College Theme for 2018 “Moved by the love of Christ”

Prayer Dear God, in your plan of salvation you Son, Jesus, accepted the cross and freed us from sin. May we accept our crosses and help one another to carry them. Amen

College Vision Thomas Carr College is a dynamic Catholic learning community, guided by the Gospel.

Excellence and opportunities to develop are pursued.

Through our hope and service to others we shine our light into the world.

Volume 22 Issue 04: March 16 2018

From Principal Dr Watson

“They Will Shine”

Catholic Education Week Each year, in the same week we celebrate St Patrick’s Day (Saturday March 17), we also celebrate Catholic Education Week. The activities and events undertaken at the College to celebrate this important week are:

Our College Leaders participating in the Archbishops Conversation with Student Leaders

Being part of the Catholic Education Week display in the St James’ Church Narthex along with St James’ the Apostle, St Francis of Assisi and St Care’s Primary Schools

Exhibit student art work at the Catholic Education Week Art Show and

Attend the Catholic Education Week Mass held at St Patricks Cathedral This year our College Concert Band and Choir have been requested to provide entertainment in the Treasury Gardens for the Primary Schools students attending the CEW Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. This is a great opportunity for the talents of our students and staff to be recognised. During the week, we also reflect upon and celebrate the important work of Catholic Education within our society. Along with health care and social justice advocacy, education continues to be one of the most important works of the Catholic Church in Australia. Good Samaritan Campus Last week saw the conclusion of a very successful Year 7 Orientation Program at the Good Samaritan Campus with all Year 7 students enjoying their short stay at the Campus. This week our iD9 Country Experience commenced with 9 Blue beginning their three-week country experience which will involve outdoor education, community service and curriculum work associated with the program and local area of Coragulac. Athletics Carnival Last Friday March 9, the College gathered at the Newport Athletics Track for the annual Thomas Carr College House Athletics Carnival. As always, a great deal of planning and preparation went into the day to ensure its success. I thank all students for their participation in the many field and track events and thanks to Ms Margie White, Heads of House and the PE Team, for all their work in planning and preparing of the carnival. A full report on the Athletics Carnival will be provided in the next edition of The Beacon and the House champions will be announced at the Lenten Term Assembly.

Coming Events

March 21: Year 8 Reflection Day (Purple/Red) March 22: Year 8 Reflection Day (Silver/White) March 23: Student Leader Photos March 28:Last Day for Students March 28: Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences 4.00pm-8.30pm March 29: Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences 8.30am-12.30pm March 30: Good Friday March 31: Easter Saturday April 1: Easter Sunday April 2: Easter Monday April 16: Student Free Day/Staff PL Day April 17: Pentecost Term Begins/Students Return April 17: 2019 Scholarship Applications close April 19: College Tour (by appointment only) April 22: Pre ANZAC Day March April 25: ANZAC Day Public Holiday April 27: Year 7 Reflection Day May 7: Malaya Borneo Veterans Remembrance Service 8.00am May 9: Magis Program 2019 Testing Day May 10: Western Region Sacred Music Concert May 11: Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast May 11: House Cross Country Carnival

From the Deputy Principal Ms McDonald The Beacon Award The Beacon Award recognises achievements of our students. Selected students will be presented with a certificate of commendation and their names published in each edition of The Beacon. A maximum of 5 students per level may be recognised each fortnight. The criteria is:

Evidence of learning which is consistently exemplary or displays great improvement

An action performed by a student(s) that supports the Catholic ethos of the school

Evidence of behaviour which is consistently exemplary or displays great improvement

Active and purposeful involvement in a College or community event Congratulations to the following students:

Year 7 Vanessa Asiedu, Malou Phioc, Rose Deng

Year 8 Rhiana Gibson, Dut Bol, Andrew Alaelua, Siyara Dewapura, Begat Beyong

Year 9 Marko Bozovic, Jayden Dashwood, Kuol Jongroor, Rhea Morgan, Jamie Farrales

Year 10 Eric Menezes

Year 11 Olivia Helena, Denzel Gulizia

Year 12 Maddy Iannacone, Martina Pedarse, Holly Grech, Caitlyn Beauliv, Gail D’Souza

International Women’s Day International Women’s Day was celebrated last week on Thursday on March 8 with a Breakfast for our female student leaders. This is the third year that we have celebrated the day in this way. This Year, the theme of International Women’s Day was #PressForProgress, With the World Economic Forum's 2017 Global Gender Gap Report findings telling us that gender parity is over 200 years away - there has never been a more important time to keep motivated and #PressForProgress. With global activism for women's equality fuelled by movements like #MeToo, #TimesUp and more - there is a strong global momentum striving for gender parity. Each student considered how they could support the theme, #PressForProgress. and contributed to an artwork that will be on display soon.

