Verbis

Dear Parents/Guardians

One of the many things I really enjoy about that long Christmas holiday we enjoy each year is the opportunity to read for pleasure. One of the novels I read during the Christmas break (though it seems to have been an age ago now) was Last Kiss in Tiananmen Square by Lisa Wharton. An entertaining book in many ways and one that used an historical event of some significance as the backdrop for the story of the coming of age of the main characters. Although not strictly an historical account of that awful event, it did provide a stark reminder of the terrible turmoil that gripped the lives of so many innocent citizens of that country at the time. The image that always comes to mind when I hear the name ‘Tiananmen Square’ is the one of the lone man, shopping bags in hand, standing before an on-coming tank. It was that image again that came to mind while I was reading that book. It gave me cause to reflect on the power of that human’s action and the enduring power of the image of him doing it that swept the world. It made no sense to the world – but this simple action, presumably borne of a purity of spirit to stop people being harmed, cut through all the politics and posturing of people in power. I’m sure that person did not know what would become of him, and perhaps expected the worst, but he still went ahead and did it anyway. The memory of this event has stayed with me, I’m sure because it seemed such a Christ-like act.

Christ, we know, lived a very self-sacrificing lifestyle. He chose to live a life devoted to bringing people to a realisation of God’s bountifulness; a lifestyle that his contemporaries would have considered devoid of life’s luxuries and yet, he was always warm, forgiving, non-judgmental, generative and joyful. For this reason he was a puzzle to many around him. The secret of this happiness he told in parable form: finding the treasure of God’s love is like the farmer who ploughs his field and finds a buried treasure, or the

merchant who goes searching for many years and finally finds a pearl of great price. In both cases he gives away everything so he can buy the pearl or the treasure. In each case there is no regret about giving away everything but an unspeakable joy at having discovered something even more precious.

It’s very easy for all of us to lose sight of what is important in life, especially when surrounded by so much material wealth. We always need reminding about the importance of keeping this life’s ‘treasures’ in perspective, because no matter how wonderful we think they are, or how complete they make our life, they pale into nothing of importance when compared to the real treasure of realising God’s love for each of us.

Our theme for the year, Travelling Lightly, will focus on and challenge us to re-think our connection to ‘stuff’ and place more importance on those values in life which put others before ourselves and lead to actions which take better care of earth’s resources. There will be a number of initiatives throughout the year from the girls and staff to help us become better citizens towards each other -we will keep you up to date with them.

It was wonderful to see so many parents/ guardians and family members at the recent Academic Assembly. A new award was added to the list this year with the Most Improved Students in each Year level recognised. Along with the Diligence and High Achievement Awards, it sets the challenge for all the girls to strive to be the best they can. The girls work hard to obtain these awards and should be proud of their achievements to date. I encourage all girls to remain focused on their studies and make the most of a very fine education.

Mrs Dale MorrowPrincipal, St Rita’s College

YEAR OF SIMPLICITY- TRAVELLING LIGHTLY

16 FEBRUARY 2017, TERM 1, EDITION 2

DATES TO KNOWFRIDAY 17 FEBRUARYYear 7 Refelction DaySwim Camp starts

TUESDAY 21 FEBRUARYMet North Swimming 12 years and underDr Judith Locke, 6:00pm

WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARYMet North 13-19 YearsYear 7 Camp, Mapleton starts

MONDAY 27 FEBRUARYCarnival Meeting, 6:00pmSports Subcommittee, 6:00pm

TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARYYear 7 Immunisation

WEDNESDAY 1 MARCHAsh Wednesday Liturgy

IN THIS ISSUEPRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE P1

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDIES P2

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDENTS P2

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MISSION P3

CAREMONKEY PROFILES P3

GUIDANCE COUNSELLLOR P4

NAGLE HOUSE P4

VISUAL ART P5

YEAR 9 DRAMA P5

MUSIC P6

YEAR 10 MATHEMATICS P6

JAPANESE P6

HERON ISLAND EXPERIENCE P7

PARENT PRESENTATION P7

READ LIKE A GIRL P7

ST RITA’S COMMUNITY P8

WALKOUT P9

SPORT P10

WATER POLO PRESENTATION NIGHT P11

COMMUNITY NOTICES P11

FROM THE PRINCIPALMrs Dale Morrow

ST RITA’S COLLEGE

Year 11 and 12 QCS and Parent Information EveningOn Tuesday 28 February at 6:00pm in Eirene we will be outlining the expectations of senior schooling, academic pathways and QCS preparations. As there will be a lot of important information discussed, it is essential that all students and at least one parent attend this evening.

