College Newsletter - 13 September 2024
Principal’s Report
Welcome to the latest edition of our College Newsletter.
As we come to the final weeks of what has been a fantastic term at the College, we pray for our Year 12 students as they approach their last days of their secondary education. Although this time of year is always filled with excitement, it can also be a time of nostalgia, anxiety and a little sadness. Our Year 12 students will be celebrating their Graduation on Monday, 23 September with a breakfast and farewell assembly in the morning for staff and students, Graduation Mass in the afternoon with Fr Yacub and Year 12 families and Graduation Dinner in the evening at La Montage in Lilyfield. Each year, a lot of time and effort is dedicated to ensuring graduation is a wonderful occasion worthy of such an important milestone in the lives of these young men.
MCK School Review
Last week the College underwent our five-year external review. The review is designed to help with setting the goals and directions of the College for the next 5 years. The review went very well with fantastic feedback from an external panel about our school. I thank the staff, students and those parents who were involved in the review process. The feedback was very positive, in particular about the teaching and learning that happens in classrooms. One particular characteristic of the College that came through very strongly was the connection that students, staff and parents feel towards MCK. I thank and affirm the staff of the College for their continued commitment to ensuring MCK students are offered the best opportunities to succeed.
Year 12 Holiday HSC Seminars
In the upcoming school holidays, teachers will be running holiday seminars for Year 12 students as preparation for the upcoming HSC examinations. Students will be sent a schedule of when each of these seminars will be held. The holiday seminars are only possible because of the generosity of Year 12 teachers, and I thank these teachers for their time and continued dedication and support of Year 12 students.
MCK Showcase
This past Thursday evening the College displayed some outstanding student achievements during our CAPA and TAS Showcase. It was wonderful to see so many parents, ex-students and other visitors attend and see some of the brilliant work of students in the areas of Timber, Visual Arts, Musical performances and Hospitality. I encourage all parents to visit the College when such events are held to witness the outstanding teaching and achievements of students at MCK.
May God bless our MCK community.
Mr Simon Ghantous
College Principal
Assistant Principal’s Report
Professional Learning Day
The last day of term for students is Thursday, 26 September 2024. The College staff will be engaging in a Spirituality Day on Friday, 27 September.
Attendance - Not Present/Late to School
This week we have sent Not Present/Late to School letters to families. 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. Please action all unexplained absences by adding a note to Compass before the end of term. 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.
2024 Annual Data Verification
This week the Annual Data Verification information was shared with you on Compass. The College is reviewing and preparing your records in readiness for next year. Please ensure you have completed the questions in the Parent/Guardian and Student Verification Event by Thursday, 26 September to ensure your enrolment data is current. These questions need only be answered once, for your oldest child at our school.
College Tutor Program
The last day of the College Tutor program for Term 3 is Wednesday, 18 September. The Tutor Program will resume for Term 4 on Monday, 14 October. In particular, we would encourage Year 12 students to attend in preparation for their Higher School Certificate Examinations.
Mrs Catherine Roebuck
Assistant Principal
Religious Education Coordinator
Termly Parish Mass
On Sunday, 8 September the College Student Leadership Team joined the some of our primary school students from St Joseph’s Rockdale for a beautiful Family Mass at St. Joseph’s Parish, celebrated by Fr. Yacub. Our student leadership team played an important role, leading prayers and readings during the service. Fr. Yacub’s homily emphasised the value of family, faith, and community in nurturing our children’s growth. It was a special moment of unity, with both schools coming together in reflection and celebration. We thank everyone who participated and look forward to more faith-filled gatherings in the future.
SOR Seminar - ISRA
On Thursday, 12 September our Year 12 Studies of Religion students attended an insightful seminar hosted at the College, led by two representatives from ISRA (Islamic Sciences and Research Academy). The seminar focused on key topics directly related to the students' upcoming HSC exams, providing valuable perspectives and deepening their understanding of key religious issues. The speakers engaged the students with thought-provoking discussions, helping to enrich their preparation for their final assessments. We are grateful to ISRA for their contribution to our students' learning journey.
Adult Confirmations
Ms Lauren Abihanna
Religious Education Coordinator
Leader of Teaching and Learning
HSC Showcase Night
Last Thursday evening the College celebrated the incredible talents of our students in Art, Music and TAS showcasing their amazing Major Works. The night showcased the outstanding achievements and creativity of our students in these diverse areas. It was wonderful to shine a spotlight on the talents of these exceptional students gaining an insight into their creative processes and inspiration behind their work.
