ST ANDREWS COLLEGE MARAYONG

eNewsletter Term 3 Week 6

From The Principal

Dear Members of the St Andrews College Community,

This week has been an amazing week at the College with Mr Chiappetta being nominated and receiving an ARIA (Australian Record Industry Awards) for his work and dedication to the teaching of Music over many years at St Andrews College. Conrad Sewell, ARIA Award Winner and international singer and songwriter presented the award nomination as the Ambassador for the Awards in 2019. He sang with our Year 12 students at Assembly as well as worked with them throughout the day. What an experience for all involved. Mr Chiappetta is one of only four nominations in Australia for the award so we are expecting all of our great community to vote for him once it opens on October 10. The College is looking forward to the Spring Edition of CAN next Thursday. I can’t wait to see how it is all brought together on the night. See you all there.

Happy Father’s Day to all father’s this Sunday.

 ‘It’s All About Learning’

Gospel Reflection:

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

- (Luke 12:49-53) -

Only with a burning patience can we conquer the splendid city which will give light, justice and dignity to all. -  Arthur Rimbaud 

Patience teaches two lessons. One is possibility; the other is acceptance. Either what’s possible will happen and our patience will be rewarded or we will learn to accept the fact that there is something yet to be dealt with in the experience.

“To bear wrongs patiently” is not a sign of weakness. It is simply proof that self-knowledge and self-criticism make us better people. Once we know who we are—with all our weaknesses and all our own mistakes—it becomes eminently clear that we can afford to be patient with others. It is important to realise that those whose wrongs we bear are so often bearing wrongs themselves, the weight of which makes even more effort impossible. At least for now.

We do not “bear wrongs patiently” in order to ignore them or to be able to avoid dealing with them. We bear wrongs patiently in order to enable natural growth to succeed where forced growth so often fails in the long run.

To bear wrongs patiently does not mean that we do not work for justice. It simply means that we must work for justice justly. We must model what we want for others.

 St. Teresa of Avila, a woman whose ideas were obstructed often in her own life, knew the power of holy patience. She wrote: “Let nothing disturb thee/ Let nothing frighten thee/ All things are changing/ God alone is changeless/ Patience attains the goal/ One who has God lacks nothing/ God alone fills all our needs.”

The lesson is clear: If we proceed with patience, we will have everything we need spiritually, however much justice we must go on struggling for as we go.

– from Aspects of the Heart: The Many Paths to a Good Life  by Joan Chittister (Twenty-Third Publications)

Fathers Day Breakfast and Mass 29th August:

Thank you to all the fathers, sons and daughters who attended the inaugural Fathers Day Breakfast and Mass last Thursday. Our incoming Year 12 Student Leaders organised the Breakfast and cooked up a storm while the fathers mingled before Mass. Thank you to Fr Flor who celebrated Mass, blessed the gifts the College presented to the fathers as well as blessed all fathers at the end of Mass. Thank you to all the staff who attended and assisted in the preparation of our breakfast and Mass. We look forward to our Mothers Day Mass next year and making these occasions part of the College major events.

Year 9 Camp:

Despite the inclement weather on Day 1 of the Camp the students were amazing. When I visited I saw young men and women leading, cooperating, and having a go at the many and varied challenge activities placed before them. What impressed me the most was the fact that I did not hear one student complain about the weather during the incessant rain that they were dealt on Day 1. It shows character and certainly assisted staff in supervising. Thank you to both staff and students for their part in a successful Camp.

Facilities Update:

We have completed the concrete underlay on both the Senior and Junior Campuses now for our new sponge court system to be put in place. This will be happening over the next few weeks and will be completed before the Term 3 holidays subject to weather.

Our focus at St Andrews College is to develop each student using the SPIRE Framework

Fidem in Christo
Stephen Kennaugh
Principal

From the Assistant Principal Students

Bullying

In a perfect world there would be no bullying. Unfortunately we live in a complex world and bullying does occur. 