Assessment PlannersLast week during extended House Group, all students filled in their Assessment Planners on pages 128 and 129 of their Student Planner. This information is available on their MySRC calendars and they have completed

their planners with all their relevant subjects. It is important for students to plan their preparation around the due dates of assessment tasks.

Outdoor EducationNext week our Year 7 students will embark on their first Outdoor Education Camp. Students in Years 7 – 10 participate in this curriculum experience each year. The goal of our Outdoor Education program is for students to learn to take responsible risks, be confident in group situations and participate in creative problem solving activities. We hope to see the benefits that students gain from their outdoor learning experiences translate in their classroom academic studies.

DEPUTY PRINICPAL - STUDIESMrs Maree Trims

Schools are such busy places. Already this year we have acknowledged our Student Leaders and Seniors at the Commencement Mass, enjoyed our colourful Interhouse Swimming Carnival, welcomed our Year 7 parents, celebrated friendships on Valentine’s Day and had several academic excursions.

Plans are underway for so much more, including Rita’s Rummage. Hopefully your daughters have told you a little about this initiative of the College Captains. In our year of Simplicity, it is an event which promotes donating and repurposing items we no longer need or use and allowing someone else to love them. To be held on Friday 3 March from 3:30pm-6:00pm, this event promises to be a worthwhile and lovely social event. Please

come along, support and enjoy.The wrap-round support which is offered when parents/carers and staff care for your daughter is invaluable. Most areas of life cannot be neatly compartmentalised. One area which can impact 24/7 is in cases of bullying. The current statistic (ReachOut.com) for bullying is 23% 14-25 year olds. The following article highlights that most turn to their parents for support. The article includes ReachOut’s tips for parents and young people concerned about bullying. Click here

Congratulations to Loretta Melcer, Year 12, who won an iPad prize for participating in the CSC Study surveys. She was presented it by Nina Pocuca who is a research assistant at the Centre for Children’s Health Research, QUT.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - STUDENTSMs Catherine Allen

Year 7 Refelction dayTomorrow, Friday 17 February, Year 7s will have their Reflection Day, which will be held in the Ballygriffin Room at the College.

The girls will immerse themselves in a variety of activities which allow them to get to know each other better.

The girls are to wear their House shirts and sports skirts. They may wear their House uniform to and from school and there is no need to bring their formal dress uniform.

The girls will not attend any classes on this day, but do require their lunch and water. They may also bring a pillow or cushion to sit on, if they would like to.

We hope they are looking forward to Reflection Day. It’s a good day which they will enjoy.

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Christian Meditation In our Year of Simplicity, the College is committed to a range of activities that promote simple living, wellbeing and environmental care. One of these initiatives is the practice of Christian Meditation in House Group most Friday mornings. Christian Meditation or Contemplative Prayer has its origins in the spiritual practice of the Desert Mothers and Fathers that was rediscovered and developed by Benedictine monk John Main. This Term, our focus will be on stillness and silence: making time once per week to put aside the activities and distractions of our daily life so that we can discern the presence of God in our lives and in our world. In the coming editions of Verbis, I will have a little more to say about Christian Meditation. In the meantime, you may wish to take a look at the information published on the Brisbane Catholic Education website and the Townsville Catholic Education website.

Year 12 Reflection Opportunities Due to the scheduling of Rita’s Rummage on Friday 3 March (information will come), the first reflection evening for Year 12 students, Stations of the City, will be held on Friday 24 February, 3:30-6:00pm.

Anniversary of the Apology On Monday 13 February, Georgia Pitt, Loren Wood, Jordana Wood and Ashley George represented the College at the ceremony to mark the Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. This year marks nine years since then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised on behalf of the Australian Government for the policies that resulted in the removal of children and the separation of families. It was one significant act in the process of Reconciliation; there is much more that needs to be done. I would like to extend my thanks to the students for their participation in the ceremony.

