Dominican Way - St Mary's College, Hobartsmdeaf.vic.edu.au/resource/content_file/2016-Term... · As our year ends we pray that the Lord our God blesses each of us with His ... return

Term 4, 2016 Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends of St Mary’s College As the 2016 year comes to a close, it is important to reflect on the amazing journey each child undertakes in their education. Apart from the learning in literacy, numeracy, science and other areas of the curriculum, there are relationships to navigate, obstacles to overcome, aspirations to develop and a sense of identity to establish through the Gospel values. The journey is made easier and effective outcomes achieved when strong connections are made between home, school and our partner schools. These connections were clearly evident in the College Farewell and Graduation events I have attended over the past few weeks. Our senior students demonstrated pride in being a student of St Mary’s and both parents and students spoke eloquently and from the heart about their educational journeys. We wish our departing students a fond farewell and hope that many wonderful opportunities come their way. I have shared my farewell speech below. Another highlight this term has been the strategic planning morning attended by the St Mary’s DCA (Delegated Canonical Administrators), College Board and Leadership Team. The purpose of the morning was to share our vision for St Mary’s College, analyse the school’s unique strengths, outline its future growth and direction and then develop a strategic forward plan. The introduction of the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), advances in Cochlear and hearing aid technology and changes to the curriculum bring challenges and opportunities that St Mary’s will endeavour to respond to in order to provide the most effective educational opportunities for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students in our school communities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the DCA for this initiative and look forward to continuing the work in this area. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated Board members for their contribution to the College over the year: David Edgar (Chair), Laura Button (Deputy Chair), Anne-Le Page (Parents & Friends), Tamara Trinder-Scacco (Parent), Adrian Klep (DCA Representative) and Sally Dane (Staff). It has been a steep learning curve for us all, commencing the year with a new campus to establish, partnership agreements and finance structures to develop and finishing with a school review. Throughout it all, they have provided me with sound, positive advice and an unshakable belief in the school. As our year ends we pray that the Lord our God blesses each of us with His peace and love through this season of Advent and Christmas. May all our students and have a restful and safe holiday and we look forward to their return in the New Year.

Dominican Way Edition 3 16 th December 2016 Page 1

Student Wellbeing Hub

Online Resource

The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd (CECV) is committed to creating positive, respectful and supportive learning communities where the wellbeing and safety of

all young people is paramount. The Student Wellbeing Hub has

information for parents to help support the positive mental health

and happiness of their child and offers ways to work in partnership

with their child’s school to contribute to a safe and supportive learning environment. This resource

can be found at: studentwellbeinghub.edu.au.

Ms Amanda Purcell

http://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/

Graduating students of 2016, family, friends, staff and students of St Mary’s.

This event is a great celebration and yet as inevitable, one of sadness as you move on to your post school lives. A great adventure awaits in the paths you will choose once you leave our school in the pursuit of your dreams and aspirations. I believe your time at St Mary’s in partnership with Aquinas College, Marymede Catholic College and St John’s Regional College has prepared you well for challenges that await you as young deaf and hard of hearing adults contributing to the world.

Although I have only known you for a short time, I am immensely proud of your achievements over the years and various successes in your pursuits, your educational achievements and how you have conducted yourselves as leaders in the St Mary’s community. You have willingly accepted the challenges that are inevitable in completing your year 12 and positively influenced not only other students with a hearing loss, but the broader school community here at your partner school. Their lives are richer for your presence and for that I thank you.

I leave you with this advice:

You have the capacity to direct your own life; use the tools of love, compassion, humility, respect, trust and above all service of others to shape your journey; don’t settle for less than your integrity dictates.

Never let anyone convince you that you are incapable of anything or of a lesser worth as a result of your hearing loss. Be confident in who you are, what you need to succeed and what you are capable of. You go with our fondest farewells, best wishes and our prayers.

God Bless.


