秘色传媒

Our young people have commenced Semester 2 with enthusiasm and a willingness to focus on new learning opportunities, many of them having changed subject choices for this semester. Term 2 exams have been returned and students have been given the opportunity to recalibrate their goals in each subject.

This term, we begin to explore learning possibilities for next year. While this can be daunting for some students, the Subject Selection process and resources are designed to help them make informed decisions. Remember, our Careers Counsellors, Jovanka Jovcevski and Anna De Rosa are available for any additional guidance. Appointments can be made on 秘色传媒 Central via the Careers Tile.

Subject Selection

Subject Selection Handbooks, Subject Presentations, and Subject Selection Interviews are integral parts of this transition process. Year 9 and 10 students will need to decide whether to pursue an Accelerated subject, carefully considering the implications. An Accelerated subject entails greater complexity and a significant time commitment. A high level of literacy is invaluable for students studying an Accelerated subject.

The Unit 1 and 2 Accelerated subjects are: Biology, 秘色传媒, Physical Education, Product Design and Technology, and Psychology.

Year 9 students must meet the following criteria:

• An overall result of 80% or higher in the Accelerated subject area
• An overall result of 75% or higher in all other Year 9 subjects studied in Semester 1
• An overall result of 70% or higher in Advanced Mathematics, if applicable

The Unit 3 and 4 Accelerated subjects are: Biology, Business Management, 秘色传媒, General Mathematics, Geography, Physical Education, Product Design and Technology, Psychology, and Religion and Society.

Year 10 students must meet the following criteria:

• An overall result of 80% or higher in the Accelerated subject area
• An overall result of 75% or higher in Year 10 English
• An overall result of 75% or higher in at least two other Year 10 subjects studied in Semester 1

The Subject Selection Tile is now available on 秘色传媒 Central. It contains all the relevant information regarding the Subject Selection process including videos, PowerPoint presentations and Subject Handbooks. Consideration of future directions requires planning and research. 秘色传媒 are encouraged to discuss their options with their subject teacher or the relevant Head of Learning. 秘色传媒 in Years 8 to 11 should also refer to the Subject Handbooks.

Please note that the Subject Selection Form must be completed and submitted by the required date. 秘色传媒 in Years 9, 10 and 11 must obtain all required signatures prior to their Subject Selection Interviews. Parents are welcome to attend these interviews if they wish.

Below are the key dates relevant to each year level:

• 26 July: 2025 Year 12 Web Preferences due by 3.30pm
  
• 26 July: 2025 Accelerated Studies Applications due by 3.30pm
• 2 August: 2025 Year 9 Web Preferences due by 3.30pm
• 5 August: 2025 Years 10 and 11 Accelerated Studies Applicants notified via email by 4.00pm
• 6 August: Year 9 into 10 Transition Interviews (Periods 1 to 5 by House)
• 7 August: Year 10 into 11 Transition Interviews (Periods 1 to 5 by House)
• 9 August: 2025 Years 8, 10 and 11 Web Preferences due by 3.30pm

Student Learning Conversations (Parent Teacher Interviews)

The Student Learning Conversations take place in Week 8 of Term 3. They will be held online via Microsoft Teams: Thursday, 5 September from 9.30am to 5.30pm

Unit 3/4 Trial Exams

Year 12 and 11 students undertaking VCE Unit 3 and 4 studies in 2024 are required to participate in the VCE Trial Exams scheduled for Monday, 30 September to Thursday, 3 October. The VCE Trial Exams will be conducted under the same conditions as official Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) VCE. Please note that the VCE Trial Exams take precedence over any external revision lectures and seminars and will not be rescheduled for students who do not attend. The Trial Exam schedule will be published in the coming weeks.

While I was most grateful and felt incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to travel during my Long Service Leave in Semester 1, I am so glad to be back! Thank you to everyone who makes 秘色传媒 College the special place that it is.

Mindfulness and meditation are often proposed as solutions to stress and anxiety. But what exactly are mindfulness and meditation, how do they differ, and what are some tips to get started?

