VOLUME XXXIV No. 16 19th October, 2017
DATES TO REMEMBER
FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE Extract from Year 12 Graduation Dinner Speech
OCTOBER 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
Parent Forum Year 12 2018
NOVEMBER K-2 School Dance 1.30pm Church Hall
3rd
Yr 3-6 School Dance 6pm – 8pm Church Hall HSC ends
7th
Final Assessment Yrs 7-9
8th
Final Assessment Year 10
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Parent Forum Year 7
14th
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P & F Walkthon JS Yr 4 depart for Camp
15th
Yr 3 depart for Camp
16th
Orientation Day Yr 7 2018
17th
Yrs 3 & 4 return from Camp Preparing for the Preliminaries begins
22nd
Yrs 5 & 6 depart for Camp Divine Liturgy Yrs 7 – 11
Year 12 Class of 2017, this evening, pride and joy, mingles with sadness and joy as we farewell you the oldest children of the St Spyridon College community. Of course, the Greeks have a word for this-χαρμολυπη. Χαρα και λυπη μαζι. We thank Mr Condous your Year Adviser for his commitment and dedication to our students. We commend each and every one of your teachers for the work they have done to maximise your results. We express sincere gratitude to our Principal Senior School, Mrs Katsogiannis whose faith, tenacity and strong leadership is an inspiration to us all. The Rev. Father Steven, the Parish President Mr Con Livissianis, Mrs Tsaconas, the Parents and Friends Vice President Mrs Anna Stamoulis - everyone here is proud to share this evening with you. As a class you have inspired us from the very beginning. You were the class whose academic focus gave us the impetus to commence the Honours Classes. You gave us some wonderful moments on stage, in music, in the arts and in sports. We acknowledge our two Sports Captains, Peter Giokas and Tina Ventura for their leadership in Sports. A wise person once said that a school is but a voice in a chorus. We pray that as you leave the relative safety of the school environment, our voice will still be heard in your conscience and subconsciousness - above the cacophony of false messages that constantly bombard us; where as His Eminence says, audacity is dressed up as originality; where selfishness and viciousness are dressed up as quests for freedom.
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You my dear students through your student leaders - the College Captain Constantinos Kollias, the Vice-Captain Larissa Yrs 5 & 6 return from Camp 24 Andrianakos; George Raptis, Senior Prefect and The Prefect Parent Teacher Interviews K-5 27th Body - have added power and resonance to our voice. Through Holy Cross Monastery Yr 10 28th your leadership you have kept us focussed οn what is really important and unique about us as an Orthodox school. You Year 4 visit 29th reminded us to be good to one another, to make each day count and in everything, to give thanks. The global greetings you introduced, the tastes of foods across cultures, brightened up our lives, and opened our eyes to the diversity of experience that surrounds us. You reminded us that we are part of a global family. It seems to me that here at St Spyridon college, you have forged lifetime friendships and we will remember you for many things, including your sense of fun and infectious sense of humour. th
I have been at the Head of a school community for 21 years now, 17 of them at St Spyridon College. In that time we have farewelled many fine young people, among them, some of your older brothers and sisters or other family members. Without doubt, the Year 12 class of 2017 has been a career highlight. You represent the fulfilment of many personal hopes. I have witnessed your poise and confidence at every public event, your resilience in the good times and in the not so good. As I have said in the past, there is no one who has walked this earth that hasn’t shed a tear. We have watched you go through some very difficult times - alone and together - seen you struggle to come to terms with tragedy and personal loss and come shining through with faith and strength of purpose. It has been an absolute privilege to have shared in your learning journey through school. Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag
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YEAR 12 FAREWELL
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YEAR 12 GRADUATION DINNER
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SENIOR SCHOOL SHOWCASE GALLERY
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JUNIOR SCHOOL SHOWCASE
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NEWS
UNIFORM SHOP – BACK SCHOOL PURCHASES 2018
SCHOLARSHIPS
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Year 7 Applications are now invited from new and continuing students to sit for the following ACER Examination Scholarship:
Tuesday, 23rd January 2018 9 am to 4 pm Wednesday, 24th January 2018 9am to 4 pm
Year 6 (Year 7, 2019) 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.
Back to normal hours every Wednesday (not including school holidays) from Wednesday, 31st January 2018, hours 8.30 am to 10 am and 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm.
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Year 10 (Year 11, 2019) Two scholarships for the two top Year 10 students will receive their tuition fees paid for two years.
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NEWS
Welcome back to the final term of the 2017 year! The P&F warmly wish our Year 12 students all the very best for the HSC and every success for the future.
Closing date for application is Monday, 5th February, 2018. ACER scholarship examinations will be held on Saturday, 24th February, 2018.
Thank you for supporting our JS “Festival of Learning” canteen and sweets table on the last day of Term 3. The funds raised at this event were $2000.
You may register now online: www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au follow the links to ACER Online Scholarship Application.
JUNIOR SCHOOL P&F Walkathon Tuesday 14th November
OHI DAY
The P&F walkathon is back for the Junior School and by now each of you would’ve received the permission slip and sponsorship papers from your children late last term. If you haven’t, please contact the office or their teacher immediately for your copy.
On Sunday, 29th October, Junior School Prefects and students in Years 3, 4, 8 and 9 will be expected to attend the OXI Day commemoration at St Spyridon Church. All students are to be in full school uniform, including blazer. Year 8 & 9 students must meet their Home Room Teachers and Year Advisers in the Junior School playground at 9.45a.m. At this event Middle School students will recite poems at the end of the Church Service. Student representatives will also attend the Service and read poems at the Archdiocese Sunday and at the Greek Welfare Centre OXI Day commemoration in Newtown.
We are pleased to announce that the major prize will be a deduction of $3000 from Tuition Fees for 2018 at St Spyridon College, for the child who raises the most money. This is kindly donated by the Parish of St Spyridon and we thank them for their generosity. There are many consolation prizes to be won also. The children will be provided with a sausage sizzle and water on the day. Please refer to the note for the deadlines to return your paperwork – By October 30 for permission slip and November 30 for the sponsorship funds & form.
Junior School students will meet their teachers in the Primary playground at 10.00am and they will be picked up from there by their parents at the completion of the Service.
All money raised at this event will be used to purchase equipment at the Junior School.
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Tuesday 30th January 2018. Programs will be available in coming weeks. If you would like to be placed on our mailing list, please contact Patricia at childrenservices@gwccs.org.au or call her on 9567 2021.
We look forward to your support for this fun event!
Thursday 16th November - Estee Lauder Corporate Store Christmas Shopping night Back by popular demand, come along and support our ONE NIGHT ONLY shopping night at the Estee Lauder Corporate Store. For those who haven’t joined us at this popular event before, the corporate store will be open exclusively for St Spyridon ticket holders on this night! Limited tickets available so don’t miss out. This night is scheduled just in time for all your shopping needs pre-Christmas or just to spoil yourself! Brands include but not limited to: Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Aveda, Jo Malone, DKNY, Tom Ford, Aramis, Michael Kors and many more. Up to the 60% RRP! Tickets for sale from our Junior School office. Donation: $10 ticket. Time: 430pm - 730pm Where: 165A Mitchell Rd Erskineville ALL WELCOME! Please don’t hesitate to email or call the P&F for further information. Angela Kasmas (Secretary) pfcommittee_@hotmail.com
GREEK WELFARE CENTRE SEPTEMBER VACATION CARE 2017 We had a very successful vacation care session reaching our highest attendance numbers on record, with over 50 children on Laser Tag and Ninja Warrior days. We are very happy to see our children are enjoying the program and their time with their peers. Some of the fun activities the children got up to in the Term 3 holidays: survivor day (the girls tribe won!) slime making, laser tag, ninja warrior, wheels & pizza party, and an excursion to the zoo. December Vacation Care will be available from 11th – 22 December 2017 and the January Vacation Care will operate from Monday 8th -
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JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Hasa and Klaudian (2A), on the birth of their daughter and sister Arianna. May our Lord shower them with His blessings.
On Wednesday night we were honoured to have so many parents and friends of our College in attendance at the Junior School Showcase. From the feedback that we have received, you were in awe of the items presented, the variety and, the skill at which the children delivered.
LIVE LIFE WELL @ SCHOOL Live Life Well @ School is a joint initiative between the NSW Department of Education and NSW Ministry of Health aimed at promoting lifelong engagement in physical activity, and fostering healthy eating habits. The Live Life Well @ School committee at St Spyridon College has been in full force – developing whole school strategies that support physical activity and nutrition for students.
I extend my thanks to the talented teachers who prepared the items, practised with the children and worked behind the scenes with microphones and props. Miss Bletsogiannis as Performance Manager presented a full and smooth flowing program which involved all 355 children of the Junior School. Her eye for detail and artistic flair brought all the individual items together whilst also presenting her own class item.
The committees’ progress so far includes: - Fostering community partnerships with Bunnings East Gardens and the SES Health Department - Planting a new veggie patch - Participating in the Get Loud for Fruit & Veg challenge - Providing more opportunities for professional development for teachers; focusing on improving PDHPE teaching and programming - A focus on developing strategies to build students’ resilience - Piloting a new school portal to enhance communication and connectedness between home and school - Encouraging Healthy Eating through the Canteen.
It is only with Our Lord’s blessings, the love and support of parents and staff that the children can reach such heights. God bless you all and we look forward to next year’s performance.
CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Alaydrus (nee: Nau) on their marriage during the holidays. Wishing them love and good health as they begin their new life together.
We still need your help! We would love for more volunteers to come forward to enable the canteen to offer more variety. Volunteering in the canteen gives you an opportunity to meet other parents in an enjoyable and social environment. No skills are required as we provide all training. You may volunteer as often or as little as you like. Even an hour would assist anytime between 9am – 1pm. Please call the office if you are able to assist. Miss K. Wright
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Stephen and George have just been shortlisted to trial for the largest youth tournament in the world, the LaLiga Promises which will be held in Barcelona, Spain competing against teams such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Man City and PSG etc.
THANK YOU We thank the Parish for the beautiful new carpet in the library and computer room.
SCHOOL ORDERS
SPECIALTY
PHOTO
Well done achievement.
To access photos, please visit: www.academyphoto.com.au and go to "Products for Parents" "Order Online" You will need to enter the following 8 digit shoot key: Sport – Shoot Key: H5PD2VJQ General – Shoot Key: VB3NHA9Z
boys
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outstanding
Photographs are $20 each and will be available online. Alternatively you may collect an order form at the school office and pay cash or enter your credit card details on the order form. You may also phone the photographers direct on 1300 766 472 to place your order by phone. All Specialty Photo orders must be handed in to the school office by Friday 10th November 2017.
NSW GOVERNMENT STUDENT TRANSPORT APPLICATIONS Applications for 2018 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) and Term Bus Pass (TBP) travel entitlements are now open.
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL CUP Congratulations to Stephen Varvaritis, George Manos and Peter Bebonis of Year 5, who competed with their team (Real East Sydney) in the Sydney International Cup at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen over the October long weekend.
In coming days students who hold an SSTS entitlement and are changing grade bands i.e. going from Year 2 to 3 or Year 6 to 7 and changing school, and students whose entitlement was approved under a medical condition, will receive notification by email or post informing them of the pending expiry of their entitlement.
Stephen’s dad formed and coached the team and after a challenging four day soccer tournament playing against various representative teams across Australia and New Zealand, the boys were undefeated.
Students enquiring about pending cancellation should be advised to go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateD etails to update details/make application for next year’s entitlement.
During the Grand Final game, the team just lifted to a whole new level playing against Melbourne Football Academy where they scored 3 goals in the first half. Real East Sydney won 3-1 and were named Cup Champions of their age group.
Application needs to be made before 31 December 2017 to ensure their entitlement is updated and their current card is not cancelled. If application is made after the expiry of their entitlement (31 December) the system will automatically cancel their card and a new one will need to be issued.
The boys were also commended by officials on their exceptional behaviour and manners on and off the field.
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Please note: Students who are changing grade band and are remaining at the same school will not receive notification and do not need to reapply (the system now automatically validates a student’s on-going eligibility if at the same school and going from infants to primary or primary to secondary). Where a student meets the new eligibility the system will automatically update their entitlement and card. Students in the Opal area applying for a SSTS or TBP entitlement for the first time will receive their card (posted to the nominated address) a week or two before the commencement of 2018 classes. Please let students know new cards for 2018 are not posted in 2017 or during the Christmas / New Year period.
Ms M. Pringle Art Teacher
DEEPEST SYMPATHY Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs Irene Klazoglou on the recent death of her father, Basilios Tassios, aged 76.
Email: Student@transport.nsw.gov.au
May God rest his soul.
Mrs A. Synesios Principal Junior School
Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School
SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT
MIDDLE REPORT
PARENT FORUM YEAR 12, 2018 On Monday, 30th October, 2017 at 6.00pm, a meeting will be held for all students of Year 11 and their parents. Students will hear information about the HSC Assessment Handbook will be distributed on the night. It is expected that all students of Year 11 will attend with their parents. Students are to wear their full school uniform as they will be presented with their Year 12 badges.
SCHOOL
SPACE CAMP 2017
NATIONAL ART SCHOOL
During the recent school holidays students from Year 9: Emanuel Constantopedos, Michael Dimitrakopoulos, Jordan Frazis, Lena Tsalikis and Year 10: Nikolija Jovanovic, traded their school uniforms for NASA Space Camp Flight suits. They embarked on an 18 day trip to the United States of America to further their curiosity and interest in the sciences and participate in the 2017 NASA Space Camp Program at the Space and Rockets Centre, in Huntsville Alabama Complex. Before going to camp, students also visited key sights at Museums in New York
This year, two of our students were accepted into the National Art School’s Intensive studio practice. Erin Giaris was accepted into Life Drawing, while Christina Hatgis was in the Printmaking department. After the intensive weeks of working with NAS teachers and working collaboratively with students from other schools, the program finishes with an exhibition of the work produced. Both students found the experience to be extremely positive and they have come back enthusiastic and ready to get stuck into their Bodies of Work.
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and Washington before beginning the Space Camp Program. While in New York students met with our 2016 College Captain Chrystal Christie who is in there at the moment doing a course in Graphic Design. At Space Camp students were immersed in everything space related. They attended talks on a wide number of topics from thermal protection to careers in the Space industry, they went on missions where they wore space suits and conducted experiments outside a space shuttle, had workshops where they built and fired rockets, plus got a sense of what it is like to navigate and fly planes and space shuttles. Additionally a variety of simulators were tried that enable students to walk like astronauts on the moon, feel the weightlessness of zero gravity and understand what it would be like to be in a capsule that was experiencing severe turbulence. These are just a small sample of the many activities on offer and the wonderful Space Camp Facility. The last couple of days of this great adventure were spent in Los Angeles. There, students visited Santa Monica, went on a walking tour of Hollywood Boulevard and just for fun finished off with mega fun days at Disney Adventure Park and Universal Studios.
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Our Middle School students have been asked to reflect on how privileged and lucky they are to not only have their basic needs filled, but also many of their wants as well. Gratitude is a value we all need to keep close to us at all times, but now as the end of another year draws near and period of fasting associated with the sacrifices of Christ are not far away, it is especially significant. We live in comfortable homes, have fresh water, food and lots of STUFF we love but don’t really need. The lead up to Christmas prompts us to ponder its meaning, we also show gratitude and thanks by thinking of others who are not as lucky as we are. Operation Christmas Child gives our students the opportunity to bring joy to a young person who has very little in the way of opportunities and material possessions.
YEARLY EXAMINATIONS The Yearly Examinations are coming in Week 5 for Middle School and Year 10 in Week 6. As students approach this demanding and important time they need to begin to organize their papers, keep all exam notifications in a central file at home, begin summarizing and learning work that will be tested (especially if these vital steps are not already underway). An examination timetable for years will be issued shortly. 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 will be listed on the back of the exam timetable.
Next week students will be asked if they would like to take home a specially marked shoebox to fill with particular items:
PEER SUPPORT LEADERSHIP Next week all Year 9 will participate in a Peer Support Leadership Development Day. This will give all students the opportunity to demonstrate their aptitude and enthusiasm for their varied future leadership roles, including assuming greater responsibility of themselves and their learning as well as possible Peer Support Leaders and mentors of the incoming Year 7, 2018 group. Following the workshop students will receive further information about the Peer Support Leader application and selection process
HOW TO PACK A SHOE BOX The shoebox student’s pack will very likely be the first gift the child has ever received. One more box = one more child reached with the unconditional love of God. Packs of pre‐printed shoeboxes will be available from Ms Kokinelis. CHOOSE BOY OR GIRL Decide if your shoebox will be filled with gifts for a girl or for a boy. And what age? 2‐4, 5‐9 or 10‐14 SHOEBOX LABELS & DONATIONS Place a label on the outside of your box, indicating who it is for and what age and donate $10 for each shoebox you are going to pack. Labels will be provided. FILL EACH SHOEBOX WITH SIMPLE GIFTS Include something from each of the 6 categories: 1. Something to wear 2. Something to play with 3. Something for school 4. Something to love
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD In the month of October Samaritan’s Purse a non-profit, Christian organisation that provides emergency relief and development assistance to suffering people around the world will be holding its annual program Operation Christmas Child. It is one of the largest programs reaching out to underprivileged children in the world. This program involves shoe size boxes being filled with various set items for disadvantaged children around the world. So far more than 100 million shoeboxes have been given to kids in impoverished circumstances worldwide since the program began in 1993. Donations from Australia are sent to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa.
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καλλιεργεί αρετές και αξίες στα παιδιά της. Είναι αυτή που τα μεγαλώνει με μεγάλη υπομονή, ευαισθησία και ανυπέρβλητη αγάπη. Μητέρα είναι αυτή που εμφυτεύει στα παιδιά της τα ιδανικά και τις αρχές που χρειάζονται για να γίνουν σωστά, δίκαια και κοινωνικά μέλη της κοινωνίας. Πέρα από αυτά, είναι αυτή που στηρίζει κι εμψυχώνει και τον άντρα της σε κάθε του βήμα. Είναι αυτή που τον ολοκληρώνει ως άνθρωπο.
5. Something special 6. Something for personal hygiene THE SHOEBOX WILL NEED TO BE RETURNED BY TUESDAY 31 OCTOBER 2017 Ms G Kokinelis Dean of Middle School
GREEK
COLUMN
Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Πόσο γρήγορα περνάει στ’ αλήθεια ο καιρός! Να που είμαστε στην τελευταία σχολική περίοδο και μάλιστα στη δεύτερη εβδομάδα της. Στην έκδοση αυτή, θα σας κρατήσουμε συντροφιά με το γραπτό ενός μαθητής της Γ΄ Λυκείου σχετικά με το θέμα: Ανθρώπινες Σχέσεις και συγκεκριμένα τη «Γιορτή της Μητέρας.» Η εργασία γράφτηκε στα πλαίσια των διαγωνισμών της Γ΄ Λυκείου.
Είναι αυτή που θυσιάζει τα πάντα κάθε μέρα για την οικογένεια. Είτε στην κουζίνα, είτε στον κήπο, είτε στην δουλειά, είτε δίπλα μας στο κρεβάτι για κουβέντα, η μητέρα σπάνια θα κοιτάξει τις δικές της ανάγκες, συνήθως οι δικές μας είναι η προτεραιότητά της. Η Μητέρα είναι η προσωποποίηση της ωριμότητας, της αρετής, της ταπεινότητας και γενικά, του Φιλότιμου όπως οι Έλληνες λέμε. Δεν υπάρχει σ’ αυτή ίχνος εγωισμού.
Καλή ανάγνωση! κ. Μ. Φαλέτα
Η δημοτική μας τραγουδίστρια, Φιλιώ Πυργάκη, λέει στο τραγούδι της: «Για πέστε μου ποιο όνομα στον κόσμο βασιλεύει; Όλα ξεχνιούνται γρήγορα, της μάνας μόνο μένει. Σε κάθε δύσκολη στιγμή τη μάνα σου φωνάζεις, είναι ο καλύτερος γιατρός, ποτέ μην τον αλλάζεις.»
Η ΓΙΟΡΤΗ ΤΗΣ ΜΗΤΕΡΑΣ Αγαπητές κυρίες, Στεφάνου και Κατσογιάννη, καθηγητές και συμμαθητές του κολλεγίου του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνα, του κολλεγίου μας, σας καλημερίζω. Ως αρχηγός των επιμελητών, έχω την ευθύνη σήμερα να σας μιλήσω για την γιορτή της Μητέρας, που θα την γιορτάσουμε σε τρεις μέρες, δηλαδή την ερχόμενη Κυριακή. Πιστεύω ότι γνωρίζετε τις συνήθειες όλων σχεδόν των οικογενειών γι’ αυτή την γιορτή. Αγοράζουμε δώρα για τις μητέρες και γιαγιάδες μας, τους φτιάχνουμε πρωινό και τους το σερβίρουμε στο κρεβατάκι τους… Η συμπεριφορά μας περιέχει πιο πολλή ευαισθησία από άλλες φορές. Επίσης, ή το μεσημέρι ή το βράδυκάνουμε ένα μεγάλο τραπέζι για όλη την οικογένεια. Όμως, αναρωτηθήκατε ποτέ γιατί έχουμε αυτή την γιορτή συγκεκριμένα για την μητέρα; Ποια είναι η σημασία της μέρας αυτής;
Αυτή, λοιπόν, είναι η αξία της μάνας. Κορίτσια, αυτό πρέπει να είναι το πρότυπό σας για το μέλλον όταν γίνετε κι εσείς μητέρες, και αγόρια αυτό είναι το πρόσωπο το οποίο πρέπει να σέβεστε και να αγαπάτε ολόθερμα, διότι σας προσφέρει τα πάντα, μα πάνω από όλα τη ζωή. Το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο των Γονέων και Φίλων του σχολείου μας θα έχει ένα κιόσκι με δώρα που μπορείτε να αγοράσετε για τη μητέρα σας. Εδώ τελειώνω και σας ευχαριστώ για την προσοχή σας. Georgio Svolos Year 12
Είναι μια ένδειξη αγάπης και ευχαριστίας προς τη μητέρα και την μεγάλη της προσφορά σε όλη την οικογένεια. Πρέπει να θυμόμαστε και να σεβόμαστε τον αναντικατάστατο ρόλο που παίζει κάθε μητέρα στην οικογένειά της και στην κοινωνία. Η μητέρα είναι αυτή που
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LISTENING STUDENTS
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had a taste of the gruelling physical training that astronauts go through, we experienced various missions such as the Orion and Ouranos mission that lasted from one to three hours in length, in these missions, each of us were given special roles and responsibilities, for example, Commander of Mission Control, who had an overview of everything for carrying out and monitoring experiments. These missions showed us how complex space science is, how important it is to work as a team and that being able to follow complex instructions was of priority.
TRIP TO USA NASA SPACE AND ROCKET CENTRE ACADEMY In the recent holidays, seven of us from Years 9 and 10 wend to America for the Space Camp trip, which also involved going to New York, Washington and Huntsville, Alabama, where the Space and Rocket Centre and camp were located. At these places, we got to experience different cultures and visit iconic locations that we had only seen in the movies or heard about on television news, e.g. Times Square, the 9/11 site and famous museums.
The size and facilities at Space Camp were amazing. There were real rockets, shuttles, capsules, airplanes of various description, simulators that gave us a taste of zero gravity and even what it was like to fly planes and space shuttles. We got spun around, turned upside-down, did lots of physical activities that made us face our fears so, so much more.
Getting to all the different places meant we did lots of travelling using a mix of coaches and domestic airplanes. We even took the subway to watch a baseball game.
My very own concluding words to any future traveller is this:
In Washington, we saw many interesting sites including the Whitehouse, the Washington Monument, various military and war memorials, plus fantastic museums like the Space and Spy Museum.
The world is like a book. Those who do not travel it read one page. So go, and fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show. Saint Augustine
Emmanuel Constantopedos Year 9
Start saving for the trip of a lifetime – should it be offered again!
Even though being away from home at first was difficult, but by the end of day one in New York, it was so exciting that all the homesickness disappeared. I know I speak for everyone when I say that “our expedition to the United States and Space Camp was an adventure we wished that could have kept going for as long as possible!”
Lena Tsalikis Year 9
For me personally, making the decision to go was the best thing I have ever done. The trip has changed me, and its impact, I feel, will follow me for the rest of my life. Leaving family meant taking on a lot more responsibility for myself and my things. The feeling of being independent and strong and knowing I can do things on my own with confidence, is powerful feeling to have as a teenager. Space Camp opened our eyes to the world around us and to areas outside this world … the planets … stars … and the galaxies. We
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SPORTS
COLUMN
to be able to represent my region and compete against other teams from Australia.
GIRLS SPORT ISA INTER STATE CHALLENGE During the first week of the holidays, I was honoured with the opportunity to fly to Brisbane with the ISA Opens Football representative team to compete in the InterState challenge. The Inter State challenge is a weekend long girls sporting competition which includes Football, Netball and Tennis tournaments. The girls associations involved included the Queensland girls sport QGSSSA, as well as IGSSA South Australia and IGSSA NSW. A tough three days of playing in 35 degree heat, resulted in our ISA team finishing second in Football due to one loss out of 4 games against IGSSA NSW.
Alexia Moufarrege Year 10
ISA BASKETBALL
I am very appreciative of the ISA coaches and managers who gave up their time to ensure all players were looked after. It was a fun and exciting new experience, meeting many new players and representing St Spyridon with pride. I look forward to competing again next year.
ISA Summer season of Basketball begins this Saturday for the girls. All teams have been training hard and are well prepared for their first game of the season. Good Luck to all teams. Â
BOYS SPORT Cricket First XI v Oxley College Saturday 16th September the boys First XI Cricket team competed against Oxley College in their 2nd trial match in preparation for the season. This was the last game of Term 2 and presented the boys another important opportunity to develop their game and try and iron out a potential batting line up and bowling attack for the season opener. Our boys won the toss on the day and decided to bat first. Christian Jenkins and Connor Giavis opened for the team and did exceptionally well managing to see of their strike bowling attack.
Victoria Zois Year 11
NATIONAL OZTAG CHAMPIONSHIPS
After 20 overs the boys had weathered the storm and were looking to capitalise. Unfortunately Christian was caught out and Connor retired making way for Spiros Zafiropoulos and Benjamin Hickman, our youngest team member. Benjamin did extremely well to face some very fiery deliveries but eventually succumbed to the Oxley pace attack. Spiros on the other hand made this innings his own, scoring an unbeaten 80 runs and the highest score of any of the boy’s batsman to date. Despite the late
On the 13th -15th of October I represented Wolves Oztag which is a combination of St George and Liverpool areas. This National competition acted as pathway to play for Australia. We were undefeated throughout the whole competition. Even though the wet weather conditions prevented us from playing on the Saturday we were still able to resume play on the Sunday and win the whole tournament. Overall it was a great experience
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their first Basketball semi-final. In the 14s the teams played out a draw and it was obvious that the Oxley team will be a threat for the boys during this season. In the Opens, our boys started slowly, our success from the free throw line was very low, and lack of self discipline on the court meant that we had three boys in the starting 5 playing the entire last quarter with 4 fouls restricting their defensive approach. Despite all this, the boys managed to win a very tight encounter and made hard work of what should have been a more comfortable win especially after leading at the three quarter break by 10.
floury of runs, the boys managed a total of 152 and Oxley College made easy work of the total reaching their target by the 22nd over. Despite the loss, there are areas the boys can improve on and they are certainly looking at working on their batting in the coming weeks. Score Card Highlights Batting Bowlin J. Lynch 14 M. Giokas 3/20 off 6 overs S. Zafiropoulos 80 B. Hickman 1/21 off 3 overs
I would like to thank Mr Lisgaris the coach of the U13 Team and Ms Alexis Mavrantonis for coaching and preparing the team for season 2017-2018. Thank you also to our U14 coach Mr Adonis Tsoustas, U15 coach Christina Ishak and parent coach for the U17 boys Mr Karagiannis, as well as our Opens coach Mr Theodore Koulouriotis for their passion and determination in preparing the boys for the season and I certainly look forward to the competition which begins this Term with the first game to be played at Oxley College on Saturday 21st October.
School Holiday Training Thank you to all the families who managed to get their child/children to the planned holiday training sessions. It was a great success and it definitely was worthwhile for all the students. Thank you in particular to the coaching team and to Mr Zafiropoulos who helped to manage the Opens Basketball and Cricket afternoon tea.
Basketball v Oxley College All the boys’ Basketball teams competed in the arranged trial fixture against Oxley College. This presented the boys with a wonderful opportunity to play a competitive game prior to the start of the season. All teams managed to play very good basketball with NO team losing on the day. The U13 boys, the youngest of the teams, managed their first win in basketball while the new look U17 boys were outstanding, as where the U15 boys who now have Christian Ishak looking to manage and coach the team to what will hopefully be
Term 3 Trial fixtures Cricket First XI v Chevalier College With the school holidays finished, the boys First XI Cricket team competed against
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Chevalier College on Saturday 14th October, in what was to be the last trial game prior to the start of the season. The boys won the toss and elected to bat first. Connor Giavis opened the batting with Christian Jenkins. Unfortunately, Connor was bowled out for a duck and this led to a batting collapse which saw three boys bowled out for ducks. Spiros Zafiropoulos started well and looked positive scoring 15 before being run out. Christian Jenkins played a beautiful innings and with support from Brendan Borodyansky who scored his first 50 for his school. Brendan also high scored with 20 runs. The boys managed to score over 100 once more, however were easily beaten by the Chevalier team. Our first ever Cricket team three trials and will go into season full of confidence opportunity to develop their and team performance.
has now played the ISA Cricket having had the individual game
First V Boys Basketball pre-season tournament Our Boys First V basketball team are returning to the Division 3 ISA Competition after having spent the last two seasons in Division 2. The team is mainly comprised of year 11 boys, playing their last season of Basketball for the school and are intent on making this season their most successful to date. This was the third year our boys were involved in the preseason Basketball gala day. It was an opportunity for the boys to compete against, schools from higher divisions and develop their game prior to the start of the season. In this year’s tournament results were as follows.
The schools’ first competitive game for the Division 3 ISA Championship will be played at Coral Sea Park, Maroubra against Central Coast Grammar School on Saturday 28th October 2017. We encourage all the St Spyridon community to get behind the boys in their first competitive game for the year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Jenkins and Mr Zafiropoulos for coaching the cricket team and supporting them in the trial games. Score Card Highlights Batting Bowling C. Jenkins 50 N. Fliacouridis 1/42 off 7 overs B. Borodyansky 20 S. Zafiropoulos 15
Defeated v St Andrews Cathedral School 2011 Defeated v St Pius X College 41-18 Lost to Chevalier 14-30 Loss to Oakhill 10-25 Lost to St Stanislaus 14-31 Despite the tough opponents, our boys were very competitive and were definitely unlucky not to be able to get another win against Oakhill College. In competitive sport we find that it brings the best out of the boys and this was certainly true at this tournament. Especially against the tougher Chevalier and Oakhill College teams who play in Division 1, our boys really stood up and were counted. I am very proud of their efforts and credit the team their coach Mr Koulouriotis for their strong resolve
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throughout the day. I look forward to watching the boys play their first competitive game against Oxley College in what will no doubt be a very challenging contest. If the trial game was anything to go by, this will definitely be a game not to miss.
Former Students Futsal tournament 2017 Every year the school celebrates the final year of schooling for Year 12 and the ensuing celebrations are profoundly moving. Students’ reminisce about the memories and strong bonds of friendship formed throughout their time at the College. Although we farewell the students, we are keen to support the growth of an alumni body. Farewell for Year 12 but not farewell from the College that helped to nurture and encourage the students.
I would also like to thank Mr Giles who supported the boys throughout the day as well as Christian Ishak who attended the fixtures and scored for the team.
With this in mind, in the last 5 years we have had the former students embrace the exstudents futsal tournament and yet again in the Term 3 holiday break the school hosted the 5th former students’ futsal gala day. It was another successful day with over 40 former students attending to help make the day a success. On the day the boys that graduated in 2013 were the eventual winners. But what really made the day a great success was the opportunity for the former students to renew friendships with former peers. It is a highlight for me personally to be able to see so many former students return to their Alma Ata, with great pride and passion.
Upcoming Boys Sport representative Fixtures (Basketball and Cricket) Round 1 Boys Basketball @ Oxley College V Oxley College on Saturday 21st October Round 2 Boys Basketball @ Sydney University V St Andrews Cathedral School on Saturday 28th October 2018 Round 1 First XI Cricket Trial @ Coral Sea Park V St Patricks College Round 2 First XI Cricket (First Competition Game) @ Coral Sea Park v Central Coast Grammar School. NSW ALL School Nicholas Kollias
Athletics
We are finally now at a stage where we will be looking to host two, possibly three ex-student events in the New Year. One of which will hopefully be an ex-students dinner or cocktail event. I would like to thank Mr Zafiropoulos, Mr Condous and Ms O’ Shea for their support on the day. I also extend my sincere gratitude to Mr Magoulias a former student, now PDHPE teacher at the College and Ms Flokis a former student of the College, and now Social Science teacher of the College for their support and encouragement in making the day a success. Ms K. O’Shea – Girls Sport Mr F. Kaldis – Boys Sport
Carnival
On Sunday 15th October Nicholas Kollias of Year 11 competed at the NSW All Schools Athletics carnival in his preferred High Jump event. Nicholas has had a stellar year achieving his personal best clearance height of 1.90m at the recent CIS carnival and again managed to achieve the same height in the NSW All Schools event. Nicholas finished 2nd on Sunday to be beaten by a 1st place jump of 2m. Congratulations and good luck with all your future High Jump events in the coming months.
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