Lighting Our Past, Opening Doors to Our Future’PO Box 3145 West Kempsey Web:

moodle.kmpslism.catholic.edu.au P: 6562 7200 F: 6563 1364

An ethical problem which surrounds us today is the misuse of social networking, and more specifically the use of

social networking resulting in negative behaviours. This misuse can be seen from young adolescents to adults,

and is defining the norms (what is perceived as acceptable or unacceptable behaviour) of today’s society.

While the original purpose of this technology was for people to remain connected, the misuse of such accessible

and instant technology has brought with it many negative behaviours.

Social networking is not a concept which belongs to the

internet, it exists because humans are societal and require

relationships with other humans in order to survive. Social

networks, and the need to communicate, are universal

human conditions, are the logical extension of our human

tendencies towards togetherness, and are critical to the

psychological well-being of all people. In our society, it is

important that we see the internet as a hub of socialisation,

and social networking sites as a tool for connecting people.

Social networking enables communication among ever-

widening circles of contacts, and is an integral means of

managing one’s identity, lifestyle and social relations.

No matter the importance of today’s social networking,

there are concerns surrounding it which require managed norms to be developed. With headlines around

negative aspects of social networking and its effects on our youth, it is easy to see why parents are anxious

about what their children are doing online. Excessive passive usage of social network sites can be negatively

related to well-being, and has been linked to depression, loneliness and social anxiety.

To be fair, there are also many positive benefits for adolescents through social networking. Social networking

sites may expand the student’s connectivity skills and in a lifelong learning view might be considered particularly

relevant for the related need for socialisation, and with important transitioning from adolescence into early

adulthood. New opportunities for self-expression, sociability, community engagement, creativity and new

literacies are hoped to facilitate an innovative peer culture among young people.

The social need for communication and social networking is critical for our well-being, togetherness and for

defining social and moral values. When we act morally, we respond to the intrinsic value of the world around us,

acknowledging that other people have the same fundamental value as ourselves. This is important, because if

our collective morals are a response to the world around us, then it is fair to say that the world directs our

morality. So, in a community, where social networking is an intrinsic and essential part of communication, why

do we allow it to have the ability to be so harmful?

If we do not live in ways that are motivated by respect for the value of the world and the persons in it, we remain

cut off from the experience of community, which can be seen today when individuals are ‘unfriended’ on social

media for inappropriate behaviours. Having an awareness of value, where respecting values of ourselves, others

and the world, allows us to freely create ourselves within a community, and also allows us to express our human

dignity. A moral life is a life freely lived in response to goodness. So, with our morals influencing the way we act,

and the way we act influencing our goodness, our moral responses and actions need to be both learnt and

witnessed if these values are to be reflective of our own family values, and be accepted as one of society’s

norms.

As the first newsletter of this term, I welcome you back for another busy term. Year 12 have already begun their

HSC exams and are feeling good about the process. I am also very mindful of the great job our dedicated staff

have done in preparing their senior classes, for both their HSC exams and for the life-long learning that will occur

when they finish.

“

26th June 2014

“ “ 11 December2015

“

2016

20 October 2017

With the days heating up as we move towards summer, it is pertinent to

remind our whole College Community of our ‘sun safety’ policy, “to ensure

that all the students and staff of the school are protected from exposure to

the harmful effect of the sun, when engaged in activities at the school and

when on excursions”. As such, the College cap and bucket hat is a

compulsory College uniform item. Students must be wearing a College cap

or bucket hat during passive and active outdoor activity. We ask that

parents support us in this request, ensuring that students arrive at school with

their College cap or hat.

The 2017 Graduation Assembly was held during the last week of Term 3 with the four major awards being

presented. Congratulations to the winners: Sandy Davis Award for Performance, Enthusiasm & Christian

Awareness in all Areas of Student Life – Lachlan Jay; Edna Davis Award for Performance, Enthusiasm & Christian

Awareness in all Areas of Student Life – Abigael Baker; Edmund Rice Award Male Student of the Year – Harry

James; Catherine McAuley Award Female Student of the Year – Claire Brennan.

God Bless

Mr Guy Campbell – Acting Principal

Term 4 is well and truly underway with an eventful start to the term.

Our Year 12 students officially commenced their Higher School

Certificate Examinations on Monday and we trust that their efforts

and those of their teachers over the past couple of years in

particular will be richly rewarded when results are released on

December 14.

Many faculties have organised excursions for their classes and those

offsite this week alone include students and teachers attending:

Year 9 PASS camp, Year 10 CSYMA Exuro Excursion, Year 10

Geography, Goethe Film Festival, in addition to many teachers

attending professional development opportunities in their chosen

areas of expertise.

NSW Health have also administered vaccinations to our students this week. Year 7 received their HPV dose 2, in

addition to catch ups for varicella and boostrix, whilst Year 8 received a catch up and final dose of HPV and

Year 10 students a catch up for Menactra (meningococcal).

We continue to raise the profile of Mental Health through various Pastoral Care initiatives offered to our students.

This year alone we have had trainers delivering the following:

Livin’ – Years 7-12 (suicide prevention through the power of speech – It ain’t Weak to Speak)

Lovebites – domestic violence program to Year 10 students

Brothers 4 Recovery – Years 7-11 (addiction prevention and stories of rehabilitation)

In addition to these, we will be delivering the Batyr program to students in Year 9 and

10, which aims to engage, educate and empower young people by fostering an

environment where talking about mental health is not only accepted, but is

encouraged and supported. The stigma surrounding mental health is a major barrier

stopping young people from accessing support. Four trainers will be at the College

next Tuesday to disseminate this vital information to our students. Their programs are

uplifting, engaging and relatable, teaching young people how to better look after

themselves and their mates, through the power of story.

Another enjoyable addition to our School calendar this week was the visit of one

hundred and ten Year 6 students on Wednesday. These students were split into

groups and spent the day participating in a variety of classes. They were given an introductory tour of the

College by Year 9 students, then participated in Visual Art s, Textiles, Sport, Information Technology, Maths and

Science classes. They ended the day with a liturgy in the College Chapel conducted by our College Youth

Ministry Officers, our Leader of Evangelisation and a visiting Philippino Priest, Fr Nonong. We are very excited to

ensure that our 2018 Year 7 cohort are provided a smooth transition into the College and that they feel

welcome and well-adjusted to commence the school year.

Mrs Belinda Mainey – Acting Assistant Principal

All Saints Sunday Mass On Sunday, October 29, parents, friends and parishioners are

invited to join the staff from St Joseph’s and St Paul’s to celebrate the Feast of All

Saints - the feast of our parish. Staff from both schools will participate and be

involved in the liturgy. Afterwards, a bacon and egg BBQ, as well as refreshments will

be served. Please join us in this celebration of our parish if you are able to.

Year 11/Year 6 Mass The date of this Mass is Friday, November 3. Year 11 students

will be buddied with Year 6 students to celebrate Mass together. Afterwards, the

Year 6’s will host the Year 11’s for morning tea. Parents and friends are warmly

invited to attend this Mass at 9.30 am at the All Saints Church.

Bandanna Day Bandana day will be held 27 October to support young people affected by cancer. Students

will be able to purchase a bandana for $4 and are permitted to wear it at school for the day.

Festa Christi Ten students from Year 8 will attend Festa Christi, which is a faith development workshop for Year 8

students, at Coffs Harbour, 9 – 10 November. (More information on Page 10.)

Catch The Wave All Year 8 students will participate in the Catch the Wave Retreat next

Tuesday, October 24. The purpose of the Retreat is to stimulate students into exploring

their faith, or being open to discovering it. Following the Retreat, students are asked if

they would like to participate in the CSYMA classes in Years 9 and 10. These are the

elective Youth Ministry classes.

Mr Conrad Tamblyn – Leader of Evangelisation

From NESA 2017 – HSC Students can access their HSC results online, by SMS or telephone from Thursday, 14

December, 2017. They should visit Students Online for more information. Students can also access HSC results

from this date using Schools Online.

HSC Appeals due to Illness or Misadventure The following extract is from the Board of Studies ACE Manual

Section 11.3:

Fr Nonong with

Year 11 students

"Students may lodge an illness/misadventure appeal if they believe that circumstances occurring immediately

before or during a Higher School Certificate Examination, and which were beyond their control, diminished their

examination performance.

The right to submit an illness/misadventure appeal and the responsibility for doing so rest with the student, except

where it is impossible for the student to do so, such as in cases of severe illness."

Appeal forms can be obtained by seeing or contacting Mr Robinson.

The Board recommends that where at all possible students should attend examination sessions. The Board does

not, however, expect students to attend an examination against specific documented medical advice. Where

students are in doubt they are advised to contact Mr Robinson.

Closing Dates for Appeals – Written Examinations: Within one week of the student’s last examination, and no later

than the day of the last HSC examination.

I strongly recommend all HSC students and parents of HSC students read the following web links in full. They can

be found at: http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/rules-and-processes/illness-

misadventure.

http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/exam-advice-resources/taking-hsc-exams

Important Diary Dates

Year 12 HSC Exams 16 October – 7 November

Year 12 Graduation Dinner 17 November (Friday)

HSC Results Available 14 December (Thursday)

ATAR Available 15 December (Friday)

Mr Leon Robinson – Leader of Curriculum

Year 12 Textbooks Thanks to those Year 12 students who have been returning their texts at

the start of each exam. Keep it up.

Laptops and iPads An important reminder about our rules to all those who borrow devices

from day to day… please use them in the appropriate way. By this we mean: returning

them (in person) after one period (or two at the most); authorised classroom use only; no

downloading of non-lesson related apps; no social media; no capturing of images unless

instructed by the teacher; logging out upon return; and generally treating them like the

costly resources that they are.

Year 11 Area of Study It’s easy to tell that Year 11 have started their Area of Study and are discovering a great

deal in the process. Be sure to come and browse for those Related Texts that are just waiting for you to get your

hands on them!

Happy Reading!

Mr Peter Garty – Teacher/Librarian

Students from the College Ag team exhibited a variety of animals and produce at the recent Kempsey Show.

