seasons at
stannies TERM 2 | WINTER 2020
t i r i p S r u O g n i t a Celebr SEASONS AT STANNIES - WINTER TERM 2 2020 | 1 www.stannies.com
Stannies2Media Team in action for upcoming video program | SEASONS AT STANNIES - WINTER
TERM 2 2020
Welcome
From the Head of College
These holidays come as a blessing after a very uncertain term. We give thanks for the opportunity to pause and replenish before we launch into a very busy second half of the year. Mr Lindsay Luck, Head of College
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We have seen an expansion in project based/
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• Where teachers demonstrate a willingness and interest in being lifelong learners, so too do their students. Being open to more progressive approaches, acknowledging that sometimes there may be challenges, breaking the traditional practices of education has led to a positive perception of both teaching and learning at Stannies.
DEEP LEARNING
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• Where students have choice in terms of what they present and the way present it, a growth mindset is being generated. Genuine and authentic interest seem to go hand in hand for both teachers and students.
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• Our students participate in active discussion in classroom environments where frameworks and structures are in place to enable them to do so.
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The focus for the College in 2020 with implementing the 4Cs of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication has been on deepening the learning experience:
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Transforming Schools
C R E AT I V I T Y
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Despite these challenges, high quality Vincentian education continued at the College. The pages of this edition of Seasons at Stannies record the huge number of varied opportunities that our students have availed themselves in developing 21st century skills: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. These skills, regardless of subject area or pathway, equip Stannies men to be personally successful but also to make a positive impact on their wider worlds.
The “Stannies” approach is affirmed by very strong enrolment applications for Year 7 next year as well as by a number of families looking to join our community this year in all year levels. It is always a privilege to meet with prospective students and to hear of their hopes and dreams and discuss the ways in which Stannies may guide the journey towards them. When speaking with parents and carers about why they seek a Vincentian education for their son, almost invariably they express a confidence that their son will “find his place at Stannies” not only academically but spiritually and socially. This affirms the great work of our community in ensuring the holistic development of our young men which is the purpose of a Catholic school education.
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Term 2, 2020 was very different from what we had planned. We began the term with all students learning from home though we were able to have all students back in classrooms to commence Week 4. It was certainly challenging for students, their families and our staff to operate. Many of our key community events including Mother’s Day Mass, House Feasts and ISA sports have had to be postponed until later in the year.
personalised learning this year; more evidence of team teaching taking place and discussions and planning of cross KLA opportunities. Our own internal feedback shows that our teachers are actively seeking student feedback on what engages them as a learner in the classroom. Teachers who are using the Transforming Schools 4Cs strategies in the classroom with their students are reporting an improvement in student engagement and an enthusiasm for teaching. Students are similarly reporting greater interest in their learning through active discussion, movement, agency and self-efficacy.
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Stannies Family
Vincentian Voice Stanisłaus Kostka SJ (28 October 1550 – 15 August 1568) was a Polish novice of the Society of Jesus. He was born at Rostkowo, Przasnysz County, Poland and entered the Society of Jesus in Rome on his seventeenth birthday. Bathurst-based iconographer, Mary Clancy was commissioned by the College to paint his portrait which now sits alongside our Icon of St Vincent de Paul at the College entrance. Mary tells us about her work and arts practice. About St Stanislaus St Stanislaus Kostka was not quite 18 when he died in 1568, the same age as many students completing the HSC. Stanislaus was the second son of a Polish Baron. From an early age he was quite religious, unlike his older brother who was more worldly. The two boys were sent to study at the new Jesuit College in Vienna, Austria where Stanislaus was a very popular and capable student. For a while they boarded at the school, but when the boarding section was closed, the boys and their tutor took private lodgings. These were chosen by the older brother to be suitable for the sons of a baron, but their landlord was a strict Lutheran. This became a problem when Stanislaus became very sick, but the landlord would not allow a priest to come to bring him communion. This was a great trial for the devout Stanislaus.
