Equipping Your Child for the Future: The Power of a Continuous Learning Mindset

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to adapt and learn continuously has

become an essential skill. By fostering a continuous learning mindset in your child, you're not just supporting their current academic journey; you're providing them with a vital tool for lifelong learning.

This mindset, rooted in the belief that abilities can be developed through

dedication and effort is crucial in our ever-changing landscape. Research

published in the Journal of Educational Psychology* demonstrates that students with this growth-oriented approach show marked improvements in their academic performance and their resilience.

So, how can you cultivate this mindset?

1. Embrace challenges: Encourage your child to view difficulties as opportunities for growth. When they face obstacles, prompt them to ask, "What can I learn from this?"
2. Value effort over innate talent: Praise the process and hard work, not just results. This reinforces the idea that improvement comes through effort.

• Learn from mistakes: Help your child see errors as learning experiences. Studies show that analysing mistakes leads to better performance than focusing solely on correct answers.

1. Model lifelong learning: Demonstrate your own commitment to learning. Share your experiences of acquiring new skills or knowledge, including the challenges you face in your own learning.

By consistently reinforcing this mindset, you're equipping your child with the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn - perhaps the most valuable skill in our rapidly changing world. This approach doesn't just benefit their current schoolwork; it prepares them for future challenges and opportunities we can't yet imagine.

* Yeager, D. S., & Dweck, C. S. (2012). Mindsets that promote resilience: When students believe that personal characteristics can be developed. Educational Psychologist, 47(4), 302-314. 

Ms Josilin Kalifa

Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

Tell Them From Me Survey in Term 2

We greatly value feedback from our community to help us provide the best possible environment for our students to learn and grow. To help us do this, we will be participating in the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) online survey for students, teachers, parents and carers.   

The survey will provide us with valuable insights into what our school community thinks about school life, including how engaged students are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world use the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve.

More detailed information will be sent to our community in Term 2.

Planning for the 2026 Timetable

While it seems such a long time away, planning for 2026 has already commenced.

Year 10 Subject Selections (for Year 11 2026) and Year 8 Elective Subject Selections (for Year 9 2026) have an information evening on Tuesday 3 June on the JNR Campus. Ms Kalifa will send more information regarding these events early in Term 2.

It is also very important to note that Enrichment Classes in 2026 are based on student performance throughout 2025. Year 8 will have two enrichment classes, Years 9 and 10 will have one enrichment class (each).

A Reminder …

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to contact me by email pfinnerty@parra.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions or feedback regarding the information above which relates to my specific role as Assistant Principal – Systems, Data, and Professional Learning.

Thank you for your continued support

Mr Patrick Finnerty

Assistant Principal – Systems, Data and Professional Learning

Year 11 Retreat 2025: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Faith

On the 13th and 14th of March, the Year 11 students of St Andrew’s College embarked on their much-anticipated retreat, a two-day journey of reflection, faith, and personal growth. This annual Year 11 retreat, a cherished tradition at our school, provided students with a unique opportunity to step away from their daily routines, engage in meaningful discussions, and strengthen their relationships with themselves, their peers, and God.

The retreat began with an early morning departure from the Senior Campus, as students excitedly boarded buses to their House retreat sites. Upon arrival, they were welcomed with morning tea and an introduction to the retreat’s purpose. The atmosphere was one of anticipation as facilitators and teachers outlined the importance of reflection, self-discovery, and spiritual connection.

Exploring Identity and Purpose The first session, Who Am I?, encouraged students to reflect on their unique gifts and talents. Through engaging icebreaker activities such as ‘Human Machines,’ students discovered their individual strengths and how they contribute to a greater whole. The Parable of the Talents further reinforced the idea that each person is blessed with unique abilities meant to be shared and celebrated.

Following this, students participated in a Values Continuum, which challenged them to evaluate their beliefs and priorities. Discussions about personal values and faith deepened their understanding of what it means to live authentically in God’s image.

Faith in Everyday Life A highlight of the retreat was the God Walk, an opportunity for students to engage in a walking meditation, reflecting on their spiritual journey and God’s presence in their lives. Guided by scripture and personal intention, students embraced moments of solitude and contemplation, appreciating the beauty of creation and the divine footprints in their everyday experiences.

Another powerful experience was the Affirmation Envelopes activity. Students created personal envelopes decorated with symbols representing their identities. Throughout the retreat, peers wrote affirmations, celebrating one another’s strengths and qualities. This act of encouragement and support reinforced the importance of positive relationships and the impact of kind words.

