Year 9 2024 Electives and Year 11 2024 Subject Selection

Thank you to our amazing Year 8 and Year 10 students (and our parents/carers) for making this process so effortless! Thank you also to Ms Kalifa, Mr Nisbet, Mr Leaves, Ms May and our Leaders of Learning who were instrumental in the success of this process.

Year 8 students will receive confirmation of their Year 9 Electives later this term (Week 10 at the latest). Year 10 students have their interviews next week and confirmations are sent early Term 4 (at the latest).

If you have any questions please email me at pfinnerty@parra.catholic.edu.au

Timetable 2024

The 2024 Timetable Committee will commence construction later this Term. 

In each year group there will be one enrichment class created in Years 7-10 based on their performance in 2023. The Year 7 2024 enrichment class will be created based on ALLWELL Testing.

If you have any questions please email me at pfinnerty@parra.catholic.edu.au

Thank you for your continued support

Patrick Finnerty

Dear Year 7,

Welcome back to school! Myself and your teachers are thrilled to see you return for another term of learning and growth.

During this term, you’ll continue to explore new topics in your subjects, expand your knowledge, and develop valuable skills. Our dedicated teachers and staff are here to support you every step of the way, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance or have any questions.

Let's make this term even better than the last one! Remember, each day presents an opportunity to challenge yourself, set and achieve personal goals, and create lasting memories. Get ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that come with learning and growing.

Together, let's strive for excellence, embrace curiosity, and foster a positive and inclusive learning environment. We believe in your potential and know that you can achieve great things.

We are still in winter uniform this term, therefore you must wear your blazer to school. You must wear your blazer into learning group until you get your name marked off and you will then be allowed to take it off. Remember to wear your blazer when you are leaving school.

Continue to be the best version of yourself, be a person for others and always show respect to one another. My door is always open if you need to discuss things. 

Have a great term 3.

Mr Carlos

Leader of Wellbeing Year 7

Dear Year 8 Students and Parents,

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you all had a rejuvenating break and are now ready to dive back into the exciting world of learning and growth. As the Leader of Wellbeing for Year 8, I am thrilled to see all the wonderful successes we have achieved so far and look forward to celebrating even more accomplishments together in the coming months.

1) Celebrating Our Successes

As we enter the third term, it's important to take a moment to reflect on the achievements and progress we've made as a school community. From outstanding academic performances to notable contributions in various extracurricular activities, each and every one of you has contributed to the positive and vibrant environment of our school. Let's continue to build on our successes and support one another in reaching new heights.

2) Congratulations to Our New Learning Group Leaders

A big round of applause to the new Learning Group leaders for Semester 2! Your dedication and willingness to take on leadership roles within your respective groups are commendable. As Learning Group leaders, you play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity among your peers. Remember to lead with kindness, empathy, and understanding, as you inspire others to excel both academically and personally.

3) Winter Uniform Reminders

As the weather remains cool during this term, we will continue to wear our winter uniforms. Don't forget to put on your blazer each morning when arriving at school. Your blazer should be worn into your learning group until your name is marked off, after which you may take it off. When the school day comes to an end, please remember to wear your blazer when leaving for the day. Wearing our uniform with pride is a reflection of our commitment to the values and traditions of our school.

4) Subject Selection Process

A big thank-you to all of you for the speed and efficiency in completing the Subject Selection process. The Timetable team is hard at work behind the scenes, ensuring that your selections are locked in and processed as quickly as possible. We understand the importance of having a well-balanced timetable that aligns with your interests and academic goals, and we are striving to finalise them promptly.

5) Emphasising Work Ethic and Making Everything Count

As we progress through this busy term, let's remind ourselves of the significance of a strong work ethic. Each day presents new opportunities for growth and learning. Whether it's in the classroom, during extracurricular activities, or within our personal pursuits, let's give our best effort and make every moment count. Remember, it's not just about the results we achieve, but the effort and determination we put in that truly define our success.

Let's make Term 3 a period of growth, collaboration, and celebration. As always, my door is always open if you need support, guidance, or just someone to talk to. 

Together, we can create a positive and nurturing environment where each one of us thrives.

Wishing you all a fantastic Term 3!

Best regards,

Jarryd Leaves 

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 8

Year 12 have commenced their final term of high school extremely well and are ready for the Trial HSC Examinations next week, starting with English on Monday morning. On behalf of the Year 12 students, I would like to sincerely thank the Year 12 teachers for all their hard work in preparing these students for the biggest assessment of their lives. 

There have been a number of extra study workshops held over the last four weeks to assist our students. I also know that many teachers have been responding to emails at all times of the day and night. Thank you also to Mrs Bradford and Mrs Thompson for creating a wonderful atmosphere of concentration in Study Hall and for the insightful exam preparation tips on the “HSC 2023 Study Hall” Google classroom.

A reminder to our students to look after themselves during the Trial Examination period. The big three of a balanced lifestyle are eating, sleeping and moving. I encourage students to create a routine around each of these areas of health and wellbeing over the next two weeks. Some of the best foods to support brain function are: fatty fish, leafy green vegetables, whole grain carbohydrates, berries and nuts. In terms of sleeping, a regular bedtime is important. Exercise helps to clear your mind as well as assisting brain function.

Please see below some photos of Year 12 students preparing for next week.

I wish Year 12 all the very best for the Trial HSC Exams.

David Frankham

Leader of Wellbeing

Year 12

On Friday 30th June 2023, the staff of St Andrews participated in our Staff Faith in Action Day. This was an opportunity for teachers and staff to engage in community service, reach out to others, and consider what it means to be the Hands of Christ in the world. The day was underpinned by the gospel of Matthew 25:35-40 “For I was hungry and you gave me food.” Our teachers approached the day with such a wonderful attitude and willingness to serve, as they engaged with residents of the Holy Family Nursing Home, cleaned up and reorganised the site at Vinnies Store Greystanes and House of Welcome, assisted with the provisions for young mothers at Diamond Women. Engaged with the Youth of Mount Druitt at  Street University, provided food for the Homeless at One Meal Blacktown and completed a working Bee at Marayong Girl Guides. We at St Andrews are most grateful to these sites and services for providing us with the opportunity to complete our service.

The teachers finished the day with a Daily Examen reflection to enable them to reflect upon what it means to be the Hands of Christ in the community, which are posted below. Thank you to all our teachers and staff for their participation and willingness to be a part of the day.

Reflections

Andrew Hoare

Director of Faith, Mission and Learning.

Welcome back to Term 3!

Welcome back to our SAC artists to an exciting Term 3! 

Students in Year 7 and 8 have entered into their new rotation of classes for this semester. It has been wonderful to see the art rooms buzzing with our new artists, eager to find out what they will be learning about in Visual Arts this year.

Furthermore, our Art Club and ‘Seize the Clay’ Pottery Club have also begun for Term 3. We are looking forward to sharing with students’ creations soon!

Year 9 SAC Archibald Prize People’s Choice Award

In Term 2, our Year 9 artists put forward their SAC Archibald Prize portraits for exhibition in our Junior Showcase. Students painted subjects who were significant to them and it was wonderful to see family members and friends portrayed in artworks. At the conclusion of the exhibition, audiences were asked to vote for their favourite in our People’s Choice Award.

Winners of the People’s Choice Award were presented with their certificate and an Eckersley’s gift card from the College at our recent assembly. Well done to the following students on their achievements.

Layla Sanchez - Elegance and the Subconscious Mind

Kathryn Baginski - The King

Airabelle Quiazon - Becks

Year 8 - Title Page Collage

Year 8 students were challenged to a title page task, using only coloured paper and scissors. Without sketching out their designs, students freehand cut shapes and letters to form their name and patterns for their title page in their VAPD. This was such a wonderful activity to get to know our new Year 8 rotation of classes as well as trying something new! 

Year 10 - Underglazing of Ceramic Artworks

Year 10 students were introduced to the use of underglaze this week. Their ceramic pieces were fired at the end of last term, ready to be painted as students returned for Term 3.

Students will be given two double periods to complete unglazing of their two ceramic pieces as part of their artmaking in the unit Fine Diner. 

These artworks will be shown later this year in our end of year showcase. 

Mrs Claudia Harris

Leader of Learning Visual Arts

Year 8 - Alphabet Photography

Year 8 artists started Term 3 learning about traditional art and how the invention of the camera has continued to challenge traditional conventions of art, changing the way people approach art today. This week, students used their devices to identify letters of the alphabet in objects found throughout the College. Year 8 utilised a range of photography skills such as manipulation using angles/perspective, cropping, editing and composition. 

Year 11 - Mini Body of Work Prep

Year 11 artists have been working hard exploring artists' practice, specifically the materials used, the concepts conveyed to their audiences and how they have achieved this so effectively. After studying artists such as Reko Rennie, they then started to plan their own Body of Works based on an interest or theme which communicates a clear and consistent point of view. After 1:1 conferencing between student and teacher as well as peer feedback, students in year 11 are ready to begin their artmaking. We are excited to share our mini Body of Works later this term. 

Mrs Shandel Kemal

Visual Arts Teacher

On Tuesday the 25th of July St Andrews College hosted the Inspiring the Future Women in Tech  careers event. This event was sponsored by Amazon Web Services and featured many inspiring women working in technology roles and other male dominated industries such as Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanic and Fire and Protection.

