2012 Vol 5 Building Futures.pdf - Merici College

BuildingFuturesVol 5 2012BuildingFutures

WHAT’S GOING ONTuesday 28 AugustThursday 30 AugustFriday 31 AugustUp-Coming EventsSee Merici web page for full Calender and further detailsSchool & Specialists Captain ElectionsAugust Athletics CarnivalAugust School & Specialist Captains AnnouncedTuesday 4 September AST Day 1Y11 & Y12 Accredited ConferenceWednesday 5 September AST Day 2Y11 & Y12 Accredited ConferenceMonday 10 SeptemberTuesday 11 SeptemberWednesday/Friday12 – 14 SeptemberWednesday 12 SeptemberTuesday 18 SeptemberWednesday 19 SeptemberFriday 21 SeptemberTuesday/Thursday25 - 27 SeptemberWednesday/Friday26 – 28 SeptemberHouse Captain Nominations DueYear 7 – 2013 InformationEvening 4.45 to 7.00pmCultural Assembly11.30am to 12.30pmDance FestBridge Restaurant 12.30pm – 1.30pmbookings essential - 6243 4100House Captains ElectionsParent/Student/Teacher Interviews4 – 7.00pmYear 10 Social – 5.30pm to 10.00pmHouse Captains AnnouncedRegistration – Merici CollegeAusdance Youth Dance FestivalFriday 28 September Last Day Term 3CONTENTSWhat’s Going On 2From Our Principal 3Year 8 Enlighten Day 4Religion and Life 5Destruction Progresses 6Awards Ceremony 7Joseph and the AmazingTechnicolour Dreamcoat 8-9Powerful Learning 10-11Year 10 Transitions Forum 12-13Challenge, Changeand Successes 14-15Merici Moments 16Building Futures Editorial Team:Hayley Battesby, Jacquilin Boyd& Annum KhanCover photoCover image: Dancers fromJoseph production.Merici CollegeWise St, Braddon ACT 2612GPO Box 154, Canberra 2601Ph: 6243 4100Fx: 6243 4199e: principal.merici@merici.cg.catholic.edu.auIn conjunction with the SRC, Year 10girls and their parents cooked mealsfor Yellow Van Food Rescue. Eachmonth the Yellow Van Food RescueService rescues and delivers over 16tonnes of good food to more than70 charities and refuges, allowingthem to provide over 50,000 mealsto disadvantaged people in thecommunity – an equivalent of 1,800meals a day. The meals that the Mericicommunity cooked were received withtremendous appreciation.2