A celebration of Student Artistry
Our talented artists showcased their unique perspectives and creative vision through stunning artworks. The Major works in Visual Arts and Visual Design highlighted the remarkable individuality of each student, with their creative ideas expressed powerfully through a variety of mediums, including drawings, photography, digital art, and design. Each piece reflected not only their technical skill but also their personal voice, making for an inspiring and diverse collection of artistic expression.
TAS Innovations and Craftsmanship
The Technology and Applied Studies students impressed with their innovative projects, showcasing both their technological expertise and craftsmanship. From beautifully crafted fish tanks and entertainment units to functional study desks and intricately designed chess tables, the students produced an array of remarkable pieces. Each project reflected not only their skill in design and construction but also their creativity, resulting in a diverse collection of work.
Musical Melodies
Our talented music students recently showcased their HSC performances in front of an appreciative audience of family members, staff, and supportive alumni. The evening was a celebration of their musical journeys, featuring a diverse range of performances, from captivating vocal solos to skillful displays on the piano, Lebanese drum, and electric guitar. Each performance was a testament to the students' dedication, passion, and hard work throughout their studies.
Our hospitality students did a fabulous job preparing light refreshments for the evening. It was wonderful to see so many parents, grandparents, ex-students and other visitors attending to see and celebrate the talents and successes of our students. The sense of school community and spirit was alive and present during the evening.
A big thank you to all the staff Mr Kostovski, Mr Combe, Mr Stewart, Ms Lloyd and Mrs Appleyard. Also, a huge thank you to our Hospitality students, Mrs Diakanastasis, Mr Kazanis and all the Hospitality staff for their contribution to the evening, the refreshments were fabulous. Their devotion, enthusiasm, talents and support allow for all students to excel in their endeavours and learning.
Finis Coronat Opus – the end crowns the work
Full details of the HSC Showcase can be found here.
Year 11 Preliminary Exams
Our Year 11 students have commenced their Year 11 Preliminary Examinations well this week. Over the past few weeks, our Year 11 cohort has been diligently preparing for these assessments, which are designed to consolidate their learning and lay the foundation for their final year of secondary education.
These exams not only test the students' knowledge across various subjects but also challenge them to develop crucial skills such as time management, critical thinking, and the ability to handle exam pressure—skills that will serve them well in Year 12. The Preliminary exams are just one step in their journey toward the HSC, and every step taken helps them build the confidence for future success. The results and feedback from these exams play a vital role to help students make informed decisions as they approach the commencement of the Higher School Certificate.
We wish all our students the best as they continue to grow, plan, and prepare for their final year of school.
Mrs Gina Stavropoulos
Leader of Teaching and Learning
Marist Oratory
Marist Oratory is a prestigious competition with participants from a wide range of Marist schools in Sydney and beyond. Each year schools can choose one student from each year group (Years 7-10) and one senior student to represent them at the competition. Congratulations to Matteo Colarusso (Year 7), Dominic Galvan (Year 8), Joseph Minns (Year 9), and Ryan Morton (Year 11- senior) who travelled to Marist College Parramatta on August 28, a wild and windy Wednesday evening to take part in the 2024 competition.
The boys presented well written, thoughtful, and engaging speeches on a variety of themes. Particular kudos must go to Matteo Colarusso of Year 7, and Ryan Morton of Year 11 who were awarded 2nd place in their divisions. Thanks to the parents for their ongoing support and transport. Thanks to Ms Adamson for her organisation and coaching, and to Mr Chantler and Ms Plummer for assisting with coaching and adjudicating on the night.
Ms Anne Plummer
Teacher Librarian
Computing Technologies AI Incursion
Robotics and AI experts Neuranext engaged our students with insights into emerging technologies and how they are shaping various industries, from healthcare to finance. Students learnt about machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and the ethical considerations in the new world. One of the highlights was a demonstration of AI-powered tools that are currently being used in real-world applications including jovial interactions with robotic dogs and voice commanded vehicles.
Mr Frank Lauria
Cooper House Coordinator
Year 12 Physics Excursion to ANSTO
On Friday, 6 September, the Year 12 Physics class toured the facilities at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) site.
Students were first provided with a guided tour of the ANSTO’s Centre for Accelerator Science where students learned about Ion Beam Accelerators and their applications, such as radioactive dating. Dr Andrew Smith happened to be walking by and stopped to speak to the students about his work drilling ice cores in Antarctica. Dr Smith tests the gases diffusing out of bubbles trapped in the ice which tell us about the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere in the past. The students then viewed the 6 Megavolt (6 million volt) Sirius particle accelerator in the same building.
