St Andrews College Marayong eNewsletter Term 3 Week 6

Bullying

In a perfect world there would be no bullying. Unfortunately, we live in a complex world and bullying does occur. 

Bullying in schools is a worldwide problem that can have negative consequences for the general school climate and for the right of students to learn in a safe environment without fear. Bullying can also have negative lifelong consequences--both for students who bully and for their victims. 

Bullying happens on buses, in the cafeteria, gym, hallways, playground, and in classrooms even after school. The most frequent form bullying takes is through psychological humiliation words such as teasing, taunting, ridiculing, name-calling, and gossip, secrets. This type of bullying happens in the “physical” world and that world has time and space limits. 

Cyber-bullying is making school days even more painful for many children preventing them from doing their job. Bullying in cyberspace is not bound by school hours, school days, or facing the intended bully victim. Unfortunately, the nature of the Internet often insulates the bully from the consequences of their behaviour.

In addition to direct attacks, bullying may also be more indirect by causing a student to be socially isolated and embarrassed. While boys typically engage in direct bullying methods, girls who bully are subtler, such as spreading rumours and enforcing social isolation. Whether the bullying is direct or indirect, the key component of bullying is that the physical or psychological intimidation occurs repeatedly over time to create an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse which could lead to aggression and may trigger the victim to react violently or subject him to suicide.

As the number of households with Internet access and mobile phone ownership increases, so do the ways kids bully each other. Cyber-bullying in the form of text messages, emails, photos, website postings can go school-wide in minutes and global in days. Slanderous information sent out into cyberspace is difficult. Cyber-bullying often takes the form of cyber gossip and is posted on social networking sites such as Snapchat, Instagram and FaceBook.”

What does cyberbullying look like?

Cyberbullying behaviour might include:

• abusive texts and emails
• hurtful messages, images or videos
• imitating others online
• excluding others online
• humiliating others online
• spreading nasty online gossip and chat
• creating fake accounts to trick someone or humiliate them

How common is it?

1 in 5 Australian young people reported being socially excluded, threatened or abused online

55% sought help from their parents, 28% from their friends; 38% blocked the offending social media account; 12% reported it to the website or platform

1 in 5 Australian young people (15% of kids, 24% of teens) admitted behaving in a negative way to a peer online — such as calling them names, deliberately excluding them, or spreading lies or rumours. Of these, more than 90% have had a negative online experience themselves.

Signs to watch for

Children may not always tell adults about cyberbullying through fear they may overreact and make the situation worse. 

Watch for these signs:

• being upset after using the internet or their mobile phone
• changes in personality, becoming more withdrawn, anxious, sad or angry 
• appearing more lonely or distressed 
• unexpected changes in friendship groups 
• a decline in their school work 
• changes in their sleep patterns 
• avoidance of school or clubs 
• a decline in their physical health 
• becoming secretive about their online activities and mobile phone use

What do we do if it happens to you or someone you know?

If you are being bullied at school or online, or you know of someone who is being bullied, you must make positive moves to stop the bullying. St Andrews has a no tolerance rule for bullying but if you don’t tell us, we cannot help.

Step 1 – talk to someone about what is happening. If you know the person and you are comfortable approach them and ask them to stop.

Step 2- approach your parents or the school to help you sort out the issue. You have your Learning Advisor or your Leaders of Learning who are there to support you. They might give you strategies to help deal with the situation or they might intervene, this is up to you.

Step 3- If you are able to sort things out, move forward in a positive way, if not speak to another person or approach someone you trust to help you. At the end of the day we want all students to be safe and learning so we will assist any student to help make that happen. Don’t be afraid to come and see a teacher - it is our job to assist you.

Technology at school

At St Andrews College technology in the class room is only used at the request of a teacher. On the Junior Campus students are not to use any technology outside the classroom except in the Learning Centre and only for school work. The Senior Campus students are permitted to use technology outside the classroom. 

Please support the College in ensuring all students follow technology rules of the College. The agreement of acceptable use of Technology is in the planner.

What is in the Planner?

Social connectedness helps us develop meaning and purpose in our life. We have lost personal touch with others because of social media and electronic interaction. We are seeing reduced opportunities for social interaction. This has been made harder during Covid. The value of relationships and connectedness has become more important and has a direct link to our social and emotional wellbeing.

