海角大神

As this edition of The Lighthouse is published, our Year 12 students should be well immersed in their SwotVac period in preparation for exams commencing (for most) with English on Tuesday.  We wish them every success in these final assessments and we also pass on our best wishes to those who are in the process of transition to further training or work. It is a great credit to their resilience that they have continued to maintain a focus on their studies during a year so full of disruption. We hope that each student navigates a pathway that is rewarding and provides an opportunity to continue to develop their God given talents.

Graduation in times of Covid-19

Our class of 2020 joined together in Mentor groups last week to have their Graduation recorded so that we can share this formal event with parents/guardians and other family members. We hope that this video provides a lasting memory of secondary school that is positive and acts as a fitting acknowledgement of the achievements of the last six years. Thank you to the production team for capturing this ceremony. 

On Thursday, the students celebrated the last day of Year 12 together in a spirit of belonging and friendship. Within the confines of our Covid-19 restrictions, the students were able to share the common bond that they are the graduating class of 2020 and, to this extent, have had an experience that is quite unique. I offer thanks to all who contributed so that this day of celebration was possible.

Excerpt from Principal鈥檚 Graduation Speech

"As I take this opportunity to reflect on your time at 海角大神 College, it is obvious that I do so in the shadows of a year that none of us either expected, nor welcomed. Covid-19 has tested our resilience and resourcefulness. Yet, it is at the times we face our greatest challenges, that we learn the most about our own personal strengths. At the times we see our social fabric most threatened, we witness a response in kindness from others and a heightened concern for the wellbeing of our fellow human.

In looking back at your last six years, I鈥檓 going to encourage you to lift your eyes and see beyond any disappointments that this year may bring. There is much to be celebrated. Some of the anecdotal feedback that has been received from students this year shows this great insight:

• 鈥淚 have missed not having my teacher in the classroom with me, but I have learned that I am far more resourceful than I believed鈥�
• 鈥淚 have missed my friends, but I have developed a special relationship with my mum and dad鈥�
• 鈥淚 have sometimes felt lonely, but I have learnt that I actually enjoy my own company as well鈥�
• 鈥淚 am more resilient than many people thought I would be鈥�

I hope, as you reflect on the last six years, that you are flooded with fond memories of good times and great people. You are the graduating class of 2020 and will always be so. You have a shared experience that no one else can fully understand and, long after much has been forgotten, you will continue to share bonds of friendship that will prevail. If this year has taught us anything, it has been to value human connectedness. 

I want to extend a vote of thanks to the parents/guardians who have trusted their children to our care.  I hope you look upon your young people with a great sense of pride in their formation as a young adult. To those families whose youngest or only child graduates this year and so end their association with 海角大神 College, I would like to offer a special vote of thanks to you for entrusting 海角大神 with your children. 

I also thank the 海角大神 College staff who have committed themselves to the formation of young people. Not just those who have taught Year 12, but those who laid foundation stones in Years 7 and 8, witnessed the emergence of an independent mind in Years 9 and 10, and focussed the learning in Years 11 and 12.  I also want to acknowledge the staff who work in a support capacity and make a difference that sometimes goes unacknowledged. The staff of 海角大神 College are education professionals of the highest calibre and their dedication to the students entrusted to them is generous. Graduates - I encourage you to take the time to reflect on the outstanding teachers that have shared their love of learning with you.

Finally, I would like to thank you, the graduating class of 2020, for your contribution to 海角大神 College. We are a better community for your sharing of your gifts with us. Our mission was to 鈥減romote quality education while developing an awareness of God in our lives, the value and connectedness of all human relationships, a sense of justice, a hopeful spirit and a love of learning.鈥� As we approach the finish line, I hope that you feel this mission is accomplished.  I wish you every success for a bright future, confident that our destiny is safe in your hands.

Thanks to our College Leaders of 2020

It has been my pleasure to congratulate and thank our student leaders for 2020 this week: 

• College Captains: Bridget Dale and Nick Tellus 
• College Vice Captains: Jules Carboni and Anita Mugamu
• Board Representative: Charlotte Dring 
• College Ambassador: Luca Napolitano.

