St Andrews College Marayong eNewsletter Term 1 Week 6 2025
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From the College Principal
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From the Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning
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From the Assistant Principal – Students
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From the Faith and Mission Team
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From the Acting Leader of Wellbeing - Year 10
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From the Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9
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From the Leader of Wellbeing – Year 8
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SAC Art
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Performance @ SAC
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World Pi Day!
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Year 11 Retreat
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Year 10 Student Spotlight
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Year 8 Japanese Culture Lessons
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Diving Update
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St Andrews College Leadership Team 2025
Newsletter 3 2025
Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,
We have much to celebrate as a community. Our Year 12 students are busily preparing for assessments, ably accompanied by our excellent staff, the Year 11 students have just concluded their first Retreat, Our Year 7 and 9 students have completed their NAPLAN tests for 2025 (we have been assured by ACARA that we will get the results back much earlier this year), our Diving Team competed in the NSW State Championships last weekend with much success both in and outside of the water, our Basketball Teams are all undefeated through the season, and we have entered into our Lenten Season with our fundraising activities launching this week. Thank you to all the families embracing the variety of opportunities we offer at the College. It is the hallmark of the culture we are developing at St Andrews College.
It’s All About Learning
Bible Reading Reflections:
On the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year C, the readings invite us to reflect on faith, transformation, and God’s promises. These themes help us to grow closer to God during Lent.
- God’s Promise to Abram: God promises Abram descendants as numerous as the stars. This shows God’s faithfulness and His plan for our salvation.
- Covenant with Abram: God makes a covenant with Abram, ensuring his future and the land for his descendants. This covenant is a sign of God’s commitment to His people.
- Faith and Righteousness: Abram’s faith is counted as righteousness. This teaches us the importance of faith in our relationship with God.
- Heavenly Citizenship: St. Paul urges us to follow his example and live as citizens of heaven. This reminds us to focus on our heavenly home and not just on earthly things.
- Christ’s Glory Revealed: In the Transfiguration, Jesus reveals His glory to Peter, James, and John. This shows His divine nature and prepares them for His suffering and death.
- Listen to Jesus: God the Father tells the disciples to listen to His beloved Son. This emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ teachings and following His example.
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year C calls us to deepen our faith and trust in God’s promises. It encourages us to listen to Jesus and live as citizens of heaven.
Year 11 Retreat:
Thank you to all staff and students for engaging in what was an excellent faith experience across both venues. Mr Hoare, Mrs Anthony, Ms Tan and the team provide an excellent program that is full of variety to engage our young people with their faith. Thank you to Mrs Houseman, Mrs Biernat and the facilitators for facilitating this experience as well as the student body for engaging with this opportunity.
Congratulations to Ethan Geevarghese Year 8:
During the holidays, he entered the Blacktown Youth Art Prize. He was the winner in the category for "Most Creative Depiction of Renewable Energy".
CSDA Public Speaking:
As we move into the Grand Final this evening, I would like to congratulate Avneet Kaur on making it through to the Zone Final. In what was a very impressive delivery of her topic and speech. Avneet was unlucky not to progress through to the Grand Final. Thank you to Ms Douglas for all the work she has put into leading this at the College. It is by no means the end of the public speaking opportunities with Rostrum Voice of Youth starting soon as well as other initiatives.
Positive Sport Reports:
Congratulations to the 14 students who represented the College at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival held at the State Aquatic Centre last Friday. We had some personal bests amongst our results, and the student body represented our College with pride as usual. Thank you Mr Kolek, for accompanying the students on the day.
‘It’s All About Learning’
Fidem in Christo
Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal
Parents as partners in their child’s learning journey.
The staff at St Andrews College work alongside parents to support their child’s learning journey. It is important that parents build supportive relationships with their children and work hard to maintain these when difficulties arise. Conversations at home should communicate the value of education and the importance of setting learning goals for the year and for your child’s future aspirations.
We encourage parents to regularly ask their children about their learning and what they are doing in class and to look through their Canvas classwork together. It is important that parents praise real effort and discuss the feedback that is received from the teacher.
