From the Deputy Principal, Secondary

In recognition of Catholic Education Week, we celebrated a whole school mass that focused on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The great Dominican, Saint Thomas Aquinas, stated that four of these gifts (wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and right judgement) direct the intellect, while the other three gifts (courage, reverence and wonder and awe) direct the will toward God. Wisdom is known as the first and highest of the gifts. Wisdom helps us to love the world properly, as the creation of God, rather than for its and our own sake. This includes loving God, our neighbour, the environment, the poor, the marginalised and ourselves. Wisdom is a vital spiritual gift that transforms the way we view all of creation. As a Catholic school we strive to develop the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our young men, so they may bear fruit that will last.

2020 Subject Selection

Our 2020 subject selections will commence next term (Assumption Term). We are currently meeting with all curriculum leaders to discuss subject offerings for 2020 considering future employment demand and changes to SACE and the Australian curriculum. Over the next few weeks I encourage you to have a conversation with your son about his post-school journey. Ask your son about his joys and challenges. There would be a subject area or activity where he finds ‘excited peace’. Excited peace is that zone where you thrive (despite the hard work) because you love what you are doing. Subject selection is a process that involves our boys, families and school staff. We invite all Year 11 parents to a compulsory subject selection information session on Wednesday 31 July 2019 in the Fr James O’Doherty OP Performing Arts Theatre at 6:30pm.

On Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 August, key staff will be available for meetings from 9:00am to 5:00pm to discuss your son’s selections. You are invited to attend and more information about booking in will be distributed shortly.

F1 in Schools and Ax

Next term we will provide Years 7 and 8 students with the opportunity to participate in the Ax Program with F1 in Schools as their focus area. F1 in Schools is an exciting worldwide initiative that mimics a Formula 1 team. Groups of students have to follow a pathway of engineering and manufacturing disciplines: design, analyse, test, make and race. They are provided with access to real-world technology such as 3D CAD/CAM/CAE engineering design software and soon become proficient in areas such as coding, computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis.

This program also aims to develop skills in problem solving, project management, communication, presentation, teamwork, innovation, self-promotion, collaboration, marketing and entrepreneurialism – which are clearly identified as aiding in the transition through high school - in demand by industries the world over - and not impacted by disruptive technologies.

The classes will run during lessons 2 and 3 on a Thursday. Students will need to ensure they catch up on any work missed from their normal scheduled lessons. The program is aimed at boys who are organised, motivated and group orientated with a passion for STEM. More information can be found at https://rea.org.au/

If your son is interested, please email me at druggiero@bps.sa.edu.au

Pedal Prix

On the weekend of 15-16 June, our inaugural Pedal Prix team will race at Victoria Park. I want to thank Mr Jeff Drewer for his leadership and coordination of the Pedal Prix Team. We look forward to witnessing the boys race their trike at Victoria Park, as they prepare for the main event in Murray Bridge on the weekend of 20–22 September. For more information about Pedal Prix, please visit https://www.ahpvss.com/

If you would like to volunteer as a track marshall, please contact me at druggiero@bps.sa.edu.au

The Pedal Prix Team is made up of the following students:

Kyle Baker
Mitchell Gregory
Campbell Griffiths
Jai Harte
Declan Hillman
Nicolas Pamula
Mitchell Renton

Year 11 and 12 Exams

Please find attached the Stage 1 and Stage 2 mid-year examination schedule.

Exam checklist for students:

Devise a study program in consultation with your teachers and stick to it
Use strategies to assist you retain information
- For example: mind mapping, post-it notes, posters, audio recordings, notes, practice exams, group study and peer assessment
Ensure you have adequate sleep, exercise, meditation and nutritional food
Arrive early to your exam, in full school uniform
Have an approved calculator (where necessary) and any subject specific required material
Place your writing implements in a clear, snap-lock bag for inspection
Do your best and grow from the experience

Students only attend school for their examination. The Library will be available for study.

Three Weeks in July

As mentioned in previous editions, this year we have introduced a three week break in July with Trinity Term concluding on Friday 28 June 2019 at 3:15pm. Staff will be involved in a week of professional development with a focus on mental health and well-being.

God Bless,

Mr David Ruggiero (BPS'92)

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL, SECONDARY (7-12)