We are told that he had a number of visions in this time. In one, St Barbara appeared with two angels, bringing the Eucharist to him. In another, Our Lady told him that she wanted him to join the society that bore her son’s name. Stanislaus recovered and returned to school. He approached the superior there and asked that he be allowed to join the Jesuits. However, the superior knew that Stanislaus’ father would not give his permission and he was not prepared to upset such powerful a man. So, Stanislaus decided to go to a different province. Without letting his brother or tutor know, he packed a satchel and walked the 550 kilometers from Vienna to Dillingen (an der Donau) in Germany., The provincial of that time, Saint Peter Canisius, put the young aspirant’s vocation to the test by employing him in the boarding school for a month. Saint Peter Canisius then wrote of him “I expect great things of him”. He finally arrived in Rome at the end of October 1567, just after his seventeenth birthday. He started his novitiate a few days later. His health was not good and he died on the Feast of the Assumption, 15 August 1568. About the Icon An icon is meant to represent the glorified image of the saint and represent some of the heroic virtues or life events on which we can meditate and pray. The gold halo and surround on an icon represent that heavenly plain. Here St Stanislaus is shown in his Jesuit habit, proudly showing the badge of the Society. He is shown
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as a young man, who would fit in with any Year 12 group of students. There is a road on which he has been walking. This represents both the real journey he walked when going from Vienna to Rome, but also the journey to a complete life with God, a journey which we are all called to. On his journey he takes his bag, representing the preparations he made for this journey, i.e. he does what he can to be prepared. He also has a walking stick, which he has with him for the whole journey. This represents the support of God. This support is always there; it is what we lean on when we are tired and gets us through the rough sections of the road. He is a determined young man, which can be seen from his expression. He is looking at the viewer, inviting the viewer into a conversation with him. We have in the left corner concentric blue arcs, representing heaven and especially a mystical experience. In Stanislaus’ case, this is his Eucharistic communion when he was very sick. As a token acknowledgement of the College, the corner has been kept to simple blue and white stripes, echoing the jerseys worn by Stannies rugby teams! Stanislaus shows us that holiness is not just something that happens to old people or other people. At the age of 17 he died, recognised by all for his holiness. On the bottom of the icon is a quote of his, I was born for greater things. A sentiment which we can all take as our own. St Stanislaus’ feast day is 13 November. Mary Clancy, Artist
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Creativity
Student Voice Creative Arts at Stannies is made up of Drama, Music and Visual Arts. The Faculty plays an important role in a number of large scale events at the College including Opening Mass, College Musical and Speech Day. Music in particular, is accessed through classroom learning and supported by a range of musical opportunities, such as individual lessons and our extensive ensembles program. Music students have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at many performances each year. These include the Bathurst Show, Bathurst Eisteddfod, College Assemblies and events and as part of the Bathurst Open Garden weekend.
Daniel back to face-to-face lessons with Mrs Rhonda Coleman
Current Year 9 Elective Music students say that they love the challenge of learning a new song or piece and then having the reward of performing alongside their peers. Liam Gildea, Preston Turner, Daniel Mitchell, Sam Egan and Jacob Wheatley, between them, play the piano, drums, guitar and recorder.
When asked what they like about music, Dan Mitchell says “the people, mainly. My late mother was a jazz musician who played around Sydney and my foster father, older foster brother and my biological father have all influenced my music choices, especially the music I am currently listening to”.
The students collaborate and perform together in music class as well as at lunchtimes in the Performing Arts Centre alongside other students who are looking to jam, practice and just hang out.
Dan also cites his teachers Ms Roth and Ms Fahy as positive musical influences. Sam Egan agrees “Ms Roth is able to show us how to use our listening skills in a way I never imagined possible like tracking melodies and rhythms for use in a number of ways”. Head of Creative Arts, Ms Victoria Roth, a multiinstrumentalist performer and teacher is an advocate for all students and their access to the creative arts at Stannies and has been nominated for the ARIA Music Teacher Award four years running. The ARIA Music Teacher Award recognises music teachers for their passion and hard work in providing students with a better education and the chance to play and enjoy music. “Music and creativity help improve education standards, wellbeing and build a stronger connection for students to their school life” says Victoria.
Year 9 Musicians
Many of the Stannies music students featured in the Semester 1 All-Rounder and Academic Achievement awards list which comes as no surprise to Victoria; “research proves that students involved in music at school can achieve better marks overall and attend school more often. They also improve their self-esteem
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Creativity
Student Voice and confidence, and experience less stress, depression, loneliness and anger. That‘s why music and music teachers matter”. At Stannies, music is seen as a universal human skill and there is an understanding that music can be an essential part of an individual’s development. For example, as seen in classroom learning for both learning support and gifted students who need extension. The best part of music at Stannies for these young musicians includes
the range of instruments available to learn and access for practical sessions, working with amazing staff and classmates as well as having the opportunity to play music with friends and perform in front of the school.
songs but you also need to fully understand music notation and language which helps describe it”.