Next stop was the Open Pool Australian Lightwater (OPAL) reactor which is the only nuclear reactor in Australia. The tour guide and presenter, Sarah, explained all of the uses of the reactor, from the doping of silicon to make semiconductors for microchips and photovoltaic cells, as well as the production of neutrons. These neutrons are directed into the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering which uses the neutrons produced from the reactor to analyse the properties of substances and various materials. Students were able to see nuclear scientists at work as they viewed the operation of large equipment in OPAL’s Neutron Guide Hall, such as the high intensity neutron diffractometer, also known internationally as “Wombat”.
The students then visited the Molybdenum-99 Production Facility where nuclear medicine is produced and also prepared for distribution both domestically and internationally. This Molybdenum-99 decays to form Technetium-99m which is used for diagnostic imaging, such as in the detection of cancers, which is used to save lives.
The final destination was the Discovery Centre where students were able to consolidate their learning from the tour with some first-hand investigations. Several students were sacrificed (actually volunteered) to assist in some demonstrations, such as Christopher Dobson operating the scintillation counter to test the effect of shielding thickness on radiation exposure. The students were assured that the demonstrations were relatively safe as the radioisotopes emit mostly alpha particles. Students were then also able to view some 20th century artefacts such as radium watches, Fiestaware dinnerware and also some uranium glass (which glows a fluorescent green under UV light). Students could also observe the operation of a cloud chamber which tracks the movement of ionising particles.
Unfortunately, none of the MCK physics students were exposed to enough radiation to turn them into Marvel superheroes but, despite this, it was definitely a worthwhile experience and hopefully it inspires some students to consider working in the fields of nuclear research and nuclear medicine.
Mr Christian Zilich
Physics Teacher
HPE Day
Health & Physical Education (HPE) Day is a nationwide initiative that highlights the importance of HPE in the Australian Curriculum, and its influence on the learning and development of children. The theme of HPE day is Good for Children, Good for Schools and Good for Communities. Australian school children rank among the lowest in the world when it comes to their physical activity levels. To tackle this problem, they need to be taught skills and have better knowledge and understanding of how to lead active and healthy lifestyles.
That’s why National Health and Physical Education (HPE) Day has been designed to raise awareness of, and advocate for, a greater focus of HPE in our schools.
Mr Marc Vassallo
PDHPE Leader of Learning
Year 11 PDHPE First Aid Course
On Friday, 6 September, Year 11 PDHPE students underwent their first aid course as part of their preliminary module first aid. Students completed modules provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation, provide basic emergency life support and provide first aid. This qualification gained can be used as a credential in further tertiary study or employment.
Why First Aid? First Aid knowledge is invaluable for both you as the individual and for your community. It enables you to assist persons who become injured in the event of an accident or emergency situation until help arrives. First Aid skills can be applied in the home, the workplace or in public locations, therefore the more First Aid certified people there are in a community the safer that community becomes.
Mr Marc Vassallo
PDHPE Leader of Learning
Leader of Student Wellbeing
Ask ‘R U OK?’ Any Day
The annual campaign is a national day of action highlighting the importance of meaningful conversations.
In 2024, R U OK? is calling on everyone to Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.
R U OK? encourages Australians to check in will others all year around. Recent research commissioned by R U OK? found that people who are regularly asked if they are okay feel more supported, connected and cared about.
Katherine Newton, CEO R U OK? says, “There is an increase in supporting behaviours around R U OK? Day, our National Day of Action. However, we don’t want people waiting until September to reach out to the people in their world who might be struggling because life happens every day.”
To coincide with R U OK? Headspace Hurstville visited the college and engaged with our students. The trivia wheel proved popular with students and those who successfully answered questions received a raffle ticket for a $50 Rebel gift voucher along with some Headspace merchandise.
We also had Dan Hardie and his team from My Strengths work closely with our Year 10 students to help them identify their strengths in a world that often points out their deficits.
A special thanks to Amy Drury our College Counsellor for her drive and enthusiasm to bring to life the key messages of R U OK?
To view a student led presentation, click here.
To learn more, please click here.