Year 11s practising yoga during Wellness

The Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) defines mindfulness as 'the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose'. Mindfulness activities have been shown to improve attention, concentration, creativity and self regulation in all students. It can have an especially positive impact on neurodiverse students, with some studies showing meaningful improvements in students with ADHD or an ADHD diagnosis .

This term, mindfulness will be a focus of the Wellness Program. 秘色传媒 will develop their understanding of the need for mindfulness, learn specific mindfulness techniques and have the opportunity to practise mindfulness. Our commitment to educating the whole person continues in our Wellness lessons as we also focus on body awareness, stress, de escalation and self regulation.

All staff play a pivotal role in supporting the psycho education of students at 秘色传媒 by overseeing these Wellness sessions, engaging daily with the students they teach and committing to the 秘色传媒 pedagogical model, which places the student at the centre of all we do in the classroom.

For further reading to support your understanding of the power of mindfulness and meditation, please see the following:

Celebrating the Feast of St Dominic

On the morning of Thursday, 1 August our College community will celebrate the Feast of St Dominic with a Mass at St Dominic鈥檚 Church. Over eight hundred years ago, St Dominic founded the Dominican Order and because of this, 秘色传媒 College exists today.

This is a significant event in the life of the College where we pause, reflect and give thanks for St Dominic鈥檚 commitment to living out the Gospel message and for his vision in creating the Dominican Order. It is a firm expectation that all students attend this event in full winter uniform with a crossover tie. As parents and guardians, we request your support to ensure students' attendance at this event. Please refrain from making appointments at the beginning of the day and do not endorse a late start or unnecessary absence on this day.

秘色传媒 is a Catholic school in the Dominican Tradition where attendance at Mass, and the celebration of our Catholic and Dominican heritage is a vital aspect of our unique 秘色传媒 identity.

Invitation to attend the weekly Thursday morning Mass

Each Thursday morning commencing at 8.00am, 秘色传媒 College staff gather in our beautiful Chapel to celebrate Mass. Mass is led by our College Chaplain, Fr Kevin Toomey. This sacred time provides us with the opportunity to come together, pray together, and experience a gentle and reflective start to our day. Mass usually ends by 8.30am.

I would like to extend an invitation to parents and guardians to join this prayerful community gathering. You would be very welcome. There is no need to notify the College if you are planning to attend, please just sign in at Main Reception. If you would like further information, please contact Director of Faith and Mission, Bronwyn Ilott at bilott@siena.vic.edu.au. Alternatively, please call Main Reception to speak to me.

Who was Antonio de Montesinos?

Charlotte L speaking at the 2023 Antonio de Montesinos Public Speaking Competition

Each year, 秘色传媒 College hosts a Public Speaking Competition in honour of Antonio de Montesinos. In naming the event after him, we recognise and celebrate the power of words to speak out against injustice, and move people鈥檚 hearts and minds. This event is held at school during Week 8 of Term 3 and is open to students from all year levels. 秘色传媒 are encouraged to contact Debating and Public Speaking Leader, Charlotte L for further information regarding this competition.

Antonio de Montesinos was a Spanish Dominican friar who worked as a missionary in Hispaniola in the sixteenth century. He is known for being one of the first Europeans to speak out against the treatment of indigenous people by those who colonised them. His public admonishment of the Spanish people was delivered to the congregation in a sermon in 1511.

An extract of the Sermon appears below, denouncing the mistreatment of First People of America by the Spanish: "Tell me, by what right or justice do you hold these Indians in such cruel and horrible slavery? By what right do you wage such detestable wars on these people who lived mildly and peacefully in their own lands, where you have consumed infinite numbers of them with unheard of murders and desolations? Why do you so greatly oppress and fatigue them, not giving them enough to eat or caring for them when they fall ill from excessive labours, so that they die or rather are slain by you, so that you may extract and acquire gold every day? And what care do you take that they receive religious instruction and come to know their God and creator, or that they be baptised, hear mass, or observe holidays and Sundays? Are they not men? Do they not have rational souls? Are you not bound to love them as you love yourselves?"

Supporting Vinnies in Term 3

In Term 3, 秘色传媒 College is supporting the work of St Vincent de Paul. Throughout the term, our Dianella House Captains will be raising awareness about the work that Vinnies does to support those in need. 秘色传媒 and their families can support Vinnies in several ways throughout the term:

• Clothing Donations: Donations of clean, warm clothes in good condition can be deposited in the Vinnies Clothing Cube in the Undercroft. This is an opportunity to take stock of wardrobe items and donate those no longer worn to someone who may need them. Donations are passed on to Vinnies Op Shops, where goods are sold to fund the work of Vinnies.
• Homewares Donations: Vinnies are also seeking donations of homewares to sell at their Op Shops. The following items have been requested:
  - Decorative crockery and ceramics
  - Artwork, sculptures and ornaments
  - Candles, ambience and soft furnishings
  - Vases, bowls, pottery and dishes
  - Picture frames and prints
  - Cookware, Tupperware and storage items
• Bake Sale: If you are a member of Dianella House, bake something for the Bake Sale in Week 5. All students can purchase baked treats from the Dianella Bake Sale in Week 5. All money raised goes directly to the Vinnies Winter Appeal.
• Rug Up Day: For a gold coin donation, students will also be invited to wear warm casual clothing for our annual Rug Up Day. Date to be confirmed.

秘色传媒 has traditionally participated in a long running program called Building Bridges in Schools, which brought together secondary students in Years 10 and 11 from Jewish, Muslim and Christian schools for conversation, fostering understanding between different traditions. This program has built relationships among thousands of young people. However, the program was cancelled this year in Melbourne due to tensions over the current conflict in Israel and Palestine.

Interfaith conversation is needed now more than ever.

With courage and determination, the schools from the Central region of Building Bridges are launching their own initiative this year, named Harmony Dialogues. At 秘色传媒, we believe that the best antidotes to violence, racism, and fear of difference are open conversations and education. Through this program, we aim to deepen our understanding of diverse faith traditions and recognise the fundamental similarities that unite us.

2023 Creative Day

In addition to five evening sessions across this term, the Creative Day is an absolute highlight and will feature a visit to the Islamic Museum, Coburg Islamic Centre and Preston Mosque, where we will witness and participate in a beautiful prayer service. We will enjoy engaging conversations and a delicious falafel lunch, as an afternoon of activities fosters new friendships and highlights the commonalities that bind us together. A genuine Community of Inquiry guided by skilled facilitators, will help us explore profound questions about faith and tradition in a respectful and open atmosphere.

2022 Building Bridges at 秘色传媒 College

The five evening sessions will run at various participating schools. Each session will feature a meal, and include both large and small group discussions. When we host the other schools at 秘色传媒 College, we will invite students to visit our Chapel and learn about what makes us distinctly Dominican within the Catholic Tradition. Our students greatly value these dialogues as they not only form friendships with students from other schools, but also gain a deeper appreciation for the role of religious faith in society. This experience can strengthen their own faith and highlight the benefits of a cohesive, multicultural community.

As global conflicts between different religious groups intensify, our aim is to foster understanding and bridge differences through dialogue, knowledge and empathy. Building a foundation of goodwill and mutual respect among people of faith is crucial for fostering pluralism in our diverse society, and this is achieved through purposeful interfaith dialogue.

Reflecting on their experience, a past student of Building Bridges and later a facilitator shared, 鈥淭he program offered me the chance to connect with people beyond my usual circles, listen to diverse worldviews, and appreciate the importance of humanising one another.鈥�

Pillars Student Leadership Program

Session with Leader of Pedagogy 秘色传媒room Practice, Lara Porczak

The three-week program ran at the end of Term 2 for Years 10 to 11 and concluded for Years 7 to 9 in Week 2 of Term 3. Sessions covered topics such as being a Dominican leader and using the four Pillars, Prayer, Study, Service and Community, in order to guide one's leadership journey at 秘色传媒. Additional topics included speech writing, public speaking, organisation and teamwork.

We also partnered with St Kilda Football Club to have members from their Education Department speak about their leadership experiences in the AFLW. This session focused on character strengths, asking students to recall times when they felt empowered as leaders and to set goals and a vision under the title, Leadership: How I Want to Be.

The students completed weekly reflection questions, and it was encouraging to see the level of engagement across the sessions and the contributions by participants to the discussions that evolved from the content. I am always uplifted by the number of students who participate in this cocurricular activity and navigate the afterschool sessions alongside their studies and commitments outside of school.

