The Focus is on the Learning

We begin the 2022 academic school year with a renewed focus on Learning for every member of our College community. This year’s learning journey aims to bring growth for all our students and a commitment to stronger feedback, communication and collaboration between all members of our learning community.

Our hope this year is to renew our passion for learning, engage ourselves in our learning goals and work together to achieve our personal best both in and outside of the classroom.

We will continue to utilise our steps in learning to place emphasis on using feedback to help our students improve in their learning. This feedback on your child for each subject, provides a great insight into how well they are meeting the learning goals set for them in each lesson. This feedback is provided by the classroom teacher and related to the work completed within their lessons for each subject. 

We are looking forward to the conversations between teachers, parents and students about their learning in 2022.

Josilin Kalifa
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning

From the Assistant Principal-Students

Welcome back to the 2022 school year at St Andrews College.

I hope that your Christmas and summer break were filled with joy. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all students and families back to St Andrews College for another great year of learning.

I would like to congratulate the class of 2021 on great HSC results. These results were the result of hard work by the students. The bar has been set and we hope that all students make an effort to do their best each day. The motto for the year is “the focus is on Learning”. Students are challenged to keep their focus on learning and growing with each learning activity.  

COVID

Unfortunately, COVID is still a part of 2022. As a community we need to keep up with CIOVID restrictions and updates from the government and the school. We are seeing many restrictions change on a regular basis but this week we need to be aware of some that effect the students.

• Masks are compulsory for all students and staff all day.
• All students must QR code on at the gates or sign-on on the sheets provided.
• All students should wash their hands on a regular basis.
• Hand sanitiser is to be used as often as possible 
• No hugging, kissing, shaking hands, sharing of food or drink at school
• Year groups are having recess and lunch separated from other year groups.
• Where possible keep a 1.5m distance.
• If you have any flue like symptoms, you must get a COVID test (RAT OR PCR) and you will need to follow NSW health advice if you are a close contact or test positive.

COVID AND SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

The Opening College Mass and the High Achiever Assembly

The Opening College mass will be streamed to families and available as a recoding on the College website. The High Achievers Assembly will be recorded and made available on the College web site.

Camps and excursions

At this stage camps and some excursions will continue depending on current restrictions and there may be modification to current formats of events. All events will have a COVID safety plan.

Reminders for the students

Attendance

All schools in the Diocese have been set an attendance target of 94%. This will mean that during a school year all students are expected to attend the College as much as possible to take advantage of all learning possibilities. It is expected that there will be times that some students will be sick and cannot attend school. An acceptable absence rate for a term will be around 3 days. 

Parents will be contacted by their child’s learning advisor if the absent days go above this target rate. 

There is a lot of potential damage to a student’s learning and progress the more time they take off from school. It is important that each student is at school as much as possible to take advantage of every learning opportunity.

A reminder to families, if your child is late or absent, they must produce a note written by the parent/ Guardian and signed by the Parent/ guardian or enter the details on the Compass App. You have 7 days to produce the note or Compass entry or the absence or lateness will be recorded as an unexplained. Please enter all absence on the Compass app.

If you have a planned absence a written application must be lodged with the Principal before you are absent from school. With a change of legislation, there is more paper work that must be completed for absence. Families are discouraged from having family holidays during term time, however we are aware that there may be a few exceptions. 

If there is a problem with attendance, the College will make contact with each family to develop an attendance plan to ensure classes are not being missed. 

Lateness

As with absence, lateness to school has the potential to cause significant harm to the students learning. Parents are asked to ensure their child is at school on time every day. There will be times that are unavoidable but if a pattern of lateness is evident the families will be asked to attend a lateness meeting to address the problem.

Uniform

Just a reminder about the College uniform. St Andrews has high expectations about the way each student wears the uniform. It is expected that each student is dressed according to the Colleges’ Uniform policy (which is in the student’s planner).

The College uniform expectations were developed by the College community and represent what the parents, students and College expect to see a St Andrews student looking like. I ask all families to work with their Learning Advisors and Leaders of Learning Wellbeing as they keep the standards set for the College Uniform.

