News 192 3 2018

VOLUME XXXV No3 9th March, 2018

DATES TO REMEMBER

FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE

MARCH Year 12 Half Yearly Exams begin

12th

ASISSA Swimming Carnival JS

13th

ISA Swimming

14th

Year 7 2019 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

MAY Students return – Winter uniform National Schools Event - Melbourne Naplan Yrs 3, 5, 7 & 9 School photographs SS

1 th

st

9 – 11

th

th

15 – 17th nd

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IMPORTANT NOTE: We said in our last newsletter that we would no longer email these. However, we have been advised by our marketing experts that it takes six months for adults to adjust to any new on-line change. Therefore in the interest of keeping up communications we will continue to email the newsletter for the first semester 2018.

We would like to encourage parents to access newsletters, other communication documents and notices via SpySchool: https://portal.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au/igloo/portal/ Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag

K-12 NEWS 25

TH

SAFETY FIRST – SENIOR SCHOOL

MARCH CELEBRATIONS

On Sunday 25th March we will commemorate Greek Independence Day and The Annunciation of The Virgin Mary.

We urge all students and parents to use the crossing at the traffic lights at the crossroads of Anzac Parade and Beauchamp Road. The few minutes it takes to do this will ensure safety crossing a busy, crowded two lane highway.

This is a compulsory event for all students in Year 1-6 and optional for Kindergarten. You will receive a specific bulletin about this.

The Board of Directors is working with Randwick City Council and other authorities for the construction of a car park and subsequently a crossing for the College.

All students are expected to be present until the conclusion of the program at approximately 4.15pm.

In the meantime, please keep safe and cross at the lights.

10.00am: Years 7 and 12 to meet their teachers in Primary School playground.

SCHOOL ZONE INFORMATION

10.20am: Years 5 and 6 to meet their teachers in Mary Hamer Quadrangle.

The students will represent the Junior School in St Spyridon Church for the memorial service.

1.00pm: All students (Year 1-12) are to assemble behind our school banner in the assigned area at Martin Place. The teachers will assume responsibility of their class. Parents are asked to keep their distance whilst the students march to the Opera House.

–

IMPORTANT

Most school zones operate from 8:00am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm on gazetted school days in NSW and from 8am to 4pm in the ACT.

On arrival at the Opera House, the students will sit with their teacher in the designated area until the conclusion of the formalities which will be at approximately 4.15pm. No child may leave before this time.

Notified school days Term 1 - Eastern Division NSW

At the conclusion parents are to collect their child from their Roll Teacher. Please ensure your child’s name is crossed off.

Term 1 - Western Division NSW and ACT Term 2 (Eastern and Western Divisions NSW and ACT) Term 3 (Eastern and Western Divisions NSW and ACT) Term 4 (Eastern and Western Divisions NSW and ACT)

Students are to wear their summer uniform with blazer and (Junior School) hat. Shoes are to be polished, buttons on blazers, shirts and dresses attached and hem sewn. Replace any items of uniform that are worn of faded.

CONGRATULATIONS Congratulation to Mr and Mrs Demetriou on the birth of their baby boy, Nicholas, brother to Athena Yr 9C, Sotiri 6P and Christophoros KC. May Christ bless them.

2018 Monday 29 January to Friday 13 April (inclusive) Monday 5 February to Friday 13 April (inclusive) Monday 30 April to Friday 6 July (inclusive) Monday 23 July to Friday 28 September (inclusive) Monday 15 October to Friday 21 December (inclusive)

Dates above include school development days 2

(also known as student-free days) as some students may attend their school on these days.

lose you $330.

The heftiest fines of the seven changes are for stopping within 20m of an intersection with traffic lights, stopping within 10m of one without lights or stopping near bicycle lights – each attracting a $439 fine.

The 40km/h school speed zones operate across NSW and ACT at all school sites on gazetted school days (including school development days). Motorists should drive no faster than 40km/h through school zones.

None of the seven offences attract demerit points when committed elsewhere on the road but in a school zone they each come with two points.

School zones operate and are enforced on pupil free days because pupil free days can vary from school to school. Consistent operation of school zones aims to reduce driver confusion, which improves the safety of school children.

THE CHANGES: 1. Stopping in intersection - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $439 and 2 demerit points.

There are a small number of non-standard school zone times in NSW and ACT. They are identified by red/orange school zone signs to show non-standard times. Signs at these schools show the times that apply.

2. Stop within 20m of intersection (traffic lights) - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $439 and 2 demerit points.

TRAFFIC OFFENCES NOW MORE EXPENSIVE & DEMERIT POINTS Seven new school zone traffic offences:

3. Stop within 10m of intersection (no traffic lights) - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $439 and 2 demerit points.

Get caught queuing across an intersection in a school zone and you’ll now be hit with a $439 fine.

4. Stop near bicycle crossing lights - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $439 and 2 demerit points.

Recent changes by the NSW Government will see seven parking-based offences with harsher punishments when committed in a school zone, with fines increasing by up to 200 per cent.

