News 191 2 2018

VOLUME XXXV No 2 23rd February, 2018

DATES TO REMEMBER FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE

FEBRUARY ACER Scholarship Exam

24th

ISA Swim Squad Training

27th

MARCH Swimming Carnival Yr 3-6

2nd

Twilight Tours SS

6th

Information Morning JS

6th

ASISSA Swimming Carnival JS

13th

ISA Swimming

14th

Year 7 2018 Entrance Exams

17th

25th March Celebrations

25th

Public Holiday School closed

30th

APRIL P &F Palm Sunday Lunch

1st

Public Holiday School closed – Holy Monday

2nd

Holy Tuesday – students return to School

3rd

Holy Wednesday – Easter Focus Assembly JS

4th

Holy Thursday – School closed

5th

Good Friday – School closed

6th

Orthodox Easter

8th

Easter Monday – School closed

9th

Students return

10th

Term ends for students and staff

13th

Staff development day

30th

IMPORTANT NOTE: This will be the last time that the Newsletter will be emailed to parents, teachers and students.

After this, Newsletters will need to be accessed via the SpySchool portal.

Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag

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humble, kind, calm, patient, sympathetic, forgiving and truthful so that God might accept your fasting and grant you the fruits of repentance and in turn His grace” (St. John Chrysostom Homily on Great Lent). Only then will we be able to celebrate the Great Feast of Christ’s resurrection.

K-12 NEWS Καλή Σαρακοστή As we enter the period of Great Lent, we wish our students and their families peace and strength in their spiritual preparations for Easter.

You will no doubt be aware that our School Canteens have special menus for this time.

May Christ our God, through the prayers of His all-pure Mother, our patron saint St. Spyridon and all the saints, grant us a blessed and fruitful Great Lent 2018.

HOMILY ON THE OCCASION OF GREAT LENT Great Lent marks the beginning of a time of preparation for the spiritual journey towards Easter or Pascha, a time in which Orthodox Christians and all Christians are called to come closer to the Crucified and Risen Lord through worship, prayer, fasting and acts of charity.

During this period, spiritual hymns are chanted; Lenten prayers such as the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian (“Lord and Master of my life…”) are read; whilst services such as the Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy and the Salutations to the Mother of God adorn the liturgical life of the Orthodox Church.

Mr Picardi Orthodox and Legal Studies Teacher

Ultimately however, the purpose of Great Lent is to give us a greater understanding or deeper awareness of Jesus Christ’s love for humanity expressed on Holy and Great Friday when our Lord willingly and freely offered Himself on the precious Cross for the salvation of the world.

This love is described in the New Testament by our Lord Himself who teaches us that: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3: 16). Great Lent helps us gain a deeper understanding of Christ’s love for humanity and in turn, our dependence upon Him.

CONGRATULATIONS P&F We congratulate Mrs Angela Kasmas and the new P & F Committee of 2018 who were elected this week and wish them every success as they commence their important role in the College.

We thank Mrs Bourdaniotis and the outgoing 2017 committee for all their hard work, integrity and the warmth with which they greeted each and every parent in the College.

We encourage all parents to support the P & F. It is a wonderful way to meet new people and develop life-long friendships. Your children will from your example about how to build community and the importance of service to others.

During Great Lent, we are each called to respond to Christ’s love by cleansing ourselves through the physical and spiritual fast. More importantly however, we are each called to remember those less fortunate than us and especially those who are going through difficult times. St. John Chrysostom urges us to: “feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick, comfort those who are sad, be merciful,

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GREEK ORTHODOX BOARD OF EDUCATION AWARDS HSC 2017 Awardees from St Spyridon College

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JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT Last Thursday we were blessed to celebrate the first K – 6 Liturgy of the year. We thank Very Reverend Father Steven and Father Sotiri for welcoming the children and making the liturgy an enjoyable experience. Congratulations to Mr Psilacos our Byzantine Chanting teacher; the boys who chanted the hymns and to the Year 6 boys who served in the altar.

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school. Parents can order meals from up to two weeks in advance and pay using a variety of online payment methods.

Benefits including:

CONGRATULATIONS Our warm congratulations are extended to Mr & Mrs Papadimatos on the birth of their first daughter Aria. May Our Lord watch over and protect her always.

   

Replaces paper bag orders Pre-paid online – no cash required Faster and more accurate Order up to 9.00am on the day

To set up an account or to update your child’s profile, please obtain more information on the link below where you will find videos that guide you through the registration and ordering process. http://www.flexischools.com.au/ Flexischools may be accessed via the SpySchool portal.

Mrs A. Synesios Principal Junior School MUSIC TUTORS Parents of Primary students who wish to access instrumental music tuition may contact the tutors below.

Piano: Mr Argy Giantsis 0403 502 098 Guitar: Mr Anatoli Torjinski 0414 928 132 Violin: Mr Sam Podjarski 0411 366 058 Singing: Mrs Helen Ferguson-Coyne 0404 027 702 CANTEEN NEWS St Spyridon School has engaged Flexischools Online for the Canteen. This service makes choosing and ordering lunches easier for parents, as well as providing a diverse range of healthy options making it easier to ensure your child is eating a nutritious lunch at

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P&F NEWS Welcome to our 2018 Committee!

The Parents & Friends Association Annual General Meeting was held this week on Tuesday 20th February in Doran House. It was exciting and promising to see many new parents joining us this year.

The forum was well supported and attended by the College and Parish Executive, as it is every year. We thank them for their support.

The P&F celebrated our fundraising achievements for the 2017 year. So many wonderful events were held and the P&F generated a grand total gross income of $109, 088! This would not be possible without the support of our parents. To our contributors and donors, once again, we cannot thank you enough!

From this amount, a cheque of $75,000 was presented to Mrs Stefanou-Haag for our College at the 2017 Leadership & Academic Assembly in December. We thank our outgoing President Erenie Bourdaniotis, who lead our Committee and took our fundraising ability to a different level over the last couple of years.

Her commitment, countless hours spent within the Junior School grounds will certainly be missed by all of us. Erenie’s resilience and dedication as the President stood out, however, we all look forward to working alongside her this year, as she remains an integral part in mentoring the “rookies” who are now stepping in!

The Committee looks forward to another successful year of fundraising! We welcome former and new members to the P&F team, their valued input at our meetings and for their efforts at our upcoming events for 2018. The following parents have formed the new P&F 2018 team: Angela Kasmas - President Erenie Bourdaniotis - Vice President Leslie Paparsenos - Secretary Desma Spyridopoulos - Assistant Secretary Joanna Coutts - Treasurer Joanne Moros - Assistant treasurer Additional Executive Committee members are: Angella Deftereos Kim Georgas Rita Georges Melissa Takouridis Diana Valmas Vivian Zorbas Committee members are: Paula Agiamarniotis Barbara Bessiris Matthew Dimaris Julia Eliopoulos Olga Gouveros Lucy Karagiorgou Alicia Leondis Heleana Magafa Sally Notaras Christine O’Reilly Georgina Panselinos 7

Chrystelle Pizanis Eleni Poulos Nikki Sigrimis Athena Sorras Renee St James Angela Vergotis Ana Winnel Your P&F is entrusted with four critical roles and responsibilities for the College. These are as follows: 1.

2.

3.

4.

To raise funds for the development of our College, buildings, facilities and resources To be positive role models to our students by their active community service To provide a forum for social interaction of our parent body To support and promote the good name of our College and its values and beliefs.

If there are any parents within the school that can assist us in of our fundraising efforts throughout the year, for example, with a donation or raffle prize, or know of any willing contacts that could assist, we welcome you to please contact us.

Angela 0407 061 940 Erenie 0410 318 053 Leslie 0421 286 954 Joanna 0419 992 027 Or email us on our P&F email: pfcommittee_@hotmail.com.

Thank you to all the parents who have filled in the volunteer form so far that was circulated at the Information evenings and to your children. We have included one you can print off in this newsletter; please continue to send them in! A member will follow-up shortly with you!

Please also refer to the newsletter and the College Facebook page for regular updates and announcements about forthcoming events.

Angela Kasmas (President)

Ph: 0407 061 940

pfcommittee@hotmail.com

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NO STOPPING = you may not stop your vehicle for any reason.

SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT Καλή Σαρακοστή It is tradition at our Senior School that the Prayer of St Ephraim is recited every morning by our students and staff. We share this prayer with our parents as it embodies the essence of Greek Orthodox Great Lent.

NO PARKING = you may not stop for longer than 2 minutes and only to drop off or pick up passengers or goods (i.e. you must remain within 3 metres of your vehicle.

I ask that you adhere to these road rules for the safety of our students.

Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School Deputy Head of College

Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of idleness, meddling, love of power and idle talk.

