#7 term 1, 2014

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

COFFS HARBOUR

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEBDC

COFFS HARBOURFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE14 March | 2014

| Dynamic • caring • Optimistic

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view the current edition of the north coast anglican newspaper

We have had a busy couple of weeks at BDC as we have hosted visitors from France, Canada, and Japan. Our Japanese guests leave on Monday after an exciting week in Coffs Harbour. I wish to thank all families who have been so generous in opening their homes to our various overseas guests.

Maintaining a productive exchange program between schools relies in great part on the warmth of the welcome offered by our host families. I know when I speak to the visiting overseas staff that they are incredibly grateful for the BDC community’s hospitality. When our students participate in reciprocal visits, the local communities they visit will be keen to return the favours offered to their students in Coffs Harbour. Our exchange program is vibrant because of the importance we place on its value to our students.

As reported in the national media, this year’s MySchool data was released last week. MySchool offers some useful data about schools, but only as a snapshot of what goes on in schools on a certain few days a year (the NAPLAN testing days), as well as information about schools’ financial details. The statistics regarding NAPLAN are dictated by the cohort that sits the tests – fundamentally different each year – and offer useful information for schools as an indicator about that cohort’s abilities in a certain genre of testing. That is the strength of MySchool for schools.

There is no question that the teaching of good literacy and numeracy skills are key activities in schools. However, 21st century school leavers must leave school with a much greater range of skills and aptitudes with which to thrive in a rapidly changing world than those that might be measured on NAPLAN testing days.

MySchool does not give any measurement of the life of a school – its ethos and values. Those are intangible, but hugely important factors in students’ success at school. It is also why MySchool should not be used either to compare schools or as some sort of empirical measure to rate one against the other.

At BDC, teaching numeracy and literacy are a part of our educational ‘main game’. However, we value the intangibles – the strength of our pastoral program; relationships between children and their teachers; relationships between school and home; our co-curricular program; and our Anglican foundation just as seriously. These are things MySchool cannot measure.

For that reason, we encourage people to visit BDC while it is in session before they enrol their children. Walking around our campus; talking to current students who are guides; seeing classes in action; and talking to teachers and current parents are those things that give an authentic gauge of our school.

Congratulations this week to:

Courtney Robinson (11) and Zac Ion (11), who both competed at the CIS Open Golf Championships at Tuncurry on Monday. Both were successful in winning the Open Girls and Open Boys Divisions, on a very tough Tuncurry layout. They will both now represent CIS at the NSW All Schools Golf Championships in May.

What an amazing week we’ve had with International visitors from the Toyama International High School and a team of rugby players and their coaches from Lord Byng in Canada. Quite a wonderful celebration for the week that led into Harmony Day.

Secondary Assembly this week was dedicated to Harmony Day and as such selected college students including an international student visitor from Toyama joined with selected staff, they presented a wonderful service of Taize, which was spoken in various languages from many different cultures. A comment was made that this must be what it’s like in paradise! This year Harmony Day speeches were delivered by three young women who proudly shared their stories, with the students and staff assembled and with their permission I am able to publish their letters, so I hope that you experience the feeling of pride that I do for these amazing young people.

from the principal

chaplain’s chat

Alan BallPrincipal

staff spotlight

Teacher in profile:Jenny Booth

I currently teach: This year I will be teaching in the Library as the Primary Teacher Librarian

I came to BDC from: Trinity Grammar School, Sydney

I studied at: University of Technology, Sydney

I have also taught at: I worked at Trinity Grammar School in the Senior School Library while I did my Bachelor Primary Ed (Teacher Librarianship)

I grew up in: Inverell, country NSW

I went to school at: Holy Trinity Catholic School Inverell and Inverell High School

Subjects I have also taught: I’ve taught all the Key Learning Areas in the Primary Curriculum

I engage my students by: I like to challenge students to step out of their comfort zone and try new things.

I am currently reading: ‘The Inventions of Wings’ by Sue Monk Kidd

My proudest career moment: Watching Year 12 students that I have taught in their very early years, mature into young adults and graduate so successfully from BDC.

An area of expertise or my passion in education is:

I’m particularly interested in the role ICT plays in the classroom and learning new ways to engage and motivate our students.

A leader/s I respect: Jim Steynes (AFL/Reach Foundation), General Peter Cosgrove and my son Sam (BDC Primary School Captain 2014) - I respect him for his courage, willingness and determination in this role.

I am grateful for: My family and friends and living so close to the ocean.

Something students might find interesting about me is:

I’ve recently taken up triathlons in my spare time.

http://www.bdc.nsw.edu.au

http://www.graftondiocese.org.au/#!diocesan-newspaper/c22ad

http://www.graftondiocese.org.au/#!diocesan-newspaper/c22ad


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Harmony Day

Hi my name is Tahereh Khasheie and I am 13 years old. I am from Afghanistan, but I was born in Iran in the city of Tehran. I lived there for 11 years. My mum had moved from Afghanistan to Iran when she was 12 because of wars and hard situations in Afghanistan. When I was 11 years old, I moved to Australia to Coffs Harbour with my Mum and my 3 older brothers. I learned many new things in Australia and I met different people from different cultures, languages and religions. I couldn’t speak any English before I moved to Australia and that was just one and a half years ago. I love being Australian because I have the freedom to a good education. Being Afghani and living in Iran meant no allowance to go to University. In Australia everyone has the right to a good education and it doesn’t matter where you come from. Thank you and Happy Harmony Day.-Hello my name is Mohadesa Mohammad Wakeel. I am from Afghanistan and have spent my life in Pakistan in the city of Quetta. I arrived in Australia on the 16th of January 2013 with my older sister, older brother and my mum. When I came to Australia I thought it is the only place where I could find my destiny. I have written a poem about the city of Quetta in Afghanistan and I’d like to share some of it with you.My City QuettaEarly in the morning,The robins shrill sweetly.People wake to pray.Sun rises as a bright golden ball in the sky.Kids go to schools, excited.Adults run for work.

In every season,Quetta brings new love,Sweet fruits, dancing, newborn birds,This is the spring of love in my city…..

Happy Harmony Day

-Hello my name is Intisar Abdullah and I’m 13 years old. I am from Eritrea but I was born in Libya. I lived in Libya for 12 years and then I moved to Tunisia for one year because there were problems arising with war and bombing in Libya. After that my Mum, Dad, 2 sisters and 2 brothers moved to Sydney. We stayed one day in Sydney and then we moved to Coffs Harbour. I was so happy that I came to Australia and I met new friends and people, I love school here. In Libya teachers still use the cane to punish students if they don’t do their homework. The boys would get the cane on their bare feet and the girls on their hands. I love coming to this school and I love living in Australia. Happy Harmony Day everyone!

You may have heard that some of our secondary students are taking on the role of parent with looking after virtual babies for six days and long nights. Perhaps you have seen these students coming to school with a baby in tow, or even walking around the college with these virtual babies in one arm and books in the other, or even heard the babies crying. For students both boys and girls these babies are the real deal as all the needs for the baby are recorded on a computerised chip. For instance if a baby cries, they as the parent, have to find out what the problem is and comfort the baby, it could be a physical change of a nappy, burping, comforting or feeding, or some times a baby cries for no reason and they just want to be held and the students have to nurse it. The idea is that the baby is with them 24 hours a day and they have to work out how to be a good parent and provide care to their baby. Thanks to Dayle Stafford and Bianca Considine for opening the baby minding service in the secondary office so the students could have some respite for learning. I asked a group of new mothers how did it feel to have to care for someone other than them selves and what was it like? The students spoke about how hard it was that you never had any time to yourself and also about the demands of caring for a baby and being woken throughout the night and sleep deprivation was the worst. Thank you to the parents and siblings of these students as these virtual babies came into the midst of the whole family unit. One student said that she had been relegated to stay in the granny flat that was semi detached from the main house because her baby was disturbing everyone! That’s life I guess, I’m pleased these virtual babies were on loan for only 6 days and all should be peaceful once again!

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

Notices:JUNIOR BAND: St John’s Anglican Church, is calling all singers, musicians and those who want to be part of a band. Peter K is keen to establish a junior band, involving both musicians and singers, who can lead the music in St John’s services from time to time. There will be a meeting for all interested people on Friday, 28th March at 4.30pm in St John’s Church, McLean Street Coffs Harbour, to plan this venture or ring 66514700 and speak to Fr Ian Mabey.