Outreach RostersRosters and parent information and permission letters for 2017 are available on the MySRC Parents Homepages under Mission and Outreach/Outreach. Refer to the section, Files. Students will be advised of the roster via morning notices, email and Verbis.

Big Brekky RosterStudents are to meet the supervising staff member at Student Services by 5:55am. Students are to wear modest clothing and enclosed shoes. In the hot weather, it is advisable that students also wear a hat:

Tuesday 21 February: Mrs Edwards will accompany Amy Salmon, Charlotte Greenwood, Hafsa Hamed and Lucy Pyle.Tuesday 28 February: Mrs Specogna will accompany Irene Karumathy, Chantelle Miller, Megan Beckinsale and Soraya Magendanz.Tuesday 7 March: Mrs Anders will accompany Georgia Giles, Alex Hearn, Sacha Cartwright and Emma West.Tuesday 14 March: Mrs Anders will accompany Abbey Miles, Isabelle Robinson, Katie Francis and Hafsa Hamed.Tuesday 21 March: Mrs Anders will accompany Amy Salmon, Sophie Johnston, Erin Zappia and Isabella Thompson.

Zillmere Homework Help RosterStudents are to meet the supervising teacher outside Student Reception at 3:10pm. Please note, students will be dismissed from Zillmere Library at 4:45pm. Wednesday 22 February: Chelsea Byrnes, Brianna Dingli, Ainslee Drummond and Jessica Fitzgerald. Wednesday 1 March: Olivia Ashworth, Jess Thorn, Sophia Chinasing and Trudi Sutcliffe.Wednesday 8 March: Charlotte Greenwood, Caitlin Hilleard-Burt, Abby Evans and Renee Lord.Wednesday 15 March: Emmerson Cooper, Louisa Sanders, Saoirse Phillips and Elspeth Mayfield-Smith.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MISSIONMr Richard Rogusz

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CAREMONKEY CARE PROFILES In the previous edition of Verbis, we informed parents of the College’s transition to the CareMonkey program. This platform produces the consent form necessary for your daughter to attend activities outside the school. It also records relevant medical details which are accessed by your daughter’s teachers.

As the students will be attending excursions and camps in the very near future we are conscious that the care of your daughter whilst on these outings is paramount. We therefore seek your support in providing their medical information expeditiously through the CareMonkey program.

Instructions on how to create and share a care profile with St Rita’s College can be found on the Services tile within the MySRC Parents Homepage.

Please refer any further enquiries to Mrs Rosemarie Parisi, Business and Administration Support Officer at 3862 1615 or rparisi@stritas.qld.edu.au

Mr Ed GleesonBusiness Manager

A Message to the Nagle families of the College

We call upon the Nagle House families of the College to provide assistance to a family of the College which is enduring a critical health concern.

With three girls at the College, our Nagle families are asked to support this family through the next few weeks, and beyond if needed, by preparing meals – pasta dishes, pies, curries – essentially anything that can be frozen/heat and serve.

Please contact Mrs Kate Newbury of the College’s Care and Concern Group on 0406

001 961 to offer your assistance, or email myself or Anna Roberts at the College. Mrs Newbury can answer any questions about the coordination of this offer of support. The meals can be dropped off at the College and then Mrs Newbury with College staff will arrange storage and distribution to the family.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Mrs Kate WhiteHead of House, Nagle

whi@stritas.qld.edu.au

Mrs Anna RobertsManager, Community Development

aroberts@stritas.qld.edu.au

NAGLE HOUSEMrs Kate White, Head of Nagle House

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As the Guidance Counsellor at the College, I am responsible for managing the special provisions which students may be eligible for if they are experiencing and being treated for issues which would fall under the social/emotional category. If your daughter accesses the support of a health care provider this year under this category, in order to prove eligibility for special provisions throughout 2017, I will require a letter from the health care provider/s (eg - if from a GP a copy of the Mental Health Care Plan; if a psychologist or psychiatrist, a report) dated after 1 January, 2017. If eligible, your daughter will be able to choose all, some, or none of the following provisions depending on what she believes are her needs in order for her to be provided equity with others in her cohort.

