Issue 9 Term 3 2020

We were blessed with blue skies and a perfect spring day for students to celebrate Brigidine Day. Students enjoyed a variety of activities including connecting with their peers in each House, a beautiful Mass, lots of activities, and a BBQ lunch. Even though food options were limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was a sense of community and enjoyment throughout the day.

The highlight of the day was K-Factor where we were treated to a showcase of the brilliant talent of many of our students, and an outstanding staff performance. This was the first time the College gathered together as a whole since Term 1 and it was truly uplifting to see everyone together. We are very grateful for all the hard work and efforts of everyone who was involved in Brigidine Day. 

Michelle Camilleri
Deputy Principal

The end of Term 3 is a busy time for all students. For our Year 12 students there is the additional pressure of finalising all their assignments for the year. We also look towards celebrating the end of their academic journey and final year at Kildare College, and as such, students take part in a range of activities to mark this occasion.

Further information has been sent to the Year 12 families regarding the below events:

• Graduation Mass – Tuesday 20 October starting at 6:30pm at Kildare College
• Breakfast – Friday 23 October for Year 12 Families and students at Sfera’s
• Presentation Day – Friday 23 October
• Final Assembly – Friday 23 October
• Graduation Dinner – Thursday 26 November

The final day of formal College activities for Year 12 students is Friday 23 October. It is vital that all students attend every class and other activities up to and including this day. Subject teachers are presenting important information and advice regarding examination procedures, revision and the final moderation process. Students may be required to come in after this day to complete summative tasks. Their subject teachers will inform them if they are required to do this. Students must wear their uniform when attending the College after this date.

We look forward to celebrating the culmination of you daughter’s education at Kildare College.

Raymond Krospinski
Senior Years Coordinator

The Year 12 Drama class have been working hard on their final production, which culminated in a filmed performance of their final assessment.The entire class is to be commended for their commitment, flexibility, understanding and determination as we have navigated these challenging times. 

Their performance of 'Between These Lines' demonstrated a mature understanding of the text as they explored the interconnections and relationships we have in daily life and that what we see may not always be the full story.

I wish them all the best with their journey ahead.

Shaun Castles
Drama Teacher

This term we were fortunate enough to gather the Year 7s and head out for a Retreat Day. The theme of this day was 'Being Connected'.

It is always a great opportunity to meet as a year level and to spend a day together. On this occasion the Year 7s gathered with a great attitude and a great willingness to get involved. We discussed the theme at great length and in particular we reflected on Jesus who taught us that, as we are all children of God, we all need to be connected and showed us what this looks like.

As a symbol for the day, students made a Dream Catcher. The Dream Catcher represents that we are all a thread in the web of life, and whatever we do to the thread, we do to ourselves. It represents the fact that we are all bound together, and thus connected in life.

Students reflected in small groups, and in the large group had some fun as well. There was even time for a House Juke Box competition.

We were very fortunate to have some of the Year 11 Peer Support Leaders assisting on the day. Kildare College has a great reputation for the support that the Peer Support Leaders give to the younger students and this day was no exception.

Overall, it was an enjoyable day and it was timely to see the Year 7s get together, laugh, reflect, and have a bit of fun. I thank them for their energy and their spirit on the day.

Enrico Caprioli
APRIM

Kildare sport has been exciting this term with netball teams into the Statewide finals, and premierships for Saturday morning sport.

Weekly Netball
Four teams made it to the grand finals. The undefeated Open Netball team went down by only one goal in a nail biter. The Year 7 Green Netball team were defeated by their opponents only two weeks prior and with a winning attitude the team came out and won by over 10 goals. 

Year 7 R2
With more training and new skills learnt since Round 1, the Year 7 netball team had a lot to prove against three strong competitors to go through to the state finals. They needed to win all three games in Round 2 to solidify their spot. The first match was played during very wet weather but with steadiness and a strong second half the team came out on top. As the sun came through the clouds and the wind continued to blow, we started to gain a group of eager parents. The team fought hard and played well leading to their second win of the day. For the third game it was a top of the table clash, both teams with two wins. The players knew they had to perform well to win this match. Up against a speedy team, being six down at three-quarter time, the coaches and parents were getting worried. However, some smart combination changes heading in to the last quarter, along with consistent defensive pressure and goalies sinking their shots, ended with Kildare coming out to lead by two at the final siren. Kildare have now booked their spot at the state finals! Everyone was overjoyed and we can’t wait for Thursday of Week 10!!

Term 4
Basketball trials have taken place for both the Years 8/9 and the Year 10 teams. These teams are now training hard for their competitions which will take place early next term.

Our tennis players are locked in for the second day back, so they will be training hard over the holidays to get into shape and prepare.

Meanwhile our Year 8/9 volleyballers have been training each Friday after school and their skills are improving week by week which is great to see.

Our cricketers will have trials at the start of Term 4 with their first round being played sometime within the first four weeks.

Catherine Smith
Sports Development Officer

Heading into the 2020 season, the Open A soccer team looked to go one better than last year’s runner-up position. The majority of the squad was retained, along with a couple of new additions to further strengthen the team. 