‘October Baby’ is being screened at St John’s Church on Friday 21 March – 6.30 for a 7 p.m. start. Entry is by a gold coin donation to support ‘Pregnancy Help Australia’ For more information please contact Rev Ian Mabey on 66514700.

Annual Diocesan Mens Retreat will be held from the 4th – 6th April at the Scouting Complex in Glenreagh for more information and application forms please contact St Johns Parish office on 66514700

Rev Marion TanfieldChaplain



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from the acting head of secondary

visual arts

camBodia cultural tour 2014

puBlic speaKing report

Perfect Harmony

The word harmony, derives from the Greek ἁρμονία (harmonía), meaning “joint, agreement, concord”, from the verb ἁρμόζω (harmozo), “to fit together, to join”. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmony#Etymology_and_definitions). The term originated in music but is used widely today across a range of areas.

At the secondary school assembly this week we used the term ‘harmony’ to celebrate the diversity of Australia and the wonderful opportunities this affords us. The definition of ‘fit together, to join’ aptly describes the community of BDC. We have students from a range of nationalities at school, joined together in a common bond as students and staff. Also during the last few weeks we have had a number of students from France, Japan and Canada join our community who were welcomed by our families.

Harmony, however, doesn’t only apply to the nationalities of students, staff and families but can be understood on a number of levels. As a society we often celebrate the range of our individual differences, the things that make us unique individuals, what makes us special and it is often these differences that can make life even more interesting! This would appear to be in conflict with the idea of harmony but the two are very compatible.

As a school we work with students to encourage harmony in many areas. We focus on harmony within students, the sense of satisfaction for each individual to be comfortable with who they are and to have the courage to improve themselves through education without an exaggerated focus on physical appearances. For them to strive to be the best ‘me’ they can be.

We also work for harmony between students, staff and families. This reinforces the concepts of our rights and responsibilities policy as our guide for student behavior. We want each student to feel safe at school, to have classrooms where they can work to reach their potential without interference from others. For our staff we work to provide an environment where their talents and ambitions can be realized and they feel valued and appreciated as people.

This is our ‘joint agreement’ and it was wonderful to take the time to celebrate a small part of harmony in the BDC community on Thursday.

Year 11 students are busy creating some exciting clay figures for the unit titled, ‘Figurative Sculpture.’ The students have been inspired by the work of Henry Moore. Here is Anna Kaczan completing her sculpture.

The annual Cambodia Trip is currently in its organisational period. On Tuesday evening an information session was held for interested students and their parents (students were advised of this event two weeks prior). A large number of parents and students attended to hear detailed information about the trip. If you were unable to attend please see Mrs O’Connor or Mr Klipin in the senior coordinators office for information as soon as possible. Those students wishing to participate in the 2014 trip must provide their permission and security deposit by Friday 21st March. Deposit is paid via TryBooking under Events/Activity Payments on the college website.

I promised to report back to you public speaking enthusiasts, so here goes. Two intrepid girls appeared representing Year 11 for our first session, where we unpacked the mysteries of what importance the audience actually places on the words in a presentation. If the words and how you say them and everything else such as appearance, etc, count for 100%, what percentage do we accord the words? Only 7%, and the words seem to be what most people concentrate on, mad isn’t it?

To reinforce the importance of eye contact I made Kate and Ira talk face to face about a movie they had seen recently, then stop and complete the exercise back to back. Deprived of visual contact, they agreed the experience was weird. We started on impromptu speaking skills using a scaffold and, good grief, lunchtime was over and another fortnight went by.

Next meeting time Ira and Kate brought along Valencia and Ellie, and they were joined by Alice and Jaycob from Yr 8, and we discussed the variety of approaches that were available to us when composing speeches, and several opening strategies, so we had some fun experimenting opening a speech on the environment using different systems. Once again the Thursday lunchtime passed like greased lightning, and your public speaking coach is giving serious consideration to inconveniencing parents by offering an after school additional class where proper vent can be given to zeal and enthusiasm. You have been warned.

secondary school

Carmel SpryActing Assistant Principal (Head of Secondary)

Rebecca BrownVisual Arts Teacher

Sue O’Connor and Mick KlipinSenior School Coordinators

Jeremy NashEnglish Teacher


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmony#Etymology_and_definitions


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Year 11 Chemistry students revisit their childhood as they learn about molecular structure. These models allow them to “visualise the invisible”.

