mentone girls’ secondary college newslettermgsc.vic.edu.au/uploads/feb182016.pdf · the training...

Edition 2 | 18 February 2016

Cnr Balcombe & Charman Roads (PO Box 52), Mentone VIC 3194 | (03) 9581 5200 [email protected] | http://www.mgsc.vic.edu.au/

PRINCIPAL’S REPORTCongratulations to our new School Councillors:

Parent Category: Glenn Chadwick (renominated), Vicky Kasidis, Mark Weatherley, and

DET Category: Gary Hughes (renominated) and Maurice Woolcock.They will begin their term at the March meeting.Term 1 has started well, with class rolls full and an increase in enrolments across the board. Year 12 students had their Conference last week, with some inspirational speakers and sound advice as to how to approach the year. The Year 12 ‘Meet the Teachers’ evening was again an opportunity for parents to get to know the teachers who will be caring for their daughters. Year 7 also had a Parent Information Night, where parents could meet others parents in their daughters’ class. Many thanks to the Parents and Friends Association for the drinks and nibbles, and to VCE Assistant Principal David Russell for all his help on the night – one where he might have expected a night off. The Lunar New Year was marked by our international students handing out red envelopes as a way of spreading good luck in the Year of the Monkey. On Monday this week, student photographs were taken. Remember, you need to deal directly with Aussie Photos if any follow up is required.Next week Year 7s head off on their camps to Arrabri Lodge in Warburton East. Camp is always a highlight of the year and a time when girls get to know each other and their teachers.Our student from Letsibogo Girls’ High School in Soweto arrived last weekend and was warmly welcomed by the school community. Seipetlile (Barbara) Ramatladi is staying with Emilie Templin’s family for Term 1. I would like to thank all the families who have said they would host Barbara, and I will be in contact again before the end of term. There may be the opportunity for families to host Barbara during the holidays especially if they are visiting other parts of Australia.This week we were able to appoint a second Student Wellbeing Coordinator, Si Nian Feng, who commenced on Wednesday 17th February. Hopefully it will reduce the burden on Leona Thomson and allow us to look at other programs to support students. The SWCs are not there to take on complex cases that should be dealt with by health professionals outside the school, rather they are here to triage cases and assist students and organise support for them.

Ms Deborah M. LehnerPrincipal

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

IN THIS EDITION

College Matters

School Council Elections

ISP/ELC News

World Challenge

Senior School News

Middle School News

Junior School News

English

Music

Sport

Visual Arts

Science

Maths

Parenting Ideas

Key Dates

NEWSLETTERMENTONE GIRLS’ SECONDARY COLLEGE

2 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 2 | 18 February 2016

COLLEGE MATTERSA Reminder of Our First Aid Protocols

We ask that families please support the established protocols for accessing First Aid. If a student is feeling ill, they are to report directly to the First Aid Office. A staff member will call home to discuss the issue. We have had some awkward situations where the first we know of an ill student is when their parent/guardian arrives at the school to collect their child. Students must report to First Aid (and not leave the school).

Students must always remember to sign out before leaving the school. If they don’t, their teachers will be looking for them. If a student is unaccounted for, their parent/guardian will be contacted immediately.

Ms Carol DugganAssistant Principal

SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2016-2017The following people have been nominated for the positions on School Council. As the number of nominations was

equal to the number of vacancies are duly elected:V. Kasidis – ParentG. Chadwick – ParentM. Weatherley – Parent, nominated by George Bartholomew, ParentM. Woolcock – DETG. Hughes – DET

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM & ELC NEWSOn Monday 8th February, the school celebrated Lunar New Year. The international

students handed out over 100 lucky red envelopes around the school to share the good luck of the Year of the Monkey.

Last Friday, the ELC went on their City Experience excursion and followed the ‘golden mile’ path through the streets of Melbourne. It was a great day, especially as we visited many chocolate shops.

Finally, we would like to thank the Homestay Parents who attend our Information Night and shared various ideas with other parents.

Ms Ekaterina XanthopoulosInternational Student Program & ELC Manager

WORLD CHALLENGEAfter each team view and discuss their itinerary, World Challenge will provide the in-country itinerary on their

website. The next instalment is due around the 15th March.The training camp at Gembrook will be on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April. By this time, students should buy

their own hiking boots so they can get used to long hikes wearing them. The school will provide transport to Gembrook and return to MGSC.

Some students have been asking about the day pack (not needed for the training camp). Please ensure you have one with a good waist/shoulder harness that has a capacity of close to 30L as students will be carrying food, rain gear, water and other personal items. There are framed models that help keep the material off your sweating back and lightweight frameless models.

Mr Michael Warden

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWSYear 12 Conference

The Year 12s participated in their two day study conference last Thursday and Friday. It was a great success and students were exposed to a number of different guest speakers and activities including study skills, meditation, team building, mental well-being and careers. We would like to congratulate the students on their fantastic participation throughout the conference.


Reschedule SAC formsAll students undertaking a Unit 3/4 subject are required to return a reschedule SAC form with a parent/guardian

signature. This is to ensure all families are aware of the process for rescheduling SACs this year. Thank you to those who have returned them.

Senior School Contact informationYear 11 Student Managers Year 12 Student ManagersMr Julian Day – students from Alateyeh to Lethlean Mrs Leah Liakos – students with from Acquaro to MallisMs Emma Holman – students from Lewis to Zagni Mrs Clare Selir – students from Manners to Zafar

Senior School Leader Assistant PrincipalMs Deb Jarvis Mr David Russell

Senior School Office Ph: 9581 5231Senior School Team

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSOur new students have been invited to a welcome morning tea on 24th February to ensure they have settled in well

and established a friendship group. Peer Support began last Thursday with the Year 10 leaders organising activities for the Year 7s. Year 10 students are reminded to submit their Work Experience forms to Ms Poulos in the careers office.The House Swimming Sports are fast approaching. All Middle School students are expected to attend and support

their house by wearing house colours, entering as many events as they can, and cheering their house mates on from the side lines.

Students should arrive punctually to school and classes. They should be at school by 8.30am to allow time to catch up with friends while they go to their locker to organise books and equipment for period 1. Students who are late must attend a lunchtime detention on the same day. If they miss it they will be required to attend an after school detention on a Thursday.

Students are expected to carry their belongings to and from school in the regulation school bag. Hand and shoulder bags will be confiscated for two weeks. Students are not permitted to take bags to their period 4 class.

Middle School Team

JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWSThe Year 7s and 8s have settled in to the school routine well. Year 8 Student Leaders have been appointed and are

meeting regularly to discuss ideas and any issues. They are writing profiles about themselves to be displayed on the Year 8 Good News Board.

Year 7 girls are looking more at home. They have worked out how to use their lockers, the locations of their classrooms and are happy and enthusiastic. Year 7 class leaders, SRC and Environment leaders will be chosen on camp, so many of the girls are already preparing speeches.

Year 7 Lunchtime ActivitiesWe are fortunate to have the Bayside Council come in and run lunchtime activities for the Year 7s. The girls will be

making friendship bracelets, mini canvases and other crafts. The program will run for four lunchtimes and is a great way for the girls to make new friends and meet people from other classes.

Year 7 CampYear 7 Camp at Arrabri Lodge is happening next week and the girls are becoming more and more excited. They have

received their clothing and equipment lists. Please make sure all clothing is named. If your daughter is on medication, it needs to be in a named placed in a zip-lock bag with all instructions and handed to her teacher when she arrives at school.

Year 7 Parent Information EveningIt was great to see so many parents here last week getting to know other parents from their daughter’s class as well

as taking the opportunity to meet staff and ask questions. Thank you to the PFA for hosting wine and nibblies.


Peer SupportAll Year 7s began Peer Support last week. They are in small groups of girls from different classes and they spend

35 minutes with two Year 10 Peer Support leaders playing games and getting to know each other. The Year 10 girls will develop a relationship with the Year 7 girls and be available for mentoring throughout the year.

Lunch moneyThe canteen does not loan money to students who forget their lunch. Girls should keep $5 in their locker for

emergencies as students learn more effectively if they have eaten. If all else fails, your daughter should talk with her Student Manager.

iPadsPlease ensure your daughter has a bag for her iPad and a cover. Girls are not allowed to use iPads outside at recess

and lunchtime as that seems to be when accidents happen. We also encourage the girls to talk with each other rather than be on their iPads.

Junior School Team

ENGLISHParents of Year 12s are invited to attend the first Guided Book Club session on Thursday 26th February between 7 and

8.30pm in the Lecture Theatre for $25. This is a wonderful opportunity to become involved with the texts your daughter is studying and discuss them with experts. The first text is ‘No Sugar’. http://www.thetextfactor.com.au/whats-on-3/

Congratulations to the 2016 English monitors: Alison Fiddes, Megan Clark, Christina Copeland, Sophie Oxley and Gemma Maguire.

