Term 3 I Friday 2 August 2019

This is their final term of learning as they finalise assessments and major works in preparation for the HSC Examinations in October and ahead of their Graduation at the end of the term. 

As Year 12 approach their trial weeks the next group of College student leaders are preparing.  We will announce them in the next few weeks and will hold the Commissioning Assembly on Wednesday 4 September.   Thank you to all who have applied for positions. 

The South West Festival is just around the corner and final preparations are well and truly underway.  It will take place on Saturday August 24.  This is always a fantastic community event and this year we expect numbers to exceed 7,500.  We look forward to you all coming along and being part of the day. 

At the end of last term we announced the retirement of Mrs Christine Bessant.  We also would like to take this opportunity to announce the retirement at the end of 2019 of Mrs Sue Hewson, our Coordinator of Prep.  Mrs Hewson is a Foundation staff member, leader and long serving Prep teacher.  She has been a dedicated and hardworking teacher and we have been well served by her contribution.  Let me on your behalf wish her well as she retires. There will of course be an opportunity to farewell both Mrs Bessant and Mrs Hewson towards the end of the year.  We wish both of them well as they pursue this next chapter in their lives.  

Students from Takayamamura Junior High have arrived today and will be with us till next Tuesday.  They are one of our 2 Sister Schools in Japan.  It is always a valuable time for both schools as students and staff have opportunities to learn from each other about our very different cultures.   They have a busy schedule experiencing some ‘Aussie’ highlights over the next few days.  Thanks to all the families who are billeting students.  I’m sure you will find it a lovely time and something your family will remember for many years to come. 

As we know we are living in an age of constant technological change and as parents and teachers it is often challenging to keep up with the fast paced and turbulent aspect of technology especially in relation to devices and their use.  There are concerns about the digital habits of young people and the effect these have on their own self-image, relationships and mood – their general wellbeing.  On Thursday 15 August the College is hosting a Wellbeing Matters Event - Healthy Habits in a Digital World.  I commend this evening to you and encourage you to take the time to attend.  We have a leading authority Dr Andrew Campbell presenting.  You can find information and the links to RSVP in this edition of The Way or on our Website. 

It is a very busy term for the College with many upcoming events and special occasions.  Thank you for your support always and we look forward to seeing you at one or more over the next few months.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Manufacturers of these products are deploying sophisticated marketing campaigns in an attempt to glamorise and promote smoking to young people.  Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapour produced by the heated nicotine liquid of an e-cigarette or vape pen. Many teens believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking as it is often formulated with flavourings to appeal to younger users. Be aware that e-cigarettes stating 0 mg of nicotine, may still contain nicotine. It is a highly addictive substance that can slow the brain development in kids affecting their memory, concentration, learning and mood. Because vaping is new, the short and long-term health effects remain unknown.

However, studies have shown that kids who have tried vaping, are more likely to smoke tobacco products later in life than kids who have not tried vaping. As e-cigarettes leave little odour, they are particularly easy to conceal and use discreetly in public places, even in schools.

In this Special Report, parents and care givers will be provided with the facts relating to e-cigarettes and vaping, whilst also highlighting the potential dangers and surrounding legislation. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Click the link to read this special report.

Mrs Jacoline Petersen
Director of Student Counselling

Source: SchoolTV

'Detention' – Tristan Bancks
“A daring escape. A school lockdown. A thrilling chase. What would you risk to save a life? It's 5.28 am. Sima is pressed to the rough, cold ground among about fifty others, next to a tall fence designed to keep them in. The wires are cut one by one. When they make their move, a guard raises the alarm. There's shouting, smoke bombs, people tackled to the ground. In the chaos Sima is separated from her parents and baby sister. Dad told her to run. So she does. At 8.03 am, Dan is in class when the lockdown sound blares. He's worried it's because of the injured dog he found this morning. Maybe it's attacked someone. He convinces his teacher to let him go to the bathroom. Then Dan finds Sima, hiding in the toilet block. She's terrified of being caught. What does Dan do? Help her? Dob her in? She's breaking the law, but is it right to lock kids up? And if he offers to help, should Sima trust him? Or run?”

A fast paced thrilling and thought provoking story that gives readers a real insight into the lives of asylum seekers and how they are treated in our country. A great book that helps young people further understand this important issue.

'Promise' – Alexandria Alt
“At 15, Lene is questioning everything. She is sick of the compulsory League of German Girls' meetings, and everyone being made to fight for a final victory that never seems to come. She is in love with Ludwig who lives upstairs and listens to enemy broadcasts. Like Lene, he rejects the war and the endless Nazi indoctrination. But he has caught the attention of his ruthless Hitler Youth squad leader, Kurt. Unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, Lene has to watch every step, every word to protect those she loves. When Ludwig is ordered to the Eastern Front, can Lene and Ludwig hold on to their promise to one another and resurface from the darkness of the abyss in post-war Berlin?”
A wonderful story of young love in a city filled with hate, death and destruction. Suspenseful and moving, a story about survival, where every word, every gesture could be used against you and those you care about. A fantastic first novel from a new Australian author.

'As Happy as Here' – Jane Godwin
“Evie would never have met Lucy and Jemma if the accident hadn’t happened. But here they are sharing a hospital ward. When the three girls witness a crime in the park below their window, it sets off a chain of events that will change each of them forever, and force Evie to confront what it means to grow up, and how to live truly, with courage, as yourself.”
A lovely coming of age story of three girls who though very different are able to find friendship, belonging and acceptance together as they solve a strange mystery. A book that will be enjoyed by students in years 7 to 9.

IRC Crossword – Term 2 Competition 
The IRC Crossword competition has now finished. A number of students were able to successfully complete the crossword. Congratulations to Charles Khoury (Year 7), Sienna Nohra (Year 8), Mia Zinghini (Year 8), Emily Cook (Year 11) and Camille Leslie (Year 12).
The IRC would like to thank all students who participated in this competition.

Book Week 2019
Book Week 2019 is coming soon. It will be held in the IRC during Week 5 this term. (Monday 19th to Friday 23rd August) The theme for this year is …Superpowers! As well as the yearly favourite ‘Book in the Jar’ competition, the IRC will be pitting two of the greatest superhero franchises against each other… DC VS MARVEL! Lots of great prizes to be won! For more information please speak to Library staff.

Overdue notices
Overdue notices have been sent out.  If any students require a printed list of their loans please speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith.
Students who do not return their books after receiving their third notice as well as an email will be invoiced for a replacement copy.
Please remember that all invoices will still stand if books are returned after this final date.
If you have any problems or questions regarding overdue books please speak to Mrs Comiskey or Mr Smith who will be happy to help.

Mrs Annette Comiskey & Mr Michael Smith
Senior IRC Library Team

Many different instruments were showcased on the evening and it was a great opportunity for these students to perform on their given instruments.  It is a celebration of the work of the students and their musical development throughout the year. This event also provided the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the tutors.

The Senior Young Performers Evening is on Wednesday 7 August and our tutors will be encouraging students to present one or two pieces each to showcase their learning and growth throughout this year. We look forward to seeing you there.

Mrs Elizabeth Ford
Creative Arts Coordinator 

Cat has now qualified for SSA Northern States Championships to be held in Perisher from 20-25 August 2019.  What a great effort.

We wish Catarina all the best as she competes!  

Mr Michael Fox
Senior School Sports Coordinator