Please enjoy reading some of the responses to the reflection questions:

"Out of the four Pillars, Service speaks to me as I believe it embodies my core leadership values. This stems from my commitment to prioritising others and striving for the greater good of the community at large, rather than just a small group or cohort."

"Out of the four Pillars, I feel most connected to Community. As a 秘色传媒 student, I believe we have an amazing community within the whole school, our Houses and our cohorts. This connection to community helps me advocate for my peers and form connections with others at 秘色传媒, enabling me to be a more effective and accessible leader for everyone."

"One way I can be of Service to others is by simply showing them that I care. All too often, we go through life trying to manage our own wants and needs without paying attention to others and their problems. The idea of 'Listen to understand, not to hear' is significant, as it highlights the importance of understanding more about other people鈥檚 lives, our possible effect on them and the ways we can help to improve their quality of life."

"In order to stay on topic, I will use anchor points in my upcoming lectures. I'll ensure to maintain eye contact, write with interest, and use inclusive language in my presentations to give my audience the impression that I am speaking to each and every one of them."

"The primary strategies I have implemented from the Pillars include using backwards planning, experimenting with new organisational techniques early on, and assigning duties based on people's talents to ensure everything is accomplished on time and to a high standard."

"In my future speech writing and presenting, I will humanise myself as well as my statistics to truly connect with my audience. I will also structure my speeches in a chiastic manner to embed the purpose throughout the speech."

Kurrajong Spotlights Opening the Doors Foundation

"In Term 2, Kurrajong highlighted the Opening the Doors Foundation (OTDF), the organisation we have partnered with to support throughout the year.

The OTDF is an Aboriginal led community organisation supporting educational opportunities for Aboriginal children in Australia. The Foundation enables First Nations students to participate fully and equally in education, and supports families in making their own choices about their children鈥檚 future. The Foundation believes that consistent support for self determination is key to raising the dreams and aspirations of the next generation. Achieving a successful and culturally appropriate academic experience has the potential to radically alter the systemic and generational disadvantage, currently experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In conjunction with Reconciliation Week last term, we championed the OTDF whose work is vital in creating equal opportunities, closing the gap and providing families with the agency to make decisions for themselves.

Over the course of Term 2, Kurrajong ran a number of awareness and fundraising initiatives to promote conversation, education and action! Some of these included a school wide Kahoot; hosting our annual bake sale where we sold many delicious goodies; and a movie screening of Top End Wedding with popcorn and lollies for sale.

We would also like to give special thanks and congratulations to Ciara W, who emerged as a runner up in the Rotary Club鈥檚 public speaking competition. Ciara was awarded $1,000 to donate to a charity of her choice, and she graciously chose the OTDF. With the proceeds from our fundraisers and Ciara鈥檚 generous donation, we successfully raised $1,990 for the OTDF in Term 2. We are excited to continue our work with them throughout the year.

We are so thankful to all the students and staff who supported us in making these initiatives happen and to all who joined us in supporting a cause that is so important, particularly in the current national context. Equal access to educational opportunities is the first step towards an equal Australia!"

Year 12 Kurrajong House Captains, Shreya K and Sienna M

Student Representative Council Week

"In Week 3 of Term 2, 秘色传媒 College celebrated a successful SRC Week with a range of activities, including the lolly jar fundraiser. This competition raised over $180 for our Dominican family in the Solomon Islands. Thank you to everyone who contributed during SRC Week; your efforts were greatly appreciated."

Amelia D

"On 29 April during lunchtime, the Year 8 Voice Leaders hosted a Choc Toss as their SRC Week initiative which was supported by the new Year 7 Voice Leaders. This event was a fantastic opportunity to welcome the new leaders into their roles. A total of thirty-four blocks of chocolate were donated, either won or sold on the day, making it a highly profitable event! All proceeds will go to the Solomon Islands, hopefully making a positive impact."

