From the Headmaster
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Dear Parents,
Last week I gathered for an evening with educators and faith leaders for an introduction to the Tony Blair Face to Faith Foundation. The aim of Face to Faith is to increase religious literacy amongst young people by providing them with the opportunity to connect with those of different faiths and cultures to discuss key global issues. The occasion was sponsored by Edmund Rice Education Australia. As globalisation pushes us ever closer, it is vital that faith should not be used as a force for conflict and division. Faith is something that offers much in a world which provides many opportunities but just as many challenges.
The Face to Faith Foundation encourages people to respect and value the beliefs of others, to understand what those beliefs really are and to let people of different faith see the values that they often share. The great religions have in common the values of respect, justice and compassion. These have never been more relevant to bringing people together to build a better world. We all know, however, that religious faith can also be used to divide. In our time, and throughout history, we have seen how it can be distorted to fan the flames of hatred and extremism.
Our religious curriculum provides a number of opportunities for the boys to improve their religious literacy, not least in a program offered in conjunction with Isik Islamic College for a number of boys in Year 10. Year 10 boys all visit a place of worship sacred to a tradition outside the Christian family. Our Year 10 retreats also touch this vital theme. It is my hope these programs will continue to grow and provide further opportunities to develop relationships and promote respect in a world desperate for peace and understanding.
One of the greatest strengths of any organisation is the quality of its community. The special character of so many aspects of school life is due in no small way to the wonderful work done by parent volunteers. We are blessed by their work and thank the Presidents of our various parent associations for their leadership throughout 2009. These sixteen support groups play a vital role in building community and in supporting the co-curricular life of the College. We are fortunate to have parents whose generosity with their time, together with their talents and resources, have provided so much in enhancing the educational experiences for the boys.
I extend my deepest gratitude for the contribution so many parents continue to make to the St Kevin's community. In 2009 they are:
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Mrs Cate Noonan - Glendalough Mothers'
Mrs Cheryl Dempsey - Past Mothers'
Mrs Sandra Staffieri - Senior Mothers'
Mr Garry Dowd - Fathers'
Mr Michael Zappone - Old Collegians'
Mr Lee Iafrate - Foundation
Mr K P Liew - Aquatic
Mrs Ann Maccarrone - Basketball
Mr David Clancey - Cricket
Mr Ken Broadhurst - Football
Mrs Ann O’Donnell - Music
Mrs Judita Vaitiekunas - Rowing
Mr Paul de Guingand - Rugby
Ms Anna Hayes - Parent Enrichment Program
Mr Anthony Baldasso - Soccer
Mr Martin Nally - College Board
One of the most significant events in the College calendar is the annual Remembrance Eucharist for recently deceased Old Collegians. Families of the deceased and members from the College community celebrated Mass with Fr Lawrence Lennard SJ, as we remembered the former students who have died in the last year. Among those we honoured were dedicated Public Servants, professors of academic institutions across the world and members of our brave military services from World War II to the liberation of Timor. There were men who lived on the land and who were central figures in their rural community, as well as distinguished professionals in the field of Law, Surveying, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Pathology and Medicine. We celebrated men of the Church, community volunteers and exceptional grandfathers, fathers, potential future fathers, sons and husbands. These men will always be Kevinians and a candle was lit in the Chapel of St Kevin to honour each Old Collegian.
Ultimately the quality of a school is judged by the graduates it produces, and that judgement can only be made many years after they have left school. What sort of person did they become? Did they grow those Edmund Rice qualities planted in them at St Kevin's? Did they leave a thumbprint or a footprint on their world, making it a better place for their presence? The gentlemen we recognised and celebrated at our remembrance Eucharist certainly left their mark on society as men of compassion and conscience. They left their world a better place.
Matthew Hutchison
Acting Headmaster
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St Kevin's will value diversity and friendship within the community.
(from the Mission Statement)
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From the Head of Faith & Mission
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Waiting
I hadn’t thought of Paul for ages. I did this week. He wasn’t always the easiest company but was still a wonderful friend.
Paul didn’t talk much about his childhood in an orphanage. In middle age, he attempted to find his family of origin and was unfortunate, when he did so, to find his birth-mother had died not long before. It meant the world to him that, as she was dying, the mother he never met was asking for him. His siblings were confused about this until Paul made contact out of the blue.
