St Andrews College Marayong eNewsletter Term 2 Week 10

Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,

Thank you all for a successful Term that has met the challenges faced by not only the nation but the world. As we finish the Term today I would like to congratulate the staff and students on the way they reengaged with learning when we recommenced face-to-face learning. We pray that the second wave doesn’t hit us like it has Victoria, but at the same time we are well placed to answer that challenge should it happen. Either way we will ensure your son/daughter gets the best education possible. I wish you all a safe holiday and look forward to seeing you all in Term 3.

‘It’s All About Learning’

Reflection:

As a child I always loved hearing this passage. It speaks to our humanness that we have and demonstrate daily, as well as God’s forgiveness which we need. 

Matthew 9:1-8

Jesus got in the boat, crossed the water and came to his home town. And suddenly some people brought him a paralytic stretched out on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Take comfort, my child, your sins are forgiven.’ And now some scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is being blasphemous.’

Knowing what was in their minds Jesus said, ‘Why do you have such wicked thoughts in your hearts? Now, which of these is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk”? But to prove to you that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins,’ — then he said to the paralytic-‘get up, pick up your bed and go off home.’ And the man got up and went home.

A feeling of awe came over the crowd when they saw this, and they praised God for having given such authority to human beings.

Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

• When we reflect on our lives, we have to admit that we have often failed God in different ways; we want to do the good, but fail to live it when opportunities present themselves to us.

• We feel sad and disappointed with ourselves and others when we fail God. However, God’s forgiveness of our sins is always unconditional. This divine gift from God cannot be taken for granted.

• Ponder on the times that you have “failed” God and ask yourself, “Who is this God that is so forgiving? How am I relating to this God?  How should I live my life differently now?

Sydney Science Park Challenge:

It was exciting to see the projects that are being developed as our students answer the challenge of the Sydney Science Park Project. The best projects will present to the sponsoring Company who may develop the project and incorporate it into plans at the Park itself. It’s an exciting opportunity. Mr Stenning who heads up the Science Education across the Diocese was amazed by the strength of the projects as well as the enthusiasm of both staff and students. I am looking forward to seeing the final projects.

Acceleration Program:

We have just entered six Year 9 students into an accelerated Mathematics Program that will see them complete Year 10 by the end of 2020 and move into Year 11 Mathematics while they are in Year 10 with the possibility of starting University while still at school. This is part of the College’s commitment to meeting the students where their needs are. We are looking to expand this strategy to other subjects and KLA’s. Students can be nominated for this program in three ways. Self nomination, parental nomination, and teacher/school nomination. We then go through a process of examining the data to see if the student is ready as well as communicating with the students and parents. 

Year 11 2021 Subject Selections:

Thank you to the staff, parents, and students for the work done on Subject Selection interviews for Year 11 2021. Working across two platforms poses its challenges, yet the outcome has been very positive.

Year 7 SRC Portfolios:

Congratulations to our Year 7 elected Student Leaders who have been allocated their Portfolios now. I look forward to seeing you all actively engage with the rest of the SRC in enhancing our College as well as bringing your peers along with you. More detail on the portfolios can be found later in the Newsletter.

Athletics Carnival:

Thank you to Mr Dunaeff, Mr Weaver, Mr McLoughlan, Ms McKechnie and the PE Staff for all the work that went into organising and executing a wonderful Athletics Carnival yesterday. It had something for everyone with serious competition, novelty events and plenty of cheering. It was great to have a whole-school event after all of the restrictions that have been placed on our nation over the past six months. Greater detail on  the winning Houses and Age Champions will be published next term.

Thank you to Mrs El Akkoumi, Mrs Kamali and the hospitality students for their wonderful catering.

Year 11

Mia Bergania

Joanne Cooke

Adam Jovanovic

Maiah Lazaro

Patryk Lipka

Colin Lu

Andrea Mascarenhas

Teghan McHugh

Niharika Saini

Ashleigh Stacey

Shantia Symon

Jerome Yabut

Year 12

Erini Gayed

Thank you to the Year 12 students who assisted with the running of the Carnival.

Diana Caiceda

Mikaela Garland

Muskan Kumar

Juliyanah Guerrero

Jerica Cabanit

Katelyn Charles 

Kirsten Henderson

Madeleine Alforque

Kristelle Sangalang

Danielle Nheme

Alisha Chandra

Jasleen Kaur

Leanna David

Thank you to all the staff for their support on the day as well as their flexibility. We were blessed with beautiful weather as well which is a great way to end Term 2.

VIRTUAL CAN 2020:

With the number of students planning and rehearsing their acts, the anticipation is starting to build. I have really enjoyed seeing the joy and enthusiasm in the eyes of the students who I have spoken to. We are all looking forward to another great event.