• Sitting her exams in the DLN classroom• Accessing an extra 5 minutes per half hour

for the length of the exam• Delivering her orals in a small group

rather than to the whole class following negotiation with her teacher

• The ability to be granted extensions for assignments as/if necessary. (Please refer to pages 119/120 of the Student Planner)

Whilst I ask that I be provided with any documentation as soon as possible, the deadline if a student wishes to access special provisions in Term 1 will be Friday 10 March, in order for procedures to be put in place to accommodate any requests.

If the treatment takes place later in the year, please pass the documentation on to me as soon as it becomes available so that we can put any support required in place. As with all issues, the sooner any arising symptoms which are impacting on a student’s life, are assessed, the easier it is for health care providers to help.

Mindful MeditationsThe new school year can be a stressful time with a lot going on. ABC Radio has created some brand new back to school meditations to help calm the mind. These short 2-minute meditations are tailored for students, teachers and parents. Click here for more

GUIDANCE COUNSELLORMs Gail Murton

Fundraising for the Nano Nagle Nursery and Primary School - Bus During the first weeks of this Term, Nagle House sold chocolates to show our support to the Nano Nagle Nursery and Primary school in India. We raised just over $2,000 and I extend my thanks and that of all Nagle staff and students to everyone who

supported this fundraiser.

The money raised will support the maintenance and running cost of the Nano Nagle Nursery and Primary School bus. The bus is essential to enable students who otherwise would not be able to access an education to attend the school.

This Semester in Year 9 Drama, students are studying Non-Realism. As part of their study, students are exploring the works of Australian Academy Award winning author and illustrator, Shaun Tan.

For the students to be able to manage and ultimately perform this style of performance and Tan’s abstract stories, they need to be versed in the conventions of Non-Realism, including Soundscapes.

To assist them in this process contemporary composer, Wil Hughes worked with the girls in their Drama class early this term. Via ‘Garage Band’, he provided the girls his insight into how to use sound effects and composition techniques to create atmosphere that can then be layered under a dramatic performance.

We would like to invite Wil back to the classroom next Term, as the girls devise and rehearse their presenting assessment. If you would like to see the students’ final performances, please join us in Trinity Hall on the afternoon of Wednesday 17 May at 4:00pm.

VISUAL ARTMrs Bronwyn Cottrell

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It always excites me to see the wonderful creativity and talent of our visual art students. Year 7 will begin the year by studying drawing and painting of faces and figures. We regard observational drawing as an important skill and spend some time teaching drawing with a focus on proportion.

Year 8 students are studying Still Life, they are concentrating on the use of light and shade to create form. This unit has been planned so students can bring their more creative and fanciful ideas to a traditional subject.

Year 9 students have looked at the work of ancient artists. They are studying how faces and figures have been represented in art and they will be working with a ceramic artist to create a ‘Goddess Head’ in clay.

Year 10 Visual Art students have begun studying landscape. We have looked at some of the greats, like Joseph Turner, and then studied a Brisbane landscape artist, William Robinson. We are looking into new and previously untried materials and techniques and being creative about how we view the landscape.

Year 11 also begin their Senior studies by looking at Still life. Our focus is on the experimentation with media. The girls have been introduced to Oil sticks and have produced some really vibrant and confident work.

Year 12 are beginning a long journey, largely looking at their own personal identity in their body of work. We are also spending time learning how to write and appreciate contemporary art.

YEAR 9 DRAMAGuest artist visit

As we have now made it past the whirlwind start to the year, ensembles and students in lessons are getting down to business preparing for their first performance in Term 2. If you are new to the College, I hope your daughter has settled in well and is now comfortable with her music routine. If you have any questions regarding your daughter’s involvement in the program at St Rita’s, please feel free to contact me.

Rehearsals and PerformancesWould you like to know who to contact if your daughter is unable to make a rehearsal? A rehearsal schedule is available on MySRC and details the rehearsal time, venue and Director of each ensemble. Students are encouraged to email their ensemble Director if they are unable to make a particular rehearsal due to sickness or other legitimate reason. However, priority should be given to ensure avoidable clashes do not affect attendance at rehearsals.

