VOLUME XXXIII No 16
4th November, 2016
DATES TO REMEMBER
FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE
NOVEMBER
CONGRATULATIONS SPORTS STARS 2016
Final Assessment Period begins Year 7 – 9
TO
OUR
7th
Final Assessments Year 10 begin
14th
Parent Forum Year 7, 2017
15th
Year 4 Camp
16th
Years 3 & 4 Camp
17th
Years 3 & 4 Camp
18th
Orientation Day Year 7, 2017
18th
Years 5 & 6 Camp
23rd
Years 5 & 6 Camp
24th
Years 5 & 6 Camp
25th
K-4 & 5 P & T Interviews
28th
K-4 & 6 P & T Interviews
30th
Sportsman of the Year – Nicholas Kollias
DECEMBER Middle School Assembly
2nd
Year 6 Graduation
6th
Academic Excellence and Student Leadership
8th
Assembly Years 3 – 12, 9.30 a.m. Term ends for students
Sportswoman of the Year – Eleni Haralambides
Sportspersons of the Year - Adriana Drakoulis, Paul Giavis. Athanasia Manos
Pierre de Coubertin winner Chrystal Christie A full Gallery of all our students honoured at the Sports Presentation on 3rd November, 2016 will feature in our next Newsletter.
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Invitation Year 7 Class 2017 1.
Parent Forum (for parents and students)
Date: Venue: Time:
Tuesday, 15th November, 2016 Sports & Performing Arts Centre 6.30 p.m.
During this evening students and parents will have the opportunity to get to know each other as well as to discuss the following: The first day of Senior School The Middle School Curriculum Getting to Know you program
2.
Orientation Day (for students)
Date: Venue: Time:
K
–
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Friday, 18th November, 2016 Senior School Campus 8.45 a.m.—2.45 p.m.
NEWS 2
examinations will be held on Saturday, 25th February, 2017.
CONGRATULATIONS Our warmest congratulations are extended to Mr and Mrs Karpouzos on the birth of their daughter Tiffany, brother to Elia and Spyridon.
You may register now online: www.stspyridon.nsw.ed.au follow the links to Online Scholarship Application.
P&F NEWS The P&F would like to thank everyone who attended our Spring Fair on Sunday. THANK YOU to the tireless committee members who attended over the two-day weekend to set-up and had the mammoth task of bringing it all together so it can run as smooth as possible for all. We hope each and every one of you enjoyed the day out for our school community. Thank you to DJ Darcy who donated his time to provide a great selection of music for the day. The Greek dancing by the children always steals the show and a definite highlight for the day! Well done everyone!
We extend our congratulations to Dr Aikaterini Kokkinaki, our Greek Language tutor and her husband Ilias Flaounas on the birth of their first son, Nickolas.
The funds raised at our Fair was $20,077 so well done to all who donated money, food, drinks, or their time. Every little bit, however big or small is appreciated and counts to the success of the day! Till next time…
May Christ bless both families with good health, long life and lots of laughter.
SCHOLARSHIPS Year 7 Applications are now invited from new and continuing students to sit for the following ACER Examination Scholarship: Year 6 (Year 7, 2018) A Year 6 Scholarship for the top Year 6 student applying for St Spyridon College will receive their tuition fees paid for four years from Year 7 to Year 10.
Year 10 (Year 11, 2018) Two scholarships for the two top Year 10 students will receive their tuition fees paid for two years.
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Closing date for applications is Monday, 6 February, 2017. ACER scholarship
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SPRING FAIR PHOTO GALLERY
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Thank you P & F for an amazing day. Photography by: Colin de Costa
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We thank those generous sponsors who have asked to remain anonymous. To all the K – 6 parents who willingly and generously supported the fair through their donations, manning of stalls and patronage I extend my sincere thanks. All funds raised are injected back into the College for the benefit of the students.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NIGHT – Thursday November 10 - 4.30pm to 8pm
It is this community spirit and support of one another that makes this College so great. May our Lord bless each and every one of you.
*** ONE NIGHT ONLY! *** Our final fundraiser for the year will be a Shopping night at the Estee Lauder Corporate Store at Erskineville exclusively open for St Spyridon College parents and friends just in time for Christmas. There are only 100 tickets available for this event. This is a ticketed entry only. Ticket Cost is a $10 Donation. ALL WELCOME! Tickets on sale from Junior school office. For enquiries, please contact Christine O’Reilly 0424 712 556 or Joanna Coutts 0419 992 027. Please don’t hesitate to email or call the P&F for further information. Angela Kasmas (Secretary) pfcommittee_@hotmail.com
JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT Our thanks are extended to our P & F President, Mrs Bourdaniotis and her AMAZING Committee for the fabulous Spring Fair. We had many new stalls and rides and many more sponsors. A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all. We thank our major sponsors for their very generous donations. Bill Constantinides from The Lending Association for sponsoring BBQ Stall; Katsiaris and Bebonis Families from The Golden Top Bakery for supplying pita breads and, the Natsikas family for sponsoring The Photo Booth.
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We thank Year 2 and their teacher, Mrs Pavlidis for preparing a short assembly on the significance and events of the 28th October, 1940.
“OXI” DAY Congratulations to Nicolas Kalligiannis and Leanna Papaleonidas from Year 6 who so eloquently recited the poem ΑNΑΜΝΗΣΕΙΣ ΤΟΥ '40 in church and at the Archdiocese on Sunday.
KALANTA If you are in Years 2 – 11 and you would like to assist us to spread the Good News of Jesus’s birth, join us for the Kalanta. Your assistance is required on the 12th, 13th or 14th of December between 5pm and 8pm. For more information please contact the Junior School Office.
KISS AND GO We are pleased to announce that Randwick Council has given us permission to trial a Kiss and Go at the Junior School at the commencement of next year. This means that you will drive up to the school and let your child out and drive off, no need to look for parking and the same service will be available at dismissal. We thank Heidi Leadley and Tony Lehmann from council and our Parish Executive Officer Mrs Tsaconas for working with us on this project. More specific information will be provided in a separate bulletin later in the year.
