VOLUME XXXIV No. 17 2nd November, 2017
DATES TO REMEMBER
FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE NOVEMBER K-2 School Dance 1.30pm Church Hall
3rd
Yr 3-6 School Dance 6pm – 8pm Church Hall Final Assessment Yrs 7-9 begin
6th
HSC ends
7th
Final Assessment Year 10 begin
13th
Parent Forum Year 7
14th
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 Sports Presentation Evening 6.30pm
21st
Preparing for the Preliminaries begins
22nd
Yrs 5 & 6 depart for Camp Divine Liturgy Yrs 7 – 11
23rd
Yrs 5 & 6 return from Camp
24th
Parent Teacher Interviews K-5
27th
Holy Cross Monastery Yr 10
28th
Year 4 visit to Senior School
29th
DECEMBER MAPLE Excursion iFLY
5th
Term ends for students
7th
Academic Excellence and Student Leadership Assembly Years 3 – 12, 9.30am Staff Development Day
8th
St Spyridon Vespers
11th
St Spyridon Day
12th
HSC results
14th
ATAR
15th
Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag
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K
–
12
NEWS
The P&F walkathon is not far off now. As mentioned in the previous newsletter, we thank the Parish for their generosity for the major prize for this event, which will be a deduction of $3000 from Tuition Fees for 2018 at St Spyridon College. The major prize is for the child who raises the most money. The consolation prizes are two Apple watches, series 3, and three $100 iTunes cards.
SCHOLARSHIPS Year 7 Applications are now invited from new and continuing students to sit for the following ACER Examination Scholarship: 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.
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 – Was due by October 30 for permission slip and November 30 for the sponsorship funds & form.
Year 10 (Year 11, 2019) Two scholarships for the two top Year 10 students will receive their tuition fees paid for two years.
All money raised at this event will be used to purchase equipment at the Junior School.
Closing date for application is Monday, 5th February, 2018. ACER scholarship examinations will be held on Saturday, 24th February, 2018.
We look forward to your support for this fun event!
You may register now online: www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au follow the links to ACER Online Scholarship Application.
UNIFORM SHOP – BACK SCHOOL PURCHASES 2018
TO Thursday 16th November - Estee Lauder Corporate Store Christmas Shopping night
Tuesday, 23rd January 2018 9 am to 4 pm Wednesday, 24th January 2018 9am to 4 pm
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!
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.
P
&
F
NEWS
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!
Here is a quick update from your P&F on our remaining events for 2017! As always, we look forward to your support.
WALKATHON
Tickets are now on sale from our Senior and Junior School offices. Donation: $10 ticket.
JUNIOR SCHOOL P&F Walkathon Tuesday 14th November
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Time: 4.30pm – 7.30pm Where: 165A Mitchell Rd Erskineville ALL WELCOME!
to come along and say hello and see what all the fuss is about. Angela Kasmas (Secretary) pfcommittee_@hotmail.com
JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT Congratulations to Nicoletta Koufou and Michael Miller from Year 6 who recited the poem ΤΟ ΟΧΙ at St Spyridon Church and at the Archdiocese on Sunday to commemorate Greek National Day.
THE P&F NEEDS YOU FOR 2018! On a final note, we are at the end of another fundraising year for the P&F. I have been a member for six years now and I am often asked by other parents… why do you do it? Where does the money go? And so many more interesting questions …! From my perspective, the P&F journey so far has been a fun, occasionally challenging, however overall, a very rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to bring families of the school together in a hectic world, and it is certainly an opportunity for future investment towards our school. Some benefits to our school will be immediate and others are for the long term. Rome wasn’t built in a day as they say, and neither is a school, so it would be perhaps naive to believe so. Being a volunteer I feel, shows my children a sense of selflessness in an often selfish society. Children watch you closely as you pitch in an hour of your time here and there for their school, their microcosm. This is what a school community is all about. We believe the P&F has fulfilled its responsibilities for this school year. For 2018, we place a call out to anybody who wishes to join to please come along! You don’t have to help at every single function, and it’s a myth that it’s only for the “non-working parents”. Actually in our current committee, this is quite the opposite, so we all contribute where we can. Fresh ideas are always explored and welcomed so if you have some time, and many ideas, approach a current member for more information as the P&F will take shape in a new form for 2018! Our next meeting is on Wednesday 8th November at 7pm in Doran House, so feel free
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DISTINCTION Peter Winnel Chrissy Drakakis Holly Durrant Dean Foundis-Borrett Katerina Alexandratos
AFTERNOON PICK UP Parents are reminded not to queue in Mary Hamer Lane prior to 3:20pm as it makes Infants pick up difficult. If you arrive before this time could you kindly do a lap so as not to block up the lane.
CREDIT Michaela Deftereos Louis Degabriele George Kourgialis Christian Billiris Emmanuel Moros George Antonas Michael Boutsalis Spyridoula Karagiorgou Lara Stathis Cara Diamond Aston Roumanous George Alexandratos Peter Baroutis Curtis Constantou Georgia Karatasos Themi Papadakis Amali Roumanous Alster Dhamari Franklin Skouteris Catherine Coutts Andrew Dalessis Elizabeth Notaras Dimitra Kasmas Angelique Drakakis Julia Kamaras Isabella Koutoulogenis Ellie Tsoukalas Jordan Haramis Connor Kristallis Gabriella Gouveros Stavros Haralambides Nicholas Notaras Nicholas Bastas Nektarios Kollias Alexander Kumar Adam Stamos Sienna Tsoukalas Charlie Georgas
Your consideration is appreciated.
P & F WALKATHON On Tuesday 14th November the Junior School will be taking part in a Walkathon and sports day to raise funds for the College. Your sponsorship will also encourage the children to be more active on the day. We thank the Parish in advance for the first prize of $3000 off next year’s fees at the College and the P & F sponsored prizes of Apple watches and gift cards. Parents and friends are welcome to join us.
KALANTA If you are in Years 1 – 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.
AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION Each year students from Years 3-6 participate in the above competition. This competition targets the problem-solving ability of students through non-routine problems, focusing on the application of mathematical knowledge. Of the 79 students that participated we were able to produce a High Distinction, 5 Distinctions and 38 Credits. Another 30 students were awarded Proficiency certificates because they were a few marks short of the Credit cut off. We are indeed proud of the achievements of all who participated, but especially of the ones listed below.
Mr A. Dookie Deputy Principal
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE 2017
HIGH DISTINCTION Alexandra Bizannes
Congratulations to the following students who have completed the Reading Challenge for 2017. Well done
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YEAR 4 George Alexandratos Christof Bieri Curtis Constantinou Chrissy Drakakis Irene Primikirios Franklin Skouteris
KINDERGARTEN Andreas Alexandratos Savia Bieri Mikaela Chrysostomou Sofia Fisher Marcus Hansimakali Panayiotis Hatzitoulousis Areia Hillston Angelina Kopasakis Harry Kotsohilis Emmanuella Kougias Elena Kousoulis Jackson Midis Penelope Savva Oscar Skarlatos Christopher Skouteris Zanthi St James Jonathon Stamos Athan Starr Costa Venizelou Paul Verteouris
YEAR 5 Alexandra Bizannes Sarah Constantinidis Andrew Dalessis Angelique Drakakis Phoebe Economou Gabriella Gouveros Dimitra Kasmas Chloe Kristallis Myles O’Reilly Ellie Tsoukalas Tara Zinopoulos YEAR 6 Katerina Alexandratos Natalia Constantinidis Mia Paras Amelia Raptis
YEAR 1 Demitra Aroney Thalia Billiris James Chalkiotis Markella Economou Demi Eliopoulos Stephanie Fragias Anthony Magafa Analise Perdikakis Annie Syros Adony Tsakirios
My congratulations to the following Year 5 and 6 children who received their Gold and Platinum certificates having begun the Reading Challenge in Kindergarten. Spyridoula Karagiorgou Peter Winnel Holly Durrant Anne-Marie Aroney Stavros Haralambides Adam Stamos
YEAR 2 Diana Bastas Iren Bieri Sophia Gatsis Connor Kasmas Noah Kiriakos Antonia Kotsohili Vivien Kotsohili Bettina Winnel
Mrs C. Bartlett Junior School Librarian
SCHOOL SPECIALTY PHOTO ORDERS
YEAR 3 Christian Billiris Peter Bizannes Michaela Deftereos Jonathan Gouveros Erene Hatzitoulousis Panayiota Kranidotis Krystal Preketes Stavros Primikirios
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
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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. Mrs A. Synesios Principal Junior School
(c) On Sunday, 29th October: (i) Mrs Faletas was MC at the celebrations at the Archdiocese. Year 11 representatives along with Mr Picardi who laid the wreath and Anastasia Gikas, Year 8, recited a poem.
SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT OXI DAY COMMEMORATIONS How we celebrated the 28th October: (a) On Monday, 30th October: Students spoke about the meaning of this day and recited their poems at the Senior School morning assembly. (b) On Friday, 27th October: (ii) Mr Mouhtaris with four students, Mark Grillakis, Stella Ktenas, Fereniki Ghelis and Vayia Spanoudakis attended the commemoration held by the Greek Consulate in Hyde Park.
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14th December, 2017 and the ATAR’s Friday, 15th December, 2017. Good Luck to all Year 12 students. Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School
MIDDLE REPORT
SCHOOL
EXAMINATIONS NEXT WEEK All Middle School students will sit their final assessments for the year next week. Examination timetables with accompanying instructions have been given to all students to prepare them for this important time both in class and during Pastoral Care sessions. Parents can assist their children by ensuring they are clear on what is expected. This includes consulting subject notifications and examination instructions, reviewing and learning work that will be tested and of course setting aside quality time to effectively prepare for each day. Year 9 have been given the option of going home to study after their last scheduled examination if they have parental consent. This may be indicated by way of a note. In situations where a student cannot leave they will be assigned a supervised study room until 3.05pm when the school day ends.
(ii) Students in Years 8 & 9 attended St Spyridon Church with their Year Advisers and other Teachers. Mihalis Dovellos, Year 8, recited his poem.
ABSENCE PROCEDURES For those who may not be aware, this year we have moved towards electronic roll marking at morning roll call. For the most part the process has run smoothly, but some tweaking and system adjustments have been needed. Parents are reminded that if a student will not be attending school, the easiest way of advising and explaining, is by a simple phone call to the administration office on the day of absence. When calling the name of the student should be clearly identified, along with their year level, the reason for absence and date of
Congratulations and thank you to all students and Teachers who attended these celebrations.
HSC 2017 The HSC written exams will end on Tuesday, 7th November, 2017. HSC final Assessment ranks will be available to students via Students Online. The HSC results will be released on Thursday,
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task that would place most adults, let alone students out of their comfort zones. Regardless of any battles with nerves that occurred prior to each student’s entry into the lecture theatre, all who were present felt great pride listening to each eloquent, confident speech and knowing that all have contributed in some way towards developing students abilities. The results of both the student and teacher votes are currently being tallied and those successful in progressing to interview will shortly be informed of the next stage of their preparations.
absence. Once received, the information given will be recorded. A note from home is generally not required after this. The only exceptions to this apply in case of a missed assessment task or prolonged absence of 3 or more days. In such circumstances a medical certificate would be needed. Recently some students have been given reminder slips indicating dates for unexplained absences. If your child has brought these reminders home, we ask they be filled and returned promptly to the Home Room teacher. Should there be any anomalies it will be helpful if you could explain on the slip provided so that adjustments can be made.
LEADERSHIP YEAR 9 PEER SUPPORT LEADER WORKSHOP DAY and Applying to be a Leader
Over the past two weeks it has been heartening to see almost two hundred shoe size boxes voluntarily taken home by students and staff who want to do something nice for children in neighbouring countries who are disadvantaged by their life circumstances and do not have much of anything. These Christmas boxes as mentioned in our last newsletter are to be filled with various set items for Operation Christmas Child, an appeal that is annually run by Samaritans Purse (a Christian organisation). This organisation manages both the collection of boxes during the month of October and their distribution over the Christmas period. To facilitate this schedule being met, all Christmas boxes that have been taken home must now be filled and returned with a $10 donation included to assist with transport costs. Early next month volunteers from Year 10 will go to the collection centre in Blacktown during the Preparing for the Preliminaries program, to help organisers with the checking of boxes, making sure they meet the set requirements before they are sent off to the various destinations.
Last week Year 9 enthusiastically participated in a Peer Support Training Day, giving all the opportunity to understand the role and decide if they would like to take on this additional responsibility as they prepare to move into the Upper School. Everyone was focussed and engaged in all the interactive activities and looked with interest at the inspiring messages that were shown. Well done Year 9. All Peer Support Leader applications are due to Ms Flokis today.
