mentone girls’ secondary college newslettermgsc.vic.edu.au/uploads/2014/11/may152014.pdf ·...

MENTONE GIRLS’ SECONDARY COLLEGE

NEWSLETTErEdition 7 | 15 May 2014

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 ReportFollowing our very successful Open Night, two Open Afternoons were run

last week. Thanks and congratulations to all our student leaders who helped make the tours of the school and the messages to prospective students so informative.

This week Year 10 students are on Work Experience and Year 8s are attending their camp at Trafalgar. Also this week the NAPLAN testing takes place for Year 7 and Year 9. Last week Year 9 students visited the Shrine of Remembrance as part of their LAS studies.

On April 29th, Larissa Moga, Year 12 2013, was presented with the VCE Premier’s Award for her excellent result in Serbian. Congratulations to Larissa on her fine effort. Learning an additional language through the Victorian School of Languages is an opportunity for students to boost their ATAR and increase their chances of getting into the tertiary course of their choice.

The VCE theatre production is on this week, so if you would like to come and see A Midsummer Night’s Dream you will be very welcome.

Students have been rehearsing for the College Production, Back to the 80’s both at school and on the Music and Production Camp. Thank you to the many teachers who attended this camp – for many of our instrumental teachers who teach in two or three schools, this is a huge effort. Our classroom Music, Drama and Dance teachers also give up a lot of their time to prepare for House Music and the Production.

There are a number of opportunities for our school families to help support the school through provision of homestay – for our Japanese Assistant, our South African student and for the growing number of International Students who are enrolling, mainly from China. Please let us know if you would like to support the school in this way.

Ms Deborah M. LehnerPrincipal

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

IN THIS EDITIONCollege Matters

Parent Support/PFADonations

Litter and World Environment DayExam Timetables

CareersSenior School News

MathsEnglishSportMusic

Key Dates

Details of school events and

other important notices are displayed daily on screens around the College.

Students should regularly check the screens and their school email so as to not miss

any important notices!

DATES for your DIARY!

May 20 – College CouncilMay 22 – House Music Competition

May 26 – College TourMay 28 – Yr 7 & 8 Band Evening

Jun 10 – Report Writing Day (student free)Check the Key Dates for more

important dates!

2 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 7 | 15 May 2014

College MattersUniform Matters

As the weather gets cooler, I would like to remind our community that FULL WINTER uniform must be worn from 1st June until the end of August. Our uniform supplier, Costume World, is located at 5/1291 Nepean Hwy Cheltenham (ph 9584 7006). At a recent College assembly I reminded students about having pride in themselves and their school through wearing their uniform correctly. Unauthorised items will be confiscated.

Student AbsencesAll student absences must be communicated to the

College (with an appropriate reason) via the student absence number. There is a direct relationship between student results and connectedness with regular attendance. Please support your daughter to achieve her personal best.

Parking Restrictions ReminderA final reminder to our community to observe the parking restrictions when dropping off or collecting your daughter

from school. The Kingston Council enforces the restrictions; please do not put our girls at risk by not following the directions on the signage.

Mrs Carol DugganAssistant Principal

Parent Support/PFAI would like to extend my thanks to all the parents who are currently donating their time and energy to support

programs at the school. Open Night: The following parents looked after the PFA display at Open Night, serving refreshments and answering

questions from prospective parents: Cathy Capomolla, Emma Walker, Alison Ball, Rose King and Portia Branton. Visual Arts department: Janine Zimmer and Heather Ferguson have been offering invaluable support labelling work,

mounting work, laminating flash cards and setting up displays. If you would also like to offer your services to the Visual Arts or Technology departments please contact Gemma Johnson or Caitlin Hurwitz on 9581 5223 for further information.

Second-Hand Uniform Shop: Alyssa Finlay does a magnificent job running the Second-Hand Uniform Shop. The following parents, grandparents and past parents also help out: Annette Fitton, Francine Robertson, Val Bletcher, Val Tyers, Diane Weston, Kara Chu and Caity Johnstone. Currently Alyssa is on duty every Wednesday morning and every second Tuesday. She is looking for some more volunteers to help out fortnightly on Tuesday afternoons. Please phone her on 0409 629 180 if you can assist.

