Thank you all for your support during a term where again, so much has been achieved. 

Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Survey - Survey Results

I have provided a number of Graphical Representations (GR) which summarise some of the  data sets gathered during the survey. 

GR1: Intellectual Engagement

Clearly demonstrates that all cohorts are above the TTFM Norm

GR2: School Supports Learning

St Andrews College achieved a mean of 7.6 which is significantly greater than the Region Mean of 7.1

GR3: Parents/Caregivers Overview

Parents/Caregivers of St Andrews College exceeded (or equalled) the Region Mean in all areas

GR4: Students that Value Schooling Outcomes

Clearly demonstrates that all cohorts are above the TTFM Norm

GR5: Students with Positive Homework Behaviours

Clearly demonstrates that all cohorts are above the TTFM Norm.

2025 Timetable Update

We are well underway with the planning for the 2025 Timetable.

Year 11 2025 (Year 10 2024) have selected their courses and will be interviewed in Term 3 Week 3 with a parent/carer and teacher to finalise their pattern of study.

Year 9 2025 (Year 8 2024) have selected their electives and a confirmation will be given to students in Term 3 Week 5.

Staff Professional Learning Days: Friday 5 July and Monday 22 July

Below is a brief overview of the professional learning staff will be undertaking on each day.

Friday 5 July: Creating Classrooms that Improve Learning

• Developing teacher understanding of what works best in our classrooms.- The importance of Explicit Instruction in an Inquiry Learning Classroom.
• Using the Canvas Learning Management System to develop teaching and learning resources for new Syllabus reforms that engages students in their learning.

Monday 22 July: Planning for NSW Curriculum Reforms

• Face to face collaborative planning.
• Planning for the implementation of new syllabuses.

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 or feedback 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

NAPLAN RESULTS - Focus on Literacy and Numeracy

NAPLAN results are reported against proficiency standards. The early data that we have received has shown some promising results in our learners across Reading, Writing, Grammar and Punctuation and Numeracy. Student achievement is shown against 4 levels of proficiency: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support and most of our students’ results fell in the exceeding and strong range overall. These reports will be provided to parents in Term 3.

These results will be used by the College to assist our teachers to better identify students who need greater challenges or extra support. They are also one of many tools used to assess the strengths and areas of need in our teaching programs. The results, among other data collected throughout the school year will support the College in setting goals in literacy and numeracy at the KLA and whole school level.

The initial NAPLAN data has provided significant insights into the learning needs of our students. Our Leader of Learning - Literacy, Mr Duncan Dewar, led staff in Professional Learning about identifying key areas to improve students' reading. He provided teachers with strategies that would help students identify a writer’s assumption in an informative text across all subject areas. Miss Linda Hicks, Leader of Learning Literacy,  gave insight into the importance of correct paragraph structure - another important skill that is required across all areas of student learning. Mr Dickson led the staff in data informed professional learning, where student growth was the driving question of our discussions and our programming for literacy and numeracy improvement for all students.

Literacy and Numeracy are also assessed in the HSC Minimum standards tests. Students can sit the numeracy, reading or writing test from Year 10 up until they reach the HSC minimum standard for that domain. The 3 domains are numeracy, reading and writing. The College provides several opportunities for students to complete these tests before the end of Year 11. These tests ensure that students have met the minimum standard of the Australian Core Skills Framework.

TRIAL HSC EXAMINATIONS

The Trial HSC Examinations begin on Monday 5 August with English Paper 1. Students are encouraged to use their holiday time wisely ensuring that they balance their study and preparation for the trials, with their work and leisure time. The College has provided all HSC Students with several Holiday Workshops to assist with examination preparation. All students have received their personalised Trial Examination timetable via email. 

