IONA COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

More documents

Recommendations

Info

FROM THE RECTOR cont... IONA COLLEGE WELCOMES BACK RUGBY LEAGUE AND AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL IN 2016 During the week I sent out an email outlining the re-entry of Rugby League into the Iona community. I am also pleased to hear that Australian Rules looks likely to re-emerge as a sport of the College. In both instances, the motivation is to have more students be able to represent Iona in their sport of passion. Wynnum Manly has deep Rugby League heritage and we certainly share that. Australian Rules is also certainly a passion of some of our boys. In re-introducing these opportunities for our boys, it is important to remember that Rugby Union and Football (Soccer) remain the sports that fulfil our AIC commitment. We take this commitment very seriously and are very determined to have as many teams as possible represent us at AIC level. Rugby League and Australian Rules are able to coexist because their commitments fall outside the regular AIC seasons of Rugby Union and Football (Soccer). The re-introduction of these sports demonstrates a willingness for our boys to be fully involved in our College structure through their sport of passion. Anyone wishing to help provide sponsorship to help make these teams more accessible to our families is invited to contact Saranga De Alwis on 3906 8910. Take Care and God Bless FR MICHAEL TWIGG O.M.I. RECTOR WELCOME BBQ THANKS I was so pleased to hear that the welcome BBQ went well last Sunday. Over 400 people made the effort to gather and make new friends. I thank Fr Lewy who provided a genuinely warm OMI welcome and also to Damian Courtney, Mr Ross King, the Year 11 leaders as well as a great team of supporters for helping make the event a wonderful celebration. LEARNING AND TEACHING Success at school is rarely easy and for some it can feel like every day is an uphill battle. For this reason, throughout the year, we hold academic interviews with students who face challenges or need support for various reasons. We want our students to know that we’re here to help them but we also need them to understand that, if they’re going to be successful in their studies, and in life, they need to be willing to take an element of personal responsibility for this success. This might mean they have to work harder or show more determination than others, it might mean making use of the people and resources available or it could mean maintaining a positive outlook, which can be very hard when facing adversity and negativity. We encourage students and families to contact their Heads of House or one of the Deans if they would like to talk about ways the College can better support them. Some of the ways Iona could support your sons with their academics include: Years 5 to 8 – Support for mathematics and reading through participation in the Junior Senior Link Tutoring Programme. Commencing in Week 3, this runs Tuesdays (Years 5 and 6), Thursdays (Years 7 and 8) and Fridays (Years 5 to 8) at 7.45am on the top floor of Davine. If you didn’t receive a letter about this programme and you think it may be of benefit to your son, please contact me. Students can simply turn up to the top of Davine at 7.40am on the relevant day. Homework Club – held for students in Years 5 to 10 every Wednesday afternoon (commencing Week 3) from 3.15pm until 4.15pm in the St Eugene de Mazenod Resource Centre. Students simply need to come to the library with their homework and senior students will help them. English Tutoring – every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon (commencing Week 4) in the St Eugene de Mazenod Resource Centre. English teachers will help students across all year levels with their English assignments. Special Provisions (short and long term) for students who face difficulties due to various reasons. If you believe your son needs additional support with his learning, or could use some consideration for a range of reasons, please contact your Year Level Coordinator/ Head of House who can then refer you to the appropriate person (e.g. Head of Learning Support, Dean of Learning and Teaching etc). Students who need extension could benefit from the activities coordinated by our Enrichment and Enhancement Coordinator, Mrs Lynette Pearce. Mrs Pearce will be sending letters home within the next week to families of students identified by the College. If you don’t receive a letter and believe your son may benefit, please contact her to discuss the appropriateness of the programme for your son. As a concluding reflection, I offer a few examples of famous people who have proven to be great examples of individuals who persevered and ended up being wildly successful, despite facing difficulties, criticism and obstacles: 1. Harland David Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken, had his chicken recipe rejected 1,009 times before a restaurant accepted it. 2. Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor because, “he lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” 3. Albert Einstein did not speak until he was four and did not read until he was seven. He was expelled from school and refused admittance to the Polytechnic School. Yet he won the Nobel Prize and changed the face of modern physics. 4. Winston Churchill struggled in school and failed Grade 6. Despite this, he went on to win a Nobel Prize and to twice be elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. 5. Harrison Ford, well known for his roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, was told that he didn’t have what it takes to be a star yet he became one of the biggest names in Hollywood. The last example, Michael Jordan, is a fabulous role model for our students, particularly those who try out for teams or activities and are disappointed to miss out or to be placed in a lower group than they hoped. Jordan, one of the most successful basketball players of all time, was once cut from his high school basketball team. This didn’t stop him. He stated, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Mrs Deanne Johnston Dean of Learning and Teaching
FAITH AND MISSION Holy God, You who have been for all ages, You are our eternal God. You are immortal while our humanity is fragile. The years pass quickly. Our lives are over in a breath it seems! We were formed from dust; and unto dust we shall return when you call us home. As we live our lives, may we feel your presence, may we be touched by your hope; and may we reflect your love as we begin our Lenten journey this week. Teach us to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. AMEN Mr Wayne Wilden Dean of Faith and Mission DAILY MASS ROSTER Mass will be held at 8.00am each morning in the Chapel. Families are welcome to attend. Friday 12 February Monday 15 February Tuesday 16 February Wednesday 17 February Thursday 18 February MacKillop Anthony Charlebois Year 6 Grandin MUSIC DEPARTMENT MUSIC ENROLMENTS At the beginning of each year, we always have students coming and going within the department. We ask that you contact Mrs Zullo, our Music Administrator if you are interested in enrolling in the program, or if you are a current student and something has changed with your enrolment. Unless otherwise notified in writing by a parent (email is fine) to myself, all students will continue with their enrolment. LOST PROPERTY We have quite a few items of lost property in our music office. Please visit if you have lost something. MUSIC SUPPORTERS GROUP (MSG) Our Music Supporters Group are a great group of supporters who meet regularly to support our department and students. Their first meeting is on Monday 15 February (note date change from the College calendar) and all are welcome. The meetings will be held from 7pm under IPAC in the large classroom directly under the stairs. The MSG meetings will continue to be held on Mondays for 2016 and they will be advised in our College newsletter. YEAR 5 ENROLMENTS Thank you to those Year 5 families who have returned your book lists and enrolment forms. For those not returned yet, we do require them to be completed and returned as soon as possible to enable your son’s to participate in our instrumental program. We also thank you for your consideration with respect to the requirement that our Year 5 program is a 12 month commitment. Mr Peter Francis Director of Music COMMUNITY NEWS P & F WELCOME BBQ It was wonderful to see many families enjoy the Welcome BBQ which the P & F hosted last Sunday afternoon. We believe close to 400 people attended and enjoyed the opportunity to meet other families beginning their Iona journey. There was also a great mix of ‘returning’ families who have older sons at Iona. The twenty-six Year 11 students who helped organise games for the children were a wonderful addition and a credit to their school. I thank them for their leadership. Thank you to the staff who gave freely of their Sunday to welcome our new families and to Mr Mark Robba and the groundstaff for their assistance with the set-up. Finally, thank you to our P & F President, Mr Andrew Leis and his hard working committee for providing a great introduction to the Iona community. IONA UNDER THE STARS Mark Saturday 12 March in your calendar for the P & F’s next function, Iona Under the Stars. A gourmet BBQ will be provided for dinner along with entertainment by staff band, Leave Pass, and a special performance by our Iona Singers. Full details will be advertised in next week’s newsletter, including booking information and ticket pricing. Mr Damian Courtney Dean of Community
Page 1: IONA COLLEGE NEWSLETTER Telephone:
Page 5 and 6: ACADEMIC MORNING TEA #2 CONGRATULAT
Page 7 and 8: G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N
Page 9 and 10: I O N A C O L L E G E S P O R T S I
Page 11 and 12: IONA COLLEGE Music Department Rehea

IONA COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?