Canteen: Val Felsenthal, the Canteen Manager, greatly appreciates the assistance of the following parents: Kirsty Wood, Soula Stewart, Sam Hemingway, Carol Caesar, Yolande van-Vuuren, Harriet Clarke, Fiona Nobes, Des Cipin, Francine Robertson, Kirsty King, Tammy Schindler, Julia Nadj, Katrina Mills, Jennifer Tolios, Cheryl Butterly, Sue Dickson and Sandy Pulling. If anyone else is able to assist, please contact Val on 9581 5225 or 0408 477 370. The work is for one hour between 1 and 2pm helping to serve at the counter during lunchtime.

Working Bee: The next College working bee will be on Saturday 31st May from 9am to midday. Indoor jobs will include cleaning blinds and walls. Outdoor jobs will include oiling outdoor furniture and removing rotten garden edging. A reminder message will be sent out closer to the date. Please contact me at the school on 0417 164 102 if you are able to assist.

Back to the 80’s: The College production runs from Tuesday 12th to Saturday 16th August. We always appreciate the help of parents in making costumes, props or sets, selling tickets at the door or serving refreshments at interval. PFA planning meeting for the production: 15th July at 7.30pm in the staffroom.

DonationsRotary Australia is currently holding a Timor-Leste School Furniture Drive in recognition of the fact that schools in

developing countries often lack the basic materials and equipment we take for granted. Their aim is that “every child will have a desk and chair at school by 2016”. During the holidays a team of volunteers from Noble Park Rotary Club came to collect 49 classroom tables that were no longer being used. For further information about this program visit www.rotarydik.org

Remember: SCHOOL ATTENDANCE – EVERY

DAY COUNTSFor more information and resources to help address

attendance issues, visit:www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/behaviour/

Pages/studentattendance.aspx


The college also donated old History and Geography textbooks to charity and donated a large number of desktop computers and analogue televisions to PC4Kids.

Litter and World Environment DayLitter continues to be problem at MGSC. During the holidays the following

members of the Environment group – Janvi Gupta, Elschen Jansen van Vuuren and Shannon McFadries – spent two hours with me picking up rubbish in the school grounds. We collected a large bag full which I displayed at the College assembly on Wednesday 30th April. In addition, when the builders began work on the Middle School corridor they discovered a lot of litter under the building. Clearly not all students are putting their rubbish in the bin and I reiterated at assembly the importance of doing so. Thank you for reinforcing this message at home.

Also at the assembly, Isabella Cree and Jade Munro from the environment team spoke about World Environment Day on 5th June. Ideas for this day include:

• A nude food lunch• Everyone encouraged to do less printing• A logo/meme competition about caring for the environment• Wearing a green accessoryMore details in the next newsletter.

Ms Bronwyn MolineAssistant Principal

Semester 1 Exam Timetable – Year 11

Students should contact the VCE office if they have a query regarding their exam timetable. All Year 11 English exams are 120 minutes duration. All Year 11 Maths have two separate exams. All other examinations are 60 minutes plus 10 minute reading time.

Day Period Yr 11 ExamsThu 29th May 4 Accounting Unit 1 ACO11A at

Beaumaris CampusMon 2nd June 1 Mathematical Methods Unit 1

EXAM 1 2 & 3 English Unit 1 & EAL ENO91A

4 Legal StudiesTue 3rd June 1 Psychology Unit 1

2 Business Management Unit 12 Japanese Unit 1

2 & 3 English Language Unit 14 General Mathematics Unit 1 EXAM 14 Advanced General Mathematics

Unit 1 EXAM 1Wed 4th June 1 Mathematical Methods Unit 1

EXAM 2 2 & 3 Literature Unit 1 2 Physical Education Unit 1

4 Food Technology Unit 14 Philosophy Unit 14 Visual Communication & Design

Unit 1

Day Period Yr 11 ExamsThu 5th June 1 General Mathematics Unit

1 EXAM 2 1 Advanced General

Mathematics Unit 1 EXAM 2

2 Art Unit 1 2 French Unit 1

2 Music Performance Unit 1 3 History Unit 1 3 Theatre Studies Unit 1

4 Health and Human Development Unit 1

4 Physics Unit 1Fri 6th June 1 Chemistry Unit 1 1 Sociology Unit 1

1 Product Design Textiles Unit 1 at Beaumaris Campus 8.15am

2 Biology Unit 2 2 Media Unit 1


Year 11 ExamsUnit 1 classes are suspended from June 2nd to 6th when all Unit 1 subjects will have exams. The exams are all one

hour long with a 10 minute reading time except for the two hour exams in the English domain. Please note special arrangements for Product Design Textiles and Accounting exams to be held on the Beaumaris campus.

All students are expected to be punctual and attend the exams of all their subjects. Students must ensure they bring all required materials. Only clear pouches are acceptable for carrying pencils, pens, erasers and highlighters. Water is acceptable to take to the exam but must be in a clear container. Where a dictionary is allowed, it cannot a have thesaurus or any markings. No phones or other electronic devices (other than prescribed calculators) are permissible in the exam.

Unit 3 classes will be running during this week and Year 11 students will attend their Unit 3 class if there is not a clash with one of their Unit 1 exams. Students are required to wear school uniform but need only attend school for their exams and Unit 3 classes during this week. Students should arrange to be at school no less than 15 minutes prior to the exam. There will be no opportunity to reschedule any missed exam.

Semester 1 Exam Timetable – Years 9 & 10All middle school examinations are 60 minutes plus 10 minute reading time.

Please note that Year 9 and 10 students are not required to remain at school after they have completed their exams.Mr Maurice Woolcock

Assistant Principal

CareersCareers in Sports Medicine

Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre has a Careers in Sports Medicine Evening, introducing the world of sports medicine for Year 10-12s. Build your awareness of health professionals involved in caring for athletes, whether competing for Australia or exercise for fitness. Sports medicine, nutrition, podiatry, psychology, massage, physiotherapy and exercise physiology will be represented. When: Registration, 6.30-7pm, Wed 28 May; Talks, 7.30-9pm; Where: AAMI Park Stadium, 60 Olympic Blvd, Entrance F, Gate 4, Corporate Entrance, Olympic Room 3; Parking: Eastern Plaza Carpark; Cost: $25, parents free; Registration: www.trybooking.com/EPDE; Info: [email protected], www.opsmc.com.au

Year 10 Subject Selection for Year 11In Year 10 university may seem a long way off, but the VCE subjects chosen in Year 10 can affect what students are

able to study later. Whether students have made up their minds about university or are undecided, it’s good to get information and be prepared. Check out videos from La Trobe University: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/year10. Also see www.vtac.edu.au, then go to CourseLink and set up an account to do some research.

Deakin University Parent/Student Evening Start planning your VCE, university and career. When/Where: Burwood, 6-8pm, May 21, Building I, Lecture Theatre

1A, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood; Geelong Waterfront, 6-8pm, Wed 28 May, Building D, Percy Baxter Lecture Theatre,

Day Period Yr 10 ExamsWed 4th June 1 Yr 10 English 2 Yr 10 Humanities

4 Yr 11 Accounting Unit 1 ACO21X4 Yr 11 Visual Communication &

Design Unit 1Thu 5th June 1 All Yr 10 Maths + Yr 11 Maths

Foundation 2 Yr 10 Science 3 LOTE - French/Japanese

4 Yr 11 Health and Human Development Unit 1

Fri 6th June 2 Yr 11 Biology Unit 2

Day Period Yr 9 ExamsThu 5th June 1 Language and Society - ENGLISH 2 Maths 3 LOTE - French/JapaneseFri 6th June 1 Language and Society -

HUMANITIES 2 Science


Gheringhap St, Geelong; Maps and registration: www.deakin.edu.au/study-at-deakin/why-choose-deakin/parent-information/parent-and-student

Check Out Science at RMIT

‘Science in the City’ is a specialised tour of RMIT’s facilities where students and parents can learn more about science programs. The wide range of single and double degree science programs available at the city campus include biology, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental science, food science, nanotechnology and physics. Also gain knowledge of career options. When: 11am-1.30pm, Mon 30 June and Mon 22 Sept; Register at: www.rmit.edu.au/appliedsciences/discover

RMIT Experience Days RMIT has events for Year 10-12 students giving insights into life on campus. Mon 30 June, Accounting and Finance,

Trades Day; Tues 1 July, Community Justice, Engineering (City), Health and Medical (Bundoora), Journalism and Audio Visual; Wed 2 July, Information Systems and Logistics; Thurs 3 July, Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations, Engineering (Bundoora), Environment; Fri 4 July, Art & design, Science; Wed 1 Oct, Project Management. Information and Registration: www.rmit.edu.au/experiencedays

RMIT Hospital Laboratory Visits Hospital laboratory visits are for students interested in careers as medical scientists. Tours give a chance to see

the inner workings of a laboratory, and to observe where current students are completing their professional practice. Covering laboratory medicine and nuclear medicine, the sessions are held at major teaching hospitals from 2-11 July. Register: RMIT Medical Sciences, 9925 7075, [email protected]

New York Jazz Symposium Students aged 14-17 who want to learn from some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians may join the New York Jazz

Symposium at Trinity College (Uni of Melbourne). Carl Allen (drums), Rodney Jones (guitar), Mat Jodrell (trumpet) and Carla Cook (vocals) will work with passionate young jazz musicians from around the world. Live on campus for a week and form part of an ensemble group, focussing on jazz performance, hear the journey of a musician, increase confidence to perform and jam with other musicians. It is like having six months’ worth of practice in one week! When: Sun 29 June – Sat 5 July; Cost: $1,650 per person (scholarships available); Applications: Close Fri 23 May; Information: www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/learning/trinity-institute/new-york-jazz-symposium.html; Inquire: Lisa Mac, 03 9348 7565, [email protected]

Mr Greg FebenStudent Pathways

Senior School NewsGAT Familiarisation

All Year 12s, most Year 11s and some Year 10s will sit the GAT on Wednesday 11th June. These are the students who will be sitting a VCAA exam at the end of this year for a Unit 3/4 study whether they be subjects studied here at school, examined VET subjects, or subjects at a 3/4 level studied outside school, such as a language or dance. Even if your daughter has completed the GAT in previous years, she is required to sit it again this year. Whilst there is no intention to do intensive preparation for the GAT, it is helpful for the girls to be aware of the format and the types of questions they will be answering in the three hour exam. We are fortunate to have GAT markers at the College; Ms Rees will be familiarising the student with the format required for the two essays and Mr Hughes will explain what to expect from maths based questions. The GAT is not directly used for marks but is important information that indirectly may impact on results, particularly if a Derived Exam Score is required by your daughter for any exam sat at the end of the year. The sessions are compulsory: Year 11 on Friday 23rd and Year 12 on Friday 30th May, commencing at 1.30pm.

Senior School Team

Maths @ MGSCOpen Night Success

It was great to see so many parents and students attending our Open Night on Thursday 1st May. This was a chance for us to showcase our excellence in maths and to demonstrate/explain the great learning opportunities we provide students in this important area of study.


Student work, interesting challenges and activities, websites/computer resources, assessment tools and much more were all on display. Current teachers and students guided visitors through the various displays/activities and answered questions. The iPad demonstrations of student project work and assessments was a real highlight – special thanks to Mrs Perks and her students (Casey Boswell & Darcie James – 7E)

A BIG THANK YOU to our Student Maths Domain Leaders and additional Year 7 students for their wonderful assistance on the night and to the many teachers who participated.

University of Melbourne – Mathematics CompetitionWednesday 7th May saw a range of Years 7-10 students competing in the annual University of Melbourne

Mathematics Competition. They completed a varied set of challenging maths problems over two to three hours. Results and awards will be advised later in the year.

