Pursuing personal best* NEWS N EWS Term 1 2018 Term 1 2017
Principal s Reflection At a recent professional learning seminar, I was reminded that the Mercator projection which was suited to navigation, but is also used commonly in world maps, increasingly inflates the sizes of regions according to their distance from the equator. This inflation results, for example, in a representation of Greenland that is larger than Africa, which has a geographic area 14 times greater than Greenland s. Since much of the technologically underdeveloped world lies near the equator, these countries appear smaller on a Mercator and can therefore seem less significant. In the Gall Peters projection, by contrast, areas of equal size on the globe are also equally sized on the map. By using this projection, poorer, less powerful nations are restored to their rightful proportions. This has led to the adoption of the Gall Peters projection among some socially concerned groups, including Oxfam. Pope Francis calls such thinking looking from the margins - the capacity to step outside our world view and perceptions and consider other perspectives and our blind spots. This is important for us, as teachers, in considering the experience of life at Emmanuel from student perspectives, and in our unconditional respect for them as we support their growth and learning. As a college in the Marianist tradition our education for service, justice and peace also includes developing this capacity to look from the margins in supporting those in need at local, national and international levels. Christopher Stock College Principal
First Day at Notre Dame The first day back at Emmanuel College for the students, parents and teachers at Notre Dame was very exciting. Watching the young men and women of Year 7 arrive to the new hall (Quiroga Building), many without their parents, and sitting quietly until the morning commenced. The students were full of anticipation and at times apprehension, anticipating the journey upon which they were about to embark. The Year 7 Orientation days proved to be of great value for the students. As well as tours to familiarise themselves with the campus, they spent time getting to know their new class-mates and teachers, learning about college procedures and how to access the technologies available at their campus. Opening College Mass The Opening College Mass was celebrated at St Patrick s Cathedral on February 6th, with our celebrants, Fathers John Healy and Greg Trythall, and Deacon Cho. Coming together as the Emmanuel community in the magnificent setting of the cathedral, with the wonderful singing and music led by our choir and musicians, was a powerful celebration of God s call to be our best and to respond in love and service to one another - to live life to the full in 2018. The Resilience Project Hugh Van Cuylenberg launched The Resilience Project for the Year 7s, the program focusing on the skills of resilience: G.E.M - Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness. The power of the Resilience Project is underlined by the success of Richmond premiership star, Dustin Martin, who practises G.E.M. on a daily basis and rates highly the contribution this makes to his success at the elite level. 3
Year 7 Camp The Year 7 camp made a great contribution to assisting the young men and women transition to secondary school and in getting to know their teachers and one another better. During this experience the students got the opportunity to take part in challenging and exhilarating activities such as the giant swing, snorkelling, high ropes, team building and many more. This was a fantastic adventure as students formed new friendships and showed resilience when conquering their fears.
Year 12 Retreat The Notre Dame Year 12 Retreat held at Rutherford was a wonderful experience for both students and staff. Students had the opportunity to consolidate friendships, set goals and recognise the supports they have and will need through their Year 12 journey. The retreats provided students with space to reflect on their personal relationships, who they are and what they are called to be. This year, we invited the Youth Ministry Team to run two sessions with the students on Courageous Discipleship. Students considered how their faith and the example of Jesus can support them to resist negative influences and base desires, such as popularity, money and alcohol. The team used group interaction, plays and a moving candle ceremony to engage students. Mr Glenn Manton again joined the retreat, using his personal journey of self-improvement to encourage students to consider the kind of person they want to be and challenge society's sometimes negative perception of young people. This experience went a long way to ensuring that the Year 12 students are equipped with strategies to manage the pressures of Year 12.
House Sports Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Athletics Carnival. What a fantastic day to see many of our students achieve their personal best in a range of events. Notre Dame Campus 1st place 570 points McCoy 2nd place 520 points Winters 3rd place 470 points McCluskey 4th place 463 points Cassidy 5th place 439 points Chaminade 6
Meet and Greet Over 80, 2019 Year 7 families attended the inaugural Meet and Greet. On arrival families were greeted by staff and students and socialised at the sausage sizzle. The highlight of the evening was the student led Amazing Race which involved parents and future students discovering key locations around the campus. The next wave of students and their families had a wonderful time, making new friends and being part of the transition program for Year 7, 2019. 2018 College Production Emmanuel College has a proud history of developing musical productions of the highest quality, with 2017 s Hairspray being a prime example. Students have been hard at it again since November under the guidance of director, Ms Krystal Holzer and her cast of supporting staff. Rehearsals and practise are going strong and we are certain the this year s production of Beauty and the Beast will be as exceptional as previous performances. As a community, we all look forward to seeing the production. Matinee performances will be held for our parish feeder primary schools on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 May. Evening performances are being held for the community on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 May at Emmanuel College, McCoy Hall, St Paul s Campus.
Showing You Our BEST * Sunday 6 May, 2018 We are passionate about helping each student achieve their personal best in all aspects of life. Our dedicated and hard working teachers, Catholic tradition and well equipped facilities ensure each student can achieve their best. Come and meet our students and teachers and see what life is like at our Open Day. DETAILS Date: Sunday 6 May, 2018 Campus: St Paul s (Altona North) Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm Campus: Notre Dame (Point Cook) Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm For more information or to register your attendance contact Donna Grech, College Registrar on 8325 5119. Enrolment applications Year 7, 2020 - Close 17 August 2018 * St Paul s Campus 423 Blackshaws Road Altona North 3025 Notre Dame Campus 2-40 Foxwood Drive Point Cook 3030 Pursuing personal best * (03) 8325 5100 www.ecmelb.catholic.edu.au