Fidem in Christo

Stephen Kennaugh
Principal

Thanks for a great term

Term 2 has been a very unusual term. Online learning to start and then coming back to normal school with restrictions and lots of hand washing. I would like to thank the staff, students and parents for all the great work in Learning, Sport and other activities. It is great to see the College pulling together to ensure the best outcomes for all students and staff.

Please spend the holiday period relaxing and preparing for Term 3. I look forward to another great term of learning and involvement.

COVID 19 and TERM 3

We are seeing restrictions ease but the danger of a second wave is always present. Until there is a vaccination, we must remember to follow some basic rules:

• Wash your hands every opportunity you have
• Use the hand sanitizer whenever you see it
• Maintain the 1.5m rule where you can
• Stay at home if you are sick
• Get tested if you develop cold or flu symptoms
• No spitting
• No sharing food or drinks
• Always be safe
• No gathering in groups outside of school

Term 3

School resumes on Tuesday 21^st  July. All students are expected to be in full College Winter uniforms. All uniform expectations should be evident including hairstyles, jewelry and blazers.

Term 3 is an important term for all students but in particular the Year 11 and 12 who will have the HSC Trials and Preliminary Examinations as well as the final Year 12 Graduation. It is an important and stressful time for the students and we wish them all the best in these important events.

What’s in the planner?

Students can help develop their own meaning and purpose through learning about and accepting the diversity of cultures at the College and in society. Understand and accepting cultures helps us understand others perspectives and helps us build social connectedness.

Humour is a wonderful character strength, which creates uplifting positive emotions and optimism. Laughter is contagious and fun becomes contagious which can lead to hope and happiness for others and us.

We should always aim to be around positive and optimistic people. Being around positive people helps nudge your mindset to be more growth orientated. The benefits of humour include: strengthens immune system; reduced stress pressure; and release of feel good brain chemicals.

All the best over the holidays and be safe. 

God Bless

Nicholas Thrum
Assistant Principal Students

HSC Minimum Standards Schedule Term 3

Students will complete each of the HSC Minimum Standards Tests as indicated below. When the Reading and Numeracy tests have been completed, the results will be sent to students, the day of the test. The writing test results are available in approximately two weeks. 

When students pass each test, they should add their certificate of achievement to their portfolio. 

If students do not pass a test, they will be able to resit the test again in Term 4. 

Trial HSC and Preliminary Examinations Term 3

Practical HSC Examinations

Year 9 Electives 2020 Portal

Students in Year 8 will have received a link to their Electives Subject Selection Portal. Students will be able to make their selections next term.

Michelle Deschamps
Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning

On the 22nd of June Year 11 and 12 students were able to have their first assembly, on the senior campus, since coming back from online schooling. However, unlike our usual schedule, this assembly endured for 15 minutes. The assembly consisted of the usual acknowledgement of country from the school captains, opening prayer from Year 11 students, the Principal Address from Mr Kennaugh, and a video presentation from the senior YCS (Young Christian Students) group, and Mrs Cooper (Leader of Wellbeing) informing students and staff on merits and an update of sport House points. 

After assembly, the Year 11 students were fortunate enough to stay behind for a brief Wellbeing lesson in the hall whilst social distancing. Durng the Wellbeing lesson, the Year 11 Learning Group Leaders received their badges, Mrs Cooper discussed the Year 12 Leadership process, and the Year 11 SRC gave a brief recap speech addressing topics such as the Vinnies Winter Appeal and Winter Sleepout, Athletics Carnival, the Year 12 senior sport jerseys, requests regarding uniform, and the upcoming of prelim exams. The speech concluded with Leigh, a member of the SRC, informing the cohort that there is hot chocolate, lollies, and music performances live and ready outside for the grades entertainment. 

This was an opportunity for everyone to unite together after returning from online learning as well as be present in an atmosphere of relaxation with the company of friends and peers as Year 11 is currently in an assessment period. It was also beneficial to the weekly Character Strength which is Creativity. 

It was a successful day which assisted in weaning students and teachers back into the usual fortnightly Monday. 

Martin Gillogly
Leader of Learning Wellbeing - Year 11

Anti-Racism Presentation

The following speech was presented at the Assembly on 29th June 2020.

Over the last few weeks, there have been many important issues that have been raised and discussed around the world in relation to the racial discrimination that exists within our global community. These issues stem from the historic systemic racism that pervades many societies. 

Systemic racism refers to public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations, and other norms that work in various ways to often reinforce and perpetuate racial group inequality. What this means is that systems and institutions within our society often give preferential treatment, privilege, power, access and opportunities for white people at the expense of people of colour.

