IMPORTANT DATES

Read upcoming important dates here.

PRAYER

God of Compassion,

Help us during this time of isolation, fear and uncertainty.

Give us the courage to remain faithful and strong.

Guide us to the people and tasks neglected by our busyness.

Allow this time, gifted to us by staying home, to be used to form stronger relationships and connections with our families, friends, communities and the Earth.

Through our physical distance may we find new ways to act in love, solidarity and unity as we journey onwards together in hope and faith.

Amen.

FOR CURRENT YEAR 12 STUDENTS

SOCIAL JUSTICE FORMATION AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY IN 2021

The Footsteps of Frederic Program is a leadership and formation experience with the St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria for young leaders completing Year 12 in 2020. Meet like-minded individuals, explore social justice learning and gain lifelong memories by serving those in need. Applications close October 2. Further information and application form available here.

Miss Paula Cox

Director of Catholic Identity

MENTAL FITNESS GUEST SPEAKER

The AIS have partnered with the Black Dog Institute and developed an innovative Mental Fitness Program.

The Mental Fitness Program is about training the brain to deal with daily stresses without feeling overwhelmed, upset or worried. Through this interactive program, young people:

learn the importance of mental fitness,
are shown practical ways to build their mental strength, flexibility and endurance,
take part in activities that can help improve overall wellbeing and resilience,
practice and discuss ways to implement these strategies into their everyday life.

The class had the privilege and pleasure of having Josh Thornton deliver our presentation. Josh is a para-athlete and Commonwealth Games gold medal winner in lawn bowls at the Gold Coast Para Games.

Josh did a 30-minute presentation on Mental Fitness, talking to the Year 7 students about gratitude, mindfulness, flexibility, resilience and endurance. He gave the presentation his own unique stamp by incorporating his own life story, including the adversity he had to overcome and each small achievement that led to his impressive gold medal win.

Part of the talk naturally addressed building mental fitness during COVID-19. Josh gave the students many tips and tools on how to strengthen their minds, attitudes and outlooks to improve their day to day lives and relationships.

The presentation was engaging and invaluable to everyone. It really lifted all our spirits, especially considering students are trying to manage remote learning and are unable to attend school, see their friends or participate in the sports they love so much.

So that students can enjoy the full benefits of the program, they have been encouraged to complete the Bite Back Challenge online which is packed full of daily and weekly tips to build Mental Fitness. Josh will do a follow up presentation in six weeks to see everyone’s Mental Fitness gains.

Ms Margie Howie

TEXTILES STUDENTS MAKE FACE MASKS JUST IN TIME

Students in the VO Textiles by Design class made face masks just in time for the mandated wearing of face masks in Victoria. As a short project to begin using the sewing machines at the beginning of Term 3, students were asked to make a three-layer reversible mask. The masks were made from cotton fabric, with a layer of lightweight non-woven fusible interfacing in between.

Little did we know at the time that the following week masks would be compulsory for all Victorians.

Mrs Maree Jones

Technology Learning Area Leader

SEASONS OF CREATION EVENT

Attached is a flyer for The Mercy Hub Seasons of Creation event running through September, online via Zoom.

Young Mercy Links is presenting the fourth session on Wednesday September 23 at 10.30am.

Angela Scarafilo

Young Mercy Links Victoria Coordinator

MICHAEL BOWDEN OVAL FUND-RAISER

Michael Bowden, a legend and former staff member of St Joseph's College died in April this year from MND. One of his school mates has organised a fund-raiser to assist in the renaming of O’Loughlin Catholic College, Darwin’s oval. It will henceforth be named ‘Michael Bowden Oval’. If you would like to donate, please follow this link.

Any further questions, please contact Mrs Denise Knight via email kdhrknight@bigpond.com.au

AUSTRALIAN PARENTS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2020

Welcome to the latest edition of Schoolzine eNewsletter. Visit this link to view the newsletter.

AYO 2021 ONLINE APPLICATIONS OPEN

We are very excited to announce that applications for AYO 2021 programs are open as of today! For further information, assistance and any application queries please email info@ayo.com.au

Eloise Wright

Marketing Coordinator

Australian Youth Orchestra

BURSARIES