ST SPYRIDON COLLEGE 2007 Annual Report
Sydney, Australia
CONTENTS Message from the Head of College.................................................................... 3 About Our College .................................................................................... 3 Our Affiliations ........................................................................................ 3 Our Aspirations ........................................................................................ 3 The Year of 2007...................................................................................... 4 Academic Elevation Initiatives ........................................................................ 8 Student Performance, State-wide Tests and Examinations ................................... 11 BST and PWA results – percentages in skills bands .............................................. 13 BST and PWA results – percentages above benchmarks ........................................ 13 Post School Destinations - HSC Class of 2007 Highlights ....................................... 14 Destinations of Year 12 Class of 2007 .......................................................... 14 University Destinations of Year 12 Class of 2007................................................ 15 Destination by University Course Type ............................................................ 15 THE SEVEN STRATEGIC GOALS 2007-2011 ........................................................ 16 PROGRESS ON THE SEVEN STRATEGIC GOALS 2007 – 2011 .................................... 17 Goal 1: Our students will experience a dynamic, exciting learning culture that is firmly focused on the future. .................................................................... 17 Goal 2: Our students’ social, physical and spiritual well being will, play a major part in everything we do. ............................................................................... 21 Goal 3: We will initiate exemplary programs in Student Leadership, Community Action and Global Connections................................................................... 21 Goal 4: We will actively foster students’ appreciation of the beautiful things in life; art, music, literature, drama. .................................................................... 28 Goal 5: Support educators to enhance their professional knowledge, practice and commitment.......................................................................................... 30 Goal 6: We will reach out to the community and ensure the financial future of our College is secure. ................................................................................... 33 Address by College Captain .......................................................................... 35 Summary of Financial Information.................................................................. 37
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Message from the Head of College – Mrs Stefanou-Haag About Our College St. Spyridon College is a co-educational K-12 school, established in 1983 by the St. Spyridon Community of South East Sydney, under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. It had its first full complement of students in 1993. St. Spyridon is the first Greek Orthodox College in New South Wales. It attracts students across the Sydney metropolitan areas, who wish to pursue educational excellence within a caring, family environment. Almost all St. Spyridon students were born in Australia. They come from approximately 20 cultural and religious backgrounds. The majority have at least one Greek Orthodox parent. Approximately 50% of the student population comes from the Eastern suburbs while the other 50% comes from across the Greater Sydney metropolitan area. A parent-run bus service is provided, bringing students from Sans Souci, Earlwood, and the Sutherland areas.
Our Affiliations The College operates within the policies of the NSW Board of Studies. It is a member of the following bodies: •
Independent Schools Council of Australia (ISCA)
•
Association of Independent Schools in New South Wales (AISNSW)
•
Heads of Independent and Coeducational Schools (HICES)
•
Junior School Heads Association of Australia (JSHAA)
•
Independent Sporting Association (ISA)
•
Association of Heads of Independent Schools (AHISA)
•
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Schools Council (GOASC).
In 2007, Mrs Deanne Coucouvinis Chairman of the Board of Governors was privileged to be a member of the AIS Board. Mrs A. Katsogiannis, Principal Senior School, was a member of the AIS Professional Development Advisory Group.
Our Aspirations A key responsibility of schools is to prepare students to manage futures that due to rapid technological and social advances, that can neither be pre-empted nor predicted. St. Spyridon College does this by encouraging students to excel in all that they attempt. We provide an education that is academically rigorous and challenging.
We believe that a
strong sense of identity and self worth, are the basis for managing the challenges of life with confidence and success. Our pastoral care instills those values that inspire our students to make a positive contribution to their school and the wider community.
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The most distinctive aspect of Hellenic thought is the desire to solve the mysteries of the universe through a logical and innovative search for knowledge. As a school with a Classical Greek heritage we believe that we have a responsibility to promote the concept of a Thinking School. We give our students every support to fulfill their potential in their Learning Journey K-12. Our programs explicitly address the four pillars of education as identified by the UNESCO International Report on Education for the 21st Century “Learning; The Treasure Within”: Learning to know, Learning to be, Learning to do and Learning to live together. These four pillars rest on the cornerstone of Learning to Love. We want our students to be people of faith, people of compassion, and people of discipline. Students need to have a sense of belonging in order to embark on an “inner journey” where they develop strength of character, resilience, sense of purpose and responsibility.
In
partnership with parents we endeavour to make their journey both challenging and joyous.
The Year of 2007 As Head of St. Spyridon College, it is my privilege, to thank everyone who contributed to our College for the school year of 2007. Firstly, thank you Father Steven, for beginning this enterprise as parts of God’s work 25 years ago, for your generosity in giving of your time, your energy; your endless patience with all of us and above all your prayers for us. I thank the Hon. Kristina Keneally Minister for the Ageing and Disability Services and Members for Heffron who attended the Awards & Prizes Afternoon on Thursday 6th December 2007 for her words of inspiration; for the values of family and community that inform her career in politics; and her words of encouragement for the work that we do at St. Spyridon College for the good of our students. Thank you to the Parish President Mr Economou and the Parish Committee; the Board Chairman Mrs Coucouvinis and the members of the Board of Governors, for their hard work and the ambassadorial role on behalf of our College. I have been asked by our Chairman of the Board to thank all our teaching staff for their professionalism and hard work. We feel truly proud of our dynamic and talented team of K – 12 teachers. The Junior School Parent Voices survey was full of praise for our hard working and dedicated professional teachers. We also heard loudly and clearly that they would like a stronger music program and we will begin work on this forthwith. We in turn thank each of our parents for assisting us in every way possible for our children’s benefit.
We
congratulate parents for making us first in the Shop for your School Westfield Competition. The highly successful Spellathon led by Ms Raes and the Year 6 teachers, and which raised $10,000 for our Promethean Boards; the Skip-a-thon, initiated by the Sports Co-ordinator,
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Ms Thomson through the National Heart Foundation, raised $12,000.
These excellent
results are testimony to the strong partnership between home and school. Thank you to the parents for the generosity and for working with us on children’s health and nutrition and academic progress. We commend those parents that took part in the Parent Spalding Course; and everyone who assist in the canteen; in making costumes and backdrops; more particularly for your positive energy in promoting the good name of this College. This is how a true partnership between teachers and parents works – through shared actions on shared goals. A special thank you to Mr Jim Sialepis and the members of the Parents & Friends Committee for the excellent work they do, not only in raising funds but strengthening our sense of our community through events such as the Taverna Night and Spring Fair. To quote Tina Piperidis, year 10 student (ACER Upper School Scholarship winner 2008): “It is only with true dedication from our teachers that we have been able to climb the four pillars of learning”. In the same speech she thanks Mrs. Katsogiannis who as Tina says, “has been at the forefront of providing us the students with a true education, with wisdom and high expectations”. Thank you to Mrs. Katsogiannis, all strength to her and her co-workers, in managing the challenges of her chosen profession with staunch faith and honour. We commend Mrs Hamer, Principal of the Junior School for her hard work in the care, welfare and management of the Junior School, for her tenacity and insistence on high standards of herself, her staff and students. Heather Pappas as School Captain, Jana Arvanitakis as Vice Captain and Stathi Magoulias as Senior Prefect, were outstanding in their conduct and in the synergy of mind and spirit in fulfilling the difficult task of leadership. The Prefects and indeed all of you, Year 12 students dared to be the best they could be and to do the best they could do. Together with Mrs. Katsogiannis, we thank them for making us proud of who you are. They have certainly issued a challenge to Year 12 Class of 2008 - not just of academic endeavour, but of unity, hard work, compassion and mutual support. There are so many events in a school’s calendar. All I can do here is highlight just a few of them. So here goes:
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In terms of community service: •
The Year 7 welcome BBQ for the new Class of Year 7
•
Community Service in the Newtown Soup Kitchen
•
The tin can appeal for the welfare centre
•
The Ταµείο της Αγάπης as part of the Easter Focus.
•
Visits to homes for the aged
•
Carols singing for Senior Citizens
•
Peer Support at the Senior and Junior Schools
•
Preparing for the Preliminaries and HSC courses program
•
HSC Winter Holidays Elevation Program.
In terms of the Arts: •
Musical Snapshots at Hurstville Civic Centre
•
Macbeth at NIDA Parade Theatre
•
Junior School performances
Sports: •
HICES and ASISSA and CIS Athletics and Swimming Championships (JS)
•
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Championship in Swimming and Athletics
•
ISA and CIS colours in Basketball and Football.
•
Independent Schools (ISA) and House Sports and Galas.
Academics: •
First Place in the University of Technology’s Science Challenge
•
HSC results with over 97% taking on tertiary studies
•
Accelerated classes in the HSC Mathematics and Modern Greek
•
The in-house Careers Expo
•
Leadership Camps and Forums
•
Scholarships to Year 7 and Year 11 students 2008
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VIP Visitors: •
The visit of the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Mr. Costas Karamanlis
•
The visit of the Mayor of Thessaloniki
•
Visiting lecturer Professor Niemeyer, of the German Institute of Archaeology in Athens.
•
His Excellency Consul General for Greece Mr Raptakis
•
The Honourable Minister for the Ageing and Disability Services Kristina Keneally
•
The Honourable Michael Daley Member for Maroubra – inspirational speaker for the Preparing Preliminaries Course.
•
Top brass from the Hellenic Armed Forces on the occasion of the Battle of Crete commemorations
Other Initiatives: •
Global connections with Korea, China, Africa and next year Japan.
•
Commonwealth Youth Parliament representation by Natasha Diasinos
These events and initiatives have enriched the mind, body and soul of each student who embraced the opportunity to do their best. I close with a quote from Christopher Stasos Year 10 student and scholarship winner, at the Year 10 dinner. He says that Senior School “Students have an energetic approach to life, friendship and brotherhood; a feisty zest to keep going and never give up”. And “What has enhanced this approach to life has been our College. St. Spyridon has been of paramount importance in our journey to spiritual enlightenment and enrichment. Our School is a testament of hope, rising up to new challenges, and becoming better people. Our journey, thanks to our school, has also been about knowing ourselves, and having a place of belonging. This is what our school offers that no other school does. We are a small school, punching well above our weight, as the honourable Michael Daley told us during our Preparing for the Preliminaries Course... Our souls are cultivated through our traditions and ideals which we learn as Orthodox Christians”. I add nothing more to Christopher’s statement, except ΑΙΕΝ ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ.
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Academic Elevation Initiatives To maximise School Certificate & HSC results What did we do in Year 10? 1. Implemented the Progression Policy. i.
To progress to the post compulsory years of schooling (Year 11 and beyond) students were asked to formally express their interest in continuing, after giving consideration to the commitment that this entails.
ii.
All students sign an Acceptance Agreement that is co-signed by parents, indicating that they accept and agree to adhere to certain rules.
2. Preparing for the Preliminaries 12 day course included study skills, stress management, community visits, global connections and the Careers Expo. 3. Counselling of subject choice continued support to students by the Dean of Upper School. 4. Professional Development continued to focus on motivating and responsive teaching. 5. Pastoral care program focussed on working on student learning styles and study needs. 6. New timetable structure – one hour period including silent sustained writing. 7. More computers available, logins enabling students to work on any computer in the school 8. Smaller classes for Literacy focus.
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What did we do in Year 11? 1. Continued with the Progression Policy. 2. Minimum number of 13units was studied by the students in Year 11. 3. Leadership Camp included study skills, stress management, team building. 4. Counselling support provided to students through direct conferencing with Careers Adviser, Dean of Upper School and Year Adviser.
What did we do in Year 12? 1. Leadership program focussed on making students feel proud, involved and responsible. 2. Pastoral Care Program focussed on UAI, UAC, Special Provisions and BOS requirements. 3. Consolidated timetable structure. Students maximised study time by utilising Library Pod and Senior Study. 4. HSC Elevation Winter holiday program held to assist students to focus during holiday break in particular subjects. More in depth tutorial support by outside experts. 5. Minimum number of 11 units was studied by the majority of students. 6. Counselling support provided to students through direct conferencing with Careers Adviser, Dean of Upper School and Year Adviser. 7. Year 12 ‘Elite’ group meetings for high achievers were established. Meetings investigated study styles and issues of academic concern. 8. All students attended the careers markets at the UNSW and in-school. 9. Established more formalised Partnerships with Universities and TAFE for the benefit of our students. (61 students will be sitting for the HSC in 2008) 2007 Annual Report St Spyridon College
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1.
HSC Elevation Winter holiday program to assist students to focus during holiday break.
2. Continue with structured Pastoral Care program with a focus on study skills and study teams. 3. Counselling support provided to students through direct conferencing with Careers Adviser, Dean of Upper School and Year Adviser. 4. Board of Studies program “HSC All My Own Work� completed by all students. 5. New webpage. Elevation and Careers section in particular.
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Student Performance, State-wide Tests and Examinations HSC 2007
Total Number of Students
Performance Band achievement by % Band 3-6
Band 1-2
School
Statewide
School
Statewide
Ancient History
8
7(87.5%)
81.6%
1(12.5)
18.4%
Biology
5
5(100%)
89%
0
11%
Business Studies
19
19(100%)
80%
0
20%
Chemistry
4
4(100%)
91%
0
9%
Drama
2
2(100%)
94%
0
6%
Economics
10
10(100%)
88%
0
12%
English (Standard)
19
16(84%)
77.7%
3(16%)
22.3%
English (Advanced)
17
17(100%)
98.9%
0
1.1%
Hospitality Operations (VET)
7
7(100%)
81%
0
19%
10
10(100%)
86.8%
0
13.2%
Information Technology (VET)
3
3(100%)
75%
0
25%
Legal Studies
13
12(92.3%)
86%
1(7.7%)
24%
General Mathematics
14
13(92.9%)
83.7%
1(7.1%)
16.3%
Mathematics
17
16(94%)
88%
1(6%)
22%
Modern History
4
4(100%)
88%
0
22%
Music
1
1(100%)
97%
0
3%
Physics
5
5(100%)
89%
0
11%
Visual Arts
5
5(100%)
99%
0
1%
Modern Greek Continuers
8
8(100%)
98%
0
2%
Personal Dev. Health & P.E.
7
6(85.7%)
86.3%
1(14.3%)
13.7%
Software Design & Development
5
5(100%)
86.7%
0
13.3%
Information Processes and Technology
Please note: Band 6 is the highest band and Band 1 the lowest
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School Certificate 2007
Performance band achievement by % Bands 3 – 6 Bands 1 – 2
No. of Students
School
Statewide
School
Statewide
English – Literacy
47
100%
92%
0
8%
Science
47
96%
90%
4%
10%
Mathematics
47
72%
76%
28%
24%
Australian Geography. Civics and
47
96%
89%
4%
11%
47
100%
85%
0
15%
Citizenship Australian History, Civics and Citizenship Computing Skills: 100% of students Competent or Highly Competent
Percentage of students achieving elementary band or higher 2007 Tests
Year 7
Year 8
School
Statewide
School
Statewide
(ELLA) Overall Literacy
100%
94%
100%
98%
Writing
100%
95%
100%
97%
Reading
100%
96%
100%
98%
Language
100%
93%
100%
96%
(SNAP) Overall Numeracy
100%
93%
100%
96%
Number
100%
92%
98%
95%
Measurement
98%
92%
100%
95%
Space
98%
89%
100%
92%
Data
98%
92%
100%
95%
Patterns and Algebra
100%
87%
96%
91%
English Language and Literacy Assessment
Secondary Numeracy Assessment Program
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BST and PWA results – percentages in skills bands Year 3
Year 5
2007 Test
Band 1
Bands 3-6
Bands 1-2
Bands 2-5 Basic Skills Test (BST) Aspects of
School
Statewide
School
Statewide
School
Statewide
School
Statewide
Literacy
100%
(91%)*
0%
(9%)*
100%
(92%)*
0%
(8%)*
100%
(91%)*
0%
(9%)*
98%
(93%)*
2%
(7%)*
100%
(92%)*
0%
(8%)*
(95%)*
0%
(5%)*
Aspects of Numeracy Primary Writing
100%
Assessment
Please note: Bands 5and 6 are the highest and Bands 1 and 2 the lowest (* Relevant state-wide % is provided in brackets) The overall literacy and numeracy band results indicate that the performance of the School’s Year 3cohort significantly exceeded that of the state candidature with 100% (literacy), 100% (numeracy) and 100% (PWA) of year 3 students at St. Spyridon College Junior School falling into bands 2-5. The overall literacy and numeracy band results indicate that the performance of the School’s Year 5 cohort significantly exceeded that of the state candidature with 100% (literacy), 98% (numeracy) and 100% (PWA) of year 5 students at St. Spyridon College Junior School falling into bands 3-6.
BST and PWA results – percentages above benchmarks Year 3 Percentage of students achieving the benchmark
Year 5 Percentage of students achieving the benchmark
School
School
100%
100%
Aspects of
100%
94%
Numeracy
100%
100%
2007 Test Basic Skills Test (BST) Aspects of Literacy
Primary Writing Assessment
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Post School Destinations - HSC Class of 2007 Highlights In 2007, 36 students sat for the Higher School Certificate Examinations (HSC) across 26 courses. There were also 2 accelerant students from Year 11 studying Modern Greek Continuers and 1 accelerant studying Modern Greek Extension 1. We congratulate our students on their achievements and wish them well in their tertiary studies and future life choices. Highlights include: 他
Highest UAI 96.2 Igor Pavlov, University of New South Wales AAA Scholarship Winner.
他
97% of students have now begun Tertiary studies
他
80% of students now studying at University
他
Out of 36 students 72 results 80% and above in a given course
Destinations of Year 12 Class of 2007
TAFE Courses
Other University Courses
University Courses
2007 Annual Report St Spyridon College
TAFE Courses
Other
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University Destinations of Year 12 Class of 2007 UNSW 14%
USYD 7%
UTS 14%
ACU 10%
ND 21%
UWS 17% USYD - Universit y of Sydney UNSW - Universit y of NSW UTS - Univer sit y of Technology UWS - Univer sit y of West er n Sydney ND - Universit y of Not re Dame ACU - Aust ralian Cat holic Universit y
Destination by University Course Type
Business/Ec on. 46%
Sciences 15%
Laws 3%
OTHER 21% Education 9%
2007 Annual Report St Spyridon College
Arts 6%
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THE SEVEN STRATEGIC GOALS 2007-2011 “Depth and Continuity” Goal 1: Our students will experience a dynamic, exciting learning culture that is firmly focused on the future. Goal 2: Our students’ social, physical and spiritual well being will, play a major part in everything we do. Goal 3:
We will initiate exemplary programs in Student Leadership, Community
Action and Global connections.
Goal 4: We will actively foster students’ appreciation of the beautiful things in life; art, music, literature, drama. Goal 5:
We will continue to support every initiative possible to further enrich our educators’ knowledge and practice of their profession and their continuing commitment to it.
Goal 6:
We will reach out to the community and ensure the financial future of our College is secure.
Goal 7:
To make all of this possible, we must add the new buildings necessary to support our continuing pursuit of excellence across all fronts.
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PROGRESS ON THE SEVEN STRATEGIC GOALS 2007 – 2011 Goal 1: Our students will experience a dynamic, exciting learning culture that is firmly focused on the future.
HSC ‘Elevate’ program was held for the second year in July holidays for students of Year 12. Outside presenters led the students for 2 hour sessions in English Paper 1, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Visual Arts, Business Studies and Mathematics Extension 1.
University lecturers, HSC examination writers and HSC experienced examiners
informed the students of the best strategies for HSC preparation to unanimous applause. Partnerships with Universities Visiting Professor Niemeyer from German Institute of Archaeology in Athens spoke to 60 students about the life of an archaeologist and the experiences of a specific dig in Athens. (Visit was organised by the Sydney University Archaeological Institute, via contact established via Mr. Arvanitakis, Board Member). Partnerships were established with Macquarie University, Sydney University and Australian Catholic University through the Practicum teaching Program. Established relationship with the University of Notre Dame, student teachers attended sessions at the Junior School for School Immersion (First Year students) and School Practicum (Third Year students). Science Team developed a strong connection with Sydney University with the journal/newsletter “Science Alliance” received quarterly every year. The team belongs to the University of Technology Creative Science Challenge, coming 1st in 2007 in NSW, received a $200 book prize. Science teachers are involved in ‘Kickstart’, teacher workshops/programs available at the Sydney University where teachers take senior classes to investigate senior practical as part of the Stage 6 Senior NSW syllabus.
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Other initiatives to progress •
Year 7 Boys’ only classes (15 and 20 boys) in English, Maths, Science, HSIE, Music & Visual Arts (The Year 7 Class has 13 girls to 29 boys).
•
Organised out of school courses – German, Dutch, Farsi, Mandarin, Traineeship Automotive Engineering, Beauty Therapy, Property Services (Real Estate), Fashion Design and Technology, Construction Framework, Tourism Framework Course, Children’s Services
•
Developed strategies for English as a Second Language (ESL) for 3 new overseas students, Year 10 and 11).
Sports and co-curricular programs Junior School •
Combined Greek Orthodox Junior School Swimming Carnival – won for the 8th consecutive year.
ASISSA Athletics Carnival. Seven students selected to represent ASISSA at the NSWCIS Athletics Carnival
•
ASISSA Swimming Carnival – 4th out of 13 schools
•
ASISSA X/Country – 49 students represented St. Spyridon.
•
ASISSA Basketball trials- Niki Koukounaris selected for CIS Basketball team.
•
ASISSA Soccer Trials – 4 boys in ASISSA team.
•
ASISSA Soccer Trials: 4 students (Panos Armenakas (Yr3), James Andrew, Christopher Kolistasis and Petros Stefadouros (Yr 6) selected in team to represent ASISSA Association at CIS Soccer tournament.
•
HICES Swimming Carnival -3rd out of 8 schools in Division 2
HICES Athletics Carnival- St. Spyridon winners of Division 2- will be competing in Division 1 in 2008.
•
State Swimming Titles – Martha Spiliotis selected.
•
CIS Swimming Carnival – 5 students selected in CIS Team
•
CIS X/Country. Two students represented ASISSA (Panos Armenakas (Yr3) and Angelique Stramotas (Yr 6)
•
South Sydney Rugby League Gala Day- Three teams entered.
•
Junior School Athletics Carnival. Nemean House won carnival.
•
Junior School Swimming Carnival – Won By Corinthians
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Co Curricular activities offered at the Junior School: ¾
Early Bird Spalding (3 groups)
¾
Pottery
¾
Visual Arts Workshop
¾
Public Speaking
¾
Drama
¾
Computer Club
¾
Creative Dance
¾
Board Games
¾
Chess Competition (Eastern Suburbs Chess Association)
Senior School •
ISA swimming carnival and the St Andrew’s Invitational swimming carnival.
•
Katerina Hillelis and Makrina Spiliotis selected to represent ISA in Swimming.
•
ISA Basketball semi-finals and finals. Four teams made semi- finals and two made finals. Girls (Open B) lost by 2 points and boys (Under 17’s) lost by 4.
•
Kimberley Flaskas and Connie Bouhoutsos selected to represent ISA in Basketball.
•
Amanda Horafios and Ivana Bojanovic selected in NSW Futsal (indoor soccer) team. Amanda will tour Italy and Ivana will tour Brazil.
•
Participated in ISA Cross Country held in Bowral.
•
ISA representative Football – Costa Souleles and Amanda Horafios, Ivana Bojanovic and Tiffany Koutrouzos selected to represent the ISA at the NSW CIS Football championships.