Ms Anne GambleEnglish Domain Leader

MUSICJazz Band Performance at A Day on Oak Street

On Sunday 14th February the MGSC Jazz Band performed at the annual Beaumaris sporting club fundraiser ‘A Day On Oak Street’. The girls thoroughly enjoyed performing to an appreciative audience in the beautiful weather. Thank you to all of the girls involved for their hard work and invaluable contribution to our music program – despite the early starts and long rehearsals, we always make the most of it and have fun. I would also like to thank our 2015 Year 12 Jazz Band members who returned for their final performance with MGSC: Kelly Macquire, Mia Prestige, Victoria Mak, Oriah Geri, Steph Canty, Bonnie Kelly, Grace Buchhorn and Monqiue Kuhn. It has been my absolute pleasure to work with you over the last six years – we’ve had lots of fun and you will be greatly missed!

Term 1 Upcoming Performing Arts EventsDATE EVENT STUDENTS INVOLVEDWeek 7Thu 10 March

House Music Conductor’s Workshop House Captains, House Conductors, Accompanists,

Week 8 Wed 16 March

IWD College Assembly - Musical Performance House Music Set Song “Wings” by Little MixMadrigal and All-Star Choir

Music Captains, All-Star Choir & Madrigal

Week 8 House Music Soloist and Accompanist auditions House Captains, House MentorsWeek 9 Weekly House Music Special Choir and

Instrumental rehearsals commenceHouse Music Captains, All music & Instrumental staff

Ms Anna BerlingeriDirector of Performing Arts


SPORTThe 2016 Victorian Junior Track and Field Championships

The 2016 Victorian Junior Track and Field Championships were held over the weekend of February 12th-14th. Mentone Girls’ SC had three students competing in a variety of events with fantastic success. Millie Belleville (Year 8) came 3rd in the Under 15 1 5 0 0 m e v e n t with a time of 5 : 0 0 . 9 1 ( 3 0 seconds f a s t e r than her time at MGSC Athletics Carnival last March). Zoe Cunningham (Year 9) came 3rd in the Shot Put with a distance of 11.18m and 2nd in the Hammer Throw with a distance of 38.13m. Finally, Kisarna Berntsen (Year 9) came 5th in the Under 15 400m event with a time of 1:01.55 and 1st in the Javelin with a throw of 32.42m. Congratulations to the girls on their incredible achievements. Go MGSC!

New MGSC Sport WebsiteWe have a new MGSC Sports website to

showcase our girls’ amazing achievements in sport. A link can be found on our website www.mgsc.vic.edu.au in the main menu under Extra-Curricular and the direct link to the site is http://mgscsports.weebly.com/ Check it out!

Mr Anthony BruhnCarnivals Coordinator

VISUAL ARTSEarn and Learn 2015

Thank you to everyone who helped collect and collate Woolworths Earn and Learn stickers during 2015. We managed to raise enough stickers to buy lots of new supplies for the Textiles department.

Ms Gemma JohnsonVisual Arts Domain Leader

Spotlight On A Sporting Star: VIVIAN FIDANTSISBy Mr Anthony Bruhn

Vivian is a Year 11 student who plays Tennis competitively outside of school.

How was your summer of tennis Viv? Did you compete in any tournaments?I trained four times a week at various tennis clubs but I didn’t compete in any tournaments over the summer. Last weekend I did compete in the Open Kooyong Club Championships where I won both my singles and mix doubles events.

What sort of training did that involve?Between training on the tennis court I did running up the hill at Black Rock beach and strengthening work at home. I also watched a lot of the Australian Open and even went three times.

Has your tennis developed due to all that training?Absolutely. I have relaxed a lot in my tennis in the last year and it has resulted in improved performances. A lot of tennis players put too much pressure on themselves and I just wanted to enjoy my tennis. It has helped a lot.

When did you start playing tennis and why?I started playing when I was around 4 or 5. My first tennis club was Chelsea Heights and I have since moved to other clubs with a coach who has really helped my tennis. I have an older sister that I competed against and really wanted to beat. I think I have her measure now.

What has been your proudest achievement in tennis to date?I was a National Finalist in Year 7 at Mildura and in Grade 5 I was accepted to the Bruce Cup which is the top 7 players in each State.

