Thanks for a great term.

Term 3 has been a very busy and rewarding term at the College. I would like to thank all the Staff, Students and parents for all their assistance and participation in Learning and all other activities that have taken place. Your effort and hard work is appreciated.

I would like to thank Year 12 for their presence and hard work this term and I wish them the best in their upcoming HSC examinations. The Year Group was led well by its Captains and Vice Captains and SRC. Thanks to all the leaders who performed their roles with enthusiasm and commitment.

Start of Term 4

The first day for students is Wednesday 11th  October. Students will return in College Summer Uniform. Please be mindful on return that the College expectations regarding grooming are being met.

Mindsets

In life and learning we can have different mindset that will either build our capacity for learning or keep us form achieving success. There are many areas of our mindset that we should be aware of. The following table lists some of the mindsets that we deal with. Our mindsets can be either fixed (not willing to change) or Growth (open to change).

We are all capable of “Doing more- Going Beyond”. Then one thing that is stopping us is our mindset. We must focus on Growth if we wish to develop and we must avoid limiting ourself with a fixed mindset. 

The challenge for all students is to look at the different mindsets and focus on how you can develop your mindset in the High Growth area of each.

What’s in the planner?

Walter Elliot was a Priest and Writer. He said:

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another”

Perseverance is completing something even though it's difficult or there is a delay in seeing the results of what you are doing. Many aspects of our life can be a series of short races. Life, school, work etc can test our perseverance. Setting goals, both long and short term, can help you persevere when things get difficult and you find it hard to see the end of the task. 

Key strengths to focus on are Honesty and gratitude. 

Enjoy the holidays.

God bless

Mr. Nick Thrum

Assistant Principal

PAT Testing Term 4

PAT assessments measure what students in Year 7 to Year 10 know, understand and are capable of across domains, and help monitor progress over time. These tests assess mathematical ability, reading comprehension as well as  science knowledge, scientific literacy, and understanding and application of scientific principles.

The purpose of these tests is to measure the learning growth of individual students over the Year, which will result in adapting teaching and learning to support students who are not meeting the standards and extend the students who are.

PAT Testing for all students in Years 7-10 will take place during Week 2 of Term 4. 

HSC Examinations Begin

The first day of next Term sees the start of our HSC Examinations with English Paper 1 being the first of the examinations. We keep the families of all students sitting the HSC examination in our thoughts and pray for their every success.

The use of AI to write student responses.

AI is a helpful tool for many people if it is used for the right purpose. We wish to remind parents and all students that submitting any work generated by AI as their own is malpractice and will be treated under the assessment rules for malpractice. If students are struggling to complete set tasks, it is important that they communicate this with their class teacher who will endeavour to assist them in their learning.

I hope that all students have a safe and restful holiday and I look forward to seeing you all in Term 4.

Josilin Kalifa

Wellbeing for Learning - Pivot Pilot for Years 7, 8, and 9

Thank you to all students who have now completed the baseline survey in preparation for Term 4. Students will still have an opportunity in Weeks 1 and 2 in Term 4 to complete this survey.

It has been wonderful to acknowledge the efforts of many students, as they receive their Principal’s Awards at Assembly. Keep up the great work! Congratulations to all students for a fantastic term 3.

Principal’s Awards - Junior Campus

Congratulations to the following students who have received Principal’s Awards:

Congratulations to the following students who have received their second Principal’s Awards:

Principal’s Awards - Senior Campus

Congratulations to the following students who have received Principal’s Awards:

Congratulations to the following students who have received their second Principal’s Awards:

Congratulations to the following students who have received their third Principal’s Awards:

Mrs Sue Cooper

Leader of Wellbeing and Learning

scooper@parra.catholic.edu.au

Another term at St Andrews has come to an end and you all are close to having a full year of high school under your belt. I asked you earlier in the term to challenge yourself and strive to be a person for others. I can say that you have done so tremendously with an evident improvement in your growth as a St Andrews student. I have seen a lot of you try to improve in some area of school life. 

This week Year 12 graduated and we all participated respectfully in the Graduation Mass. One day, 5 years from now, that will be you sitting in that hall and walking the school gates for a final time. School is all about growth and we want you to grow to be the best version you can be so that when you graduate, you and your family will be proud of the person you have become. It is your responsibility to ensure that you take each opportunity given to you at school; academically or extracurricularly to learn, grow and give you the best possible outcomes for the future. Those year 12 students were once in your shoes, been through all the ups and downs high school brought and they dealt with each setback to graduate as a year 12 student of St Andrews College and I wish for you to do the same. 

Congratulations to all the students who have represented the College in representative sport this term, to all the students who have received honour awards, writing awards and congratulations to the students who have participated in extracurricular activities in the College. 

So what is your next goal next term?

Mr Carlos

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 7

Dear Year 8 Parents and Students,

As we approach the end of Term 3, we are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Year 8 students. It has been an incredible journey so far, with countless highlights in academics, sports, arts, and community involvement. We believe it's essential to acknowledge and encourage your children's accomplishments, as well as emphasize the significance of well-rounded growth during this crucial stage of their education.

Celebrating Excellence

Year 8 has seen an impressive array of accomplishments among our students. From Principal Awards for outstanding academic achievements to participation in various sporting teams, winning writing competitions, and shining in our choir, your children have exemplified dedication and talent. These accomplishments not only highlight their individual skills but also the vibrant culture of achievement within our school community.

Participating in extracurricular activities, such as sports, writing competitions, and the choir, offers students opportunities for personal and social growth. These activities encourage teamwork, develop leadership skills, and nurture creativity. Moreover, they provide a sense of belonging, fostering friendships and connections that can last a lifetime. We strongly encourage all students to explore these extracurricular options, as they play a pivotal role in shaping well-rounded individuals.

Recharging and Relaxing

As we approach the upcoming school holidays, we urge both students and parents to prioritise rest and relaxation. The break is a valuable opportunity to rejuvenate, recharge, and come back refreshed for the final term of Year 8. While it's essential to maintain a healthy balance between studies and leisure, we suggest the following activities to make the most of this well-deserved break:

1. Read for Pleasure: Encourage your child to pick up a book purely for enjoyment. Reading for pleasure can be a fantastic way to unwind and expand their horizons.
2. Outdoor Adventures: Spend time in nature by hiking, biking, or simply going for long walks. Fresh air and physical activity can do wonders for mental well-being.
3. Creative Exploration: Encourage artistic expression through activities like drawing, painting, or trying out a musical instrument.
4. Family Time: Use this break as an opportunity to bond with your family. Plan fun outings or game nights to strengthen your connections.
5. Digital Detox: Limit screen time and encourage your child to disconnect from devices occasionally to foster a healthier relationship with technology.

Spreading Kindness

Lastly, we want to underscore the importance of kindness towards others. It's a value we hold dear at our school, and we encourage our students to carry this principle with them beyond the classroom. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, can have a profound impact on someone's day, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for everyone. Encourage your child to engage in acts of kindness, such as helping a friend in need or participating in community service initiatives. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to making the world a better place.

We are immensely proud of our Year 8 students and the incredible journey they've embarked upon this year. As we approach the final term, let us continue to nurture their growth, promote rest and rejuvenation, and emphasise the value of kindness.

We wish you all a wonderful and restful holiday season and look forward to welcoming everyone back for an exciting final term of Year 8.

Warm regards,

Jarryd Leaves 

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 8

Year 9 - Ceramics- Patterns in nature

Year 9 art students have been learning about ceramics this term. As a school we were privileged to have practising artist Rebecca Verpoorten Laws for two sessions this term. Ms Laws taught students how to construct a ceramic vessel using clay. Students created slabs using a coil and built their vessel up piece by piece using coils. 

Their design was based on patterns in nature. Our visiting artist showed our students how to make marks in their clay using various methods including sgraffito, bas relief, drawing using tools, carving and incision making. Students made their own clay stamps and used these to emboss their clay. 

Our students received feedback throughout each workshop and have created amazing artworks as a result of this guidance and practice. We were honoured to be selected for such an amazing opportunity and we have all learnt so much from our visiting artist. 

Year 8 - Surrealism 

Year 8 students are learning about the art movement Surrealism. Surrealism is an art form that originated after the war, with a focus on dreams, chance and imagination. Our students created surreal, fantasy creatures to be superimposed onto pokemon cards. 

Below are some examples of works in progress as well as finished designs.

Year 11 Photography- Individual projects

Year 11 Photography students have been busily producing photographs for their individual projects. Each project reveals the interests of our students and gives us an insight into their experiences over the past term. A range of themes and techniques were explored this term, including food photography, landscape photography and still life photography. These projects included research in their PPD, practice using photoshop and dedication to their theme. 

It has been a great end to the course. I am very proud of your efforts Year 11 and it has been a pleasure seeing your skills develop in photography each week. 

The work of Year 11 can be seen below. 