As we approach the Year 12 reporting period, we would like to emphasise the critical importance of attending student-parent-teacher interviews. These interviews provide an invaluable opportunity for parents to gain detailed insights into their child's academic progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. By actively participating in these discussions, parents can better understand how to support their child's learning at this crucial stage of their education. Year 11 and 12 student-parent-teacher interviews will be held on Wednesday, 26 March.
Positive relationships with class teachers should also be discussed at home and modelled for children. If you have concerns about your child’s learning progress, please contact your child’s Leader of Learning Wellbeing to discuss ways in which you can be updated about your child’s classwork and any concerns that can be addressed.
Everything Counts
All Assessment Handbooks have been published on our College’s Student Information Hub. I strongly encourage that parents read through these with their children and create a timetable of when formal assessment tasks will take place. In Years 7-10, parents will notice that there are TWO formal assessment tasks for each course that their child is studying. This is part of our ‘everything counts’ approach to learning. Your child’s report grade is based on the culmination of their classwork, homework and formal assessment tasks.
Canvas provides access to parents for ongoing feedback on their child’s learning, where parents can view the work set for the lesson and tasks that students are required to complete to demonstrate their achievement of the outcomes for that course. We thank parents for their patience as we continue our learning journey in setting up Canvas to ensure that your child has access to an online learning system that is focused on learning growth and strengthening communication with parents.
In 2025, the College will continue to focus on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students. We encourage parents to engage with this focus at home, perhaps by incorporating reading time into daily routines or discussing mathematical concepts in everyday situations. By working together, we can create a learning environment that nurtures strong literacy and numeracy skills, setting our students up for long-term success that will support them beyond their schooling years.
Ms Josilin Kalifa
Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning
Technology can be a wonderful learning tool and a way to connect with people. There are many rules that need to be followed to ensure the safety of everyone while using the technology. St Andrews has a code of expectations in regard to the use of technology at school.
The following are some basic rules that need to be followed:
- No student or teachers’ photo is to be taken without consent.
- No image of students or teachers are to be put on social media without consent
- Any abuse, misuse of images, bullying online or images of a sexual nature must be reported to the office immediately.
- Uploading or sharing of images and inappropriate content without consent will have serious consequences
- On the Junior campus, technology is not to be used during breaks until the end of the break when class schedules can be checked.
- Technology should only be used in class at the direction of the teacher. This is on both campuses.
Students must make responsible decisions about the use of technology. Ultimately the person who pays for the service/ device has the final legal responsibility for what happens online. It is essential that parents set guidelines and monitor all online use of technology.
E-safety commissioner
In situations where there are issues online, the eSafety commissioner is a great place to get advice and help.
If there is cyber bullying, inappropriate content, and photos etc, there are actions that you can take.
- Screenshot the problem. Keep a record of names and times.
- Notify the social media platform and report the issue.
- Monitor the online activity, and if the social media platform does not act after 48 hours, contact the E-Safety Commissioner and put in a report.
- Get support from family, friends and school.
The URL for the E Safety Commissioner is: https://www.esafety.gov.au/
Uniform
We have had some cooler days recently, and we have noticed some students wearing the wrong uniform to school. College jumpers are not to be worn with College Tracksuits. If additional layers of clothing are to be worn, they should be underneath the College clothing. Any clothing worn to school must be part of the College uniform.
All students must have hard leather shoes at the College, especially for Science and Technologies. The soft leather sandshoes are not part of the uniform except for PDHPE and sport. Work Health and Safety in the College and the College expectations tell us that the shoes worn with the winter and summer uniform must be hard leather (Clark style shoes). Student who has PDHPE subjects and are in sports uniform must have their hard leather shoes for Technologies and Science. Students who do not have the correct shoes will not be permitted into the Technologies and Science areas and will be issued with a Uniform infringement.
WHAT’S IN THE PLANNER
The BIG 5
To be your best self you should combine.
- healthy eating,
- daily exercise,
- adequate sleep,
- drinking water and
- a positive attitude.
If we do these 5 things, we have a better chance of having great well-being.
What’s the difference between a fixed and growth mindset?
Fixed mindsets are about proving, they only look at performance not effort, you feel that there is nothing you can do to change your ability.
Hard work and effort = lack of ability
Growth mindsets rely on efforts being made and you trying different things and learning.
Hard work and effort = achievement
As learners we need to learn to Prioritise. Making a list of MUSTS and OPTIONS helps us prioritise what needs to happen in our life. Must might be school work or family obligations; option might be social media and TV.