Social interaction helps us develop an understanding of a person’s body language, curiosity by asking “tell me more”, ability to listen with your eyes, ears and heart and the ability to connect with others. It is time to self-correct if your relationships are based on social media or you text or check social media non stop.

Having social connectedness will help develop your Social Intelligence. The ability to read and understand others is a strength that is essential in the workforce. I think the Zombie apocalypse is the people in our community being so focused on their devise that they will lack the social presence and purpose to enjoy human interaction.

Before we get caught up with our electronics, ask yourself what the implications and impact will be?

Thank you and God Bless

Nicholas Thrum
Assistant Principal Students

Leadership Day

Marvin Mateo (SRC - Publicity Portfolio)

On the 17th of August, the newly elected Year 12 Leaders for 2021 held our school’s annual Leadership Day. Due to Covid-19, it was relocated to the nearby Parish Hall where we began our phenomenal day with a group prayer led by Mr Gillogly. Exciting ice breaker activities were played throughout the day which were led by 2021 College Captains - Angelo, Maiah, Andrei and Charisse. Though these games were extremely intense and kept us to the edge of our seats, they further developed our communication skills. Words of wisdom came from Mr Kennaugh, Mr Thrum, Mrs Cooper and Mr Gillogly covering our calling, challenges of leadership and gratitude which inspired us as future leaders of the college. 

Working together as a leadership team was an incredible experience as we strengthened our relationship with one another in order to achieve the great team results. We would like to thank Mr Gillogly, Mr Kennaugh, Mrs Cooper and Mr Thrum for making this day possible as we look forward to new opportunities coming next year!

On Monday the 17th of August, Year 11 had an incursion hosted by the REACH team in relation to self-confidence, comfort zones and how to be more open with the people we trust. Throughout the incursion, our peers shared their experiences in life which have impacted them greatly. The stories that were shared were very overwhelming, yet inspiring, which evoked empathy amongst the group and connected us on a personal level. Overall, the experience was both confronting and enlightening, and we would like to recommend it for future cohorts.

Anhad Virk, Mohika Jhamat, Khushi Gupta & Julie Nguyen

12 Years Boys:

1st - Matthew Lukudu

2nd - Julio Tatupu

3rd - Jwodho Mugo 

12 Years Girls:

1st - Zoe Thompson and Gennina Espisino

3rd - Yar Lual, Amy Sutcliffe and Elyscia Barret 

13 Years Boys:

1st - Daniel Koko

2nd - Sumogo Ambolo

3rd - Zaran Mortimer 

13 Years Girls:

1st - Raphaella Thimiopoulos - Wilson

2nd - Charlize El Boustani

3rd - Faith Peters 

14 Years Boys:

1st - Nicholas Boustani

2nd - John Lukudu

3rd - Lucas Batthikha 

14 Years Girls:

1st - Euleila Barret

2nd - Esther Peters, Marley Kozak 

15 Years Boys:

1st - Arnav Prasad

2nd - Andre Dera

3rd - Daniel Martignago 

15 Years Girls:

1st - Nicola Ciocca

2nd - Annabelle Johnson

3rd - Ava Alley 

16 Years Boys:

1st - Ethan France

2nd - Jayden Merhab

3rd - Luga Lukudu 

16 Years Girls:

1st - Chegutdit Deng

2nd - Mercy Yosia Edwards

3rd - Nikita Quinn 

17+ Year Boys:

1st - Abiatara Peter

2nd - Elijah Barret

3rd - Vinaal Lal 

17+ Years Girls:

1st Flavia Aya and Joane Cooke

3rd Crystal Slater 

We at St Andrews college are very proud of our students and their achievements and would love to recognise them. 

This year we will be launching a new program called the Visual Arts Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognises students who have excelled in Visual Arts. Nominations will be given to students who display exemplary technical skills in their artmaking practice. 

We are eager to have this opportunity to recognize outstanding contributors to Visual Arts. Our aim is to support students with their artmaking, inspire discussion and most importantly recognise talent and passion for artmaking.

Each year, inductees will be recognised by having their artwork framed and displayed within the college grounds. This may be within a classroom, a hallway or even in the Principal’s office.

In doing this, we give present and future students role models of achievement and instil in them the knowledge that they, too, are capable of success personally and professionally. 

