St Andrews College Marayong eNewsletter Term 3 Week 8
- From the Principal
- From the Assistant Principal Students
- From the Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning
- From the Student Representative Council
- From the Leader of Learning Science -Junior Campus
- Year 11 Visual Arts - Self and Identity
- Year 11 Photography, Video and Digital Imaging - Developing a Point of View
- From the Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 10
- Year 9 Food Technology - Cupcake Decoration Assessment Day
- From the Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 8
- From the Coordinator Debating & Public Speaking
- R U OK Day 2020
- Blacktown City Art Prize
- NSW Children's Week 2020 Art Competition
- From the Careers Counsellor
- School Holiday Program
- Season of Creation
- Important Dates
- ST ANDREWS COLLEGE LEADERSHIP TEAM 2020
Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,
Congratulations to the Year 12 students on the way you have come back from the Trial HSC Examinations. The receiving of feedback from your teachers, then acting on this feedback through practice papers is critical to even greater success in the upcoming Higher School Certificate Examinations. It was great news to hear that the NSW Premier is allowing School Formals to proceed after the HSC Examinations have been completed. It will be a nice way to conclude the year after all that Year 12 have gone through. Thank you to Year 11 and the way they have entered into their Assessment Block. The feedback given from your teachers' will serve as a means to improve performance as well as reassess goals for Year 12 starting in Term 4.
‘It’s All About Learning’
Gospel Reflection:
Matthew 18:21-35. FORGIVENESS
Our text for this Sunday is about forgiveness. It is a difficult word to hear, because we find forgiveness difficult—both to receive and to give. However, it is also an urgent word, because receiving and giving forgiveness is central to our faith.
First, we received God’s forgiveness. We can pass on only that which we have received. Having experienced forgiveness at the hands of God and God’s people, we are then called to make it possible for others to experience it. Thus the circle of Christ’s love expands ever wider to encircle one more lost sheep—and another—and another.
This is not cheap grace. Jesus isn’t suggesting that we regard offenses as unimportant. Nor is he suggesting that we wink at sin. He is calling us to take sin seriously—and then to take forgiveness equally seriously.
Verses 15-20 tell us how seriously we are to take these violations. Verses 21-35 tell us how gracefully we are to deal with them.
New Leader of Faith Mission and Learning:
We welcomed Ms Josilin Kalifa to the College as part of the team. Mr Clarke as the Director of Faith Mission and Learning has already spoken highly of the many qualities Ms Kalifa is bringing to the team. Please make Ms Kalifa welcome.
Nomination for OnStage:
Congratulations to Chloe Leibeck who has had her individual performance nominated for possible inclusion in OnSTAGE. This is a great achievement and congratulations must also go to Mrs Deschamps, her teacher, for the work she has put in with Chloe to achieve this standard. Her performance is titled ‘The Bones of It.’ Congratulations once again to Chloe.
National Child Protection Week: Putting Children First
We all play a part in keeping children and young people safe and ensuring they can live and learn in a safe environment. This National Child Protection Week (6 to 12 September 2020), we pledge commitment to listening to the voices of children and young people and remaining vigilant to their safety and wellbeing.
In support of the National Child Protection Week theme, “Putting Children First”, and in line with the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards, Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) is committed to the establishment and implementation of child safe systems, policies and procedures.
The aim is to have in place practices that are proactive and preventative in nature, providing children and young people with school environments where they are safe, informed, participate, and where the adult community, working together with children and young people, work towards making this happen.
Recently, CEDP have moved from what was primarily Child Protection to Safeguarding, which requires us to do things differently, enabling a greater level of proactivity, children's voice and building all-round knowledge for what is safe behaviour when working with students and children. The CEDP Safeguarding team's role is to support the implementation of the Standards, to manage concerns raised about employees, Working With Children Checks (WWCC), and to provide training, education and support to the CEDP community.
By providing the community with the knowledge, support and procedures to keep children and young people safe we are equipping everyone with the tools and skills needed to be ambassadors of child safety! Throughout 2020, CEDP's Safeguarding Team have been working on many projects to align with the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.
Check out www.parra.catholic.edu.au/About-Us/Building-Child-Safe-Communities - after all, what's more important than the knowledge to help keep children and young people safe!
Acceleration Science Program Year 9:
Congratulations to all the students who have been nominated for the acceleration program in Science for Year 9. This is an additional program added to the existing Mathematics Acceleration Program.
Debating:
The Semi Finals have now started with the 10A team participating last Friday. We wish them all the best and congratulate them on a fine season so far.
Science Park Project:
Congratulations to all staff and students who have been participating in this wonderful research initiative. The projects will be presented to the Executives of the Western Sydney Science Park in the near future for assessment and feedback. There will hopefully be one or two of the projects that will be developed by the businesses.
Macquarie University Early Entry Offers:
Congratulations to the following students who have been accepted into Macquarie University next year on early acceptance.
Monalisa Rafiq - Bachelor of Business Analytics
Ayomikun Ajayi -Bachelor of Business Administration
Brandon Azari - Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Business Analytics
Joshua Hewitt - Bachelor of Applied Finance
Lance Despi - Bachelor of Science
Yared Girma - Bachelor of Commerce
Rubens Yu - Bachelor of Professional Accounting
We have four students who have been shortlisted for Macquarie University's final round of early offers which will be made in October. We wish these students all the very best.
Fidem in Christo
Stephen Kennaugh
Principal
Making a difference to student wellbeing
There are many factors that influence a young person's wellbeing but the two that have the biggest impact is the parents and the teachers. These two groups are the ones that spend the most time with the young person and are the ones that develop learning in each young person.
Having positive relationships with teachers is essential for their development and learning. A positive relationship with their teachers will help give the students a sense of belonging, which can lead to happier students, which promotes positive learning. Negative relationships can create anxiety and destroy a student’s confidence.
Parents play a vital role the development of the students. Spending time and setting boundaries with your children can increase the levels of life satisfaction in young people. Parents can help a young person manage anxiety and motivate them to do well in life.
It is essential that parents and schools work in partnership for the benefit of the child. If the home and school are working together in a common direction, the child will have a greater chance of success at school and in life.
Please feel free to contact the College and any of the staff to develop a positive partnership between home and school.
Students Learning
It has been about five weeks since the Student Online Learning Conference for Year 7-10. If there were issues raised or challenges suggested, it would be a great time to touch base with your Child's teacher to see how they have been progressing.
As a learning community the partnership between home and school is essential for the success of the child. Your Child's teachers are always available to discuss the progress being made in learning. If you wish to speak to a teacher please contact the office on 9626 4000 and arrangements will be made for you to talk to the teachers.
If you have questions about something happening in the classroom please don’t hesitate to contact the Leader of Learning for that Key Learning Area (KLA) or their Leader of Learning- Wellbeing with questions about the learning needs of your child.
Uniforms
Just a reminder that Winter Uniform is required until the end of Term 3. As the weather warms up some students disregard the uniform policy. Please help us out by making sure your child is dressed in the full winter uniform for the next few weeks.
Summer uniform will be work as of the first day back next term.
Online behaviour
Now and then we are told about negative online behaviour by students. Some post negative or threatening comments, some post videos that are inappropriate and some just follow and like these negative actions.
The person that pays for the service is the one who is responsible, most of the time it is the parents. Do you know what they are doing online? You should know what your child is doing online. If the action online affects others in the school or brings the College into a poor reputation, there will be a severe consequence for the child.
Please ensure that your child is being responsible online and that you have access to all the devices and programs that they use.
What is in the planner?
The key area to focus on this week is Research. Developing skills in research is essential in learning. Having a structured process helps you to think more intelligently and will help create new brain pathways.
An effective process involves: Defining, Locating, Selecting, Organizing, Presenting and Evaluating. Check the planner for more details on this process.
When you are active and healthy life seems more enjoyable. The balance of exercise, diet and thinking positively helps build a healthier body and healthier mind.
Keys to success is exercising everyday, eating smaller portions and more healthy, limit screen time, spending time with others and surrounding yourself with positivity.
Key character strengths to focus on this week are fairness and curiosity.
Thank you and God Bless
Nicholas Thrum
Assistant Principal Students
Spotlight on Learning
Learning is the fundamental focus of every teacher. As such it is imperative for students to give feedback about their learning, so teachers collectively and collaboratively can ensure student improvement is our core priority.
One way teachers receive feedback about student learning, occurs at the conclusion of a unit of work. Student feedback at this point of time supports teachers to support the student in the next unit of work as well as providing support about how to improve the teaching of that unit of work for future students.
Another very important way teachers gauge the extent of student learning, occurs when teachers, Leaders of Learning and the College Leadership Team, conduct learning walks. This process includes asking students about their learning:
What are you learning about today? (the Learning Intention)
How do you know you are learning? (success criteria)
What challenges you in your learning?
How can you improve?
Therefore, feedback is important to both students and teachers.
Trial HSC Examination Marks
and Year 12 in the following weeks
Year 12 students will have received their Trial HSC Examination feedback and grades. It is imperative to remember that the examinations were a practice for the HSC Examinations, therefore students should consider their teacher’s feedback so they can improve their examination performance over the following weeks.
All assessment ranks have been finalised, therefore it is imperative that every class works together to improve as a class. Study groups, revision in class and practising past examination papers will ensure that every student is working towards improving their Trial HSC Examination marks. Working together could substantially advantage all students within each class. Therefore there is no time to waste.
Students need to work hard to make the learning gain. In particular practising past HSC papers at home, under timed conditions will enable students to organise thoughts and prioritise ideas in the same time allocated to that subjects examination.
Student’s in Years 10-12 need to ensure they check their NESA Student Online account to ensure that every subject they undertake and all personal details are correct. Every student should have put their mobile number into their NESA account. This ensures that NESA messages each student when important NESA details need to be communicated to students. In particular Year 10 and Year 11 students will receive their RoSA grades at the end of the year via their student online account.
Year 11 and Year 10 RoSA
The Record of School Achievement (RoSA) is awarded to students at the conclusion of Year 11 and Year 10. The RoSA is an important document for students which indicate what the student knows and is able to demonstrate in skills.
Every student should be working hard to achieve the highest RoSA grade for every subject. Students should understand that all of their work contributes to the RoSA. For example if a student has achieved very well in assessment tasks, however they have not applied themself in class, their RoSA grade will not reflect the level of assessment achievement only, and the student’s grade may be affected by the lack of application. Therefore students need to work hard from now until the end of the year.
Whilst most students complete the HSC, the RoSA can support students to get a job. It also supports students who leave school before the HSC such as securing an apprenticeship or applying to TAFE. All HSC students should add their RoSA to their CV or portfolio as evidence of their achievement.
Year 11 Change of Subject
Year 11 students are unable to change any subject before the HSC course commences in Week 3 Term 4. Students will receive information about the change of subject process in the next few weeks.
Many students decide to focus on 10 or 11 units in the HSC year. However, it is imperative that students seek advice from their parents, teachers, Ms May - Careers Councillor and Mrs Deschamps - Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning. Consultation will ensure that a student does not make a mistake by dropping a subject which could help them achieve a good HSC result and ATAR.
Year 12 2021 commences in Week 3 Term 4
Year 12 2021 commences in Week 3 Term 4. Year 11 students need to ensure they are working hard until the commencement of Year 12.
An information video will be shared with parents shortly and parents will be provided with the opportunity to ask questions. Students will also receive their Year 12 Assessment Handbook. It is imperative that parents and students understand the HSC process. In particular it is important that students follow the Misadventure/Illness procedures.
R U OK? Day - Junior Campus
The R U OK? Day organisation focuses on the promotion of meaningful conversations that could save a person’s life. On the 10th of September, the St Andrews College community participated in this movement by running numerous events on the day, fundraising and empowering students and teachers to meaningfully connect with the people around them. During the morning of R U OK? Day, students used “conversation cups” to sell breakfast juices to help initiate conversations between each other. Yellow ribbons were also being sold, symbolising the optimism and enlightenment the R U OK? Day movement promotes amongst people. Countless students contributed towards the fundraising, preparing chocolates and themed face masks that were sold on the day. Each of these items were being sold for a gold coin donation, resulting in over $100 being raised for the R U OK? Day suicide prevention organisation.
Apart from using fundraising as a means of communicating the idea of meaningful conversations to save a person’s life, a yellow picture frame was being used to unite the student body together, representing the support the St Andrews community have for one another. To wrap up the events of the day, the school buildings were decorated with paper chains and balloons which consisted of ways to commence encouragement and actions for the problems an individual may carry. A big thank you to everyone who assisted, donated and participated on R U OK? Day. As a community, let’s continue to ensure that lending support towards the peers amongst us is sustained throughout our daily lives.
Prayer for R U OK? Day
Dear God,
Today is R U OK? Day. Thank you for the amount of support and love we have at St Andrews College - for all the teachers, students, school leaders and access to counsellors. Please help and guide each student at SAC to seek help if they have any problems and to always show kindness and support to each other. Help us to always ask and check in on our families and friends if they have had a bad day and to show our appreciation for all that we do for one another. We hope that R U OK? Day will help everyone here know that God and the community is always looking out for us, with everything we do.
Amen
St Andrew
Pray For Us
Sabrina Tomas
SRC - Faith In Action Portfolio, Year 9
Janella Canete
SRC - Publicity Portfolio, Year 10
Science Writing Competition
This term our Science students in Year 7 to 10 participated in an internal Science Writing Competition that was tied to the NSW Bragg Science Writing Competition. This competition offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and interest in writing to this year’s theme ‘The Big Ideas Saving the Planet. Each student was prompted to research and describe some scientific research that has delivered a solution they believe could change the future for our planet. The students were asked to write a response at home. In class they displayed or swapped their response with their class peers who reviewed their writing and gave a mark using a rubric. The winners by class will go into the internal competition for each year group and all written entries will earn House points. Some entries where the students have agreed have been entered into the external Bragg Competition. These competitions offer great practice for research, creative thinking and essay writing. They give our students the opportunity to combine what they have learnt from the microscopic world of our genes to advancements in robotic sciences that have paved the way to create modern and innovative prosthetics.
The winners of the competition are awarded a $30 Teens gift voucher and the runners-up are awarded a certificate. The winner for the external competition will be awarded a $500 UNSW bookshop voucher and a subscription to Australian book review.
Wendy Rudman
Leader of Learning Science - Junior Campus
This semester Year 11 Visual Arts students have been investigating issues of representation of the world around us and its impact on our self and identity. It provides an opportunity for our artists to understand how art can be used to represent personal and cultural meanings. They investigated ways of organising and manipulating images as well as layering meaningful signs and symbols to communicate a personal and visual statement. Students now understand how to create works, which demonstrate a clear intention and a coherent point of view.
Cielo Carpio
Jasmine Dimacali
Jemma Forsythe
Olivia Saad
Year 11 Photography, Video and Digital Imaging have been creating a portfolio based on Developing a Point of View within Urban Spaces during Term 3. After studying Australian and American photographers who have portrayed urban spaces ranging from the point of view of utopia to dystopia, the students explored their own environments in and outside the school to create their own portfolio of photographic works.
Alyssa Gerardis
Amanda Distor
Angeli Moscoso
Diaco Lloyd-Jones
Emmanuel Adigue
Isaac Wasif
Sabrina Nakhl
Throughout the term Year 10 has been engaging in some important Wellbeing Lessons that have targeted specific skills and characteristics to help them achieve success. Some of the lessons they have covered so far this term include sleep, stress management and revisiting character strengths.
It has been great to hear and read feedback about how well the students are contributing to important discussions in their Learning Groups and how they have been reflecting on their own individual needs and goals.
One of the lessons this term was focused on revisiting the character strengths that were introduced to the students at the beginning of the year through the VIA Character Strengths survey. Through the survey students were able to categorise and order their 24 character strengths. It was important for students to revisit these strengths and see how this challenging year has impacted them. Students were able to reflect on the strengths they have utilised throughout this difficult time and how they have grown and developed throughout the year.
One of the highlights of the lesson was the “strength spotting” activity. Students were encouraged to spot the strengths in others and identify when their peers have demonstrated particular character strengths. The students were given strength spotting cards to fill out, and these cards were then used to create displays in the Learning Group.
I encourage Year 10 to continue to evaluate their strengths and actively try to grow and develop all their unique character strengths.
Another lesson Year 10 has engaged in this term focused on the importance of R U OK? Day. R U OK? is a national charity inspiring and empowering everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life. Looking out for one another and lending support are key life skills for any age group. The activities in the lesson were designed to encourage students to look out for their classmates by asking R U OK?
Year 10 has also been the driving force for many of the planned initiatives to promote R U OK Day at the College. Some of these initiatives include ‘Convo Cups’ which were available on Thursday morning for the students and involved breakfast juice served in cups which were decorated with quotes and ‘conversation starters'.
It has been a challenging term as Year 10 students have returned back to some normality at school and are beginning to submit assessment tasks. I have been very impressed with their ability to rise to the occasion and meet these challenges. The adaptability and resilience they have demonstrated are great indicators of their success in the coming years.
Miss Emily Pett
Leader of Learning Wellbeing - Year 10
On Wednesday the 9th of September, Year 9 Food Technology, led by Miss Mifsud, Miss Nikitovic and Mrs Vanderwerf, completed the cupcake decoration portion of their assessment task for the ‘Food for Special Occasions’ unit. The students have been working diligently throughout the term to plan and produce a suitably themed party for a five year old child. The task includes the creation of themed menus, invitations, decorations and cupcake designs that were brought to life during their practical lesson.
Both Food Technology classes were eager to begin and oozed creativity and fun while producing their cupcake designs. The students worked in their pairs throughout the lesson, assigning each other tasks to increase efficiency and were proactive in making project management a key consideration during their practical time.
The outcome of the lesson had students and their teachers incredibly proud of all the effort and creativity shown throughout the lesson. The Food Technology students showed a great level of support for their peers through continued encouragement throughout the lesson, as well as positively evaluating their peers' work.
The Year 9 Food Technology students all produced excellent work and we are incredibly proud of their professionalism and the outcome of their planning and production.
Shanai Mifsud
Technologies Teacher
Dear Year 8 Parents
RUOK? Day was on Thursday, 10th September and in preparation for the Day, Year 8 spent their Wellbeing Lesson learning about this very important day.
Students learnt throughout the Lesson that people do not always feel one hundred percent and they do feel alone. However God will always be there through people’s ups and downs. The following passage is from Isaiah Chapter 43: Verse 2;
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze”
It is important to be God’s people for others especially when they feel down or can not cope with life’s difficulties. It is important to really listen to our family and friends and support each other.
RUOK? Day is our national day of action each year when Australians are reminded that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?’’ The organisation began by Gavin Larkin in 2009 in honour of his Father.
One of the most popular activities in the Wellbeing Lesson was human bingo. It was designed for students to get to know each other in their Learning Groups so they could build friendships and expand their network of people to turn to when they needed someone to talk too.
Students watched a few RUOK? Day videos created by the organisation. Students learnt the RUOK? Steps to ask, which are as follows;
- Ask R U OK?
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
Students in small groups discussed three different scenarios and what students should do to help these distressed students. The first scenario was that one of their friends, stressed about their exam results and feeling very low at lunchtime. The second scenario involved a younger student in the playground, looking very angry as he has just had an argument with one of his best friends. The last scenario was a student who is walking around the playground and sitting on a bench without anyone to talk to and looking very sad.
On page 18A of the Year 7 and 8 Learning Planner there is a list of Support Services which students can contact if they need to talk to someone apart from family, teachers or friends. These Support Services include Kids Help Line www.kidshelpline.com.au and Youth Beyond Blue www.youthbeyondblue.com and Headspace Mount Druitt www.headspace.org.au.
Throughout the lesson students learnt a great deal of life skills to maintain their healthy wellbeing. I encourage all parents to talk to their children about the purpose of R U OK? Day.
Until next time,
Melissa Blackwell
Leader of Learning Wellbeing - Year 8
Here are some screenshots of Miss Mamuk’s F8LG practising the 4 steps provided on the RUOK scenarios through video demonstration.
This is B4’s photos completing the Human Bingo activity. The activity was to help students get to know one another in their Learning Group.
Throughout this term St Andrews College has been competing in the 2020 CSDA Debating Competition. It has proven to be a challenging season filled with modifications and adaptations due to COVID-19. But our students have risen wonderfully to the occasion and demonstrated dedication to this competition. Overall it has been a phenomenal season with our debaters going above and beyond by giving up their Friday afternoons to debate both in person and over Zoom and compete in multiple rounds of the competition.
Debating uses the skills of argument to debate and discuss important issues about our beliefs, government policies and proposals on how to improve the world or face up to problems in society. Debating builds a unique set of skills, helping students to analyse problems, think critically, synthesize arguments and present these ideas in a clear and convincing manner. Most importantly, it is a fun and enjoyable experience for all students involved!
Our debaters have shown tremendous skill and dedication throughout the competition and they are all to be commended on a wonderful season of debating.
The 2020 Debating Teams consisted of the following students:
7A – Caitlin Donavon, Aditya Rawal, Raphaella Thimiopoulos-Wilson
7B – Makoi Malual, Elyscia Barret, Isabelle Metcalfe
8A – Emma Croser, Joshua Sammut, Euleila Barret
8B – Alexus Romeno, Jeda Osorio, Jericho De Leon
9A – Josiah Prasad, Niamh Healy, Theresia Purwadi
9B – Ayush Goyal, Yashika Sharma, Caitlyn Dela Cruz
10A – Hayley O’Connor, Angela Abouchaaya, Viktoria Vidovic
10B – Wasim Rahman, Chegutdit Deng, Aditi Pal
Senior A – Hashwitaa Maynoor, Maheka Karunaratne, Phoebe Bibon
Senior B – Shreya Bhaskar, Charisse De Mesa, Patrick Healy
Every single team debated to the best of their ability and it was fantastic to see them all improve each week. It was a very successful season for the College with the 8A, 8B, 9A,10A and 10B teams all making it through to the Quarter Final rounds. This is an amazing and hard-earned achievement!
Our 10A team will compete in their Semi-Final round this Friday. We wish them luck this week!
During the season St Andrews College hosted a number rounds of the debating Competition; including over Zoom, and it was amazing to see so many students volunteer their time to act as chairpersons and timekeepers. Thank you so much to every single student who was involved and offered their assistance – particularly those students who helped out numerous times!
The following students have given up their time this year to support their fellow students and assist in the competition:
Year 12 - Owen Walker, Sahibjot Nijjar, Shivani Raman, Zodiac Prasad, Rachel Khalil, Arop Leek, Paige Henry, Pokua Antwi, Anok Angok, Mariah Radovu, Tolu Ajayi
Year 11 - Maryssa Ghazaleh, Emilia Milas, Angelo Marasigan, Maiah Lazaro, Natalie Boustani, Bilgi Erren, Olivia Ciocca, Vila Hokafonu
Year 10 - Jasmine Zolerick, Shanuken Ramesh, Aditi Pal, Katelyn Calia, Wasim Rahman, Nicola Ciocca
Year 9 - Ava Alley, Bianca Infante, Ada Domingo, Jackson Sibir, Ferdinand Cordoba, Sabrina Tomas
Year 8 - Alyssa Guillermo, Chloe Garcia, Patricia Tuazon, Frienczel Espino
Year 7 - Tewodros Worku, Ava Bylsma, Alexandra Marasigan, Youssef Tannous, Amik Marok, Hamish Seymon, Luke Smith, Rachel Laycock
The experience of being a debating helper and the gratitude to these wonderful helpers, was beautifully outlined by Year 12 student Owen Walker. Owen has been a long time helper at debating and penned a lovely letter, thanking his fellow helpers for enriching his experience at the College.
“Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, I’m Owen, of Year 12 of this school. I’m not a debater, never has, never will be, but I like to do what I can to show how I care for this club. I have been at this school for nearly six years, when I started here in Year 7, I was an outcast, because I didn’t know anyone here who I went to primary school with and I was too shy and nervous to try and talk to anyone else but as things progressed and people starting opening up to let me in, I was able to some extent, break free from my shell and join in some school events that normally I wouldn’t be able to enjoy to its full potential. I was able to get to know a lot of people that I wish I knew when I started in Year 7, overtime I made friends and overtime I lost them, some of which are too frustrating to even explain and hold myself together for. Needless to say, deciding to join this club, not as a debater, because I can debate sometimes, I just can’t write extended responses that are supposed to last for more than five minutes, I mainly joined because I had friends who were debating and I wanted to do what I can possibly do to support and assist them, even if everything leading up to this night were to be in vain (It probably is). If I knew what I was getting myself into and how the people were by being a part of this club, I would’ve joined years ago, but that’s another story. I had my ups and downs throughout the years, but this club was probably the only thing I’ve actually been looking forward to at all this year, in fact I enjoyed this club so much last year that I couldn’t wait to come back for this year, it was shorter than I would’ve liked because of the (completely) unexpected arrival of the Coronavirus but you know things happen and all that so you just have to make do of what you have left. It’s my last night here and there are some people here who I may never see again after tonight, it was nice knowing you while it lasted. So I want to say thank you for this club and Miss Pett for hosting this club.”
By Owen Walker, Year 12 2020
St Andrews College would not be able to enter the Debating Competition if it wasn’t for the wonderful staff at the College who gave up their time each week to support the students.
Thank you to the following staff for coming to support our students at various times throughout the season, Mrs Utoikamanu, Miss Chang, Mrs Welch, Mr Thrum, Mrs Osterlund and Mrs Cooper.
Another integral part of the debating process, and a part that the students most value is the time that staff members have taken to adjudicate debates throughout the season and act as a source of support and guidance. For this, I would like to thank Mrs Lyndal Simmonds, Mr Daniel Camilleri, Mr Duncan Dewar, Mr Jarryd Leaves, Ms Simone McKechnie, Miss Cherry Malonzo, Miss Christina Rujicia and Miss Silvana Dahdah.
I would also like to thank Mickaella Douglas, Lachlan Sibir, Martin Healy and Patrick Sheehan, who are past students of the College and whose love of debating had them volunteering to come back and adjudicate for the College.
Finally, I would like to thank Mr Kennaugh for his continuous support of the Debating Competition; all teams appreciate and value of his support and guidance across the season.
Thank you once again to all students, staff members and parents for your support of the 2020 CSDA Debating Competition. It has been a wonderful season and I am immensely proud of the entire St Andrews College community.
Miss Emily Pett
Leader of Learning Wellbeing - Year 10
Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator
The theme of the day this year was 'There's more to say after R U OK'.
It is important to remember that this message should go beyond just R U OK Day and that meaningful conversations are important to have regularly with those around us.
R U OK suggests a four-step process to beginning a meaningful conversation.
- The first step is to simply ASK - Ask your friends, family members, loved ones or colleagues… are they ok, or how they are doing.
- The second step is to prepare for their answer. It is OK to not be OK. Listen to their response and don’t judge them.
- The third step is to encourage action and to offer support.
- The final step is to make a time to check in. See how your friend is doing after a few days or a week. Keep up those meaningful conversations. The conversation you have with a loved one could be the difference they need in their life.
Thank you again for all your support.
Emily Pett
Leader of Learning Wellbeing - Year 10
Blacktown City Council is proud to announce the 25th Blacktown City Art Prize. Young artists are invited to submit entries for exhibition and judging. All entrants will receive a certificate of participation. The artworks judged best in each age group
will be awarded a prize.
Entry Form
ENTRY FORM AND ARTWORK DUE
9 AM – 5 PM ON FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER
OR SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2020 AT
THE LEO KELLY BLACKTOWN ARTS CENTRE
THEME
Staying Strong
2020 has been a year of challenges. In NSW, the bushfires burnt 5.4 million hectares of land and destroyed 25% of suitable koala habitat. Since the bushfires, COVID-19 has affected us all, often keeping us indoors. This helps us appreciate the importance of outdoor and natural spaces like local parks and bushland reserves.
As we work to recover from the rough year we’ve had so far, we are asking young artists to make an artwork in response to one of these questions:
- How can we recover our lost habitats after the destruction of the bushfires?
- How can we strengthen our community and environment for the future?
The artwork can be a drawing, painting, print, sculpture or ceramic piece. Artworks are exhibited alongside the adult exhibition from Saturday 28 November 2020 to Thursday 28 January 2021.
Entry forms can be downloaded from www.blacktownarts.com.au/bcap
Free Online HSC Study Sessions
Western Sydney University will be offering free online HSC Study Sessions commencing Tuesday the 6th of October and concluding Friday the 9th of October.
These free online HSC Study Sessions are led by highly qualified and experienced educators who will give you the skills and knowledge to maximise your HSC results.
Each workshop will develop a solid understanding of HSC exam techniques, subject knowledge and HSC preparation skills.
Workshops will include:
2-hour content analysis and syllabus review:
Content analysis (including workbook)
Tips and strategies across all modules/topics
Detailed exploration of key syllabus areas
4-hour practice exam and deconstruction:
Sample 2-hour practice exam
Interactive webinar with a detailed analysis of each question, including provisions of annotations and exemplar responses/solutions
Online HSC Study Session Timetable:
Tuesday 6th October
English Advanced
English Standard
Wednesday 7 October
Mathematics Standard 2
Mathematics Advanced
Thursday 8 October
Modern History
Business Studies
Biology
Community and Family Studies
Chemistry
Geography
Friday 9 October
Legal Studies
PDHPE
Physics
To register visit the link below.
Western Sydney University Campus Tours
Western Sydney University will be hosting guided campus tours for students and their families to learn more about the course offerings at Western Sydney University.
You will be able to take a tour of the lecture theatres and teaching spaces, stroll through the campus libraries and visit some of the world-class facilities where students gain hands-on and practical experience. You will have an opportunity to speak with academic staff, current and past students while having the opportunity to learn more about the various degrees on offer, course selection, living on campus and university life.
Campus tours will run at the following times: 9am to 10.30am, 12pm to 1.30pm and 4pm to 5.30pm daily for the dates and campuses listed below.
Monday 30th November
Parramatta South Campus
Parramatta City Campus
Penrith Campus
Tuesday 1st December
Hawkesbury Campus
Campbelltown Campus
Wednesday 2nd December
Liverpool Campus
Bankstown Campus
Nirimba Campus
Thursday 3rd December
Parramatta South Campus
Hawkesbury Campus
Campbelltown Campus
Friday 4th December
Penrith Campus
Bankstown Campus
Nirimba Campus
Saturday 5th December
Parramatta South Campus
Parramatta City Campus
Liverpool Campus
Sunday 6th December
Penrith Campus
Hawkesbury Campus
Campbelltown Campus
Monday 7th December
Liverpool Campus
Bankstown Campus
Nirimba Campus
Tuesday 8th December
Parramatta South Campus
Hawkesbury Campus
Campbelltown Campus
Wednesday 9th December
Liverpool Campus
Bankstown Campus
Nirimba Campus
Thursday 10th December
Parramatta South Campus
Penrith Campus
Campbelltown Campus
Friday 11th December
Penrith Campus
Hawkesbury Campus
Campbelltown Campus
Bookings are essential - social distancing requirements will be adhered to and therefore places will be limited. Interested students should visit the link below to register.
Western Sydney University Campus Tours
UNSW Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS)
The University of New South Wales Faculty of Engineering Admissions Scheme (FEAS) will open on Monday the 21st of September.
The FEAS program is designed for Year 12 students thinking of applying for a University of New South Wales engineering degree (including surveying) in 2021 and who think they are likely to achieve an ATAR higher than 83.00.
Interested students need to follow the three step process:
- Submit a written response to four questions
- Why you would like to be an engineer
- What is it that attracts you to Engineering at UNSW and the Engineering field
- What relevant experience you have had, for example computer programming, model building, design projects, part-time job, work experience
- Anything else you would like to share that is not covered in the responses above
- Attach a Year 12 School Report
- Upload a short video
To find out more about the program, and to apply, click here
Applications close on Monday the 30th of November at 11am.
Employment Opportunity
Established in 1977, Bradnam’s Windows & Doors is the leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of aluminium windows, aluminium doors, shower screens, insect screens, security screens, glass splashbacks, sliding wardrobe doors and mirrors in Australia. Bradnam’s Windows & Doors enjoy a reputation for excellence in product innovation, reliability and outstanding customer service.
The manufacturing facility in Kings Park is seeking to employ recent Year 12 graduates who are wishing to enter the workforce. Students studying Construction or Design and Technology as part of their HSC or have a strong interest working with wood, metal and plastics are encouraged to apply.
This is a casual position and offers flexibility for students to combine work with any other study pursuits. Interested students are encouraged to see Ms May for further information and application details.
Transport for NSW Scholar Program
Successful applicants can work across all aspects of Transport for NSW including Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, Sydney Metro and State Transit Authority (Sydney Buses) across NSW, including metropolitan and regional locations. Employees will have the opportunity to work on projects such as the Parramatta Light Rail project.
As well as helping to deliver key projects and services that impact on the community, successful applicants will benefit from:
- Tailored training and on-the-job development
- Work on real projects and cutting edge technology while learning from industry experts
- Young Professionals Network (YPN) – networking and special monthly events
- Flexible working arrangements including flexible working hours and leave conditions
The Scholar Program is a three to five year program consisting of the following:
- An option to work 14 hours a week during the university semester
- Must work 35 hours a week during the university break.
- Reimbursement for university fees at the end of each semester. Scholars must maintain a credit average to remain on the program.
- Scholars may have the opportunity to stream into the Graduate Program.
To be eligible applicants must be entering the first or second year of their undergraduate degree at university.
At present there are two Scholar Programs one in Information Technology studies and the other in Environmental and Engineering studies.
Applications close on Monday the 5th of October at 11.59pm.
Interested students are encouraged to visit the links below:
Environmental and Engineering Scholars Program
Information Technology Scholars Program
Students wishing assistance with their application are encouraged to see Ms May.
Traineeship Opportunity
Kindalin Early Childhood Learning Centres was founded 1988 by Alison Wharton and her husband Mark. Now with eight locations across Sydney, Kindalin is proud to be a family owned company with 30+ years of history in the Hills district and a growing reputation in the Northern Beaches.
Kindalin has grown to see students become parents and two former Kindalin students becoming Centre Directors. Kindalin is an aboriginal word that means 'happy'.
Kindalin is offering full-time traineeships at seven locations within the Hills and Northern Beaches. Trainees will complete a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Interested students need to send their resume and cover letter to careers@kindalin.com.au
Students wishing assistance with their application are encouraged to see Ms May.
Work Experience Opportunity
BRH Steel Constructions is offering a work experience opportunity for students who might be considering a career working with steel.
To be a successful Metal Fabricator you need the following skills:
- Ability to understand oral and written instructions of a technical nature
- Effective English reading and writing communication skills
- Ability to operate different tools as well as be able to troubleshoot equipment problems
- Good interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Ability to lift more than 20kgs
Metal Fabricators create the metal components that go into small to large scale products, such as toys; vehicles; buildings and bridges. Metal Fabricators can work in a factory creating the components or they can work on a site where they can assemble the components to complete a finished product.
Metal Fabricators work with steel; stainless steel; Aluminum; Iron and precious metals, such as gold; silver; copper and magnesium.
To become a qualified Metal Fabricator students need to complete an apprenticeship in Metal Fabrication.
BRH Steel Construction is located in Riverstone and is currently seeking to hire a first year apprentice from their work experience program.
Interested students are encouraged to see or email Ms May.
Therese May
Careers Counsellor
23rd & 24th September
CAN 2020 Filming
25th September
Last Day of Term 3
12th October
Staff Development - Pupil Free Day
13th October
First Day of Term 4
15th October
10am Year 12 Graduation Ceremony Live Stream
College Leadership Team
| Principal | Stephen Kennaugh |
| Assistant Principal Staff and Innovation (Acting) | Mrs Clare Healy |
| Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning | Ms Michelle Deschamps |
| Assistant Principal Students | Mr Nick Thrum |
| Director Faith, Mission and Learning | Mr Frank Clarke |
| Business Manager | Mrs Melissa Welch |
| Principal's Secretary and College Registrar | Mrs Julie Sabine |
College Leaders of Learning - KLA
| Leader of Learning English | Mrs Marsha Edwards |
| Assistant Leader of Learning English | Mr Travis Kolek |
| Leader of Learning Performance Arts | Mr Antonio Chiappetta |
| Leader of Learning Creative Arts | Mrs Pauline Ryan |
| Leader of Learning HSIE | Mr Daniel Camilleri |
| Assistant Leader of Learning HSIE | Mr Jarryd Leaves |
| Leader of Learning Languages | Mrs Mariko Suzuki |
| Leader of Learning TAS | Mr Bill Robson |
| Assistant Leader of Learning TAS | Mr Scott Drennan |
College Leaders of Learning
| Leader of Learning Diversity | Mrs Pauline Xuereb |
| Leader Faith, Mission and Learning | Ms Josilin Kalifa |
| Leader of Learning Literacy | Mr Duncan Dewar |
| Leader of Learning Technologies | Mrs Sarah Anzellotti |
| Leader of Learning Faith in Mission | Mr Ralph San-Pedro Loyola |
| Leader of Learning Sport | Mr Alexander Dunaeff |
Senior Campus Leaders of Learning - KLA
| Leader of Learning Mathematics | Ms Tracey Thomson |
| Leader of Learning PDHPE (Acting) | Ms Dominique Goldie |
| Leader of Learning Science (Acting) | Mr Rohan Isaac |
Junior Campus Leaders of Learning - KLA
| Leader of Learning Mathematics | Mrs Gilda De Guzman |
| Leader of Learning PDHPE | Mr Nathan Weaver |
| Leader of Learning Science | Mrs Wendy Rudman |
Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing
| Leader of Wellbeing | Mrs Sue Cooper |
| Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 7 | Mr Asterios Zouriakis |
| Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 8 | Ms Melissa Blackwell |
| Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 9 | Mr David Frankham |
| Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 10 | Ms Emily Pett |
| Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 11 | Mr Martin Gillogly |
| Leader of Learning WellbeingYear 12 | Ms Lyndal Simmonds |
|
School Counsellor (Thursday, Friday and |
Ms Kerrie Castle |
|
School Counsellor (Tuesday, Wednesday and |
Sr Cristina Ramada |
| Careers Counsellor and Publicity Officer | Ms Therese May |
| College Administration Coordinator | Ms Simone McKechnie |