Bullying in schools is a worldwide problem that can have negative consequences for the general school climate and for the right of students to learn in a safe environment without fear. Bullying can also have negative lifelong consequences--both for students who bully and for their victims. 

Bullying happens on buses, in the cafeteria, gym, hallways, playground, and in classrooms even after school. The most frequent form bullying takes is through psychological humiliation words such as teasing, taunting, ridiculing, name-calling, and gossip, secrets. This type of bullying happens in the “physical” world and that world has time and space limits. 

Cyber-bullying is making school days even more painful for many children preventing them from doing their job. Bullying in cyberspace is not bound by school hours, school days, or facing the intended bully victim. Unfortunately, the nature of the Internet often insulates the bully from the consequences of their behaviour.

In addition to direct attacks, bullying may also be more indirect by causing a student to be socially isolated and embarrassed. While boys typically engage in direct bullying methods, girls who bully are subtler, such as spreading rumours and enforcing social isolation. Whether the bullying is direct or indirect, the key component of bullying is that the physical or psychological intimidation occurs repeatedly over time to create an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse which could lead to aggression and may trigger the victim to react violently or subject him to suicide.

As the number of households with Internet access and mobile phone ownership increases, so do the ways kids bully each other. Cyber-bullying in the form of text messages, emails, photos, website postings can go school-wide in minutes and global in days. Slanderous information sent out into cyberspace is difficult. Cyber-bullying often takes the form of cyber gossip and is posted on social networking sites such as Snapchat, Instagram and FaceBook.”

What do we do if it happens to you or someone you know?

If you are being bullied at school or online, or you know of someone that is being bullied, you must make positive moves to stop the bullying. St Andrews College has a no tolerance rule for bullying but if you don’t tell us, we cannot help.

Step 1: talk to someone about what is happening. If you know the person and you are comfortable approach them and ask them to stop.

Step 2: approach your parents or the school to help you sort out the issue. You have your Learning Advisor or your Leaders of Learning that are there to support you. They might give you strategies to help deal with the situation or they might intervene, this is up to you.

Step 3: If you are able to sort things out , move forward in a positive way, if not speak to another person or approach someone you trust to help you. At the end of the day we want all students to be safe and learning so we will assist any student to help that happen. Don’t be afraid to come and see a teacher it is our job to assist you.

Technology at School

At St Andrews College technology in the classroom is only used at the request of a teacher. On the Junior Campus students are not to use any technology outside the classroom except in the Learning Centre and only for school work. Students on the Senior Campus are permitted to use technology outside the classroom. 

Please support the College in ensuring all students follow the technology rules of the College. The agreement of acceptable use of Technology is in the planner.

What’s in the Planner?

Social connectedness helps us develop meaning and purpose in our life. We have lost personal touch with others because of social media and electronic interaction. We are seeing reduced opportunities for social interaction. 

Social interaction helps us develop an understanding of a persons body language, curiosity by asking “tell me more”, ability to listen with your eyes, ears and heart and the ability to connect with others. It is time to self-correct if your relationships are based on social media or you text or check social media non stop.

Having social connectedness will help develop your Social Intelligence. The ability to read and understand others is a strength that is essential in the workforce. I think the Zombie apocalypse is the people in our community being so focused on their devise that they will lack the social presence and purpose to enjoy human interaction.

Before we get caught up with our electronics, ask yourself what the implications and impact will be?

Thanks you and God Bless
Nicholas Thrum
Assistant Principal Students

From the Assistant Principal - Teaching & Learning

NAPLAN

NAPLAN results will be delivered to parents in September. 

How does NAPLAN help my child? 

NAPLAN provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learnt in the areas of literacy and numeracy. Individual student results show parents how their child performed in the numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation tests. Your child’s achievements are compared with achievements of all students in Australia, not just with their classmates’ achievements. NAPLAN results can also help parents and students to discuss individual student progress with teachers. Because NAPLAN tracks your child’s progress across Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, it also provides objective information about growth in student attainment in literacy and numeracy.