Mrs Tiana Psaila

Visual Arts Teacher

On Monday 11 September the Year 10 Elective Japanese Course students went to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. They explored special Japanese artworks there. The students first experienced the several famous Japanese art pieces in the North Building. They had to find clues from the artworks to complete the worksheet. The students needed to count the number of colours used in the flower statues and write the name of the artists in Hiragana and English, sometimes in Kanji. 

Then, the students moved to the South Building to explore the exhibition called Asian Lanterns. There were many modern and historical pieces from around Asia countries including Japan that were displayed in the exhibition. The students continued to find clues from artworks and reading and writing words in Japanese. Every student who participated in the activities enjoyed the time very much.

At lunch, students experienced having an authentic Japanese set meal which is called Teishoku at Yayoi in the city. It had one main dish such as Chicken Karaage or Grilled mackerel, miso soup, vegetables, pickles and a bowl of rice. There were a few students who asked for another bowl of rice as they offered a free refill. They all enjoyed and loved eating Japanese food.

All of the students had a full Japanese cultural experience on the day. Everyone enjoyed their excursion so much!

Ms Miho Matsufuji

Japanese Teacher

Feedback from the Year 10 Japanese Course students:

The excursion was really fun! It was so interesting exploring both sides of the art gallery instead of just 1. Inside the art gallery, there were multiple interactives that made my experience more entertaining such as the clay session, videos displayed in theatre looking areas, etc. Trying to find each painting on the worksheet was delightful as I got to learn more about Japanese culture and was able to see a variety of different artworks. It really made the day so much more enjoyable. Also, the food tasted really good and filling. 

Year 10 Japanese - Mary Grace Lasmarias

The excursion was really interesting and fun. I had a lot of fun making my way through the Museum to find the information to complete the worksheet - it was almost like a treasure hunt. There were a lot of other different types of art available on display. The food at the restaurant was amazing. And the service was really good. 

Year 10 Japanese - Amik Marok

The excursion was a fun experience. We began by going to the art gallery which had many interesting and unique pieces of artwork. My favourite piece in the south building was the three masks made by Kitazawa Hideta and my favourite piece in the north building was “Japan Supernatural” by Takashi Murakami. We ended the excursion by going to Yayoi restaurant and the experience was very nice and the food was enjoyable. The overall experience was fun, my favourite activity was the south building of the art gallery.

Year 10 Japanese - Sean Park

St Andrews celebrated the final day of lessons for Year 12 students by bringing everyone together for a final SAC FAM concert with the CYP band on Wednesday 13th September. Students were treated to a free Sausage Sizzle cooked by many of our wonderful Year 11 volunteers, before coming together in the Senior Hall for an afternoon of fun, fellowship and music. The afternoon began with many of our Year 12 students performing their HSC musical pieces. Congratulations to Ada Domingo, Dominique Grepo and Diana Park for their outstanding performances, and for firing up the students for the main act. Miss Tan then led the students in prayer and an ice breaker before the main act the CYP band led by Eleanor Bonwick hit the stage and inspired the Year 12 students to sing and dance together in an afternoon of festivity and togetherness. Thank you to Mr Alata for always making himself available for setup and his musicianship, thank you to Mr Chiapetta for stepping in on drums, Miss Tan for leading her sessions and the Year 11 students who cooked and served our Year 12 students on the day. Special thanks to the CYP band who provided a stellar performance, and have become an important part of our Mission to bring our students to Christ in joy this year.

Andrew Hoare

Director of Faith, Mission and Learning.

Dear St. Andrews Community,

We are thrilled to announce the exceptional young talents who emerged victorious in the St. Andrews Writing Competition for the month of August. It is with great pride that we celebrate the remarkable achievements of these budding writers, who have showcased their creativity, imagination, and literary prowess.

Year 7 Winners:

Riya Bijesh

Isabella Godinez

Hannah Myint

Year 9 Winner:

Raysean Raj

Year 10 Winners:

Sakina Ganiwalla

Raphaella Thimiopolous-Wilson

These gifted writers have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to craft compelling narratives, poems, and essays that captivated our judging panel. Their works reflect the depth of their literary skills, as well as their passion for storytelling.

Riya Bijesh, Isabella Godinez, and Hannah Myint from Year 7 enchanted us with their vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling in prose and poetry. Their entries resonated with readers and judges alike, transporting us with every word.

Raysean Raj from Year 9 wowed us with his thought-provoking poetry. His ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through his writing is truly commendable.