•
Amanda Horafios selected for NSWCIS at the NSW All Schools Championships
•
Orthodox Colleges – St Spyridon College won the netball girls basketball and girls futsal (indoor soccer) at the Orthodox Colleges Championships held in Melbourne. The boys’ soccer team, boys’ basketball team, Girls table tennis team and boys’ volleyball team finished second.
•
The College participated in the Eastern Suburbs Futsal competition with the 16 years boys and the 19 years girls both making the final but coming second.
•
The Year 9/10 girls participated in the Metropolitan Schools Cup in Basketball.
•
Girls under 16 soccer team through to the 4th round of the Bill Turner Cup.
•
Senior School Swimming Carnival held. Students then chosen to represent the school at CIS.
•
Elliane Danillides (Greece Basketball team representative) and
Blake Borgia
off season intensive basketball training. •
Gerry Gomez coached and trained all St Spyridon Soccer teams for ISA season.
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•
A new instructor has been appointed for aerobics (co-curricular) with the aim of preparing the girls for the all schools carnival. She replaces the last instructor who has taken on full time work.
•
Peter Mavrommatis is the NSWCIS assistant coach for 2007. Peter Meintanis will be the trainer for the team.
•
Year 7 to 10 Co-curricular program has commenced. Activities include: working with wood, art and craft, drama, music, school magazine, dance, aerobics, fitness. An Aerobics instructor appointed to prepare students for school aerobics championships.
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Goal 2: Our students’ social, physical and spiritual well being will, play a major part in everything we do. Goal 3: We will initiate exemplary programs in Student Leadership, Community Action and Global Connections. Senior School Student Leadership Student Representative Council (SRC) All elected SRC members were presented with their badges at a special assembly held at the church on 22 March. SRC members were allocated a Library Duty at lunch time once a week, to assist the librarian and other students. All SRC members Years 7-10 and five Year 11 students attended the ‘Step into the Future’ Leadership Forums at the Wesley Centre. The SRC initiated a petition signed by students across all year groups aimed at lobbying Council for the installation of a zebra crossing or traffic lights in front of the school as a safety issue. These were presented to Michael Daley, local MP at a meeting with Mrs Stefanou. They also successfully campaigned on behalf of the student body for the removal of the metal poles on the court areas. All SRC reps were responsible for the collection of the Year 12 led Walkathon permission slips and Walkathon sponsorship donations from their classes. The SRC also planned, promoted and carried out Loud Shirt Day – a fundraiser for the Shepherd Centre. An SRC ‘Enviro – sub committee was formed to promote the conservation of energy (Lights Off – period 4) and the maintenance of a clean playground. SRC representatives relayed the results of meeting discussions to their class during Pastoral Care and record any issues of concern raised by their peers (these were brought up at council meetings).
Prefect Body The Prefect Body met every week, except during the exams, with 100% attendance. The Perfects led the student assembly every Friday on a roster system so that all have several experiences in organizing this event and increasing their leadership profile within the school.
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They were allocated a playground duty at recess and lunch time once a week to help support staff and to act as role models to younger students. The Prefects led Year 12 in organizing a very successful BBQ and Senior School walk-a-thon. Heather Pappas (School Captain) & Jana Arvanitakis (Vice Captain) attended the AIS Leadership Conference for School Captains and Vice Captains held at Parliament House Sydney. On the day they saw Parliament in action, listened to presentations by various prominent community leaders including: the Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir and Father Chris O’ Riley. They were given a tour of Government House. The Prefects’ Seminar, hosted at SGEGGS Darlinghurst is held every year and is attended by our Senior School leaders. It aims to prepare Prefects for the year ahead and provides them with tips in how to balance their academic commitments with their school leadership responsibilities.
Other Leadership initiatives: •
Lions Club Youth of the Year Quest – Round 1 was held on 28th February. It is a competition that judges students according to their leadership, academic, sporting & community work achievements, as well as their Public Speaking abilities. This year Heather Pappas (School Captain), represented the school and won round 1,making it the fifth year in a row that our school has won this title.
•
National Youth Constitutional Convention, Canberra. Jana Arvanitakis represented the State at this two day convention at Parliament House Canberra. Student leaders from across Australia debated various constitutional matters and put forward a number of changes they believed would be of benefit to the Nation.
•
Young Women’s Leadership Seminar, Parliament House, Sydney. Georgia Fentoullis & Natasha Diasinos (Year 11) attended in Week 10. The focus of the seminar was to discuss the many social, political and personal issues that affect women in leadership roles, to meet a variety of role models of women leaders, as well as explore the concept & definitions of leadership.
•
Parent Forum – 8/9, three Year 9 representatives addressed an audience of Parents and Year 8 students, explaining the processes they had adopted in making their subject selections the previous year.
•
Korean Students Visit – 8 Year 8 students welcomed, guided and assisted the Korean Students from the Junior School when they came for taster lessons at the Senior School campus.
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•
Year 7 Represented the Senior School at the Battle of Crete Memorial Service in Martin Place.
•
Year 9 Community Service at the Greek Welfare Centre: Soup Kitchen at Newtown Church.
•
Years 7 & 8 attended camp at Narrabeen Sports Recreation Centre.
•
Two Year 11 SRC’s, Georgia Fentoulis & Kyriakos Toulos attended the Community Relations Youth Leaders Day at the Crowne Plaza, Parramatta.
•
Three SRC’s, Christopher Stassos (Yr 10), Natasha Diasinos (Year 11), & Heather Pappas (Year 12) were nominated by the Dean of Middle School for the Australian Defence Forces “Long Tan Leadership Awards”.
•
Five Year 11 students attended the Step to the Future Student Leadership Conference at City Wesley Centre.
•
25th March celebrations at Opera House - JS Choir performed and Yrs 1 - 12 marched. Master of Ceremonies at the Opera House Mrs A. Katsogiannis
•
25th March Doxology poems recited by year 6 students: C. Synesios and S. Mihailidis and Year 12 student Jana Arvanitakis.
Peer Support Leader Development •
All Year 9 attended a three day Peer Support Leader Training and Outdoor Education camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen. Year 9’s were also invited to write a one page letter of application to the Dean of Middle School in order to be considered as Peer Support Leaders of the incoming Year 7 2008. Successful candidates were announced at the end of term Middle School Assembly.