5. Obstruct access to ramp/path/passageway Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $330 and 2 demerit points.

As of 1 February 2018 the offences include obstruct access to a ramp/path/passageway, stop on/near children's or pedestrian crossing, and stopping within 10 metres of an intersection without traffic lights.

6. Not parallel park in the direction of travel Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a $330 fine and 2 demerit points.

The biggest change is for stopping over a pedestrian crossing or otherwise obstructing access to a ramp, path or passageway. That normally comes with a $110 fine but in a school zone it will sting motorists $330.

7. Parallel park close to dividing line - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a $330 fine and 2 demerit points.

On top of this, not parking your car in the direction of travel or parking too close the dividing line in the middle of the road will also

Extracted from “My NRMA” website.

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P&F NEWS We had our very first successful meeting with the new committee, planning all the events of the year.

Please refer to the SpySchool portal for all the event dates: https://portal.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au/igloo/portal/ Here are some special events not to be missed: Easter Raffles We are seeking donations for Easter hampers for the Annual Easter Focus raffles; suggestions include movie tickets, vouchers, Lindt or Cadbury chocolates, Easter themed products. Please contact Angela on 0407061940.

Palm Sunday Lunch Palm Sunday lunch will be held in the St Spyridon Church Hall on Sunday 1st April at 11:30am. We will be serving a delicious Lenten menu of entrees, main, including whole snapper fish, and desserts. We invite you to join us with your family and friends.

Bookings are essential and must be made in advance to help with catering.

Please call Erenie: 0410 318 053 - Adults (13 yrs +): $50 donation & Children (4-12 yrs): $25 donation.

Mother’s Night Out – May 17th 2018 The Mother’s Night Out is an enjoyable and successful fundraising evening. It’s a night when all the mothers, grandmothers and all females of our school community and their extended friends, can sit back and relax and enjoy great food and good company. This year we have a new venue for the evening – CYREN Darling Harbour. It promises to be a prize, fun-filled evening. Please keep an eye out for the flyer.

Tickets are $85 per person. Strictly tables of 10, so organise your group ASAP. Pre-bookings are essential. Please call or SMS Joanna 0419 992 027 for a booking or catch Leslie and Angela V at the Mango tree on Wednesday mornings. All welcome!

Volunteers 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!

Leslie Paparsenos & Desma Spyridopoulos P&F Secretaries 4

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT Congratulations to all the children who enthusiastically participated in the swimming carnival. We thank Mrs Diavatiotis for organising and running the carnival and to Mr Dookie, Mr Volas and Miss Sirmanoglou for their work behind the scenes. Thank you to all the staff who assisted during the day to ensure the smooth running of the carnival.

The carnival is an enjoyable and successful day due to the support of the parent volunteers and to those of you who came to cheer the children along.

Congratulations to the winning Nemeans House and their captains, Myles O’Reilly and Ioanna Panayi.

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OPEN MORNING Prospective parents attended the Open Morning on the 6th March. They observed K – 6 at work across the subjects and levels and were impressed with the way the children engaged, articulated and worked collaboratively in groups to solve problems. The parents who attended were impressed with the quality of the children’s work and with the way that teaching and learning is undertaken.

We thank Mrs Takouridis, Mrs Eliopoulos and Mrs Katsiaras who volunteered to meet and greet out visitors and, to Mrs Zorbas, who welcomed our guests on behalf of the P & F president Mrs Kasmas. We are fortunate to have such a dynamic and supportive parent body.

PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE 2018 As soon as the children have read the required number of books i.e. 30 books for K-Year 2, 20 books for Years 3-6, the completed forms need to be returned to the Library for processing.

Only the titles of books need to be recorded.

UNIFORM Girls are to use the regulation blue ribbon in their hair. This is available from the uniform shop.

Jojo bows are not permitted.

Mrs A. Synesios Principal Junior School

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SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT SENIOR STUDY CENTRE EXTENDED HOURS Students, Year 7-12, may use the library facilities for the completion of homework or working on assessments and general study on Mondays and Wednesdays: 3:05 – 4:15pm.

TWILIGHT TOURS Congratulations to all the Student Leaders and volunteers who were able to assist with Twilight Tours this week. An overwhelming number of visitors attended again this year, which is a testament to the positive impression and interest our College is generating in the community.

Students warmly welcomed visitors and enthusiastically conducted tours of the school campus, impressing all with their honest and positive commentaries.

HICES DEBATING On Tuesday 27th February, five debating teams from St Spyridon College (26 students) travelled to Emanuel School to debate in Round 1 of the 2018 HICES Debating Competition.

Two of our teams won their debates: Middle division St Spyridon A; and our Open division team. Congratulations to all students involved.

While our three other teams were not successful in winning their debates in Round 1, the students received feedback on how to improve and are looking forward to their next opportunity to debate.