Year 12 students attended the Regional University Road Show this week and • the feedback from students included ‘very useful information’, ‘great session’ and ‘most worthwhile’. Representatives from CSU, UNE & SCU provided excellent advice and support to our students in one short visit. The event has also help students focus on the future and inspired greater effort with current HSC studies. 2015 handbooks from these three universities were distributed and extras are available in the careers lounge. UNE Open day trip – 2nd May 2014. Interested Year 12 students need to see • me asap if they wish to attend.Year 10 Work Experience for 2014 will be held from 24 – 28 November. It’s a • good time for students and parents to start talking about what they would like to do. The Work Experience handbook and associated forms are currently being updated and will be available shortly.Reminder to go to • http://bdccareers.com/ for all career related information. Also visit the BDC facebook page for posts about scholarships and upcoming events.

Year 8 Science students are learning about the human body and this week learnt about the circulatory system by dissecting lamb hearts.

Robyn CrispCareers Adviser

from the head of primary

primary school

I have been reading a lot lately about parents’ roles in educating their children and I have been reflecting on the wonderful work you as parents do to support your children at school.

Last week we had 22 French students billeted out for a week with families, and were overwhelmed with the response to offers. This week we have 24 Japanese students who are staying with our families for a week, and just the other day the Canadian students arrived, also billeted with families. This is a huge impost on some families but you do this so willingly and I am proud to be part of this school community.


http://bdccareers.com/


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Karin LisleAssistant Principal (Head of Primary)

In the primary I am always seeing parents, some come to listen to children read, some help with maths groups. Last week parents came into Year 4 classes to talk about their own religions. This week parents are visiting Year 2 classes to show the different types of jobs they do. Every day I see mums, dads and grandparents helping out in the canteen. All this builds community and lets our kids know that school is important to us all.

I know it is often difficult to get to school when you are working, but every time you do come, it is an important occasion for your kids. I often say that parents are the chief educators, we only have them for 6 hours a day at school, you have them the rest of the time and they are learning all the time.

Parent/student/teacher interviews start next week, if you do not have a time yet can you please let your child’s teacher know. It has been a little difficult to get messages out via email this week, there have been some problems with our email system but they should be rectified now.

Harmony Day will be celebrated throughout Coffs Harbour this weekend and our Primary Performance Choir will be at the Botanical Gardens at 9am. It would be lovely for everyone to attend, there are many items planned for this day and the kids have lots of fun while learning about the different cultures represented in our community.

Of course you are always invited to Primary Assembly, held at 2.30 every Thursday afternoon. We always have a musical performance by some of our students, and in the next week there will be an Anti-Bullying play presented performed by the Year 3’s. Also at school over the next few weeks we will have recorder performances by the Year 4 students, please check with your children on the days.

Our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden is growing well and we making plans to expand the garden. If you have any gardening skills and would like to help, please contact Wendy Phillips or Diana Davey. Many thanks to Susan Robertson, one of our supportive parents who donated money to purchase much needed wheelbarrows. We have also been donated a microwave by Karangi Public School to help when cooking the produce grown. So wonderful to see that the schools involved in this program are sharing resources.

If you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me: [email protected]

Kiss ‘n Drop issues

As I stated in last week’s newsletter, keeping our kids safe is our number one priority.

There have been a few issues lately with parents dropping their children off in the morning and I just want to remind parents of the SAFE procedures we have in place.

When you drive up to an open gate at Kiss n Drop, please DO NOT get out of your car. Blow a kiss to your children or hug them before you get in the car in the morning. Students need to have their bags with them in the car so you do not need to get out of the car for any reason.

If you do wish to get out of the car, please park in the marked lanes. Under NO circumstances should you encourage students to walk across the traffic to the gates. They need to go to the marked crossing at the bottom of the hill.

I am really concerned at the number of parents who are unaware of our procedures or just do not like to follow them. We have thought carefully about keeping our students safe and I am sure you want to do the same. Safety is our priority.

