STUDENTS OFF TO WORLD YOUTH DAY

Friday July 4

World Youth Day (WYD) is the largest youth event in the world and will be held in Sydney from Tuesday 15 to Sunday 20 July 2008. Organised by the Catholic Church, WYD brings together young people from around the globe to celebrate and learn about their faith on a more regular basis.

WYD08 will be the largest event Australia has ever hosted. It will attract over 125,000 international visitors - more than the 2000 Olympics. WYD08 will mark the first visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

Through the WYD08 experience, young people from throughout the world will make a pilgrimage in faith, meet, and experience the love of God. World Youth Day is an invitation from the Pope to the youth of the world to celebrate their faith around a particular theme. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Students from Kolbe and also representing Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Rockingham for this once in a lifetime event are Caroline Lansdell, Kate Ross, Kelly Clark, Thomas Clarke, Lisa Bennett, Shanon Moss. Staff attending with them will be Ms Tammy Moroney, Mr David Moyle, Mr Robin Giles and Mrs Leanne Joyce.

Four other Kolbe students attending are Shannan Williams, Emmanuel Collard, Mainabu Majimbi and Jeremy Tucker.

SOUTH OF THE SWAN DANCE FESTIVAL 2008

THURSDAY 26 JUNE

On Thursday 26 June 2008, 31 of the College’s senior Dance students performed in the annual ‘South of the Swan Dance Festival’ at the Octagon Theatre, University of Western Australia.

The festival ran over five nights and showcased the dance works from secondary schools south of the Swan River. This is the second year Kolbe has entered the festival and the students have certainly put Kolbe on the dance map as their contemporary, tap and Bollywood performances were outstanding. The girls received a lot of positive feedback from choreographers from other schools, particularly on their stage presence.

Well done to the girls who performed in the concert. The effort and energy they put into their routines was outstanding. Thank you to the many parents and friends who made the long drive to attend the performance, your continued support of the Performing Arts at Kolbe is appreciated.

Mrs Amanda Day
Dance Teacher

ROCKINGHAM CITY COUNCIL BANNER COMPETITION

WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE

On Wednesday 18 June, six Year 10 students attended an incursion to complete two banners for the Rockingham City Council Banner Competition. The students took part in this activity as part of their KolbeCare project. Earlier this term selected students were given a brief to design the banners based on the theme, Activate! Students spent time after school in the art room planning, outlining and painting the banners. The following students should be congratulated for their efforts and commitment. Alex Bulter, Chelcie Paynter, Kristina Hack, Stephen Tudor, Gail Panopio, Su-Ying Salter, Megan Fernades and Kim Hillman

CAMERON SMITH - NURA GILI Winter School

TUESDAY 17 JUNE

Year 11 Aboriginal student Cameron Smith has been invited to attend the week-long Nura Gili Winter School Program at the University of New South Wales at the end of June 2008.

The program is aimed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island students from Years 10-12 and gives the students an opportunity to travel to Sydney and stay on-campus where they will participate in programs designed to introduce and familiarise them to tertiary studies and university life.  Students are asked to nominate an area that is of particular interest to them and a part of the week will be spent doing activities, projects and excursions within their chosen faculty.

Cameron’s ultimate goal has always been to take over his fathers engineering company and provide employment opportunities for Indigenous people.

“In order for me to achieve this goal I need to complete a Mechanical Engineering and Commerce degree.  My first thoughts were to study at the University of Western Australia but I may reassess this after the NSW Indigenous Program.  It seems like an unbelievable opportunity.”

Cameron is proud of his cultural identity and believes his Aboriginal heritage is what inspires him in life.

“I am a proud Wongi from the central desert region (Wongatha Tribe) I practice my culture whenever I can by speaking in my native language and I am currently learning the art of the didgeridoo.”

No matter what educational path Cameron takes, he has always insisted on being an ambassador for his people and always looks for ways to promote cultural awareness.