This group of young leaders have played a significant role in College decision making as we have endeavoured to navigate the many challenges this year has posed. At one stage, in the first period of lockdown, they were meeting with the College Executive on a weekly basis to offer a student perspective on the Continuing Learning Plan and this insight was invaluable. Over recent weeks, they have continued to represent their peers and offer a student voice as we were planning end of year arrangements. 

Important Dates

A reminder of some key dates coming up:

November 2020
Tuesday, Nov 10 - VCE English Exam
Monday, Nov 16 - Year 11 Exams commence
Tuesday, Nov 17 - Final meeting 海角大神 College Board
Tuesday, Nov 24 - Year 11 to 12 Transition commences

December 2020
Tuesday, Dec 2 - VCE Exams conclude
Friday, Dec 4 - Final Day Years 7 - 10
Monday, Dec 7 - Year 7 2021 Orientation Day
Friday, Dec 11 - Last day for Teaching Staff
Friday, Dec 18 - College Office closes
Thursday, Dec 30 - VCE/VCAL Results published

January 2021
Friday, Jan 22 - Middle Years and Senior Years Office opens
Wednesday, Jan 27 - Year 7 Parent Information Night
Friday, Jan 29 - Year 7 & 12 commence

February 2021
Monday, Feb 1 - Years 8 - 11 commence
Monday, Feb 1 - School photos

Darren Atkinson
Principal

It鈥檚 two weeks since schools in Melbourne emerged fully from the COVID lockdown. Victoria still has not. Like the rest of the state we are taking small, tentative steps toward the future, more conscious about safety than we have ever been. I don鈥檛 know about you but my hands have never been cleaner. It is easy, in these circumstances, to dwell in the present or the near future. While schools must be safe and respond to present concerns, their real responsibility is to invest in the future, to promote the well being of the individual, the community and the planet. Preparing young people for their lives is investing in all of our futures. These seem like lofty goals and they are hard to keep in the forefront, especially as a microscopic virus sweeps across the globe.

It鈥檚 in this context that I want to discuss a report that was released recently by the OECD called 鈥淎re students ready to thrive in an interconnected world?鈥�. The data that form the background of this report is collected from the PISA tests, the tests that rank nations in Literacy and Mathematics and cause great consternation amongst education bureaucrats around the world. The changing world that this test is trying to understand is described as: "The backdrop to 21st century education is our endangered environment. Growing populations, resource depletion and climate change compel all of us to think about sustainability and the needs of future generations. At the same time, the interaction between technology and globalisation has created new challenges and new opportunities. Digitalisation is connecting people, cities, countries and continents in ways that vastly increase our individual and collective potential. But the same forces have also made the world volatile, complex and uncertain."

So the OECD developed a test about these issues and gave it to the students undertaking the Literacy and Mathematics test in 2018. You can read the full paper and you can complete the test and see the range of topics that contributed to the results .  

The underlying philosophy of the research is that we live in an interconnected world, one that builds wealth and opportunity, while at the same time can create uncertainty and upheaval. 

Andreas Schleicher鈥檚 article about the research argues: 鈥�In this environment, the Sustainable Development Goals, set by the global community for 2030, describe a course of action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. These goals are a shared vision of humanity that provides the missing piece of the globalisation puzzle, the glue that can counter the centrifugal forces in the age of accelerations.鈥�

And it does not matter how remotely we live or the occupation we have, it is about understanding others.

鈥淎t work, at home and in the community, people will need a broad comprehension of how others live, in different cultures and traditions, and how others think, whether as scientists or as artists.鈥�

The article covers important areas in developing students skills to be able to make the most of the world they live in and the world they will live in. The subheadings are:

• What schools can do to support learning about global issues and intercultural understanding? 
• Securing equitable opportunities for students to develop global and intercultural skills
• Promoting an inclusive learning environment
• Supporting teachers
• The parent factor
• Communities can also play an important role
• The role of multilingual skills

An important reminder is that a world that is engaged and thinking about others is not an accident, it requires work and it is work for all of us no matter where we live.

