Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Survey - Survey Results

I have provided a number of Graphical Representations (GR) which summarise some of the data sets gathered during the survey. Thank you to everyone who had the opportunity to respond.

GR1: Positive Behaviour at School

GR2: Positive Relationships

GR3: Expectations for Success

GR4: School Supports Learning

2026 Timetable Update

We are well underway with the planning for the 2026 Timetable.

• Year 11 2026 (Year 10 2025) have selected their courses and will be interviewed in Term 3, Week 2 with a parent/carer and teacher to finalise their pattern of study.
• Year 9 2026 (Year 8 2025) have selected their Electives, and a confirmation will be given to students early in Term 3.

An important reminder regarding Year 7-10 2026 Core Classes.

Year 7 will have two Enrichment Classes, which will be created based on ALLWELL Testing. Year 8 will have two Enrichment Classes which will be created based on their performance in 2025. Years 9 and 10 will have one Enrichment Class (each) created based on their performance in 2025. In Years 8-10 (2025) classwork/assessment that your child completes everyday in 2025 has a significant impact in determining who is selected for Enrichment Classes.

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

Unity Day

We are looking forward to our annual Unity Day celebrations next Friday. Unity Day is a great chance for the students to celebrate the different cultures at the College.

The day will start with a traditional Smoking Ceremony, then a small liturgy in different languages. We have a national dress competition. We will be having Cultural Activities, then students from different cultures will be sharing their songs and dances with the College.

This should be a great day for the College.

Year 7-10 Student Learning Conferences

The Student Learning Conference for the Semester 1 Year 7-10 courses will be held on Thursday, 3rd July from 12.30pm–7.00pm and Friday 4th July from 10.00am–2.00pm. The event will be held in the Junior Campus Hall. Families can book either event.

These interviews are compulsory and are an integral part of the learning process. Students are expected to attend with their parents. It is an opportunity to evaluate their work so far and provide feedback about their progress.

Interviews are strictly 7 minutes in length, and spaces are limited. We ask that each parent keep to the assigned times to ensure that there are no lengthy waiting periods. If you require more time than the 7 allocated minutes, please contact the class teacher to arrange an interview at an alternate time.

The College has implemented an online booking system via the Compass App for your convenience; all bookings must be made through this system. The instructions about booking were sent to families via the Compass email and notification system.

Last days of Term 2

Students from the Junior Campus will start their term holiday at 11.45am Thursday, the 3rd of July.

Students from the Senior Campus will start their holidays on Thursday 3rd July at 2.45pm.

Friday the 4th of July is Parent and Teacher Interviews and students are not required on that day.

Start of Term 3

The first day of Term 3 is Tuesday 22nd July.

Monday 21st July is a Staff Professional Learning Day and students are not required on that day.

Students’ safety while travelling to and from school

It is important that all students are safe while they travel to and from school. We have had cases of students running across Quakers Road, students riding to school without helmets, and other behaviour that puts them at risk.

Could all students and parents be mindful of their safety as they come to and from school.

It would help if students:

• use all road rules correctly and are mindful of traffic on the way home

• wear appropriate safety devices while riding a bike

• sit while travelling on public transport

• travel straight to school and straight home at the end of the day

Parents, if you drop off and pick up your child, please follow some basic safety rules:

• DO NOT enter the College grounds to pick up or drop off students unless you have made arrangements with the College

• Use Quakers Rd or Benalla Cr for the Junior Campus or Breakfast Rd for the Senior Campus

• Do not speed around the school zones, as children are unpredictable and may not look for you in traffic

If you have any concerns about students and travel, please contact me during College hours.

What’s in the Planner?

The main focus this week is Love of Learning. Thanks to all the students who have participated in activities this week to celebrate a Love of Learning.

Keep your brain agile by doing a crossword, a sudoku, playing chess, a game of logic.

Time targets

Setting time targets to complete tasks is a way to alleviate stress and help develop your academic abilities.

To develop good habits with time targets we use the Five “E’s” of learning – Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate.