From Our Principal…From the PrincipalReflecting on my current studies inTheology, I could not help but bestruck by the topic of the week and itsrelevance to us at Merici. Namely, thatthe tradition of a community reflectsits continuity, identity and unity. OurPastoral Care system, cited as themost valued aspect of Merici’s Visionand Mission by the 2011 CommunityForum, is undeniably central to theidentity of the College. The allegianceto, and support of, the Houses bystudents and staff alike reflects bothconnection to our founding Sisters andthe self-identity of each House group,united under the guiding tenet of ourpatron, Saint Angela Merici. Whatparticularly struck me was how theseideas of tradition and continuity relateto our current preparations for schoolRegistration.Every five years, the school opens itsdoors to a Registration Panel, a groupof experts in how schools operate andin curriculum, who explore the corebeliefs and mandated processes of theschool, and how these are documentedand translated into effective teachingand learning. The continuity of theMerici tradition is dependent on thesuccess of this registration processand we are putting considerable andunified effort into ensuring we meetall elements of the review at thehighest possible level. Whilst there isa backward-looking element to thisprocess, the key focus is on the future.Our future directions are firmlygrounded in the traditions of AngelaMerici – treating each student as anindividual with enormous potential.This does not mean, however, that allthings stay the same. We do need tobe mindful of our current context inthe education setting and ensure ourprocesses reflect the changing agendas,notably in curriculum and teacherquality. The application of currentresearch in teaching pedagogy is alsoessential if we are to maintain ourproven ability to engage with youthin a post-modern age. Our currentrenovations including new flexiblelearning spaces and a Pastoral CareCentre are in line with our directiontowards more flexible lesson deliveryand class structures (see Page 6).One of our Merici traditions is tocelebrate the academic success ofour students in the company of theirjustifiably proud parents (see Page7). In our recent Academic AwardCeremony it was wonderful to seeso many students receiving awardsfor individual efforts and success inparticular subjects, and also thosestudents who achieved at a high levelacross the board. Our core beliefis that all students can learn and wealways look to current educationalresearch to direct us in focussing ourefforts (see the article about Brain Dayon Page 11). Maintaining a growthmindset, so often mentioned, is soimportant. To those students whodid not receive awards, as well as tothose who did, the pathway to successis not simply about being ‘intelligent’.Success relies on our preparedness totake risks, to accept challenges andlearn from our disappointments.The Awards themselves reflectachievements in subjects reported onthe semester reports. It may be timely,given the introduction of AchievementStandards in the Australian Curriculum,to note a few points. The new curriculain Mathematics, Science, English andHistory have been implemented thisyear in Merici in Years 7 and 9, andnext year this will extend to all junioryears. Student achievement in thesesubjects will be measured againstAchievement Standards describedby work samples supplied by theAustralian Curriculum, Assessmentand Reporting Authority (ACARA).Merici is currently participating ina working party convened by theCatholic Education Office. We willdevelop quality tasks based on theAustralian Curriculum, trial these inclasses and supply work samples toACARA to further define the standardsof achievement in particular areas ofunderstanding or skill. This is a highlydemanding process for our participatingstaff, but the pay-off is that Mericistaff will be leaders in understandingand applying the new standards. ThecorrelationbetweenStandards andGrades is anotherimportant areato be exploredduring theprocess and weare looking forward to some vigorousdebate. We will still allocate a grade(A-E) and, as always, the gradedescribes a level of achievement for anindividual student and is not governedby numerical cut-offs or impacted bythe achievement level of other students.This applies equally to senior gradeswhere the grade standards are clearlydefined for each subject by the ACTBoard of Senior Secondary Studies.The Merici tradition is multifacetedand, while tethered in the past, it is notlimited by this history. Registration is atime for reflection, renewal, redirectionand celebration of our achievements.We are keen to open our files andclassrooms to the panel from Tuesday25th to Thursday 27th September.We welcome their assurances andrecommendations, which will ensurethat Merici continues to develop youngwomen who feel fully prepared to meetthe challenges of an ever changingworld (as elaborated in our revisedMission and Vision Statement). Thearticles on Year 8 Enlighten Day (Page4) and Year 10 Transitions Forum(Pages 12-13) show just a few examplesof how Merici students prepare for thatfuture. We have also been interviewingnext year’s Year 11s and have beenimpressed with the thought put in totheir subject selections and their futuredirections. As a school we welcome ournew Principal, Loretta Wholley, takingup the reigns in 2013. I recommend toyou the revealing interview on Page 5.It is a privilege for me to lead MericiCollege this semester and through theRegistration process. Thank you foryour support!Ann ClearyActing Principal3

YEAR 8 ENLIGHTEN DAYHelping To Raise Amazing GirlsYear 8 Enlighten Day“Open any teen magazine and youwill see that much of the informationthe media bombards teenage girlswith is negative and contradictory;no wonder they report feeling stressedand inadequate”This was the opening statement to year8 girls who had gathered together toparticipate in workshops delivered byDanni from enlighten education.The day was made up of three separateworkshops led by Danni Miller, awinner of a 2012 Leadership award. Inthe morning the girls created journalsfor reflection that they cheerfullydecorated. This is a journal to be filledwith happy thoughts and events thatcan be used to help make their internalself-talk positive. Teenage girls tendto talk to themselves in a negative andself-deprecating manner and over timethis helps to erode self-esteem andconfidence. To assist with this changeof self-talk each girl received a pinkwrist band to wear for thirty days as areminder to be kind and positive about4their intelligence and image. The ideabehind this is that it takes approximatelythirty days to change a habit. It is hopedthat at the end of this thirty days manyof the girls will be unconsciously tellingthemselves positive messages.The students then delved into thecomplexities of girl world and learnednew skills for dealing with friendships andconflict. This workshop gave the girlssome insight in to the long lasting effectsthat hurtful throw away comments canhave on another person. They were givenstrategies to deal with these commentsand ways to resolve friendship conflictsin a constructive and mature manner.One simple strategy was to think beforereacting, to seek the advice of an olderand wiser female and to take some timeto calm down before confrontation.The final workshop explored thenegative images and messages thatgirls receive from the media. Girls arebombarded with hundreds of advertisingimages every day that often portrayan unattainable physical image forwomen. Danni took the girls throughthe realities of these images such asphoto shopping and other tricks thatadvertising agencies use to sell products.The workshop entitled “Girl Essentials”was an overwhelming success with allof the girls. It was a happily noisy andanimated year group that walked out ofschool on Monday August 6.The day was followed up with aninformation evening for parents. DanniMiller presented her workshop “wake upsleeping Beauty” to around fifty parents.She gave parents an overview of whatshe had presented to their daughtersboth in the year 8 day and also the Year9 day that was held last semester. Thisenabled those parents to re-affirm themessages of empowerment, positive selftalkand the negative media to the girls.Parents were given an insight into theoften thorny world that teenage girls livein and an understanding of what theirdaughters are trying to cope with everyday. The buzz from parents at the endof the session was that it was extremelyworthwhile and educational for them asparents and for their daughters.Colleen GallagherJunior Coordinator

