2025 Timetable Update

We are well underway in the planning for 2025. Below is a summary of our progress so far.

• Year 9 2025 (Year 8 2024) have received their course confirmations.
• Year 11 2025 (Year 10 2024) are in the process of receiving their course confirmations. This will take several weeks as 1-1 meetings are conducted with each student.
• Early in Term 4, we will begin to create class lists for Years 7-10. Year 7 will have two enrichment classes which will be created based on ALLWELL Testing. Year 8 will have two enrichment classes which will be created based on their performance in 2024. Years 9 and 10 will have one enrichment class (each) created based on their performance in 2024. 
• Students will be able to access their 2025 Timetable via Compass on 10 January 2025.

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.

Mr Patrick Finnerty

Assistant Principal – Systems, Data, and Professional Learning.

Thanks for a great term.

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

I would like to thank Year 12 for their presence and hard work this term and I wish them the best in their upcoming HSC examinations. 

Start of Term 4

The first day for students is Tuesday 15th  October. Students will return in College Summer Uniform. Please be mindful on return that the College expectations regarding grooming are being met.

Mindsets

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

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

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

What’s in the planner?

Walter Elliot was a Priest and Writer. He said:

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

Key strengths to focus on are Honesty and gratitude. 

Enjoy the holidays.

God bless,

Mr. Nick Thrum

Assistant Principal - Students

Student Leadership

We have started the leadership process for students in Years 7-10 as we look towards our 2025 SRC and House Captains on the Junior Campus. Students have been asked to look for the leadership qualities and character strengths in their peers and themselves and have put forward nominations for these leadership roles. To be eligible for a leadership role at the College, students must be good role models in all aspects of College life, support all College activities and be fully supportive of, and involved with, the mission of a Catholic school. They must also meet the College Expectations regarding attendance, learning, uniform and behaviour.  

Congratulations to our newly elected leaders on the Senior Campus for a fantastic Leadership Retreat at Kiah Ridge in Week 9. Dr Kennaugh, Mrs Parker and I worked with the students at the retreat and saw their leadership skills blossom. More details on the Leadership Retreat are included in the newsletter article coordinated by Elyscia Mary Barret (Publicity Portfolio). All leaders have received their Portfolios now and we wish them well in their leadership over the next 12 months. Here are our new leaders with their portfolios:

Principal’s Awards

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

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

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

House Cup Competition

The House Cup Competition closes today! We will announce the winners next term. Good luck to all the Houses.

Mrs Sue Cooper

Leader of Wellbeing and Learning

scooper@parra.catholic.edu.au

Year 12 News

The Year 12 students have now officially completed their studies and are in their final preparations for the HSC. This past week has been extremely busy, with the Graduation Mass being held on Monday morning in the Junior Hall. It was a beautiful mass celebrated by Father Kevin, with the whole school and parents able to share in this whole-school celebration.

Monday evening saw the Graduation Ceremony, where each student was presented with their Graduation Portfolio as well as any certificates of achievement. We congratulate all students who received awards, as well as those who were awarded major awards for their efforts this year. 

The celebrations were capped off with the Year 12 Formal, held at Doltone House at the Marconi Club. The students looked fantastic all dressed up and had a wonderful night of celebration and partying. 

It has been an absolute pleasure being the Coordinator of these young men and women and on behalf of the Year 12 Wellbeing Team and the wider school community, we wish our Year 12 students all the very best in their HSC exams and for their future endeavours!

Mr Andrew Houseman

Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing

Dear Year 11 Students and Families,

As Term 3 comes to a close, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible growth and achievements we’ve seen this term.

Firstly, congratulations on completing your preliminary exams. I know the lead-up to the exams required a great deal of hard work, focus, and dedication, and I am proud of the way you approached this challenge. These exams are a significant milestone in your academic journey, and now that they are behind you, the real value lies in learning from the experience. Over the next few weeks, your teachers will provide detailed feedback on your results. I encourage you to use this feedback as a tool to improve, focusing on areas where you can grow and build your confidence as you approach the final stage of your schooling.

We also had the privilege of watching our Year 12 students graduate this term. Seeing them walk across the stage, having completed their HSC, was a reminder of how quickly this final chapter of school life comes around. Before you know it, you will be in their shoes, finishing your own journey at our school. Their graduation was not only a celebration of their achievements but a glimpse into what lies ahead for all of you next year.