Although the season was shortened, the players attitude and commitment was excellent, with great numbers and application at training throughout. This was reflected in our early results, which saw the team record three straight wins, scoring 10 goals and conceding 0 in the process. Following this, we suffered our first defeat of the year in a closely fought encounter that proved to be a grand final preview.

After recording another comfortable victory in our last game, we went into the grand final against Gleeson confident of overturning the previous result. Unfortunately, it was not to be, with the team suffering the heartbreak of a 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat, after the game ended 1-1. It was even more disappointing, given the fact we controlled much of the game and were the better side for the majority of the match. Despite the ending, the team has had another terrific season and we remain extremely proud of their efforts, their growing talent and the resilience they have shown.

Brett Selga
Coach

Junior Red
Due to a late start to the soccer season, there was a reduced number of games; however, that did not diminish the enthusiasm in the number of players who turned out weekly for training, even well before the season started. 

The team was comprised mainly of players from last year’s junior team along with a number of new members. Despite a couple of player changes early in the season, the team has come together and played well as a unit. With only one loss to Cabra College (1-0) through a penalty late in the game, the team looked forward to meeting them again in the final. Finishing second on the table overall the team traveled to Cabra College to meet their nemesis in the final. On what turned out to be a sunny Saturday morning in more ways than one, the team came out victors 2-0. 

Well done on a great season!

Angie Selga and Belinda Girolamo (Coach)

Junior White
A late start to the soccer season, did not lessen the enthusiasm for the many junior players who turned out weekly for training before the season even started. The team included many new members with a couple of regulars from the previous season. Despite changes in the team’s line up early in the season; the team has continued to improve and come together and play as a unit. While the team came up against strong opposition some weeks through being in a mixed grade competition, the players never gave up trying. Although a win eluded them, they had a draw and came very close on other occasions despite sometimes playing with only nine or ten players.  

We look forward to seeing everyone out again next season - that win will come!

Angie Selga and Ange D’Uva (Coach)

The Youth Achievement Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of young people aged 12-25 in the City of Tea Tree Gully.

Youth Arts and Culture Award
Congratulations to Year 11 student Nina Barnden, for receiving the Youth Arts and Culture Award 2020 by demonstrating her creativity and artistic talent in portraiture and still life art. Nina intends to pursue a professional career in art after her tertiary studies; she is already well on her way having been commissioned to create a number of art works.

Congratulations Nina!

Indigenous Award (Group or Individual) – Runner Up
The Reconciliation Liturgy conducted by the Nunga group, parents and staff was recently short listed for the Tea Tree Gully Council Young Achievers Award in the Group Indigenous category The idea for the liturgy was driven by students who felt concerned that they could not hold this important annual event on campus due to COVID-19. We congratulate them for their commitment to promoting the importance of Reconciliation to the wider community.

Congratulations to the Nunga Group!     

Angie Selga
Living Justice Coordinator

Premiers Reading Challenge
The Premier's Reading Challenge wrapped up on the Friday 4 September. After weeks of reading we had 152 students complete the Challenge for 2020. That is an amazing 1,824 books read by the students!  We are very proud of our students accomplishments!

Medals and Certificates will arrive in Term 4 and will be presented at a special celebration. The winner of the Premier's Reading Challenge Shield will be announced at our College Assembly next term. 

Book Week
On behalf of Kildare College and the Resource Centre student volunteers we are delighted to present the Book Week theme of 2020; 'Curious Creatures, Wild Minds'.

Our traditional Book Week Dress-Up Parade will be held on Friday 16 October Term 4 Week 1.

Students will have the opportunity to come to school dressed as a character from their favourite novel. The parade will be held in the Brigidine Centre at lunch time.

Book Week will be a week full of Curious Games and Wild Activities. Our wonderful Resource Centre student volunteers are busy creating and organising outstanding activities and displays that will transform the Resource Centre.

Tammie Haythorpe 
Resource Centre Manager

The Year 11 and 12 Italian class visit il Mercato. Il Mercato is a shop, restaurant, deli and bar. It is a place where you can buy food, wine, liquor, coffee and exquisite Italian food. Jianna is the granddaughter of the owners, she is very enthusiastic and passionate. She spoke to us about the history, the philosophy, the owners and the protected designation of origin (DOP) of Il Mercato.

Il Mercato originated in 1972, in fifteen years they have transferred five times. The philosophy is “Italy in Adelaide”. Jianna explained the term ‘product of origin’, she described it as a product manufactured in a specific part of Italy. Claudio (our Italian Lab Assistant) shared information on the origin of the liqueur, and I learnt about the reason of protection designation of origin. Food that is protected for individual taste. 

After Jianna gave us information, we walked around the shop, we had to answer questions in our booklet. The shop smelled of savoury dishes!

I observed people in the café eating and talking, I noticed everything in the departments of the store. We were hungry, so we ate! I ordered a panini with tomato and ham, it was very good. During lunch, we talked and laughed, it was very fun and relaxed. I had fun, I learnt a lot about the history of il Mercato, it was highly impressive!

