Year 10

Mr Brendan Chapman Head of Year 10

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, we are challenged more than ever before to expand our knowledge and attitudes in order to successfully participate in the emerging global community. In 2013, the Year 10 students coped well with the transition from being a part of the Middle School, from the responsibility and focus required to cope with the academic rigours of Year 10, to the challenge of being more aware of the wider community of which they are a part.

Throughout the course of the year, the students were privileged to hear from a variety of dynamic and cognitively-provoking speakers as a part of the Personal Development and Wellbeing and the Pastoral Care Group programs. At the beginning of the year, the students were captivated by a presentation from Jade Lewis and her story on the impact of drugs and alcohol on her own life. The Keys for Life program was enriched by the various speakers from the Paraplegic Benefit Fund on the importance of safe road use and the impact of poor decision-making on young peoples’ lives. An invaluable presentation was delivered by a member from the Australian Federal Police on the safe use of technology, the students were given the opportunity to hear from AFS exchange and the diverse and enriching experiences that are on offer, whilst the Year 10s were fortunate enough to continue their relationship with Elevate Education, challenging and enabling effective study and revision habits in our students. I am sure that the students’ moral and ethical values have been enhanced by being a part of these programs. For the Year 10s, much of the focus throughout 2013 was being an active participant in the Four Pillars of the College.

The service learning opportunities for the students were abundant and it was great to see many students take up opportunities such as being a Roadie on the Quest Retreat, the Winter Sleep Out and Soup Patrol, whilst many of them are now successful applicants for the Kimberley Immersion and to be a Peer Minister on the Quest Retreat as a Year 11 student.

Members of the Student Council organised a fundraiser to raise money for the Cancer Council, whilst an individual of noteworthy mention was Joseph Teakle (10.2). Joseph raised approximately $6000 for Princess Margaret Hospital by taking on the challenge of the HBF Fun Run for a Reason. Whilst the fundraising effort alone was outstanding, the feat was truly inspirational given that Joseph continues to recover from physical injuries sustained in a road vehicle accident two years ago.

Students at the Winter Sleepout to raise money for St Vincent de Paul

Academically, we had some outstanding performances from our high achieving Year 10 students in the Philosothon, the Mathematics Olympiad, the da Vinci Decathlon and a gifted and talented science workshop offered by The University of Western Australia. A program that enriches the core curriculum offered to all Year 10 students is the Personal Development and Wellbeing course. The program offers a variety of curriculum looking to holistically develop our students and best prepare them for the road ahead. These courses include; the Keys for Life program, Christian Service, Job Skills, Careers, Mental Health and Conflict Resolution.

It is so impressive to see the number of students who are involved in the Cultural Pillar on the College. Our students performed exceptionally well in the dance, drama and musical aspects of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, helping to retain the famed Zennith Clock Award for the tenth consecutive year. The students performed exceptionally well in New York at the WorldStrides Heritage Performance as a part of the College’s music tour, whilst our students also continued to represent the College in an admirable fashion at the Quarry Concert, Presentation Night, Graduation Mass and many more events across the course of the year where the students showcased their skills. The move to senior sport in Year 10 is a bigger commitment for many of our students, as they come to terms with a Saturday morning school competition, proudly representing their College over the course of the weekend ahead of any club-based commitments. Many of the students filled regular positions in the College’s 1st teams, but more importantly, the majority of our students enjoyed the camaraderie and personal challenge that the sporting program of the College facilitates. I would like to thank the Year 10 Pastoral Care Group teachers, Mr Rod Rainer (10.1), Ms Lisa Laurino (10.2), Mr Joseph Tamigi (’99) (10.3), Mr Rohan Van Dongen (10.4), Mr Paul Van Vliet (10.5), Mr Tony Webb (10.6) and Mr Ken O’Neil (’73) (10.7). The commitment to challenge and care for our students has been an integral element to the continued formation of these students as a year group.

Upon reflection, Year 10 has been an excellent year in the way that our students have continued to take on the increased responsibility of being a part of the Senior School. I challenge our students further to get involved in the service opportunities that are available and to set a strong example to the younger students of the College as Year 11 students in 2014.

Mr Brendan Chapman Head of Year 10

Joseph Teakle at the HBF Fun Run