Paul shared a story with me on one occasion when I accused him of being impatient. It concerned a time when he was six years old. The brothers who ran the orphanage had arranged for every child to go to a family in the district for Christmas lunch. The children were excited for weeks beforehand. It would be a special day and, who knows, there might even have been a present just for Paul. He didn’t get presents often. At last, after many sleepless nights, the big day came around. The kids waited in their best clothes out the front of the vast stone building they called home. One by one, cars arrived and picked them up. But none came for Paul. He waited and waited. Still nobody came. A brother breezed by and told him not to get his pants dirty sitting on the stone steps. An hour later, the brother came back and told him there would always be next year. Apparently the brother didn’t have anywhere to go either.
‘I waited all day until the other kids were dropped back,’ said Paul.
You see, he was patient. Paul learned never to take a backward step in life. He didn’t give in. The beauty of him was that he threw away the script that was written for him as a child and never apologised for his existence.
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In later life, he befriended a more loving God than the people looking after him were ever able to find for themselves let alone anyone else.
Paul came to my mind on Monday when both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition offered an apology to half a million people often known as ‘the forgotten Australians’. Mr Rudd spoke of ‘the cold absence of love, of tenderness, of care.’ He said: ‘we look back with shame that so many of you were left cold, hungry and alone with nowhere to hide and with nobody, absolutely nobody, to whom to turn.’
It’s not just that Paul and so many others missed out. The sadness is also that people missed out on them. Our eldest son, Benny, is the same age as Paul was in the story. Benny, aged six, is just completing his first year at big school. You’d need a dozen whiteboards to write down all the things he has learned along the way and not all those lessons have been easy for him. But as he has been learning he has also been teaching us. One night, he had something strange and wonderful to share. He couldn’t divulge the secret until bedtime, after his little brother and sister had nodded off. At last, under cover of dark, he was ready to share his secret. He had learned a prayer off by heart. It was the Our Father. He made this announcement in the sure knowledge that we would never have heard it. Indeed, as he stumbled through the lines, it was as if I had never heard those words before. He brought them back to life for me.
‘Daddy,’ he asked. ‘What does daily bread mean?’
I had to think.
It means having enough.
But not having too much.
Mr Michael McGirr
Head of Faith and Mission
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Omnia
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James Sharman
Year 7A
For significant contribution to positive relationships within the Smith Building.
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Dale George
Year 8F
Displaying compassion towards his peers during times of need.
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Timas Harik
Year 9
For his timely assistance given at Waterford.
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Jonathan Choi
Cusack 2
Always striving for
excellence in all endeavours.
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Seamus Timms
Kearney 1
For his enthusiasm and willingness to help with House activities.
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Oliver Foley
Kenny 4
Admirable spirit and generosity in all aspects of College life.
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Carlos Tinsey
McCarthy 1
For his enthusiastic organisation of Tutor Group activities.
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Ryan Visser
Purton 4
Generous contributions
to life within the House.
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Calendar Dates
| November |
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| Thursday 19th |
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Yr 6 Class Concerts |
GP Room |
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Yr 12 Interview Skills Workshop |
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| Sunday 22nd |
1.00pm |
Father's Association Meeting |
Pavilion |
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2.00pm |
Yr 3 Parent Pre-Christmas Drinks |
Toorak Cellars & Wine Bar |
| Monday 23rd |
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Yr 12 Head Start Program |
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Examinations: Yrs 9-10 |
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7.30pm |
Friends of Cricket Meeting |
Godfrey Room |
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8.45am |
Glendalough Mothers' Association Meeting AGM |
GP Room |
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9.30am |
8B Coffee Morning |
Manna Cafe |
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7.45am |
Associations Calendar Meeting |
Brandon Room |
| Tuesday 24th |
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Yr 6 Swimming Program |
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Yr 12 Head Start Program |
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Examinations: Yrs 7-10 |
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| Wednesday 25 |
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Yr 12 Head Start Program |
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Examinations: Yrs 7-10 |
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| Thursday 26th |
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Yr 12 Head Start Program |
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Examinations: Yrs 7-10 |
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College Board Meeting |
Brandon Room |
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2.00pm |
Glendalough Ensemble Concert |
GP Room |
| Friday 27th |
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Yr 7 Parents' Lunch |
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Yr 12 Head Start Program |
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Examinations: Yrs 7-10 |
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Yrs 10 and 11 students conclude |
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Rowing Association Film Night |
Sun Theatre |
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11.05am |
Yr 6 Mum's Lunch |
Koots Restaurant |
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Please see the College Calendar for full details.
Don't forget to make use of the Calendar search facility. For example search on Father-Son to find information regarding the Father-Son Camps. The Calendar can be accessed from the top of any page on the College website.
