It is not knowing much, but realising and relishing things interiorly that contents and satisfies the soul. ‐ St Ignatius Loyola SJ, Spiritual Exercises, 2 

Thursday, 28 January Issue 10/01

THE RECTOR These recent holidays have probably seen more Aloysians abroad than at any other time. Basketballers have been to the west coast of the States, French students have journeyed to la belle France, twelve of our youngest alumni joined a service programme in Vietnam with David Braithwaite SJ, two cohorts of Year 10 students were immersed in the Philippines and a Water Polo team ventured to New Zealand. Many centuries ago, the great missionary St Columban observed “A life unlike your own can be your teacher.” Long before that, the Chinese had a maxim: “If you love your son, send him on a journey.” The process of the journey and the end point in a new culture are both formative experiences. That is why tours and immersions have a place in the life of the College. If you have already had the chance to pick up your son’s College Diary for the year, you would have noticed an image on the cover of two men in Chinese attire. One of the pair is an Italian Jesuit, Matteo Ricci SJ, whose 400th anniversary we celebrate this year. He was the first Jesuit to reach, and be of influence in, the court of the Emperor in Beijing, The Forbidden City. Ricci was arguably the first and best exemplar of what Jesuits call Ignatian accommodation. “Accommodation” meaning adaptation, enculturation, flexibility. Accommodation is a quality of the Jesuit apostolic style since Ignatius’ own times – in missions, in spiritual formation and in education. It is a characteristic of our way of proceeding here at St Aloysius’. The first hint of Ignatius embracing this approach was his frequent use of a Spanish proverb of his time: “Go in by the other person’s door and lead them out your own.” That is to say, meet people where they are, impose little or nothing at first, listen a lot, engage, find common points, then lead them on. It is a perfect pedagogical tool. And with young people, it is an equally powerful tool of evangelising – a way of revealing God present and active in their world, especially in the Examen. Ricci had sufficient freedom to dress like the locals, to speak the language, to absorb the culture, to understand the traditional values of the people. When Ricci met this new and different culture, his starting points were immersion, respect, looking for the good, seeking traces of God’s universal Spirit, and finding a freedom to adapt. Yes, Ricci had a strong sense of the changeless but, at the same time, he recognised varied cultural, linguistic and historical expressions of those absolutes and ideals. Ricci listened and he learned. Only then did he presume to write, to share knowledge and faith, to instruct. At St Aloysius’, accommodation is at play in both practice and attitude. That is, you see it externally, in the doing. We also strive to cultivate it internally, in values and beliefs. You will see the fruit of it in liturgical expression; flexibility when appropriate with norms and guidelines; in an ability to deal with “grey areas”; the challenge to values and

understanding that comes from immersion programmes; the levelling effect of our broad demographic mix of boys who shape and mould

each other. Accommodation allows St Aloysius’ to continue to be grounded in a four-and-a-half century old tradition and at the same time be at liberty to appropriate the best of contemporary insights into the teaching-learning process. As such, it always means growth and dynamism. It is fundamentally a freedom – a liberty to let go, a licence to embrace something new. An English educator early last century, Sir Percy Nunn, wrote that teachers were “ambassadors of society to the kingdom of the child”. Rather quaint, but it contains a truth. The adolescent kingdom is, to a degree, foreign territory – but not to be feared. Ignatius’ understanding of culture and human nature, and the manner of Ricci living out such an approach, continue to model a way of ministry, a way of engaging with the young. Like all skilled ambassadors, we enter with respect. We first listen and learn the context. Only then we offer what we believe is of value, often building on what is already there. Ricci rode the wave of the Renaissance, engaging

with new cultures with a confident and enthusiastic embrace. It was a journey in freedom and in faith. Ricci trusted in God and in human nature. His humanistic Jesuit formation readied him for the task. We follow in that tradition. This time, with your sons. Their travels will likely be just as far-ranging and as multicultured as Ricci’s ever were, if not more so. Our style of accommodation will fit them for the journey. Australia Day Honours 2010

Four Old Aloysians were honoured this week. Fr Peter L’Estrange SJ AO, was created an Officer of the Order of Australia “for service to higher education and to the community through the Catholic Church as an administrator and academic”. Peter graduated from the College in 1966 as both School Captain and Dux. In 1991 he was awarded a DPhil from Oxford University and was then Rector of Newman College at the University of Melbourne for fifteen years. Three years were then spent as Master of Campion Hall, the Jesuit College at Oxford. He is now at Georgetown University in Washington, Assistant to the President. [Peter joins his brother Michael L’Estrange AO in receiving such an honour. Michael graduated from the College in 1970 and later won a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford. After a term as Australian High Commissioner to the UK, he is currently the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra. Peter’s and Michael’s father, Dr Jim L’Estrange, was Captain of the College, of Debating, of Athletics, of Cricket and of Rugby in 1937.]

Matteo Ricci (Li Madou) SJ [1552‐1610] “going in by the other’s door”

Fr Peter L’Estrange SJ AO 

  2 

Well-known TV personality Don Burke OAM (SAC 1964) was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia “for service to conservation and the environment through advisory roles, to the horticultural industry, and to the media as a television presenter”. Professor Andrew Short OAM (SAC 1963) was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia “for service to science in the area of coastal studies, and to the Australian Beach Safety and Management Programme”. Andy is widely regarded as Australia’s foremost authority on coastal issues like beach erosion and is leading

research into the possible effects of climate change on Australia’s coastline. Barry Rubie OAM (SAC 1949) was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia "for service to the community through the Asthma Foundation of Western Australia". The College congratulates its alumni, Peter, Don, Andy and Barry, for the pursuit of excellence and of service.

Ross Jones SJ

THE PRINCIPAL A very warm welcome to all in the school community as we commence the 2010 school year here at St Aloysius’, in this our 131st year! We welcome especially our new boys and their families to the College community. We also welcome our new members of staff: Miss Danae Craig (Technology/Visual Arts), Mrs Mary Diggins (Religious Education/Spirituality), Mrs Barbara Irwin (Science), Miss Jessica Jorna (Teacher Librarian/English), Ms Carla Maxted (English), Mr Gary Molloy (Science) Mrs Michelle Reay (Year 6.4 homeroom) and Mr Mijo Ticinovic (Youth Minister). In other staffing news, Mr Sinclair Watson takes on the role of Sportsmaster and Mr Chris Pelly becomes Head of Geography. Mrs Caroline Byrne returns to us, after time in English Jesuit schools, to be Head of the Junior School library. Mr Jerry Scelzi also returns from leave to be Junior School Music Co-ordinator. Mr Alex Davyskib returns after a year’s secondment teaching Maths at the University of Sydney. Mrs Eileen Quinane returns to Art after maternity leave and Mr Paul Harkin will work as a consultant to the implementation of IT in the curriculum. Mr Michael Hughes returns to his role as Year 7 Co-ordinator after spending a year with the indigenous people in the Kimberley. As reported in my January letter to the parent body, we were delighted with the HSC results for the Class of 2009. The Class included twelve boys on the Premier’s All-rounder list: Mitchell Bainton, Robert Barakat, Roman Barbera, Ben Carrozzi, Chris Chan, Alex Cubis, Ben Holmes, Tom Kingston, Robert Makepeace, Marcello Puglisi, John Slaven and James Stephenson. There were 236 merits (individual subject results over 90). We were particularly pleased again with our English results, a standout result among boys’ schools on the league tables. There were excellent results in Mathematics, Ancient and Extension History, Drama and Visual Arts. Individual highlights included Matthew Rubic and Alex Jolley both scoring 50/50 in Extension History. Matthew was placed fifth in the state and Alex eighth. Alex Cubis scored 99 placing him outright second in the state in Drama. Joseph Gaudioso was placed eleventh in the state in English Standard. Two Year 11 students from our Accelerant Mathematics class achieved outstanding results. Daniel Farinha scored 100, placing him sixth in NSW, while James Ross achieved a mark of 99 and was placed eighteenth. We were also delighted with associated results in the creative arts, combining both strong academic performance and standout expressions in the various disciplines acknowledged with their nomination and inclusion for State exhibition. In Visual Arts, Jayson Fong, Luke Fussell, Michael Mariniello and William Marshall had their major artworks selected for ARTEXPRESS 2010. In Music, Ben Holmes, James Chick, Liam Chandler and Timothy Geldens were nominated to perform in ENCORE, a selection of exemplary performances from HSC students. Ben Holmes’ musicology piece was selected for ENCORE. And, most impressively in Drama, Alex Cubis, Adrian Forrest, Charles Newton and Ciaran Tobin were selected for OnSTAGE to present their group performance entitled To A De(greed). Joseph McKenzie will have his play performed by professional actors in Writers OnSTAGE, while Mitchell Bainton’s short film will be part of OnSCREEN. In the published league table (based upon the percentage of mentions in the Merit list compared to the number of examinations sat at a

school), St Aloysius’ was the highest-ranked Catholic school in NSW. With regard to ATAR marks, nine boys received an ATAR over 99, with thirty-six students scoring between 95 and 99. Sixty-five boys appear to have ATARs over 90 – 45% of the cohort in the top 10% in the State. The median ATAR was 89. The College Dux was Alex Cubis. Generosity in involvement is undoubtedly a mark of the Aloysian, as evidenced by the many comings and goings of staff and students over the holiday period. The benefits, I believe, go beyond the particular activities into shaping and moulding an ethos here at St Aloysius’ that celebrates participation and the use of one’s gifts in building community. Thirty-three of our Seniors participated in our twenty-fourth Kairos retreat in Bowral, with the student leaders being Frank Mastroianni (Rector), Josh Edwards, Fergus Buncle, Adam Ibrahim, Pat Griffiths and Nicholas Cordi. Fr Ross took two groups of Year 11 boys on the Philippines Immersion experience, where they lived and worked with the homeless, the prisoner and the indigenous tribal peoples. The impact of such experiences can be seen in the group of thirteen members of the class of 2009 who undertook an immersion experience in Vietnam in January guided by Mr David Braithwaite SJ. A number have stayed on to work long-term there and other young Old Boys will be working in Micronesia and in Africa for a GAP year. In December, a number of our French language students, accompanied by Mrs Downes, Ms Robinson and Mr Caillard, journeyed to Avignon and the Jesuit school there, St Joseph’s. The group also spent time in Paris, and for the first time, visited the war

field in the Somme and the Australian War Memorial. In Tennis, Aloysius’ ran out comfortable winners in the Jesuit Schools Tennis carnival, hosted by Xavier in Melbourne. The team of Nic Fuentes (Year 12), Benji Pfister (Year 12), Harry Kelleher (Year 11), Matt Rowland (Year 11), Ben Lalic (Year 11), Justin Lam (Year 11), Nick Mytkowski (Year 11) and Scott Murray (Year 10).undefeated in competition, defeating Xavier College in the final. Nic Fuentes, Harry Kelleher and Matt Rowland were chosen in the Australian Jesuit Schools’ team.

  3 

Our First XI competed in Adelaide in the Jesuit Schools’ Cricket carnival. The Firsts recorded good wins against Riverview and Xavier, but went down in the final to Xavier. Jordan Daly (Year 11), Alex Cornelius (Year 11), William Craft (Year 12) and Nick Donohoe (Year 12) were selected in the Australian Jesuit Schools’ team. In December, twenty of our Basketballers ventured to the west coast of the US. Led by Fr Jack McLain SJ, Mr Trevor Dunne and Mr Dom Pelosi, they played seven schools, six of them Jesuit. As well as establishing contacts with Jesuit schools, the boys also visited a Jesuit work with gangs in Los Angeles. The Aussie accent and school uniform attracted attention wherever they went, with the Jesuit Crusader in Portland reporting on “the swarms of girls following the Australians”, with Luke Spano (Year 11) and others reading poetry in class. Last week, our Basketballers built on the work of their tour and competed in the Trinity Challenge Cup, winning games against Cranbrook and Kings, before going down in a quarter-final to Sydney High.

In December, the College Water Polo squad journeyed to New Zealand to compete in the Trans Tasman Schoolboys Cup, an invitational event for the best school teams in both countries. The team reached the final and overcame defending champions Melbourne High 8-6. Paul Sindone (Year 11) scored a devastating six goals, and was later named as MVP of the tournament. Captain, Michael de Gail (Year 12), also received an ‘outstanding player medallion’. The win by this team – Mark Sindone (SAC 09), Lachlan Viney (Year 12), Michael de Gail (Year 12), Antony Peronace (Year 10), Ciaran MacWhite (Year 12), Trent Klouzal (Year 12), Christian Colosi (Year 12), Paul Sindone (Year 11), Marcus Anderson (Year 11) and Harrison Williams (Year 10) – must surely rank as one of the most outstanding in the College’s sporting history. Congratulations must go to the super-coach, Mr Mario Sindone, and MIC, Mrs Margaret Loomes. Michael de Gail and Mark Sindone went on to play star in the Australian U18 Schools Team three tests victory against New Zealand Schools last December. The quality of the team membership was again evident at the recent National U18 championships in Perth, when three members, Mark Sindone, Michael de Gail and Paul Sindone, represented the winning NSW team. Some other individual achievements since our last newsletter deserve mention:- Nicholas Mulcahy (Year 12) was selected in the NSW Surf Lifesaving team after winning at the State championships. Hayden Fitzgerald (Year 12) has been selected to fence for Australia in the Asian Championships in Manila in March. Jonathan Chan (Year 11) took out the Steinway Emerging Artists Piano competition at the end of 2009. Matthew Jepson (Year 10) won five silvers at NSW Aged Swimming Championships. Matt Jepson also won four gold medals at the NSW Metropolitan Championships. Tom Kingston (SAC 09) played in the Australian Schoolboys Rugby team on tour in the United Kingdom. In our first Assembly this year, the Student Representative Council will be presented to the school. In addition to the SRC President,

William Comino, and the Vice-President, Michael Carbone, its members include from Year 8 Jamieson Weiss, Tom Mendes, Jack McClatchey and Ross Espiritu; from Year 9 Chris Walker, Tom Kennedy, Anthony Spiteri and Tim Robinson; from Year 10 Claudio Trovato, Ellis Cooper-Frater, Ben Chapple and Ned Latham; from Year 11 Josh Begbie, Ben Jacobs, Declan Johnston and Paul Sindone; from Year 12 Tim Duncan, Dom Quattroville and Lachlan Viney. The Year 7 representatives will be elected later this term. Another aspect of student leadership in the College is the attachment of Prefects to classes in Years 3-8. The Prefects may act as mentors and guides to the younger boys. In some cases they assist in the classroom. They can play a role in our pastoral care and in some years lead an anti-bullying programme with the boys. They also represent the commitment of our Seniors to the younger students and the importance we give to the community nature of the school. This year the following are attached to classes:- In Year 3, Christian Hammerton; in Year 4.1 Nicolas Fuentes and Year 4.2 Patrick Griffiths; in Year 5.1 Tim Shmigel, Year 5.2 Dominic Malouf, Year 5.3 Cameron Grundy and Year 5.4 Nicholas Donohoe; in Year 6.1 William Craft, Year 6.2 Lachlan Viney, Year 6.3 Christopher Knight and Year 6.4 Alex Klaric; in Year 7.1 Dominic Quattroville and Nicholas Mulcahy, Year 7.2 Sam Murray and James May, Year 7.3 Aaron Huang and Joel Martorana, Year 7.4 Cameron Caccamo and Alex Sahagian, Year 7.5 Andrew Devaraj and Peter Kelly and Year 7.6 Matthew Little and Adam Ibrahim; Year 8 Julian Wilson, Dominic Byrne, Fergus Buncle and Michael Carbone. Finally, may I draw your attention to the Jesuit Mission Appeal for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Tax deductible donations can be made to the Jesuit Mission Haiti Earthquake Appeal by calling 02 9955 8585 or you may send a cheque by post to PO Box 193 North Sydney 2059 or donate online here. (Choose “Greatest Need” from campaign drop down menu). The Jesuits have a strong presence in Haiti and are fully mobilised in the relief effort which will be co-ordinated through Jesuit Refugee Service Dominican Republic. Jesuits in Haiti are part of the French Canadian Province of the Jesuits. Jesuits in Haiti were spared the worst consequences of the earthquake that has killed up to 200,000 people. The Jesuits suffered no loss of life and little damage to buildings. They are in a good position to help the masses of suffering people around them. Thank you for your compassion and generosity for the suffering people of Haiti. May I wish all members of the Aloysian community a happy and fruitful year.

Chris Middleton SJ

Oremus let us pray

For those who have died: Pietro Odorioso, grandfather of Peter Walsh (Year 12), who died in

Fremantle this month Jasper Allibone, 3-month-old cousin of Alex White (Year 7) who

died on 5 December 2009 Katsuko Kimura, Japanese teacher at SAC (2002-2005), who died

recently in the USA Marise Fernandez, grandmother of Charlie Hill (Year 8) Rev Fr Roger McGinley (SAC 1937) Mary Zanelli, past parent from the 1960s and grandmother of Old

Boys in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s Grandmother of William Lam (Year 12)

Ask and you shall receive … knock and the door will be opened unto you.” (Matt 7:7)

If you would like someone to be prayed for by the College community (even anonymously), please pass the details to the Rector

  4 

THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Welcome back to a new academic year. It is a blessing to start the year with a new, refreshed and well-rested outlook, and we certainly hope all staff and students settle in to a sound academic routine before too long. Listed here are some processes which are worth restating about the daily activities. Clarification of any of these should, in the first instance for many of them, be sought through your son’s Year Co-ordinator in the Senior School.

Q. What is the optimal time to arrive at school if there are no other morning activities?

A. Students should, for the most part, arrive between 8.00am and 8.20am. Years 7-9 move to their homerooms for a roll call at 8.30am and to collect books for morning classes before the commencement of the first lesson at 8.35 am. Years 10-12 check in with their Year Co-ordinator between 8.15 and 8.35 am.

Q. Is the Senior School Courtyard supervised before school? A. Active supervision of the Courtyard commences at 8.00am by the

Student Supervisor, joined at 8.15am by another member of staff. The Courtyard is only supervised in a passive sense from 7.30am so, prior to 8.00am, no games are to be played. The Library opens at 8.00am and morning Mass is celebrated every morning at 8.05am.

Q. What is the procedure for late comers? A. Boys late to school must report to the Student Supervisor or their

Assistant Year Co-ordinator and present their diary for signing. Five late arrivals in one term result in a detention.

Q. When should students access lockers? A. Due to the narrow corridors and stairways, we encourage

movement between lessons to be brisk. Hence, lockers should only be accessed before school, and immediately after recess and lunch for books for those lesson blocks.

Q. Where should valuables be stored during the day? A. Mobile phones, music technology (mp3 players, etc) and any

other valuables should be secured in students’ lockers, which are to remain locked with a school-approved lock (purchased at the Uniform Shop). Larger items (cricket kits, tennis racquets, etc) should be left with the Year Co-ordinator.

Q. How do we notify the school of an absence? A. Assistant Year Co-ordinators are responsible for the maintenance

of the attendance register for each year group. They need to be notified prior to 9.00am via telephone or email of an absence, for any given day. Upon return to school, students must present their Year Co-ordinator with a written note explaining the absence. Details of Assistant Year Co-ordinators are listed below:-

Year 7: Mr John Frare 9936 5660 John.Frare@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Year 8: Mr David Heath 9936 5652 David.Heath@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Year 9: Mr Lucas Good 9936 5651 Lucas.Good@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Year 10: Ms Erin Hogan 9936 5657 Erin.Hogan@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Year 11: Mr Garry O’Neill 9936 5658 Garry.O’Neill@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Year 12: Ms Sarah Zinkin 9936 5649 Sarah.Zinkin@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Q. What is the best form of communication between parents

and school? A. Often the direct approach is the best. For most issues concerning

day-to-day affairs, the individual care of a student is in the hands of his Year Co-ordinator, who builds up a relationship over a number of years. For most parents and for most issues this is the best place to commence. The more specific the issue, perhaps the more specialised the communication needs to be, and the Year Co-ordinator will assist in re-directing queries and/or advising staff of the request. Year 7 have a more detailed level of support,

which will be discussed separately but, generally, the best place to start is with the source of the issue. Classroom issues are best dealt with directly with teachers and administrative details with the Year Co-ordinator. Please be aware, though, that teachers are not always available to speak to immediately, so email or voicemail messages seeking contact are useful. Listed below are the Year Co-ordinator contact details:-

Year 7: Mr Michael Hughes 9936 5646 Michael.Hughes@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Year 8: Mr John Williams 9936 5647 John.Williams@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Year 9: Mr Mark Norton 9936 5661 Mark.Norton@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Year 10: Mr Andrew Quinane 9936 5648 Andrew.Quinane@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Year 11: Mr Mark Gair 9936 5662 Mark.Gair@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Year 12: Mr Darren Livingstone 9936 5650 Darren.Livingstone@staloysius.nsw.edu.au

Q. Year 7 have a number of support people. To whom should we talk?

A. Apart from the Year Co-ordinator and Assistant Year Co-ordinator, Year 7 students also have a homeroom teacher, who teachers their class for two or more subject areas. There is also a support for academic concerns, as well as the normal structures of tutors and the Head of Learning Enrichment. Generally, the Year Co-ordinator will be able to advise which combination of support will be the most beneficial. Contact details for Year 7 include:-

Year Co-ordinator Mr Michael Hughes 9936 5646 Michael.Hughes@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Assistant Year Co-ordinator Mr John Frare 9936 5660 John.Frare@staloysius.nsw.edu.au

Year 7 Homeroom Teachers 7.1 Mr Peter De Silva 7.4 Mr Damien Corrigan 7.2 Ms Jennifer Zongor 7.5 Mr Michael Hughes 7.3 Mr John Frare 7.6 Mr John Frare (who has

two homerooms)

Years 7-9 Academic Co-ordinator Mrs Margaret Loomes 9936 5654 Margaret.Loomes@staloysius.nsw.edu.au

Director of Curriculum – Years 3-8 Mrs Suzanne Leahy 9936 5665 Suzanne.Leahy@staloysius.nsw.edu.au

Head of Learning Enrichment Ms Maryanne Magri 9936 5544 Maryanne.Magri@staloysius.nsw.edu.au Q. What is the procedure for sickness or illness during the day? A. Generally, we prefer sick children to stay at home. If illness

occurs during the course of a school day, students are to see their Year Co-ordinator for a note to attend Sick Bay. An assessment will be made during the first 15 minutes by the Student Supervisor as to whether the student returns to class or contact is made to arrange pick up. It is very important that parents and students do not bypass these procedures by arranging pick up or departures without seeing the Student Supervisor.

Q. What procedures are in place for accidents? A. All accidents should be reported to the Student Supervisor for

appropriate attention. Where necessary, parents will be advised according to the urgency of the matter. Again, it is very important that parents and students do not bypass the Student Supervisor.

Q. To whom do we direct enquiries regarding transport or transport passes?

A. The Student Supervisor handles all transport issues and should be advised immediately if a pass is lost.

  5 

Q. What procedures are in place for lost property? A. Most items lost are able to be returned immediately if they are

properly labelled. All lost items end up with the Student Supervisor. It is best to check with him regularly, rather than assume items have been misappropriated or stolen.

Q. Where are the College policies and procedures listed? A. The Student Diary is the best source for most student-related

procedures. The diary should be well maintained and kept on hand when students are out of class. With the Student Diary, parents and students are also supplied a list of common policies and procedures and where they are found. Acknowledgement of this is important, and parents are asked to return this form promptly.

Naturally, this list of questions and answers is only a short one, designed to refresh our memories of important daily and semester functions at school. Please ensure that you contact your son’s Year Co-ordinator when any queries or problems arise, before they escalate. 2010 ADOLESCENT VACCINATION PROGRAM – Years 7&10 Students: A team of Immunisation Nurses from Northern Sydney Central Coast Health will be visiting the College again this year to offer the Adolescent Vaccination Program to students in Years 7&10. In 2010 the following vaccinations will be offered:- Year 7 students – Hepatitis B (two doses separated by six months) and Varicella (Chickenpox) (single dose only). Year 10 students – Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (combined in one vaccine – single dose only) The first date for vaccinations is Tuesday, 20 April and will include both Year 7 and Year 10. This year there will be a second round on Tuesday, 4 May for any students who miss the first round. A Parent Information Kit will be sent home to parents/guardians of Year 7 and 10 students. It is advisable to read all the information provided, and to complete the consent form and return it to the school if you wish your child to be vaccinated. Please note that only students with a completed, original NSW Health Consent Form will be vaccinated on the day of the clinic. A Record of Vaccination will be provided to your child on the day of the clinic. Please ask your child for this record. Do not assume that your child has been vaccinated if you do not receive a Record of Vaccination. It is important that both doses of the Hepatitis B vaccination course are administered for optimal protection. If your child does not attend the clinic on the day the nurses visit, he will be offered the vaccine at the next visit to the school. If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Public Health Unit Immunisation Team (Hornsby Office) on 9477 9019.

Sam Di Sano (sam.disano@staloysius.nsw.edu.au) THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL The long wait is now over (for the relieved parents) and hopefully the butterflies in the tummy have mostly settled (for the boys) as we head towards the end of the first week of a brand new year. On behalf of the Junior School, it’s my great pleasure to welcome back “old” (experienced) boys and parents, but a special word of welcome is reserved for our new boys and their families. It’s a very special time for you – mostly exciting, but one that can be tinged with some anxiety and anticipation. I pray that your time at St Aloysius’ College will be an adventure full of happiness and fulfilment, and pleasing growth for your boys. Right at the outset, I would like to assure you on behalf of the Junior School staff, of our commitment the welfare of the boys in our care, their safety and happiness. New or old, I would to encourage all that we keep communication lines fully open between the school and the home. Please feel free to ring, write or email with concerns and issues, in particular those that would assist your boys to settle into their new environment and enjoy their new experiences. On that note, it would assist us greatly if you would keep us informed with any previous reports that highlight your boys’ strengths, weaknesses and special needs, if any. It is best that your son’s class teacher has access to such information in the first

instance. At all times, please keep me informed and I will ensure that appropriate staff will act on such advice. It’s a hectic start of the year for the boys. As if meeting their new teachers, getting to know their classmates, learning about the merit system, getting used to new routines, correct use of the diary and be introduced to the concept of regular homework (very slowly, I’d like to assure you) wasn’t enough, there are two major sporting events that will occupy their time, and your attention and patience, within the first five days of school this year. The first of these is the summer sports trials for Cricket and Basketball and the gradings for the Tennis teams. These trials will take place this Friday (during school hours) and continue on Saturday at various times and venues between 8.00am and 1.00pm. Boys are asked to come to school on Friday in their sports uniform (colour House shirt, shorts and hat) with water, morning tea and lunch. Sunscreen lotion is available at school, but please encourage your boys to carry some spare and remind them to apply it liberally whenever they are out and about in the hot sun. On Friday, boys will be transported to and from school to different venues and dismissed from school at the usual time of 3.00pm. Since not everyone that trials on Friday will be guaranteed a place in the team and sport of their preferred choice, at the conclusion of Friday trials they will be notified if and where they should be for the Saturday trials. Please impress upon them to bring home that information to you on Friday. At the start of Week 2, team lists will be displayed on the sport noticeboards outside the glass doors just off reception. The second major sporting event that will bring on a great deal of excitement is the Junior School Interhouse Twilight Swimming Carnival on 2 February from 3.00-8.00pm at SOPAC (Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Homebush). We are asking the boys to come to school on Tuesday, once again, in their sports uniform at the usual commencement time. Boys will need to bring their sports bag, swimmers, towel and refreshments. Pre-ordered lunch packages can be purchased from the school tuck shop. We have organised special transport for the boys and staff to arrive on time for a prompt 3.00pm start. It’s expected that parents will collect their boys at the conclusion of the carnival at SPOAC at 8.00pm. If you are unable to do so either yourself, or with assistance from a fellow parent, then please let us know so that we can arrange for you to pick up your sons from the Junior School between 8.45pm and 9.00pm. This is a most exciting day for the boys and families, to be able to see the boys swim in the same pool where so many of their heroes and world champions have swum. Boys will be seated in their colour House areas with parents sitting in the stands opposite them. Please come along and cheer the boys on. Details of the arrangements for the sport trials and the swim carnival have been sent home by the Sportsmaster and further information can also be found in his column later in this issue. On 4 February, we will celebrate the opening of the New Year with Junior School Commencement Mass at 9.00am, followed by morning tea to welcome new parents into the Aloysian community. Please come along to pray for God’s blessings on the New Year and all our endeavours on behalf of our boys and your sons. Birthdays: We congratulate the following boys who have either celebrated, or will be celebrating, their birthdays this month:

1 January James Dettre Alec Elhindi Peter Xenos 4 January Andrew McClintock 5 January Joshua Lewis 7 January Alex Murphy 9 January Eoin Noble Adam Perkovic 12 January Rohan Chow Ricky Gao 14 January Rafael Colinares 16 January Keiran Dean

17 January Alexander Lalor Sevan Tcharlassian 19 January Reeve Bhartiya Miles Brannagan 22 January Brendan Kell 24 January Ewan Cooper-Frater Marcus Lee Harry Lidbetter 26 January Kiernan Tafft 27 January Sorren Raheb-Mol 29 January Oliver Heuzenroeder Jasper Hudson

  6 

During the Christmas break, brothers Matthew and Thomas Wilson (Years 5 & 7 respectively) competed in the Manly Junior Australian Sailing championships at Avalon Sailing Club, in the Novice section. Matthew, as helmsman, and Tom, as crew, managed to win third place for their debut effort in this sport. Thomas, I am told, also teamed up with his sister in the Flying 11 Nationals at Tamar River in Tasmania, finishing first in the handicap in a fleet of 72 boats. Congratulations and smooth sailing to the Wilson family.

Martin Lobo

WHAT’S COMING UP

30 January Basketball Season Launch 2 February Junior School Swim Carnival 3 February Junior School ID Photos Senior School Commencement Mass ‘Your Son in Year 12’ 4 February Junior School Commencement Mass New Parents’ Morning Tea 5 February Year 7 Day of Belonging 8 February Senior School ID & Year Photos Junior School Parent Information Evening Years 3&4 New Parents Ignatian Evening 13 February Year 7 2012 Entrance Examination 14 February POPS Mass & Lunch

THE REGISTRAR Enrolment Applications – 2011 and 2012: Parents who have not yet made application for their sons for Years 3, 4, 5 and 8 to 11 in 2011, and for Year 7 in 2012, are invited to do so now. From 2011, there will be an extra Year 3 class. All applicants sit an entrance examination which will be held on the following dates: Years 3 & 4, 2011 Wednesday, 24 February, 2010 Year 5, 2011 Tuesday, 23 February, 2010 Years 8 to 11, 2011 Saturday, 13 February, 2010 Year 7, 2012 Saturday, 13 February, 2010

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 4 February 2010.