Religion and LifeWho is Loretta Wholley?1. What subject/s do you teach?10 questions forour new principalI currently teach Year 12 Religion and Life. However, I am trained toteach Business, ICT and Religious Education at all year levels.2. Have you travelled? If so, where?I did most of my travelling in my 20s. I have been to: WesternEurope (Ireland, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland),India, Indonesia, Thailand, The Holy Land, Egypt, Jordan, NewZealand and Canada.I have been to every state and territory in Australia too.I would love to see the United States of America and EasternEurope. My bucket list event would be to walk the Pilgrims Way fromFrance to Santiago de Compostela in Spain (but it takes 3 months,so it is on my list of things to do when I am older).3. What most excites you about moving to Canberra?I am very excited about meeting the Merici College community:staff, students and their families and the ex-students. I have to saythat I am also excited about being close to many places I would liketo visit (Perth is very far away from everywhere!). My daughter andhusband are looking forward to seeing snow and I am happy to beon the east coast.4. What do you think you will miss the most about Perth?Without a doubt, I will miss my Mum and other family and friends,however, with the wonders of technology I am not too worried aboutkeeping in touch.The other thing I will miss is the warm weather. My husband and Ihave been watching the temperature closely the last few weeks. Weare lucky in Perth to get 3 days a year that drop below zero and myfriends and colleagues have been busy reminding me just how coldCanberra gets in the winter. So I hope the heating is good there.5. What are your interests/hobbies?My favourite past-time is cooking. I really enjoy watching cookingshows and cooking for family and friends. I especially do this duringschool holidays and on the weekends. I have tried lots of otherthings like sewing and knitting, but I get a bit frustrated because Ijust want to see the final item!I love listening to music – all types: from the top 40 to classical and Ienjoy reading books and magazines to relax.6. Are you excited about becoming a principal?Excited and a little bit nervous is how I am currently feeling aboutbecoming a principal. I have heard such wonderful things about Mericiand I am thrilled about being able to be a part of this community andleading it through into the future.For me, the education of young women is the most powerfulinfluence in our era. So it is a great privilege for me to encourage allyoung women to be the best they can be.7. What are your biggest accomplishments?• I am very proud of what I have achieved in my life. I was the first daughterto go to University and study all the way up to a Masters.• I am glad that I took the opportunity in my 20s to work, save and travel theworld – sometimes by myself and sometimes with friends and family.• Becoming the Catholic Church representative at the State and NationalCouncil of Churches was an amazing experience and one that I still marvelat.• I have also been fortunate to be nominated and part of 3 differentleadership programs for aspiring women.• My husband and daughter and our relationship is very important to me andI think we do a pretty good job at keeping life balanced.8. You seem to have done a lot of University study, tell usabout your experiences at University. What do you enjoythe most about tertiary learning?I love learning! Anyone who thinks they will stop learning after theyfinish school or once they get a job is fibbing. The learning journeynever ends. So I consider myself as someone who just joins thejourney at every chance I can get.University is a wonderful place because the majority of people there(just like school) want to learn. The atmosphere makes it conducive tolearning and researching and reading and writing.In saying that though, all learning doesn’t have to be at Universitylevel. I have dabbled in courses in cooking, languages, sewing andscrapbooking.Before I travel I research, research and do more research. I find out thebest place to stay, the nicest restaurants, sites to see, tours to take, andI always learn a few words in the local language (I believe it is always apolite thing to do). My husband always thinks I am crazy, but then likesthat I know the places to go and the things to see.Learning never stops! Even my dad, who passed away last year,started a Facebook page at 74 years of age and created a Skypeaccount to talk to family in Italy.9. Canberra is a very diverse community, what are yourfamily origins?Both of my parents were born and raised in Sicily, Italy. They came toPerth after the second world war and met over here through mutualfriends. I had a very traditional Italian upbringing, if you have ever read“Looking for Alibrandi” you will know what I am talking about.My husband’s grandparents came from Ireland on one of the first steamboats in the late 1800s to build the railroad from Perth down to thelogging region in the South West. They spoke to him in Gaelic (which heunfortunately does not remember any more).We live in a very multicultural suburb in Perth and many of my daughter’sfriends from daycare come from India, Pakistan, China, Uganda andZambia. This is what I love about Australia.10. In choosing our college, what is your vision for Merici?The College vision to “love life, have hope, be faithful and build futuresmore wondrous than you dare to dream” will play centre stage to myvision. I am committed to providing an environment that encouragesstudents to be lifelong learners who make well informed decisions,respond compassionately to the needs of others and take up their roleas leaders in society.Loretta has been appointed as the new Principal of Merici and will beginher time with us in January 2013.5

