OMNIA
VOL 38 | TERM 1 | 2020
OMNIA
1
Due to the unusual circumstances we all find ourselves in, this Omnia magazine is our first ever online edition. We hope you enjoy.
2
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
From the Acting Principal
4
2019 Academic Results
6
Glendalough 8 Respectful Relations
10
Productions 12 Social Justice
14
Old Boy Profile
15
Old Collegians
16
Music Soiree
18
COVER PHOTO: FRONT GATES OF ST KEVIN'S COLLEGE TAKEN BY MICHAEL MCGIRR
OMNIA MAGAZINE Volume 38 | Term 1 | 2020 3
From the Acting Principal It is with great enthusiasm that I provide my first address for the Omnia publication. In determining the content of my first article, I have chosen to include the transcript from my most recent address to the school community. In offering this reflection, I want to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the great land on which St Kevin’s College stands. They are the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, and I pay my respect to elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their care of the land over many thousands of years. May we always walk on it gently and respectfully. In early 2013, I was contacted by Sr Brigid Arthur, a Brigidine Sister and friend of mine, who runs the Brigidine Asylum Seekers project out of a small office in Albert Park. Sr Brigid spends her days working with and helping people and families who have taken dangerous journeys across vast oceans in boats, fleeing war and persecution in their home countries, to seek refuge and a new life in Australia. Sr Brigid asked me whether I could visit a family who had recently arrived in Australia from Iran. And so, a few weeks later, my family and I drove down to Werribee to meet them. After the first few visits, we were invited to share a meal together. I remember standing with the father in his back yard on a freezing Sunday afternoon where he was preparing our lunch. He looked very sad that day, and I asked him what the most difficult
4
thing was for him in coming to Australia. He answered, almost without thinking, that above all else, he had lost his connection with his community.
on these connections, so we continue to deeply appreciate each of them when life returns to normal over the coming weeks.
Given the current situation for all of us - where each of you is learning online, and all of our teachers and staff members are carrying out their roles from home - I am sure we can all relate to the feelings expressed by this father. On the one hand,
As a Catholic secondary school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we are called to be people whose actions are underpinned by our four Touchstones. These Touchstones are ways of being, a blueprint that guides and encourages us to see the world in a unique way. These Touchstones are
we are blessed to be spending more time at home in the company of our families and loves ones, but the absence of our friends and daily interactions that occur every day at school as part of our normal routine would, I am certain, be missed by all of you.
powerful statements because they speak to who we are and what we stand for as a family of schools who share the Edmund Rice Tradition; they form the basis our relationships with each other, our decisions, our classrooms and our curriculum.
I think that it is true to say that when we stop and reflect on our own experience at the moment, we realise very quickly that we are all people who place a significant emphasis on connection. In fact, our whole lives are spent developing these points of contact. They are all around us: links to our football club, music ensemble, church group, rowing club, debating group and of course, for every student, parent and staff member, St Kevin’s College. These are the very ties that allow us to be people who feel valued and motivate us to contribute to a common purpose. And while we will all be back at school before we know it, if you are like me at the moment, you realise just how many connections we have within the community and at school and how important these are to us in our lives. Perhaps now is a good time to reflect
The third of these Touchstones, the call for all of us at St Kevin’s College to be an inclusive community, is particularly important for each of us at the moment. When we are fully aware of the role each of us plays in being people of welcome, people who embrace difference, people of hope, people who treat others with respect and dignity, amazing things can and do happen. We transform our environment, we transform how people feel, and we transform the world around us. And, most profoundly, when we extend a hand to others, we strengthen their sense of connection and enable them to feel that they really belong. It happens every day at school, and often we don’t even realise it or take it for granted. What a powerful gift each of us can be to those around us.
It sounds so simple, and yet every day in the press, we see or read of examples where people act in a way that seeks to exclude rather than include. Actions that harm instead of heal. Insults instead of compliments. The important thing for us to focus on here is that we shape what happens in our school community. To embrace our calling to be an inclusive community; however, we have to be people who are willing to replace words with actions and actually respond to those in need. To be people who, despite the inconvenience, go out of our way to help someone who is struggling. To be people of principle and courage who, like Paris Street and Ned O’Brien, are prepared to stand up and speak the truth no matter how difficult it is. To be people of the Easter Gospel who are called to transformation and new life. To be people who recognise that justice is not about treating everyone the same, but rather, providing people with what they absolutely need. On a more practical level, to be people who are willing to hold a door open for
OMNIA
someone who is struggling, to stand back while someone walks through the door first, to say hi to someone we don’t know, to help someone who looks lost or unhappy. All of these examples share a common thread: a focus on the other rather than ourselves. Being a community of inclusion demands nothing less from each of us than to desire to bring along every person. If someone is left behind, we need to turn around, go back, and pick them up. This is what it means to be truly inclusive.
Even in this current environment where all of us are missing our social contact with others, we can all be agents of inclusivity by reaching out to other students as a means of ensuring we bring each person along on this journey. This period of remote learning will be over soon, and we will return to the corridors of St Kevin’s College with great energy and enthusiasm and, when we do, let’s all remember the role each of us plays in continuing to build a community where everyone is valued and celebrated.
And here is the wonderful thing about this Touchstone: we don’t need guest speakers, or special programs, or professional development to bring it to the forefront of our school. We need a willing heart and a kind spirit. And when we can truly say we have embraced inclusivity in all we do, we will find that the three other Touchstones: a liberating education based around excellence and engagement, justice and solidarity where peace exists for all on earth and Gospel spiritualty, can be understood and lived out at St Kevin’s College as naturally as walking through the front gates of the school.
Yours sincerely,
John Crowley Acting Principal
5
2019 Academic Results Once the final VCE examination is complete, and all of the revision notes and practice examinations have been put away, the month of waiting for the VCAA and VTAC release of study scores and ATARs can be a nervous time. However, for students of St Kevin’s, such nervousness is generally more about the unknown, as opposed to a fear of failure. This unknown contains potential pathways that students have only ever imagined. Often such pathways have been meticulously planned in conversation with careers advisors, parents and guardians, and teachers. What it actually feels like to finally know where your next chapter will begin, is indeed extraordinary. Fortunately, the Year 12 cohort of 2019 can be justifiably proud of its academic achievements, with some students reaching far beyond their expectations. Such results are a testament to excellent work ethic and sustained devotion to the students’ passion for learning. Such results are also attributed to the expertise and expectations of their teachers. This Year 12 cohort of St Kevin’s College rose as one, supporting one another as they went, leaving little room for failure. While we all know there is certainly more to life than study scores and ATARs, we also recognise that for an 18-year-old, about to begin the next phase of his life, it is right that he should have as many opportunities as possible and that he should be proud of achieving personal success. While this success may translate to an ATAR, it is also seen in the array of extra-curricular activities and social justice programs undertaken by the students to achieve fullness of life.
6
Thomas Woods, the Dux of the College for 2019, achieved an ATAR of 99.90. Thomas received Full Colours for Academic Insignia in 2019. He was an Officer of the College, a member of St Vincent de Paul, a regular attendee at Fitzroy Tutoring and was involved in the Rahill House Committee. In his last year at the College, Thomas represented the College in Lawn Bowls and Soccer.
Melbourne, 35% and 20% respectively. Other popular destinations were RMIT, Swinburne and Deakin Universities.
It was wonderful to have our Guest of Honour and 2010 College Captain, Mr Jacob Fenech, return to the College to speak on life beyond the gates, and to present the prizes to our academic award winners of 2019 at the formal assembly on Monday 17 February 2020. On this occasion, we took the time to recognise those students who performed so well in last year’s VCE. With 44% of students in 2019 reaching an ATAR of 90 or higher and, more specifically, 27% of students achieving a study score of 40 or higher in individual subjects, there was a lot to celebrate. The Year 12 cohort of 2019 achieved 22 raw study scores of 50 across a range of studies. This is a phenomenal figure and represents just how hard the students and academic staff work to ensure success in the internally-assessed coursework and the written examinations.
Environment and Related Studies) course offers are amalgamated, the proportion of students taking this pathway falls only slightly below those who will be pursuing commercial or business studies.
Management and Commerce courses were primarily targeted by the students, often in conjunction with another field of study, such as Engineering or Law. However, if the STEM (Natural and Physical Science, Engineering and Related Technologies, Health and Agriculture.