Turning Back to God The evening sessions focused on reconciliation and renewal. Students engaged in an Examination of Conscience, followed by a powerful Adoration session where they had the opportunity to surrender their burdens to God. Writing down personal struggles and placing them into a burning bowl symbolized letting go and embracing God’s mercy. The night concluded with a heartfelt Mass, fostering a spirit of unity and gratitude among all participants.

Strengthening Relationships The final day of the retreat centered on the theme of Godly Relationships. Through scripture and personal reflections, students explored what it means to foster meaningful and Christ-centered friendships. The Affirmations session allowed students to express appreciation for their peers, reinforcing the retreat’s message of love, support, and encouragement.

As the retreat came to an end, students returned to school with a renewed sense of purpose and connection. This retreat was not just a break from the academic routine but a transformative experience that encouraged Year 11 students to embrace their identities, deepen their faith, and build lasting friendships.

A heartfelt thank you to the teachers, and volunteers who made this retreat possible. Your dedication and guidance ensured that this retreat was a meaningful and memorable experience for all.

Last week was the first of our Sac Youth Bible study sessions.

What to Expect at SAC Bible Study:

Prayer & Worship: Each session will begin with a prayer to invite God’s presence into the discussion. Music will help set a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.

Bible Study & Teaching: Students will learn different Bible study methods, including the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer). Topics will cover essential aspects of faith, such as how to pray, how to hear God's voice, and how to cultivate a Christ-centered mindset.

Engaging Discussions: Through interactive conversations, students will reflect on scripture and apply its teachings to daily life. Proverbs 3:5-6 will be a foundational verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Games & Activities: Fun activities like 'Guess the Bible Story' will make learning about scripture engaging, with prizes adding an extra layer of excitement!

Faith Chats: Understanding that not everyone is comfortable sharing in a group setting, SAC Bible Study will offer one-on-one faith chats. These sessions provide a space for students to seek guidance, ask questions, and share what’s on their hearts in a more personal setting.

Final Encouragement: Romans 8:28 reminds us: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The team wants to leave everyone with this message: God's plans are always greater than our own. No matter what challenges arise, He is always bigger and will guide us through them with His unfailing love.

Join Us! The first SAC Bible Study session will take place every second Friday at  lunchtime in the Scared Space. Everyone is welcome, whether you're new to the faith or simply curious to learn more. We encourage you to take this opportunity to grow spiritually and strengthen your connection with God.

See you there!

 The Mission Team

Year 8 Update – A Strong Finish to the Term

As we move into the final weeks of Term 1, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the fantastic efforts of our Year 8 students. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm, commitment, and resilience as they continue to embrace both their learning and co-curricular opportunities.

At this stage of the term, students may be feeling a little tired as assessments and deadlines approach. This is a great time to focus on maintaining good study habits, staying organised, and looking after their wellbeing.

Building Good Study Habits for Success

With assessments on the horizon, it’s important for students to establish strong study routines. Some key strategies to help students stay on top of their workload include:

1. Planning Ahead – Breaking down tasks into manageable steps and using a planner or digital calendar to track due dates.
2. Active Studying – Simply reading notes isn’t always effective. Encourage students to summarise key points, create flashcards, or teach concepts to someone else.
3. Taking Breaks – Short breaks while studying can improve concentration and prevent burnout.

Wellbeing & Staying Balanced

Term 1 has been a busy one, and as we approach the end, it’s just as important for students to prioritise their wellbeing. To stay motivated and focused, I encourage students to:

• Get Plenty of Sleep – A well-rested brain retains information better and helps with overall mood and focus.
• Stay Active – Regular movement, whether it’s sport, a walk, or stretching, can help reduce stress and boost energy levels.
• Manage Screen Time – Taking breaks from social media and devices can help improve concentration and reduce distractions.

Celebrating Year 8’s Achievements

It has been fantastic to see so many Year 8 students involved in school life, whether in sport, performing arts, public speaking, or leadership opportunities. Their willingness to participate and challenge themselves is genuinely commendable.

A special mention must go to all students who have taken part in recent inter-school competitions, house events, and co-curricular activities—your enthusiasm and commitment to representing the College are outstanding.

As we head into the final stretch of Term 1, I encourage all students to stay focused, keep striving for their best, and continue supporting one another. Keep up the great work, Year 8—I look forward to finishing the term strong with you all!