Destruction ProgressesSpaces for ThinkingNew Learning SpacesConcept drawings of the new learning spacesTo get students thinking outside the box, we sometimesneed to expose them to learning outside of the box –literally, removing the four walls of the classroom. Thenew learning spaces being constructed in the upstairs Balgoand Ningil/Science Corridors will convert a number oftraditional classroom spaces, and a few not very practicalnooks, into a number of unique learning spaces. TheBalgo area will be an open plan area equivalent to fourclass spaces, fully equipped with Interactive Whiteboards,desktop computers and display areas. The space will belarge enough for a House or Year group to comfortablymeet together for social and learning opportunities, suchas carnival preparations and guest speakers, removing thepressure put on our other large spaces. This area will alsobe the focus for curriculum delivery with multiple classesbeing able to work collaboratively, have flexibility inclass arrangements and share resources. We will be ableto visually break the space with acoustic partitions anddisplay boards when smaller areas are needed. Aroundthe corner, there will be a breakout space for studentsand teachers to work in small groups, including a smallglass-walled meeting room. The old 208/TU7 will betransformed into a multipurpose classroom, mainly forScience activities. Given the transformations in teachingand learning we have already seen in our other flexiblespaces, we are very excited by the possibilities offered bythese latest innovations.Ann ClearyActing PrincipalMerici College Moves Forward With Building PlansThroughout 2012 the College’sbuilding renovations andrefurbishments have continuedto progress. During termsone and two there weremany meetings with staff andarchitects to come up withinnovative designs for thedifferent spaces. At the end ofthis process a final concept andplans were decided on.At the start of the school holidays endof term two activities has been at anall-time high. The Assistant Principal,House Coordinators, Senior and JuniorCoordinators, Curriculum Support Staffand Support StaffAdministrationhave been relocatedtemporarily sothat the pastoralcare/HouseCoordinator’s areasand staff room canbe transformed intonew areas.The builders duringthe two weeksof the holidayscompletely guttedthe area which startsupstairs where thefront door of the school is, down thecorridor and into the Science corridorstopping at Room 208. The main staffroom and photocopy rooms will begutted from 30 July 2012. The textbookroom was upgraded in the schoolholidays to enable the large photocopierto be relocated there. During term fourstudent and staff toilets in the schoolwill be gutted and refurbished. Therenovations are expected to be fullycompleted for use for the new schoolyear commencing 4 February 2013.The teaching areas will be an openplan concept promoting team teachingand learning.Keith VardanegaBursar/Business Manager6