And remember... “Maths makes a real difference”

Maths Domain Team

EnglishEnglish Students of the Week

Congratulations to the most recent English Student of the Week recipients, both of who have impressed their teachers with their learning Habits of Mind of Persistence, Thinking with Flexibility and Communicating with Clarity. This cycle’s recipients are Jessica Gibson (Year 7) and Lucy Vanderstelt-Gu (Year 12).

RostrumEach year, various public speaking events challenge students to extend their ideas and thoughts and build upon

their confidence to present before an audience other than their school. Odessa Turk (Year 7) and Emma Hawkless (Year 9) will be competing at the Rostrum Public Speaking Competition in the Junior category of the Burwood regional heats on Sunday 25th May at 11am. Their six-minute speeches are entitled ‘A Most Valuable Legacy’ and ‘Climb Every Mountain’, and once they end, the students are then invited to give a speech on an impromptu topic. If Odessa and Emma are successful, they progress to the State Finals and hopefully, the Australian Finals. This is a great opportunity for them as young women and for the school to be represented by such inspiring young speakers.

Dorothea MackellarStudents across Australia have entered the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition with much enthusiasm and

determination to be the best poets, win an award or distinction, and eventually, be published. This year, the optional theme is ‘What shall we tell you?’ Students can submit any poem as long as it has not been previously entered in any competition; it must not be longer than 80 lines. Already a group of students have submitted their entries and they are quite interesting, some even quirky. To submit an entry (the max is three), the due date is the 10th June to Ms Xanthopoulos via email: [email protected]. Students must include their whole name, birthdate and email address.

Ms Nola Rees Head of English and Literacy

SportSenior Netball

Two senior netball teams braved the rain at Dales Park on May 6th with their coach Miss Walter. The Year 11 team played competitively and were victorious over Elwood College but unfortunately were overcome by Mac.Robertson Girls’ HS A team. The Year 12 team came away victors in straight sets over Cheltenham SC and Mac.Robertson Girls’ HS B team. They played hard against Mac.Robertson Girls’ HS A team and came away champions 28-10 in the final, and will be competing in the regional final August 7th in Dandenong.

Ms Elizabeth Walter


Sporting SuccessCongratulations to our students who have made state teams! Taylah Laval of Year 11 has made the Victorian State

Team to compete at the National Gymnastics Championships which are to be held here in Melbourne from 20th-25th May. Jessica Ryan in 8D has made the 15 years and under State Netball team and Olivia Kline in Year 11 has made the Schools SSV Golf state team and will be competing on the 24th August. Olivia Davies of 10E is representing Victoria in the upcoming National Trampoline trials at Hisense Arena at the end of May. She has also made the Australian team to represent the country in South Africa later this year. Well done girls!

MusicHOUSE MUSIC 2014!Event: MGSC House Music CompetitionWhen: Thursday 22nd May 2014

10.30am – 1.05pm (Periods 2 & 3)Where: MGSC GymnasiumAttendance: House Music is compulsory attendance for every student in the College. Friends and family of the

student leaders and performing students are invited to attend.Dress: Students are expected to wear full school uniform and blazers. House Special Choirs and Instrumental

Ensembles may accessorise with a touch of House colour.Seating: Students should attend their period 2 class (without books) for roll call before assembling in the Gym.

Students will be seated on the floor and in the bleachers with their House in year levels. House Music is the Music equivalent of the Athletics or Swimming Carnival and provides every student in the

College the opportunity to participate in their House choir or band. It is entirely a student directed activity – led by the student House Captains and Conductors with the support of staff House Mentors and House Music Specialists. House Music is one of the few opportunities where students work together across mixed year levels towards a common goal.

