Star of Peace

St Patrick's Marist College

Newsletter Number 2 - 20 February 2019

From the Principal ....

Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends,

Welcome to week 4 of an already very busy Term 1. This week we celebrated the commencement of the year and welcomed new students and staff with a wonderful celebration of the Eucharist with Father Peter Lamont from St Mary’s at Rydalmere. We were blessed to have our old boys from St Patrick’s in Harrington Street join us. 

Each year at this time, I like to share with students some of our priorities and plans, and I share this with you today.

Commencement Address:

"Good Morning, what a wonderful way to start our school year

I thank everyone involved in this morning’s mass, Mr Paton for his organisation, Father Peter for celebrating mass and help and for his ongoing support through the year, our Alter Servers, Year 12 leaders, Mrs Lyons and the Tech Crew, Ms Andrews, Mrs Voronov, the choir and band for the beautiful music.

This morning we come together in community as we have for 146 years before us, to celebrate the start of a new year and to formally welcome our Year 7 students to this very special place. The world is a vastly different place than 1872, but fundamentally the core of who we are and strive to be and achieve remains unchanged. 

2019 is the 147th iteration of St Patrick's Marist and yes we are commencing a new year, but really we are simply commencing the next chapter in the story of St Patrick’s Marist College, what has been and continues to be an outstanding and welcoming community.

I Know that we will continue to do our tradition proud, together, to live our our rich heritage. We keep the spirit and heart of what it means to be Marist alive. To act with strong minds and gentle hearts, in the way of Mary, to model Mary our good mother.

We Celebrate today with the Eucharist, the source of our Christian life, 

It invites us to give thanks for who we are in the sight of a gracious and tender god. A god who loves us and saves us. We are a community of faith and hope with Christ at the centre of all our endeavours.

 Every day you walk past our symbols and core values “Presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work, in the way of Mary”.

This is what we aspire to live out and you will always be held accountable to these. They are not just words on a board, to be discussed at whole school gatherings. I invite you to be truly Marist and to be enormously proud to do so.

This year we continue to build our focus and learning on positive education to ensure the language of our learning and the language of our being reflect that.

There are 6 words that underpin and are driving our agenda and priorities in 2019 and beyond. “Connect, Empower, Grow through developing Clarity , Challenge and Culture”.

Clarity is essential in every part of school life and for every person. It is key to ensuring that all students in our school are successful, confident, assessment capable learners. 

It is through providing clear learning intentions, what you need to know, what you need to understand – concepts, connections and what you will be able to do – how do you apply your knowledge, skills and understanding. Through success criteria, that covers surface, deep and transfer learning, that tells you where you need to go, what success will look like.

Knowing your success criteria and getting feedback as you go allows you know where you are and what you need to do to achieve the outcomes

The SRC will be working with the College to develop clarity with our college expectations that align with our wellbeing framework ensuring respect for self, for others and for our environment both in and out of the learning spaces. 

We will challenge you, you can’t learn deeply unless you are challenged, stretched to think critically and creatively. We need you to develop the skills of being innovative problem solvers this is not just a school skill, this is a life and work skill. We will challenge you to be the best version of yourself.

We work together to continue to build a positive education culture:  Building a culture of professionalism, that includes students

  • A culture of confidence
  • A culture of inclusion and acceptance
  • A culture of service
  • A culture of clear and high expectations for all in every aspect of college life
  • A culture that focuses on growth as well as achievement
  • A culture of feedback to improve learning and positive behaviours
  • A culture of collaboration

We want to ensure wellbeing is flourishing as a part of our daily life here at the College. 

We want you be to connected – a sense of belonging enables us all to thrive, the human mind is social, which is to say it is designed to work together with others. The human brain is designed to connect with others, therefore relationships are powerful and important, they matter. Emotions are the gatekeeper to learning. How we feel and how we think are deeply connected. And our relationships with our peers and teachers play a key role in these emotions. We each play a key role in creating a positive environment for others. Let’s work on building strong positive connections with everyone.

