AQUINAS CATHOLIC COLLEGE MENAI 2nd February, 2015

Vol.23.No.1

FROM THE PRINCIPAL Welcome back to the entire Aquinas Catholic College community for what will no doubt be a thrilling and challenging 2015. The College celebrates its twenty third year and it promises to be a stellar year for education @ Menai, given the maturation of our building program that will deliver a number of exciting learning spaces and ongoing opportunities to access our curriculum in a myriad of different ways. The College has been a hive of activity over the last few weeks with the preparation of school plant being the focus. I would like to acknowledge the great work of Mrs Dobson, Mr Knight, Mr Ricaud, Mr Yasbeck, and Mr Liu and in ensuring that the staff and students arrived back to a school in top shape. Projects that are complete or nearing completion include;

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Recarpeting of Rooms 1 - 8

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Remodelling of Rooms 1 - 4 into a PD/H/PE  dedicated fitness studio, fitness machine space and theory learning space

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Renovation of Rooms 5,6 & 7 to provide learning spaces that are brighter, have direct access to the playground and better AV

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Repainting of Rooms 1 - 8 Provision for a Sports store and Ground Staff Office that also sees the “Dungeon” consigned to history! Continued upgrading of markings in the playground to assist students with vision impairment

Similarly, the College Leadership Team has worked diligently to ensure a smooth start for all of our students and new staff; thankyou you to Mr Nastasi, Mr Wilson, Mr Hulme, Ms Mirabello, and Mr Pay for all of your work. This in turn was reflected by both the support staff and teaching staff in seeing the first days of the year begin with the smooth transition from ‘student vacation’ to Term 1 that allowed learning and teaching to be the focal point. Our College photographs have already been taken and as a result of safety concerns and the large numbers in each Year Group, we will now only be having individual photographs and producing composite year group photos. This is a safer option than having large groups on photo stands and streamlines the process so as to maximise student learning. Any families who purchased online packages will be refunded monies where the options for other packages were inadvertently offered. At our whole school gathering last Thursday I spoke to the student body about the aims that the staff have for them in terms of our College Vision and Mission statement that has served generations of students so well in the past. As a staff our endeavours to address;    

‘Wholeness’ as Education in its fullest, broadest learning sense ‘Hope’ in the struggles that we encounter and developing the key response of resilience ‘Justice’ that underpins dignity, freedom and respect and ‘Revelation’ as our acknowledging God’s presence in our lives in ways that are demonstrable and in ways that are less obvious.

These are the touchstones of all of our endeavours both in and outside the classroom over the course of the next twelve months. I challenged the students to pay attention to the ‘small, but important’ things of living in a school community namely; ‘Manners, Courtesy, Uniform’ as behaviours in which they can be constructive agents of conversion in our community and more broadly as they represent themselves, their families and the College. It is God’s wish and therefore our obligation that we all make the most of what we have as our heritage for 2015; a most important privilege given we have so much opportunity and being mindful when others have so little or struggle in the face of enormous difficulties.

Anzac Road Menai NSW 2234 [email protected]

Phone 9543 0188 Facsimile 9541 0398 www.aquinasmenai.catholic.edu.au ‘Enlivened by the Spirit’

The twenty third group of Year 7s [all 210 of them] arrived on a somewhat wet Wednesday and were welcomed to the College by the entire staff and an enthusiastic group of Year 10 Peer Support Leaders. Whilst the weather may have been inclement, the eagerness of the newest arrivals @ Menai was not dampened and they began their high school journey most enthusiastically. Like the rest of the student body who arrived on Thursday they were well dressed and tremendous representatives for themselves, their families and the College. A reminder to all of our students that their courteous and thoughtful behaviour in public when travelling to and from school will ensure that the fine reputation of the College is kept in the forefront of the local community’s mind. We are all charged with the responsibility of ensuring the tradition begun in 1993 is added to by our efforts so as to be able to ensure that dignity and respect remain the foundations of all that we undertake at Aquinas. I would like to take this opportunity to formally welcome our new staff to the College; Steve O’Connor Kelly Morales Mitch Buchan Michelle Wilson

