Star of Peace

This Sunday is the Feast of Corpus Christi (Body and Blood of Christ). The Eucharist is the Mystery of our Faith, the mystery of our Hope, the mystery of our Charity.  Why do we celebrate the Eucharist some 2,000 years later?  We do this because Jesus told us to do so: “Do this in memory of me.”   At every Mass our attention is called to the Eucharist and the Real Presence of Christ in it.

Catholic schools are animated by communion and community. We are a community of people and a genuine community of faith. Celebrating the Eucharist is an important part of what makes us a catholic school. It invites us to give thanks for who we are in the sight of a gracious and tender God; for who we are as a community of faith and hope; and who we are in the fellowship.

"The Holy Eucharist is the centre and culmination of Christian life" (Lumen Gentium, 11).  Why?

1. Because it enables us to participate in Christ’s sacrifice as a present reality and to benefit from its fruits in our own lives.  
2. Because it helps us to worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the most perfect way.
3. Because it strengthens our charity and unity with Jesus and each other in a joint offering of his Body and Blood to the Father.  
4. Because it gives us a lasting memorial of Christ’s suffering, death and Resurrection, reminding us of our obligation to make loving sacrifices for others.

Through the Eucharist we receive the message of unity and sacrificial love: The Eucharist, teaches us the importance of community and the bond that results from this sacrifice.  John Chrysostom says: “What is the Bread actually?  The Body of Christ. What do communicants become? The Body of Christ. Just as the bread comes from many grains, which remain themselves and are not distinguished from one another because they are united, so we are united with Christ.”  Just as numerous grains of wheat are pounded together to make the host, and many grapes are crushed together to make the wine, so we become unified in this sacrifice. Our Lord chose these elements in order to show us that we ought to seek union with one another, to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into Our Lord Jesus Christ and to work with Him in the process. Christ is the Head and we are the Body. Together we are one. That which unites us is our willingness to sacrifice our time and talents to God in our fellow members in Christ’s Mystical Body.  This is symbolised by our sharing in the same Bread and the same Cup. Hence, Holy Communion should strengthen our sense of unity and love.

By receiving Holy Communion we become Christ-bearers as Mary was, with the duty of conveying Christ to others at home and in the workplace, as love, mercy, forgiveness and humble and sacrificial service.

(Vatican News)

Each and every week students are involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. These opportunities provide a way for young people to connect with other students and staff as well as developing a wide range of skills necessary to succeed in life, students who engage in activities, finds it enriches their whole school experience. Our representative sporting teams continue to flourish with our under 13’s Rugby League team winning the Plate Final after an epic double extra time battle. Mr Malkoun along with the other coaches Mr Boulous and Daniel Khalil (Year 11) commented on the growth of each player and their willingness to give and never give up. Well done boys and thank you to their coaches.

Last weekend our Marist Netballers ventured off to Alice Springs for the annual National Marist Netball competition. The team placed 6th in their division after a very tough three days, with Teagyn Ward, Madison Sloane and Sophie Vaughan each being awarded 'Player of the Day' during the competition. I thank our staff Mrs Pavlovich and Ms Robinson and one of our ex students Annabelle Bennett (currently studying at Western Sydney University) for giving up their time to coach and to travel with the team.

Get ready to rock with our upcoming musical “Rock of Ages”. I have been quietly sneaking a peek at the rehearsals and all I can say is “WOW”. I am looking forward to another highly professional and entertaining performance. Tickets are selling fast. Don’t miss out.

Our staff have recently completed their annual child protection and reportable conduct training. This year we had an additional focus on sexting, cyberbullying and the law. We discussed why young people might engage in this behaviour and the significant risk associated with sexting. It is estimated that 1 out of every 5 teenagers has been asked to send a nude/nearly nude image of themselves to someone in the last 12 months, while this number seems alarmingly high there is some small comfort that only 1 in 20 have complied. As a school we continue to discuss these issues with our students as well as engaging external speakers to support our work. I encourage you to continue to have these conversations with you children. If you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact us here at the College.