• Engage – record dates, brainstorm ideas about the task, get assessment criteria. Plan your task

• Explore – locate resources, collect information, begin research

• Explain – develop sentences then paragraphs. Develop your draft and ask the teacher to look at it

• Elaborate – analyse the comments from your draft, improve phrasing and vocabulary. Discuss interpretation with family or friends

• Evaluate – assess feedback and complete final task

God Bless
Mr Nick Thrum
Assistant Principal - Students

Principal’s Awards

Congratulations to all students who received a Principal’s Award at last week’s Junior Assembly! Your hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to our school values have not gone unnoticed. 

Well done on this well-deserved recognition! ?

Building Connection Through Wellbeing Wednesday Trivia

Over the past two weeks, students and staff have embraced a new wellbeing initiative: Wellbeing Wednesday Trivia — a fun, engaging, and purposeful activity that brings Learning Groups together each Wednesday morning to explore important themes that support mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

Each week, students respond to five trivia questions, a collaborative group task, and a bonus challenge featuring staff members in fun and surprising ways (baby photos and "Two Truths & a Lie" have already sparked much excitement and laughter!).

Week 1: Kindness

Students explored the power of small, intentional acts of kindness and the positive impact kindness can have on our brains, our relationships, and our community. The questions prompted discussion around Catholic values such as compassion, mercy and service, and the collaborative responses highlighted the many thoughtful things students are already doing for each other.

Week 2: Mental & Physical Health

This week focused on the connection between physical activity, nutrition, sleep and mental wellbeing. Students reflected on their own habits and explored ways to reset focus and manage stress during the school day.

Highlights:

• LG 11C19 have led the leaderboard with strong trivia scores and collaborative answers earning them bonus points.
  
  
• Bennelong House moved into the lead after consistent participation across the board.
  
  
• Ms Anzellotti’s “Two Truths and a Lie” had everyone guessing, and staff baby photo guesses caused serious (but good-natured) debate around the College

Why It Matters

Wellbeing Wednesday Trivia isn’t just about points and prizes — it’s about creating space each week to build connections, spark meaningful conversations, and promote practical wellbeing strategies that students can apply in their daily lives.

The enthusiasm, participation, and positivity from both students and staff have been fantastic, and it’s clear this initiative is already making a positive impact across the College.

We’re excited to continue into Week 3: Gratitude, where we’ll explore the science and Gospel teachings of being thankful.

Looking Ahead to Unity Day – A Celebration of Culture and Connection

As we look forward to Unity Day next week, there’s a growing sense of excitement and pride across the school. It has been wonderful to witness students from Years 7 to 12 coming together to prepare for this special event — choreographing dances, practising musical pieces, and planning cultural performances that represent their backgrounds with creativity and heart.

Unity Day is more than just a celebration — it’s an opportunity for students to share who they are, connect with others, and recognise the beauty in our school’s cultural diversity. It’s been especially powerful to see students working in mixed year groups, forming friendships and collaborating with peers they might not otherwise interact with.

From a wellbeing perspective, engaging with cultural practices and traditions plays a vital role in helping students:

• Strengthen their sense of identity and belonging
• Feel seen, valued, and proud of their heritage
• Build empathy and understanding across cultural lines

We’re so proud of the leadership, teamwork and passion on display, and we can't wait to see the school come alive with colour, rhythm and unity next week.

Mrs Emily Parker

Acting Leader of Wellbeing and Learning 

Celebrating Kindness, Growth & Community in Year 8

As we move through Term 2, it's been incredibly rewarding to see our students engage so positively with the opportunities around them. From their participation in the Athletics Carnival to their thoughtful reflection after the Brainstorm production Verbal Combat, our Year 8 students continue to demonstrate maturity, spirit, and kindness.

Athletics Carnival – Participation and Pride

Our recent Athletics Carnival was a standout success! Year 8 students showed outstanding levels of participation and enthusiasm throughout the day. Whether they were competing, cheering on friends, or lending a hand, their positive energy and sportsmanship were evident in every event. It’s days like these that truly build community and pride in our college.

