Prendiville Catholic College
28 October 2016
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Guardians
The important event of Graduation was held at the College this week. I share with you my address to the Year 12 students.
GRADUATION SPEECH 2016
CHANNEL YOUR INNER RON WEASLEY
Good evening friends.
A warm welcome to our Graduands of 2016 - our special guests of honour, your parents and guardians, family members, Mrs Michele Walker, Board Chair, members of the College Board, members of the College Leadership Team and all our wonderful staff.
I am delighted to speak on behalf of the entire Prendiville community to celebrate, affirm and recognise our ‘United as One’ graduating Class of 2016 and offer them some advice for their journey beyond Prendiville into an optimistic future.
I would firstly like to acknowledge Mrs Michele Walker who completes her term as College Board Chair this year - it is fitting tonight that she will be assisting the College to graduate her daughter Jordan. Mrs Walker has provided Board leadership that sees the College consolidated well financially, physically and culturally. I have valued your support and friendship in my two years as Principal.
Thank you to the parents, family members and staff for the role you have played in developing and shaping these students through their secondary school journey from Year 7 to 12. There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child and this is certainly true at Prendiville with the vital connection between parent, students and teacher being a strong focus.
Thank you to the Class of 2016 for the positive impact you leave on our College. I would like to recognise your friendship, achievements and pride in the College. Our Year 12 cohort is a close group of students and is very appropriate that the theme they have chosen for tonight is united as one.
As part of graduation I would ask each of you to treasure the College gift of the small glass cross you will receive tonight. Each Prendiville cross is a symbol of optimism, joy and hope for an wonderful future, a magical future - this is the gift we wish for you. These student crafted crosses have been symbolic this year - keep yours as a symbol to remind you of being ‘United as One’ through your time at Prendiville.
I acknowledge the work of our student leaders and the wonderful support and encouragement of Matteo Bresciani and Michaela Graziano as Head Boy and Head Girl along with Bree Fairbairn, our Ministry Captain. You have provided leadership that has been inspirational to our whole community.
Over this year, our thirtieth anniversary year, we have continued to reflect on what do we want our College to stand for. My vision is to create a contemporary, faith filled positive learning community where each person feels valued, respected and empowered in an environment where it is possible for everyone to reach their greatest potential.
I want to emphasise that for our 2016 Graduates reaching their greatest potential is much more than just achieving good grades – it is about growing in the values and aspirations of what it is, we believe, to be ‘Prendivillian’. This year we have focused on the characteristics of fortitude, accountability, creativity and excellence - our FACE values.
Over the year, the Class of 2016 have truly become the FACE of the College – demonstrating fortitude in the most challenging of years, becoming accountable for their actions and activities, showing incredible creativity and pursuing excellence in its many forms.
As Francesca Harris and Curtis Heeley reflected in their last day speech (delivered on behalf of the cohort at the invitation of Matteo and Michaela) this graduating group has grown closer and closer and have each others backs. They prioritise looking out for each other. They have shown wonderful leadership in their studies and many College activities this year. They have been committed to service activities, participation in College events such as their ball where both behavior and dress was splendid.
On Prendiville Day - we can all remember the synchronised swimming performance showing that they know how to have fun in a healthy and inclusive way. Year 12 participation in the amazing Prendiville Plunge demonstrated they are a group prepared to give things a try and at their retreat showed maturity and a connection to their spirituality.
They have set a tone and, to a large extent, revealed in what it is to be a ‘Prendivillian’. Their fine example provides a legacy for our future students to follow and imitate. In their time at Prendiville they have been described as a group who have persisted - this one characteristic promises more positive results than natural talent or knowledge and is certainly more reliable than luck - persistence is a key to success.
So the first take away piece of advice tonight is that success is just as unique as each and everyone one of us. Continuing to strive and persist for what you love and enjoy will certainly drive you to achieve your own personal version of success. I often share the story of JK Rowling who displayed amazing persistence with her writing of the Harry Potter series. The series was rejected 16 times by various book publishers. On the 17th submission the series was taken on. It was persistence that got Harry Potter to print and into millions of lives.
It is also JK Rowling who provides the inspiration for my second piece of advice for tonight. Over the recent holiday break I revisited the world of Harry Potter with my family by watching the movies. The Harry Potter books and movies introduced us all to a magical world and many unique characters. My favourite character is Ron Weasley, one of Harry’s young wizard friends. I have watched Ron and come to realise that if he was attending Prendiville Catholic College, he would likely be a wonderful nominee for the Redmond Prendiville Award as he exhibits many of the qualities we seek in a Prendivillian.
So my second piece of advice is to channel your inner Ron Weasley! Ron is a likeable chap - flawed, self doubting but a ‘salt of the earth’ character - we can all relate to him.
Let’s remind ourselves of some of his quirks and qualities:
Ron is brave, even when the going gets tough, staying cool under pressure, and using real world intelligence to solve problems. He may not be the most academic student but he is clever in so many ways.
He brings light and hope to any situation, when people are worried or anxious or the situation is gloomy it is Ron who picks them up. He is a wonderful friend – he is honest and open with his emotions and fiercely loyal. Ron never pretends to be perfect, he works through his feelings and his prejudices and comes out the other side a stronger person because of it. Over time he becomes more accepting and respectful of others.
Ron is ‘ordinary’, not remarkable like Harry but he is a really GOOD person. He shows you don’t need to be the centre of attention to succeed – just stay true to yourself and your values and give everything 100% showing us that you don’t have to be chosen or special to do great things.
And finally, Ron shows us that a sense of humour and putting a priority on being friendly by putting people at ease will get you far in life.
Now, let me remind you of the description of a Redmond Prendiville Award nominee:
They display pride in being a student of our College. They lead with confidence displaying outstanding integrity, service and dependability. They inspire the lives of others, and are a positive influence on our College community. I certainly feel buoyed by our Graduating Class - the fact that 41 students were nominated for the Redmond Prendiville Award by their peers and teachers against such exacting and inspiring criteria provides testament to the fact there are a lot of wonderful students in our midst. When introducing the award in 2015 our high ideal is that one day every student is nominated! I sense we are on our way.
Now before I farewell our Class of 2016, I ask that we all stand and link arms as a community – symbolically ‘United as One’. Let me be the voice in your head for the few moments. It is in the context of the following reflection that you will graduate from this College: As the Class of 2016 together we are special. Within this Class of 2016 and in all the world there’s nobody like me. Since the beginning of time, there has never been another person like me. Nobody has my smile. Nobody has my eyes, my nose, my hair, my voice. I’m special. No one can be found who has my handwriting. Nobody anywhere has my tastes - for food or music or art. No one sees things just as I do. In all of time there’s been no one who laughs like me, no one who cries like me. And what makes me laugh and cry will never evoke identical laughter and tears from anybody else, ever. No one reacts to any situation just as I would react. I’m special. I am the only one in all of creation who has my set of abilities. Oh, there will be somebody who is better at one of the things I am good at, but no one has the combination of talents, ideas, abilities, and feelings. Like a room full of musical instruments, some may excel alone, but none can match the symphony sound when all are played together. I am a symphony. I am special and I am beginning to realise that it is no accident that I am special. I am beginning to see that my God made me special for a very special purpose. There must have something in mind for me that no one else can do as well as I.
So, Graduates of 2016 repeat after me...
I am special
We are special and together
We are Prendiville forever.
So, now I farewell you all and send you, the Graduating Class of 2016 into a world that is magical and full of possibilities. The Prendiville community is proud of the well-rounded, positive people you have become. I challenge each Graduand to channel the core values instilled in you by both your family and your College to make the world even more magical. Channel your inner Ron Weasely and become a person who serves, inspires and makes a lasting impact on others.
So now go forth into your future knowing you are “Prendiville forever”.
God bless and may the rest of your life be the best of your life.
For your children
Mark Antulov
Principal
YEAR 8 IMMUNISATIONS
Year 8 immunisations will take place at the College on Thursday 3rd November from 11.15am.
The immunisations will take place upstairs in the Prendiville Centre. Year 8 students are to wear their sports uniform to school for the day.
Year 8 students will be split into 4 groups based on their last name. Please make sure that your child is aware of their Immunisation time.
- Group 1 Females ‘B-H’. 11.15am-11.35am
- Group 2 Females ‘I-W’. 11.35am-11.55am
- Group 3 Males ‘A-L’. 11.55am-12.15pm
- Group 4 Males ‘M-W’. 12.15pm-12.35pm
Please read the attached link for more information about Childhood Immunisations.
If you have any questions regarding the Immunisations, please contact the College Registered Nurse.
Thank you,
Esther Stuart
SPORTS NOTICES
ACC Athletics
Congratulations to Logan Foley (Year 8) and Mathilde Lapierre (Year 7) who were named in the Annual ACC Athletics Allstar team. Following the completion of the last carnival, the ACC compares the results of each individual from all 8 divisions. From this the top 2 students are named in the All Star team.
Rugby 7’s Night Carnival
Following their impressive Term 3 Season, the Year 7/8 Boys Rugby team competed in the Lake Joondalup Night Carnival on Monday of Week 2. The boys went through undefeated registering a bonus point in every one of their matches to cap off an outstanding year. I would like to thank Mr Jeremy Broderick for all his efforts with the boys throughout Term 3 and Term 4. Also to the parents of all those who participated for all your support of the Rugby Programme, not only as spectators at all our games but for encouraging your sons in what is a new sport for so many of them.
The Rugby club is looking to expand next year with a large interest being shown by the girls in Years 7-10. 11 of the girls attended the Night Carnival to take part in a number of training sessions and most importantly a contact clinic run by Rugby WA. Training will continue at school throughout Term 4 with the possibility of a game to be played against Mater Dei College after they expressed a strong interest to organise an opportunity before the end of the year.
As has been the case with the introduction of all our Rugby teams, safety is our number one priority. Attendance at training is vital so that we can ensure any of our students who take the pitch are going to be able to play the game in a safe manner.
Term 4 Sports Clubs
As all official sporting commitments have concluded for the year, the Phys Ed Department have commenced running a wide range of sporting clubs for students to participate in. These are open to anyone in the College and can be a great opportunity for students to try their hands at something new. In some cases they are used as a preparation tool for next years CAS competitions in both Terms 1 & 2. Parents and students are encouraged to view the Term 4 Sports Calendar on the Schools SPORTAL page on SEQTA. Any questions about individual sports should be directed to the appropriate teacher as outlined on the calendar.
Sporting Excellence
Congratulations to Trent Ostler (Year 9) who has recently returned from the National Soccer Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour. Trent and his teammates went through the tournament undefeated and beat eventual winners Vic Metro 4-1, but were undone by two draws that cost them the National Title.
INTER-HOUSE ARTS COMPETITION - THE VOICE 2016
On Friday 21 November the ever so popular Inter-House Arts Competition ‘The Voice’ took place during lunchtime in the Redmond Theatre. Each singer representing their House was outstanding in terms of confidence, energy and enthusiasm. It was a full house of student supporters and judging from the cheering and clapping that was presented, the overall competition was a huge success!
A big thank you goes out to our three judges on the day Chloe McGinnity, Krystal Skelin & Judy Georgiu, Head of Performing Arts Ellen Broderick, Theatre Manager Ben Collins, Arts Captain Hannah Dans, Music Captain Whitney Brodalka, Assistant Stage Manager Jairus Remoto & House Coordinators. You all did an amazing job and your effort and help is most appreciated!