The Show was postponed from earlier in the year and despite the dry weather conditions hampering our

preparation, we were able to exhibit in the Vegetable, Poultry and Beef Cattle sections.

Vegetables exhibited reflect the diversity of varieties that Year 7, 8 and 9 are producing in the newly revamped

vegetable gardens. The students were successful in eleven categories at the Kempsey show and this is the first

time that we have been able to exhibit in this section of the show in the history of the College. So a well done to

Mrs Allman for overseeing the entries in this area.

These vegetables are being grown on compost produced on the farm from our chicken, pig, cattle and pasture

enterprises. Each year we manufacture several tonnes of soil from our own composting methods and this cyclic

process not only produces a vast array fresh vegetables but is a great way to educate the students about the

importance of recycling compostable materials. At the same time, it aids the environment by saving space in

our landfills as well as saving money by utilising existing nutrients and better utilising and conserving water

resources.

The Beef Cattle section was well supported by a number of producers as well as seven high schools with some

thirty steers being exhibited. St Paul’s exhibited nine steers and one pure bred Devon Heifer. Two of our steers

were judged as the Champion and Reserve Champion Led Steers of the show. One of those steers was bred by

the College from a Charolais X Droughtmaster Heifer by a Pure bred Devon Bull.

We had several students achieve success in the Junior

Paraders Competition, with Flynn McGoldrick winning 1st in the

Under 13 section against some skilled opponents from the

other high schools. The paraders competition is judged on the

actual skills of the paraders presenting the animal. This can

come down to the cleanliness of the animal as well as how the

contestant handles the animal in the show ring.

Our Devon Heifer, Tallowood Jessy, achieved Reserve

Champion Devon of the Show and was highly commended.

Jessy was against another Devon cow with a calf at foot and

generally a cow with a calf will win over a Heifer that is yet to

calve.

Our poultry were again successful in the Ancona and White

Leghorn breeds, picking up 1st in their respective classes.

I would like to thank the efforts of all of the people involved, especially Mr Mark Irvine who does a great deal of

behind the scenes work to ensure that our animals and farm are being looked after. He also does a great deal

of the organisation in getting ready for the shows. Also thanks to Mrs Allman who has helped prepare our

animals for exhibition and attended the show, helping to direct and monitor the proceedings through the chaos.

Finally, I would like to thank the students for the effort and application they displayed, not only at the show but

each Thursday when they train. Their enthusiasm is a great motivator for us all to strive to achieve our best.

Mr Graham Bramley – Agriculture Teacher

Mrs Kristy Carney – Additional Needs Teacher

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I give permission for …………………………………………. to attend Homework Club on Wednesday afternoons.

She/he will be collected or walk home (please cross out whichever does not suit).

Parent’s name: …………………………………………………. Phone: ……………………………………..

Parent’s signature: ……………………………………………...

Homework Club will once again be operating every Wednesday afternoon from 3.25 until 4.25 in Student

Services. Students can complete homework or assignments with the support of a teacher and with access

to computers and reference books. The Library will also be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

afternoons until 4.30. All students are welcome and encouraged to make use of this valuable service. Those

students being picked up, should do so from the car park behind the Science block.

Please complete the form below and return to the Student Services Centre.

Netball State Finals At the end of last term, nine of our Year 8 boys travelled to Sydney to compete in the State

Finals of the NSW Schools Netball Cup at the Genea Netball Centre, Sydney Olympic Park.

Playing in an indoor arena with sprung timber floors was a new experience for the boys, as was the level of

competition, which was a big step up from what they had previously experienced.

Despite a few nerves the team managed to win the first two games of the pool round. The third and final pool

game was a draw but as the opposition had been beaten earlier in the day, this made our team the winners of

Pool A and meant they would face the second placed team from Pool B in the semi-final.

The semi, against Trinity Lismore, was a hard fought game to begin with, however our team took control and with

some tight defence and great ball skills were able to increase the margin for what was their biggest win of the

day to take them through to the Grand Final.

The Grand Final, against Narara High School, was a very tough game. Our boys had a nervous start and the

opposition got out to an early three goal lead. However, they managed to claw back the lead to draw level at

half time. Strong team work across the court, and accurate shooting in the second half meant that the boys

were able to hang in there and win the game by two goals, making them the State Champions.

For a team of boys who had only learnt to play eighteen months earlier (or less in the case of one student who

only joined the team this year) this was an amazing achievement and one that will certainly be a lasting

memory for all involved, myself included.

Thanks to Rebecca Cotter for umpiring throughout the day and to Mr Peter Garty for scoring and team support.

Thanks also to the parents who helped out with transport. It was wonderful to have some supporters there to

cheer the team on.

Mrs Catriona Martin – Netball Coach

Year 8 Netball State Champions

Kathy & Peter Cornish

Main Street Crescent Head 2440

Phone (02) 6566 0550

Smith Street, Kempsey 2440

41 Forth Street, Kempsey NSW 2440 P: (02) 6562 8866 | F: (02) 6562 8508 Email: anne@randallsbe.com.au www.randallsbusinessequipment.com.au

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