BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

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BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGECOFFS HARBOUR 16 August | 2013

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Grandparents’ Day was a wonderful celebration of the significant input our grandparents have into the life of our school.

Yesterday saw a few hundred grandparents, aunts, uncles, godmothers, godfathers, ‘special friends’ and mums and dads attend our Grandparents’ Day event at school. It was a tremendous way for them to see our school and our children on show, at work and at play. It is an unusual circumstance to bring so many ‘significant others’ into our school. It was great to have some great-grandparents present as well.

I spoke at the Grandparents’ Day assembly about the significant contribution our grandparents (and others) have in the daily life of our school. So many of our families rely on ‘Nans and Pops’ to do the daily drop off or pick up run; to do the special pick up or drop off; to baby sit so our mums and dads can be at work; to look after our young ones when something unexpected comes up at work (and there is suddenly another mouth to feed or bath to run); to come and watch a musical performance or sporting event; to volunteer in a classroom or the Canteen; or, in some cases, even to pay the school fees.

Our Grandparents (and others) are our silent partners, so Grandparents’ Day is a special day for us. It is a day where we can recognise the really important part these people play in the fabric of our school community. Theirs is an essential role, for which we are truly grateful.

My congratulations section this week is a little longer than usual. I will start with a report from Zac Freuden, who has just returned from the Maccabiah Games in Israel.

In December 2012, I was chosen to represent Australia in the 19th Maccabiah Games in Israel. My swimming regime was extended and I worked hard on my times to gain strength and endurance.

Flying from Coffs Harbour to Sydney was the first of four flights and finally after 42 hours of travelling, my family and I arrived in Israel.

During the first 11 days in Israel, apart from training, we toured around the country.In Jerusalem, we saw the Wailing Wall, the Old City, Holocaust Museum, Dome of the Rock, Bethlehem and the West Bank (Palestinian area). At the Dead Sea, we floated and smothered ourselves with rich black mineral mud. Then in Tel Aviv, we visited the Old Port in Jaffa and experienced Nalagaat – a Blind and Deaf production – dinner in complete darkness served by blind waiters and afterwards a performance presented by blind and deaf actors.

‘Lockdown’ started on Thursday 11th July. Here we met all the Australian athletes. We spent our time training, meeting other competitors and acclimatising to the Israeli summer weather.

The opening ceremony was a highlight where I proudly marched with all the 450 Australian athletes and coaches – fireworks, music, dancing, flag raising and lighting of the torch. In total there were 72 countries marching, with 9000 competitors. 32,000 spectators were at Opening Ceremony which was televised internationally.

The swimming was held at Wingate Institute. There were 4 days of swimming - heats in the morning and finals in the evening. I was entered into 10 events, 9 of which I made to the finals. Coming 4th, 4 times in the finals, I was hungry for a medal. On the last day, my last race, our 4 x 100m medley Relay team received Bronze. I swam the butterfly leg. This was definitely a highlight when standing on the podium with the Australian flag and my team mates.

A couple days later I swam the Open Water in Tiberius (Northern Israel) where I secured a 5th place – the 1st Australian over the line and the 1st 16 year old.

Thankyou to BDC, Go Bello Go, Eugene Brogmus (my coach), Sawtell Swim families, friends and my family for supporting me. I’ve got the ‘bug’ and will definitely be competing in the next Maccabiah 2017 as an open swimmer. Zac Freuden

Mitchell Brewster (8) who has been selected in the U14 Northern NSW Country Football team, to compete in the National Youth • Championships at the International (CEX) Stadium in Coffs Harbour, 30 Sep - 4 Oct.The U19 Boys Futsal team for finishing second in the Regional Futsal Championships, and qualifying for the Nationals on the • Gold Coast in Term 4.Nicholas Dollin (7) represented the Mid North Coast region U14 baseball team at the NSW Country Baseball championships in • Wollongong. All of the athletes who participated in the NCIS regional athletics carnival on Wednesday. I hope to highlight some of the • excellent performances from our athletes in next week’s newsletter To the many Primary School performers on Grandparents’ Day – musicians and dancers. Well done!•

Principal’s App of the week: iTranslate Voice

Performing And VisuAl Arts scholArshiPsA limited number of Performing and Visual Arts scholarships will be offered for students entering Year 11, 2014. These will be advertised next week, and application forms will be available on the BDC website and from Ms Goodman, Mrs Cooper or Mr Condon from Tuesday, 20 August.