It is true that the students of St Kevin’s work hard. It is true that expert teachers and caring families support them. The College hopes that the Year 12 graduates of 2019 have options to pursue their interests, to contribute meaningfully to our world, using their talents for good.
The 2019 Year 12 students were the first to experience a relatively short change of preference period and the possibility of receiving an offer for tertiary study before Christmas. Such wonderful results translated into opportunities across the board for the majority of our Year 12 graduates. In line with tradition, over 50% of the tertiary offers received by the St Kevin’s students came from Monash University and the University of ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
COLLEGE DUX 2019 Thomas Woods
STATS AT A GLANCE
99.9
PROXIME ACCESSIT 2019 Joshua Collins
99.85
Cyrus Raki
99.95
Zhihan Jiang
99.85
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 2019 Thomas Gilbert
99.75
Charles Dawe
99.7
William Tomlinson
99.6
Julius Pompei
99.6
Aaron Ng
99.6
Hugh Pentland
99.55
Jack Lunn
99.5
Leonardo Grossi
99.45
Joshua Lopez
99.45
Eddie Powell
99.35
Michael Simkiss
99.35
Matthew Hart
99.2
Samuel Davidson
99.2
Kelvin Ton
99.05
Elijah Isac-Hesseen
99
Henry Olive
99
OMNIA
27.40% 35 87.65 36
Cohort achieving raw study score 40+ Students with ATAR of 98+ Median ATAR Median raw study score
43.70%
Students with ATAR of 90+
64.10%
Students with ATAR of 80+
UNIVERSITY PLACEMENTS
7
Glendalough PREP 2020 The 2020 Preparatory students were keen to be a part of St Kevin's College and have quickly embraced the spirit of belonging to their school, homerooms and house colour. It has been a term of learning the rules and expectations, following routines and remembering the names of friends and teachers. The boys have enjoyed their first lessons in Spanish, Art, Music, Singing, PE, PMP and Social Emotional Learning. Each Prep boy has met their year six buddy and spent time working on fun activities together. Our inquiry unit focused on the concept of "Community", and we have investigated the various communities to our families
8
belong. We have explored the touchstones of our St Kevin's community. Each boy had the opportunity to share their "community box", which contained items that represented different communities to which they belong.
their independence in dressing and managing their belongings. They made significant gains in their water confidence and had lots of fun. This was great preparation for our House Swimming Carnival.
We spent the first few weeks learning the celebration behind daily class prayer and in learning our morning prayer. We have been listening to and reflecting on some
In literacy, we have followed our "Smart Spelling" program of work and learned many new words and sentences. The boys have been engaged in many language
scripture stories about the life of Jesus. We reflected on the importance of Lent in the Catholic Church and made Lenten promises with the focus on "changing our heart".
experiences that reflect the word of the week. We have made, suns, popcorn, tinmen and Dr Seuss hats.
During our first full week at school, the boys participate in a week of intensive swimming lessons. The boys practised
The young men of Prep have worked hard and had a very busy and exciting introduction to school life. We look forward to the boys' independence developing as the year progresses.
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
YEAR 5 CAMP On Monday 17 to Friday 21 February, the Year 5 cohort travelled to Camp Jungai at Rubicon near Eildon. There were many opportunities for the boys to catch up with old friends from other classes as well as meeting new boys to the College. It also gave each homeroom a chance to get to
OMNIA
know their classmates and work together as a team. The week away provided opportunities for students to face personal challenges, take risks and to support each other in the pursuit of doing their best. Some of the highlights included the high ropes, possum pull, canoeing, an all-day hike, camping out, boomerang making and
throwing, a bush tucker talk, orienteering and raft building. Although it rained quite a lot during our time away, it didn’t deter the boys from completing all the activities and having a great time. Thank you to Mr Williams and Mr Whitaker for, once again, organising an amazing and challenging experience for our students.
