Newsletter 28 March 2023

Principal's Welcome

Term 1 Week 10

Vigilance with teen's online content

Last week I was at a conference with the Principals of other Marist Schools across Australia. Each of us (all of us!) were commenting on the rise we have seen over the past six months in students parroting problematic and even anti-social online influencers. This is not something that we can solely challenge at school, and I invite you to familiarise yourself with some of the excellent parenting advice available online focused on the rise of a variety of influencers who are impacting teen attitudes and behaviour in profound ways. 'Media Influence on Teens' is from an excellent Australian parenting website to use to inform yourself and 'How to Talk With Your Kids about Radical Influencers', a step-by-step guide from the Global Boyhood Initiative, which applies equally to teen girls as it does to boys. 

Further, you are hopefully aware that Assumption College partners with renowned psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Greg to provide parents with short videos and information packs that explain many of the key issues regarding teen behaviours and how to respond to them. You can access Assumption TV via PAM (in the 'Links' section), and given the topics I've raised above, today I specifically commend to you the Cybersafety Series, which includes short videos for parents on internet addiction, cyberbullying, managing screen time, online gambling, online pornography, digital reputation and sexting.

Ensuring students have a healthy break

With the Easter holidays approaching, now is a good time to consider your teen's lifestyle and determine what, if any, changes need to be made for the start of Term 2. The holidays are the natural time for a 'reset' of habits or behaviours that have become unhealthy. Teens may resist adult advice and oversight, but this does not mean they don't need it or even crave it. If they cannot regulate or shift their own behaviours, like the rest of us, they require support. Some areas that we suggest you give some consideration to include:

• Sleep (teens require 9 hours on average per night). 
• Limiting screen/device time (including no access to screens overnight so that sleep is not impacted or disturbed).
• Diet
• Exercise habits, including regular time outdoors (without devices where possible).
• Homework/study habits.
• Work habits (if they have a part-time job)
• Positive relationships with family – those inside and outside the family home. 
• Positive contribution to family life (helping out with chores or tasks that support the family to run effectively for everyone…not just for themselves!)

If you would like support to tackle one of these areas specifically, our Wellbeing Team will be pleased to hear from you – they have significant resources and connections that will likely be of assistance to you.

Easter

The Easter Liturgies are some of the most powerful and moving of the Christian calendar. If it's a while since you've popped in for Good Friday or Holy Saturday (or Easter Sunday) liturgies, why not consider doing so this year. Every parish has a website that can let you know the times of the various gatherings, and irrespective of how long it may have been since you've last attended, you'll be very, very welcome.

One of my favourite Easter poems is 'And a Good Friday Was Had By All' by Australian poet, Bruce Dawe. The poem imagines the inner thoughts of one of the guards responsible for nailing Jesus to the Cross, looking back over his incredible day. I like the humanity of it and the reminder that from ordinariness, God's presence in the work through the person of Jesus turned the mundane, sacred. Once nailed to the Cross, the solider notes:

"Then we hauled on the ropes and he rose in the hot air like a diver just leaving the springboard, 

Arms spread, so it seemed, over the whole creation.

 Over the big men who must have had it in for him,

 And the curious ones who'll watch anything if it's free,

 With only the usual women caring anywhere, and a blind man in tears."

This Easter, may we, the people of Assumption College, be like those people at the foot of the Cross who care and grieve. May we recognise beauty in the mundane and the sacred in all the moments of life, especially where there is loss, pain and heartache. May the Easter Liturgies draw us together and help each of us to turn anew to face of God. Amen. 

Mission Captains' Report

By Piper Sullivan and Gabrielle Lamaison.

What a term we've had!

It began with our Opening Liturgy where we introduced this year's theme, "Created and Called, To seek the Things that are Above", through scripture and student reflections. The Liturgy was also a great warm-up to the 130th Anniversary Mass, with the choir introducing the community to the hymns we would sing. We even practised how to go to communion by distributing the 130th Year of Assumption badge to each student. 

This Liturgy was followed on the 24th of February with what was not only the highlight of the term, but we suspect will be the highlight of the year - our 130th Anniversary Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne. As a community, we travelled to Melbourne in a convoy of buses and gathered in the spectacular, sacred surrounds of this magnificent, blue-stone building with its towering columns and marble floors. There, with Bishop Terry Curtain presiding and music led by our beautiful choir, soloists Elizabeth Farrell, Emma Studd, Edith Marchant and Mr Christopher Roach, accompanied by the brilliance of the Cathedral Organ and Ms Alexandra Byrne on piano, we joined in a fitting liturgical expression of gratitude for the 130 years of Assumption College. 