From The PrinciPal

Alan BallPrincipal

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BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGECOFFS HARBOUR 16 August | 2013

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From The head oF secondaryThis week in Chapel, students listened to the story of the Prodigal Son. In Murray House, we explored the idea of family and unconditional love. As a father of four, it is easy to recognise the themes and ideas of this story as a real experience. I have always been fortunate to be surrounded by large families and as a sibling in a family of six children; I know that my own parents, brothers and sisters will be there when I need them.

The acceptance of the wayward son with open arms has a deep message for students in terms of their relationships with each other and their own families. The sentence of scripture that we heard stated, As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts, says the Lord. I challenged Murray House to listen to those around them with compassion rather than having preconceived ideas or becoming judgmental.

The family unit is an important element in the modern day society and one that is all too often taken for granted. My practical challenge for Murray House over the next two weeks was to face someone in his or her family, give them a hug and say, “I love you”. Who will you say this to this week?

secondary school

view The currenT ediTion oF The norTh coasT anglican newsPaPer

I have just returned from the annual Anglican Schools Australia conference in Melbourne. The conference “Come to the Edge - Where Faith meets Learning” was motivational and inspiring with topics covered by several Keynote speakers. I purchased a few new books and one of particular interest was a true story from Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo from Rwanda. He talked to us about “Preparing Young People for a Rapidly Changing World”. Bishop Alexis addressed how we prepare our young people for a world where they are more closely connected to the global, online community than they are to their neighbours. He says that young people have “the world in their pockets” and even those in developing countries have ready access to mobile phones and the connectedness that they now bring. He notes that while there is connectedness, there is not necessarily cultural understanding and the natural boundaries between humans are now blurred. Conversely many of our young people do not have close relationships with significant adults and do not have supportive physically present adults in their lives. The type of education that we provide on these issues is of paramount importance. Bishop Alexis’ view is that this is globalisation from a different perspective and the way that we respond will determine how well our young people manage the challenges and opportunities that they face.

Another keynote speaker of significant interest who spoke about “Education – for Us, it begins under a tree” was Australian nurse Valerie Browning who lives in one of the harshest places on earth – the desert of northern Ethiopia. She is married to Ismael, a clan leader of the nomadic Afar tribe. Together, they bring education and life saving medical aid to the nomads. Valerie has adopted the Afar way of life and they have become her people. To the Afar, she is known as ‘Maalika’ or ‘Queen’. During thirty years of living in the Horn of Africa, Valerie has nursed famine victims in Ethiopia, helped independence fighters in Eritrea, and reported undercover on human rights abuses in Ethiopia. She has risked her life many times in the name of justice.

What a wonderful privilege it is to have the opportunity to meet leaders such as these, lives can be changed forever when you listen to their stories of overcoming adversity through placing their hope in God, these stories are not about material wealth but of poverty, courage, love for humanity and change with a passion that is lived through the education of their people. This week we heard the story in the Gospel of Luke about the lost son and were again reminded of Gods unconditional love and forgiveness for each one of us.

Throughout our journey may we grow and reap the good harvest as we too discover Jesus together.

date claimers:

Please follow the link for an invitation to the Bellingen Jazz Festival Gospel Service at Bellingen Anglican Church this Sunday 18th August.

There will be a Daffodil Service held at St John’s Anglican Church on Thursday 22nd August commencing at 6.00p.m. This service is a non-denominational service of thanksgiving, reflection and hope on the eve of the Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day. It’s a time to remember, give thanks, and look forward with hope. Please put this in your diary and consider bringing a friend or relative who may appreciate this service.

reminder: Parents would you like your teenagers involved in outdoor activities where they can have fun together at camp in the September holidays? Well It’s time to register for Junior High Ichthus Camp for all interested young people in Years 7-9 please follow the link for registration form.

chaPlain’s chaT

Rev Marion Tanfieldchaplain

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A reminder to all Year 12 students and families that the Post Secondary Information Evening is on next Wednesday night 21 August, here at the College commencing at 6pm. The information given at this forum is essential for all Year 12 students and families to plan ahead. More information is included in the Careers section of this newsletter and I encourage every Year 12 family to attend.

House Shout takes place next Friday afternoon, 23 August in the Branson Centre commencing at 1:45pm. Houses have been busy preparing their songs for our guest judges and families are most welcome if you are available.