9
Respectful Relationships The Respectful Relationships program supports schools to promote and model respect, positive attitudes and behaviours. It teaches students how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence. The Respectful Relationships wholeschool approach recognises that schools are a workplace, a community hub and a place of learning. Everyone involved in our school community deserves to be respected, valued and treated equally. We know that changes in attitudes and behaviours can be achieved when positive attitudes, behaviours and equality are lived across the school community, and when classroom learning is reinforced by what is modelled. The evidence supporting Respectful Relationships is overwhelming and comes from respected institutions such as the World Health Organisation and The Royal Commission into Family Violence. Helping children develop an understanding of healthy relationships and respect is key to preventing family violence in the future. Through the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships curriculum, students will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to strengthen their sense of self, and build and manage safe and respectful relationships. Students will learn to recognise and regulate emotions, develop empathy for others and establish and build a framework for positive relationships. The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) learning materials cover eight topics of Social and Emotional Learning across all levels of secondary education: Emotional Literacy, Personal 10
Strengths, Positive Coping, Problem Solving, Stress Management, HelpSeeking, Gender and Identity, and Positive Gender Relationships.
MIDDLE SCHOOL YEAR 7–8 The Middle School will incorporate the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships curriculum into The Seed Program, which is delivered by tutors during the pastoral care time. One of the most powerful parts of The Seed program is to link the parents in with classroom discussions. By having the conversations carry on at home, we hope to allow the students to develop their opinions based on a range of views provided by others. If it truly "takes a village to raise a child" then the link between teachers and parents provides a clear message for the students. At the start of each term, parents will be provided with the topics of discussion that will be covered, and directed to the year level portal page to see the resources we have on offer. It is our goal to see parents raise these topics at home with their sons and continue the conservation with them.
WATERFORD YEAR 9 At Year 9, the Respectful Relationships curriculum will be covered as part of the pastoral care provided by the tutor. In addition to this, the Formation program will include the Building Respectful Relationships Unit, which is specifically designed for Year 9 students to explore the nature of gender-based violence and the implications for respectful practice. This program explores domestic violence and sexual assault in the context of power, social and institutional structures, and young people's lives. It takes a broad view
of violence, covering the physical aspects as well as looking at the emotional, social and economic implications of genderbased violence. It is also designed to help students understand the nature of consent, free agreement and respect, and develop skills to take individual and collective action for self and others.
SENIOR SCHOOL YEAR 10–12 Within the Senior School, the launch of the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships curriculum in Term 1 has seen the Year 10 cohort discuss emotional literacy by looking at how they understand complex emotions and learning to think from others' perspectives. Year 11 and 12 students have been focussing on the emotional landscape of the senior years and how they can use their strengths to reach their personal goals. The introduction of the Respectful Relationships curriculum has been well received by both staff and students. It has given tutors and the students in their care the resources, time and space to have these important conversations. Although the focus this term has been on introducing this explicit curriculum as part of the pastoral care program, the focus on embedding these principles across the broader curriculum will take place next term.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING- GLENDALOUGH • St Kevin's Glendalough is committed to the students' physical, social and emotional wellbeing and recognises these elements are integral to learning. Wellbeing is linked to improved learning outcomes, academic achievement, mental health and ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
responsible life choices. We know that a respectful, inclusive and safe environment enables students to feel connected and engaged in their learning and this lays the foundation for them to reach their potential in learning and in life. Throughout 2020, every student from Prep to Year 6 will participate in regular Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons. These lessons are run by Mr Alain Van Gurp and Mr Tim O'Dwyer and will include a focus on helping students develop their self-awareness and social management skills.
Over the four terms, we will be introducing new themes that focus on the contextual needs of St Kevin's including: • Respect for Self and Respect for Others • Self-Control • Digital Wellbeing • Emotional Intelligence • Resilience • Leadership
SEL lessons are adjusted to the needs of each year level and incorporate themes such as respectful relationships, getting along with others, cyber safety, meditation, bullying, and more. All SEL lessons echo the positive lifestyle values that are fundamental to St Kevin’s College culture – that is, investing in one’s mental wellbeing, physical health and spiritual constitution. For more information on what is happening in SEL this year, have a look at the SEL page on the portal.
• Child Safety
OMNIA
11
Productions Term 1 saw two productions scheduled to be performed in the Ruby Tout Theatre. Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus, only the Year 10 Play was able to be performed on all three nights. Both the Year 10 and Year 11/12 Play were collaborations with Sacré Cœur and began rehearsals in late 2019.
presentation of Chaucer’s literary classic, combined with the contemporary comic genius of Monty Python, allowed the audience to access the text in a hilarious and approachable manner.
