St Andrews College Marayong eNewsletter Term 4 Week 6
- From the Principal
- From the Assistant Principal Students
- From the Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning
- From the Leader of Wellbeing
- Pedagogy and Practice
- Year 8 Reflection Day
- THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
- Vinnies Christmas Appeal
- From the Business Manager
- Careers
- Important Dates
- ST ANDREWS COLLEGE LEADERSHIP TEAM 2021
Newsletter 18 2021
Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,
Thank you for the purposeful, respectful and safe way the community is engaging in the return to school. The sense of purpose and intent in learning has been admirable, the respect for each other and the environment in which we return has been a credit to you all, and the adhering to the safety measures we have put in place has added to a sense of calm. As we move into the last few weeks of Term it is important to continue to keep achieving these high expectations and form even better habits. Remember, “Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard”.
Thank you
‘It’s All About Learning’
Gospel Reflection: Mark 6:1-6
Jesus is rejected in his hometown
This Gospel immediately follows upon last week’s stories of the raising of Jairus’s daughter and the healing of the woman with a hemorrhage. It sets the context of our Gospel readings for the next two weeks in which Jesus will extend the work of his ministry to his disciples.
The Gospel describes what many believe to have been the typical pattern of Jesus’ ministry: teaching in the synagogue followed by acts of healing. In his hometown of Nazareth, the people are amazed by what they hear, but they also cannot comprehend how someone they know so well might move them so powerfully.
In this Gospel, we learn some interesting details about Jesus and his early life. Jesus’ kinfolk know him to be a carpenter, an artisan who works in wood, stone, and metal. He probably learned this trade from his father. Family members of Jesus are also named. Mark describes Jesus as the son of Mary, which is an unusual designation. Adult males were more typically identified with the name of their fathers. It is unclear why Mark deviates from this custom.
Brothers and sisters of Jesus are also named. Scholars are divided on how to interpret this. As Catholics, we believe that Mary was and remained always a virgin, thus we do not believe that this Gospel refers to other children of Mary. Some have suggested that these family members might be Joseph’s children from a previous marriage, but there is little evidence to support this. Others explain this reference by noting that the words brother and sister were often used to refer to other types of relatives, including cousins, nieces, and nephews.
This Gospel tells us that Jesus is hampered from performing miracles in Nazareth because of the people’s lack of faith. Jesus is said to be surprised by this. He did not predict or foresee this rejection. In this detail we find a description of the very human side of Jesus.
This passage unfolds a continuing theme of Mark’s Gospel: Who is Jesus? His kinfolk in Nazareth might know the carpenter, the son of Mary, but they do not know Jesus, the Son of God. Mark is foreshadowing Jesus’ rejection by his own people, the people of Israel. He is also reflecting on and trying to explain the situation of the community for which he wrote. While many of the first Christians were Jewish, Christianity took hold and flourished in the Gentile community. Mark’s community was mostly a Gentile community, who may have been experiencing persecution. By showing that Jesus himself was rejected, Mark consoles and reassures his first readers. He also prepares us to accept this possible consequence of Christian discipleship.
Year 8 Reflection Day:
Congratulations to all staff and students on a great day. It is so important to give ourselves time to stop and reflect on our spiritual selves. Thank you for the students who engaged so well in the day.
Nominations for Major Works:
Congratulations to the students who have been nominated for higher honors for their outstanding work in their HSC Subjects across Music, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Drama and Visual Art. This is a wonderful recognition of the hard work you have put into your projects. We are not allowed to inform the students of their nomination at this stage due to NESA Guidelines.
Year 12 Higher School Certificate:
You may have seen the College feature on Channel 9 News throughout the day on Tuesday. If you didn’t get a chance then here is the link. I would like to commend our Year 12 Class of 2021 on their resilience, dedication, and attitude. It is a credit to you all. Keep up the great work.
Congratulations to Gould on being announced House Cup Winners for 2021:
It was a privilege to present the House Cup to Gould for the 2021 school year. The Captains were very proud of the achievements of the House and keen to show off the Cup to the students after the presentation. Well done to all Houses on your participation throughout the year. It was very close in the end and every merit and participation point counts.
Building Works:
We are continuing to develop the Junior Campus facilities by enhancing the viewing options in the Hall/Gymnasium. We are currently in the process of installing three new screens and projectors in preparation for the Year 12 Graduation and future events and assemblies.
