mentone girls’ secondary college newslettermgsc.vic.edu.au/uploads/jul232015.pdf · 2 mentone...

MENTONE GIRLS’ SECONDARY COLLEGE

NEWSLETTErEdition 11 | 23 July 2015

MENTONE GIRLS’ SECONDARY COLLEGECnr Balcombe & Charman Roads (PO Box 52), Mentone VIC 3194

tel: (03) 9581 5200 | fax: (03) 9585 [email protected] | http://www.mgsc.vic.edu.au/

Principal’s ReportWith increased numbers of international students we were thrilled to open

our English Language Centre at the start of this term. This will make integration of students much easier and also support other EAL (English as Another Language) students.

Information Nights for students progressing to the next year level have been held this week, and next week the Year 9 into 10 evening will take place. Parents can help their daughters by discussing the various subject options available, and then should a girl not get all her preferences, they can help by accepting the situation and supporting their daughter as she considers other options. The Curriculum Committee is looking at ways in which the Year 10 blocks can match VCE blocks to offer more choice. This should be in place for Headstart in 2017.

We have organised an outstanding panel of experts to answer questions parents might have about alcohol and other drugs. It is called “Drugs 101” and will be held in the Lecture Theatre at 6.30pm on Wednesday 5th August. I encourage parents of girls in all levels to come along on that evening.

Some of our girls have been involved in “Auction Idol” and have made it to the final to be held in the Lecture Theatre at 6pm on Thursday 30th July. Our students have been mentored by Frank Hellier from Malcolms Real Estate and have shown a great aptitude. You are also warmly invited to this special event.

The Winter Concert will take place on 12th August and planning is underway for our 60th Anniversary celebrations on 21st and 22nd August. Please let past students know that the College will be open on Saturday 22nd August from 10am to 3pm when they can come back and share the day with us.

I am still looking for families to host a Year 11 student from Letsibogo Girls’ High School in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa in 2016. If you think you could offer homestay for a month or a term, please call me to discuss the details. We are hoping to acquire some funding that may help families who host our girls.

Some of our girls are still not crossing the road safely but running across amongst the traffic. I have teachers on duty before and after school who also remind the girls, however it seems to be falling on deaf ears. Could parents please have a conversation with their daughters about their safety so that we don’t have anyone injured. They need to obey the road rules as much as car drivers do.

Ms Deborah M. LehnerPrincipal

Available online at http://www.mgsc.vic.edu.au/

IN THIS EDITIONAsbestos Audit

CareersInternational Student

Program NewsWorld Challenge

ASG National Excellence in

Teaching AwardsSenior School NewsMiddle School NewsJunior School News

ScienceSportMusic

Health & PEMaths

Parenting IdeasKey Dates

A reminder that driving on to school grounds to

pick up or drop off your daughter is prohibited and is an occupational health and safety

issue. Thank you.

2 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 11 | 23 July 2015

Asbestos AuditAs part of the Department of Education’s Health and Safety Management Plan, asbestos audits are undertaken on

a regular basis. We were audited over the Term 2 holidays. One aspect of the audit is to ensure that any asbestos in the school is clearly labelled. The labels form part of a comprehensive program to ensure that students and staff in Victorian government schools remain safe. The labels remind people to contact school reception prior to undertaking any works at the school to ensure they have up-to-date information from the school’s asbestos register. Asbestos – which was used extensively in building materials in the past but is now banned – is considered safe unless damaged or in poor condition.

You may be aware that over the past few years the school has endeavoured to remove as much asbestos as possible. (We removed the asbestos sheeting form the eaves of the original buildings last year.) We do have asbestos in the male staff toilets. The door to the toilets has a clear label on it, and in addition a label has been placed at the entrances to the building. There is also asbestos in some of the mastic between the cement bricks on the Nina Carr Hall. Please be assured that the asbestos in both locations is in a safe condition.

The school is working with the Department of Education to ensure that the asbestos is removed, where possible, or maintained in a safe condition. If you have any questions about this please contact me at the school.

Ms Bronwyn MolineAssistant Principal

CareersCalling all Parents, Student, Family and Friends...

You are invited to witness the Inaugural Victorian ‘Schools Auction Idol Competition’ on Thursday 30th July at 6.15pm (first auction at 6.30pm) in the MGSC auditorium. Come along to an evening of excitement and anticipation as Mentone Girls’ students test their auctioneering skills and real estate knowledge against Mordialloc College students. Following weeks of intensive training from local real estate identity Frank Hellier of Malcolms Real Estate, our students are at the ready to create history.

