From the Principal

Thank you all for a successful Term that has met the challenges faced by not only the nation but the world. As we finish the Term today I would like to congratulate the staff and students on the way they reengaged with learning when we recommenced face-to-face learning. We pray that the second wave doesn’t hit us like it has Victoria, but at the same time we are well placed to answer that challenge should it happen. Either way we will ensure your son/daughter gets the best education possible. I wish you all a safe holiday and look forward to seeing you all in Term 3.

‘It’s All About Learning’

Reflection:

As a child I always loved hearing this passage. It speaks to our humanness that we have and demonstrate daily, as well as God’s forgiveness which we need. 

Matthew 9:1-8

Jesus got in the boat, crossed the water and came to his home town. And suddenly some people brought him a paralytic stretched out on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Take comfort, my child, your sins are forgiven.’ And now some scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is being blasphemous.’

Knowing what was in their minds Jesus said, ‘Why do you have such wicked thoughts in your hearts? Now, which of these is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk”? But to prove to you that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ — then he said to the paralytic-‘get up, pick up your bed and go off home.’ And the man got up and went home.

A feeling of awe came over the crowd when they saw this, and they praised God for having given such authority to human beings.

Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

• When we reflect on our lives, we have to admit that we have often failed God in different ways; we want to do the good, but fail to live it when opportunities present themselves to us.

• We feel sad and disappointed with ourselves and others when we fail God. However, God’s forgiveness of our sins is always unconditional. This divine gift from God cannot be taken for granted.

• Ponder on the times that you have “failed” God and ask yourself, “Who is this God that is so forgiving? How am I relating to this God?  How should I live my life differently now?

Sydney Science Park Challenge:

It was exciting to see the projects that are being developed as our students answer the challenge of the Sydney Science Park Project. The best projects will present to the sponsoring Company who may develop the project and incorporate it into plans at the Park itself. It’s an exciting opportunity. Mr Stenning who heads up the Science Education across the Diocese was amazed by the strength of the projects as well as the enthusiasm of both staff and students. I am looking forward to seeing the final projects.

Acceleration Program:

We have just entered six Year 9 students into an accelerated Mathematics Program that will see them complete Year 10 by the end of 2020 and move into Year 11 Mathematics while they are in Year 10 with the possibility of starting University while still at school. This is part of the College’s commitment to meeting the students where their needs are. We are looking to expand this strategy to other subjects and KLA’s. Students can be nominated for this program in three ways. Self nomination, parental nomination, and teacher/school nomination. We then go through a process of examining the data to see if the student is ready as well as communicating with the students and parents. 

Year 11 2021 Subject Selections:

Thank you to the staff, parents, and students for the work done on Subject Selection interviews for Year 11 2021. Working across two platforms poses its challenges, yet the outcome has been very positive.

Year 7 SRC Portfolios:

Congratulations to our Year 7 elected Student Leaders who have been allocated their Portfolios now. I look forward to seeing you all actively engage with the rest of the SRC in enhancing our College as well as bringing your peers along with you. More detail on the portfolios can be found later in the Newsletter.

Athletics Carnival:

Thank you to Mr Dunaeff, Mr Weaver, Mr McLoughlan, Ms McKechnie and the PE Staff for all the work that went into organising and executing a wonderful Athletics Carnival yesterday. It had something for everyone with serious competition, novelty events and plenty of cheering. It was great to have a whole-school event after all of the restrictions that have been placed on our nation over the past six months. Greater detail on  the winning Houses and Age Champions will be published next term.

Thank you to Mrs El Akkoumi, Mrs Kamali and the hospitality students for their wonderful catering.

Year 11

Mia Bergania

Joanne Cooke

Adam Jovanovic

Maiah Lazaro

Patryk Lipka

Colin Lu

Andrea Mascarenhas

Teghan McHugh

Niharika Saini

Ashleigh Stacey

Shantia Symon

Jerome Yabut

Year 12

Erini Gayed

Thank you to the Year 12 students who assisted with the running of the Carnival.

Diana Caiceda

Mikaela Garland

Muskan Kumar

Juliyanah Guerrero

Jerica Cabanit

Katelyn Charles 

Kirsten Henderson

Madeleine Alforque

Kristelle Sangalang

Danielle Nheme

Alisha Chandra

Jasleen Kaur

Leanna David

Thank you to all the staff for their support on the day as well as their flexibility. We were blessed with beautiful weather as well which is a great way to end Term 2.

VIRTUAL CAN 2020:

With the number of students planning and rehearsing their acts, the anticipation is starting to build. I have really enjoyed seeing the joy and enthusiasm in the eyes of the students who I have spoken to. We are all looking forward to another great event.