We want you to feel empowered – through compassion, through mutual respect through valuing diversity and by encouraging success. One key focus for 2019 is improving student voice. In 2019 we will be reviewing and updating our SRC to play a more active and more useful, authentic role in the College, working with students we aim to expand our leadership to include Junior school leaders in Year 9. These leaders will work with our year 12 leaders to better develop with students the processes and practices of our SRC, to create greater representation and voice.

Student voice plays a vital role inside the learning space as well. Teachers value feedback that assists in ensuring that the learning in the learning space is meeting the needs of learners. Many teachers already ask for their learners for regular feedback about their practice, how they teach and work with you.

As we work to develop student voice to help you feel more empowered, I encourage you to give respectful feedback if asked. Don’t just say good, you may say I really like how you are clear about the success criteria, or I liked the way you explained…, this activity really helped me to understand… I liked the way you challenged me to… Or this is very challenging for me, I need more surface learning or some additional help to understand. Answering OK, is the same as a teacher telling you something is good or needs improvement, this is unhelpful unless they describe to you what that means, It is good because…, it needs improvement in these areas, in these ways.

One of the most important aspects of student voice, is the voice of young people in raising concerns, whether it is about yourself, a friend or peer.  You need to know that you will be heard. This takes courage, but can ultimately have a significant impact or our own or the wellbeing of others.

Ultimately we want you to grow, to flourish, to be happy, successful, self aware young people who are inspired by the gospel to be disciples of Jesus in everything that you do.

I am looking forward to a fantastic 2019 and walking the journey along side each of you.

May God bless each member of our community as we begin this new year."

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Over the last few weeks the Staff Marist Association has commenced “Breakfast Club” on Thursday mornings from 8am. The turn out has been overwhelming and it has been great to see students from all years coming together. I thank Mrs Ledesma for her leadership and the many staff who are actively participating and contributing.

This Saturday we have our first working bee for the year. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet other members of the community and help improve our environment for students. If you haven’t responded to the call you are welcome to come along between 8.00am to 12.00 Noon.

In the coming weeks we have our Year 7 parents evening, followed by our first P&F meeting for the year on the 27th of February and our fabulous P&F Cocktail Party on the 15th March.

ENROLMENTS 2020

Open Day is fast approaching on the 4th March, we have already had many enrolment applications for 2020, enrolments close at the end of Term 1. Can you please remind family, neighbours and friends of this date.

Mrs Angela Hay

Mission and Wellbeing

Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends,

WHOOPING COUGH

Whooping cough (also called pertussis) began increasing across NSW towards the end of 2018, especially in children between the ages of 5 and 14 years. NSW Health anticipates that this increase will continue into 2019.

School-aged children who are infected with whooping cough usually experience a troubling cough that can persist for months, however they rarely get severe illness. However they can spread the infection to younger siblings and other more vulnerable people, who are at higher risk of severe disease. Whooping cough can be a life threatening infection in babies. What can you do to prevent whooping cough?

  • Make sure vaccinations are up to date for all family members
  • Be alert for symptoms of whooping cough
  • Keep coughing kids home, to prevent them spreading the infection to others, and see your GP to get them tested for whooping cough
  • For secondary schools: Meningococcal ACWY vaccines for students 15 years and over
  • A vaccine that protects against four strains of meningococcal disease will again be provided to secondary students in NSW via the NSW School Vaccination Program in 2019. Schools will soon distribute a vaccination consent card to all students in year 10, allowing them to receive the meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine later in the year. This vaccine is different to the meningococcal C (MenC) vaccine that children born between 2003 and 2018 were offered at the age of 12 months under the National Immunisation Program, as the MenACWY vaccine protects against an additional three strains of meningococcal disease). The NSW School Vaccination Program has provided MenACWY vaccine to older adolescents - who are at increased risk of meningococcal disease – since 2017. To ensure all older adolescents have the opportunity to protect themselves against meningococcal disease caused by strains A,C,W and Y, anyone between the ages of 15 and 19 years who missed the vaccine at school can access free vaccine from their GP..Because even this vaccine does not protect against all strains of meningococcal, all people should be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease, even if they are vaccinated. For more information on meningococcal disease and the NSW school vaccination program see the NSW Health website. You can also find out about other important infectious disease alerts by visiting the alerts page