PREFECT SELECTIONS This week the last group of Prefect applicants presented speeches to staff outlining their leadership qualities and articulating their reasons for wanting to be part of the 2018 senior student leadership team. All must be congratulated for their efforts. Speaking publically in this way not only before peers but also an audience of teachers is a very daunting
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So, what is so troubling with all of this new mobile reality? First, we have to fully accept the intensity with which youth desire today’s fast-paced and interactive screen time. Screen time plays directly into the pleasure parts of young brains. Subsequently they want and come to crave excitement, flashing lights and in later years being connected 24/7 for FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). In medical terms, dopamine is secreted in the nucleus acumens of their brain. This leads to a rewarding sensation that can be addictive if left unchecked or moderated. Murdoch Universities lead researcher Lynette Vernon said by Year 11, nearly 80 per cent of the students used their phone/devices late into the night. As a result “Their sleep behaviours become poorer…. this was linked to their wellbeing, a decline in their ability to cope, their self -esteem and increased depressed mood”. We can also seeing the impact technology can have on social relationships within families and between peers. Teachers and parents alike sometimes have to battle with teens as a result of their seemingly constant need to interact with their device which may also lead them on occasion towards making unwise choices.
TECH TALK FRIDAY
Now that this dopamine pump in the form of mobile devices can travel everywhere, it means there are two choices parents can make: freely hand the device over to the child and so avoid confrontations or, set clear guidelines and work towards sticking to them. This is not easy, but it is possible.
HOW YOUNG CAN KIDS BE GIVEN USE OF A MOBILE DEVICE AND WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH TELL US ABOUT THEIR SOCIAL IMPACT?
There is no doubt that technology and mobile devices are here to stay. It is without question that they are changing the way we work for the better in many cases and that there are many advantages in opening up a world on knowledge at the touch of a fingertip. But we should not fool ourselves into letting devices diminish the benefits of real life face to face experiences.
Recently results from a survey by Common Sense Media and study by Murdoch and Griffith universities were released: Common Sense Media examined: Mobile Device Use by Kids Age Zero to Eight while the universities tracked mobile device use, along with sleep and mental health indicators of more than 1,000 West Australian older students over four years. Their findings may not be surprising to primary and secondary school teachers who work closely with children, but they are concerning.
Education about the safe and productive use of mobile devices needs to also be given. Schools and parents at home have a responsibility to teach such things. Partnership is essential for effective education, successful human interactions, positive behaviours and learning
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Set time limits and rules about when and where mobile devices can be used, as well as what can/cannot accessed. There are numerous programs that can help with setting up boundaries, blocking access to sites and monitoring online activity.
experiences. Without collaboration and support, the good work done by one side can be negated are put and risk. According to experts, establishing boundaries, limiting the use of mobile devices in and outside the home can help young development: When kids cry or complain at home or in public, and a screen is handed to them, we are promoting a quick fix mentality to treating their uncomfortable feelings. Showing our children how to find other ways to alleviate these emotions will possibly save them in the long run from using unhealthy remedies in emotionally charged situations.
Consider when you are out, perhaps at a family dinner or get together, or waiting in shopping line for example, are there any benefits to being screen-free? (What observations, conversations and learning possibilities can be enabled?) Parents please consider ….Do you think you are a role-model for someone? Are you leading by example?
If devices are not allowed to be used in particular settings, opportunities for learning, relationship building and social skill development are enhanced. For example , when out at the supermarket or shopping consider the benefits of having kids ponder what they see happening …why water sprays the produce….or what they can learn from a sales assistant, instead of interacting with their device
Ms G Kokinelis Dean of Middle School
GREEK
COLUMN
Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Στις 19 Οκτωβρίου, όλη η τάξη της Β΄ Γυμνασίου, δηλαδή 76 μαθητές και μαθήτριες, με τη συνοδεία τεσσάρων καθηγητριών, πέρασαν κάποιες ώρες στην ελληνική ταβέρνα «Γεια μας» απολαμβάνοντας την ελληνική κουζίνα και την ελληνική μουσική. Παρακάτω παραθέτουμε τα λόγια μιας εκ των μαθητριών, η οποία μας περιγράφει πώς τα πέρασαν. Επίσης παραθέτουμε την γραπτή εργασία μαθήτριας της Α΄ Λυκείου, που γράφηκε κάτω από την πίεση των διαγωνισμάτων της Β΄Λυκείου.