Tim EganAssistant Principal (head of secondary)

Rebecca BrownVisual Arts faculty

Robyn Crispcareers Advisor

Sue Siwinskihead of science

visual arT

careers news

science

Currently in the Visual Arts exhibition space there is a collection of stunning works on display. Year 9 have completed one of our most popular art courses - Undersea Creatures. Students research and create sea creatures that allow them and the audience, to appreciate the internal and external beauty and workings of a variety of species from the ocean. Also Year 8 are exhibiting the prints they have completed after an in depth study of the Australian artist John Brack and his treatment of the urban experience.

At this time our main focus is to provide guidance and information to Year 12 students and parents to assist with their future planning and a smooth transition from the College.

It is highly recommended that all Year 12 students and parents attend the post secondary information evening next Wednesday August 21 at 6pm. Representatives from Centrelink, ETC, UNE and SCU will also be there. Information will include• How to apply to University/ TAFE• University Admission Centres (UAC, QTAC, VTAC)• Preferences and key dates• Course fees and funding• Scholarships, EAS and Bonus Points• Selection preference ranks• Alternative pathways to university• Early entry schemes• Responding to offers• Accommodation

Reminder: applications to UAC, QTAC, VTAC are due by 27 September to avoid late fees. Students will need a credit card, current email (not college) UAC pin, BOS number as well as a Tax file number (TFN) to apply for a HECS Help loan. See http://www.uac.edu.au/undergraduate and http://www.bdccareers.com

Early entry applications UNE, CSU due into me by late next week August 23 (one week to refine for Principal’s endorsement)

important: STAR 2014 is now open. The STAR Scheme (Southern Cross University’s early entry scheme) focuses on working with schools to match individual students to a particular course based on their likelihood of success in their chosen discipline. Students can register by going to http://www.scu.edu.au/star

All students enjoyed displaying their science project work for two hours in the Greenroom on Tuesday as part of National Science Week activities. Many staff, Year 7 and Primary students visited them. Their Science teachers also marked their presentations.

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Karin LisleAssistant Principal (head of Primary)

From The head oF Primary

eye FesTival resources

Yesterday we were lucky to have almost 500 grandparents and others at our annual Grandparents Day. I would personally like to thank all those who came with such support and enthusiasm to enjoy the experience. I would also like to thank all those lovely people who gave me positive feedback on the time you spent with us. The music and dance items at our assembly were first class and I could see many grandparents swell with pride. Thanks especially to those who participated so enthusiastically in the Year 2 song.

It always warms my heart when I see families supporting each other so well, and if there was a child alone, there were many people who stepped in and included those children. This is what is so important in our developing community. I am sure there were many (like me) who are constantly amazed at the progress of our young people and the ways that schools have changed over time. Yes, I did learn to write with pen and ink but I am grateful for the introduction of technology so we can do things better. Yes, my first reader was a Betty and Jim book, but I am grateful for the wealth of resources that our children are exposed to now. The ‘good old days’ were really not so good, we got the cane if we misbehaved (I can still remember the sting on the tips of my fingers) and we all had to learn together, whether we were bright or a struggler. I can still remember the injustice of one of my classmates who got the cane because he couldn’t read a passage from our school magazine!

Parents were never invited to see what went on in classrooms, and I never had a visit from my grandmother at school. That was the teacher’s domain and no one had better interfere! Yes, some of us survived but I know many parents have negative memories of their schooling. Thank goodness we now embrace the community of sharing your children’s education. You know you are always welcome in classrooms, to come to P&F meetings, to talk to any of our teachers and school leaders, to come along to assemblies, and to be an assistant in classrooms. We welcome your support and help and also any feedback so we can improve the way we work together for the education of your children.

As the EYE Festival approaches we are busily collecting recyclable items to be used as part of the Art and Craft activities during EYE week. We would appreciate any donations to this collection. If you can help out, please send your recyclable items to school with your child. Suggested items are:Stockings Egg cartonsPlastic water bottles NewspaperWire coat hangers ButtonsAluminium foil TilesScraps of material Bottle tops (plastic & aluminium)Large cardboard boxes Netting - fruit bagsWashed out milk cartons (cardboard & plastic)

Primary school

Wed 21 - Fri August 23 Indigenous Literacy Foundation Book Sale K-6 Between recess & lunch BCC1Thursday August 22 Book Week Mufti Day K-6 All day Assembly K-6 2.30pm Branson CentreFriday August 16 SEASONS for Growth 9am – 12pm Counselling rooms