CANVAS

The College has just completed its first semester of their Canvas journey and staff have been working hard to learn new ways to provide feedback to students through the Canvas Learning Management System. Canvas is now up and running for parents as well. All parents should be able to see their child’s classwork, grades/marks and announcements for all class tasks posted. We remind parents that there will be different amounts of work posted in different subjects. As our staff become more familiar with Canvas, parents will be able to see more of their child’s learning as the year progresses.

We thank the parents who attended the mini Canvas conversations this week. This was an opportunity for the College to assist with downloading the app, login questions, changing notification settings and navigating through the features that Canvas provides. We encourage parents to continue to use the app to keep up to date with their child’s progress in each of their courses.

I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday. 

Ms Josilin Kalifa

Assistant Principal 

Teaching, Learning and Wellbeing

Thanks for a great term. 

Term 2 has been a very busy term. 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.

A big thanks goes out to all the staff and students involved in Debating, Athletics and sports, Unity Day, Write a Book in a Day, to name a few. The hard work from staff and the involvement from students has seen all of the events becoming a great success.

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

Term 3

School resumes on Tuesday 23rd  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.

Student Learning Conference- Year 7-10

Thanks to all the families that attended the Student Learning Conferences this week. I hope you all received good feedback on the learning for Semester 1 and have made goals for Semester 2. 

If you missed the conferences, please email your child teacher to get some feedback from their learning. 

What’s in the planner?

Growth Mindset is a key idea to focus on this week. There is a solution to every problem. Having the right mindset will help you find the solution and develop resilience. As tasks become harder, we will fail at them about 30% of the time. Remember FAIL means: First Attempt In Learning. A growth mindset will help us work hard, seek feedback and then practice the skills.

We should always aim to be around positive and optimistic people. Being around positive people helps nudge your mindset to be more growth orientated.

A focus for the holidays is to have respectful relationships and do random acts of kindness especially to your family.

Character strengths include Bravery. These are values that we aspire to at the College. 

All the best over the holidays and be safe.

Mr Nicholas Thrum

Assistant Principal

Year 8 Reflection Day

Year 8 students participated in their reflection Day on 21st June  June 2024.

The day was hosted by  YMT (https://www.ymt.com.au/) supported by our Year 10 Peer to Peer Ministry team, who encouraged the students to more fully appreciate the gift of their dignity and worth by discovering who they are in relationship to God. During the session, the students also considered that it is both possible and desirable to know Jesus as an intimate friend. The students engaged in drama skits and ice-breakers and had small group discussions to discuss who is “The Real Me.” 

The highlight of the day was the “Personal Testimony” of Isabella Cardino from Year 10.  The story of her journey to faith was both brave and inspirational for all those seeking a relationship with God. Thank you Isabella for your testimony.

The day ended with a “Personal sharing with Jesus session,” where our Year 8 students were able to venerate and sign the cross and reflect on their lives in relationship with him.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the day and gave the YMT program the thumbs up. Thank you to our Year 10 Peer-to-Peer Ministry team, Mr Carlos, Ms Amiri, Mrs Braisby, Mr Berry and Ms Dal Broi who assisted and supported our Year 8 students on the day.

Unity Day Liturgy - Pentecost

Our Unity Day Liturgy was the perfect way to ask for God’s Blessing as we began St Andrews Unity Day. In our Liturgy we focused upon Pentecost, the time when people were all united by the Holy Spirit coming upon them as tongues of fire, allowing people to speak in many different languages. The Liturgy led by Fr Kevin Redmond saw our students engaged in a Pentecost experience, as they read the Prayers of the Faithful in 10 different languages that are spoken within the College. Ms Yousif then prayed the Our Father Prayer. Praying in Aramaic the language that Jesus spoke. The Holy Spirit generates diversity in every age, he causes new and varied gifts to blossom in all people, then he brings about unity, he joins together, gathers and restores harmony, uniting the whole world. St Andrews celebrates this unity every day as we continue to walk together, work together and love each other, as a community, and as the one Body of Christ.  Thank you to Ms Yosif and all the students who led us in the Prayers of the Faithful. Thank you, particularly to Betty Blacklock, Suwanthi, Julio and Mr Chiapetta, who performed the song Holy Spirit in front of our flag bearers who held the flags of our different nations within the college celebrating our diversity.