Our onsite reporter, Kayla, provided the following information on her first experience of the Senior Deaf Sports Day. On the 15th of September I went to the Secondary School Deaf Sports Day. When we arrived at MSAC, we had to warm up but in a different way. We did body percussion, which meant we made sounds with our body. After that, we got split into sports that we had chosen previously, I picked basketball. For our first session we worked with a guy called Wazza, who works for Melbourne United but also coaches a BIG V team (Werribee Devils). Wazza taught us basic skills of basketball like dribbling, passing, shooting and other skills. We played mostly shooting games. Then we had our lunch break which was a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and meet new friends. After our lunch break, we had our second session of sports. Once again I chose basketball. This time we played basketball matches with roughly 8-9 players on a team. The first matched I played my team won. Overall, I thought the day was fun and a great way to meet with other deaf people and catch up. By Kayla, St Mary’s Ringwood Campus


On Wednesday the 19th of October our Wantirna and South Morang Campuses met for the Junior Deaf Sports Day at the Doncaster Athletics Track with many other schools to compete in a friendly environment and enjoy catching up with old friends. They weather was excellent and the atmosphere happy and excited. Having so many parents and grandparents come to support the students enhanced the occasion and many thanks to Dave for participating in the parent/staff race and representing our school! Many of the students were keen to give us their impressions of the day.

I liked catching up with friends at Deaf Sports Day. It was nice to see them again. I’d like to come back next year to help at the junior sports. Hayley

Deaf sports day was great because it was fun. I enjoyed eating the lollies from the canteen! Ashley

I liked going to the canteen but the best was when I came first in the High Jump and Long Jump, 2nd in the 200m race and 4th in the 100m sprint. I’m looking forward to the Deaf Sports Day again next year! Juan

Good sportsmanship was very evident and the smiles on everyone’s face reflected the positive effects of this great day. Thank you to the committee for their hard work and the sponsors who help make it happen.


On Thursday the 6th of October, we celebrated the 800th Jubilee of St Dominic, who, through a dedication to education and the search for knowledge, tried to make conditions better for those around him in Spain. Even with his love for knowledge, when Spain was desolated by famine, young Dominic gave away his money and sold his clothes, furniture and even precious manuscripts to feed the hungry and homeless. Following his example, the Dominican sisters established St Mary’s School for the Deaf at ‘Delgany House’ Portsea in 1948. We thank God for the influence of St Dominic and pray that we will follow his example in being dedicated to education and life-long learning, as well as renewing our commitment to make conditions better for everyone around us.

The day began with all 68 students from our 5 campuses travelling to meet at St Dominic’s Parish in Camberwell. We were blessed to have Father Dominic lead the service, delivering a homily about being the salt and light of the world. After that, we all went bowling which gave us a chance to meet and mingle with students from the other campuses. We are so thankful to our Parents and Friends’ Association for purchasing icy poles for the students and the staff. Thank you also to all the staff for their excellent support and supervision of our students.

Grace Broadbent

St Mary’s Wantirna Campus

Dominican Way Edition 3 16th December 2016 Page 5




This year saw the formation of the St Mary’s Parents and Friends Association and we are very excited to report that we have been quite active. The PFA was pleased to fund an icy pole treat for all the students and staff to enjoy during our St Dominic’s Day celebrations. The treat was enjoyed by all during the bowling session at AMF and by all reports it was greatly appreciated. Icy poles were also enjoyed by the students after their day out at Primary Deaf Sports Day. During the month of September St Mary’s was lucky enough to feature in the Local Matters initiative run by the Knox City Grill’d burger store. The Local Matters initiative donates a total of $500 each month to local groups within the community. Grill’d customers can ‘vote’ for one of three community groups each month by putting a token into the jar of the organisation they wish to support. Each month $300 is given to the organisation with the most tokens and $100 each to the other two groups. We were thrilled to hear that St Mary’s College was the standout winner for the month of September and has received a donation of $300 from Grill’d. The money we received will go towards the purchase of a new microphone transmitter for the Wantirna South campus. The Knox Leader local newspaper has also taken an interest in this and are writing an article about the donation we received from Grill’d. We are so excited to be featured in the local newspaper and to have St Mary’s seen by so many in the wider community. A second hand uniform service has been set up for the Wantirna South campus. Anyone wishing to purchase an item can pay just $5 and of course we welcome the donation of any excess items you may have at home. For further information or to make a time to see what’s available please contact Tamara Trinder-Scarco on 0419 281 673 (sms only). The Parents and Friends Association welcomes the ideas, expertise and enthusiasm of all St Mary’s parents and families and everyone is welcome to come along to the committee meetings. Stay tuned for some upcoming dates in 2017 for a Bunnings sausage sizzle fundraiser, a whole school raffle and some information evenings where parents can meet and share ideas and experiences with other families. I wish you all a very safe and happy Christmas with your loved ones and look forward to an exciting new year ahead. Warm regards, Anne Le Page