    SAVE THE DATE

    Parent CyberSafety Information Session

    Thursday, 28 March @ 6.00pm

    Towards the end of Term Four 2018, the students had the opportunity to listen to Susan McLean, not only nationally recognised, but recognised worldwide as one of the foremost authorities on Cybersafety. We have booked Susan in for a Parent Information Session on Thursday 28 March at 6.00pm. 

    We certainly would encourage you to come along and listen to Susan as she will provide the skills as to how you can monitor and promote safe online behaviours at home.

    Please register your attendance at the office. You are more than welcome to invite members of your family who have students who attend other schools to the evening. Please just indicate how many will be attending when you confirm your attendance.

    This night will be held in the College library. registrations will close on 14 March 2019.

    Mr M. Paton

    Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing

    2019 Leader Profiles

    Claudia Sobral - College Vice Captain

    Claudia Sobral - a previous student at St Mary’s Primary School, Rydalmere.  Claudia Sobral has been with us at St Patrick’s Marist College since 2015 when she moved high schools.  Claudia is the College Vice Captain of 2019 along with her Co-Captain Max Wahbe. Since 2015, Claudia has been involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities within the College and has achieved exceptional results in the CSDA Public Speaking Competition where she reached the Grand Final and received 4th place.  As well as this, Claudia came 1st in the Regional Division Marist Oratory and later progressed to the Grand Final.

    Claudia has achieved many things, but her greatest achievement she says was being a Peer Support Leader in 2017, where she helped the new Year 7 students settle in and feel comfortable as they transitioned into high school. Claudia’s most recent achievement was when she was elected one of the four Social Justice Leaders and she hopes to help the people who need it most in our community. Claudia’s vision for the school comes from her experience in the India Immersion.  She says; “Through the India Immersion I was able to grasp the true value and meaning of life.  In which I want everyone in the College to feel as if their life will be fulfilled through being a member of the College and actively participating in various school activities”.  Claudia fulfills this vision by being College Vice Captain. Claudia is someone who is kind-hearted, honest, caring and respectful and encourages students to introduce themselves to her and have a chat!

    Written by:  Sophia McCaughan

    Child Safety Handbook

    A new edition of the NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook is now available online. A resource for all parents, carers and teachers proudly brought to you by NSW Police Legacy. Download the latest edition via this link and discuss the safety content with your children or students today.

    Parramatta Council Letter - RE: Parking in Surrounding Streets

    Download

    Innovation, Teaching and Learning

    REFLECT TO LEARN

    As we move into the rhythm and routines of our new academic year, I am very pleased with the level of student engagement with their learning. Each of our teachers continue to provide student centred learning opportunities which will include Project Based learning, enquiry learning and flipped learning. These approaches to learning challenge students to take ownership of their learning by providing opportunities for our students to build the necessary skills for success. These skills are reflected in the Australian Curriculum and reflected through a growth mindset building emotional and spiritual intelligence. These enterprise and soft skills are the foundation of contemporary learning. 

    Each day in each lesson students are engaged in deep learning, hence I stress that your sons’/daughters’ authentic engagement, effort, and trying one’s best is essential and is what ensures success for each learner. While summative assessments are important, the daily learning, homework, revision and application in class builds the necessary skills and knowledge for success in summative assessments. I encourage parents and caregivers to affirm and guide your sons/daughters that this balance is most important. 

    YEAR 12 ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE

    Year 12 students have been provided with their Assessment schedule for Terms 1 to 3. Students must be responsible for ensuring that the organising of their home study timetables is in place accounting for all tasks to ensure that appropriate time is allowed for assessment preparation.

    In cases of misadventure/illness please follow the procedures outlined in the Assessment Handbook/Schedules provided. School based assessments are critical opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding and at the same time prepare for their Trials and HSC examinations. I encourage all Year 12s to check with their teachers drafts of tasks so that they are provided with invaluable feedback for refining their tasks.