Andrew Hoare

Director of Faith Mission and Learning

Yr 12 2025 Leadership

Congratulations to our newly elected leaders on the Senior Campus. They will now attend the Student Leadership Retreat on Monday 16 – Tuesday 17 September to develop & build on their leadership skills, and to plan for their roles in 2024/2025.

Principal’s Awards 

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

Congratulations to the following student who received their second Principal’s Award:

Mrs Sue Cooper

Leader of Wellbeing and Learning

scooper@parra.catholic.edu.au

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

As we come to the close of another dynamic term here at St Andrews College, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey that Year 11 has embarked upon this semester.

First and foremost, I would like to say how proud I am of our Year 11 students for their hard work and dedication throughout these past few months. It has been inspiring to witness your growth, both academically and personally. From diving deep into challenging subjects, to embracing extracurricular activities, you have shown resilience and determination in everything you do.

Our Year 11 cohort has truly shone in various aspects of school life. Academically, your commitment to learning and pursuit of knowledge has been commendable. I have seen countless examples of students pushing themselves to achieve their personal best. Equally impressive has been your involvement in extracurricular activities. Whether it’s been on the sports field at the Athletics Carnival, in music performances, the ‘Write a Book in a Day’ event, or through community service initiatives, Year 11 students have demonstrated leadership and enthusiasm. Your involvement not only enriches our school community but also prepares you for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

I was pleased to see that this term we had several students nominate themselves for leadership roles for the 2024/2025 Senior Leadership Team. It is heartening to see such initiative and commitment to service among our Year 11 students and it made the process very difficult as there were so many outstanding candidates. I congratulate the successful students for being elected as College Captains, Vice Captains, SRC Leaders and House Captains. We look forward to travelling away on the Leadership Retreat next term and planning for the year ahead. I commend all students who put themselves forward for their courage and dedication to making a positive impact. Remember that we are all leaders of our great College and through our combined actions we can make a difference and enrich our school community. 

Last week the College celebrated our annual Unity Day and our Year 11 cohort showcased outstanding unity and spirit throughout the day. The day was not only a celebration of our school’s diversity and camaraderie but also an opportunity for students to teach others about their cultures and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry we have at St Andrews. Whether they were performing on stage, dressing in their beautiful cultural attire or cheering from the audience, our students exemplified what it means to be part of a supportive and inclusive school community.

As we look ahead to the final term of Year 11, it is important to focus on the upcoming challenges and opportunities. Next term will be crucial as we prepare for the preliminary exams. These exams will not only serve as a milestone in your academic journey but also provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for growth. I encourage each student to approach their studies with diligence and determination, utilising the knowledge and skills you have acquired this year to excel in your examinations.

In closing, I wish you all a restful and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to welcoming you back for what promises to be an exciting and fulfilling final term of Year 11.

Warm regards,

Mrs Emily Parker
Leader of Wellbeing - Year 11

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students of Year 9,

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for an incredible first semester. Your hard work, dedication, and positive attitudes have truly made a difference. As we move forward, I am excited and hopeful for an even better second semester.

It warmed my heart to hear all the words thank you when I handed out the small lolly bags on Wednesday. Your gratitude shows that we are moving in the right direction, building a community of respect and appreciation.

I want to especially congratulate and acknowledge the continuous effort and contributions that Year 9 has made to College life. It has been wonderful to see your active participation in major events like Unity Day, the Athletics Carnival, and Write a Book in a Day. Your involvement in these events not only enriches your own experiences but also strengthens our school community.

We have also made significant progress in our commitment to sport and physical activity. Our Year Group Sport is running smoothly, and the level of participation has consistently been good this term. I am thrilled to announce the final points for the Term 2 Thursday sport competition. The results are as follows:

• Bennelong: 1629 points (1st place)
• Chang: 1570 points (2nd place)
• Francis: 1349 points (3rd place)
• Gould: 1010 points (4th place)

Congratulations to Bennelong for securing the top spot! Your hard work and dedication have paid off. It was fantastic to share in the pizza celebration yesterday for the winning house. I am incredibly proud of Bennelong because this reward was earned without knowing there would be one. This demonstrates the importance of showing up and giving your best effort, no matter the incentive.

Reflecting on this theme, I want to share a personal story. Over the holiday break, I will be competing in a 100km trail running event. My preparation for this race has not gone as planned, but I am determined to show up and give it my best effort. Whether things go perfectly or not, I hope to demonstrate that a key to success is turning up with the right strategy and giving it your all. I look forward to sharing some inspiring stories with you all during our year group meetings.

As we head into the holidays, I encourage you all to take this time to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with your families. Reflect on your achievements this semester and chase your goals during the next. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow and learn.

Thank you once again for a great semester. I am proud of each and every one of you. Enjoy your break, stay safe, and come back ready to tackle new challenges in Semester 2.

With warm regards,

Mr Nathan Weaver
Acting Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing

As the school term draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the various activities and events that have occurred this term. 

Athletics Carnival

One of the events of the term was the Athletics Carnival. This day was a vibrant display of our students' athletic abilities and team spirit. From the adrenaline-pumping sprints and relay races to the impressive high jumps and long jumps, every student had the opportunity to shine. The carnival not only showcased individual talents but also fostered a sense of teamwork and healthy competition. It was heartwarming to see students cheering for their peers, celebrating victories, and encouraging those who gave their best effort. The event highlighted the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship, leaving everyone with lasting memories and a sense of achievement.

Reflection Day: Embracing Self-Image Through Jesus Christ

This term also featured a profound Reflection Day focused on self-image and understanding ourselves through the teachings of Jesus Christ. The day provided a much-needed pause from the hustle and bustle of daily school life, allowing students to introspect and connect with their inner selves. Through various activities, discussions, and meditative practices, students explored themes of self-worth, compassion, and faith. Reflecting on Jesus Christ's teachings, they learned to appreciate their unique qualities and the importance of kindness towards themselves and others. This day was not just a spiritual retreat but a journey towards self-discovery and personal growth, reinforcing the values of love, acceptance, and humility.

Rep Sport

We continue to have year 8 students represent the College in rep sport such as diving, soccer and netball. Congratulations to all those students involved who continue to showcase their talents and gifts. It is an amazing thing to see and you should be proud of the results that have forcome and what results hold in the upcoming games. 

Write a Book in a Day

Congratulations to those students who have participated in Write a Book in a Day. An amazing day for students to test their skills in creative writing and illustration. It is a hard task for students to do something like this and parents of the students involved should be proud that they are expanding their abilities and skills.

Continual Application to Learning: Striving for Academic Excellence

Amidst the excitement of sports and special events, our students have remained dedicated to their academic studies This term has been marked by a continual application to learning, with students striving to achieve their best in every subject. Teachers have noted the hard work and determination exhibited in classrooms. Students have been encouraged to set personal goals, seek help when needed, and celebrate their progress. 

Final Message

Thank you to those who continually strive to be the best students they can be in all aspects of school life, academics, wellbeing, and being a St Andrews student. 

I am looking forward to another term working with you all to ensure you continue to do what is expected of you.

Have a wonderful and restful break.

Mr Kharl Carlos

Leader of Wellbeing Year 8

Year 12 students were able to experience the realities of homelessness with an in-person sleepout  held at the St Andrews College Senior campus quad as they slept rough under the stars for the night. Students arrived by 6pm on Friday, June 21 and were dismissed from the college the following morning at 6am on Saturday, June 22. This experience challenged students’ sense of home and offered unique insights into the complex issues faced by people experiencing homelessness.

