THE FOCUS IS ON LEARNING

Today, we gathered to honour the remarkable accomplishments of our 2023 HSC Distinguished Achievers. The HSC examinations mark a significant milestone in the lives of many students, representing the culmination of their educational journey. Abiel Santos, College Dux of 2023, attributed his success to one pivotal element:

“...each of us has to make our own decisions on how we live out our lives within school. Every choice we make - whether to do the bare minimum, or to extend ourselves to do more, going beyond, is a choice entirely up to us, which will have a certain impact on whether we complete our main quest. Every day brings a new lesson - like a side quest, providing you the opportunity to “level up” and learn something unique and interesting you didn’t know before.”

This insight from Abiel underscores the importance of personal agency and engagement in education and reminds both students and parents that the choices made in learning directly impact outcomes. It encourages students to take ownership of their educational journey and I encourage parents to continue to support their children in embracing opportunities for growth and learning beyond the minimum requirements.

The core message for 2024 resonates with the idea that every action holds significance. Each day matters, from our approach and dedication during NAPLAN and PAT testing to our engagement in classwork, homework, and study time. Both informal and formal assessments carry weight, as every stride we make in our educational journey shapes our personal development and contributes to our collective growth as a community of learners.

COMMUNICATION ABOUT LEARNING

The classroom teacher is the first point of contact for students and parents when they have questions about learning within the classroom. Teachers will continue to use Compass to communicate with parents about successes, concerns and feedback about a student's learning. We encourage all parents to check Compass and their emails often so as correspondence from the College is not missed.

We are excited to announce that this year, the College is embarking on the transition to a new Learning Management System known as Canvas. During this transition period, students will utilise both Google Classroom and Canvas; however, the Canvas platform offers the added benefit of real-time access for parents to view students' work and teacher feedback. Throughout the term, we will be providing parents with more information about Canvas and opportunities for both students and parents to familiarise themselves with this exciting change.

I wish you all every success for 2024 academic year.

Ms Josilin Kalifa

Assistant Principal

Teaching, Learning and Wellbeing

Welcome

Welcome to the start of a new year. This year sees several new faces in the Wellbeing Team at the College. I warmly welcome Mr Nathan Weaver, Leader of Wellbeing Year 9, who is joining our Wellbeing Team. In 2024 we also have four Assistant Leaders of Wellbeing on the Junior Campus. They will work closely with the Leaders of Wellbeing to support our students to be the best they can be. I would like to introduce and welcome our Assistant Leaders of Wellbeing: Ms Ivana Nikitovic, Year 7; Ms Susan Amiri, Year 8; Miss Jasmine Breeze, Year 9 and Mr Danny Cetinic, Yr 10.  The Leaders of Wellbeing, along with the Learning Advisors, are a great source of support for students and parents throughout the year as they support the student’s wellbeing and learning.

The Leaders of Wellbeing for 2024 are:

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

Ms Ivana Nikitovic, Assistant Leader of Wellbeing Year 7: inikitovic@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mr Kharl Carlos, Leader of Wellbeing Year 8: kcarlos3@parra.catholic.edu.au

Ms Susan Amiri, Assistant Leader of Wellbeing Year 8: samiri1@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mr Nathan Weaver, Leader of Wellbeing Year 9: nweaver@parra.catholic.edu.au

Miss Jasmine Breeze, Assistant Leader of Wellbeing Year 9 jbreeze@parra.catholic.edu.au

Ms Alicia Harwood, Leader of Wellbeing Year 10: aharwood@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mr Danny Cetinic, Assistant Leader of Wellbeing Year 10: dcetinic1@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Emily Parker, Leader of Wellbeing Year 11: eparker13@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mr Andrew Houseman, Leader of Wellbeing Year 12: ahouseman1@parra.catholic.edu.au

Leadership

Our leaders, on both campuses, have begun the school year by hitting the ground running - they are busily preparing activities for St Valentine's Day and Curiosity Week, as well as planning for the upcoming Swimming Carnival. 

I look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

Mrs Sue Cooper

Leader of Wellbeing and Learning

scooper@parra.catholic.edu.au

Welcome to 2024!

It is always wonderful to see our community return for another busy start to a new school year. I hope you all had the opportunity to spend time with family and friends and celebrate Christmas together.

Student Timetables and Classes

It has been a smooth transition into 2024 thanks to all the work of our Timetable Committee. If you have any questions please let me know (details are below). Your feedback is always greatly appreciated.

Professional Learning for Staff

Professional Learning for staff occurs most Monday afternoons from 3 - 4 pm which is aimed at enhancing our SPIRE Framework. In addition there are several Staff Development Days scheduled throughout the year.