MOST IMPROVED AWARD YRS 3 – 6 This year the Most Improved Award for Years 3 – 6 will not only cover the KLA of English, but will be based on improved performance
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across English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography.
CHANGES TO REPORT FORMAT As you are aware, in 2011, New South Wales joined with the Australian Government and all other states and territories to develop an Australian curriculum. This curriculum would ensure that all children in Australia would be taught specific content and skills. New syllabus documents in English, Mathematics, Science and History have since been implemented in all schools and the final one Geography will become mandatory in 2017. Our report template has undergone a few changes since 2011 and is still being modified so that it provides you with a clear picture of what your child has achieved according to their stage but also information about how they have done in comparison to their peers in these new curriculum areas. The Kindergarten report is the only one that does not require comparison with peers.
Students are the drivers of their learning. Are they able to express themselves, their views and, reflect on and respond to their own learning and that of others? It’s about thinking about their thinking. As our partners in the education of your children, your feedback is welcomed.
The focus has shifted in that children are expected to use what they have learnt, and apply this knowledge to make connections across subject areas. The learning is much more integrated meaning that you often need content and skills from different subjects to complete a task. A writing task for example may require the children to write a persuasive argument about Why Australia should retain the Queen as Head of State. This requires content and skills from English as well as History.
LIONEL BOWEN YOUNG WRITER’S AWARD We congratulate Amali Roumanous (3A) for being shortlisted in the Years 3 and 4 – Poem category of the 2016 Lionel Bowen Young Writers’ Award. All shortlisted entrants, will attend the prize giving ceremony on Wednesday 23rd November, at the University of New South Wales, where the winners in each category will be announced.
New learning requires students to develop general capabilities such as critical and creative thinking; collaboration and communication skills eg. Information and Communication Technology; intercultural understanding; Literacy and Numeracy; Personal and Social Capability.
The shortlist is currently being reviewed by an expert judge at UNSW who will decide first, second, third place winner in each category. The judge is also able to award Highly Commended in each category at their discretion.
What are the changes you will see in this end of year report?
theory and application and we wanted to acknowledge the strengths of the students. English has broader descriptors to allow for a more integrated approach to teaching the skill. Eg. Applies appropriate speaking and listening skills for communicating, requires students to understand how speaking and listening skills are used for different purposes and audiences and, how the interaction skills change for effective communication. It also requires them to demonstrate this in the classroom through various situations.
Winners of each category will have the added thrill of seeing their work in print, when Juvenilia Press publishes a book containing all the winning entries. The book will be released on the night.
There will be no overall grade for Physical Development and Health, Physical Education, Music, Drama, Dance and Visual Arts. These will be treated as individual strands as the skills required vary greatly between
Thank you to all teachers from Years 3-6 who encouraged students to enter the competition.
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Raphael Messiou Hudson Rallis Nikolas Dimaris Marco Vukoman Fiona Neroutsos Anthea Preketes Jennifer Pyliotis Krissy Bourdaniotis Sophia Karatasos Petar Jovanovic Leon Kalyvas Alexander Kumar Katerina Alexandratos Nektarios Kollias
Well done to Ms Besir for nurturing Amali’s writing talents. All the best Amali!
Miss T. Bletsogiannis Curriculum Coordinator
AUSTRALIAN COMPETITION
WORD ZONE BY WRITE 4 FUN We are pleased to announce that 37 students have been given the opportunity of having their writing published in ‘Word Zone’, a book put together by Write 4 Fun. This book will be produced as a beautifully presented, limited edition, hardbound volume, containing many poems and short stories from students all over Australia. ‘Word Zone’ is scheduled for release in March 2017. Congratulations to the following students:
MATHEMATICS
The above competition is an annual event that attracts students from throughout Australia and abroad. It is a rigorous competition that tests the student’s ability to apply Mathematical skills to solve challenging problems. Students are awarded according to predetermined scores. Of the 68 participants from Years 3 to 6, our students earned 6 Distinctions, 32 Credits and 26 Proficiency awards. A special mention has to be made of 4 students because of their percentile rankings. Amali Roumanous(90th), Chrissy Drakakis(91st), Alexandra Bizzanes(96th) and Paul th Giavis(96 ). Chrissy Drakakis Year 3 Distinction Amali Roumanous Year 3 Distinction George Alexandratos Year 3 Distinction Alexandra Bizannes Year 4 Distinction Paul Giavis Year 6 Distinction Sia Manos Year 6 Distinction Peter Baroutis Year 3 Credit Aston Roumanous Year 3 Credit Phillip Preketes Year 3 Credit Lara Stathis Year 3 Credit Christof Bieri Year 3 Credit Peter Winnel Year 3 Credit Georgia Karatasos Year 3 Credit Spyridoula Karagiorgou Year 3 Credit Dean Foundis-Borrett Year 4 Credit Harrison Andrews Year 4 Credit
Alexander Nikitopoulos Anastasia Lambrou Nicola Chrysostomou Mia Paras Jasmin Moros Anastasija Mihajlovic Andrea Kakakios Stavros Haralambides Crystal Coulits Angelina Costa Willem Chellos Nicholas Giallafos Demetrios Paparsenos Katerina De Pasquale Evana Haramis Anne-Marie Aroney Kosta Micos Nicholas Bastas Theoni Asproukos Nicholas Notaras Charlie Georgas Sienna Tsoukalas Talia Diamond
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Jordan Haramis Andrew Dalessis Denny Poulos Elizabeth Notaras Gabriella Gouveros Dimitra Kasmas Catherine Coutts Angelique Drakakis Isabella Koutoulogenis Nektarios Kollias Charlie Georgas Crystal Coulits Natalia Constantinidis Talia Diamond Jasmin Moros Katerina Alexandratos Adriana Drakoulis Jamyson Gouveros Nicholas Papas Marlon Rallis Vasili Giaras Sophia Economou
Year 4 Year 4 Year 4 Year 4 Year 4 Year 4 Year 4 Year 4 Year 4 Year 5 Year 5 Year 5 Year 5 Year 5 Year 5 Year 5 Year 6 Year 6 Year 6 Year 6 Year 6 Year 6
Be Loverly” from the musical My Fair Lady. Well done Crystal.
Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit
Mrs H. Coyne Music Teacher
LIBRARY BORROWING Could all Library Books borrowed from the Library be returned on or before Friday 18th November 2016. Thank you. Mrs C. Bartlett Librarian Mrs A. Synesios Principal Junior School
SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT OXI DAY COMMEMORATIONS How we celebrated the 28th October: (a) On Friday, 28th October: Students spoke about the meaning of this day and recited their poems at the Senior School morning assembly.
Mr A Dookie
NSW MUSIC TEACHERS JUNIOR MUSIC FESTIVAL
(see Greek section)
Crystal Coulits and Mrs Coyne attended the NSW Music Teachers Association Junior Music Festival on Sunday, 23rd October. This annual festival attracts students who are studying music with a private Music teacher. Crystal Coulits of 5I was awarded first place for her wonderful performance of “Wouldn’t It
(b) On Friday, 28th October: (ii) Mr Mouhtaris with four students, Eleni Preketes, Tiffany Tsoukalas, Sonya Paradisis and Chris Vlachos, attended the commemoration held by the Greek Consulate in Hyde Park.
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(c) On Sunday, 30th October: (i) Mrs Faletas was MC at the celebrations at the Archdiocese. Mr Condous attended with Year 11 representatives along with Mr Picardi who laid the wreath and Mihalis Dovellos, Year 7, recited a poem.
HSC 2016 The HSC written exams have now ended. HSC final Assessment ranks are via Students Online. (ii) Students in Years 8 – 9 attended St Spyridon Church with their Year Advisers and other Teachers. Joanna Skouteris, Year 10 and Eleni Preketes, Year 9, recited their poems.
The HSC results will be released on Thursday, 15th December, 2016 and the ATAR’s Friday, 16th December, 2016.
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YEAR 10 DRAMA: DESIGN UNIT This Term, the Year 10 Drama class have been studying Design in Theatre. Drama is not only about what happens on the stage, but also what goes on behind the scenes, which includes elements such as costumes, set, lighting, sound and promotion. The students have been experimenting with each of these elements through practical workshops, and we are lucky enough to have Miss Carter with us this term to guide the students through these workshops. Miss Carter completed a course in Stage Managements and Technical Production at NIDA and has been sharing her knowledge and skills, as well as some fantastic resources, with the students. The Year 10 students are working towards their final assessment task which consists of a three dimensional set model, costume renderings and a poster for an imagined production, all showcasing their original design concept.
Mrs McCoy Drama Teacher
FROM THE ART ROOM Year 9 have been investigating painting from life. Because many life forms tend to move, they have been focusing on plants. The sunflowers were inspired by the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh. Students have been manipulating thick impasto paint, which has made the process similar to icing a cake. However, as is often the case in the Visual Arts, the more that they looked, the more they saw.
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MIDDLE REPORT
SCHOOL
YEARLY EXAMINATIONS
In Pastoral Care ALL Middle School students have reviewed the processes that should be followed in order to prepare effectively for this important assessment period. The results from Examinations and Assessment task completed during the year will be merged into a single mark on the Yearly report. This mark will determine placement in classes that are graded.
The Yearly Examination timetable for Years 7 - 9 was issued last week. All students must review it carefully each day to insure they come prepared with all the necessary equipment, writing materials, and study notes. Further instructions and recommendations are listed on the back of the exam timetable.
THE PROCESS FOR EXPLAINING A STUDENT ABSENCE If a student is absent on any given day, parents need to notify the school by either calling the office on 93113340 by 9am, or writing a note that students submit it to their Home Room teacher on the first day of their return. With phone and written explanations, the student’s FULL name, class, date of absence and reason for the absence must be given. If an absence is for more than TWO days a doctor’s certificate must also be supplied. At the back of this Newsletter is a sample of an explanation note. Please ensure the KEY details are included at all times.
Ms M. Pringle Art Department
“OXI” DAY & SPRING FAIR Congratulations to all Year 8 and 9 students and families who attended the “OXI” day celebrations and Spring Fair. Both events were wonderful examples of the strong community
Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School
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spirit that exists at our College. We also felt great pride listening to the emotive poetic recitals given by Mihalis Dovellos Year 7, Fereniki Ghelis and Eleni Preketes, Austin Papadopoulos Year 9, Rhea Tsimboukis and Joanna Skouteris Year 10 at the various special commemorations held at the Senior School Friday Assembly, St Spyridon Church, and the Archdiocese. We also thank the efforts Mrs Faletas, Curriculum Leader Modern Greek, who enthusiastically coordinates and prepares these students.
STUDENT OF THE WEEK This week the award for student of the week is given to Mariah Zouroudis from Year 11 for her maturity, care and calming influence during a recent difficult time.
Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School
GREEK
COLUMN
Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Στην έκδοση αυτή θα αναφερθούμε στην επέτειο της εθνικής μας γιορτής, την 28η Οκτωβρίου και στο πώς γιορτάστηκε στο κολλέγιό μας. Η γιορτή αυτή ξεκίνησε με λίγα λόγια από την καθηγήτρια των Ελληνικών κ. Μ. Φαλέτα η οποία απευθύνθηκε στην γενική συγκέντρωση του σχολείου με τα εξής λόγια¨ “ Mrs Stefanou, Mrs Katsogiannis, Teachers and Students, Today, all Greeks, where ever they may be living, celebrate their national anniversary known as the OHI DAY. This celebration is to honour all those people who sacrificed their life for Greece to be a free and independent country. Another aim is to teach the new generations their recent history and make them aware of their past as without a past there is no future.” Στη συνέχεια δύο μαθήτριες διάβασαν μέρος των εργασιών του τρίτου τριμήνου. Η Φερενίκη Γκελή, από την Γ΄ Γυμνασίου, μίλησε κυρίως για τα προ της Ιταλικής εισβολής γεγονότα. Παραθέτουμε το κείμενό της. «Πρώτη επίθεση των Ιταλών εναντίον της «μικρής Ελλάδας» Μέρα του Δεκαπενταύγουστου. Όλη η Ελλάδα γιορτάζει την μητέρα της, την Παναγία. Οι καμπάνες χτυπούν χαρμόσυνα. Όλοι οι έλληνες ντυμένοι με τα καλά τους ρούχα είναι στις εκκλησίες και παρακολουθούν τη Θεία Λειτουργία. Ξαφνικά, όλοι και όλα παγώνουν. Τα ραδιόφωνα ανακοινώνουν τον τορπιλισμό της Έλλης στο νησί της Μεγαλόχαρης, την Τήνο. Το νέο τρέχει από στόμα σε στόμα. Εννέα παλληκάρια έχασαν τη ζωή τους και εικοσιτέσσερα τραυματίστηκαν. Η Ελλάδα απειλείται. Τα πρώτα θύματα του πολέμου είναι αυτά τα νεαρά παλληκάρια που χάθηκαν μαζί με την Έλλη. Οι Έλληνες ξέρουν πια πως ο πόλεμος πλησιάζει, όσο και αν η κυβέρνηση
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προσπαθεί να το κρύψει. Αυτή η μέρα χαράς μετατρέπεται σε μέρα θλίψης για τον ελληνικό λαό στην Ελλάδα και σε όλο τον κόσμο. Ο Ελληνοϊταλικός πόλεμος ξεσπάει. Τα ξημερώματα της 28ης Οκτωβρίου, 1940, ο Ιταλός πρέσβης φέρνει στον Ιωάννη Μεταξά το μήνυμα του Μουσολίνι, που ζητάει να παραδοθεί η Ελλάδα και να γίνει σύμμαχος των Ιταλών και Γερμανών. Ο Μεταξάς απαντάει μ’ένα μεγάλο Όχι! Για άλλη μια φορά η Ελλάδα στέκεται περήφανη και αγέρωχη μπροστά στον κατακτητή και όλοι υποκλίνονται στο μεγαλείο της. Το σύνθημα «Αέρας» αντιλαλεί στα βουνά και οι Έλληνες σαν άλλοι Σπαρτιάτες ορμούν και νικούν τον εχθρό. Και ο Τσώρτσιλ λέει: Από εδώ και πέρα δεν θα λέμε ότι οι Έλληνες πολεμούν σαν ήρωες, αλλά ότι οι ήρωες πολεμούν σαν Έλληνες. Η ροή της Ιστορίας άλλαξε επειδή μια μικρή χώρα σαν την Ελλάδα έδειξε ανδρεία και γενναιότητα. Αυτή η Ελλάδα είμαστε κι εμείς.» Στη συνέχεια, η Ελένη Πρεκετέ, επίσης από την Γ΄ Γυμνασίου, παρουσίασε την εργασία του Κωνσταντίνου Γιαβή σχετικά με τον πόλεμο του 1940. Παραθέτουμε την εργασία. «The 28th of October is remembered and celebrated by all Hellenes, around the world as the OHI Day! Ποια είναι η σημασία του ΟΧΙ και γιατί όλοι οι Έλληνες στον κόσμο τιμούν την ημέρα αυτή τόσο πολύ; At the dawn of the 28th of October 1940, a huge Axis power, Italy, which was under the rule of the dictator Mussolini, sent an ultimatum to the small country of Greece. The ultimatum demanded Italian troops occupy the country, or Italy would declare war and invade Greece. Mussolini had given the Greek Prime Minister I. Metaxas, three hours to reply. After reading the demands in the early morning hours of the 28th of October 1940, Metaxas rejected the ultimatum and replied with a single Hellenic word “ ΟΧΙ”. On the night of the 27th of October, the Hellenes went to bed as everyday people and on the morning of the 28th they woke up as soldiers and heroes. Mussolini never waited for Metaxas to reply. Heavily armed Italian soldiers began invading from the Albanian Greek border, marking the start of the war, on the mountains of Northwest Greece, where the snow was often more than a metre high. Though the Italians outnumbered the Greeks by more than two to one, the Greeks astonished the Italian army with their courage and skill. Όλοι οι Έλληνες βοήθησαν με όποιο τρόπο μπορούσαν. Οι Ελληνίδες έδιναν ρούχα, έπλεκαν κάλτσες και φανέλες, μετέφεραν τρόφιμα και πολεμοφόδια στους στρατιώτες, κάτω από πολύ σκληρές συνθήκες όπως αυτές του χειμώνα στα Ελληνοαλβανικά σύνορα. Within four weeks of the invasion, the Greeks drove the Italian army back into Albania, and regardless of their small numbers and all odds being against them, the Greeks won this war! The Greek success outraged Hitler, as Greece had succeeded in defeating their ally, Italy. In April of 1941, the Germans invaded Greece, the war continued and became known as the Resistance. Οι Γερμανοί διέταξαν τον Έλληνα στρατιώτη να κατεβάσει και να τους παραδώσει την Ελληνική σημαία. Αυτός, μετά την υποστολή της, τυλίχτηκε με αυτήν και γκρεμίστηκε από το λόφο της Ακρόπολης αντί να τους την παραδώσει. Οι Γερμανοί ύψωσαν στην θέση της την Γερμανική. Το ίδιο βράδυ, δύο άλλοι Έλληνες, ο Μανόλης Γλέζος και ο Απόστολος Σάντας, σκαρφάλωσαν την
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απόκρημνη πλευρά της Ακρόπολης, κατέβασαν την Γερμανική και ξαναϋψωσαν την Ελληνική σημαία, ως πρώτο σύμβολο του Αγώνα που δεν είχε σταματήσει. The resistance of the Greeks in Macedonia, Crete and other regions of Greece, delayed Germany’s invasion plans against Russia. This delay was so long, that Hitler made the costly mistake of attacking Russia during its harsh winter. The delay also gave the allies the opportunity to prepare for a large, combined attack and so the Russians were successful in defeating the Germans. This was a major turning point of World War II. Αυτά τα φοβερά τέσσερα χρόνια πολέμου και πείνας, ξεκίνησαν με την μικρή αλλά ηρωική λέξη Όχι! To say that the Italian invasion of Greece failed because of poor logistical and strategic planning would not only oversimplify the events, but would also take away the bitter and determined fight of the Hellenic army in defence of its land and people. This historical event can be summed up by Winston Churchill’s famous words: Until now we said that the Greeks fight like heroes. From now on we should say that heroes fight like Greeks.» Μετά, οι μαθήτριες, Ρία Τσιμπούκη και Ελένη Πρεκετέ απάγγειλαν το ποίημα 28 Οκτωβρίου 1940. 28 Οκτωβρίου 1940 Τον Καίσαρα συντρίψανε τα χωριατόπουλα της ΄Ηπειρος Πήραν φωτιά και δύναμη απ’ τις πυρφόρες φλέβες του τόπου τους. Στα κράνη τους κρέμονταν φουντίτσες του Εικοσιένα είχαν τα μπράτσα ώριμα απ’ τα μπαρούτια του Δώδεκα τις καρδιές λιονταρίσιες απ’ την ιστορία του ‘Έλληνα. Βράχος η Ελλάδα, αστραφτερός από φως τα λάβαρά της από καημούς και λουλούδια στης Αλβανίδας γης τις χωματένιες φλέβες κοιμούνται τα πιο τρανά βλαστάρια της. Μην τους ξυπνάτε! Πολεμούν ακόμα για μας που ζούμε και χορταίνουμε ψωμί και φως που υπερηφανευόμαστε γιατ’ είμαστε Έλληνες αδέρφια αυτών που έμειναν στης Αρβανιτιάς τα χάλκινα σπλάχνα. Στη συνέχεια, η μαθήτρια Ιωάννα Σκουτέρη απάγγειλε το ποίημα «Για το Σαράντα» «Για το Σαράντα» Μπροστά μας τώρα περνούν οι νέοι που το Σαράντα, τόσο γενναίοι έπεσαν όλη γι’ αυτή τη χώρα και ζούμ’ ελεύθεροι αυτήν την ώρα. Αυτές τις ώρες τις δοξασμένες δεν απουσιάζουν ψυχές χαμένες γιατί εκείνοι που θυσιαστήκαν θα πούμε ψέμα πως εχαθήκαν. Ψυχές ηρώων και ημιθέων, ω δάφνες δόξας, ανδρών γενναίων στρατιώτες, ναύτες κι αεροπόροι
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γίνατε ινδάλματα και πρωτοπόροι! Γίνατε στάχτες, ποτέ όμως σκλάβοι της δόξας δάφνες έχετε λάβει κι εμείς παιδιά σας ευγνωμονούμε παρόμοια δόξα με σας ζητούμε! Σας καμαρώνει η πλάση όλη σαν σας θυμούμαστε έχουμε σκόλη. Να κι η σημαία μας που κυματίζει χαίρετ’ η θάλασσα να την αφρίζει! Σκύβουμε όλοι γεμάτοι χρέος Ενώ η καρδιά μας γεμίζει δέος Χειροκροτούμε στο πέρασμά σας Κι όλοι κηρύττουμε την προσφορά σας! Τέλος ο μαθητής της Α’ Γυμνασίου Μιχάλης Ντόβελος έκλεισε την γιορτή του σχολείου μας απαγγέλλοντας ένα απόσπασμα από το ποίημα του Νικηφόρου Βρεττάκου «Ελεγείο πάνω στον τάφο ενός μικρού αγωνιστή» «Ελεγείο πάνω στον τάφο ενός μικρού αγωνιστή» Πάνω στο χώμα το δικό σου λέμε τ’ όνομά μας. Πάνω στο χώμα το δικό σου σχεδιάζουμε τους κήπους και τις πολιτείες μας. Πάνω στο χώμα σου είμαστε. Έχουμε πατρίδα. Έχω κρατήσει μέσα μου τη ντουφεκιά σου. Γυρίζει μέσα μου ο φαρμακερός ήχος του πολυβόλου. Θυμάμαι την καρδιά σου που άνοιξε κι έρχονται στο μυαλό μου κάτι εκατόφυλλα τριαντάφυλλα που μοιάζουνε σαν ομιλία του απείρου προς τον άνθρωπο. -Έτσι μας μίλησε η καρδιά σου. Κι είδαμε πως ο κόσμος είναι μεγαλύτερος κι έγινε μεγαλύτερος για να χωρά η αγάπη. Το πρώτο σου παιχνίδι Εσύ. Το πρώτο σου αλογάκι Εσύ. Έπαιξες τη φωτιά. Έπαιξες το Χριστό. Έπαιξες τον Άη –Γιώργη και τον Διγενή. Έπαιξες τους δείκτες του ρολογιού που κατεβαίνουνε απ’ τα μεσάνυχτα. Έπαιξες τη φωνή της ελπίδας, εκεί που δεν υπήρχε φωνή. Η πλατεία ήταν έρημη. Η πατρίδα είχε φύγει. Ήταν καιρός! Δε βάσταξε η καρδιά σου περισσότερο ν’ ακούς κάτω απ’ τη στέγη σου τα’ ανθρώπινα μπουμπουνητά της Ευρώπης. Άναψες κάτω απ το σακάκι σου το πρώτο κλεφτοφάναρο. Καρδιά των καρδιών! Σκέφτηκες τον ήλιο και προχώρησες. Ανέβηκες στο πεζοδρόμιο κι έπαιξες τον άνθρωπο! Χρόνια σας πολλά! Κ. Μ. Φαλέτα
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CAREERS
COLUMN
SHORTAGE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS As government seeks to increase access to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs prior to school, early childhood teachers are in high demand. The most recent Queensland ECEC Census identified a shortfall in the number of specialist early childhood teachers needed to lead approved kindergarten programs in long day care and kindergarten services. The census showed a shortfall of 27 per cent in metropolitan areas and a shortfall of 44 per cent in regional areas. With the planned introduction of new national requirements for a second early childhood teacher in most long day care services, demand is set to double. https://www.qut.edu.au/study/undergraduatestudy/do-you-advise-school-students/newsand-events/news?news-id=110375
REMINDER: Notre Dame Get to Know Nursing 8th November, 6pm to 7:30pm, 160 Oxford St, Darlinghurst For students interested in a career in nursing, the event will provide the opportunity to speak to academic staff and a guest speaker, who will give an insight into what a career in nursing is like. http://www.nd.edu.au/events/2016/getting-toknow-nursing-nov UNSW: Bridging Courses Throughout January and February in 2017, UNSW will be holding bridging courses in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Each course consists of 40 hours of tuition including lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and/or demonstration sessions. Students can do these courses if they have not studied recommended subjects for their new university courses in 2017. https://www.science.unsw.edu.au/futurestudents/bridging-course-timetable
ACU Diploma in Languages ACU offers undergraduate students across all faculties the opportunity to complete a Diploma in Languages in conjunction with an ACU undergraduate degree so that you graduate with a bachelor degree and a diploma in the same timeframe. The course is part time, so you take one language unit in any study period. Units are offered in Summer Term, Semester 1 and Semester 2. The diploma is open to members of the university and to the community, and individual language units can also be taken on a non-award basis. Available in Melbourne and Sydney, domestic applications for this course close on 27 November 2016. http://www.acu.edu.au/courses/2017/undergra duate/diploma_in_languages
UNSW: SAVE THE DATE Science and Engineering Student Parent Info Evening on 21st March, 2017 For information and to register to attend, see: https://www.engineering.unsw.edu.au/allevents/science-and-engineering-studentparent-info-evening UTS “DISCOVER NURSING” EVENING Wednesday 16 November - 5.30 pm. For further information and to register, go to: https://www.uts.edu.au/futurestudents/health/about-health/events-andbrochures/discover-sessions
UNSW ENGINEERING HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION DAY Last Thursday, a group of Year 10 students attended the Engineering Information Day at UNSW, along with 250 other students. They all found it to be a great, informative event as well as a lot of fun! Below is a short report from one of the students: On Thursday, 27th October, 7 Year 10 students visited UNSW to attend a day focused on Engineering. We spent the day as university students, attending seminars and participating in practical experiments in fields such as biomedical, chemical, photovoltaic, and civil engineering, as well as surveying. Overall, the
UQ : Careers That Started in Science A science qualification opens the doors to an array of occupations you may have not considered. Explore the pathways that many of UQ’s science graduates have taken in fields including chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, biochemistry, biomedical science, ecology, genetics, geographical, geological, marine and environmental sciences, psychology and statistics. http://career-profiles.science.uq.edu.au/
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day was very enjoyable and a huge eyeopener. Thank you to Ms Hakos for organizing our attendance at the day. Jennifer Contominas Year 10
CATC Design School Info Night 15th November, 5pm - 7pm, 46 – 52 Mountain Street, Ultimo Get information about the courses available in Interior Design, Graphic Design and Photography. Contact: (02) 9251 0029 http://www.catc.edu.au/about-us/upcomingevents/info-night-sydney
Design Centre Enmore Open Day 25th and 26th November, 10am to 3pm, 110 Edgeware Rd, Enmore Meet teachers and current students, learn about the range of courses including degrees, tour the campus, and be inspired by the possibilities. http://sydneytafe.edu.au/newsevents/events/de sign-centre-enmore-open-day-2016
William Blue College of Hospitality Management Info Night 15th November, 6pm – 7pm, The Rocks Campus, 1 – 5 Hickson Road Sydney View the campus, meet current students, and learn about the courses by attending a course breakout session. Contact: 1300 851 237 or enquiries@williamblue.edu.au http://www.williamblue.edu.au/about-williamblue/upcoming-events/info-night-sydney
JMC Academy Internship Program JMC is introducing an internship program for many of its courses from February 2017 onwards. Find out more about it and how it can help land you a job on this page: http://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/news/how-toturn-your-internship-into-a-job
APM College of Business and Communication Info Evening 6 – 7pm, 15th Nov @ 1 Hickson Road, The Rocks, Sydney http://www.apm.edu.au/about-apm/upcomingevents
STUDY OR WORK IN USA EducationUSA This U.S. Government Website provides advice to students interested in applying to U.S. colleges and universities. Information includes how to apply, testing, financial aid, visas, and more. The U.S. Consulate General in Sydney has an EducationUSA Centre, and students, parents and career advisers can make appointments to visit the centre. https://www.educationusa.info/australia
Basair Aviation College: Trial Instructional Flight Instructional flights can be booked at Bankstown, Cessnock and Archerfield Airports. The flights can be booked on any day of the week for $220. These may be suitable to those interested in becoming a pilot. http://www.basair.com.au/Student/Content/Tri al-Instructional-Flight
US Camp Job Fair 15th January 2017, 11am to 3:30pm, The Grace Hotel, 77 York Street, Sydney The job fair gives those wanting to work at a camp in America the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with camp directors and attend interviews with the possibility of receiving a job offer on the day. To register follow the link below.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY COURSES AFTRS School Holiday Courses A wide variety of school holiday courses for both kids and teens (9-17) will be held through the summer holidays. Short courses will be held on filmmaking, digital animation, stop motion, game design, screenwriting, screen acting, screen auditions, and radio. To view course dates, visit: https://www.aftrs.edu.au/short-courses/kidsand-teens
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/d/australia-sydney/ccusa/?crt=regular&sort=date Billy Blue College of Design Info Night 15th November, 5pm – 7pm 46 – 51 Mountain Street, Ultimo Learn about what life at Billy Blue is all about. http://www.billyblue.edu.au/newsevents/upcoming-events/sydney
Sydney Dance Company: School Holiday Workshops 2nd January to 25th January 2017, Pier 4, 15 Hickson Road, The Rocks
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Parramatta – 10 November, 6:30pm, Trade Careers Newcastle – 14 November, 6pm, Women in Defence Canberra – 15 November, 6pm, Trade Careers Wollongong – 17 November, 6pm, Defence Careers Dee Why – 23 November, 6:30pm, Army Reserve Commando Parramatta – 28 November, 6:30pm, ADF Opportunities for School Leavers Canberra – 29 November, 6pm, Defence Careers https://www.facebook.com/DefenceJobsAustra lia/events
Sydney Dance Company offer School Holiday Workshops for experienced young dance enthusiasts. The workshops provide a fun but focused environment for students to improve their technique under the direction of professional choreographers. The timetable will be available in November. http://www.sydneydancecompany.com/ PLUMBING APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY A first- year apprenticeship is being offered by a local plumbing company, which specialises in construction work. Please contact me through the school office or by email ghakos@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au for further details if interested.