Every student in the College will participate in the House Chant and Choral Competition, and there are also optional Choral, Soloist and Instrumental sections:CHORAL COMPETITION:

• House Chant – Whole House (Compulsory)• House Chorals – Set Song (Compulsory)• House Chorals – Own Choice (Compulsory featuring House Choir)

INSTRUMENTAL COMPETITION:• House Soloist (Optional)• House Instrumental – Own Choice (Optional)This year the set song is Sara Bareilles’ Brave. The House Captains and Conductors will also select a Choral and

Instrumental piece of their choice that complements their ensemble. They have rehearsed over an seven week period which will culminate in the House Music Competition during periods 2 and 3 on Thursday 22nd May. Under the direction of the House Captains and Conductors, each house will perform their works and an adjudicator will announce the winning house at the conclusion of the Competition.

Our adjudicator this year is Ms Danielle Matthews, an accomplished singer/actor and vocal teacher. She has recently performed and starred in the Shirley Bassey tribute show ‘Where Do I Begin’- The Voice of Shirley Bassey.

Ms Anna BerlingeriDirector of Performing Arts

This One Time at Band Camp…On Thursday 8th May, 76 of the school’s most talented musicians and performers

embarked on a journey to this years’ Music and Production Camp, which took place at Camp Oasis, Mount Evelyn. This years’ camp was highly anticipated by both staff and students, as it was not only the schools’ music students that had the opportunity to attend, but also students involved in this years’ production Back to the 80’s.

The weekend offered an opportunity for students from various musical areas to challenge their skills and also their endurance. Three days packed with rehearsals and little sleep tested all of the girl’s (and teachers’) musical abilities. The end of camp


concert allowed the girls to demonstrate to their families what they had learned after three days of hard work. Although the camp was filled with musical activities, both staff and students had the

opportunity to relax and partake in some of the camp activities on offer. These ranged from an upside-down flying fox, rock climbing and abseiling wall, candle-making and the Eco Centre which was filled with all sorts of amphibians and reptiles. As well as performing in ensembles, girls also had the opportunity to show off their (possibly hidden) talents in the Talent Show, where comedians, actors, dancers and singers all took to the stage. The excitement and support that the girls displayed to one another on that night was incredible.

This year was my fifth and final Music Camp, one myself, and so many other girls will never forget. I met so many younger girls, all filled with enthusiasm and passion for their immeasurable talents. I would like to extend thanks on behalf of all of the girls, to the 11 staff that attended the camp, not all of which were music staff. They kept calm when we were still awake at 1am and had the energy to teach us all great skills and expand our musical repertoire. Special thanks to our Director of Performing Arts, Ms Anna Berlingeri, for organising yet another successful Music Camp. I am sure all of the girls are eagerly anticipating the arrival of next years’ Music Camp already.

Jemima OlleSenior Music Captain

BEAUMARIS PRIMARY SCHOOL

100 YEARS CELEBRATION

1915 — 2015

Community members are invited to share their Beaumaris Primary School memories, anecdotes, photos and other memorabilia as the school prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2015. The school is also keen to hear from organisations or individuals who can assist in any aspect of the production of a book to document and celebrate the school’s history including graphic design, desktop publishing, editing and printing.

Written memoirs can be emailed to: [email protected]

or posted on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/beaumarisps.centenarycelebrations?fref=ts

or simply mail to the school.

DALGETTY ROAD, PO Box 6140 , CROMER 3193 PHONE: (03) 9589 2619 FAX: (03)9589 1957

Memorabilia can be delivered to the school, or a school representative may be able to

collect it. All items will be catalogued, held securely and returned to their owners,

if required, after the centenary events.

INTERESTED IN HOSTING A NAKAMURA HIGH SCHOOL VISITOR?

A group from our sister school in Japan arrives on Wed 30th July, will be with us until Friday 8th August. We

need families to offer them places to stay. If you would like to be part of it, speak to Mr T in Staffroom B.


Do you make these 5 mistakes praising children?By Michael Grose

For most modern parents, praise is an important component in the toolkit for raising confident, successful kids.

But are you using it well? I don’t ask this question to trip you up or make you feel guilty. Rather, I want you

to think about whether you are using praise as effectively as possible. Here are a few common ‘praise mistakes’ made by adults in their dealings with

children, along with some alternative approaches:

Praise mistake #1: Praising ability rather than effortThe research is very consistent on this: praising effort, not natural ability, is far

more effective for building confidence and persistence. In other words, praise the things that kids can control – not the things they have

no control over. This teaches them to persist and that improvement is possible when they make

the effort. You want your child to learn that intelligence and ability are malleable rather than fixed. Then they will be motivated to keep pursuing real, lasting improvement over time.