Verbal Combat – Learning Through Performance

Earlier this term, Year 8 attended Verbal Combat, a live theatre performance presented by Brainstorm Productions. This engaging and thought-provoking show explored themes of bullying, resilience, and social responsibility, particularly in online environments. Students were encouraged to consider how their words and actions impact others and to strive to be upstanders rather than bystanders. The performance sparked meaningful conversations, and we are proud of how our students responded with empathy and reflection.

Kindness at the Heart of What We Do

This term, our wellbeing focus has been on fostering healthy and positive relationships, with kindness as the foundation. Kindness isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a powerful tool for personal and social development.

The science of kindness shows that small, intentional acts of care and compassion can significantly boost mental health, reduce stress, and even improve physical wellbeing. Research indicates that kindness releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, enhances connection with others, and builds a stronger sense of belonging. It also improves focus, mood, and engagement in the classroom.

At St Andrews, we’re actively working to embed kindness across all aspects of school life. In Year 8, this has included:

• Circle Talk sessions focused on empathy, gratitude, and respectful relationships.
  
  
• Classroom check-ins that invite students to support one another through small gestures and shared reflections.
  
  
• Teacher-led conversations about how kindness can show up in both words and actions—online and in person.

We are encouraging students to see kindness not as a one-off gesture, but as a daily choice that shapes who they are becoming. Our goal is to build a cohort that lifts each other up and leads by example in creating a respectful, inclusive community.

Subject Selection Evening – A Huge Success!

A huge thank you to all families who attended our Year 9 Subject Selection Evening. The turnout was exceptional, and it was wonderful to see students and parents engaging with staff, asking thoughtful questions, and exploring the many options available.

We hope you found the evening beneficial as your child begins planning for the next stage of their school journey.

Parent-Teacher Interviews – Semester 1

A reminder that Parent-Teacher Interviews for Years 7–10 are taking place on:

Thursday 3rd July (12.30pm–4.45pm)
Friday 4th July (10.00am–2.00pm)

Junior Campus Hall

Bookings can be made through Compass.

Key information:

• Thursday 3rd July: Junior Campus students dismissed at 11.45am.
• Friday 4th July: Pupil Free Day for all students.
  
  

These interviews are compulsory and a vital part of the learning journey. Students are expected to attend alongside their parents. It is a valuable opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for growth as we move into the second half of the year.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a culture of growth, kindness, and commitment within the Year 8 cohort. As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Mr Jarryd Leaves

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 8

From our Student Leaders

Good Morning. Today, we wanted to reflect on Legacy. When we hear the word “legacy,” we usually think of people who have already finished something. Whether they may have graduated, retired, or just moved on. But that’s the misunderstanding. Legacy isn’t what you leave behind after you’re gone. It’s what you build while you’re still here, what we’re trying to build here at this college. Every single one of us, whether you’re a student or a teacher, plays a part in shaping this school. In your attitude. In your actions. In how you treat people. In what you tolerate and what you stand for. It's not about being the loudest or the most vibrant person. It's about what people remember you for. Who will you be remembered as? Will you be the person who supports others? Who made the room brighter when you walked in? Or did you just sit back and let things happen around you? You don’t need a badge to set a standard. You don’t need a stage to have an influence. It’s the way you speak. The way you carry yourself. That will be your legacy, right here, right now. It’s not about being remembered forever. It’s about being remembered for the right things. So think about it. Who will you be?

To Year 12, as you might have seen, the graduation countdown has started, and hopefully for most of you, it's starting to feel real. We have had our last Athletics and Swimming Carnival, and next week will be our last full school event. This experience is surreal, and we hope you guys are making the most of it. We encourage everyone to use the limited time we have left on this campus to experience new things, talk to new people and do things that are unfamiliar to you, as this is your last chance to do so and the memories that will have an impact. We wanted to share a quote with everyone that might resonate with you for the upcoming exam season: ‘The only thing you can control is you.’ This quote serves as a reminder of the importance of dedication, perseverance and accountability. We know it's easy to place the blame on someone when things don't go to plan and to point fingers at others, whether that be your distractions or other external factors. But at the end of the day, you are at the centre of decisions. The centre of your learning. You are the one who puts in the work. So put in that work and prioritise yourself. This all starts with accountability — own your choices and commit to the process. You are in control of your effort, mindset and your growth, not anyone else’s.