Enrolment for Year 7 and 11 2023
NOW OPEN
Fidem in Christo
Dr Stephen Kennaugh
Principal
From the Assistant Principal-Students
Student expectations about Learning
In the final weeks of 2021 students are expected to be at school and working in every class. Holidays do not start until the end of the year and we expect that every student is in class and working to the best of their ability right up until the last lesson.
If you feel that your child is not getting any work please contact the class teacher or the Learning Advisor and express your concerns. The College has the expectation that as a learning community we are making the most of every learning opportunity.
Uniforms
Overall our students have been well presented at school. I ask parents to check the following items in regard to their uniforms.
- the girls kilts must be down to the knees, some are too short
- if a boy wishes to wear a tie, the shirts must be tucked in
- sports uniform is to be worn on a Thursday and during Covid on a day they have PDHPE. The sports uniform must be a full sports uniform or summer uniform, no other trackpants etc.
- a school bag is the only acceptable bag at the College
- all girls hair is to be tied back at school
- students should wear hard leather school shoes not black runners, this is a WHS requirement.
- All students must wear a mask indoor and recommended outdoors. Please ensure you have a spare on in your bag.
I ask parents to help ensure that the uniform is worn appropriately. If there is an issue with the uniform please contact the Leader of Learning for your Childs year group. Students who abuse the rules will be removed for classes until the uniform is rectified.
Respect for others
Last year I asked the students to consider a quote I heard:
“Good thoughts, Good words, Good deeds”
Over the last year how have we used this simple phrase? How have we used our thoughts, comments and actions in the playground, the classroom and online towards other people. We should never comment about others unless it is positive and we should always treat others the way we want to be treated ourselves.
It is very easy to neglect the way we treat others and the impact of negativity towards others can have a long-lasting effect on a person. We need to ask ourselves what type of person are we been seen as? Is it negative or positive? If its negative we need to consider what impact we are having on others and how we can change that to a positive.
I think it is important that we always ask ourselves before we do anything - What would Jesus do?
What in the planner?
Dealing with bullies or people that make comments to you is difficult. As we get older we realise that bullies are cowards who misuse or abuse their strengths. It is important that we develop respectful relationships and we do not tolerate anyone who abuses their strengths and target other people.
One cause of online bullying is FOMO ( fear of missing out). Engaging in activity and comments from trolls leads to the potential to be targeted online. Make and effort not to engage with people that are negative and bullies online.
The main character strengths are love of learning and Hope. Think about ways that we can develop these areas in our lives.
God Bless
Mr. Nicholas Thrum
Assistant principal - Students
YEAR 12 2022 ASSESSMENTS TERM 4
Year 12 2022 students should be working hard during school and in home study. Assessment tasks should be a priority within every student’s study timetable as well as home learning expectations.
Remember NESA requires every student to demonstrate sustained effort and due diligence!
RoSA Year 11 and 10
Year 11 and Year 10 RoSA grades will be released at the end of this term. It is a credential students need to download from their student online account and add to their portfolio.
Student Efficacy
All students need to take responsibility for their learning. This means identifying what they are learning, how they know they are learning and identifying the next steps.
Application of self identified learning, ensures the learning has control and investment in their learning.
Students need to ask:
What am I learning - (the Learning Intention)
How am I going with my learning - (Success Criteria)
How do I know I am learning - (Success Criteria)
Who am I going to for help - (peer/teacher - then applying feedback)
What are my next steps? (looking at the success criteria, analysing feedback)
Students are encouraged to practice these questions in order to increase their ability to take charge with their learning, achievement and progress.
How You Get Motivated to Study or Do Assessment Tasks at Home
Attached to this title is a survey link to a google form. All students have different strategies for studying and applying themselves to assessments tasks. I encourage all students to have a go at sharing how they study and apply themselves to assessment tasks at home. The data will be collated and shared with all students so students have various strategies that their peers have identified to support them in their home learning.
What makes a good learner at St Andrews?
Attached to this title is a survey link I shared with groups of students earlier this year about their learning. I encourage students to communicate their thoughts. The collated data will be shared in the next newsletter.
Positive Education Day
On Thursday November 9, students across the College celebrated Positive Education Day. Our focus was Character Strengths, and students were encouraged to wear their top character strength colours on the day. It was an opportunity for students to identify their own character strengths, and to see who else within our Community also had the same strength. Likewise it was great to see all the different strengths (& colours!) within our community. The Senior SRC also created a Photo Booth and gave out coloured drinks to express their character strengths and to raise awareness for positive education.