This year’s theme was inspired by a quote from St Teresa of Calcutta:

For this Vinnies Winter Sleepout, our intention was to reflect on the humanness of the person we are trying to empathise with. The lack of food, clothing and shelter is what we usually tend to associate with homelessness, but sometimes we forget the emotional and social disparity that people face. Often this can be the most challenging aspect of homelessness. How does our faith call us to love others on the fringes of society? To see them for who they really are, a reflection of God who is true, beautiful and good. How do we challenge ourselves to acknowledge the dignity and sacredness of the human person despite their circumstances? 

Students were also given the opportunity to listen to student testimonies about their encounters with people struggling with homelessness during Vinnies Van, and also created winter care packs filled with food, blankets, sleeping bags, toiletries and clothing to be donated to the Vinnies site at Greystanes. We’d like to thank the St Andrews community for their overwhelming generosity, as we raised a total of $1081 to donate to Vinnies to provide crucial services to our most vulnerable in the Greater Western Sydney Area. 

The students had a profound understanding of the realities of homelessness through this empathy experience:

We’d like to also share one of the student testimonies that demonstrated how an encounter with a homeless person changed their perspective, presented by one of our Year 12 students, Luke Binny on the night of the Winter Sleepout:

I’d like to affirm the Year 12 students on their willingness to immerse themselves into this challenging experience, and for their generosity and participation on the night. I’d also like to extend my sincerest thanks to the staff, parents and other students in our school community who have shown  their support by donating funds, cardboard or food. A huge thank you as well to our staff who sacrificed their time and comfort to accompany our Year 12 students through this experience - Mr Wills, Ms Amiri, Ms Rivera, Ms Bradford, Ms Anthony, Mr Hoare and Mr Finnerty. We are looking forward to Vinnies Winter Sleepout next year!

Olivia Tan

FIAT (Faith in Action Teacher) Coordinator

The Junior Girls Football Team have turned their season around with two wins in a row after losing the first two games of the season. Please read the match report below written by Armani Karam, one of our team managers. 

On Thursday 20th of June, The Junior Girls Football Team played St. Luke's College, defeating them 4-1. The girls demonstrated exceptional teamwork, communication and effort during the game. They showed great sportsmanship and unity throughout the match and their hard work and practice paid off as Hannah Farag, Emilee Pyda, Armaghan Bidkhori and Gabriela Zaferafa all managed to score. In the end, it was a memorable moment for the team and coach Mr. Frankham as it highlighted their hard work that they put in for Representative sport. Our girls are playing in the finals with the game resuming Term 3 Week 1. We wish our junior girls all the very best. 

Our junior boys, inter boys and inter girls will also be playing in the finals in Term 3 Week 1. 

I look forward to sharing the results from our soccer teams next term.

Earlier this term, our Year 10 Multimedia class embarked on an exciting journey into the world of UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) design. Using Figma, students began learning how to create interactive app prototypes, focusing on designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces. This foundational knowledge has now culminated in their final projects, where they applied their skills to develop innovative travel app prototypes for a leading global tourism enterprise, Voyage Vista.

The task was to design a travel app prototype for one of the following regions (or another not listed if approved):

• United Kingdom
• Japan
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Iceland
• South Africa
• India
• The Philippines

Each app needed to reflect the unique characteristics of its destination and integrate Voyage Vista branding seamlessly. Students developed prototypes featuring essential destination information, media assets, and interactive features. They also submitted detailed wireframes illustrating their planning process.

The students' creativity and technical skills resulted in impressive and functional travel apps, demonstrating their understanding of design principles. We are proud of their achievements and invite the school community to explore some of the class’s interactive prototypes via the links below.

• Timothy Cheng - United Kingdom
• Kyle Lo - Japan 
• Daniel Zhang - United Kingdom
• Monique Richardson - Iceland

Congratulations to our Year 10 Multimedia students on their outstanding work!

