Welcome back to a new term.

Uniforms

Some students would have had a growth spurt and their uniform is a little small. Please check the length of the boys’ pants, which should go down to the shoes, and the length of the girls’ kilt, which should go down to the knees.

Some students had pierced their ears and some their nose. Just to remind students and families, the only piercing accepted at the College is for the girls only: one silver or gold sleeper, stud, or a small jewel in each ear. No nose, lip, or any other facial piercing is acceptable. No plastic piercings should be worn, and no band-aids covering a piercing. Students will be asked to remove any piercings while at school – this is not negotiable.

No student should be wearing makeup or fake eyelashes.

Students are expected to have the College bag every day while at school. If there is a problem with the bag, a note must be presented to the Learning Advisor.

Cyber safety

Social media is part of all of our lives. There are some real positive aspects of social media, but there are also some real problems with social media.

There are age limits on social media for safety reasons, but also because immature young people can misuse social media. It is very easy for people to write mean and inappropriate things online because they feel safe behind a computer screen. Many comments are made to people that would never be said face to face. Online bullying can occur because the person thinks that they are anonymous.

The person who pays the bills for the phone and the internet is the person responsible for what happens on the registered device. A parent or guardian should be aware of all online activity of anyone using their device or internet. Regular checks of content and social media use are essential to prevent harm online.

The College has information available to help families deal with online behaviour, and if they contact their Leader of Wellbeing for the child’s year group, they can assist in helping with issues.

Blocking sites

The Government support site esafety.gov.au has some helpful tips for blocking sites and safety online:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice/taming-technology

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Bullying is made up of behaviours intended to deliberately hurt, threaten, frighten, or exclude someone by physical and non-physical means over extended periods of time. An individual or group may direct these behaviours towards another individual or group.

Someone is bullying another person when:

• They repeatedly verbally abuse a person or group by calling them unpleasant names, by writing them nasty notes and/or messages (including on social media), or by using unpleasant gestures.

• They repeatedly physically harm a person or group or physically intimidate them by threatening physical harm or by destroying/taking their belongings without permission.

• They repeatedly encourage their friends or other students they know to verbally or physically threaten a person or group, or ask them to harass, embarrass, ignore, or exclude that person or group from activities.

Types of bullying

• Direct physical bullying – this is when a bully uses physical actions such as hitting or pushing to provoke their victim.

• Direct verbal bullying – this is where negative language such as name-calling, racism, discrimination, harassment, or homophobic remarks is repeated to intentionally upset someone.

• Indirect bullying – is harder to recognise and usually occurs behind someone’s back with the intent to humiliate or damage a person’s reputation.

• Social bullying – is behaviour that may deliberately exclude someone from a group of people, such as lying about them and playing nasty jokes on them.

• Psychological bullying – is the intentional use of words or actions that cause psychological harm. Examples of this may be intimidation, manipulation, or stalking behaviour.

• Cyber bullying – is when a form of technology is used to verbally, socially, or psychologically bully. This can happen in chat rooms, on social networking sites, or through the use of mobile phones.

Audience – by participating in or responding to any type of bullying behaviour, you are as responsible as the bully. Standing around and doing nothing, encouraging bully behaviour, using video or giving the impression of videoing, distribution of an incident, or having a video of the incident are all forms of audience behaviour.

The College policy on bullying builds directly on the mutual respect ideal which we place in front of our students in promoting Gospel values as a Catholic school, and as such:

• We behave, speak, and treat one another in respectful ways.

• We understand that everyone is different, and we respect those differences.

• We look out for one another and offer our support when others need our help.

St Andrews College does not accept any form of bullying. If you are being bullied, or know of someone that is being bullied, please see a member of the staff to help stop the bullying.

Students going on leave

If a family is having leave during a school term, whether it’s a holiday or a family situation, the College must be informed before you go on leave.