How does NAPLAN help my school? 

NAPLAN is the only national assessment that Australian children undertake. 

NAPLAN helps: 

• teachers to better identify students who need greater challenges or extra support 

• schools to identify strengths and areas of need in teaching programs 

• schools to set goals in literacy and numeracy

• school systems to review programs and support offered to schools 

• the community to see average school results on the My School website. 

NAPLAN also complements other school assessments and provides nationally comparable data to help governments evaluate how education programs are working and whether students are meeting the important literacy and numeracy standards. 

HSC Preparation

Students do not have time to relax after their trials as every student has every ability to achieve higher results. In particular now that ranks have been established, every class should aim to support each other to improve the whole class. This will have a huge impact on every student in the class. 

Wednesday Afternoon Learning Centre 

Students should make the most of this very valuable support over the coming weeks. This is an opportunity  to seek teacher support and peer support. 

HSC Exam Papers

The past exams provide marking guidelines and feedback. Practice and gauge where you think you have achieved against the criteria. Then ensure you get feedback from your teachers. 

Syllabus Pages

Make sure you are familiar with and use the following during your examination preparation.

  • The course syllabus

  • Course outcomes

  • Assessment and reporting guidelines

  • Sample exam questions for new courses.

Glossary of Terms

Be familiar with all terms and how you would approach your subject matter should any term be presented to you in an examination. What are the differences between each key term? Ask you teacher for clarification.

HSC Study Guide

Use the wisdom of others and effective tips and tricks.

Preliminary Yearly Examination

The Preliminary Examinations commence in Week 8. Year 11 students should be committed to a vigorous study timetable. This includes strategies to remember content and practice skills. The Year 11 examinations are essential to give back to students about their achievement to date. This feedback will support students as they commence their Year 12 pattern of study.

Absences and Student Learning

I collate student data related to student absences and their learning achievement. It is evident in predominantly all cases, that the correlation between student attendance and achievement is significant. In particular the more absences a student has, the further their achievement decreases. 

Often absences make it difficult for students to catch up and students with frequent absences often do not catch up. Therefore absences can cause large gaps in a student’s learning. Also students can feel embarrassed that they are behind or give up on learning. 

It is imperative that students have the best opportunity to learn by attending school every day. 

Saturday School of Community Languages

Saturday School of Community Languages (SSCL) is a Department of Education secondary school and the largest provider of face-to-face language education in New South Wales. SSCL offers courses in 26 languages to students wishing to study their background language. There are thirteen SSCL centres based in the Sydney metropolitan area. 

Students at SSCL follow the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) syllabuses. Courses are offered for the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) and the Higher School Certificate (HSC). All Year 12 languages are Board Endorsed Courses that can contribute towards an HSC and the ATAR calculation. 

There are no fees associated with enrolling at SSCL. Classes are held every Saturday morning during the school term. Years 7-10 classes run for two hours, Years 11 and 12 classes for three hours, and Year 12 Extension classes for an additional hour and fifteen minutes. Unless otherwise advised, classes start at 8:30am. 

For further information refer to the 2020 Enrolment Information Booklet. Enrolment Booklet

Applications close on 13th December 2019. Enrolment Form 

More Enrolment Information can be found here

HSC Minimum Standards Tests

HSC Minimum Standards Testing is coming early in Term 4 for students in Year 10 and 11 who have not achieved at least Level 3 in any of the Numeracy, Reading or Writing tests. 

Students will be notified early Term 4, if they need to resit the test(s). However before the students resit the test(s) they should practice the online demonstration tests located on the link below.

Practice Test

Michelle Deschamps
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning

From the Leader of Learning Religious Education

Father's Day Breakfast and Mass

On Thursday August 8 the first annual Father's Day Breakfast and Mass was  held on the Senior Campus and Parish Church. Many braved the chilly morning to enjoy an egg, bacon and hash brown roll that was cooked by our 2020 Year 12 Leaders.