Getting balance in your life is important to your overall wellbeing. Four things that help with this are healthy eating, daily exercise, adequate sleep and having a positive attitude. Have a look at ways you can develop these areas in your planner.
Wellbeing fitness challenge
Thinking of others- Having positive vibes.
Tell me more- Interested listening.
Feel good menu- doing feel good activities.
Self-image- positive messages to yourself.
Others matter- Acts of kindness.
Aimless writing- clear you mind by writing everything down .
God Bless
Mr Nicholas Thrum
Assistant Principal
International Women’s Day Breakfast: Inspiring Action and Conversation
On Friday, 7th March, we hosted a special International Women’s Day Breakfast, bringing together students and staff to reflect on this year’s theme: Accelerating Action. The event encouraged meaningful discussions on the progress made toward gender equality and the ongoing challenges that women continue to face globally.
Our Year 12 student leaders played a pivotal role in the morning’s success, leading insightful discussions and posing thought-provoking questions about the experiences of women in today’s world. Their engagement demonstrated a strong commitment to advocating for change and fostering inclusivity.
A huge thank you to Miss Serbin and the Hospitality students for their outstanding efforts in preparing a delicious breakfast, which made the morning even more special. Events like these highlight the power of conversation, education, and collective action in shaping a more equitable future for all.
We look forward to continuing these important conversations throughout the year.
Marking Ash Wednesday
On Ash Wednesday, we came together as a community to begin the sacred season of Lent, a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. To mark this significant occasion, we held a liturgy on each campus, providing an opportunity for all students and staff to participate in this tradition.
Ash Wednesday serves as a reminder of our humanity and humility, and a call to spiritual renewal. The ashes, placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross, symbolise both our mortality and our commitment to turning our hearts toward God. The liturgies encouraged us to reflect on our actions, seek forgiveness, and embrace the Lenten journey with faith and purpose.
We are grateful for the opportunity to come together in prayer and contemplation as we prepare for Easter. May this season inspire us to grow in kindness, generosity, and compassion in our daily lives.
Shrove Tuesday
To kick off our Project Compassion fundraising campaign, our school community came together to cook and serve over 500 pancakes! This much-loved tradition marked the beginning of Lent, reminding us of the importance of giving, generosity, and supporting those in need.
Students and staff enjoyed a delicious breakfast while contributing to an important cause, raising awareness and funds for Caritas Australia’s annual appeal. A huge thank you to everyone who helped prepare, cook, and serve—their efforts truly embodied the spirit of service.
We look forward to continuing our Project Compassion journey throughout Lent!
The Faith and Mission Team
From the Acting Leader of Wellbeing Year 10
Ms Breeze and I are pleased to see Year 10 students continuing to make great progress in 2025, demonstrating commitment to their learning and personal growth. A highlight of the term so far has been the successful launch of the Year 10 Peer Tutoring initiative last Wednesday. This program provides an opportunity for students to support one another in a mutually beneficial learning environment, strengthening both academic understanding and collaboration skills. If any students are interested in joining the program, we will be reopening the application form on Monday.
We also take this opportunity to remind students and families about the College’s home learning guidelines, which can be found on page 22A of the College planner. Year 10 students should be spending 90–120 minutes each night on home learning. This includes:
- Completing unfinished classwork
- Revising material covered in class
- Creating study notes and preparing for assessments
- Researching and expanding on topics studied that day
There is never a day where a student should feel they have "nothing to do." Even when all classwork is complete, ongoing revision and study are essential to academic success.
Finally, as the workload increases, it is important that students maintain a healthy balance. The Australian recommendation for recreation and physical activity is at least 60 minutes per day, and incorporating this into their routine will help manage stress and maintain overall wellbeing.
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring Year 10 students thrive both academically and personally this year.
With warm regards,
Mr Nathan Weaver
Acting Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing
Hello Year 9 parents, guardians and students,
Time flies when you’re learning and growing! We’ve officially reached the halfway point of the school term, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on all that has been accomplished so far while looking ahead to what’s still to come.