Entry into the Visual Arts Hall of Fame at St Andrews College is acquisitive, all artworks will be retained by the college to ensure a lifetime of inspiration for our present and future students. The Hall of Fame nomination and induction process will be repeated annually, with a maximum of five candidates entered into the Hall of Fame each year. 

We look forward to displaying amazing student artworks at St Andrews College.

Tiana Psaila

Visual Arts Teacher

The Write A Book In A Day Competition was a very interesting experience. There were ups and downs, calm moments and stressed ones and even some tears. The laughter was endless and the writer’s block horrible. The day started and both teams were given random parameters. The planning began and crazy plot lines were developed. A couple of hours later, the writing and illustrating got going. Both teams were working against time and their own ideas. Along the way many plot holes were found and the stress really started to kick in. All of a sudden, it was time to edit. The process was long but worth it. Both teams formatted their books, hit send, took a breath of relief... and then the celebrations commenced. 

We are all super grateful to The Kids’ Cancer Project for providing us with the opportunity to try and put a smile on the face of anyone who wants or needs one.

Ava Alley Year 9

The rooster’s crow was stifled by the early morning mist as twenty St Andrews College students and four staff, bleary eyed and restless from the anticipatory excitement of the day to come, woke to prepare for the task ahead. The sun was peeking over the horizon as they all arrived at the College, committed parents kind enough to drive their children to the school, teachers grateful for the lack of traffic. All merged into the Learning Centre at 7am to uncover the parameters for the day; the sun would be snoozing by the time they all left the school that night. The Kid’s Cancer Project Write a Book in a Day Competition had begun. 

Over the course of the next 12 hours, two teams of ten students, comprised of members from Years 7 to 9, were being challenged to plan, write, illustrate and publish a book. Teachers could offer feedback and guidance on the stories, but our most valuable role was providing dinner. The published books will be distributed to children in the cancer wards of hospitals around Australia, bringing a little distraction to their everyday woes. The goals were clear: provide an escape for kids whose problems dwarf our own.

The day was divided into four sessions with students separating into their teams and arming themselves with markers and whiteboards for the day. Illustrators were poised with an array of tools, from paper to the popular app Procreate. It was clear that one team had scored their coffee on the way to school, while the other was pining for their My Little Pony PJs. Nonetheless, as the communication increased, so too did the plot-lines. Characters emerged from the ether of dreams; each team brainstormed their ideas until two magical tales began to unfold from under sleepy eyes – two hours down, only ten hours to go. 

Dryadalis, a tale of alternative worlds and magic, and The Bluestone Cottage, a mysterious tale, took shape among the team members – three and a half hours down, eight and half to go. After a brief break, plots and characters were refined, drawings were born through the wizardry of the illustrators and the stories developed toward the 3500-5000 word limit. Each person worked on their own chapter, so that by lunch first drafts were almost complete. Students now had time to escape into the real world for a much needed break – six and a half hours down, five and a half to go. 

Most of the students broke for lunch, but many wanted to work through, determined that their first drafts would be completed by 2pm, and so they were - seven hours down, five hours to go. From 2pm, students divided the work, entering the editing phase. 3pm came and went as their friends’ school day ended and their day still had four hours to go. Yet smiles still adorned faces and laughter echoed through the room. Drafts were being divided to illustrators to produce the images that would complement the worlds created, while sections were scrutinised for errors and to ensure that the teams met the criteria assigned by the competition organisers – 5pm – 10 hours down, two hours to go. Dinner time!

At last the moment had arrived for the teachers to make their most valuable contribution to the day. Pizza was picked up and distributed to the ravenous writers. A sense of calm crept over the Learning Centre. As parents will know, the quietest moments are those when the children have food in their mouths, and yet the students kept working…and working…and working. Something strange was occurring. The groups were focused on polishing their stories: dialogue came and went, small rewrites occurred and illustrations were added to the documents. The room was a buzz of conversations, laughter, questions and solutions. By 6pm, the teams were adding the final small touches required under competition rules. At 6:30pm, the two teams inhaled, looked around and realised they were done – eleven and a half hours down, 30 minutes to go. All documents underwent a final check as the teachers converted stories into the formats required for submission and then everyone gradually exhaled as the stories were sent. While human history may record more important digital transmissions, the two teams at St Andrews College that night celebrated in exhaustive bliss the achievements of the day. Two teams, two captivating tales, four teachers, twelve hours and twenty giants of the literary world had succeeded in their goal of writing two books in a day. 