Mr Shane Duff
Sport Report
Our representative teams’ regular seasons have concluded and it’s time for finals as we approach the end of Term 3. We wish our teams the best of luck over the coming weeks as they prepare to take out Conference 3 competitions and potentially find themselves competing in Sydney Championships (fingers crossed!). Meanwhile we’ve had a number of MCK Athletes represent the College at the Sydney Championships Athletics Carnival and a handful have progressed through to represent SCS at NSWCCC level. Let’s have a look at our coach’s recaps…
Representative Tennis
The MCK Tennis team continued their dominance with a strong showing against Marist Catholic College Penshurst. Overall, the team only lost one doubles game and drew a singles game. Special mentions to Captain Daniel Carino, Anthony Aghabi, Alexander Aghabi and Jonathan Lamproglou for winning their single matches 8-0. A challenging away match to De La Salle Revesby awaits us before heading into the final series!
Mr Chris Raptis and Mr Luke Rodriguez
Coaches
Junior Rugby 7’s
The Junior MCK Rugby 7s team delivered a dominant performance with a 36-5 victory over St John Bosco Engadine. They followed up with a hard-fought 7-7 draw against De La Salle Caringbah. The team showcased strong defensive skills and effective teamwork throughout both matches. Overall, it was a promising display of their abilities and resilience on the field.
Mr Kevin Pham
Coach
Intermediate Rugby 7’s
Although the Intermediate MCK Rugby 7’s team fought hard and improved upon previous weeks, it was not meant to be, going down to De La Salle Caringbah, St John Bosco Engadine and Marist Penshurst. Credit to Makaiden Ilievski and Angus Tsougranis (x2) for claiming player of the match medals. Good season overall boys.
Mr Robert Almeida
Coach
Senior Rugby 7’s
The Senior MCK Rugby 7s team delivered a dominant performance in their first match with a 33-0 victory over Revesby in week 7. This comes after an unfortunate forfeit in week 6 due to substantial injuries and illness. It was great to see the boys show their talent and silky moves, followed by a grinding 17-14 victory against St Patrick’s Sutherland. Special mention to Marat Nahas with the last minute match winning try to claim the victory in the second match. I look forward to seeing their progression into the finals to finish the term.
Mr Jake Gallagher
Coach
Junior AFL
With a shortened two game season, our Juniors managed one win and one loss which has sent our boys excitedly into a third place play off for bronze.
Joshua Davies has stood out as a leader on and off the field with Filip Talevski providing the intensity as our team made up of Term 2 Rugby League and Soccer stars have gained a respect and competency for the great sport of Aussie Rules.
Mr Frank Lauria and Mr Steven Gorscak
Coaches
Intermediate AFL
The Intermediate AFL boys are off to the big dance after an impressive win in the last round vs Marist College Penshurst. It was a close contest for the entire 40 minutes and a goal from Jake Batten late in the second half stole the 22-20 win. Jake was awarded man of the match for his efforts and other strong performances included Albert Ajaka in defence and John Mastragelopoulos winning the ruck every time. The grand final this week will be against a tough St John Bosco Engadine team who have won all the matches in their pool comfortably. Good luck to all involved and hopefully we can bring some silverware back to Kogarah!
Mr James Stirton
Coach
All Abilities 7-a-side Football
Our All Abilities Soccer teams concluded their regular seasons and what a better way to do so then a clash against one another. Cruz Fernandez opened the scoring for MCK Team 2 after a brilliant pass from Isaac Andrade. Mr Drahalivas’ side hit back and then took the lead until Christian Demis equalised in the second half. Whilst the game looked set to be a draw it was Mr Drahalivas’ side who scored the winning goal with 3 minutes remaining. We wish both of our teams the best of luck in their semi finals which begin in Week 8.
Mr James Drahalivas, Mrs Cathy Crehan and Mrs Clarissa Cranney
Coaches
SCS Championships Athletics Carnival
Fifteen MCK students progressed through to the SCS Athletics Championships in their specific events and competed in this carnival on Friday, 30 August. All competitors did extremely well but special mention needs to go to Jacob Fong and Alexander Zafiris of Year 12 who claimed gold in their events. Alex won his shot-put event and broke an SCS record (14.56m) and Jacob steamed through in the 400m (52.01 seconds). Jayden Taylor of Year 7 competed in 6 events after dominating the Conference 3 carnival and he managed to come 4th in the 100m (13.32 seconds) and 3rd in the 200m (27.77 seconds). Jayden was also crowned aged champion for the Under 12’s! Alex, Jacob and Jayden will now represent Sydney Catholic Schools in the NSWCCC Athletics Carnival on Monday, 16 September. Well done boys, we wish you the best of luck!
Mr Jason Booth
Sports Coordinator