Newsletter 9 2022

Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,

Congratulations again goes to the staff and students for all the learning opportunities that are happening at the College at present. It is a testament to your dedication and enthusiasm that all of this is happening at the College. Our Assemblies demonstrate all that is good about our College. I witnessed today one of our Year 7 student (Amelie Lu) performed an amazing piece on the piano. What a talent. I also spoke about the Heliotropic Effect that we can have on each other. It’s a challenge for all of us to live up to being born in the Image and Likeness of God. Well done.

‘It’s All About Learning’

Gospel Reflection - Luke 9:11-17:

In the gospel reading, Jesus taught the people about the kingdom of God. Then he cured the sick. After that, he fed them and they were all satisfied. Indeed, in Jesus we find wisdom, healing and satisfaction.

In looking again at the Gospel. The day is about to end. The disciples were about to worry about food and shelter and suggested to Jesus to dismiss the crowd. Yet Jesus is undisturbed. He took the situation as an opportunity to make a miracle and show them that He is in control. So He told them to give them food. However, they only have five loaves and two fish. They wonder how they can feed five thousand men plus women and most probably children.

Jesus is our God of multiplication. Whatever little resources we have, let us offer to Him and ask Him to bless it. After all, all resources, wealth, or treasure come from Him. He knows how to make them available for our needs. He will not allow us to go hungry.

There is an important lesson that we need to learn from this multiplication of bread episode. Let us never underestimate the generosity and power of God. His power can make the impossible possible and His provision is more than enough.

Today, we reflect on how good Jesus is as He gives His very own flesh and blood to become food for our souls. The very act of giving Himself to enter our body and become part of our whole being shows how much He loves us. May we be able to understand and show our profound appreciation of this great mystery of the Eucharist.

Safe Parishes Launch and Lunch:

Congratulations to the Year 12 Hospitality students who catered for the Safe Parishes Lunch in the St Andrews Parish Hall last week. The level of catering as well as  interaction with the Bishop and guests was exceptional. Many people commented on the ability of our students to engage, their manners, and their service. Thank you to Mrs Carlos and Mrs Van Der Werf for all of their assistance and preparation of our wonderful students.

Well done Bianca and Romeo:

Congratulations Bianca. She secured a spot in the Open's NSWCCC Team, and competed last Friday in the NSW All Schools Quad Series Tournament. In addition to this she also secured a spot in NSW State Team Squads for the Divisions of Youth U/17 and Junior U/19, in which she will compete in the National Championships occurring in July. 

She was also invited to join the Australian National Junior Development Squad, in which she will  train amongst the best junior volleyball players in the nation. By joining this squad she is in contention to play for Australia for international events and tournaments. 

Congratulations to Romeo Andre III Atengco who also represented NSWCCC in the NSW All Schools Quad Series Tournament. I'd just like to inform you of what occurred on Friday. 

Congratulations to Julio and Dominic Tatupu: 

Both Julio and Dominic represented NSW at the National Championships in Queensland last week. Congratulations on the following performances.

 Julio:

Shot Put: Placed 6th with a 14m throw

Discus: Placed in the top 8 with a 41m throw

Dominic:

Hammer Throw: Placed 2nd with a 49.5m throw

Discus: 33m throw

Shot Put: Placed 2nd with a 15m throw. This now places him 1st in Shot Put Ratings for his age group in Australia.

Year 11 2023 Information Evening:

Thank you to all the parents and students who attended the evening last Wednesday. The attendance was excellent which demonstrates the commitment to learning that I see in the Year 10 2022 group as well as the Year 9 Accelerated Students. Thank you to Ms Kalifa, the Leaders of Learning and teaching staff who attended the evening to inform our students of their subject choices in the best way possible. There were many senior students who also assisted on the night. Thank you.

CSDA Debating Progress:

The Debating season has concluded the Preliminary Rounds now and we have had the following teams in Elimination Finals on Wednesday evening and tonight. 

7A v Eastwood, 9A v OLMC, 9B v Santa Sabina College, 11B v St Mary’s Cathedral, and our Senior Opens A team v Catherine McCauley. This makes us the most represented school in the Diocese in the finals and continues our fine tradition in Debating and Public Speaking. It is a great effort from Mrs Parker, staff, student debaters, and helpers from staff and the student body.

Athletics Carnival:

The Athletics Carnival was a great success and I thank Mrs Brogan for her organisation as well as staff for their supervision and participation. Further details will be contained in the Sports Reports as well as the winning House.

Toilet Renovations Senior Campus:

They are well underway with both toilet blocks due for completion before the Higher School Certificate commences. I have shown the Senior Student Leaders the proposed layout and we have made some minor additions based on their feedback. We are hoping for the first block to be finished next week.

Enrolment for Year 11 2023 NOW OPEN

Year 7 2023 already has a significant waiting list

Fidem in Christo

Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal