Vol 27 No 4 19th March 2014

Reflection: Last week the Catholic Church began the season of Lent. It was interesting to hear that in Australia, the most attended Church service of the year is Ash Wednesday Mass and prayer services. Since Ash Wednesday signifies the beginning of Lent it is also true that there are many regular Australians who do and actively seek time for prayer and reflection at this time each year. The journey is for us to look inward to discover our true selves. We hope to strengthen and nurture our souls to become more like Jesus in both what we say and how we act.

It can be said that Lent provides us with a special time to stop and reflect on our faith. In fact, during Lent we are called to not just be reflective but to become active in living out our faith. The question is then, how might we as individuals or as a community act on our faith? Our college community supports the valuable work of Caritas each year and this is a simple way of acting on our faith while keeping our feet firmly on

the ground. Each Pastoral Care Class has a collection box and students and families are encouraged to donate. The theme this year is for each $10 a Pastoral Care Class donates a bee will be added to the PC hive. The more bees; the more donations from

that PC class and the more financial support we can provide Caritas Australia. Your support of this fundraiser is greatly appreciated. Lent also provide us with a time for prayer and penance. Students and families may like to attend Mass more regularly at their parish, say grace at mealtimes, open our eyes and hearts to acts of love for and from others or we might seek forgiveness in a relationship that has not been going well. The Lenten season focus is however always with a focus on the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.

National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence The 2014

National Day of

Action against

Bullying and Violence is being held this Friday, 21 March. Our school has registered to be part of this day of Action against Bullying and Violence, being held nationwide. The National Day of Action provides a focus for schools and the wider school community, including parents and carers, to strengthen their everyday messages against bullying and violence. Seton College is dedicated to creating a supportive school environment, free from bullying, harassment and violence. By working together we are sending a clear message to our students that bullying and violence, in or outside of school, are not okay at any time. This week we will promote the messages associated with the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. This will be achieved by encouraging students to wear an orange accessory while at Seton College this Friday. Students are permitted to add an orange accessory like a ribbon, wrist band etc once they are at school on Friday. We will also have a focused discussion in Pastoral Care time on Friday morning about Bullying and Violence. Students and Parents/Guardians who wish to learn more or receive more information about Bullying. No Way! Please consider going to the following website: http://bullyingnoway.gov.au/

Peace and Blessings Alison Gilbert Acting APRE

from the Principal……. Dear Parents, Staff and Students As you may have heard from your child, last Tuesday we had a serious accident in the car park of the school. A parent in the process of dropping of her child accelerated over the kerb in the “drop off” zone and onto the verge knocking over a pole and hitting the stair rails. In the process the car hit one of our Year 8 students and caused a very serious cut to the girl’s leg and other associated bruising. The child required hospitalization and surgery but is now home and beginning to heal. While one student was injured it was extremely fortunate that the incident was not even more serious as it certainly had the potential to be. I ask, as I have many times before, that parents and carers take very particular care when dropping or picking up children in this area. Please be patient! Also it is a good idea to use alternative pick up areas such as Nightingale Street as this reduces the congestion especially in the afternoons. Your assistance and consideration in this regard is greatly appreciated.

Staff News: We welcome to the full time teaching staff Ms Jacqueline Hunter. Ms Hunter is a very experienced primary teacher and has already had a week at Seton as part of the Brisbane Catholic Education “Primary to Secondary program”. This program is one that anticipates the move of Year 7 to Secondary next year. This takes our total teaching staff to 37 together with 28 support staff.

Buildings: The building program is now reaching its final phase. The new classrooms should be completed over the Easter break. However, the central courtyard will not be ready till sometime next term. The classrooms will be air conditioned over the Easter break. The Science labs have had the interactive screens installed. The central area will be fenced while the courtyard is completed and there will be access to the new rooms, toilets, showers and the back door of the Manual Arts building.

March 12 - 14: A Week with a Difference! Last week was “Camp Week” for our Year 10, 11 and 12 students. The Years 11 and 12 “senior” students had three days at “Luther Heights Camp” Coolum. This was an exciting time for them and included a variety of outdoor and indoor “challenges”. From my observation of them they had a truly wonderful time. They were also extremely well behaved, courteous and generous. Well Done! From all reports the Year 10 Camp, which is essentially an outdoor experience type of camp, proved to be another great success.

The Year 8 and 9 students had excursions at this time including a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the MacArthur Museum. All-in-all, a week with a difference! [Full reports on these are included elsewhere in this newsletter.] P & F Association At the February meeting of the Association approval was given for the purchase of three interactive Screens. I am pleased to report that two of these have now been installed in the Science Labs. The third will be placed in Room 2. Almost two thirds of the classrooms now have these screens installed. As previously advised the P & F Association will continue to support the MS Bikeathon and the Mater “Little Miracles” walk this year. Two sub-committees of Parents and Staff will be coordinating the “Teams Seton”. If you would like to support these initiatives in any way please contact the college The Term 1 fundraiser – the chocolate drive – is now underway. Please support this endeavor and have the money returned as soon as possible. Prayers and Best wishes for the weeks ahead Chris Raju [Principal]

from the Deputy Principal…….

Congratulations Students Can I begin this week by congratulating all the students in our community who were living examples of the SETON values last week. Reports from both camps were exemplary. The Year 8 and 9 students who experienced activities and excursions represented our college so proudly by wearing their uniform with pride and displaying good manners. Reports back from both the MacArthur museum and the Mary Mackillop Centre were affirming. With such a full term of events and almost at the finish line, I am noticing many tired young people wandering around the playground perhaps this is a good excuse for early bedtimes till the end of term. (Just a suggestion)

Treat all with Respect

This week I have had reason to speak to all students on Bus 3 regarding their behaviour. It is however important that all students are reminded of the rules when catching any form of public transport.

It goes without saying that the SETON values apply at all times but on public transport the following should be discussed at home.

1. Stand quietly at bus stop and do not rush at the bus when it arrives

2. Stow bag safely where it does not trip others 3. Take a seat that is intended for the entire journey 4. No calling out across the bus 5. Language used needs to be that which can be spoken in the presence of a

parent.(Foul language does not support our value to Say the Right thing ) 6. IPods are encouraged as a means to keep students quiet and occupied on their

journey

Consequences of, for not following these guidelines will be the removal of students from the line.

Please take the opportunity to discuss transportation etiquette with your child. It is an important skill and necessary for the safety of all on board.

Please be aware that the Petrol Station on the corner of Cavendish and Creek Roads, is always out of bounds. It is dangerous with traffic entering and exiting and the slupees being purchased are not a healthy option.

Helen McNamara (Acting Deputy Principal)

Mrs McNamara (Acting Deputy Principal)

from the Campus Minister…

Vinnies Social Justice Day On February 28th, a group of Seton students joined around 200 students at the Annual St Vincent de Paul School’s Social Justice Day. There were games, activities and workshops which broke open topics such as advocacy and refugees in a fun, informative and interactive way. We came away from the day energised, inspired,

challenged and ready to make a difference in the world. Thank you to the St Vincent de Paul students who attended the day and participated brilliantly: Claudia Jones, James Davenport, Cody Newnham, Lachlan Clancy, Chiara Treloar, Jessica Wilson, Stephanie Londy, Logan Hilhorst and Amy Crittenden. We look forward to using our new learnings and enthusiasm to improve our school St Vinnies group and to reach out to those in need.

At the St Vinnies Social Justice Day

Meeting Cass Bull, the State Youth Manager of St Vincent de Paul

Caritas Fundraising Remember that our charity fundraiser for term 1 is Caritas’ Project Compassion. Caritas does amazing work to empower disadvantaged communities buy setting up development projects, improving the access to education and providing much-needed medical equipment, food supplies and clean water. Please support this great cause by either donating into your PC class box or online at http://my.caritasfundraising.org.au/seton . Thank you!

from the Vet/Work Experience Dept….

My Career Advisor Website Generally people are at one of three steps when they are on their career pathways journey. Depending where you are on your journey, you may like to begin at Step 1, or move directly to Steps 2 or 3.

STEP 1: I have no idea what I want to do

STEP 2: I think I know what I want to do...but I'm not sure

STEP 3: I know what I want to do, but don't know where should I study? Within the ‘My Career Advisor’ website, in the menu on the left side of the page, work through ‘Step By Step Career Pathways’ – (Steps 1-3) at your own pace at home, or as part of your school careers program. As you move through the steps, address each of the items in the ‘Step by Step Career Pathways Checklist’. At the end of Step 3, you will have built up an extensive career portfolio about yourself.

You can access My Career Advisor at www.mycareeradvisor.com.au and use the username and password specific to our school. Username: seton.qld.edu.au Password: Seton 4122

Careers - Break through the Interview Bravado When employers recruit a ‘lemon’ employee it affects both the person who hired them and the organisation’s bottom line. The cost to the company can be up to three times the candidate’s salary in replacement and lost productivity costs. There are common questions which interviewers may ask about strengths and weaknesses which can give some clues about the candidate. However, there are some tell-tale signs which will be an indicator as to whether the candidate will be a team player within the organisation. This series of questions may be able to assist you with handling interviews (as a candidate), with a different perspective:

1. How did you, the candidate, treat the receptionist ie were you respectful, polite or arrogant?

2. Are you able to have a conversation with people eg the receptionist? 3. Are you able to talk about a time when you felt challenged at work, what did

you do and how you did you feel about the work? For students, that might mean what you did at Work Experience if something like that happened.

4. Can you take responsibility for what happened? 5. How would your mother or family describe you?

If you try to answer these questions honestly, then it might give you a clue as to what the employer is really looking for.

Source Career One 1.3.14

Work Experience Students in Years 11 and 12 should have handed in their Work Experience Preference Forms for Term 2 to the VET office. The Year 12 students are going well in their current job placements.

QSA The students will have been given their assessment tasks for Term 1. Please be aware there are strict guidelines set down by the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) with regard to the submission of work. Students are required to complete all assessment items for each subject as per the Approved Work Programs. If assessment tasks are not submitted, then the student will not be eligible for a result for Semester 1, 2014 and this in turn will impact on their overall QCE points. Meeting deadlines and negotiating the extension of timelines if the student has been ill or if they have another legitimate reason for not being able to hand it in on time is an important skill to develop.

Kathryn Flint and Sue Oxley

Sustainability Seton College held a successful ‘Clean Up Australia Day – Schools’ with all the Pastoral Care groups participating in the clean-up in the designated areas. Many bags of rubbish were collected. Eventually, this responsibility might carry across to the general state of the grounds and the students will develop an awareness of their local environment keeping it clean and litter free! We are pleased to announce that Seton College won a Sustainability Grant from the Brisbane City Council. Congratulations to Mrs Gilbert and Mr Lewis who collaborated to develop the Grant Application. This grant is gratefully accepted and will be used to re-develop the Aquaponics program within the Science Department. More information will follow as the Project progresses.

Sustainability Committee

Kokoda Challenge First Training Walk - Sunday 16/3/14

We have finally started our training. Congratulations to the most enthusiastic bunch of students we have worked with. They are truly an inspiration and our trek over the next few months will be amazing based on today's dedication.

We had twelve very committed students who arrived at 6.45am for a 7am start with our first training session being held at Mt Coot-tha. The students walked for 2.5hrs covering approx 13kms of hilly terrain.

We are very proud of the students’ commitment to this challenge and each week we will keep you updated as to our progress. Please support the students whenever you see them and also in their endeavours to raise money for “Youth at Risk”. See one of our Fundraising events below that has been kindly organised by the Lacey Family.

Mrs Flint, Mrs Sarra, Mr Gannon

from the Home Ec Dept… Wanted Urgently Hello families. If you are ice cream or yoghurt eaters, we would love to recycle your

large 1, 2 or 4 litre plastic containers in the Home Economics Department. We use them for students who have forgotten to bring containers to school and who need to take their food home. So if you would like an excuse to eat ice cream please feel free, and then wash the containers and send them to the Home Economics building where

we will use them wisely.

This Friday at the tuckshop, during morning tea, the Hospitality students will be selling hamburgers with salad for $3.50. With home-made burger patties, fresh bread rolls and yummy salad ingredients they are sure to be a hit, so give yourself a

morning off from making lunches by sending your student in with money instead for a healthy fresh option.

Many thanks Ms Lund

from the Sports Dept… On March 4th the Seton College swimming team was again striving to achieve their best at the Chandler Aquatic centre. Our team included Joshua Ebzery and our AWD swimmers; Arianna Fthinoyiannis, Chelsea Priest, Alexandra Gray, Monika Christophorou, , Jake Michel, Jordan Mahony, Mason Ollerenshaw, Cameron Sawyer, Tim Markey, Jordan Byrne, William Leahy and Bailey Stewart. Our swimmers swam the full range of 50m events and 100m freestyle with Joshua swimming the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly. Joshua placed 4th in the 50m butterfly and has qualified to swim in the State swimming championships at the end of March. Our AWD swimmers came home with a handful of ribbons in their events and achieved many personal bests. Our students were exemplary on the day and deserved every success in achieving the high standards required to compete in the State Championships. It is my great pleasure to announce that the following students have all qualified for the State Championships: Ally, Chelsea, Arianna,