Thank you.

Stage 5 Art Gallery of New South Wales Excursion Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes

Year 9 and 10 Visual Arts students visited the Art Gallery of New South Wales on Friday 13th June, as part of their learning in Visual Arts. Each year, our St Andrews Visual Arts students visit the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes - one of the most prestigious art awards in Australia. Our students were once again blown away by the artworks in real life - seeing artworks up close and in awe of the scale of some of the paintings. 

In addition to visiting this exhibition, students also experienced the installation Happy Birthday 2U2 by artist Hikoko Ito. Students engaged with this interactive artwork, first locating their birthday symbol and finding a card from their birthday twin before sitting down and creating a card to leave behind. This installation artwork allowed our students to consider the function of art and the postmodern conventions utilised that challenge our perception of art. Students received cards in English and even some written in different languages. 

After a break for lunch at the nearby cafe, where students enjoyed hot chips and pizzas, we reentered the gallery to visit the permanent collections. Our students visited the gallery’s Asian collection, as well as looked at more traditional artworks. 

Thank you to Mrs Kemal and Miss Rivera for supporting me with the excursion. We had a wonderful day (with lovely weather) spent with our students immersed in art. 

Junior CAPA Showcase People’s Choice Award Principal’s Award

As a part of our Semester 1 Junior CAPA Showcase, we also had our audiences vote for their favourite artworks from our Year 9 Archibald Prize portraits and the Year 10 Suburbia Collection of Works. Students will be recognised in an assembly in Term 3, where they will also be presented with certificates. I am pleased to share with our school community the winners from the Showcase. Congratulations!

Year 9 People's Choice - Gatleen Boparai Mumma, Acrylic on Canvas

Year 10 People's Choice - Gabrielle Cardino An Oxymoron of Memories, Acrylic and Clay on Canvas

Principal's Award - Kristen Cruz (Year 10) Bahay Kubo (Country House), Painting and Drawing

Operation Art

We had several wonderful entries again for Operation Art this year. After looking through all the entries with the Visual Arts team, we are pleased to announce the following students have had their artworks selected to represent St Andrews College for Operation Art 2025. We will also recognise the achievements of these students in an assembly in Term 3. They will also be receiving more information directly from the Arts Unit, as their artworks will be featured in a gallery in NSW with an opening event, later this year. Congratulations to our wonderful artists!

Rhythm Gupta - Year 9

Wings among Wisteria

Painting

April Kasmaboti - Year 8

Barbecue Sizzle

Drawing

Mrs Claudia Harris

Leader of Learning Visual Arts

Dear Parents/Guardians, 

On Friday, the 6th June, we had our College Athletics Carnival. It was a great day filled with many of our students participating in an athletics event, participating in novelty events to gain points for their house as well as getting involved in house chants. 

A big Congratulations to the Age Champions from our College Athletics Carnival, 

12 year Girls: Aarika Yashik, 13 year Boys: Jacob Mammoliti, 13 year Girls: Achala Athum, 14 year Boys: Enoch Leveni, 14 year Girls: Leah McSweeney, 15 year boys: Ronan Davis, 15 year Girls: Amelia Farag , 16 year Boys: Ali Miczaei, 16 year Girls: Allistaire Reyes , 17 year Boys: Anthony Pilayre, 17 year Girls: Leila Crisafulli-Kefu 

I look forward to sharing the successes of our students who will be competing at the PDSSSC Athletics carnival on the 4th of September at Sydney Olympic Park. 

I would like to share some cross-country news with you all. Daniil Jerdetski placed 12th at the PDSSSC Cross Country competition for the 12-year boys and is now the first reserve for the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships. He was just one second away from securing a guaranteed spot in the NSWCCC. We also had Hayden Straub in the 14-year boys placed 11th and is also the first reserve for the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships. Congratulations to both Danill and Hayden on a tremendous effort and I look forward to sharing more news with you in the near future. 

Thank you, 

Miss Ivana Nikitovic 

Leader of Learning - Sport

UNITY DAY 2025

Unity Day Celebration – Friday, 27th June

We are excited to announce that Unity Day is just around the corner! Taking place on Friday, 27th June, this special event is a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and connection. Unity Day brings together our diverse school community to honour the many backgrounds, traditions, and stories that make us who we are.