A 2017 Performance Schedule can also be found on MySRC. Students involved in ensembles are required to maintain their commitment to each ensemble, of which they are member, throughout the year to be eligible for a Music Badge. Full details of requirements are available in the Cocurricular Music Handbook. It is a College expectation that students attend all scheduled performances and that College commitments take precedence over external commitments. If there is a clash, students should prioritise the College activity.

Absence from LessonsLesson times are schedule by Instrumental Music teachers in coordination with individual students. Invariably due to the busy nature of the College, clashes often occur with the scheduled lesson time. It is primarily the student’s responsibility to ensure they are able to attend their lesson or have provided sufficient notification to the teacher if they have a clash.In the circumstance of a clash with a College event (excursion, assessment, activity), students are required to notify their teacher at least 48 hours prior to the lesson affected.

When a student is absent due to illness, a message can be left on the College absentee line. Whilst every attempt will be made by the teacher to make up this lesson, this cannot be guaranteed.

If a student misses a lesson as part of a shared lesson, this will always be charged for, as the lesson will still take place with the remaining student. This is even in the case when notice has been given that the student is unable to attend a lesson.

Music Support GroupLast week the Music Support Group held their first meeting for the year. It was wonderful to see some new faces at the meeting and the energy and ideas from the group will most certainly have a strong positive impact on the program during the year ahead. The next meeting on Wednesday 8 March will be the group’s AGM. If you would like to nominate for an executive position of President, Secretary, Treasurer or Fund Raising Coordinator ahead of the AGM or require further information about these positions, please contact the current Secretary, Ms Jane Lye on jane.lyebirmingham@gmail.com

SHEP Middle School ProgramQueensland Conservatorium Griffith University is pleased to present the inaugural State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) Middle School - South-East Queensland from Friday 2 June to Sunday 4 June 2017; to be held at Queensland Conservatorium’s South Bank campus in Brisbane.

SHEP provides an opportunity for middle school (Years 5 - 8) wind, brass, percussion, string and voice students to work in an intensive environment of musical excellence with their peers from South-East Queensland, under the leadership of a team of eminent conductors from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

Nominations will be sought from our most outstanding Years 7 and 8 students who are in choir or play a woodwind, brass, percussion or orchestral string instrument. Nominations must be completed through an online form on MySRC by Friday 24 February. Students will be emailed a link to this form. Once nominations have been received, suitable applicants will be forwarded to the Conservatorium for consideration.

MUSICMr Craig Kennedy

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St Rita’s College will welcome our 2017 group of Atomi Japanese exchange students from Sunday 23 July to Monday 7 August.

18 families are sought to host the exchange girls, and this is a wonderful opportunity for our families to open their hearts and their homes to assist these girls in learning English.

Families will be paid $250 a week to host a student and you don’t need to speak Japanese as the students are here to learn English! The girls are aged between 15-16 years old, and they will all speak English reasonably well.

Families are asked to provide all meals and a friendly home for their student. They will be expected to travel to and from school each day in the same way as for your own children. All adults over 18 in your family will need a Volunteer Blue Card, which can be organised through the College for those who don’t have one. There is no payment required.

If you are interested, could you please contact the Head of Faculty – Languages, Mrs Carmen Anders, at and@stritas.qld.edu.au for further information and forms as soon as possible.

18 families will have a fabulous time with these students. We hope you can help.

Mrs Carmen AndersHead of Faculty - Languages

JAPANESEHost families required

YEAR 10 MATHEMATICSYear 10 Mathematics Students are required to purchase the TI-84 Plus CE calculator for the commencement of Term 2.

The College is able to bulk order the calculator at a cost of $185.00 including GST, considerably less than the retail price charged by Officeworks and online suppliers which is in the vicinity of $195.00 to $210.00.

Please order and pay for the calculator at the Boutique or via Flexischools no later than Monday 20 March. This will allow for delivery and engraving over the holiday period.

Please contact Ms Marilyn Couch at the Boutique on 3862 1615 or boutique@stritas.qld.edu.au.

Mr Mark EllinghamHead of Faculty - Mathematics

In January prior to the new school year commencing, 17 inquisitive Years 11 and 12 science students participated in field studies at The University of Queensland’s world class research facility – the Heron Island Research Station (HIRS).

