PRINCIPAL - Academy of Mary Immaculate

Issue 9/2012 28 th June 2012LIFE IS YOUR GIFTCreator God, Life is your gift to us.Through Baptism, you invite us to share the gift of our lives in service to others.Be with us as we choose each day to show your Presence in our world.Give us the courage and generosity to respond to your love, to your call.We pray especially for the Academy of Mary Immaculate community.May we bear the “Good News” to those in need. Keep us close to you.Open the minds and hearts of our students that they may accept yourchallenge to build the Kingdom in our community and our world.For if not us, who?If not here, where?If not now, when?If not for your Kingdom, why?We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.AmenPRINCIPALDear Members of the Academy Community,We come to the end of a very busy term—a term in which much has been achieved. Next week Semester 1Reports will be posted and parents are encouraged to read these reports very carefully and to discuss thecontents with your daughter. There will be an opportunity at the Parent Teacher Interviews in Term 3 todiscuss your daughter’s progress.Term 2 saw the involvement of students in numerous activities—Community Action Week, the Seeds ofJustice Conference, Debating Competitions, Reflection Days, the Musical “Guys and Dolls”, Year 7 and 9NAPLAN Testing, Year 9 to 12 Examinations, and a myriad of sporting activities—just to mention a few. It iswonderful to see the enthusiasm with which students involve themselves so wholeheartedly in Collegeactivities.Last week, as a way of providing balance in their very busy school lives, the SRC organized a “CelebrationWeek” reflecting the theme for the year “Believe, Act, Celebrate”.Among the highlights of the week were: a Staff v Student netball game, a lunchtime concert, a gelati truckand a lunchtime disco. One aspect of the week that was particularly meaningful involved the SRC membersasking their fellow students the question “what makes you happy at the Academy?” Some of the answerswere highlighted in Tess Roberts’ speech at our College Assembly yesterday. The students provided a myriadof responses – friends, sport, food, each other ……A recent article by Lindy Chamberlain also talked about achieving happiness in life and the necessity offorgiveness in order to achieve happiness. The full article can be found in Aurora an online publication but Iquote in part:“I am often asked why I am not angry and bitter about what has happened in my life. This is the way Ilook at it.Academy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

Mother Teresa is reported to have had these words on her wall “People are often unreasonable,illogical and self-centred: forgive them anyway.” If we have faith in God and in ourselves, nothingcan permanently affect us. Resentment, hatred, anger and emotional hurt can all be justified at times.However, the cost of not forgiving is far too high. Bemoaning what we don’t have, or what we want tochange, means we can’t enjoy fully what we do have.No matter how much we read or are told that we need to forgive, it is simply academic, and is of littleuse unless we know how to go about it, and are ready to do so. We hold on to the past unless wecan see something better in the future.When we are still hurt and angry over what has happened to us, we tend to use anger as a suit ofarmour to shield ourselves from the possibility of any further real or imagined hurt. Eleanor Rooseveltwrote “Anger is only one letter short of Danger”.Pain in life is inevitable, misery is optional. Mental health specialists point out that, barring a clinicalillness, 90% of the way you feel is determined by how you want to feel and how you expect to feel.It is not what happens to you that determines how far you go in life, it is what you do with whathappens to you. So, if you are going through hell, don’t stay there.Happiness is not a reward, it is a consequence. If we want to be happy we need to forgive.”You may wish to visit www.lindychamberlain.com.Congratulations to our six Students of the Term! The profile of each student can be found later in theNewsletter.As this term draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff and students of the Academyfor all their efforts this term and to thank parents for their support.With best wishes - may the holidays be a time of relaxation and rejuvenation and happiness.Sr Mary Moloney rsmPrincipalDEPUTY PRINCIPALUpcoming dates - Term 3Monday, July 16thStaff Professional Development Day – no classes.Tuesday, July 17thClasses commence for all students (Day 7 of the Timetable).Monday, August 6th Parent / Teacher Interviews for Years 11 & 12.Thursday, August 30th Parent / Teacher Interviews for Years 7 to 10.Parent /Teacher InterviewsA letter detailing the arrangements for the Parent/Teacher Interviews including the procedures for accessingthe on-line booking system (PTO) will be sent home in the second week of Term 3 (week of 23 rd July).Winter UniformAt this week’s College Assembly, students were reminded about the correct wearing of the Winter Uniform.The Uniform requirements are clearly outlined in your daughter’s Student Planner and there should be noreason for any student to claim that “I did not realise that the item of clothing being worn was not part of theuniform”.The following was emphasised:College Socks or Navy Tights are worn with the winter uniform. Black tights are not acceptable;The Spray Jacket is part of the PE Uniform and is not worn with the Winter Uniform; and finally,Academy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