Our Year 9 students continue to impress with their growth, not just academically but as well-rounded individuals. Teachers have shared positive feedback about their resilience, teamwork, and willingness to support one another. It is wonderful to see them developing into responsible, kind, and motivated young people. As they progress through the term, we encourage them to keep striving to be the best versions of themselves, embracing challenges with confidence and determination.
Academic Progress
Students have been working hard across all subjects. Year 9 still has a lot of room to grow regarding their application; however, as the term progresses, I encourage them to seek help and feedback from their teachers, to also take this opportunity to review their progress, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for the remainder of the term.
NAPLAN
In Week 6, year 9 had begun their NAPLAN testing covering the areas of writing, reading and numeracy. I hope all year 9 students did their best, attempted every question and answered to the best of their ability.
Extracurricular Highlights
Beyond the classroom, students have been actively participating in sports, clubs, and school events. The enthusiasm and commitment from students have been outstanding. A big thank you to all coaches, teachers, and volunteers who help make these activities possible!
Assessment Tasks
We are approaching that part of the term in which assessment tasks have been given to students. You need to stay engaged and on top of your progress with these tasks. Now is the time for our students to stay focused, maintain good study habits, and continue giving their best effort.
Final message to year 9
A lot of you continue to impress me with your maturity and how you handle yourselves in the dynamic world of high school. As your Leader of Wellbeing, it is great to see how much some of you have grown in this sense from where you started in year 7. Remember to be kind to those around you, it does not take much effort to be kind, and kindness goes a long way. I look forward to hearing more positive feedback about the students in Year 9.
Remember,
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
Mr Kharl Carlos
Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9
As we move through Term 1, it has been fantastic to see how well our Year 8 students have settled into their routines. They have shown great enthusiasm in their learning, excellent engagement in co-curricular activities, and a growing sense of independence in their approach to school life. Their positive attitude and willingness to embrace new challenges have been wonderful to witness!
Staying on Top of Study
With assessments and assignments starting to appear on the horizon, now is the perfect time for students to refine their study habits and set themselves up for success. Here are a few simple strategies to help Year 8 students stay on track:
- Stay Organised – Use a diary or digital planner to keep track of due dates and homework. Planning ahead reduces stress and helps avoid last-minute rushes.
- Create a Study Routine – Setting aside a little bit of time each day to revise key concepts will make a big difference when it comes to assessments.
- Find a Study Space – A quiet, well-lit space free from distractions makes studying more effective.
- Ask for Help – Teachers, Learning Advisors, and peers are all great sources of support. If something is unclear, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Well-being and Balance
A strong start to the year isn’t just about academics—it’s also about maintaining a balanced and positive mindset. I encourage students to:
- Get Enough Sleep – A good night’s rest helps with concentration, mood, and overall well-being.
- Stay Active – Whether it’s playing sport, going for a walk, or just moving around, staying active boosts energy and focus.
- Take Breaks – Short breaks while studying can help with concentration and motivation.
- Stay Connected – Spending time with family and friends is important for happiness and mental health.
Celebrating Year 8’s Positive Attitude
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the way Year 8 students have embraced this term with enthusiasm and resilience. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the sporting field, or in co-curricular activities, they are showing a commitment to growth and excellence that is truly inspiring.
As we continue through the term, I encourage all students to stay focused, keep striving for their best, and support one another along the way. Keep up the great work, Year 8—I am proud of all that you are achieving!
Mr. Jarryd Leaves
Leader of Wellbeing – Year 8
OPERATION ART COMPETITION 2025
Calling All Young Artists!
Join the Operation Art Competition and let your creativity make a difference!
Why Participate?
✨ Your artwork could bring joy to children at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead!
✨ A chance to showcase your talent and have your work displayed in a professional exhibition.
✨ Work individually or with friends (up to 4 students) and create something inspiring.
✨ A fantastic opportunity for Year 7-10 students to challenge themselves artistically!
Key Details:
? Artworks must be flat (can be rolled) and no larger than A2.
? Ensure your piece is uplifting and culturally considerate. As some exhibited works will eventually be hung at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, we ask that special consideration be given to ensure that the artwork submitted is uplifting and does not contain material that could be considered culturally sensitive in nature.
? Deadline: Submit to an Art Teacher by Week 1, Term 2 – 2nd May!
? Two artworks will be selected for submission to Operation Art.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to use your creativity for a meaningful cause!
We can’t wait to see your inspiring artworks!
Mrs Shandel Kemal
Leader of Learning Visual Arts (Acting)
ART CLUB WITH MISS RIVERA 2025
Looking for a creative extra-curricular activity during Thursday sport? Art Club has returned for 2025!
SAC Art Club expressions of interest for Term 2 are open! We welcome students with a range of art making abilities who are looking to build their artistic skills, work with different materials and have a keen attitude to learn new things. So far, students have experimented with ceramics, gouache paint, oil paint, digital animation, water soluble oil pastels, paint sticks and chalk pastels (just to name a few!) - This could be you so come along!
Students can only attend if they are going to actively participate and the form is filled in. If you are interested in coming along, please express your interest in the Google Form: https://forms.gle/i7MvQnLK2y7BA5fz6
There are 25 places available and this will be by selection based on responses from the Google Form. Please keep in mind that each term we will have a new selection of students.
Expressions of Interest Registrations close Friday of Week 7, Term 1. Please email Miss Rivera - lrivera6@parra.catholic.edu.au for any questions.
Year 7 - Pop Art Food Drawings
Year 7 students have been diving into the vibrant world of pop art through their exciting food drawings! They are bringing popular food items to life with a splash of creativity. Throughout this journey, students have mastered a variety of drawing and colouring techniques that enhance their artistic skills.
They’ve explored the grid method to help with proportions, experimented with burnishing and blending to add depth, and learned how to create tones and shades that make their artwork pop. Additionally, students have discovered the differences in graphite pencil grades, allowing them to choose the perfect tools for their artworks.
Below are some testimonies from students, sharing their experiences in Visual Arts in their first year of high school.
“We’ve learnt about different techniques of colouring and drawing as well as learning to draw hyper realistic foods” - Gian C (7VISAJ)
“I like art but some parts were hard.. The task where we had to try draw texture, my teacher helped me alot” - Annabelle D (7VISAJ)
“In my Cheetos food drawing, I used burnishing and blending..” - Andrew A (7VISAJ)
“Art has been very challenging, but I have grit and this has been fun!” - Renae M (7VISAJ)
















Year 8 - Surrealism
Our talented Year 8 artists have been on an incredible journey creating their stunning Surrealist Mombassa ceramic mugs! We are amazed by the creativity and technical skill displayed in their ceramic pinch pots. Currently, students are diving into the colourful world of underglazing and glazing, bringing their pieces to life with vibrant finishes.


















Check out the inspiring testimonies from our students about their thrilling experiences in Year 8 Visual Arts!
“The ceramics at first was difficult but at the end, the underglazing and glazing part was peaceful and fun to do” - Rose N (8VISAB)
“I learnt a lot about the process of ceramics.. It was difficult with the construction but I like how my ceramics turned out.. Thanks to the techniques that Miss Rivera taught us” - Juris F (8VISAB)
“The ceramics process has taught me that process and ‘trusting the process’ is important.. Even if it looks bad, it may end up looking better than you thought” - Francisca R (8VISAB)
But that’s not all! Alongside their ceramic masterpieces, students have been passionately working on a captivating triptych artwork, blending their artistic skills across different mediums.














Year 9 - Self-Portraits
Our incredible Year 9 artists have been on an exciting journey into the world of portraiture and have just completed their self-portrait graphite pencil drawings! This experience brought its challenges, as capturing one’s own likeness is no easy feat. However, students rose to the occasion, honing their observational and drawing skills by utilising the grid method.
Below are some inspiring testimonies from some of our talented Year 9 students about their recent experiences in Year 9 Visual Arts.
“It was a challenging task drawing myself, analysing each feature and having to stare at myself for a long period of time” - Paulette (9VISA1)
“My experience in art is very fun and I enjoy it alot. I learnt how to do different techniques like shading and framing” - Ayeesha M (9VISA1)
“I found the self portrait task very fun, although I did struggle with the hair. Obstacles are fun to get around and you learn from mistakes” - Lawson H (9VISA1)
“The class is pretty fun. The self portrait task was confronting but I had to learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. In the end, I enjoyed the finished product of my work.” - Alyanna M (9VISA1)
“I wasn’t really good at drawing portraits in a realistic style before but I feel like I improved in this class” - Gatleen B (9VISA1)
Year 10 - Suburbia
Our talented Year 10 artists have been on an exciting journey exploring the vibrant world of Suburbia! Recently, students collaborated with three peers to create a cohesive artwork that challenged them to blend their unique skills and perspectives into a cohesive piece representing the essence of Suburbia.