    Assessment and Reporting 

    An assessment calendar will be shared with each Year group with links to their Summative Assessments which indicate when assessment tasks are due. These will also be available on the College Website. We trust this will help parents keep track of student work demands and progress. Please read through these assessment handbooks with your son/daughter as they contain information regarding submission of tasks and the protocols regarding student absence on the day of a task, late submission and illness/misadventure processes. 

    INTERIM TERM REPORTS will be provided at the end of Term One for Year 7 and Year 11 to give a snapshot of your sons/daughter’s attitudes towards their learning thus far.

    COLLEGE DIARY

    I ask that you assist your son/daughter to use her/his diary well. Parents are asked to sign the front of the diary accepting all policies contained in the diary. Good planning and organisation will greatly assist them in their learning. Please make sure that you sign the diary each week; it is an excellent resource that, when utilised, will assist students with their learning. 

    Diary Use  

    Please support your son and daughter in getting into the habit of writing down each subject for each period each day to ensure that homework is added for each course. Ideally this should be done on the weekend for the week ahead (highlight practical subjects that require students to bring equipment). Students are to write down homework when it is set and revision is to be undertaken when there is no set homework. Assessment due dates can also be placed in this section. 

    HOMEWORK

    Homework learning/revision is an essential part of your child’s learning and I ask for your support in ensuring your son/daughter completes their homework each night to a high standard. Year 7 has not had a great deal of homework up to Week 5 as our focus is on the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 and getting settled. From Week 5, we would expect that your son/daughter will attend to homework each night. Work set by teachers usually prepares your child for what is coming up in class and reinforces work covered. Homework can also take the form of preparation for assessment tasks. There is no such thing as NO HOMEWORK. It is an expectation that each student would revise work completed in class each day, read and plan for upcoming work, commence assignments and as such will always have work to complete. 

    • Years 7 and 8 – between 45/90 min/night 
    • Years 9 and 10 – 90-120 min/night 
    • Year 11 and 12 - 2.5 - 3 hours /night 


    OPEN DAY

    Open Day is always a fantastic celebration highlighting the various aspects of our College to visitors and new prospective families. Each year we ask our Year 7, Year 11 and Year 12 students to act as tour guides for our visitors explaining the various learning and co-curricula aspects of our learning community. I ask that you encourage your son or daughter to remain at the College on the 4th March from 4.00 to 6.00pm to support our various displays and activities. We do expect that all Year 11 and 12 Leaders are present to support the College by welcoming our visitors.

    Mr J. Scanlon

    Assistant Principal - Innovation, Teaching and Learning

    Business Manager

    WORKING BEE

    Saturday, 23rd February from 8am – 12 Noon

    Last week, I sent a letter home with students (and advised via email and Skoolbag app) about our working bee. We seek assistance from our parent community to help spruce up our grounds. If you are available and keen, even an hour would be greatly appreciated.

    Please note that whilst students are welcome to come along and help out too, it is not compulsory for them to attend with their parents/carers/etc.

    We have a variety of things that need tending to, ranging from light weeding of gardens and laying bark/new turf to removing deadwood and growth along the fence lines of Kirby Street and Kissing Point Road. Please bring garden gloves and appropriate garden tools (eg rakes, spades, secateurs, whipper snipper, mulching forks, etc) and garbage bags.

    Volunteers must meet me in the Harrington Courtyard for a brief WHS Induction before starting any work (entry is via the bus bay). A sausage sizzle will be provided afterwards.

    SHADE SHELTER OVER BASKETBALL COURTS

    The shade structure is now up and looks awesome. Unfortunately, during construction the court surface was significantly damaged and so we are now waiting to hear when the repair work will commence. I am meeting with them later this week.