CHRISTMAS CASUAL JOBS This site has a few opportunities listed: http://au.indeed.com/Christmas-Casual-jobsin-Sydney-NSW Spotjobs is another useful site where students can search for casual and part-time jobs in their local area: www.spotjobs.com Ms G. Hakos Careers Adviser
DEFENCE FORCES 2018 Entry for ADFA Australian Defence Force Academy Year 11 students need to apply soon, as the process can take up to 12 months. http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/adfa /how-to-apply/ 2018 Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year intake Students interested in taking an ADF Gap Year in 2018 can register their interest to receive an email as soon as the 2018 details are available. Entry requirements: · Australian Citizen or hold Permanent Resident status · At least 17 years old (on entry) · Completed Year 12 · Reasonably fit and healthy, with an acceptable Body Mass Index. http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/gapyear/
SPORTS
COLUMN
JUNIOR SCHOOL NSW PRIMARY SCHOOLS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS Early in Term 4, St Spyridon College sent three teams to the NSW Primary Schools Basketball Championships; a tournament held annually at Bankstown Bruins Association. Students from Years 4, 5 and 6 competed, representing the school with skill, pride and sportsmanship. Congratulations goes to the Primary Boys Team 1; qualifying for the semi-finals and competing to the best of their ability to place in the top 4 teams on the day. Kosta Kalantzis was a stand-out player in offense and defence for the duration of the tournament.
Defence Force Recruiting Information Sessions Email cptnsw@dfr.com.au and quote reference number 0261031028 for more information. Parramatta – 1 November, 6:30pm, Women in Defence Wollongong – 7 November, 6pm, Women in Defence Parramatta – 7 November, 6:30pm, Defence Careers Canberra – 8 November, 6pm, Women in Defence Grafton – 8 November, 6:30pm, Army Reserve
Congratulations also to the Primary Girls Team, who missed out on playing in the semifinals after a points count back. The girls won their final game by a tremendous margin to give themselves the best chance to qualify for the play-offs. Well done to Jasmin Moros
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who led by example in teamwork, skill and motivation on the court in every game. Congratulations to Primary Boys Team 2 who competed and finished high in their pool of teams, proving the strength of the Junior School Basketball Program in 2016. This team of boys improved the most on the day; playing as a skilful team with determination and courage, against teams that were physically bigger than them. Stand outs were Jameson Darras-Samaras and Jamyson Gouveros. Thank you to Mr Lisgaris for his commitment to training and managing Boys Team 1 on the day, Mr Volas for working with Boys Team 2, and thank you to the parents who assisted with scoring duties. Your support is much appreciated by the students and staff. Girls Team Taylysse Knight Heleena Ginis Adriana Drakoulis Natalia Constantinidis Sarah Constantinidis Isabella Koutloulogenis Jennifer Pyliotis Theoni Asproukos Jasmin Moros Fiona Neroutsos Gabriella Gouveros
Boys Team 1 Stefan Gemesis Lucas Leondaris Kosta Kalantzis Petros Lisgaris George Grillakis Paul Giavis Gabriel Leondaris Dyllon Polyzos
Boys Team 2 Nicholas Michos Thomas Zahos Jameson Darras-Samaras Nixon Kounnas Jamyson Gouveros Harry Hatzi Denny Poulos Demetrios Paparsenos
Ms D. McCarthy Team Manager
SENIOR SCHOOL BOYS SPORT BOYS BASKETBALL ROUND 1 AND 2 UPDATE 2016
Round 1 In Round 1 of the Boys Basketball season the boys faced both St Pius X College and
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Our 17 boys played their first game of the season after last week’s forfeit and were very impressive. They easily accounted for the St Gregory’s team in all facets of the game. Their transition and excellent team work was evidence of the training and well-rehearsed basketball plays. Many thanks to their coach Mr Karagiannis.
Redfield College in the opening round of the ISA competition. The time for preparation was over, all teams now had to put in place what they had practised. Both U13 Boys teams were excellent in their performance and were both first round winners in their respective games. While the Year 7 boys started the season on a high our U14, U15 and Open boys’ teams all recorded first round losses.
The Opens boys came to the game knowing what needed to be done to rectify many of the errors from the previous week and they were successful in doing just that.
Despite the first round loses the teams were competitive and have worked hard throughout the week to try and rectify some very basic errors that could easily have turned the game the other way round. For the Open boys this included a video session of the recorded game to look back at strengths /weaknesses in both attack and defence.
What made this week special for the Open boys was the strong support of all the other teams watching the boys who provided an atmosphere that resembled a football game rather than a basketball game. On the back of this support our Opens really lifted to win their first game of the season and start what we hoped would be the beginning of many more victories to follow.
Results from Round 1: U13 Blue defeated St Pius X 16-12 U 13 White defeated Redfield 32-23 U14 loss to Redfield 36-14 U15 defeated Redfield 25-15 Open Boys loss to Redfield 53-45
Congratulations to all the boys and good luck in the coming weeks. Below is a snapshot of the student’s recount of the games. U13 Blue On Saturday 29th October St Spyridon U13’s blues played against Redlands. It was a hard match as we were losing at halftime 9-4. We worked hard as a team and came back winning 21-18 in overtime. The Most Valued player was Dean Tsalikis scoring 18 of our points and encouraging our team to success. Well Done boys! Dean Tsalikis, Evan Hatgis
Round 2 Round 2 proved to be a very memorable week in basketball for all the boys. Many of our teams were looking for their first victory while others were trying to back up from last week’s performances and go back to back. Irrespective all the teams were out looking to improve on last week’s games. The day started on a positive with the U13 Blue team winning their second game in as many weeks against Redlands. The U13 white team unfortunately could not replicate the performance of their peers and fell short losing in extra time. Our U14 boys were once again very gallant in defeat. Despite losing they were very impressive and did have the opportunity to win the game. The U15 boys were also looking for their first win but they too fell short against a team that were shooting extremely well from the perimeter. Despite the loss their performance was much more polished than last week. Many thanks to their coach Mr Ishak for all his support/training sessions and instruction in the lead up to not only this game but season 2016-2017.