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Dale Condonhead of music K-12

grandParenTs’ day

assembly PerFormance

hsc PracTical examinaTion daTes 2013

The royal TreaTmenT

grade oF The week - elc

We had a great day for the grandparents of students at this year’s morning tea. Thank you to the following students who performed for morning tea:

Prue and Spencer Burnet, Cameron Williams, Grace, Rosie & Max Jones, Tsui Shin Mok, Jessie Woodward, Louisa Jeffrey, Hunter Black, Zac Debisscop, Sam Booth, Harvey Summersell, Amy Gillespie, Bella Ashley, Dhriti Redyam, Ben Woodward and Will Morrall.Well done to the Superstrings, Year 2 Choir and dancers.

Thanks to Harry Buchanan for a terrific performance at secondary assembly, Superstrings and primary choir for their terrific performances at Grandparents’ Day assembly.

The Board of Studies has informed us that the HSC Music 2 practical examinations will be on Thursday 12 September from 1:40 – 3:25pm in Music Room 1. The HSC Music 1 practical examinations will be on Friday 13 September from 12:50 – 3:05pm.

We have been approached by the Coffs Harbour City Orchestra to be their special guest at their Gala Concert on Sunday 25 August, in the Branson Centre. Our Head of Secondary, Mr Egan, is the Conductor of the Coffs City Orchestra. In this capacity we will be the feature group and play several of our pieces. Additionally, we will combine with our hosts to form a massive Orchestra for a couple of pieces. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 concession and free admission for all school age students.

The ELC are investigating the circus. We are describing the many sights at the circus. We are also looking at how circuses have changed over time.

I think animals should be in the circus because it is safer there.Janumi Kondasinghe Kindie ELC

I think animals should be in the wild so they can catch their food. Toran Kendall Kindie ELC

We watched a You tube video of a lion tamer. We saw the lions getting in a line up. I liked it when the lions jumped.Majak Majak Year 1 ELC

I watched an amazing You Tube clip about a dazzling lion tamer.I saw the lion tamer keeping control of the lions and tigers. First I saw him make them jump from stand to stand. Second he made them roll over the floor like kittens playing with balls of string. Lastly he demanded they stand on their back legs.Georgia McErvale Year 2 ELC

musical noTes

Sandon Carpenter Bear in the wild

Georgia Kourkounas Bear in the circus

Ptolemy Horan - Year 2Meredith Clowes - Kinder James Campbell - Year 1

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imPorTanT daTes and evenTs

ParenTs and Friends

college communiTy

21 Aug

23 Aug25 Aug28 Aug29 Aug

Indigenous Literacy Foundation Book SalePost-Secondary Pathways Information EveningHouse ShoutPrimary School Tournament of the MindsNCIS Tennis & Netball Gala Day Year 4-12Year 3 Camp

dyslexiA suPPort/interest grouP Next get together is 10am Monday 26 August at the Rainforest Café. Come along for cup of coffee and a chat. Anyone with an interest in Dyslexia is welcome. Any queries please contact Susan Robertson on 0414 343 027 or sue-mal@bigpond.com.

fAthers’ dAy stAll – WednesdAy 28 August Fathers’ Day is on Sunday, 1 September and the P&F will be holding their very popular Fathers’ Day stall on Wednesday, 28 August. If you would like your child/children to be able to choose a gift for their father, step-dad, guardian or pop, please book your gift(s) on TryBooking, via the College Website before 29 August to avoid running out of gifts on the day.

cAlling for exPressions of interest!Want to be involved in your child’s schooling? The P&F currently have an email group that is often used to inform parents of upcoming P&F/College events, news, volunteer requests etc. You do not have to be a P&F member to be included, so if you want to help out every once in a while or just want to hear about upcoming events or information please email parentsandfriends@bdc.nsw.edu.au.

contAct usFor more information, to view our Constitution or read our latest meeting minutes, click on “Our Community” then “Parents and Friends” on the College Website. We look forward to your support.President: Allan Williams 0408 332 082 akwillo@live.com.auP & F email: parentsandfriends@bdc.nsw.edu.au

next meeting: 19 August 2013, 2pm - refreshments provided

The Bishop Druitt College Parents and Friends Association is an organisation that supports the aims and objectives of the College. It does so through the promotion of fundraising, fellowship, friendship and fun.