RE Coordinator Year 7 Coordinator TAS Teacher HSIE Teacher

David Bulmer Mark Connor Melissa Gerke

Leader of Teaching & Learning TAS Teacher Science Teacher

We wish them well as they begin their tenure at Menai and trust that they enjoy their time at the College. A special congratulations to Mr Mc Grath and his wife, Jenny, on the birth of their first child, Ava, who arrived on the first day of classes…obviously an eager learner in the making!! I would also like to take this opportunity invite all parents to our Opening School Mass which will take place this Thursday, February 5th, 9am in the JPII Hall. Fr Phil Zadro, Parish Priest of Holy Family Menai will be celebrating our first whole school liturgy and we will take the opportunity to commission our Year 11 and 12 student leaders and new staff. Please keep the Roumanos family in your thoughts and prayers as Nathan [Year 12], James [Year 10] & Jacob’s [Year 7] Grandfather passed away recently. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. James Corcoran Principal

Peer Support Day [Year 10s last day of the holidays]

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Assistant Principal Welcome back to the 2015 school year and trust that all students and their families had a peaceful and well rested Christmas break. Can I thank students and their families on the way in which they have embraced the new school year, being so well groomed and eager to commence their learning. In a special way can I personally welcome our entire new Year 7 cohort and their families, along with those new students commencing at Aquinas across the other year groups, welcome and best wishes. I greeted the student body on Thursday at our first assembly with my theme for them in 2015 which is the idea of what I call the “CARE factor”. CARE and respect for each other; CARE and respect for their Education; CARE and respect for their Environment and CARE and respect around Etiquette. I hope students adhere to this motto and give of their best in all aspects of school life in 2015, as I said to them they are always our best advertisement!

College Calendar Just a reminder again that the latest College events can be found live 24/7 on our Google calendar which has a link on the College website. It is here that Parents/Carers and students are encouraged to go daily as this is where all of the important events will be housed to support your planning during this school year.

Uniform and College Standards In the main I have been delighted with the return to school dress standards across the entire student body and would ask that this continues as per the uniform policy in the student diary. All teachers and Year Coordinators will continue to challenge students on uniform and issue demerits and detentions where necessary. As I have indicated to student’s correct uniform and the wearing of it, is a sign of respect for one another in our community, just as teachers dress professionally when in the classroom addressing students. I stress the importance of school shoes being hard, black leather lace up shoes with a heel as per requirements for both boys and girls. Soft leather (such as the “dance shoes” worn by many girls or black sport or canvas shoes are not part of our uniform and should not be worn). If unsure please contact your Year Coordinator about any of this. Additionally Sport/PDHPE requirements are that the students wear correct sporting shoes suitable for rigorous physical activity. We will not allow any canvas, slip on or skate type shoes for sport/PDHPE across Years 7-12 as they do not meet WHS standards. This will be strongly enforced as of week 2, with students not meeting sport uniform requirements remaining at school during sport time. In addition to this teachers and Year Coordinators have been asked to enforce strict guidelines as per the College diary around hair as per page 9 of the College diary, jewellery, namely multiple earrings, wrist and ankle bands and the like, these to do not conform to school uniform expectations. I would ask that the girls also adhere to our make-up policy also as stated in the diary. I thank you for your continued support around this and would ask that your son or daughter is dressed correctly when leaving home each day please. Finally lateness to school was also a concern last year and a reminder that Pastoral class of a morning commences at 8.40am and students should be here at least 5 minutes before the bell. Also note that supervision at school of a morning commences at 8.15am. As per last year the College will implement a 3 strike rule for unexplained lateness leading to a Wednesday afternoon detention.

College Car park and drop offs Could I remind parents and carers that the College car park is for staff and for deliveries only, any drop off of students should occur outside the school grounds at all times simply for safety reasons. Many thanks in supporting us with this.

College Bell times Monday to Thursday bell times are as follows: Pastoral class (8.40am to 9.05am); Period 1 (9.05am to 9.55am); Period 2 (9.55am to 10.45am); Recess (10.45am to 11.05am); Period 3 (11.05am to 11.55am); Period 4 (11.55am to 12.45pm); Lunch (12.45pm to 1.25pm); Period 5 (1.25pm to 2.15pm); Period 6 (2.15pm to 3.05pm); then dismissal. Friday bell times are: Pastoral class (8.40am to 9.05am); Period 1 (9.05am to 9.55am); Period 2 (9.55am to 10.45am); Recess (10.45am to 11.05am); Period 3 (11.05am to 11.55am); Lunch (11.55pm to 12.35pm); Sport (12.40pm to 2.40pm); Pastoral (2.40pm to 2.45pm); dismissal

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Staff Development/Pupil Free day Just a reminder that Tuesday 10th February 2015 (Week 3, Term 1) is a Staff Development /Pupil free day, where our staff will be undertaking some training in the area of Gifted Education.