See other students in action from South Australia at www.auctioneers.com.au. Click on the ‘Auction Idol’ page, then ‘Watch Performances’.

The winner and runner up will go on to represent Victoria and their school against students from South Australia and Tasmania at the Inaugural ‘Australasian Schools Auction idol Competition’ to be held in Melbourne in September.

For those passionate about all their Real Estate, Auction and Education this is an event not to be missed.

VTAC Information EveningsThese will take place on Tuesday 28th July from 7-8pm at Parkdale Secondary College, Senior Centre, Warren Rd,

Mordialloc and on Thursday 30th July from 7-8pm at Kilbreda College Hall, 118 Mentone Parade, Mentone.Find out from VTAC representatives how to apply for tertiary courses, scholarships and special consideration. There

will also be information about the ATAR, scaling and offers. This presentation will be most useful for Year 12 students and their parents. Year 9-11 students and their parents are also welcome.

Ms Rebecca PoulosCareers Coordinator

International Student Program NewsOpening of Mentone Girls’ English Language Centre

On the first day of Term 3, we opened our exciting English Language Centre (ELC) in Room 19. We welcome new students: Boying Wu, Eliza He, Grace Wang, Sarah Liu and Sandy Leung who arrived from China during the holidays. On their first day, the students were befriended by the Year 10 ELC support students: Victoria Kokurin, Alanna Marsh, Indiana Clark, Sarah Barkhouse and Pari Wadhwa, who have generously ‘buddied up’ with them to help their transition into our College and the Australian way of life. We also welcome Ms Melanie Erwin to the ELC who is teaching the Maths and Science components of the 20 week program. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Ms Roberts and Ms Zhang in the weeks leading up to the opening, and how the encouragement and enthusiasm of the whole school towards the centre has been incredible.

Ms Ekaterina Xanthopoulos ISP and ELC Manager


World Challenge The students are currently busy researching places to visit and activities to do in Peru in preparation for their

important itinerary meeting on Thursday 20th August at 3.30-6.30pm in the JLC. Parents are welcome to attend the last 30 minutes of this meeting.

Many students have volunteered to run a stall at the 60th anniversary of the College on Saturday 22nd August but they must complete and return a permission form they can collect from Mr Warden in the Middle School Office.

Mr Michael Warden

ASG National Excellence in Teaching AwardsFor 20 years the ASG National Excellence in Teaching Awards have given communities the opportunity to formally

thank their hard-working and inspirational educators and leaders. This award provides you with the opportunity to nominate a teacher who you feel displays excellence in their profession.

If you would like to nominate one of the teachers at Mentone Girls’ Secondary College then follow the link for further information and opportunity to complete your nomination www.asg.com.au/nominate

Senior School NewsLast Friday at assembly our Careers Coordinator Rebecca Poulos spoke with the Year 11 group outlining her role

and offering career path advice. She played a brief film about how the world is changing in respect of job opportunities and vocational directions. The students were provided with information regarding their course outlines for Year 12.

Last Tuesday evening we had an information session for parents and students focussed on subject choices for VCE which complemented Rebecca’s careers guidelines. Teachers were available to inform attendees about the nature of their subjects and balancing choices within domains such as English and Mathematics. Parents and students, including both Year 10 and 11 girls had discussions with teachers regarding subject combinations. Parents please note, course selection forms must be in by 6th August.

A reminder to all VCE students and their parents, this is a pivotal term. By the end most of the Year 12 courses will be completed and students will be embarking upon revision activities, practice essays and examinations. It is important that each student applies herself rigidly and looks at ways to organise folders and files to aid consolidation of information and resources.

Senior School News

Middle School NewsInformation Nights for 2016 have begun. Year 10 students and their parents attended an Information Night about

the VCE processes on Tuesday. The students also attended an additional meeting with the leader of the Senior School yesterday morning. The Year 8 to 9 Information Night was held last night. Please note the change of date of the Year 9 to 10 Information Night is Monday 27th July at 7pm in the Lecture Theatre. The procedures for elective choice will be explained including the opportunity for the students to consider accelerating in a VCE or VET subject.

The Year 10 Social is on Friday 31st July. Please note that students must attend a compulsory course counselling interview on that day to allow entrance to the Social. Personal Learning teachers will allocate an interview time with the students that will hopefully allow a parent to attend.

We are excited about the City Experience Camp for Year 9s. The students will meet their teachers at Mentone Station in the morning on Wednesday 29th July and spend three days exploring the CBD and what it has to offer.