Mr. Jarryd Leaves
Leader of Wellbeing – Year 8

Year 7 Newsletter - Week 8

A Fantastic Start to High School Life

Ms Harwood and I are extremely pleased with how Year 7 have settled into high school at St Andrews College. The transition from primary to secondary school can be challenging, but Year 7 students have embraced this change with enthusiasm, resilience, and a strong sense of community. We encourage students to continue in this manner, demonstrating respect, responsibility, and engagement in their learning. If there are any questions, concerns, or the need for additional support, we urge students and parents to reach out to the Leaders of Wellbeing (Ms Harwood and Mr Cetinic), who are always available to assist.

Year 7 Camp Success

On Thursday, 6th March (Week 5), Year 7 students participated in their much-anticipated camp at the Collaroy Centre. The camp provided an excellent opportunity for students to bond with their peers, build confidence, and develop leadership skills through various exciting activities, including stand-up paddleboarding, beach games, archery, kayaking, vertical challenge, and high ropes.

Ms Harwood and I were incredibly impressed with Year 7’s behaviour, enthusiasm, and willingness to step out of their comfort zones. Their positive attitudes and teamwork truly embodied the values of St Andrews College. A special thank you to our College Principal, Dr Stephen Kennaugh, for attending and supporting the students on the camp. His ongoing presence and encouragement is greatly appreciated.

NAPLAN

Congratulations to Year 7 on successfully completing their NAPLAN assessments in Week 6. The students demonstrated great dedication and resilience as they undertook exams in numeracy, reading, and writing. We are proud of their commitment to their learning and commend their attendance and effort during this important assessment period. We hope that their results reflect their hard work and dedication, providing a valuable insight into their academic progress. Well done, Year 7!

Peer Support Program

The Peer Support Program has continued to be a great success, playing a vital role in helping Year 7 students settle into high school life. The engagement and enthusiasm demonstrated by our students have been commendable. This program not only fosters friendships but also promotes confidence and a strong sense of belonging within the St Andrews College community. We thank and congratulate Year 7 for their willingness to embrace this program. If any students have concerns or need further support, we encourage them to speak with their Leaders Advisors or Leaders of Wellbeing.

Student Representative Council (SRC)

A special thank you to all students and staff for participating in the SRC voting process for Year 7. We received numerous nominations, and it has been inspiring to see so many students eager to take on leadership roles within the school. We wish all candidates the very best and look forward to announcing the successful representatives soon. If there are any questions regarding the SRC process, please reach out to Mrs Sue Cooper for further information.

Ms Harwood and I are incredibly proud of Year 7’s achievements so far and look forward to seeing their continued growth throughout the year. Keep up the fantastic work!

Warm regards,

Mr Danny Cetinic

Acting Leader of Wellbeing – Year 7

OPERATION ART COMPETITION 2025

A reminder to students that Operation Art entries are due Friday Week 2 2nd May. 

Thank you to all the students who have come to see the Visual Arts teachers for feedback and ideas about their entries. We are very excited to see your final artworks next term.

Please remember the follow the criteria below:

Students are invited to enter an artwork up to A2 in size (as long as it is flat) in any chosen medium on good quality art paper/materials. The theme of the artwork should be uplifting, inspiring and positive with an aim to brighten the days of children who are currently hospitalised. 

Students from Years 7 - 10 are able to enter an artwork individually or collaboratively (up to 4 students). 

All artworks submitted to art teachers will be entered in our internal school competition before TWO finalist artworks are selected to represent the school.

Stage 5 Visual Arts Camp - Bundanon

The Visual Arts team is excited to announce that planning for our 2025 Visual Arts Camp is well underway! An expression of interest has been sent to families of eligible students. Students will need to ensure this is returned promptly to assist with our planning.

The camp will be held in Term 4 10th - 11th November 2025 at Bundanon, a national arts organisation which was the home of Australian painter Arthur Boyd. An art museum embedded in the landscape and a wildlife sanctuary set on 1000 hectares; students will enjoy an array of art experiences at this South Coast art destination.

Please see the following link for more information about Bundanon.

Year 12 Visual Arts

Year 12 Visual Arts students consolidated their understanding of Pop Art for the final case study of Unit 1 this week by working in small groups. Students worked together to find links between various subject specific terminologies as well as time and place to demonstrate their understanding. The final part of our lesson required students to locate specific artwork examples from our case study to further support their work. Students worked enthusiastically together and are now looking forward to our next unit, Postmodernism!

7B Visual Arts

Students in 7B Visual Arts learnt about colour theory this week and used acrylic paint to mix secondary and tertiary colours. Students worked enthusiastically and nominated group leaders who will be assisting their table groups with colour mixing and clean up duties as we approach our next artmaking task. This year, we decided to have a different approach (although ambitious) and work on a class group task instead of just table groups. Students are working on enlarging a small section of a photograph into an acrylic painting, which will form one big artwork. We look forward to sharing the final artwork with our school community soon!