Shanai Mifsud

TAS & VET Information and Digital Technology Teacher

Our Year 10 Information Software Technology students recently completed an exciting project as part of their 'Software Development & Programming' unit. They designed and developed animated interactive stories or short games using SCRATCH, framed as an internship application for QuantumSpark Games.

Students showcased their game development skills by integrating key programming concepts such as variables, operators, inputs, assignment statements, sensors, events, and costumes. The games were designed for a target audience of 12-18-year-olds, ensuring age-appropriate and engaging content. Ethical sourcing of all data was also emphasised.

Students demonstrated technical proficiency, creativity and ethical digital practices as well as highlighted their ability to create captivating and responsible content.

We invite the school community to explore some of the students' interactive stories and games via the links below.

• Antonia Gregoriou - Dragon Investigation
• Ronan Cruz - The Devourer
• Nathan Guillermo - Elemental Guardians
• Bobby Reyes - Rogomatic

Congratulations to our Year 10 IST students on their outstanding work!

Shanai Mifsud

TAS & VET Information and Digital Technology Teacher

Congratulations to Samantha Xavier from Mrs Anthony’s Year 10 class on her recent Religious Education Assessment task. Samantha’s response to an 8-mark question regarding Catholic Social Teachings was exemplary, and she thoroughly deserved the mark she received. Samantha's writing and dedication mean she is in a good position moving toward her Senior Years, where her strong study habits can be rewarded.

A sample of Samantha's work is below.

On the 27th of June, our Year 12 Japanese Continuers students delved into an enriching experience during their Japanese Speaking Day. This event, meticulously organised and was designed to prepare our students for the upcoming HSC Oral exam, scheduled for the 24th of August, 2024.

The highlight of the day was the participation of two esteemed guests: Ms. Cummins and myself, both seasoned HSC Oral examiners. Drawing from our extensive experience, we conducted mock HSC-style Oral exams for our students in two intensive sessions. Immediate feedback and guidance were provided after each session, ensuring that every student received personalised support to enhance their performance.

Adding to the collaborative spirit of the day, we were honoured to welcome three former students who successfully completed the HSC Japanese Continuers course under Ms. Suzuki's tutelage. Mark Carpio, a graduate of 2022, Theresia Puwadi, who successfully achieved a Band 6 in the 2023 HSC Japanese Continuers, and Karly Burrell, a graduate of 2023, generously shared their insights and strategies for effective exam preparation. Mark and Karly continue their journey for Japanese at Macquarie University. They also shared their experience of studying the intermediate Japanese course at university. Their advice on language improvement techniques, including the importance of reviewing and checking the student's work in Japanese, resonated deeply with the current cohort.

The event was not only educational but also deeply meaningful for our Year 12 students. It provided a platform for them to refine their Japanese language skills in a supportive environment, equipping them with the confidence and tools needed to excel in their upcoming exams.

As we look forward to the HSC Oral in August, we hope our Year 12 Japanese Continuers course students are confident that the experiences gained during Japanese Speaking Day will empower them to perform to the best of their abilities. We extend our gratitude to Ms. Cummins, our former students, and all participants for making this day a resounding success.

Warm regards,

Mariko Suzuki

Leader of Learning - Languages

In Term 2 Weeks 9-10, our Year 8 students embarked on an exciting cultural journey into Japan's rich traditions with Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival. Held annually on the 7th day of the 7th month, Tanabata celebrates a beautiful legend where two stars, Altair and Vega, reunite across the Milky Way. This festival reflects themes of love, hope, and dreams, which resonated deeply with our students.

During this special cultural exploration, our Year 8 Japanese course students learned about the customs of Tanabata. They enthusiastically wrote their wishes on colourful strips of paper called Tanzaku, expressing their hopes and dreams for themselves and others. These Tanzaku were then delicately hung on bamboo branches, transforming our Gould area into a picturesque bamboo forest. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. McLoughlin, our dedicated school maintenance man, whose efforts helped create this enchanting setting for our students.

