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Dear Parents
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R.I.P. The College was saddened by the news of the passing of Kenneth Serong (SKC ’46). As well as being an Old Collegian, he had three sons who all attended St Kevin’s – Terry (SKC ‘77), Timothy (SKC ‘77) and Thomas (SKC ‘87). Ken was President of the Old Collegians 2001–2003 and Executive Officer of the Old Collegians Association (1995–2000). He was involved across a number of College Associations including President of the Fathers’ Association 1980-82. His father Brigadier Francis Serong OBE was also an Old Collegian (SKC ‘33). Your prayers are requested for Ken and his family.
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The trouble with clichés is that they can be true. Take the claim that teachers must be life-long learners. Even if we have heard it many times before, it remains highly relevant.
Today's teachers differ from those with whom I entered the profession 20 years ago. Likewise, our students are different to those I met in entering my first classroom. Given such changes, it is critical teachers engage in on-going professional development if they are to meet the changing needs of the boys entrusted to our care at St Kevin's.
Last week, under the leadership of Mrs Shirley Yau, all teaching staff participated in an after school conference that offered concurrent sessions on teaching and learning. The theme of the conference, 'We Learn From Each Other', saw eleven members of staff present to their colleagues on topics which included: use of technology in the classroom, language analysis, models of memory and adolescent mental health. I attended a fascinating presentation from Ms Janet Canny on recent advances in brain research. Our understanding of the brain is experiencing its biggest change in 400 years. Janet informed those present that the long held belief that the brain is a machine which slowly declines in performance is far from the truth. In fact, the brain appears to be an adaptable and malleable organism. When given the right conditions, it continues to grow right up to death. Research suggests that the age-related memory loss which may occur in advanced years is almost certainly reversible with the right mental exercises. Encouraged by this message I completed many crossword and sudoko puzzles over the Melbourne Cup weekend in
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a last ditch attempt to improve! For our children, Janet informed us, it is possible to identify weakened functions in the brain and implement specific programs to strengthen them. According to studies, practicing a new skill under the right conditions can change hundreds of millions of the connections between the nerve cells in our brain maps. Our professional development at the College is responding to our desire to create a community where all can participate in a culture of continuous inquiry and contribute to building a shared love of learning.
The willingness of our boys to participate in out-of-class activities such as drama, music, sport, debating and community support can be an important measure of their overall engagement at St Kevin's and research suggests it is related to a range of positive educational outcomes. Last week saw the final of our 21 music concerts performed throughout the year. Whilst rehearsals allow for the fine-tuning of a musical item, it is the pressure and excitement in performing in front of an audience that provides an environment for our musicians to excel. Mr Simon Harris deserves our congratulations for his leadership in this very important aspect of College life. The range, quality, diversity and standard of musicianship at the College is exceptional and highlights the expertise, skills, enthusiasm and dedication of the music staff.
From the commencement of 2010 there will be a change to the Sports Uniform. The PE shirt is changing and the new shirt will be compulsory for all boys from
P-12 from the start of the year. The various sporting teams will also play in a new very distinct green, gold and blue stripe top which has variations available for particular sports ie some with collars, some without. Bob Stewart will be sole supplier of College uniform from 2010 and will have the new items available from early December. On the College website will be a matrix indicating which items are required for PE and individual sports.
| Excellence Award |
| Lachlan Comito |
1st place |
Australian Double Reed Society Competition |
Matthew Hutchison
Acting Headmaster
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