But grant me, your servant, a spirit of soberness, humility, patience and love.

Yes, Lord and King, Grant me to see my own faults, and not Condemn my brother; for blessed are you to the ages of ages.

Amen.

IMPORTANT NOTE: SAFETY – ROAD RULES – POLICE PRESENCE Parents please note that we have been advised by the Highway Patrol that they will be enforcing the No Parking and the No Stopping road rules outside School.

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PREFECT NEWS Welcome by the College Captain: Good morning Mrs Stefanou, Mrs Katsogiannis, teachers and my fellow students. Welcome to the start of this new school year. I am honoured to be the College Captain for 2018 and I am looking forward to working with the whole prefect body this year.

I hope that everyone had a great and safe holiday break and are now ready for the new year.

We are all extremely lucky and privileged to not only have the right to an education but to have an education here at St Spyridon College. We should embrace our school and its family and show pride in it.

Our faith and culture are incorporated in our learning thus allowing us to develop our mind, body and soul. Our school motto “forever excelling” fits perfectly with the school ethos.

As a new school year begins we need to make a firm commitment to reach our full potential in all of our studies. This is a time where we all need to focus on our studies as it is important to establish a good routine in order for us to achieve great academic results this year.

I believe that as a school, we can set new benchmarks whether it be academics, cultural, sport or in spirit.

As a school it is imperative that we work together and act as one, while importantly still maintaining our own individuality and special characteristics.

If you ever need help with anything, if you are unsure about something, or even if it’s just to say hello, please don’t hesitate to come up to me or any of the other prefects as we are more than happy to help make your year a successful one.

This is outlined in a Student Principle which reads, “We work together to achieve a school community whose distinguishing characteristics are those of friendship, compassion and decency”. I’d like to conclude by drawing close attention to three distinct phrases that have assisted me throughout my schooling years: “Accept responsibility for your actions, Be accountable for your results and Take ownership of your mistakes”.

Dean Albanakis College Captain

STUDENT OF THE WEEK Our first student of the week for 2018 has been awarded to Gerry Hugh of Year 10.

Gerry is being commended for always giving up his seat on the bus to older passengers.

This is both a mark of respect and a reflection of his selflessness. Well done Gerry!!

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PREFECTS LUNCH Last Wednesday, 14th February, our Head of College and Principal Prefects’ Lunch was held in the Sports and Performing Arts Centre. Prefects had the opportunity to share their progress in their studies and views on student leadership.

We would like to thank Mrs Lambi for her support and expertise for all such occasions.

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PREFECT PROFILE Name: Dean Albanakis.

Number of Years at St Spyridon College: 13.

Previous Leadership Roles: Junior School Vice-Captain, SRC in Years 8, 9 and 10, Peer Support Leader in Year 10 Subjects I am currently studying: Biology, Business Studies, English Advanced, Mathematics, PDHPE, Physics.

Hobbies: Spending time with my family and friends, playing sport, listening to music.

My Future Aspirations: I wish to further my studies at university in the field of engineering.

My role models: My parents, teachers, my godmother, Thierry Henry.

Favourite quote: “I believe the target of anything in life should be to do it so well it that becomes an art” – Arsene Wenger.

My proudest moment: My proudest moment was being fortunate to have been elected as College Captain.

One student principle that is most meaningful to me and why: The student principle is, “We value our religious and cultural heritage and respect the religious beliefs of others”. This principle is meaningful to me as I have attended St Spyridon College since kindergarten, which allowed my individual values and ethics to be showcased through the various programs offered.

From the beginning of my schooling until the end of Year 10, I was privileged to be taught “Orthodox Studies” by expert theologians and our parish priests. This demonstrates the importance our College places upon enhancing student understanding of our cultural heritage and the Orthodox faith. Further to this, the Senior School has a room designated as a Prayer Room which is available to all students at any time to light a candle for a loved one, to say a quick prayer or even to admire the beautiful icons. The Prayer Room provides comfort and allows us to put into practice some of the religious rituals that define and connects us to our faith. Also, the above mentioned Principle resonates with my experience as an altar boy at St Spyridon Church since 2007. This exposure has given me a deeper appreciation and understanding of various cultural and religious events, such as the 25th of March and 28th of October.

Furthermore, as my parents and grandparents value their religious and cultural heritage greatly, I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to be educated at St Spyridon College where these values are our guiding light.