A study of toddlers and mobile devices shows a negative link between the use of mobile devices and expressive language skills. In this case researchers looked at nine hundred 18 month-year-olds of which 20% used mobile devices. They found that toddlers who did not use mobile devices had significantly better language skills than the 20% who did interact with screens. There of course may be other reasons why there would be this finding, but it is still something to consider.
Ευχαριστώ πολύ τις καθηγήτριες, κ. Μαρίνα Καλλίθρακα, κ. Παρασκευή Γαμβρέλλη και την Mrs V. Belajcic για την βοήθειά τους την ημέρα της εκδρομής.
So how young is too young for a mobile device especially if being used outside the home?
Επίσης συγχαρητήρια στα παιδιά του σχολείου μας που απήγγειλαν ποιήματα για την εθνική μας γιορτή της 28ης Οκτωβρίου. Συγκεκριμένα, στον μαθητή της Β΄ Γυμνασίου, Μιχάλη Ντόβελλο, για την απαγγελία του στο ποίημα «Το Μεγάλο Όχι» στην εκκλησία του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνα και στη μαθήτρια της Β΄ Γυμνασίου, Αναστασία Γκίκα, για την απαγγελία της στο ποίημα «Ελλάδα» στην εορτή της Ιεράς μας Αρχιεπισκοπής. Συγχαρητήρια και στις μαθήτριες της Α΄ Λυκείου, Φερενίκη Γκέλη
At present those involved in research cannot agree on an exact age, but for toddlers the more mobile devices are not mobile, the better. Here are some tips to ponder as suggested by experts on managing mobile device use: As parents….Discuss and plan at what age your child will be before they start using a mobile device in and outside of the home.
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και Ελένη Πρεκετέ που απήγγειλαν ποιήματα στην γενική συγκέντρωση του σχολείου για την ημέρα αυτή και στις μαθήτριες Νικολέττα Τσιμπούκη και Νικολέττα Σκούτερη που μας μίλησαν στα Αγγλικά για την επέτειο της Ιταλικής εισβολής και της Γερμανικής επίθεσης και κατοχής αντίστοιχα.
Μετά το φαγητό είχαμε την ευκαιρία να χορέψουμε στους ήχους της ελληνικής μουσικής, όπως καλαματιανά, συρτά και ζεϊμπέκικα και να ζήσουμε λίγες ώρες ελληνικά, αλλά χωρίς βιβλία και δουλειά. Όλοι περάσαμε πολύ ωραία! Αυτή η εκδρομή θα μείνει αξέχαστη σε όλους μας και περισσότερο στα παιδιά που δοκίμαζαν την ελληνική κουζίνα για πρώτη τους φορά. Ευχαριστούμε την κυρία Φαλέτα που την διοργάνωσε.
Καλή ανάγνωση! Κ. Μ. Φαλέτα
Anastasia Gikas Year 8 Topic: Write a diary entry in regards to the problems you have with your parents; strictness. 27/8/17 Αγαπημένο μου ημερολόγιο, Πιστέ μου φίλε, άλλη μια μέρα τέλειωσε επιτέλους και ανυπομονώ να σου εκμυστηρευτώ για άλλη μια φορά όλα όσα έζησα. Οι γονείς μου έχουν τσακωθεί όχι μόνο ανάμεσά τους, αλλά και μαζί μου. Δεν με αφήνουν να βγω έξω με τους φίλους μου γιατί μου λένε πως πρέπει να συγκεντρωθώ στις σπουδές μου. Από τη μια η μαμά με καταλαβαίνει γιατί είμαι σε μια ηλικία που θέλω να έχω μια κοινωνική ζωή και μου αρέσει να βγαίνω με τους φίλους μου έξω και να διασκεδάζουμε. Όμως ο μπαμπάς μου είναι πολύ αυστηρός μαζί μου κι έχουμε τσακωθεί άσκημα γιατί μου λέει πως πρέπει να μείνω νηφάλια και προσανατολισμένη στους στόχους μου επειδή κατά τη γνώμη του, στόχος δεν είναι αυτό που αποχτιέται εύκολα αλλά δύσκολα.
ΕΚΔΡΟΜΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΤΑΒΕΡΝΑ «ΓΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ» Την Πέμπτη, 19 Οκτωβρίου, η Β΄ Γυμνασίου πήγε μια εκδρομή στην ελληνική ταβέρνα «Γεια μας». Πήγαμε επειδή προηγουμένως είχαμε συμπληρώσει μια ενότητα μαθημάτων σχετικά με τα ελληνικά φαγητά και γενικά την ελληνική κουζίνα και τις ελληνικές γιορτές και τα διατροφικά τους έθιμα.