Praise mistake # 2: Praising results over improvementThe evidence is also clear that parents who overemphasise achievement are

more likely to have kids with high levels of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.Your focus instead be on recognising improvement and your child’s efforts to do

their best. This, again, will teach them that improvement is possible if they persist; it will encourage them to compete against themselves rather than others.

Praise mistake # 3: Over-praising, leading to lack of impactCommon sense suggests that the more you praise the same thing over and over,

the less impact that praise will have over time. My suggestion is that you praise as a poker machine provides winnings, i.e.

intermittently. In this way your praise will have the maximum effect.

Praise Mistake #4: Praising what kids automatically do alreadySometimes we praise kids for activities that they are doing automatically, without

conscious thought. For some kids this might be keeping their room clean. For others it might be helping with the washing up. It’s fine to praise these things once in a while, but don’t make doing so a habit. All you will achieve is to make this unconscious behaviour conscious, and after a while the praise will be expected.

It is better to show gratitude for tidiness or other automatic behaviours only every so often. Instead, focus your praise on those behaviours that are less automatic but that you would like to become habitual.

Praise mistake # 5: Making praise a very public thingThere’s nothing wrong with praising a child in front of their grandparents or

other adults every now and then. It’s great to see a kid puff their chest up with pride!However, constantly praising a child in public can have some interesting side

effects including building greater dependency on the opinions of others, avoiding the taking of learning risks and a heightening of sibling competition.

I suggest that you make praise, encouragement and positive reinforcement a private matter between you and a child – at least most of the time. This will make these things more meaningful. Leave the public praise to others – such as those grandparents.

The last word I’ll leave you with a final thought about praising correctly from Po Bronson and

Ashley Merryman, authors of NurtureShock: New Thinking about Raising Children:“The key is intermittent reinforcement. The brain has to learn that frustrating

spells can be worked through. A person who grows up getting too frequent rewards will not have persistence, because they’ll quit when the rewards disappear.”

HOMESTAY HOSTS NEEDEDOur International Student Program is looking for families in our local

area to host international students. The students are mostly from China

and usually between 15 and 18 years of age. The students’ parents’

pay a weekly fee to cover costs.If you and your family are

interested in learning about another culture and enjoy sharing

our Australian way of life with others please contact Megan Gatt, International Student Coordinator on 9581 5200 or by email at gatt.

[email protected]

MORDIALLOC NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSESearching for a creative outlet?

Why not join our art classART FOR PLEASURE

A class to suit all skill levels.WEDNESDAY: 9.30-11.30am

For enrolments & further information,

please phone 9587 4534

ASPENDALE GARDENS COMMUNITY SERVICE INC

Hall HireLooking for a venue for your next function/seminar/party? We have fantastic facilities, including a full

kitchen, indoor and outdoor areas and a BBQ available upon request.

Call the Centre during business hours for further details.

Zumba for AdultsClass times: High Impact –

Wednesdays 7-8pmLow Impact/Beginners – Sundays

9.30am to 10.30amCost: $5.00 for the first class,

then $10.00 thereafter on a casual basis OR a 10 class pass can be purchased for $90.00, which is

valid for 4 months.For more information, please

contact Tanya directly on 0424 753 329 or email her at garach.

[email protected]

For further information on our services see our website, www.agcsinc.org.au, call us on 9587 5955


Coughs, Colds and Asthma

Coughs, colds and the flu are one of the most common triggers of asthma. The common cold is caused by an upper

respiratory tract infection and is a common illness for children and adults in Australia. As we approach the colder

months, here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent and reduce the spread of coughs, colds and the flu:

Avoid coughing and sneezing on or near others and wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of

disease.

If your child is not feeling well, it is recommended that they stay home and rest, to reduce the spread of

infections and to speed up their recovery process.