Mrs Angela Hay

Principal

CHANGE OF DATE REMINDER

Each year, teachers have a professional learning day which supports the various learning strategies of the College. This year the Staff Professional Learning day will be on Monday, 26th August. This has changed from the previously advertised date of Monday, 22 July 2019. Please amend your calendars accordingly. The 26th of August is a pupil free day and the first day of school for students for Term 3 is Monday, 22 July.

YEAR 7-9 REPORTS AND PARENT / STUDENT / TEACHER INTERVIEWS

The next Parent / Student / Teacher Interviews for Years 7 to 9 will occur on Monday, 1st July from 9.00am to 3.00pm in the La Valla Centre and continued on Tuesday 2nd July from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.  Please note that as we have Parent / Teacher interviews all day, there will be no scheduled lessons and students are to attend with their parents to the interviews only, therefore, Monday, 1st of July is a pupil free day.  

Parent / Student / Teacher Evenings are held twice a year to ensure that there is an opportunity for parents, teachers and students to discuss their learning, refine their strategies, reset goals and refocus engagement. The Parent / Student / Teacher interviews are compulsory to attend and students must attend in full College winter uniform.

YEAR 10 MINIMUM STANDARDS TEST POSTPONED

Initiated by NESA, Year 10 will need to undertake a minimum standard test in Reading, Writing and Numeracy. The test was to be held on 3-4 June, however the NESA web browser restrictions means that all students will need to complete the test on a laptop only.  Laptops will be supplied to students next term for the test.

YEAR 10 INTO YEAR 11 INFORMATION EVENING

Year 10 students continue to explore their choices and options as they create their pathway into Stage 6. Thank you to all our LOL KLA in being present and providing outstanding information on the various courses in Stage 6. As this process continues over the next few weeks parents and students are able to meet with LOL KLA and the College Leadership Team in finalising their subject selections. The choice of subject is an important one which requires research of post school / University or TAFE requirements for their chosen field of study or traineeship. Support and guidance is available here at the College for students as we move through this process.

SEMESTER ONE AWARDS CEREMONY         

As the Semester comes to a close, a reminder that all parents and friends are welcome to attend the Semester One Awards ceremony on Wednesday, 24th July beginning at 1.30pm and concluding at 3.15pm. Our Semester One Awards celebrate academic, sporting and cultural achievements. 

Mr Jason Scanlon

Assistant Principal - Innovation, Teaching and Learning

Thank you to those parents who responded last fortnight to my Co-Teaching/PBL Parent Feedback form. It is so valuable to have parent voice in order to better understand the perspectives of the work we are engaged in and your comprehension of these priorities. The feedback form is still open for your response and can be accessed through this link: Co-Teaching/PBL Parent Feedback.

Through the feedback thus far, there were a number of questions surrounding the ways in which the Co-Teaching spaces are functioning.  By this, I make particular mention of the focus on student centred lessons (as opposed to teacher as ‘sage on the stage’ for most of the lesson) and that groups within the space are often doing “different work” because they are at different points of the topic or have already finished content/skills when others have not. There are concerns that your child is not always doing the work the other students are doing.

The power of Co-Teaching is the way in which it centres around targeted differentiation in order to purposely design learning for our full range of learners. The New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) acknowledges students as individuals who learn at different rates and in different ways. These individual differences may influence how students respond to instruction and how they demonstrate what they know, understand and can do. NESA also expects that teachers ‘differentiate’ learning:

“Differentiation is a targeted process that involves forward planning, programming and varied instruction. It involves the use of teaching, learning and assessment strategies that are fair and flexible, provide an appropriate level of challenge, and engage students in learning in meaningful ways. Differentiated programming recognises an interrelationship between teaching, learning and assessment that informs future teaching and learning. This includes a range of activities and resources appropriate for students with different learning needs and levels of achievement.