Πιστεύω πως πρέπει να τους μιλήσω για να τους πω πώς αισθάνομαι μια και δεν μου αρέσει να είμαστε όλοι τσακωμένοι μεταξύ μας. Πρώτη φορά συμβαίνει αυτό και δεν υπάρχει πια ηρεμία μέσα στο σπίτι μας… Άσε που έχουμε επηρεάσει και τον Νίκο και στεναχωριέται και αυτός.
Στο μενού μας, λοιπόν, υπήρχε μεγάλη ποικιλία φαγητών, όπως ψητό αρνί και κοτόπουλο, καλαμαράκια, τραγανιστές πατάτες τηγανιτές, ελληνική σαλάτα, χαλούμι, ψωμί-πίτα, τζατζίκι και ταραμοσαλάτα. Υπήρχαν πολλά αναψυκτικά και στο τέλος για επιδόρπιο, ζεστοί, πεντανόστιμοι λουκουμάδες.
Ελπίζω να με καταλαβαίνεις φίλε μου γιατί περνάω μια δύσκολη φάση της ζωής μου και οι γονείς μου, ειδικά ο πατέρας μου δεν με αφήνουν ελεύθερη να βγαίνω με τους φίλους μου. Λένε επίσης ότι οι φίλοι μου με έχουν
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επηρεάσει πολύ και αρχίζω και αλλάζω και κάνω περίεργα πράγματα όπως και αυτοί. Αλλά δεν συμφωνώ με τους γονείς μου, μια χαρά παιδιά είναι οι φίλοι μου. Καληνύχτα ημερολόγιό μου, ελπίζω να πάνε όλα καλά και να συνεχίσω να σου γράφω μόνο για ευχάριστα γεγονότα πια.
YEAR 10 VISIT TO THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
On the 30th of October, the students of Year 10 attended the Australian Museum. We observed the fossils of Earth and time over which life has been evolving. Did you know that animals have been existent from around 1.8 million to 25 thousand years ago? Today we learnt all about the animal life and fossils that have been around for many years.
Φερενίκη Fereniki Ghelis Year 10 (Modern Greek Year 11)
LISTENING STUDENTS
TO
We were able to explore concepts related to evolution, natural selection and diversity while surrounded by the oldest fossils and vertebrae’s on Earth.
OUR
YEAR 9 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
We went through six self-guided activities based in different section of the Surviving Australian Exhibition.
Over 13 weeks, during Term 3 and 4, our Year 9 Design and Technology class designed and manufactured ‘minimalist’ lamps using a variety of joining techniques. As a design constraint, we only used polymers – polypropylene and polycarbonate, to create the lamp’s structure. Alongside the practical assessment, we documented our design ideas, research, experiments, manufacturing process and evaluations, in the form of a portfolio. We were all pleased to showcase our design aesthetic and develop our technical skills through this enjoyable lighting project.
Each group, conducted a workshop where we used vertebrae’s to show evidence from past life, we discovered whether the vertebrae was from a reptile or mammal. We also discovered that some of the reptiles were up to 7.5 metres in length, and this depended on the type of reptile. Overall it was a great day filled with lots of educational experiences, thanks to our wonderful science teachers who made this day possible.
Roza Papas
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commander of the German garrison, Paul Berenz summoned the mayor and asked that a list be given to him of all Jews living on the island. In a monumental act of courage, Bishop Chrysostomos and Mayor Karrer handed over 2 pieces of paper - a letter and a list that contained only 2 names - their own. Moreover, in Athens, 1200 Jews were given false Christian baptismal certificates by Archbishop Damaskinos and Police Chief Aggelos Ebert. 200 ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ medals were awarded to Greeks who hid Jews in their own homes, endangering not only their life but also their families lives. After the presentation, we were able to explore the artistic exhibition and gain a further insight into the plight of these Hellenic Jewish communities. Overall, this was an extremely enlightening experience as we were able to increase our knowledge of the atrocities of WWII and its direct impact to our own Hellenic heritage.
