Prendiville Catholic College
20 October 2017
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Class of 2017 - Prendville Forever
It was wonderful to be part of our graduation ceremony for our class of 2017 last night. Our evening not only celebrated the achievements, qualities and contributions of our graduating class but was also a celebration of our community, ethos and sense of being at Prendiville. The evening celebration was so beautifully captured in our parent reflection by Mr Steve Harris:
Before I start, I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Whadjuk people in Noongar country.
To Father Jo and Father Truc, to the Board Chair Kevin Petersen, to the Principal Mark Antulov, to the Prendiville Community and very importantly tonight, the Year 12 Graduates; good evening.
My name is Stephen Harris, and I humbly represent all of the parents gathered tonight. Equally, any of you could have come out here and expressed what I am about to say, but my one advantage is that having taught at Francis Jordan Catholic School, and at St Simon Peter Catholic Primary School, and as a member of the St Simon Peter Parish, and now having two children graduate from Year 12 here at Prendiville Catholic College, Francesca last year and Antonio this year, I know many of you, and feel I am among friends. It has often been said that ‘no one is an island’, and I feel that sentiment in that we are all very much connected.
In preparing for tonight, I found it easier to partition what I am to say into three parts, to the parents, to the school and most importantly to you, the Year 12 graduates.
Firstly to the Parents and Guardians:
You, being the first educators of your sons and daughters, chose to send your them to a Catholic school because of the quality of education and in order to help you prepare them for their lives ahead. But Catholic schools are more than educational institutions. They are gifted by faith – a faith to which we all profess. This faith you have chosen to pass onto your children and continue to nurture.
As parents, we sometimes wonder where we have gone wrong and why our faith and values do not translate to our sons and daughters. But they must have their own experiences where they learn that God is there for them. And as we help lead them through life, we must slowly release them from our hands into God's hands, who forms and shapes them.
We must allow them opportunities in life to experience living out their faith, and sometimes even failing to do it rightly. Otherwise, their faith will not become their own. If we only teach our sons and daughters, by repeatedly stating what the bible or Church says about a given subject, we are telling them WHAT to think, not HOW to think things through.
We have a desire for our sons and daughters to be critical thinkers and with that we have to learn to let go. This can sometimes make for uneasy times, but it will ultimately strengthen them for the journey ahead. In the end, all we have to do as parents, is keep loving our children – in whatever path they choose. And that is what will help sustain them in going forward.
Secondly, I want to say a few words about Prendiville Catholic College. This is a wonderful Catholic College surrounded by beautiful grounds and is a shining light by the ocean. I see it through the quality of the staff who wish to be a part of the Prendiville spirit. I see it through the chatter of students as they make their way around the College. I see it in its motto: Christus, Pastor Meus. - ‘Christ is My Shepherd’.
The facilities here are the envy of many. An example of this is the Redmond Theatre which is a unique boutique theatre, in which no matter where you sit you’re involved with what is happening on the stage. How many students have grown in confidence from that stage experience?
Prendiville as an educational College places students at its centre. This is reflected in the pastoral care of each student in their care group and they are monitored by the various support staff. This is an important part of a holistic education.
Each student here is valued way beyond what is obvious. The opportunities here at Prendiville show that. I see this through the newsletters, social media, SEQTA, through being a member of the School Board, through the Principal and staff, through the events for students, through the excursions, camps, through the retreats, the sports, the musicals, the concerts, the breakfasts, the Year 12 Dinner Dance, the Vocational Support, Outdoor Ed, the Christian Service, the Astronomy nights, the Beagle Bay Immersion program. Who can forget the Plunge – the wildest experience that a school has ever had the courage to put together – thanks to Denny, Sam and Jo and the P&F team along with the volunteers. Not to forget the gardening club and the chooks.
There are excursions to Italy, the USA, Singapore, Japan, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and many more local places of interest. I can proudly say that you have all of that at Prendiville.
There are many learning opportunities here and I’ll mention a few of them because of their variety:
- ATAR – University courses
- General – WACE grad courses including VET course linked with Edith Cowan University in Joondalup
- Flex Ed – what an amazing concept that is
- Special Needs
- TIDE - Technology, Industry, Design and Enterprise
- Surf Science
- Sport
- Home ecomomics
- Music, Dance and Drama
- Italian.
- Along with all of the other usual academic courses English, Maths, Sciences, and Humanities.
Certainly Prendiville stands up when it comes to developing its students and giving them a quality education. The College does Serve, Lead and Inspire!
As Nelson Mandala once said:
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
Finally I wish to address you, the Year 12 Graduates. In wishing you all the very best, I am not going to tell you what to do but I am going to share with you a few thoughts.