Further information may be obtained from me on (02) 9936 5535 or email at registrar@staloysius.nsw.edu.au.

Anne-Maree McCarthy CURRICULUM NEWS CAREERS CORNER Thought for the week:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jr (1929 -1968), American clergyman and prominent leader

in the civil rights movement – youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

The 2010 academic year has begun and with it comes new challenges. Students must make every effort to settle in quickly to work, sport and other co-curricular activities and to resolve to take all the great and varied opportunities such a college has to offer. Don’t waste your time now and then, in the future, look back with disappointment and regret at your lack of involvement. One of the emails I found awaiting my return to work was one from a parent whose son has just been awarded a major scholarship at the University of New South Wales. She wrote to thank me for encouraging him to get involved in a wide variety of things, and that this very thing was commented on at his interviews and ultimately counted when the decision to award it to him was made. It is not too late to make New Year resolutions – look at what is available to you and get busy. Please come and see me if you need any advice or support.

Every “Week A” on Wednesday after Recess there is a half-hour Clubs and Societies Meeting time – this is a golden opportunity for service and to learn new skills. I am constantly amazed at how few students make good use of this time. Such involvement is highly valued on a resume and can make a student really stand out when job seeking or applying for a scholarship. A message to Year 12 students: It will be most helpful if you purchase a wall calendar so you can start inserting important dates on to it, which will help you to plan your year to your best advantage. I would very much like to have had an interview with each of you before the end of Term 1 so that I am aware of your special interests for the future. Quite a few of you saw me last term and I am more than happy to have follow-up meetings. As I am only at the College on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I often am unable to remind you about future events and, hence, I urge you to make a habit of reading the Careers’ noticeboard outside my office and this item in the weekly Gongazan so that you know what is happening and can schedule it into your timetable. Remember “Organised people get ahead in life” – start taking responsibility for your future now. Also remember major career-information events happen only one a year so it is really important that you attend and thus become aware of what your future options are. This is a general overview of what happens during this your final year:

Term 1 – applications for Gap/Exchange programs for 2011 Term 2 – Lower North Shore Careers Expo at Wenona on 11 May, applications submitted for accounting cadetships, some scholarships eg BAccounting at UTS and UMAT – application opens in April (this exam is required prior to application for all graduate medicine courses anywhere in Australia – James Cook University in Queensland is the only one currently not requiring a UMAT score) Term 3 – UMAT exam on 28 July, applications for scholarships and preferences submitted to the University Admissions Centre for 2011. Term 4 – Write HSC examinations from 14 October. Scholarship interviews are often held during Schoolies’ Week and cannot be re-scheduled – please bear this in mind. ATARs will be available on 16 December. 16 March – 9.30am-2.30pm: Discover Engineering 2010 – a joint initiative of Engineers Australia and the Institute of Industrial Arts Technology Education to be held at Epping Boys’ High School. This is a forum for all students in Years 10, 11 and 12 who are interested in any form of Engineering as a career choice. Topics include: Why be an engineer? What do engineers do? Engineering as a career; Examples of Engineering projects; How do you become an engineer? Guest speakers will come from the Engineering profession, including current uni students. To register come ASAP to The Careers Room. Cost: $5 per student, including lunch. For more information contact David Silvestre (9410 5622). Important Message for Year 11 students – 22-26 March: Are you interested in attending an Autumn Engineering School - numbers will be strictly limited – if so please collect a brochure from The Careers Room ASAP. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain an insight/exposure into the diverse range of engineering careers. Mr David Clancy, our Cadet Administrator, has great news from the University of NSW about their Bonus Points Scheme that sergeants who lead the cadet unit in Year 12 will be eligible for 3 bonus points under their Elite Athlete and Performers Program. See www.unsw.edu.au/futureStudents/undergrad/ced/eliteathletes.html. Please note that points are also awarded for musicians, high level in athletics, chess and debating, Queen’s Scout (4 points), Duke of Edinburgh (Gold – 3 points and Silver 1 point) Tournament of the Minds National level performer (3 points). Universities and employers are looking for students who are all-rounders with good time management skills and who get out of their comfort zone and take on challenges and leadership. Please don’t leave this College, which offers so many opportunities, without being involved in some club or activity – it will certainly be of value now and later.

  7 

2010 HSC students thinking about doing something prior to going to university: Many students have been to see me because they are thinking of taking a year off before beginning their tertiary studies. There are many options to investigate. Many programs require application early in 2010 for 2011 and these can be surprisingly time-consuming to put together all the necessary documents. Apart from a few overseas Gap positions which the College arranges, here are some of the organisations you may research and consider:- AFS Australia Antipodeans Abroad Au Pair in America Camp America Camp Counselors USA Cultural Care Au Pair Defence Forces Gap Year EF IEP Australia InterExchange International Student Volunteers Inc Lattitude Global Volunteering Letz Live Overseas Working Holidays Raleigh International Rotary Youth Exchange Program Tutors Worldwide STS Student Exchange Southern Cross Cultural Exchange Student Placement Australia Year 13 Youthworks Young Endeavour Youth for Understanding International Exchange It is a good idea to investigate several and to compare costs, length of time, level of overseas support and insurance they provide. If you would like to learn a language and live in a foreign culture Rotary has an exceptional Youth Exchange Program. For students living in Rotary District 9680 (the region from Harbour to Gosford to The Hills District) go to their website (www.ryep.org) and learn more about it. I am planning to get the three ex-Aloysians from the Class of 2008 who went on the Rotary Youth Exchange Program (John Ruehl in France, Josh Grech in Belgium and Ben Armitage in Chile) to come in soon and talk to students about their experiences. Students in their younger years are advised to attend as well as the more you know and the sooner about such programs the better. Nationwide News, the Sydney operating division of News Limited, is committed to providing secondary school students with the opportunity in 2010 to participate in an industry-based work experience program. The programs offered are Journalism, Art and Photography. These are open to Year 11 and 12 students only. Please see me in person for more details. University of Sydney has created a new website with information about their Flexible Entry Scheme (www.usy.edu.au/flexible_entry). This contains a short questionnaire which will allow a student to receive individualised information on how Flexible Entry may help provide them with a pathway to the University. Facts About TAFE: Did you know …. 70% of high school leavers don’t go to university Approximately 15000 students who have been through TAFE

apply for university entrance with a third of them being given credit for some of their TAFE training

Two useful websites – http://joboutlook.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx and http://www.teenjobs.com.au/.

Deirdre Agnew Careers Counsellor (deirdre.agnew@staloysius.nsw.edu.au)