Anne Le Page Chairperson, St Mary’s Parents’ & Friends Association Ph: 0409 864 714 email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Our Year 12’s have completed their secondary education! Paul and Sabrina, our Year 12 students finished at the beginning of Term 4. A parade was held so that all the Year 12 students could let their hair down and celebrate the end of their studies in a fun way by dressing up. Paul dressed up as Elmo and Sabrina was Luigi from “Mario”. They also received a certificate of appreciation from the Lort Smith Animal Hospital for their final project for Personal Skills and Development. Congratulation to you both! We will certainly miss you very much! One of our Year 9 students, Chelsea, was involved in sessional dance at Marymede. She showed off her talent at the Top Acts performance held at the Marymede auditorium. Chelsea thoroughly enjoys dancing and hopes to continue performing arts throughout the rest of her school years. Our Year 9, 10 and 11 students are currently in the process of completing their subject exams. One of our Year 11 students is the first to go through St Mary’s South Morang at VCE level. Well done Chantelle, you’ve worked very hard to achieve your goals. Good luck to all our exam students.

Three of our students have been undertaking studies in Building and Construction through the Marymede Skills Trade Centre. They have brought some fabulous work to St Mary’s and have proudly displayed their skills. From Secondary students to news of the Primary sector. Luis and Tanisha, our 2 Prep students, enjoyed the Primary Deaf Sports Day held at Doncaster. They each won ribbons for participation during their first attendance of this great event. It was a sunny, exciting day for all the students, families and staff attending. Getting to meet our other primary students was a bonus and allowed them to get to know each other.


Mrs Rachel Wilson - Team Leader

Term 4 has been a particularly busy term for the staff and students at Ringwood. Not only have we had the normal final term events but we have also been involved in the St Mary’s School Review which has enabled staff, students and parents to have their say about how we can improve and look forward into the future. Please enjoy an outline of some of the other events that have taken place over the term. Each year the students in year 10 are given the opportunity to participate in the school's Presentation Balls. Throughout term 3 and the start of term 4 the students commit to after school rehearsals in their already busy lives in order to learn a variety of dances that are performed in front of their families and friends on the night with style and confidence. These presentation balls are thoroughly enjoyed by all the students involved. Congratulations to Kyle who had his work "Ayers Rock/ Uluru" chosen as one of the pieces entered in the Catholic Education Exhibition held in March 2017. This year students from Year 9 cooked over 250 cakes for people who attend the annual auction night at Sacred Heart Mission. The students’ enthusiasm in baking and donating the cakes for this annual event is to be commended. Money raised from the auction is used to care for people who live in difficult circumstances.

This is the time of the year where our year 12 students Jaimie, Jake, Dhruvi and Joanna celebrate the end of secondary schooling with peers, family and school as they prepare for their final exams.

The year 12 final mass held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church enabled family and friends to give thanks in a meaningful and reverent way. The Graduation Ceremony held in the school’s gym allowed members of the graduates’ families to share the students’ journey through secondary school. The whole school Final assembly gave the year 12s an opportunity to provide reflections and showcase their talents to the rest of the school. An afternoon of fun filled activities followed. We wish these students a successful and enjoyable end to their secondary education and success for the future. Aquinas staff were given the opportunity to attend a reflective and informative professional learning session conducted by one of our families. Jacqui, Bailey and Jeremy provided a valuable insight on the challenges of being hearing impaired and strategies that staff can implement to help the students in the classroom. The impact of being deaf in everyday living was so clearly highlighted in an informative, personal and entertaining way.

Ms Mini Saundry - Team Leader


After rehearsing during Term 3, the school concert took place on Tuesday 6th of September commencing at 7.00pm at Crossway in East Burwood but we were very quickly transported to a magical place. This year’s bilingual production with an Italian flair, titled “When I Grow Up! – “Quando Saro Grande” was a great success. Each class performed individually and then as a year level and everyone did a spectacular job! No one could resist the smiling, expressive faces and the bright costumes of our excited students. The teaching staff made sure they were in on the act with their own interpretation of Taylor Swift! We were most pleased to have incorporated Auslan in this year’s concert, with all staff and students signing “Good to Be Me”. The evening finished with a whole school finale that brought the house down. Many hours have been spent on preparing for the School Concert and students practised weekly. Congratulations to all the students and staff who put so much effort into making it a night to remember, especially to Signora Formichelli who directed, choreographed and costumed all the students!