Heron Island is located in the Capricorn Bunker Group section of the Great Barrier Reef. It is an important green turtle breeding location. The 2016–2017 turtle breeding season has been noteworthy as a particularly good one and our students were fortunate to observe many green turtles making the arduous journey up the beach to lay their eggs, digging the egg chambers, laying eggs and returning to the ocean; not to mention the incredible sight determined hatchlings frantically making their way down to the water.

They were able to experience the life of a researcher – collaborating, collecting and analysing data and sharing their findings with the group in both formal (Heron Island Adventurer’s Inaugural Symposium) and informal (group discussions) settings.The girls also had the opportunity to make observations about the health of the coral by participating in Coral Watch. Consequently, their data will be used by UQ researchers to study the health of the reef.

Dr Selina Ward, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of

Science, UQ – specialising in Coral Reef Ecology and Physiology, volunteered her time to talk to the girls about reef ecology, the importance of corals and the effect of increased temperature and ocean acidification on coral health and the wider implications of this.

We were able to take advantage of the good weather by participating in snorkelling activities – students were able to observe organisms such as reef sharks, rays, fishes, corals, clams and Christmas tree worms in their natural environment. Thank you to HIRS staff, Red and White Coaches and SRC staff - Mrs Kate Herd, Mrs Rosemary Simpson, Ms Beth de Villiers - as well as Mr Dennis O’Connor from St John Fisher, who accompanied the girls on their scientific expedition.

HERON ISLAND EXPERIENCEMs Anita Grisafi

PARENT PRESENTATION BY DR JUDITH LOCKEReminder to Parents/Guardians Years 7–10

The College is very fortunate to have Dr Judith Locke join us for a parent/guardian presentation next Tuesday evening, 21 February in Eirene Hall from 6:00pm-7:30pm.

A clinical psychologist and former teacher, Dr Locke, will discuss many typical concerns and issues that arise as students journey through high school. Feedback is always positive and parents/guardians are given a range of strategies to help support their daughter’s growth.

Dr Locke’s presentations are highly regarded and parents/guardians are encouraged to attend. The presentation is not suitable for students.

St Rita’s Read Like a Girl evening with Kate McCaffrey – renowned author with our Years 10-12 students – is not too far away, Tuesday 7 March. Tickets are proving as popular as the author.

Kate is joining us from her hometown in Perth to present an ‘In Conversation’ with our Principal, Mrs Dale Morrow, and their views on the somewhat controversial topics of teenagers using social media, and fitting into and growing up with the digital world.

The evening will be engaging to parents and students of all Year levels.

6:00pm, Tuesday 7 March, Ballygriffin, 3rd Level, Nano Nagle Centre, St Rita’s College

Adults: $20.00, students: $15.00 Includes welcome drink on arrival. Cash Bar applies thereafter. Canapes served

throughout the event.

Visit TryBooking to secure your tickets: www.trybooking.com/255601

READ LIKE A GIRLEvening with Kate McCaffrey

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Safe Driving – BCC LED illumination coming soonCr David McLachlan, Hamilton Ward, has written to the Principal to advise that the BCC has approved the installation of two highly visible ‘Slow Down’ LED road signs to be installed on the verge outside properties 78 and 85 in Alexandra Road.

The LED signs are designed to illuminate when a vehicle is travelling above a pre-determined speed threshold, on approach by vehicles. Council is delivering the signs as part of an ongoing commitment to improving the safety of Brisbane’s streets and reduce the number of accidents and near misses in known problem areas.

The College is sincerely grateful of Cr McLachlan’s and the Brisbane City Council’s attention to the safety of our students and we know this will be another successful measure to reduce the possiblity of incident.

We ask that parents and student drivers continue to be highly cautious when driving in Enderley Road and the surrounding streets and adhere to the laws for driving, drop off, pick up and parking at all times.

Parent Information EveningsA number of very important parent information evenings are approaching. These dates are listed in the College online Calendar:• Tuesday 21 February, 6:00pm, Eirene:

Years 7 – 10 Parent Presentation: Dr Judith Locke (Parents only)

• Tuesday 28 February, 6:00pm, Eirene: Years 11 and 12 Parent Information Evening. Includes QCS Test information for Year 12 parents. All students and at least one parent

• Tuesday 14 March, 6:00pm: House Warming, all Year level parents and students

Year 7 Immunisations- Tuesday 28 FebruaryQueensland Health’s School Immunisation Program will commence for Year 7 students on Tuesday 28 February.

