20 October 2023
Principal’s Report
Welcome to our first newsletter of Term 4. I hope that all College families enjoyed the recent school holiday period and students are well rested and ready for the new term. The final term of the year is a time for students to consolidate on their efforts throughout the year as they work towards their final assessments and examinations.
As we begin our new term, we pray for all those suffering across our world – especially in the current conflicts in Israel and Palestine, Ukraine and the Sudan. We pray for those who are torn by violence and destruction. May our God of love give strength and wisdom to those who work for peace and we ask for love and compassion to prevail.
The images we see nightly on the news of such destruction and despair remind us of how fortunate we are, and we give thanks that we live in a safe and prosperous country.
HSC Examinations
Our Year 12 students commenced their HSC examinations last week. They have been working diligently since graduating last term and have had a great start to the examinations. We are very proud of our Year 12 students who have shown great commitment over the past few months and I ask all in our community to pray for our Year 12 students as they sit their HSC examinations over the next four weeks. I thank our Year 12 teachers for generously giving up their time during the recent school holidays to hold revision seminars leading to the HSC exams.
2024 Student Leader Induction
Last Tuesday our 2024 College Student Leaders were formally inducted into their new roles. The leadership induction ceremony also included the badging of all our Year 11 students as the most senior students of the College and as such, are all student leaders.
During the induction ceremony I spoke about the two things I believe are vital for leadership – empathy and service. Both characteristics that were exemplified by Jesus. I also spoke about how all senior students are role models for younger students and how important it is for them to set the example by striving for excellence and always upholding the traditions and standards of our great College.
Our Senior Student Leadership Team for 2024 is:
College Captain - George Lahoud
College Vice Captain - Dimitrios Yalizis
Cooper Captain - Marcus Triantafyllou
Gonzaga Captain - Elias Kazzi
Gilroy Captain - Alexander Noun
Lindwall Captain - Nicholas Stanghieri
Ministry Prefects - Raphael Dokos and Thomas Rudder
Wellbeing Prefects - Eamon Laing and Peter Loizou
Learning Prefects - Daniel McEgan and Nicholas Michailou
Creative and Performing Arts Prefects - William Kritikos and Nicholas Bongailas
SHAPE HSC Exhibition
Each year, there is an annual exhibition of exemplary Major Projects developed by HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students. It is a major accomplishment to receive a nomination for consideration into the exhibition and this year we have received a record 13 nominations for Industrial Technology projects! Those works that make the final exhibition are announced later in the year.
Congratulations to the following Year 12 students who have had their major works nominated for consideration in the SHAPE Exhibition:
- Charbel Al-Tarraf
- Alexander Armenakis
- Joshua Blanda
- Jonathan Chidiac
- Nicholas Cortez
- Benjamin Djundja
- Christopher Gregoriou
- Daniel Pogorilic
- Peter Saad
- Frederick Sakr
- Nicholas Scarvelli
- Christian Stavdal
- Jerry Ung
Senior Retreat
The new term commenced with our annual Senior Retreat at Stanwell Tops. It was a wonderful time for students sharing time together and reflecting on the theme of servant leadership. I thank the College staff who attended the retreat and provided such a great experience for our senior students.
School Attendance
I have written several times to College families regarding the importance of regular attendance at school and the link between high rates of attendance and academic success. The attendance of students to commence Term 4 has been excellent and I hope to see this continue throughout the term. Covid-19 impacted school attendance across Australia, but it is time to ensure our children are in class, learning every day because…. Every Day Counts.
Some important points regarding attendance:
- Please ensure your sons are at school, on time, every day unless they are unwell.
- Compass entries should be made for students when absent.
- Family holidays during school terms should be avoided.
- Any student who is absent on community or extra-curricular days – such as sports carnivals, walkathons, camps, excursions etc. must have a medical certificate.
- Students should not have appointments scheduled during school time, including during sport on Thursdays.