The Dress should be at knee length not higher.Travel on Public TransportRecently I received an email sent from an iPhone which had a photo of a group of Academy students sittingdown on a crowded tram. The commuter was quite irate that students would be sitting whilst others, theelderly included were standing.My reply to the email was:I, too, am disappointed at the lack of respect that these students have shown to the adults on the tram.The College regularly reminds our students of their responsibilities when traveling to and from theCollege. I have included below an excerpt from the notice that was placed in our most recent CollegeNewsletter; and which will be spoken to at our next College Assembly.“I would like to remind all Academy students that: As concession holders it is an expectation that you offer your seat to all full fare payingpassengers, especially elderly people. It is much better to offer your seat to anotherpassenger and receive a “thank you” or “no thanks” than to make no offer at all. School bags should not be placed in aisles where they hinder access to the exits of thetram/train as this is an issue of the safety of all passengers using public transport. As a member of the Academy of Mary Immaculate community you represent the Collegewhenever you wear the college uniform. To act in any way that causes concern or hardshipto fellow passengers reflects poorly on yourselves and the college.”The College often receives calls with regard to our students who do have a keen sense ofresponsibility and of this, we are very proud. I do hope that in the future traveling with our studentswill be a positive experience.I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.Deputy PrincipalDeputy PrincipalDIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNINGReportsTeachers are currently finalising the Semester one reports on your daughter’s progress. The reports willcontain information regarding your daughter’s organisation for class, completion of homework and other ‘workrelated capabilities’. The report will include grades for the assessment tasks completed in the semester. Therewill also be a general comment that will seek to clarify the strengths of your daughter’s application to herstudies as well as possible challenges.For Year 7 to 11 the assessment grades will represent percentage scores as indicated below.GradePercentage EquivalentA+ 100 - 95A 94 - 90B+ 89 - 85B 84 – 75C+ 74 - 70C 69 - 60D+ 59 - 55D 54 - 50Academy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