A Reminder …

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 above which relates to my specific role as Assistant Principal – Systems, Data, and Professional Learning.

Thank you for your continued support

Patrick Finnerty

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

• B5 – Daniel Riger
• B11 – Cheryl Braisby & Bernadette Corpuz
• C8 – Christella Bade
• C9 – Miho Matsufuji
• F3 – Sophie Britton
•  F5 – Simon Hazell
• G10 – Claudia Harris
• G11 – Quinn Le & Mickaela Douglas

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 every one of the newest members of our community as they continue their transition to High School.

It was wonderful to be able to meet so many of you at the Year 7 Parent Meet and Greet Night. This was an exciting time that allowed 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 have attached some photos of the Peer Support sessions that we have run so far this term as well as some of the Theatre Sport taster session that students were involved in with Ms. Rujicica. 

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.  

Mr. Jarryd Leaves 

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 7

Welcome back to another year at St Andrews College! 

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the new families joining our community. My name is Kharl Carlos and I am the Leader of Wellbeing for Year 8. I am very excited to continue  to be working with all the students, teachers and parents in year 8 to help make this year in high school achieve their best and have a memorable and enjoyable time here at St Andrews. 

I would also like to introduce the Year 8 Learning Advisors for 2024

• B4 - Mr Din
• B8 - Miss Amiri 
• C6 - Miss Cusack, Mr Cheung
• C10 - Mr Ison, Miss Nguyen 
• F7 - Miss Malonzo, Mrs Kemal
• F8 - Mrs Akkoumi, Mrs Thompson
• G8 - Mrs Kramer, Miss Appleby
• G9 - Miss Rivera

2023 was a great first year for the class of 2028, each student experienced a year of transition and growth and now with one year of high school under their belt, I ask the students to focus on 3 things:

• A positive mindset (Learning and Well-being)
• To not worry about things they cannot control
• Set learning goals they wish to achieve to grow from last year

I would also like to introduce to you the Assistant Leader of Wellbeing Year 8 Ms Susan Amiri. 

Miss Amiri and I will be working together to ensure the students’ wellbeing is looked after. Miss Amiri is available if I am not there for students to talk to. 

Learning Planner

This year we are using hardcopy planners. This learning planner is a learning tool used to communicate with parents, be organised and to gain well-being tips throughout the year.

Each week students will complete well-being activities in the planner. The planner can also be used for teachers to write notes home for parents to check. 

At the end of each week, we ask that parents sign the planner to ensure their child is using this. The students’ learning advisor will check this fortnightly. We ask that the students take responsibility in ensuring this planner is used and checked regularly.

The planner also contains all our school policies and procedures and students are reminded to follow these guidelines. It is especially important to remember to follow uniform expectations:

Makeup: 

False eye-lashes, make up, coloured nail polish and acrylic nails are not to be worn at school. The College reserves the right to have the student remove the makeup, nail polish or fake eyelashes. 

Hair: 

Boys

- Hair should be neatly cut, and maintained at all times.

- Undercut, burst fades, drop fades, skin fades are not acceptable, nor are tracks, lines or designs.

- Hair on the sides and the back should be blended in (Number 2 is the shortest acceptable length).

- Long hair is not acceptable; hair must not touch the collar, cover the face or be worn in a

bun/ponytail.

- Hair should not be overly styled by use of hair products.

- No facial hair; must be clean shaven at all times(including sideburn, neck and goatee).

Girls

- Girls hair must be completely tied back at all times; pony tail, high/low bun, plait or braided.

- Hair must not cover the face.

- Hair must be tied with a scrunchie or hair tie; navy or black hair ties/scrunchies only.

- Headbands or ribbons may be used; must be black, white or navy in colour.

- Claw clips may be used; must be black, white or navy in colour.

- Unnatural or multiple hair colouring is not allowed. Hair must be a natural hair colour.

Jewellery 

• Boys are not permitted to have any piercings at school. 
• Girls are only permitted to have one set of studs or sleepers (with a small jewel) in their lower ear lobe only.
• Boys and girls are permitted one basic chain with a religious symbol only.
• Boys and girls are permitted to wear one ring that is not oversized and is basic in design.

Upcoming Events:

❏ Friday 9th February Is the Opening College Mass and High Achievers Assembly in Junior Campus Hall.

❏ 14th February is Ash Wednesday.

❏ Friday 23rd February is the College Swimming Carnival @ Emerton Pool.

❏ Friday 1st March Staff Development Day

❏ Wednesday 6th March Open 

❏ Good Friday 29th March & Easter Monday 1st April

❏ Friday 12th April - Last Day of Term 1.