U13 White Saturday 29th October, St Gregory’s College vs St Spyridon. The boys put as much effort as they could today, unfortunately at the end we lost by 1 point 32-31 in overtime. The game went to overtime and it was a very competitive match. Looking forward to bouncing back next week. Billy Bounos U14 On Saturday 29th October the under 14s went up against St Gregory’s in which I might add were a tough opponent. Unfortunately we did not succeed as we lost 30-22. Although we may have not been victorious this time around
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quarter scoring points comfortably from all areas of the court. Christopher Kumar stood out with his perimeter shots giving the boys a 20-9 lead in the first quarter. Early in the second Nathan Adam sustained an injury and this had a negative impact on the team with the boys being outscored in the second half. At the half time St Gregory’s were in front 31- 28 and while everything went their way in the second period the boys looked much more comfortable with their rebounding starting the third quarter.
we are extremely determined and motivated to do better next week. Dylan Kelesis U15 On Saturday 29th October the under 15s had an exceptional game although were unlucky to come away with the win. The boys put their heart and soul into the game. Despite the opposition being a better team, overall we had a good team performance and our team will learn from our mistakes. If we had brought our A game into last week’s game we may have managed to win. Nevertheless today we were beaten by a better opponent their shooting from the 3 point line and free throw line were next to perfect. Congratulations to all the boys on a well- deserved game. I think we are not far off our first win. Looking forward to next week. Spiros Zafiropoulos
The third quarter proved to be a more enjoyable one for our boys, winning the majority of the rebounds. Despite having lapses in concentration and easy turnovers the team managed to climb their way back after being down by 8 to be only down by two going into the last quarter. The last quarter was an amazing encounter between two teams desperate for victory. With the game delicately poised our boys trailed for the entire quarter but were never fazed by the score board. Patience won out at the end as Gambriell Cassimatis scored the final three pointer of the game to tie the game at 54-54. With that wonderful play the boys played in 2 minutes of extra time. Two minutes is a long time in basketball and our boys having the ascendancy stole victory from St Gregory’s College with Gabriel Cassimatis sealing a most memorable victory in the last seconds of extra time 61-56.
U17 The U17 St Spyridon team played an outstanding game against St Gregory’s on Saturday 29th of October. The game ended with St Spyridon winning 37-19 in a competitive game. Having Nick Lambros join the team added the much needed depth and certainly height in attack and defence. Loosing Panos Bounos to the Opens was worrying however we all banded together and we must be proud of our first up effort. The boys are looking forward to their next game away hoping to put in another great performance. George Contominas
This was a proud moment for our young Opens who have toiled hard over the last few weeks to record their first victory. Congratulations to the boys and their coach Mr Theodore Koulouriotis. This victory away from home may very well be the catalyst for positive results in the coming weeks against St Pius X and Redlands. Student Profiles Samuel Tzanakes (Year 7) and Emmanuel (Year 9) Congratulations to Samuel and Emmanuel Tzanakes who recently participated in the NSW Futsal State Championship in the U14. They were overall winners of the tournament. Both boys recently participated in the 2016 Football NSW Futsal State Championships
Opens The Open boys produced a wonderful basketball performance against St Gregory’s College. The boys were excellent in the first
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Intermediate A Oxley 30 defeated St Spyridon 10 Junior A St Spyridon 17 defeated Chevalier 13 Junior B Oxley 22 defeated St Spyridon 20 Junior C – Year 8 Chevalier 36 defeated St Spyridon 16 Junior C- Year 7 Chevalier 40 defeated St Spyridon 10
with their Premier League club Mascot Vipers. Their team was successful and were crowned State Champions. Congratulations to both boys on this wonderful achievement in Futsal. Emmanuel was also selected for the NSW State Football team going on to participate in the Football Federation Australia National Championships held in Coffs Harbour. This tournament is primarily used to identify players for selection to represent Australia at youth level.
Round 2 Results Another great week of Girls Basketball with some outstanding results. Congratulations to the Open Girls for securing their first win against BMGS 43-14; their team cohesion is beginning to develop. The Junior A’s again are exceeding expectations, they demonstrated a strong defensive match which enabled them to win yet again by 3 points. The Intermediate B team also secured another win in a low scoring game. Both Year 7 Junior teams and the Year 8 Junior C team are continuing to learn the fundamental skills and learning the game, I look forward to seeing their growth each week.
Congratulations to both boys on their football achievements and good luck in their future endeavours in both forms of the game.
Opens St Spyridon 43 defeated Blue Mountains Grammar School 14 Intermediate B St Spyridon 10 defeated Blue Mountains Grammar School 5 Intermediate A BYE Junior A St Spyridon 25 defeated Blue Mountains Grammar School 22 Junior B Blue Mountains Grammar School 35 defeated St Spyridon 8 Junior C – Year 8 Blue Mountains Grammar School 28 defeated St Spyridon 18 Junior C- Year 7 Blue Mountains Grammar School 34 defeated St Spyridon 4
GIRLS SPORT ISA BASKETBALL All girls’ teams have had a fantastic start to the 2016/17 ISA Basketball season with some very exciting matches. Open girls lost by 1 point in the last 40 seconds, Intermediate B girls won by 1 point, Junior B team lost in extra time by 1 basket and we had a very exciting win from the Junior A girls in a very tough division against Chevalier. Well done to both Junior C teams and the Intermediate A who despite losing they remained competitive throughout the duration of the match.
Good Luck to all teams for the remaining matches Mr F. Kaldis Boys Sport
Round 1 Results Opens Oxley 23 defeated St Spyridon 22 Intermediate B St Spyridon 19 defeated Oxley 18
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Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport
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SAMPLE ABSENCE NOTE Dear Teacher, Please excuse ______________________ (insert students full name) of __________ (insert class) for being absent on ______________ (insert date(s)) because ___________________________________
(insert reason).
(Name of Parent)______________________ (Parent signature) ______________________ _____________________( date) ** If the absence is more than two days, attach a medical certificate.
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