Year 10 Sacré Cœur girls and St Kevin’s boys presented The Canterbury Tales…
Oliver Verner, as Geoffrey Chaucer, set the tone for the play through his accent, movement and impeccable comic timing. Benjamin Chiam shone in his role, gently creating a character that allowed the
or Geoffrey Chaucer’s Flying Circus. This
ensemble to be the central storyteller.
12
Kasper Hoffman, Luke Lourey, Lachlan de Garis and Aidan Hawe all provided excellent cameos that conveyed the farce and satire of their stories. The performance relied on the polished and well-timed direction of Ms Kacey Pelle, while the costumes and set, designed by Mr Ian Nott, created a whimsical mix of 14th Century England and 20th Century Australia.
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
Although the Year 11/12 play was not able to run on the intended nights, due to the hard and diligent work of the cast and crew, an open rehearsal was performed to a small audience of parents.
an adventurous tone with moments of humour and darkness, all reflecting the challenging and difficult world of London at the time.
The costumes and design, by Ms AmyKate Cooper, depicted a creative and imaginative historical context to Oliver Twist.
The Year 11/12 students from Sacré Cœur and St Kevin’s collaborated on their second show for the year with Oliver Twist.
The character of Oliver is strong and well-modulated and presented with true understanding by Hugo Postregna. Ned Dwyer, as Fagin, created a heightened and exaggerated version of the evil antagonist.
The ensemble came together, under the direction of Ms Gillian Shannon, to paint the backdrop of the sad, dark life in London but also conveyed the strength in human kindness.
The production beautifully tells the Charles Dickens story of our orphan boy, Oliver. The performance created
Gabriel Tassoni provided a strong characterisation that conveyed the cruelty and pomposity of Mr Bumble.
OMNIA
13
Social Justice
It was more than fitting that this year our Year 10 Community Service began on Ash Wednesday, immediately after the service that called the boys to stillness, service prayer as we get ready to celebrate Easter. Every week, the Community Service Program sees 260 students head off to 106 venues to help others and learn more about the struggles of the people they encounter. It sounds complicated, and the organisation is intricate, but at heart, there is a refreshing simplicity in the program. Here are just a couple of the reflections boys wrote after only their second week: We were there helping the older men with food and drinks and also trying to 14
start conversations. Most of them stayed silent and did not talk, but G. and J. were talking the most. They were often hard to understand. I mainly talked to B., whose brother was in WWII and sadly died last year. He gave us a tour of his room and we got to see photos of his children and grandchildren. L. only spoke Italian and we could only understand a little bit from him. I was very surprised to see him dancing when we arrived. We also met the old mayor of Whitehorse. We played The Age word game. J. was on fire and got half of the words because he had been an English teacher.
When kids lost focus or were talking, we directed their attention back to the two teachers. At the end, Ryan and I joined in a fun race with the kids and we let the kids win. It was a great experience. These little stories, and there are many like them, are all about creating communication and connection with people outside our comfort zone, such as the elderly or children with special needs. Our boys often find it difficult, for example, to converse with the elderly. But it is a richly human experience and lives long in their memories. It is an expression of the faith at the heart of the school.
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
Michael John Bowden OAM the Territory. In 2015, Mike retired to spend more time with his wife and their grandkids. Judy had been in gradual decline due to dementia and retirement was brought on when Judy's condition worsened. Always community-oriented, and guided by the values of social justice and equity, Mike remained heavily involved in local issues in the Territory. Recently he completed his PhD in Theology based on the Arrernte people's spiritual lives and reflecting his deep commitment to Aboriginal people.
