Negative Online Behaviour

Social media is part of our society and is very accessible. Sometimes people use social media to bully and harass other students.

Recently we have seen several negative posts/stories go up on a number of different platforms. They have targeted students and teachers and other students have followed and liked the stories. Any type of harassment and bullying is unacceptable at the College.

St Andrews College will not accept negative online behaviour. If you set up a post or story that is negative and targets members of the community, there will be severe consequences.  The College will also not accept any student who follows or likes negative posts and stories. Students who are involved in negative online behaviour breach our code of expectations.

To prevent online bullying and harassment we need to work as a community. If you see negative online behaviour you need to report it as soon as possible to a teacher. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep safe online.

Making a difference to student wellbeing

There are many factors that influence a young person’s wellbeing but the two that have the biggest impact is the parents and the teachers. These two groups are the ones that spend the most time with the young person and are the ones that develop learning in each young person. 

Having positive relationships with teachers is essential for their development and learning. A positive relationship with their teachers will help give the students a sense of belonging, which can lead to happier students, which promotes positive learning. Negative relationships can create anxiety and destroy a student’s confidence.

Parents play a vital role the development of the students. Spending time and setting boundaries with your children can increase the levels of life satisfaction in young people. Parents can help a young person manage anxiety and motivate them to do well in life. 

It is essential that parents and schools work in partnership for the benefit of the child. If the home and school are working together in a common direction, the child will have a greater chance of success at school and in life. 

Please feel free to contact the College and any of the staff to develop a positive partnership between home and school.

What is in the planner?

Developing research skills in research is essential in learning. Having a structured process helps you to think more intelligently and will help create new brain pathways. 

An effective process involved” Defining, Locating, Selecting, Organizing, Presenting and Evaluating. 

Assertive language is important when we want to get out point of view across in a non-aggressive way. You need to be prepared to speak clearly and articulate what your message is. Tell them how you feel and what you want to happen. 

Key character strength to focus on this week is Kindness. 

God bless

Mr Nick Thrum

Assistant Principal - Students

Yr 11 Leadership Retreat 

On Monday, September 16, the newly elected members of the Student Leadership Team in Year 11 will take part in their Leadership Retreat. This is an exciting opportunity for them to develop & build on their leadership skills, to receive their leadership portfolios and to plan for their roles. We wish them well.

Principal’s Awards 

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

House Cup Competition - only 2 weeks to go!

Just a reminder that the 2024 House Cup Competition closes on the last day of Term 3. Good luck to all the Houses. The final points update for the 2024 House Cup Competition is:

Bennelong: 77, 202

Chang: 66, 872

Frances: 67, 476

Gould: 71, 380

Mrs Sue Cooper

Leader of Wellbeing and Learning

scooper@parra.catholic.edu.au

Year 12 will be having their last lessons next week (Week 9) on Thursday. We have raced through this extremely busy year and have been able to cover and achieve so much in this time. It has been very pleasing to see so many students successful in their applications for Early Entry into university courses, as well as seeing a number of students securing their futures with the offers of full-time employment.

We recently finished the Year 12 Retreat and managed to come together and reflect on our personal and educational journeys to this point. We will now be celebrating the end of this educational journey with our Graduation Ceremony and Graduation Mass in Week 10. The students will then be able to celebrate in style at the Year 12 Formal on Tuesday 24th September. 

It isn’t long to go now, and while celebrations are in order, it is also important to remain focused on the upcoming HSC Exams starting the first week back next term.

On behalf of all of the staff of Year 12, we wish them all the very best on their Graduation, HSC and on into their futures!

