Star of Peace

As this is the last newsletter for the year, we look forward with anticipation to the New Year in the Church, the season of Advent and the celebration of the birth of our Lord at Christmas, as well as an opportunity to rest after what has been a very challenging year.

Recently we held our Advent Liturgy. It was a very special occasion and I was so filled with joy at being able to celebrate as a whole community.  I love the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Christmas is a season of hope, of greater connection to others, a time for each of us to try and take some time to slow down and just be. However we are ever cognisant that it is not this way for everyone and this Christmas will see more families in need, with greater levels of mental health and loneliness. As a community we continue to strive to put our needs aside, to stop and reflect on the needs of others and to graciously give of ourselves and wherever we can food and items for those in need. I thank the community for your wonderful generosity.  In this difficult year, we actually surpassed our efforts from last year. We were able to assemble over 160 hampers for St Vincent de Paul, 30 hampers for The Capuchin Franciscan Friars, and raise over $900 which we donated to the Vinnies team.  I thank Mr Moussa for his leadership and for his ongoing invitation to our young people to live out their faith through action.

2020 has been a significant year in the life of not only our Marist family here at Dundas, but for all across the globe.  I am constantly amazed at the resilience of people and their willingness to support others, despite their own personal challenges.  We are people of hope.  Hope flourishes through encounter and community. Hope for me is a belief in our future, a belief in the goodness of humanity. Each and everyday, it is the students of St Patrick’s Marist that give me reasons to be hopeful, they inspire me. I am looking forward to a spectacular 2021.

Throughout the season of Advent and in all that we continue to be, let us be: hope to others, healers, a voice for the voiceless, a friend to the friendless, and a source of strength for the weak. Let us take time to reflect on ourselves, where we can be better versions of ourselves, in the way we love, in our honesty, faithfulness and authenticity and above as people of forgiveness.

I was so excited to be able to share a wonderful night with Year 10 and their teachers at their Social, held at the Waterview. There was so much excitement and joy evident amongst all of the students. The opportunity to come together, to leave the year of COVID behind (while still following restrictions) and enjoy the company of friends, great food and dancing.  I was so proud of everyone in attendance. A big thank you to Mr Hornby for his organisation and for the support of Mr Paton and Mr Palmer.

While we were not able to hold our normal Awards Evening this year, we were able to celebrate achievements for the Semester on Tuesday the 8th December with each year group. I congratulate the many students that have excelled this year and were recognised for their efforts. I thank the Administration Staff, Mrs Le Mottee, Ms Stewart and Ms Wadih for their work behind the scenes and to our wonderful Pastoral Leaders who led the awards for their year groups.

This last week we finally got an opportunity to have our Champagnat Day celebrations, followed by our Pastoral Day, both held here at the College. The students and staff had a great time, and there was a wonderful sense of family spirit and community. It was the perfect way to finish our year. I thank Mr Paton for his organisation of our Champagnat celebrations and our Pastoral Leaders of Learning for their organisation of our Pastoral Day with the support of our College Leaders.

2021 DATES

 Our 2021 School Fees have been published on our website and have been added to this newsletter. 

There is a significant level of generosity of staff that extends far beyond the classroom. I thank the entire staff of the College for their contributions to both the academic, spiritual, social and emotional wellbeing of our young people.

This year we farewell the following permanent staff members two long standing staff members who have made significant and positive contributions to the academic and cultural aspects of our College. Ms. Loraine Pett and Mr Stephen Darcy are retiring after very distinguished careers.

Ms Pett began her career at Patrician Brothers Blacktown in our Diocese, before eventually joining the College in a temporary position in 2006. From the moment of her arrival Ms. Pett demonstrated a great capacity to lead, to bring both staff and students along, with her passion, incredible depth of knowledge for English and her absolute desire to ensure every student achieved growth and success in both her classroom and her subject. During 2011 Ms Pett became the Leader of Learning for English, a position that she held until recently. She has been a key member of the Leadership Team in the College and has had a significant and positive impact. Ms Pett has been a key part of our Debating and Public Speaking, organising, coaching, adjudicating and continuing to build both staff and student skills in these areas. I thank her for the many Friday nights she has given up to assist in this area. 

Mr D'Arcy has been a very important part of our Mathematics team since his arrival in 2013. Mr D'Arcy has long served our Diocese as both a teacher and as a Leader of Learning Mathematics across a number of schools for over 20 years, and I myself had the privilege of being part of his team. During his time at the College his quiet determination and passion for Mathematics has seen students continuously achieve outstanding results at the highest levels. In fact, Mr D'Arcy himself was a Marist Parramatta graduate, and we clearly see a person with a strong mind and a gentle heart.

I thank both Ms Pett and Mr D'Arcy for their deep commitment to our community and wish them all the very best as they leave our College as permanent members of staff.

We farewell the following permanent staff members: Mr Wall; Miss Toma; Mr Haddad and Mrs Pavlovich.

We also farewell the following temporary staff who play a key role in filling the gaps when staff are on leave: Miss Celima; Miss Ciaschetti; Ms Curry; Mr Flew; Miss James; Mr Malkoun; Mr Maroun; Miss Mojsiejuk and Mr Nguyen.  

To each of these staff members, I thank them for their commitment and contribution and I am happy to say that most have now acquired permanent positions. We wish them every success in the future.

As we come to the close of the year, I have noticed the standard of uniform for some students is not meeting our College expectations. When we redesigned the College uniform we chose not to have socks specific to the College as they are considerably more expensive for families. As a result many girls are wearing incorrect socks. I ask that over the Christmas break, all girls' uniform lengths are altered to ensure they sit at mid knee length and that the appropriate above the ankle socks are purchased. 

There is a significant level of generosity of staff that extends far beyond the classroom. I thank the entire staff of the College for their contributions to both the academic, spiritual, social and emotional wellbeing of our young people. I thank each of our families for your partnership throughout the year.

To our new families I hope you have enjoyed your first year with us.

As usual, a letter will be sent to families in January outlining key dates and information to start the year. 

I hope you have the opportunity to connect with your local parish during the Season of Advent and Christmas, you can find your local Parish Mass times on their websites.

The birth, death and resurrection of Christ, changed our world for the better. May the celebration of Christ’s birth bring joy in your lives and may the spirit of Mary Our Good Mother and St Marcellin Champagnat inspire each of us through this Advent Season.

A reminder that at any time you have a concern or complaint please contact the College as soon as possible. We value your feedback throughout the year.

As you would be aware, we have begun taking enrolments for 2022. The closing date for enrolments will be Friday, 19th March. It is important for current families with Year 5 students (2020) to have enrolments in by this date. This year we have an extensive waiting list for 2021.

As we move towards the conclusion of the school year, I ask that if your child/ren will not be returning you let us know as soon as possible. We have waiting lists for every year group.

Angela Hay

Principal Leader

The College thanks all students and staff who donated to the 2020 Christmas Hamper Appeal!

In this difficult year, we surpassed our efforts from last year.  We were able to assemble over 160 hampers for the St Vincent de Paul Society, 30 hampers for the Capuchin Franciscan Friars and raise over $900 which we donated to Vinnies. The team at Vinnies spoke to our leaders today about how the need for these hampers has increased drastically this year. These donations will be received with overwhelming gratitude. Thanks must go to our Chance for Change Group  who helped to organise this year's appeal.

Thanks to our Social Justice Leaders, Chris Litsas, James Wahbe, Elissa Bayeh and Lara van Rooyen for their dedication and leadership.

THANK YOU TO ALL. 

Mr D. Moussa

Youth Ministry Co-ordinator

2021 School Travel Applications are Now Open  

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass for 2021 can apply online. A new application should be submitted if a student is applying for a school travel pass for the first time or requesting an additional pass as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).

Students who have changed school/campus, changed address, repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should re-apply or update their details. *Applications must be completed by the student's parent or legal guardian if the student is aged under 16 years. Students 16 years and over must complete the application form themselves.  Where there is a change of distance eligibility based on a student’s grade, the system will automatically update a student’s entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, they will receive an expiry notification via email. Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

If a student needs to update their information or re-apply, they should go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails

Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2020 to ensure that current student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card remains valid. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2020, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.

Students in the Opal network applying for a SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2021. 

Please ensure your child taps on and off for their school travel, as this allows Transport for NSW to keep track of the demand for services. If students don't tap on and off, services may be cut.

OPAL Card Expiry

From January onwards, there will be a number of School Opal cards expiring, as the physical card has reached its lifespan.

These are cards for students who will be in years 8 to 12 in 2021, and only those Opal cards which haven’t been replaced in the last five years.

Impacted students and/or their parent/guardian will be contacted directly by Transport for NSW via email or post. They will be asked to confirm their details online in order for a new School Opal card to be sent to the correct postal address in time for the new school year.

If contacted by Transport for NSW, details should be submitted online by December 1, 2020 at the latest. Affected students who do not confirm their details in time will have a new School Opal card posted to the address we currently have on file.