    BUS BAY

    The gates of the bus bay automatically close every day at 5.00pm during school term. Whilst we lock them open for special events, especially for easy access to La Valla, we do not keep them open for all events eg P&F meetings, senior study night, etc. Please do not park in the bus bay unless we have specifically mentioned that parking is available, otherwise you may find yourself locked in. Limited staff members have keys to these gates. There is a sign with the phone number of TriCorp Security for you to call, however, they may not be prompt to get to you and they will charge for the call-out.

    UNIFORM SHOP

    Whilst the majority of our uniform is sold via Lowes at Carlingford, the College sells the schoolbags, sports bags, hats, junior and senior boys ties and representative sports uniforms. We also sell good-quality second-hand uniforms, although our quantities of the new uniform are low.

    Our uniform shop is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays (before school, and during recess and lunch breaks).

    Ms V. Fraser

    Business Manager

    School Fees - First Instalment

    We have been advised by the Catholic Education Diocese Parramatta that the school fees statements have been delayed due to a technical issue.  We have been assured that the due date has been extended beyond 20th March.  Unfortunately at this stage we do not have any further details. 

    Flexible Payment options are offered to all families at the start of each year, this provides families with the opportunity to select a payment plan that best suits their financial circumstances.  Payments can be made via direct debt or bpay on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis at no additional charge. 

    Payment of fees can also be paid by:  Credit card, direct debit, cheque, bpay, billpay, Centrelink payments, eftpos or cash.  If you are paying with a large amount of cash this can also be paid at your local post office using billpay.

    The 2019 Schedule of Fees has been published on our website.  Please take the time to look over it.   http://stpatsdundas.catholic.edu.au/en/Enrol-Now/School-fees 

    The College is happy to assist those parents/caregivers who require more time to pay off their child’s school fees.  If any family is experiencing financial difficulty or would like to organise an alternate payment plan please contact me on – 8841 7955 Monday to Thursday or email rwadih@parra.catholic.edu.au

    Students leaving the College before the end of the year.

    A reminder of the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta’s policy regarding a student leaving the College during the year. A Term’s notice in writing must be given to the Principal before the removal of a student or a full Term’s Fees will be payable.

    Ms R. Wadih

    School Fee Administrator

    Stay Connected

    College Communication

    Our newsletter, ‘The Star of Peace’ is published fortnightly on our website and through the Skoolbag App which the College will be using as it's main source of digital contact to parents and caregivers. A link is also emailed to parents. The newsletter highlights the latest news and achievements from our students, staff and our Marist community.  If you do not receive the emailed link to the newsletter, please contact the College Office on 8841 7900 to rectify.  It is important that an up-to-date email is on file at the College to ensure that not only the newsletter but other important information is delivered to parents/carers in an accurate and timely manner.

    SkoolBag App

    The College uses the ‘SkoolBag’ app to broadcast messages, show calendar items, reminders and other school notices delivered to your mobile device.  Our SkoolBag user database will be updated with the latest emails we have been provided and you will be prompted to download the latest version of the SkoolBag app, change your password and sync your calendar so that you can add school events to your personal calendar from within the app and have access to alerts and content from your mobile. When adding our school, search for St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas when downloading from the App Store and St Patrick’s MC Dundas when on Google play.

    Facebook and Instagram

    The College Facebook page is another avenue to stay connected, view photos and be able to witness events taking place. 

    Like us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with events as they are happening within the College.

    facebook.com/St-Patricks-Marist-College-1549337335358979 or you can follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/stpatsdundas/

    Contact

    You can contact me at clemottee@parra.catholic.edu.au if you wish to provide feedback, let me know of your son/daughter achievements outside of the College or if you have any concerns around communication here at the College.

    Mrs C. Le Mottee

    Communications

    Parents and Friends

    A warm welcome especially to our families who are new to the College.  We are very grateful for this community and the servant hearts of our volunteers who generously give of their time and resources.  We look forward to a great year!

    Dates for the Diary

    • P&F AGM and General Meeting – Wednesday 27 February at 7.00pm in the La Valla Centre
    • Year 7 Parents Welcome Cocktail Night – Friday 15 March at 7.00pm in the La Valla Centre Look out for your email invite that will be sent out shortly.

