VOLUME XXXIV No. 14 31st August, 2017
DATES TO REMEMBER
FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE AUGUST TIGS Soccer Tournament JS
31st
SEPTEMBER Father’s Day
3rd
Father’s Day Doxology and Breakfast ISA Athletics Carnival
5th
GO Athletics Carnival JS
11th
CIS Athletics Carnival JS
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Year 12 Farewell Assembly
14th
Years 5 – 12 Doxology
15th
Year 12 Farewell Dinner
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Showcase SS
21st
Open Day JS
22nd
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Term 3 ends for Staff and Students
IPSHA PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL SYDNEY TOWN HALL On the evening of the 22nd of August, students of St Spyridon College joined students from All Saints Grammar, Broughton Anglican, Danebank, Kincoppal, Macarthur Anglican, Rouse Hill Anglican and Scone Grammar School for a musical spectacular. The students of St Spyridon College participated in the combined choir item with 500 other students as well as performed their own musical theatre piece from Annie. I wish to commend the Principal, Mrs Synesios and Mrs Coyne for preparing the students and for conducting one of the combined choir items. Your attention to detail was evident and ensured for exceptional performances. Thank you to Mr Volas, Mr Davies and Miss McCarthy for supervising the students and to Anne–Marie Aroney and Mia Paras for welcoming the VIPs.
OCTOBER Staff Development Day
9th
Students return
10th
HSC begins
16th
PSSA Athletics JS
18th
Dress Rehearsal/Evening Performance JS Divine Liturgy of St James Yr 10 students
23rd
Primary Yearly Exams OHI Day Celebrations Church Yrs 8 & 9
29th
OHI Day Doxology JS Primary Exams
30th
Christ wishes us to unite ourselves to Him and He waits outside the door of our soul. It is up to us to accept the divine grace. Only divide grace can change us. On our own we can do nothing. Grace will give us everything. For our part, we should attempt to reduce our egotism and self-centeredness and to have humility. If we give ourselves to Christ, all the negative reactions of body and soul go away. St Porphyrios Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag
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APPRECIATING CULTURE EVENT Acknowledgements: Mrs Grillakis, Ms Pringle, Ms McCarthy, all teachers Years 3 – 6, Ms Zervos and Mrs Hatzopoulos. Congratulations to all students and their teachers on an outstanding Arts Exhibition. Thank you to the P & F and Hospitality students for the hospitality. We also commend Mr Amditis and Mrs Diavatiotis for the Mythology Unit on the Olympian Gods. St Spyridon College Press also launched “An Anthology of Memories” by the late Venedictos Livissianis. A wonderful evening for all.
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NEWS
NAPLAN Online The NAPLAN Online School Readiness Test is a practice before NSW starts moving from pen and paper tests to online tests. It is an opportunity for schools to become familiar with the NAPLAN Online test platform and to identify any technical or administrative issues. All NSW schools that have passed their technical readiness survey will be participating. We will be conducting School Readiness Tests with the current Years 9, 7, 5 and 3 students the week of the 4th of September.
UNIFORM SHOP TIMES 8.30 am to 10.00 am and 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm – Wednesdays only during school term.
JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT The strength of our school is the commitment and tenacity of students and staff alike to embrace all opportunities and to give of their best. In this edition, you will marvel at the achievements of our children in the academic, sporting and creative spheres. I extend my thanks to all the staff who seek out opportunities for our children to excel; to you the parents and grandparents who willingly make the time to attend and support and, especially to the students who make me proud to be the Principal of this school. The smiles on your faces are the reward. Congratulations to Mr Volas and Mrs Diavatiotis for the smooth running of the Athletics Carnival and to the winning Nemeans House.
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We hope to bring you many such sessions in the future.
COCURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Please note all cocurricular activities will end on Friday 15th September for this year.
BOOK DAY
MRS BENNETT AS EDUCATIONAL LEADER
WEEK
GRANDPARENTS
What an amazing turnout of grandparents the College experienced on Friday 25th August to celebrate the culmination of our Book Week festivities. It was a joy to see the faces of our children as their Grandparents came into their classrooms to read or relate the many stories in their mother tongue to the waiting class.
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Earlier this term, Mrs Bennett our Numeracy Support teacher ran a workshop for interested parents on how to assist their child to become more numerate. A group of parents participated on practical, hands on activities to develop their own skills so that they could support their child at home.
Thank you to all the Grandparents for such a wonderful afternoon. A big thank you also to Mrs Chris Alexandratos and our Admin staff who helped organise the afternoon tea. We also thank the ladies from the P&F for assisting with the serving in the Hall on the day. We will remember the day for a very long time.
We thank Mrs Bennett for this wonderful initiative and for the bag of maths goodies to use at home.
Mrs C. Bartlett Librarian
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and is aimed at encouraging children, their families and their communities to eat more fruit and vegetables. The canteen will be running a competition from now until the 22nd September and an exciting prize will be drawn at the end. Students can enter as many times as they like as long as they make healthy choices.
A few examples can be: A piece of fruit Carrot sticks and hummus Cheese with cucumber sticks With each other’s support, we hope all students and the whole community develop healthy eating habits that last well beyond this month of activities. So let’s “Get loud for fruit and vegetables”!!!
YEAR 6 FUNDRAISING NEWS Towards the end of last term, the Year 6 fundraising team organised Superhero Day to raise money for our real life superheros – The Royal Flying Doctors Service. Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 came to school dressed as their favourite super- or real life – hero. The junior school was bursting with Supermen, Wonder-Women, Police, Nurses, Firefighters, Mums and Dads, Grandparents and the odd Super-Teacher (or 30!).
At St Spyridon the “Live Life Well @ School” working group aims to support and facilitate the ongoing improvement in the health of our children. Did you know that Australians do not eat enough fruit and vegetables. The results from the 2014-2015 National Health Survey showed that only 5.1% of both children and adults met the dietary guidelines. This means that almost 95% of the Australian population is not eating enough fruit and vegetables which can have widespread implications on health and wellbeing. We can, and need to eat more fruit and vegetables! This year at the Junior School we will be promoting “Get Loud for Fruit & Veg” month. It will run from 28th August to 22nd September
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Danny Chen
Katerina Rogaris
As part of their day, infants were invited to design their own superhero costume. This was no easy feat as they also had to bring their superhero to life by choosing their superpowers, what they were saving and how they got their strength! Victor Zorbas Altogether, St Spyridon Junior School raised $500 for the Royal Flying Doctors Service, a giant thank you to all our generous students. Congratulations to the winners of our ‘Design your own Superhero’ competition:
Demitra Aroney
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SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT EVENTS TO FAREWELL YEAR 12, 2017 A number of events have been organised to farewell our Year 12 students:
Kostan Papadopoulos
Thursday, 14th September: Years 7-12 Farewell Assembly 12.15 p.m. SPACe. Friday, 15th September: Years 5-12 Doxology in the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos or His delegate, St Spyridon Church – parents and family are welcome and encouraged to attend – 8.45 a.m. Monday, 18th September: Year 12 Formal Dinner for Year 12 students, teachers, parents and family at Doltone House, Sylvania Waters.
The HSC examination period begins on Monday, 16th October, 2017.
THE AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION 2017
Katia Dounis-Smith Well done to our finalists: Paul Canlis (2C) Nicholas Soumilas (2A) Alicia Phair-Tello (2I) Vivien Kotsohili (2A) Anthony Magafa (1E) Allegra Charos (1E) Costa Venizelou (KR) Chantelle Maric (KJ) Rose Vlahos (KC) Coming Up: Friday 8th September – Jersey Day Students are to come to school in their favourite sports jersey or team colours. They are to bring in a gold coin donation, as Year 6 are raising money for Kidney Health Australia – A worthwhile cause what promote kidney health and offer support to those suffering from Kidney disorders.
Hundreds of thousands of students from all over the world enter this prestigious mathematics competition also known as the AMC. The AMC has three aims: To highlight the importance of mathematics as a curriculum subject To give students an opportunity to discover talent in mathematics To provide resources for the classroom and general discussion The AMC continues to be a major school mathematics event and is one part of our further enrichment and problem-solving program. In 2017, 52 students in Mathematics Honours classes from Year 7 to Year 10 were given the opportunity to participate, online. It is with pleasure that I list below, by achievement and in alphabetical order the students at St Spyridon College that received an award of High Distinction, Distinction or Credit. Certificates will be presented to these students at forthcoming Year meetings. Every
Friday 15th September – Cupcake Friday! More information coming soon! Mrs A. Synesios Principal Junior School
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MIDDLE REPORT
student that took part in the competition will receive an individual performance report.
SCHOOL
Well done to all the students who took on the challenge. Congratulations, these results are possibly our best ever. In Year 7 Tianshuo Jiang Haoyu Chen Benjamin Hickman Alex Stamoulis Adriana Drakoulis Matija Gacevic Paul Giavis Sia Manos Leo Parcsi In Year 8 James Bletsas Mihalis Dovellos Teoni Antonopoulos Mary Diamond Anastasia Gikas Taylor Marinos Franklin Pyliotis In Year 9 Chadey Bteddini Nicholas Drakoulis Peter Ganis George Hatzidis Reece Malanos Anna Papas Roza Papas In Year 10 Peter Nikas Adam Geortsis Connor Giavis Hassan Hijazi Nikyle Konstantin Tiffany Tsoukalas Emmanuel Tzanakes
High Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit
The famous French philosopher Descartes said ‘I think therefore I am” By this he meant our thoughts determine us as individuals…our actions develop from our thoughts. However, as thoughts are abstract and not tangible enough to be taken notice of, we are judged only by our deeds and a good deed, as Saint Basil wisely states, is never lost!!
Distinction Distinction Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit
If we are helpful, polite and considerate in our actions towards others, we come to be respected, trusted, known as good, kind and even as a friend. Our behaviour shapes who we are and how others respond to us. Furthermore, our reputation and image is determined by our deeds.
Distinction Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit
When we do something good, we feel great, and we become a better person. This has a roll on effect which often results in us wanting to do more or even better things for ourselves and others. We encourage all our students to be the best they can be not only from an education perspective, but also in daily their interactions as good people. Always keeping at the forefront of their thoughts the idea of “Be Good to One Another” and “In Everything Give Thanks”
High Distinction Distinction Credit Credit Credit Credit Credit
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN CHEMICAL INSTITUTE OF UNSW – CRYSTAL GROWING COMPETITION
Mr A. Kollias Curriculum Leader - Mathematics
Crystals: Flowers of the mineral kingdom. Crystals appear shiny and colourful depending on the substances they are made of and how they are arranged at a molecular scale. 17 students from Years 7 and 8 grew single crystals of (potash) Alum (potassium aluminium sulphate dodecahydrate) and/or Copper sulfate during the course of term 2. 35
Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School
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crystals were submitted in the competition. Eitan Kalfa achieved 3rd place for the Copper sulfate crystal in the Open (7-12) category. The judges were two crystallographers from UNSW. They were very impressed with the overall standard of the crystals! Seven crystals from the various categories will be sent for judging in the national Competition. We congratulate Eitan on his efforts.
Name Eitan Kalfa Billy Bourdaniotis Danae MargaronisLopez Jack Notaras Nicholas Kalligiannis
Well done is also extended to Billy Bourdaniotis, Danae Margaronis-Lopez, Jack Notaras and Nicholas Kalligiannis achieved Highly Commended certificates for their respective crystals. Overall, at least 20 crystals were chosen as Finalists. A great effort by all who gave up their lunch times to engage in this activity! Well done everyone and congratulations to Dr Srnivisan who initiated and encouraged students to engage in this activity!
Kamuta Vakafua Haoyu Chen Tianshuo Jiang James Bletsas Xin Yao Bosko Stosic Olivia Krasadakis Alexander Nikitopoulos Erin Zinopoulos Ishaan Koirala Dimitri Tsallas Natalia Fountoulis
Certificate 3rd Place, Finalist, Participation Highly Commended, Finalist, Participation Highly Commended, Finalist, Finalist Highly Commended, Finalist Highly Commended, Highly Commended Highly Commended, Finalist Finalist, Finalist, Participation Finalist, Finalist, Participation Finalist, Finalist Finalist, Finalist Finalist Finalist Finalist Finalist, Finalist Finalist Finalist Participation
TECH TALK FRIDAY Does device checking cause anxiety? The American Psychologic Association (APA) just released a report that looks at self-reported rates of anxiety from a survey of 3,511 adults in the United States. They found that almost 90% say that they either often check or constantly check their emails, texts and social media accounts. They call this 90% group “constant checkers (CC).� The CC group report higher anxiety levels than the people who report checking their devices less often. For some, constant checking itself can be a stressful act. CCs are more likely to say that constantly checking devices is a stressful aspect of technology, compared to nonconstant checkers. Social media also negatively affects a greater proportion of CCs compared with those who do not check as frequently. Even with this data, it is hard to know how much checking of our devices is causing anxiety and how much is actually relieving anxiety.
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to be able to validate their own personal beliefs, thoughts, and assumptions through independent investigation. At the end of the workshop students filled in a ‘I resolve to’ cards where they wrote some of the thoughts and actions they will keep in mind and put into action. Below are some examples:
Larry Rosen, author of The Distracted Mind, makes an interesting point about anxiety and constant checking. In a Psychology Today article he says the following: “If you do an activity and feel a sense of relief that you did not miss out on something ‘going around,’...then this is most likely a sign of obsession. An obsession …is built around performing an act that reduces your feeling of anxiety.” Where do students/children stand with all this? Are our kids also becoming “constant checkers.” Parents …..How often do your kids check their phone or computer for messages, including email and various social media notifications? Do they feel anxiety before checking the messages? How do they generally feel after having checked? Have you ever thought about setting specific times for them to check rather allowing constantly checking, and thereby enabling open slather use and thereby inadvertently setting them up for the dreaded FOMO syndrome? (Fear Of Missing Out) which can lead to a great amount of anxiety and even tantrums when attempts are made to take devices from teenagers or limit their use. As parents we all need to be aware of the examples we give to children …Lead by example ?
GLOBAL CONNECTION GLOBAL AWARENESS Last week our Year 7 students engaged in the second workshop of the High Resolve Global Citizens and Leaders Program. The key learning area being focussed upon was Independent thinking. Through this students: realise that our brains can be manipulated by what they see; gain greater understanding of what it means to be a global citizen; become more aware of how we can be influenced by emotive language, the expert fallacy and prejudice. Furthermore, students feel more confident that they can recognise when others are trying to manipulate their views and actions. All this then hopefully will lead them
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GREEK
COLUMN
Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Στο τεύχος αυτό θα σας κρατήσουμε συντροφιά με δυο εργασίες . Και οι δύο ανήκουν σε μαθητές του Λυκείου και γράφηκαν κατά τη διάρκεια των επίσημων διαγωνισμάτων της Γ΄Λυκείου για το Β’ εξάμηνο. Και οι δυο χαρακτηρίζονται για την αυθεντικότητα και το χιούμορ τους. Καλή ανάγνωση! κα Μ. Φαλέτα Topic: “Write a note to your mother explaining what an unusual thing has happened today at school due to which you are going to come home late. Write 75 – 100 words in GREEK. Αγαπημένη μου μητέρα, Πρέπει να σε ειδοποιήσω ότι θα γυρίσω αργά στο σπίτι σήμερα. Ο λόγος; Ο κύριος Τζόνσον θεωρεί ολόκληρη την τάξη της Γ΄ Λυκείου υπεύθυνη για το μπλε χρώμα που πήραν σήμερα τα ξανθά μαλλιά του. Σύμφωνα με αυτά που μας είπε, κάποιος μαθητής της Γ΄ Λυκείου, δεν του το ξεκολλάς αυτό από το μυαλό με τίποτα, κάποιος από μας λοιπόν, μπήκε κρυφά στις τουαλέτες του προσωπικού και άλλαξε το σαμπουάν του με μπογιά μπλε, που είχε πάρει πριν από την αίθουσα των Εικαστικών Τεχνών. Αποτέλεσμα; Μας έχει τώρα όλους τιμωρία μέχρι να αποκαλυφθεί αυτός που το έκανε και σιγά μην αποκαλυφθεί! Χαζός είναι όποιος το έκανε να μαρτυρήσει τον εαυτό του και μετά να «μαρτυρήσει» από τις τιμωρίες ή τα καψόνια του κυρίου Τζόνσον;;; Αυτά, θα πούμε περισσότερα όταν επιτέλους μας αφήσει και γυρίσω σπίτι. Ο γιος σου Γιάννης. Yianni Lekkas – Year 11 (Modern Greek Year 12) Μάνα, γεια σου! Μην ανάψουν τα «γλομπάκια» σου και μην αρχίσεις να φωνάζεις όταν διαβάζεις το σημείωμά μου… Λοιπόν, θα αργήσω σήμερα
Ms G Kokinelis Dean of Middle School
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car crashes who have undergone physical and emotional distress and their journey to reclaiming a life back again after sustaining brain injury or becoming paraplegic. The experience was an eye opener for many, as it becomes a reminder to many students who are now getting their driver’s license, that whilst the experience is exciting and useful, it also comes with a responsibility to be safe and sensible when we are behind the wheel.
γιατί έχει συμβεί κάτι φρικτό στο σχολείο και είμαι στο νοσοκομείο. Μην ανησυχείς, εγώ μια χαρά είμαι, απλώς έχω κάνει έξι συμμαθητές μου «ασθενείς» μαζί και έναν μας καθηγητή. Δεν φταίω, ήταν ένα ξαφνικό ατύχημα. Εξηγούμαι: Αφού είναι η τελευταία ημέρα του σχολείου σήμερα, είπαμε να κάνουμε ένα μικρό γλέντι στην τάξη. Λοιπόν, άναψαν τα κέφια μου, συνήθως δεν θέλω και πολύ, και ξαφνικά ήθελα να χορέψω ένα τσάμικο πάνω στο τραπέζι. Εκεί που πήγα να ρίξω μια φιγούρα, συγκεκριμένα μια ψαλίδα με τα πόδια μου, το κάτω πόδι μου γλίστρησε και το άλλο κλώτσησε τον μεγάλο, τον χοντρο-Αντώνη. Ο Αντώνης έπεσε και σχεδόν έλιωσε τον κύριο Καρούμπα και τρία θηλυκά της τάξης μας. Στο μεταξύ, εγώ έπεσα πάνω στους άλλους δυο συμμαθητές μου. Όλοι πάθανε σωματικές βλάβες εκτός από μένα και τον Αντώνη. Τώρα μη με ρωτήσεις για το έκτο θύμα, που ήταν ο Ράιαν. Προσπάθησε να μου πουλήσει εξυπνάδες για το ατύχημα και όπως καταλαβαίνεις «του έσπασα τα μούτρα» με τον Αντώνη. Τι να κάνω, του το χρωστάγαμε. Παρακαλώ ηρεμία…. Ο πολυαγαπημένος σου γιος Γιώργος. George Svolos Year 12
LISTENING STUDENTS
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YEAR 10 ROAD SAFETY On the 17th of August, Year 10 attended the NRMA Road Safety Awareness event at Sydney Olympic Park for our PDHPE Road Safety course. We watched a crash simulation where the event of a car crash was played out while each step of the aftermath was narrated in great detail. While at first, the crash seemed confronting, it was interesting to witness the steps taken by the police, ambulance and the fire brigade; but also how the lives of the people involved were dramatically changed. In the second session, students heard some incredible heartfelt stories from survivors of
Jade Capitanelis Year 10
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First, the teachers talked about the rules we must follow. Some of the rules were to stay together and also there are signs in the museum that say you can’t touch things and others that say you can.
POWERHOUSE MUSEUM On Monday 21st of August all of Year 2 was lucky enough to go on an excursion to the Powerhouse Museum to learn more about the history of technology.
After that, we went on a big white bus to the Powerhouse Museum. I sat next to Antonia K and Anastasia. We were so excited! When we got there we went into groups of five. I was in Mrs Zafiropoulos’ group with Antonia K.
Firstly, I thought that the olden days transport from the 1800s was really interesting. I really liked the trains because they were made from interesting materials like a mix of wood and metal. The wood was made into different shapes and had carvings to make it nice to look at.
Afterwards, we went into the Powerhouse Museum and saw a steam train. There was first class, second class and third class. First class looked comfortable and had glass windows. Second class had glass windows and wooden chairs. Third class had no windows and uncomfortable benches. Then we went to the third floor and we saw a space lab it was a spaceship that could move.
Secondly, I was amazed that up on the ceiling there was a massive plane hanging from wires. It looked like a war plane, with hard solid wings and a huge propeller. I wish I could have had a closer look inside. Thirdly, we went to look at the old technology. There were old iPods and iPhones as well as a copy of a computer that was the size of a car!
Eventually, we saw a big lounge shaped like lips. Max’s mum and Anastasia’s mum took a photo of it. Next Max’s mum took a photo of herself next to it and told us a story about the lip lounge.
I thought the transport, especially the planes, were the best part of the day. It is interesting to look at how people used transport in the olden days and how the materials used have changed. It was an amazing excursion and I can’t wait to visit it again. Mateja Mihajlovic 2C
Finally, we went to the old cinema. It was beautiful and this man played a tune on an old organ. We got to sit on chairs and listen to music. I imagined what was happening in the olden days. After that we went to see robots. My favourite robot was the robot dog. I wish I could take it home because it was cute. Overall, I had a great time in the Powerhouse Museum and would love to go again. Alicia Phair-Tello 2I
On Monday the 21st of August, Year 2 went on an excursion to the Powerhouse Museum in the city to learn more about the history of technology.
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On Monday 22nd August 2017, the whole of Year 2 went to the Powerhouse Museum to learn about the History of Technology. Firstly, Miss Sirmanoglou told us what groups we were in. You were either with Miss Sirmanoglou, Kirio Angelo, Mrs Winnel or Mrs Varvaressos. We then went to the toilet and then got on the bus and to make sure everyone was getting on the bus, Miss Sirmanoglou counted us as we were boarding the bus. Next, when we were all on the bus, we were off to the Powerhouse Museum. Did you also know that the Powerhouse Museum is getting moved to Parramatta? Then, we all got off the bus and entered the Powerhouse Museum, entering from the school entrance. We then sat on the floor and had our recess and then a lady called Kate talked to us about the Powerhouse Museum and the rules we had to follow. After that, we all had to go to the toilet again and we lined up in the groups we were in. I was with Miss Sirmanoglou and our group started on Level 1. The Space Exhibition was the most fascinating for me. There we saw an actual piece of the moon. It is 3.9 billion years old and it weighs 89 grams. Later, we went to Level 2. There we visited the King Cinema where we learnt that there was no sound during a movie and an organ was used to create the sound effects during the movie. The movies were also made in black and white, not in colour like today.
GATEway8 On Thursday 17th of August, 8 students were selected from Years 5 and 6 to represent the school and participate in the GATEway8 at Macarthur Anglican School. Each school team had the same set of mind challenging puzzles that enquired ingenuity and team work. The tasks included: History, Science, English, Music, Mathematics and Design and Technology.
Finally, after visiting Levels 2 and 4 we went back to Level 1 where we visited the Wiggles Exhibition. There were a lot of fun activities and my favourite one was the game where you stepped on the floor and cut the fruit. In the end, we went back to Level 2 where we had our lunch. When we finished we boarded the bus again and came back to school.
With our teams determination, we excelled in each task. Our best results were in music where we were awarded 2nd place for creating a jingling music video and tune within the hour given. Amongst all these challenges, the students received a great experience and a greater knowledge of the various topics.
Overall, it was a very fun and educational experience, even though it was soooooooooooooooo tiring I really enjoyed it!! Nicholas Soumilas 2A
The best part about the GATEway8 was that it opened up a different way of learning. The science task was to create a bug based on the
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genes and chromosomes of its parents. This required self-knowledge, creativity and imagination as well as the information given. Altogether, the children used education in its most enjoyable form whilst working as a team and helping each other in the profound GATEway8. Alexandra Bizzanes 5A
SPORTS
COLUMN
Â
U13 BLUE FINALISTS On Saturday the 19th August the U13 Blue team competed in the ISA Division 1 football Grand Final against St Patricks College. The U13 Blue team have shown consistent improvement in performance over the duration of the season. It was always going to be a difficult task for the boys to play against St Patricks College who had not lost a game all season. Despite the enormity of the situation the boys were confident and looking forward to the challenge. Unfortunately the start was not what our boys wanted and very early in the first half the boys conceded a goal. Our boys were starved of possession and stringing together passes was extremely difficult. For much of the first half the team was camped in their own defensive half and the weight of possession resulted in St Patricks taking a 3-0 lead at the break. At half time the goal for the team was to try and keep our opponents scoreless and at the same time try to claw back a goal or two to get back in the game. The boys were courageous in the second half. Led by Nixon Kounnas from the back the boys not only held out St Patricks College but they also created one or two scoring opportunities of their own. Despite their best efforts the boys went down 3-0. The positive for the team was that the second half focussed defensive effort resulted in a 0-0 draw. It is this resilient determination in defence that has helped to shape the season for the boys. While not the result the team deserved, to have
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been in a final and to have had this experience in their first year of high school will no doubt give them confidence moving forward into the seasons ahead.
adequately prepared and given every opportunity to succeed in the ISA carnival. Thank you also to Peter Giokas for his support at this event. Peter managed the schools team on the stand.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Mr Christos Raptis for his guidance and coaching of the team and to thank all families for their support and encouragement of the boys not only in the final but for the entire season.
We wish all the competitors the best of luck in all their respective track and field events.
CRICKET YEAR 7/8 - PE/ISA As of last Thursday Cricket NSW will be conducting a 4 week cricket skills program to promote the game of cricket in the College. The school’s Year 7 and 8 students are involved in this program and the expectation is that the girls and boys will develop skills to be able to play in what is hoped to be a T20 blast cricket contest on the last day of school.
I also take this opportunity to thank the College Sports Captain (Peter Giokas) who accompanied the boys and provided much needed support.
ISA NETBALL GRANDFINALS This year was one of the most successful Netball seasons to date with an outstanding 5 out of 6 netball teams qualifying for the ISA Grand Finals. All teams had to work extremely hard to cement their place in the Grand Final with none of the 5 teams finishing first after 10 rounds so therefore not favourite to win the competition.
INVITATIONAL ATHLETICS Saturday 26th August many of the schools’ students in the athletics team competed at an Invitational Athletics Carnival at ES Marks athletics track; this year it was hosted by The Scots School. This is an annual event our school has been competing in for the last 3 years. It provides the students with an opportunity to perform in their chosen events in order to prepare for the ISA carnival. On the day we had a number of very strong performances. We now look forward to watching the students compete at the annual ISA carnival at SOPAC on Tuesday 9th September.
After defeating Barker in extra time in the semi-finals the Open girls versed Oakhill College in the Grand Final and were unfortunately defeated 32-20. However, the score was not reflective of the extraordinary effort displayed by the girls in particular the defensive effort produced by Christina Kilias and Tina Ventoura no doubt one their best performances of the season. The Junior B team consisting of Year 8 girls had the difficult task of winning back to back premierships and having only won to SACS by 1 point last time success was not going to be
Thank you to all families for supporting the schools endeavours to ensure all students are
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girls was outstanding and they should be extremely proud of their efforts.
easy. The lead changed between the teams throughout the duration of the game but ultimately they were defeated by SACS 37-32. The Intermediate girls were confronted with a challenge immediately after their semi-final win, with their GA Stephanie Andreou fracturing her finger. The girls remained optimistic but were unfortunately defeated by an undefeated Redlands team 37-26. This is the first time we have entered an Open B’s team in a long time. As the girls get older their commitments to their study, work and other activities increase and usually their motivation to play sport diminishes. However, these girls were all very committed and keen to play in the ISA competition this year. The girls won against Oakhill 35-28 a team they had not defeated throughout the season. Florence Georges and Jennifer Contominas, the Captains, expressed in their speech that the most pleasing aspect of the season was having two years groups in Year 10 and Year 11 being able to play together for their school and the friendships and memories that were created due to their involvement in sport.
ISA Champions The most positive aspect to come from the 2017 season was to watch the support and encouragement of each other. This was evident particularly at the Grand Final when the Open girls supported, encouraged and celebrated with the Year 7 girls during and at the conclusion of the match. All girls shared a common passion which was their sheer pride for St Spyridon College and the level of comradery amongst the Netball teams in 2017 was admirable. Credit must be given to the Year 12 students who were at the forefront of this team spirit. Christiana Kilias, Larissa Andrianakos and the Girls Sports Captain Tina Ventoura are to be commended not only for their service to the girls’ sports program over the past 6 years but for their exceptional leadership shown on and off the court.
ISA Champions One of the most exciting journeys for these young girls involved in the Junior C team. After finishing in 4th place and defeating 1st place in double extra time in their semi-final they quickly become the most talked about team in the ISA community. The Grand Final was also going to be difficult as they were playing St Andrews Cathedral another team that had not defeated throughout the season. However, as per usual these girls continue to surprise us with their tenacious spirit and will to win ultimately defeating SACS 18-14. The level of improvement shown by each of these
None of this success would have been possible without the support and dedication from the Netball coaching team. This year we included extra morning training sessions and had Cassie Georgiou (2014 Graduate) present at all sessions to assist the girls with her valuable knowledge. Thank you to all our coaches:
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Cassie Georgiou, Ms Flokis, Mr Meintanis, Nansia Koukounaris, Georgia Koukounaris and Lia Albanakis for their commitment to the girls each week throughout the season. Furthermore, thank you to all the parents for their continual support on the sidelines, assistance with scoring and their overall support of the girls sport program.
ISA Athletics Carnival is held on: Date: Tuesday 5th September 2017 Time: 7am- 5.45pm Venue: Sydney Olympic Park On the day of competition, please report to School at 7.00am and meet on the oval area in Full School Sports Tracksuit. A bus will transport students to and from the venue. Pick up time will be approximately 5.45pm at the Senior School.
We look forward to another successful season in 2018.
Ms K. O’Shea – Girls Sport Mr F. Kaldis – Boys Sport
ISA ATHLETICS Good luck to the following girls as they compete at the ISA Athletics Carnival next Tuesday.
PREFECT PAGE From the College Captain We, Year 12, would like to thank everyone, both teachers and students for supporting our final Year 12 BBQ Fundraiser last Thursday. It was very successful. We raised a massive $1200! We really enjoyed the afternoon and we hope all students did too! Global Greeting The Global Greeting for Week 5 and Week 6 was “Privet”, Russian for “Greetings”. It has definitely been a fun fortnight for students trying to pronounce the word! Orthodox Quotes and Philosopher Sayings The Quote for Week 5 is from St Basil the Great, whose words resonate today. “The tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” This quote reminds us that it is our words and actions that reflect who we are as a person, and no matter the challenges we individually or collectively face, it is important that we remain true to ourselves. For Week 6 since our global greeting is Russian, the Orthodox quote of the week is from a Russian saint, Saint Seraphim of Sarov. It was one of his most famous quotes, and it reads: “Acquire a peaceful spirit and all thousands around you shall be saved”. The word peace here is not referring to a worldly peace, where our physical reality is luxurious and aesthetically pleasing. It actually refers to our struggle to do good. If we strive to do good in our lives, then we have a clean conscience, and our actions are a reflection of it. When we do this, our sprit is peaceful. And, when we achieve peace, not only do we get closer to God, but we influence the people around us, and bring them closer to God too. But how can we achieve a peaceful spirit? We need to focus on ourselves, know our weaknesses, and constantly try to improve ourselves. Just like our school motto says, “Αιεν Αριστευειν”, “Strive for greatness.” Only then, through this fight for good, through pain, through sacrifice, can we attain peace. When we do, we are a light to all. On this Day The On This Day for Week 6 reminds us of the students who will soon be going to Space Camp. On this day in 1506, Galileo Galilee demonstrated his first telescope. It magnified 8 times normal vision, however, telescopes today can see up to 15 billion light-years into the depths of the universe!
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PREFECT PROFILES Name: Constantinos Gouskos I joined St Spyridon College in: Year 7 Previous Leadership Roles: SRC in year’s 9, 10 and 11, Peer Support Leader. Subjects I am currently studying: 2 units Mathematics, 2 unit Advanced English, Physics, Ancient History, Modern History and Extension History. Hobbies: Painting, Reading, Sport My future aspirations: Engineering at University however I am open to any field that my histories take me to. My role models: My Mother; for her encouragement, support and undying commitment to helping me achieve my goals. Favourite quote: Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them -Bruce Lee My proudest moment: I don’t believe that one ‘’Moment’’ can be defined as my proudest, I believe that this is unnecessary as to be truly happy is its own continual ‘’proudest moment’’ One piece of advice I would give to younger students: Enjoy your schooling because it will pass before you notice and then it is gone. I remember Year7 as if it was yesterday and didn’t treasure it as much as I should have. Student Principle: 4. ‘we value the mutual respect between students and teachers. We honour our teachers experience as they value our youthfulness’ I believe that this student principle is one of the cornerstone ideas and values that education itself rests on. Without respect for teachers, the system of education falls apart. I chose to write about this principle because I believe that I follow what is exclaims wholeheartedly, I have always valued the information that teachers have given to me in the classroom and it is this factor that has led me to love the subject of history as much of the learning is done by word of mouth which, for the majority of history was the main communication method. I apply this principle every day in the classroom. Listening to one’s teacher is the cornerstone of a good student. I look to my teachers who have taught children for longer than I have been alive as wealth’s of knowledge and have always respected teacher’s efforts to encourage students to learn, no matter what the other students in the class perceive the lesson as. My value and use of this student principle has allowed me to take in knowledge from my teachers more effectively especially during my history classes. There is a massive importance in the communal respect of teachers and students as it allows both parties to bring out the best in each other. Name: Sabrina Hijazi I joined St Spyridon College in: Year 11 Previous Leadership Roles: Year 10 peer support leader, SRC Subjects I am currently studying: Maths Ext 2, English Ext 1, Biology, Chemistry Hobbies: Reading, Maths, Playing Violin My future aspirations: Orthopaedic Surgeon My role models: Michael Holt (Orthopaedic Surgeon) and Parents Favourite quote: Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. – Aristotle My proudest moment: Receiving a Premier Award One piece of advice I would give to younger students: Set your goals, strive to achieve them and never give up ! (success is disguised in hard work) Student Principle No 1: We value our religions and cultural heritage and respect the religious beliefs of others.
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Name: Kerryanne Syros I joined St Spyridon College in: Kindergarten Previous Leadership Roles: Junior School Prefect, SRC 2013 Subjects I am currently studying: Advanced English, Extension English, Advanced Mathematics, Modern History, Legal Studies, Business Studies Hobbies: Shopping, Movies, Beach My future aspirations: To be successful. My role model: My mum Favourite quote: “what goes around comes around” My proudest moment: Receiving academic awards One piece of advice I would give to younger students: Just enjoy middle school and don’t stress too much about the schoolwork. Student Principle: Conduct at the College b) viii ) Demeaning or intimidating behaviour towards others, whether verbal or physical or electronic, (cyber bullying) is most unacceptable in the context of a Greek Orthodox College I’m a strong believer of treating others the way I would like to be treated. I think it is so important because no one should ever feel isolated, abandoned , unworthy or ridiculed. I recognise that the way we treat others largely impacts on their self-esteem, and this has major consequences, whether it’s noticeable or not. Compassion is a big thing to have as empathy is the key to understanding others and making a positive difference to their lives. I also feel strongly about speaking up instead of turning a blind eye to the mistreatment of others, because everybody has an inborn right to respect and self-worth, and may not be strong enough to stand up for these rights themselves.
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THURSDAY, 21st SEPTEMBER 2017 7.00PM SPORTS & PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
ADMISSION: $20 adults $15 students/pensioners
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