What’s in store for the remainder of the year? What are your goals? I’d really like to get into the top 100 in Australia. I am currently ranked 256th amongst all ages and professionals but getting into the top 100 is aim by the end of the year. I would really love to go to College in America to play tennis and study paediatrics or health and fitness. Hopefully if I can get my ranking low enough I can get a scholarship.

Time for your favourites... Athlete? Novak Djokovic. Or Roger Federer, he is an all-time classic.Food? Chicken, chicken schnitzel. I really like chicken. Can I change that to pesto pasta?Song and band? Rihanna. I really like throwback songs from the 2000’s.Quote? “You cannot take for granted anybody. You cannot underestimate any opponent” Novak Djokovic.Class/teacher? Year 9 PE and all PE teachers.Moment at MGSC? Probably the Year 9 surfing trip we went for in Outdoor Education.

Would you rathers?Be able to fly or be invisible? InvisibleHave hiccups for the rest of your life or have the feeling of sneezing but not being able to? SneezingLive a life that lasts 1000 years or 10 lives that last 100 year each? 10 lives that last 100 years each.Have a dragon or be a dragon? Have a dragonGet up early or stay up late? Stay up late.

Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions Viv, and good luck for the remainder of 2016 and beyond.


SCIENCEOcean Youth – Success!

Rhianne Manners of Year 12 has been selected to participate in the Ocean Youth program 2016. The program allows our young future leaders not only the opportunity to experience – to see, touch and feel – the ocean and the amazing species that call it home, but also to see any complex and threatening issues first hand. Rhianne is also currently a volunteer with Earthcare and the Ricketts Point Marine group. We wish her well as she swims with sharks, seals, sea dragons and much more.

Science Club – Lunchtime Blue Thursday

Thank you to the Science leaders for hosting the first Science club activity – bubbles! Watch the screens for more information about upcoming Science activities.

Ms Louise RienietsScience Domain Leader

MATHS @ MGSCStudent Maths Domain Leaders

We had an overwhelming response to our search for Student Maths Domain Leaders this year. Well done to the following students who will be active promoters of a broad range of maths activities in 2016:

• Year 8: Ella Phillips, Kirsten Pitts and Sophie Gibbins• Year 9: Natalie Hooper, Michelle Taneja and Janvi Gupta • Year 11: Seo-Yeon (Kristine) Sohn• Year 12: Caitlyn Woods

NAPLAN ResourcesYear 7 and 9 NAPLAN tests will be held at the school from 10th-12th

May. To assist with preparations and provide additional study resources, students and teachers have access to resources via their www.jacplus.com.au account.

www.mymathsonline.com.auMaths students can use the function-rich online maths learning

environment www.mymathsonline.com.au. It provides comprehensive instruction, revision and testing resources across the full secondary mathematics curriculum. Students should use it regularly to consolidate their learning. Classroom teachers are currently distributing login details.

AMT Maths Challenge

We are currently taking entries for the Australian Mathematics Trust Maths Challenge. Years 7-10 students from across Australia will complete a range of problems, individually and in groups, over a three week period from late Term 1 to early Term 2. Students will receive email communication and an entry form to complete.

And remember... “Maths makes a real and imaginary difference.”Maths Domain Team

IMMUNISATION DATES FOR 2016Parents and students of Year 7 please note the following dates for immunisation this year.Friday 19th February: • HPV (CERVICAL CANCER) (1ST

Dose) • VARICELLA (CHICKEN POX) Monday 18th April: • HPV (2nd Dose) • BOOSTRIX (Diptheria, tetanus,

whooping cough) Monday 22nd August: • HPV (3rd Dose) Students received immunisation cards with their enrolment packs.Additional cards can be collected from the First Aid room.Any queries please phone Sue or Lina 9581 5234

FIRST AID

ORAL MEDICATION FOR STUDENTS

All prescribed medication should be provided to the First Aid centre in a container that gives the name of the student, dose and time to be given. The name of the medication should be clearly marked. Medication will then be stored in a locked cupboard and accessed by the first aiders when required by students.

Students are not to carry medication in their bags or store it in their lockers.

Please note that the First Aid centre does not provide analgesics (i.e. paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen etc). Analgesics will only be dispersed to students if they are provided by parents/guardians as above.

These instructions are in accordance with The Department of Education and training - Victoria (DET) First Aid Policy.

Sue Gravina and Lina MansourFirst Aid Officers9581 5234


PARENTING IDEAS: FATHERING TEENAGERSBy Michael Grose

The fathering game changes in adolescence. As kids they used to nag you to play with them. Now as teenagers they barely give you the time of day.