Mr Andrew Houseman

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 12

YEAR 12 RETREAT

The 2024 Year 12 students experienced three days of prayer, faith, reflection, fun witness and friends during their retreat at the Collaroy Centre, on the 28th to the 30th of August 2024. During the retreat, the students considered the moments that shaped them, who it is they were created to be, and how they will bring God’s light to the world after graduation, within the theme of the retreat  “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”  Pope Benedict XVI

Some of the retreat highlights were, our Prayer walks to the beach, Reconciliation and students decorating a candle with symbols that represent who they are, which were used as the centrepiece for our Mass. The Men's and Women's sessions were a moving experience for many, as student considered the value of the human person made in God’s image, and what it means to be male and female in the world today. The afternoon walks to the beach allowed everyone some relaxation, fun and ice cream, and the affirmation sessions during our final session, saw many in tears, as the students realised how much they are valued by their peers in Year 12.  The joy the students experienced over the three days was made evident at the end of day 3 when the students came together to sing the school song. Thank You to Fr Kevin who travelled to the retreat site on two separate occasions for Reconciliation and Mass, and for contributing to the Men's session, thank you to Fr Dennis for assisting Fr Kevin with reconciliation. Thank you to Mr Houseman for his organisation and all of our wonderful teachers who contributed as small group leaders Mr Alata, Miss Breeze, Ms Bade, Miss Rivera, Mr Kolek, Miss Malonzo, Mr WIlls, Mrs Reddy, Ms Rujicica, Sr Christina, Miss Ramzy, Mr Cetinic and Miss Tan for her wonderful contribution. Thank you lastly to our Year 12 students who contributed so well to the occasion, we hope it was an experience that you treasure.

Our students have shared some great insights into their experiences at the Retreat:

“Retreat to me was a reflective journey as it challenged us to reflect on our lives and how these experiences have shaped us to be who we are today, calling us to know that “We are not made for comfort – we are made for greatness.” Retreat facilitated an open atmosphere that called us to open ourselves up to, and meaningfully engage with one another; students and teachers. To me one of the most profound moments during the retreat was seeing the teachers be vulnerable, sharing their rich unadulterated emotions and experiences with all of us, modelling to us students the power in vulnerability and teaching us through what they have learned in their own lives as we venture out into the world as adults. During the three days, we were given many opportunities to not only have fun and bond but to truly engage with our faith and spirituality. Notably, the daily exam Sister Cristina led, to me, was very impactful and I intend to continue to engage with it as a form of prayer throughout my life.  I could really see the impact of these faith formation activities with the whole grade genuinely engaging with the activities on a deep level – I could truly feel the presence of God in and around my peers. These experiences truly shaped and formed our faith and relationships as a cohort, as I  found myself building long-lasting relationships with people I had seldom talked to. This retreat established the tenor through which we as a cohort can continue to truly live out and be grateful for the teachings ingrained into us through our years at St Andrews.”

• College Vice Captain Jeremy Delfino (Year 12)

“I went to retreat with minimal expectations and was sensitive to being emotionally uncomfortable. However, what the retreat offered, surpassed what I had expected and offered me a profound sense of self-assurance and an opportunity to reflect on current & future life. The retreat at times did make me feel uncomfortable... but it was not at all a bad thing. For many like myself, it's awkward to be vulnerable and genuine but in spite of that, key reflection moments during the retreat enabled me to connect with my peers on a deeper level and understand those around me more whole-hearted and truthfully. I think it was the perfect way to unite the cohort during our final moments before we graduate and to positively reflect all aspects of life as well as our relationship with God. This retreat offered me an opportunity to appreciate both students and teachers and moreover the many people who have played a significant role in helping me develop into the person I am today during the past 6 years at St Andrews. This experience granted me the chance to deeply connect with God and a profound sense of gratitude for what God has gifted me in my life. So as year 12's face the end of our time at this college, the retreat had perfectly wrapped up a finished chapter and helped us transition into a new chapter of our lives. In saying this, the memories I have made at this retreat will continue to stay vivid for years to come so I truly thank all staff who have made this retreat happen!”

• College Captain Euleila Barret (Year 12)

We wish Year 12 all the best as they begin to finish up their time here at St Andrews College, as their upcoming Graduation and HSC exams draw near. We hope that this Retreat has given them a wonderful opportunity to be aware of God’s presence in their life. It has been a privilege to accompany them in closing this current chapter as they step into a new phase in life, hopefully knowing that God constantly walks alongside them. 