- The College rewards excellent attendance. We have an outstanding attendance award for each term and there is an end of year reward day for students who demonstrate outstanding attendance across the entire year.
Staff Professional Development Days
A reminder to College families that next Friday 27th of October is a Staff Professional Development Day.
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has begun a process of curriculum reform with new syllabus in some subject areas being taught in NSW schools in 2024 and other syllabus developing for implementation in the following years. As part of developing teaching programs and resources for the curriculum reform, there will be two staff development days this term which are:
- Friday 27th October
- Monday 20th November
These days will be used by College staff to prepare for the new curriculum and to continue to develop our teaching practices.
May God bless all staff, students and families.
Mr Simon Ghantous
College Principal
Assistant Principal’s Report
Welcome back for Term 4! I hope all families had a lovely holiday with family and friends.
College Tutor Program
It has been wonderful to see students beginning their preparation for assessments in the library in the afternoon at the College Tutor Program. In Week 5 of this term, students in Years 7-10 will sit their Semester 2 Examinations and Year 11 Assessments will continue throughout the term.
This free tutoring program is available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm in the College Library. A reminder the program has been opened up to Year 11 students to book tutors. I would encourage all students to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity for support with homework, assignments, assessment preparation, understanding of content and aspirational conversations.
I would ask parents/carers to ensure suitable arrangements are made for your son to get home after the library closes at 5.00 pm.
Work & Study/Friday College Detentions
A reminder to all students, that Work and Study Detentions (Wednesday) and College Detentions (Friday) will take place in Room 5. Any student that fails to attend either of the above-mentioned detentions, may be removed from class the next school day. Parents will be contacted and the student will spend the day in the suspension area completing his work for each period of the day. Parents and students are notified of students' detention via Compass. If your son is unable to attend a detention, please inform the College Office.
Mobile Phone Policy
A reminder to all families regarding mobile phones. Students are permitted to bring mobile phones to the College, however, they are to remain off and out of sight from the time a student enters the College grounds until departure. The College does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged student mobile phones. The College reserves the right to prohibit students from bringing mobile phones into certain spaces or during certain activities, e.g. science, exam rooms, technology rooms, physical education classes etc.
Any student who uses a mobile phone will automatically receive an Assistant Principal detention.
In the event of an emergency, or should parents/carers need to contact their son during the
school day, they are asked to contact the College Office who will ensure a message is passed on to your son. If a student needs to contact their parent/caregiver during the day, he is asked to go to the College Office to make the call.
Attendance - Not Present/ Late to School
A reminder to parents, that if your son is going to be late to school or is absent from school you are required to add an Attendance Note in Compass to explain this absence/lateness. Failure to do so will result in his attendance record reflecting unexplained absences. All unexplained absences will be recorded on your son’s Semester Reports.
Attendance at College Events
Students are required to attend all College events including but not limited to, excursions, swimming carnival, athletics carnival, reflection days, retreats, camps and community days. If your son is absent on any of these days, he will require a Medical Certificate to explain his absence.
Uniform
The College has high expectations regarding uniform and grooming. Students are required to wear their full summer uniform to school. Sports uniform is to be worn on Thursdays only. Students who wear their sports uniform any other day, will receive a uniform detention.
Students should also be reminded of the College’s regulations around hair and grooming. The College Policy on hairstyles is very clear. Any use of a blade number lower than “2” is unacceptable. All haircuts must be blended and uniform in appearance, therefore any excess style trend will not be tolerated including skin fades. Students who present with haircuts that do not comply with the College Policy will be sent home until it is rectified.
Students Not Returning in 2024
It would be appreciated if parents of students in Years 7 to 11 would inform the College if their son/s will not be returning in 2024. The College has an extensive waiting list of applicants whose parents are eager for their son to obtain a position.