All students are commended on their efforts in debating so far this year, and are encouraged to maintain their high level of enthusiasm throughout the competition. Round 2 will take place on Wednesday 15th March at Moriah College.

2018 HICES DEBATING TEAM

Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School Deputy Head of College

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PREFECT PROFILE Name: Joanna Skouteris – Vice Captain of the Senior School Age: 16 Number of Years at St Spyridon College: 13 years – since kindergarten Previous Leadership Roles: Vice Captain of the Junior School, SRC member in Year 7 and 11, Peer Support Leader in Year 10.

Subjects I am currently studying: English Advanced, English Extension 1, Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1, Modern History, Legal Studies, Biology and Modern Greek Continuers (Accelerated).

Hobbies: Reading, swimming, listening to music, films and spending time with my family and friends.

My Future Aspirations: To further my studies at university and to follow a career I love and am passionate about.

My Role Models: My parents, Yiannis Ritsos, J.K. Rowling and Maya Angelou.

Favourite Quote: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward” – Martin Luther King Jr. and “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

My Proudest Moment: Being elected Vice Captain of the College, and reciting the poem, “In Flanders Fields” for Remembrance Day Commemorations at Maroubra RSL. One Student Principle that is most meaningful to me and why: Student Principle 9 states “We respond to the difficulties of life with patience, dignity and faith, never fearing to start again”. This resonates personally with me because it speaks about an important quality our school has helped me develop – resilience. I have learned that it is our values, our choices and our actions that create our identity and determine our future. When I am faced with a problem, I know that my faith in God, the teachings of my family and school and with a focused, patient resolve, I can overcome any challenge. Even if I fail, I know that I will always try again.

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PREFECT PROFILE Name: Anastasia Hatzidis – Senior Prefect Age: 17 Number of Years at St. Spyridon College: 6 Years (Started in Year 7) Previous Leadership Roles: Prefect at Primary School, SRC Leader in Years 7, 9 and 11, Peer Support Leader Year 10.

Subjects I am currently studying: English Advanced, Mathematics 2 Unit, Business Studies, Legal Studies, Modern History, English Extension 1.

Hobbies: Swimming, dancing, spending time with family and friends.

My Future Aspirations: Furthering my studies at University.

My role models: Parents.

Favourite Quote: Sophocles once stated that ‘success is dependent on effort’. This recipe for success was written over 2000 years ago, however, it is still highly relevant today.

My proudest moment: Receiving Senior Prefect of the College.

Student Principle that is most meaningful to me: Student Principle Five is the most meaningful to me, stating; ‘We consider our studies to be our main goal and undertake to be active participants in our own learning. We set goals for our lives and strive to achieve them with a positive state of mind always working towards justice, truth and beauty’. Our education is our pathway to knowledge and success. It must be highly regarded and we must actively participate in our learning and strive to achieve our personal best. Setting goals provides a long-term vision, motivation, and allows for organisation and time management, in order to gain the most from the opportunities we receive. Through prioritising our studies, and by constantly setting goals for ourselves, the mind becomes focused and is forced to be specific, allowing us to learn to manage time and make a commitment to complete tasks. It is important that we have a positive state of mind and recognise the beauty within ourselves, and not to wait until we’ve reached our goals to be proud of ourselves, but rather, to be proud of every step that we take to achieve the goal.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT 8G Evan Xylas 8M Christina Pascalis 8M Helena Ginis 8P Isabel Malanos 8P Nicola Spyropoulos 8S Natalie Mihail 8S Fay Dimitrios

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." -Michael Jordan

YEAR 9 9C Mary Diamond 9C Taylor Marinos 9M Billy Bounos 9M Elise Georgiou 9S Evan Hatgis 9S Madelyn Perdikakis 9V Billy Bourdaniotis 9V Elleni Mouskos

STUDENT LEADERSHIP Congratulations to all the students who stepped up and showed interest in representing their Peers as class SRC’s. It is always impressive to see such a large number of students nominate themselves for these prized leadership positions.

Unfortunately, only two students could be voted into the role in each class. However, there will be another opportunity in the future for those who missed out.

YEAR 10 10G George Hatzidis 10G Michael Xeras 10H Nicola Skouteris 10H Jordan Frazis 10L Alexia Moufarrege 10L Nicholas Drakoulis YEAR 11 11H Adam Geortsis 11H Stella Ktenas 11K Mark Grillakis 11K Tiffany Tsoukalas 11M Connor Giavis 11M Katherine Raptis 11S Dimitrios Dimas 11S Sophie Ioannides

SRC 2018 YEAR 12 Dean Albanakis - Chairperson Joanna Skouteris - Secretary Anastasia Hatzidis - Treasurer YEAR 7 7M Gabriella Guerrera 7M Nektarios Kollias 7P Angelina Costa 7P Fiona Neroutsos 7S Willem Chellos 7S Hudson Rallis 7Z Nikolas Dimaris 7Z Larisa Arnautovic YEAR 8 8E James Cardamis 8E Eirenya Papinyan 8G Penny Kezalas 10

YEAR 9 LEADERSHIP

Session 2: Understanding how to build great friendships.