If the leave is less than 5 days, a letter from the parent/guardian is sufficient to explain the reason for the leave. If the leave is over 5 days, an application for extended leave must be completed and sent to the College to gain permission from the Principal.

If you have any questions, please contact the College.

What is in the Planner?

When we are with others, we need to use CARE

C = Communication: be open and honest
A = Achieve: aim for win-win conversations
R = Respect: believe and show others matter
E = Expect: give more of yourself to grow

It is important to take every opportunity that is presented to you. Positive engagement in life is a key to building your identity. It is a risk sometimes to take on a new challenge, and sometimes your challenges may not be successful, but the most important thing is to give it a go.

Learning about the diversity in our community helps us develop acceptance of others. Expect and respect that every person on this planet is different and that they are special and good at different things. Accepting others’ differences and embracing them helps us develop as a person.

Character strength: Courage and Leadership

God Bless

Mr Nick Thrum

Assistant Principal - Students

Dear Parent/Guardians,

St Andrews College Uniform Shop is run online by Oz Fashions.  Orders are to be placed on the website below using the password provided.

standrewscollege.uniforms4u.com.au

Password: sac2148

When placing an order on the website, you will receive an email confirmation once your order has gone through and then another email once your order has been processed with either the tracking details or delivery date to the school (please check your junk email the first time you place your order). 

Delivery to the school is every Monday and Wednesday during the school term. Orders must be placed by 4:00 pm Friday for delivery on Monday and 4:00 pm Monday for delivery on Wednesday.  Home delivery option is also available for $10.00 if you would like your order delivered to your home. 

Please choose carefully as we do not refund if you simply change your mind or make a wrong selection; however, we gladly exchange within 14 days.

Returned merchandise MUST be in its original condition with all tags still attached and accompanied by proof of purchase otherwise the exchange will not be honoured. Any item that has been worn or altered will not be exchanged. Please make sure you are attending this school before purchasing the uniform, as we cannot refund or exchange the uniform for another school’s uniform.

Please email all exchanges to elle@ozfashions.com.au

Please note that Oz Fashions warehouse in Granville DOES NOT sell the St Andrew’s College Uniform in store. 

If you have any enquires please contact Elle elle@ozfashions.com.au or 0421 216 414

Please place your uniform order as soon as possible to ensure you will be able to exchange uniform sizing if necessary and to guarantee students receive a uniform to start school. Please note: all orders for 2026 students need to be placed before 4:00pm Monday 8^th December 2025 to ensure delivery before the end of the school year. The last delivery for the St Andrew’s College uniform orders is Wednesday 10^th December 2025. Please note that the online warehouse will be closed during the January holidays.  

The first delivery for 2026 is Tuesday 27^thJanuary. 

Thank you

 

Elle

Uniforms

M: 0421216414

E: elle@ozfashions.com.au

Principal’s Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have received Principal’s Awards:

Congratulations to the following students who have received their second Principal’s Award:

House Cup Competition

Chang has won the 2025 House Cup Competition! Dr Kennaugh presented the House Cup to the winning Chang House Captains, Ysabella Alfonso & Zac Lazaro, at the Junior Assembly last week. It had been an exciting competition, with the lead changing several times during the year. However, when the majority of the Principal’s Awards presented at the last Assembly went to students in the Chang House, it was obvious that Chang was going to hold onto their lead. The winning House will go to Luna Park on December 5. Congratulations to all Houses for a fantastic House Cup Competition.

The final results for the 2025 House Cup are:

Bennelong: 73, 290

Chang: 80, 130

Frances: 68, 145

Gould: 72, 775

Mrs Sue Cooper

Leader of Wellbeing and Learning

scooper@parra.catholic.edu.au

Exam Block

In Week 2 of Term 4, Year 10 sat their exams for all of their subjects. We thank all the teachers for all of their assistance and support of Year 10 during this time and in the lead-up to the exam block. We especially commend Year 10 on their respectful participation and persistence in their exams! 