Before and After School Supervision Whilst the College is committed to ensuring student safety, it requires and expects parental co-operation in managing safety issues immediately before and immediately after school. Where school activities (such as sport or band practice) are arranged before or after school, appropriate supervision will be provided for attending students depending on the time and location of the activity. Parents are informed of supervision arrangements and are made aware that students who attend school outside established supervision times may not be supervised and may not receive the care that is normal during the school day. Thomas Carr Day Friday May 18 Planning for this very important day is already underway. A Committee will be responsible for its success. We are looking for parent volunteers to assist with cooking and food preparation. If you are available from 9.00am to 12.00pm on Friday May 18, your support would be much appreciated. Please contact Ms Deller to advise your availability by emailing kerrie.deller@thomascarr.vic.edu.au National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence Research shows that bullying can have a negative impact on students’ academic

performance, self‐esteem, coping skills, and can increase anxiety and unhappiness. It is important that students, staff and parents get involved to make a positive change. If you think your child is being bullied, please contact the Year Level Co-ordinator. The annual National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence occurs on the third Friday in March each year and is organised by all Australian education authorities through the Safe and Supportive School Communities Project. This year it falls on Friday March 16. Cyberbullying and sexting frequently occurs at home and out of school hours and it is important that parents remain alert to signs of distress and to the type of activities their child is involved in online. While these issues are addressed as part of the Pastoral Care Program, parents are encouraged to visit the relevant websites to get ideas on how to safely guide their child’s online experiences. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/bullystoppers/Pages/default.aspx https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/sexting

From the Business Manager Ms O’Neill Social Media We have great things happening at our school on a daily basis and it is important for us to share these good stories with others. As a result, we are now ramping up the use of Facebook and Instagram where we will regularly post photos of the various activities that our students and staff are involved in. Parents are reminded that the College operates in accordance with its Privacy Policy. Any parent that is concerned about their son or daughters photo being shared on social media should firstly familiarise themselves with the Colleges Privacy Policy which is available on the College website: http://www.thomascarr.vic.edu.au/_uploads/rsfil/03778.pdf Follow us on Instagram @thomascarrcollege Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tcctarneit/

From the Senior Director Mr Scarlata Progress Reports Progress Reports will be available for viewing from Monday March 19. Reports can be accessed through the Parent Access Module (PAM) and a PAM link can be found on the College website. These reports are indicative of the student’s progress and work

habits. They do not contain summative assessment results. The assessment results can be accessed via PAM and then by selecting the student’s ‘Learning Areas.’ Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences

Date Time

Wednesday March 28 3.50pm – 5.30pm

6.30pm – 8.30pm

Thursday March 29 8.30am – 10.30am

11.00am– 12.30pm

All Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences will take place in the Bruce Runnalls Middle Years Centre on Wednesday March 28 and Thursday March 29. Online bookings for the conferences can be accessed from Monday March 19. We welcome parents to contact their child’s subject teachers throughout the term. The room location for various teachers should be on your PTO printout. We will also have displays of rooms and staff placed around the Bruce Runnalls Centre. Conference timeslots are strictly 10 minutes. If you require more time with a particular teacher, please arrange for further communication. You will appreciate that many parents make themselves available for the conferences and small delays at one end, can mean that the scheduled interview times can run well over the allotted time causing frustration for those who have to wait.

From the College Board Mrs Skinner – Board Chair and St Peter’s Representative It is with pleasure that I write the first Thomas Carr College Board Report for 2018. The College Board meets 6 times per year to carry out its roles and responsibilities. “A board has the responsibility of ensuring that the College is faithful to its character as a Catholic school. It develops policies to enable the College to function, it supervises the College’s financial arrangements and it offers significant support to the Principal and other key leaders of the College. “ (Catholic Education Office Melbourne: Guidelines for Boards of Regional and Diocesan Colleges). We are blessed to have 3 Canonical Administrators who help govern our College: Fr Jude Pirotta is the Head of Canonical Administrators and the St James Parish Priest, Fr Vincent John, Parish Priest of St Peter’s and we welcome Fr Albert Yogarajah, who

is the new Parish Priestof St Andrew’s. We thank them for their constant support and