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GREEK COLUMN

αμπελιού και του κεφιού. Σε αυτές τις γιορτές κυριαρχούσε ο ενθουσιασμός και η ευθυμία. Οι άνθρωποι μεταμφιέζονταν και γυρνούσαν στους δρόμους, πειράζοντας όποιον εύρισκαν μπροστά τους ενώ τραγουδούσαν άσεμνα τραγούδια.

Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Στην έκδοση αυτή θέλω να συγχαρώ τους μαθητές της περισυνής Γ΄ Λυκείου, Μαργαρίτα Ψαρά, Ιωάννα Σκουτέρη, Ζαφειρία Τσιμπούκη και Γιώργο Σβώλο για τη διάκρισή τους στο μάθημα των Ελληνικών, στις τελικές εξετάσεις του 2017, το λεγόμενο HSC. Και οι τέσσερις βραβεύτηκαν από τον Σύλλογο Εκπαιδευτκών Ελληνικής Γλώσσας, στις 8/2/18 επειδή βρέθηκαν μεταξύ των 10 πρώτων στην πολιτεία μας.

Με την επικράτηση του Χριστιανισμού κάποια από αυτά τα στοιχεία συνδιάστηκαν με την περίοδο των τριών εβδομάδων πριν την αρχή της Σαρακοστής, η οποία παραμένει μια περίοδος χαράς και γλεντιού. Η Σαρακοστή πάλι είναι η περίοδος των σαράντα ημερών νηστείας από την Καθαρά Δευτέρα μέχρι το Άγιο Πάσχα. Παρατηρούμε ότι στην ελληνική κουλτούρα υπάρχει κάποια ισορροπία, για παράδειγμα, έχουμε το Δωδεκαήμερο των Χριστουγέννων, μετά από λίγο καιρό τις Απόκριες, δηλαδή, χαρές και γλέντια και μετά αρχίζει η πνευματική περίοδος της νηστείας και προσευχής για το Πάσχα. Αυτές τις Απόκριες, ο αδελφός μου, οι φίλοι μας κι εγώ, κάθε Σάββατο ντυνόμασταν μασκαράδες και πηγαίναμε σε φιλικά σπίτια όπου και διασκεδάζαμε. Την τελευταία Κυριακή κάναμε ένα υπέροχο πάρτυ στο σπίτι μας. Η πόρτα μας ήταν ανοιχτή για όλους και όταν παρουσιαστήκαμε μασκαρεμένοι, κανένας δεν μπορούσε να μας αναγνωρίσει όσο κι αν προσπαθούσαν! Εγώ ήμουν ντυμένη κουρσάρος με μουστάκι, γένια και μακριά άσπρα μαλλιά. Καταλαβαίνεις τι έγινε...!

Επίσης θα σας κρατήσουμε συντροφιά με μία ακόμη εργασία μαθήτριας της Γ΄ Λυκείου, σχετικά με την ενότητα «΄Ηθη κι Έθιμα».

Καλή ανάγνωση

Είχε πολλή πλάκα και το διασκεδάσαμε πολύ! Φάγαμε του κόσμου το κρέας μια και δεν θα ξαναβλέπαμε κρέας για σαράντα ημέρες επειδή οι γονείς μας θέλουν να ακολουθούμε και να σεβόμαστε τα έθιμά μας.

κα Μ. Φαλέτα Απόκριες και Πάσχα Πολυαγαπημένη μου Μαρία, Τι κάνετε, είστε όλοι καλά; Σε έχω επιθυμήσει τρελά! Μου λείπεις πολύ και θα ήθελα πολύ να είχαμε περάσει μαζί τις Απόκριες και το Πάσχα γιατί τα γιορτάζουμε πολύ έντονα εδώ στην Ελλάδα σε αντίθεση με σας στην Αυστραλία.