Year 10, you should be extremely proud of yourselves! Well done on trying your hardest and giving your best. Congratulations! 

Students Leaving St Andrews College

The last day for students leaving St Andrews College and not returning with us in 2026 will be Week 8: Friday 5 December 2025. 

Transition Week

Transition Week will occur in Week 9 (8-12 December 2025). Year 10 students are now able to purchase their white Senior shirt and white socks, only to be worn in Week 9. 

Camp

Camp will be at Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, on Wednesday 10 December to Friday 12 December 2025. Please ensure that the online registration is completed as soon as possible. Link is provided below.

https://officeofsport.ungerboeck.com/prod/emc00/PublicSignIn.aspx?&aat=6f486655774d7967523438743145657175304153417a4f5563334b3034766177773861713058374871316f3d 

Year 10, Miss Breeze and I are proud of all that you have achieved this year. Continue to keep your expectations high, and display positive behaviour. The next few weeks will come and go quickly, so take every opportunity and continue to make memories with your friends and teachers. 

Miss Jasmine Breeze

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 10

Ms Bernadette Corpuz

Assistant Leader of Wellbeing - Year 10

Welcome back to another term at St Andrews College, 

Stepping Up: Year 9 Leads the Way Into Term 4

As we enter the final term of the school year, our Year 9 students are at an important turning point. This is a time for reflection, responsibility, and readiness, a time to step up and prepare to become the senior leaders of our school community in Year 10.

This term, the focus for Year 9 is on attitude, growth, and leadership. The message is clear: you don’t need a badge to be a leader. Leadership begins with the choices you make each day, how you speak to others, how you wear your uniform, how you respond to feedback, and how you approach challenges.

Building a Positive Mindset

A major focus has been developing a growth mindset, the belief that ability and character can be developed through effort, reflection, and perseverance. Students are encouraged to shift from “I can’t” to “I’ll try,” and to see mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than reasons to give up.

Negativity can be contagious, and when a few people adopt a negative attitude, it can easily spread through a group. Instead, we’re challenging students to be the positive influence, the person who lifts others up, brings energy and encouragement, and makes the environment better for everyone.

Respect, Responsibility, and Role Modelling

As the oldest year group on campus next year, Year 9 students are now expected to model the standards they want others to follow. This includes how they use technology, wear their uniform, and treat shared spaces.

Leadership means making mature choices, especially when it’s easier to go along with others. True leaders don’t follow the crowd; they think for themselves and take pride in doing what’s right.

High Standards, High Potential

Whether it’s maintaining uniform expectations, using technology responsibly, or showing respect around the school, these expectations aren’t about rules for the sake of rules, they’re about helping students develop self-discipline, pride, and personal responsibility. These are the qualities that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Looking Ahead

Year 9 has tremendous potential. With a positive attitude and a willingness to grow, this cohort can set the tone for a successful end to the year and enter Year 10 as confident, respectful, and capable leaders.

As we remind them: don’t be a follower, be the standard. The way forward is about growth, respect, and showing others what genuine leadership looks like.

Mr Kharl Carlos
Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9

Visual Arts Exemplary Artworks

This term, our Visual Arts students have produced outstanding work that shows creativity, skill and imagination. Across all year groups, students have explored new materials, developed strong ideas and shown great attention to detail in their artmaking.

Teachers are very proud of the effort and commitment shown by all students. The quality of work has been exceptional, with many artworks demonstrating originality and strong technical ability.

Students have also shown a growing confidence in expressing their ideas and taking creative risks. Their ability to communicate meaning through visual language continues to inspire and enrich our school community.

 We congratulate all students for their achievements and thank them for bringing such energy and passion to the Visual Arts classroom.

Year 11 Visual Arts/Year 12 2026 Mentoring Night 

On Wednesday, the 22nd of October, we held our Year 12 HSC Visual Arts Mentoring Night. The first of many exciting events designed to support our students as they begin the journey of creating their Body of Work.