Systemic racism is the foundation of individual racism and unconscious bias that exists within people. Individual racism refers to an individual’s racist assumptions, beliefs, or behaviours. Examples of individual racism include telling a racist joke, using racial language, believing in the superiority of your own race over other racial groups, or acting differently towards a person of colour because you consider them a threat. These are issues that the Black Lives Matter group and other organisations are standing against and trying to make a positive change to better our society. Although much of the attention in the media has been on America, in Australia this racism and discrimination is very much present and has a deep impact on black, Indigenous and people of colour.

While some of you might choose to ignore what is happening in our world or are just not aware of it, it is important to acknowledge that the effects of systemic and individual racism are experienced at St Andrews College and our community. It is not enough for students and staff to just say that they aren’t racist, we need to acknowledge the negative perceptions and behaviour that exists within our community and actively stand up against it. To become anti-racist. Being aware of our actions and educating ourselves is the key to making a positive change and moving forward. 

The aim of this presentation is not to attack or blame, but to share with you our reality and educate you on our experiences so that you can hear our pain and reflect. We would like to share with you some of our experiences and ways that you can be anti-racist and make a difference in the St Andrews College community. 

How it feels to grow up in Australia as a minority and person of colour. 

In public locations and at school young black individuals are described as thieves, threats, ignorant and more.  It’s time we stand up and speak out about these serious issues. When are people going to realise that our skin colour shouldn’t define who we are? When are people going to hear us and know that we are sick of being treated like this? When are people going to appreciate and respect black lives? When are YOU going to think about your own actions and understand that we can not be silenced until things change?

Growing up in Australia as a black person is difficult and challenging. People do not acknowledge or witness our pain.

Individuals think that we are not hurt by your words or actions because we might laugh it off - that does not make it okay. 

No one stands up or backs up black individuals when it matters most. It is devastating  how black people can not be in groups without someone asking questions, often saying “You’re up to no good. spread out”.  It hurts my heart when someone says “ go back to your country. You’re not wanted here”.  It is sad to see other people pulling their children closer to them because they assume we will harm them. It’s distressing to see that we often face harsher consequences and that the media’s perspective of Black individuals affects how people see us. The media portrays us as things we are NOT.  

The experiences black students may face is that they are treated differently to other students in the school and in society. 

Because of the colour of their skin they are often wrongly accused, and have to face consequences for things they haven’t done. When people are racist towards black people and it is reported, it seems as if not enough is done to resolve the issue, and that people don’t understand the hurt their actions have caused. Black people have also been unfairly seen as targets and threats to others because of the bad rumors spread around by others. When black people just try to enjoy themselves in a group, others  assume they are up to something due to stereotypes and the media.

Indigenous culture is often ignored or NOT taken seriously, and so as a result stereotypes and hurtful ignorant statements are made. This is not a topic for History class - this should be ingrained in all that we do. The impact of your words and actions are felt deeply by Indigenous students and individuals. It has been found that many Indigenous people won’t engage with mainstream health services because of experiences with systemic racism, which creates individual negative assumptions about Indigenous lifestyle and Heritage. “They’ll suffer rather than seek treatment or help”.

In Australia, people grow up with stories about how Indigenous people were treated inhumanely, left to last in the emergency departments - or not seen at all. As a society we need to not only acknowledge these past injustices but also make ourselves more informed and aware, and actively create change.

People need to start listening to us

As black students we go through a lot due to the colour of our skin, even if you may not see it happening. We go through being called racist slurs and being judged because of our skin colour. 

When we come forward to tell our problems, we are often told “we understand”... but there is no way to understand our problems or pain, and we are often not able to use our voice to express how we feel. We want to be heard and we are tired of being treated differently just because of the colour of our skin.

We are sick and tired of being seen as a threat, being followed, and not being listened to. People don’t understand how much we hurt until they listen to us and really hear what we say.
                                                         

Language Choices 

It is very important that people reflect on their language choices and the effect of what they are saying. It is not good enough to say “you didn’t mean it”, “you were only joking” or “that you didn’t know”. When speaking about this it is important to discuss it respectfully and avoid stereotypes. Take responsibility for your language choices, just because something was acceptable years ago does NOT mean it is acceptable today. 

People need to understand the use of racial slurs and that it is not acceptable under any circumstances for a person who is not black to use these words. This is because of the long history of racism and derogative use of the words. Just because a person with African heritage uses a word, it doesn’t give the invitation for other races to use it too. Over time we have claimed back the use of the word and turned it into a positive term, where it is used amongst ourselves privately. It is never okay for somebody else to use these words. Even if your intention is to not directly call someone of black heritage a racial slur, it is still offensive. 