YEAR 9 REFLECTION DAY

On Friday 6th September, Year 9 was given the opportunity to immerse themselves in activities that helped deepen their faith during the Year 9 Reflection Day. The day was run by the team at Young Lasallians - Damian, Oliver, Emilia and Koe brought a bright energy to St Andrews and shared their energy, personal testimonies and their love of music with our Year 9 students. We were also very fortunate to once again have our Year 10 Youth Ministry Leaders come and help facilitate small group sessions.

 The theme of the day was “The Spirit of it” where students were invited to explore the gifts of the Holy Spirit and reflect on their life journey so far, the important people in their lives who have journeyed with them, and their own gifts and talents that they are called to use to serve others. Students were also able to have some fun with their year group by participating in team-building activities, icebreakers and singing/dancing to some great music provided by the Young Lasallians Team.

Our students gained some insightful perspectives from the day:

“On the Year 9 reflection day, my peers and I had loads of fun. The day was filled with self-reflection and how God sees us. My favourite part of the day was singing as a grade and sharing our personal stories. This helped me connect, relate, and feel more connected with my friends and my peers. A personal memory I got from that day is when they were talking about self-worth. worth. They told a story about a watch, and it made me think about how even though I might not be the best student and I might not be perfect, in God's eyes my worth is a million and so is everybody else's.”

• Alyssa Bettiol, Year 9 

“The La Salle community encouraged students and peers to participate in a day of mindfulness on the value and importance of themselves from God's perspective. The day was full of exciting activities and opportunities for bonding. Our grade was able to connect on a deeper level through games and tasks that day, including singing worship songs and experiencing Christ's heavenly presence. This allowed some students who aren't used to experiencing a holy atmosphere feel welcomed into one. My favourite part of the day was when we danced and sang along to a song about rivers, fountains, mountains, and love. As we sang each line, the pace increased, forcing us to perform the dance moves quickly but accurately. This day not only helped friends and peers, to build an enduring feeling of community but it also taught us that God is the only one we should try to impress or build relationships with because he gives us endless opportunities, forgives us endlessly, and even though we may not be perfect and he doesn't need us at all, he still says that he will be by our sides, helping and guiding us just to have a bond with us. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." - Isaiah 43:2

• Isabella Predescu, Year 9

We are so proud of how Year 9 participated - there was a sense of enthusiasm, willingness to give things a go, a sense of vulnerability, and an openness to what God wanted to reveal to them. It was a great experience overall for both students and staff, and we are looking forward to welcoming back the team at Young Lasallians as well as our Year 10 Youth Ministry Leaders to continue to journey alongside our students in their faith journeys.

Year 9 and 10 Music Ministry Workshop 

As part of our ongoing youth formation program with our students, on Thursday 5th September, some of our Year 9 and 10 students were invited to attend a Music Ministry Workshop run by some volunteers from Youth For Christ. This was an excellent opportunity for students to learn about how music is a form of prayer and were able to understand the role of the Music Ministry Band in leading others to God. Students were able to see how they can use their God-given talents to serve others and learned about the virtue of humility in allowing God to shine through them. They also learned about the importance of dynamics, synchronisation and the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit when they play together as a band.

We were very fortunate to have volunteers from Youth For Christ to mentor our students and run instrument-specific workshops. Students learnt two praise and worship songs - “I Know” and “Hallelujah” by Liveloud Worship. They are very excited to have more opportunities to play these songs for our faith and mission events at the College, especially as it is a dynamic and vibrant way for young people to connect with their faith. The students also gained a lot of insight from our volunteers and were inspired to see young people outside of their school community also actively serving God in their own personal contexts. Some of our students shared an insight into their experience of the workshop:

“I've always been told by my family that God gives everyone a gift, and I've always known mine was music. And as God's glorious creation, our true purpose is to spread the Word of God to the world, so why not use the gifts He gave us to do this? The Music Ministry Workshop was an amazing opportunity for music students to learn how we can use music to praise and worship God. Once we had learnt how to play Liveloud Worship's I Know, all the students played it together as one big family of instruments. It felt amazing experiencing what it's like to be in a full band. Playing music for God is unlike just playing music normally. Each note I played was directed to showing God how grateful I am for my gift and using it for Him. Being surrounded with people who all respect, encourage, and care for each other was the perfect environment for celebrating our gifts. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to participate in this event, and can't wait to do it again next time!”