As we prepare to return for Term 4, the reality of becoming Year 12 will be on your mind. The transition to your final year is both exciting and challenging, but I have full confidence in your ability to rise to the occasion. Next term, you will take on new responsibilities, set goals for your HSC, and continue building the skills you need to succeed. Together, we will support each other as you step up into leadership and the final phase of your schooling.

I hope you all take a well-deserved break during the holidays. Rest up, recharge, and come back ready for the exciting journey ahead.

Mrs Emily Parker

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 11

Leader of Learning and Wellbeing - Senior Campus

Dear Year 10 Parents/Carers and Students, 

Congratulations to Year 10 on another busy and successful term. There has been a lot going on and Year 10 have been awesome in how they have approached every experience. 

Thank you to our Semester Two Learning Group Leaders for their support and dedication to helping during Learning Group. 

B3 - Melissa Ghneim and Deng Deng 

B7 - Jerome Chin and Samanta Cardona 

C1 - Marcus Sewiha and Paul Sewiha 

C3 - Obama Azrag and Brendan Espiritu 

F1 -  Connor Tipping and Sofia Mabutas

F2 - Thomas Valentine and Timothy Cheng 

G5 - Reyana Monticello and Angelo Demain 

G16 - Shrisha Nair and Bronte Fitzroy 

Peer Dynamics Workshop 

Year 10 students participated in a Peer Dynamics Workshop on Friday 20th September in their House Groups. 

The workshop explored judgement, confidence and group dynamics and the impact that judgement has on individual confidence and peer dynamics. The workshop provided a safe and supportive space for students to discuss and share their experiences, successes and challenges. I would like to commend Year 10 students for their engagement with the workshop and hope they continue to build upon the skills they have developed to continue to form positive peer connections and grow in their confidence.  

Summer Uniform 

A reminder that Term 4 means that we move from Winter uniform to Summer Uniform. Please refer to the student learning planner for further details.  

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

Wishing you a restful and relaxing break ready to take on your last term as Year 10 students on the Junior Campus. 

Ms Alicia Harwood 

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 10 

Three-quarters of the school year is now complete, where did the time go! Term 3 has come and gone in such a quick time and we can all see how much growth the year 8 students have gone through from Day 1 of this year. Year 8 have continued to strive to do their best in all aspects of school life; striving to ensure they do the best assessment, classwork and be the best people they can be.

This term, students in Year 8 experienced probably their most stressful time at St Andrew's College, having an assessment block that contained multiple exams due in such a short time. Students would have had to be very organised and dedicated to a study routine to ensure they allowed themselves to get the best mark possible. This was a challenging time for them however I believe all of year 8 approached this time in a positive way and this will benefit them as they approach more exam blocks in the years to come. I am very proud of how each of you upheld yourselves in this time. 

In term 3, we also had the opportunity to witness another year 12 graduation. I commend the students' behaviour during the graduation mass as they were all reverent and respectful during this event. Seeing the year 12 students spend their final moments at the College is always a great moment for our students to witness. I hope the year 8 students take on board what the College Captains said in their farewell speech, to value your time as time flies by, to make mistakes, to not worry, and to give it your best, as this is all part of life. Value and cherish your time at school and the people you spend it with.

Speaking of time, as announced to year 8 last Friday, my time as the Leader of Wellbeing for this year is taking a break in Term 4. I will be taking leave for the remainder of the year and will be spending my time being a stay-at-home dad. This is a very exciting time for me to be able to care for my daughters. I do not know what experiences I will face during this time but as time flies by so quickly I am excited to spend this time with my kids and watch them grow and create precious memories with them.

I leave year 8 for the remainder of the year in the hands of Ms Susan Amiri who will be taking charge as the Leader of Wellbeing for year 8. I have no doubt she will continue to do what is best for the students in year 8. The expectations remain the same and I have no doubt the students will continue to abide by what is expected of them.

As a final message for the year to you, the year 8 students, I wish you all the best for what term 4 brings. Continue to always respect your peers, teachers and others in the St Andrews Community. Be the fun-loving, passionate, funny, and original people you are. I hope to see all of you soon and hope to see how much you’ve grown next year. 

Thank you for what has been a great year so far, thank you for making each day challenging and enjoyable. Thank you for being you.

Have a great 2024, see you in 2025

Mr Kharl Carlos

Leader of Wellbeing - Year 8

Dear parents and guardians,
I would like to thank you for your support this term with Year 7.