Sakina Ganiwalla and Raphaella Thimiopolous-Wilson, both from Year 10, exhibited remarkable literary finesse. Their entries displayed maturity in style, content, and creativity that impressed the judges.

The St. Andrews Writing Competition has always been a platform for our students to hone their writing skills and express their thoughts and emotions. These young writers have not only taken part but have excelled in showcasing their talents.

We also want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the participants for their hard work and dedication. Your willingness to explore the world of words is truly commendable, and we encourage you to continue nurturing your writing talents.

As we applaud our August winners, we also want to remind all our budding authors that the final competition of the year is just around the corner in November. It's time to start gathering your thoughts, ideas, and stories. Let your imagination soar, and your pens or keyboards dance as you craft your entries. The next competition promises to be even more exciting and competitive than ever.

Once again, congratulations to our August winners, and we can't wait to see what literary wonders you have in store for the November competition. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep inspiring!

Warm regards,

Mr Dewar

Leader of Learning Writing

As the curtains close on another spectacular theatrical journey, we reflect on the enchanting world brought to life in the recent production of Shakespeare's timeless classic, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." 

For months leading up to the big night, the entire cast and crew worked tirelessly, pouring their hearts and souls into making this production a resounding success. Their hard work and dedication shone through in every scene, and the audience was transported into the mystical realm of the fairy forest, where love, laughter, and mischief intertwined.

The magic of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was not confined to the stage alone. The set design, costumes, and lighting were nothing short of breathtaking. 

Of course, a successful production relies not only on the cast and crew but also on the support of the community. The students, teachers, and administration staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this production the best that it could be. Their dedication ensured that every aspect of the show, from set construction to ticket sales, ran smoothly.

As the final curtain fell and the actors took their bows, the applause was thunderous, a testament to the outstanding talent and hard work that went into this production. The standing ovation was richly deserved, and it was a heartwarming moment to see the cast and crew bask in the well-earned adulation.

Perhaps the most enchanting thing about the performance was not what happened on stage, but behind it. The journey that these students underwent was inspirational and brought out the best. The standards were set high, but the students rose to meet them and exceeded all expectations. The memories and friendships that they formed from this experience is something that will stay with them even after school. That is the true magic of a production like this.

As we bid farewell to this enchanting production, students have approached me about how their Thursday afternoons will now lack that sense of comradery now. The students have shed tears not only in happiness, but also in sadness. Afterall, they are saying goodbye to something that has been a major part of their lives for six months. 

I ask any student who was part of this production, would like to be part of any future production or is simply interested in drama, to watch this space. The drama department has something in the works.

A big thank you to Dr Stephen Kennaugh, Ms Christina Rujicica, Ms Simone McKechnie, Mr Antonio Chiapetta, Mr Travis Kolek, and all the other staff, who assist both on the day and during production.

Please see below a cast list:

THESEUS Daniel Nucifora

HIPPOLYTA Joy Legge

PHILOSTRATE Daniel Burchmore

HERA Jenille Calingao

HERMIA Jade Kember

LYSANDER Ben He

DEMITRIUS Dante Carbone

HELENA Jeda Osorio

QUINCE Nicola Gerardis

SNOUT Emily Stevenson

SNUG Theo Robillo

ROBIN Alex McPherson

BOTTOM Ivan Farkas

PUCK Riya Bijesh

FAIRY 1 Makoi Malaul

OBERON Berend Slager

TITANIA Joycie Bacolod

FAIRY 2 Arya Sawhney

PEASEBLOSSOM Keanna Guerrero

MOTE Saumya Punj

MUSTARDSEED Helli Vyas

COBWEB Emily Burchmore

UNDERSTUDY Noah Micheal

FAIRY ENSEMBLE Alyssa Bettiol Kiara Guglani Tanisha Jeshani
Erin Cagney Aadhya Nethula Isabella Welangoda

FRONT OF HOUSE Azri Mortimer Benjamin Barakat Cooper Shield

BACKSTAGE CREW Kelsie Guerrero Jairus Bernardo Max Lovering Aliza Juco Hermione Mendoza Jayden Santos Mackenzie Jones Sophia Hourani Alyssa Guillermo Euleila Barret

Until next time! 

Mr Nick Lewandowski
Director and Drama Teacher

Student Leadership Retreat (14th - 15th August 2023)

On the 14th- 15th  of August, the upcoming Year 12 Leaders of 2024 had the opportunity to attend a retreat at Billow View, Gerringong. There the leaders were able to explore their roles and responsibilities as rising seniors and start planning for the upcoming year.  