This free immunisation program is offered to protect against human papillomavirus, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. The vaccinations will be conducted by authorised registered nurses and/or a medical practitioner.

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to ensure their daughter/s has breakfast on the morning of vaccination.

Carnival Meeting – Monday 27 February, 6:00pmThe first Carnival meeting will take place on Monday 27 February commencing at 6:00pm in the Heritage Room of Stanley Hall.

Carnival is the College’s annual major community fundraiser tirelessly presented by the P&F. It is a grand celebration of activity, fun and food for all ages, and the greatest display of SRC community unity that brings joy to so many.

Thank you to the new parents who have expressed interest in being involved in Carnival this year. I hope you can attend this meeting.

It is requested that the convenor of each Stall, or their representative, attend the meeting. We will do a stocktake of needs for each stall – helpers, product and marketing – which the Carnival committee can then assist with.

Please come armed with ideas and advice to make Carnival 2017 another day to remember.

Sports Subcommittee Meeting – Monday 27 February, 6:00pmThe next meeting of the Sports Subcommittee will be held on Monday 27 February at 6:00pm in the Staff Lounge of Stanley Hall.

The BBQ for WalkOut will be a hot item of discussion. Voting on office bearer positions will also take place. All parents/guardians with an interest in sport at the College are warmly welcome to attend.

Parents and Friends Meeting – Wednesday 15 March, 6:30pmOur Parents and Friends Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 15 March at 6:30pm. Please note that this is a

change of date from that listed in the printed College calendar.

The meeting will be held in Ballygriffin Room on the 3rd floor of the Nagle Centre, with refreshments provided.

At the AGM, the P&F Executive Committee for 2017 will be appointed. This will include:• President• Vice-Presidents (2 positions)• Treasurer• Secretary• Committee membersNominations for these positions can be emailed in advance to the P&F Secretary, Mrs Anne-Marie Anderson, at pandf@stritas.qld.edu.au or put forward on the night at the AGM.

There are many skills and interests among our parent community and taking a position on the P&F Executive doesn’t necessarily mean overburdening already full lives.

Please take the time to come along to the P&F meetings and/or consider taking on a committee role if you would like to. There is much pleasure to be gained from taking an active involvement in supporting your daughter’s education, whether this be by offering advice, organisational prowess or manpower.

Thank You - Year 7 Welcome BBQThank you to Mrs Donna Hancock and the P&F team for hosting the Year 7 families at the Welcome BBQ last Sunday week. It was a happy, vibrant afternoon and a pleasure to meet the parents of our youngest girls and share their stories of their first weeks at the College.

Please don’t forget the P&F and its subcommittees of Sports, Music, Carnival and WalkOut, welcome new faces and helping hands at meetings and events. Involvement is a meaningful way to support your daughter through her years at St Rita’s, and get to know the network of the SRC community.

COMMUNITYMrs Anna Roberts- Manager, Community Development

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St Rita’s College WalkOut – Sunday 5 MarchWalkOut is a compulsory Mission and Community event for all girls of St Rita’s.

WalkOut is an institution at St Rita’s. Families, friends … and pets … are invited to join the girls for the Walk and each walker is invited to make a Gold Coin donation at the Start Point in support of one of the charities.

All money raised will acquirecomputers for use by physically andintellectually challenged people at the MithraRehabilitation Centre in Chennai, India.http://mithra.org.in/

This year’s theme is Battle of the Bands: bring a vibrancy and spectacle to the morning that will impress the neighbourhoods by dressing up to pay homage to our pop stars, rock stars, divas, boy bands, country and soul artists and more. Think of it as St Rita’s Tribute Act to our favs in the music industry.

START VENUE: John Wren Oval, Eighth Avenue, Kedron

HOUSE CAPTAINS: Please arrive no later than 8:00am for set upSTUDENTS AND OTHER WALKERS: Please arrive no later than 8:30amN.B: All students on arrival to John Wren Oval are required to register and have their name marked off the Year level rolls.