Throughout the activity, our students immersed themselves in Japanese traditions, learning not only the art of Tanzaku decoration but also gaining insights into the significance of Tanabata within Japanese culture. They shared stories, exchanged experiences, and embraced the spirit of unity and goodwill that Tanabata embodies.

As we wrap up this year's celebrations, we reflect on the joy and cultural enrichment this experience has brought to our school community. We look forward to continuing this tradition and further exploring global cultures with our students in the coming years.

We wish all our students a happy and healthy academic journey ahead, filled with growth, learning, and the realisation of their heartfelt wishes. Here's to another wonderful Tanabata festival next year!

Warm regards,

Mariko Suzuki

Leader of Learning - Languages

On Monday the 17th of June, the year 10 Japanese class were given the opportunity to participate in the Mirai Futures zoom incursion. This incursion provided us with an insightful idea of the opportunities that come with studying Japanese into the future.

Within this zoom call, various speakers discussed their experience of going to Japan as an exchange student either in highschool or University. All of them spoke of their time as an exchange student highly, saying that it was a great opportunity for them to improve their Japanese, fully immerse themselves in a new culture and meet new friends. They had all stated that they had left Japan feeling a new sense of independence and confidence, contrary to the anxiousness they had felt when they first arrived. Additionally,  due to the success of their exchange trips, many of them were given various studying and job opportunities in Japan. 

Alyssa, one of the speakers, had gone on a semester exchange to Japan as a university student. She attended Waseda University in Tokyo and had discussed her daily life while studying abroad. At her university, she joined the volleyball club and attended classes almost everyday on a 9-5 schedule. She explained that her first experience living alone allowed her to become free and independent as she didn’t have her family and friends from home to rely on. However, during her exchange trip, she was able to make many new friends and was even given the job opportunity to work in the JET program.

Audrey, a Working Holiday Youth speaker, discussed her experience with being a current exchange student, living in Japan on a gap year. After solo travelling in hostels, she now works as a lifeguard at the hotel pool and beach. Her experiences have made her more confident in trying new things and has motivated her to continue her Japanese language studies. She advised that when cultural differences get challenging, to lean into them and make the most of it to create a learning experience you’ll get the most out of. 

Carlo Acutis was a young boy from Italy who died in 2006, but was canonised as a Saint on Monday, 1st July 2024. Carlo was famous because he loved God’s presence among men especially in the Holy Eucharist. Additionally, he used modern communication tools like his computer to communicate his Faith in Christ with other equally young friends. At St Andrews College on the junior campus, we marked this occasion together with our peers to pay tribute to him in our own unique style.

Who Was Carlo Acutis?

Carlo Acutis was born in London in 1991 and grew up in Milan, Italy. Carlo continuously showed his love for God and the Eucharist from a very tender age. He was known for his extraordinary computer skills hence he built a website that shows Eucharistic miracles across the globe. Carlo wanted people to know how vital the Eucharist was among Catholics. For an individual who was still very young, Carlo’s strong faith gave an everlasting impression.

Year 9 students at St Andrews decided to celebrate his canonisation by putting together a bake stall at lunchtime and running a liturgy in the Sacred Space. Students also created posters raising awareness about Carlo Acutis, and created prayer cards to be used in Learning Groups from Years 7-10. 

A Lasting Legacy

Carlo Acutis’ sainthood reminds us all that being holy is possible to anyone, regardless of their age. He teaches us through his own example that our special abilities can indeed serve others and God. At St Andrews College we are proud of him for he is our source of inspiration who inspires us to emulate him through the use of our technology in the form of positive changes within society.