•
Year 10 Peer Support Leaders began school one day earlier than their peers in order to help Year 7 on their first official day at the Senior School. The 16 Year 10 students who were trained the previous year as Peer Support Leaders of the incoming Year 7 cohort attended camp with them in Week 2. Furthermore, Year 10 successfully led their assigned groups through a Resiliency development program and for three weeks took turns in meeting their Year 7 groups at the beginning and conclusion of each lesson acting as guides and mentors. The aim of all this being to build positive relations between and within the two groups and also assist Year 7 in their transition to Senior School.
•
Representatives from Year 7, 8, 9 welcomed and accompanied Junior School Students throughout the “Getting to Know Us” Visits, strengthening relationships and reinforcing our Peer Support program.
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Senior School Pastoral Care •
Middle School Assembly – three middle school assemblies were held. Numerous Bronze, Silver, Gold Certificates were awarded, a movie ticket draw was held, Term in Review Reports were presented by Year 7, 8 & 9 SRC’s, as well as Year Adviser ‘ Pat on the Back Awards’ given out to students who were observed showing initiative and making outstanding positive contributions. Year 6 students were present at one of these assemblies.
•
Years 4, 5 & 6 visited the Senior School Campus as part of the “Getting to Know Us” Transition Program. Lessons were mapped out to ensure that over a 3 year period students have: varied learning experiences across all curriculum areas; become more comfortable and familiar with the high school environment, its routines, its specialist facilities, and staff.
•
MS - Readathon participation by the majority of students in Years 7, 8 resulted in an article being published in the Southern Courier at the request of the MS Organization, as promotion of this activity and our schools efforts in this regard. 100% of Year 7 and 85% of Year 8 registered for the MS-Read-a-thon.
•
Interviews with selected students identified through Half-Yearly reports and teacher feedback as needing further assistance or performing at a very high standard were held, the objective being to provide additional guidance to weaker students and acknowledgement to those who are excelling.
•
Fundraising & Community Awareness Activities – Year 7 Red Nose Day, $350 to SIDS, Year 8 Daffodil Day, Cancer Council, Year 9 continue helping out every Monday at the Greek Welfare Centre’s Soup Kitchen in Newtown and carrying out daily watering of school gardens & raising of school flags (the latter being recently interrupted due to broken hoists), Year 10 Jeans for Jeans Day $1430, Year 11 Kenyan Children’s Fund $800. Year 7- 10 completed work on the cultural and religious significance of the 25th of March.
•
Pastoral Care Program – Year 7: Anti-Bullying, Year 8 & 9 :Personal Development including: Cyber Safety Awareness, Cyber Bullying, Improving Interpersonal Relations and Emotional Well Being, Health - Meningococcal Disease), Year 10 : Work Experience, Subject Selection talks for Year 11 & 12, Study skills; online practise for ICT School Certificate Exam (SCE) and multiple choice components of past History & Geography SCE’s, Year 11 Study Skillsfinal competency unit from BOS Mandatory Study “My HSC: All My Own Work”, Personal Development Units in Leadership as preparation for lead up to becoming Year 12 and applying to become a Prefect, Year 12- Study Skills for
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Trial HSC, Career Options 2008, Awareness of Tertiary Study Providers and UAC application process •
Year 8 Parent Forum held to inform parents about the choices available for Year 9 2008 and to begin the process of subject selection. Two Yr 9 and one Yr 10 student presented with great skill to parents giving their impressions and best advice
•
Easter Focus ran over several weeks. Activities included:- card making (Year 7), baking Koulouria (Year 8) for Nursing Home residents, decorating Lambathes (Year 7 & 8), Year 9 led the school in donating over 500 individual food items for the Greek Welfare Centre’s Easter Appeal while also completing a unit on Poverty in Australia, Year 10 practised Hymns for the Good Friday Easter Service and made candles, Year 11 learned about the significance of the Epitafios in preparation for carrying it on Good Friday and joined with Year 12 to listen to a lecture by Mrs Stefanou on the importance of the Theotokos. Term 1 ended with an Easter Focus assembly which included chanting from Year 9 Byzantine Choir, sermons from Mr Mavrommatis and Mrs Mio, student reflections and the decoration of the Epitafios.
•
HPV Immunisations for Girls, Years 10-12 (one of three vaccines) as part of the national cervical screening program
•
Year 7 were immunised against Hepatitis B (one of two vaccines) and Chicken Pox.
Junior School Student Leadership Year 6 Leadership team organised the following fundraisers: •
Jeans 4 Genes (team: C. Synesios, M. Kambos, K. Lambrou, S. Mihailidis) over $1000 raised
•
Sun Awareness Programme: Selling of Sunglasses to students K-6. These will be distributed to students during the Skip-a-Thon day.
•
Year 6 prepared “Welcome” ceremony assembly and gift bags for visiting Korean students.
•
Teaching about “Korea Awareness” as part of preparation for 32 Korean exchange students visiting the Junior School on a study tour. Year 6 prepared and gave lessons across all K-5 classes.
•
Year 6 students prepared booklets “The Story of Easter” for their Kindergarten Buddies
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•
HICES Leadership Day: Attended by 20 office bearers. Generations”.
Operated by “Rising
Outstanding opportunity to view our students with other
independent schools and their representative leaders. •
Peer Mediation: Problem solving strategies in playground
•
House Captains headed swimming carnivals
•
Helping in Year 1 and K during Divine Liturgy
•
Captains and prefects lead Assembly in the morning
•
Buddies: Shared reading (kindergarten) followed by picnic/lunch
•
Spell-a-thon Year 6 Fundraiser. This was conducted across all grades K-6. Ms. Raes Coordinated the fundraiser with the assistance of the Year 6 teachers. Students in year 6 promoted and organised running of the event. Over $10,000 was raised and money will be allocated for the purchase of IWB’s (Interactive White Boards) for the Junior School.
•
Year 6 student body continued with the establishment of “Harmony Garden”. Retaining wall and footpath was laid and plants planted. This will be an ongoing project for year 6.