35 students from Years 9, 10 and 11 were joined by 12 Year 10 students from The Ponds High School at the event. In the first hour the female students engaged with a panel of industry professionals. Each panel member gave an overview of their career journey. The students learnt that careers are very seldom a straight line. They are more often like a jungle gym. Students heard how accepting opportunities, even if they were not exactly what they were hoping for, opened exciting opportunities and career development. Most of all students heard how following your passion and being true to yourself are important elements for successful careers.

The second hour saw a speed dating environment where students in their small groups were able to engage in a conversation with an industry professional. The students were encouraged to ask questions to learn about the career journey of the industry professional at their table. The students were able to speak with nine of the eleven industry guests.

Overwhelmingly, the students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from experienced women who have broken through their barriers to carve a successful career. Students appreciated the openness of the industry professionals, their unique stories gave hope and encouragement to the students to follow their dream. 

Students learnt that they have a place and responsibility to reshape the workplace to bring diversity and equality to all industries. Our students are to be congratulated on their engagement in the event - they truly were great ambassadors of St Andrews College.

I would like to thank Adrian Rhodes from Inspiring the Future, Australia and Christine Assanti from the Regional Industry Education Partnership Program for all their assistance in the preparation and coordination of this event. A huge thank you to Amy Jaballah from Amazon Web Services for facilitating the morning and to all the wonderful industry professionals who graciously gave their time to share their career experiences with our students and those students from The Ponds High School.

Therese May

Future Pathways Leader

ADFA Open Day

The Australian Defence Force Academy will be holding their annual Open Day on Saturday 19th of August. This year there will be two events, one on the  ADFA Campus Canberra commencing at 9am and concluding at 4pm and the other virtual. Click here to register for the ADFA Virtual Open Day.

This year’s Open Day will feature specific university degree sessions. These sessions will delivered at the following times on Saturday the 19th of August.:

Business - 10am - 11am - Click here to view

Engineering and Computing - 11.30am - 12.30pm - Click here to view

Science - 1.00pm - 2.00pm - Click here to view

Arts - 2.30pm - 3.30pm - Click here to view

In addition to the UNSW degree livestreams, there will be Q&A sessions to learn about what to expect while you study at ADFA. The Life at ADFA session features a panel of ADFA Trainee Officers across the Navy, Army and Air Force who will discuss their experiences at ADFA. There is also a Life after ADFA session with recent graduates who will share how ADFA has set them up for a career in the Australian Defence Force.

Transport NSW Jobs

The roles listed below give applicants an opportunity to be a part of Transport’s Infrastructure and Place Division, learning to develop and deliver transport infrastructure across NSW. In this position you will become a trusted partner to clients by providing smart, integrated and sustainable infrastructure and places that will be highly valued by Transport NSW customers and communities alike.

Electrical Design Engineer in Training

In this role you will be able to gain practical experience whilst studying towards your Associate Electrical Engineering degree. You will work on challenging multi-modual electrical construction and maintenance schemes as well as once-in-a-generation iconic projects; all whilst working and learning from highly skilled qualified professionals.

You will be able to assist in electrical specification preparation and estimating for highway systems, such as traffic management including traffic signalling and lighting, heavy and light rail, and transportation-related facilities, such as moveable bridges. 

Online applications can be made by visiting this link

Road Design Engineer in Training

In this role you will be able to gain practical experience whilst studying towards your Associate Civil Engineering degree. You will work on challenging road developments as well as once-in-a-generation iconic ventures; all whilst working and learning from highly skilled qualified professionals.

Everything feeds into design therefore you will be at the centre of complex projects and so have the ability to work under pressure, make technical risk assessments and drive results with your influence and persuasive skills. You will be part of future planning to connect people, communities and industry and manage how we use our road networks and services. The work you will do, will have a direct impact on the journey millions of people make every day.

Online applications can be made by visiting this link

Traffic Engineer Officer in Training

In this role you will be able to gain practical experience whilst studying towards your Associate Civil Engineering degree. You will work on challenging road and infrastructure developments as well as once-in-a-generation iconic projects; all whilst working and learning from highly skilled qualified professionals. You will be able to synthesis information; deconstruct it, reconstruct it, engage in critical thinking, and therefore understand that this opportunity sits at the core of the business.

You will be part of future planning to connect people, communities and industry and manage how we use our road, rail and maritime networks and services, even active modes like walking and cycling.

Online applications can be made by visiting this link.

Coles Casual Employment

Coles is now hiring in a different way. Coles now seek Expression of Interest as a way of recruiting new team members. Candidates submit their Expression of Interest to be matched to future jobs in each store.

Students wishing to seek casual employment with Coles are encouraged to click here to submit their Expression of Interest.