Session 3: Team Building and Group Dynamics.

Session 4: Decision Making and Problem Solving.

Session 5: Communication and Listening Skills.

Everyday students from Year 9 take turns raising the Australian and Greek Flags on the posts at the front of our College.

This is part of their "Community Awareness and Contribution" focus in Pastoral Care. Activities such as Flag Raising and learning about its significance, as well as leading the annual Donate a Tin Can appeal, Donating Chocolate eggs for the Easter Raffle, making Easter koulourakia for the Nursing Home, visiting Nursing Homes and assisting at the Soup Kitchen each week are all examples of how Year 9 are taught: the importance of GIVING BACK and being grateful for all that they are blessed with.

Judging from the laughter and happy faces, Year 7 thoroughly enjoyed their first session last week. Peer Support leaders reported that students within each group worked well with one another and were respectful and cooperative.

Further to this is a deeper appreciation of our Orthodox Values.

YEAR 10 PEER SUPPORT LEADERS Recently the Year 10 Peer Support Team Leaders spent time training and preparing for their sessions with Year 7.

The 5 group Peer Support sessions aim to further assist our younger students with their transition to the Senior School. Each session that is facilitated by the PSL’s has a dedicated theme and associated interactive activities: Session 1: Ice Breakers and Energisers that Develop Positive Relationships.

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YEAR 7 DURING THEIR FIRST PEER SUPPORT SESSION

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The first REFLECTION time in a term is for 1 Hour (3.05 – 4.05pm), the second for 1.5hrs (3.05- 4.35pm) and if a third REFLECTION results, it will be for 2 HOURS (3.05 – 5.05pm) with the Dean of Middle School. Any further need for REFLECTION will be seen as an alert and result in feedback from ALL TEACHERS being gathered, then an interview with parents.

YEAR 7 PLANNER CHECKING

Managing the Good and the Not So Good Parents who are new to the Senior School may not be fully aware of our expectations and the systems in place for ‘Maintaining a Positive Learning Environment’ (MAPLE). The student planner is used as a tool to keep track of student progress. Each Friday during the dedicated Pastoral Care lesson, the planner is collected and checked by the Home Room Teacher. If the page has been signed by a parent and is free of teacher comments (misdemeanours), the student is rewarded with 25 MAPLE credits each week. These are totalled at the end of the term. Maple credits can also be given by individual class teachers through communication with the Year Adviser.

It is expected that parents promptly pick up their child at the conclusion of REFLECTION time from outside the front of the school.

LATE TO SCHOOL If a student is late during period one, and has missed roll call, they must first sign in at the office and get a late stamp. After this, the Year Adviser must be found to sign the stamp before enter to class is permitted. Failure to follow this process will result in penalties.

If there are comments written, the teacher will record the number and the type of comment on a checklist. Comments may include the following:

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL All absent students must be accounted for each day. Parents are responsible for ensuring the school is notified by phone or email at the start of the school day if their child is sick. If contact is not made, a note of explanation must be provided on the students first day of return. The note must be clear and include the student’s full name, year group, the reason and date of absence. Absences may be explained on SpySchool:

COMMENT/MISDEMEANOUR No Planner No Parent Signature Uniform infringement Late to class Late to school stamp – travel by car/public bus No Homework/Incomplete Homework Unprepared for class Misbehaviour Unexplained absence- no note, phone call, or email

https://portal.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au/igloo/portal/

UNIFORM AND GROOMING REMINDER

If a student receives 3 or more comments in any single category (see table blue print), OR 5 or more mixed comments (various categories), within a week, the student will be placed on an after school REFLECTION time. The only exception to this is in the case of ‘No Planner’ and ‘No Parent Signature’. The latter become an issue if they occur THREE times or more in a term (irrespective of the week).

i. Pride in personal appearance and regard for the good name of the College should lead to care by parents and students that the uniform is clean, pressed and tidy. The full and proper uniform is to be worn at all times, ie., a. When students are travelling to and from the College. b. At College functions except when otherwise stated. c. At ISA games and other Sports events. d. After sports training in afternoons, students are permitted to wear the official College track

REFLECTION time is held on Fridays and is supervised by the Year Adviser.

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suit in place of the uniform to go home.

Year 9, as leaders of the Middle School, have been given the responsibility of launching this initiative as well as organizing the annual Easter Raffle. Proceeds from the latter are donated to the Newtown Soup Kitchen where Year 9 will go once a week from Term 2 to assist with serving lunch.

ii. Lengths of Girls Uniform should be to the knee or below. iii. Girls – socks must fully cover the ankle. iv. Boys must be clean-shaven at all times. v. The only badges to be worn are approved College badges. vi. Hairstyles are to be kept neat and wellgroomed according to the College standards.