PASTORAL NEWS THE DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL SERVICES Returning to the College this year, I was fortunate to hear, at our first Staff Meeting, the reflections of three staff members on their journeys in 2009. Mr Joe El-Khoury and Mr Antony Sindone shared their Ignatian Pilgrimage journey, and Mr Michael Hughes shared some of his stories from living in the Kimberley with his family in an isolated aboriginal community for 12 months. All experienced some deep, spiritual enlightening in different contexts and our staff has been enriched by what they have shared with us. An amazing journey for me in 2009 was being part of the Philippines Immersion, with fifteen Year 10 students, which included a myriad of experiences. I felt many different emotions ranging from disbelief, shock and anger, to compassion and joy. Fr Ross Jones has cleverly organised a program that challenges our comfort zones and firmly reinforces the concept of finding God in all things. The Philippines is an amazing country, full of contradictions: Great wealth for a minority and extreme poverty for others, a mostly devout Catholic population with corruption in many aspects of life, a very hospitable and friendly people with violence prevalent, an Asian country with westernised influences, and a beautiful country with many majestic natural scenery and yet a very polluted country. During our journey we were fortunate to visit many different types of communities: schools, prisons, old age refuges, orphanages, and households in both urban and country environments, where the students were billeted with families. The most challenging experience for me came with the visits to the prisons. I will always have etched in my mind the memory of entering the medium-security prison in Manila and seeing so many prisoners just standing idly by, eyeing all the new visitors. We were taken on a tour of the prison and witnessed the prisoners’ terrible sleeping conditions. Despite their despair and lack of freedom, it was enlightening to see the sense of hope in the prisoners’ eyes. After speaking to a number of prisoners, many of the students noted that the phrase most mentioned by inmates was how much they missed their family and that we should not take them for granted. A second place that also touched my heart was Bethlehem College, a school that caters largely for disadvantaged families that live in the nearby shanties next to the river. The College has a nursery room for babies, that are left abandoned as their parents can’t afford to care for them. Fortunately, most of the babies will be adopted into good families who will give them the care and love that they so deserve. I thank Fr Ross Jones for giving me such a life-changing experience in the three weeks and three days of the journey. I have been so blessed to be part of this program and realise the amazing positive influence this Program has on our Year 10 students. Their hearts and attitudes will have changed, like mine, and I am sure their parents have noticed these changes. I also hope that my family has enjoyed listening to the many stories I have shared with them and hope that each of them will get the chance to experience this or something similar in their lifetime. I hope that 2010 will bring many joys and challenges for all the Aloysian community and that the theme of the Philippines Immersion Program will be present in the words and actions of our students: Learning to Serve – Serving to Learn. Year 7 Belonging Day: Year 7 students, by now, should have received a letter detailing the Year 7 Belonging Day on 6 February. This is only the second time we have gone to Chowder Bay but, as the evaluations from last year were so positive, it was decided that this experience should be repeated. Please return your permission slip to your Home Room Teacher as soon as possible.

Chris Gould

  8 

THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY THE PARENTS’ & FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION

Welcome back parents and friends! Our new parents, and soon to be new friends, we welcome you and your sons to our school community, in which our wonderful Jesuits, teachers and staff are valued and integral. You will be glad to be a part of it! We hope many of you can come to the New Parents’ Morning Tea and Commencement Cocktail Party (see below). You will all have received the annual P&F mail out, itself an institution! It contains important information for you, and needed from you, to get your sons’ year off to a good start and to receive in a few weeks’ time the indispensable Class List. Last year’s initiative to call for volunteers to fill positions early for Year Co-ordinator, Class Parents and Support Team was very successful, and thanks to all who responded so generously. The following years are waiting for you to fill the Co-ordinator position: Year 4, Year 5 and Year 10. We need more Class Parents and Support Team members across each year. So please take the plunge, you will enjoy it and be rewarded for your time and efforts with getting to know the people behind the names and faces in our otherwise large community. Drop your forms in the P&F boxes in Junior or Senior Schools. If easier for you, to volunteer for Year Co-ordinator, Class Parent or Support Team, email us at pandf@staloysius.nsw.edu.au.

UPCOMING EVENTS New Parents’ Morning Tea – 4 February at 10.15am: To be held in the Great Hall Foyer, following the Junior School Commencement Mass in the Boys’ Chapel at 9.00am. This is a great start to your year at Aloys’ and opportunity to meet the parents of your son’s future friends. Year 12 Mass and Supper – PLEASE NOTE DATE is 21 February at 6.00pm: To be held in the Boys’ Chapel, then Wyalla grounds. I apologise that the date printed in the mail out as 14 February was incorrect. Please adjust your diaries! This is a special event for Year 12 families. A couple of points for clarity – the cost is $25 per head so, for example, the cost for two parents plus your son will be $75. Food, soft drinks, tea and coffee are provided. BYO if you would like something stronger. Boys are to wear casual clothes. A flyer will be emailed to all families. There is also a copy later in this issue. Please deposit your RSVP slip and payment in the P&F box asap to facilitate catering orders. Enquiries to Sandra Odorisio (9958 1776), Margot Duncan (9968 2968) or Emileen Aboud (9746 1040). Commencement Cocktail Party – 27 February at 7.00pm: To be held in the Senior School Courtyard. Our major P&F function, this is popular with returning parents and a must for new. Invitations were included in the mail out, a copy of which can be found later in this issue. Please deposit your RSVP slip and payment in the P&F boxes in Junior or Senior Schools. NOTICES First Friday Mass – 5 February at 8.35am: All parents and friends are invited to join the First Friday Mass in the Oratory (the Boys’ Chapel Gallery, entry via Second or Third Floors of the Senior School), followed by coffee and colloquium (a conversation, some sharing). Anita Lee President

DIARY DATES 4 February New Parents’ Morning Tea: 10.15am [Great Hall

Foyer] 8 February Years 3&4 Ignatian Evening: 8.00-9.30pm [Miguel

Pro Playhouse] 15 February Years 5&6 Ignatian Evening: 8.00-9.30pm [Miguel

Pro Playhouse]

21 February Year 12 Mass & Supper: 6.00pm [Boys’ Chapel & Wyalla]

27 February P&F Commencement Cocktail Party: 7.00-9.30pm [Courtyard]

CONTACT DETAILS

Chairman President Vice-President/President Elect Vice-President/Pastoral Care Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Prayer Group Co-ordinator

Paul Darwell Anita Lee Michael Morgan Jenny Carter Barbara & Malcolm France Carla Gageler David Scott John Hayes Edwin Lapitan

0412 388 109 0413 946 581 0419 679 591 0407 977 180 0401 719 456 0402 373 728 0448 437 526 0407 915 460 0410 463 517

THE UNIFORM SHOP Additional Trading Hours: 8 February – 8.00am-3.00pm. Embroidery of Colours on a Monthly Basis: For those who have been awarded Colours, please bring in your senior blazer, with forms, on the last Tuesday of the month, during school term, to the Uniform Shop. Senior Blazer Fitting (sizes available from 16-26): Please ask your son in Year 11 to come to the Uniform Shop before the end of February for his Senior blazer fitting, which is needed by Terms 2&3, so that sufficient orders can be placed. For those who need special fitting ($25 on top of the cost of the Senior blazer), we need this done as soon as possible. Bob Stewart Credit Account: I urge that, if you have not yet opened a Credit Account with Bob Stewart, that you please do so, as it helps to process transactions much faster and gets the boys back to class quickly. For more information, go to the College website (www.staloysius.nsw.edu.au) and download the form from the Uniform Shop. If you do not wish to open an account, please obtain a form of payment which you son can use to make a purchase.

*If you would like to send your son to the shop for a uniform purchase, we are happy to fit him for your convenience. We accept cash, cheques (payable to “Bob Stewart Pty Ltd”), credit cards, EFTPOS or Bob Stewart Credit Account. If you are not satisfied with sizing, you are welcome to exchange.*

Irene Lau Supervisor (staloysius@bobstewart.com.au /9955 4193) THE SENIOR SCHOOL CANTEEN Lunch Orders: I would like to remind students and parents of the ordering system for the Senior School Canteen. A paper bag with the written order, and money placed inside, must be “posted” in the locked wooden box outside the Canteen door before 11.15am. Orders will then be available for pick up at lunchtime from the Express Lane counter. Ingredients available on bread (white or wholemeal) or rolls (white) are salmon, chicken, ham, egg, cheese, salad (lettuce, tomato, beetroot and carrot) and Vegemite. Roster: The following parents have kindly offered their services in the Senior School Canteen for the week commencing Monday, 1 February:- Monday Monica Logan, Barbara Goh, Kate Breslin Tuesday Kendal Fittler, Claire Jaroszewicz, Tjandra Wari Tilla

Dewi Wednesday Margot Duncan, Cathryn Thomson, Mami Tsang,

Sarah Janssen Thursday Rhonda Crisanti, Fiona Ducklin Friday Kylie Diamond, Naomi Jacobs, Rosemary Marks,