Key Dates Week 2(B) Term 1 Monday 2nd February

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Monday week B lessons Catch up photos

Tuesday 3rd February

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Year 7 Peer Support Period 1

Wednesday 4 February

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Downie Shield Cricket round 3 Versus Christian Brothers Lewisham at Tonkin Oval

Thursday 5th February

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Opening School Mass Period 1 and 2 in JPII hall

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Year 11 Blood Bank visit during sport Sport

Monday 9th February

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Year 7 Peer Support program Period 3

Tuesday 10th February

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Staff Development Day/Pupil Free

Wednesday 11th February

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Year 7 Parish Mass at 8.20am Aquinas Awards Assembly at 11.00am in the JPII hall

Thursday 12th February

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Year 12 Drama excursion to Onstage

Friday 13th February

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Census day Roses Day House meetings during pastoral for swimming carnival preparations SSCCC Tennis Sport

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Friday 6 February

Week 3 (A) Term 1

Robert Nastasi Assistant Principal

2015 PARISH LENTEN PROGRAMME This year’s theme is titled ‘Rich in Mercy’. In our parish we come together in small groups during Lent to read, listen to a CD and reflect on the Scriptures. It can be a very rewarding time for our own personal growth, fellowship and sharing in community faith and life. Lenten Groups in our parish will commence the week beginning Monday 16 February. (Ash Wednesday - 18th February) If anyone is interested in joining a group please write your name, contact details and session preference on the table in the church foyer. Alternatively you can contact the parish office on 9543 2677 and leave your details.

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AT AQUINAS Our theme for 2015 comes from Matthew’s Beatitudes and in particular the verse “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” (6:8) Throughout this year we shall explore what the concept of a pure heart might mean and then we shall focus our vision on making sure we are looking in the right direction to see God. God is all around: but sometimes we don’t know where to look!

THE GOOD NEWS: 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mark 1:21-28 The Man with an Unclean Spirit 21

They went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught.

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They

were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

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Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit,

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and he cried out, “What

have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”

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But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”

it, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.

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And the unclean spir-

They were all amazed, and they kept

on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He[a] commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

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At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of

Galilee. MR O’CONNOR SAYS… This passage causes a lot of excitement about the new teacher on the block. All the other authorities of the time would reference scripture or another famous teacher: in other words their authority comes form somewhere else like the scribes referenced in this passage (Mk1:22). Jesus however teaches from his own authority. The people listening would have recognised this immediately. He then displays that authority by helping out someone in need! He uses his power and authority for good, for service, for love. As baptised members we have been given God’s grace to go and do the same*. *same does not imply the expulsion of unclean spirits rather we are called to use our talents to help people in need.

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Year 7 First Day Wednesday 28th January marked the first day of school for the 2015 Year 7 cohort. The inclement weather had no effect on the excitement of the newest members of the Aquinas community. Following a welcome by all staff, students had their first assembly together and moved into their Pastoral classes. Our Year 10 Peer Support leaders held their first session with their groups. I thank these leaders for their maturity and enthusiasm in assisting Year 7 to settle at the College. Year 7 attended normal classes for the remainder of the day and their keenness to begin their academic journey at secondary level was impressive. I am delighted by the wonderful start to the year. Our Year 7 students have settled extremely well and the wide smiles on their faces are a reflection of their happiness and contentment within the Aquinas community. I acknowledge the dedication and support of the Year 7 Pastoral team in ensuring such a smooth transition for the year group. I am honoured to have the privilege to guide and support the wonderful students in Year 7 for the course of this year. Ms Kelly Morales

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eLearning in 2015 BYODD Thank you to all parents and carers who have arranged for their child to have a device ready for the start of 2015. It is important to remind the students that the device MUST be fully charged when it is brought to school, and to be used in class everyday. Students who do not have a working device are to arrange a loan device in the library whilst their device is being repaired. The devices used in the year groups are: Year 7 & 8: Year 9 – 12:

iPad (Year 7 Students were given a list of suggested Apps to install) Laptops

Security of Devices & Mobile Phones All members of the community and reminded to have a password or passcode on their electronic device in the event they are misplaced. A commonly used App for Apple branded products is Find my iPhone/iPad. We strongly recommend that this App is installed on electronic devices.