E+ 49 - 45E 44 - 40UG < 40NGL The work, or a substantial portion of the work, was submitted lateand as a consequence of college policy was not gradedNA College approved circumstances prevented the student fromcompleting the assessment task.NS The student failed to submit the task for assessment.Satisfactory or Non Satisfactory Unit Results The Year 7 – 10 Semester reports will include a statement ofoverall performance for the Unit. There are three possible Unit outcomes.A “Satisfactory” will be awarded to a student who has achieved:• All grades at D and above and, through the learning activities both in class and in the study andhomework programs, has objectively demonstrated achievement of the learning outcomes andStandards.A “Provisional Pass” will be awarded to a student who has been awarded:• One E+, E, UG or NGL (Not Graded due to Lateness) grade for a Reported Assessment Task, but,who through the learning activities both in class and in the study and homework programs, hasobjectively demonstrated achievement of the learning outcomes and Standards.A “Fail” will be awarded to a student who has been awarded:• One or more NS (Not Submitted).• More than one E+, E, UG or NGL grade.• One E+, E, UG or NGL grade and, through failure to complete learning activities in class and througha failure to complete homework and study tasks, has objectively failed to demonstrate achievement ofthe learning outcomes and Standards.Distribution of ReportsThe report packages will be posted to parents by Friday July 6. This year the reports will also be available toParents through the Parent Portal in the College Intranet on Tuesday July 3. Parents should go to the ViewStudent Reports in the Student Assessment field.Atherton Garden Homework Club An enthusiastic group of Academy students has been going to theAtherton Gardens Homework Club to provide support and tutoring to local primary school children. TheHomework club is managed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the organisers are fulsome in their praiseof the work done by the Academy girls and teachers. We still need more volunteers and any girl who wouldlike to be part of this exciting, worthwhile and enjoyable program should pick up an application form from thestudent office and return it to Mr Hyland.Students seeking to study an accelerated VCE Unit in 2013.The College provides opportunities for high achieving Year 10 students to study a VCE Unit 1&2 subject aspart of their Year 10 studies. Similarly, high achieving Year 11 students can select to study a VCE Unit 3&4subject as part of their Year 11 studies.Information booklets detailing the course content of the various subjects and opportunities to meet withteachers will be available during the subject selection process in term 3.What students and parents should be aware of now is that to be successful in an application to study a VCEUnit of study in either Year 10 or Year 11, a student must demonstrate on both her Semester One andSemester Two reports• No NS, or NGL grades in ANY Subject.• An average grade for ALL grades in all Subjects of a B or above.• No days absent without a College Approved Reason.These criteria look to identify high achieving students who have the maturity and work habits to copesuccessfully with the high demands of acceleration in their VCE program.Academy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

Application forms for the program will be available from Mr Hyland during the subject selection period inSemester Two.VET Studies for Year 10 and Year 11 StudentsAcademy offers a VCE/VET course in Interactive Digital Media. The course can be taken as a one yearcourse which provides students with a nationally recognised Certificate of Attainment. If students study thecourse for two years they will receive a Study score that contributes directly to their ATAR score (ie the scoreused to determine University selection) and they will a Certificate 3 in Media.In recent years, these VCE/VET courses have become popular with students of all academic abilities becausethey provide variety in the nature of the learning and in the types of assessment as well as contributingdirectly to the ATAR.The College puts no prerequisite on students who wish to study Interactive Digital Media. Consequently, thisyear’s Year 9 students could plan to study Unit 3&4 Interactive Digital Media in their Year 11 studies in 2014regardless of ‘academic’ prerequisites. Academically capable Year 9 students might consider studying twoVCE subjects in Year 10 and 11. One could be through the accelerated VCE program referred to above andthe other could be VCE/VET Interactive Digital Media.Mr Mark Hyland, Acting Deputy PrincipalAcademy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