Marie Vasilakis
JEWISH MUSEUM VISIT On Tuesday the 24th of October, Fereniki Ghelis, Bill Avdalis, Austin Papadopoulos and myself, accompanied by Ms Gambriell, attended the launch of the exhibition “Jews of Greece” at the Sydney Jewish Museum. There, we were given a brief history of the persecution of the Jewish community of Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Zakynthos during the Holocaust. We learnt that 97% of the Jewish population of Thessaloniki and 92% of the Jewish population of Rhodes were persecuted. In contrast, all of the Jewish population living in Zakynthos were saved by Bishop Chrysostomos Demetriou and by mayor Loukas Karrer. In October 1944, the
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SPORTS
COLUMN
BOYS SPORT Boys Basketball Round 1 - Saturday 21st October 2017 In Round 1 of the boys’ basketball competition the teams travelled to Burradoo to play Basketball against Oxley College. It has been two seasons since our school was in division 3, after having being in division 2 our teams will be looking to do all they can to seek promotion once more.
Stella Ktenas Year 10
PEER SUPPORT TRAINING DAY
All the boys’ teams performed very well winning all games. The trial game and planned holiday training sessions had a positive impact on the boys’ performance. The Open boys’ game was a highlight with the game delicately poised at the 3rd quarter at 35-35, after which the Open boys steered clear winning the game 52 – 35. Their last quarter was best described as relentless. Nathan Adam who played point guard was excellent and Alexandros Gousetis also played a pivotal role in the last quarter winning most of the rebounds in attack and converting.
Last week on Tuesday the 24th of October, all Year 9 students participated in a full day incursion with some mentors from Burn Bright. This day was for the Year 9s to experience what it would be like if we were to become a Peer Support Leader. During this day we participated in various activities which required us to use our communication and leadership skills. We were shown videos and were asked to discuss issues that took us out of our comfort zone as we are focusing on moving up into the Upper School. We had to work together to problem solve and we had to agree to compromise in some circumstances. It taught us more about having to be a leader and what it means to lead a group. Everybody really enjoyed the day and thought it was a great experience that would help us through our time as Peer Support Leaders.
A special mention to all the boys’ basketball teams who supported the Open boys basketball team. The collective group created a wonderful atmosphere which invariably helped to carry the boys over the line. Results (v Oxley College) from the day included: U13 – Win 32-5 U14 – Win 23-19 U15 – Win 36-6 U17 – Win 38-22 Opens – Win 52-35
George Hatzidis Year 9
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physical presence and strong approach to the game added immense value. Results (v St Andrews Cathedral School) from the day included: U13 – Win 26-20 U14 – Win 36-5 U15 – Loss 17-14 U17 – Lost 23-18 Opens – Win 62-39 Boys Futsal
Boys Basketball Round 2 -Saturday 28th October 2017
The boys’ after school futsal competition has begun with Year 7 – 10 playing their first games on Wednesday and Thursday after school. It is expected that this will continue until the finals are played in week 7 of this Term.
In Round 2 the boys’ basketball teams matched up against St Andrews Cathedral School, this was always going to be a difficult encounter for all the teams particularly considering St Andrews had a great start to the season with opening wins in most grades against Blue Mountains Grammar.
Congratulations to all the boys on their sportsmanship and well organised teams. Good luck to all the boys over the coming weeks.
The boys’ teams have been training very well and we were looking forward to the clash against St Andrews so that we could measure where we were - in comparison to a strong Basketball school. Our U13 boys had a difficult encounter, however, proved to be too good winning in a tight contest. This now takes the boys tally to two from two heading into this week’s game against St Pius X College.
First XI Cricket v Central Coast Grammar Our school competed against Central Coast Grammar and were outstanding both on the field and with the bat. Our boys lost the toss and subsequently were sent in to field, our strike bowlers in Nicholas Kollias and Christian Jenkins were excellent; Christian was in amazing form taking the schools best figures to date for 3/14. They were closely followed by strong support from our youngest team member Benjamin Hickman as well as Brendan Borodyansky who achieved his best bowling figures for the year to date. Our boys bowled out the opposition for 140 in 37 overs and the total definitely could have been less than100 given the many sundries that the boys bowled.
Our U14s also had an enjoyable day winning comfortably, asserting their authority early and ensuring that they went on with the job. The U15 boys and U17 boys both had losses, however, reports from the coaches of the teams indicate that the return game will definitely be much different. In the First V, our boys were hampered by injury losing 2 boys from the team earlier in the week. I commend and congratulate the boys who despite the changes to the team and player shortage easily accounted for their opposition. What was inspiring was watching their relentless pressure and their ability to make changes to their game to counter their opponent’s defensive efforts, especially their full court press.