As they continue this creative adventure, students have also started planning their Collection of Work, often referred to as a Body of Work—this time, as a Junior version. Each artist will develop their own collection, showcasing their individual interpretations of Suburbia using their chosen mediums.






Below are some student testimonies sharing their experiences in Year 10 Visual Arts so far.
“My experience so far is very good, I really enjoy the topic as it allows me to strengthen my skills in theory as well as practice and finding my personal artist style and strengths” - Alexis V (10VISA2)
“So far in suburbia we have explored a range of artists and mediums of art. These past few lessons have changed how I view suburbia in deeper and more layered ways” - Olivia S (10VISA2)
“I have really enjoyed my experience in Year 10 Visual Arts so far, as it has allowed me to experiment with different techniques and materials while developing my creative expression. Exploring the theme of suburbia has given me insight on how environments shape identity and perspective, inspiring me to look deeper into the contrasts within everyday life. - Amelia K (10VISA2)
Miss Leezah Rivera
Visual Arts & HSIE Teacher
Recording of the School song - “Faith In Christ”
The music teachers at St. Andrew’s College were thrilled to step into a professional recording studio to update the beloved school song, Faith in Christ. This special opportunity was not just about refining the sound—it was about bringing new life to a song that holds deep meaning for students, staff, and alumni alike.
From the moment they walked into the studio, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Surrounded by state-of-the-art equipment and guided by skilled sound engineers, the teachers felt like true recording artists. The experience of working in a professional setting allowed them to explore new harmonies, enhance instrumental arrangements, and fine-tune every detail to ensure the song resonated with power and clarity.
The line up included Mr.Chiappetta on Drums, Mr.Riger on Bass and Guitar, Mr.Alata on Piano, Miss Le on Vocals, Mrs Cooper on Synthesizer and Miss Breeze on additional Vocal harmonies.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the session was the chance to collaborate creatively. The teachers, passionate about both music and the school’s values, experimented with subtle changes to enhance the song’s emotional impact while staying true to its original spirit. Hearing the song come to life with rich, layered vocals and crisp instrumentation was a magical moment—one that reminded them of the power of music to inspire and unite.
Beyond the technical aspects, this recording session was a celebration of the school’s heritage and faith. Faith in Christ is more than just a song; it is a declaration of St. Andrew’s College’s core beliefs and traditions. Knowing that this refreshed version would be played at school events and beyond filled the teachers with pride and joy.
Leaving the studio, the team was energized and grateful for the chance to contribute to the school’s musical legacy. The new recording of Faith in Christ will not only honor the past but also inspire future generations to sing with passion and conviction.
Mr Antonio Chiappetta
Director of Performance
Happy World Pi Day!
14th March is known as World Pi Day.
On the Junior campus today, students across Years 7-10 engaged in learning activities involving Pi during their timetabled Maths lesson. The activities ranged from students completing a Jeopardy game covering a number of categories including Famous Mathematicians, Movies containing a mathematical theme and Pi facts. Other activities students engaged in were Trivia and Pixel Art. Students were able to discover their Pi super power. Follow the link to discover yours.
During lunchtime today we held our Inaugural Pi recital competition.
All of our competitors did an amazing job.
The first 300 digits of Pi are as follows:
π = 3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375105820974944
592307816406286208998628034825342117067982148086513282306647
093844609550582231725359408128481117450284102701938521105559
644622948954930381964428810975665933446128475648233786783165
27120190914564856692346034861045432664821339360726024914127
How many can you remember?
Teejay Pineda of Year 8 recited 55 digits of Pi, Richard Tannous of Year 10 recited 108 digits of Pi, Emily Bottomley of Year 8 recited 122 digits of Pi, and Jaanvi Sahni of Year 8 recited 200 digits of Pi.