Year 7 students and any new students The College is currently waiting for the student email accounts to be created or transferred to Aquinas. Once the accounts have been provisioned, students will be able to access the College network and email. Student textbooks will be available during weeks 3 & 4 for all Year 7 and new students. The College uses a management system which is provided by SEQTA Software. In the coming weeks, all Year 7 parents and parents of newly enrolled students will be sent access to the system which is called Coneqt-p. After access parents can see academic progress and attendance data. The Academic Report is also made available online. Textbooks: Year 8 - 10 Our textbook supplier for 2015 is Endeavour Education

The website address is: cloud.endeavoureducation.com.au All students have been supplied a username and password. Please ask your child for the documentation. Could all parents please check that students download their textbooks to their devices. We thank all parents for your understanding for any delays with Coneqt-p as we roll out new timetables for students. This is an enormous task, and with the College moving to Bring your own designated Device program, we are still processing and creating the data regarding the newly enrolled students. This data will create a 6 year academic footprint of your childs progress at Aquinas Catholic College. Mr Hulme eLearning Coordinator ‘Enlivened by the Spirit’

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ROSES DAY Every year the Aquinas Community has raised money for Project Compassion by holding "Roses Day" around the time of Valentines Day, a well known celebration of friendship and love. Aquinas staff and students will have the opportunity to order roses for those they care about which will be delivered to pastoral classes on Friday 13th February. All money raised will go to Project Compassion. This is the major fundraising initiative run by Caritas Australia, a Catholic agency for overseas aid and development. Starting tomorrow morning Tuesday 3rd February there will be order forms in pastoral bags. From Wednesday morning Year 12 students will be visiting pastoral classes to collect orders and payments from students. All orders and payments must be made by 9am on Thursday 12th February. 1 rose $3 6 roses $18 12 roses $35 Any questions please see Mrs Monk

CSDA Public Speaking Competition 2015 The CSDA Public Speaking begins on Friday Week 5.

competition

All students who are interested are encouraged to come along to a meeting at the start of lunch on Thursday Week 2 in the Drama room.

MATHS DEPARTMENT RECALL CORNER Each week Maths Recall is included in the newsletter to encourage junior students to regularly focus on non calculator skills. Please show your answers to your maths teacher during your next lesson, as it shows interest and excitement about mathematical skills.

1. The sum of two numbers is 15 and the difference is 9. Find the two numbers.

A list will be put up outside the staff lunch room for students to sign up for try-outs. Following this, try-outs will be held to select two students from each grade to represent our school. For more information about the competition dates and preparation for try outs, see Miss Cooper.

2. Find the product of 7 and 6. 3. What is the value of 3 in the number 63451? 4. Find the first 3 multiples of 6. 5. Evaluate

Mrs Catherine Fensom Assistant Mathematics Coordinator

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CURRICULUM MATTERS HSC 2014 As we begin the school year, many of our 2014 HSC cohort are on the brink of the next stage of their academic journey. This sees a number of ex-Aquinas students undertaking university and TAFE placements or apprenticeships in their chosen fields. We are very proud of this group’s HSC achievements and will detail these in a more comprehensive manner with the HSC High Achievers brochure that will be issued immediately after the Academic Assembly on February 11 th. This assembly will also recognize the top ten highest NAPLAN achievers from the Year 7 and 9 2014 cohort. One of the keys to the HSC success of our Year 12 candidates is the effectiveness of their support networks. It is timely, therefore, that the following article from Enhanced Learning Educational Services should have arrived in my inbox. Please read it in conjunction with the parent newsletter section of the Study Skills website (address details follow). HOW PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT WITH THEIR LEARNING Whilst parents are often involved in their teenager’s sporting, musical or dramatic activities, parental support on the sidelines of their adolescent child’s studies can be also be beneficial, particularly to academic performance. Research shows that children are more likely to succeed if parents are involved in their learning. Hendersen and Mapp (2002) found that ‘the more families support their children’s learning and educational progress, the more their children tend to do well in school and continue their education’. Strategies for Parents to help their secondary school aged students achieve their potential:

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WORK ENVIRONMENT The obvious logistical support is providing a quiet, open space with few distractions for working at home. Involve your student in creating this space. Workspace tools for effective learning include a desk, ergonomic chair, a noticeboard and good lighting, as well as a shelf or drawers for folders, reference books and non-essential work. Spending time to discuss options, alternatives and reasons for establishing a dedicated work area is valuable.