Mrs Catherine Roebuck
Assistant Principal
Religious Education Coordinator
Senior Retreat
On Wednesday, 11 October to Friday, 13 October Year 11 students attended The Tops Conference Centre at Stanwell Tops for our annual Senior Retreat. The students engaged in both spiritual and physical activities centred around the theme of Servant Leadership. Many thanks to Mr Ghantous, Mrs Roebuck, Mr Kalodikis, and all the staff that attended the retreat. The students were outstanding in their behaviour and participation, and a great time was had by all.
Night Patrol @ MCK
We are very excited that the College will once again engage with the St Vincent de Paul Society’s Night Patrol initiative. If your son is 16 years old or more and is interested in this social justice initiative, please read the information below and either contact myself or Mr Ward for signing up information.
What is the Vinnies Van?
Vinnies Van is a Special Work of the St Vincent de Paul Society. It is a service that visits people in need. Some of the people who visit the van are homeless, at risk of homelessness or they may not be homeless at all. Vinnies will provide assistance to anyone who approaches.
The aim of the Vinnies Van service is to provide food, drink and friendship to people on the streets. We do this remembering to respect the dignity of every person that we meet.
Anyone who would like to volunteer on the Vinnies Van service must be aged 16 years and over or in Year 11.
How will my Child benefit from Vinnies Van?
Vinnies Van is an amazing experience to meet people who may be in different circumstances than our own, where they are at. The Vinnies Van service travels to 3 fixed sites in Eastlakes and meets people in these locations. Many people find Vinnies Van a very rewarding and challenging experience.
What are some of the challenges of Vinnies Van?
There may be times where some people might feel uncomfortable with scenarios that we may come across including possibly seeing people affected by drugs or alcohol or may have a mental illness. Training is provided for all volunteers of Vinnies Van before they go out on the service. The chance to talk about anything that is confronting to any of our volunteers is also made available. Students will only go out for a shift when there are 2 trained teachers available.
General details of the Vinnies Bayside Night Patrol Van service:
- Dates/Times: 5.10pm to 8.00pm
- Meeting Venue: 1d Thomas St, Maria Gordon House, Lewisham (The Van Base)
- Locations: 6pm to 6.30pm @ Namatjira Pl Chifley then 6.45pm to 7.15pm Sth Coogee Basketball Court
- Volunteers: 3-5 students and 2 teachers
SCS Youth Events for Years 9-11
Please find below opportunities available to students from Years 9-11.
Alive Youth Night
Sponsored by The 10:10 Project. Focus will be on outreach to the elderly who will be invited to attend via the parish.
St George, Harbour-North Sydney & Randwick Botany Networks
Location: Mary Immaculate Parish: 45A Victoria St, Waverley NSW 2024
Date and Time: Friday, 17 November 5:00 pm-7:30 pm
Purpose Conference
The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney invites groups of high school students in years 9-12 and accompanying staff members to the inaugural archdiocesan youth conference – Purpose Conference.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP welcomes the initiative and encourages participation, stating, “The intention of this conference is to offer young people an encounter with Jesus Christ. To engage in an inspiring experience of the Catholic faith, helping them to discover their purpose as children of God and leading them towards intentional discipleship.
Purpose Conference aims to attract approx. 1250 high school students and will include an array of unique, dynamic and engaging evangelisation elements including:
- International guest speakers Jason Evert and Matt Fradd
- Prayer and Sacraments including a solemn mass for the feast of the Immaculate Conception led by Archbishop Anthony Fisher, adoration led by Bishop Richard Umbers and opportunities for reconciliation.
- Music ministry, youth rallies and drama skits
- Outdoor festival
- Competitions and prizes
- Exhibitions – with opportunities to connect with parish youth groups and agencies
Purpose Conference will also be a great post WYD opportunity for those who travelled to Lisbon recently. WYD pilgrims can reconnect with each other and continue to immerse themselves in catechetical and spiritual formation.
Catholic Education Foundation
The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) in a joint initiative with the Sydney Catholic Schools Arts Team, is inviting student songwriters from across the Archdiocese to compose an original song in response to the CEF theme of “Opportunities for All”, as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary across 2023 and 2024.