• Angelo Demian, Year 10

A big thank you to our Youth For Christ volunteers  Kiarrah, Lexi, Ronan, Diego, Jewel, Tristan and Hannah for generously giving their time and talents to our students, and for mentoring them and inspiring them to use their talents for God. Our students are very excited to have them back, and we are keen to see how they will use what they learned in the workshops for the service of the entire College community.

Father’s Day Breakfast and Mass

On Thursday 5th September, our College community hosted a breakfast to honour the fathers and father figures in our school community. We were delighted to welcome students and their fathers/father figures to the senior campus to enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast by our teachers. Breakfast was followed by Mass at St Andrew the Apostle Parish, where we were able to celebrate the importance of these men in our St Andrews community. We’d like to thank those families for their presence and all the staff and students who helped on the day.

A Prayer For Fathers

Heavenly Father,
you entrusted your Son Jesus,
the child of Mary,
to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.

Bless all fathers
as they care for their families.
Give them strength and wisdom,
tenderness and patience;
support them in the work they have to do,
protecting those who look to them,
as we look to you for love and salvation,
through Jesus Christ
our rock and defender.

Amen.

Andrew Hoare, Karina Anthony & Olivia Tan

Faith, Mission and Learning

Dear parents/guardians, 

In Term 4, commencing from 17th October during Thursday sports time, Year 7 will have the opportunity to participate in the Swim School program that will be held at Blacktown Leisure Centre- Stanhope. The swim school program is a program that is run by the Stanhope swimming staff for our students to develop their skills in Swimming and Lifesaving. This also aligns with the PDHPE curriculum as students have been learning about how to stay safe in a variety of environments such as around water and is a part of our PDHPE program. This gives our students the opportunity to take what they have learnt in the classroom and apply their knowledge and understanding whilst at the pool, learning Swimming and water safety survival skills.

Students will return back to school by 2:45 pm in time for the bell and normal transport arrangements home. Students are expected to wear their full sports uniforms as per normal on Thursdays. Students will have a chance to change into swimwear at recess (under sports uniform) and are not permitted to wear swimming clothing before this. Female students are expected to wear a rash shirt whilst at the pools. No bikinis are allowed. Students will also then be expected to change back into their full sports uniform upon departure from the pool to return to school. 

Students must bring the following equipment to school each Thursday:

• Books/learning devices for subjects they have for periods 1-4, as per normal College expectations
• A Towel
• Swimming clothes (a rash shirt is required for females
• Thongs/slip-on shoes for the pool 
• Spare socks
• Sunscreen
• School hat and sunglasses
• Food for the day as they would normally bring to school. Students will be leaving the College at the end of period 4 so accessing the canteen will only be possible during recess
• Females are allowed to wear a one-piece costume.  Shorts are optional to wear in the water. If a female is wearing a bikini, she is expected to wear a rash shirt over the top and shorts. 

Any student who plays for a Season 3 Representative team will continue to do so and will not participate in the Swimming program.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College

We are fortunate to be able to provide this opportunity to our Year 7 cohort and look forward to this wonderful learning experience.

I would encourage you to speak to your child about this opportunity to ensure they are best prepared for the program. 

Kind regards,

Janna Leitch

Leader of Learning - Sport 

jleitch@parra.catholic.edu.au

On Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September, our St Andrews College divers competed in the First NSW Interclub competition of the season at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. There were a few podium finishes and many personal bests from our students. Special congratulations to Rachael Griffiths (Year 8) who qualified for Nationals on 1m springboard.

