th Invitational Senior Oratory<br />
Competition: Congratulations to John Lewis (Year X) for securing<br />
Second Place.<br />
SMH Plain English Speaking Competition: Benjamin Jackson &<br />
Jonathon Parker will represent the College (see<br />
www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au for details).<br />
Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award: Tristan Kennedy & John<br />
Lewis will represent the College (see www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au for<br />
details).<br />
Magar Etmekdjian<br />
MUSIC<br />
The 2012 Fr Christopher Willcock SJ<br />
Instrumental and Vocal Competition will be<br />
held on 12 September. Entries are now open<br />
for this competition, and entry forms and<br />
information are available on Manresa and from the M<strong>us</strong>ic office. An<br />
entry form can also be found later in this issue.<br />
Lindy Montgomery<br />
Head of M<strong>us</strong>ic<br />
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ORDINATION & FIRST MASS OF DAVID BRAITHWAITE SJ<br />
The Rector & Community of Jesuit Theological College invite all members of the Aloysian Community – including present and past boys, their<br />
families, and staff – to the Ordination to the Priesthood of David Braithwaite SJ by Most Reverend Gregory O’Kelly SJ in The Boys’ Chapel of<br />
<strong>St</strong> Aloysi<strong>us</strong>’ College on Saturday, 21 April 2012 at 4.00pm, to be followed by light refreshments.<br />
RSVP: By 10 April via www.trybooking.com/BGLN. Enquiries: Danielle Mann (dmann@jtc.edu.au or 03 9341 5800)<br />
An invitation is also extended to attend David’s First Mass, to be celebrated in The Boys’ Chapel on Sunday, 22 April at 10.00am, to be<br />
followed by morning tea.<br />
RSVP: By 10 April via www.trybooking.com/BGLO. Enquiries: Danielle Mann (dmann@jtc.edu.au or 03 9341 5800)<br />
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