guidance. On Tuesday February 27 the College Board held its first meeting for 2018. On behalf of the Board I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students, their families and staff. May your time at the College be full of many wonderful learning experiences and achievements. The College theme this year is “Moved by the love of Christ”. Already this year, some staff and a small group of students have made this call to serve a reality. In early January this year, 8 Year 12 students along with Dr Watson, Mrs Geralyn McCarthy and Fr Jude travelled to the Philippines and witnessed the amazing work of the religious communities from the Missionary Society of St Paul - the society to which Fr Jude belongs to. Students witnessed the tireless ministry of the religious communities who devote themselves to the care of the poor and marginalized. The Board commends Dr Watson and staff for providing our students with the opportunity to see the world beyond our community. It is truly a wonderful opportunity to be part of this experience. Students were ‘moved by the love of Christ” and enjoyed making a difference to the lives of the young children they met. The College Business Manager, Ms Sharon O’Neill, presents a finance report at each meeting detailing cash flow, balance sheets, budgets and fee collections. The Finance report delivered in February shows that the College is in a sound financial position at the moment. The Board is very comfortable with the capital expenditure approved as

part of a 10 year master plan to provide great facilities for the students and staff. Most of the plan has come to fruition. It is a real pleasure to see the wonderful new facilities that provide quality spaces where learning and teaching can take place. We look forward to the next phase of the plan which includes the construction of a Senior School facility. We thank Ms Sharon O’Neill and her team for her continued hard work and management. We welcomed back Ms. Kerrie Deller to the College as the Executive Assistant to the Principal and Deputy Principal. Kerrie is also the Board Secretary. It is wonderful to have Kerrie back in our community. Her diligence and support is very much appreciated. Lastly, I would like to thank Dr Watson for giving us the chance to sit on the College Board as advisory members. We look forward to supporting the Vision of the College in the year ahead. On behalf of the College Board and the Thomas Carr College community I would like to wish all the students and staff a successful and spirit filled 2018. May they use their gifts and talents to strive for excellence in all that they undertake so that they may can make a difference in the local and global community. The College Board will next meet on Tuesday March 27 at 7.30pm for the AGM, followed by the ordinary meeting at 7.45pm in the Fr Ray Administration Centre.

From the Head of Middle School Mr Wilkinson Year 7 Orientation Camp The Year 7’s have now finished their time at our country campus in Coragulac with 7 White being the last class to attend the Year 7 Orientation Camp. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Good Samaritan Campus Team, the Homeroom Teachers and Peer Support Leaders who have helped them enjoy a fun and worthwhile time. Mr Levy and Mrs Arandt, Year 7 Co-ordinators, worked very hard in making sure that all arrangements were made for our students to enjoy their time there so a very special thank you to them also. Year 8 Shine Program The Year 8 Shine program was an overwhelming success, allowing students to spend time with their peers, build relationships and engage in surfing, an activity that most students otherwise may not have the opportunity to do. Thank you to the Homeroom teachers and staff volunteers who attended the program and a very special thank you to Mr John Bassi and Mr Brad Gilham, for all their hard work organising the program and making it the fantastic experience that it was. Below is a reflection from Year 8 students Saumya Shangle of 8 Green and Georgia Dean of 8 White: Between Monday February 26 and Friday March 2, the Year 8 students had the opportunity to go to Ocean Grove and learn how to surf. We were taught step by step the techniques of surfing, which included paddling, going up on your knees and balancing on your board. It was extremely enjoyable as it was challenging and a new experience for most of us. The biggest challenge would probably have to be standing up on the boards, as the waves were bumpy which made it harder to balance. It was difficult to catch a wave without bumping into people, as it was very crowded. However, we were able to spread out and have a great time. After this experience, we acknowledged that it wasn’t as difficult as we had first imagined and found it to be really fun! If the future Year 8 students are given the chance to do this activity, we would highly recommend it. It is a fun way to challenge yourself and try something new! Year 9 City Experience Year 9 City Experience City Experience allows students to study the cultural, historical and sporting aspects of the City of Melbourne. The program recognises students’ increasing independence and requires them to develop their own transport plans in order to complete the set activities for each day. A City Experience ‘passport’ has questions, facts, maps and information on key locations that they will visit individually,