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New Dates for the Diary
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Time |
Event |
Place |
Contact Details |
| NOVEMBER |
| Saturday 28th |
7.00pm |
Prep End of Year Function |
The Brass Tavern Restaurant |
Muriel Simkiss 9813 5895
Tanja Down 0421 047994 |
| 7-11.00pm |
Yr 1 Parent Function |
Port Melbourne Pier |
Denise 0419 754873
Liz 0410 266 949 |
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Yr 10 OAP Leaders' Camp begins |
Mr Cameron Barry |
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Yr 12 Leadership Camp begins |
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| Monday 30th |
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Yrs 7-9 Correction Day - no classes |
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| DECEMBER |
| Tuesday 1st |
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Yrs 7-9 Correction Day - no classes |
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| Wednesday 2 |
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Yrs 7-9 Report Writing Day - no classes |
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| 7.45pm |
Aquatic Committee Meeting |
Brandon Room |
Mr K.P.Liew 9842 9934 |
| Thursday 3rd |
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Past Mothers' Association Mass & AGM Luncheon |
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Mrs Cheryl Dempsey
982 1775 |
| Friday 4th |
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Yrs 7-9 conclude |
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Yrs 8-10 2010 Orientation Day |
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Glendalough Carols by Candelight |
Pavilion |
Music Office |
| Saturday 5th |
8.00am |
2nd Hand Book Sale & Swap Shop |
Smith Hall |
Mrs Sandera Staffieri
9830 1559 |
| Sunday 6th |
7.45pm |
Presentation Night |
Hamer Hall |
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| Monday 7th |
12.30pm |
Yr 6 Farewell Lunch |
GP Room |
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| 7.45pm |
Yr 9 Presentation Night |
Smith Hall |
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| Tuesday 8th |
7.30pm |
Yr 6 Farewell Mass |
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| Wednesday 9 |
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Rowing Camp begins |
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Julie Slattery |
| 12.00pm |
Glendalough Classes conclude |
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| Sunday 13th |
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Yr 2 Picnic |
Glendalough Oval |
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| Monday 14th |
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VCE Examinations available |
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| Friday 18th |
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College Office Closes |
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| JANUARY 2010 |
| Friday 29th |
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Yr 7 Orientation Day |
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| FEBRUARY 2010 |
| Monday 1st |
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Term 1 Begins |
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General Notices
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Newsletter contributions should be emailed to: newsletter@stkevins.vic.edu.au by 5pm on Monday.
Formatting Requirements:
Font: Times New Roman
Font Size: 11pt
Word Count: approx. 100 for a short article to be included in newsletter.
Full Article or Flyer for inclusion on website to be sent in a separate word document using the same formatting requirements.
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24 Hour Absentee Line
Do not wait until the office opens to make your absentee call! 24 Hour Absentee & Late Lines available.
If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, or will be attending school late, phone
Senior Students: Heyington Reception on 9822 0911 at any hour.
Year 9 Students: Waterford Reception on 9421 4319 at any hour.
Please clearly state YOUR name and relationship to the student (ie. mother) and state your child's name and tutor group (years 9 - 12) or year level (years 7 - 8).
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2009 VCE RESULTS and ENTER service
VCE results and the ENTER score will be available on the service from 7.00am Monday 14th December. You can access them by SMS, Internet or phone. Students need their VCAA student number and PIN.
VTAC applicants use their VTAC PIN; non-VTAC applicants (Yr 11 students) use the first four digits of their birth date (e.g. 17th July = 1707).
To pre-register to get your results by SMS, send a text message as follows:
Student number (eight digits only, not the letter), Space, PIN (four digits).
Send to 19 787 888.
For Internet access log onto VCAA Results and ENTER Service
For Phone access call 1900957888.
If you have questions after receiving your results and ENTER you can contact the Post Results Enquiry Service (PRES) on Monday 14th December (7am to 6pm), Tuesday 15 December (9am to 6pm) and Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 December (9am to 5pm).
Contact PRES on (03) 9651 4640 (metro), 1800 653 080 (freecall) or log onto pres.vcaa@edumail.vic.gov.au
VCE results and ENTER Statements will arrive in the mail from Tuesday 15th December. VCE certificates will be distributed by the College, not mailed with the results.
Mrs Linda Linehan
Senior Studies CoOrdinator
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St. Kevin's Year 7 Parents' Lunch
An invitation is extended to all Year 7 parents to our End-of-Year Lunch.
Date/Time: Friday 27th November at 12.30pm
Place: Cerone’s, 111 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, Tel: 9500 9447 (Public car-park in Llaneast St.)