For Liam Gildea, working towards Year 12 music means thinking about applying more analysis and being challenged in lots of new ways.
When asked what their dream musical future might look like, Preston Turner is thinking musicals especially something like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Dan would like to be playing in an orchestra and Sam says he would like to still be in a band and playing music for fun.
Dan agrees saying “You need to know how to write music and
Music at Stannies has all bases covered!
“... music and music teachers matter” This term Year 10 IST students undertook the Robotics Space Challenge building and programming a LEGO EV3 robot. These robots needed to be able to complete seven space themed challenges so students were called to apply and creatively adapt programming and problem solving skills to construct robots that were up to the brief.
Lachlan, Jad and Travis
Whilst EV3 bricks are pre-programmed with LEGO software, students had to override the existing program by installing micropython and then re-programming their brick using the Python language. This task is designed to build onto the skills and knowledge the students have developed in Python. The students were also required to provide video evidence of the completion of each mission via a video diary. LEGO EV3 robot kits never looked so good in action!
Tom and Joel
Sammuel and Oliver
Liam and Declan
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Collaboration
Semester 1 Summer Sports Awards As plans ramp up for the rebooting of winter sports for Semester 2, the College meanwhile celebrated our summer sport athletes through our Annual Summer Sports Awards. We had a very strong season, with many fine team and individual performances. The strength of our success is not necessarily measured in trophies but more in numbers and we have a very strong “power of the peer� to participate. Thank you and congratulations to all of the students who turned out for Stannies in some way, shape or form. Thanks to the parents, the staff both coaching and boarding who facilitated the wonderful opportunities for our young men. Many fine life lessons can be learned on the sporting field and from being part of a team. Some of the notable performances, the 2nd XI cricket team winning the ISA 3rd Division Premiership, undefeated. The Stannies White Tennis team won their 6th consecutive ISA Western Tennis Title. James Champion (tennis), Cooper Brien and Jack Goodsell (cricket) all being selected to represent ISA in their respective sports, receiving ISA Colours.
Sam and Lachlan, Co Captains 2nd XI Cricket
Five athletes selected for NSW All Schools representing in four different sports, receiving NSWCIS Medallions. Cooper Brien and Thomas Lynch (cricket), Jack Lynch (athletics), Jack Besgrove (softball) and Fletcher Norris (hockey). Jack Besgrove was also awarded NSWCIS Colours and a NSWCIS Blue for his selection in the National Softball Team, competing at the world championships in New Zealand earlier this year. The undefeated 2nd XI were named Old Boys Summer Team of the Year. Thank you again to all involved with our summer sporting program and we look forward to getting a winter program up and running in Term 3.
Most Valuable Players for Blue and White Tennis teams
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Collaboration
Sport Highlights
2nd XI Cricket undefeated Premiership Champions
In 2019 Fletcher Norris captained the NSW U15s Hockey Team leading the team to a Silver Medal at the National Championships. Later the same year, Fletch was selected to play for the U16s NSW All Schools Hockey team and was named Players Player of Blues team for the tournament. Hockey has been a passion of Fletch’s since he was young and he has been a member of the NSW State Hockey teams from PSSA to last year’s U15s.
At a local level Fletch is a member of the Bathurst St Pats hockey club, winning the Premiership in 2019 and playing in the Western Premier League 9s tournament, Western Premier League, first grade and second grade where he was named Best and Fairest of second grade within the Bathurst Hockey Association. Currently a member of NSW U18s Advanced Athletes Program (AAP) Squad for 2019/2020, he was also selected to represent the 2019 CIS Open Hockey team and awarded a NSWCISSC Medallion in recognition of his achievements in hockey. Congratulations Fletch.