with their small group and as a class. Year 9 Silver and 9 White have both recently completed their City Experience. Below are some thoughts and experiences from Charles Huynh from 9 Silver and Jai Rauner-Smith from 9 White. The aspect I enjoyed most during City Experience was experiencing Melbourne's diverse culture and design. Upon first arriving in Melbourne, I witnessed exceptional architectural work, through the various beautifully structured and made buildings located in the city. I also enjoyed the sense of excitement and the atmosphere that the city gave me. There are always events and activities, the large crowds, and the feeling of discovery results in an energetic atmosphere. Despite the high costs the city is populated with food establishments and the dining options were endless. Within a few blocks were foods of all so we never got bored of what we were eating and always had the chance to try something new. Due to having little knowledge beforehand, the biggest challenge for our group was that some destinations were hard to reach. Understanding and comprehending street names and public transport was a hard task to accomplish. There was a scavenger hunt, which required us to arrive at the Melbourne Zoo, but because of our lack of understanding of trams, we found ourselves lost in the city. Being confronted with these challenges, we were forced to overcome them. We did this by using online assistance such as Google Maps. Despite being slightly late and under pressure, we arrived at the zoo and continued with the scavenger hunt. Over time, we adjusted and adapted to the city environment and we were able to travel around and use public transport in the city with ease. On City Experience, I learnt things about myself that I did not know before. I discovered that I am an effective problem solver even when under pressure and that I am able to help my group solve problems in order to overcome challenges. Because of City Experience, I now have more confidence and a better understanding of my skills. City Experience is an experience not to be missed by future Year 9’s, as it gives an opportunity to experience Melbourne’s culture, and the challenges that come with being in the city. City Experience teaches people to problem solve under pressure, and how to use public transport. During City Experience, people are able to take in the unique and diverse backgrounds and cultures, the progress of humankind and Australian’s history, by simply walking around and observing. Charles Huynh 9 Silver. Our class went on city experience from Monday February 26 until Friday March 2. On Monday, we met up with the teachers at the train station at 8:00am and travelled to Flinders Street Station. We then went to Federation Square, which was the meeting point for the roll calls in the morning and afternoon. We were able to attend places such as Parliament House, Melbourne Museum, Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne City Mission, Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne Zoo and a mass at St Francis’ Church. The thing I enjoyed most about city experience was being able to hang out with friends and have lunch wherever you want. It was enjoyable to be free around the city and experience the life of people in Melbourne. The biggest challenge I faced was trying to find where to go and making sure everything we had to do was ticked off for the assessment. I overcame this challenge by using Google Maps and getting my friends to help. The one thing I learnt about myself was that I am street smart and actually do know my way around when I try. This is an experience not to be missed by all future Year 9 students because it is a highlight of Year 9, an excursion all Year 9’s looks forward to and could be the best week of their year and maybe even their life. Jai Rauner-Smith 9 White. Year 9 Country Experience The iD9 curriculum aims to develop students who are independent, confident, and inquisitive about their world, work co-operatively, are socially aware and connected to others. The Good Samaritan Campus experience aims to provide all students with an exciting and challenging program in an environment that is safe, caring, structured and engaging. The emphasis throughout the three-week experience is on learning through doing. Activities and project work is based around the local Coragulac and Otway’s environments of lake, coast and forest. Complementing experiential learning in each of these environments will be a further focus on community living centered on day to day life on the Campus. Year 9 Blue embarked on their three-week country experience as of Tuesday March 13. We wish all students and staff the very best of success for

this time and look forward to hearing about their experiences upon their return to Tarneit Campus.

From the Head of Senior School Mrs Knurek Interim Reports and Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews While it is pleasing to see the work a number of students are doing, the Interim Reports have identified a number of students whom are either not working sufficiently or who are having difficulty with a section/s of their work in some subjects. I encourage all parents to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with and discuss work with their child’s subject teacher as effective learning is very much a collaborative process. For detailed information, please refer to the article from the Senior Director. Students are asked to also attend and participate in this important feedback process. As all Senior School students have exams and/or the GAT in the second half of June, it is important to look at how work can be improved. The habit of study and revision needs to start early in the year, not just prior to assessment tasks or examinations. Respect in our Community At Thomas Carr College each person has the right to be treated with courtesy and respect. It is expected that each student will take a positive approach to his or her:

Manner of speech

Body language

Acknowledgement of the personal space and rights of others

Attitude to the opinions of others

Personal presentation enior school students are expected to be good models for the rest of the College. While most students behave appropriately, the attitude of some students has been disappointing and I ask parents to re-enforce the College Expectations at home. Year 12 VCAL Excursion The Year 12 VCAL Personal Development course has a requirement for the students to demonstrate leadership skills, decision making skills in group situations and to work together in small teams. To demonstrate competency in these two outcomes, students planned a day in the city on Tuesday March 6 with a focus on exploring social diversity within Melbourne. Students attended the Melbourne Immigration Museum, the Indigenous Art Section of the NGV and other culturally significant landmarks that they had identified for their chosen country. The influence on food, fashion and design of their selected country was also explored. Careers Much work is done in the Senior School by our Careers staff. Year 10 students are currently looking at aspects relating to their work experience week at the beginning of our Assumption term. A reminder please that the work experience arrangement form and the completion of the safe@work Industry Module certificate should have been completed by now. During this term, all Year 11 and 12 students will have individual appointments to discuss their pathway options. Any subject change in senior school is supported by an appointment/discussion with careers staff to ensure that the best options for that student are investigated. Each month the Careers Team publishes a Careers Newsletter. This Newsletter outlines information to assist you in making important career decisions, upcoming career events, tips and advice and much more. The first edition is now available and can be viewed on the College website. It has also been sent to all Senior School Students.

From the VET/VCAL Co-ordinator Ms Le Noel Structure Workplace Learning- Placements Needed! Each year our VCAL and some of our VET students are on the hunt for places to gain experience in their chosen industry. These students are completing Certificate II and

Certificate IIIs in a wide range of industries, such as: Bricklaying, Health, Animal Care, IT, Carpentry, Beauty, Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Sport and Recreation and Childcare. This is valuable experience where students participate in the workplace. We are currently short on suitable placements. Are you a fully qualified tradesperson looking to trial students leading into apprenticeships? Do you own your own business and can provide opportunities for young people? Can you help? Do you know someone who could help? Are you interested in finding out more? VCAL students are available for placements every Thursday during Term. Contact Ms Le Noel via email to receive more information about SWL on natasha.lenoel@thomascarr.vic.edu.au or 8734 2444.

From the Careers Department Ms De Silva Year 9 Mock Interview Program 2018 – Year 9 Parents/ Guardians The College Careers and Pathways Team is conducting the first series of mock interviews for Year 9 students in the Pentecost Term. All Year 9 students will be required to participate in a Mock Interview arranged by the College as part of their assessment task in the Personal Development Module of the Year 9 iD9 Program. The aim of Mock Interviews (also known as practice interview) is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about the interview process as they are entering the ‘world of work’ by seeking part-time employment, volunteering opportunities and preparing for the Year 10 Work Experience Program. The Year 9 Mock Interviews will be held during the week of Monday 14 May through to Thursday 17 May from 4.00pm to 8.00pm at the College. Each student will be scheduled a 15 minute interview with an external panel and followed up with interview feedback on their performance. The College will provide families with further information on the program including the availability of dates, times and the booking schedule in the coming weeks. We are seeking people who would be happy to be part of an interview panel. People working in particular industries such as Hospitality, Customer Service/ Retail, Trades, Education, Information Technology, Management are especially welcomed. The mock interview program will commence from Monday May 14 to Thursday May 17 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Thomas Carr College If you wish to contribute to our student success and for further information, please contact Ms Sam De Silva, Career and Pathways Team on 8734 2444 or sam.desilva@thomascarr.vic.edu.au

Uniform Shop News

Don’t wait until the last minute to try on your winter uniform, get in now before the rush starts for anything you need to update

Sale still on, a huge 50% off on RED P.E Uniform, old style tracksuit pants, shorts and old House Polo’s. Sale excludes sports jacket

Some sizes have already sold out so get in quick

Replacement Blazer Pockets are back in stock $30 each

Please note there is no exchange or refund on sale items.

Keep warm with…

School Scarf $20.00

Gloves $12.00

Beanies $10.00 Order your Thomas Carr College Uniform Online Enjoy the convenience of online shopping. Save time and energy by ordering your uniforms online in 6 easy steps

1. Go to www.midford.com.au 2. Select Thomas Carr College from the Online School Shops tab

3. New users to click the ‘Register New Account’ button 4. Start the registration process by selecting Thomas Carr College from the drop

down menu and add the unique school pass phrase: ‘TCC1997’ 5. Add your personal information, create a username and password 6. Order the items you need, select pick-up in store or opt for home delivery

We will be closing for the school holidays at 4.00pm on Wednesday March 28. The uniform shop will be open on:

Monday April 9 from 9.00am until 4.00pm

Wednesday April 11 from 9.00am until 4.00pm

Friday April 13 from 9.00am until 4.00pm CLOSED Monday April 16 Normal trading hours will resume on Wednesday April 18 All enquiries please contact Kallie 9749 5969 thomascarr@midford.com.au