If interested in any of the events please see Mr Ward in the RE office or alternatively email: mitchell.ward001@syd.catholic.edu.au
Ms Lauren Abihanna
Religious Education Coordinator
Leader of Teaching and Learning
“No matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment.” Carol Dweck
Welcome back to all students for the commencement of Term 4. This term is a busy term and offers all students the opportunity for fresh beginnings, renewed focus and continuous growth.
As we step into this term it is important students embrace a growth mindset with opportunities for continuous improvement in their learning. Later this term students will complete their Semester 2 Assessments allowing for potential for significant personal and academic growth. Now is a perfect time for students to set their goals for the term ahead. Carol Dweck’s research on mindset theory (2006) highlights the importance of adopting a growth mindset for learning. Setting learning goals is a characteristic of a growth mindset where students can see that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. What would they like to achieve academically? Skills they wish to continue working on and improve in upcoming assessments? How can they learn and improve from mistakes and failures? These are some self-reflective questions students can consider allowing them to become active participants of their learning.
The College community is here to support all students. Staff and our tutors at the afterschool Tutor Program are valuable resources to provide guidance and encouragement. Students are encouraged to reach out, ask questions to create a positive and enriching learning environment.
ATOMI
In Term 4 the College is involved in a free trial of ATOMI, an online study platform to support study learning. This can be used by students as a tool to engage in revision and study to support their learning. The platform offers:
- Course Content: Interactive lessons, video lectures and reading materials.
- Quizzes and assessments: tools for revision, study and self-assessment.
- Collaborative features: to enhance peer collaboration and progress tracking.
The platform is compatible with various devices and an additional engaging tool students can use to allow continuous improvement with their learning. On our Professional Development Day last term staff engaged in professional learning on the use of this tool to assist student learning and revision. All students activated their accounts last week via homerooms. If students are having any issues, please ask your sons to speak to their homeroom teachers. Parents are encouraged to remind students this tool is available as part of their homework routine and study.
Later this term staff and students will be completing an evaluation of this platform and its usefulness as a study tool. This will allow student voice along with staff recommendations to collaboratively assess as a school community the use of ATOMI as a learning tool in 2024.
PAT Testing
This week students in Years 7-10 completed the Reading and Numeracy Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT Testing). Parents should have received a letter outlining the dates of these tests via compass. Students next week will be completing the Science and Critical Reasoning Tests. There is no need for your son to undertake extra study in preparation for these tests. These are diagnostic tests, which are adaptive to student ability, and will provide the College with valuable insights into each student's areas of strengths and areas for further development. They will be used to assist in the formation of classes, including the Challenge Classes for Years 8, 9 and 10. They also allow teachers to identify student needs, target teaching and monitor learning growth.
Please remind your sons to come to school with fully charged laptops and corded headphones on the day of these tests. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the College.
Wishing everyone a fantastic start to the term.
Mrs Gina Stavropoulos
Leader of Teaching and Learning
October – Mental Health Month
October is recognised as mental health month. Year 8 have begun their next unit "Cultivating Body and Mind". Almost half (45%) of the population aged 16–85 will experience a mental illness at some time in their life, with one in five (20%) having experienced a common mental illness in the previous 12 months.
A few insights from our students:
8PDE3 - Every day we have an opportunity to purposely influence our health and wellbeing by tapping into the mind, body and spirit. We can choose to positively influence our lives and shape our direction. A sense of well-being occurs when our physical, mental and spiritual
connections all work together.
8PDE5 - Connectedness is the strong sense of belonging that enables us to feel at home in a place or with a particular group of people or person. School is a place where you spend a lot of time, so it makes sense to get connected there.
8PDE6 - Adolescence and young adulthood is a significant period of transition in a person’s life. Many modifiable behavioural risk factors that can affect current and future health and well-being either emerge or accelerate during this time. Addressing health concerns and choices early can improve the immediate quality of life for young people and is socially and economically more effective than dealing with enduring problems in adulthood.