As I said in our year meeting on Day 1, 2024 is a clean slate for all students. 2023 is the past and however you ended it does not matter this year. Everyone has the capability to change and better themselves. Focus on yourselves, your learning and remember to respect and be a person for others

Looking forward to meeting you all soon. 

Mr. Kharl Carlos

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 8

Dear St Andrews College Community,

I extend a heartfelt welcome to all Year 9 students and their parents/carers as we embark on our journey together in 2024. It's truly heartening to see the positive strides our Year 9 students have taken at the outset of this year. Their dedication to their studies and seamless adaptation to routines is truly commendable.

I am genuinely thrilled to collaborate with our Year 9 cohort, alongside our dedicated teachers and supportive parents. As our students immerse themselves in their chosen elective courses, this marks a pivotal moment where they begin to carve out their own educational paths and explore potential vocations.

Fostering an environment of active engagement and continuous growth, our Year 9 students are encouraged to embrace challenges, seek feedback, and inquire, striving for excellence in every lesson. This year, our focus has been on nurturing their wellbeing through weekly reflections located in their learning planners and fostering a stronger sense of community through participation in our Thursday sports program. I kindly request your assistance in ensuring they complete their scheduled wellbeing activities and encourage open conversations with your children about their school experiences.

In my capacity as Acting Leader of Wellbeing Year 9, I am honoured to continue the work initiated by Mr. Jarryd Leaves, who laid a solid foundation in supporting our Year 9 students. I am also delighted to warmly welcome and celebrate the addition of Miss Jasmine Breeze as Assistant Leader of Wellbeing Year 9. We both eagerly anticipate the Year 9 Wellbeing lessons and look forward to witnessing the growth and achievements of every student as they engage in the diverse opportunities and activities our College offers.

Should you require any assistance or have concerns regarding our Year 9 students, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at nweaver@parra.catholic.edu.au.

Warm regards,

Mr. Nathan Weaver

Acting Leader of Wellbeing Year 9

St Andrews College

Dear Parents/Carers and Students of Year 10, 

Welcome back to a new school year.  

I hope you all had a restful Christmas and New Year with family and friends.  

It has been wonderful to welcome Year 10 back to school. Year 10 have started the year very well and I have had many positive reports from their teachers. I am very grateful and honoured to be continuing on with the Year 10 students this year, as their Leader of Wellbeing. I look forward to seeing the students reach their potential, as they take on the role of the leaders of the Junior Campus. I know they will rise to the occasion and lead by example. 

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce and welcome Mr Danny Cetinic who will be the Assistant Leader of Wellbeing for Year 10. Mr Cetinic will be working alongside myself and the Learning Advisors to support our students. 

Our Learning Advisor team consists of the following teachers this year. 

B3 - Mrs Anita Weaver 

B7 - Mr Wade Leu and Mrs Djigdem Numan

C1 - Ms Deb Rosinski 

C3 - Ms Amanda Cox 

F1 - Mrs Theresa Ciantar and Mrs Liliana Appleby

F2 - Miss Noami Gonzales, Mrs Hailey Borg and Mr Joseph Lenehan  

G5 - Mrs Jessica Shnoudi, Mrs Ananta Reddy and Ms Monika Ramzy 

G16 - Mr Duncan Dewar and Miss Christina Rujijica

I would like to thank the Peer Support Leaders for the wonderful work that they’re doing with Year 7. It takes the students a great deal of time and effort to prepare for the Peer Support lessons each week, and the students should be very proud of their efforts. I would also like to thank Mrs Cooper and Mr Leaves for their support for the students running the Peer Support Program.

If you need help with anything concerning Year 10 students, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email which is aharwood@parra.catholic.edu.au or alternatively, you can contact the College via phone. 

Ms Alicia Harwood 

Leader of Wellbeing Year 10

Ash Wednesday

Next Wednesday 14th  February 2024  is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, St Andrews will celebrate with an Ash Wednesday liturgy on both the Junior and Senior campuses. The imposition of ashes on the forehead on Ash Wednesday is a biblical symbol of repentance.

The ash used for Ash Wednesday is historically made of palm branches used on the previous Palm Sunday, when Christians carry palms, it is in reference to Jesus’ path being covered in palm fronds, on the day he entered Jerusalem.

Each Lent we are invited to open our hearts to experience the mercy of God. Pope Francis tells us that Lent is a new beginning, a path towards continual conversion of heart. 

Lent is a time of preparation, where we traditionally give something up, a time of prayer, fasting, and giving, to allow us to freely accept what Jesus did for us at Easter. You may think how can I prepare? You can let go of more stuff, listen better, or do more,  such as restoring a relationship or spending time with a difficult sibling. However, you may want to begin by turning to the Lord in prayer, and asking him “What does my soul need,” or “What about my life makes you happy?” In this way, by opening yourself up to God,  you can be prepared to be open to his graces in this Lenten season.” 

It doesn’t matter what we choose to do – to give up something, or to do extra things,  the idea is that we are helping ourselves to be open to become the person God calls us to be.  Let us use this time of Lent to change our hearts to be more open to God’s power and grace in our lives and world. 

Andrew Hoare

Director of Faith Mission and Learning

Welcome back to St Andrews for another great year of learning in 2024. For our new year 7 parents, welcome to the St Andrews College Community. Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) is a mandatory subject in years 7-10. The PDHPE course in years 7-10 is comprised of 50% practical (physical education) and 50% theory lessons (personal development and health).

Students in years 7-10 have practical lessons once per week in addition to College Sport which is on a Thursday. For students in year 9 and 10 studying Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS), practical lessons occur 3 times per fortnight.

Students are permitted to wear their full College sport uniform to and from school on days when they have a timetabled practical lesson. Adequate and supportive footwear is required.

It is a very exciting time for our year 9 students as they begin their elective courses in Child Studies and/or PASS and our year 11 students as they study senior PDHPE, Community and Family Studies, Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) and/or Exploring Early Childhood.

During Term 1, students will be learning about the following topics during theory and practical lessons:

• Year 7 PDHPE- Healthy habits and building teamwork and communication
• Year 8 PDHPE- Building respectful relationships and Net & Court games
• Year 9 PDHPE- Relationships & power, respect, inclusivity and diversity, Olympic Sports and Athletics
• Year 9 Child Studies- Preparing for parenthood
• Year 9 Physical Activity and Sport Studies- Nutrition and its relationship to physical activity and Modified games
• Year 10 PDHPE- Planning for their futures and world sports
• Year 10 Physical Activity and Sport Studies- Event Management
• Year 10 Child Studies- Growth and Development
• Year 11 Community and Family Studies- Wellbeing, managing resources, needs, wants, goal setting and communication
• Year 11 PDHPE- Improving the health of individuals
• Year 11 Exploring Early Childhood- Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Year 12 Community and Family Studies- The labour force in Australia
• Year 12 PDHPE- The current state of health in Australia

I encourage you to have conversations with your child/children about their learning in PDHPE this term and during the year ahead. If at any time you have questions about your child’s learning in PDHPE, I encourage you to contact your child’s teacher.

As a faculty, we look forward to sharing with you some of the great things happening in our classes throughout the course of the year. 

Mrs Kayla Brogan

Leader of Learning - PDHPE and the PDHPE faculty

Dear parents/guardians, 

Welcome to 2024, it is a big and exciting term in regards to sport. I thought I would share some of the upcoming events that will be happening along with a couple of reminders. 

We are very excited to announce the Gymnastics program has commenced again for year 8. This means that during term 1 Bennelong and Chang have the opportunity to attend Sydney Gymnastics Aquatic Centre - Rooty Hill led by talented instructors. It is a program that will run over the course of 8 weeks. Could I please remind those students and parents who do not have the waiver signed please do so before the next Thursday as the student will not be able to participate without the waiver signed by an adult. This is a great opportunity for students to get involved in a Gymnastics program! In term 2 it will be Frances and Goulds opportunity to attend the 8 week Gymnastics program. Students will also be required to bring back to school the signed waiver on the first Thursday of term 2. Students who fail to bring a signed waiver will be able to attend but will not be able to participate. 

At the conclusion of 2023, Mrs. Weaver was honoured with the prestigious New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges Sports Service Award in recognition of her unwavering dedication and commitment to the development of New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges Divers. This esteemed accolade stands as the highest form of sporting recognition within our educational system, celebrating the tireless efforts of teachers and officials in nurturing and mentoring our students. 

We are very lucky to have Mrs Weaver as a teacher at St Andrews College and also a diving coach. Mrs Weavers gives up enormous amounts of time to assist and coach our students for diving throughout the year. Thank you very much Mrs Weaver for all that you do with our students here at St Andrews College.

I was very excited to announce year 10 students yesterday attended venue sports which started up again yesterday for 2024 - one555 gym, rock climbing, flipout, AMF bowling which commences Thursday 9th February. The waivers for one555 gym, rock climbing and flipout have been added to a google classroom post on the year 10 wellbeing page. Could I please remind all parents and students that if a waiver is not filled out by the parent for the venue sport chosen by the student they will go to the venue but unfortunately not be able to participate due to the waiver not being signed. The only venue sport that does not require a waiver is AMF bowling. 

