From the Principal
Newsletter 17 2022
Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,
We have had another very busy few weeks where we have had Year 12 Retreat, Year 10 Camp, Year 9 Camp and Year 8 Camp, Year 7 Activity Day, State Finals in CSDA Debating, the Higher School Certificate concluded, and our final assessment tasks for the year are being collated. We are also embarking on an ambitious tutoring program in both Numeracy and Literacy that will continue until mid 2023. The invitations for our Acceleration classes in both Mathematics and Science have been distributed to Year 8 families and our student leaders have been elected for 2023. They will be presented with their badges at St Andrews Day. Keep up the good work and positive attitude as we move into the final weeks of our 2022 school year.
‘It’s All About Learning’
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Ltd:
From the beginning of 2023, Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta will have a new name, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Ltd. The organisation will also have a new governance framework. It is not expected that these changes will have an impact on the day-to-day operation of schools, or upon students, parents and carers, and parishes. Further information is available here.
Gospel Reflection: Matthew 25:14-30
Our Gospel for today talks about the parable of the talents. This parable is a very deep interpretation of the next coming of Jesus as He ascended into heaven.
The parable of the talents speaks about making use of our God-given talents and skills in the service of God. We have to do this for the sake of the Kingdom of God by means of doing good deeds here on earth below. The gifts that we are holding means the personal abilities we have that we can use to serve God by helping others, doing charities, and living a holy life. We also include in here our wealth and possession that we are willing to offer to others when they need it.
The nobleman or master represents Christ Jesus. The journey then represents His ascension into heaven and His return is the time when He will come again. Christ, Himself gave us the talents, abilities, and skills when we are born because He wanted us to cultivate our talents and multiply it like what the two servants did in the parable. If we use our talents properly then surely our master in heaven will reward us with eternal life with Him in the next life to come. The other servant who was lazy in cultivating His talents represents those people who are afraid and stingy and will always put themselves first before others because for sure they are selfish. This kind of servant will be kicked out from His master’s side and the talent that was given to him will be taken away for he did not make use of this ability to propagate here on earth. God, when he entrusted us his gifts expected us to do good until He comes back.
So then, let us follow the good servants and let us wait for Christ to come back while making use of our abilities in the service of mankind. It doesn’t matter how small or big your help is as long as your intention is pure and your heart is always open for the needy. We can make use of our abilities now especially that our country is facing much turmoil such as the pandemic and the unlimited typhoons that hit us big and made our brothers and sisters suffer. Let us lend a helping hand in saving the lives of our fellowmen. Let us offer this to our saviour Jesus Christ who will come really soon.
Debating State Final:
Congratulations go to Aishriya Lal, Nina Isakov and Georgia Nash who participated in the State Final against Edmund Rice College Wollongong last Friday. Despite the girls all meeting time, and Edmund Rice College all did not, they went down based on definition. It’s one of the technicalities in Debating that can influence the Debate outcome significantly. Congratulations girls on a great year. You represented yourselves, your families, and the College with distinction.
Extension Science Do It Again:
Congratulations to Ava Alley and Shaniya Lal who have entered into a research program with the Quantal Bioscience CoLab. This will assist in the research they are undertaking as part of the Extension Science course they are completing. Well done
Congratulations to our Soccer Players:
Amponsah Antwi was successful in his selection for the U/20s mens side at Nepean FC who compete in NSW State League competition. He has also been asked to trial for the Central Coast Mariners.
Paiman Rahmani who is part of the 2022 Year 12 Cohort has signed with Sydney Olympic U/20’s Mens Squad which competes in the NSW National Premier League..
Adrian Jakubwoski has signed with Blacktown City U/16 team.
Antoni Arshillo has signed with SD Raiders U/16 team. This team is coached by Nick Carle, former Socceroo.
Daniel Suliman has been retained by Nepean FC for their U/16 team.
Congratulations Benjamine Afu Year 12:
On 17th September 2022, Ben flew to England for Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II funeral. During the event, he played at two ceremonies in London and Windsor. In London, he had the opportunity to serve in the Royal Guard of the King of Tonga (Tupou VI). In Windsor, he was asked to play in the British Grenadiers Band, so he had the opportunity to wear the British Grenadiers uniform. This trip was a trip of a lifetime for him. He represented his home country (Tonga), the country where he grew up (Australia), and his school (St Andrews College). Ben joined the Australian Military Band to continue his career as a musician. Ben made up the words we see below and they typify his life attitude and have made him the young man he is today.
"Don't give up on your dreams, Keep pushing through no matter what the costs are, and go above and beyond".
Building Works:
At present we have the new portable classrooms being totally gutted and renovated on the Junior Campus. That will be followed by the older portable classrooms being totally gutted and renovated.
We also have the toilet block on the Senior Campus being totally gutted and renovated. All projects are due to be completed by the end of 2022.
Enrolment for Year 11 2023 NOW OPEN
Year 7 2023 already has a significant waiting list
Fidem in Christo
Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal