BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

COFFS HARBOUR

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEBDC

COFFS HARBOURFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE28 February | 2014

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It is hard to believe that first term is now half way over. Our Year 12 students are preparing for their half yearly examinations, and our Year 7’s have almost all completed a very successful camp.

I spoke to a number of our Year 7 students as they returned from Mebbin on Thursday, and it was pretty clear that they had enjoyed their time away. This first camp in the Secondary school is largely focused on getting to know one another. This is particularly so for those 46 new students to BDC. Mrs Hilton has reported during the week that the camp has gone very well. I am grateful for the work she has put into making it a success as well as the time and commitment of Mr Kadwell, Mrs Purcell and the other teachers who attended the camp.

This week also saw the arrival of twenty-four students from Centre Scholaire Aux Lazaristes in Lyon, France. They will live with BDC families for a week, immersed in English and absorbing our sub-tropical lifestyle. Some staff had dinner with the staff from Lyon on Thursday. They told us that following their first visit here in 2012, Coffs Harbour was a favourite destination in Australia. They were hopeful that a return visit to Lyon by BDC students might follow in 2015.

Each week, I hold enrolment interviews with prospective new students. These are followed by a school tour. Watching the school operate while these unannounced tours take place is very gratifying. I am constantly told how polite and focused our students are as I walk with our visitors. It is a great pleasure of mine to be able to walk around and let our prospective families see the school operating without any affectation. The guests I show around the really enjoy the interaction of our Primary students as we often walk through groups of them at their Recess time.

The theme of Peter Fitzsimons’ article about our troubled swimming superstars in this Thursday’s Sydney Morning Herald resonated with me. He spoke of sporting heroes who had been pushed to their limits for years – with an extraordinary dedication that, by the nature of its intensity, has now made it difficult for them to cope with life beyond superstardom. After the glory of winning, he spoke of the need for ‘skills and character traits that have nothing to do with getting to the top of the podium.’ For me, the message is clear, schools must be about developing those skills and character traits.

At BDC, we are extremely fortunate to have students who are energetic, talented, respectful and loyal, and we gain great satisfaction from working with them. Acknowledging progress at school, however small, in whatever field, is about affirming our children for who they are.

Helping them build the resilience they need to deal with life’s challenges is both tacit and explicit. The relationships that are built with students in the fora of our classrooms, our camp and our pastoral programs are those that see that resilience developed.

Clarification

Last week’s newsletter made reference to students taking medication at school. My omission then was that there are students at school who have an established medical plan that includes self-administration of medication. Nothing changes for these students who manage their personal medication needs very responsibly. Any new students to the school who have the need for regular medication at school should have a medical plan discussed with both their Year Coordinator (if in Secondary), or either Mrs Curtin or Mr Galvin in Primary as well as the respective Secondary or Primary Offices.

If parents have any concerns about their child’s medication at school, they should discuss this with the relevant Coordinator or the Secondary or Primary office staff.

Office Closure on Ash Wednesday

The school’s administrative offices and Uniform Shop will be closed from 8.45 - 10.00am next Wednesday for the school’s Ash Wednesday service.

Congratulations

Well done to John Kambere (11) who has just been awarded the 2014 • Migrant/Refugee scholarship by the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour. John now has a laptop and internet use for 12 months plus 12 months English tuition at the Coffs Harbour Education Centre - prize valued at over $3000.Diana Arhe (11) also received a semester of English tuition at the • centre.Brooke Lusted (12, 2013) who achieved first in State in Textiles in the • HSC has had her major chosen for exhibition in ‘Texstyle’ which opens next week.

From The PrinciPal

Alan BallPrincipal

STaFF SPoTlighT

Teacher in profile:Sharon Habgood

I currently teach: Primary students – Year 4

I came to BDC from: UNE in Lismore

I studied at: UNE and Uni of NSW

I grew up in: Coffs Harbour

I went to school at: Orara High

I have also taught: Every grade from Kindergarten to Year 6

I engage my students by: Providing clear, short instructions, structured multisensory lessons, positive reinforcement, using materials, linking new concepts to past experiences, using multimedia.

I am currently reading: Salem Falls

My proudest career moment: Being nominated for a National Excellence in Teaching award.

An area of expertise or my passion in education is:

At the moment, using multi-strategy instruction to cater for diverse learning needs. I also love teaching Visual Arts.

A leader/s I respect: Nelson Mandela

I am grateful for: My two children, my health and my job

Something students might find interesting about me is:

I started at uni studying Science then changed to teaching, which I love. Mrs Jen Booth and I are related.