Τελικά, αντέξαμε τις σαράντα νηστίσιμες μέρες, δεν είναι δα και τόσο σπουδαίο όσο ακούγεται, κι έτσι χωρίς κρέας και γαλακτοκομικά προϊόντα φτάσαμε στην Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα. Λέγεται «Μεγάλη» γιατί κάθε μέρα παρακολουθούμε στην εκκλησία το Θείο Δράμα μέχρι την Σταύρωση και την Ταφή του Χριστού. Έτσι κάθε μέρα την περάσαμε με αυστηρότερη νηστεία, εκκλησιασμό καθημερινό, προσευχή κι εσωτερική προετοιμασία να θάψουμε τον κακό μας εαυτό και να αναστηθούμε με τον Χριστό ως καλύτεροι άνθρωποι. Την Μεγάλη Παρασκευή το πρωί, βοηθήσαμε στον στολισμό του Επιταφίου και το βράδυ πήραμε μέρος στα

Θα σου περιγράψω ακριβώς πώς τα γιορτάζουμε για να ξέρεις τι να περιμένεις του χρόνου, που όπως μου έγραψες θα είστε εδώ αυτή την εποχή. Λοιπόν, οι Απόκριες είναι ένα παλιό έθιμο, που έχει τις ρίζες του στην αρχαία Ελλάδα. Ήταν λατρευτικές γιορτές προς τιμή του θεού Διονύσου, που ήταν ο θεός του κρασιού, του

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Εγκώμια και την λιτανεία που έγινε στην ενορία μας, δηλαδή, όλοι μαζί οι ενορίτες ακολουθήσαμε τον Επιτάφιό μας γύρω στην περιοχή μας. Πού να ήσουν να έβλεπες πόσο ωραία ήταν όταν συναντηθήκαμε σε μια πλατεία με τους επιτάφιους δύο άλλων ενοριών.

SPORTS COLUMN GIRLS SPORT ISA BASKETBALL

Το Μεγάλο Σάββατο πήγαμε στην εκκλησία γύρω στις 11:30 μ.μ. και στις 12 τα μεσάνυχτα, μετά το «Χριστός Ανέστη», που είπε ο παπάς, αρχίσαμε όλοι να δίνουμε φιλιά και να ανταλλάσουμε ευχές. Μετά γυρίσαμε σπίτι φέρνοντας και το Άγιο Φως ενώ κάποιοι άλλοι μείνανε μέχρι αργά στην εκκλησία για να κοινωνήσουν. Φτάνοντας σπίτι, κάναμε τον σταυρό πάνω στην πόρτα μας και μετά «πέσαμε με τα μούτρα» στην πεντανόστιμη μαγειρίτσα της γιαγιάς και αρχίσαμε και το τσούγκρισμα των κόκκινων αυγών, που είχαμε βάψει την Μεγάλη Πέμπτη. Κόψαμε και το τσουρέκι.

This Saturday marks the final round of the 2017/18 ISA Basketball Season. The girls have had a successful season with some pleasing results. Perhaps most pleasing is the sportsmanship and effort displayed by most girls in their approach to each game and also their training sessions. Implementing morning training sessions for all teams has been beneficial for the development in the girl’s skills and no doubt valuable for future years.

At this stage we have to wait for the final round to be finalised before confirming Semi Final positions. However Open B and Intermediate girls are in good stead to secure a position currently in 1st and 2nd place respectively.

Credit must be given to the Junior B girls.

Την Κυριακή του Πάσχα ήμασταν όλοι καλεσμένοι στο εξοχικό του θείου Μιχάλη, που είναι σε ένα ελληνικό χωριό. Εκεί, ψήσαμε μαζί με όλους τους χωριανούς, αρνάκι στη σούβλα. Ό,τι και να σου πω δεν θα καταλάβεις πόσο νόστιμο ήταν! Ο αέρας μοσχοβολούσε κρέας ψητό αφού πάνω από εκατό αρνιά ψήνονταν μαζί στην πλατεία του χωριού. Τσουγκρίζαμε κόκκινα αυγά, τρώγαμε, οι μεγάλοι «το έτσουξαν» και λίγο, και χορεύαμε ελληνικούς παραδοσιακούς χορούς. Οι μουσικές και το γλέντι ξεκίνησαν από νωρίς το πρωί και κράτησαν μέχρι αργά το βράδυ.

Despite not qualifying for the Semi Finals this team has irrefutably been the most determined, most committed team representing St Spyridon College this season. Whilst the final score lines at the conclusion of each game may not have been in their favour, these girls have shown determination every week and their positive approach has not been unnoticed.

Each Saturday they continue to encourage and motivate each other and as a result their team cohesion has developed over the weeks.

Ελπίζω να μην σε ζάλισα με τα ελληνικά μας έθιμα και να τα βρήκες ενδιαφέροντα και όμορφα όπως τα βρίσκουμε εμείς εδώ στην Ελλάδα! Του χρόνου, πρώτα ο Θεός, που θα έρθετε οικογενειακώς θα γιορτάσουμε όλοι μαζί τις Άγιες αυτές ημέρες.