Please remember: SAFETY FIRST, SPEED LAST!

news from the Kitchen gardenSo far in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program (SAKG) we have planted a vast number of natural cooking ingredients, including luscious strawberries, crispy lettuce, beautiful beetroot, plump potatoes (including sweet potatoes), super spring onions, delicious bok choy, gorgeous garlic cloves and many more delectable and healthy foods. All of these awe-inspiring ingredients will be used to make the most nutritious meals every second Tuesday.

In Year 5 so far we have cooked up a storm with mouth-watering potato and silverbeet soup, soft bread rolls, and warm flat bread with colourful carrot and beetroot salad!

As you can tell, our garden is wonderfully healthy, thanks to the dedicated children in Year 5. Remember, you are always welcome to pop in any Tuesday for some delightful food and gardening fun. No experience required!

SAKG journalists: Maddy Howard and Maxyn Dorz.SAKG photographers: Sarah O’Connor, Xanthe Rose.


[email protected]


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Dale CondonHead of Music K-12

heading textBDC students have recently been involved in Star FM’s FridYAY Live! Talented kids have • recorded live on Thursdays and then aired on Fridays’ morning shows. Congratulations to Hamish Stuart, Mac Nebo, Sam Lynch, Stephanie Egan (more to come!) - fantastic community involvement:Thank you and well done to Charlie Egan, Dhrti Redyam, Jessie Woodward, Jonathan • Summersell and the Primary Performance Choir for their wonderful performances this week.Harmony Day is this Sunday 15th March. It is a day of celebrating our diverse • cultural community. The Primary Performance Choir has been invited to sing with the combined festival choir on the occasion of the opening ceremony. For those due to attend this event, please be at the Botanic Gardens stage area at 8.45am. The ceremony is expected to finish by 10am. Students are to wear full summer school uniform. In the event of wet weather, please meet at Jetty High School Hall.Primary Music Camp at the Coffs Coast Beach School Conference Centre in Bonville on 5th & • 6th April is fast approaching. Permission notes are due back and payment is required before commencement of the camp.The Sunshine Music Tour BBQ mentioned in last week’s newsletter raised $440. A great effort • by all involved.The instruments listed below are for sale by families who no longer use them – please ring the • music office for further details or email [email protected]

- 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 - ½ size cello, excellent condition $300

musical notes

writers of the weeKPersuasive writing by 3C

Are you a good friend?I believe that everyone should be a good friend. I am sure you can be a good friend. How does it feel when you are excluded or teased? When you are kind you feel good, you get new friends and you can play bigger games. Also when you are kind you feel happy and people like you. I strongly believe that I have convinced you that it is important to be a kind friend.By Bryyn Turner

I believe that everyone can be an absolutely amazing friend to one another. In this situation I know you can be a positive friend. How does it feel when you are teased, excluded and have no friends to play with? I feel lonely and stressed. Another thing to do to have a real friendship is treat others the way you want to be treated. Be kind, share and encourage. I am sure that I have convinced you to be terrific friend and don’t forget what our school prayers says ‘to have pure hearts, careful tongues and love one another kindly’.By Georgia McErvale

Use of similes and metaphors

Ice skating is the best sport in the world because when you’re on the ice it’s like you’re flying as fast as the wind. The ice is moving you like a wave. You just glide like you’re part of the ice, like you’re the ice queen.By Saskia Brown, 6M

Use of rhetorical questions

Do you think sharks should be culled in Australia? Even though sharks have killed 7 people over 3 years it’s their home. How would you feel if someone came into your home?By Talia Robinson, 6M

Peter White, Hugo Alderman, Briana Hart and Jemimah Andrews



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Jim WebberSports Administrator K-12

footBall

rugBy

rugBy

upcoming events

We had four teams travel up to Armidale for the NCIS Football Championships this week, girls and boys primary and secondary teams. All our teams played exceptionally well, with the primary boys and secondary girls trying to defend their shield wins from last year, and the primary girls and secondary boys teams both trying to go one better in 2014 after finishing second last year.

The primary boys team were outstanding and were convincing champions again while the secondary girls also dominated their group to also become champions as well. Our primary girls team played really well all day and were finally rewarded for their efforts with the champions shield after coming so close last year. I have to congratulate our secondary boys team who finished second again this year, who were made up of mainly Year 9 and 10 boys playing in a senior competition, and who played some beautiful football during the day.