We also have the college swimming carnival fast approaching on the 23rd February. This year the carnival will be held at Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton. Parents/guardians are more than welcome to come along and watch the swimming races. Students will be expected to attend school as per usual in full sport uniform. Students will also have the opportunity on the day to race in events of the age group in which they are or have turned this year. Any student who chooses to swim the 100m freestyle will need to arrive at normal time to get on the first bus to pools.  If a student does not want to swim competitively they will have an option to participate in novelty events to earn points for their house. Any student who would like to competitively swim the long course events- 200m & 400m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly, 200I and 100m breaststroke could they please email me a photo via email of verified times. I will also have a google form that will be send out of year group wellbeing pages that students who wish to participate in the long course events. 

Yesterday, students had the opportunity to trail for a representative team. The sports that students will represent the college in are Jnr and Inter boys/girls Volleyball, Jnr and Inter boys/girls Oztag, Jnr and Inter boys basketball and Senior boys basketball and girls 5 aside soccer at the wanderers. Students who are successful in making the team will have at least one training session per week in the lead up to Thursday afternoon games. Coaches will also be handing out to students who are successful in trial a rep sport contract that the parent and student will need to fill out, sign and return back to the coach before Thursday next week. I thank all the coaches in advance for the time and effort they are putting into their respective rep team.

Could I please remind students to keep an eye out on wellbeing google classroom pages for any important information. 

Over the school holidays Amelia Manks played in the U16 NSW Softball Nationals in Melbourne. Amelia played multiple games which led her to pitching in the Grand Final. Unfortunately NSW came 2nd place. Congratulations to Amelia for proceeding through with her team to the grand final and gaining the amazing experience.

Good luck to Amelia Manks and Chloe Johnston at the NSWCCC trials for softball next week.

 I look forward to sharing all our student success across all sports that are happening this term. 

Miss Ivana Nikitovic 

Leader of Wellbeing - Sport

JMC Academy - Work Experience

JMC Academy offers a work experience program for students in Year 10 and Year 11. The program is a four-day program, this year’s program will take place from Monday the 27th of May until Thursday the 30th of May. 

There are six work experience programs to choose from – depending on your areas of interest and passion you can choose from the following areas:

Acting;

Audio Engineering & Sound Production;

Design (Visual Communication);

Film & TV Production;

Game Design; or

Music. 

Interested students are encouraged to visit this link for more information and to complete the online application.

Students needing assistance with their application are asked to contact Ms May. Students who are successful in their application need to also complete the CSPD Work Experience paperwork.

JMC Academy Competitions

This year JMC Academy is holding four competitions for students in Years 9 to 12 to demonstrate their creative abilities. The competitions are:

The Canvas Art Award

All artists are unique in their abilities, to reflect that JMC Academy is opening the competition to various mediums. Students can submit artworks from the following categories:

• Analogue Artwork - using non-digital/traditional materials such as pencils, paints, paper and canvas
• Digital 2D Artwork - using digital tools such as a tablet or computer
• 3D Artwork - three dimensional art work such as 3D modeling or animation
• Comic Strip - is a visual representation of a story and a chronological narrative, which can be hand drawn or on a computer, maximum 6 boxes
• Interactive Novel - great explainer video can be found here
• Storyboard - is more of a guide of your story and can be done traditionally or digitally. Students can include descriptions of camera angles
• Any combination of the above. 

Interested students are encouraged to visit this link for more information and to apply.

Mocktail Film Award

Students are invited to submit their best short fiction, short documentary, short animation, television commercial or music video clip, to be reviewed by industry professionals. 

Interested students are encouraged to visit this link for more information and to apply.

Songwriting Award

Students are invited to submit a demo of an original song. Entries must be the exclusive original work of the entrant (or entrants) and must not infringe any copyrights or any other rights of their parties. Song entries must contain both lyrics and music. Compositions that have been commercially released and/or are available for sale or monetisation through streaming channels are not eligible for entry. 

Interested students are encouraged to visit this link for more information and to apply.

Monologue Competition

Students have total creative freedom to deliver a monologue in whatever way they would like. It can be a comedy, drama or musical. Students  can sing their monologue, perform it as a comedy, relate it to current societal issues, or deliver it in the context of how/when it was written. Students are also encouraged to think about their costumes, sets, props and location to add a flair and excitement to their performance. 

Interested students are encouraged to visit this link for more information and to apply.

Competitions are an excellent way to build portfolios. I wish all students entering these JMC Academy Competitions all the very best.

Therese May

College Future Pathways Leader

College Leadership Team

Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing

College Leaders of Learning - KLA

College Leaders of Learning