Their improvement has been outstanding, no doubt evidence of their commitment to training every Tuesday morning. These girls despite not winning many games have been the most committed team to training and deserved to be commended. Furthermore, they have developed a strong rapport with their coach Lia Albanakis and her contribution and support towards the girls has been instrumental in their improvements throughout the season.

Σε φιλώ γλυκά. Η παντοτινή σου φίλη Φερενίκη

Fereniki Ghelis - Year 11 (Modern Greek Year 12)

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ISA WINTER SEASON As we are now concluding the ISA Summer season ISA Netball and Girls Football Trials will commence. Trials will begin in their ISA lesson.

Please be reminded that this is a 12 week commitment over Terms 2 and 3 with an additional morning training session throughout the week. Good luck to all girls who trial over the coming weeks.

Congratulations to the following girls who were selected in the 2018 Open Girls Netball team: Anthea Condous, Ephemia Damianos, Desi Kapodistrias, Maria Krassas, Alexia Moufarrege, Anetta Maroulis, Rhea Tsimboukis, Sonya Paradisis, Georgia Varvaritis and Christina Vlahos.

JUNIOR B BASEKTBALL TEAM Finally, I would like to congratulate the Year 12 Open Basketball girls, Jennifer Contominas, Maria Krassas, Felicity Ginis and Rhea Tsimboukis for their service to Basketball at St Spyridon College. These girls have now played their final home game for St Spyridon College and they have played an important role in the success achieved over their 5 years involvement.

During their representation for St Spyridon College they have achieved the following:     

Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport BOYS SPORTS Basketball

2013/14 ISA Junior C Champions 2014/15 ISA Junior B Runners up 2015/16 ISA Intermediate B Champions 2016/17 ISA Open B Champions 2015,2016,2017 – Greek Orthodox Champions

On Saturday all teams played against Blue Mountains Grammar in what are traditionally difficult encounters. Although the games were close all the boys teams managed to stay focused throughout the duration of the games and as a result all the teams have now managed to cement their positions in this year’s final series.

Additionally, both Erin Giaris and Kalliope Mentis who despite not being in the Open A team both have played ISA Basketball up until their final years of schooling. Thank you, to both girls for your commitment to Girls Basketball.

Highlights from the day included the U13 boys who have really developed their game. Both Christian James and Kosta Kalantzis were very strong in offence and are starting to form a real formidable partnership.

Well done for such an outstanding service to Girls Basketball.

In the U14 boys they continue to grow and mature as a team, they were comfortable winners on the day however had to contend with a strong Blue Mountains team which has made vast improvements to their game.

The U15 boys, U17 and Open boys were relentless in attack in all their games. The U17 boys started slowly but were really focused in the second half taking the game to the Blue Mountains Grammar team. The boys were much better at their conversion from the free throws

YEAR 12 OPEN A GIRLS

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and their shooting percentages increased dramatically in the second half resulting in a favourable result.

opportunity to play for their school. We thank our experienced coaching team and wish all teams competing in the finals the best of luck.

Our Open boys continue to impress, despite their regular point guard in Nathan Adam being unavailable, the boys still managed to claw their way to victory. Like the U17 boys team they started off slowly but by the 3rd quarter they had regained the ascendancy thanks to some very good shooting from Chris Kumar from the perimeter. This was coupled with a real spirited effort from George Andrianakos in offence and defense which really set the tone for a fiery 4th quarter. With Alexandros Gousetis in foul trouble all the team rallied behind each other to steal victory from the Blue Mountains Grammar boys. That said, the scene it seems is set for a fiery encounter the next time these two teams meet.

A special thank you to the newest member of our coaching team Ms Alexis Mavrantonis who has been helping the U13 boy’s basketball team improve their game. Thank you also to our new parent coach in Mr Lisgaris for supporting, coaching and managing the U13 boys’ team.

Thank you also to all the school staff for their ongoing support of the school’s sports programme and to Mr Condous for managing the boys’ team app which we have been trialling for the basketball season.

This week all our boys’ teams play their last home game of the year, and for the year 12 boys in both the U17s and Opens teams it is truly the last time they represent their school at home. I take this opportunity to thank all the year 12 boys for their invaluable contribution to school sport. In the following newsletter I will be dedicating a tribute column to the year 12 basketball and Cricket students.