“I believe The Winter School program will be the start of an exciting and ultimately rewarding personal journey and hopefully, will bring me one step closer to achieving my ultimate life goals.”

"ALICE IN WONDERLAND"

THURSDAY 13 JUNE

“Alice in Wonderland” was Kolbe Catholic College’s Senior School Production this year and it played several shows, all of which were to sell out crowds. We chose to present this piece of theatre in a somewhat unusual style, Promenade Theatre. So not only did the audience get to observe Alice’s adventures though Wonderland, they also got to be a part of them as they followed Alice on her journey. As you can imagine this style of theatre has required a lot of extra work and commitment from the cast and crew and they have undertaken the task with dedication and enthusiasm. All the students involved from the cast, musicians and backstage crew, have put in an immense amount of time and effort to make this show a success and it is important to note that often, the rehearsal times have been out of school hours.

The feedback from the audience, parents and students (those involved in the project and those that were not) was also extremely positive, with students saying that this would be one thing about their school life that they would never forget.

I would encourage any students interested in the Performing Arts to audition for the 2009 musical performance. The auditions for this musical will be in Term Three this year and will be open to the whole school. Students will be notified via this newsletter and Max’s Mail.

My thanks are extended to The Arts Department, Kolbe Staff, students and parents for their continued support of the Arts Program at Kolbe Catholic College. I applaud these people for their efforts in creating and providing such a wonderful opportunity for the students to be involved in.

Ms Katherine Gauci
Coordinator of Drama and Productions

UWA – Outer Metropolitan Pilot Program For Medicine and Dentistry

WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE

On Friday 16 May, 2008, a workshop was held for a dozen students from Years 10 - 12 who wish to study medicine and dentistry at UWA as a career option.

Sue Pougnault from UWA along with two medical, and a dentistry student who are in their third year came along to Kolbe. From 10:00-11:30am, we were able to participate in 3 main activities: suturing (stitching), plastering and dentistry (fillings and moulds).

To wrap up the workshop, Sue showed us a PowerPoint presentation on what was required of medicine and dentistry students at UWA.

It was a very valuable experience and we came out with useful skills that could be applied in the workforce and being further convinced of continuing with our career goals.

By Kim Hillman and Gail Panopio – Year 10

INDIGENOUS STUDENTS' NEWS

WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE

Our Indigenous students have had a busy few weeks. A group of Indigenous students accompanied by a non-Indigenous friend, attended a Just Leadership Day at John XXIII College in Claremont in preparation for Reconciliation Week. This was a very successful day and led to students suggesting a prayer focus for Reconciliation Week. Each student wrote a reconciliation message on a “foot” in House colours and these were placed on the avenue at the end of PC prayer. Students then made a symbolic reconciliation walk around the avenue.

A group of Year 9 Indigenous students also invited a friend to join them at a special reconciliation event at King’s Park on 26 May – The Journey Starts Today. This event commemorated Sorry Day and also gave the students the opportunity to venerate and carry the World Youth Day Cross and Icon. That night many of them returned to take part in the WYD Cross journey from the foreshore in Rockingham and stayed for Mass at the College. It was a long day for these students and we are very appreciative of their contributions.

Another exciting event was the trip to Melbourne to take part in the Long Walk and attend the Reconciliation football game at the MCG, the ‘Dreamtime at the G.’ Three of our students, Jay Collard, Morgan Hansen and Emmanuel Collard had this great honour. They also took part in motivational seminars and met Indigenous role models.

Our latest news is that Year 11 student, Cameron Smith, has been accepted into the University of NSW Indigenous Winter School. We are so proud of this achievement, a first for our College.

Mrs Lyn Quilty
Pastoral Care Team Leader

LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE

WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE

It’s been a busy start to the year in the Kolbe Learning Resource Centre - so busy that we haven’t had time to let you know what’s been going on! Mrs Wessely joined the LRC team as Teacher Librarian this year and has been working hard building up new areas of the collection, especially the Graphic Novels. As fast as she buys them, they fly off the shelf! The fiction collection has also been expanding with lots of new novels, and certain areas of non-fiction are being worked on to improve their usefulness to students.

The LRC was fortunate to have the help of a Teacher Librarian prac student early in term two, and Mrs Hurle was a welcome addition to the team for the two weeks she was with us. Also this term the LRC hosted Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in conjunction with National Library and Information Services Week (in week 4). With the help of some very keen Year 10 students, the LRC put on hot chocolate for students in the morning and then held morning tea for the staff at recess. With the donations made by staff and students, and proceeds from the books and goodies raffle, we were able to raise $585.00 for cancer research.

We are now in MS Read-a-thon month, and with the help of the ICT staff, we have a multimedia book display running in the LRC during June. Why not come and have a look at the book trailers and browse the new books on display? You just never know when you’ll find that perfect read.

RICE HOUSE MASS

THURSDAY 14 MAY

Last Thursday, 8 May, all Rice House students and staff began their Feast Day celebrations with Mass in the chapel.

A sea of green greeted Father Gavin Gomez when he arrived. Father Gavin outlined to students the difficulties that our patron, Blessed Edmund Rice, faced during his life and the wonderful achievements of the group he founded, the Christian Brothers.

A special feature of our Mass was the carrying of the gifts for communion by three generations of the Bennett family - staff member Mrs Cheryl Bennett; her husband, Kevin, a former Rice PC teacher; their three children, Jennifer, Lisa and Dale and grandmother, Mrs Merle Wilton.
A sausage sizzle lunch cooked by our Year 12’s added to the celebrations. A profit of $50 was made and this will be added to our $800 from 2007 Kolbe Day fundraising, with a cheque being sent to Brother Ollie’s “Wheelchairs for Kids” charity. A great green team effort.

Mrs Lyn Quilty
Head of Rice House

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT - JACK HANNINGTON

FRIDAY 2 MAY

Jack Hannington started archery three years ago, and is the Junior Representative at his Club, the Baldivis Archery Club. He competed in his first National Championship in Perth in 2007, and finished fifth in Target. He missed out on selection to the WA State Team this year by 2 points (hampered by a thumb injury) and so competed in Adelaide last month as an individual.

Archery is a very disciplined and precise sport, requiring a great deal of coordination, determination and patience.

There are three disciplines in Archery - Target, Clout and Field. In target archery, archers are required to shoot at targets of varying sizes at differing distances, over a flat course (such as a playing field). Jack is currently classed as an 'Intermediate' (age-based criteria) in all three disciplines and is required, in target archery, to shoot over distances of55, 45, 35 and 25 metres, over two days, shooting 144 arrows each day. Jack shot his personal best in Adelaide, and, in competing against all other athletes from their respective State teams, won the silver medal.

Clout archery involves shooting over longer distances (in Jack's case, currently 125 metres) at a small target on the ground. Due to the distances involved, it is not possible to aim at the target. Instead, you aim in the air, and use a small number of markers and sighting aids to land the arrows as near to the target as possible. Clout archery normally consists of two rounds of 36 arrows.

Jack's previous personal best score in Clout was 124, but in Adelaide he scored 304 in one round. In the process, Jackwon the gold medal.

Field archery is similar to Target archery, in that target faces are used. However field archery courses can be set in rugged terrain, such that the archer may be required to shoot on a 'bush course', involving shooting up, or down a hill, through gaps in trees, across ravines or similar obstacles. In the case of Intermediate archers, distances vary from 5 to 50 metres.

In Adelaide, Jack again shot his personal best, and won the silver medal.

In addition to improving his personal best scores in all three disciplines, and winning medals in all three, Jack will also be due to receive several separate awards for his scores and may have also set one or more State records in the process.