Caroline Pierce

Nadia Lorenzutta Canteen Manager 

  9 

CO-CURRICULAR NEWS THE DIRECTOR OF CO-CURRICULA Michael Turton, 2009 Sportmaster, announced at the end of Term 4 last year that he was heading to St Andrew’s Cathedral School as Director of Sport and Co-Curricula. We wish him well in this promotional position and thank him sincerely for the five years he has been involved with the College, and especially recognise his contribution to basketball. Sinclair Watson is the new Sportsmaster at St Aloysius’ College. Sinclair has been on staff for many years and is also the current Head of PDHPE. We wish him well in this new role. The College Swimming Championships were held at Sydney International Aquatic Centre in the last week of Term 4, 2009. Congratulations to Southwell House on winning the Cecil Healey Plate for best performing House on the day. One College record was broken at the meet – congratulations to Paul Sindone in the 17 years breaststroke (31.60). Age Champions and Runners Up were as follows:- 13s Age Champion: Max Graham Runners up: Hamish Moore and Sean Thompson 14s Age Champions: Joshua Hertz Runner up: James Agius 15s Age Champion: Harrison Williams Runner Up: Liam Thompson 16s Age Champion: Matthew Jepson Runner up: Elliot Long 17s Age Champion: Paul Sindone Runner up: Marcus Anderson Opens Age Champion: Trent Klouzal Runner up: Jack Grant In the last round of CAS cricket played against Trinity in early December, the College had a very successful round, winning three of the four fixtures and narrowly missing winning the other game. The 1sts defeated Trinity at Trinity in a thrilling finish. Chasing Trinity’s total of 238 runs, we passed their score with nine wickets down. Highlights in the batting included a century (103 runs) from Patrick Kennedy, with Jordan Daly 43 and Nic Donohoe 31. In the bowling, Will Craft claimed 3/26 and Nic Donohoe 3/62. The win puts the team just one point off the lead in the CAS premiership with five one day matches to complete. The 2nds secured their first CAS win of the season with an impressive 86 run win at Castle Cove. Batting first, our 2nds scored 9/219 with Chris Skinner (36) and Alex Ellis (35) amongst the runs. Trinity were dismissed for 133 with the consistent Daniel Barbieri (4-24) again doing most of the damage. The 10As won their game outright against Trinity in emphatic fashion. The team scored 286 with Grant Jansson (74), Mitchell Wood (65) and Tom Goh (40) contributing to the score-line. In the bowling, Chris Mullarkey was the standout, with figures of 4/6 and 3/23 in both innings. The 9As amassed 306 runs against Trinity at Tunks Park in a terrific batting performance. Captain Ben Rowbotham hit a wonderful 104 not out. Declan Creek (43) and Matt Turnbull (40) made significant contributions, too. Unfortunately, the 9As could not get the last Trinity wicket out and Trinity finished with 9/280 at stumps, with the game drawn. Our 1sts cricket team travelled to Melbourne for the Australian Jesuit Cricket Carnival in mid-December. The team played impressively in all matches with wins over Saint Ignatius’ Riverview and Xavier College in the early rounds. The team made the playoff for first placing against Xavier. The match was reduced to a 30-over game. Batting first, Xavier was dismissed for only 108 runs with Sam Wood claiming 3/16, Nic Donohoe 2/10 and Alec Cornelius 2/18. Unfortunately, our team only made 88 in reply. There were many fine individual performances in matches played, including Andrew Devaraj (64 runs), Jordan Daly (52 & 54 runs), Patrick Kennedy (43 runs) and Nic Donohoe (64 & 31 runs). In the bowling, Nic Donohoe scored 4/31, Alec Cornelius 3/23, Stuart Emanuel 3/40 and Sam Wood 3/31.

Selection in the Australian Jesuit Cricket team included four boys, which was the biggest number from any school. Congratulations to Will Craft, Nic Donohoe, Jordan Daly and Alec Cornelius. The Australian Jesuit Tennis Carnival was held in Melbourne in early December. For the second year in succession, the College was able to win the carnival narrowly from the host school Xavier. In the earlier rounds, our team managed to beat Saint Ignatius’ College Athelstone 9-0 on sets and Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview 8-1 on sets. Xavier had a similar score-line against these schools, so the match against Xavier was for the title. Unfortunately, rain during the carnival meant that a full second round of games could not be completed, so only the first round counted. With both Xavier and ourselves equal on sets after eight had been completed, Justin Lam played the final singles and won the pro set 9-6 to clinch the victory in dramatic circumstances. Congratulations to all team members, including Nic Fuentes, Harry Kelleher, Matt Rowland, Benji Pfister, Ben Lalic, Justin Lam, Nic Mytkowski and Scott Murray. Nic Fuentes, Harry Kelleher and Matt Rowland were later named in the Australian Jesuit Tennis Team. Our 1sts water polo squad, representing the College at the Tasman Championships in Auckland, went one step better this year, winning the final 8-6 against Melbourne High, who had beaten us last year in the final. It was an outstanding performance from the team to beat the highly rated Melbourne school. In the final, our boys raced to an 8-1 lead before Melbourne pegged back goals late in the match. The team played exceptionally well in earlier rounds, against quality opposition, which included the New Zealand Schoolboys’ team. The boys qualified for the final beating Newington College 11-3 in the semi final. Congratulations to all team members, including Mark Sindone, Lachlan Viney, Michael de Gail, Antony Peronace, Ciaran MacWhite, Trent Klouzal, Christian Colossi, Paul Sindone, Marcus Anderson and Harrison Williams. Paul Sindone was voted as Most Valuable Player of the tournament from all the schools. Paul scored a mountain of goals in all the games. Michael de Gail and Paul Sindone were selected in the team of the tournament. My thanks extend to parent and coach Mario Sindone, and staff member and MIC Margaret Loomes, who accompanied the boys on tour. Whilst on water polo, Michael de Gail and Mark Sindone played brilliantly for the Australian U18 Schools’ Team in their three tests victory against New Zealand Schools last December. Since then, Michael, Mark and brother Paul played in the NSW U18 team which won the Australian Championships in Perth only last weekend. Michael and Paul were named in the team of the tournament. All three boys have now been selected in the Australian U19 squad over Easter. In basketball, twenty boys travelled overseas to the United States to play a number of games on the western coast against fellow Jesuit High Schools. Two teams played in competition including a 1sts outfit and a development team. The tour proved invaluable to both coaches and players as much was learnt from playing against top basketball teams. Both teams did, however, have one memorable win each over Seattle Prep and Portland Adventus. A fuller report on the tour will appear in the next newsletter. My thanks extend to coach Dom Pelosi, and staff members Fr Jack McLain and Junior School Sportsmaster Trevor Dunne for accompanying the boys on tour. Whilst on basketball, the 1sts basketball team played in the Trinity Cup only last week. They had some terrific wins including a 64-40 success against Cranbrook and a 1 point win over the very strong Kings outfit. On individual achievements over the holiday period, congratulations to the following:- Tom Kingston performed well in the Australian Schoolboys’ Rugby team whilst on tour in the United Kingdom. Despite the team not being as successful as hoped, Tom played well in all matches. Year 10 student and swimmer Matt Jepson bagged four gold medals at the NSW Metropolitan Championships held last December. Matt was highlighted in the Manly Daily. In January of this year, Matt won five silvers at NSW Aged Swimming Championships. Year 12 student Nic Mulcahy qualified for the NSW Surf Life Saving team following his performances at the state trails held last December.

  10 

Year 11 student Jonathan Chan won first prize in the Steinway Emerging Artists 2009 piano competition. The competition ran for eight months and involved some extremely talented musicians. Hayden Fitzgerald was selected in the Australian Fencing team for the Asian Championships in Manila in March. This weekend, the College will be involved in internals. Details appear later in this issue. The CAS summer competition resumes on 6 February, with five rounds remaining. Boys will receive their season’s draws for the five competition matches at line up on Friday week.