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

COFFS HARBOUR

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEBDC

COFFS HARBOURFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE28 February | 2014

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Carmel SpryActing Assistant Principal (Head of Secondary)

From The acTing head oF SecondaryIt is always wonderful to celebrate the great achievements of our students and particularly of our HSC students. These celebrations often focus on students who have achieved outstanding results in their HSC subjects, their teachers and parents are all understandably proud of their efforts. There is, however, another level of achievement that deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated. This belongs to those students who have worked to the best of their ability in all subjects and have reached their potential in their HSC. In comparison to results across NSW, their performance may not appear fantastic but for some students they represent extraordinary self-discipline, determination and resilience.

During this week the heads of faculty in the secondary school and I spent time analysing our HSC results from 2013 with Grant Prowse. Grant has developed a statistical program that allows teachers to examine the results students achieved in each subject in comparison to their results in other subjects and their performance as Year 10 students in the School Certificate. Thus, he is able to give us an indication of students ‘reaching their potential’.

As we discussed results of subjects and individual students, I noticed many heads of faculty who expressed joy for those students whose results were not necessarily outstanding in terms of state comparisons but were wonderful for the individual. Our teachers understood the story behind the results and were thrilled for the students. To me, this is another reflection of how dedicated our teachers are, how they know their students and have the very best of intentions for their students.

I felt very proud of our students and staff and continue to be impressed by their dedication.

Secondary School

view The currenT ediTion oF The norTh coaST anglican newSPaPer

Isn’t it scary to think that we’ve almost reached the half way mark in Term 1? So much has happened and there is much more to come. In the Church’s calendar the ‘Season of Lent‘ is almost upon us and I hope that you will consider making pancakes for breakfast with your family next Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday) as you prepare for Lent.

The tradition of cleaning out the pantry is symbolic of preparing to fast during Lent. These days there are many ways of fasting or going without and some of my friends even give up buying coffee and send a donation for the total amount saved over the lenten period to help the homeless people within our community. I wonder what you will give up during this time of reflection and penance?

Next Wednesday the 5th March the whole college will attend the Ash Wednesday Service which signals the beginning of lent. During this time the blessing of the ashes made from last years palm crosses will take place and will be distributed. Students are invited to come forward to receive the ashes on their foreheads as a sign that they are sorry for the wrong doings in their lives. Please talk to your children about this important ritual in the season of lent and in the churches calendar.

This Saturday 1st March history is being made in the Diocese of Grafton as we celebrate the Consecration and the Installation of Bishop Elect Sarah Macneil.Please pray for Sarah as she prepares and reflects in silence in retreat for this very special day in our Diocese.

O’ God our heavenly Father,who raised up your faithful servant Sarahto be a bishop in your Churchand to feed your flock:give abundantly to all bishops and other pastorsThe gifts of your Holy Spirit,so that they may minister in your householdas true servants of Christand stewards of your holy mysteries;through Jesus Christ our Lord,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.Amen

I hope to see many of our parents at the Ash Wednesday Service on 5 March commencing at 8.55am in the Branson Centre.

Throughout our journey may we grow and reap the good harvest as we too discover Jesus together.

chaPlain’S chaT

Rev Marion TanfieldChaplain

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

COFFS HARBOUR

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEBDC

COFFS HARBOURFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE28 February | 2014

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Robyn CrispCareers Adviser

careerS

imageS From The Swimming carnival

Regional University RoadshowThe annual Regional University Roadshow will be held in the Theatre at BDC on Wednesday 12th March from 11.35am to 12.30pm. Representatives from Southern Cross University (SCU), Charlies Sturt University (CSU) and the University of New England (UNE) will provide important information about university life, articulation pathways from private colleges and TAFE, scholarships, early entry schemes and other interesting matters. Parents are welcome to attend.

International School Exchanges and Gap Year OpportunitiesLions Youth Exchange Program is on offer to youth 16-21 to live for 5-6 weeks with Lions families in various overseas destinations • during December 2014 and January 2015. For more information go to http://lionsclubs.org.au/activities/youth/ye/ Mid North Coast & North West NSW Rotary District 9650 Youth Exchange • http://www.rotaryyouthexchange9650.com.au/ Antipodeans • http://www.antipodeans.com.au/Home.htm An independent Australian and New Zealand company that coordinates gap year programs and jobs, volunteer health programs, gap year Africa and work experience overseas.Lattitude Global Volunteering • http://www.lattitude.org.au is a youth development charity that provides opportunities for young people to undertake global volunteering to make a positive difference to the lives of others.