2008 KOLBE CATHOLIC COLLEGE PRODUCTION - 'ALICE IN WONDERLAND' UPDATE

THURSDAY 1 MAY

The Kolbe Senior School Production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is also coming up this term and the Year 11 and 12 Drama students have been working hard at rehearsals. We are using a style of theatre called ‘Promenade Theatre’, which means that each scene in the production will happen in a different area around the school, with the audience following the actors from location to location. This not only allows us to demonstrate Alice’s journey through Wonderland, but also means that we can take advantage of the many beautiful outdoor areas we have at Kolbe. Now we just need to keep the rain away until after the production! Miranda DeBaughn gives you her perspective below on the performance so far. Tickets go on Sale on Monday 5 May from student reception, but they are limited to 100 patrons per performance so make sure you don’t miss out.

Ms Katherine Gauci
Coordinator of Drama and Productions

The College’s production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is well and truly into the final stages of rehearsal. It will be ready for performances on Thursday 22, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 May. All lines are now learnt and our talented students are shining as young actors. Other aspects of the production are starting to fit into place and as a team we are overcoming the challenges associated with ‘Promenade Theatre’.

Closer to the production date the set will start to ‘evolve’ around the school. We would ask Kolbe students not to go near any of the equipment used for the production as it could easily be damaged. We are all very excited to be presenting such a well-loved story in a different and unique way, so hopefully we will see you all there to join Alice on her adventures down the rabbit hole.

Miranda DeBaughn
Year 12 Drama Studies

NIDA TOUR 2008

THURSDAY 1 MAY

There have been some exciting things happening in the Drama Program at Kolbe lately, we have been working very hard and having lots of fun too. A selected group of Year 11 and 12 Drama students have just returned from the NIDA Tour in Sydney. We were very lucky to be included in this tour that involved over 150 students from several schools. The students had the opportunity to participate in classes at the world renowned NIDA (The National Institute of Dramatic Arts), which is the same Drama University that Mel Gibson attended. They were also exposed to some fabulous theatre in the evenings and all the students who attended represented the College admirably. I would like to commend the students on their effort and commitment shown, it was a pleasure to spend the week with them. Drama Captain, Sonny Hatton, gives a tour report from a students’ perspective below.

Ms Katherine Gauci
Coordinator of Drama and Productions

On the 19 April thirteen Year 11 and 12 Drama students embarked on a trip to Sydney for this year’s NIDA Tour. After landing in Sydney we were introduced to our home for the week, Barker Lodge. The next day was one of fun sightseeing as we went on an exciting tour throughout Sydney. There were many photo opportunities as we explored the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Manly, Bondi Beach and Luna Park. We were all very tired from our first day but there was no time for rest.

The following week was dedicated to NIDA workshops, which focused on the dramatic elements of acting, voice, movement and improvisation. Each day we would also work on devising a final performance piece with our core tutor. Each night we were treated to dinner at a local restaurant and performances at a variety of theatres. The highlight of our trip was the Friday night performance of The Rocky Horror Show.

On behalf of all the Drama Students who attended this year’s NIDA Tour, I would like to thank everyone who made this journey possible, especially Ms Gauci and Mr Hedley for coming on the tour with us.

Sonny Hatton
Drama Captain 2008

ANZAC DAY SERVICE

TUESDAY 29 APRIL

Over the years, Kolbe Catholic College has had an important connection with the Australian Defence Force. As many of our students have family members in the ADF, it was important for us to mark this event with reflection.

On 25 April, Olivia Bouwman and Lachlan Harris laid a wreath on behalf of the College at the Rockingham ANZAC Service. Together with the service conducted at the College on 29 April, Kolbe marked ANZAC Day 2008 with a unique connection with the Defence Community. At the Kolbe service, cadets from TS ANZAC accompanied the service standing guard at the flag while Jamie Terryll and Matthew Ross played the procession drum and the Last Post respectively. A fitting tribute this year was Chris McGarry on the bagpipes as the College entered. This created a reflective space for our students to think about what ANZAC Day meant to them. Other students who participated were, Caroline Lansdell, Jessica Stock, Jessica Rule, Sasha Bown, Mitch Ryan and Amy Nilsen.

