Star of Peace

Welcome back.

I hope that families and staff had a relaxing break over the September / October holidays. Year 12 commenced their HSC last Thursday. We gathered together to ask for God’s blessing on each of them as they commence this final stage of their schooling. I have every confidence in the success of each of our students and believe that our students have worked hard and have been very well prepared by our staff.

This Friday is World Teachers Day. The complex and demanding work of teachers often goes unheralded. We are blessed to have dedicated, caring  and committed teachers who go above and beyond each and every day. I am often in awe and extremely thankful for their willingness to provide as many opportunities and experiences for our students beyond the school day, the endless before and after school and holiday classes that take away from their own family time. Teachers deserve our thanks and our respect. For the last two years our P&F have provided a thank you morning tea that deeply moves our staff. The smallest thank you and acknowledgement means so much to every teacher. I encourage our community to take a few minutes to thank a teacher and recognise their daily hard work and commitment for our students.

Over the break sixteen Year 11 students and four staff travelled to India for our annual Immersion experience.  The Immersion involved 12 months of organising and preparation under the wonderful leadership of Mr Moussa, which prepared us as well as possible for a truly unique experience, one that in some ways is difficult to put into words.

The Immersion is about personal transformation through a lived experience, one that brings us into solidarity with other communities.  It is challenging in every respect and provides life-long memories as much for each of us as visitors as for our hosts. It allows our students to experience life, faith and a new perspective with a heightened appreciation for what simplicity really means. Coming face to face with the people and children in Trichy and recognising them as our brothers and sisters and as new found friends has enriched our lives and given us a broader view of the world and our responsibilities in it and to it. 

In a recent article in Christlife, “What does it mean for Contemporary Marists to be Marian?”  Br Michael Green explains that our Christian discipleship is lived in and from our individual encounter with the Divine, our range of interpersonal relationships, and our service of others. All three. Our immersion is a wonderful opportunity for our students to be Marian.

“To be Marian is to be liberated, empowered and impelled with the indwelling God’s desire to seek out relationship with those in need. The more Marian we are, the more that people’s encounters with us, as was Elizabeth’s with Mary, will induce joy, hope, liberation, and ultimately a recognition of Christ. It is all in the personal encounter. Signs of the presence of God’s reign will be magnified. Marian today.”   Holy today. Br Michael Green FMS

The opportunity to visit our sister school, Marist Nursery and Primary School Viyalanmedu, Trichy, one of the poorest regions in India, was a great privilege. The welcome we received from the beautiful and amazingly happy children made the challenges of climate, noise and the environment disappear in an instant. It was so very special to spend time with foundational teachers and students who will graduate to high school next year. 

Until you visit this community you don’t realise the significant difference that we have been able to make and will continue to make to the lives of these children. Education is the key to freedom from poverty, the key to a better life.

Last week we welcomed our Year 7, 2020 students for Orientation. What a great group of future Marists. During the evening our new College Captains Jaymelee Bou Francis and Sam Markarian spoke to our families. I would like to share their words with you as they so eloquently talked about their experiences of being a student at St Patrick’s Marist College.

Sam:  "Good evening Mrs Hay, parents, teachers and to you the future 'Class of 2025' commencing your studies here at the College next year. It is with great pleasure that I stand here before you all today as the College Captain of St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas for 2020. My name is Sam Markarian and I couldn’t be prouder in serving each and every one of you alongside Jaymelee, Joseph, and Gabriella. 

First of all, I would like to congratulate each and every one of you for your application to study at St Patrick’s Marist College accepted. The collective decision you and your parents have made to study at the College is wonderful. 

Ever since I began my studies here at the College, teachers and students alike were quick to welcome me into their extended Marist family. I was given a purpose and provided with a sense of belonging in a caring and nurturing environment. To be able to lead the College and the Marist family we have, is an absolute honour in my eyes. Through my leadership, I want to ensure that each student enjoys their time here at the College and genuinely feels like they belong. 

As we move into the Year of 2020, aspects of school life I wish to work further on include the mentorship of junior students by seniors and the strengthening of relationships in year groups. If these goals are achieved, the lives of junior students will become just that bit easier in addition to increased harmony in each grade. 