Middle School Team

Junior School NewsYear 8 to 9 Information Night for 2016

This was held last night. Each Year 8 must now complete the paperwork, enter the data electronically and submit the receipt to their Year 8 Personal Learning teacher, who will also be able to answer any of their questions.

WelcomeWe extend a warm welcome to Ruby Deftereos-Brennan, Victoria Vlasov and Inayah Waheed who joined us this

term. We hope they enjoy Mentone Girls’ SC and make the most of every opportunity offered here.


Congratulations to:• 8A for winning the interform dodgeball competition and to the form captains for organising the event. They

beat 8H in the final. Thank you to ‘Charcoal Chicken’ at Seaview for their generous contribution of hot chips• 7F for gaining house points for their school song presentation.

The Hurting GameThis Friday all Year 8s will attend an incursion on the various types of bullying and strategies to deal with it. It is

always important to reinforce strategies to empower girls to do something about it if they see it happening.

House PointsYear 7 girls have the opportunity this term to gain extra house points by showing respect, resilience and personal

best. If girls display these characteristics, staff can award points which contribute to the final house point tally. 7F were the first winners as they gained two points each for their entertaining and creative rendition of the School Song at last week’s Year 7 assembly. Jackson has just gained 50 extra points.

iPad RulesWe have had a number of instances where girls are playing games on their iPads during lunchtime and class. We

have implemented some rules and consequences for recess and lunchtime to encourage girls to talk with their friends, rather than spend all of their time on devices. These rules are:

• Recess – you are not able to use your iPad at all• Lunchtime – you are able to use your iPad in the JLC only if you are completing homework or reading• You are not permitted to use your iPad at all in the yard.If girls are not following these rules the following consequences will occur:• 1st offence – confiscated till the end of that session (recess or lunch)• 2nd offence – confiscated till the end of the day and phone call to warn what’s happening• 3rd offence – confiscated till the end of the day and lunchtime detention and contact home• 4th offence – confiscated till the end of the day and an after school detention.

Junior School Team

SciencePhysics is Fun

On Tuesday 23rd June, the Year 11 Physics class went to Moorabbin Go Kart Sports Racing to explore the effects of acceleration, deceleration, force, inertia and other concepts in a fun and exhilarating environment. It began with an introduction to how go karts work and from there we put on our suits and helmets and we were off! After a slow warm up lap, we were overtaking our peers, accelerating and navigating our way through the track’s curves. Once we had finished and looked at our fastest times, we discussed the physics concepts that we experienced throughout the course. Go karting has really helped us all in our understanding of motion and will be a useful experience for us to relate to in the future. Overall, the afternoon was a great success! Thank you to Mr Milne for organising this event.

Evie Tripp, Year 11

The ConocoPhillips Science Experience – Science Activities for Year 9 & 10 studentsThis program encourages students to use their natural curiosity to explore and discover the possibilities of science!

Whether you are interested in science, biology, chemistry, forensic science, engineering, robotics, computer games, information technology or health science you will have the chance to learn more through a range of interactive, hands-on workshops that are designed to challenge and excite you. You will also have the opportunity to see science in action through watching experiments that go bang and industry demonstrations. It is a fun way to explore science under the guidance of Swinburne scientists and students and learn more about a career in Science.

Where: Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn. When: 14th-16th September. Best apply before: 1st September. For more info: http://www.scienceexperience.com.au/about-the-program/about-the-program or see Mrs Rieniets.

Ms Louise RienietsScience Domain Leader


SportCross Country SMR Regionals

On Monday 15th June, MGSC had an incredible 40 students compete in the Southern Metro Regional Cross Country Carnival at Ballam Park in Frankston. The girls trained on Monday and Friday mornings for two months in preparation for this event which showed outstanding commitment. On the day we had some fantastic results with our Under 13 team winning the team component which means that Millie Belleville (2nd), Kisarna Berntsen (6th), Holly Tysoe (9th), Teiki Waata (12th), and Madeleine Atkinson progressed to States on July 16th. They were joined by Lucy Burgess who came 7th in the Under 14s and Emily McCarthy who came 4th in the Under 15s. Well done to all competitors on a great Cross Country season.

Year 7 Winter Round RobinThe winter Year 7 Interschool Sport round robin was held on

Friday 19th June. Mr Hull’s team won the badminton tournament, Mrs Mathews and Ms O’Hara’s A and B netball teams won their competition as did Mr de Munk’s soccer team. All three teams will be playing in a SMR Preliminary Final against the Dandenong Region on Tuesday 14th July. Thank you to the staff and student coaches for their efforts in picking the squads and training the girls.