Differentiation also promotes flexible learning experiences and encourages students to work at their own pace to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills.”

(NESA 2019)

Teachers aim to know their students, how they learn and ‘where they are at’ on the learning continuum. Teachers use a range and variety of formative data to best provide for the needs of their learners (PBL benchmarks being an example), by providing them with an “appropriate level of challenge” and support along the way. This will mean that some students are completing different learning activities, at different points of time and in differing ways. It will also mean that some students may be able to be more self-directed whilst others will require additional support, scaffolding, or extension. The Co-Teaching spaces and Co-Teaching as a pedagogical approach to teaching and learning, addresses the interventions necessary by identifying groups who may benefit from a workshop to provide additional support, or a master class in order to extend the Gifted. The spaces are meant to be flexible, allowing teachers to be more responsive to the needs of their learners. The Co-Teaching process also enables staff to work more closely together. Through their collective action, teachers can develop greater effort and persistence, a greater willingness to try new teaching approaches and ultimately attend more closely to the needs of students (Collective Teacher Efficacy). If you have any further questions, please feel free to email me at kmaish@parra.catholic.edu.au.

Ms K. Maish

Instructional Leader/Learning Coach

LOWES CARLINGFORD - UNIFORM

It has recently come to my attention that Lowes Carlingford is out-of-stock in many of the mid sizes of trackpants. I followed up with our sales representative and the new Key Accounts Manager that they have recently appointed and have been advised that a large order of trackpants is due to arrive in store by early July.

It appears that stocks of pullovers are low (but not out-of-stock) with more stock due into store by mid-June. Blazers should be in stock now with more coming

Lowes have advised that they have a new 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 Lowes store level. Customer email and contact details will be sent directly to the Key Accounts Manager to follow up on.

EVACUATION AND LOCKDOWN DRILLS

As part of our regular WHS compliance, we will be conducting either an evacuation drill or a lockdown drill on Friday, Week 8.  We have new staff and students, new demountables in use, re-located classes, basketball courts being repaired and A block about to be demolished, so some classes are in new rooms and some access ways have been temporarily closed off. These emergency drills are simply a 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 the situation.

In the unlikely event of a real evacuation or lockdown being required, parents will be notified as soon as it is practical to do so. If your child’s stay is extended beyond the regular time, you will receive information about the time and place that you can pick up your child. Please ensure that your contact mobile numbers and email addresses are up-to-date.

It is vital that students DO NOT CALL parents and parents:

• DO NOT come to the school. Students will not be released during an emergency, until it is safe to do so. You may be compromising your own safety and that of staff, students and emergency services officers;
• DO NOT call the school. This may tie up phone lines that must remain open to continue to liaise with emergency services;
• DO NOT call student mobiles. A lockdown requires silence to not alert an intruder to the presence of students and staff in classrooms.

PAYMENTS AT THE OFFICE

A reminder that School Fees are now overdue unless you are on a payment arrangement.  Fees can be paid by billpay at the local post office (most are open on Saturday mornings, too), credit card over the phone or by EFTPOS or cash at reception. Please consider your child’s personal safety and do not send large sums of cash with them.

Occasionally students/families need to pay for optional activities, representative sports uniforms, bags/hats/ties, formal, replacement diaries, etc. Payment for these can be made via credit card over the phone or 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 in drop box at student counter. These are not collected by teachers.

If you are paying in cash, it would assist us greatly if you could put correct money in envelope. We are not able to give change immediately. Students have to be called back to office later in the day to collect it, thereby interfering with their classroom learning. Teachers who organise an activity would advise the cost.

 UNIFORM SHOP

Our Uniform Shop is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays (before school and during recess and lunch breaks). We sell schoolbags, sports bags, hats, Junior & Senior ties and representative sports uniforms. We also sell good-quality second-hand uniforms.