SUNSMART SCHOOL SAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS

MONDAY 28 APRIL

Back - Ben Underwood, Jordan Fee, Brittany Fee Front - Brad Havelberg, Haydn Geling

The SunSmart School Sailing Championship's were held during the first week of the school holidays at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club.

A team of five Kolbe students entered the regatta representing Kolbe Catholic College. At least three boats were needed to make a team from each school.

Our team was skipper Ben Underwood and crew Jordan Fee who sailed on a Flying Ant - Ride the Lightning, skipper Brittany Fee and crew Brad Havelberg sailed on 'Public Enemy' and skipper Haydn Geling sailed a minnow - 'Flash'.

There were 47 boats from 15 schools. First was Rossmoyne Senior High School, second Christ Church Grammer School and third was Kolbe Catholic College. This is a great achievement for Kolbe as it was their first time entering the regatta.

It is the regatta's 20th Year next year.

BEN UNDERWOOD - SAILING SUCCESS

MONDAY 28 APRIL

Ben sailing at Nationals in Rockingham

Ben sailed in the Melbourne Minnow National Championships in January 2007 where he came 13th out of 70 boats.

In July 2007 he sailed in the Darwin Minnow National Championships where he came 9th. Darwin was the last time Ben raced in a Minnow. He is now concentrating solely on his Flying Ant.

Ben and his crew were chosen in the West Australian State Sailing squad last October. This squad represented WA in the National Flying Ant Sailing Championships in Rockingham January 2008. Ben finished 11th.

In December 2008, Ben is flying to Sydney to compete in the Illawarra Nationals.

STATUE OF MARY IS BLESSED

FRIDAY 11 APRIL

Recently the College purchased a statue of Mary. The image resembles that which is found on the Miraculous Medal, which St Maximilian Kolbe used as a symbol for his Knights of the Immaculata.

The last act of the College community this term was to bless the statue of Mary and install it in the Chapel. Staff and students gathered in the Avenue on Friday afternoon. Fr Michael led the service. He blessed the statue and the miraculous medals that would be given to the students.

Amy Nilsen led the procession. Lachlan Harris and Chelsea Randall carried the statue to the Chapel and the rest of the College followed in procession. Jeremy Tucker and the singers led the school community in singing Hail Mary, 'Gentle Woman'.

The statue was taken into the Chapel and placed in its “grotto.” The students returned to their Pastoral Care groups where they were given miraculous medals to remind them of the occasion.

PRAYER SERVICE FOR BRIAN STRACHAN

FRIDAY 4 APRIL

On Friday 4 April the Kolbe community gathered for a prayer service for Brian Strachan, a Year 10 student whose life was tragically taken in 2007. Brian’s mother, Loret and brother, Reece, joined staff and students, including former Year 10 classmates, 2007 Chisholm House Captain, Elyse O’Dea and ex Chisholm House Coordinator, Mr Scali.

Everyone present gathered around the commemorative garden to pay tribute to Brian’s wonderful life but more importantly to recognise the 1st anniversary of his passing. Mrs Strachan and Reece Strachan laid a wreath of flowers at the base of Brian’s Rose whilst some of Brian’s close friends read prayers of reflection.

Messages and thoughts for Brian were then written on 30 white balloons, which were then released, into the sky during a prayer from Psalm 23. It was truly an emotional experience full of laughter and tears, but symbolic of the friendship and emotion felt for this well-loved young man.

Following the morning tribute, current Year 11 students organised a dedication game of basketball to be played in the College gymnasium. Brian was a talented and passionate player of the game so it seemed fitting for Mrs Strachan to wear one of the guernseys and take part. When the game was finished all of the students involved signed and presented the basketball to Mrs Strachan as well as a book filled with student reflections and personal memories of Brian.