Mr Marc Vassallo
Leader of Learning PDHPE
Sport Report
SCS Conference 3 representative sports are underway in Term 4. Week 1 saw our Junior and Intermediate teams have BYEs to commence their season whilst all our Senior teams began their campaigns in OzTag, Volleyball and Cricket.
OzTag
The boys in the senior OzTag team showed great versatility last Thursday. With a majority of our regular team missing through retreat, intermediate players stepped up and played with great passion. So much so that Kogarah was only 1 try down at half time against a team that was made up of players 2-3 years older than ours. Some great efforts from Riley Fong, Jessie Stafford and Anthony Jubian kept us in the game right until the last minutes where two last tries extended the gap with the final score being 9-6. A great effort by all and some very proud coaches.
Mr Daniel Azzi and Mr Angelo Scali
Senior Team Coaches
Volleyball
The DLS Cronulla Senior Volleyball team entered the court bigger, louder and more comfortable than MCK. This seemed to “spook” our Senior side who lost the first set 10 - 15. After a few gentle words and a decision by Captain, Jeremy Alvaran, to sub Khoa, Nathaniel and Jonas onto the court, MCK turned the set around, beating Cronulla 15 - 10. MCK started the third set strong, winning the first five serves. But it was through some simple volleyball and renewed confidence that our very humble Senior team were triumphant, beating Cronulla in a very close 16 - 14 win. It was a tremendous display of humility, teamwork and good, simple volleyball. Congratulations gentlemen, we were so proud of you!
Ms Rebecca Davies and Mr Robert Almeida
Senior Team Coaches
Cricket
The Senior Cricket team faced Marist College Eastwood and gave an excellent account of themselves in Week 1 of the competition. After being asked to bowl first, the boys were dominant in the 1st 10 overs with accurate bowling and outstanding fielding. The second 10 overs saw the Eastwood boys gain ascendancy with one player scoring 73 and very quickly. Eastwood finished 4-145 from their 20 overs. Oscar Clarke was the best of our bowlers taking 2-16 with Massimo De Paolo and Eoin McNally claiming a wicket each. In reply, our boys fought hard but just lacked the firepower to chase down the very good Eastwood total, finishing on 7-105. Massimo De Paolo followed up his good performance with the ball with a well-made 29. Eoin McNally made 20 and Oscar Clarke finished a good day off for him with 15 not out.
Mr Shane Duff
Senior Team Coach
Individual Achievements
Alexander Zafiris of Year 11 competed in the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships in the school holidays. The event took place at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre and Alexander competed in the Opens Shot Put (5kg). His four throws were as follows:
Round 1 - 13.11m
Round 2 - 12.46m
Round 3 - Foul
Round 4 - 14.01m
Alexander finished in 2nd position in his event which is a fantastic achievement and will now fly over to Perth to compete in the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Australian National Schools Finals.
Congratulations Alexander and we look forward to hearing about your trip near the end of the year!!
Mr Jason Booth
Sports Coordinator
Career Corner
Careers Newsletter
Mr Peter Fitzpatrick
Careers/VET Leader of Learning
Community Announcements
2024 Student Travel
Transport NSW have shared the attached information, regarding 2024 school student travel.
Further information can be found at Plan your trip to school | transportnsw.info
Enquiries can be submitted at Fares, concessions, tickets & top-up feedback | transportnsw.info
Learner Drivers Workshop
Georges River Council will be running a free online workshop to support learner drivers to become safe drivers. The workshop will include:
- Updated driving rules and requirements for L and P platers
- How you can help make learning to drive a safe and positive experience
- Understanding the licence conditions for learners and provisional licence holders
The workshop will be held via MS Teams on Wednesday, 22 November from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm. For more information and to book, please visit Council’s What’s On webpage here – Georges River Council - Learner Drivers Workshop (Council Led Event) (nsw.gov.au).
Bayside Council Free First Aid Course