WALK STARTS: 9:00am sharp. Checkpoints and first aid assistance are dotted along the route. Rolls will be marked for student walkers at registration and counter-marked on arrival back at St Rita’s.WALK FINISHES: 10:00/11:00am depending

on pace, at St Rita’s.

The annual ‘Showstoppers’ and presentation of prizes will take place from approximately 11:00-midday with the event fully competed by 12:30pm. A BBQ and refreshments, hosted by the Sport Supporters Subcommittee, will be available for purchase on arrival back at the College.

ESSENTIAL: Water Bottle filled – no glass containers please, Hat and Sunscreen. Water, leash and full supervision for your pets if attending.

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srcinstagramiscoming

is coming!

#sharethespirit#sharethesisterhood#sharethefuntimes

srcinstagramiscoming student-led instagram is coming to St Rita’s. Lets embrace safe social media useage and together we can...

900 likes

WALKOUT

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Swimming - Interhouse Carnival – Friday 3 February, Centenary Pool Congratulations to Collins House on a fine win to claim the Archbishop Duhig Shield. Full results were posted on MySRC on the evening after the Carnival.

TennisUnfortunately Rd 1 on Saturday 11/02 was cancelled due to extreme heat. Rd 2 matches commence this Saturday. Best of luck to all teams.

CaSSSA Tri-1 SportTrials concluded last Monday with the first training session for all teams taking place last Wednesday. We were fortunate that all girls who returned their trial slip on time and attended a minimum of one of the trial days were able to secure a place in a team. Team lists were posted on Tuesday 14 February.

The schedule for training and matches reverts to the normal training day and Wednesday match day starting Monday 20 February.

Monday 20 February: Training all Open/Senior/Intermediate teamsTuesday 21 February: Training all Junior teamsWednesday 22 February: Rd 1 matches. Jr Touch to be confirmed due to Yr 7 camp.

Rd 1 draws should be available on MySRC ‘2017 CaSSSA Tri-1 Weekly Draw Rd # and date of Rd’ by Friday 17 February.

District and Regional Sport TrialsFor District Trials: City – for 12 Yrs or North Independent District (NID) for 13-19 Yrs or Regional Trials: Metropolitan North (12 Yrs and 13-19 Yrs). Notification of posting of Trials information is only given through News on MySRC.

Students who believe they may be of a sufficiently high standard must check the details – posted in District and Regional Trial Information and Form Links on MySRC, and also if they would be available to attend the Met North Trial if they were to be selected in

a City/NID team, report to the Head of Sport who will decide if they are of a standard to attend the District / Regional Trial.

Students permitted to attend a trial must then download the appropriate forms and return them completed to the Head of Sport for authorisation and to receive further information. This must be completed by the due date listed in District and Regional Trial Information and Form Links.

Parents are responsible for notification of any absence from school via the normal College procedure, as well as supervision and any costs or transport at all trials.

Mr John PendallHead of Sport

SPORT

Cross CountryCross Country pre-Season has begun. The training sessions this Term are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6:15am at Hogan Place (The Flat).Later in the Term we will also commence Saturday morning training sessions, check morning notices for more information.

Students are encouraged to attend to prepare for the Interhouse Carnival at the end of Term, the CaSSSA championships next Term, or just to get fit.

Mr John Mundell and Mr Shaun BarryCross Country Coordinators

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

Unravelling the mystery behind endometriosis6.00pm, Thursday 2 March

Special Guest Mia Freedman

Presentations by

Sylvia and Lesley Freedman, EndoActive founders

Dr Susan Evans, Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon

Professor Grant Montgomery, Senior Research Fellow, UQ Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Panel discussion led by

Mia Freedman, Co-founder and Creative Director, Mamamia Women’s Network

1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis – a common, yet poorly understood disease.

§What causes endometriosis? Is it inherited? §Will surgery cure endometriosis? §What is normal period pain and when should you seek treatment? §Why does it take 7 to 10 years before most women are diagnosed?

Experts will answer these questions and more at this upcoming community event. Want your questions answered? Come along and

join in the conversation.

State Library of Queensland Auditorium, South Bank, Brisbane Canapés and drinks will be served from 5.15pm – 6.00pm

Register today at imb.uq.edu.au/endowhat

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