With the bat our boys started off strongly with a very impressive partnership from Brendan and Christian their partnership ended at 56 with Brendan being caught out on 19. Spiros entered the game at 1 for 56 with the pairing of Christian and Spiros looking to likely to close the game. Unfortunately Christian lost his wicket not long after Spiros introduction to the game and Connor Giavis entered the game. Spiros kept the score board ticking giving hope that the school could record their first victory. Connor added to the total before being
I also congratulate Zac Prelec who made his debut for the First V boys’ basketball team, his
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caught out for 6; George Hatzidis did not last long at the crease hence the introduction of Nicholas Kollias. Spiros was quickly running out of partners; thankfully the small total set by their opponents was run down with the winning runs coming from Nicholas Kollias, leaving Spiros top scoring on 45 not out for the game. Without doubt player of the week was Christian Jenkins who not only bowled exceptionally but also helped the boys establish a strong opening stance and gave the team their best chance of winning the game.
Score card Highlights Bowling C. Jenkins 3/14 off 10 overs B. Borodyansky 3/28 off 8 overs Batting S. Zafiropoulos 45 not out C. Jenkins 26 B. Borodyansky 19 C. Giavis 15
It was a gallant effort from a team that have been training since Term 2 of this year, a team that have played three trials and not recorded a win. The school’s first competitive game of cricket could not have finished on a better note, a memorable first game and victory. The team goal for the year has been and continues to be to improve on individual performance and refine their batting, bowling to become a team to compete for a finals place in season 2018-2019.
Upcoming Boys Sport Events Round 3 ISA Boys Basketball Saturday 4th November 2017 @ St Spyridon College Round 3 ISA Boys First XI Cricket Saturday 4th November @Coral Sea Park, Maroubra @ 10am Intra School Futsal continues with Years 9 and 10 playing on Wednesday after school and Years 7 and 8 on Thursday after school @ the school SPACe. School Sports Presentation Evening planned for Tuesday 21st November – Invitations to be forwarded in the coming weeks.
The boys now have a very tough game at home to St Patricks College. This will no doubt be a tough challenge but after the high experienced on the weekend the team will definitely be looking to make it two from two. Congratulations to the cricket boys. I would like to thank Mrs Stefanou and Mrs Katsogiannis together with all the staff and parents who attended to watch the first competitive game of the season. Thank you also to all the parent helpers in particular Mr Hatzidis on the BBQ and Mr Jenkins who once again supported the school with scoring on the weekend. The team appreciated all the support and are looking forward to the game ahead on the weekend. Congratulations also to the coach of the team Mr Zafiropoulos who has been instrumental in the boys’ development and enjoyment of the game of Cricket.
GIRLS SPORT ISA BASKETBALL The 2017/18 Basketball season has commenced and the girls have made a strong start with many positive results. Particularly, the Open B team who are undefeated after 2 rounds and the Junior C Year 7 team have won 2 out of 3 games. The Intermediate girls are currently competing in Division 1 and have been strong competitors each game. The Open A girls won their first home game in a thriller against Barker in double extra time winning in a golden point situation. Good luck to all teams for Rd 3 and 4.
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Round 1 Basketball Results TEAM OPEN A
OPPONENT SPGS
SCORE LOST 34-29
OPEN B
OAKHILL
WON 12-7
INTER A
CENTRAL COAST GRAMMAR GREEN CENTRAL COAST GRAMMAR GOLD
LOST 49-7
JUNIOR B
CENTRAL COAST GRAMMAR
JUNIOR C
CENTRAL COAST GRAMMAR GREEN CENTRAL COAST GRAMMAR GOLD
LOST 28-21 LOST 23-6 LOST 38-13 WON 48-30
Round 2 Basketball Results TEAM
OPPONENT
SCORE
OPEN A
BARKER
WON 25-23
OPEN B
REDLANDS
WON 22-13
INTER A JUNIOR B
REDLANDS A REDLANDS B REDLANDS
LOST 50-14 WON 25-18 LOST 17-12
JUNIOR C
REDLANDS
WON 26-12
Ms K. O’Shea – Girls Sport
Mr F. Kaldis – Boys Sport
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