A number of players from our teams were nominated for places in the NCIS teams to play in the CIS Championships in Sydney. Hopefully we can name all of them next week once final selections have been concluded.

Trials were held this week for selection into Coffs Harbour Junior Rugby U10’s and U11’s Rep teams. These teams will be playing at Coffs Harbour Rugby Park this Saturday 15th March for those who want to see some of our talented junior players and the future of rugby.

We hosted Lord Byng Secondary School from Vancouver Canada on Wednesday this week in senior 1st XV Rugby Union. Hosting overseas schools such as Lord Byng provides fantastic opportunities for our students to expand their cultural horizons fostered by the Spirit of Rugby. The game was played in fantastic spirit and was a credit to the players that represented the College. Special mention must go to our host families who literally made the event possible and Mr Webber and Mrs Hilton for pulling it all together. Sincerely, thank you.

As always these events require a lot of work behind and in front of the scenes. Special mention must go to Mr Russell and Mr Webber who put together such a cohesive team in a very short space of time, which included John Paul College players to ensure we could field a full team. The Reverends in Rugby and Mitchell provided the BBQ, Mr Mac worked so hard he had a little sleep after the game, Mr Michael Tonks refereed the game brilliantly and Jack and Tom “Skylab” Winchester ran the lines. The U13’s and U15’s provided ball boys and hydration attendants while parents Louise Rose and “Rocket” Rod Peadon were our medical and physio attendants.I’d like to make special mention of two young men who made their debut at 1st XV level. Sam Parker-Reynolds and Declan Ackers were outstanding on the day and absolutely not out of place in this company. Declan’s lineout jumping was a standout and Sam was unlucky not to have scored twice. Finally Eli White as captain led the blended team well.

Well done to all.

Thursday 27th March – Girls and Boys Bill Turner Football Cup at BDC

college sport



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Primary RugbyTraining is held for U8, U10 and U12’s on Monday afternoons from 3.15 to 4.30 commencing next week. Competitions start in term two on Friday night at Rugby Park on Hogbin Drive. Teams will not take the field unless they have trained for the rest of this term to ensure they are adequately prepared.We need more players so if you’re interested in playing we would love to see you there, so please come along to training and meet your coach.U8 Mr Jamie Murgatroyd U10 Mr Patrick Ward U12 Mr Craig Lang

UniformsBDC Rugby jumpers, bags, shorts and socks can be purchased from the Uniform Shop. If you need new gear please go to the shop so that your sizes can be recorded if we don’t have stock available. Orders will be placed by the end of March. If you’ve grown out of your gear, please consider donating it to the second hand pool so others may join in the spirit of rugby.

Whilst on the topic of jumpers, I need to clarify the position of junior jumpers and the lack of numbers. We specifically don’t require jumpers to have numbers to ensure that players can maximise the use of the jumper over a number of seasons regardless of the team they play in or the position they may play from year to year. This system works very well for many schools around the country and I managed this system at my previous school without issue. 1st XV jumpers will have numbers to denote the significance of being a member of our premier team. I’ve received comments from parents that the lack of numbers makes it difficult for them to identify their child whilst on the field. However we would discourage you from singling out your child specifically for encouragement and instead ask supporters to support the team as a whole rather than individual players.

The Armidale School Rugby Carnival 2014Thank you to those Primary school boys who put in expressions of interest regarding the 2014 TAS rugby carnival. Unfortunately the carnival organisers have created some confusion over the age eligibility criteria, which initially capped the age at 13 but excluded boys in year 7 who turned 13 in 2014. This meant that our team could only be drawn from Primary and so many of our players would have been at least two years younger than the other teams.

This position was not accepted by BDC and so we have now managed to have the organisers correct their position so that all boys turning 13 this year can attend even if they are in year 7. Unfortunately that means that some Primary school boys who put in expressions of interest who may be 11 in 2014 will be too young and will not be able to attend in 2014 for safety reasons. We will finalise our team on Wednesday and write to all parents to confirm if players are in the 2014 team or will have to wait for 2015 to play.