Many thanks to Fr Flor for accommodating the Father's Day theme in the Parish Mass.

Education Mass

On the 13th of August I was privileged to be able to attend the annual Education Mass, along with two other Year 10 students, Nestor Batoon and Paige Tabone. We started off day with a Mass celebrated by the Bishop, Vincent Long Van Nguyen. After, we interacted with students and teachers, informing them on what our school does to help our community, through the kind acts of social justice. We also listened to what other schools have done as well. It was a great opportunity to see the many great deeds other Catholic schools within the community have also taken part in, helping those who are less fortunate. It was undoubtedly an eye opening experience, seeing the hard work and effort every school has done, through raising money, to constantly thinking of methods to help. Being apart of the solution, helping to reduce inequalities in our world. 

Maiah Lazaro
Year 10 School Captain

The Holy Family Nursing Home remembers the Warsaw Uprising

As part of our weekly visits to the nursing home we often get to join in the various celebrations and concerts. Recently we attended the concert remembering the Warsaw uprising.  A special thank you to Patryk Lipka from Year 10 for reading during the concert

For 63 days between August and October 1944, the Polish Home Army fought against the Nazis in an effort to liberate Warsaw. 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising.

The Warsaw Uprising took place between August 1944 and October 1944 and cost the lives of between 150,000 to 180,000 Polish citizens. The city had been totalled before the uprising, with Germans razing everything in sight. Warsaw became the capital of Poland in February 1945, and rebuilding efforts got underway soon after.

Kellie Robinson
Leader of Learning Religious Education

Eucharistic Ministers Trained

On Friday August 16th 18 Year 11 students undertook the training to become Extra-ordinary Ministers of Communion.

They will provide a valuable service to our community during College celebrations of the Mass.

Fathers Flor and Luis led them through the process of the Mass and as a College we are fortunate to have them as part of our community

Kellie Robinson
Leader of Learning Religious Education

We CAN Dare to Dream Big @ CAN 2019

Here at St Andrews College Marayong we certainly know how to draw a crowd, especially when we put on our annual Creative Arts Night (CAN). Each year features finalists from The Voice Australia who perform and share motivational speeches with the College community. Music Alumni also return to share their creative successes with the College years after graduating. 

The annual event started in 2005 as an evening of music and has now grown into the largest school Music and Performance event in Australia. CAN 2019 will be held on Thursday, September 5, and is looking to be the best ever!

“The event was initially an attempt to showcase our talented music students in a way that tapped into my music industry experience and within three years, the dynamic had increased along with the attendance,’’ said Music Teacher and CAN coordinator Antonio Chiappetta.

Mr Chiappetta said the inspiration behind the event was to ensure St Andrews College students were provided with a music education model that he would have wanted as a student.

“I wanted to create an environment where students feel challenged creatively, develop their confidence in performance and songwriting and shine through sharing their gifts with the community in a real world festival setting’’ Mr Chiappetta said.

Former St Andrews College student and current music teacher Jason Alata said CAN and Mr Chiappetta had such a big impact on his school life that it inspired him to become a music teacher too.

“I was a former St Andrews College student from 2007 to 2012 and CAN as an event started when I was in Year 8. As a student who loved his creative arts it was an awesome event. It influenced me massively to become a music teacher. It really develops a sense of confidence, especially with big crowds. I love how it engages students,  and creates a passion and energy,’’ Mr Alata said.

Former St Andrews College  student, and 2014 College Captain, Sebastian Duhau said it really brought pride to the College and in particular the music students. Sebastian performed in bands playing the saxophone during CAN and even MC’d in his final year. 

"I remember being a student and Mr Chiappetta saying one year, one of these days I am going to have CAN on the school oval with fireworks. A lot of us students laughed and thought it was him just joking around. Credit to him for actually making that happen!’’ Sebastian said.

Four years ago CAN sold out one month before the concert, as the College had filled its hall capacity and could no longer accommodate more audience members.