Fletcher Norris
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Critical Thinking 2020 HSC
Year 12 2020 students have had a unique, challenging and inspiring HSC year. With the community shutdown and the transition from face-to-face teaching to online learning and back again required students to self assess and re-direct their study and learning. One outcome of social distance and relying on communication via technology was a much closer and more indepth learning relationship with teachers and peers. Some of our Year 12 students - Lachlan, Liam and Robert - share their plans for life beyond Stannies. Lachlan Mannell “I’m looking at doing Hotels or Resorts management which hopefully involves travel and the opportunity to work overseas. At the moment my preference is to study a Bachelor of Tourism Management at Southern Cross University on the Gold Coast but I will also apply to the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) at Torrens University. Both of these are three year courses. I did work experience at Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst and enjoyed the different departments and duties that a Hotel Manager can experience. Through personal experiences of family overseas travel, I have always been interested in the many different resorts and how they operate. In addition to my work experience, the College Careers Office has been a valuable source of information, which has further heightened my interest in this area. I have extended my study in Year 11, undertaking a Certificate III Tourism and Events course through online TAFE. I have loved the assessments which primarily have been planning overseas travel for fictitious customers. The continuous support from teachers at Stannies has helped develop my confidence in many areas, especially with communication and dealing directly with people.”
Day to day tasks at hand with Lachlan
Lachlan working hard
Lachlan at Rydges for work experience
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Critical Thinking 2020 HSC
Liam Smith “Whilst still in Year 11, I was offered an apprenticeship as a Heavy Diesel Mechanic at Burke’s Transport Bathurst. This is a four year trade, including three years at TAFE which I am able to complete in blocks in order to attend the course in Dubbo. For Year 10 work experience I worked at AutoMate Car Servicing Bathurst and really enjoyed it. Continuing to do Automotive at school, I decided to try the heavy vehicle side for Year 11 Work Placement. This was at Burke’s. After my placement, I was offered weekend work, which extended to school holiday work. When my apprenticeship was offered to me, I considered leaving school during the Christmas break but decided to finish Year 12 which Burke’s was happy to support.
Liam has the best of both worlds in place for his HSC year
Transport and initially helped me get my first placement with the business.
Stannies has been a supportive learning environment where I can learn from teachers who are willing to go the extra mile and never feel intimidated by I have had Mr Floyd as my TAS Automotive teacher questioning or seeking help when things are difficult. since Year 9 and he has continually encouraged me My friends make the school day more enjoyable and shared his valuable experience in the workshop. and I hope to continue relationships like these after Mr Floyd is a friend of Mr Graham Burke of Burke’s school.”
Robert van Gend “I want to do a combined Degree in Civil Engineering and Land Surveying at Newcastle University. For work experience I did Surveying in Bathurst. I enjoyed spending time in the office planning, going out to do practical fieldwork and then coming back into the office to complete the job. My Grandfather was a surveyor all his life and I have spoken to him about many experiences. This is where my initial interest stemmed from. Stannies has helped me prepare for this career by developing my interest in Mathematics and Physics. At the moment if asked to make a choice, I would probably look more at Civil Engineering as it has always been of interest to me. I have always found my teachers to be very supportive and confident - they will always lend a hand. My friends have been great socially but also a group of collaborative learners which has helped my academic progression.”
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Communication
Project Inspire Project Inspire is a Stannies and MacKillop College coeducational, co-curricular, talented and gifted program for self-selected Year 10 students. The project is a learning framework of supported mentorship designed to match experience with drive and passion. Professional, qualified leaders offer their time and expertise to work alongside students who are self-starters and leaders in their own right to knowledge-share and work on a specific outcome over a set period of time. Stepping up from the usual work experience model, Project Inspire takes mentoring to a new level - not only inspiring to be job ready but to also inspire to be ‘change the world ready’. The Project was launched at Stannies in 2019, commencing with mentor and mentee introduction meetings that saw 26 students meet with Mr Tim Cain, Director and Partner at CKM Law; Mr Ben Whitwell, Financial Planner of FINAdvice Financial Planning; Mr Thomas Druitt, Freelance Media and Film; Mr Ryan Lane, Veterinarian Orange Vet Hospital; Mr Dominic McCrossin, Medicine; Mr Tim Roebuck, Sound and Audio Engineer; Ms Alison Plevey and Mr Adam Deusein, Theatre and Performance; and Mr James Lloyd, Website Design. For 2020, Project Inspire continues to deliver opportunities for our students to co-design real world projects, several of which we anticipate will serve the College community and take us in an exciting direction.