Research tells us that knowing & using our strengths impacts positively on a range of outcomes - such as reaching our goals, overall wellbeing and energy. Thank you to all students who participated and got involved, and a big congratulations to our Captains & SRC who helped with the planning of the day.
Merit Awards & the House Cup
There have been 2 developments with our Merit Awards this week. Firstly, all the data from our previous Merit platform has now been imported into Compass. This means students are now able to see how many Merit Awards they have received since they have been at St Andrews. There is a link on the students’ Wellbeing Google Classroom that has the instructions on how to do this. I encourage all students to have a look and see what their Merit total is. Secondly, we were able to announce the winner of the House Cup at the last online Junior Assembly. Dr Kennaugh presented the House Cup to the winning House - Gould! The Gould House Captains, Ava Alley, Nicole Wasef, Elijah Barret & Mihir Sundriyal, proudly received the House Cup on behalf of their House. This year, due to the delay of the start of the HSC, we were fortunate to have both Junior & Senior House Captains present. Our House Cup Celebration Day is Thursday December 9. Unfortunately we will not be able to go to Raging Waters this year, however we are currently finalising an alternate activity for Gould students to participate in, to celebrate their House Cup success.
The final totals are below:
Bennelong: 16, 127
Chang: 16, 887
Frances: 16, 645
Gould: 21, 454
Mrs Sue Cooper
Leader of Wellbeing
Congratulations to Year 12
Congratulations to all of our Year 12 students for commencing their HSC Examinations. This cohort of students have completed their HSC courses during the most challenging of times due to Covid19 and extended lockdowns. It is a testament to their resilience that they can enter into the final exams with optimism and a true sense of achievement.
Year 10 and 11 HSC Minimum Standards Tests
A compulsory part of preparing for the HSC is for all students to complete three (3) tests: Reading, Writing and Numeracy. Tests can be completed as early as Year 10. Given this, the school is providing opportunities for all Year 10 and Year 11 students to complete the minimum standards before the end of this school year. Details are being sent directly to students in preparation.
Year 10 All My Own Work
Each year, in preparation for entry into Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12) all Year 10 students are required to complete a series of units that form the All My Own Work program. This year the program will commence during week 7 with the intention of having all students complete the required modules before the end of the term. Full details will be sent directly to the students and teachers assisting in the program.
Literacy Improvement Program
Reading and Writing forms the foundations of all learning. As such, St Andrews is continuing to provide substantial opportunities for our students to improve their skills in both reading and writing. During Term 4, Mr Dewar and Mrs Hicks are working with a group of Year 9 students as part of a pilot program designed to accelerate skills growth in literacy. The program has commenced positively and results will be available at the conclusion of the academic year.
Paul Haras
Leader of Learning Pedagogy and Practice
Year 8 Reflection Day - 'God in All Things'
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S SUMMER READING CHALLENGE IS NOW OPEN
Reading sparks our imagination and creativity!
The annual Summer Reading Challenge is back on and YOU are invited to read read read over the break!
YOU can read anything you like to enter the challenge, whether it’s a comic, play, a piece of poetry, book, e-book or animated novel.
YOU can access e-books from the student e-book platforms SORA or Wheelers.
Taking part in the Executive Director’s Summer Reading Challenge is easy!
YOU just need to read something YOU enjoy, and in 50 words or less say why YOU loved it.
The more YOU read, the more times YOU can enter the reading challenge and the more chances YOU have of winning one of two $500 JB Hi-Fi vouchers or one of 30 runner-up gift vouchers to the value of $30.
It’s simple! The more books YOU read, the more chances you have to win!
YOU can enter online by visiting the CEDP website.
Entries open on 1 November 2021 and close at 5:00pm on 25 February 2022.
Terms and Conditions can be found here.
For further Details please contact Miss Hicks.
Qkr! mobile phone app
Dear Parents and Carers,
St Andrews College is now offering an online payment service through Qkr! by Mastercard. The College uniform supplier Oz Fashions is already using Qkr for school uniforms.Qkr! (pronounced ‘quicker’) is designed for busy parents and carers, this easy-to-use mobile phone application is suitable for both iPhone and Android Smartphones. This service is currently available for all non-school fee payments. Communications will be distributed as new events and products become available for purchase.
