St Andrews College Marayong eNewsletter Term 3 Week 2
- From the Principal
- From the Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning
- From the Assistant Principal Students
- From the Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 8
- United Nations National Conference
- Pedagogy and Practice
- Food Technology in Lockdown
- Careers
- Important Dates
- ST ANDREWS COLLEGE LEADERSHIP TEAM 2021
Newsletter 11 2021
Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,
Welcome back to what has been a very different start to Term 3 than what we had anticipated. Thank you for the way in which you have supported our endeavours to keep all people in the community safe, and at the same time engage in the online learning provided by the College. Although I have been very pleased with the feedback that I have been receiving overall in relation to student engagement in their learning, some students have been struggling in the online environment. If that is you or your child please contact the College ASAP. We have systems in place to support all students along this journey.
I anticipate that the Lockdown will continue into Week 4 as well and I am awaiting confirmation on that at the time of print. Please stay safe and well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
‘It’s All About Learning’
Reflection: Gold Dust or God Dust?
In his book “Life is Messy” Matthew Kelly talks about being each other’s wounded healer. The word wounded creates very different images to the words hurt or injured, yet all three relate to pain that we physically feel and the hidden emotional wounds, injuries and hurt that often go unnoticed. All three cause similar reactions within us to find a way to remove the pain, fix the brokenness we see and acknowledge the wounds we cannot see. Trauma is the Greek word for "wound". Although the Greeks used the term only for physical injuries, nowadays trauma is just as likely to refer to emotional wounds. We now know that a traumatic event and life experiences can leave psychological, spiritual and mental symptoms, long after any physical injuries have healed.
When we reach into the life of another, Kelly lists our love, kindness, goodness, compassion and acceptance as the gold dust that is mixed into the glue we use to create a safe place for the other to be heard. It is in this sacred space that we hold their trauma, woundedness and the shattered pieces of life, that appear to be beyond repair, with dignity and reverence until the mending begins.
Kunsugi, the Japanese spirituality of mending ceramics using glue with gold dust mixed into it, creates an image for me, of all our lives. None of us, past, present or yet to come have lives without some wound or emotional crack. From the moment we are born, we carry with us the traumas of our entry into the world and as we move through our lives, add the deaths, pain and ugliness of life, which all leave a mark on each of us. Similarly, the joys, celebrations and births in our lives, also leave us marked in some way. Our external image does not always reflect the inward turmoil, feelings, emotions and story. If we use the spirituality of Kunsugi, which values the broken object, highlighting and embracing the flaws and imperfections, our life journey and our stories are surely worthy of a similar honour.
Henri Nouwen, says ministers must be willing to go beyond their professional role and leave themselves open, as fellow human beings, through their own wounds and suffering - in the image of Christ. In other words, we heal others from our own wounds, as Jesus ministers to each of us through His wounds of suffering. In ministering to one another, we mend the cracks of the other by reaching out through our own vulnerability and our own woundedness. Being wounded healers, we reach into the pain of those we seek to support and it is through the grace of God and God’s consolation that the broken pieces of life come together – is this God-dust I wonder? Christ bore the wounds of his suffering in His risen body and our wounds will become signs of glory in the resurrection, when we are lifted to eternal life with God, wounds and all.
In the messiness of life, Kelly refers to our God given gifts as being the gold dust we add to our acts of service to one another, and it is our Christian belief that it is through the broken wounds of Jesus that He commissions us to embrace those we encounter. In doing so could we be sprinkling the God-dust of Christ's love, compassion, acceptance, acknowledgement, peace, joy and authentic presence on all those we encounter?
Debating News:
Our Year 10A team still remains in the Finals and we will resume in the coming weeks when we return to face-to-face learning. The competition has been put on hold while online learning is in place.
Year 11 Subject Selections:
Due to Lockdown and online learning we will be conducting our interviews via Zoom next week. Due to some excellent organisation from Mrs Deschamps and Ms McKechnie we are ready to go. Thank you to parents and students for your understanding and support. I look forward to discussing with my allocated group their choices and options for 2022 and beyond.