鈥淚n our times, global connectedness is no longer just an issue for those who travel to faraway places, but it has arrived at everyone鈥檚 doorsteps. At work, at home and in the community, people need to engage with different ways of thinking and different ways of working, and they need to understand different cultures. The foundations for this don鈥檛 all come naturally, but need to be built.鈥� 

Michael Box
Deputy Principal Learning

A time to reflect

Our Year 12 cohort completed their formal studies last week and celebrated with great dignity. My best wishes go to such a resilient group of young adults who are an example of perseverance and positivity as they complete their exams while some begin work, apprenticeships, or further study. Although there is no denying that the pandemic has had an impact on their education, I am certain that opportunities will open up as they progress through life. Their aspirations should be to conquer the world and be their best at all times. And just as the Year 12s finish, the Year 7 students have returned to school to make the most of the rest of the year as a restart to high school. All year levels in between have returned to 海角大神 as well, giving it life and providing the rest of us with some much needed normality. Please ensure to assist your child in their transition back and notify the relevant staff if you require additional support. It is important that despite the improvements of the state in controlling the pandemic, we remain careful and adhere to all safety expectations. 

Recent numbers of recorded transmission of the COVID-19 for our city have been extremely positive, and the staged easing of lockdowns could not have come at a better time for what has been a tiring and somewhat confronting time for many. The state and federal governments have boosted funding of mental health support in fear that the impact of the lockdowns could result in a spike of mental health related challenges. The recent easing of restrictions have provided a taste of a return to some normality, or at the very least, a sense of what life was like for all of us some 9 months ago or so. In light of this, I wonder if as a society, we have learnt to appreciate the importance of the things often taken for granted by the busy lives that we are used to living? Are we going to go back to the old days at the expense of missing out on the things that gave us hope during the times of the lockdown?

Self-reflection is an important skill to develop and in order to respond to these very important questions, as collectively, as a community, and as individuals, we must firstly consider, what we did learn (or remembered) about ourselves during the lockdowns. Then we must think about how this can be used to improve our lifestyles. Although the nature of this question is personal, and may only be answered by the individual when there is time to consider it as an opportunity to reflect, we must also acknowledge that we have lived through an unusual experience that marks a time in history, not only in our country but world wide. Despite all this, we must also realise that the challenges delivered great opportunities as well. We now have the chance to think about what was important at the time that we simply could not travel further than five kilometres, or could not be out of the house for longer than one hour for one of the 4 reasons listed by the authorities. And despite naturally having a feeling of being imprisoned to some degree, there was also a freedom to do so much more than we normally can do for most people. 

For me, as I reflect on what life was like approximately 3 months ago, during a time when it was impossible to do many things that I was so used to doing, like playing competitive sport or catching up with friends, I attempted to figure out the meaning of the power of compassion for our modern day and current context in reflection to me. I started to reflect back on how our sense of compassion had shifted from the willingness to give and be mostly concerned with the wellbeing of others to focusing on the realities that we faced, with news segments reminding us that we were facing a crisis and leaders pursuing the law to control it. Suddenly, I appreciated that there is a need to be compassionate to those around me, those in my own family doing it tough and facing imminent challenges that could not be addressed at the time. It was becoming more and more confronting and evident as friends and relatives had entered a stage of confusion and somewhat a realisation of defeat, as like many people in our state, most of my extended family members and some friends have small businesses and had to face the impact that the closures would have on them. Yet, at this point, I also realised that I needed to be compassionate with myself in order to be what I hoped to be for others, as the struggles started to impact the style of life that I had been used to, I realised that taking care of myself was really important. 

In my time away during the lockdown, I learnt to revalue the impact that love and faith have on my thinking and considerations. It had been a long time since I found myself thinking, realising and accepting that in so many ways, there were more questions than answers about how I felt as a person of faith. Yet, it was in the love that I felt from my family and friends, and my faith, that I was able to find the strength to look into the future with optimism. It was the Google Meets and Zoom sessions that reaffirmed that the denial of physical space should never be a reason to not show others the appreciation that we have for them. In fact, I managed to connect with so many people that I hadn鈥檛 in a while, I started cooking more, enjoying the sun when it was out, meditated, prayed and considered how fortunate we are to live in a country that has the infrastructure to combat a pandemic in a way that protects all, especially the vulnerable. This is not to say that at times I felt frustration towards the virus, the authorities and my sense of helplessness. It was a challenging time, yet I know that my time in isolation is one that reflects not only the anxiety and sense of fear but also the empowerment of love and faith in others, and for me, my faith in God.

Our compassion is crucial in the way that we have learnt to appreciate the gifts we share as a community. Being compassionate must account the way that we treat ourselves as we deal with the impact that the isolation has had on us. It is important to take time to reflect and remember the sense of happiness we shared when we got to cook, to chat, to remind our kids of their responsibilities but were also attentive to their schooling in doing so. As the world continues to combat the impact of the virus and the impact of politics and unrest all over the world continue to dominate the headlines, I wonder if we have learnt to truly appreciate life for its simplicity, or if we are doomed to return to the busy life that often challenged us into feeling overtired, disconnected and time poor? It is important that we continually seek help and support, checking in on our mental and physical health. I invite you to consider speaking with your children about the importance of self-reflection, the gift of compassion and self-care. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at rodeznone@aquinas.edu.vic.eu If you or your child needs any support, please contact your child鈥檚 Year Level Leader/Team Leader or the Youth and Family Centre at yfc@aquinas.vic.edu.au

Dr Nap Rodezno
Deputy Principal

Remembering War/Remembering Peace

Next week we will remember those who have died or suffered during wars. Originally called Armistice Day as it was meant to celebrate the end of all wars, the moment that silence fell across the fronts. Unfortunately human nature continues to intervene and there have been many wars fought since the Great War. As such it became Remembrance Day and while we remember those who fought for peace, it is also a time to remind ourselves to keep peace.

Jesus was a pacifist, he believed in non violence, 鈥渢urn the other cheek鈥�. This message slowly became lost in the changes and justifications for war created in the 4th Century and continued through today. Our own catechism provides reasons for the justification of violence. In Pope Francis鈥� latest encyclical, Fratelli Tutti he emphasises the need to change our excuses for war. 

Below are two quotes from this document:

In the words of Saint John XXIII, 鈥渋t no longer makes sense to maintain that war is a fit instrument with which to repair the violation of justice鈥�.

The truth is that 鈥渘ever has humanity had such power over itself, yet nothing ensures that it will be used wisely鈥�.[241] We can no longer think of war as a solution, because its risks will probably always be greater than its supposed benefits. In view of this, it is very difficult nowadays to invoke the rational criteria elaborated in earlier centuries to speak of the possibility of a 鈥渏ust war鈥�. Never again war!

Thinking about Francis鈥� words remind me of a friend and Indigenous guest speaker who visits our Year 12 students each year, Scott Darlow. He has a theory that he shares that I have really taken to as I think it is the epitome of what Jesus was trying to teach us. It is the F.L.U.T.E theory - if everyone had 10% more Forgiveness, Love, Understanding, Tolerance and Empathy imagine how much greater the world would be. 

So as we remember those who had the courage to stand for justice in the face of adversity, may we also learn from their efforts and extend a hand of friendship and peace to those around us.

Tania Grace
Assistant Principal - Mission

The Music Program late in Term 4 at 海角大神 College sees the program not wind down but busily begin preparations for 2021.  

Students and staff have begun preparations for early performances in 2021 with the recruitment plans for the following year underway. At this time of year, the Vocal and Stage Ensembles are usually auditioning and beginning repertoire for Generations in Jazz performances in May of the following year. Unfortunately, we were notified this week that GIJ in 2021 has again been cancelled due to Covid-19 Restrictions.  In light of this Ensemble Directors will be looking for other engaging performance and educational opportunities for students to participate in 2021.  Ensembles will continue in 2021 with no auditions for places until early next year once we see the departure of the Year 12 students.

In the final weeks of this term, we will be discussing positions for Senior and Junior Music Captains. These students will play a large role in the development, planning, and presentation of our Music Program in the new year. Thank you to Charlotte Dring and Meg Benger our 2020 Senior Music Captains for their work this year continually looking to support the staff and program as best they can.

If students are interested in the lesson for next year they are reminded to complete the . Enrolments need to be returned ASAP as instruments are filling up with new enrolments.

Lastly please enjoy the recent performance from the performing the jazz classic Birdland which was recorded during the last lockdown restrictions.  We would like to congratulate all the Year 12 Music students in the recent performance exams and wish the remaining students best of luck.

Jared Campbell
Music Programs Coordinator

French is the official language in at least 30 countries around the world, and it is the second most widely spoken first language in the European Union. French remains one of the top languages to learn.

And Chinese - more than 1.2 billion people understand Mandarin. China has gone from national to international trade ties and has expanded in leaps and bounds in science and technology. It is predicted that China will not only become the leading Internet language, but also the world鈥檚 leading economy by 2050.

So what type of jobs are out there?

Nathalie Walshe
LOTE Learning Area Leader

Our Year 10 Mathematical Methods students were given the task to design a graphical art piece using the different types of graphs that we have been studying this year.  Students chose a design and then attempted to fit graphs to accurately represent all the lines and curves.

Michael O'Halloran
Maths Learning Area Leader

The Year 12 Product Design and Development students produced some incredible work for their end of year projects. Here are a few of their creations.

An excerpt from the Year Level Leaders Graduation speech:

"...You will forever be the Class of 2020 in a history making year. A cohort who has shared so many unique experiences and learnt lessons that will stay with you on your journey beyond 海角大神. From trips to China, Borneo, Central Australia, New Caledonia and our own wonderful City of Melbourne to curricular and co-curricular activities such as camps, Global Green, Caf茅 N9ne, membership of sporting teams and participation in social justice and leadership events, you have had a positive impact on others at a local and global level. Participation in these experiences have assisted you to be well-rounded individuals ready to enter society and set the world on fire. Illuminare et Ardere.

We have so many hopes for you all. One being that we hope you stay connected to your friends and peers. This does become difficult to do. You will be spread across the city, the state and perhaps the world; studying, travelling, working or volunteering. If there is one thing 2020 has taught us, it is the importance of human connection and the importance of making an effort to organise those catch ups, book in those Zooms and develop creative ways to keep those connections going. Start a friendly basketball or netball team, book in a shared meal once a month, keep your Year 12 Facebook page going and continue to send birthday messages or celebrate milestones together. 

These deeds will become more important as the years roll on and busyness takes over our lives but always remember how important it is to nurture your relationships and connect with your community and your history. We sincerely hope you feel that you have belonged, that you have been nurtured, you have had the opportunity to contribute in your own unique way and that 海角大神 College is an important part of your journey.

You are certainly an important part of our history and each of you are valued.
We wish you every happiness."

Sharon Daley & Scott Buchanan
Year 12 Level Leaders

In this past fortnight we welcomed back students across Years 8, 9 and 10 from remote learning. The College is buzzing as a full cohort once again, as students and teachers get back into the swing of face to face learning.

Congratulations to the following students who won sports awards for EISM senior teams for the first season this year.

Each year at 海角大神 we collect gifts for the St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal. These gifts are distributed to those in need within our local communities. This year, there is an even greater number of people who need our help. For this reason we are extending the appeal this year to include not only gifts but also food donations to be put towards  Christmas hampers. This means that there are lots of ways that you can be involved and can help bring some Christmas cheer to the life of someone doing it tough this Christmas.

As members of the 海角大神 College Community we are called upon to embrace the core values of Compassion and Justice.  By making a contribution to the Wishing Tree Appeal you are not only showing kindness and generosity to those in need but are also helping to create a more just and fair society for all.

How you can help

Donate a gift - Buy a gift for a child, teenager or adult. There are baskets outside Year Level Leaders offices (Years 9-12) or in the breakout space (Years 7-8).

Donate money - Have a couple of spare dollars? You can give this to Homeroom/Mentor teachers. This money will go towards buying gifts for those in need.

Donate food - Donate non-perishable food or goods that can be used to create Christmas hampers for those in need. These can be placed in the baskets outside Year Level Leaders offices or in the breakout space.

Thank you for your ongoing support of this appeal.

Rebecca Crozier
Justice & Outreach Leader