It is important to thank the following students for their contributions on the day:

Total raised for the Kid’s Cancer Project so far $820!

The Alphabetters: 

Euleila Barrett (Year 8).

Caitlyn Dela Cruz (Year 9).

Catriona Forneste (Year 9).

Nicola Gerardis (Year 9).

Ayush Goyal (Year 9).

Bianca Infante (Year 9). 

Theresia Purwadi (Year 9).

Josiah Prasad (Year 9).

John Roxas (Year 9).

Sabrina Tomas (Year 9).

The Azores: 

Ava Alley (Year 9).

Karly Burrell (Year 9).

Dominique Grepo (Year 9).

Niamh Healy (Year 9).

Kayla Marafioti (Year 9).

Laura O’Neill (Year 9)

Diana Park (Year 9).

Alysha Pillay (Year 9). 

Amelie Sen (Year 9). 

Raphaella Thimiopoulos-Wilson (Year 7).

A thank you to the supporting staff:

Mrs Michelle Deschamps.

Mrs Marsha Edwards.

Mrs Grace Flaihan.

Mrs Jacinta Kelly.

The competition ends on September 31st and results will be announced shortly afterwards.

Duncan Dewar
Literacy and Special Projects Co-ordinator

Kindness Week Art Competition

Over the last week, the SRC, with the help of Miss Mamuk and Mrs Cooper, ran an art competition for ‘Kindness Week’. The only entry requirement was that their submitted artwork had to represent the theme of kindness, depicting this concept using any medium of their choice. The competition commenced on Monday of Week 4, and entries closed Wednesday of Week 5. During this short period of time, 30 wonderful and creative artworks were produced. The artworks were placed around the college throughout kindness week, so that the students of St Andrews College could both admire and appreciate these artworks. 

There were four winners in the Teachers Choice Awards, judged by Miss Mamuk, three winners in the Students Choice, and one overall college winner. Although all students put in tremendous effort into their artwork, and achieved spectacular results, seven artworks in particular stood out in regards to technique, compositional arrangement, level of technical skill and overall depiction of kindness. The winners were…

Teachers Choice 

Year 7

Matilda Adamecki 

Year 8

Alyssa Guillermo

Year 9

Theresia Purwadi & Niamh Healy

Year 10 & Overall College Winner

Sheila Nicer

Students Choice (nominated by the SRC)

Elyscia Barret, year 7

Euleila Barret - Year 8

Ava Alley, Year 9

All participants did excellent work, and all artworks were exceptionally well done. A special thanks goes out to Miss Mamuk for playing such a large role in ensuring this competition's success. Thank you and congratulations to all! 

Angela Abouchaaya
SRC - Creative & Performing Arts Portfolio, Year 10

Kindness Week - Junior Campus

Receiving kindness from others is what often brightens up an individual’s day, and helps create a strong sense of belongingness within our community. In order to highlight the importance of kindness, the St Andrews College SRC alongside staff members, and several other students helped facilitate “Kindness Week” throughout the 17th of August to the 21st of August. Each day began with a prayer that followed the themes of kindness, and a unique bell that played a song that brought the community together. The following songs were used and consisted of a kindness message: You Got A Friend In Me, Heal The World, I’ll Stand By You (Glee), Friends Melody (Trolls) and Try A Little Kindness, which got people singing towards each Learning Group and Periods following Recess and Lunch. Prior to the week beginning, the Creative and Performing Arts SRC Portfolio introduced an art competition that opened on Monday the 10th of August and closed Wednesday the 19th of August. Students were invited to create artworks based on the theme ‘Kindness.’ Various students entered and submitted creative designs that were used to spread the message of kindness. There were seven winners in total, judged by both Miss Mamuk and members of the student body. 

In addition to this, students were encouraged to spread kindness by writing messages on cards and sharing them amongst one another. These cards were also utilised by the talented artists of our school to create a chalk walk at both the front and back gates along with the centre of the school. The colourful writings ensured that no student skipped out on the spirit of kindness, and allowed students to look forward to the rest of their day. Although the significant value of kindness was only heavily valued for a week, the spirit of kindness should always remain within the St Andrews College community. Kindness at first glance often appears to be a minor act, however it can be the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who participated throughout the week, and remember to stay kind towards one another!