Year 9 2022 Information Evening:
As we move into subject choices for Year 9 2022 we will be conducting the Information Evening via Zoom. Thank you in anticipation for your attendance..
Building Works on hold until Lockdown for builders concludes:
Unfortunately all building works have been put on hold due to the lockdown orders in Sydney. As a result the College Hall on the Senior Campus wall panelling and the addition of more Apple TV’s, the Creative and Performing Arts side of the Hall to allow for larger Music, Drama, Dance, Photography, and Art displays and performances will be completed ASAP after the lockdown is lifted.
The Art classrooms on the Senior Campus will recommence immediately once the lockdown is lifted.
The Hall Flooring on the Junior Campus is completed but the line marking still needs to be completed once the lockdown is lifted..
Enrolment for Year 7 and 11 2023
NOW OPEN
Fidem in Christo
Stephen Kennaugh
Principal
Preliminary Yearly Examinations Term 3
Year 11 students have had their Yearly Examination Timetable for a number of weeks.
It is important that every Year 11 student has a study timetable to effectively prepare for the upcoming Yearly Examinations. Students need to ensure they consistently adhere to their study timetable. At least 3 hours each night should be allocated to study and any allocated home learning.
Students have been asked to submit one piece of writing each week to their teacher for feedback. Practising writing for each subject is an excellent way to get feedback that you can actively use in your study sessions to improve. In particular, the Yearly Examinations is the first rigorous examination period students will have undertaken, therefore practising physical writing under examination conditions as part of their home study plan, will support students during the examination period.
Being prepared for the examinations is essential. All exams are conducted in a week. Therefore each student may have multiple exams in one day.
Year 11 End of Course Considerations:
At the conclusion of Year 11 students are able to reduce the number of subjects they are studying for Year 12. This means that students may wish to study a minimum of 10 units of study. In this way students are able to concentrate on their best units of study. It is important to consult Ms May and Mrs Deschamps before making any decisions, so every student has the right decision for their HSC success.
A number of students have had meetings with Mrs Deschamps over the last two terms. The meetings have been focused on addressing learning needs and improvement. Many conversations have included the best Year 12 pattern of study. These conversations will continue at the conclusion of Year 11 after the students have completed their Year 11 Examinations.
It is important that students understand that it is not always possible to drop a subject at the end of Year 11 due to a number of reasons, such as ATAR requirements, the need to have at least 10 units of study and the subject the student may wish to drop may not be the best option.
The best way to gauge the best pattern of study for Year 12 will be the students' achievement in the Year 11 Examinations. So every student needs to demonstrate their best effort and ability in every examination.
Trial HSC and Student Study
Every Year 12 student should be studying hard every night as they approach their examinations. Practising past HSC examinations which can be found in the NESA site, under exams conditions and with pen and paper, and submitting your practice to your teacher for feedback, will enable every student to have the ability to apply your feedback and address any gaps in learning.
Whilst the Trial HSC Examinations have been postponed by NESA already, if there are any further changes, students will be notified straight away.
Students are encouraged to take this time to be prepared and achieve their best!
NESA ADVICE
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is reassuring HSC students that arrangements are in place to ensure no student is disadvantaged by COVID restrictions.
NESA CEO Paul Martin said NESA is supporting HSC students and schools as COVID impacts NSW particularly those in Greater Sydney.
“Right now, our attention is on plans for the HSC oral language exams on 31 July and dance exams which are due to start on 2 August and we will issue further advice about these exams mid next week,” Mr Martin said.
“At this stage, we are planning for the drama, music and written exams and the marking of major works and projects to go ahead on schedule in a COVID safe way.”
NESA is continuing to work closely with NSW Health and the school sectors to plan contingencies for HSC exams, and will always follow the Health advice to prioritise the safety and health of students, exam staff and school communities.
While HSC trial exams are a school-based assessment activity that are not conducted by NESA, NESA has made some changes to their rules to help schools respond to the evolving COVID situation.
“I want to say categorically that students will have the opportunity to receive the HSC this year,” Mr Martin said.
“Students should continue to focus on their studies and prioritise looking after their wellbeing.”