Results
1st
Brigid House
Laura Leitenbauer-Goldsmith - Year 11
‘Ain’t No Other Man’ By Christina Aguilera
2nd
Romero House
Jess Mullen - Year 10
‘Titanium’ By Sia
3rd
Francis House
Sienna Mackay - Year 9
‘Turning Tables’ By Adele
Other performances included…
McAuley House
Keely Copeland - Year 7
'In the Arms of the Angel' By Sarah McLachlan
Salvado House
Amber Rundle - Year 7
‘You Ruin Me’ By The Veronicas
Chisholm House
Andreia Da Cunha - Year 7
‘Pompei’ By Bastille
Annalisa Sorgiovanni
Inter-House Arts Coordinator
MUSIC
Upcoming Events
Guitar Concert
The end of year Guitar Concert featuring performances by selected guitar students will be held on Wednesday 2nd November in the Redmond Theatre at 6.30pm.
PTech Live!
As part of their Event Management unit this term, the Year 10 Performance & Technology students are running the annual PTech Live showcase on Monday 7th November. The evening will feature a range of contemporary and rock performances by selected Year 9 and 10 PTech students. All are welcome to come along for a fantastic evening, and to support our contemporary performance students. Held in the Redmond Theatre at 7pm with a gold coin donation entry at the door.
TECHSPOT
Welcome to our TechSpot. This section of our newsletter is for students and staff to share tips, tricks, ideas and apps to do with technology at Prendiville.
This week, we have some thoughts about some conversation points for children who use social media.
We know that being able to communicate via social media is very appealing to children, and that their friends are all sharing photos of themselves. We are aware that they are still developing their sense of self and want to celebrate by taking photos – don’t we all? We also know that parents want to be able to protect their child from outside influences while still allowing their child to explore the world in a way that is developmentally appropriate.
The following are some ideas that may help kick off a discussion with your child:
Explain that the Internet is not a secure place and people who don’t know you, don’t owe you. Not everyone out there has your child’s best interests at heart (and this is something teenagers do not often understand). This means that sharing photos that you don’t want others to see could result in them being in the hands of strangers. Even unpublished photos and those backed up to the cloud can be hacked, as we have seen in the media this year.
Make sure your child knows that you will listen to them and accept what they have to say, even if it is not to your liking. Your reactions will help shape how much your child chooses to share next time. It is very important to have open and honest communication channels open about all topics, not just this one.
Know what social media sites your child is on, and have a basic understanding of how they work (and who uses them). Use social media yourself. It is the best way to figure out the benefits and pitfalls. This doesn’t mean that you need to be ‘friends’ with them or ‘follow’ them on all social networking sites – although this could be negotiated as they display responsible behaviour.
Sit with your child at home and ask them to Google themselves. Talk about the results you get and ask them what they think of what they see – what is this person like? Would I like to be friends with them? Would I employ them? Is there too much information? What may need to be deleted?
Don’t rely on restrictive parental software. Although it is a good place to begin, a child can Google how to work around it! Communication, not using the Internet behind a closed bedroom door and and having boundaries is even better than software; even though it is more work.
If you need help with iPads or just want to ask a question, feel free to drop into the iPad Helpdesk in the Library at lunchtimes. We will be happy to give you assistance.
Mrs Melissa Marshall
eLearning Coordinator
Family Zone Cyber Safety – Special Deal for Prendiville Families
Family Zone is a Perth company who have an extensive background in telecommunications and technology. They provide a web-based filtering service to assist families in mitigating the risks involved with live streaming apps, social media, adult content and long periods of screen time. This service allows parents to discuss and manage technology in the home in such a way that children can stay within a safe online environment here and at school. Family Zone’s Technology has been designed to work in harmony with school technologies and integrates with CyberHound, Prendiville’s web filtering service.