A special thank you to our Artist in Residence,  Johnny Romeo, who generously hosted the evening and shared valuable insights into the creative process. Students benefited greatly from the opportunity to receive individual feedback and guidance from a range of mentors, helping them prepare for their first Year 12 Visual Arts assessment task with confidence and direction.

We would also like to thank the Visual Arts Teachers for all their hard work thus far and in the months to come. 

Mrs Tiana Psaila

Leader of Learning Visual Arts - Acting 

Year 12 Visual Arts 2026

Following from the buzzing Mentoring Night on Wednesday evening, Year 12s will engage in the Body of Work (BOW) in a Day Workshop on Wednesday 29th October. After gathering feedback from their mentors and working with their class teachers during Visual Arts lessons, students will start the development of their BOW, which culminates to 50% of their HSC.  

We look forward to sharing the progress of the day, where students will be immersing themselves in a full day of artmaking, experimentation, and expression. 

Throughout the day, students will explore a range of techniques and materials while responding to their own ideas and artistic intentions. They will produce a Mini BOW which will be presented to the rest of the class and submitted as part of their assessment task 1.  This intensive workshop will encourage students to take creative risks, work spontaneously, and think critically about their artmaking process, all essential skills as they begin their HSC Visual Arts journey.

Year 10 Visual Arts Update

Students submitted their Unit 3 Self-Directed artwork proposals this week. It’s been wonderful to see a variety of themes and ideas being explored by our Year 10 artists. Students will receive feedback on their work via Canvas, after which they will continue to develop their artworks, completing them in time for our Junior Art Showcase for Semester 2 later this term. See below for some examples of their Visual Arts Process Diaries so far!

Mrs Claudia Harris

Acting Leader of Pedagogy

A Wonderful Seven Weeks with Our Exchange Students from Isahaya Commercial High School

This year, we had the pleasure of hosting three female students from our sister school, Isahaya Commercial High School, for seven weeks during the last term. Azusa, Karin, and Yoko successfully completed their homestay program at St Andrews College and safely returned to Japan on 14 September.

Each of them had a wonderful Australian cultural experience during their stay and greatly enjoyed their English immersion education at our College.

Here are some highlights from their reflections on their time in Australia:

By Azusa

My school life at St Andrews College was very enjoyable. I participated in various school events like Reflection Day, as well as a wide range of classes such as Religion and Art. On Sports Day, we went rock climbing, and I played volleyball with other students. During break times, many people came and talked to me. I had a great time.
Through this study abroad experience, I was able to learn about the cultural differences between Australia and Japan. I also realised how difficult it is to communicate in a language I’m not used to. Using English was very challenging for me, but I was really happy to see that many students at St Andrews College were working hard to study Japanese.

By Karin

Joining this program was a big challenge for me. Trying something new always requires courage, but I believe there are things you can only gain by taking that first step. This experience helped me grow and expand my possibilities in ways I never imagined.
I love St Andrews College so much, and it’s really hard to say goodbye. When I return to Japan, I will treasure this valuable experience and continue to work hard to improve my English. If anyone is thinking about coming to Japan next year but feels unsure, I encourage you to be brave and take the leap—it will be an amazing and meaningful experience.
The lessons and connections I gained through this study abroad program are treasures to me. With this experience in my heart, I want to continue taking on new challenges in the future. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

By Yoko

Through this experience, I was able to feel cultural differences very deeply. It wasn’t just about speaking English—it was about living in a completely different environment, seeing the world through a new lens, and growing as a person.
A large part of this program was experiencing school life, which was very different from what I was used to in Japan and full of surprises. Through these experiences, I became even more interested in learning about Australia.
I’m truly grateful to all the teachers who supported us. Through this program, I made up my mind to come back to Australia one day. Australia has become like a second home to me. Every moment I spent here is a treasure. I will continue studying English even harder in Japan so that I can return one day. Thank you so much for these unforgettable seven weeks.