The College is now seeking interest from current Year 10 students to join the Project Inspire team for 2020. Students are asked to bring with them a willingness to challenge themselves and grow, both academically and personally. The program further aims to assist participants develop and model leadership skills, build mutually beneficial learning relationships, and benefit from contact with more experienced members of the broader community. Mentoring,
particularly in its traditional sense, enables an individual to experience and open doors to otherwise outof-reach opportunities. The program emphasises the critical skills for the 21st century: Communication, Critical thinking, Creativity and Collaboration. If students are interested in being a part of this great opportunity please speak with Mrs Lang as soon as possible. Please watch this space as the Project Inspire journey continues!
Willis and Zoe
Mr Ryan Lane, 2019 Project Inspire mentor with Malcolm and Jessica
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Celebration
Year 7 Insight
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Celebration
Year 7 Insight
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Community
The St Stanislaus’ College Old Boys Association (SSCOBA) continues to grow in membership and strategically develop in future planning, with a renewed approach and a growing support base. Following on from a stellar 2019, which saw a rejuvenated committee work together to run a highly successful SSCOBA dinner (fundraising in excess of $31,000 donated directly to the College to assist those doing it hardest due to the drought), the Association is determined to make a difference again in 2020.
range and sales are continuing to be strong. We now offer ties, polo shirts, vests and caps for members. The Old Boys in conjunction with Paul McDonald, College Careers Advisor, are working on building industry links and networks along with Committee members Liam O’Hara and Dean Oxley who are liaising with a multitude of Old Boys to build a diverse database of proud St Stanislaus’ College graduates, willing to give their time and knowledge as mentors. It is envisaged that this will create meaningful and educational conversations, work placements
and mentoring to provide a stepping stone into the workforce and enable our current students meaningful and rewarding industry experience prior to graduation. With the social calendar on hold for now we are closely monitoring current Government restrictions in order to plan and offer a social event nearer to Christmas 2020. This event will allow interested Old Boys to come together to catch up and reminisce in the absence of the previously planned dinner for 2020. Mr Jack English, Vice President
With events scheduled from Bathurst to Sydney to London, United Kingdom momentum was in our favour and the excitement was clearly evident thanks to the emails, messages and activity on our social media. Unfortunately, the year being what it is, each of the planned events have had to have been postponed until 2021. However, the Committee continues to be busy behind the scenes, recently collaborating with the College and the P&F in a day-long workshop with a team of architects, brainstorming ideas and areas for improvement in College infrastructure and functionality. We have also expanded our apparel
Old Boys’ Association mentors Liam O’Hara, Jack English, Dean Oxley with College Careers Advisor Paul McDonald and Year 12s
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Community “Conversations can be life changing” George Sargent
After completing a week of Work Experience at 2BS in Year 10, George was offered his first on-air solo radio program, Weekend Wireless, every Saturday morning. Whilst contributing to his radio program, George carried out the duties of College Head Prefect as well as forging ahead with his HSC. During his time as Head Prefect he was awarded many distinguished awards, most notable being the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award, the Senior of the Year Award and was a 2020 Youth Citizen of the Year nominee. To top off an already successful 2019, George was a finalist for the ACRAs (Australian Commercial Radio Awards) and won the Best Newcomer on Air category. Towards the end of 2019, George became host of the drive program, Talk of the Town, on 2BS.
From a very young age George Sargent (SSC 2019) developed a keen interest in radio whilst listening to his Uncle on Southern Cross Austereo (National Radio), sometimes calling in to have a chat on air. At the age of nine, George made his way to the 2BS studios after receiving a Bathurst Arts Council 2BS Youth Arts Award for his musical theatre achievements throughout the Bathurst region. It was after his five and a half minute interview that the general manager asked George if he would be interested in providing critiques on musical theatre productions. From this point onwards he would be in and out of the 2BS Studios doing just that.
Currently, George has been taking a short break from the airwaves as he now hosts a new podcast called The Convo showcasing conversations with individuals who have stories that educate, inspire and entertain. “I think you can learn something from everyone you strike a conversation with and some people may motivate you to achieve your full potential,” he said. The podcast aims to discover incredible journeys from all walks of life. “During these tough times, sometimes people just need a friendly, light-hearted conversation that may brighten their day,” says George, of the idea behind his podcast. George’s podcast is available from your preferred app. Take your pick!
Front cover photo: Frost on the Fitz Oval cricket pitch by Brad McCormick
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220 Bentinck Street (PO Box 97) Bathurst NSW 2795 Phone: 02 6331 4177 Fax: 02 6334 4285 registrar@stannies.com SEASONS AT STANNIES -Email: WINTER TERM 2 2020 www.stannies.com