Congratulations to the following students on
becoming learning group leaders for Semester 2-
B5 - Jay Refalo & Emily Jia,
B11 - Phoenix Apostol & Laura Perkins,
C8 - Drishti Singh and Elsa Odenthal,
C9- Amber Bissett & Despina Thimiopoulos- Wilson
F3 - Kanishka Halder & Aarav Rabadia
F5 - Malaar Kaur & Harris Gopurathingal
G10 - Reet Bisla & Zack Quarmby
G11 - Rithvika Ananth & Matthew Refalo

Please ensure students are in full school summer uniform commencing Term 4. I also look forward to seeing Year 7 participate in the swim school program the College offers for our Year 7 students during sports for Term 4.
It has been a pleasure looking after such a wonderful year group and I am looking forward to working with Year 7 in Term 4.

Wish you a restful and relaxing break and are ready to commence Term 4.

Ms Ivana Nikitovic
Acting Leader Of Wellbeing - Year 7

On the 17th and 18th of September, our new 2025 College Leaders attended the Yr12 Leadership Retreat at the Kiah Ridge Christian Conference Centre in Tahmoor. This retreat aimed to provide the future 2025 leaders with the chance to better understand their personal roles and responsibilities, but also each other as leaders. Throughout the two-day retreat, various workshops and reflective activities encouraged the growth, self-awareness, and spiritual development of the 24 leaders.

Our leadership retreat was genuinely such a fun experience that allowed us to build closer relationships with each other, strengthening what was once a connection, into a unified team! This was an opportunity that built the foundation for understanding each of our responsibilities and character strengths as leaders, whilst making critical leadership plans for the exciting year ahead. One of the more memorable moments for me was through our TikTok and karaoke challenges where we worked and performed collaboratively in randomised groups, strengthening our teamwork and leadership skills alike. I found that as the retreat was student-led by our 2025 school captains and vice captains, it nurtured a more personal and engaging experience for us all. Those two days certainly motivated my call to servant leadership for the upcoming year! 

- Maxine Gesilva, Gould House Captain 

The retreat was great! It was a really humbling experience. As the new leaders of St Andrews College, the retreat gave us the opportunity to bond and learn from each other, coming together before we lead the St Andrews Community in 2025. We learnt so much about each other throughout the two days, creating a strong network of skills and talents. We were served amazing food and were involved in fun icebreaker activities. This retreat also helped us learn a bit more about our College morals and identity with a few words of advice from Dr Kennaugh, the use of the SPIRE framework and our College motto, 

“Doing More, Going Beyond” and most importantly, “Faith in Christ.” We developed many College goals for 2025, aspiring to achieve every single one! Overall it was a great learning experience! 

- Julio Tatupu, Frances House Captain 

It was really fun! The retreat was an amazing experience that really helped our leadership team reflect on the goals that we have for our school community. Through the many activities, I felt that we were really able to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses which as a result fostered our teamwork and collaboration. Aside from all the leadership activities, it was really a relaxing and fun experience, where I was able to hang out with different people, play different kinds of games and step out, not from the normal school routine, but also from my comfort zone! Plus, the food was great!

- Anthony Pilayre, SRC Positive School Climate 

The recent Year 12 Leadership Retreat conducted at Kiah Ridge Conference Center was an opportunity for the Senior Leadership Team to discuss the upcoming initiatives, goals and expectations for our College. As College Captains it is our duty to ensure that our College is represented across the Diocese in its academics and extracurriculars, and the retreat provided our team the opportunity to discuss how we can positively impact the community and beyond. The team has greatly benefited from the retreat as it allowed us to meet in common ground and give back to the College through our shared visions. Through various activities and games, we were able to understand each other’s character strengths enabling us to focus our attention and improve on our weaknesses, making sure that the Senior Leadership Team can provide the best for this College. We look forward to the upcoming Year 8-12 retreat where we will further discuss future plans and initiatives for our College!

- Suwanthi Edirisinghe & Aditya Rawal, College Captains 

These two days truly offered us insights and experiences that are simply unforgettable. As time went by, it only felt as though there was not enough of it. This retreat allowed us to realise that being a leader isn’t always fulfilling duties and sitting comfortably in our sense of self, sometimes it also calls for moments of unfamiliarity, panic, and even failure. In these moments, our eyes are truly open to the understanding that being a leader is being the voice for others, coming to serve our call to the community, just as St. Andrew was the first called by Jesus. We truly believe that alongside each other, unfamiliarity, panic, and even failure, can become our greatest strengths. However, the number of 24 will only grow with the Year 8-12 Leadership Retreat next term! Stay tuned! 