On a final note, the next six years of your school life will pass by in the blink of an eye, so if there was any single piece of advice I would like to pass on to all of you tonight, it would be to just enjoy your schooling and make the most of it. It goes without saying, the more you put into school, the more you are going to get out. You should seize the opportunities for participation in extracurricular activities such as Concert Band, Debating, and representative sport. From experience, participating in these activities has strengthened my relationship with my fellow peers and my presence in the College. 

Lastly, I would just like to mention that I am available to anyone who may need my assistance or who would just like to talk. As Captain of St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas, I am humbled to serve each and everyone of you. Thank you."

Jaymelee:   "Good evening Mrs Hay and Staff! 

I am honoured to stand here before you as I extend a warm welcome to the parents and congratulate the future students who are preparing to commence their high school studies here at St Patrick’s Marist College in 2020. 

My name is Jaymelee, and alongside College Captain Sam and Vice-Captains, Gabriella and Joseph, I have been given the privilege to serve as your College Captain for 2020. 

In the past, I have been lucky enough to play the role of 'Tracy Turnblad' in the College’s production of Hairspray and 'Anita' in the College’s production of Rock of Ages. Our College not only provides countless academic opportunities, but creative opportunities as well.  While musical theatre is one of my passions, to serve you, my friends, peers and members of the Marist community, is not only my passion but my biggest priority and greatest achievement. 

I am truly blessed to have been given the privilege to attend and now lead a College that holds their Catholic and Marist identity to such high esteem. As a Catholic College, we strive to deepen each individual’s relationship with God by providing opportunities to explore our faith. I have just recently returned from a two week Immersion to India along with 15 other senior students and 4 staff members. It is in India where I learnt that Marist is a universal term actively being lived out in places far beyond our College grounds. It comes from combining Mary and Christ. To be a Marist means to live in the way of Mary and just like Saint Marcellin Champagnant, put Jesus’ love into action. This Immersion is just one of the incredibly eye-opening and spiritually awakening opportunities that this College has to offer.  

There have been many moments throughout my years of schooling that I have walked through the school gates and felt a sense of security and happiness, reinforcing the family spirit that the presence of this Marist community radiates. 

Instead of speculating ideas and hopes for our college community, I am certain that by specifically furthering aspects surrounding mental health and wellbeing, our environmental impact and increasing productivity within schooling hours that they are just some of the goals that as one we aim to conquer in 2020, not only for the students presently attending St Patrick’s Marist, but for brilliant students like yourselves who have been selected to attend College next year. 

I am so incredibly proud to say that I am a part of such a thriving and genuinely Marist College community and confidently believe that the journey we will embark on this coming year will be guided by our faith in God and willingness to say yes. 

 As a leader, all that I can simply ask is that we work together. I want to enhance the aspects of this College which proudly separates us from the rest but know that it cannot be done alone. 

The best advice that I could give to any student is to always remember and live by our College motto. Esto Fidelis - be faithful. Have faith in your school and it’s teachers for they will guide your learning and encourage your growth. Have faith in your parents, because everything they do for you comes from a place of love. Have faith in God, because through Him, all things are possible. But most importantly, have faith in yourself, because any success you achieve here at the College will begin and end with you.

I could not be more thrilled to welcome you all into our College community as we continue to live out our College motto “Esto Fidelis”, by being faithful and acting with a strong mind and gentle heart.

Thank you!"

Today the NSW Curriculum Review Interim Report “ Nurturing Wonder and Igniting Passion” was released. It has a strong and consistent message that change is required in order to best serve children and young people of NSW in the future. The review can be found on the NESA website https://www.educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/home. 

I look forward to and exciting and productive Term 4

Mrs Angela Hay

Principal

A reminder to all Parents and Carers about our upcoming Parent Forum with guest speaker Lisa Maltman from the Sleep Connection is next Tuesday night at 6.00pm in the La Valla Centre.

Also, take the time to read the following article re child predators targeting the next-gen through social media.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/inside-the-world-of-online-child-sex-abusers-20191019-p53277.html.

Mr M. Paton

Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

Keep our Year 12 students in your prayers over the coming months as they graduate and being their final preparations for the HSC Examination.  

A STUDENT'S HSC PRAYER

Lord, you have loved me into life and I thank you. In this exam period, give me a calm heart and quiet confidence in the knowledge that you hold me in the palm of your hand. Bless me with keen understanding and a retentive memory. Give me the ability to grasp things correctly, and express myself clearly. Help me to look beyond this time of exams and see clearly whatever you are calling me to be in life. Show me my gifts and talents and help me to have the courage to use them to love others, to give you glory and to leave this world a better place. Amen.