Exclusive offer for Prendiville parents, one month free trial plus 50% off the innovative Family Zone home networking Box (Normally $89). To take advantage of this offer use voucher ILOVEPCC when ordering a Family Zone Box (after creating an account).
For more information, please visit:
LIBRARY
ATAR STUDY GUIDES
Year 11 & 12 study guides, in most ATAR courses, are available for loan from the Library.
READING FORUMS
Here’s a sneak peak at novels and series which have strong female protagonists…
Novels…
Nona & Me by Clare Atkins
Shadow Girl by John Larkin
Spark by Rachael Craw
Series…
Iron King Series by Julie Kagawa
Matched Series by Ally Condie
Fire and Thorns Series by Rae Carson
Check out the Reading Forums on SEQTA Learn for more of the same.
COMIC CLUB
Are you interested in comics? If so, why not join in the Comic Club fun in L4 at lunch times on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Also check out the Comic Club Forum on SEQTA Learn
COMMUNITY NEWS
SPRING PRAYER DAY
Mary MacKillop Centre, 16 York Street, South Perth.
Wednesday 16th November 10am-1pm (9.30am morning tea and lunch provided). Theme: "I have come that you may have life ..."
RSVP: Essential by Thursday 10th November - for catering purposes please to Laura
9334 0999, lmccarthy@sosjwa.org.au Cost: By donation.
TAIZÉ MEDITATIVE PRAYER
You are invited to join the South Perth Taizé praying community, St Joseph’s Chapel, 16 York St, South Perth, Sunday, 20th November, 7-8pm (Chapel doors open 6.30pm).
Theme: Praying for all those who have died especially our families and those who have died in tragic circumstances. Bring: a small torch, a friend … and a small plate to share for supper. Further info: Sr Maree Riddler rsj, 0414 683 926, mriddler@sosjwa.org.au
IGNITE LIVE- CATHOLIC YOUTH EVENT
Ignite Live is a unique Catholic youth event which looks much like the large concerts and festivals. Featuring live bands and DJ's, Ignite Live brings together hundreds of teenagers and young adults from across Perth. The final event for 2016 is being held at the amazing Quarry Amphitheatre on Friday November 18th. The main event is 7-9pm with additional entertainment before and afterwards. Attend as a group or attend on your own. To get an idea of what to expect at this free event visit the website igniteyouth.com/Perth
NORTHERN DISTRICTS GYMNASTIC CLUB - TALENT IDENTIFICATION DAY
Friday 4th & Saturday 5th November
No experience required.
NDGC - 1/5 Whipple Street, Balcatta WA
Call NDGC on 9240 6861 or visit reception to register your interest.
Cost- $5 (invited children)
Cost - $8 (all other participants)
COMING EVENTS
Monday 31 October Year 11 River Cruise.
Monday 31 October WACE examinations commence.
Thursday 3 November Year 8 immunisations.
Wednesday 9 - Fri 11 November Education Support Rottnest Camp.
Friday 11 November Year 11 Thanksgiving Mass
For further information visit https://ta.prendiville.wa.edu.au/seqta/ta/file/get?type=document&file=ea4f4966-a357-4475-8914-8bac2be2e682
REGULAR MASS TIMES
St Simon Peter Parish, Ocean Reef
Sat - 6pm, Sun - 8am, 10am and 5pm
Our Lady of the Mission Parish, Whitfords
Sat - 6.30pm, Sun - 8am, 9.30am, 11am and 5.45pm
St Andrews Parish ,Clarkson
Sat - 6pm, Sun - 7.30am, 9am and 5.30pm
St Luke's Parish, Woodvale
Sat - 6pm, Sun - 8am and 9.30am
St Anthony's Parish, Wanneroo
Sat - 6.30pm, Sun - 7.30am, 9am and 6pm
All Saint's Parish, Greenwood
Sat - 6pm, Sun - 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am and 5.30pm
St John Paul II Catholic Primary School
Mon to Sat - 8am, Sun - 9.30am