Most parents have to shift parenting gears when their kids move into adolescence. Some dads are constantly angry with their kids during early adolescence as for the first time they experience challenge (“How dare you say that to me!”). But many are sad at the loss of their loving and lovely child.

The job for a dad is to guide and assist teenage children to form meaningful relationships with others outside the family. This is best done by modelling healthy relationships with others; being a sounding board for young people’ concerns, and challenging some of their choices without threatening their self-esteem or sense of autonomy.

The real trick to successfully fathering young people is to be emotionally available. It’s not just being in their vicinity because you can be in the same room as a young person but never connect. It means having a shared interest such as a love of the same football team so you have a connecting point, and also a genuine willingness to take an interest in their life right now.

Fathering sonsDad needs to engage his son in fun, safe ways

such as sport, physical games or even verbal jousting. Second, boys need to form relationships with someone outside the family who may give the same message as you, but is more easily accepted. Sports coaches, neighbours, uncles, aunts, teachers, even older siblings can fill this important role. Dads need to make room for others, which can be difficult for some men.

Talk about relationshipsIf there is one topic a dad should talk about with

his teenage son it is about healthy relationships– both girls and boys. In particular, a boy’s attitude to women is strongly influenced by his father’s attitude. Peers do play a part, and their voice is strong during this age, but a father’s views are vital and need to be heard especially around treatment of women, and the place that pornography, that is now readily available, plays in the formation of their attitudes to females and healthy relationships.

Fathering daughtersThe active involvement of dads in their daughter’s

lives has been linked to positive outcomes in many areas, including positive body image in girls. There are two things that dads can do that promote positive body image. First, get active with your daughters – rough and tumble games when young, sport in adolescence – to help her develop a sense of power and self-confidence. Also a dad demonstrates that he enjoys being with her in a way that has nothing to do with how she looks.

SUNDAY 20TH MARCH RUN FOR THE KIDS Join MGSC’s teacher and Year 9 Fitness and First Aid class in completing the Run For The Kids Fun Run on Sunday 20th March.

Please see Mr Bruhn in the Gym office for more detail.

5km or 16km events

Over 15,000 competitors in

each event

Test Yourself

Donate to a great cause

$50-$55 Entry Fee, $30 of that goes

to the Good Friday Appeal

1

CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum.

CSEF will be provided by the Victorian Government

to assist eligible families to cover the costs of

school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or

are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible

for CSEF. A special consideration category also

exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The

allowance is paid to the school to use towards

expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting

activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student is:

• $125 for primary school students

• $225 for secondary school students.

HOW TO APPLY

Contact the school office to obtain a

CSEF application form or download from

www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

MORE INFORMATION

For the CSEF application closing dates

and more information about the fund visit

www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEINFORMATON FOR PARENTS

KEY DATES | FEBRUARY 2016 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Gold

Wee

k

1 2 3

4 5 6 7

Blue

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8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Gold

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15 16 17 18 NEWSLETTER #2House Assembly

19 Yr 7 Immunisations

20 21

Blue

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22 23

7.30pm PFA Meeting

24

7pm English Parent Forum

25 26Intermediate Round Robin

27 28

Gold

Wee

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29


Yr 7A-D Camp; Arrabri Lodge, Warburton East Yr 7E-H Camp; Arrabri Lodge, Warburton East

KEY DATES | MARCH 2016 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Gold

Wee

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1MGSC Swimming Carnival; Carnegie Swim Centre

2

3 NEWSLETTER #3 4 5 6

Blue

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7 8Beachside Swimming Carnival (selected students)

9Yr 8 Round Robin

10 Yr 9 Immigration Museum

11 12 13

Gold

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14LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY

15 16IWD College AssemblyHouse Music launch

17 NEWSLETTER #4 18 Yr 7 Round RobinYr 8E-H Humanities Excursion

19 20

Blue

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21Yr 11 & 12 Vis Com Excursion; Melbourne Museum

22P/T/S Interviews

23Yr 7 & 12 Fancy Dress Competition (P4)

24 Last day of Term 1

25GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY

26 27

Gold

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28 29 30 31


HOLIDAYS

HOLIDAYS

Unit 3 Outdoor Education Camp

9OE Camp; Wilsons Prom

mentone girls’ secondary college newslettermgsc.vic.edu.au/uploads/feb182016.pdf · the training...

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