We would like to thank Dr Kennaugh, Mr Houseman & Mrs Cooper who have given us this opportunity and who have worked hard with us on the retreat. 

Here are some reflections from the students at the Leadership Retreat:

Reflections: 

“Attending this retreat really allowed me to prepare for the upcoming year. It was a great bonding time for our team and we really got to learn more about each other. It was such a new experience and a perfect time to reflect and most importantly, have fun. Having the opportunity to once again be a part of the school leadership really gave me the chance to move with confidence. Being on this retreat allowed me to bond with other leaders, share ideas, reflect on our roles to better enhance us for next year. ” - Athieu

“The retreat, in my opinion, was a perfect chance to begin discussing  and planning the vision we had and want to achieve for the leadership of 2024 St Andrews College. I am so glad we were given the chance to bond with the team and begin our sense of interdependence which will be important & essential for next year!” - Euleila

“The Leadership retreat enabled me to become more open to sharing and bonding with my peers. Through sharing my experiences from WYD23 to contribute and apply ideas for the next school year, I was able to find my strengths, exploring and understanding my roles and responsibilities as a SRC leader.” - Jericho

“Through this retreat, I was given the opportunity to bond with the other members of the leadership team for 2024, as we began to plan our roles for the upcoming year. We were able to reflect on our own strengths and what we can do in order to live up to the school motto, ‘Doing more, going beyond,’ as individuals and as a team.” - Cate

“This was my first leadership retreat and it was an incredible experience. Throughout the retreat I was able to connect with my peers and appreciate the privilege of being a leader for the upcoming school year. “ - Jenzel

“One of the best experiences that can be had. Being  given the opportunity to work and bond with each other through cooking meals and having time to just hangout with each other and relax. It was a privilege to go on this trip and create a closer bond with each other. I wouldn’t miss anything for it.” - Jeremy S

Athieu Majok

Publicity SRC

Our divers have been working very hard and training diligently this term to achieve some new goals. As a club operating under Diving NSW, St Andrews College students have been competing in regular interclub competitions against divers from all over the State. They have been completing dryland training at Flip-Out during sport and attending Friday night and Saturday morning sessions at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

On Sunday 20th August, 4 of our divers competed at their first interclub - The Matthew Mitcham, Wear it Purple competition. Two of our divers, Claire De Vos and Keana Hickey competed in Pathways Level 3 and 4 respectively. Claire placed 3rd and Keana placed 2nd. Analise Gregoriou and Eesa Mir competed in their Age group event where Eesa placed 1st and Analise 5th. Analise was also only 3 points away from the National qualifying score on her first attempt.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of pool availability, our divers did not get a lot of water time between their first and second competitions. The second Interclub was held on Sunday 17th September with 3 of our divers competing. Eesa and Analise were back to compete in their age event and while Analise had a tough day, Eesa managed to place 3rd against a much higher quality of competitors and improve his score by 15 points. Although Analise did not dive to her standard, she still managed to place a respectable 7th. Rachael Griffiths also competed in her first non-school pathways competition and placed 12th while setting herself a base score from which she hopes to keep improving.

During the Term 3 holidays, Rachael and Claire will be attending a week-long training camp at Lightning Ridge where they will get invaluable experience and hopefully learn some impressive new dives. We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing about their experience when they return.

Anita Weaver

The R U OK? Day Event, that was held on Friday the 15th of September on the Junior Campus, was a huge success! The event was a large bake sale with all proceeds going to the R U OK? Foundation. This included handmade cookies, cakes, macaroons, brownies, and more. Over recess and lunch, in rising temperatures, the Leadership team, both SRC and House Captains alike, were able to completely sell out of these baked goods. The communication, teamwork, and overall good vibes were blooming throughout the event. It was touching and honouring to see the various interactions between fellow students, all with one significant conversation starter, “Are you ok?”. It is so important to make the effort and continue that conversation no matter the answer received as a little can always go a long way. At the end of the day, the Junior Campus R U OK? Day Event for 2023, was able to raise $391.50! We thank Mrs Cooper, Mr Finnerty, all staff involved, volunteers, and of course the Junior Campus Leadership Team who made the event possible. We would also like to extend our thanks especially to the Year 9 SRC Leadership team who always go above and beyond to handmake, bake, and wrap each treat. So if you were lucky enough to get one, it was made with love! Just remember, we are Here to Hear. 

Elyscia (Publicity SRC), Cameron, Makoi, Lexy, and Suwanthi

College Leadership Team

Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing

College Leaders of Learning - KLA

College Leaders of Learning