College Newsletter - 16 August 2024
Principal’s Report
What a remarkable two weeks it has been with the Paris Olympics captivating so many with incredible athletic performances. It is exceptional to see finely tuned athletes compete under such intense scrutiny and perform on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
The Olympic Games is an amazing event – filled with triumph and failure but above all, the world coming together to share in moments that inspire, like so many of our Australian athletes did over the past few weeks.
The Olympic Creed is "The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well."
This creed is a great reminder to all of us – no matter the result, it is the effort that matters and that is always my message to students… effort is everything!
Our College motto, The End Crowns the Work, which I have repeated over and over to students, is certainly applicable in the Olympic setting. Every athlete we have seen has worked incredibly hard to ensure they make the most of the natural talents God has given to them. Simply being there, as an Olympian, representing our country is the ‘crown’ of their hard work.
We now look forward to the Paralympic Games in Paris, where we will see incredible athletes showcase remarkable talent and be examples of what can be achieved with determination and resilience.
Feast of St Mary MacKillop
Last Thursday we celebrated the Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint. St Mary is a wonderful role model for Catholics and her well known words “Remember we are all but travellers here” which appear on her tombstone, reminding us that our time on earth is finite and that we should make the most of our time through our relationships and love for one another. St Mary embodied ‘servant leadership’ through her work for justice and as we move towards the all-important time of selecting our next student leaders at the College, St Mary’s life and actions should be an example to all who seek to lead.
This week we celebrate the Assumption of Mary with a mass celebrated by Father Yacub. This is a significant time in our Church where we honour the Holy Mother and her assumption into heavenly glory.
Student Awards and Achievement
At MCK we place great importance on rewarding student effort and achievement. Students can attain awards for academics, service and co-curricular activities. In 2024 students have achieved more than 8000 merits and awards – a remarkable effort! I congratulate students who have achieved a merit or award this year and encourage all students to continue to strive to do their best and be rewarded for their efforts.
Student Leadership
Over the coming weeks we will be commencing our process to select our 2025 Senior Student Leadership Team, including the 2025 College Captain, Vice-Captain, House Captains and other senior leadership roles. I encourage our Year 11 students to apply for these significant student leadership positions and look forward to announcing the new senior student leaders early in Term 4. I take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Student Leadership Team who have been fantastic College leaders, and they will be formerly recognised at Year 12 Graduation events later in the term.
Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations
Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have almost completed their Trial Higher School Certificate Examinations and have done so with great diligence and effort. This year, we once again engaged our NESA supervisors to manage the examinations to ensure the Trial HSC experience was authentic and very similar to what they will experience in the HSC examinations later in the year. Well done to Year 12!
Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast
All College fathers, grandfathers, guardians or other significant father figures are warmly invited to the College for our Father’s Day Mass and breakfast which will be held on Friday, 30 August at 7.30 am.
Please RSVP here by Friday, 23 August if you would like to attend.
May God bless all staff, students and families.
Mr Simon Ghantous
College Principal
Assistant Principal’s Report
As we are now commencing Semester 2, it is important for students to spend some time reflecting on last semester and update their goals for this semester. Students need to set reasonable and achievable goals to work towards. Students are encouraged to work hard and to do their very best at all times. Hard work and determination will help them achieve their goals.
Year 10 Subject Selection Interview
This week as part of our Stage 6 Subject Selection process, all Year 10 students have been interviewed by a panel of teachers from our Leadership Team allowing them to seek advice and ask questions regarding the Stage 6 pathway of study. This has been a very useful process allowing students to engage in discussions regarding their future pathways. Students have also had the opportunity where required to speak with our Vocational Education Coordinator to seek advice with applications for TAFE and VET courses offered at the College. Please do not hesitate to contact the College if you have any questions regarding submission of such applications or wish to speak to our Vocational Education Coordinator. Many thanks to Mr Chantler, Mrs Stavropoulos, Mr Duff and Mr Fitzpatrick for assisting in this process.
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.
Work and 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 a detention via Compass. If your son is unable to attend a detention, please inform the College Office.
Washington Street Traffic Management
As you would be aware, the area outside the College gate in Washington Street is extremely congested at drop-off and pick-up times. This is extremely dangerous for all members of our community in the morning and afternoon.
Parents/carers are strongly encouraged to have their sons use the bus services available to and from the College or other public transport. As Washington Street is a dead-end, parents are encouraged and reminded of the dangers of performing a U-turn outside the College gates and are encouraged to travel further down Washington Street to perform a U-turn or Three-point turn. Parents are asked not to double park or obstruct our neighbours’ driveways in Washington Street. Parents are asked not to call their sons to cross Washington Street at the front gates to enter their car, on the opposite side of the road. The crossing at the end of Washington street is a safer option for all students, when crossing. Alternatively, parents are asked to meet their sons in Dunmore Street, or closer to Seaforth Park.
I would ask parents to adhere to these safety measures for the safety of all members of our community.
Mrs Catherine Roebuck
Assistant Principal
Religious Education Coordinator
Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
On Thursday, 8 August, we celebrated the Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary MacKillop was born in 1842 in (Fitzroy) Melbourne (Australia). On 8 August 1909 she died.