Year 8 Technology students who are completing their Food Technology unit started off Term 3 with a delicious new recipe. In Week 1, we cooked Apple & Cinnamon muffins, and what a great way to start off the term with the smell of cinnamon and baked goods wafting through our kitchen! 

Students used the skills learnt from previous practical lessons and showed such an improvement in their overall cooking skills, hygiene and time management. It has been so rewarding to be able to see these students improve their skills and increase their confidence in the kitchen. 

We applaud our Year 8 students for their dedication to enhancing their skills in the kitchen and look forward to completing our final food practical in two weeks time!

Did the photos of our creations make your mouth water? Try out the recipe below yourself!

Shanai Mifsud

TAS Teacher

Dear Parents/Guardians, 

I am excited to announce our Junior girls soccer team coached by Mrs Kemal and our Junior boys soccer team coached by Miss Breeze have progressed through to the soccer semi final next week. We wish our teams the best of luck and we hope to come home with a win. Thank you to our coaches for taking the time and effort to coach our teams. 

I look forward to sharing the outcome with you in the near future. 

Miss Ivana Nikitovic

Sport Coordinator 

On Monday 24th July all Year 8 students attended a Taiko (Japanese Drumming) Performance Incursion Session 1 and Session 2 by YuNiOn as part of their study of Japanese.

During the incursion, students were treated to highly energetic and engaging taiko performances, and were taught about the different kinds of taiko. Some lucky students were even given the opportunity to join the performers and play the taiko themselves. 

The incursion started with YuNiOn playing traditional taiko beats that are usually played during festivals in Japan. During these first few performances students were taught how to stand and how to hit a taiko properly.

After 50 minutes of traditional performances, the time came for the incursion to end, but not before a last joint performance by YuNiOn and the Year 8 students. During this performance. 4 students were given the opportunity to play along on Hirado Daiko (flat taiko) wearing Happi (a short coat) as well as a few students were given the opportunity to play freestyle with Chu Daiko (medium taiko) while the rest of the grade were given the role of chanting the beats with Kakegoe (to give your voice). This performance was amazing and definitely one to remember.

This incursion was an experience all students will remember.

Thank you to all Year 8 students and teachers for participating and listening so enthusiastically during the incursion.

Matsufuji sensei

Learning Centre takes place each week on the Junior Campus on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 2:45-3:45pm. 

Students can attend Learning Centre to finish off classwork, complete Home Learning tasks, work on assignments with peers, prepare for in-class writing tasks, receive help from subject teachers, and learn new skills. 

The College’s Leader of Learning Numeracy, Mrs. Gilda de Guzman, has generously offered her time, expertise and passion for all things maths on Wednesday afternoons. Further opportunities to work with other subject teachers and expand other skills will be made available in the coming weeks. 

Keep an eye out on the Learning Centre Google Classroom page and on Compass for what’s happening at the Learning Centre each week!

Johanna Cusack

HSIE Teacher

Last week year 9 tried some sports that they can choose from in year 10. Chang house students went rock climbing at Norwest and had a great time reaching new heights. 

Sir Robert Menzies, Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister, embodied many of the leadership qualities that remain important today. Integrity, purpose, strong values, a regard for all Australians and pride in our nation provided the strong core from which he devoted his life to service.

Like all leaders, Sir Robert Menzies experienced success and failure, his many notable achievements were punctuated by moments of uncertainty and discouragement. One of the key attributes of great leaders is how they face adversity. Menzies used these setbacks and moments of introspection to learn, grow and ultimately become a leader who inspired the nation and was respected by all, irrespective of political persuasion.

The Menzies Foundation aspires to raise the profile and importance of ‘outstanding’ leadership to encourage Australians to reflect on leadership, build their own leadership capability and contribute to the greater good.

The Menzies Emerging Leaders Program supports a community of young people to engage with ethical challenges and build leadership capability. The Menzies Emerging Leaders Program is asking students 15 to 17 years of age “What Does the VOICE Mean to You?” 

The Emerging Leaders initiative uses cultural probes to elicit young people’s response to ethical challenges. A select group of these young people come together at an annual workshop to develop the resources to support their peers to have a deeper engagement with ethics, reflect on leadership and the roles they might play in contributing to the greater good.

Term and Conditions of entry:

To apply you need to be a student aged 15-17 and be able to attend a virtual workshop on the 1st and 2nd of September.

• Students need to create a 30 second video explaining What the VOICE means to you?
• Students need to create a 30 second video explaining how $1000 would support their leadership goals?
• Students need to create a visual artifact that represents the VOICE - an image, a poem, or a piece of artwork.
• Applications close on the 6th of August.

Students wishing to apply for the Menzies Emerging Leaders Program are encouraged to visit this website.

Students wishing assistance with their application are very welcome to contact Ms May.

College Leadership Team

Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing

College Leaders of Learning - KLA

College Leaders of Learning