Be careful of the words you use.

What can you do about it 

When feeling helpless in situations like this there are many things you can do to help the problem, and be actively anti-racist, no matter who you are. Educating yourself can affect this issue dramatically, as it changes your mindset and perspective on things. Signing petitions, donating and attending events shows your support to the community. 

By standing up and speaking out not only could you spread awareness and aid to the community but you’re also opening the minds of others who struggle to understand.

Education is the key, and if our entire community can reflect on what we have said and become aware of the impact of your words and actions, then we can move forward as a community and make our school a better place for all. 

 

Authors:
Aboul Aguek, Semeina Ambolo, Dorothy Anzoa, Magdalene Batay, Chegutdit Deng, Nyanbout Deng, Mariam Ghannami, Deng Joseph, Venus Koko, Anna Logali, John Lukudu, Issa Massimino, Alexis Mitchell, Esther Peter

Throughout the second half of this term the Year 9 SRC have been working hard to show their appreciation for frontline healthcare workers during the Covid 19 pandemic. This started when the SRC approached me with the idea of giving thanks and led to their design of a well-being lesson where the students were asked to show their appreciation by writing a thank-you letter or designing a poster. These have since been printed out and will be put into packages for delivery to local healthcare facilities. After the well-being lesson the SRC have made their way to B1 every recess and lunchtime to work on even bigger thank-you posters. It is my absolute privilege to lead this group of fine young men and women. The following report was also developed by the year 9 SRC.

The year nine SRC has been working hard on a project to give back to all of the clinicians, allied health professionals, and medical staff for all of their continued and lifesaving work during this COVID-19 period. Now, in order to do this, we needed to become them!

We looked at the:

• Symptoms: Meaningful, heartwarming, personalised, gratitudinous 
• Imaging: asking the members of the St Andrews Community (teachers and students), researching and collaborating during lunch 
• Treatment: After collaborating, we decided to do a multi-part plan! It starts off with creating posters that showcase our profound appreciation for these workers - quotes from the community, “thank you!” In different languages, and amazing illustrations!

Here are some photos of our work! 

The SRC team taking a photo after completing the first poster!

Working hard on our first posters illustration! A special thanks to Theresia for providing us with a creative design idea!

Collaborating to get design the format of the poster, whilst assisting and adding where possible! 

Now, I did say that it was multi-parted, but all will be revealed as the weeks go by…
make sure you check in with the SRC, monitor the SAC Instagram page, and read future newsletters for up-to-date information!

David Frankham
Leading of Learning Wellbeing - Year 9

Our Well Being Lesson Monday, 29th June was based on Respectful Relationships, Reflections and Goal Setting.

In the assembly, there was a presentation made by a group of students, who are passionate about anti-racism. In Learning Groups students were given the opportunity to discuss the main points of their Anti Racist Speech and to send Messages of Support and Thanks for their efforts.

The next activity flowed onto the Topic: Respectful Relationships at the College.  Students had the opportunity to revise the St Andrews College Vision Statement found on page 7A of the Junior Learning Planner. It states that we are a Catholic school that strives to develop a holistic education within a caring community, to inspire graduates who can broaden their horizons and make a positive contribution to society.

The three factors which fasten respectful and resilient relationships are:

Connected - sharing, communicating cooperatively and openly with others.

Protected - feeling emotionally and physically safe.

Respected - feeling others value all of you as a person who matters. 

Experiencing these three factors enables students to understand their emotions, use their character strengths, have positive coping strategies, solve problems, show empathy, manage stress and seek help.

 Consequently Learning Group discussions continued with the following questions; 

1 What does respectful mean?

2. What are your responsibilities in having respectful relationships?
3. In what ways do you feel connected with others at the College? 
4. In what ways do you feel respected when with others at the College?

5.Think of a great time you enjoyed with others at the College. What emotions did you feel then?

6.What do you do to make others feel valued at the College?

Students then watched a video clip on R.E.S.P.E.C.T and I encouraged the students to write another verse and place it on the WellBeing Classroom Page for Term 3.

As we come to the end of the Semester students took the time to reflect on Term 2  and the opportunity to Goal Set for Term 3. In the Junior Learning Planner on pages 70 and 71 there are questions for students to set goals and aim to be the best possible self as a young person and a student.

It was indeed another productive lesson as Year 8 students are learning the value and importance of Wellbeing at the College and in the development of their lives!

Melissa Blackwell 

Leader of Learning Wellbeing Year 8

Student Activity - responses by Euleila Barret 

1 What does respectful mean?

Respect is an action that goes towards the way we treat another person or group. 