Mary MacKillop at the age of 25 took her vows and the religious name, “Mary of the Cross”. In doing so, she founded the congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph and began schools. Within 5 years of taking her vows, Mary had established over 30 schools in South Australia and over 100 women had joined the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Mary MacKillop was very conscious of the plight of the poor and needy. She worked with families that lived in isolated areas of Australia. As a result, Mary MacKillop pioneered a new form of religious life in Australia and commenced a “system” of “Josephite" schools that would provide education, especially for the children of the poor. In 1873, Pope Pius IX gave Papal approval for the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Today, many Australians can say that they too have felt the impact of the enormous work started by St. Mary of the Cross (MacKillop), having been educated or cared for, by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. She was noted for her trust in the providence of God and miracles of healing have been attributed to her. She was declared a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI on the 17th October 2010.
May the blessings we receive, Lord God, on this feast of Saint Mary of the Cross, strengthen us to walk the way of the Cross and bring us to the glory of the Resurrection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On Thursday we celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the belief whereby the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly life, was taken up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven. On November 1, 1950, Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption. This honour is bestowed on Mary because she is the Mother of Jesus, the Son of God, born without sin.
Thank you to Year 8, Ms Davies and the Year 8 Homeroom Teachers for attending mass, and especially to Father Yacub for celebrating this significant feast day with us.
Hail Mary, full of grace!
The Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Mary, our Good Mother, pray for us.
St Marcellin Champagnat, pray for us
And let us always remember, to pray for one another.
Ignite Conference 2024: Sydney
The Ignite Conference is a contemporary Catholic youth conference that has been held in Brisbane since 2001. This conference has been successful in engaging young people with the Gospel and drawing them into a relationship with the Church. Sydney Catholic Schools is supporting this initiative, and students are highly encouraged to attend. Some of the details of the event can be found below:
Date: Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 29 September 2024 (End of Term 3)
Location: Broken Bay Cathedral Precinct, Waitara
Age: The conference is open to students and staff from Primary and Secondary schools (Other family members are welcome but will not receive SCS discounts if not staff or students from SCS)
Please also take the time to learn more about the conference via their website.
SCS Youth Nights for Years 7-12 sponsored by the 10:10 Project
If you would like to attend or need any other information on the above event, please contact Mr Ward in his office (room 17) or via email (mitchell.ward001@syd.catholic.edu.au)
Ms Lauren Abihanna
Religious Education Coordinator
Leader of Teaching and Learning
Year 12 Trial Examinations
Our Year 12 students have commenced their Trial Examinations well despite the pressure many students can feel during this time on their HSC journey. Trial Examinations provide students with an exam experience that can reduce anxiety and improve time management during their HSC exams. Completing trial exams allows students and their teachers to identify areas of strength and where we can support students further moving towards their final HSC Examinations. Feedback received from teachers after these exams will be extremely valuable for future improvement and the learning growth of all students.
Enhancing Literacy with the MacqLit Reading Program
In today's world, literacy is more than just the ability to read and write; it’s a vital skill that forms the foundation of lifelong learning and personal growth. At the College we are committed to ensuring that every student develops strong reading skills. One of the intervention programs that was initiated last year implemented in Stage 4 is the MacqLit Reading Program.
What is the MacqLit Reading Program?
MacqLit is an evidence-based reading intervention program designed to support students who require additional support with developing their reading skills. Developed by Macquarie University, this program specifically targets students' reading skills using explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Key Features of the MacqLit Program
- Structured Lessons: MacqLit offers a well-structured curriculum that includes carefully sequenced lessons. Each lesson builds on the previous one, ensuring that students develop a comprehensive understanding of reading concepts.
- Targeted Instruction: The program focuses on small group instruction, allowing teachers and tutors to give personalized attention and tailor lessons to meet each student's needs. This targeted approach ensures that students receive the support they need to progress.
- Progress Monitoring: Regular assessments are an integral part of the MacqLit program. These assessments help teachers track students' progress and adjust instruction as needed, ensuring that each student stays on track.
- Professional Development: Teachers at the college last year received specialized training to effectively deliver the MacqLit program. This professional development ensures that our educators are equipped with the skills and knowledge of our student's learning needs.
The impact of the MacqLit program has been remarkable. Year 7 and 8 students supported on this program are developing skills, confidence and enthusiasm for reading. Year 10 and 11 students acting as tutors are doing a wonderful job mentoring students. All of these intervention programs help support students' literacy and allow all students opportunities for success.
Fostering a love for reading extends beyond the classroom. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting their children’s literacy development. Encouraging students to read widely will help to develop all students' reading skills.
2024 College HSC Showcase
Parents/carers and members of the College community are invited to the Marist College Kogarah 2024 HSC SHOWCASE on Thursday, 5 September from 4.00 pm-6.00 pm. The College will be transformed into an exhibition space for our Year 12 HSC Major works in Industrial Technology (Timber), Visual Art, Music and Visual Design. Students from the College will be performing live musical performances for all to enjoy and culinary delights will be prepared and served by our hospitality students.