Full results below:

Pathways Level 3 Boys Springboard - James De Vos - 1st Place and a personal best score by 13 points.

Pathways Level 4 Boys Springboard - Dominic Azar - 1st Place and a personal best score by 9 points.

Pathways Level 5 Girls Springboard - Blair Weaver - 4th Place and just moved up to this level.

12/13 yrs Girls Springboard - Lauren Griffiths - 8th Place and the first time in this age group.

14/15 yrs Girls Springboard - 

Rachael Griffiths - 5th Place, a personal best score by 9 points, and first-time national qualification. Analise Gregoriou - 6th Place and a personal best score by 25 points. 

Claire De Vos - 9th Place and a personal best score by 30 points.

14/15 yrs Boys Springboard - Eesa Mir 2nd Place.

Our place-getters were lucky enough to be presented their awards by 2024 Olympians Curtis Matthews and Melissa Wu. Please see the photos below.

Mrs Anita Weaver

Head of Diving

Exciting news! Tickets for the 2024 St Andrews College production of Macbeth in Space are now on sale via the QKR app. This unique and cosmic twist on Shakespeare’s classic is sure to be a memorable event.

We are proud to showcase the incredible talent of our students in this year's drama production, where Shakespeare's timeless tragedy is brought to life with a futuristic, sci-fi twist. Join us on September 26th for what promises to be an unforgettable performance that highlights our school's creativity and dedication to the arts.

Ticket Information:
- General Admission: $5
- Meal Deal (ticket + snack + drink): $10

Ticket Sale Deadline: Tuesday, 24th September
Purchase Via: QKR app
Limited Availability: Act fast to secure your spot!

Don’t miss out on this stellar performance—purchase your tickets today and join us for an unforgettable journey through space and time!

This week, our Year 12 Japanese Continuers course students learned one of the Japanese cultures, “Bento.” While the term “bento” is often recognised in Australia as simply meaning “a lunch box,” the students soon discovered that it represents so much more in Japan. 

By watching YouTube videos, the students learned about the intricate art and deep cultural significance behind Japanese bento culture. They explored how a bento is not just about packing a meal but also reflects care, balance, and aesthetics. A key element that makes a bento both delicious and visually appealing is the inclusion of five essential colours: white, red, yellow, green, and black. These colours not only enhance the meal’s appearance but also ensure it is nutritious.

Taking their learning a step further, the students searched for recipes and gained hands-on experience preparing their own bento. This practical exercise allowed them to appreciate the balance of flavours, textures, and effort required to create these beautifully crafted meals in one lunch box.

Throughout this special culture lesson, the Year 12 students learned about Japanese culinary traditions and gained valuable insights into Japanese culture.

Student’s Report:

On Thursday the 12th of September, Year 12 Japanese Continuers students engaged in a cultural lesson where they learnt about Obento – The Japanese practice of packed lunch. Bentos are packed lunches eaten and enjoyed by much of the Japanese population, with many devoted individuals spending hours honing their craft to produce not only nutritious but aesthetically appealing packed lunches. The students each contributed a component to the class’ bentos, producing bento’s which have the nutritional balance essential to the cultural phenomenon. The students spent the lesson learning about bentos and tinkering away with their own to make them cute, even going so far as to make faces on rice balls, mirroring the bentos packed by Japanese students and even office employees! Look at all these great bentos!!  

- Jeremy Delfino, Year 12 Japanese Continuers

Mrs Mariko Suzuki

Leader of Learning - Languages

In Term 2 Weeks 9-10, our Year 8 Japanese course students had the opportunity to celebrate the Star Festival by decorating their bamboo trees with wish papers and origami papers.

This year, we participated in the Tanzaku Contest 2024 which was organised by the Japanese Teachers’ Association of NSW (JTAN) . We won the school award for our beautiful and fantastic Tanabata decorations and creative Tanzaku papers this year. Winning the Tanzaku Contest is a testament to their dedication and talent. Students worked collaboratively to create beautiful Tanzaku, expressing their hopes and wishes in Japanese. We witnessed incredible creativity in every piece submitted.