New Concession Entitlement Cards

Transport for NSW will be replacing the below cards with Transport Concession Entitlement Cards (TCEC) from October 2020:

• Senior Secondary Student Concession Card (16 years and over) – also used by Mature Secondary Students (18 years and over), Distance Education Students and Home School Students
• Proof of Age card (when a student under 16 years of age looks older)
• Boarder Rail Pass.

All previous cards will be valid until they expire. A letter will be sent home with students in Years 10 and 11 requesting parental permission to supply the required data to Transport for NSW for those students who require a Transport Concession Entitlement Card.  Please note the permission notes will be required to be returned before a card can be issued and the College requests that they are returned promptly.

https://transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback/passes-concessions-feedback

Office Opening in 2021

The office will be open on Wednesday, 20th January through to Friday 22nd January from 8.30am to 3.00pm and will re-open on Wednesday 27th January at 10.30am (after staff briefing in the morning).

Payments at the Office

We are moving to cash-free transactions, as is similarly reflected in the current retail world due to COVID. We already have EFTPOS facilities at reception and can take credit card payments over the phone. 

Our school fees already include most required resources, so there are minimal additional costs to pay. Items that are NOT included in school fees are formals, representative sport uniform, bags/hats/ties, replacement items, etc. We will be introducing an alternative cash-less app soon, for these items. 

Environment Club students

Another huge thank you to the students who volunteered for Environment Club this term. Each Term there is a different group of students from Years 8, 9 and/or 10 who participate in Environment Club, in lieu of sport, and help out maintaining, cleaning and beautifying the school on quite a few very warm / hot Thursday afternoons. Over Term 4, they helped with: 

• Preparation for the Year 12 Graduation night,  tidying up the school by picking up rubbish, swept red wood chips/leaves in/around courtyard, bus bay area and front of the school.
• Helped re-locate items in various storerooms/maintenance shed as we re-organise the school after the building works; and relocate tables and chairs from the old demountables (to prepare for painting).
• Weeding and they ran the watering system to all the new gardens at the front of the school and A block.
• Helped set up A block ready for use by placing recycle bins and hand sanitiser in each classrooms, removed whiteboard magnets and collected stairwell window keys etc.

Canteen 

We encourage students to pre-order their lunch (ie before homeroom). Lunch orders are handed out first, so students who have ordered, do not have to line up. 

The canteen operators have introduced an online pre-ordering system called Flexischools. This will allow parents/students to order and pay online at any time (eg the night before). Just download the app and register as a user, then order and pay online and pick up your lunch without having to line up.

Lowes Uniform Shop, Carlingford

Stocks of most uniform lines held in-store, in their warehouses and on order are sufficient for our back-to-school 2021 needs.

Lowes prefers online orders (if possible). Home delivery is available for your convenience. 

We are in the process of transitioning the school bags and sports bags to Lowes from Back-To-School 2021.  

Lowes customer info/feedback/complaints email address is customercare@lowes.com.au for customers who want to know information, or have a problem that cannot be solved at the store level.

Onsite uniform shop (part of the “Book Room”)

Our onsite uniform shop is open on Thursdays (before school, during recess/lunch break). We currently sell sports bags, hats, boys’ ties, and rep sports uniforms. 

• Sports bags – we have limited stock on-hand, but will continue to sell until we run out. 

• Hats – from 2021, these will be distributed to Year 7 together with the stationery packs at the beginning of the year. All other students can purchase replacement hats from the College.

• Boys Ties – boys in Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 wear the Senior Tie all year, while Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 wear the Junior Tie in Terms 2 and 3 only.

• Representative Sports Uniforms – are sold as required by rep sports coordinator.

We also sell good quality second-hand uniform.

Building Works

• Gate E – this is our new electronic gate with intercom on Kirby Street in front of reception. This gate is locked during the day (except for the morning entry and afternoon exit), so parents/carers/visitors should buzz the intercom for access to the school. 

• Gate F – this is another new gate in front of the new building. From 2021, it will be opened and closed at the same times as all of our other gates ie: for student entry in the morning and student exit in the afternoons.

• Landscaping – we recently met with the landscape architect (again) who designed the landscaping for A block building. We are looking into fixing the concrete pathways in the front of the school and to put in disability access into reception.

  Ms V. Fraser

  Business Manager

As we have come to the end of another school year, just a reminder that any outstanding school fees were due on the 18th December unless you are on a formal payment arrangement, are awaiting an assessment or have had a discussion with myself.

If you would like to make payments during the holiday period you can pay via BPoint, BPay or Billpay through the post office, the payment reference codes are found on your school fee statement.