Everyone should have the annual flu vaccination to ensure they are protected from this disease. You or your

child may be eligible for the free flu vaccination. Details about who is eligible can be found here and can also

be determined by your doctor.

Prior to purchasing any medications or herbal and natural remedies’, you should seek the advice of your

doctor or pharmacist as some medications can react with asthma medications. Such as Aspirin,

Ibuprofen/Naproxen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications), Beta Blockers tablet and eye drops (used

for high blood pressure and glaucoma), and ACE inhibitors (used to control blood pressure).

Stay warm this winter!

For more information, please contact The Asthma Foundation of Victoria on 1800 278 462 or www.asthma.org.au

Parent and Carer Asthma Information Sessions

The Asthma Foundation of Victoria is funded by the Federal Department of Health to provide free asthma education sessions to groups of parents and carers. These sessions can take place at the school or at a location of your choice. The session runs for approximately one hour and covers:

Asthma triggers Signs and symptoms Asthma action plans Asthma medication Asthma First Aid

If you are interested in attending a parent and carer asthma information session, please contact The Asthma Foundation of Victoria to arrange a session on 1800-ASTHMA or [email protected]

For more information, please contact The Asthma Foundation of Victoria on 1800 278 462 or www.asthma.org.au

READZ @ 4PM Teen Bookclub for 12-16 year olds

library.kingston.vic.gov.auwww.kingstonlibraries.netfacebook.com/Kingstonyouthandfamilyservices

4pm Thursday 22nd May

2014 Cheltenham Library 12 Stanley Ave Cheltenham

Kingston Libraries and Kingston Youth Services

Present

Create your own ZINE or COMIC with a little

help from Tasha from A Zine Thing!

Craft supplies provided, just bring your imagination!

Snacks and drinks will be available!

ZINE WORKSHOP

KEY DATES | MAY 2014 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Gol

d W

eek 1 2 3 4

Blue

Wee

k

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Gol

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12 13 14 15 NEWSLETTER #7 16 17 18

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19House Assembly (College Assembly bell times)

20College Council

21Togetherness Day (selected Yr 8 students)VCE Recital Evening

22House Music Competition (P2&3)

23 24 25

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269am College TourBeachside Cross Country

279OE Excursion (P3 & lunch)

28Yr 10 Excursion A-D (am) E- H (pm) Yr 7 & 8 Band Evening

29 NEWSLETTER #8Yr 7-10 Incursion; Gym (P1)

30Intermediate Winter Round Robin

31

Aerobics Competitions; The Arena, North Geelong

NAPLAN Testing

Year 8 Camp (8EFGH); The Summit

Year 12 Theatre Studies Performance Week

Year 10 Work Experience Week


Year 8 Camp (8ABCD); The Summit

KEY DATES | JUNE 2014 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

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2 3Yr 9 Altitude Day (selected Yr 9 students)

4Yr 7 & 8 ICAS Science competition (P1)

5 6 7 8

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9Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

10REPORT WRITING DAY (student free day)

11SEMESTER TWO COMMENCES GATYr 7 Museum Excursion

12 NEWSLETTER #9Yr 8 Winter Round Robin

13 14 15

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17Report Verification (early finish 2.30pm)College Council

18Yr 7 Winter Round RobinReport Verification (early finish 2.30pm)

19Yr 10 Incursion (P2&3)

20Yr 10 Keys Please (P1)Yr 7 Incursion (P4)

21 22

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23 249OED Rock Climbing excursion (P3 & lunch)

25 26 NEWSLETTER #10 27Last Day of Term 2 (early finish)

28 29

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Year 10 Camp; The Summit

Year 9 Exams

Term 2 Holidays

Yr 10 Exams

Yr 9 Exams

Year 11 exams


Aerobics Competitions; The Arena - North Geelong

Cheerleading Competitions; State Basketball Centre,

Wantirna South

Term 2 Holidays

mentone girls’ secondary college newslettermgsc.vic.edu.au/uploads/2014/11/may152014.pdf ·...

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