All St Spyridon is welcome to come along and watch the Open boys at the school play against a former boys team at 10am in what will be a fitting farewell for the current year 12 boys of 2018.

Results: Opens won 44- 32 17s won 40 -33 15s won 39-9 14s won 34-27 13s won 23-12 Vote of thanks to our Basketball/Cricket Coaches and all support staff As the Basketball and cricket season comes to a close I take this opportunity to thank all our boys basketball and cricket coaching staff for 2017 – 2018.

ISA Basketball Representative Congratulations to Alexandros Gousetis of Year 12 for being selected as a shadow in the ISA Second V Basketball team for 2018.

It has been a rewarding year to date and we hope that all the boys’ teams have enjoyed the

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Cricket

Soccer Trials

On Saturday our boys First XI cricket team travelled to Bathurst to play the Scots School Bathurst . The boys were ready to try and return to the winners circle. Connor Giavis managed to score a personal best of 38. He displayed beautiful stroke selection and kept the team together helping to post a defendable total of 101. It was a real leader’s knock and one that certainly helped to make the game a competitive battle.

All the boys interested in competing for the school have been trialling at the school during the dedicated ISA timetabled lessons. Teams will be posted on the school notice board and ALL boys interested in playing for the school will be given an opportunity to do so. I am pleased to announce that competitive sport for the winter season for the boys is inclusive of all boys.

In the coming weeks students will be bringing home a registration form and other relevant information for parents to follow up on.

In the field we were very impressive, the boys were really backing up well and throwing themselves around stopping singles and creating doubt in the batters minds. Brendan Borodynasky managed to take three wickets and his contribution with the ball was also closely followed with Nicholas Kollias taking 2 wickets.

Expression of interest for parent volunteer coaches As the football season fast approaches, if there are any parents who have coaching experience and have a passion for boys football and would like to be involved in supporting the schools soccer programme I kindly ask that you please contact me on my email fkaldis@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au for further information.

While the Scots team managed to come away with a narrow win the boys enjoyed the trip.

There is one game remaining for the season to be played at Redfield College on Saturday 24th.

This will mark the final game for our co-captain Nicholas Kollias. I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank our College Sports Captain and only year 12 student for not only being the school’s first ever cricket captain but for being a positive role model for all the boys. I am hopeful that we will see Nicholas return in the future to help coach and guide the schools young cricketers of the future.

Upcoming Sports dates   

Thank you also to Mr Vergotis for sponsoring the team dinner at Blackheath fish and chips shop on the return leg home. This generosity certainly helped to make this trip a memorable one.

Match Highlights: Batting Connor Giavis Bowling Brendan Borodyansky Nicholas Kollias

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Round 10 Basketball Saturday 24th February @ Sports and Performing Arts Centre.

Semi Finals Saturday 1st March @ Penrith (Times TBC) Finals Saturday 8th March @ Penrith (Times TBC) ISA Swimming carnival 14th March @ Homebush Aquatic centre @10am

Swimming 38 runs

Annual St Andrews Cathedral invitational swimming carnival 2018:

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A small team attended the annual St Andrews Invitational swimming carnival held on Friday 9th February. Our school has now been attending this event for the last years and this year marked our most successful year at the pool placing 3rd overall. More importantly it was an opportunity for our students to get the much needed

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competition practice in the pool prior to our school swimming carnival and the ISA Swimming carnival later in March.

CIS Cup 2018 On Tuesday 20th February 2018 the Open boys Soccer team of 2018 had their first run together and first cup game of the season. The boys played against St George Christian School. The boys attack was flawless in the opening minutes and not before long the team took the lead and managed a second and third not long after. The score at the half time break was 3-0.

I take this opportunity to congratulate all our swimmers and thank Mr Zafiropoulos for accompanying the students as well as Ms Flokis for managing the team in the stands.

Emmanuel Tzanakes was very impressive and his combination with both Charlie Christofides and Hessan Soufi especially in the attacking third resulted in more goals in the second half.

The final score was 8-2. Other impressive performances included Daniel Xeras and his combination with Jonathon Lynch as our leaders in the back line. Congratulations also to all the boys who were on their debut for the College.

While the boys played well the challenge will definitely be playing against the very formidable ISA opponents in the division 1 competition in the ISA which begins in term 2. For now the boys have progressed to the second round of the cup and will now meet Moriah College who had a bye in round 1.

Mr F. Kaldis Boys Sport

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Please return to the front office or email to: juniorschool@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au

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