How to get started with Qkr!:
- Install the Qkr! app on your smartphone.
- 2. Use the magnifying glass to search for St Andrews College
Touch the school name to select.
sample name only
- Select Add Profile and create a profile for each student at the school.
- 4. Once you have created a profile, you may view available items and purchase them.
UNIFORM ORDERS
Dear Parents/ Guardians,
Due to Covid-19 there will be no uniform fittings for students starting school in 2022. St Andrews College Uniform Shop is run online by Oz Fashions. Orders are to be placed on the ‘QKR’ app by MasterCard.
Please follow all instructions on the attached flyer to download the app and set up your account.
No phone orders or messages will be accepted!
Delivery to the school is every Monday and Wednesday during the school term. Orders must be placed by 4:00pm Friday for delivery on Monday and 4:00pm Monday for Wednesday delivery. Please refer to the delivery dates on the QKR app before ordering for any changes.
We have also added a home delivery option and reduced the cost from $15.00 to $10.00 for parents who wish to use this option. (We strongly recommend this option as parents are not able to attend the school with the current restrictions).
For any parent who is wishing to pick up their order from Oz Fashions warehouse you must email Elle to organise pick up prior to going to Oz Fashions Granville.
Please choose carefully as we do not refund if you simply change your mind or make a wrong selection, however, we gladly exchange within 14 days.
Returned merchandise MUST be in its original condition with all tags still attached and accompanied by proof of purchase otherwise the exchange will not be honoured. Any item that has been worn will not be exchanged.
Please email all exchanges to elle@ozfashions.com.au
Please note that Oz Fashions warehouse in Granville DOES NOT sell the St Andrews College Uniform in store.
If you have any enquiries please contact Elle elle@ozfashions.com.au or 0421 216 414
Please place your uniform order as soon as possible to ensure you will be able to exchange uniform sizing if necessary and to guarantee students receive a uniform to start school. Please note: all orders for 2022 new students need to be placed before Monday 22nd November 2021 to ensure delivery before the end of the school year. The last delivery for St Andrews College uniform orders is Wednesday 24th November 2021.
Please see size guide attached for an approximate sizing of uniform items as well as a recommended list of uniform items your child requires to start school.
The following can also be found in the announcements section on our website here.
NSW Infrastructure Traineeships
The NSW State Government is offering Year 12 graduates an opportunity to apply for a NSW Infrastructure Traineeship. The traineeship program has been designed for HSC graduates to commence a career in the booming infrastructure industry. The 2022 program will be offering more than 100 places across NSW.
This two-year traineeship program combines TAFE studies with practical experience working for NSW Government Agencies and private sector industry employers. Trainees will have the opportunity to complete a Certificate IV in Business; or Project Management Practice; or Procurement and Contracting.
NSW Infrastructure Traineeship Information
Infrastructure Traineeship Website
Seasonal Positions at Raging Waters Sydney
Raging Waters Sydney is currently seeking applications to enhance their seasonal casual team.
Positions are currently available in:
- Aquatics (Lifeguard and Aquatic/Slide Attendant
- Park Presentation (Cleaning, Maintenance and Gardening)
- Attractions (Slide Testing and Inspection)
- Water Quality
Additional information:
Attractions and Lifeguard roles require applicants to be 18 years and older by the 18th of December, 2021. Applications will be considered from applicants who turn 18 by early January 2022.
Full training will be provided for all positions.
The Lifeguard training is a three day course and is internationally recognised. Applicants should be able to swim 200 metres comfortably.
Induction and training sessions are scheduled over the coming weeks and after the HSC.
Employee benefits include:
- Free entry and parking
- Tickets for friends and family
- Learning and development opportunities
- Full training provided with flexibility for HSC students schedule
- Discount on retail and more
Interested students are encouraged to visit the link below for more information and to apply.
https://ragingwaterssydney.com.au/employment
Applications close on the 30th of November.
| Year 9 Reflection Day | 19th November |
| St Andrews Day Celebration | 26th November |
| Feast of Saint Andrews | 30th November |
| Year 7 Orientation | 3rd December |
| Year 12 Graduation | 6th December |
College Leadership Team
| Principal | Dr 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 |
| Administration Operations Manager | Ms Simone McKechnie |
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 | Mrs Cassandra Carlos |
| 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 |