On Sunday mornings, some of you might have heard of Macca and his show, Australia All Over. A few weeks ago on the radio, there was an interview with a young lady named Amber Hammond – a concert pianist who visits Africa, the Philippines, and central Australia, and gives free concerts for children.
On a visit to East Timor to select a location for her concert, she asked the Government, the location of any pianos. They got back to her the next day and said, "We do not have any pianos in East Timor." That might shock some of you when you consider that there is a number of pianos here at Prendiville. So Amber, not to be deterred, teamed up with Roland Australia and had six electric concert pianos shipped to schools in East Timor. I guess she lived by the words of Mary MacKillop:
"Never see a need without doing something about it."
In his song, ‘Go make a Difference,’ – Steve Angrisano writes about how you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and ‘you can make a difference’.
Mahatma Ghandi observed equally:
"Be the change that you wish to see in the world."
Pope Francis asks us to:
"Build bridges with each other. Bridges unite, and when there is a bridge… I can hear the other… I can speak with the other."
Mother Teresa reflects:
"Let no one ever come to you, without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."
And now with exams coming up, I do wish to remind you of one thing, who you are is so much more than exams and results. Never consider your worth tied to these things because these things pass and life moves on. Whatever happens tomorrow, it is an opportunity with its own excitement and challenges. Embrace those days ahead.
Finally, I’d like to share a line from a Graduate’s prayer:
'I do not ask to see, I do not ask to know, I simply ask to be the person I am created to be.'
I wish you all the very best, Year 12’s of Prendiville Catholic College. Thank you for your contribution to the Prendiville community. We are ever grateful for that and we will never forget you for being the person you are. God bless!
For your children
Mark Antulov
Principal
COLLEGE FAMILY FEE ACCOUNTS
The College Board developed a flexible solution for families to meet their child’s education costs by spreading the payments throughout the year. Unless arrangements have been made with the Finance Office, College fee accounts must be finalised by 31 October 2017. The College has an obligation to meet their costs and requires parents to honour their commitments to payment of their fee accounts.
As per the College Board Policy, outstanding accounts with no arrangements in place, may reluctantly be sent to a private debt collection agency. This course of action may incur additional fees and charges that are payable by the family. I urge any family that are currently experiencing genuine financial stress and are unable to meet their commitment, to contact the College Finance Officer Mrs Hernon on 9301 6242 to arrange an appointment.
Terry Raphael
Bursar
SPORTS NOTICES
Rugby 7’s Night Carnival
This has unfortunately been postponed after our venue became unavailable for the proposed date of Monday 16 October. We are awaiting word from HBF Arena on when the ovals will become available again after new turf was laid. Apologies to parents and students for this interruption. Once a new date is finalised students and parents will be notified.
Term 4 swimming sessions.
I am looking for expressions of interest from parents on behalf of students who may wish to attend an organised swimming session on Wednesday mornings until the end of the term. Should there be sufficient interest, pool lanes, transport booked, then permission slips will be sent out to interested parties. This will be open to all students and students are not required to be of competitive swimming ability should they wish to participate. Please contact me via email by Wednesday 25 October (Week 3) to express interest on behalf of your son/daughter.
100K Club
At this stage the 100K Club will recommence for any interested students throughout Term 4. The first session commenced on Friday 20 October. It will continue running so long as numbers justify it. Students wishing to join must collect a permission slip from the PE Office before attending their first session. Students who have attended previously do not require another permission slip. Sessions commence at 7am and students should meet in the Gym Foyer in appropriate running clothes but this does not need to be the school Sports Uniform. All students are welcome and sessions are tailored to individual fitness abilities.
Jamie Birrell
Sports Coordinator
YEAR 9 SCIENCE EXCURSION - GRAVITY DISCOVERY CENTRE
On Thursday 12 October, forty Year 9 Science students attended an excursion to the Gravity Discovery Centre in Gingin, where they spent the day exploring scientific phenomenon in the world of physical and astronomical sciences. Beginning with a solar system walk that exposed them to the planets and other solar bodies to scale, the students then had the opportunity to climb the Leaning Tower of Gingin, a 45-metre tall steel structure. After climbing the 222 steps to the top, the students explored the forces acting on falling objects by throwing water balloons to the ground below. Before the day ended, students also had the opportunity to learn about the origins of the universe in the Cosmology Gallery and to play with equipment and experiments in the Discovery Gallery.
Krystal Skelin
Science Teacher
LIBRARY
Opening Hours
Monday-Thursday: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Friday: 7.30am – 4.00pm
Recess and Lunch every day
Please note there is no supervision of students outside of these hours.
Year 7 Homework Club
Year 7 Homework Club, which is held each Monday in the Library, will only run for the first five weeks of Term 4. The last session will be on Monday 13 November, 2017.