Each male student is expected to be clean shaven each day. If facial hair is noticeable, they will be asked to shave it at school. 

No male students are to have earrings of any type including clear plastic ones. Females are allowed to have 1 set of earrings in their lobes that are simple gold or silver sleepers or studs with a small jewel in them. All other earrings will be asked to be removed. No nose rings, tongue rings or any other piercings are acceptable. 

Hair should be one natural colour and neat and tidy. Girls are to have their hair tied back at school. Boys are to have short hair according to the College policy. If a student’s hair is not acceptable, families will be contacted to have it rectified. No fad or extreme hair cuts are acceptable. 

Communication

The first way to communicate with the College is through the Student Planner. Teachers will use the Planner to communicate small concerns or praises. If you have any concerns you can contact the students Learning Advisor who oversees a small group of students during the year or the class teacher of different subjects. If the matter is a major concern you can ring the College to speak to your child’s Leader of Learning- Wellbeing or Leader of Learning-KLA. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher if you have any concerns with your child’s progress in class. 

We have asked each student to record all learning/homework and task in the planner every day. It is important that parents are aware of what is in the planner and we ask that the planner is signed every week by the Learning Advisor and the parents. 

The College will be using the Compass App for all of its notes and notifications. 

Using the College car park

Parents are reminded that students are not to be using the College car park to drop students off unless they have permission from the College. There have been a number of times where students with disability have not been able to park because other parents are parking in their assigned spots. Please drop students off on Quakers Rd or Benalla Cr.

What’s on in the Student planner this week?

The six elements of wellbeing

1. Positive engagement- engaging in the moment in a positive way
2. Meaning and purpose- having passion and a reason for doing what we are doing
3. Skill and achievement- building capacity to strive, thrive and flourish
4. Relationships and optimism- believing you and others matter
5. Strength and emotion- soring with your strengths and being optimistic
6. Exercise and Health- healthy body means a health mind

Use the website www.learningcurve.com.au and your planner for more information about the elements of wellbeing.

We have asked that all students complete the strength survey to help them recognise their strengths.

This weeks aim:

It is Gratitude week next week. Students will be asked to identify what they are grateful for. Activities have been organised by the students to celebrate gratitude.

Complete the Via Character Strength survey to develop an understanding of your strengths. Use these strengths to develop goals for the year

Reduce stress by exercising each day.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the College. I am looking forward to another wonderful year for the College and working with the great St Andrews community.

God Bless

Mr. Nicholas Thrum

Assistant principal - Students

After my first week and meeting the staff, students and numerous parents, I feel privileged and very positive regarding the opportunity I was given by Dr. Kennaugh to join the St Andrews College community. The staff have been very supportive, and the parents and students have been extremely friendly.

I look forward to growing with you as a member of our community and working with the St Andrews College staff in creating the best possible learning environment for our students.

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 regarding the information below which relates to my specific role as Assistant Principal – Systems, Data, and Professional Learning.

We are currently working with our Year 11 students to finalise their course selections so they can be entered into NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). This is a crucial step to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for the Higher School Certificate.

Our teachers are continually undertaking many forms of professional learning in order to maximise opportunities to create classroom experiences that facilitate student learning gain. Next week, teachers are analysing a range of data sources (NAPLAN, HSC, In-Class Assessment and more) so that we plan lessons appropriate to meet the needs of our diverse learning community.

Thank you for your continued support

Patrick Finnerty
Assistant Principal Systems, Data and Professional Learning  

Welcome back to an exciting year of learning in Visual Arts at St Andrew’s College.  As my first newsletter to our wonderful learning community, I would like to introduce myself, Mrs Claudia Harris (Leader of Learning Visual Arts) and welcome back members of the Visual Arts team: Mrs Kemal and Miss Rivera. The Pantone colour of 2022 is “Very Peri”. Described as “Displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives. Rekindling gratitude for some of the qualities that blue represents complemented by a new perspective that resonates today, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri places the future ahead in a new light.” After a challenging year in 2021, this colour reminds our Catholic learning community of the opportunities ahead and to give thanks as we come back together as one.

Our students have hit the ground running as we commence 2022. On the Senior campus, Year 12 students are working hard towards their next assessment task due in Week 5 (their Body of Work progress). Year 11 students are challenged with their first unit of study, “Artists and the World” where they will work with a variety of art mediums before presenting a portfolio of work later in the term. 

In Year 7 and 8, students will experience having Visual Arts as a subject for the whole year rather than a semester. Both year groups will start off the year with experience in digital photography before they experiment with other traditional art mediums.

We hope to host exhibitions later in the year to showcase the work of our students. Year 9 and 10 are diving into their artmaking in the coming weeks. Watch this space for images of their work for a preview of what’s to come in our future exhibitions.

We invite students to look out for announcements on various art initiatives that are coming up. We will be bringing more information about Operation Art - open to Year 7 -10 students shortly.

Mrs Claudia Harris
Leader of Learning Visual Arts

Welcome to the start of a new year - and what a great start it has been, with lots of enthusiasm and freshness as we begin a new year. This year sees a few new faces in the Wellbeing Team at the College. I warmly welcome Ms Alicia Harwood (Leader of Wellbeing Year 8) and Mr Kharl Carlos (Leader of Wellbeing Year 9) who are new to the College, and Mr Jarryd Leaves (Leader of Wellbeing Year 7) who join the Wellbeing Team. The Leaders of Wellbeing, along with the Learning Advisors, are a great source of support for students and parents throughout the year.

The Leaders of Wellbeing for 2022 are:

Mr Jarryd Leaves, Leader of Wellbeing Year 7: jleaves@parra.catholic.edu.au

Ms Alicia Harwood, Leader of Wellbeing Year 8: aharwood@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mr Kharl Carlos, Leader of Wellbeing Year 9: kcarlos3@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Andrea Utoikamanu, Leader of Wellbeing Year 10: autoikamanu@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mr David Frankham, Leader of Wellbeing Year 11: dfrankham@parra.catholic.edu.au

Miss Emily Pett, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12: epett@parra.catholic.edu.au

Our leaders have begun the school year by hitting the ground running - they are busily preparing activities for St Valentine's Day and Gratitude Week. Our College is a member of PESA (Positive Education Schools Association), and along with the SPIRE framework, our Wellbeing Program is embedded with a Positive Education focus that develops the whole person. Our Character Strength Weeks play an important role in our Wellbeing Program.

I look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

Mrs Sue Cooper
Leader of Wellbeing and Learning

Welcome to St Andrews College! 

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Jarryd Leaves and I am the Leader of Wellbeing for Year 7. I am super excited to be working with all the students, teachers and parents in year 7 to help make the transition to high school as easy as possible and help all students achieve their best during their time here at St Andrews. 

I would also like to introduce the Year 7 Learning Advisors

• B2 - Miss Breeze, Mr Isaac
• B6 - Miss Tan 
• C4 - Mr Culbert 
• C7 - Mrs Samperi 
• F4 - Mrs Yuen, Mr McBride
• F6 - Ms Hicks 
• G4 - Mrs Reddy
• G15 - Mr Lenehan

It has been fantastic to welcome the new additions to the college and I am pleased to report that Year 7 has made a terrific start to their high school life at St Andrews.  I have had many good reports about the students from their teachers and I am excited to work with each and everyone of the newest members of our community as they continue their transition to High School.

We have a very busy few weeks ahead of us with the revised ‘Year 7 Camp’ only a week away (21st/22nd February) and the ‘Year 7 Parent Meet and Greet Night’ (23rd February) just around the corner. This is an exciting time that will allow the students, staff and parents to start to build positive relationships with each other.

Our focus in Wellbeing Sessions this term will be based around ‘Goals and Dreams’ to help equip students with the skill sets required to make the most of their time at St Andrews. Year 7 will work closely with their Learning Advisors to make sure that they are maintaining high expectations of themselves and tailoring their goals to make sure they are deliberate in their actions in striving towards being their best self. 