On Ash Wednesday, we gathered our community outside the Le Rosey Chapel for the traditional Ashes ceremony. We got many student leaders to lead prayers and then had teachers and student leaders help put the ash on all students' heads in a solemn, peaceful and prayerful ceremony to mark the start of Lent. 

The start of lent also ushers in the annual Caritas Project Compassion appeal, which supports those who are poor, sick, and suffering injustice around the world. We have put Caritas boxes in every homeroom for our students to donate any cash or coins they can. We also have eftpos machines with which we collect donations. Each Friday, the faith team has been collecting this money and updating the tally, which is currently at around $2,200.

As a community, we also responded to the horror and unimaginable suffering that resulted from the Syria/Turkiye Earthquake. For 2 weeks, the takings from the Saturday Sport Coffee van and a most successful 'round up' program outside our cafeteria raised around $2600. 

The term will conclude with our Annual Easter Vigil. Over the last couple of weeks, the planning involved in the two-period performance of Jesus' crucifixion has been creative and exciting. Going away from the standard re-enactment of the story of Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection, this year, our student leaders are preparing reflections based on the characters who were part of the Jesus story, retelling their experience, how they felt and what they learnt. This Liturgy will include a mix of music, song, dance and storytelling, all based around the Last Supper and Eucharistic table, where each character will take their turn to share their story. 

Academic Captains' Report

Hi all! This is Stephanie Cameron & Ryley Murdoch, your 2023 Academic Captains. 

What a great start to the year it has been, with all the year 7's and new students adapting to their new classes and new style of work really well. With the rest of the year levels engaging in the MyMAP and VCE programs. 

We are both passionate and excited to help Assumption students achieve their goals this year as outlined by the current focus for the term, and we are keen to help students reach their potential by seeking what is above. Therefore, we are focusing on supporting people through continually updating the Academic Website, which can be found on both Simon & PAM under the School Links section, which provides helpful information and tips that will allow students of all year levels to prosper in their studies.

Currently, we are also putting together posters for VCE students, which will hopefully expand to all year levels on a notice board in the Daly Wing with information about class-directed tutoring after school hours run by the teachers. These are optional and are already being run by several teachers at the school, but putting the information in one place will allow students to have it all available to them to know the dates and times of a said class running.

Further into the year, we both are keen to address academic representation and highlight those students in the school community who manage to achieve above and beyond and deserve to be acknowledged for their outstanding efforts.

If there are any queries or feedback, reach out to either of us, but we hope everyone has a fantastic holiday and an upcoming term!

Year 7 Camp

What a Camp! We were delighted to work with the amazing YMCA staff at Lady Northcote over the three days and ensure all year 7 students experienced a camp with a variety of fun challenges, adventures and the opportunity to make new friends.

Each day, students rotated through 10 enjoyable activities, including Canoeing, Raft Building, Frisbee Golf, Wild Action, House Activities, High Ropes, Yabbying, Low Ropes, Archery and Giant Swing. The evening activities included a House Disco and Movie Night. The camp was a wonderful opportunity for students to develop and forge friendships with students in their House groups as well as with the entire cohort. These connections and friendships now continue at school, where they are nourished and can be built upon.  

MyCity Experience 2023

The myCity Experience 2023 was a two-day adventure with exciting activities and memorable moments. Our Year 10 students explored the sights and attractions of Melbourne, including the Melbourne Aquarium, Old Melbourne Gaol, and the Melbourne Star. They challenged themselves with ice skating, rock climbing and many other fun activities. One of the highlights was a behind-the-scenes tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where students learned about the history and operations of one of Australia's most iconic sporting venues. The myCity Experience gave our students a unique opportunity to learn about Melbourne, build their confidence and make new memories.

Thanks for coming to Open Evening!

