Delany College - Granville

Newsletter Term 1 Week 6

Principal's Message


Last Wednesday we gathered together as a school community to celebrate our Ash Wednesday liturgy, marking the first day of Lent. In the Catholic tradition, Lent is a six week period of penitence and fasting leading up to Easter Sunday, the most important day on the Liturgical calendar.  For many, Lent is a time for giving something up: not eating meat or sweets on Fridays, giving up a particular food or habit, or committing time to doing things for others. However, Lent is also an opportunity to look at things with new eyes, reflect on how we treat others in need and challenge indifference, as Pope Francis calls us to do:

Indifference towards those in need is not acceptable .. let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed.

As we journey through this Lenten period together, our students will be leading a number of initiatives, including our ‘Colours for Compassion’ week, to deepen our understanding and empathy for those in need, those that are facing hardship and to support our 2020 Project Compassion appeal.


Swimming Carnival

On Friday, 21 February our students participated in our annual College swimming carnival at Granville Swimming centre.  Thank you to all the staff that organised and supported this event, particularly our PDHPE leader, Natalie Roberts. Well assisted by her team and the College staff, students participated in and enjoyed a fun day of activities that catered for students with all levels of swimming abilities.   The spirit of the students at the carnival was excellent and typified by one of our younger students, who, although not a strong swimmer, showed great determination to make it to the end of the 50m pool, greeting the timer at the end with an enormous smile, clearly overjoyed at his achievement.  

For me, this one smile captured the sense of passion, persistence and pride we talk about at Delany.  It is why we organise and provide these opportunities for students. The young man mentioned above is an excellent example that you don’t have to come first to win and you succeed by participating to the best of your ability.  Thank you to all those that participated - it was an enjoyable day that was well led by our Year 12 students. I am already looking forward to next year’s carnival. 


Open Day

As you may be aware this Friday, 6 March, is our College Open Day.   Details of tours and events for the day are outlined later in this newsletter.   You are very welcome to come and experience how we approach and support our learners at Delany - come and experience what we call the Delany Difference.   Our students will be happy to show you their school. See you there.


God Bless


Paul Easton

Acting Principal

Assistant Principal


I have come so that they may have life, and have it to the full.  John 10:10

 

The Delany community

Mrs Sheryl Temu - rest in peace.

On Thursday evening, 27 February, Sheryl passed away after a reasonably short illness. For those of you who don’t recognise the name, Sheryl was Delany’s Senior Finance Officer; in other words, she was in charge of the accounts for the school. A key role of hers was to work with families to arrange the payment of school fees.

It was my privilege to attend Sheryl’s funeral (although it was much more of a celebration) on Tuesday, and it is appropriate that I share some thoughts about this remarkable woman.

Pride

The finance officer of a school is often an unknown member of the school’s administration team - most students don’t need to talk to the person in this role. What is really surprising is that Sheryl had an enormous impact on many of our students. She was often out in the yard, checking on equipment and talking to students. She took these opportunities (or perhaps she engineered these) to engage with students, especially encouraging them to embrace their cultural heritage. Sheryl was a proud Maori woman, and her enthusiasm supported others to also be proud of their own stories. She was also immensely proud of her family, and her husband Marcus and four boys were never far from the conversation. 

Passion

Sheryl had an impact on every person with whom she came into contact. She was a deeply compassionate person. She was an advocate for our many families who struggle with school fees. She gently and skillfully would work with parents to ensure every possible opportunity was provided to our students and their families. Sheryl was also passionate about anything musical. There was always a guitar sitting in the corner of her office. She was a gifted singer and (I’m told) a tireless and talented dancer! 

Sheryl was also passionate about looking after people around her. Our parents trusted her because they saw her do everything in her power to get a positive outcome. Unsurprisingly, we learned at the funeral that this was an aspect that every person who knew Sheryl had experienced. Marcus, Sheryl’s husband, told the story of Sheryl regularly visiting others (at any time of the day or night) to provide support, company or help. She didn’t hold anything back in service of others.

Persistence 

Sheryl was a fearless person. She faced her illness head-on, and never lost her gift for sharing joy, love and laughter. Sheryl joined us for Christmas lunch at the end of last year. While she moved slowly on the day, she laughed easily and continued to share stories of her family and her plans for returning to New Zealand over the holidays. She certainly wasn’t going to let a bit of sickness get in the way of joining her extended family over Christmas.

Love. Serve. Hope.

What shone through most strongly at Tuesday’s service was Sheryl’s faith. As a member of the Hillsong Church she was front-and-centre of every event and worship service. There were around 500 people at the service, and there wasn’t one person who didn’t shed a tear or burst with laughter as those closest to her shared story after story of Sheryl’s life. As the Pastor said, Sheryl lived life to the full and made the most of every single second. She did so with love, service and hope, and there are few you will meet who so completely and selflessly lived the Delany College motto.

May she rest in peace.


St Patrick, pray for us.


Mr Anthony Blomfield

Assistant Principal

College Open Day


Friday 6 March. 

 Welcome/Reception - Grimwood St, Undercroft.



Tours as follows:
  • 9 - 10.20 am - 3 to 4 groups led by students
  • 12 - 1 pm - 3 to 4 groups led by students
  • 3.30 - 4.30 pm - 3 - 4 groups led by students

    • Other: Principal Presentation - 10 am and 5 pm in Library Space

    3.00 - 5.30 pm - Stalls open in learning spaces
    4.30 pm - BBQ for visitors in the Grimwood St, Undercroft
    6.00 pm - Close of Day.

    2020 FEES

    Fees Statements have now been issued for Term 1 Fees.  Please note the due date for Term 1 Fees is 18 March 2020. 

    If you have any difficulties or would like to discuss payment options, please contact me on 8633 8107.




    Margaret Hopley 

    School Support Officer

    Pedagogical

    Religious Education

    Miss Sarah Guillaume

    Acting Religion Education

    Formation Leader

    Year 7 Reflection Day


    On Friday 28 February, Year 7 students of Delany College explored various activities through the assistance of their coordinated groups, to further expand their understanding of Delany’s motto, LOVE, SERVE and HOPE. In the morning, during the first session, the students were assigned to answer 20 questions given by the teacher. This was an opportunity for the students to learn and understand their fellow classmates through questions that require their preference, and execution of their personal thoughts regarding the topic. Though this session might’ve been a fun experience for the students, through asking questions, even including the silly ones, it gives us an opportunity, not only to learn about each other, but to deepen our relationships to gain the value of love, trust and provision for one another. - Joy Payumo 


    Today I learned a lot about the two patrons of our school, Bishop Daniel Delany and Saint Patrick. We learned about their lives through performing an act to our peers. Each group got one of two sections about their lives and had to act it out. Each group did a great job! 

    A few things that I learned were: Daniel was born in 1747, when his father died his mother sent him to France, where he realised he wanted to become a priest. Once he returned to Ireland he saw that it was violent with no rules in place. He soon changed that and spread Christianity through Ireland. The date of Daniel Delany’s death was the 9th of July 1814.

    Saint Patrick was born in 386 (AD). At the age of 14 - 16 he was kidnapped by Irish raiders. He was turned into a slave there and soon a ‘sign’ was shown to him. Angels had come down to him and told him to escape. He did so, escaping successfully. He travelled to Ireland in 432. Soon dying on March 17th 461. - Luke Laoulach

     

    On Friday 28 March, Year 7 were lucky enough to go to Baulkham Hills, at Saint Joseph’s Convent. We came here to reflect on ourselves and our school. We had many fun activities that helped us to understand what our school motto means and learn about Saint Patrick and Daniel Delany. One of the activities we did was a scavenger hunt. How it worked was we had runners that went to a teacher and the teachers gave us random objects to find within our group. After we found all the objects, we got a plastic sleeve that had the Breastplate of Saint Patrick cut up like a puzzle. You had to put all the pieces together. It was a race to see which team knew the breastplate the best. That activity was a really fun way to learn the breastplate. Overall, it was a very positive experience and that brought us closer to God. - Stella Fitzpatrick


    Delany College: Love Serve Hope Award

    Nominee Award Winners: Malala Yousafzai, Mary Mackillop, Keanu Reeves, Oprah Winfrey, Kobe Bryant.