Recently some of our suppliers have increased their prices.  We will adjust our prices as we receive new stock.  The costs of the uniform items are:

• School Bags - $65;  Chiro Bag - $95;  Sports Bag - $15
• Senior/Junior Ties - $20
• Hats - $15 (This will increase to $20 from Monday, 17th June).
• Soccer / Rugby shorts - $30;  Cricket Shirt - $35;  Netball Shirt / Skirt - $25; Representative Socks - $15

LOST PROPERTY

We accumulate lots of uniform items, water bottles, lunch boxes, etc. Please ensure your child’s name is on their belongings so that if found, we can call them to office to collect. Uniform items will be added to our second-hand uniform stock and other items will be discarded at the end of the term.

Ms V. Fraser

Business Manager

 OVERDUE REMINDER

The second instalment of the school fees are now overdue.  Reminder letters have been sent to families not on formalised payment plans. 

If you have not received your statement for the second instalment which were posted on 6 May please contact me urgently.

If any family is experiencing financial difficulty or would like to organise an alternate payment plan you can contact me confidentially on – 8841 7955 Monday to Thursday or email rwadih@parra.catholic.edu.au.

STUDENTS LEAVING THE COLLEGE PRIOR TO THE END OF THE YEAR

The Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta’s policy regarding a student leaving the College during the year states that a Term’s notice (10 weeks) in writing must be given to the Principal before the removal of a student or a full Term’s Fees or the difference in the 10 weeks notice 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

College Musical

The College 'Rock of Ages' Musical show is on NEXT WEEK!!!  We have over 200 students involved in this production on stage and behind the scenes, and it will be fantastic! Please come along and support the students who have put in so much hard work this year to make this show a success. 

The night performances begin at 7.00pm next Thursday 27th, Friday 28th, Saturday 29th June and the shows will finish at approximately 9.30pm.

This show features fantastic 80's rock songs, great music performed on stage by our live rock bands and entertaining acting, choreography and singing! Yummy catering will also be provided by the Hospitality students. Don't miss out on this show that has professional sound and lighting like you have never seen before at this school - the La Valla Centre will ROCK!

See you there NEXT WEEK - buy your tickets NOW to avoid the queues!

Ticket link:

https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=500330&

Ms T. Andrews

Leader of Learning - Performing Arts

FORMAL

Please see letter attached regarding the running of the formal this Saturday evening, 22nd June, 2019. 

Mr S. Belcher

Pastoral Leader of Learning - Year 12

Year 7 experienced their first Champagnat Week which included a fantastic community day on the oval where students had the opportunity to race each other on inflatables, commando courses and play carnival games to win prizes. Then in the afternoon, the students had a great time listening and dancing to a band playing some great music. The students are to be congratulated on their school spirit and positive nature they are continually displaying. Unlucky to the MANY Year 7 students who were unsuccessful in beating me on the inflatable challenges :)

Mr J. Hornby

 Pastoral Leader of Learning - Year 7

Alliance Francaise

On the 31st of May, the Year 11 and 12 French Continuers HSC classes travelled to the Alliance Française in the CBD to attend a cultural workshop.

While none of us knew what to expect, we were met with a beautiful French café filled with croissants, pains au chocolat and fluent french speakers behind the counter. We were encouraged to speak French for the entire day by Madame Dunston and the staff at L’Alliance Française, so after ordering some morning tea and receiving what we believed we had ordered, the group was split by grade and we began our learning experience with French teachers, who were as equally hesitant to speak English as we were to speak French. We learnt about the different regions of France (similar to states of Australia) and features of them, including the main rivers, mountains and food specialties. We also heard some popular songs, several of which we recognised from hearing them on Madame Dunston’s playlist throughout the year. We were then served authentically French lunch, including quiche lorraine and ham and cheese baguettes, and returned home on the train.

The entire day was a very rewarding yet challenging one. None of us had attempted to speak French the entirety of a day, but it is a challenge that I, for one, am up for again. A huge thank you to Madame Dunston who organised the whole excursion, and to Mr Moussa who also accompanied us to the city. Nous sommes prêts pour notre HSC.