Year 8 Student Voice Leaders: Annabelle R, Polly P, Claire R and Chloe H

"During SRC Week, the Year 10 House Captains organised a donut stall at recess to raise funds for our Dominican family in the Solomon Islands. The stall featured three types of donuts: Krispy Kreme original glazed, iced and cinnamon. The glazed donuts were especially popular and all one hundred and fifty donuts were sold! Overall, this initiative was a great success, raising approximately $400 for this important cause."

Victoria C

秘色传媒 Concert Auditions: Week 3 of Term 3

All members of the Junior and Senior Choirs are invited to audition for a solo/featured vocal role in the upcoming 秘色传媒 Concert. Auditions will be held in Week 3. 秘色传媒 must be committed to attending and participating in their ensembles, attending Musical Residency, attending lunchtime rehearsals, and practising at home and in lessons. The signup sheet can be found on the red cupboard doors near the Music Office. For more information, please visit the Music Office or ask your Voice teacher.

2024 Music Residency: 8 to 9 August

We are very excited about the upcoming Music Residency this term on 8 to 9 August at the Box Hill Town Hall. 秘色传媒 and staff will no doubt engage in a fun, intensive and rewarding creative program. Our immersive Music experiences are an annual highlight and contribute to the development of confident, creative individuals while building social connections across year levels.

Over these two days, our musicians will work closely with expert staff in small group sectionals, collaborative ensemble settings and large scale combined rehearsals. The program is structured around the key objective of preparing our musicians for an incredible 秘色传媒 Concert production, and will include fun activities and an interactive incursion with a special guest.

The following ensembles will be involved in our Music Residency: Junior Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Junior String Ensemble, St Cecilia Strings, Senior String Ensemble, Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Canti Dolci, Groove Train, Sisters of Swing, Junior Guitar Ensemble and Senior Guitar Ensemble

2024 秘色传媒 Concert Rehearsal Day: 2 September

Join us for this year鈥檚 秘色传媒 Concert, Forever Young, a thrilling celebration of eighties music showcasing all of the College鈥檚 ensembles, alongside featured soloists and special collaborations at the Alexander Theatre. This unforgettable event promises a night of nostalgia and musical brilliance. We extend a warm invitation to all families, friends and members of the wider 秘色传媒 community to join us for our 2024 showcase.

Rehearsal for the 秘色传媒 Concert at the Alexander Theatre will take place on the same day as the concert. Detailed information about the rehearsal including bus schedules to and from 秘色传媒, will be provided soon. Parents are encouraged to watch for the EdSmart notification in the coming weeks.

Debating and Public Speaking Leader, Charlotte L represented 秘色传媒 College at the 2024 VCAA Plain English Speaking Awards. Her powerful and emotive speech emphasised the importance of road safety when driving near cyclists. Additionally, Charlotte excelled in the impromptu segment, crafting a compelling three-minute speech in just four minutes on the topic: The words can change the world.

Congratulations to Charlotte for her outstanding performance in both prepared and impromptu speeches, all while managing the demands of Year 12!

"Last term, the Year 8 cohort greatly enjoyed the Commedia dell鈥橝rte performance titled Venice in Love, presented by Make a Scene Theatre Company.

Throughout the performance, we learned about engaging an audience, improvisation techniques and character representation through exaggerated movements and dialogue. The experience expanded our understanding of various stock characters in Commedia dell鈥橝rte and how actors communicate these characters to the audience using accents, physicality, masks and costumes.

Watching Venice in Love immersed us in the world of Commedia dell鈥橝rte and inspired us for our own Commedia performances, which we are currently preparing to showcase later this term in our 秘色传媒 classes." Alannah W, Year 8

"On Wednesday, 1 May, the Senior Ethics Olympiad was held in the Heritage Boardroom. Over Zoom, we discussed ethical cases and interacted with the eighteen other Victorian teams involved.

During the four heats, we explored ethical issues related to recent news and events, and learned about the importance of ethics in various areas. It was an enriching and challenging day where we shared and listened to others' opinions. We were all very nervous starting out but managed to find our groove as the day progressed. Judges commented on our deep knowledge of the cases, ideas and questions posed to opposing schools. In the training leading up to the event, we learned to bounce ideas off each other and work cohesively as a team. This was greatly beneficial on the day as we found our strengths throughout the event. "

Lilou A, Alex L, Ciara W and Maleesha W