Next week all students will be given a $5 raffle ticket book to sell to family and friends. All money and ticket butts need to be returned to the school office by Thursday 29th March.

a. Boys’ hair must be kept reasonably short.

NO extreme styles are acceptable. b. Girls’ hair, if long, must be tied back away from their faces with blue ribbon. c. No coloured nails or extreme length. d. Extreme hair coloration is not permitted. e. Make up is not to be worn

First Prize will be drawn before the Easter break and remaining prizes in last week of term at Assembly.

1st prize: Family Pass to the Easter show.

2nd, 3rd & 4th etc prizes: Chocolate Easter Hampers of varying sizes.

vii. The only acceptable adornments for boys are a watch (SMART WATCHES ARE NOT PERMITTED) and a cross which is worn inside the shirt. viii. The only acceptable adornments for girls are a watch (SMART WATCHES ARE NOT PERMITTED), a cross which is worn inside the shirt or dress and stud or sleeper earrings, one in each earlobe.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK Evan Xylas, from Year 8, is this week's Student of the Week recipient.

He has received this commendation for his enthusiasm and the positivity he brings each day.

TIN CAN APPEAL AND EASTER RAFFLE

As Easter approaches and the period of the Great Lent continues, our students are made aware of the need to be grateful and thankful for privileged life of plenty we all enjoy. This time of year is also a time where students are encouraged to consider their responsibility for those who are not as fortunate and those are going through difficult times.

Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

As part of being KIND and GOOD TO ONE ANOTHER, students are encouraged to actively contribute to their community by donating nonperishable food items to the Greek Welfare Centres Easter Appeal. For the past 12 years, 14

μας, πήγαμε στην εκκλησία για την λειτουργία της Αγάπης.

GREEK COLUMN Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι,

Ύστερα μαζευτήκαμε, όλη η οικογένεια, κάπου τράντα άτομα για να γιορτάσουμε το Πάσχα μαζί στο σπίτι μας. Ψήσαμε το αρνί στην σούβλα, τσουγκρίσαμε τα κόκκινα αυγά λέγοντας «Χριστός Ανέστη», φάγαμε μπόλικα κουλουράκια και τσουρέκι κι ευχαριστηθήκαμε την παρέα που είχαμε. Πιστεύω πως μια αγαπημένη, χαρούμενη οικογένεια είναι ένα πολύ σημαντικό γεγονός για εμάς τους Έλληνες Ορθόδοξους. Εσένα ποια είναι η γνώμη σου;

Στο τεύχος αυτό θα σας κρατήσουμε συντροφιά με μία ακόμη γραπτή εργασία μαθήτριας της Γ΄ Λυκείου σχετικά με την ενότητα «¨Ηθη κι Ἐθιμα» που μόλις τελειώσαμε. Καλή ανάγνωση! κα Μ. Φαλέτα ΑΠΟΚΡΙΕΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΣΧΑ

Ελπίζω κι εσύ να τα πέρασες πολύ ωραία φέτος το Πάσχα και τις Απόκριες με την οικογένειά σου και τους φίλους σου εκεί στην πολιτεία του καλοκαιριού. Καλή επιτυχία στο καινούριο σου σχολείο και καλή πρόοδο.

Αγαπημένη μου Νίνα, Σ’ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ για το γράμμα σου. Χαίρομαι πολύ που τα περνάς καλά στην Κουηνσλάνδη, αλλά μου λείπεις πάρα πολύ τώρα που δεν είσαι πια στο Σύδνεϊ.

Αλήθεια, πώς είναι εκεί η ελληνική παροικία, οργανωμένη όπως εδώ; Περιμένω με ανυπομονησία τα νέα σου.

Φαντάζομαι πως αυτή ήταν η πρώτη σου φορά που έκανες Απόκριες και Πάσχα στην Βορειοανατολική αυτή πολιτεία της Αυστραλίας. Πώς λοιπόν γιορτάσατε αυτές τις γιορτές φέτος; Εμείς εδώ στο Σύδνεϊ πάντως τις περάσαμε τέλεια!

Με πολλή αγάπη! Η φίλη σου Ελένη

Τις Απόκριες, όχι μόνο χορτάσαμε κρέας και τυρί στη διάρκεια του τριωδίου, αλλά γλεντήσαμε με την ψυχή μας το τελευταίο Σαββατοκύριακο παρακολουθώντας τις γιορτές του καρναβαλιού. Ο μπαμπάς μου ντύθηκε σαν τον Αλέξη Τσίπρα κι εγώ μεταμορφώθηκα σε μάγισσα. Κάποια στιγμή με έχασε ο πατέρας μου και είπε πως αυτό έγινε επειδή δεν με αναγνώρισε, αλλά εγώ πιστεύω ότι απλά χειροτέρεψε η μυωπία του και μέσα στο μεγάλο γλέντι δεν έδωσε πολλή σημασία. Πάντως φέτος οι αποκριάτικες γιορτές, που οργάνωσε η Παναχαϊκή Αδελφότητα εδώ στο Σύδνεϊ, θα μου μείνουν αξέχαστες, όλοι μας τις περάσαμε τέλεια!