STUDENT OF THE TERM – TERM 2Mattea Spielrein, Year 7 Blue:Mattea is a quiet achiever. She always does the right thing, looks out for her peers and assiststhe teacher. She is caring, helpful and thoughtful and is achieving well academically. Mattea ismaking the most of her first year at the Academy and has quickly established a connection withall her peers.Megan Kolbe, Year 8 BlueMegan is always well presented and punctual to all her classes. She has a kind, friendlymanner that endears her to classmates and teachers alike. She is always willing to assistother students and is considerate and generous with her time and support. Her participation isquietly and genuinely given in all class work and activities. Megan has a lovely manner withthe other girls and is certainly tuned into the teacher’s objectives. She is an enthusiasticmember of the Green Team.Isabelle Danaher, Year 9 GreenIsabelle is a conscientious, respectful and capable student who is socially aware and alwaysready to assist others. Her teachers have said she is a reflective and caring person whocompletes her work and willingly contributes to class discussions. She will always approachthe teacher or other students to see if any help is required and asks whether any more workneeds to be done. Isabelle has a great approach to her own study; knowing how to have funand work really hard at the same time. Isabelle is also involved in extracurricular Collegeactivities which most recently has been demonstrated through her involvement in the musical‘Guys and Dolls.’Betty La, Year 10 RedBetty is indeed a worthy recipient. Her transition into Year 10, with its demands andchallenges, has been seamless. She has shown and continues to show, great maturity andconfidence and her commitment and dedication to her studies have been exemplary. Bettyalso takes great pride in being a member of her homeroom group. She approacheshomeroom duties diligently and without being asked. Betty is thoughtful and sensitive in herinteractions with her classmates and has an excellent rapport with all of her teachers. She ispolite and always greets everyone with a friendly smile. Her performance in ‘Guys and Dolls’was outstanding and the feedback from her Community Action placement was very positive.Holly Harverson, Year 11 BlueHolly has made a positive contribution to the College this semester. She can only bedescribed as an “all rounder”. She manages to approach her studies in a methodical andorganised manner (with one of her subjects being a Unit 3 subject) and yet she finds the timeand energy to make a positive contribution to the Academy. Holly displayed her wonderfulacting and singing abilities in the College musical as one of the main leads, and she is alwayspresent at Fitness club every Friday morning. Holly is member of the Academy Swimming andAthletics teams representing the school in both disciplines. She is an excellent role model andfuture leader.Emma Nigro, Year 12 SilverEmma could only be described as the “quiet achiever”. She is described by her teachers ashaving an excellent work ethic with a strong desire to achieve. She is always respectful andcooperative to her teachers and generous and kind to her peers. She has establishedexcellent routines and study habits and encourages and assists other students with their work.Emma sets a very high example to other students and is to be congratulated for her effort andachievements.Academy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

STRESS AND ANXIETYAnxiety is a common feeling usually described as “uneasiness” or “apprehension”. It is completely normal tofeel some level of stress and anxiety leading up to exams and assessments.The three most common ways people respond to stress are:• Foot on the gas – An angry or agitated stress response. You are heated, keyed up, overly emotional,and unable to sit still.• Foot on the brake – A withdrawn or depressed stress response. You shut down, space out, andshow very little energy or emotion.• Foot on both – A tense and frozen stress response. You “freeze” under pressure and cannot doanything. You look paralysed, but under the surface you are extremely agitated.Stress Warning Signs and SymptomsCognitive Symptoms• Memory problems• Inability to concentrate• Poor judgment• Seeing only the negative• Anxious or racing thoughts• Constant worryingEmotional Symptoms• Moodiness• Irritability or short temper• Agitation, inability to relax• Feeling overwhelmed• Sense of loneliness and isolation• Depression or general unhappinessPhysical Symptoms• Aches and pains• Diarrhoea or constipation• Nausea, dizziness• Chest pain, rapid heartbeat• Frequent coldsBehavioural Symptoms• Eating more or less• Sleeping too much or too little• Isolating yourself from others• Procrastinating or neglectingresponsibilities• Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs torelax• Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)If you are concerned about your child’s stress and anxiety levels please contact Ms Giovina Costantini,Student Welfare Consultant or speak to your General Practitioner for assistance.Academy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