Janella Canete
SRC - Publicity Portfolio, Year 10

Last week was Kindness week and the SRC team decided to hold a few things to show our gratitude and kindness towards the college. After a lot of planning in our portfolios, we were all able to help make this week a week full of kindness. Everyday we had different songs on kindness for the bells to lighten the students' moods up. We handed out coloured paper for all the students to write kindness messages and quotes to each other. Prayers were said every morning so we could reflect on different aspects of kindness such as gratitude, forgiveness, friendship and generosity. We also had an art competition held to show multiple ways we can be kind. Congratulations to the winners of the competition! The SAC SRC team also put their creativity and artistic talents to creating a chalk walk located at the front and back entrance of the college. We wrote quotes of kindness and messages other fellow students have put in a vibrant way to brighten moods of children as they walk by. By the end of the week the college was able to demonstrate pure kindness to other students and it has also encouraged people to carry on their kindness even after kindness week has ended. 

Thank you to everyone for your contributions throughout the week, all the teachers and SRC members are so proud of how Kindness Week turned out. 

Sabrina Tomas
SRC - Faith In Action Portfolio, Year 9

Kindness Week - Senior Campus

In Week 5, Kindness Week was celebrated as a week that promotes kindness and positivity throughout the College. This week was split into five different days which all incorporated kindness prayers in Learning Group. 

The week-long event was initiated with Monday, which encouraged students to involve ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ within the school environment. This could be as effortless as complimenting other students and results in happiness. 

During ‘Welcome Wednesday’, students of the College were met with the wonderful smiles of the 2021 Year 12 Leadership Team as they approached the front gates. As the HSC Trials also began, we wished our Year 12 students good luck as they began an exhausting two week block filled with hard studying and exams. 

‘Thank you Thursday’ began with a similar approach to the day prior as students were greeted as they entered the College. This time, the approach was to tell our fellow students what we appreciate about one another.

Finally, ‘Fun Friday’ came with an exciting twist as students of the College were greeted with lollipops as they entered through the front gate. As a continuation, delicious lollies were given out during lunch. 

This week was compelled with astounding happiness and enthusiasm as we look forward to the coming weeks of the term!

Marvin Mateo 
SRC - Publicity Portfolio, Year 11

Click on the link to view the Kindess Week video

NSW Department of Education Scholarship Program

The NSW Department of Education is offering scholarships to students wishing to teach in the following high-demand subject areas:

• Mathematics
• Science
• Technologies
• Special Education Teachers

Scholarships are also available to students wishing to teach in rural and remote areas of NSW and to students who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and wish to make a difference in their communities. These scholarships are for secondary and primary education.

NSW Department of Education will be hosting a webinar to assist students with their application. To register for the webinar students are encouraged to click here

Students wishing assistance with their application are encouraged to see Ms May

Applications close on the 11th of September.

Transport for NSW Apprentice and Trainee Program

The Transport for NSW Apprentice and Trainee programs offer a great opportunity for students to begin their career in Transport. These programs last two; three or four years and allow apprentices or trainees to grow their skills and knowledge whilst in the workplace. 

There are nine different programs to choose from. They are:

• Business Administration Traineeship
  Certificate IV in Business Administration
  Two year program

• Safety and Environment Traineeship
  Certificate IV in Environmental Management and Sustainability
  Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
  Two year program

• Painting and Blasting Traineeship
  Certificate III in Surface Preparation and Coating Applications
  Three year program

• Bridge Carpentry Apprenticeship
  Certificate III in Framework and Formwork
  Three year program

• Line Marker Traineeship
  Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Marking)
  Two and half year program

• Civil Construction Apprenticeship
  Certificate III in Civil Construction (Roads)
  Three year program

• Heavy Diesel Mechanical Apprenticeship
  Certificate III in Automotive Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
  Four year program

• Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship
  Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade)
  Four year program

• Electrical Apprenticeship
  Certificate III in Electro Technology
  Four year program

Visit the link below for more information and application details.

Transport NSW Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program

Students wishing assistance with their application are encouraged to see Ms May.

Therese May
Careers Counsellor

1st - 8th September
Year 11 Exams