Term 2, Week 7 Newsletter - 2018, 15 June

Written on the 14 June 2018 by Rostrevor College

From the Principal

Brian Schumacher
Principal

EREA National Principals' Conference
This week we have enjoyed hosting over fifty Principals, along with Dr Wayne Tinsey and the EREA Leadership Team, here at Rostrevor for our 2018 Conference.  With keynotes from experts in the field, the focus of our learning was how we, as Principals, can better manage the demands of our roles and improve our personal wellbeing.  While accessing some of the latest research into the many factors affecting our wellbeing was fascinating, we were not overly surprised by many of the recommendations regarding the importance of exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of sleep and drinking enough water.  What many of us were surprised to learn though was just how important having strong relationships and being connected with other people is for our long-term wellbeing.  It is just as important as each of the other items on the list.

As you know, one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Rostrevor community is how strongly many boys feel connected to their mates, with many of our Old Collegians identifying important lifelong friendships that started during their time at the College.  Knowing how strong our Old Collegians clubs are, my new insights into wellbeing gained through the conference have also given me a much deeper appreciation of what Rostrevor means for the health and wellbeing of our boys many years after they graduate.

Gathering Principals together for the conference also provides us with many opportunities to discuss the latest trends and issues in education and school management with colleagues from every State and Territory and all manner of schools.  Not surprisingly, it is often in these informal conversations that we gain rich insights and new perspectives that foster innovation across the entire organisation.

Hosting this National gathering has also given us the chance to showcase the College and community.  In this context, I offer my congratulations and thanks to the boys and members of staff who have contributed to the conference and liturgies over the last three days.  They have been outstanding ambassadors for Rostrevor.  As many of you would know, Rostrevor occupies a special place in the EREA family.  Throughout the conference I have been touched by the many Principals who have fondly recounted their connection with the College and passed on their best wishes to our community.

Surveys and Feedback
Further to my comments in the last newsletter about the importance of community feedback in helping us shape the College and its programs, I will be circulating a survey from Edmund Rice Education Australia next week.  It is National initiative that will help us better plan for the development of EREA schools and service to families across the country.  Your time and feedback in completing the online survey is much appreciated.

Rostrevor Parents & Friends Association - Special General Meeting
With our Special General Meeting to be held on Tuesday 26 June 2018, I invite all Parents/Caregivers to consider joining the Rostrevor P&F Association and to come along on the evening as we elect the new committee who will lead our activities over the next twelve months.

Best wishes for the two weeks ahead.

Brian Schumacher
Principal


 

From the Deputy Principal

Frank Ranaldo
Deputy Principal

Senior Years Exams
Exams provide students with the opportunity to assess whether they have learnt the concepts, principles and skills associated with particular subjects. In doing so, students are able to identify the topics or concepts that they are having difficulties with for remedial purposes. Exams also provide teachers with an opportunity to reflect on their teaching and more importantly evaluate assessment and instructional practices for improving the teaching and ultimately the learning.

Last week Mrs Julie Farmer and Mr Daniel Ryall met with our Year 10 and Year 11 students to discuss exam preparation including the benefits of organising a study schedule, exam techniques, how to study and, more importantly, how not to study, and how to cope with stress associated with exams. The PowerPoints used at the presentations will also be available from the Student and Parent Portals in the Documents Library.

Years 10 & 11 Semester Exams
Our Year 11 Exams commence in Week 8. This will be followed by four days of Service Learning and the all-important Exam Return & Feedback Day. Students will have SWOT Vac on Friday 15 June, where they will not be required to attend school. Exams will commence on Monday 18 June and conclude on Friday 22 June.

Year 10 Exams also commence in Week 8 on Tuesday 19 June, following SWOT Vac on Monday 18 June and conclude on Monday 24 June. Following exams, students will undertake our Post-Secondary Pathways Program or Work Experience (VET students). The Post-Secondary Pathways Program will expose students to course offerings at a number of tertiary institutions. Students will also complete some course work for their Personal Learning Plan.

Full details of the exam schedule have been sent to all parents and students, including our expectations of your son during this period.

All Year 10 and 11 students are required to attend school on Friday 29 June for exams to be returned and feedback provided by subject teachers and/or to participate in a course evaluation which provides teachers with useful information which will assist in their planning for Semester 2.

Year 12 Mid-Year Trial Exams
This year our Year 12 students will undertake their Mid-Year Trial Exams in Week 10, while other students have their first week of their 3-week break. Parents of Year 12 students will receive a letter summarising our expectations of your son during this period together with a copy of the examination timetable.