“In 2016, we made a decision to stage CAN as an outdoor music festival. In that year, crowds went from 700 to 1200. It also moved on to include a stage truck, food trucks, an 8 x 12 metre cinema screen, live camera mixing, photo stations, social media outlets, professional security, St John Ambulance on site and a fireworks finale,’’ Mr Chiappetta said.

This year is planned to be the biggest ever and will feature finalists from The Voice Australia who will perform and share motivational speeches with the College community.

Please click the link below to view video. 

CAN Video

Story supplied by Vanessa Bradbury, Media and Communications Officer CEDP

CREATIVE ARTS NIGHT (CAN) 2019

St Andrews College presents our Creative Arts Night (CAN) 2019 on 5th of September 2019.  Great Entertainment, Great Food and Beverage available for purchase.  Bring your fold up chairs or blankets and enjoy the entertainment.  Family, Friends and Community Welcome.  Tickets on Sale Now from the Senior Campus Office and the Junior Campus Office for $10.  No sales on the night.

See you all there for the biggest party in the West !!!!

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT !

Click on the Link to check it out !


From the Careers Counsellor

Western Sydney Apprenticeship and Traineeship Expo

The Western Sydney Apprenticeship and Traineeship Expo is an opportunity for students to explore vocational career options. The Expo will host a variety of employers, Group Training Organisations and Registered Training Organisations as well as TAFE and the Defence Force.

Date: Tuesday 10 September

Venue: Penrith Panthers Exhibition Marquee, 123 Mulgoa Road Penrith

Time: 3pm - 8pm

Ms May will be in attendance at this event to assist students.

The University of Sydney Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme

The Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme is aimed at students who have experienced disruption to their studies due to sporting or performance commitments. Successful applicants may be considered for admission to a course with an ATAR of up to five points below the guaranteed ATAR.  

Students will need to submit two applications:

  • a UAC application

  • An Elite Athletes and Performers Application

Successful students need to meet the following criteria:

  • Time away from studies devoted to competition/performances during HSC (or equivalent) which have significantly affected your studies.  

  • Nature of the competition/performance i.e. representation at state, national, or international level during HSC (or equivalent), or during other studies relevant to this application  

  • Membership of an institute or academy of sport OR member of any performing arts associations/institutes.  

  • Number of students competing for entry into the Degree Program  

  • Applicants rank and position in major competitions and performances  

  • Number of places made available under the Degree program 

Applications close 5pm on the 31 October 2019.

Interested students wishing assistance with their application are encouraged to see Ms May.

Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness’ Elite Athlete Program

The Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness’ Elite Athlete Program provides assistance to student athletes with balancing their sport and study commitments whilst achieving excellence in both.

The Elite Athlete Program is available to students of The University of Sydney and offers assistance in the following areas:

  • Tutoring

  • Career Advice

  • Financial Assistance

  • International Travel Grants

  • Academic Advice and Advocacy

  • Discount Rates on Sports Medicine Services 

Applications open on Monday 2 September 2019 and close Friday 20 December 2019. 

Students wishing more information regarding The Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness’ Elite Athlete Program are encouraged to see Ms May.

Australian Training Company

The Australian Training Company (ATC) is a Group Training Organisation and a Registered Training Organisation. ATC is well equipped to assist students gain apprenticeships, traineeships and other career qualifications. 

ATC is offering school leavers an opportunity to explore their career options and find a pathway to a successful future.

ATC has employment options in the fields of Sport & Recreation, Business, Information Technology (IT), Fitness, Horticulture, Landscaping, Carpentry and other trades.

At the September information session you will also hear about the ATC ‘Peak Fitness Trainer’ course, which will be held between November 2019 and February 2020, prior to university commencement.

Information Session Dates:

Wednesday 25th September 2019

Thursday 14th November 2019

Wednesday 29th January 2020

Information sessions will commence at  9.30am and conclude at 12.30pm.

Venue:

30-32 Pomeroy St (Corner Underwood Rd) Homebush

Registrations are essential via the link below or by calling the ATC office on 9704 1550 prior to the session date. Students need to take a copy of their resume.

