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Dear parents, friends, staff and students,
The Gospel this week (John 6: 60 – 69) includes the phrase; “It is the spirit that gives life”. For our students as we are now in the middle of the term, this phrase encourages us to ask two questions about our lives. The first is; what are the activities, events or thoughts that take away our energy, focus or passion (lives)? The second is; what do we mean as ‘the spirit’? In the simplest of terms, this can be directly interpreted in a theological way that the Holy Spirit leads us to eternal life. This is definitely an important message about the basic truth, that we can rely on God to guide and support us to eternal life. For our everyday interactions, however, we should still be considering how this spirit or energy might be used to give us energy or life. The spirit might be how we grow from our interactions with others or how doing good works might promote a feeling of self-worth or social cohesion. Whilst the spirit might look different in each of us, it should ‘give life’ and as such, lead us to God.
Today we held our Staff Professional Development Day focussed on student and staff wellbeing. This fits into our School Improvement Plan for this year. We were fortunate to be able to engage Dr Andrew Fuller, who is a Fellow of the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Learning and Educational Development at the University of Melbourne. Andrew is recognised as an expert in wellbeing and resilience and is a nationally recognised psychologist. Dr Fuller challenged us to consider our processes and behaviours and to also reflect on how we ensure self-care is an integral part of caring for others. Thank you to Mrs Moore and Ms Toogood for their organisation and coordination of this event. Thank you also to each of our parents and students once again for your understanding and flexibility for the pupil free day in ensuring our staff were able to take time to reflect on their practice.
On Tuesday we held the Term 3 P&F meeting. At this meeting we were able to present an update on our building program and outline the next phase in facilities improvements. We are hoping that our blocks A and J will be completed before next term, and we are currently planning for an upgrade to the canteen and our junior kitchen spaces. Thank you to those parents who attended and supported us on the evening.
On Wednesday evening we held our Year 9, 2025 elective subject information evening. The first part of this was held in the STEM building and gave our parents an opportunity to look around at the new space. We then went into the hall for a presentation on the elective process and the nature of subjects in Years 9 and 10. Thank you to the parents and students who attended, and the staff who gave of their time to assist students in making their choices. A special thank you to Ms Miller and Mr Teuma for their organisation and presentations on the evening.
Ite in Veritate
Mr Steve Lo Cascio
The past week has allowed a range of year groups and key subject areas to engage in activities that complement the day to day work of classroom teaching and learning. Year 12 concluded their HSC Trial examinations on Monday and participated in the “Retreat Reconnector”, which provided the time and space for them to reflect on their past 3 terms of progress, revisit some of their goals and aspirations that they set at the Retreat in 2023 and to refocus for the remaining 5 weeks of learning before they graduate. Wednesday saw all of Year 10 attend the Bstreetsmart program at Qudos Bank Arena. Bstreetsmart is a driver training initiative established by the Trauma Unit at Westmead Hospital, where young people aged between 15 – 30 are disproportionately represented in road trauma. The purpose of the Bstreetsmart program is to reduce the fatality and injury rates of young people by promoting safe behaviour as drivers, riders and passengers through the provision information and strategies aimed at avoiding serious injuries and the reduction of risk taking behaviour through greater awareness of the consequences of distracted driving, inattention, speeding, drink and drug driving and driver fatigue. The program supports the unit of study completed last term on Road Safety.
Year 9 took part in the YourChoicez presentation on Respectful Relationships on Wednesday and yesterday the Year 9 Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) students took part in a Wheelchair Basketball Incursion yesterday. This opportunity supported their current area of study relating to Physical Activity for Specific Groups. A number of our Year 9 & 10 PASS students assisted with officiating at the Diocesan Soccer Gala day which was conducted earlier today. A huge thanks to all staff and students for the preparation, participation and cooperation with these activities.
Next week will see more initiatives take place that are aimed at enhancing the academic, spiritual and wellbeing environment within our College. These include:
- Year 11 Investigating Science and Biology excursions - August 28 and 29
- Year 9 MISA Youth of the Year competition - August 29
- Bangawarra Indigenous students’ excursion - August 29
- Year 10 Encounter Day - Friday August 30
Thanks in anticipation to all staff and students involved with these events.
As always, thanks for your ongoing support with all matters relating to Learning and Wellbeing. Please contact your son or daughter’s respective Year Coordinator or Pastoral Advisor should you have any questions or concerns.
Mr Simon Huntly
Mass of Day with Lectionary & Missal texts of SUNDAY ORD Time 21 Year B
First Reading: Joshua 24:1-2. 15-18
The tribes of Israel choose the Lord above all other gods.
Second Reading: Ephesians 5:21-32
Family members in Christ must defer to one another
Gospel: John 6:60-69
Many disciples desert Jesus.
Mrs Christine Meharg
Year 11 Studies of Religion Excursion:
A Journey into islamic Culture
Recently, our Year 11 Studies of Religion students embarked on an enriching excursion to ISRA Academy in Auburn. During their visit, they attended insightful seminars on the principal beliefs and core ethical teachings of Islam. This was a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of another living culture and broaden their perspectives.
Following the seminars, the students visited the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque, where they were captivated by the stunning Turkish-influenced architecture. The elder shared an authentic perspective of the Islamic faith and students entered into a valuable Q&A.
On behalf of Mrs Meharg, Mrs Toogood, Mr Whicker, and Miss Nguyen, we would like to congratulate the entire cohort for the enthusiasm and respect they demonstrated throughout the day. Their willingness to engage with and learn from another culture reflects the values we strive to cultivate in our school community.
By Miss Jenny Nguyen
Year 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
Wednesday 11 September
Course Selection Interviews
Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews provide an opportunity for parents, students and teachers to meet with their class teachers to review academic progress and discuss areas for growth. This conversation provides parents and students with valuable feedback and enables them to ask questions to support their child as they near the completion of their High School Certificate. Interviews for Year 12 are being held on Wednesday September 11 between 4pm and 8pm at the College. Further to the upcoming interviews, please note that Academic Reports will be distributed at the Graduation Ceremony, and will be made available via Compass in Week 10. Bookings will open on Monday 26 August via the Compass Parent Portal.
Year 11 Preliminary Examinations
The Year 11 Preliminary Examinations will take place between Friday 13 September - Tuesday 24 September. Regular lessons will resume on Wednesday 25 September. Students have received the examination timetable and exams will appear on their Compass schedule. On Monday, students will receive all of the assessment notifications for the exams.
Year 11 students are encouraged to make the most of the learning opportunities that this examination period can provide. This is an important time for them to exercise their focus on their learning goals and execute strategies to study and revise and work out what best works for them in preparing for examinations. Students are encouraged to continue to work with their teachers on revision, practise questions and to seek feedback. The Library is open on Tuesday afternoons between 3:00 -6:00pm, should students wish to utilise this space to study.
Stage 5 2024 Electives Selection
Selections close on 2 September at 9:00am.
TERM 3 |
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| Week 6 |
Year 10 29/08/2024: 10 Food Technology (100hr) 30/08/2024: 10 D&T (200hr) Year 9 Year 9 Food Technology - See assessment notification for specific date |
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| Week 7 |
Year 12 06/09/2024: 12 Numeracy Year 11 04/09/2024: 11 ITT 06/09/2024: 11 Photography, Video & Digital Imaging (1 Unit) Year 10 05/09/2024: 10 ITT (200hr) 06/09//2024: 10 Food Technology (200hr) Year 8 Year 8 History - See assessment notification for specific date |
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Leader of Learning - Curriculum Pedagogy & Leader of Learning - Curriculum Administration
Supporting Our Teens:
Parent Workshops for Child Protection Week
As we approach Child Protection Week, we're excited to announce a series of vital parent workshops in collaboration with Catholic Care. These workshops are designed to equip parents and carers with the tools they need to support their teens in today’s complex world.
Topics include:
- Social Media and Your Teen: Understand the impact of social media on your teen's life and learn strategies to guide them safely. (Magdalene Catholic College)
- Managing Big Emotions for Teens: Gain insights into helping your teen navigate their emotions, fostering resilience and emotional well-being. (St Benedicts Catholic College)
- How to Have Tricky Conversations and Seek Help: Learn effective communication techniques for those difficult but necessary conversations with your teen, and know where to turn for additional support. (Mount Carmel Catholic College)
We are pleased to partner with our neighbouring Catholic Colleges for these presentations, which will be held at the following locations:
- 2 September at Magdalene Catholic College
- 4 September at St Benedict's Catholic College
- 9 September at Mount Carmel Catholic College
Each session will run from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, offering valuable insights within a convenient timeframe.
We encourage all parents and carers to attend these sessions in support of Child Protection Week and the ongoing wellbeing of our teens. Your participation is key to fostering a supportive environment where our young people can thrive.
We look forward to seeing you there! Please register via the links.
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
In the interest of keeping our students safe and responsible online, next week, students will need to rename their laptops according to a standardised naming convention designed to enhance the College's network security and safeguard devices on public networks.
Students will receive the new device name via email on Monday. They must update their laptop names by Friday, 30 August.
Starting Monday 2 September, if any device is found on the network with the wrong name, it will be disconnected from the network until the correct name is applied.
As always, thank you very much for your ongoing support. Should you require any assistance with your son or daughter’s learning or wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact the College or the appropriate Classroom Teacher, Pastoral Advisor or Year Coordinator.
Mrs Theresa Moore Miss Rebecca Toogood
Acting Pastoral Care & Wellbeing Coordinator
On August 4, Pope Francis published a letter encouraging a renewed love for reading. Reading good literature, he said, has the power to educate the ‘heart and the mind’ and lead one on the ‘path to personal maturity.’ Initially targeted at men training to be priests, Pope Francis’ letter acknowledges that this message – the valuing of good literature – is one that all of us need to hear.
In his letter, Pope Francis mentions a number of benefits that reading affords, including an enrichment of vocabulary, a stimulation of the imagination and creativity, an improvement in concentration, a reduction in cognitive decline, and an easing of stress and anxiety. He describes finding a good book or a good poem comparable to locating an ‘oasis’ where new interior spaces can be found that facilitate self-knowledge and personal growth. He goes on to say that ‘in moments of weariness, anger, disappointment or failure’, reading can help us ‘weather the storm’ and find peace.
Pope Francis mentions another very critical benefit of reading good literature and that is it enables us to see life from the perspective of others. ‘We must never forget how dangerous it is to stop listening to the voice of other people when they challenge us.’ He quotes the wonderful writer C.S. Lewis when he says, reading a good book allows us to see ‘through the eyes of others’, thus gaining a breadth of perspective that broadens our humanity. ‘In reading great literature’, Lewis says, ‘I become a thousand men and yet remain myself.’
In reflecting on his time spent teaching literature as a young man, Pope Francis acknowledges that it was then that he discovered the profound connection between literature and our deepest desires. He quotes the German theologian, Karl Rahner who saw a profound spiritual affinity between priest and poet. For Rahner, the words of the poet are like ‘gates into infinity, gates into the incomprehensible. They stretch out to what cannot be grasped.’ Pope Francis closes his letter with a quote from one of my favourite poets – Romanian-born Paul Celan: ‘Those who truly learn to see, draw close to what is unseen.’
Clare Murphy
English Coordinator and Literacy Instructional Coach
Around the Grounds
Welcome to week 5 of sport! We turn our focus towards the NSWCCC Netball School Based Competition and MISA Golf Tournament, where our talented athletes showcased their prowess in their respective sports. We also saw round 4 of MISA get underway with only one round left in week 6 before semi finals. We have multiple teams still in the hunt for good finals positions so stay tuned to see where we end up next week. In other upcoming events, we also have the staff VS Year 12 competition which will take place later this term. This is a great way to help send off Year 12 with a final chance to show their sporting abilities in attempting to beat the staff. A big thank you in advance to both our sports captain Arron and Janita who are helping run this event.
MISA
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Sport |
Result |
MVP | Short Report |
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Indoor Cricket Years 10-12 Boys OCOB |
BYE |
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AFL Years 10-12 Boys MARP
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vs MAS Loss 58-34 |
William Montgomery |
Excellent performance from the boys, coming up against the top team in the competition. We kept the score line respectable, only four goals in it. It was an outstanding effort by Monty in the middle, winning everything and chasing hard. We started the second half a bit flat though which meant we were playing catch up for the rest of the game. That was until Mateo came on up front. His presence was enough to scare the Macarthur Anglican boys away which meant our other forwards like Rydon and Nick were able to get more possession. Unfortunately we’re going to have a bye next week due to the Magdalene team forfeiting in advance. It means we’ll have time to prepare for a big match against John Therry. Thanks for the effort boys. |
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AFL Years 10-12 Girls ABRN |
FORFEIT |
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Rugby League U15's Boys HARK |
vs JTCC Draw 12-12 |
Kayde Hughes & Leon Teiotu | In the first round of competition we went up against JTCC and lost 34-4. Today after a few weeks together we were able to put in a strong performance and had a 12 all draw. The team keep turning up for each other and played good solid rugby league. We maintained possession and moved up in a line and this made all the difference. It was excellent to see the boys not drop their heads when they went down 12-6 late. They got back up the other end, then with consistent goal line pressure we had Leon, who already having played a full game, make a huge run to get the levelling try. Kayde then was able to kick the goal to make it 12-12. The MVP’s for the game were Kayde Hughes and Leon Teiotu. |
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Netball Years 7-8 Girls PONT |
vs BAC Win 10-8 |
Eva Alvarado & Ella Persson |