Olivia Purcell – Pierre de CoubertinEvery year at Mentone Girls’ SC the Pierre de Coubertin Award

is given to a student who demonstrates academic excellence and sporting prowess whilst exemplifying the Olympic values. This year Olivia Purcell of Year 12 received this prestigious award for her dedicated and wholehearted effort for her school and house throughout her schooling. Olivia represented MGSC at the Pierre de Coubertin ceremony along with Stef Baxter and Steph Canty who were all present for the Olympic Academy where they met and discussed current issues with Australian Olympians such as Matson Lawson, Belinda Hocking, and MGSC’s very own Linley Frame. Congratulations to Olivia, Stef and Steph for their efforts attending the Academy and to the schools interschool sport and physical education domains over their high school years.

Mr Anthony BruhnInterschool Sport Coordinator

CheerleadingOn Sunday 28th June, the MGSC Cheerleading team competed in their first

competition for the year. The girls did a great job, hitting a close to perfect routine. They placed 2nd in a tough scholastic level 2 section. Well done girls.

Ms Courtney Anderson

BasketballPaige Price of 7H has been selected to represent both the school and Victoria in Basketball at the Pacific Games in

Adelaide in November taking on not only the interstate teams but China, Fiji etc. There is a strong chance she will be named into the leadership group as either Captain or Vice Captain as we have been told since selection she was one of the first picked. The school is proud of her achievements and we wish her the best of luck.

Mr Adam Howells 7 ALL Coordinator


MusicSEVR Stringfest 2015

On Tuesday 16th June, MGSC hosted the SEVR stringfest. 20 MGSC students who play either violin, cello, viola or double bass took part. Six other schools came, and together we formed an orchestra of 72 people. This event was great as it gave students from Years 7 to 12 an opportunity to perform in a large orchestra and to learn key skills to make an ensemble sound spectacular. I really enjoyed meeting people with the same interests as me and playing violin with people my age. Towards the end of Stringfest, we performed and recorded three of the songs we had been learning, ‘March of the Meistersingers’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’ and ‘Suite of the Day: The Spy Serial’. I would like to thank everyone who helped organise this event, as the SEVR Stringfest 2015 was a huge success.

Juliette Merckens Auee 8BMusic Captain

Health & Physical EducationThe PE Uniform Challenge

The PE Uniform Challenge is back for Term 3 for Year 7, 8 and 9 PE classes. The class that finishes the term with the least number of points lost for wearing incorrect PE uniform will be the winning class. The winning class from each year level will have the opportunity to have time on the ‘Bungee Run’ jumping pillow in HPE week early in Term 4. Remember no leggings and no black shorts! If you have misplaced your PE uniform or it’s in the wash, bring a note.

Year 10s will start Term 3 with either three sessions of ten pin bowling or self defence. If your daughter is in 10 C D G or H they will be going to Moorabbin Bowl by bus. They will NOT need to get changed into PE gear for these sessions. The other classes will need to get changed for self defence sessions at school.

Ms Jackie MathewsHeath & PE Domain Leader

Maths @ MGSCICAS Maths Competition

We are keen to involve our students in a range of Maths competitions, exposing them to useful exam type conditions and a rich set of more challenging maths problems. A key element of this co-curricular program is the ICAS Maths Competition which involves thousands of students from across Australasia. It will be held during period 2, Tuesday 11th August, with participation from our Year 7-10 students. Specific papers are set for each year level. They comprise 35 multiple choice / 5 free response questions to be completed in 60 minutes. (Year 7 without calculators, others with calculators). Students can practise using resources on www.eaa.unsw.edu.au/prepare/practice_questions

Maths Domain Team (“Maths makes a real difference”)

MORDIALLOC NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSETERM 3: enrolments are now being taken for the

following adult programs:ART, WRITING, YOGA, TAI CHI, MOSAICS,

SEWING, GERMAN FOR BEGINNNERS, ESL, POTTERY, INTRODUCTION TO iPADS and

TECHNOLOGY AND A VOLUNTEERING YOUR SKILLS COURSE (Aug 3 – 28 every Monday &

Friday afternoon x 4 weeks 1-3pm TERM FEE: $10 (includes materials))

For more information, or to enrol, please phone 9587 4534


Teach your kids about time and placeBy Michael Grose

My mum used to tell me, “There’s a time and place for everything Michael, and this is not the time and place to behave like that!”

Time and place is a brilliant socialisation lesson for children of any age or era to absorb.