Written by Udhay, Lucas, Loughlan, Zyrill, Teghbir, Yabsera, Eric, Elias, Aarish, Aiden, Tapan and Nahum in Year 9

I am thrilled to announce that our 10B team has made it through to the semi finals of the CSDA Debating Competition! Congratulations to the team for their outstanding performance and well-deserved victory. Your hard work, dedication, and exceptional debating skills have truly paid off. 

Our other teams have also done an exceptional job to make it this far. As a College, we are incredibly proud of them and every debater in the competition this year. Each of you has represented St Andrews with integrity and pride. 

The semi final match will take place on the evening of Friday, 26th July 2024 at Parramatta Marist. I wish them the best of luck as they prepare for this exciting challenge. As always, there is an open invitation for the St Andrew’s community to attend and show their support. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported our debaters throughout the competition. Your encouragement and presence have been invaluable. I hope to see many of you there to support our team in this crucial round.

Warm regards,

Miss Mickaella Douglas

Leader of Debating and Public Speaking

St Andrews College Careers Market

On Thursday the 25th of July the College will host a Careers Market. The Market will be held in the John Paul II Centre on the Senior Campus from 12 noon until 3pm.

Year 11 and Year 12 students will be able to attend during Period 4 if they have a Study Period, during lunch and during Period 5 if they have a Study Period. 

Year 10 students will attend during sport. Students will walk to the Senior Campus accompanied  by their Sports Teacher. Year 10 students who are a member of a Representative Sport Team will attend their Representative Sport.

The purpose of the event is to give students an opportunity to gain information on career options and tertiary study.

Exhibitors include:

Universities:

UNSW Sydney

Torrens University

Macquarie University

University of Tasmania

The University of Sydney

Western Sydney University

Australian Catholic University

The University of Notre Dame

University of Technology Sydney

Vocational Providers:

SEDA Group

JMC Academy

Bedford College

Excelsia College

TAFE NSW Nirimba

TAFT NSW The Hills

The Hotel School Australia

Whitehouse Institute of Design

Academy of Interactive Technology

Australian Careers Business College

Academy of Interactive Entertainment

Australian College of Physical Education 

International College of Management, Sydney

Apprenticeships and Traineeships:

Eden Brae Homes

Axalta Coating Services

Australian Training Company

Apprenticeship Support Australia

Australian Defence Force Careers

NECA Training and Apprenticeships

MIGAS Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Graduates of Economics are in high Demand 

Like many trade careers, the number of graduates who study economics has been declining for a number of years. Traditionally an economics degree has attracted male students from private schools. The career trajectory has been in Banking; Financial Analyst; Data Analyst; Public Policy; Academia; and Treasury. Whilst these are still very needed areas of the workforce, what the industry is now looking for is diversity in their talent pool. 

By diversifying our nation’s economists it is hoped that we will be able to bring a variety of perspectives and ideas to the boardroom discussion table leading to more creative solutions for our economy and more innovative products for consumers.

Universities have begun to rewrite their traditional economics degrees to attract female students and those students from all backgrounds.

Economists are now needed in Health, Energy, Agriculture, Environment; Natural Resources; Behavioural Insights; Regional Development; Crime; and Journalism.

The following universities offer Economics degrees:

University of NSW

Macquarie University

The University of Sydney

University of Technology Sydney

PGA Membership Pathway Program

The PGA Membership Pathway Program is the Australian Golf’s primary workforce development program and is designed to provide flexibility to help young golfers take the next step toward their dream job in the golf industry.

This is a three year program and is designed to provide real skills in the workplace and a nationally accredited Diploma level qualification in a preferred area of interest. The Diploma studies are delivered through on-the-job training, face-to-face and virtual training schools.

In addition to workplace and academic requirements, the PGA Membership Pathway Program also requires regular participation in Professional Golf Tournaments to meet PGA Playing Requirements.

To learn more about the PGA Membership Pathway Program and to apply students are encouraged to visit the PGA Membership Pathway Program website.

College Leadership Team

Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing

College Leaders of Learning - KLA

College Leaders of Learning