Teachers and schools are absolutely focussed on supporting HSC students whether they are learning from home in the Greater Sydney region, or at school in regional NSW.
Current advice for HSC students includes:
- Your school will advise you about arrangements for trial HSC exams.
- HSC students in Greater Sydney continue to be able to access school to prepare for the HSC where they cannot do so from home, including to use specialist equipment to work on major projects or rehearse for performance exams.
- As per broader NSW Health advice, HSC students in Greater Sydney are asked to learn from home where possible.
- All HSC students must follow COVID safe practices at school, including wearing a mask.
- The COVID illness/misadventure process is available for students whose ability to work on their major project or performance has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
NESA is regularly updating the advice for HSC students.
Year 9 2022 Student/Parent Elective Evening
Year 9 Electives Subject Selection will be conducted online in Week 3. It is important to attend the Principal’s address as there is an exciting announcement with regards to new options for electives.
Students are encouraged to ask their teachers questions and students undertaking particular subjects to ensure they choose the right subjects for them.
Parents will need to accompany their children during the course of the online sessions.
Year 11 2022 Subject Interviews
The Subject Selection Process for 2022 has been an improved process to ensure every student has the right pattern of study for their success. Initially students had individual interviews to discuss their achievement to date and subjects they are thinking of undertaking for Year 11 2022. Next students had the opportunity to attend the Subject Market Evening to receive further advice and then make their choices. Following selections, every student’s pattern of study has been looked at in conjunction with their achievement in Years 9 and 10 and the parameters for each subject. Finally every student and their parents will have an interview in order to discuss the student’s choices. In many cases student’s have selected good patterns of study, however in some cases there may be a subject or subject pathway where students need to be guided to make the right choice. Parents and students are encouraged to be open to the expert advice from subject Learning Advisors. The HSC is about EVERY student making the RIGHT choice for their SUCCESS!
Online Learning
We have just completed the second week on online learning for the term. Most of us have engaged well with the changing learning environment. Working online is physically and mentally draining and you need to have breaks on a regular basis. All students and teachers have been sent a revised timetable to give everyone more breaks from being online.
It is very important that all staff and students look after their wellbeing. Are you exercising or getting away from technology on a regular basis? Are you talking to other people about non-school stuff? Are you looking after your spirituality? Are you monitoring your mental health and getting help when you need it? Are you engaging in your learning? If you answer no to one of these questions you need to change that area to a yes.
Three steps to better habits
It is very easy for us to develop bad habits and it's difficult at times to break these habits. It is important to be able to identify the bad habits and make plans to change them. The following is a 3 step way that you can change your habits.
- Identify what is holding you back. What is causing the problem, e.g. procrastination, fear, laziness etc.
- Law of replacement. Choose a habit you want to change and replace it with a new one.
- Cancel, Cancel. Cancel out negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts.
Once you start using a new behaviour you will find it easy to make this a new habit. Remember to stick with it at the start and it will become second nature.
What is in the Planner?
The main emphasis of Wellbeing this week is Kindness and Generosity. We are in a particularly strange time living in a Pandemic. We are seeing people behaving poorly, people being stressed about work and the threat of catching the disease and people dealing with loss either through death or other circumstances.
One of the biggest things we can do for each other is to be kind. A simple act of kindness can make a huge difference in the life of someone who is suffering. A kind gesture to a friend or Stranger, helping out at home and being kind to your parents and siblings. Make an effort to be kind every day.
In this time of distress across the world we need to be grateful for so much. Don’t take anything for granted, always be grateful for what we have and the people that care about us. Take time in your day to say thanks for the small things.
In this time of Covid we sometimes get worried that things are not going to get better. Take time to be optimistic about the future. Optimism helps us to have a growth mindset and look forward to the future, which will change all the time. We will not always be in the same situation and optimism helps us cope with change and grow from it.
God Bless
Mr. Nicholas Thrum
Assistant principal - Students
Wellbeing Update - Term 3 Week 2
One of the most important things at this time of online learning, especially from a school perspective, is communication. It’s really important for everyone to feel connected and to have a sense of belonging. Through their Wellbeing Google Classrooms, the Leaders of Learning Wellbeing are communicating many things with their students - tips for completing classwork online, ways to look after their physical and mental health, and suggestions on how to unwind and to relax. If students are finding anything difficult at the moment, getting in touch with their Leader of Learning Wellbeing is one of the most important things that they can do. Parents are also able to email their son or daughter’s Leader of Learning Wellbeing if they have any concerns, or our school counsellors Ms Castle or Sr Cristina. Their emails are below:
Miss Simmonds, Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 7: lsimmonds1@parra.catholic.edu.au
Ms Blackwell, Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 8: MBlackwell@parra.catholic.edu.au
Mrs Utoikamanu, Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 9: autoikamanu@parra.catholic.edu.au
Mr Frankham, Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 10: dfrankham@parra.catholic.edu.au
Miss Pett, Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 11: epett@parra.catholic.edu.au
Mr Gillogly, Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 12: mgillogly@parra.catholic.edu.au
Ms Castle, School Counsellor kcastle@parra.catholic.edu.au
Sr Cristina, School Counsellor cramada@parra.catholic.edu.au
To help your son/daughter as they work from home, St Andrews College has provided students with a ‘Student Daily Planner - a Guide for Online Learning’ (Daily Planner) which outlines what a typical timetable at home would look like. It’s important that although students are not at school, that the school timetable is still followed. This is sent to all students as part of their weekly ONLINE LEARNING LETTER from Mr Thrum & Ms Kalifa, and is regularly updated. All teachers will be following their regular timetable - so students are able to communicate with their subject teachers during their timetabled lesson (such as asking questions) so they are able to understand and complete the work. It is important that students are an active participant in any work that the teacher has asked them to do, including uploading work onto their Subject Google Classroom at the end of the lesson. If any students are having trouble with their Subject Google Classrooms, they are asked to contact their subject teacher or their Leader of Learning Wellbeing.
If you need any extra resources at this time, here are some helpful websites. They also have specific advice about COVID-19 :
https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/covid-19
Sue Cooper
Leader of Wellbeing Year 8
Pedagogy, Practice and Curriculum
As we move into an extended period of Remote Learning it becomes increasingly important to establish positive routines in order to sustain learning and wellbeing. These elements are intrinsically connected and by remaining conscious of maintaining balance between them, we are able to move beyond surviving challenging times to thriving and even flourishing.
As our teachers and Leaders of Learning design effective formative assessment tasks that will enable evidence of student learning to be gathered and analysed from the period of Remote Learning, we are reminded to care for our overall wellbeing. Below are some practical tips that may assist students, parents and teachers successfully navigate through the lockdown experience.
Tip # 1 - Ask For Help.
We are all together in this and we are here to support all our students, parents and families.
Reaching out to friends, classmates and teachers helps sustain learning.
Tip # 2 - Exercise the Mind and Body
Keeping healthy in mind and in body is vital for successful learning. Establish a nutrition and exercise plan that is sustainable.
Eat nutritious foods.
Remain physically active.
Tip # 3 - Recognise Emotions and Feelings
Regular contact with our friends, classmates, teachers and friends helps maintain positive mental health.
Talk about your feelings and remind yourself that this lockdown is only temporary.
Tip # 4 - Organise Your Day
Maintaining a consistent routine helps develop a sense of purpose.
Create consistent patterns for meals, study, exercise, rest and sleep.
A positive daily routine elevates our expectations and helps to keep us focused.
Tip # 5 - Focus on Spirituality
Prayer and Faith helps to unite us in times of challenge. Isolation can present many people with a range of challenges. Prayerful meditation is a powerful way to maintain our faith and spirituality.
Paul Haras
Leader of Pedagogy and Practice
Due to the Lockdown extension, Food Technology students were unfortunately unable to have their usual practical lessons where they would usually build on their practical cooking skills. In response to the online learning situation, students were given the opportunity to design, plan and if they were able, cook a recipe at home!
The rules were simple. They needed to ensure that:
- Most, if not all, ingredients used were already available in their kitchen.