Paul Rowland THE JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTSMASTER Welcome back to all families and boys in what promises to be a very exciting year for sport in the Junior School. A special welcome to those families who are new to St Aloysius’ in 2010; you will be very settled in no time at all. While your involvement with sport may seem at first to be quite daunting, after careful digestion of notes and through questioning of your son of what he was told about sport at assemblies and in PE time, your worries will subside in no time at all. Boys have been asked to wear their PE sports uniform to trainings that began this week (the table below was sent home with your son earlier in the week). I hope you have an enjoyable year and I look forward to meeting you at upcoming sporting events but, for the time being, we’ll concentrate on the first weeks of training and getting used to the process of travelling to and from sport. Well done to all boys on their efforts and enthusiasm at last week’s trials in what could have been a very anxious start to the sporting year. With trials underway we now enter our Summer Sport competition in all sports for Term 1, starting 13 February. Venue directories have been sent out previously with your son, with spares located at Junior School Reception. Please go through this information with your son. Please ensure that he has the correct uniform for all Saturday matches and training sessions. Note that boys in cricket are not permitted to wear the College baggy caps (these are for Senior School cricketers only). Boys have a choice of three hats – the SAC sports hat, the Junior School navy hat or the wide brim cricket hat that is sold at the Uniform Shop. Basketball boys have been given their playing number for the year and are asked to purchase this from the Uniform Shop this week in preparation for the first game this Saturday. Congratulations to the following boys who were elected 2010 Colour House leaders. We wish these boys the best of luck as they embark on this leadership role in the year. They seemed to have no problem settling into their first role, with the Swimming House carnival. Without your support it would not have been possible. A full report on the carnival will be in next week’s newsletter.

House Captain Vice-Captain Campion Peter Slaven Patrick Brimson Ogilvie Alexander Heath Peter Zenos Owen Jeremy Nissen Jack Mazaraki Southwell Matt Dainton Vincent Hrdina

Sports Timeline 28 January Summer sport trial sign up day for all boys Swimming carnival race selection for new boys

29 January Summer sport trials 9.00am-2.30pm various venues trial #1.

30 January Summer sport trials #2 various times and selections

1 February Squad lists displayed on sports notice board Basketball singlet numbers allocated

2 February Swimming carnival 2.00pm-8.00pm

5 February Team grading #1 various venues Training timetable and 2010 summer sports draw sent home

6 February Team grading #2 various venues

8 February Final team lists displayed on sports notice board

9 February Team training commences various times and venues. Swim program commences 6.00am

10 February Team training commences various times and venues

11 February Team training commences various times and venues

12 February Whole school training commences various times and venues

13 February Rd 1 commences various times and venues. Refer to separate note.

Trevor Dunne SWIMMING NEWS

Welcome to Term 1 and the continuation of the swimming season. The dates for all Carnivals in Term 1, 2010 are listed below. It is important that each member of the swim team is present at each of these carnivals

prior to CAS. Some of these carnivals are for points and St Aloysius’ has performed extremely well at these carnivals in the past. Each carnival will be used to assist with final selection of the CAS team. Congratulations to all swimmers who swam at the NSW State Age Championships. Matthew Jepson, Elliot Long and Trent Klouzal represented their swim clubs with some excellent results. Swimming training will commence on 2 February with Coach Graeme Brewer at the Gartlan Pool Riverview. Swimmers will be provided with ferry passes at training, each swimmer must go straight to class after arriving at Jeffreys Street Wharf. The Head of the Harbour is on 14 March. Last year the St Aloysius’ College Team was placed 1st and given the official Title ‘Head of the Harbour’. The event is a 2km open water swim from the steps of the Opera House. Swimmers are encouraged to attend to represent their school and attempt to reclaim the title. Students in the swim team can swim individually or as a team. Swimmers interested in competing please contact Miss Hogan. Swim breakfasts are continuing this term and this is an excellent chance for the team to come together prior to a swim meet each weekend. It is expected that each swimmer be at school at 7.45am to discuss details of the weekend’s carnival over breakfast. If you are able to offer your assistance please contact Miss Erin Hogan (Erin.Hogan@staloysius.nsw.edu.au).

Swimming Dates Term 1 2010

19 February Swim Breakfast: 7.45am

20 FebruaryRedlands Swimming Carnival: 6.00pm warm up [SOPAC]

27 February CAS Series Meet: 6.00pm warm up [SOPAC]

3 March Swim Breakfast & Announcement of 2010 CAS Swimming Team: 7.45am

11 March College Assembly Great Hall: 11.00am CAS Championships: 5.30pm [SOPAC]

14 March Sydney Harbour Swim Classic: 9.00am End-of-Season Dinner: 5.30pm [College Oval]

Erin Hogan MIC DRAMA NEWS

Year 12 students put on their own production at the Junior School: Following on from their success in last year’s major College production, The Front Page, seven of the current HSC Drama class students, plus seven other Year 12 students (all former Drama

  11 

students) are staging their own performance at the Junior School Amphitheatre on 19 and 20 February. First on the Double Bill is a short play Bear Hug which the students have asked our new English/Drama teacher, Ms Melinda Pedavoli, to direct. Bear Hug was performed at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 2004 and this will be its Australian premier. In Bear Hug, two middle-class parents agonise over their teenage son – and, no wonder, he has turned into a bear! This is a short, sharp shock of a play which should linger in the memory like a bad dream. The second play is an abridged production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and is directed by our Vice-Captain of Drama, Bennett Sheldon, who made a hit with his direction of Ogilvie House’s production of The Rocky Horror Show last year. The gates at the Junior School will be opened at 6.30pm and people are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, ‘low’ beach chairs and food and drink. The productions are not suitable for young children. Although there will be some chairs available at the back and sides, most people are asked to sit on the ground. Tickets are not being sold in advance and admission will be collected on the night. On Stage: Alex Cubis, Adrian Forrest, Charlie Newton and Ciaran Tobin have had their HSC Group Devised Play selected for performance at On Stage Program 1 at the Seymour Centre on the 8, 10 and 12 February at 7.30pm and on 9 and 11 February at 1.30pm. As Charlie Newton is overseas, James Fitzgerald will replace him in the performance. Writers On Stage: Joe McKenzie has had his playscript selected as one of two to be given a professionally directed and acted ‘moved reading’ at the Writers on Stage at the Seymour Centre on 10, 11 and 12 February at 10.30am. Joe’s play is called The Truthmakers and follows on from the success he had in 2008 when his script The Maths Test was performed at Page to Stage at the Ensemble Theatre and published by Currency Press.

On Screen: After two years studying in our Film production class in Years 9 and 10 and taking up Drama in Year 11, Mitchell Bainton has had his film Remembering You selected as one of three to be screened at On Screen at the Seymour Centre on 10, 11 and 12 February at 10.30am. These screenings are in conjunction with Writers on Stage. Webpage: Aloys Drama has a webpage link on the homepage of the St Aloysius’ College website. Just click on Creative Arts > Drama. There you will find information on the Drama diary for the year, posters advertising the current productions, brochures on the Drama and Film courses we offer, a list of all the main productions over the last 100 years and a selection of photos from our productions from the last few years. In the past we have also had booking forms you can download with which to book tickets. This year you won’t be able to book tickets through Reception, as we have in the last few years, so we have to look at alternative methods of booking tickets for our shows. Hopefully this will be online, and will be up and running by the time of Biloxi Blues.

Peter Gough Head of Drama PUBLIC SPEAKING vir eloquens

All students interested in participating in public speaking competitions this year are strongly encouraged to attend coaching sessions, due to commence sometime in the second full week of term. Details will be published here once they are determined. In the meantime, students should register their intentions with me. Our first competition will be the one conducted by the CSDA. M Etmekdjian

  12 

  13 

  14 

  15 

  16 

SENIOR SCHOOL SPORTS FIXTURES