2. What are your responsibilities in having respectful relationships?

The responsibility of having a respectful relationship is to understand what the other person is feeling and going through, and to treat them fairly and right.

3. In what ways do you feel connected with others at the College? 

I feel connected with others at this College when I feel safe with others and I enjoy my time when I am with them.

4. In what ways do you feel respected when with others at the College?

I feel respected when others treat me fairly and they can relate to me and they talk to me. I feel respected when they acknowledge what I am going through and how I am feeling at that moment.

5. Think of a great time you enjoyed with others at the College.

A great time I enjoyed with others at the College are the debating nights. I love talking to my debating friends and communicating with other school members. I had a great time at debating night because it felt fun and I actually enjoyed doing it when I thought it was going to be stressful.

What emotions did you feel?

The emotions I felt doing debating is having a fun competitive feeling, the feeling of trying your best to achieve your goal of winning against the other school, I liked this feeling because at the end I knew that I tried my best and put my best abilities to use on that night of debating.

6. What do you do to make others feel valued at the College?

I include other students at this College in social activities and academic activities. I introduce them to other students so they can find out who they relate to.

Our newly elected members of the SRC were recently presented their badges by Mr Kennaugh, during his online Assembly Address. With the interruptions of COVID-19, the entire election process of our new Year 7 SRC was completed online – from nominations through to voting. I congratulate the Year 7 cohort for the way they embraced the online process. 

We congratulate our newly elected students and wish them well. May God go with you as you lead the student body, in the knowledge that your duty to the school will be guided by your Faith in Christ. The list of students and their portfolios are below:

Year 7 SRC

Joey Azzi: Portfolio – College Events

Elyscia Barret: Portfolio – Debating and Public Speaking

Isabella Cazar: Portfolio – Publicity

Leila Crisafulli-Kefu: Portfolio – College Events

Suwanthi Edirisinghe: Portfolio – Creative & Performing Arts

Aditya Rawal Portfolio: – Stewardship

Hamish Seymon Portfolio: – Debating and Public Speaking

Tewodros Worku Portfolio: – Faith In Action

Sue Cooper
Leader of Wellbeing

UTS Science in Focus

DNA, the silver bullet for solving crime…or is it?

Television shows would have us believe that forensic scientists look like models and DNA found at crime scenes always comes from the offender. These are both wrong.

UTS will be hosting a Webinar on Wednesday the 8th of July commencing at 5pm and concluding at 6pm. 

Visit UTS Science in Focus to register.

Microsoft Traineeship Program

The Microsoft Traineeship Program offers students an opportunity to gain employment and a Certificate IV in Information Technology.

Working with partners of MEGT, a Group Training Provider and TAFE NSW the Microsoft Traineeship Program offers students an opportunity to gain IT knowledge, practical work experience and professional connections to assist their future career in IT.

The traineeship is a two year commitment. Applications close on the 23rd of August.

Interested students are encouraged to contact Ms May for further information.

Landscape Construction Apprentice 

Landscape Solutions is seeking to employ Landscape Construction Apprentices to join their team. 

Some of the duties you can expect to do during your apprenticeship are:

• Planting 
• Laying turf
• Formwork, steel fixing and concreting
• Carpentry
• Paving
• Irrigation 

Applicants will need:

• WHS White Card
• Drivers Licence and own transport
• National Police Check or willing to obtain
• Working with Children Check or willing to obtain

Interested students are encouraged to contact Ms May for further information.

Promotional Products Bi-Annual Scholarship

The Promotional Products Bi-Annual Scholarship assists students in their university or TAFE studies. The scholarship is awarded to students to assist with their accommodation and tertiary study costs.

Interested students need to email their application to scholarship@promotionalproducts.com.au  included in the body of the email students need to include:

• The tertiary educational institution attending or going to attend
• Dates of study
• A brief outline of the special circumstances that you feel makes you a candidate for the scholarship

Students also need to attach a statement of at least 500 words stating how their tertiary education is going to positively impact others either in your local community or in the wider community or the world. 

Scholarships are awarded twice a year - in February and in August. For the August offers applications close on the 15th of July for February offers applications close on the 15th of January.

For more information students are encouraged to visit www.promotionalproducts.com.au/scholarship/

Students wishing assistance with their application for either closing dates are encouraged to see Ms May.

Therese May
Careers Counsellor

Friday 3 July
Last Day of Term

Monday 6 July - Friday 17 July
School Holidays

Monday 20 July
Staff Professional Learning  - Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 21 July
All Students Return to school

Wednesday 29 July
Year 7 & 10 Vaccinations