- The recipe needed to be simple and easy to follow.
- Their chosen recipe needed to aim to be low in fat and sugar.
- They needed to show evidence of their planning and designing of the recipe.
- Ensure that they were aware of the safety considerations and hygienic practices.
- Evaluate the final outcome of their dish according to taste, texture, smell etc. as well as nutritional requirements.
The outcome of this lesson had students putting both their thinking caps and chefs hats on to accomplish the challenge. Those who cooked impressed their teachers with not only the final product being cooked, but also their attention to food presentation!
The Food Technology teachers would like to say how proud we were of our students' ability to independently take the skills they had been learning at school, and create something fantastic from home. We look forward to seeing you all face-to-face hopefully very soon!
Shanai Mifsud
Technologies Teacher
CEDP IT Traineeship
Students interested in a career in IT may like to consider the CEDP IT Traineeship. This is a two year traineeship where trainees are placed in a Parramatta Diocesan School.
Students will gain a Certificate III in Information Digital Media & Technology in the first year and a Certificate IV in Information Technology Networking in the second year.
The CEDP will be holding an Information Session on Tuesday the 24th of August and Wednesday the 25th of August. Students are only required to attend one of the sessions.
The information session will be held at St Agnes Catholic College, 24 Evans Road, Rooty Hill commencing at 4pm and concluding at 6pm.
Interested students are strongly encouraged to attend an Information Session. Below is a link to register.
Click here to register for the Information Session.
Year 11 ACU Step Up Programs
Uni Step-Up is a chance to experience university life by studying two first year units while completing the HSC. The program also is an opportunity to develop connections with current university students and staff as well as an opportunity to experience study at a tertiary level. The program is delivered during the September and January school holidays at a Australian Catholic University Campus.
The program is ideal for students interested in getting a head start on a pathway to university in the following areas of study:
- Nursing
- Sports & Exercise Science
- Midwifery
- Paramedicine
- Business
Click here for more information about the ACU Step-Up Programs.
Year 11 students wishing to apply for one of the ACU Step-up Programs must contact Ms May before Friday the 30th of July to register their interest.
Western Sydney University True Reward Program
Online Applications are now open for the Western Sydney University True Reward Program. Depending on the round of offer this program makes offers based on HSC Bands or Year 11 results.
The following courses are excluded from the 2022 True Reward Program:
- Bachelor of Architectural Design
- Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedicine)
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Speech Pathology
- Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)
- Doctor of Medicine
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse pathway)
- Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12) Diploma pathway
- Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Education (Primary) - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
- Associate Degree in Engineering
- University Foundation Studies (Health Science/ Nursing) - Accelerated
- University Foundation Studies (Health Science/ Nursing) - Standard
There are four offer rounds. Applications for the first round close on Sunday the 15th of August. Offers made in the first three rounds are made on Year 11 results. In round four offers will be made on HSC Bands.
Click here to apply and for more information.
University of Wollongong Early Admission Program
The University of Wollongong Early Admission Program considers a student’s unique skills and experience. An applicant’s personal attributes and attitudes, alongside their Year 11 results are taken into account as part of the application.
Students need to answer four questions that indicate their readiness to succeed at university. The questions address the criteria below:
- Academic Readiness
- Motivation and Passion
- Communication and Collaboration
- Planning and Persistence
On Thursday the 29th of July the University of Wollongong will be holding a webinar at 6pm to help students with their application. The webinar will outline the following:
- Who can apply for UOW Early Admission
- Which courses can you apply for in our Early Admission program
- The application process
- Key dates and timelines
- Tips and tricks to make your application stand-out
- Hardship applications
- How your application is assessed
- Interview preparation
- How and when offers are made
- Preparing for study in 2022
Click here to register for the Webinar.
Click here for more information about the University of Wollongong Early Admission Program.
J.P. Morgan Business Traineeship
J.P. Morgan is a global leader in financial services, providing strategic advice and products to the world’s most prominent corporations, governments, wealthy individuals and institutional investors. J.P. Morgan strives to build trusted, long-term partnerships to help their clients achieve their business objectives.