Congratulations to Malaar Kaur of Year 8, who is the Inaugural winner of today’s recital. Malaar was able to recite 253 digits of Pi correctly.
Thank you to our judges, Mr Hazell, Mrs Kumar and Mrs Nguyen.
Thank you to all of the students who actively participated and engaged in our World Pi Day activities throughout the day. Thank you also to the Maths staff for facilitating these activities and dressing in the theme of Pi Day.
Looking forward to celebrating World Pi Day again next year.












Ms Tracey Thomson
Leader of Learning Mathematics
Year 11 students have just completed their first Retreat experience, with Bennelong and Gould Houses travelling to Mulgoa and Chang and Frances going to Kiah Ridge.
During this retreat, the students have been challenged to recognise their own talents and to look at ways that they can share these with their communities. Students worked in large groups and small groups, and a highlight of the first day was the celebration of Mass and Reconciliation. We thank Father Kevin for sharing his valuable time with the Mulgoa group for this to take place. We also thank Father Lauro for celebrating Mass at Kiah Ridge.
The second day focused on affirming the special talents that each person possesses in a very moving and uplifting session. We would like to thank all of the staff for leaving their families for the 2 days to give this opportunity to the students to have a truly special Retreat experience. We also thank Mr Hoare and Ms Anthony for their leadership facilitation of each Retreat.














Mr Andrew Houseman
Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing
St Andrews College is excited to celebrate the achievements of Geneika Fadlen of Year 10, who recently stepped into the ring for her first amateur Muay Thai fight on the 8th of March. Facing an opponent twice her age, Geneika put in an incredible performance in a closely contested match. While the result was arguable, she remains proud of her progress and continues to push herself in the sport she is passionate about.
Her dedication doesn’t stop there, Geneika is already preparing for her next competition this Sunday. We wish her the best of luck and can’t wait to see where her martial arts journey takes her next!






At St Andrew’s College, all Year 8 students learn Japanese as a mandatory subject. This year, they have made a fantastic start in their studies! While Japanese can be a challenging language, students also enjoy learning about its unique culture.
In Week 4 of Term 1, students explored how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Japan. The boys were especially intrigued by the tradition of receiving chocolates, but they were surprised to learn that there are three different types of chocolates given on this day. They also discovered that those who receive chocolates are expected to return the favor by giving a gift of greater value on White Day, the 14th of March. To conclude the lesson, students crafted heart-shaped origami, with some writing heartfelt messages to give to their mothers.
Later, in Week 6, students learned about Hinamatsuri, also known as "Dolls’ Day" or "Girls’ Day." It is celebrated on the 3rd of March. This annual event is to pray for girls’ healthy growth. The students discovered how this traditional event is celebrated in Japan and what special foods are enjoyed during the festival. Following the lesson, they created their own Hina dolls using origami paper. Additionally, they have now learned how to write their names in Japanese!
We hope our Year 8 students continue to enjoy learning Japanese and its rich culture throughout the year. We look forward to seeing their progress in the months ahead!
















Kind Regards,
Mrs Mariko Suzuki
Leader of Learning - Languages
The St Andrews College Diving Team has made a great start to 2025. I would first like to welcome all new team members who have been brave and worked hard to ensure they have enough dives to compete at the upcoming NSW Combined Catholic Colleges competition in April. It has been a steep learning curve, but they have risen to the occasion.
Our experienced divers competed in the State Championships last weekend at SOPAC, where they came home with 3 medals and another national qualifier. Congratulations to Rachael Griffiths on her 3rd place in the 14/15 yrs girls 1m event and to Despina Thimiopoulos-Wilson for placing 3rd in the 13/U Synchronised event as well as qualifying for nationals in the 12/13 yrs girls 1m event. One of our Pathways primary school divers, Luke also came 3rd in his event 11/U boys 1m.
The College is very proud of our newest Diving Australia qualified judges, Claire De Vos and Rachael Griffiths. The two students have judged at the Interclub level and completed their shadow judging at the State Championships, where they both scored over 85% in their practical assessment.
I look forward to providing another diving update after the NSW CCC competition in April.