    Opportunities to serve: This year we will be involved in partnering with the College with the following events:

    • Open Day
    • Year 7 Parent Cocktail Night
    • Working Bee
    • Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations
    • Teachers Thank You Morning Tea

    If you have ideas, feedback or would like to be involved in serving please send an email to pandfstpatsdundas@gmail.com.

    St Patrick's Marist P&F Executive

     

    Pastoral

    Year 9

    I would like to congratulate the majority of Year 9 students on an excellent start to 2019. We are very fortunate to have Mrs Haddad and Mrs Mikhael checking diaries this year. The diary is our student's organisational tool and an essential part to a successful study program, however they will only be of use if used correctly.
    • The diary must be brought to school and brought home every day.
    • Each subject for each day should be written in the diary.
    • All work set and the due date should be recorded.
    • If there is no set homework, look ahead to what is due and make an early start or read through subject notes.
    • Parents should sign each week and check for any notes from teachers (hopefully positive).
    • Absences, appointments, incorrect uniform etc can all be recorded in the diary.
    • The diary is to be kept in good condition and is not to be defaced in any way. 
    Learning to use a diary or planner is a lifelong skill. Let's get into good habits!

    Mr P. Quigley

    Pastoral Leader of Learning - Year 9

    Year 7

    Year 7 have settled nicely into the normality of High School after completing three weeks at the College. Weeks 2 and 3 have seen the students involved in AFL development during Sport on Thursdays. They have learned several key skills and have then transferred them to small sided games in very warm conditions!

    Camp is on the horizons in Week 6. Parents and students are reminded that all medications for students must be labelled and given to myself on the morning we leave in the Harrington Courtyard.

    Students are asked to continue their fantastic start at the College in following the school rules and living the Marist values.

    Mr J. Hornby

    Pastoral Leader of Learning -  Year 7

    Peer Support

    Throughout the beginning of term, Year 7 have been participating in a Peer Support program led by selected Year 10 students.  The students have engaged in a range of activities to help them adjust to life at St Patrick’s Marist.  These have included sessions on getting to know each other, finding their way around school and valuing each other.  I have been impressed with the enthusiasm of Year 7 when engaging in these sessions and am very proud of the leadership and care shown by our Year 10 leaders.  Peer Support sessions will continue to run until the end of term and I encourage all involved to keep up the excellent work.

    Mr Flew 

    Peer Support Coordinator

    Key Learning

    Visual Arts

    Wednesday 13th February Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts Students visited the Art Gallery of NSW to view the annual exhibition "Art Express." This curated exhibition shows some of the amazing talent of HSC Visual Arts students from the previous year. Our students also had the opportunity to view works from renowned South African artist William Kentridge exploring a whole level of video installations, sculptural and other medium works from the artist.Some of students also visited the "Masters of Modern Art from the Hermitage" an exhibition of works from the St Petersberg State Hermitage Museum. This exhibition housed works from celebrity modern artists such as Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, Andre Derain, and many more!A wonderful day viewing such inspiring works, keep an eye out for future exhibiting artists!

    Miss C. Robinson

    Visual Art Teacher

    Year 12 Hospitality VET Students

    Opening of the Harrington Café - 2019 

    We used VALENTINES DAY to launch our first week in the HARRINGTON CAFE.

    We love our regulars and appreciate their support in ensuring competencies for the VET students. The day continued with a double practical with Year 12 who followed the theme with Watermelon Slushies and romantic themed biscuits.

    It is always great to use food and beverages to market occasions like this. What’s next?? EASTER!

    Ms D. Kasmer

    Teacher VET Hospitality

    English

    $1000 Literary Award for Senior Secondary Students

    Applications are invited from senior secondary students residing in Australia or New Zealand for the 2019 Liam and Frankie Davison Award for outstanding achievement in literary writing on an issue in women's health thanks to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RANZCOG).

    Applications opened 31 January and close Tuesday 30 April 2019.