Other News and Important Dates:Year 12 students are reminded to book an appointment with me this term to clarify career goals.• ETC are running RSA and RCG courses over two days on 15 and 16 April from 9am to 3.30pm. The cost for both courses is $185 • per person. Register at: https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=12050 by 11 April 2014.Students wishing to apply for Medicine or Health Sciences in 2014 must complete the UMAT Undergraduate Medicine • and Health Sciences Admission test on 30 July 2014. You can access the UMAT Information Booklet and register at http://umat.acer.edu.au

Don’t for get to explore our comprehensive interactive careers website for the latest information to help you make decisions about your future career at http://bdccareers.com/

More images on the BDC Galleries

Rebecca BrownVisual Arts

Kellie ReinholdPDHPE

viSual arTS BaBy alerT Year 8 students have completed their first in class task in Visual Arts. It was a title page that appropriated an image from our new textbooks. Here is a wonderful title page by Bram Eastman.

Year 9 Child Studies and Year 11 CAFS students are in for a very different experience over the next couple of weeks. Students will be participating in the Maybe Baby program where they are the sole caretaker of a baby infant simulator. The sounds and behaviours replicate those of an infant. The experience is intended to demonstrate the full-time commitment required for parenting an infant.

Students are responsible for feeding, changing, settling, organising and juggling their lives around a baby. So if you see some students struggling and a bit emotional next week you can sympathise, remember what it was like, and have a bit of a chuckle...

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

COFFS HARBOUR

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COFFS HARBOURFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE28 February | 2014

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Karin LisleAssistant Principal (Head of Primary)

From The head oF PrimaryCybersafety

Would you leave your front door open so that anyone could just walk in the house? Would you let your children talk to someone you don’t know? If you are allowing your children to use devices without supervision, you do not know who they are talking to and what is happening in their lives.

Through education children are becoming more aware of the dangers of the Web, but it is often difficult for young people to discern what is safe and what is not.

I have had several conversations with parents who only know what their children are accessing on iPads when their children come to them with a concern. It is far more difficult to know what is going on now, with devices being so portable, but it is imperative that we keep conversations open in the family so that children can talk about what they are doing with their devices, who they are communicating with and what about. One parent reported that when he saw the conversations happening on Instagram with his daughter and her friends, he was horrified not only with the language they were using but also the topics they were discussing. Have you looked at what is being written under your child’s accounts? Do you know that many of these programs are only for 13 years and up? It is important for us all to take responsibility and educate our children on the right way to access the Internet.

To help guide children and parents in the right direction, Cybersmart (www.cybersmart.gov.au) has developed age-specific screensavers and wallpapers for devices. Short cybersafety messages are rotated through screensavers that offer tips about dealing with the cybersafety issues faced by children. Each page includes the Cybersmart website address which the child can later use to find out more about the topics covered. The screensavers can be used as rotating screens, or users can select one to use as a wallpaper. These resources provide a timely reminder for children about safely using the internet at all times.

Another great site is www.commonsensemedia.org where you can look at suitable movies, apps, videos, games and guide your children in responsible use. Parents can get an overview of the latest movies and what ages they suit, they can see whether the apps and games are educational and what ages all these things are rated for so they can make responsible decisions.

Helping students who learn differently

Next Wednesday night we will be holding a session for any parents who have students struggling with schoolwork. Sonja O’Connor, one of our LRC teachers, will be sharing ideas she has developed through the Dyslexia course she attended in the last holidays. There are many ways we as parents can assist our children with their learning and this is a great opportunity for you to learn a variety of assistive strategies. The Learning Differently Group who have organised the night are raising money to further expand teacher expertise in this field. Following the talk, a short film will be played after a light supper and many parents have been enthusiastic about the messages and understandings that this film portrays. I urge all parents to attend the evening by booking a place through TryBooking on the school website.

Primary School

wriTerS oF The weekUraptas the Planet

Through the messy galaxy I saw a tiny planet. As I flew my starship in closer on it I could see that it was deserted. On it though there were animals that looked like dogs prancing all around the planet. There was a big jungle and a massive desert.

I found a place to land the starship. My starship was called The Northstar. It was a beautiful thing. The planet was called Uraptus. I hopped out of my starship (The Northstar). I was right on the edge of the desert on the line between the deadly scrub of the jungle and the dusty, hot, colossal boulders and spurs of the desert.

I saw my dog Jaffy come out. I then realised that I had not put my space suit on. I could live on this planet!