- Christabel Gobrial & Elyscia Barret, SRC Publicity 

Ms Sue Cooper

Leader of Wellbeing and Learning

scooper@parra.catholic.edu.au

On Thursday, 19th September, Year 12 were given the opportunity to attend a final SAC FAM (‘Faith and Mission’) Session one last time as an entire year group. As the students finished up with their final lessons, they were able to end off the day celebrating their place in our SAC faith community together as a cohort. 

The session functioned as a continuation of Year 12 Retreat, and focused on the theme from Pope Benedict XVI: “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness.” The students were able to hear from their teachers ways in which they have witnessed the greatness of this Year 12 cohort over the past 6 years, whether that be their approach to their academics, the bond they have built as a year group, or their willingness to give things a go and participate in what our school has to offer. 

“I’ve seen greatness in the Year 12 group in many ways, but I think the one that stands out the most is the relationships they have with each other. In every year group there’s always going to be ups and downs in relationships, but I think essentially in this year group, everybody is able to get along with everybody else. There’s a great sense of community and camaraderie, and that’s where I see the greatness.” 

• Mr Andrew Houseman

“A moment of greatness would be watching these Year 12’s grow, when I first took this group when they were much younger, they were still figuring out who they were and who they were meant to be. Especially since coming back, I’ve really  noticed a positive change, and I feel like they’re ready to go out into the big wide world and make it their own.”

• Mrs Andrea Utoikamanu

Students were able to reflect on the greatness they have exhibited over the years, and so now they can look forward to thinking about where or how God is calling them to greatness after they leave St Andrews and start this next chapter of their lives. Some students took the courage to share the answer to this question in front of their peers:

“I want to do  Primary Education at Notre Dame next year. When I look back during  my primary school experience, I could see that there was a lack of male teacher presence, but the male teachers who were there made such a big impact. I’ve always put my faith in Christ and have been given a lot of opportunities to serve in the Catholic Church  - I think God  has given me the  grace to give back to the community in this way.”

• Luke Binny

“I want to go into social work and community justice, possibly working in the area of families and children. I think my ability to empathise and understand people gives me the chance to see a person for who they really are, and not just their circumstances. I think throughout my life,God always stuck by me and always reminded me that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. It’s always going to get better - he gives us  the strength and resilience to endure our struggles. I want to use that strength to help others.”

• Esther Peter

“I want to go into medicine or physiotherapy. One of my strengths is being able to connect with different people. I like seeing people passionate about something, being able to see their interests and their experiences and how it has shaped them to be who they are today - I believe that people have different lives to our own, but equally as rich and complex. I feel like I see God in other people, so it makes me feel like I want to experience God through others. I’m still finding my moment of clarity but I know God will be there for me.” 

• Jeremy Delfino

Students were then able to make their own personalised rosary decades as a reminder of their time here at SAC, and the role that faith plays in shaping their identity. Year 12 was then able to conclude the session with music from our Year 12 students, and had the chance to read the letters that they wrote to their past selves at the beginning of Year 11. 

We’d like to thank the students who helped contribute to running the session - particularly the leaders of SAC FAM and SJS (Social Justice Society) who helped out on the day. Your service to your school community is greatly appreciated.

We wish Year 12 all the best as they move forward into this next chapter of their life, and as they enjoy their last few days as St Andrews students. We hope that in discerning their vocation, they find what they are passionate about - that they find who or what they are willing to lay their lives down for. We sincerely hope that the call to greatness and desire to will the good of others in the world may be something they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

“We must know that we have been created for greater things, not just to be a number in the world, not just to go for diplomas and degrees, this work and that work.

We have been created in order to love and to be loved.”

- St Teresa of Calcutta

Miss Olivia Tan

Faith in Action Teacher (FIAT Coordinator) 

The Year 9 Japanese Elective Course students had their Japanese Cooking lesson in Term 3 Week 9, where they had the opportunity to taste the delicious Japanese dish called Okonomiyaki, the Japanese savoury pancake. This culinary adventure was made even more special with the invaluable assistance of two Japanese exchange students and Ms Suzuki, Leader of Learning - Languages, who generously shared their expertise and passion for Japanese cuisine.