•
Year 6 Organised Mad Hair Day, $742 raised.
Junior School Pastoral Care •
House Captains Initiative K-6:
Planning commenced during term 2 for
allocation of House Points/tokens. Objective of this initiative is to encourage positive social behaviours, give students a sense of belonging and highlight the contribution to a house beyond sporting achievement. •
Year 3 organised and presented ANZAC Day assembly, including song drama and stories. Excellent and emotional experiences for all present. Parents, grandparents and other guests were particularly impressed with the ability and understanding of such an event by children so young.
•
Easter Focus Assembly. Large audience, excellent feedback.
•
Year 6 initiated “Lunchtime buddies” programme. Once a week (Wednesday) year 6 students spend their lunchtime with their buddies (K), playing games, reading stories and talking.
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.
2007 Annual Report St Spyridon College
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Goal 4: We will actively foster students’ appreciation of the beautiful things in life; art, music, literature, drama. Students from the music Co-Curricular activity performed at Snapshots-held at the Hurstville Civic Centre whilst students who are in the Drama activity were all involved with the Macbeth Drama production held at NIDA. Both were excellent events, played to full houses and received high praise from parents. Parish President, Chairman of Board, Father Steven and members of the Board were present. Greek Play – “Small Pharisees” performed to maximum audiences this year at the Parish Hall. His Grace Bishop Seraphim attended and was very pleased. Junior School •
K-2: “Carols in the Hall”
•
Musica Viva performance at the Junior School K-6 students attended.
•
Author of children’s Books Sue Walker visited the junior school and spoke to the students in years 3-6 of how a story is conceived and written. This was part of Book Week.
•
Over 160 students took part in the Premiers Reading Challenge.
•
Year 3 performance: “The Emperors New Clothes”
•
Year 4 performance: “Charlotte’s Web”
•
Year 5 Greek performance: “Hercules and the Nemean Lion”
•
Year 6 Performance: “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream-coat”
All performances played to full houses and received high praise from parents and the community.
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Goal 5: Support educators to enhance their professional knowledge, practice and commitment. St Spyridon College values the professionalism of its teachers very highly and supports their ongoing professional development by providing financial support for courses and in-service sessions. Priorities are determined by the strategic directions set within the Seven Strategic Goals. St Spyridon teachers embrace the opportunities presented to them and spend many hours and days of their own time on expanding their knowledge and professional skills.
Description of Professional Learning Activity
No of staff participating
Goal 1 Action 4 - Metacognition and Literacy
All teachers K-12
Teacher Accreditation – Seminars and Conference
6
Special Education Conference
3
Supporting Students with special needs ADHDD support in the classroom. Identifying and supporting students in the mainstream classroom Mathematics – Learning in Early Numeracy (LIEN); learning framework and
All teachers K-12 5
one to one assessment, Short course in mathematics ICT – innovative uses of technology integrated into teaching in a wide
7
range of practical and exciting ways, across the curriculum, IT VET Literacy – Issues in print: introduction to elements of a newspaper,
10
(photos, cartoons, headlines) using visual literacy, creating a storyboard to understand current issues and news Literacy – Spalding Methodology
2
Science and Technology
5
Creative and Practical Arts
3
Leadership – Seminars / Conference
5
Registration and Accreditation. Board of Studies Requirements
All teachers 7-12
Student Engagement, Student learning
2
Sport
3
HSC/SC marking
12
Pastoral Care
4
Child Protection
2
Occupational Health and Safety
2
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PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS TO WHICH TEACHERS BELONG AHISA Australian Head of Independent Schools in Australian AHISA National Committee on Social Issues ALIA Australian Library Information ASLA NSW Aust. School Libraries Assoc ALA American Library Association AIS Secondary Professional Development Advisory Group ASLA American School Library Association AIIP Association of Independent Information Professionals ASIST Association Science and Information Technology Australian College Educational Readership AHISA Principal of Studies ASCD Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development ACHPER (Aust. Council of Health, PE & Recreation) Art Gallery of NSW MANSW Mathematics Association of NSW Modern Greek Teachers Association CSTA Computing Studies Teachers’ Assoc. EDA Educational Drama Association EBE Economics Business Education Assoc. English Teachers’ Association Food Facts Nutrition Australia Nurtidate History Teachers’ Association HICES Head of Independent Coeducational Schools HICES Head Deputies Group HICES Junior School Heads of Independent Co-educational Schools ISA Independent Sports Association ISCA Independent Schools Council of Australia JSHAA Junior Schools Heads Association of Australia JSHAA Deputies’ Umbrella Group JSHAA Curriculum Co-ordinators’ Group JSHAA Infants Co-ordinator JSHAA G&T Umbrella Group JSHAA ICT Umbrella Group JSHAA Support Teachers’ Umbrella Group JSHAA Librarians Umbrella Group LTA Legal Teacher Association SPELD Visual Arts Teachers’ Network
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Professional Leadership In turn, our teachers provided educational leadership to other teachers in New South Wales. For example, the following teachers contributed to the management of the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate in 2007: Vesna Belajcic
HSC Marker
Serbian
John Coe
HSC Marker
Modern History
Anthony Condous
School Certificate Marker
Mathematics
Mary Faletas
HSC Judge
Modern Greek
HSC Marker
Modern Greek
HSC Examiner
Modern Greek
Melissa Gerke
ACER ESSA Marker
George Georgoulopoulos
HSC Marker
IPT
Dimity Kefalouros
School Certificate Marker
English
Marina Kalithrakas
School Certificate Marker
Mathematics
Rebecca Kiejda
School Certificate Marker
English
Arthur Kollias
School Certificate Judge
Mathematics
HSC Advice Line
Mathematics
School Certificate Marker
Mathematics
HSC and School Certificate Feedback and Advice Karene Lucas
HSC Marking
Drama
Christina Savva
HSC Marking
Music
Teacher Accreditation and Teachers Professional Standards Four new teachers were mentored by a team of educational leaders to undertake the demands of teacher accreditation. Two of these have completed the process and have been submitted for Certification.