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BREAKFAST Importantly students need to start the day with a nutritional breakfast, as this will increase energy, attention, concentration and memory, particularly if the breakfast includes grains, fibre, protein and is low in sugar. Parents can facilitate this good start to the day as part of the daily routine. Similarly, nutritious snacks and lunch will enable the student to remain more focused throughout the day.

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ORGANISATION A calendar for each term should be created and displayed near your student’s desk and in prominent thoroughfares in the home, such as the kitchen. The calendar or term planner should include: all co-curricular and social activities, as well as assignment, assessment or test dates. This helps the student see the big picture of commitments and not simply a weekly or daily vision as school diaries or digital devices usually allow. The student, and parent, can clearly see when heavy workload periods occur, and social activities can be tailored to ensure work has a priority. It’s a good idea to sit down with your student every couple of days to discuss the schedule ahead, when the work can be slotted in, and how a parent could help by reducing family commitments, or by setting boundaries with social engagements. Regularly sitting down to discuss workloads and tasks due, reviewing activities and schedules can help students learn to be more productive and organized.

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FILING SYSTEMS Master folders should be set up for each subject at home, so after each topic is completed the notes can be placed in appropriate categories. This also gives students somewhere to file completed tests and assignments. Most students carry their current notes to school each day, but naturally as the term and year progresses it’s impossible (and risky if misplaced) to have all worknotes in one folder. Students may also need help organising the files on their computers and devices (although it is likely that many students know more about this than their parents!).

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ROUTINES Helping your student to establish routines can add an element of calm to each day. Simple routines such as having the school bag packed and uniform ready before going to bed each night, can eliminate unnecessary angst in the morning. A useful addition to the evening schedule is to determine the next afternoon’s program: when homework and daily revision will be done around co-curricular activities, dinner etc. This can give a clear direction when your student comes home each day. Some students find that having regular times set aside for schoolwork each day helps them to develop a routine of working. Other students will need to make a plan each afternoon as their schedule changes each day.

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TIMETABLE Know your student’s timetable, so it’s easy and relevant to ask “What were you doing in Science today?”. A specific question can often open a conversation where your student not only shares but, in doing so, reinforces what was learned which increases memory (and understanding) of the lesson.

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SUBJECTS Know your student’s subjects, and become aware of the topics covered each year in those subjects. ‘Improved educational outcomes result from a genuine interest and active engagement from parents’ (OECD 2011), so knowing the topics could allow parents to expose students to different dimensions of the subject through film, books, contemporary issues, the Internet, exhibitions, travel etc. Students appreciate, perhaps subconsciously, that the parent is truly interested in their learning and what they are learning. Some schools will give students a course outline and the state’s educational body will also have a website where parents should be able to access the syllabus (what will be taught) for each subject.

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ASSIGNMENTS A helpful strategy is to keep abreast of when assignments are given. Talking to your student about assignment expectations, drawing out their understanding of the topic, criteria and parts of the assignment can instill a deeper appreciation. It’s good to probe and ask more about the assignment topic with questions, as this could give your student other perspectives, and once more, help the student feel the parent has a real interest in learning. When planning the workload for an assignment, parents can help break the work into chunks or parts. This can reduce the sense of the overwhelming enormity of the task and the task can be broken into manageable parts, which are then scheduled to be done into the calendar or diary.

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TESTS Similarly, parents can help students prepare for tests by quizzing them, asking for concepts to be explained or helping write practice tests. Explain to your student that memory and understanding can increase if the brain is using multiple processes to use information, such as writing, reading, speaking, drawing or singing! When tests are returned, focus on what was achieved and note concepts to revise. If students know parents are not solely focused on the grade, but also on the process, and that tests (and assignments) are tools to learn, intrinsic motivation can develop.

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CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES There comes a time in secondary school when some co-curricular activities need to be cut for a period of time, as academic demands increase or the student is juggling too much. It’s unlikely students will initiate severing an activity so it’s generally up to parents. Students, like adults, can give more to an activity when there is time, and academic work needs to be one of the main priorities during the school terms. Parents will often be the first to notice when their student is over-loaded (and it varies for each individual), when school work is rushed or dismissed, when their student is tired or out-of-sorts, when they have no “downtime” on weeknights. Everyone needs some downtime, even if it is only for an hour of escapist freedom.

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TECHNOLOGY Parents need to be the “bad cop” when it comes to limiting computer games, or other digital device activity. It is advisable that devices are not in bedrooms when students go to bed. However, rather than dictating the rule, parents should talk about the need for solid, sufficient sleep for the brain to re-wire neural pathways to consolidate the day’s learning. Lack of sleep can lead to reduced concentration and attention span, delayed response time, and decreased short-term memory. Rules for technology (including TV viewing) should be developed together if possible so there is agreement about the approach.

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COMMUNICATION WITH THE SCHOOL It’s now fully acknowledged that together, parents and teachers play a dual role in educating students, so it’s vital to maintain open communication with the school. It’s important for parents to keep abreast of school information conveyed to through newsletters, school portals, emails and so on, as it’s not uncommon for a student to miss information at school. This allows parents to flag or discuss with their student what the school is offering, advising or sharing. For example: a newsletter may alert parents to additional “maths tutorials” offered before school, or “homework help sessions” after school. This reinforces again that the parent is interested in their student’s learning. It is equally important for parents to advise the school of extraneous issues happening at home, as this would give teachers an understanding of atypical behaviour, work ethic, concentration etc. An illness or death in the family (including a family pet), parent absence for more than a fortnight, or challenging issues on the home front, are examples of when parents should contact the school. Moderated assignments, extensions on homework, or relaxed detentions could result, and allow the student to resume their learning journey without additional stress. However secondary school students also need to gain skills and strategies to deal with life’s variables, and to become independent, confident problem solvers. So it’s also important for parents to give students opportunities to manage issues at school themselves. Parents should not approach the school to “fix” every minor problem, such as a student missing a page in an exam which lowered his grade, or a student feeling they had been maligned by a peer. Both these instances are life-lessons to learn from or solve, so parents should encourage students to ask for approach teachers themselves when needed.

The strategies above should be developed with the child, and hopefully will be independently adopted by the student when they reach their final years at school. It’s worthwhile noting that each point is related to the child’s learning, as this sends a very positive message that the parent is engaged and interested in the learning process. [OECD 2011] PISA in Focus, (2011). What can parents do to help their children succeed in school?. [online] Available at: http:// www.oecd.org/pisa/49012097.pdf [Accessed 2 Jan. 2015]. [Henderson and Mapp 2002] Henderson, A. & Mapp, K. (2002). A new wave of evidence. The impact of school, family, and community connections on student achievement. Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL). Available: http://www.sedl.org/connections/ resources/evidence.pdf [Accessed 2 Jan 2015] Learn more this year about how students can improve their results and be more efficient and effective with their schoolwork b y working through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. Our school’s access details are: Username: Aquinas Password: 10success Lisa Mirabello Leader of Teaching and Learning

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ATTENTION YEAR 12 THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO JOIN THE 90’S CLUB 2015 The 90’s Club is an initiative designed to challenge those of you that would like to achieve an ATAR of 90 or above. It is hoped that the group of targeted students would meet on a regular basis to discuss ways of best attaining their goal. This is an optional club but one that we suggest you strongly consider joining if you believe you have the ability to achieve at this level. How do I become a part of the group? 

Students would be asked to self-nominate to be a part of the group after filling out a short survey

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Teachers will have the opportunity to nominate students

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Parents may also choose to nominate their son/daughter

What would we do? 

In meetings we would discuss things like: Strategies for studying, coping with the work load, tips that they might have for each other

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Guest speakers

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Opportunity to talk with their peers about current issues/problems

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Encourage attending extra-curricular courses in out of school hours.

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Mentoring between students in similar courses.

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Information sharing

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Case studies on successful high achievers

Why should I be a part of this group? 

You are acknowledging publically that you want to be responsible for your own learning and want to achieve a specific goal.

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Work with like-minded people

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Gain new skills which will assist you in your HSC

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Set realistic goals for 2015 which are achievable

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Discuss current issues and trends that may assist you in your exams

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Learn de-stressing skills

Our first meeting is on Wednesday 4th February during Pastoral in the library (after you have had your name marked off by your Pastoral teacher) If you have not already registered please see Mrs Capovilla in the library on Tuesday to express your interest or email her at: [email protected]

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NSWCCC The Registration process for trials for CCC teams have changed. To nominate for consideration the following process needs to be followed. REGISTRATION PROCESS ON WEBSITE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Go to www.csss.nsw.edu.au website On top right hand side of page, click LOGIN. If you don’t have a login or you have forgotten your login, go to the HELP button (located on the top right hand side written in Blue) Once you are logged in, go to the NSWCCC Home Page. Click on (Individual Sport you wish to trial for) Click on Register Please complete the registration process. Click on “Register for this Sport” at the bottom of the page. An email will be sent to your Sport Coordinator for approval and consent. You will also be required to pay online for individual sports which must be done before the event. Please allow 7-10 days for administration to process. (this is not done automatically) You can login to your account at any time to view sport coordinator approval

NSWCCC Entry into individual Sports and Team Sports TEAM SPORT ENTRIES Southern Sydney Combined Catholic Colleges is the pathway for our students to progress to the NSWCCC Championships and NSWCCC selection. SSCCC run trials for the following teams: Baseball U/15 and Open Rugby League Swimming Soccer Rugby Union Cross Country U/15 and Open Touch Athletics If students wish to trial for the SSCCC teams there is a school trial first, before they progress. When students are successful in making the school team they will be asked to register on the NSWCCC website to progress to the SSCCC selection.

Individual Entries NSWCCC selection trials are run for the following sports which are either individual sports or sports which do not have a selection championship.

AFL Cricket Diving Golf Hockey Netball Softball Tennis Triathlon Volleyball Waterpolo These Sport trials are for those students who perform at an elite level rather than just having a go. Therefore students are only progressed to the trials if they demonstrate the necessary skills in that sport for the NSWCCC standard. Sport experience is offered during Friday afternoon sport, weekday afternoon and weekend sport. As you can imagine with over 150 Catholic High schools, if every school sent a bunch of kids to have a go, the trial would soon blow out to a gala day and the NSWCCC selection trial would not serve it purpose of progressing the correct students to NSW All Schools and National level. If you are interested in finding out more information on NSWCCC trials and events please look at the website, or email me at [email protected]. Mark Barnes Sports Coordinator

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MATHS CHALLENGE Answers:

SCHOOL PHOTOS To order school photos online, please go to:

1. 3 and 12

www.advancedlife.com.au

2. 42

Code: 5LY E1Y 9WZ

3. 3000 4. 6, 12, 18 5. 4

Maths Department

UNIFORM SHOP

THURSDAY 5 February 8:00am—9:00am Please note the Uniform Shop only sells Sports Uniforms and School bags The Uniform Shop does not accept Eftpos or Credit cards

There will be a SECOND HAND UNIFORM sale THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY 8:00am-8:30am Outside College Office If you have any donations, please hand them in to the office

College caps and sports socks can be purchased from the College Office

Thank you

Most items are $5

CANTEEN ROSTER TERM 1 TIME: MONDAY-THURSDAY 10:00-1:35, FRIDAY 9:30-12:45 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

2/2 3/2 4/2 5/2 6/2

TONY SHELDON, DIANA LARKHAM MELISSA RUPERTO, LINDA KIRGAN MEGAN BERGHOLD, NATALI DEL-GRANDE, KIM GLENIE CARMEL COSTA, KAREN DAVIS JENNY KNOKE, VERONIQUE THIBAULT, LOUISE BRYANT, SONIA BOGARD REBECCA HARRIS

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

9/2 10/2 11/2 12/2 13/2

CHRISTINE KLEIN PUPIL FREE DAY PETA BOURKE, SUSAN GAYDON, MICHELLE WHEATLEY ANTOINETTE KERLE, ROSE HENDERSON CATHY CARUCCIO, JOANNE STORTENBEKER, BERNADETTE AHERN LIZ GARCORZ, CAROLYN BARLOW

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’

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‘Enlivened by the Spirit’

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‘Enlivened by the Spirit’

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