Basketball courts

After 3 terms of construction and out-of-use (initially to construct the large shade structure over one court, and then to rectify resulting damage to the court surfaces), the basketball courts were eventually available for use early this term. However, due to the cold winter weather, the builders were not able to paint the surface until the October school holidays.

Look at them now! The whole area now looks fabulous and brightened up. Students are enjoying their new courts.

Evacuation and Lockdown Drills

These are part of our WHS compliance routine practice to ensure all students and all staff are aware of our emergency procedures, know what to do and where to go! Our procedures are designed to keep students and staff safe while emergency services deal with a real situation (if it was to occur).

Following multiple routine drills this year, the evacuation drill in Term 3 included a scenario whereby a staff member will act as the fire at one location, and students and staff in that area had to use an alternate route to evacuate. This worked well, so in the latter part of Term 4, we will practice a Lockdown drill (date to be advised) during either recess or lunch break. The WHS Committee and I are working on the logistics of this.

Payments at Office

School fees are best paid via payment arrangements set up by Catholic Education Office or by billpay at the local post office. For your child’s personal safety, do not send large sum of cash with them. You can also pay by billpay at the post office, credit card over the phone or by EFTPOS or cash at reception.

Payments for other items can be made via credit card over phone, by EFTPOS at Reception or cash/cheque can be put into a sealed envelope with student’s name, homeroom, amount and what it is for, on it. Students are to put it into the drop box at student counter. If you are paying in cash, please put correct money in envelope. We can’t give change immediately and students have to be called back to the office later in day to collect it.

Uniform Shop

Whilst the majority of our school uniform is at Lowes Carlingford, our onsite uniform shop is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays (before school and during recess and lunch breaks). We sell schoolbags, sports bags, hats, boys ties and representative sports uniforms (which are not sold at Lowes). We also sell good-quality second-hand uniforms.

Costs of uniform items are:

• School Bag - $65;  Chiro Bag - $95;  Sports Bag - $15; Senior / Junior Ties - $20; Hats - $20.
• Soccer / Rugby Shorts - $30; Cricket Shirt - $35; Netball Shirt / Skirt  - $35*; Representative Sport Socks - $15.
• Second Hand Uniform items – various prices (please ask)

* the cost of these were previously incorrectly shown as $25

Students know the uniform shop as part of the “Book Room” (facing the main courtyard).

Lost Property

If items that are found or handed in are labelled, we contact the student to come to the office to collect it. During every term, we accumulate lots of lost property that we have no way of knowing who it belongs to. These items are held in the uniform shop until the end of each term, so that students that can recognise their item can come and claim it.

However, at the end of each term, any unclaimed uniform items are added to our second-hand uniform stock and other items such as water bottles, lunch boxes, umbrellas, etc are discarded.

Please ensure your child’s name is on their belongings so that if found, we can call them to office to collect.

Lowes Uniform Shop, Carlingford

A reminder that Lowes have recently introduced a customer feedback/complaints email address: customercare@lowes.com.au for customers who want to know information, or have a problem that cannot be solved at the store level. Customer email and contact details will be sent directly to the Key Accounts Manager to follow up on.

 Ms V. Fraser

Business Manager

The CEDP have sent out statements this term for any fees that have not been finalised and are now overdue.  If you have any issues with these statements please contact me as soon as possible.  Any family on an approved payment plan should continue with the arrangements that have been put in place.

Students leaving the College before the end of the year.

Please note that under the School Fee Policy as set out by the Catholic Education Office Parramatta:  “A Term’s notice (10 school weeks) in writing must be given to the Principal before the removal of a student or a full Term’s Fees will be payable”.  Parents are also required to complete a clearance form. 

Further details on this policy can be found on http://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/school-fees

Ms Rolla Wadih

School Fee Administrator

Applications for Disability Provisions for the 2020 Higher School Certificate (HSC) now open.

Disability Provisions are practical supports designed to help students who couldn't otherwise make a fair attempt in their HSC examinations. The definition of a 'disability' includes: physical, intellectual, psychiatric, sensory, neurological, and learning disabilities, as well as physical disfigurement, and the presence in the body of disease-causing organisms. 