If you wish to discuss your school fee options, I will be back in the office on Wednesday 20th January. You can also email rwadih@parra.catholic.edu.au or  PATS-DNDSFees@parra.catholic.edu.au

Please find attached to this newsletter the Schedule of Fees for 2021.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and thankyou for your support during this unusual year.

Rolla Wadih

School Fee Administrator

SCHOOL FEES

As we are coming to the end of the school term and year, just a reminder that any outstanding school fees are due on the 18th December unless you are on a formal payment arrangement, are awaiting an assessment or have had a discussion with myself.

The last day for taking any payments in the office is Monday 14th December. After this date you can pay via BPoint, BPay or Billpay through the post office, the payment reference codes are found on your school fee statement.

If you wish to discuss your school fee options please do not hesitate to contact me confidentially on – 8841 7955 Monday to Thursday or email rwadih@parra.catholic.edu.au or  PATS-DNDSFees@parra.catholic.edu.au

 Ms Rolla Wadih

School Fee Administrator

Year 11, like everyone else, have had quite a year in 2020! Despite the various challenges COVID presented to them as they navigated their first senior year, the students have shown commendable resilience and it has been a real joy to look after this cohort this year.

In Term 4 in particular, students have been able to spend their breaks in the COLA senior area and have all completed an online microwave oven course to be able to access the kitchenette- which is a privilege reserved for our Year 12 students.

As they officially started their HSC course in Week 5 this term, our Year 12 2021 have been quite busy. They have already had some assignments to submit or sit in class, they have sat through HSC talks and have worked hard.

This term, two outstanding guest speakers came to talk to the students. First, we had Dominic Aarsen from MoneyVest Financial Education who talked about money confidence

As a former adviser to multi-millionaires, highly experienced in working and helping students with their money (more than 10,000 students and counting!) and as an external presenter, the ‘Money Confidence’ program provided a tailored and structured financial wellbeing program for the students. 

We also had Glenn Gerreyn from the HopeFull Institute, who inspired our students through his engaging, life-experience filled motivational talk around how to succeed at school and beyond.

On Friday, 30th October, our student leaders had their leaders’ retreat, here at school. Throughout the day, they started planning for their year as school leaders in 2021 and for the initiatives they want to develop and put into action. The day was very successful due to the high quality of the students chosen to represent our College in 2021 and their willingness & enthusiasm to make a difference. I cannot wait to see what they do in 2021! My thanks go to Mr Moussa for being such a dedicated Student Leader Mentor.

I would like to take this opportunity to also thank our fantastic Homeroom Patrons this year: Mr Flew for 11 Chavoin, Mrs Pett & Mrs Malone for 11 Edwin, Mrs Haddad & Mr Belcher for 11 Ludovic, Mrs Szarycz for 11 Mackillop, Mrs Logiudice for 11 Paul & Mr Baczelis for 11 Xavier. Thank you all for your support and dedication to the students this year.

Finally, last but certainly not least, I would like to thank the Year 11 students and their parents/guardians for their cooperation, trust and support this year. 

I am looking forward to continuing to grow together in 2021, through the students’ final year of schooling; most likely their most challenging, but also their most memorable year yet!

Have a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic summer break!

Mrs Cécile Dunston

Year 11 - Leader of Learning Pastoral

Design and Testing a Rollercoaster

In Year 8 Science, we have been studying the topic ‘Forces’ and ways in which forces can be observed, applied and measured in our everyday lives. 

During class, we performed a practical investigation which was to design, construct and test a roller coaster with the aim of timing different types of objects as they go down the roller coaster.

The experiment was repeated  3 times and averages calculated.  Through the use of the materials including paper rolls/tubes, tape, card paper, and a timer, we were able to produce a roller coaster linking to the topic of forces in order to figure out what forces act on the roller coaster. This practical links to the topic of force as there are many forces acting on the investigation. These forces include gravity (Gravitational Force), Air Resistance, Inertia (AKA Momentum), and friction. 

We found this topic interesting and enjoyed the learning.

 Christopher Mansour

In Year 8 Science, we have been learning about the forces and motion inside a roller coaster and how it functions. We made a model of a roller coaster out of toilet paper rolls, paper, tape etc. We recorded the time of different types of balls going through our roller coaster in order to find the average and then tabulate results. There were also many other forces acting on the roller coaster. These forces include gravity, friction, inertia and momentum. Overall it was a very fun project to combine the theory learnt in class and apply to a model constructed in the Laboratory. We worked in groups and enjoyed it very much! 

 Bianca Tandean

6 words story competition

“You're never going to kill storytelling, because it's built into the human plan. We come with it”. Margaret Atwood

The English department ran a 6 words story competition for years 7-10 in Week 5. We were overwhelmed by the response we received from our budding authors. We got submissions from 60 students, who submitted 3 stories each. 