Now it’s our turn to send St Andrews students to Japan!
If you are interested in joining the homestay program in Japan, please speak to Mrs Suzuki for more information.

Mrs Mariko Suzuki

Leader of Learning - Languages

Year 10 Japanese Cooking Lesson – Making Futomaki ?

In Term 3, Week 8, our Year 10 Japanese course students took part in a fun and delicious Japanese cooking lesson, joined by three students from our sister school, Isahaya Commercial High School in Nagasaki.

Together, they learned how to make futomaki (rolled sushi), a traditional Japanese dish known for its colourful ingredients and carefully rolled presentation. All the ingredients were prepared in advance, allowing students to focus on the step-by-step process of assembling and rolling their sushi using the proper tools.

Some students even brought their own fillings from home to add a personal touch to their creations. By the end of the lesson, each student proudly made two sushi rolls, showcasing both teamwork and creativity.

The classroom was filled with laughter, conversation, and the delicious aroma of freshly made sushi. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience — not only tasting their own work but also sharing their rolls with friends. It was a wonderful cultural exchange that combined language, food, and friendship in the best possible way.

Stay tuned for more exciting and flavourful cultural experiences coming up in our Japanese courses!

Matsufuji Sensei

Japanese Teacher

The St Andrews Writing Competition continues to highlight the impressive talent and creativity of our students across all year levels. This month saw many entries, with an exceptional standard of writing throughout. Many of our winners submitted pieces developed through classwork, showing the depth of effort and originality being fostered in lessons.

Congratulations to our September winners:

Year 7: Veronica Adamecki

Year 8: Bethenny Scott

Year 9: Isabella Welangoda and Lauren Hipolito

Year 10: Sabrina Dutong

Year 11: Izzy Borlongan

Each of these students impressed the judging panel with their creativity, voice, and control of language. However, it was not easy to decide across the year groups who should win. Their work reflects the strength of our writing culture at St Andrews, and the enthusiasm students bring to expressing their ideas. Some of the writing talent is beyond the age of the students, and this is consistently demonstrated in different subjects.

The final competition for the year will take place this November, and entries are welcome on any topic and in any writing style - imaginative, persuasive, analytical, or personal. We look forward to seeing even more students share their voices as we celebrate the final showcase of 2025.

Mr Duncan Dewar

Earlier this year, our Year 10 Design and Technology students took on a creative challenge — to reimagine what an Australian souvenir could be. Instead of the typical fridge magnets and postcards, students were asked to design something unique that celebrates Australia’s identity, culture, and creativity. ??

In this unit 'Gifted Australia', Year 10 were tasked to create a new line of affordable and uniquely Australian souvenirs that are both visually appealing and practical for travelers. Students learnt and had to utilise a range of modern technologies like laser cutting, cricutting, adobe suite, and 3D printing to create unique, useful and Australian-themed souvenirs that can be mass produced. Whilst developing their souvenirs, students had to document their design process in a detailed portfolio to reflect their intention. 

Students were challenged to design and produce an original Australian souvenir that captured the spirit of our culture, landscapes, and icons. Using a mix of traditional craftsmanship and innovative technologies like the laser cutter, 3D printer, sewing machine, and oven-baked clay, students transformed their design ideas into professional-quality products.

From hand-crafted keychains and clay figurines to laser-cut décor and custom textiles, every project showcased a blend of creativity, skill, and innovation. Students also documented their design process — from concept sketches to final prototypes — demonstrating their ability to think like real-world designers.

Throughout the project, students developed their skills in design thinking, problem-solving, and prototyping, while exploring how technology can transform everyday materials into something truly special. This project not only celebrated creativity and national identity but also encouraged students to explore how technology can enhance design outcomes. This project was a fantastic showcase of creativity and innovation — and a reminder that great design tells a story, especially when it’s inspired by home! ?✨

College Leadership Team

Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing

College Leaders of Learning - KLA

College Leaders of Learning and Other Leaders