Katrina Astalosh

Year 12 French Continuers

Year 7, Chavoin, Edwin and Paul and our teachers went on an excursion to the city for Geography as part of our topic “Place and Liveability” last week. The weather was perfect and we went to Milsons Point, Millers Point, Lavender Bay. We also got to walk along the Harbour Bridge in a northerly direction.

One of the many places we visited was Millers Point. At Millers Point, we got to eat recess and learn how to use testing equipment such as a thermometer, a light meter and a range-finder. Later, the testing equipment was used for recording the data so we could compare our information. We also made some observations to determine how liveable Sydney is.

One of the highlights was Lavender Bay and just like the name, it was beautiful. We got to stroll in Wendy’s Secret Garden made by Wendy Whitley (Wife of the late Brett Whitley) and after that we ate lunch with a nice view overlooking Luna Park and the Opera House. Sydney really is a beautiful city and we had a great day out enjoying our wonderful surroundings.

From Lucinda Palmas and Kelly Stevens

On the 31st of May, the Year 7 students had their incursion on Ancient Egypt. This incursion is designed to assist the Year 7 History students with their history assessment on Ancient Egypt. This incursion was both appealing and educating for Year 7 students. They incorporated humour to make the play more engaging to the audience. The educational aspect provided the students with a knowledge of what being a female pharaoh was like in the Ancient Egyptian Empire.

The content of the play gave the students an understanding of how Hatshepsut ruled and how chaos (sent by Set) was caused. It portrays the the life story of Pharaoh Hatshepsut and how unfortunate her father, brothers and husband all died because of unnatural causes. This made her the pharaoh, and built great temples and statues.   

The reason of her death is still unclear, however with recent research of scientists through the past 10 -15 year there is evidence that her death could have been potentially due to radioactive materials found in her handcream.

By: Fulin Yan and Abigail Salibaa

7 Mackillop

In Year 7 history, we have been studying the Ancient Egyptian funerary customs and their civilisation. We were very lucky to experience an awesome incursion, in the form of a play. We learnt about Hatshepsut, her life and the challenges and obstacles that she came across in her life being one of the first female pharaohs in the Ancient Egyptian civilisation.

In this incursion, we learnt about the Ancient Egyptian gods and their roles in the mummification and weighing of the heart ceremony process. We were informed on important issues during that period of time, such as women not able to lead their civilisation, even though they were the next in charge in terms of family and royalty. Hatshepsut was a very confident, young woman, who decided to change this law/way of thinking, by becoming the first female pharaoh.

This was such an enjoyable and educational experience that we were very grateful for. It was so much fun and really taught us more about the Ancient Egyptian civilisations and customs.

Mia Northwood and Alessia Georges

 7 Ludovic

PLATE FINAL PREMIERS

Congratulations to our Under 13's Rugby League team who have been awarded Plate Final Premiers! The boys showed a lot of heart and determination in defence, in what was an epic battle. Double Extra Time against St Paul's Greystanes...Golden Point winners! A big thank you to Mr Malkoun, Mr Boulous and Daniel Khalil (Year 11) for their coaching and assistance during the year.

BERNHARD AND BIANCA TANDEAN

Who were both awarded Gold medals at the recent Judo Championships.

Bernhard was awarded a Gold medal in three divisions for the Jr Nage No Kata demonstration (in his own weight division as well as the No Limit under 60 kg category and the No Limit under 66 kg).  He also received a  Bronze medal in the Ju No Kata demonstration.

Bianca was awarded a Gold medal for her Jr Nage No Kata demonstration as well as in the Sr Girl under 40 kg category and a Bronze medal for her Ju No Kata demonstration.

Congratulations to Bernhard and Bianca on an amazing achievement.

Trivia Night - Saturday, 29th June from 6.30pm.

Registrations can be completed through the parish office (Wednesday - Friday).