Year 2 students experienced School camp incorporating hands on damper making. Avinash was very happy to give us her report. Yesterday we went to the lake! We collected sticks for roasting marshmallows. We made a fire and put the marshmallows on our sticks. They became very sticky and gluey. Eating marshmallows was my favourite part. I can’t wait for camp in Year 4! The Year 4 students went to Stringybark Lodge for camp. Students participated in many different activities including a low ropes course, flying fox, mountain biking, mini golf, trampolining, archery, and the team building Wall Climb and Raft Builder exercises. Juan reported the following: My favourite activity was the flying fox but I managed to hit the target during the archery events even if I didn’t get the bullseye. We all worked together as a team to get over the big Climb Wall but I felt proud of myself when we did the Raft Builder activity because I didn’t think I could do it but we all had ideas and worked together and built our raft and the grass tickled my toes.

Mrs Grace Broadbent - Team Leader


We were very fortunate to have a local artist, Fiona Valentine work with our students to create imaginative and colourful masks as part of Knox City’s Springybark Sustainability Festival. This year the festival was held on Saturday 15th and Sunday the 16th of October from 10 am to 5 pm. The Animal Dance Masquerade was held at 2pm on each day of the festival and was really just an excuse to dress up and party! Participants on the day were able to get their growl on, learn the Kangaroo Paw Hop, the Cockie Shuffle and the Bandicoot Moon Walk. They preened their feathers, steamed their fur and were ready to purrrrr! Tom was keen to show off his dancing skills performing his own Dog Dance when he completed his mask and his performance was a blast! The swimming program is in full swing with Prep to Year 4 participating in the program. Students are learning to swim in groups tailored to their experience level and enjoy their time at Knox Leisure centre each day.

During the month of September, we were given the opportunity to raise money for our Campus through Grill’d Knox. We are so grateful for your support and are pleased to announce that we were voted #1 and will be receiving $300 to go towards purchasing new transmitters! Congratulations to our Parents and Friends’ Association for organising this successful venture! We are appreciative of the opportunity to spread our name in our local community! The Year 1 and 2 students have been developing their skills doing Gymnastics during Physical Education classes. Students rotated through various activities and enjoyed their tasks very much. Some of the favourites being the trapeze and the climbing rope.


As the year draws to a close, it is timely to reflect on the many and varied activities which have taken place at Dandenong during Term 4. We began with a formal welcome to our new student Ryan and two new staff members, Andrew Mountford and Nick Steer. This was followed shortly thereafter by the whole school St Dominic’s Day Celebrations. As with St Mary’s other campuses, we participated with pride. Peter Begley was a Eucharistic Minister, Joshua R and James were part of the Banner procession, Cait brought up some of the gifts and Taruka read part of the Prayers of Intercession. St Mary’s students were also involved in the partner school Eucharist celebrations and Cait and Jordan enjoyed the Year 8 Retreat. James and Joshua, our Year 12 Graduating students were farewelled at both St Mary’s and St John’s, as was Estelle who has exited the College at the end of Year 11, after accepting a Hairdressing apprenticeship. She is to be congratulated for receiving the St John’s Award for Excellence in her VCAL studies. Joshua has also accepted an apprenticeship, in the building industry and James is heading to TAFE to undertake Youth Work Studies. We wish all three the very best for the next stage in their journey. Cait also received an Academic Award for Excellence at the St John’s Awards Evening, maintaining her perfect score of an award for every Semester she has been at the Dandenong Campus.

Kody featured at the St John’s Arts and Technology Exhibition with several of his pieces on display and winning an award for his work. The exam period arrived with its usual gusto and all students worked hard to ensure they were well prepared. This then led to the transition period and our incoming Year 12 students; Taruka, Ashleigh and Lewis and Year 11 students; Adnan and Dilshan were immersed in the expectations and course outlines for 2017. Emily, Rashira and Joshua M are preparing to enter Year 10. Congratulations to Patricia Jones, our Learning Support Officer for obtaining a Certificate 1V in Educational Support this semester. St Mary’s was well represented in all aspects of the partner school activities; sport was a popular pastime! Ryan and Jordan represented St John’s in the SIS Junior Volleyball Team and all students contributed to the Inter House competitions to raise funds for the social justice program. Adnan and Dilshan accepted an invitation to represent St Mary’s on a Panel at the University of Melbourne, appearing in front of Trainee Teachers of the Deaf amongst others. Their advice as to what was beneficial for deaf students was well received and they are congratulated for giving up their Saturday morning!