This will also be reflected in the fantastic work of our Peer Support Leaders during Peer Support this term. We’re currently using some resources from Peer Support Australia to help guide students through this transition time by reconnecting with their peers and developing understanding and skills in responding positively to change. Each Year 7 student has been placed in small groups and paired up with two energetic and supportive Year 10 ‘Buddies’ to help and support them through this transition period. 

I would like to congratulate the Year 7 students for embracing their new routine and surroundings with maturity and resilience and would like to express my sincere thanks to all the teachers and students who have been involved in welcoming and supporting the students as they adjust to high school life. 

Looking forward to meeting you all soon. 

Mr. Jarryd Leaves
Leader of Wellbeing Year 7

Dear Parents and Guardians of Year 8, 

I am Alicia Harwood and I am the Leader of Wellbeing Year 8. 
I would like to take the opportunity to introduce the Learning Advisors for year 8. 

8B3 - Mrs Anita Weaver
8B7 - Mrs Sheza Rafique

8C1 - Mrs Deb Rosinski 
8C3 - Mr James Pola and Ms Melissa Blackwell 

8F1 - Mrs Theresa Ciantar 
8F2 - Ms Alpana Sandha, Miss Cherry Malonzo and Mrs Grace Flaihan

8G5 - Mr Nathan Weaver 
8G16 - Miss Amy Chang and Mrs Jacinta Kelly

Year 8 are off to a great start and have already been involved in some amazing College events. I can’t wait to see how year 8 students progress over the year, I know they will have a remarkable year. 

Alicia Harwood
Leader of Wellbeing Year 8

Hello St Andrews College Community, 

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Kharl Carlos and I am the Leader of Wellbeing for Year 9. I am very excited to be working with all the students, teachers and parents in year 9 to develop these students into the best people that they can be. 

I would also like to introduce the Year 9 Learning Advisors

• B5 - Mrs Narayan
• B11 - Mrs Lipec
• C8 - Ms Bade, Mr Lewandowski
• C9 - Mr Hoare, Ms Park
• F3 - Mr Oddy
• F5 - Mr Speechly, Mr Lewandowski
• G10 - Mrs Harris
• G11 - Mr Alata, Ms Nikitovic, Mr Chiappetta

Year 9 students have started the year well, they have now begun their learning in the electives which they had chosen last year. Hopefully there are no more elective changes! Students of year 9 have been asked to always apply themselves in the classroom and to always challenge themselves and be reminded that if they can’t do the work, to not give up, and to change their mindset from “I can’t do it” to “I can’t do it yet”.

I hope all year 9 students have had a good first couple of weeks back at St Andrews College. I hope they feel comfortable and that they are eager and engaged in their learning. I am very excited to see what this term brings for year 9! Remember I am always an email away.

Kharl Carlos
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 9

Year 11 Well-being

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all Year 11 students and their parents/carers at the start of the 2022 school year. Year 11 has started their journey of senior studies very well, with a number of teachers making positive comments to me about their friendly and respectful nature. Of course, after being the leader of well-being for the past three years, this is no surprise to me. They are a wonderful group and I am honored to lead them.

In addition to the College leadership team, Mrs Therese May and the Year 11 classroom teachers, the table below shows the learning advisors that will be assisting me in supporting the well-being of our Year 11 students.

Please see below two Year 11 students doing more and going beyond already. Jade Kember and Jackson Siber competed enthusiastically and the competitors only Swimming Carnival last Friday.

If you need help with anything concerning Year 11 students, please feel free to contact me at school via email, which is dfrankham@parra.catholic.edu.au or via phone on 96264000.

Yours sincerely,

David Frankham
Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 11

Welcome to a new school year! One that is already proving to be exciting, filled with opportunity and of course, a very busy sport calendar. 

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Leader of Learning for sport and PDHPE (junior campus) at St Andrews College.