Each of the elements of our catchphrase "learning, family and fullness of life" is wonderfully applicable to St Kevin's old boy Michael Bowden. Born in 1947, Mike Bowden grew up in a workingclass Catholic family in Chadstone, Melbourne. At age 17, Mike joined the seminary in Werribee before leaving to join the Richmond Tigers and to study at Monash University to be a teacher. At university, he met the love of his life, Judy. They married in 1969, the same year Mike played in a VFL premiership with Richmond. In the late 70s, Mike departed the big smoke for Robinvale, in the Sunraysia district of Victoria. He was lured to coach the Robinvale Eagles. Mike and Judy had already welcomed their first son Sean, and two more boys, Rhett and Kane, were born in Robinvale while Mike taught at the local secondary school and coached the Eagles to a premiership. The family took on guardianship of local boy Charlie Kellet and, as was his and Judy's way, developed friendships that would last a lifetime. OMNIA
Through the late 70s and early 80s, the Bowden family moved around Sunraysia through offers from football clubs for Mike to coach. By this time, Joel and Patrick had been born. In line with his values, the Bowden family moved to the Pitjantjatjara community of Ernabella in 1983, beginning a relationship with the Pitjantjatjara people that continues to this day. Their daughter Majella was born while the family lived in this majestic part of Australia. Mike later worked in Alice Springs at the Catholic High school, establishing the Intjarlke Unit for Arrernte students. He worked closely with the Arrernte community and completed his Masters. Mike then worked at the Tangentyere Council and began a decades-long relationship with the Arrernte people of the Whitegate community.
Mike was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2018 and, sadly, passed away earlier this month. Mike Bowden was a man of compassion, drive and humility. He led a life of putting others ahead of himself and looking out for those less fortunate. Mike made an enduring contribution in all of the communities he has lived in, especially in the Northern Territory. For his family and the many he has taught, coached and supported, he was a true inspiration. Mike Bowden was a great Australian and was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM) in January 2020. He was cherished by all that are fortunate enough to know him, and the St Kevin's community was proud to call Mike a member of our old boy community.
Mike went on to advise the Northern Territory Minister for Education and took on teacher and principal roles throughout
15
Old Collegians OLD AND YOUNG – KEVINIANS FOR KEVINIANS We recently heard of the passing of Kevin O’Conner at 98 years of age. Kevin, a St Kevins student in 1939, was very happy and proud to be sharing time and stories with St Kevins students over the past few years, notably Nick Bare (Year 11) and Adam Dinh-Vu (Year 12) during time spent at Kevin’s senior citizens home. He cherished these moments as was the time he addressed students at the College.
LATEST SIGHTINGS
A CENTURY IN THE MAKING
Brian Kurrle (SKC '61). Still working as a GP in Yagoona, western Sydney. Five children and very happily married to Kelly.
Brian Daniel Walsh (SKC '35), our oldest Kevinian, celebrated his 100th birthday on St Patricks Day. Surrounded by family and friends from around Australia in Adelaide he marked the occasion with a little tipple (a gift from SKOCA) and a great big smile. A fantastic effort – what a life and as he says often "wouldn’t be dead for quids"!
Jeremy Sierakowski (SKC '02). Currently training to become a pilot, and a Diploma of Aviation. Just completed a trip around Australia flying a Cessna 172 – exciting times.
MENTOR PROGRAM We encourage Kevinians to avail themselves of the Mentor Program where Kevinian mentors and mentees develop each other's skills. Offers to mentor have been well received and more are invited. We do seek mentees to register so we can broaden the scope of the program. Go to The SKOCA Directory: http://ap.ptly. com/vic/stkevins and "mentoring" is in the dropdown menu of "Community".
ARCHIVES ABOVE: NICK BARE, KEVIN O’CONNOR
800M RUNNERS GALORE Jack Lunn (SKC '19) is making his mark on the 800m at the athletics tracks. The tradition of great 800m runners at the College stretches back over 60 years with those who have run under 1min 48sec and started with the great late John Higham (SKC '69) 1:45.6 in 1977, Alex Rowe (SKC '10) 1:44.4, Peter Bourke (SKC '76) 1:44.78, Luke Mathews (SKC '13) 1:45.16, Simon Lewin (SKC '89) 1:47.06 and Timas Harik (SKC '12) 1:47.45. Jack is coached by Old Collegian Steve Fabris (SKC '05) and Jack secured 1:47.42 recently. Well done on keeping the tradition going. 16
AIDEN DIDONE (SKC '15) WINS PRESTIGIOUS PORTER CUP Aiden Didone has collected his maiden international win taking out the Porter Cup at Niagra Falls Country Club in New York State. Aiden finished at 10-under-par to win by two strokes. A nice up and down by him on the par 3, 18th was enough to secure the two stroke victory. “There were a lot of nerves out there and I just stuck with my game plan,” said Aiden.
YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS We were most pleased to receive a copy of a 1935 St Kevin’s group on retreat at La Verna in Kew run by the Franciscans. This picture does not appear in the Annual or is it in the archive. All of which makes us cherish its discovery. All donations and loans of archival items are gratefully received.
As we move toward not sending items by mail we have to ensure we have your email address. Please send an email to oldcollegians@stkevins.vic.edu.au with your details. Best to avoid using work emails as they change so often. Add your mobile number as well to record that.
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE
Reunions
Events
Valete
2020
GOLDEN JUBILARIANS DAY
If you intend to hold a reunion in 2020 such as the decades 1960/70/80/90, 2000, 2010 or special event reunions like Premierships, please contact the Old Collegians office so we can assist. Best to plan early!
POSTPONED - Kevinians from 1970 and older are warmly invited to a celebratory day at the College featuring an assembly, tours and morning tea. Wives, partners and family carers are all most welcome. We will notify you when a new date has been arranged.
DALY, John Berchmans (SKC '46) 3/4/2019
ANNUAL DINNER The 74th Annual Dinner celebrating "Kevinians being there for Kevinians" has been postponed. A new is yet to be determined.
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ StKevinsOCA LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com and search for St Kevins Old Collegians group Also, it helps us if in the education part of your own profile on Linkedin you enter St Kevin’ College.
SKOCA MEETINGS The SKOCA Committee has initiated a series of open forum meetings so all members can attend and discuss issues relevant to developing the Association. At the moment they will be in February and again in November but may increase in number.
BUSINESS BREAKFAST FORUMS The first of hopefully many Round Table Business Breakfasts occurred on 21 February. The theme was Practical Entrepreneurship with guest Speaker Stewart Koziora (SKC '87). A keen group attended the first and it is hoped to engage as many themes as possible. Kevinains with ideas for themes and hosting offers are most welcome OMNIA
STRACHAN, Peter Jack (SKC '67) 5/11/19. CARROLL, Francis John (SKC '60) 8/1/2020) DURHAM, Richard Francis (SKC '74) 4/1/2020 O’CONNOR, Kevin John (SKC '39) 25/2/2020 RYAN, Dr Edward (Ted) Leo (SKC '38) 22/1/2019
FELLOWSHIP
MICHAEL J. DAVEY – RIP
The aim of the SKOCA “Old Kevinian Fellowship” is to provide St Kevin’s Old Collegians with the support and encouragement to undertake travel, study and/or a project which provides a unique opportunity for self-development and discovery that goes beyond the benefits offered by a higher education.
It is with sadness that we report of the passing of Mr Michael Davey RIP 8/3/2020.
Furthermore it is hoped that Fellows will become ambassadors within the wider College community and in particular role models to students by participating in the College's emerging leadership, speaker or other programs within the College upon completion of their Fellowship year. Applications close on 30 April. The award is a cash grant of up to $5,000. The application process is available via the Resources section of the Old Collegians page on the College website:
Mr Davey was on the staff from 1974 to 1995 and in that time served the College as a fine classroom teacher, APS Delegate and Deputy Headmaster (1984–1995) and Acting Headmaster twice for 6 month periods. Upon retirement, SKOCA awarded him Honorary Life Membership. He was often at SKOCA events and was a man who cared about students and families, who believed in the good a school can do. We hope this is a fitting tribute to him, emphasising the benefit of staff who make a difference to others.
http://stkevins.vic.edu.au/community/oldcollegians
17
Music Soiree The combined Foundation and Music Association Soirée featured the musical talents of our staff and senior students in a concert ranging from Mozart to Billy Joel, from Faure to Lennon and McCartney. In a first for this annual event, a classical orchestra was formed by combining the Chamber Strings and staff for a spirited performance of the first movement of
Mozart’s popular Symphony No 40. The 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birthday was acknowledged with a movement from his Piano Trio Op 1, No. 3. After singing The Lord’s Prayer in Serbian, the Senior Vocal Ensemble was joined by staff for Billy Joel’s For the Longest Time. The Senior Clarinet Ensemble’s Yesterday by Lennon and McCartney featured the new
bass clarinet, purchased with funds raised by the Music Association in 2019. The program concluded with the everpopular and extremely impressive Staff Big Band, a joyful conclusion to this celebration of the talents of our staff and senior students.