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Goal 6: We will reach out to the community and ensure the financial future of our College is secure. New Out of School Hours Centre The St. Spyridon College out of school hours care centre was established with the support of the Parish Executive Officer and the Parish President. The Centre is run by the Greek Welfare Centre NSW and now also runs vacation care programs as well. Global Connections The Head of College and Parish Executive Officer visited China for 10 days and made links with agencies that work across Asia. The results have been encouraging with 9 new overseas students having enrolled in 2007. Overseas strategy saw a Study Tour for 32 Korean students visit our College for 3 weeks, with 7 students staying for another 3 weeks. We will not be using these agents again-problems arose that through their bad organisational skills and lack of integrity. Thank you to all Junior School teachers who worked with enthusiasm on making the experience worthwhile for both existing and overseas students.
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K – 12 and VIP Visits •
The visit of the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Mr. Costas Karamanlis.
•
The visit of the Mayor of Thessaloniki.
•
Visiting lecturer Professor Niemeyer, German Institute of Archaeology in Athens.
•
His Excellency Consul General for Greece Mr Raptakis.
•
The Honourable Minister for the Ageing and Disability Services Kristina Keneally.
•
The Honourable Michael Daley Member for Maroubra – inspirational speaker for the Preparing Preliminaries Course.
•
Top brass from the Hellenic Armed Forces on the occasion of the Battle of Crete commemorations.
P&F Events and initiatives •
P&F Palm Sunday luncheon
•
Mothers’ day breakfast
•
Spring fair
•
Taverna Night
•
Chocolate drive
Junior School •
Shop For Your School: Junior School winners of Band 2 schools. The college won 1st Prize in its category (Over $15000 in prizes). Mrs. Hamer and School Captains accepted prizes at Westfield Eastgardens.
•
Radiomarathon Christmas Card drawing. All students K-6 participated.
Senior School •
Year 9 contributed to Battle of Crete celebrations this year. Dignitaries from Greece were present to witness the students’ spoken presentations of their perceptions of the war.
New Technologies Three new Promethean Boards installed at the Junior School. This initiative has been embraced enthusiastically by Junior School teachers.
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Address by College Captain Scholarships and Awards Assembly Leadership: How is one to describe a word that covers so many aspects of life and is made up of so many different human characteristics?
Our Senior Prefect, Stathi
Magoulias, and I agreed that a dictionary definition might provide a good start to help us identify a specific interpretation of the word. The definition stated that leadership is the ability to guide, direct, or influence people. This evidently explains the word in quite broad terms. This is why we decided to form our own definition of leadership based on the Student Principles that exist at St Spyridon College. This makes is more relevant the lives of the students that are sitting in front of me and their day to day activities. Therefore, leadership can also be defined in our eyes as working with our peers to achieve “a school community whose distinguishing characteristics are those of friendship, compassion and decency”. This definition was exemplified recently in the group work that led to the update of our Student Principles. The Year 11 Class of 2006, of which we were part, was given the opportunity to work with out Head of College Mrs Stefanou-Haag in updating the principles that were initially formulated in 2001. This not only allowed leadership skills to be exerted by the group, but also allowed Year 11 to express their goals as students of the College. In following these updated principles, members of the 2007 Prefect Body have engaged in forums to assist in their development as leaders by involving themselves in combined schools workshops.
As we speak, our Vice-Captain Jana Arvanitakis is representing
N.S.W. and our school at a forum for Constitutional matters at Parliament House. Recently, a similar experience was encountered by Jana and than 60 students from across the State. In Term 4 last year, Stathi was accompanied by our Sports Captain Sandra Mitris and Prefect Marissa Karageorgis to a Multicultural Youth Forum in which they participated in workshops relating to racism and the tolerance of different nationalities. We are currently in preparation for Easter, and in doing so, our younger years have also been given the opportunity to represent the school. Year 9 has already contributed by their “Donate a Tin Can” community appeal which has been a great success so far. Also, Year 10 is in preparation for the chanting of the Engomia (Lamentation Hymns) and Year 11 boys will be selected to carry the Epithapios on Good Friday. Experiences
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such as these are effective ways in which we develop the ability to have a positive influence on others and lead by example. Today we are praising our student leaders and we congratulate all award recipients who have made appositive contribution to the College. members of the Student Representative Council.
We also congratulate our new The SRC is an elected group of
students who stand as a voice for their peers and a leader of their class. This is the most significant leadership opportunity offered at St Spyridon, as the group encompasses students from Years 7 right through to Year 12, allowing those even as young as 12 years old to build their skills as leaders and have their say in any improvements that could be made to the school. This ability to express ones views is something that St Spyridon College has always valued. Involvement by all members of the school community is vital in achieving the best possible outcomes for everyone.
What we’d like to emphasise though is that
although there are leaders, the followers of those leaders are just as critical in the overall development and functioning of the school. In saying so, we’d like to leave you with the words of Winston Churchill which depict what we believe to be a good leader. He once said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen”. Heather Pappas College Captain 2007 March 2007
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Summary of Financial Information
INCOME 2007 COLLEGE Commonwealth-general recurrent 32%
State- interest subsidy 3%
tuition fees and other income
State grant- per capital State grant- per capital 14% Commonwealth & other 2%
State- interest subsidy
Building Fund contribution 5%
Commonwealth-general recurrent
Commonwealth & other
tuition fees and other income 44%
loans interest 4%
Building Fund contribution
COLLEGE EXPENSES 2007
building and operation expenses 9%
teaching general administration expenses 11%
subjects, resources, students' stationery administration expenses subjects, resources, students' stationery 9%
teaching general 67%
building and operation expenses
loans interest
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Educational Excellence within a Caring Environment St. Spyridon College Junior School Campus 78 Gardeners Road Kingsford NSW 2032 Australia P. (02) 9663 5363
F. (02) 9663 5365
e. juniorschool@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au
St. Spyridon College Senior School Campus 1130Anzac Parade Maroubra NSW 2032 Australia P. (02) 9311 3340
F (02) 9311 4532
e. admin@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au