Disability provisions also apply to temporary and emergency-related disabilities such as when a student breaks their arm that they write with, a week before an examination.

NESA requires all applications to be supported by appropriate documentation and the documents must be no older than twelve months old

The provisions are granted by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) rather than the College and are solely determined by how the student’s exam performance would be affected by their disability. Disability provisions apply only where the disability needs a practical arrangement to reduce disadvantage in an exam situation. Provisions may include braille papers, large-print papers, use of a reader and/or writer, diabetic provisions or rest breaks. 

Students in Year 11 who will be sitting their HSC Examinations in 2020 and who wish to apply for disability provisions should see me in the Diversity/Learning Enrichment Centre room C101, as soon as possible. Alternatively parents can contact me on 8841 7956 or via email on cthomson7@parra.catholic.edu.au

Further information with regards to these provisions can be located at: http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/disability-provisions

Mrs Catherine Thomson

The Graduation photos taken by Leading Image during the night are now available online for any parents who would like to purchase them.

To order these photos please visit their website: www.leadingimage.com.au,

On the Home page please click on the green tab Order Your School Photos,

Enter the Shoot Key: LK73FKK8 and your email address.

Photos are available at the following sizes and prices and will incur one postage charge per order.

• 4x6” print at $8.00 each
• 5x7.5” print at $10.00 each

All orders will be sent to parents postal addresses and not to the College.

If parents have any questions regarding their photo order please contact the parent hotline number is 1800 750 586.

Mr S. Belcher

Generally Year Eleven students have commenced Term 4 with a pleasing attitude. A key aspect this term has been the return of Preliminary examinations and this has provided an opportunity for student reflection. 

Looking ahead, there will be a Parent / Teacher / Student afternoon on Tuesday, 6th November and it is expected that all students and their parents are in attendance. In Week 5, Year Eleven students will be involved in one of the two retreats that take place in that week and this will also be a valuable experience and a way of building their relationship with one another, their teachers and with God.

Mr D. Bonora

Pastoral Leader of Learning - Year 11 

• Monday, 4th November
• Students will be allowed to leave school after Period 2 in order to prepare and travel to King St Wharf. 
• Please arrange payment via the link previously provided before the 29th of October. If this is a problem for your family please don't hesitate to contact the College and we will confidentially arrange a payment plan for you. If any student has misplaced the note with link please attend student administration for another copy. 

  Mr D. Berner

  Pastoral Leader of Learning - Year 10

Lucy Donnell in Year 7 Chavoin, will be participating in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund walk this Sunday to raise funds and awareness for Type 1 Diabetes with her family and friends. Lucy is a fantastic advocate and has been selling personalised wrist bands to her friends and teachers. We are all very proud of Lucy and wish her all the best for the walk.

Well done Lucy!

Mr J. Hornby

Year 7 Leader of Learning - Pastoral

Our Performing Arts Students shine on the stage!

In Week 10 last term Amelia and Hamish McGlinn (Year 11 and Year 7), Brianna Webster (Year 10) and Morgan Roberts (Year 12, 2018) were part of a cast of young performers that were chosen from 130 auditionees to participate in the musical production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (Young Performers Edition), with the theatre company ‘Spot On Productions’. The musical was showcased at the Pioneer Theatre in Castle Hill, and thrilled audiences with the wide variety of dramatic talents that were demonstrated on the stage. The musical was produced by Ms Katrina Mann who choreographed our recent school musical ‘Rock of Ages’. 

Congratulations to our very talented performing arts students on their wonderful achievements!

Captivate Interstate Immersion Tour

During the recent school holidays Amelia McGlinn (Year 11) participated in the Parramatta Catholic Diocese Captivate Interstate Immersion Tour to perform the play Gabriel’s Travels written by Lucinda Armour.The group performed to schools in the metro and regional areas around Melbourne. The play dealt with the topic surrounding social media and the obsession of young people living their lives through screens. The group consisted of 41 students and 8 teachers representing 15 schools in the Diocese, coming from all areas of the Performing Arts. It was a great performing experience where she learnt many new skills in the area of Drama.  

Congratulations Amelia on your selection and representation of the College at this fantastic Diocesan event.

Ms T. Andrews

Leader of Learning - Performing Arts