Our talented students have engaged in learning that is rigorous and challenging to produce these major works. Through their belief, passion and interest in these creative disciplines, they have applied their knowledge and skills towards their own inspired journey.
This showcase will provide an opportunity for our school community to meet the students behind these innovative works and acknowledge their hours of commitment.
Mrs Gina Stavropoulos
Leader of Teaching and Learning
Year 9 Engineering
The start of Engineering Week on August 9 saw our Year 9s embark on an adventure to the M7/M12 headquarters in Eastern Creek for their annual Pasta Bridge Competition.
We kicked off the day with success as one of our bridges scored 3rd place in creativity and our other seven Year 9 Bridges performed strongly against the 45 entrants.
The day continued with a tour of the Control Room and demonstrations of real-time monitoring of traffic conditions. The staff explained how they manage traffic flow, respond to incidents, and maintain infrastructure.
There was also a presentation highlighting the history and development of the highways which led to a Q&A session where students asked questions about career opportunities within the transport industry.
The visit to the M7 Westlink headquarters was an inspiring experience, offering Year 9 students’ valuable insights into the realm of civil engineering to reinforce the theory work they have completed in the classroom.
Mr Frank Lauria
Cooper House Coordinator
The Great Outdoors
Tuesday 13 August marked the first Tru Ninja excursion attended by The Great Outdoors students of Years 9 and 10. A smooth trip out to Penrith - the excitement among the group was evident.
Without hesitation the students tried their hand at all the events on offer. From basic bouldering to vertical pole climbing. Their agility, strength and power along with muscular endurance was tested on each and every obstacle they attempted to conquer.
An extremely rewarding experience enjoyed by all on the day. They faced challenges that tested their mental and physical capabilities at every turn.
While the athletes of the group showed off their prowess at will, it was the hesitant and somewhat introverted members of the group who shone the brightest. These events allow all individuals to overcome innate fears and anxiety. This exercise in overcoming personal barriers will benefit them across all areas of their lives for years to come.
Mr Frank Azar and Mr Chris Raptis
Year 11 Biology
Year 11 Biology analysed ice cores similar to samples that have been drilled from Antarctica, to observe the differences in texture and composition of each layer. This allowed students to infer what the climate may have been like when the ice was laid down, which in turn, allows them to infer what the ecosystem was like at that time.
Mrs Jackie Cordwell
Leader of Student Wellbeing
Year 8 My Resilience
Over the past 3 years, MCK has developed a strong relationship with Dan Hardie and his team from “My Strengths”. Dan is a teen counsellor with a degree in Positive Psychology. After working with hundreds of teenagers, Dan saw too many who described themselves negatively. He discovered that genuine and lasting change only occurred when positive self-esteem and confidence were built. That is why he created MyStrengths. To help adolescents understand their strengths and reframe their perceived weaknesses.
Dan has previously worked with Year 10 students at MCK, but last week his team worked with our Year 8 cohort in order to develop their resilience.
Throughout the 2 hour session, students did the following:
- Learned the 4 things resilient people do
- Discovered their Top 5 Character Strengths
- Adopted a strengths mindset as the foundation for resilience
- Developed strategies for facing hardship, stress, bullying, and disappointment
We are excited that Dan and his team will work with our Year 11 students in their 3-day retreat in Term 4 utilising his “My Future” program. It means that the College now has a sequential, age specific positive psychology wellbeing program that all students will experience in their time at MCK.
More information can be found at this link
Mr Shane Duff
Sport Report
As the SCS Championships from Term 2 sports concluded, we began trialling for our Term 3 representative seasons. Whilst our AFL, Rugby 7’s and Tennis teams await a beginning to their competitions, our All Abilities 7-a-side Football teams began their campaigns in Week 3 of the term.
All Abilities 7-a-side Football (Soccer)
Our All Abilities Soccer teams began their seasons at Peakhurst Park on Thursday. Mr Drahalivas’ side got off to a great start against De La Salle Revesby with a comfortable win but then ran into a composed Penshurst side in their second game. If the boys can keep their composure throughout the season and not let the scoreline dictate their attitude on the field anything could be possible come finals time.
Mrs Cranney and Mrs Crehan’s side welcomed a number of new faces to the All Abilities format. Despite a lack of experience, the boys displayed great sportsmanship and skill as they narrowly went down to Engadine and Revesby in their matches. Special mention to Dylan Duong and Cruz Fernandez who led the team with constant positivity throughout both games. Hopefully the boys can secure their first win of the season next week.
Mr James Drahalivas, Mrs Clarissa Cranney and Mrs Cathy Crehan
Coaches
Career Corner
University Open Days 2024
This is a great opportunity to ask about courses from current students and teachers.
Click this link to access when various Universities are conducting their Open Days.
Did you know that you do not need an ATAR to study for a degree at TAFE?
Click this link to find out more with the TAFE Degree overview guide.
Careers and Employment Expo
Leisure Employment Australia
School Based Traineeships
Careers Newsletter
Mr Peter Fitzpatrick
Careers/VET Leader of Learning
Community Announcements
Voyager Tennis Academy
Click here to book a free trial lesson.