“In life, Brian taught us about enjoying ourselves just like he did. He taught us to enjoy using our gifts well. Brian’s death teaches us that ultimately we are not in control of our own lives. Faith teaches us to let go and let God into our lives.” (Casey Donaldson, Year 11)

JAPANESE VISIT 2008

THURSDAY 27 MARCH

St Mary's Knight School is the school and seminary which was founded by our patron Saint Maximilian Kolbe in Nagasaki, Japan.

In Week 8 of Term One, a delegation of 5 students from St Mary's visited or College, accompanied by two staff - Father Omizo, who teaches RE and Theology, and Mr Kumagawa, who teaches English.

Mr Kumagawa's daughter, Ayumi, who was on exchange at Kolbe two years ago, and currently studies in New Zealand.

Throughout the week, we were fortunate enough to have Father Omizo and Father Fong concelebrate the Chisholm House Mass with Chisholm staff and students.

Groups of our Japanese visitors travel to Perth every year as part of our cultural and exchange program. In August 2008 our Japanese teacher, Mr Noburo Hagiwara and a group of Kolbe staff and students will prepare for their annual visit to Japan.

Year 10 Rock Band Success!

THURSDAY 27 MARCH

Year 10 rock band “Everything Automatic” (consisting of Daniel White, Michael Triscari, Tyler Macrae and Tom Ryan) performed at the Hyde Park Community Fair on Sunday 2 March in the "Battle of the Bands" competition. Unfortunately Michael couldn't be there for the performance, but despite that, the remaining three boys took 1st place! They won a $300 prize which they are donating to the music department.

The unique nature of this band is that they write all of their own songs, and have immense musical skill between them. Daniel White is the chief songwriter, as well as lead singer and guitarist. Tyler Macrae is the talented bass guitarist, and Tom Ryan is an energetic and dynamic drummer. Between them, their musical tastes blend perfectly to create a fresh sense of indie rock music.

Look out for them at upcoming events at the College, including our lunchtime "Battle of the Bands". They are also performing at various venues in Perth throughout the year.

K.I.E.P. ART AWARDS 2008

THURSDAY 20 MARCH

Madeline Youell

The KIEP Annual Art Awards were held on Tuesday 11 March 2008 in the Function Room at the Rockingham City Offices. Judges viewed over one thousand artworks from schools in the area but only 93 works were chosen to be exhibited in the Award Exhibition.

The following Kolbe students had their work submitted; Silver Jewellery by Ciara Burke, Paintings by Joseph Kimberly, Lauren Payne (2), Alyssa Hennessy, Rachel Mears and Madeline Youell.

It is with great pleasure to announce that two of our students won prizes. Rachel Mears’ work, ‘Paris on Coke’,  received a ‘Highly Commended’ Certificate for work of an ‘Exceptionally High Standard’ in the NUFARM YOUTH ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD section.

Madeline Youell was awarded Second Prize overall in the K.I.C. DESIGN FOR INDUSTRY AWARD, for her Artwork, ‘The Modern Girl’.  She received a framed Certificate and a $300 cheque.

I would like to congratulate all of our students who were accepted as exhibitors and encourage everyone to go along to the Rockingham City Offices to view the Exhibition.

Máire Carlin
Art Department 2008

AUSTAL SHIPS / KOLBE PROGRAM

TUESDAY 18 MARCH

A trained certificate welder from Austal Ships visited The Year 11 Material, Design & Technology Metal Class on Tuesday 18 March to demonstrate the process of Mig Welding. Austal ships have provided the aluminium and pre-fabricated parts for the students to produce a toolbox using this refined technique. Head of Technology & Enterprise, Wayne Spencer, believes, ‘This is an experimental program which is currently being trialled by the College with the hope of establishing it further in surrounding schools. Working in conjunction with Austal ships provides an opportunity for students to pursue apprenticeships in the metal industry.’