Monika, Jake ,Tim, Jordan Mahony, Mason, ,William, Bailey. We wish them the very best in their events at the State Championships

Anne O’Dwyer-Mazur Sports Master

Year 10 Camp “Be a Shining Light” Last Wednesday 56 year 10 students and 9 Seton Staff, Mr Murphy, Mr Kerr, Mr Gannon, Mr Heath, Mr Lewis, Ms Vergotis, Mrs O’Dwyer, Mrs Stout and Mrs

Dunnett departed the college to spend three days at the YMCA Camp Warrawee, Petrie. The theme for this camp was “Be a Shining Light”. The scene was set with Liturgy exploring this journey. Each student placed a star on a tree to symbolise their place on camp and that we all can be a shining light by participating in everyday activities. The camp engaged the students in a variety of outdoor activities (canoeing, flying fox, big swing, swimming). These activities were supported by qualified YMCA instructors and Seton Staff. The students were amazing, challenging themselves and encouraging their friends to have a go, even if it was confronting and tough. The students learnt a lot about themselves and other students. The Wednesday evening’s activity was Mini Olympics, you had to be there, each event was hotly contested as each group rotated through the activities. Thursday evening was a Dance night with a Juke Box. The girls spent the afternoon attending to hair, nails, make-up and other girlie stuff. Needless to say there was lots of fun, laughter and chatter. They all looked amazing. The boys rocked up as boys do and enjoyed the evening’s activities too! We discovered a few Seton Stars who can sing and dance, but we will keep that under wraps for now. The students completed an evaluation on Friday morning and the feedback was very positive, some responses included:

Didn’t want to go home

Can we do this again next week

I realised I can be a Shining Light too!

What more can I say…… Except a huge thank you to all the staff for their many gifts, talents and support and to those 56 young people who gained so much for themselves.

Kathleen Dunnett

Bayley Head of House

Year 11 & 12 Camp 72 hours jam packed with action, laughs, giggles and a WHOLE LOT of trekking!! 95 Senior students faced fears, conquered challenges and had a wonderful time doing so at the Luther Heights Camp held at Coolum. There was not a body on the bus that wasn’t exhausted from the 5K walk to and back from the beach, or the Flying fox which was as high as a 10 story building (or so it felt). Shaky legs and beating hearts made their way across medium and high ropes which were 3 to 9 feet above ground level, whilst other groups learnt the keys to leadership by working in teams and generally laughing with people they had never spoken to before.

Our camp Motto was “Learning Today, Soaring Tomorrow”. I am ecstatic to say that each day these 95 students allowed me to learn and I know that they are most definitely going to soar into the future. A special thank you must go to the Seton staff who gave up their time to care for and get to know the students better.

Caroline Sarra Power Head of House

Lost Property Now that the students have returned from camp there are quite a few items of lost property. If your child has missing items please ask them to go to the lost property located in the student reception.

Thank you.

The Real Thing - Senior Functional Maths Excursion Senior Functional Maths Excursion will be held from morning tea to last period, on the last Monday of this term. Senior Functional Maths students are to enjoy a visit to the Coca Cola Amatil factory at Richlands. Students are preparing for this visit by learning about the different ways that workers are paid for jobs and completing calculations based on this. Notification letters are going home this week.

Mr Towler, Ms Price, Mr Murphy

Year 9 Excursion

CALENDAR

Friday 4 April End of Term 1

Tuesday 22 April Start of Term 2

2014 Next Step Survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2013. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office to complete the survey. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2014.

For more information visit www.education.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

P & F Chocolate drive has commenced. We thank you in advance for your support. Can we please ask that the money collected be returned to the school by the 31st of March, 2014. Thank you

The Uniform Shop now has stock of Seton Jumpers & Track suits so you can drop in on a Tuesday morning between 8.00am and 8.30am or Tuesday lunch time between 1.00pm and 1.25pm if you would like to purchase one.

KOKODA CHALLENGE FUNDRAISER

Please help our students who are walking the 48km Kokoda Challenge event in July raise

money for “Youth at Risk”. One of the student’s parents has very kindly organised a movie

night to help raise money for this very important organisation.

We would LOVE you and all your friends to join us at our own special screening of NOAH.

How fantastic to have a cinema to ourselves.

We need numbers AND money by Friday week

29/3/14. Please put your money in an envelope with

your family name and numbers attending on front

and give to Mrs Flint