By Charlie Howard 4M

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

COFFS HARBOUR

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COFFS HARBOURFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE28 February | 2014

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Dale CondonHead of Music K-12

aSSemBly PerFormanceS

newS and imPorTanT daTeS

Thank you and well done Hannah Joseph, Rose Light, Lakkin McMaster, Tess Caldicott, Olivia Hoare and the members of the Senior Strings Consort: Stephanie Egan, Josh Wilson-Douglas, London Hawke, Charlotte Bedford, Ima Caldwell, Alanna Fraser, Mai-Anh Holland, Alice Jeffery and Jennessa Mok for their wonderful performances this week.

If you enjoy singing, come along to the Secondary Choir on Wednesday after school at 3:20pm.• All Year 8 will be attending a performance by Terry Murray on Tuesday 4th March in period 5. Parents’ accounts will be billed for • this performance.Primary Music Camp will be held at the Coffs Coast Beach School Conference Centre in Bonville on Saturday 5th and Sunday • 6th April. Permission notes will be handed out next week. Please have the notes back by Friday 7th March and payment made via TryBooking by the Friday 28th March.The instruments listed below are for sale – please ring the music office for further details or email • megan@bdc.nsw.edu.au

- Fontaine Alto Saxophone, brand new condition (only used for 6 months) $400 - EK Amadeus full size cello with Seitz bow, spare bow and soft case - $2,800. Will be available to try if you contact the music office. - Beginner student violin, full size, excellent condition $200 - Intermediate student violin, full size, Amore $500

muSical noTeS

My Letter

Dear Sally,

I miss you. I’ve been stuck on a ship for over 5 months and been seasick six times. It’s a bore. Why can’t I just get there? How are Papa and Serry and little Charlie? What about the twins Bolt and Basil? The guinea pigs — are they okay? And poor old Mr Solk — is he still barking at cars, trucks and buses? Nan and Pop — are they there?

Oh, and yes, Leeana is fine. She is having her beauty sleep as usual. I made four friends — Lakkin, Eibhlin, Kiri and Sophia. No boys for some reason! I have not seen any boys except sailors that want money.

From your darling sister,Rose.

By Nel Jacups 4M

SwimmingLast Friday all the junior primary students took the bus to Sawtell Pool to have their swimming carnival. It was great to see so many parents there this year and all the students had a fantastic time competing in races and just having fun in the water. Thank you to all the junior primary staff who did a great job and also to all the year 9 students who assisted with water safety! I really enjoyed watching them lead the junior’s in some water aerobics near the end of the day.

We now have corrected results for the Senior Primary Swimming Carnival, including House Champions, Age Champions and Record Breakers:

Senior Primary House Champions: Cottee

Age Champions: Girls Boys Junior Imogen Spencer Harry Ward R/U Keira Williams Isaiha Phillips

11 years Hannah Joseph Nicholas Greenway R/U Rahni Spencer Hunter Black

Senior Lucy Alkemade Thomas Sweeney R/U Milly Wilson Charlie Alderman

Record Breakers: Girls 10 &U 200IM Record 4:18.37 Imogen Spencer 4:04.72

Girls 10 &U Relay Record 3:37.22 Cottee 3:23.32

Girls 11-13 Relay Record 2:54.10 Hollows 2:43.78

college SPorT

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Bookings can be made via Trybooking on the BDC website at $10 per head for the seminar.

Helping Students Who Learn Differently

Seminar

At Bishop Druitt CollegeWednesday 5 March

Start 5.30pmFinish 7.30pm

Experienced teacher Sonja O’Connor will be presenting Dyslexia Friendly strategies to assist parents who want to help their children’s learning. Sonja has attended the Orton-Gillingham Training Course that favours a multi-sensory approach to learning and she will share her knowledge with interested parents. After a short break where refreshments can be purchased, a complementary screening of “The Big Picture - Rethinking Dyslexia” will follow.

All interested parents are encouraged to attend.

Jim WebberSports Administrator K-12

Jim WebberSports Administrator K-12

rugBy

BaSkeTBall

uPcoming daTeS:

We urgently need more BDC Rugby families to take billets on Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th March for the Canadian Rugby Tour – I still have 11 boys to billet. Please contact me at jwebber@bdc.nsw.edu.au

Lord Byng will arrive on Tuesday afternoon and we need parents billeting students collect them from school at 4.00pm. They will return to school on Wednesday with their hosts and spend the day sightseeing before getting ready for the rugby match after school at 4.00pm. Parents will need to pick up students following the match and presentation at approximately 5.45pm. The Canadians students will come to school on Thursday, 13 March and will leave for QLD at 9.00am. Please contact me via email if you can assist or would like further information. jwebber@bdc.nsw.edu.au