Out of 180 stories we chose 10 best stories and 2 overall winners. 

These winners are not in any order.

“We Lost the Ones We loved” by Kathleen Hendricks Year 8 Mackillop

“Wondered About Tomorrow, but Never Arrived” by Charlotte Lee year 9 Mackillop

“Always Social Distancing 1 metre Apart” by Emma Masson Year 7 Ludovic

“Salty Tears, they are Filled with Fear” by Chelsea Ceeley Year 10 Ludovic

“To Become Great you Must Fail” by Isaac Nott Year 7 Edwin 

“Mouth Smiling, but Not the Eyes” by Jacob Sayegh Year 7 Chavoin

“Borders Got Closed. We got Divided.” by Liam Hendricks Year 7 Mackillop

“Grandma’s Birthday Was at the Cemetery” by Serena Hanley Year 7 Chavoin

“Naturally Unusual, the Odd One Out” by Chloe Boorer Year 7 Chavoin

“Can’t See Friends, Stuck Inside, Surviving” by Rhiannon Gerber Year 7 Paul

The two overall winners were: 

First Position

“He’s Silent, but I Hear Him” written by Ria Iyer Year 10 Chavoin.

Second Position

“I Taped the Heart you Broke” written by Rebecca Hunter Year 7 Ludovic. 

We are amazed the way all the students have told their stories of 2020 in 6 words, making it incredibly difficult to judge.

Their unique viewpoints and experiences have shaped these beautiful stories. We look forward to continuing the competition next year.  A big well done to all students who submitted an entry. 

 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 

The English Department

When our iStem teachers announced to the class that we will be participating in the egg drop challenge, I was filled with excitement. I have always wanted to participate in the egg drop challenge but never had the chance to until now. I wasted no time at all because we had a short amount of time to get it done. We were given straws, string and a plastic bag and I got to work, I based my design to look like a rocket. I added string to all four corners to attach a plastic bag to slow the fall down. My design was successful in the end. Overall, I really enjoyed participating in the egg drop challenge.

Michael Makary

9Xavier

Year 8 Visual Art students have been studying sculpture and public artworks which aim to celebrate or commemorate a person within a community. During this topic, students were inspired by the artworks of artist Ah Xian, and therefore asked to select an “unsung hero” as the subject of a ceramic sculpture. Students researched people in the local area to identify characteristics which they deemed admirable and worthy of recognition. Chosen topics varied from Doctors and Nurses, to teachers, parents and celebrities who have started charity organisations to help others. 

Students applied clay building techniques to create a ceramic bust of their chosen ‘hero’ with added symbols to represent their unique job or character. 

Artworks are currently drying and preparing to be fired in the kiln. We look forward to seeing the final products!

Rachel Duff

Teacher - Visual Arts

The LEC team had a very successful Year 7 Orientation day on Tuesday 1 December. This opportunity allowed them to get to know the students better, the team answered many questions about how learning will be supported. A great morning with plenty of activities and smiles !

TAFE NSW’s Youth Engagement Strategy PLUS (the YES+ program) helps students engage with learning in a hands-on environment. Students will get support to develop individual learning plans, engage in vocational taster courses and receive ongoing mentoring, counselling and career advice. The program gets students out of the school setting into TAFE-style learning and on relevant industry sites.

 YES program is back for Term 1, 2021 and includes quite a few new courses which are exciting!

Courses run from 9am – 3pm and will commence the week beginning Monday February 15 and will finish the week beginning Monday March 29. Delivery is 7 weeks. (6 weeks for Friday courses as Week 7 is Good Friday).

Students must be 15 -17 years of age, enrolled at school and at risk of disengaging from their secondary studies to be eligible for this TAFE NSW funded program. There is no learner support in YES classes, a Vocational teacher and a Literacy teacher are teaching in each class. If your student requires Learner Support, a support teacher from school will need to attend class each week with the student.

Some courses that may be of interest are, 

• Introduction to Carpentry (Skateboards) Meadowbank Tuesday, 8am-2pm. Students will be exposed to carpentry skills and the construction industry, while constructing skateboards. Note: Students are to provide and wear steel capped boots to be permitted in the workshop.
• Introduction to Plumbing at Meadowbank on a Thursday. Students will be working with hand tools, fabricating sheet metal, hand digging and laying a basic drain & performing basic plan reading and trade calculations.  Note: Students are to provide and wear steel capped boots to be permitted

• Café Skills at Ryde day and time TBA

Here is the link for more information. https://www.youtube.com/user/tafe/featured