Awards CeremonyFamilies enjoy success7

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour DreaRecently we performed ‘Joseph and the AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat’ with music by Andrew LloydWebber and words by Tim Rice. This was the firstmusical ever staged at Merici College. This musical hasbeen delighting audiences for over 40 years since its firstperformance in 1968. It is based on the story of Josephfrom the Book of Genesis 37-45.It may seem an odd choice for an all-girls school to performa musical which consists of mainly male roles but we choseit because the song styles are very varied and range fromballads to calypso, country and western to disco, thusproviding a real learning experience for the students. Thelyrics are very witty and the religious aspect was also veryappealing of course.‘Joseph’ has a large cast of singers, dancers and musicians;consequently we were able to offer this unique learningopportunity to a great many students. There were over50 students performing on stage and many more assistingbackstage and in front of house. We had students fromevery year group involved in some capacity and it hasbeen wonderful to witness the sense of community amongthe students during the rehearsal process. They have allbeen very supportive of one another and have offeredencouragement and developed new friendships.It has been a truly awe inspiring, challenging and enjoyabletask to stage this musical and to work with such a talentedand enthusiastic cast. I am so proud of the achievements ofeveryone involved. It has been a pleasure to work with suchdedicated professionals and I would like to acknowledgethe hard work of Mr Thompson with the brilliant band,Ms Williams with the stunning singers, Ms Carey and MrsLaird with the fabulous dancers, Ms Bogg with the fantasticcostume designs and Ms Parisi for marketing and publicity.Staging a full length production involves a great manypeople and I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciationto all the staff members who have supervised classes andespecially the Executive staff for their help and support.I hope you enjoyed the performance as much as we haveenjoyed putting it together.Laura PearceDirector

mcoatMerici Boys steal the Show9

Legal Studies engagementwith the Merici Principles ofPowerful Learning was evidentin the attendance by sevenYear 11 students in the ACTConstitutional Convention2012. This reinforced thePrinciple of culture of DynamicLearning by utilising diverselearning opportunities throughour close links with agencies inthe wider community.The ACT Constitutional Conventiongives the opportunity for Year 11students to engage with their peersfrom a range of colleges in research,debate and role plays into the questionof whether the Australian Constitutionshould be changed to give the FederalPowerful LearningGlobal Dynamic LearningStudents engage with the Constitutional ConventionGovernment head of governmentpowers over the environment. Anumber of agencies including NationalArchives of Australia, Old ParliamentHouse, ACT Legislative Assembly andACT Electoral Commission providedresources and opportunities for thestudents to engage in the topic.It was especially pleasing to seethe level of engagement by all thestudents and that the program’sinvolvement of Merici College Year 12student Stacey Waring, who attendedthe National Convention earlier thisyear, as a facilitator and also one ofMerici ex students from 2004 PaulineThai, who was MC for the afternoonsession as representative of the LawFaculty of ANU.John CaveGlobal Studies CoordinatorGeographersinvestigate andinterpret the worldGeographers investigate and interpretthe places that make up our world.Geography’s distinct contribution tothe school curriculum is that it teachesstudents essential knowledge aboutthe world they live in, contributes totheir personal development, equipsthem with a range of specialisedskills, develops a geographical way ofunderstanding and examines importantquestions and issues that are essentialfor informed citizenship.The teaching of Geographyincorporates all the Effective Teachingand Learning Processes outlined inthe College’s Principles of PowerfulLearning. In particular field workincluding the south coast of NSW,the Cotter Precinct, KosciuszkoNational Park and settlements aroundthe ACT, team teaching in thenew flexible spaces and a focusseduse of technology embrace varied,stimulating and engaging experiences.Also, the diverse Geographyunits encourage independent andcollaborative work through varied classtasks and group activities.The teaching of Geography facilitates aCulture of Dynamic Learning throughpursuing a relevant, meaningful andappropriate curriculum. The casestudies used in Geography teaching inthe classroom are real world examplesof places, patterns and processes, whilefield work enables the student to seeand investigate the reality of what theylearn in the classroom. Geographyteaching explores real world and topicalmatters and issues which affect all.Pauline Thai (second from right) was a graduate of Merici College in 2004. She participated as barrister in aMock trial competition and won the Sneddon Hall and Gallop Scholarship Prize for Legal studies studentsin her senior years. At ANU she studied a Joint degree in Law and Economics where she achieved a first classHonours degree. She then worked for a year as an associate to a High Court judge before returning to ANUwhere she is currently an Assistant Lecturer in the Law faculty.In conclusion, Geography contributesto the whole person in understandingthe world in which we live andrecognises the responsibility eachperson has to our fragile environment.Ann CurranGeography Teacher10