    This $1000* award provides an exciting opportunity for students, whether they are interested in medicine, science, health, sociology, politics or law. Launched in 2014, the award was renamed in 2015 in honour of RANZCOG staff member and award-winning author, Liam Davison and his wife Frankie, a secondary school teacher, in recognition of their shared passion for nurturing and encouraging young writers.

    Entrants can write about any issue in women’s health that interests them. Previous submissions have included fictional and non-fictional pieces addressing a broad range of issues including anorexia, child marriage, pregnancy in third world countries, assisted reproductive technology and violence against women.

    For further information please contact the RANZCOG Foundation Coordinator by email at lfdaward@ranzcog.edu.au or see the attached flyer.

    Liam and Frankie Davison Literary Award Information Pack

    Download

    Performing Arts

    ‘Drumbeats’ Year 7 Music Incursion 2019

    Year 7 had a wonderful time on Wednesday 13th February at the ‘Drumbeats’ Music Incursion, where they were participated in a practical 1-hour African drumming experience. This highly interactive and hands-on drumming workshop provided a unique opportunity for the students to collaborate together and create interesting polyrhythms (many rhythmic patterns happening simultaneously) as well as learn about the characteristics of African percussive music.

    Thank you to all of Year 7 for their enthusiasm and active participation at this lively Music incursion!

    Ms T. Andrews

    Leader of Learning - Performing Arts

    Encore Music Excursion 2019

    On Monday 18th February, Year 11 and 12 Elective Music students were fortunate to secure tickets to the ‘Encore’ concert at the Sydney Opera House, which showcased the best of the 2018 HSC Music practical performances and compositions. The excursion was an invaluable experience, as students were able to observe and listen to exemplary performances whilst enjoying the impressive surroundings of the Opera House Concert Hall. The ‘Encore’ Concert gave students an excellent idea of the standard to which they should aspire, and encouraged them to work to the best of their ability for their own future HSC Music practical exams.

    Ms T. Andrews

    Leader of Learning - Performing Arts

    OnStage Excursion

    On Monday 11th February, Year 11 & 12 Drama students attended an excursion to the Seymour Centre to view OnStage Performance and Exhibition of outstanding Drama projects from the 2018 HSC Examinations. Students were inspired by the incredible creativity and standard of work and were surprised by the wide variety of options available to them for their Senior Drama work. The exhibition displayed outstanding works in Costume, Set, Program/Poster and Lighting Design, Applied Research and Criticism. The students were then treated to a performance of Individual Project Performance and Group Devised Performance. As always, the variety of styles and extraordinary talent thoroughly entertained and impressed students who went away feeling inspired to create their own dramatic works and eager to begin the year with enthusiasm!

    Mrs R. Lyons

    Drama Teacher

    'Rock of Ages' 2019 College Musical

    The Performing Arts Department have been very busy already this year with auditions and rehearsals commencing for the 2019 College Musical ‘Rock of Ages’ and we now have a fantastic cast who will be energetically rehearsing during Thursday sport. It is pleasing to see so many wonderful singers, dancers and actors showcasing their creative talents for the College. If there are any new students who would like to be involved in the Musical, please see Ms Andrews or Mrs Lyons as soon as possible this week in the Performing Arts area!

    SPORT

    Samuel Schembri-Green

    Congratulations to Samuel Schembri-Green (Year 9) on his selection and participation in the U15 State Cricket Challenge carnival. Samuel was selected as part of the Metropolitan NSW team and participated in this two-day on December 10-11 last year. Samuel is currently the second-best wicket-taker, having taken 13 wickets this season. The carnival was a final selection trial for the Cricket Australia Male Under 15 National Championships. Samuel was successful at these selections and represented NSW at the championships in Queensland beginning on February 7, 2019. 

    The team went through undefeated. Sam personally had a great tournament, taking many wickets through the championship, yet his highlight being three wickets in the grand final. The game was live streamed and very exciting.  A few photos following.

    Congratulations Samuel - well done on this amazing achievement. 

    Mrs D. Pavlovich

    Sport Co-ordinator

    Community News