A hard fought win by the girls today. After being down all game, the girls pieced together a thrilling final quarter scoring a solid 5 goals to get us the win. The defence was on fire with much needed intercepts and tips down the entire court. Eva was exceptional and dominated in every position she played. Ella’s fitness and skilful passing made her a force to be reckoned with. Well done girls. A close, yet well deserved win. |
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Netball Years 9-10 Girls BELT |
vs BAC Loss 27-19 |
Miyah Meurant & Chelsea Sirec | The girls came out strong today, the first quarter being tied and everyone providing a strong defence and attack. Unfortunately we had too many turnovers in the second quarter and were unable to bring it back. Our defensive end was strong even with height against us, with Miyah able to provide some much needed intercepts. Chelsea was on point with her shooting today, finding space and not giving her opponent any opportunity to get a rebound. Keep your chins up girls, we’ll get them next week! |
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Softball Years 10-12 Girls HOBR
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VS WCCS Win 103 |
Elisha Phillipes Maria |
The girls continued their impressive batting by getting 5 across the home plate in the first innings. Some impressive pitching by Elisha helped keep the game tight going into the second innings only letting 3 WCCS players get home. The strong batting continued with the girls again getting 5 across the home plate to tale the game into an unmatchable lead. Well done girls! |
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Football Years 7-9 Girls HEAS |
VS THAC Won 10-1 |
Charlee Yule |
A dominant performance displayed by the girls today against Thomas Hassall in warm conditions. The girls demonstrated skillful attacking plays, and solid defensive efforts with the few changes that Thomas Hassall created. Charlee Yule led from the front after slotting a number of goals. Congratulations on a fantastic win today. Looking forward to next week! |
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Football Years 7-8 Boys KING |
Vs THAC Loss 3-1 |
Dylan Jacobs | After taking a 1-0 lead in the second half with a remarkable long-range strike from Izral Marmont, the boys unfortunately conceded four goals within a span of ten minutes, losing a game that was well within their grasp. The situation was further complicated by the opposing team fielding 12 players, which significantly impacted the match. Despite the loss, Dylan Jacobs stood out as the man of the match, making several crucial saves and delivering an outstanding performance. |
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Football Years 9-10 Boys BERB |
vs THAC Loss 3-1 |
Vincent Brancati |
Not the result we wanted despite. Another week where we conceded early in the game and started on the back foot. With the temperature higher today, the boys looked a little fatigued early in the match and struggled to keep up against a well rehearsed Thomas Hassall team. Nonetheless, the boys clawed back to 1-1 in the second half and had 3 very makeable opportunities, but only towards the end did they let some easily defendable plays through the middle to end the match in 3-1. Unlucky boys, onto next week we go again. |
As always, students are encouraged to sign up and trial for representative teams. Below you will find registration links for both our DIO and NSWCCC events. If you require any further information please visit the Diocese of Wollongong sports here.
Representative Pathways
| MISA Website | https:/wwwwmisaonlineeorgg.au/ |
| Diocesan Sport News | Updates and news on Wollongong Diocese sport events and trials can be viewed here |
| NSW CCC/CSNSW Sport News | Higher level CCC trials and events status can be monitored here. |
| School Sport Australia Sport News | More School Sport Australia information can be found here |
On Tuesday afternoon, Mr Teuma, Miss Oldfield, and Miss Nguyen joined students from all grades in planting new trees. These trees will provide shade to the yarning circle located behind E Block and the Labyrinth. This is the start of a wonderful environmental initiative that will hopefully be nurtured through the years by our students.
Reflection by Onyx Holmes
The notion of sustainability and caring for our environment is essential for society, particularly our College community. Planting (and then maintaining) these Dharawal native trees has been a vital step in upholding the needs of Our Common Home. I heavily advocated for this event, and yet was still inspired by the active involvement and participation of all involved.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following students for their time and effort: Rebecca Biju, Logan Eccles, Solange Hidalgo, Onyx Holmes, Ebony Johns, Michael Johns, Nakita Mason, Mar-Leigh Muldoon, Azura Pereira, Luciana Powell, Bianca Ryan, Chase Stephens, Bea Sualibios and Stephanie Tungcab.
Transit Systems
Please see letter regarding School Opal Card use and the importance of tapping on and off every time.
Transit Systems school bus route timetable is available via this link. Contact phone number is 8118 7102. This timetable now in includes the Willowdale transit routes.
Enrolments 2024 Onwards
The CEDoW has transitioned to a new online enrolment platform, called Funnel, removing the use of all paper forms. Please take note, particularly for sibling applications. The online application form is accessible from the College website.
Social Media – Facebook & Instagram
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Coming soon! Watch this space!