We had a wonderful time meeting all the families who joined us for the Assumption College Open Evening. It was fantastic to observe parents' and students' high levels of interest and enthusiasm as they explored our myMAP program and co-curricular options and got familiar with the school layout. We want to give a big shoutout and thank you to all the amazing volunteers who helped make our Open Evening a success! From the students who guided families on tours, to those who cooked up a delicious BBQ dinner for everyone to enjoy, we couldn't have done it without you. If you would like to enrol or know anyone interested, please don't hesitate to contact us by email at:

registrar@assumption.vic.edu.au

or by filling out the application form using the button below. 

AGSV Swimming Centenary Carnival

It was a memorable Friday night at the AGSV Swimming Centenary Carnival, as our talented competitors took to the pool to showcase their skills and determination. Our students broke personal bests and made us proud with their impressive performances. Well done to all of our athletes for their hard work and dedication! Congratulations to Camberwell Grammar School for taking home the Boys Championship and Ivanhoe Grammar School for winning the Girls Championship. 

Check in here to see the full gallery from the AGSV Swimming Tournament.

Dressage Event

On Friday, the 10th of March, six equestrian team members made their way to the Elmore Park Equestrian Centre for the most recent Dressage Event. This event was the second of three Victorian Equestrian Interschool Series (VEIS) dressage events in order for students to gain points and qualification for the VEIS Grand Final. All students did very well in their levels, but the highlight for the day was Equestrian Captain Darcy Macaulay winning one test and coming Reserve Champion overall in the Preliminary Senior section. Joining Darcy in competing on the day were Sophie Manton, Kristin Mackellar, Tamsyn Harvey, Tess Munari and Eliza Murray. All of these riders, plus more, are now excited for the next qualifying event to be held in Werribee in May, before the grand final event at Werribee in June. Good luck to all competitors!

Liverpool FC IA School Holiday Clinic

Attention young football enthusiasts!

Get ready to experience our 3-day clinic happening at Assumption College! Open to all abilities, this is your chance to learn from the best and sharpen your skills on the pitch.

Mark your calendars: Wed 12 April - Fri 14 April

 - All genders

 - All abilities

 - Ages 8-14

 - Located at Assumption College

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to develop your football skills, make new friends, and have loads of fun!

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now! Register using the button above.

Donations to Papua New Guinea

When our student Immersions to Timor Leste paused for the pandemic, former staff member, Johnny Katal facilitated the donation of some equipment and old sports uniforms to some communities in Papua New Guinea. Congratulations to Johnny on this wonderful initiative. Later this year, when our students travel to Timor Leste again, they will resume the taking of funds (and some goods) donated from Assumption College. 

Seymour Alternative Farming Expo

We're excited to represent Assumption College at The Seymour Alternative Farming Expo. Come and say hi!

 - March 31st to April 2nd, 2023. Friday, Saturday & Sunday

-  Kings Park, Seymour. Site number EB8

 -  9 am – 4 pm

The Expo features approximately 400 exhibitors and attracts 20,000 visitors across three days. We can't wait to see you there!

Marlhes Restaurant Three Course Buffet

Join us for our last restaurant event of the term at the Marlhes Restaurant! Our 3-course buffet service on April 5th from 6-9 pm promises to be a hit. Enjoy a variety of dishes, including traditional lasagne, lamb kofta, and fried buttermilk chicken, followed by a mouth-watering dessert of chocolate pots with churros or flourless orange cake. Tea and coffee will also be served. Don't miss out on this opportunity to dine at the Marlhes Restaurant before the term ends. Book your spot now!

See the full menu below.

A Message from the Wellbeing Team

Dear parents,

We hope you and your families are well.

A current dilemma for some families is students who are reluctant to attend school. We understand that this is a difficult challenge for parents and we would like to remind you we are here to help.

We have a fantastic series of short and free videos from highly respected Clinical Psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg. These can be accessed using the following link

School Survival Series | Assumption College - Kilmore (schooltv.me)

If you do have concerns about your young person, please contact their Learning Mentor or House Leader for support. Conversely you can contact Wellbeing directly at

wellbeing@assumption.vic.edu.au

or if there are learning concerns please contact Cristina Vergara the personalised learning leader to arrange to have a discussion over the phone.

Kind regards,

The Wellbeing Team

Community

Marist Schools Australia Newsletter

Check out the latest edition of Marist Schools Australia Newsletter! Stay updated on all things Marist education and read about the exciting new book, Sub Tuum Presidium, commemorating the Sesquicentenary of Marist Education in Australia.

School Holiday Activities at Mitchell Libraries

Art 4 CFA