While waiting for the okonomiyaki, Year 9 students learnt the okonomiyaki recipe, cooking words and table manner words which are いただきます, itadakimasu and ごちそうさまでした, gochisousamadeshita. The school undercroft area became bustling with laughter, chatter, and the sizzle of okonomiyaki on the griddle creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement.

The culmination of the cooking session was a shared meal, where students sat together to experience Japanese food - okonomiyaki. The joy and satisfaction on their faces spoke volumes about the success of the Japanese Cooking lesson. It was not just a lesson in culinary arts but a celebration of cultural exploration and the joy of tasting delicious Japanese food together.

A special thank you to the Japanese exchange students, Hiro and Souki for their enthusiastic participation and mentorship. We extend our appreciation to the Japanese language teachers, Ms Suzuki and Miss Matsufuji for their dedication to making this cultural experience possible for our Year 9 Japanese students.

We look forward to more enriching experiences that blend cultural exploration with hands-on learning.

Feedback from the Year 9 Japanese Course students:

Today we tried Okonomiyaki, which is a Japanese dish that is composed of ingredients such as bacon, cabbage, cheese, batter, sauce and spring onion which allows the dish to be delicious and flooded with umami. This dish was different to any dish I had tried before, allowing me to immerse myself into Japanese culture more, and we also learnt new cooking terms that we students may have a chance to use. Furthermore, this was an exciting experience that allowed us to try tasty food, and learn of other cooking techniques, and ingredients the Japanese put together to create this dish. 

• Sabrina Dutong

Personally, I genuinely loved the food so much. The cultural practices that me and my peers had to follow were a unique experience. What wasn’t unique to me though, was the part where we needed to use chopsticks. I’ve been using chopsticks my entire life, so I felt pretty chill eating the Okonomiyaki with the chopsticks! It was a lovely experience, and it was very fun seeing the traditional Japanese food. The Japanese exchange students and Ms Suzuki did an excellent job in making the food delicious and fragrant.

• Amelie Liu

Miss Miho Matsufuji

Japanese Teacher

We are delighted to share that two Japanese exchange students, Hisahiro Araki and Souki Yamashita, from our sister school in Nagasaki, Japan, completed their 8-week homestay program with us on 20th September. They safely returned to Japan the following day.

Both students had a memorable experience at St Andrews College. They made many friends and immersed themselves in our school community. Hisahiro and Souki expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome they received, saying that they felt right at home thanks to the support and kindness of everyone here.

We would like to extend a special thank you to their host families. Hosting a student for such an extended period can be challenging, but your generosity, patience, and unwavering support ensured that our Japanese exchange students had a wonderful experience. Your hospitality made all the difference, and we are truly grateful for everything you have done.

We are excited to announce that one of our students will be travelling to Japan in December on the homestay program with our sister school. He is eagerly anticipating this unique cultural experience.

For any students interested in participating in future exchange programs, we encourage you to study Japanese at St Andrews College. We offer many opportunities to learn the Japanese language and explore its rich culture. Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to expand your horizons!

Thank you once again to everyone who made this exchange program a success.

Below is a piece from each student about their experience. 

My homestay program experience by Souki Yamashita

These past eight weeks have been amazing, and I had a wonderful experience. This homestay program was very worrying because I had never been abroad before, so I was nervous. Still, the time at St Andrews College and living with my host family gradually made me like Australia. This experience of visiting St Andrews College as exchange students allowed them to learn not only English but also Australian culture. So I think this helped me grow in various aspects. Also, I could learn many things in Australia, and it was very refreshing.

In school life, most things were different, such as the way classes were taught, the subjects, and the rules, which made everything enjoyable for me. I communicated with many students at St Andrews, not just those in Japanese class, and deepened my friendship with them during class and break times. But there were many times when I couldn’t keep up with the conversation and didn’t know what to do, so I had to ask my buddy for help. I often wished I could improve my English skills. Also, the experiences outside of school, such as the Thursday sports and excursions, were very educational and allowed me to discover new things about Australia.