Senior RugbyFriday night rugby competitions start in term two. Training has started for U13 and U15 teams and is on Wednesday from 3.30 to 5.00. Training will not be held during lunch times or during Monday sport. Unfortunately due to poor attendance at training so far this term, we are in jeopardy of not fielding teams in these two age groups. I must stress that we will not be taking the field unless teams are properly prepared and adequately trained. I must urge all secondary players to commence training starting next Wednesday afternoon. We have highly skilled coaches so please don’t be concerned if your skills need improving. Rugby is a game for all shapes and sizes and we would love to see you there.1st XV Mr Tom Russell U15 Mr Joel Blyth U13 Mr Shane Oxley

Tour 2015Mr Ball has given me permission to explore the possibility of the 2015 boys U14 and U16 teams touring Fiji or New Zealand in 2015. The tour would be specifically designed to develop players and target teams of similar ability to ours. Fundraising would be a major component of the tour to ensure as many players had access to the tour as possible.

If we are to get this off the ground we need players to start training so we can develop our squads and be as ready as possible. I will send out further details in the coming weeks and look to hold a meeting of parents and players before the end of the term to discuss the concept.

Shane OxleyMaster In Charge of Rugby

important dates and events

college community

17 Mar

19 Mar20 Mar24 Mar

Year 12 Half Yearly Examinations commenceToyama exchnge students departArt For Wellbeing ExhibitionYear 7 Information and Cocktail Evening. From 5:30pmEat It To Beat It Parent WorkshopSecondary Golf Championships

More on the College Calendar


http://www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/college-calendar


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COFFS HARBOURFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

Year 7 Information Evening

Year 7 Cocktail Evening

Wednesday 19th March 5.30pm - 6.30pm

In the BDC Theatre

Wednesday 19th March 6.30pm - 8.30pm

In the new BDC Trade Training CentreCost: $15 per head

The evening is to provide some information to assist Year 7 parents better understand what is expected in high school and what support is available. Various staff will be available to explain the following:

Where to access available resources to help with •assignments such as assessment due dates and information on plagiarism.What support is available from the Learning •Resources Centre and Counselling.Learn about how BYOT works at BDC.•Answer any questions you may have.•

Parents and Carers of Year 7 students are invited to come and meet other parents and carers from Year 7 with whom you will share

the journey through BDC.

Please purchase tickets through the Activity Payments page on the BDC website.

Closing date for tickets is 14 March.

parents and friendsLEARNING DIFFERENCE CONVENTIONAustralia’s largest Event for Dyslexia & Learning Difficulties is being held at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney from 6th to the 7th of August. There will be an AMAZING array of professionals speaking from ALL OVER THE WORLD. More expert knowledge, more workshops, more accessibility technology and more resources.

Interested in attending?

All Seminars are individually priced with tickets ranging from $30 to $50 each. AND, BDC and the BDC P&F Learning Differently Together Support Group are organising a bus and group accommodation for those interested in attending (bus & accommodation charges will apply).

AMAZING, GREAT OPPORTUNITY AND SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE !!!

See the attached page for a list of the talented speakers and their informative areas of speciality. If you are interested in coming on board the bus and need accommodation, please express your interest by sending a message to [email protected] of your interest.

For more information on the convention, check out http://www.learningdifferenceconvention.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, 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] & F email: [email protected]

Next Meeting: Monday 17 March, 6:30pm, 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.

careersAaron Porter (foundation student Year 8 left in Year 10 – 1997) teaches at Mount View High School in Cessnock West.• Michael Samer (HSC 2002) is Chief Executive Officer and Director of Caffcy Films, an Australian production company based in • SydneyTania De Vita - Godwin (HSC 2004) owns and manages De Vita Trattoria Pizzeria in Manly, Sydney• Otis Carey (Year 11 2005) “Kill the Matador” showcases the surfing moves of Otis Carey, an Aboriginal surfer from Coffs Harbour • and was shown on NITV in February.

Former students are encouraged to maintain their contact details on our alumni database by emailing [email protected].

Scott RodhamAlumni Officer


http://www.learningdifferenceconvention.com

mailto:[email protected]






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PLEASE NOTE REVISED DATE Date: Thursday 20th March Time: 9:15am until 10:45am Venue: Bishop Druitt College

Don’t miss out – We appreciate registrations via: emailing [email protected] visiting www.cancercouncil.org.au/eatittobeatit/register or phoning (02) 6639 1306


#7 term 1, 2014

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