Eleni Preketes Year 11 (Modern Greek Year 12)

Όπως ξέρεις, μετά από όλες αυτές τις γιορτές αρχίζει η Σαρακοστή για το Πάσχα. Αυτή, όπως καλά γνωρίζεις, είναι μια περίοδος νηστείας, εξομολόγησης, κοινωνίας και αγάπης για τον Χριστό και για όλους γύρω μας. Είχαμε εκκλησιασμό σχεδόν κάθε μέρα μέχρι το Μεγάλο Σάββατο και την Κυριακή του Πάσχα, πριν το μεγάλο γλέντι της Ανάστασης στο σπίτι 15

records (girls relay) in the school planner being broken in.

SPORTS COLUMN

Boys:

Annual Senior School Swimming Carnival 2018 The annual Senior School swimming carnival generates great interest for all the students of the College. The rivalry in the pool and in the stands between the house groups has become a real sporting highlight on the school’s calendar. This is particularly true, since the Nemeans have been a dominant force in the swimming for at least the last 8 years.

     

2015

Corinthians

2.02.79

2018

Olympians

2.00.39

2016

Olympians

1.58.54

2018

Delphians

2.32.80

1997

Olympian

2.28.37

2018

Corinthians

2.32.00

1997

Delphians

2:29.28

2018

Open

Girls:

14/15

Open

This year was no different. There were many outstanding moments in the pool and a number of records did topple.



2.08.05

14/15

This year the school chose to maintain the current format of the carnival and remain in the indoor pool at Des Renford. The day was a resounding success for all involved. As with all sporting contests there are many unknowns especially given a new year 7 group is for the first time vying for a spot on the schools swim team to represent the school at the ISA. Then we have the finale for our year 12 students who always put on a show in their last school carnival.

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Olympians

Eleni Haralambides Girls 14 years 25m Freestyle 14.52 Eleni Haralambides Girls 14 years 25m Butterfly 16.02 Matija Gacevic Boys 14 years 50m Breaststroke 38.08 Vivienne Hatzigiakoumis Girls 17 years 50m Breaststroke 48.04 Desi Kapodistrias Girls 16 years 50m Backstroke 34.99 Desi Kapodistrias Girls 16 years 100 IM 1:19.28 Christina Vlahos Girls 17 years 100IM 1:45.68 Nicholas Frazis Boys 18 years 100 IM 1:12.69

It was a day of memorable proportions. Not only did the relay teams break the old school swimming record but the OLYMPIANS proud and strong were crowned overall victors of the school swimming carnival, their first since 2005.

This is a wonderful achievement for the OLYMPIANS who are now looking to achieve the double by winning the Athletics Carnival.

House Champions Middle School: Nemeans Upper School: Olympians Overall Champions: Olympians

These students were congratulated at Friday assembly and awarded their certificates. What was also a highlight for the school were the house relays (4 x 50m Freestyle) with the oldest

We must not forget the final race of the meet, the Champion of Champions race, which this year was won by Nicholas Frazis in the boys and Eleni Haralambides in the girls. This event 16

is the 50m Freestyle event for our quickest 6 males and female swimmers. For Eleni this was her first victory in the race. For Nicholas he now has the distinct record of having won the event ever since year 8 in 2014 and holds the most wins of any student in the College, 5 in total.

Good luck and congratulations to all students representing the school at the ISA carnival: Victoria Zois Natalia Amezquita Rhea Tsimboukis Christina Vlahos Desi Kapodistrias Vivienne Hatzigiakoumis Lena Tsalikis Vivika Lynch Nicola Skouteris Nicoletta Tsimboukis Eleni Haralambides Adriana Drakoulis Victoria Xylas Athanasia Manos Sophia Karatasos Jasmin Moros Amelia Raptis Anthea Preketes Gabriella Guerrera Dean Albanakis Brendan Borodynasky James Cardamis John Dalakiaris Jordan Frazis Nicholas Frazis Marko Gacevik Matija Gacevik Connor Giavis Manny Giokas Stavros Haralambidis Attila Hegedis Christian Jenkins Leon Kalyvas Bojan Kizic Lucas Leondaris Jordan Polyzos Hudson Rallis Alex Stamoulis Dean Tsalikis Evan Xylas Spiros Zafiropoulos Peter Kotsis

While we recognise the achievements of our new record holders, house champions and champion of champion winners, we also need to acknowledge the contribution of the year 12 students who have added immense value to our swimming programme and goal of raising the profile of swimming in the College.