Mrs Claudia Harris

Leader of Learning Visual Arts 

Year 8 Students Get Creative with Mombassa-Inspired Paintings

This term, our talented Year 8 students have been diving into the vibrant world of Australian artist Reg Mombassa, exploring his unique style through a watercolour painting project. Known for his bold use of colour, surreal landscapes, and quirky characters, Mombassa’s art has provided the perfect inspiration for our budding young artists.

Under the guidance of our dedicated art teachers, students have been experimenting with watercolour or acrylic painting techniques to recreate the bold outlines and imaginative compositions that define Mombassa’s work. They have taken inspiration from his famous depictions of the Australian natural landscape, urban scenes, and eccentric characters to develop their own original pieces.

Our students have demonstrated outstanding creativity and artistic skill in their painting designs, below is an image of their progress to date. 

Year 7- Pop Art food paintings

Our Year 7 students have been channelling their inner Claes Oldenburg this term, creating stunning Pop Art-inspired food paintings. This exciting project has encouraged students to explore bold colours, strong outlines, and striking contrasts, bringing everyday food items to life in a vibrant and dynamic way.

Students have been studying the techniques of the Pop Art movement with artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Claes Oldenburg. Year 7 have been learning how to use repetition, contrast, and exaggerated forms to make their artwork stand out. 

Our students have displayed incredible creativity and attention to detail, experimenting with acrylics to create their unique masterpieces. Their works celebrate the ordinary in extraordinary ways just as the pop artists did.

Mrs Tiana Psaila

Visual Arts Teacher

Experience an Evening of Jazz at St Andrews College!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of captivating performances at the St Andrews College Senior Campus Hall on Thursday, April 3rd, from 5–7 pm. This special event will feature Year 11 music students showcasing their assessment pieces in a live concert that promises to dazzle and inspire.

With the talented Year 11 VET Entertainment crew managing everything behind the scenes—from lighting and sound to setup and pack down—the night is set to run seamlessly. These budding professionals are bringing their skills to life in a real-world production, adding to the electric atmosphere.

A panel of St. Andrews College music teachers will be on hand to mark the students’ live performances, ensuring an exciting, high-stakes environment for performers and audience alike. 

The evening kicks off with a warm-up session by talented year 9 student Izabella Zabek , who will enchant the crowd with her piano instrumentals from 4:45–5:00 pm. 

Doors open early, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to arrive with plenty of time to secure a great spot. The concert will begin promptly at 5:00 pm, so don’t miss a moment of the action.

Join us for this extraordinary celebration of music, talent, and teamwork—where students shine, creativity flourishes, and jazz comes alive. See you there!

Mr Antonio Chiappetta

Director of Performance

Project Compassion Trivia Night

Last week, our Year 11 and Year 12 students came together to host an exciting Trivia Night, bringing fun, competition, and community spirit to our school while raising funds for Project Compassion. With 50 enthusiastic participants forming 10 teams, the event was a huge success.

The competition was fierce, with students and even teachers testing their knowledge across rounds on popular culture, general knowledge, flags and countries, and music. A special mention goes to our teacher team, The Graduates, who took on the challenge with great enthusiasm.

A massive thank you to our incredible host, Year 12 student Anthony Pilayre, who kept the energy high and the night running smoothly. His quick wit and engaging presence made the event even more enjoyable for everyone involved.

The night wasn't just about bragging rights—wonderful prizes, including an Uber Eats voucher, were up for grabs. Most importantly, we raised $250 for Project Compassion, supporting vital initiatives for those in need.

With such a fantastic atmosphere and overwhelming positive feedback, we hope to make Trivia Night an annual tradition. A big thank you to all the students, teachers, and organisers who made it a night to remember!

Mrs Emily Parker

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 12

On the 25th of April, our Year 12 Legal Studies class visited the Supreme Court of New South Wales. This excursion served as an opportunity to explore the history of the Supreme Court and its role within the Australian legal system. Gaining insight into court operations assisted us in increasing our understanding of their function and the legal processes that took place. We explored significant historical cases that had been heard in these courts and examined the Supreme Court establishment and development. This experience was able to provide us with a deeper understanding of the court's essential role in maintaining justice within New South Wales and the contribution of history towards it. 

Tewodros Worku
Year 12 Legal Studies Student

College Leadership Team

Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing

College Leaders of Learning - KLA

College Leaders of Learning and Other Leaders