St Andrews College Swimming Carnival

On Friday 4th February, our College Swimming Carnival took place at Riverstone Pool.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 it was a competitors only event, though enthusiasm and school spirit was certainly still felt amongst our competitors.

Thank you and well done to all students who attended. Despite some rain and dark clouds, it was a successful morning!

All the best to those students who qualified to represent St Andrews at the PDSSSC Carnival which is on Friday 11th March. They will be notified in coming weeks.

All students who attended and wish to nominate times for any events not swam on the day including:

- 200 & 400m freestyle

- 100 backstroke

- 100 butterfly

- 200 IM

- 100 breastroke

 must do so by Tuesday 15th February for these to be considered for the PDSSSC Swimming Carnival in March. These times must be verified by Swimming NSW.

Thursday afternoon sport

Representative sport

Round 1 for Season 1 commences in Week 2, Thursday 10th February. This season, St Andrews has entered teams into:

• Junior boys & girls volleyball
• Intermediate boys & girls volleyball
• Junior, intermediate & boys basketball

Some representative teams may return to school late after the conclusion of their games. It is important that students have organised appropriate transport home when this is the case as they may return after their normal afternoon bus has departed.

Students who have been selected for the open boys basketball team play their games at Penrith at 2.40pm. They will return to the College at approximately 4.15pm.

Students in these teams will be issued with a contract which must be signed to ensure their place on the team.

Due to Dicoesan COVID-19 guidelines, parents as spectators are NOT permitted to attend these grounds to watch the games. We thank you for your understanding

School sport

Students have been enjoying engaging in a variety of sports including:

• Learning from talented coaches at Football NSW and Netball NSW
• Self defence
• Dance
• Fitness & bootcamp
• Basketball
• Oz-tag
• Volleyball and more

Diocesan (PDSSSC) /NSW Representative sport trials

The Parramatta Diocese Secondary Schools Sports Council has a variety of sports open for nominations. Please access the following link for further information. Please note the individual pathway and closing dates for each sport as these differ.

https://www.secondarysportparra.catholic.edu.au/NSWCCC-Representative-Sport

These teams are comprised of students performing at a highly skilled level from all schools across our Diocese.

NSWCCC Sport registrations

NSWCCC Sport registrations for individual nominations for 2022 selections are open for the following trials via the CSNSW website https://csnsw.sport/

Students should be playing at a representative level or higher to trial for these teams and as this is an elite pathway and pending the sport, students may/may not be required to trial through the PDSSSC prior to the NSW stage.

SELECTION TRIAL REGISTRATION and CLOSING DATE

Cricket Boys 18 Years & Under - CCC 11/02/2022

Squash Championship 11/02/2022

Tennis - CCC 18/02/2022

Baseball - CCC 21/02/2022

Softball - CCC 25/02/2022

Volleyball - Open 25/02/2022

Cricket Girls - CCC 1/03/2022

Triathlon (team- see Mrs Brogan if interested) - Intermediate 1/03/2022

Triathlon (team- see Mrs Brogan if interested) - Junior 1/03/2022

Triathlon (team- see Mrs Brogan if interested) - Senior1/03/2022

Water Polo 11/03/2022

Diving - CCC 21/03/2022

Swimming - CCC 6/04/2022

Rugby - 16 Years 8/04/2022

Rugby - 18 Years8/04/2022

Rugby 7's Girls - CCC8/04/2022

Volleyball - 15 Years & Under 8/04/2022

Australian Football - CCC 20/04/2022

Basketball - CCC22/04/2022

Football Boys U/16 Years - CCC26/04/2022

Hockey19/05/2022

College excursions permission note distributed via Compass

Please ensure that this has been signed as it allows your son/daughter to participate in and attend all sporting events for 2022.

Up and coming events…..

College Cross Country- Friday 25th March

This event is for competitors only and those students who wish to attempt to qualify for the PDSSSC Cross Country carnival. Closer to the date, a google form will be shared to google classroom and Compass for those students in years 7-12 who wish to compete to register.