Those students include Nicholas Frazis, Nicholas Kollias, Dean Albanakis, Nathan Adam, Harris Papas, Natalia Amezquita, Kaity Bounos, Rhea Tsimboukis, Briannon Walker and Victoria Zois. It is regrettable and inconceivable that in 2019 these students will not be representing the school in the pool but their involvement has helped to shape the swimming landscape at the College. Their contribution has helped the boys realise promotion to the division 1 competition for the first time and moreover they have been impeccable role models for the College.

Looking throughout the school planner it becomes apparent that their legacy will continue for years to come as they leave behind many records and swimming accolades that will forever define the College in this sporting pursuit, which is so often associated with Australian sporting excellence. It is fitting that I pay tribute to our year 12 students and I remind them and the wider St Spyridon Community that they have throughout their time been noble in all contests and they have been victorious for our school.

I would also like to thank all staff, house captains and prefect body for their tireless efforts on the day and thank all the families and friends who attended the carnival to help make the day a huge success. Next year looms as a really exciting year for swimming with plans to aspire to hosting a year 3- 12 swimming St Spyridon College carnival and create even more lasting memories and positive experiences for our students.

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Other Swimming News It has been a wonderful inaugural year of cricket for the School and like all initiatives undertaken for the first time there is the likely chance that there will invariably be obstacles along the way.

That said, this was not the case for our first season cricket. This is primarily due to the good will of the now cricket community of St Spyridon College. I take this opportunity to thank all the boys, who for many this was their first real opportunity to experience Cricket. I also would like to thank all the parents and families for their organisation and support throughout the year.

The Junior School and Senior School joined together at All Sorts Pool on Tuesday and Thursday in an effort to help our relay teams prepare for their representative carnivals. This will be the first of many occasions where the Junior School and Senior School join forces to enhance sporting opportunities offered to our students across the entire College throughout 2018.

It has been a remarkable year and an even more remarkable season when you consider that our boys managed to win three games. I commend and thank my colleague Mr Zafiropoulos for all his help and support and extend my thank you to Mr Jenkins for his ongoing support in all things cricket.

We now look forward to the new season ahead and are busy trying to raise the profile of cricket in the school with the early stages of planning for entering an U14 team in the annual Kookaburra Cricket Tournament at this year’s competition to be held in Canberra in the October school holiday break.

Cricket The school’s boys First XI cricket team played their last game of the season on Saturday 24th February 2018. Our boys were looking to win their 3rd game of the season and the Redfield team was aspiring to reach the semi-finals in their inaugural year in the competition. Our boys’ team lost the toss and Redfield elected to bat first. The boys put together a stirring performance in the field, taking all their catches and bowling excellent line and length to restrict the Redfield team to 60 runs. While it was a small total to chase the boys were outstanding in their shot selection and the openers did well to see off a very strong opening bowling partnership from their quicks. It was no doubt fitting that the most senior member of the team Nicholas Kollias scored the winning runs, with a floury of runs that included a six to win the game.

A love of cricket usually also means an appreciation for statistics which reveal a great deal about the game. Below a snapshot of some of the highlights that are recorded on the ISA Cricket site.

Top 3 Batting averages for the season Nicholas Kollias: 7 innings HS: 40 Runs: 146 Average: 36.50 Spiros Zafiropoulos: 8 innings HS: 45no Runs: 125 Average: 17.86 Christian Jenkins: 8 innings HS: 39 Runs: 119 Average: 14.88

Match Highlight: Bowling:  Nicholas Kollias 3/11 off 6  Manny Giokas 3/10 off 2 overs Batting:  Nicholas Kollias 28 not out runs with 2 sixes in the total

Highest batting score for the season (competition games): Steven Stamoulis 54

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Patricks College prior to this game. Despite this they were not overawed by the situation. Of all our teams they enjoyed and embraced the moment. They played a simple game with patient basketball choosing their plays and executing their shots at the right time. The team led from the outset until the very end. There was no one outstanding player rather the team effort was incredibly measured and the boys deserve this accolade.

Batting Partnerships Christian Jenkins and Steven Stamoulis partnership of 79 against St Patricks College (Division 3) Top 3 Bowling Averages for the season - Many Giokas: 8 matches Overs: 33 Runs: 140 Wickets: 14 Best: 4/21 Economy: 4.24 - Nicholas Kollias: 8 matches Overs: 63 Runs: 136 Wickets: 13 Best 4/11 Economy: 2.16 - Christinan Jenkins: 8 matches Overs: 59 Runs: 218 wickets: 13 Best: 3/9 Economy: 3.69

The U17 boys were also very impressive winning their game against St Andrews Cathedral School. The U17 boys now have the difficult task of playing against St Patricks College in what will be a very competitive game. The boys have been flawless all year and are a real chance of finishing on a high next Saturday.