The day will be packed with colour, sound, and flavour, featuring an incredible lineup of musical performances, traditional and contemporary dance, cultural foods from around the world, and a liturgy that reflects the spirit of togetherness and respect. It's an opportunity for all of us to learn from each other, share in each other’s heritage, and celebrate the richness of our differences.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to every staff member who has offered to guide and supervise students through the rehearsal process. Thank you to the many students who auditioned to be part of Unity Day — your enthusiasm, talent, and courage to share your culture and creativity are what make this event truly special. We are proud of each one of you!

Important reminder for all performers: 

There will be a technical run-through on Wednesday, 25th June from 3:00pm to 6:00pm in the Junior Hall. This is a crucial time to rehearse with sound, spacing and stage setup, so please ensure you are present and prepared. 

We look forward to celebrating Unity Day with you all. Let’s make it a day to remember — full of pride, joy, and unity!

Poster Art by Amelie Liu, Jasmine Fowler & Alyx Dallakoti.

Year 12 Music Major Work Showcase: A Night of Talent and Triumph

The Year 12 Music Major Work Showcase was an unforgettable celebration of talent, dedication, and artistic growth. Our students delivered a series of exceptional performances, demonstrating not only technical mastery but also deep emotional expression and creative individuality. Each piece reflected countless hours of practice, refinement, and passion, leaving the audience inspired and proud of the incredible musicianship on display.

What stood out most was the remarkable growth each student has shown throughout their time in the music course. From early rehearsals to final performance night, their commitment to improving their craft and pushing personal boundaries was evident in every note. Whether performing solo or as part of an ensemble, students embraced the challenge of their major works and rose to the occasion with confidence and maturity.

This success would not have been possible without the unwavering guidance and support of our dedicated music staff (Miss Le, Mr Alata, Mr Chiappetta, Miss Breeze, Mrs Cooper and Mr Riger). Their mentorship, expertise, and encouragement were instrumental in helping students reach their full potential and bring their musical visions to life.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to our incredible media team, guided by Miss Mifsud for capturing the evening so beautifully through their photography, allowing these special moments to be remembered and celebrated. We are equally grateful to our VET Entertainment crew led by Miss Breeze, whose professionalism and hard work behind the scenes ensured a smooth and visually stunning event.

The Year 12 Music Showcase was a powerful testament to the strength of our performing arts community. Congratulations to all involved on a truly inspiring night!

JUNIOR CAPA SHOWCASE

The recent Junior Creative and Performing Arts Night was a resounding success, celebrating the diverse talents of our young student musicians, artists, dancers, and actors. The evening brought together an enthusiastic community of families, friends, and staff, all eager to witness the incredible creativity and hard work of our students from years 7 - 10.

The event featured an inspiring array of performances and exhibitions, from powerful dramatic pieces and expressive dance routines to captivating musical performances and stunning visual art displays. Each student brought their unique voice and energy to the stage and gallery, creating a dynamic and heartfelt showcase that reflected both individual talent and collective passion. The audience responded with warmth and enthusiasm, their appreciation evident in every round of applause and word of encouragement.

Behind the scenes, weeks of preparation and dedication were apparent in the professionalism and polish of each act. Teachers worked tirelessly to guide and mentor the students, ensuring a smooth and uplifting experience for all involved. The night not only celebrated the arts, but also the courage, creativity, and collaboration of our junior students.

This memorable evening reaffirmed the vital role of the arts in nurturing confidence, expression, and connection among young people. The Junior Creative and Performing Arts Night was more than just a showcase —it was a vibrant testament to the power of student creativity and the strength of our school community. We congratulate all our young artists and performers on an unforgettable night of inspiration and joy. A big thank you also goes out to the media team and VET entertainment crew for their efforts in sound, set up, pack down, photography and videography. 

Mr Antonio Chiappetta 

Director of Performance

Geneika Fadlen in Year 10 participated in her second amateur Muay Thai fight. 

