Cardijn Connect W5, T3 2023

🎷 Last week, students attended the annual Australian Band and Orchestral Directors Association (ABODA) Band and Orchestra Festival, drawing in 143 participating bands and orchestras from SA schools, hosted by Westminster. Big Bands 1 and 2 represented Cardijn on Friday, aiming to both compete and gain insights from experienced adjudicators Ross Irwin and Nick Mulder.

This marked the first time we have entered two bands in the Stage Band divisions — Novice and Intermediate. 

⭐ While Big Band 1 has been a regular at the ABODA festival, this year's outing was particularly rewarding as we took home a Silver Award! Making their debut, Big Band 2 directed by Mr Brad Tucker brought home a respectable Bronze Award - a promising start to their ABODA journey.

The festival provided our students with the chance to listen to various bands and appreciate the musical dedication of peers from different schools. Each school was tasked with performing a designated test piece for their division alongside an additional piece of their choosing.

🎼 Marian Campus Music Coordinator Chris Weber was the commissioned composer for the test piece in the Novice Stage Band division, titled "Broken Hip Blues." Our students had the opportunity to observe diverse interpretations of this composition across the schools in attendance.

We are delighted to share that Cardijn College has been named as a finalist in two categories in the 2023 South Australian Training Awards.

RTO Training Manager Justin Mamo has been named amongst the finalists in the VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year. This award recognises innovation and excellence by a trainer or teacher providing nationally accredited training to students at a registered training organisation (RTO), or in partnership with an RTO. There is an opportunity to vote for Justin in the Voters' Choice category and we encourage our Cardijn community to get behind Justin by casting a vote. 

The College is equally thrilled to be recognised in the VET Innovation for Schools category. This award recognises excellence in schools that are developing innovative and new mechanisms for encouraging VET pathways in their schools so that their models and programs can be publicised and shared with schools across the state.

The winners will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner on 21 September. 

Wow, what an amazing week it was! From making your own key tag using Laser Tech, experimenting with AI and shadow puppets, building a satellite launching system, and racing solar cars, Science Week had activities for everyone! The staff started the week off in style, accessorising their work attire for the day with costumes representing technology through the decades.

On Thursday, our year 10 cohort participated in an exciting Activate Incursion led by Nicole Dyson, CEO and Founder of Future Anything. This experience was designed to support the students as they become entrepreneurs and work towards pitching their own innovative solution to a problem in the world today in our very own Cardijn Shark Tank in week 10.

On Friday, we finished the week making some yummy snacks using solar ovens (there wasn’t a lot of sunshine so we had to pivot and use lamps instead). Finally, a huge congratulations to Ashden from 9 Lombard and Bylli from 10 Mackillop who took out prizes in our Science Week quizzes!

The students from the Marist Centre enjoyed their stay at Aldinga Holiday Park, embarking on a series of memorable activities. These included a thrilling adventure at Kuitpo Forest Tree Climb, leisurely bike rides along the Moana Esplanade, a delightful dinner at Aldinga Hotel, a fun evening of cooking our own meal, and an exciting bowling session.

At Galilee, our students were recently immersed in the world of Indonesian martial arts. This workshop was organised to mark Indonesian Independence Day, offering our students a unique window into the rich tapestry of Indonesian culture and traditions. Through this experience, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of Indonesia's heritage while celebrating the spirit of learning and cross-cultural exploration. 

Last Friday, on the 18th of August, our students participated in our annual Vinnies Winter Sleepout. This event offers a profound opportunity for our students to gain insight into the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. Our students sleep in the school gym overnight with not much more than a sleeping bag and pillow, forgoing their everyday luxuries to better understand the hardships of this reality. 

The evening commenced with a simple yet meaningful soup dinner. Our students then actively engaged in a range of activities, such as exploring information and statistics about homelessness in our local community. 

This event, centred around empathy, education, and community, truly opened our eyes to the struggles faced by the homeless. As we continue this tradition, we remain dedicated to nurturing compassionate individuals who understand the significance of supporting those less fortunate in our society.

Last Friday we marked the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, our students gathered together to symbolise unity by decorating the 'Action Arch' with ribbons in our House colours. This act serves as a visual testament to our unwavering commitment to stand united against bullying and violence.

Research shows that strong school community connections and social skills help to prevent bullying and help enable positive behaviours in students. Together we can make a change. 

We're thrilled to share that our Marcellin Apprentice of the Year winners are now proudly showcased on our wall at Marcellin Campus. These photos capture the dedication, skill and success of these outstanding students and apprentices.

On Friday 12 of our Year 10 students were invited to attend a live building site. During the site tour our students spoke with commercial plumbers and electricians and experienced a day in the life of a real tradesperson.