    We were all split into 5 groups and we all had to make an award for someone who Loved, Served and Hoped. Firstly, we had to pick someone, then secondly we chose the awards name, then research information on what they did, make a slogan and symbol. Lastly find a song that matched our nominee. This activity was fun and it made us work as a team because the time was limited and there were about 5-10 of us, so it made things tricky, challenging, difficult to cooperate and also hard getting along. We all did our best to listen to each other's ideas to present a really good poster. Everyone did a great job and had really important reasons why their nominee should have won the award. - Jack Perrin

    On our Year 7 Reflection Day one of the best parts was the Chapel because we got to spend time with God , pray and also just have a moment of silence. In the Chapel we got to reflect on our day, and share the Prayers of the Faithful that we had written. It was a really nice way to end the day, getting away from homework and assignments to spend time with God in a relaxed and stress free way. Thank you to all the teachers. - Kayla Brown


    Ms Michelle Mutabdzija

    Stage 4 Student Learning Leader


    Colours for Compassion Week at Delany College


    Throughout Week Eight (March 16-20), Delany College will take part in a ‘Colours for Compassion’ week to fundraise for Project Compassion and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. During this time, the whole school will be invited to wear mufti for an entire week. This will be optional for students and we ask that students donate $1 each day that they choose to wear mufti.

    Every day there will be a set colour scheme or theme and coinciding activities, which will run during recess and lunch.

    On Monday, you are invited to wear your College Sports Uniform and participate in House centred sporting activities during recess and lunch.

    Tuesday is St Patrick's Day,  and thus the colour theme is green and there will be activities for all classes to participate in throughout the day.

    On Wednesday, we will wear pink to fundraise for the National Breast Cancer Foundation in honour of Mrs Sheryl Temu, a cherished member of our community who recently passed away. Thursday will be Jersey Day, where everyone is welcome to support their favourite sports team and it will also be sports orientated.

    On Friday, dressed in orange, we will end our week with a celebration of Harmony Day, which is the United Nations’ Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 

    Please note: Mufti Rules apply for all days; no short shorts or skirts, bike shorts or tights, overly ripped jeans, or singlets (unless worn with a shirt underneath). 

    More details to come!


    Toaila Liutai

    College Captain

    Maths Matters

    Advanced English, Trip to Sydney University

    On Thursday 20 February, students from Year 12 English Advanced and Standard set out on a journey to the Sydney of University. Students attended the English Teachers Association Paper 1 Day, where they watched various guest speakers deliver insightful information regarding the complexities of the new English Syllabus and the demands of the new HSC examination paper. 

    The students who attended the excursion thrived in the university's environment and were a testament to the Delany spirit as they experienced a world away from Granville. During their lunchtime students wondered around the magnificent Sydney University looking at the grand architecture of the main building and experiencing all the activities O week had to offer. The day was so successful that students are looking forward to the next ETA day in June. 


    Mrs Greenberry

    Communication Leader 

    PDSSSC


    On Monday 24 February, students of Delany College represented our school in the 2020 PDSSSC Basketball Gala Day located at the Penrith Regional Sports Stadium. During the day, both teams competed against several schools surrounding the local area including St Andrews, St Marks, St Clares, OLMC, Marian and Gilroy.


    Despite our small size, we played with determination and did not lack in zeal. Numerically speaking, our performance may be considered a loss, however, from a different perspective, all Delany students effectively elucidated the motto of our school, love, serve and hope.

    The day was an opportunity to create new friendships and further exemplified the cooperative and supportive nature of the school through the great sportsmanship demonstrated by all players. 


    Through this experience, it epitomised the importance of teamwork and communication, which is applicable not only during physical activity, but in everyday lifestyles. As a team, we were able to be twice as proficient and helped us in the long run to achieve great success. 

    Aewyn Mendez (Year 12 student) and Angela Choi (Year 11 student)

    Those Year 11 and 12 students involved displayed some outstanding performances, as well as having a lot of fun and laughter. As usual the students representing Delany showed great sportsmanship as they cheered the athleticism of all teams.


    The following students are commended for their efforts on the day:


    • Open Boys Team; Lorenzo Fernando, Kuach Mathiang, Joe Al Khouri, Jai Basha, Aljim Penoso, Brayde Roebeck and Brandon Zaiter.

    • Open Girls Team; Zena Alberro, Awok Aguer, Ashleigh Baledrokadroka, Kaylee Heuving, Toaila Liutai, Aewyn Mendez, Tiana Wong, Angela Choi, Mira Fahed and Aneata Fifita.

    Congratulations to the Open Boys and Girls Basketball Teams!