The J.P. Morgan Business Traineeship Program is an excellent opportunity for Year 12 students to pursue a career in the financial sector without a university degree. The traineeship program is a two year full-time program, where students are placed in the Securities Services Department looking after fund services and market operations.
Click here for more information about the application process.
Sydney Flight College
Sydney Flight College was born as Schofields Flying Club Ltd, and has grown to be the largest flying club in NSW. The club has had a proud history of flying operations for over 50 years, with training as one of its core activities.
Sydney Flight College students come from various walks of life and stages in their careers and all share a common passion for aviation. A large number have moved on to professional aviation careers, others have chosen the challenge of aviation as a hobby.
On September 10 at 2pm Sydney Flight College will be hosting an online information session. The 30 minute information session will highlight careers in aviation and the Sydney Flight College Women Pilot Scholarships for 2022.
Students interested in attending the Information Session are asked to email Ms May for further details regarding registration. More information about Sydney Flight College can be found by clicking this link Sydney Flight College
| Year 10 Vaccinations | 4th August |
| Year 8 Reflection Day | 6th August |
| Year 9 Reflection Day | 20th August |
| Year 12 Graduation Mass and Ceremony | 13th September |
College Leadership Team
| Principal | Mr Stephen Kennaugh |
| Assistant Principal Staff and Innovation (Acting) | Mrs Clare Healy |
| Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning | Ms Michelle Deschamps |
| Assistant Principal Students | Mr Nick Thrum |
| Director Faith, Mission and Learning | Mr Frank Clarke |
| Business Manager | Mrs Melissa Welch |
| Principal's Secretary and College Registrar | Mrs Julie Sabine |
College Leaders of Learning - KLA
| Leader of Learning English | Mrs Marsha Edwards |
| Assistant Leader of Learning English | Mr Travis Kolek |
| Leader of Learning Music and Performance | Mr Antonio Chiappetta |
| Leader of Learning Creative Arts | Mrs Pauline Ryan |
| Leader of Learning HSIE | Mr Daniel Camilleri |
| Assistant Leader of Learning HSIE | Mr Jarryd Leaves |
| Leader of Learning Languages (Acting) | Ms Lisa Yuen |
| Leader of Learning TAS | Mr Bill Robson |
| Assistant Leader of Learning TAS | Mr Scott Drennan |
| Leader of Learning Science (Acting) | Mr Rohan Isaac |
| Assistant Leader of Learning Science (Acting) | Mrs Grace Flaihan |
College Leaders of Learning
| Leader of Learning Diversity | Mrs Pauline Xuereb |
| Leader Faith, Mission and Learning | Ms Josilin Kalifa |
| Leader of Learning Literacy | Mr Duncan Dewar |
| Leader of Learning Technologies | Mrs Sarah Anzellotti |
| Leader of Learning Faith in Mission | Mr Ralph San-Pedro Loyola |
| Leader of Learning Sport | Mr Alexander Dunaeff |
| Leader of Learning Pedagogy & Practice | Mr Paul Haras |
| Leader of Learning Reading | Ms Linda Hicks |
Senior Campus Leaders of Learning - KLA
| Leader of Learning Mathematics | Ms Tracey Thomson |
| Leader of Learning PDHPE | Ms Claudine Desira |
Junior Campus Leaders of Learning - KLA
| Leader of Learning Mathematics | Mrs Gilda De Guzman |
| Leader of Learning PDHPE | Mr Nathan Weaver |
Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing
| Leader of Wellbeing | Mrs Sue Cooper |
| Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 7 | Ms Lyndal Simmonds |
| Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 8 | Ms Melissa Blackwell |
| Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 9 | Mrs Andrea Utoikamanu |
| Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 10 | Mr David Frankham |
| Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 11 | Ms Emily Pett |
| Leader of Learning WellbeingYear 12 | Mr Martin Gillogly |
|
School Counsellor |
Ms Kerrie Castle |
|
School Counsellor |
Sr Cristina Ramada |
| Careers Counsellor | Ms Therese May |
| College Administration Coordinator | Ms Simone McKechnie |