Madison Maio
Year 11 student

Il venerdì la settimana scorsa siamo andati al Mercato. Il Mercato è un negozio, ristorante, e bar. È un posto dove possiamo comprare il cibo, il vino, il liquore, il cafè, cibo prelibato di italiano. Jianna è la nipote del proprietario, è molto entusiasta e passionata. Lei ha parlato con noi per venti minuti circa la storia, la filosofia, il proprietario e Denominazione d’ Origine Protetta (DOP) del mercato. Il Mercato è originato nel 1972, durante quindici anni, hanno trasferito cinque volte. La filosofia è “Italia ad Adelaide”. Jianna ha spiegato il termine prodotto di origine, lei ha descritto come il prodotto è fabbricato nello specifico sezione di Italia. Claudio ha condiviso informazione sull’ origine di liquore, ho imparato circa Denominazione d’ Origine Protetta. Il cibo che è protetto per individuo gusto. Dopo Jianna ha dato l’informazione, abbiamo camminato nel negozio, abbiamo dovuto rispondere domande nel nostro libretto. Il negozio aveva l’odore di piatti salati! Ho osservato persone nel caffè e ristorante mangiare e parlare, ho notato tutto nei dipartimenti nel negozio. Avevamo fame, perciò abbiamo mangiato! Ho ordinato un panino con pomodoro e prosciutto, era molto buono. Durante pranzo, abbiamo parlato e riso, era molto divertente e tranquillo. Mi sono divertita, ho imparato molto circa la storia del mercato, era molto impressionante!

Da Madison Maio

As part of their classes this term, the Year 7 Music students have had an introductory course in Violin. 

Students have learnt the different parts of the instrument and the correct way to hold it, as well as how to pluck and bow the strings, and play a short piece. These workshops are just one of the many learning opportunities Year 7 Music students experience throughout the semester.

Hannah King
Music Teacher

Two Year 11 Chemistry classes visited the Adelaide Desalination Plant at Lonsdale. The day began in the reception centre where we met Dan, our guide, who is the SA Water Education Advisor Dan. Dan welcomed the students and explained why the Desalination Plant was built before diving into the world of water security by playing a water management game. We also learnt about reverse osmosis and the economic and environmental impacts of desalination.

Kildare staff then went on to explain to the students what it was like living under water restrictions during the millennium drought from 2001 to 2009. 

We then hopped on and off our bus as we toured around the site. One of the highlights was viewing the very, very deep intake and outtake tunnels, which begin deep underneath the Desalination Plant below sea level. 

The students were interested to learn about the energy saving devices that are employed to try and improve the efficiency of the process. An important outcome of the excursion is that the students get to see first-hand the interaction between science and society, specifically politics, economics, and the environment.

Sally Morgan
Chemistry Teacher

Social and emotional learning has been shown to increase students’ academic performance, improve social interactions, as well as reduce rates of depression and anti-social behaviours.

Kildare College highly values students' social and emotional learning and has placed effort into developing a 12 week Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program to support learning in this space.

The program is conducted by the Director of Wellbeing, College Social Worker, and supported by staff and social work university placement students. It focuses on a specific topic each week, and sessions are structured in an interactive and fun environment, with the aim of providing students with a safe space to learn and develop life skills they can use every day.

Examples of key topics included within the program are:

• Forming and maintaining relationships
• Communicating emotions
• Self-regulation
• Organisation
• Dealing with bullying and harassment.

The program is in its second year, due to the incredible success of last year. Previous participants, act as mentors by modelling skills and supporting the current students involved in the program. 

In a year when student life has been disrupted by COVID-19 and some students may feel uncertain, the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program provides a sense of routine, normality and community connection. We acknowledge the additional stress and isolation the current pandemic may have had on our students and families and the impact on productivity, concentration and motivation. Our goal is that students involved in our Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program will leave the program with strength, resilience and skills to help manage obstacles they may encounter in the future.

Mikaela Brader
Fourth Year Social Work Student

The debating season has come to a close for another year, but it has certainly been one full of excitement.

Our last rounds for the Year 8 and 9 teams saw the following results:

• Year 8 Debating team - Kildare College lost against Glenunga International High School (but only by a few points)
• Year 9 Debating team - Kildare College won against Adelaide High School

Also, congratulations to Kavishi Alles (Year 8) who won the Crazy Hair competition round – well done!

The Year 10 Debating team had a short-prep debate against Pulteney Grammar School. This is where two teams are given a topic upon arrival and must prepare presentations within a time limit. The teams had 90 minutes to prepare their speeches. The topic was that “Australia should adopt nuclear power plants” … and we won!

Congratulations to Mia Hodge, Molly Hynes and Brooklyn O’Shea (debaters), and fellow researcher Emmasyn Start for putting on a great debate. You demonstrated poise and confidence in what was a complex topic and your rebuttal techniques were outstanding. Most importantly, you worked well as a team through strong collaboration before your debate, as well as during. Well done!

If anyone is interested in joining the debating team in 2021, we would love to hear from you.

Zefi Pezos and Linda Beck
Debating Teachers