Registration Google Form

 

Western Sydney University

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Future Students Information Evening

Western Sydney University invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to an Information Evening to find out about:

  • Courses available

  • How to apply

  • Alternative Entry Pathways

  • Scholarships

  • Support Services

  • Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education

  • Campus life 

Date: Monday 16th September

Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Venue: Western Sydney University Penrith Campus, Building O

A light meal and refreshments will be provided.

Therese May
Careers Counsellor

Coming Events

Monday 2nd September

Year 7 - Year 10 PDSSSC Boys Basketball Gala Day 

Tuesday 3rd September

Year 8 Taronga Zoo Excursion

Year 9 Sustainable Biomes Calmsey City Farm: 9HS1; 9HS2; 9HS3

Wednesday 4th September

Year 9 Sustainable Biomes Calmsey City Farm: 9HS4; 9HS5; 9HS6

Year 12 Judaism Incursion

Thursday 5th September

CAN

Friday 6th September

Year 7 Snake and Tails Incursion

Monday 9th September - Friday 20th September

Year 11 Examinations

Monday 9th September

PDSSSC Oz Tag Gala Day - The Kingsway Field

Wednesday 11th September

Year 10 BStreetSmart - Road Safety Excursion


Leadership Teams 2019

College Leadership Team

PrincipalStephen Kennaugh
Assistant Principal Staff and InnovationMrs Gabriela Osterlund
Assistant Principal Teaching and LearningMs Michelle Deschamps
Assistant Principal StudentsMr Nick Thrum
Leader of Learning Religious EducationMrs Kellie Robinson
Leader of Learning Religious Education (Acting)Mrs Theresa Ciantar
Business ManagerMrs Melissa Welch
Principal's Secretary and College RegistrarMrs Julie Sabine

College Leaders of Learning - KLA

Leader of Learning EnglishMrs Marsha Edwards
Assistant Leader of Learning EnglishMr Travis Kolek
Leader of Learning Creative and Performing ArtsMrs Pauline Ryan
Leader of Learning HSIEMr Daniel Camilleri
Assistant Leader of Learning HSIEMr Jarryd Leaves
Leader of Learning LOTEMs Mariko Mizukami

College Leaders of Learning

Leader of Learning DiversityMrs Pauline Xuereb
Leader of Learning TechnologiesMrs Sarah Anzellotti
Leader of Learning SportMr Martin Gillogly

Senior Campus Leaders of Learning - KLA

Leader of Learning MathematicsMs Tracey Thomson
Leader of Learning PDHPE (Acting)Ms Dominique Goldie
Leader of Learning ScienceMrs Caroline O'Hare
Leader of Learning TASMr Bill Robson

Junior Campus Leaders of Learning - KLA

Leader of Learning MathematicsMrs Gilda De Guzman
Leader of Learning PDHPEMr Nathan Weaver
Leader of Learning ScienceMrs Wendy Rudman
Leader of Learning TAS

Mr Michael Said

Leaders of Learning - Pastoral Care

Leader of Learning Pastoral CareMrs Sue Cooper
Leader of Learning Year 7Mr Martin Gillogly
Leader of Learning Year 8Mr David Frankham
Leader of Learning Year 9Ms Melissa Blackwell
Leader of Learning Year 10 (Acting)Mr Rick Lopez
Leader of Learning Year 11 (Acting)Mrs Cassandra Carlos
Leader of Learning Year 12Miss Emily Pett
Careers Counsellor and Publicity OfficerMs Therese May
School CounsellorMs Kerrie Castle

Administration Coordinator Ms Simone McKechnie


Contact Details


Junior Campus

116 Quakers Road

Marayong NSW 2148


Senior Campus

50 Breakfast Road

Marayong  NSW 2148


PHONE:   (02) 9626 4000

eMAIL:  standrewscollege@parra.catholic.edu.au

Website:  www.standrewscmarayong.com.au