Mrs Sally Dane - Team Leader


The highlight of Term 4 was the presentation of Awards at the St Mary’s Farwell. Ms Purcell addressed the St Mary’s Students, Parents and Staff, and awarded the Principal’s Award to Dilshan whilst James received the Dominican Award. They are both worthy recipients and positive role models for all students. The relationship between the St Mary’s Campus at Dandenong and the partner school, St John’s continues to be an affirming and positive experience for both Staff and Students and we greatly appreciate the open interactions. We wish everyone in our St Mary’s community a safe and happy Christmas and we look forward to welcoming our 4 new students for 2017 at their Orientation Day and subsequently when the new school year begins. Sally Dane


We have accomplished our inaugural year of St Mary’s at Sunbury and it is rewarding to be able to say that throughout this year that we have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the Salesian College Sunbury teaching staff who seamlessly, and almost without effort, have adjusted delivery as well as differentiating assessment. This has allowed our students to experience inclusion with their peers. It is very difficult for a hearing person to comprehend the world as it exists for our students and because of this, it is so pleasing to witness staff being so welcoming and accommodating in terms of academic, physical, emotional and social development for our students. Completing her first year on St Mary’s staff has been Vicky Horton, whose main focus has been Year 8 and 11. The highlight of her year so far has been observing the way our students are beginning to develop a connection with all the St. Mary’s campuses as well as friends from other deaf facilities, which they met at Deaf Sports. It helped that Vicky set a task for the day that no one was to come home without the phone number of at least one person they did not previously know. This making of new friends was also a highlight of the St Dominic’s Feast Day. One quote was “You really have to get to know other kids if you are going to spend 4 hours on a bus!”

One of the best quotes of the year came from St Dominic’s day. “Before this year I didn’t even know another deaf kid, now I know hundreds!” This gave us the perfect opportunity to discuss exaggeration and hyperbole! There were ‘millions’ of activities and highlights throughout 2016. One of the funniest experiences this year occurred whenever Macey and Soraya sat too closely. For some unknown reason their hearing aids would sync and the ensuing laughter always took quite some time to calm down! It is almost impossible for this to happen without a transmitter but for some reason these two are really in sync! We’d like to congratulate Tom as he was presented with the Salesian Principal’s Award for 2016. Such a proud moment and very well deserved. A big congratulations to Macey also for her election as College Sports Captain for 2017, a position only normally only awarded to Year 12 students. She represented St Mary’s by attending the Award presentation Luncheon at the Catholic Regional College, Sydenham, along with other winners from the Northern Region.

Mr Frank Canning - Team Leader


All our students have had a full and happy year. This is just a snapshot of all their experiences. Tess performed in the school Dance Concert, and enjoyed the interviews with the school reviewers as well as participating in the Deaf sports day at MSAC. Amity, represented the College in Premier League for Netball and enjoyed making new friends with all the Year 7’s as well as on St Dominic’s Day. Amber enjoyed the Year 7 camp and having a place to read in peace in our rooms. Tom represented the College in Premier League Cricket as opening bowler. This team won the SACCS district final! Congratulations on your great win! He also played a few games in the Deaf Cricket squad but sadly this conflicted at times with his other local team commitments. We pray for the success of Tom’s Cochlea Implant operation and look forward to his development through his listening program next year. Hayley, worked with Vicky and was very social, meeting lots of new friends. Macey, represented the College in SACCS for Netball. Soraya achieved full marks for her Media folio and enjoyed the chance to study in private as well as meeting other St Mary’s students from South Morang and Dandenong.

Students had time to focus about their deafness and St Mary’s during this term and came up with some main advantages of St Mary’s. These are some of their recollections. We now have the opportunity to discuss issues with our counsellor, Paula. We have people who understand how we feel. We like having a place that is our own to relax, relate and towards the end of the year, study! They have also enjoyed the opportunity to invite some hearing friends to join us on occasions. (The door is open to all at Sunbury) Finally we welcomed our new student Mykaela, who attended a transition meeting and orientation day at the end of this year and want to assure her that her time with us over the next few years will be enjoyable and rewarding. We are all looking forward to 2017


Documents

Dominican Way - St Mary's College, Hobartsmdeaf.vic.edu.au/resource/content_file/2016-Term... · As our year ends we pray that the Lord our God blesses each of us with His ... return