We hope to see all our students have a happy academic journey with Japanese ahead.

Ms Miho Matsufuji

Japanese Teacher

Year 12 Physics Excursion

On Thursday, September 5th, 2024, the Year 12 Physics class from St. Andrews College embarked on an insightful excursion to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at Lucas Heights. The visit offered students a hands-on experience with groundbreaking scientific technologies and concepts they had previously encountered only in the classroom.

The day began at the Discovery Centre, where the students explored a cloud chamber depicting alpha, beta, and gamma radiation patterns, and marveled at a full-scale replica of ANSTO’s nuclear reactor core. From there, they ventured into the OPAL (Open Pool Australian Lightwater) research reactor—the only nuclear reactor in Australia—where they learned about neutron production and its vast applications in medicine and research.

One of the excursion's highlights was witnessing live reactor camera feeds, offering real-time insights into the inner workings of the facility. The students then toured the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, discovering how OPAL-generated neutrons contribute to various research projects and nuclear medicine, including the production of technetium-99m, a crucial radioisotope used in cancer diagnostics.

The visit concluded at the Centre for Accelerator Science, where students observed a linear particle accelerator, pivotal in environmental and quantum research. A seminar on radioactive decay and radioisotope experiments further consolidated their understanding.

This ANSTO excursion not only deepened the students' appreciation for nuclear science but also inspired many to pursue further studies in the field. The Year 12 class extends heartfelt thanks to Mr. Jayaratna and St. Andrews College for making this extraordinary experience possible.

- Ishwinder Nijjar, on behalf of the 2024 Physics Class.

Year 12 Investigating Science Excursion to Orchard Hill Water Filtration Plant and Quakers Hill Water Purification Recycled Water (PRW) Demo Plant.

On September 3, 2024, The Year 12 Investigating Science students visited the  Orchard Hill Water Filtration Plant and the Quakers Hill Water Purification Recycled Water (PRW) Demo Plant.

Why? Part of the Year 12 Investigating Science HSC course involves the evaluation of the impact of scientific research, development and application on world health and human wellbeing. One of these applications is water purification and wastewater treatment. Water is an important resource. We cannot live without it. But it is a finite resource. Of the water available on Earth 97.5% is salt water, 2.5 % is fresh water but frozen and less than 1% is fresh and usable. On this excursion, students toured the Orchard Hill Water Filtration Plant and learned the process in which water from the dam is filtered and eventually reaches our taps.  They learned about the issues associated with water scarcity as a result of population growth and climate change and of the ways Sydney Water is addressing this. For areas near the coast, one of the solutions is the desalination plant where water from the ocean is processed and rendered usable.  For inland, a possible solution is the purification of recycled water (PRW). Although PRW is not yet currently used in Sydney, the students were able to tour the demo plant in Quakers Hill to gain an understanding of the development and the application of the technology in addressing water scarcity. 

Ms Caroline O’Hare

Science Teacher

Students in Year 10 Child Studies are learning about Food and Nutrition in childhood. Most recently, we have been inquiring into learning about the various dietary needs and allergies of children and foods suitable to meet their dietary needs. For their assessment task, students were required to plan a children’s birthday party and design a menu that addresses allergies such as lactose, gluten, nuts and/or eggs for example.

Students baked or cooked one item from their menu that ensured all children attending the party could consume it and therefore it accommodated the various allergies. Some of the items made included:

• Fruit skewers
• Gluten-free wraps
• Gluten-free pinwheels and pizzas
• Gluten, nut and egg-free cupcakes
• Gluten-free burgers
• Gluten-free pasta
• Banana pops

We hope you enjoy the photos of the students' hard work baking, cooking and preparing for our class birthday party.

Mrs Kayla Brogan

Child Studies and Leader of Learning- PDHPE

This term, our Year 10 Information Software Technology students have started an exciting new unit on Robotics & Automated Systems. Over the past few weeks, students have been working individually on their assessment task, which involved designing and planning a robot using Lego Mindstorms.