    Miss Ortiz and Mr Johnson

    Vinnies Van


    If the beginning of term isn’t busy enough the students of Delany College have shown compassion when servicing Vinnies Van twice in the first week back at school.



    Tuesday 28 January

    Our first shift back saw ex-students Mary, Tavishi, Paul and Leo return to assist Mr Simic, Miss Whitfield and Ms Roberts. The night, as always, was rewarding for our students as they embodied our school motto of love, serve and hope.

    Thursday 30 January

    The second shift in January was serviced by Toaila and her family, including ex-students Akosita, Vea and Tevita, and accompanied by Miss Mutabdzija and Miss Ortiz. This family exemplifies the Catholic Values of serving the Common Good and showing the teachings of God.

    ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you invited me in’ (Mt 25:35)


    Tuesday 25 February

    Our February shift saw Toaila, Joseph and Izabel join Miss Katrib, Miss Ortiz, Miss Llave and Mr Waters in servicing Vinnies Van. The students continue to show their compassion through dedicating their time when helping those in need within our community. Many conversations and laughs were shared throughout the night, including the following jokes.

    Q: How do you catch a unique animal?

    A: u- nique up on it

    Q: How do you catch a tame one?

    A: The tame way

    Q: What do you call three holes in the ground?

    A: Well Well Well

    Overall these experiences continue to be invaluable and great learning opportunities for the students and teachers at Delany College.


    Miss Kelsey Ortiz

    Student Learning Leader


    Delany College Swimming Carnival

    On Friday 21 February, 2020 we had our College Swimming Carnival and what a fantastic day it was! Students absolutely loved the novelty events, war cries and competitive swimming.

    There was such enthusiasm and team spirit throughout the day, specifically towards the end, the student cheers for 50M Freestyle Championships, Relays and student versus teacher races were amazing.


    I’d like to extend my congratulations and thanks to all the staff members who made the day possible and to all the students who attended the carnival and participated in novelty rotations to earn house points. 


    Ms Natalie Roberts

    PDHPE Teacher

    Sheryl Temu

    You are a wonderful person and a Cherished soul,

    You brought such light to all you encountered

    & will continue to shine brightly in all our hearts.

    You will be sadly missed Beautiful Lady 

    Love From All

    What's Happening in Project Deep

    Year 9 Geography Excursion

    If Something happens to your child,

    We need to be able to contact you.


    Please make sure all details are update,

    if your not sure please do not hesitate to contact our

    wonderful ladies in our Administration 02 8633 8100

    FOR MEDICAL ISSUES

    Each year Delany College updates their records in order to keep your child healthy and safe in school and on excursions.

    An important part of this process is having updated Health Care plans to let the school know about any allergies your child may have, for example Asthma or Anaphylaxis, and how staff should respond to your individual child's need.

    These are updated each year to remain current so that any medical attention we administer to your child is consistent with their needs.

    If your child has a new Health Care Plan please bring it to the Administration Office and ask that it be given to Mrs Collimore, Leader of Diverse Learning.


    Mrs Kata Collimore

    Leader Of Diverse Learning

    Important Information - Vaccinations

    Health Information

    Parramatta City FC is a family friendly football (soccer) club within the Granville District Football Association.

    One of the Club’s objectives is to engage as many children and young adults as possible in team sport and thus improve their overall physical health, social skills, developing friendships, etc.

    The Club also promotes the involvement of children and young adults in community involvement through the provision of coaching and refereeing opportunities, once they have completed a formal FFA approved course.

    Parramatta City FC has teams for most age groups, starting at 5 years to all age men and women.


    Many thanks,

    Delany College

    Uniform Shop

    For all students requiring new Blazers for Term 2, please come to the uniform shop to be fitted by Tuesday 18 February to ensure it is ordered in time, as it takes approximately 6 - 8 weeks for them to be made & delivered.


    Thank you 

    Uniform Shop

    Important Dates

    College Open Day Friday 6 March
    PDSSSC Rugby Football Gala DayTuesday 10 March
    Year 9 Hsie / Geography ExcursionWednesday 13 March

     St Patrick's DayTuesday 17 March

    Year 12 Parent / Teacher Interviews

    		Thursday 19 March

    Don't forget, you can use the SkoolBag App to add events directly to your phone's calendar! 

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