The time I spent with my host family allowed me to learn about and experience everyday life in Australia. They were all very kind to me and gave me many experiences. On the weekend, we went sightseeing and camping, watched sports, went shopping, and more, and we had a wonderful time. Watching sports and camping were experiences that I would never have been able to have if I had just come to travel, so they were great experiences and remain solid memories for me. Also, while spending every day with my host family, at first, I had trouble getting used to life there. I often had trouble keeping a conversation going, resulting in many memories of silence without any conversation.

However, I gradually found a way to increase the number of conversations and improve my English skills, which are fond memories and experiences for me. I experienced everyday life in Australia through shopping and other activities. I also experienced ways of thinking that were different from those in Japan. In addition, eating habits were also different, which was a very interesting learning experience.

This eight-week study abroad experience was very good. It allowed me to experience various challenges, such as cultural differences and communication barriers. We also learn many things that I would not have been able to experience in Japan, such as the warmth of the people and life in Australia. I believe that the things I gained and learned during this study abroad experience will be a great asset in my future life. I also hope to overcome the challenges I faced during this study abroad, such as the difficulties of communication, and take on new challenges to use this experience in the future.

Overall, my study abroad in Australia allowed me to grow as a person through the various experiences I had with culture, social activities, and the differences in everyday lifestyles.

My second visit to Australia by Hisahiro Araki

Through this eight-week homestay program, I had a truly valuable time. This was my second time visiting Australia, but it was completely different from my last experience. I came to Australia with my classmates from my school last year. It was only two weeks, so it wasn’t very long. However, this time, there were only two Japanese students, including myself, and I had the opportunity to stay for eight weeks, which is much longer. 

I had the chance to stay with two different host families this time. The first family I stayed with was the family I stayed in my last visit. I had stayed with them last year, so this was my second time to visit them. Since it had been a year, I was excited to see them again. My host brother, Cameron hadn’t changed much since the last time we met. The rest of the family members were just as bright and welcoming as ever. However, one new addition to the family was an adorable cat named Sage. On the first night, I was quite tired from the long flight, but Sage was so cute that all my fatigue disappeared. The host family took me to various places like the city, the beach, and even ice skating. My host brother, Cameron belongs to a volleyball club, and I had the chance to join. It was quite intense but incredibly fun. I also made some friends through the club, which was a great experience. 

Visiting St Andrews College was also really enjoyable. This was my best experience throughout this program because I made many friends there. They were really funny and kind. To be honest, life at St Andrews College was much more fun than my school in Japan.  

When I moved to my second family, I was a bit nervous. But they made me feel at home and were a bright and cheerful family. My second host family had very energetic twin boys. At first, they looked so much alike that it was hard to tell them apart. They learn  Judo and swimming, and I had the chance to go to their training with them once. It was my first time doing udo, and I found it fun.  Swimming was also enjoyable, but I don’t recommend swimming during winter because the water was so cold. I thought I might have frozen! My second host family also took me around the city of Sydney. We rode the ferry to a beautiful scenic spot, which was so breathtaking that I was deeply moved. We also visited Sydney Zoo, where I saw many animals we don’t get to see in Japan. We also went to Parramatta, where I had the most delicious Chinese food I’ve ever eaten. It was truly amazing. 

Thanks to the wonderful opportunity and the great friends I met, I had an incredible experience in Australia. I am deeply grateful to my parents, host families, teachers, and everyone involved in making this possible. Throughout this experience, I improved my skills, changed my way of thinking, and gained insight into how I should approach my future. I am determined not to waste the eight-week homestay program and to work hard toward my dream.

Best regards, 

Ms Mariko Suzuki

Leader of Learning - Languages 

Throughout this task, I worked closely with the class, providing feedback and guidance to help them develop the skills needed for larger projects in the future. The goal was to prepare them for the challenges of Stage 6 by introducing them to the importance of managing long-term projects and meticulously documenting their design process every step of the way.

Several students stood out in their ability to take on this challenge. They consistently applied feedback, used the resources provided, and demonstrated a deep commitment to understanding the importance of documenting the design process. Some even began experimenting with production as part of their testing and research phase, going beyond the basic requirements of the task.

Here is some of the work our students have produced:

‘Motus’ - By Sofia Mabutas

‘The Happiest Day’ - By Timothy Cheng

‘Di Molto’ - By Daniel Zhang

‘Twilight’ - By Kyle Lo

I’m incredibly proud of the effort these students have put into their portfolios. I am confident that they now have a stronger understanding of what a major project will entail, giving them a valuable foundation as they prepare for Stage 6 and beyond.

Ms 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