St Andrews College Diving Team 2025 | State Divers | National Qualifiers |
---|---|---|
Veronica Adamecki | Claire De Vos | Rachael Griffiths |
Dominic Azar | Analise Gregoriou | Eesa Mir |
Ohriana Baumgartner | Lauren Griffiths | Despina Thimiopoulos-Wilson |
Amber Bissett | Rachael Griffiths | |
Liam Borg | Eesa Mir | |
Stella Borg | Despina Thimiopoulos-Wilson | |
Sofia Cerna | ||
Claire De Vos | ||
Ruby Gater | ||
Jade Ghazal | ||
Analise Gregoriou | ||
Lauren Griffiths | ||
Rachael Griffiths | ||
Nooriyah Hussain | ||
Noah Kinnas | ||
Elaina Kirkham | ||
Matthew Lemura | ||
Jacob Mammoliti | ||
Dominic Russo | ||
Despina Thimiopoulos-Wilson |




Mrs Anita Weaver
Head of Diving
College Leadership Team
College Principal | Dr Stephen Kennaugh |
Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Learning | Mr Nicholas Thrum |
Assistant Principal Systems, Data and Profesional Learning | Mr Patrick Finnerty |
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning | Ms Josilin Kalifa |
Director of Faith, Mission and Learning | Mr Andrew Hoare |
Leader of Faith Mission and Learning | Mrs Karina Anthony |
College Business Manager | Mrs Melissa Welch |
Administration Operations Manager | Ms Simone McKechnie |
Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing
Leader of Learning Wellbeing | Mrs Sue Cooper |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 7 | Ms Alicia Harwood |
Assitant Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 7 | Mr Danny Cetinic |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 8 | Ms Jarryd Leaves |
Assitant Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 8 | Miss Ivana Nikitovic |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 9 | Mr Kharl Carlos |
Assitant Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 9 | Miss Susan Amiri |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 10 | Mr Nathan Weaver |
Assitant Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 10 | Miss Jasmine Breeze |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 11 | Mr Andrew Houseman |
Assitant Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 11 | Mrs Dahana Biernat |
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing Senior Campus |
Mrs Emily Parker |
Assistant Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 12 | Miss Christina Rujicica |
College Counsellors |
Ms Kerrie Castle Sr Cristina Ramada |
College Future Pathways Leader | Ms Therese May |
Faith in Action Coordinator | Ms Olivia Tan |
College Leaders of Learning - KLA
Leader of Learning Mathematics | Ms Tracey Thomson |
Assistant Leader of Learning Mathematics | Mr Jacob Wills |
Leader of Learning English | Mrs Katharine McDonald |
Assistant Leader of Learning English | Mr Jake Dowers |
Director of Performance | Mr Antonio Chiappetta |
Leader of Learning Music | Mr Jason Alata |
Leader of Learning Art | Mrs Claudia Harris |
Leader of Learning HSIE | Mr Daniel Camilleri |
Assistant Leaders of Learning HSIE |
Miss Cherry Malonzo Miss Monika Ramzy |
Leader of Learning Languages | Ms Mariko Suzuki |
Leader of Learning PDHPE | Mrs Kayla Brogan |
PDHPE Leader Performance | Mrs Janna Leitch |
Leader of Learning TAS | Mr Bill Robson |
Assistant Leader of Learning TAS | Mrs Cassandra Carlos |
STEM Coordinator Assistant Leader of Learning TAS |
Miss Alexandra Serbin |
Assistant Leader of Learning TAS |
Mr Matthew Fellows |
Leader of Learning Science | Mr Rohan Isaac |
Assistant Leader of Learning Science | Mrs Kelly Thompson |
College Leaders of Learning
Leader of Learning Diversity | Mrs Pauline Xuereb |
Assistant Leader of Learning Diversity |
Mrs Angela Stenglin Miss Susan Amiri |
Leader of Learning Pedagogy Leader of Learning VET |
Mr Geoffrey Dickson |
Leader of Learning Reading/Writing | Mr Duncan Dewar |
Leader of Learning Information and Communications Technology | Mrs Sarah Anzellotti |
Head of Diving | Mrs Anita Weaver |
Leader of Learning Sport | Miss Ivana Nikitovic |
Leader of Learning Literacy | Ms Linda Hicks |
Head of Debating and Public Speaking | Miss Mickaella Douglas |