Powerful LearningBrains and BrainiacsThere’s a face on my toast,a ghost on the stairs andsocks in the fridge.Our brains are amazing. It is how weinterpret smells, sight and sounds. Itis how we reason and dream. It is theorganic computer that runs our body,but sometimes it has a few glitches.Year 8 spent the day last semesterdiscovering all things brainy. Byunderstanding its structure throughdissection, modelling, movement andguest speakers, Year 8 students learnedhow they learn.Our brains are wired to recognisepatterns and in particular faces. Thisis why we see Marlene Deitrich in ourtoast and animals in the clouds. Thebrain also develops schemas to takeshortcuts with things that we do overand over again and sometimes theseschemas make us put our socks in thefridge instead of the milk.Mike McRae, a former Merici teacherand author of the book ‘Tribal Science– Brains, Beliefs and Bad Ideas’showed the students how these brainglitches are used by the gamblingindustry, magicians and psyhcicsto make us believe that somethingsupernatural is happening. Mikeexplained that it’s just our brainslooking for patterns and applyingwhat it knows, a hangover from theevolutionary process of surviving inthe era of the mammoth.Dr Kristin Pammer took the girlsthrough how the brain works. Shewas able to explain the physiology ofthe brain and the research that hasshown which parts of the brain areresponsible for all the different jobs itneeds to do. She also explained whathappens when different parts of thebrain are damaged or diseased, suchas the woman who could no longeruse her left and right side of thebody as one. Her special interest issynaethsesia. This is a condition wherethere is a mingling of the senses, it isthought that this occurs due to crosswiring in the brain. People with thiscondition can see different coloursfor different musical notes or smellnumbers.The students then found out just how‘squishy’ the brain actually is. Thedissection of a lamb’s brain allowedthem to see the different parts andidentify the areas responsible forreasoning, emotions and memory. Allthings that may seem to be extreme orin the case of reasoning, absent in theteenage brain. The girls learned abouthow their own brain is still developingand that their ability to reason reallyis lagging behind at this stage of theirgrowth. They were also told that theteenage brain is a mass of neuronswith nowhere to go and if they aren’tused to make connections then thoseunused neurons get pruned.Learning is vital for developing youngbrains. This is called neuro-plasticity.Research now suggests that thisplasticity lasts well into adulthood,meaning it is never too late to learn orchange our brains.Colleen GallagherJunior Coordinatorhttp://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3105595&mesRecommended Reading onNeuro-PlasticityThe Women Who Changed HerBrain- Barbara Arrowsmith-YoungThe Brain That Changes Itself-Norman Doidge MD11

Year 10 Transitions ForumFuture DirectionsDay OneInspiring teens to follow their yellowbrick road, to find their purpose inlife and build their dreams biggerthan believable is not an easy job.However this is how Glen Gerreynkicked off the Year 10 transitionsforum for 2012. His inspirationalstory of turning $2 from his disabilitypension into a highly successfulyouth and community centre gave ushope that “no-one is born empty”,we are all here with a purpose and aworth. We were encouraged to plantour seeds of greatness in good soil,water them with hard work, pullout the weeds of negativity and notto let the clouds tell us that the sunisn’t shining. Glen invigorated ourdreams, telling of how they must bebig enough to motivate us, becauseafter all “if it’s going to be, it’s upto me”. However, we were not leadus to think that we can ‘do whateverwe want’, but that our dreams havea price, a price of how much we arewilling to sacrifice and work for. Aquote that will always stick in my mindis that “hard work beats talent, whentalent doesn’t work hard”. We weregiven permission to fail but not toquit, because “it’s better to aim forthe stars and hit a tree, than aim for atree and hit a rock”. If we don’t learnto fall down, then we may never learnto get back up. Overall the day wasinspirational for all, his passion andgifts to motivate us were uplifting andenriching. I hope that many Mericigirls to come will get to experienceGlen’s wisdom.Claire SmartYr 10 studentDay ThreeReflection Day began with an openingliturgy which commenced what wouldbe a relaxed, fun and educationalday. We were lucky enough to haveKhao Do as our guest speaker andhe shared his remarkable story withus. He told us how when he wasjust one, he and his family came toAustralia as Vietnamese refugees.Khao volunteered to work with youngpeople in Cabramatta and they madea short film together called “DeliveryDay” which was later nominated foran AFI Award. He went onto makemany more short films and receivedthe Young Australian of the YearAward in 2005. He made us laugh andhis story was definitely inspirational.In the afternoon we learnt aboutcyber bullying, its impact and howwe should be careful what we sendto people through social media. Thisbuilt on the knowledge we gainedduring PC classes throughout the pastfew years.Day TwoOn the second day of the transitionsforum, we were told that we had todress in good clothes. We all cameto school in our very best businessattire, not really knowing what toexpect. The week before we all chosesessions we wanted to go to, to talkto professionals about their jobs andthe industry they work in. There werea wide variety of topics to choosefrom and it was hard to select justthree. I chose ‘Working with kids’,‘Defence’ and ‘Nursing’. All threeof the talks were really interesting.The professionals that came in werereally informative. They gave us alot of information about their jobs,12they told us the best thing and thehardest part about working in theirindustries. All of the girls that werein my groups were really interestedin what the professionals had to sayabout their work, and we all asked alot of questions which were answeredexpertly. After talking to the otherpeople in our year, I found thateveryone enjoyed the sessions thatthey went to and were very happy withwhat the professionals had to say. I amvery thankful that I had to opportunityto talk to these people and it was veryinteresting to learn about differentprofessions that are out there.Sophie BunnettYr 10 studentThe Catholic life team came totalk to us about the importance ofrelationships, the problems we couldcome across and how communicationis a vital tool in dealing with theseproblems.There were a number of activitieswe could choose from at the endof the day, including rice paintings,meditation with Father Bony andfamily trees. We all met back in theauditorium where we joined in aclosing prayer which ended a fantasticday.Lauren AbrahamYr 10 student

Year 10 Transitions ForumFuture DirectionsDay FourThe fourth day of transition weekhad an academic focus. We attendedseminars about the Senior rules andrequirements, grade descriptors foryear 11 and year 12, how to improveour oral presentations as well as talksfrom senior school teachers about thesubjects that are available for us tochoose for next year. We also had anopportunity to ask questions to somecurrent year 12 students about how theyhave found their time at Merici in years11 and 12, they were kind enough toshare their wisdom with us. Thursdaywas an important day as we are nowconsidering the subjects to choose as wemove into our final years of school.Michaela O’MearaYr 10 studentDay FiveThe friday of Transitions Forum gavethe Year 10 students an opportunityto visit educational institutions aroundthe ACT, including the AustralianNational University, University ofCanberra, Australian Defence ForceAcademy, Canberra Institute ofTechnology, Academy of InteractiveEducation, the National Libraryand the Magistrates Court. Studentswere able to undertake tours andask questions in order to gain anunderstanding of what was offeredat each organisation as they begin tothink about their future direction.Emma JohnstonYr 10 student13

Challenge, Change and SuccessChallenge, Change and SuccessPoint of Sale (POS) system at Canteen and RestaurantThe introduction of the POS systemhas enabled Hospitality students toexperience the realities of the Industrywhilst studying at Merici. The systemis the same as that used all aroundAustralia in cafes and restaurants. Thewaitresses now take orders using palmpilots. The food orders go straightto the kitchen where the head chefawaits, the drink orders go to thestaff in the beverage area and ordersare dealt with quickly and efficiently.There is no double handling. The skillslearnt are transferable and real andmake our students evenmore employable.The implementationof this new system inthe canteen has hadteething problems asstaff and students adjustto it. Apparently there ismuch misunderstandingabout putting money onstudent cards for canteenpurchases. I hope thisarticle makes it clearer forall.We put money on cards every morningbefore school as well as every recessand lunch on Mondays and Thursdays.We can also put money on cards whenthere is no line up at the canteen,which is generally the second half oflunch.Students who do not have their cardsor who need to put money on themare asked to go to the back of theline as these transactions are quitetime consuming and stop the flowof service. We will take cash if thestudents have the correct money as wedo not have change at food dispensingregisters.We encourage students to use theirown cards (a number of studentsborrow other girls cards, we alwayscheck that they have permission andthis is also time consuming). We alsoencourage students to put minimumamounts of $10 on cards. Amazinglywe have seen some students line upthree times a day to put $1 on theircard.On another note, we cannot lendknives, forks or spoons to studentswho bring their own food. If studentscan bring food, they can bring forks.So far this year we have had over 200stainless steel forks go missing. We findceramic crockery and stainless steelcutlery actually in the garbage bins.We no longer have enough of either tocomplete our own food service.Virginia McLeodHospitality CoordinatorStaffing Changes in Term 3Staff resigned: • Mrs Catherine Rey• Mr Jack Egan• Mrs Leela MurikStaff on leave: • Mrs Colette Davison (Term 3)• Mr Mark Wagland (Semester 2)New staff: • Mrs Carolyn Minchin (RE)• Mrs Melinda Drummond (Integrated Humanities and RE)• Mrs Annegret Schelb (RE)• Mr John Van Rijswijk (Maths)• Ms Ruth Cummins (Reception)Annegret SchelbCarolyn MinchinStaff acting in differentduties:• Dr Ann Cleary Acting Principal• Mrs Stephanie O’Meara Acting Assistant PrincipalStudent Welfare• Mrs Trazel Scott Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum• Ms Antonietta Prosperi Acting Language and LearningSupport Coordinator• Mrs Kyla Firman Acting Resource Teacher and LearningSupport Facilitator• Ms Liz Williams Acting Liturgy and Ministry CoordinatorJohn Van RijswijkStaff returning fromleave:• Mrs Colleen Gallagher (Junior School Coordinator)• Mrs Joan Bradley (Ningil House Coordinator)Melinda DrummondRuth Cummins14

Challenge, Change and SuccessChallenge, Change and SuccessExchange students makenew intercultural friendsAround Week 7 of last term the first twoof seven exchange students began tomake their way from the other side of theworld to join us here at Merici.The first to arrive were 17 year old Frenchstudents Adelaide Degain and CapucineSenguine. Closely followed by Chiaraand Melissa Martiniello – both 14 years– and later Irene Migliori, Illaria Manciniand Isabella Tribbiani, all 17 years alsofollowed.The students have been accommodated inYears 8, 10, 11 and 12.We will hear from our exchange studentsin the next Building Futures issue, butwe would like to take this opportunityto thank all the families for opening theirlives to these students. We also thank theMerici host sisters and host buddies andthe wider community for your inclusionof these students.Personally, I had always heard howrewarding participating in an exchangecould be but had never experienced it firsthand, until this year. Other Merici parentswho have experienced both sendingand hosting students are the parents ofSkye Temby in Year 11. They share theirthoughts on the experience below. Manythanks to Rochelle and Daniel for theirtime in contributing this article.If you are interested in hosting astudent from Italy, please registeryour interest by emailingantonietta.prosperi@merici.act.edu.auItalian students in Year 11 are eligible forour exchange program to Italy which runs28 Nov – 28 Jan each year. Speak to yourItalian teacher for details.Antonietta Prosperi and Sonia ConteExchange Program Contact TeachersWhen our daughter Skye left for herexchange experience of five months in Italyat the end of last year, my husband andI had thought that we would not be ableto reciprocate this opportunity due to ourbusy work and family schedules. We hadimagined that the time and attentiondedicated to ensure an enriching experiencefor a foreign visitor just wouldn’t bepossible. Our views changed as we sharedour daughter’s adventures and challengesthrough regular communication while shewas overseas. The excitement and energythat she expressed helped us to decide to takeup the opportunity of hosting an Italianexchange student through Merici.In the weeks leading up to Irene’s arrivalwe started sharing our culture and intereststhrough emails with Irene and her family,bridging the language barrier through ourrespective daughters. I believe that this earlycommunication helped build the bond toallow us to see Irene as a true member ofour family, and for Irene to feel welcomefrom the time she stepped off the plane.Since Irene joined our family, we havediscovered more about each family memberin the process of finding out more aboutIrene; and although the hosting experienceis an enjoyable one, it does require regularenergy and attention from all members ofthe family. To help our family re-energiseand continue building positive relationshipswith Irene, we ensured that each memberhad a little ‘me time’ to do whatever theywished on their own.I believe the rewards you receive fromopening your home and heart to hostinga foreign exchange student are in directcorrelation with how much you wish to beinvolved. I can see already that Irene’s visitwith us will leave lasting memories andbonds for our daughter, my husband andI that will continue across the miles andthrough the years to come.ACT Schools CrossCountry ChampionshipsSophie Macken, Eliza Baker, Lucy Chilver, CaitlinManning and Stephanie PangMerici had a great representation atthe Cross country championshipsheld on the 4th June at the fantasticStromlo Forest Park course. Theday was cool and windy and all thegirls ran well. The following resultswere achieved with Emily Ryan andElizabeth Drew being selected torepresent the ACT at the Nationalsin August in Adelaide. This will beEmily’s last year at Nationals and her9th year selected in a row.12years18th Taylor-Jane McIntosh13 years14th Eliza Baker16th Caitlin Manning21st Lucy Chilver23rd Stephanie Pang14 years6th Danielle Bewick18th Sophie Macken15 years6th Elizabeth Drew14th Ashleigh Goodwin17th Daisy Hurford18th Sabine Hamilton16 years13th Maddison McGarry17th Celia Cossetto19th Teagan GarnettAdelaide and Capucine with host motherat Bridge Restaurant.Rochelle and Daniel Temby18 years1st Emily Ryan15

Merici momentsRetreat and Reflection