Grading games are on this weekend for all basketball teams; secondary on Friday night and primary on Saturday and there should now be an updated draw on the CHBB website. You should have received an email about training days for your child’s team. Singlets are available from the uniform shop upon proof of fee payment. If you are unsure about anything please email Mrs Hilton bhilton@bdc.nsw.edu.au

Tuesday 4th March – NCIS Swimming Carnival at Lismore Memorial PoolTuesday 11th March – Lord Byng Touring Canadian Rugby team arriveWednesday 12th March – NCIS Football Championships at The Armidale School.Thursday 6th and Friday 7th March - All Schools Triathlon in Sydney

imPorTanT daTeS and evenTS

college communiTy

1 Mar4 Mar5 Mar

9-17 Mar11-13 Mar12 Mar

ACER Scholarship ExaminationsNCIS Swimming CarnivalAsh Wednesday ServiceLearning Differently SeminarToyama (Japan) Exhange VisitVisiting Canadiam Rugby TourNCIS Football ChampionshipsUniversity Roadshow for Year 12Year 11+12 Parent-Teacher Inverviews

More on the College Calendar

ParenTS and FriendS

LEARNING DIffERENtLY INtERESt GROUPWe are having a start of year welcome back meeting for our “learning differently together” parent and school support group at 10.30am Monday 3 March at the Rainforest Café. Come along for cup of coffee and a chat. All are welcome. Any queries please contact Susan Robertson on 0414 343 027 or sue-mal@bigpond.com.

MOtHERS’ DAY – SUNDAY 11 MAYMothers’ Day is on the 11 May this year and the P&F will be holding their very popular primary Mother’s Day Stall on Thursday 8 May. For those new to the school, an email will be sent shortly with clear instructions on how you can order gift(s) for your mother, step-mum or carer. The cost per gift is $7 which will be payable on TryBooking, via the College Website. The day before the stall, class lists (with number of gifts ordered per child) will be distributed to class teachers and your child is able to select gift(s) from a range of items provided by the P&F.

CALLING fOR ExPRESSIONS Of INtERESt!Want to be involved in your child’s schooling? The P&F currently have an email group that is often used to inform parents of upcoming P&F/College events, news,

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

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COFFS HARBOURFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE28 February | 2014

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Issue # 5

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•Aboriginal Welcome to Country

•Citizenship Ceremony and Combined Primary Schools Choir

•Tallwood Bush Band & Didjital percussion/dance band

•Coffs City Orchestra & Julie Ross Dancers

•Cooking Demos & tastings from professional Chefs and local students

•Sirens Dance Bollywood group

•Kids activities and performances

•Community cultural presentations and performances

•Local Youth bands

•Now with 2 stages operating

•BYO picnic, rug or chair; or enjoy

•exotic foods for sale

•AND A WHOLE LOT MORE!

For more details contact 66484833 or go to Council’s website.

Have you ever thought how good it would be to be able to learn what it’s

like to live in another country?

Learn a new language? Experience a different culture? You can have all of this in 2015 - With Rotary Youth Exchange -

If you are between 15 – 18.3 in January 2015 you can apply now

For further information contact

District 9650 Rotary Youth Exchange Phone: Jan Crombie 02 6584 7882 or

Email: chairyepd9650@gmail.com

www.rotaryyouthexchange9650.com.au

2014 Travel conceSSion cardS2014 NSW School Pupil Identification Cards allowing travel concessions are available at the Front Office for students who have reached 16 years of age and over attending a certified day school. These cards permit pupils/students to travel at the discounted rate of fare on all CityRail trains, State Transit and privately operated buses and government ferries for journeys to and from sport, evening, weekend and vacation travel. Concession cards will also be available for interstate rail journeys on Countrylink services as indicated on the back of the card. Full fee-paying overseas students are not entitled for a concession card.

volunteer requests etc. You do not have to be a P&F member to be included, so if you want to help out every once in a while or just want to hear about upcoming events or information please email parentsandfriends@bdc.nsw.edu.au.

CONtACt USFor more information, to view our Constitution or read our latest meeting minutes, click on “Our Community” then “Parents and Friends” on the College Website. We look forward to your support.President: Allan Williams 0408 332 082 akwillo@live.com.auP & F email: parentsandfriends@bdc.nsw.edu.au

Next Meeting: Monday 17 March, 2pm, refreshments provided

The Bishop Druitt College Parents and Friends Association is an organisation that supports the aims and objectives of the College. It does so through the promotion of fundraising, fellowship, friendship and fun.