It’s a parent’s job to socialise your kids. That is, it’s your job to develop a sense of OTHER so that they become aware of how their behaviour impacts on others. You do this by:1. Giving your kids social scripts

There are times when kids don’t know what to say or how to act in different social situations. “Here’s what you can say when you meet Mrs Smith...” is the type of pre-emptive social scripting that benefits most boys, kids on the autism spectrum as well as kids who need extra help to get on with others.2. Regular behaviour rehearsal

Practise appropriate social behaviours at home so kids know how to behave around others. For example, you can role-play a restaurant situation by serving your kids’ meals at the dinner table and expecting them to use their manners.3. Just-in-time prompts

It helps to remind in positive terms how kids should speak and act around others before entering a social situation or a special place such as a church, airport or restaurant. “In church most people...”4. Teaching good manners

Manners are social guidelines that teach kids how to behave around others. While some conventions change over time, basic good manners such as saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ never change. They are the basis of a civil society. Kids are never too young to start learning manners.5. Respectful use of consequences

While the best discipline happens before an event (through behaviour rehearsal, prompts and teaching manners) there are times when the only way to get a message across about time and place is to DO something if the kids’ behaviour thoughtlessly or deliberately impinges on the rights of others. And the best action may be WITHDRAWAL from the place or activity that they are doing. That may mean that the kids (and you) miss out on an activity or being in a special place but such lessons are rarely forgotten and reinforce your important messages.

Time and place is a great parenting message for kids to learn. It’s about consideration for others; it’s about self-control and above all else, it’s about fitting into different social situations.

Looking for help? Find the right service.

childandyouthdirectory.com.au

Come and speak to youth, drug and alcohol and mental health experts to find out what you need to know about the drug issues affecting young people

and their health and wellbeing.

How do you start a conversation with your child about drugs?

How do you know if your child is experimenting with drugs?

What are the signs that your daughter may be struggling with a drug or alcohol-related issue?

How can you best support your child?

Where do you go for information and help?

A panel of experts will provide the latest information and answer your questions.

The Drugs 101 guide for parents will also be provided free at the event.

Mentone Girls’ Secondary College

Parent Information Night // Let’s have a conversation

DRUGS101So you think you know it all? Think again.

Parent guide // Let’s have a conversation

DRUGS101

parentguides.com.au

Fears and worries can get in the way of parents being able to

talk to, and hear, young people properly

If your child develops a drug or

alcohol problem, that is when they will

need you the most

Open and honest discussions on both sides

are important to build trust and respect

The main source of alcohol for

underage drinkers is their parents

Parents need to let their children know that they will always support them in making a safe decision, such

as calling an ambulance to help themselves or a friend.

Help them to make safe choices

Access to drugs is commonplace. Help your child say “no”

Statistics of substances 12 to 17-year-olds have ever used in a lifetime. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

Anita

Lay

zell

VENUELecture TheatreMentone Girls’ Secondary College Crn Balcombe and Charman Road, Mentone

DATEWednesday 5th August

TIME6.30pm to 8pm

To attend contact the school on 9581 5200.

KEY DATES | JULY 2015 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

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20 21 22 23 NEWSLETTER #11 24Yr 8 Incursion (P4)

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279OE Rock Climbing Excursion (P3 & lunch); Bayside Rock, Carrum Downs7pm Yr 9 into 10 information Evening; Lecture Theatre (new date!)

28 29 30 31Yr 10 Course Counselling Day; VCE CentreYr 10 Social; DR1 & DR2

Year 9 Camp


TERM 2 HOLIDAYS

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Remember: SCHOOL ATTENDANCE – EVERY DAY COUNTS

KEY DATES | AUGUST 2015 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

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Year 9 Immersion Excursion4College Assembly

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6.30pm Drugs 101 Parent Session; Lecture Theatre

6 NEWSLETTER #12 7 8PFA Working Bee

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10 11ICAS UNSW Maths CompetitionYr 11 Food Technology Excursion; Queen Vic Market/William Angliss7.30-8.30pm PFA Meeting; Main Staffroom

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6.30pm Winter Wanderings; Nina Carr Hall

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Year 9 Research Excursion18STAFF PD DAY (Student free)

College Council

199am College Tour9OE Orienteering; Cardinia Reservoir Emerald

20 NEWSLETTER #13 2160th Birthday Celebrations at school

2260th Anniversary Open Day

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Vocal Night

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Unit 4 Outdoor Education Camp


National Numeracy and Literacy week

mentone girls’ secondary college newslettermgsc.vic.edu.au/uploads/jul232015.pdf · 2 mentone...

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