Cost: $25.00 each (pay on the day) 2 course meal plus Tea/Coffee
RSVP: Monday 23rd November to Thérèse Carroll (Max Oppy 7F) Ph: 9817 3121 or 0412 132071
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2nd Hand Book Stall
SALE DAY (Smith Hall)
Saturday 5th December 8.30am - 11.00am (NOT 8am - 3pm as previously advertised)
SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP will be available on Sale Day Saturday 5th December.
| RECEIVING DAYS Years 7-12* (drop off will be at Smith Hall) |
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| *When 2nd hand books can be brought to school to be processed for sale on Saturday 5th December |
| Friday |
27th November |
10am - 3pm |
Heyington |
| Wednesday |
2nd December |
10am - 12noon |
Heyington |
| Thursday |
3rd December |
10am - 4pm
10am - 2pm |
Heyington
Waterford |
| Friday |
4th December |
10am - 4pm |
Heyington |
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(NOT Mon. 30 Nov. or Tues 1 Dec as previously advertised and NOT until 4pm on Wed.2 Dec.)
LISTS FOR 2nd HAND BOOKS are now available on the website under Quick Links, Letters to Parents.
BOOK EXCHANGE PROCEDURE FOR SELLERSis on the website under Quick Links, Letters to Parents.
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CAMPION BOOK LISTS can be returned to SKC Reception by Tuesday 8th December.
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED for Receiving Days!
The following sessions require volunteers:
Friday 27th November 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 2nd December 10am - 12pm Heyington
Thursday 3rd December 10am - 4pm/10am-2pm Waterford
Friday 4th December 10am - 7pm (9am-12pm/12-3pm/3-7pm)
Saturday SALE DAY 5th December 8am - finish (8-11am/11am-2pm/2-5pm)
Any amount of time would be greatly appreciated! Parents who are interested in and available to volunteer for this vital school community service, please email your details to Linda Collins including your name, best contact number, email address and days and times (or part thereof) available.
Lynda Collins
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8B Coffee Morning
Date/Time: Monday 23rd November at 9.30am
Venue: Manna Café, 603 Toorak Rd, Toorak (behind Uniting Church)
Contact: Anne Davidson, Ph: 0403923830
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November: the month we remember our dead
November is traditionally the month during which we pray for our departed relatives and friends. It is a chance to thank God for the life of anybody at all who has touched your life in any way. It is a central part of the Christian story that the dead are still part of our faith community. We also believe that grief and healing take a long time.
During November, we will have a special folder in the chapel of St Kevin in which we will include the names of our deceased relatives and friends, our loved ones and our heroes. If you would like any names added to the book, please send an email.
Mr Michael McGirr
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Plum Puddings
Orders are to be collected on Thursday 26 November from Heyington/Glendalough/Waterford Receptions.
Mrs Teresa Packwood, Ph: 9561 8331
St Kevin's College Mothers' Association
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areers News
Areas of interest in this week’s Careers News include:
A reminder to all Year 12 students who would like to discuss their VTAC Preferences with the Careers Advisors to make an appointment between 14th and 17th December following the receipt of results on 14th December. Information about the following is also provided –
- University of Melbourne Architecture & Design Summer School
- accommodation options at RMIT and Swinburne
- Supplementary Application Forms necessary for Medical Imaging, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy at RMIT
- Personal Training at RMIT
- a Certificate IV and Diploma in Creative Industries also at RMIT
- live chat opportunities with La Trobe and Swinburne
- how to fast track your Psychology degree at Deakin, student exchange opportunities at Deakin
- Creative Film & Arts Festivals and Exhibitions forthcoming from JMC Academy & Monash Uni.
Please see the Careers News & Notice Board for more details.
Maryanne Mooney & Sue White
Careers Advisors
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Sports News
Friends of Cricket Meeting
Parents of all SKC cricketers are reminded of our next meeting
Date: Monday 23rd November
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Godfrey Room
Come along and help add value to your son’s cricketing experience at the College.
Jillian Moore (Convenor)
SKC Aquatic Club (SKAC) Christmas Gala
Why Should You Come?
Holidays are coming - Exams are over! - Get new times.
Date: Friday, 27th November, 2009
Time: 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm (Warm up at 3.30pm)
Place: St. Kevin’s Pool (Wilding Centre)
Events
50 Metres Free, Breast, Butterfly, Back
Mixed 100M races
For more information regarding the Gala or Club please contact:
John Butcher - Teacher in Charge of Aquatic Sports
Visit the new SKAC Website
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