PDSSSC Open Boys & Girls Basketball Gala Day

This is coming up on Wednesday 23rd February. Watch this space to read about how our teams performed on the day.

If your son/daughter is a state or national representative in their chosen sport, please let me know.

Should you have any questions about any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College via phone or email.

I am certainly looking forward to celebrating the sporting successes of 2022 with our College community.

Mrs Kayla Brogan
Leader of Learning Sport

Food Technology 

Year 10 

Year 10 Food Technology, have started the term with their first practical lesson cooking ‘Gluten free Savory Muffins’ The students in year 10 are currently learning about Food for Specific needs. In this unit we investigate the many reasons including age, health, lifestyles choices, cultural influences or logistical circumstances. Students explore a range of specific food needs and the means to satisfy these. Students planned and prepared safe and nutritious foods meeting specific food needs.

Some comments from Year 10:

• ​​One thing that I have learnt in today’s lesson is learning what to add and how much of it to add to give you the right consistency you need, especially within the batter we made. Food for special needs within this recipe is that it is good for people who have a gluten intolerance and they are able to consume it because it is gluten free. If I were to improve one thing within my practical lesson is to improve the ability to work quicker and faster because I realized getting things done was a bit slow.
• One thing I learnt in today's lesson was how to make gluten free muffins. The food for special needs is being considered as intolerance of gluten (Coeliac Disease) because it is gluten free. I could improve on using my time more effectively.
  

Year 11

Year 11 Food Technology, have started the term with their first practical lesson cooking ‘Gluten free Chocolate cupcakes. As the unit they are currently studying is Food availability and selection, we have been investigating the factors that affect food selection. In this practical we looked at one of the physiological factors of allergies and intolerances with the focus on a Gluten Intolerance. We investigated what ingredients had to be substituted, changed or added to ensure that the product was fit for consumption but also aesthetically pleasing.

Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes

Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes 1.71 MB

Year 12

Year 12 Hospitality have started their training in using the coffee machine. They have also started a new unit looking at how to prepare and serve espresso beverages. We focused on the introduction to the coffee machine, pre operational procedures and close down procedures. Students also made an espresso, Long Black and Cappuccino for their first practical back, we are looking forward to seeing many more coffees to come.

Technologies Department 

 

Through the study of technology courses, students engage in a diverse range of practical experiences and develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary and advancing technologies. They develop solutions to identified problems and situations, and explore the impact of technologies on the individual, society and the environment. (NESA, 2022)

To ensure that our staff are trained and up to date with the latest skills and techniques. We continue to do more and go beyond by providing professional development run by our wonderful teachers who continue to learn, improve and refine our knowledge skills and practice. We will be undertaking a variety of different specialist skills in different areas to

We would like to give a warm welcome to the staff who have joined our department, Mrs Alicia Harwood, Ms Dominique Goldie and Ms Olivia Tan. 

Careers

Beyond School, What's Next?  

On Friday the 4th of March CathWest Innovation College is holding an event for graduated Year 12 students who may still be sorting out their post school options.

The event hopes to assist graduated students with:

• Apprenticeship and Traineeships;
• Pathways to University study at ACU Blacktown and WSU College;
• Employment opportunities with Lendlease, AMP, Buildcorp and others 
• TAFE Courses

The event will also have representatives from the Sudanes; Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander; and Pacific Islander communities.

Ms May will be in attendance to assist students.

Interested students are encouraged to visit the flyer below  for more information.

(Kindly insert the Beyond School, What's Next? flyer)

UNSW Engineering Program for Girls

UNSW Girls in Engineering Club

Australian Defence Force

The Australian Defence Force will be hosting Virtual Information Sessions to assist students with their career aspirations in the Army, Navy or Air Force.

On Monday the 21st of February a general information session will be held commencing at 6.30pm.

On Wednesday the 23rd of February a trades information session will be held commencing at 6.30pm.

Interested students should visit the links below to register.

Defence Careers Virtual Information Session

Defence Trade Careers Virtual Information Session