The Design Situation for this task presents a unique challenge: students must create a robot capable of autonomously navigating a specialised track. The track is constructed using modular tiles, which can be rearranged to offer a new layout every lesson. These tiles feature black lines and green squares that present obstacles for the robot to navigate. At the end of the track, students must program their robots to detect and move an object off the track. The objective is to design a robot that balances speed, accuracy and manoeuvrability through this ever-changing terrain.

In their portfolios, students documented the early stages of the design process, focusing on three key areas: Statement of Intent, Research and Idea Generation/Testing. They outlined their goals, researched Lego Mindstorms components and coding techniques and brainstormed strategies for building and programming their robots.

This week, students submitted their individual assessment tasks and formed groups of 3-4 to collaborate on the next phase. Each student pitched their design idea, and as a team, they decided on one design to move forward with. The classroom has been buzzing with activity as students began constructing their robots and even started programming and testing them on a mini track.

We are excited to see the innovative solutions our Year 10 students will bring to this challenge in the coming weeks!

Miss Shanai Mifsud

TAS & VET Information and Digital Technology Teacher

We are incredibly proud of our Year 7 Technology students, who have been hard at work developing and creating their CO2 cars as part of the 'Engineered Systems' unit. Throughout this unit, our students have explored key concepts such as aerodynamics, force, friction and motion; applying their knowledge to enhance their car designs. 

In recent weeks, the excitement has peaked as our Year 8 students raced their creations in a thrilling competition to determine the Ultimate CO2 Champion. Their dedication to refining and modifying their cars after initial test runs has resulted in noticeably improved performance, making for an unforgettable experience!

We hope our Year 7 students have gained a valuable understanding of the 'Design Process', learning the importance of not just settling on the first idea, but taking the time to research, evaluate and modify their designs to achieve the best possible outcome. 

Miss Shanai Mifsud

TAS & VET Information and Digital Technology Teacher

Over the past week, Year 8 students completed the ‘Textiles’ unit as a part of their Technology studies and finished their rotation of the unit . Throughout the unit, students learned both hand and machine sewing; mastering essential techniques for working with fabric. They also explored various dyeing methods and surface decoration techniques to enhance their projects.

The culmination of their hard work was the creation of personalised tote bags. Each student designed and constructed a bag that reflected their personality, interests or cultural background. The results were vibrant and meaningful, showcasing not only their technical skills but also their individual creativity.

We are incredibly proud of the effort and dedication shown by this group and look forward to seeing how these budding designers continue to develop their talents!

Miss Shanai Mifsud

TAS & VET Information and Digital Technology Teacher

With new subject rotations in Technology this term, a new group of Year 8 students have embarked on their culinary journey as they begin their Food Technology unit. Week 7 marked the commencement of this delectable adventure, and it was met with much enthusiasm and anticipation.

During their first cooking lesson, Year 8 made some mouth watering Chocolate Truffle Balls. Students were introduced to essential skills and practices in the kitchen such as the importance of food hygiene, cleanliness and proper sanitation while handling ingredients. With great attentiveness, they grasped the significance of maintaining a clean cooking environment. Students were also required to accurately measure ingredients in order to achieve consistent and delicious results.

The lesson additionally focused on effective time management within pairs. Students quickly realised the importance of efficient coordination and communication with their cooking partners. By working together, they successfully divided tasks, allocated responsibilities, and ensured that all dishes were completed on time.

With their newfound knowledge and skills, Year 8 students are keen to create even more delicious delights in the coming weeks. We are excited to witness their culinary creativity unfold and eagerly await the next mouthwatering dishes they will prepare. Stay tuned for more updates on their exciting Food Technology journey!

Want to try making the Chocolate Truffle Balls yourself? With the recipe below, you can!

Miss Shanai Mifsud

TAS & VET Information and Digital Technology Teacher

College Leadership Team

Leaders of Learning - Wellbeing

College Leaders of Learning - KLA

College Leaders of Learning