VOLUNTEERING AT MERCY PLACE, EAST MELBOURNEWe would like to promote and encourage potential volunteers to offer their time to Mercy Place Aged Care inEast Melbourne. Some of our students through the Year 10 Community Action program have engaged in a week’splacement during May. However as you would be aware there is always a strong need for extra support of ouraged care services and so we open this to parents/guardians for your interest. If you have a few hours to offerweekly or fortnightly or even monthly please contact Anne Marie Allan at the college on 9419 3044 orannemarie.allan@academy.vic.edu.auMercy Health is a leading Community Care organization in the non for profit sector which supports older people to livecomfortably, be active and stay connected to community, family and friends. Mercy Place runs an activities program andvolunteer scheme that are designed to encourage the wellness of residents through socialisation, a variety of recreationalactivities and learning opportunities. Our widely sought after volunteer program offers residents friendly links to thecommunity. Mercy Health recognises that volunteers play an important role in the achievement of our Mission.Our volunteer scheme is aimed to promote community involvement and reduce isolation of our residents to provide abetter quality of life. Importance of volunteering is to enrich the resident’s lifestyle, promote friendship and trust,enhance social and community contact, to be able to listen, introduce diversified skills, and act as informal communityvisitor.Activities range from cards, bowls, pool, puzzles, reading the paper, spending one on one time with residents, bingo,helping at meals times, story telling, painting, sketching and more.WORK EXPERIENCE for Year 10 StudentsMany of our Year 10 students have secured placements for their work experience week September 17 th to21 st this year (final week of Term 3). Your assistance and support in encouraging your daughter/young personin your care would be greatly appreciated. No doubt insight and inspiration has been gained through theCareers Day and subsequent testing promoted by our Careers Department. However your wisdom and gentleprobing may be hugely beneficial in sparking a suitable placement. Please contact Mrs Anne Marie Allan(Work Experience Coordinator) for assistance on 9412 7134 or annemarie.allan@academy.vic.edu.auCOLOURED PENCILS CAMPAIGNA request has come to us via Fitzroy Learning Network that we would like to respond topositively. “We have an association with a worker who runs an African Kids Reading Club onTuesday and Friday afternoons on the Atherton Gardens Estate. He is desperate forcoloured pencils. I know from experience some families often have old second hand pencilssitting around at home when they buy new pencils for the new school year.”Your response with new or second-hand coloured pencils would be wonderful if you are able tobring them to my office please.Many thanks, Anne Marie AllanAcademy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

Dear Career Practitioner,We are inviting your students, who are interested in aviation, to our AviationCareers Expo on Thursday 26 July 2012 at the Hawthorn campus.As places are limited, please forward this email to your students so they canregister online as soon as possible.The event is designed for students and their parents to find out more aboutSwinburne's flying and non-flying courses, industry links and career outcomes.Students will meet representatives from Australia's top aviation organisations,major airlines and airports. They'll also speak to industry professionals and attendpresentations to help them identify the Swinburne course that's right for them.Register nowWe believe the event is a great opportunity for students to confirm theirpassion for a career in flying, airline management and operations.Registration is essential. Students must register by Thursday 19 July.'Behind the scenes' bus tour, Thursday 2 AugustYear 10 - 12 students interested in management or operations of airlines andairports can join this sneak peek behind the scenes of Melbourne Airport, aviationfacilities and the aviation industry.Registration is essential, limited places are available. For more information aboutthe bus tour and to register, visit our website.If you have any questions about these events, please contact the Faculty ofEngineering and Industrial Sciences on (03) 9214 5533.We look forward to seeing your students at our upcoming aviation events.Yours sincerely,Mike SmithUndergraduate Recruitment TeamSwinburne University of TechnologyRegister nowDATEThursday 26 July 2012TIME6.15 - 10pmADDRESSAdvanced Technologies Centre (ATC)Hawthorn campus427 - 451 - Burwood Road, HawthornRSVPRegistration closes on Thursday 19 JulyA3 Promotional PosterDownload an event poster which can be printed and used aroundyour school.Download nowAcademy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

Change of Address for Landmark School SuppliesEffective 1 st July, 2012.Dear Parents,Please note that effective from the 1 st of July, 2012 we will be relocating to new premiseslocated at 94 McEwan Road, Heidelberg West 3081.Our Fairfield store will close on the 8 th of June, 2012.During the period between the 8 th of June and the 1 st of July, you will be able to place aphone order and items will be posted to you free of charge.Our new store will be open Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm with extending trading hoursduring January and February.Our new telephone number is 1300 658 641.Academy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

Academy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au

Academy of Mary ImmaculateMercy Education Limited. CAN 154 531 87088 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy 3065, Telephone: (03) 9419 3044 Fax: (03) 9419 3885, Email: academy @academy.vic.edu.au