Growing up, Geneika witnessed her dad train and compete in Muay Thai, but he chose not to participate in fights out of fear of injury, which would impact his family life. Geneika was intrigued and shared his passion. 

After finally convincing her parents, Geneika began her kickboxing journey at 9 years old, transitioning to muay thai from the age of 11 with no intention of slowing down. She loves Muay Thai because it is so different from many other sports that students participate in at her age, it requires physical and mental strength, demolishes stereotypes and assumptions, and fosters a special family connection through their shared passion. 

Geneika’s fight occurred on Saturday, 14 June as part of the MTA amateur series in Sydney. Her fight was at PTJ Muay Thai Gym in Gladesville, where the fighting ring was assembled outdoors and elevated for a professional experience. Her opponent was Chloe, a 31-year-old fighter from Fightworks Gym in Wollongong, while Geneika is 15 years old, proudly representing INRJ Martial Arts & Fitness Gym in Seven Hills. 

Congratulations to Geneika (in blue), who won the fight by points!

We look forward to hearing about Geneika’s progress and the outcomes of her upcoming fights in July and August.

Ms Carmela Hollero

Leader of Learning Gifted Education

Thank you to everyone who entered our May Writing Competition. Once again, the quality of submissions made judging incredibly difficult, and we appreciate the thought and effort shown by every student who participated. Writing is never wasted and it is important to keep refining the skill

We’re pleased to announce the winners for each year group:

Year 7 – Giordana Sirianni

Year 8 – Laura Perkins

Year 9 – Helli Vyas and Isabella De Leon

Year 10 – Angelina Chamoun

Year 12 – Raphaella Thimiopoulos-Wilson

Congratulations to all of our winners for their outstanding work!

The June Writing Competition is now open and will close on June 30. After that, we’ll be taking a short break before launching the next round—so now’s a great time to get your entries in!

Keep writing, and well done to everyone who entered!

Write a Book in a Day – Coming Soon!

On Tuesday, Week 10 (July 1st), our school will proudly take part in the annual Write a Book in a Day competition – a nationwide creative writing event that challenges students to write, illustrate, and submit a complete book in just half a day. From 8:00am to 7:00pm, over 300 of our students will collaborate in teams to craft imaginative stories based on specific parameters, all while raising money for childhood cancer research through the Kids' Cancer Project. It’s a fast-paced, fun and inspiring day where creativity, teamwork, and purpose come together.

With so many students involved, it’s important that all permission forms are submitted via Compass as soon as possible. The majority are finalised, so thank you for completing that quickly. Pizza orders for the day will also be finalised shortly, so students should complete the Form now. We’re excited to see the creative talent of our students shine in this epic one-day challenge – and we can’t wait to read the incredible stories they produce!

Mr Duncan Dewar

Leader of Learning - Reading/Writing

Year 7Math7 class recently got their first taste of algebra with a hands-on and engaging introductory lesson that turned algebraic expressions into edible fun! Using a mixed bag of lollies as manipulatives, students explored the foundational concepts of writing number sentences and collecting like terms.

The lesson began with students organising their manipulatives into like terms. The teacher wrote a number sentence using words, which the students then made with their lollies. The class decided that their number sentences needed to be abbreviated and came up with pronumerals for each term; strawberry creams (sc or cs), black cats (bc or cb), jellybabies (jb) and several others.

   3jb + 2sc +2s +mb +jb +2sc + 2mb

Students counted how many terms were in their expression. 

= 3jb +jb +2sc + 2sc + mb + 2mb +2s 

Students collected like terms both with the manipulatives and their written work..

= 4jb +4sc + 3mb + 2s   

By physically grouping the lollies, students were able to see how expressions could

 be simplified.

This tactile and visual approach not only made abstract algebraic ideas more accessible but also added a healthy dose of fun to the classroom.

The activity sparked discussions, strengthened collaboration skills, and helped demystify algebra for students who might have found the new concept daunting. By the end of the lesson, students were confidently creating and simplifying their own algebraic expressions—proof that learning really can be sweet!

Ms Amanda Cox 

Maths Teacher

College Leadership Team

Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing

College Leaders of Learning - KLA

College Leaders of Learning and Other Leaders