Semester 1 Reports
The final Newsletter for the semester will be prepared by our Prefects, so I will take this opportunity to remind parents that Semester 1 Student Reports which will be available from the Parent Portal on Friday 6 July.

Subject Selection
Next term we commence the subject selection process for 2019. A series of assemblies will be organised for each year level with information regarding the selection of 'choice' subjects. As students move through to the Senior Years, there are subject pre-requisites or recommended minimum requirements for students wishing to pursue that subject the following year. The grade pre-requisites range from C to B+ for most subjects. Therefore, it would be wise for students to reflect on their Semester 1 performance, including exams, with a view to whether they will qualify for the subjects they wish to undertake in 2019. This should then be a gauge of the level of commitment and effort required in Term 3 to ensure that these requirements are well met.

SACE Information Evening
The SACE is a qualification for entry into Universities and further training.  Students need to meet SACE requirements to be eligible for some studies at TAFE level and for all University studies. 
Each year, we offer parents the opportunity to learn more about the SACE and tertiary entry.  This year, a SACE Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 31st July 2018 at 7.00pm in the Kelty Theatre for parents of current Years 10 and 11 students.  The presentation will cover:

  • The SACE and completion requirements;
  • SACE assessment and moderation;
  • University & TAFE entrance requirements, including the calculation of the ATAR;
  • How to plan for tertiary entry and select appropriate subjects at Stage 1 and Stage 2 levels.

By attending this evening, I am sure that you will feel more confident in assisting your son with his 2019 subject selections.  There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.  Students are not required to attend.

Holidays
It has certainly been a very busy term for staff and students alike, in particular our senior students. The school break will certainly be welcomed by all.

I would like to wish all families a very happy and safe holiday.

God bless.

Frank Ranaldo
Deputy Principal


Junior Years

Mr Geoff Aufderheide
Director - Junior Campus

Dear Rostrevor Community,

 

Annual Cross-Country Competition
On Wednesday 30 May the Junior boys participated in our annual Cross-Country Competition. This involved them navigating a course around the school grounds and trying to break through the pain barrier! All boys participated in training for the event in their weekly Physical Education lessons and were ably supported by Mr Tim Baccanello in preparation

I am delighted to acknowledge the following boys for their fine efforts as they add their names to the College History books:

Under 9's
1st: Archah Parisi
2nd: Carmine Carfora
3rd: Casey Mercer & Oscar Crafter

Under 10's
1st: Hunter Wigzell
2nd: Kalan Marzullo
3rd: Vivaan Sareen

Under 11's
1st:  Massimo Cerracchio
2nd: Jacob Marin
3rd: Xavier Matthews

Under 12's
1st: Luka Marzullo
2nd: Ignatius Crafter
3rd: Osose Oyugbo

Overall winners were Barron House and their Captain, Osose Oyugbo, happily received their House Shield at last week's Junior Campus assembly in Callan Hall.

There's always a story behind a story...

As mentioned above, we were delighted that all boys gave their best and we continue to build on the athletic traditions of our College.

We were equally delighted though with the 'bigger' story of the morning! During our Assembly last week, we presented two important awards to recognise the spirit of Edmund Rice that was on show by two young men in particular.

Joe McGuire-Coward (Year 6) and Oscar Crafter (Year 3) were both well placed in their respective Year level races. During their race they both came across a fellow student who needed assistance and they immediately stopped to offer support and encouragement. In Joe's case, this action potentially cost him a place and for Oscar, it meant he took home a Bronze medal when, perhaps, he could have placed higher.

We value this behaviour and acknowledged these boys by presenting to them a 'Spirit of Edmund Award'. This significant award recognises the values of an Edmund Rice education through our Touchstones: Liberating Education, Inclusive Community, Gospel Spirituality and Justice and Solidarity. By way of their action, Joe and Oscar showed us the importance of acting justly, providing hope, fostering good relationships, showing compassion and spirituality! Well done boys and thanks for being you!

Year 4 Sacramental Program

I invite us all to pray for our Year 4 students as many of them continue the journey they commenced upon their Baptism to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion, next term.

We start our process next Thursday evening, June 21, from 7:00pm with the first meeting held at the College where we will also invite the nominated Sponsor for each young man. We aim to prepare the boys involved so that they gain the maximum understanding about the steps they are taking in their faith journeys.

I wish Mrs Monaghan and the Year 4 boys involved every blessing as they begin this important work.

Best wishes and stay warm!

Mr Geoff Aufderheide

Director - Junior Campus


Senior Years Co-Curricular News

Mr Jeff Fischer
Head of Co-Curricular

Winter Co-Curricular:
The fixtures for the winter co-curricular season have been updated and uploaded to the Rostrevor website at https://www.rostrevor.sa.edu.au/fixtures.html.

Schools do not always play on their actual grounds; therefore, it is important to check where the match is being played. Maps are usually available by Wednesday of the upcoming weekend at the latest but I am reliant upon the opposing school to forward this information.



First XI Match Report

Round 1 Rostrevor 1st XI def St Ignatious 3-2

Goals: A Rapetti, A Piscioneri, L Barr 
Best: J Tatarelli, A Lewinski, L Barr

The First XI Soccer team bounced back from last week's shocker with an exciting 3-2 win over St Ignatius. With a number of key players missing due to upcoming club Cup Final matches, our squad welcomed two new debutants. Dion Piscioneri who made his debut alongside his brother Antoni, joining with Noah McNamara to strengthen our defensive third. It was also a proud day for the Pipicella family, with Nicholas Pipicella making his debut, following in the footsteps of older brothers Joseph '14 and Damien '17. The match started lively with Lachlan Barr and Alessio Rapetti firing at an impressive St Iggies goalkeeper. As the ball transferred to the other end, we were unable to clear from our back third, proving costly as the away side got an early 1 goal lead. The boys responded positively, with a quick distribution from goalkeeper Jamie Signorello, which allowed Alessio Rapetti the chance to attack and finish with an equaliser. The away side responded quickly though, converting a close range freekick on the edge of the area to enter half time with a 2-1 advantage.

The boys commenced the second half with a positive and attacking mind-set, with Paul Leombruno, Sam Banks and Tyson Linsenmeier causing trouble down the flanks. Chris Mercorella held the central fort, allowing Antoni Piscioneri to make an attacking run and find the top corner with a volley from outside the area; another contender for 'goal of the season'. With scores level, the boys knew the job wasn't over. Jake Tatarelli was in inspired form, chasing down opponents and getting into key attacking positions which led to a number of goal scoring opportunities. Adam Leombruno's crafty skills in the midfield broke down the Iggie's midfield throughout the match, which ultimately rewarded us with a penalty kick. Despite having the penalty saved, the boys were fired up and pushing for a winner. An attacking link up between Jake, Antoni and Adam saw Lachlan Barr dribble the ball into the 18 yard box and net a much deserved winner with only minutes to go. As the seconds ticked down, our defensive duties were put to the test, marshalled by a solid Andre and Noah partnership. With only seconds to go, a crucial match winning save by Jamie ensured that we walked away with the important 3 points. It was a proud win for the team, proving the importance of each individual who stepped up for the battle. We look forward to continuing our winning ways against St Peter's in our next match.

Joseph Pipicella
First XI Coach

 

In other Co-Curricular News:

  •  Adelaide City Soccer Club won the prestigious FFSA Reserves Cup final 2-0 against WT Birkalla which is a knockout competition involving the best clubs in SA. The team featured 2 current Rostrevor students, Year 12 Alessandro Bucco (who scored a goal in the final) pictured and Year 11 Cristian Quirino pictured, along with old scholars and current 1st XI soccer coach Joseph Pipicella ('14) pictured, Ethan Bowler ('16) and Stefan Casalbore ('16).  Cristian Quirino
     
  • Metro Stars soccer club won the FFSA U18's Cup final in a thrilling penalty shootout. The team featured current 1st XI players Vince Pennino,Luke Frangakis, Daniel Frangakis and Alessio Melisi and their opponent, Adelaide City featured Dylan Silvestri and Lachlan Fusco.
  • Well done to the 8 Year 6/7 Rostrevor boys who represented Torrens River SAPSASA football this year. The competition was held 28th May-1st June and Torrens River came 3rd on 23 points to East Adelaide & City South who both drew for 1st on 25 points. The boys involved were Felix Farmer, Damon Stepic (Captain), Finn Wakelin, Jack Dundon, Jack Piasente, William Humble (Vice-Captain), Jack Haddad and Thomas Griffiths (pictured below).
     
  • Year 11 student Christian Wills has been selected to represent South Australia in the upcoming Rugby Union tour to be held in Melbourne on the 14th and 15th of July

If your son, be he a current or past scholar, has made any significant achievement in an activity outside of the College, please pass this on to me via email to jfischer@rostrevor.sa.edu.au or by phone, so that I can include his achievements in the weekly newsletter.

Jeff Fischer

Head of Co-curricular Activities


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Author:Rostrevor College

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