ClickView
DVC, our video storage system, is being phased out and replaced with ClickView a new and improved video storage system. Students are able to access ClickView via their dashboards from both school and home using their usual school log in details.
CAREERS
Career Events Calendar
31 October - WACE exams start
December - TAFE Full Time Applications close.
Apprenticeship Pathways
Looking for an apprenticeship? Check out the Australian Apprenticeship Pathways site which is really easy to use.
Also the Australian Apprenticeships website that provides a lot of information on how to find an apprenticeship, Australian skills shortage needs and who provides apprentice support services in WA.
PARENT AND FRIENDS
A big thank you to all the Prendiville College families for your support of the Quiz Night. Despite the wintery weather, 26 tables of eager participants turned up to challenge themselves and hopefully come away with a prize. Throughout the night, there was lots of fun had and laughter heard and of course, much discussion about what answer to write down. It was great to have 8 tables of Prendiville students and a couple of staff tables join in the fun. We had an interesting looking plane win the paper plane competition, lots of technique used to get a coin close to a bottle and, at the end of the night, we had a winning table. Congratulations!!
Thank you to the families who sent in items and to the businesses associated with Prendiville College who provided substantial prize contributions. Your support is invaluable.
A special thank you to Basq Restaurant, The British Bistro, Little Gumnuts Nature Programme, Marmion Dental Care, Sandra Kent at West Coast Advisory Services, The Copeland family for Christmas items, Spear and Jackson Australia for the gorgeous watering can packages and Keeley Copeland, whose beautiful singing entertained everyone arriving at the Quiz Night. Thank you also to the parents who helped organise and wrap prizes prior to the night and the Prendiville students and parents who helped on the night.
The feedback has been extremely positive and we look forward to doing it all again next year!
Parent and Friends Committee
STUDENT EXCELLENCE
On Sunday 17 September, Ocean Ridge Football Club played against Joondalup Kinross Football Club in the Year 7 West Perth AFL Final. The game was extremely close with Ocean Ridge winning by 2 points. Eight boys from Prendiville Catholic College were in the winning team that remained undefeated throughout the season. Jacob Templeton was voted best on ground by the Life Member who attended the game.
EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTRE
Thank you to everyone for shopping at Woolworths and donating their Earn and Learn stickers to the Educational Support Centre, they were very much appreciated!
Education Support students and staff
CHRISTMAS BAUBLES FOR PMH
COMING EVENTS
Tuesday 24 October - Year 7 2018 Parent Information Night
Wednesday 25 October - Year 7 2018 Orientation Day
Thursday 26 October - Guitar Showcase Evening 6.30pm
Friday 27 October - Year 9 Retreat
Monday 30 October - Year 11 River Cruise
Wednesday 1 November - WACE exams commence & Music Senior Scholarship Auditions Year 9, 3.30pm - 5pm
COMMUNITY NEWS
24:7 Ocean Reef Youth Group
Meets on 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays of the month
6-8pm @ St Simon Peter Parish meeting room
All youth in Years 6-12 are invited!
For more info call Amanda 0421 144 992 or Samuel 0474 310 944
City of Joondalup Youth Services
The City of Joondalup Youth Services Team run Drop In Sessions on Wednesday (4-6pm) and Friday (5-9pm) nights at Anchors Youth Centre at Heathridge Leisure Centre on Sail Terrace, Heathridge. A free chill out space with access to mentors, free WiFi and technology, recreational activities, kitchen facilities and more is available.
Bookings are also open for the Youth Events Series Spring 2017 - A jam-packed program of events for young people aged between 11 and 18 years these upcoming holidays with water activities, bubble sports, mountain biking, star gazing, go-karting, movies, laser tag and the Royal Show.
Master Mind Australia
January 2018 Jump-Start Programs
OLNA - Study Skills – Essay Writing – Subject Revision & Preparation
For all students entering Year 7 – 12 in 2018
The January Preparation Program aims to prepare students for Term 1 (2018) before the academic year begins. The classes will revise those important components from the 2017 syllabus that are vital for success in the new-year. The program will also preview what students can expect in their courses in 2018.
Courses will be conducted at:
Christ Church Grammar School and Hale School
Monday 15 to Saturday 20 January 2018
Dr. Robert Hallam at Master Mind Australia on 9486 1377
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, Banksia Grove
Mon to Sat - 8am, Sun - 9.30am
PRENDI SUMMER FEST
TIM O'MAGIC
He’s back!! Tim O'Magic returns to his favourite theatre, the Redmond, with his break-out Christmas Special Magic Extravaganza. Two exclusive shows in December ……. Stay tuned. Dates and Booking details to follow. He’s back …. TIMO MAGIC is back !!