Fielding Connor Giavis: Catches: 5 and 1 as wicket keeper Steven Stamoulis: Catches: 5 Nicholas Kollias: Catches: 4 BASKETBALL

The First V Basketball team was playing against St Andrews Cathedral School. Our boys had managed to defeat the SACS team on the two previous occasions that they met and the semifinal was to be no different with the boys playing at another level. While the final score was respectable the boys did take the opportunity to enjoy themselves in the last quarter choosing to play a more free flowing game. That said, this week will be the real test for the boys with their game against Blue Mountains set to go to the wire. Last time these two teams met the Blue Mountains boys nearly escaped with victory. Our boys will definitely need to be at their best and this shapes to be a game of will and composure. If we can hold our wits the boys will definitely have a chance to win.

It has been a wonderful season of boys’ Basketball for the boys with all the boy’s teams qualifying for the semifinals. The semifinals were held on Saturday 3rd March 2018 at Penrith Sports Stadium and the teams were very well represented. All the teams showcased their individual skills and their team work in their respective games resulted in very pleasing results for the boys.

The U13 boys while they did not win their contest against St Pius X College, they were not far off winning the game. While the boys managed to stay in touch with their opponents for the majority of the game the St Pius X team were far too good from the free throw line and this invariably helped them win the game.

Our U14 boys were not at their usual best. With many unforced errors and low shooting percentages meant that the boys were always going to be in for a tough game against Blue Mountains Grammar. That said it was pleasing to watch the team rally behind each other and accept the challenge of an elimination game.

Franklin Pyliotis really stood out on Saturday and on the back of his aggressive offensive drives the team capitalised on his positive approach and drive for success.

Match Results:  U13: 20 lost to St Pius X 31  U14: 29 def BMG 24  U15: 24 def SPC 16  U17:43 def SACS 20  Open: 54 def SACS 36 Fixtures this Saturday:  U14 v Oxley college @11:30am  U15 v St Andrews Cathedral school @12:30pm  First V Blue Mountains Grammar @12:30pm  U17 v St Patricks College @ 1:30pm

The U15 boys were perhaps the surprise team of the semifinals. The boys had not beaten St 19

While it would be a fitting farewell for the boys it must be said that irrespective of the result on the weekend they have added value to the school sports programme, they have created many memories on the basketball courts and I am confident that like their former peers who now coach many of the school sporting teams, they too will be actively involved in the sporting programme of the College as coaches.

It is interesting to note that we have 13 year 12 boys playing basketball for the school and our opens team will be left with only one member at the end of the season. Their absence in basketball will certainly be felt and it will be difficult to rebuild. However, the crowning glory of all that we do is to strive to be better, to strive in the face of adversity and to never yield without first having given your all. I see this every Saturday in the sporting arena and I thank our year 12 basketballers for helping to reveal this true quality of sport to all our boys.

VOTE OF THANKS TO YEAR 12 BOYS Basketball/Cricket /Swimming It is fitting that we dedicate a portion of the school sports column to the year 12 students who so passionately committed themselves to the schools sporting programme. It is no easy fete to apply yourself to sport every year from year 7-12 in a weekend sports competition, that involves early morning training and travel all over Sydney often for over 6 hours on a Saturday.

I wish them the best of luck and extend my sincere thanks for the many years of contributing to the school sporting culture, a culture that is improving and thriving year after year.

It is appropriate that we praise and commend our year 12 boys basketball students, not solely to credit them because of their success in the sporting arena alone but also their demeanour and moreover their positive attitude and passion for their school, which is equally as important if not more important.

For our basketball students they have been perhaps one of the most robust and skillfully equipped collective group of basketballers the College has had. The boys have won ISA titles and Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Basketball titles, they have competed in the Division 2 competition for two seasons and toiled knowing that the challenge of competing at one of the highest levels is not always as easy as being in the lower divisions. That said these boys never wavered, they stood tall and led the way. In this, their final year, they are striving to win the Opens and U17 title albeit in division 3 with the belief and hope that we will once again play in the division 2 competition and one day forge our way into a division 1 competition.

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We also commend Nicholas Kollias of year 12 who despite only having played one season of Cricket he will be considered as one of the schools leading pioneers as he was chosen to cocaptain the team in their inaugural year in the competition. Although time has not favoured Nicholas he has helped the school establish a strong representation in the ISA cricket competition albeit in division 3. Nicholas has been a pillar of strength and modelled best behaviour for our younger students who now have the arduous task of building on the success of this year’s results in the competition.

between themselves and their opponent or to extend the difference between themselves and their opponent.

Nicholas has quietly gone about being the best he can and as far as accolades go, Nicholas would irrefutably be named as one of the Colleges best swimmers. Nicholas holds the record for most champions of champion races won, more than any other student. On that note I thank Nicholas Frazis for the amazing memories, I commend Nicholas for taking on the responsibility of helping to coach our ISA team this year together with Ms Flokis who herself a gifted swimmer of the College returns to instill the very passion and determination that we expect of all our swimmers.

Thank you Nicholas and thank you to all our year 12 students.

Lastly, I commend and congratulate all our swimmers and in particular Nichoals Frazis who has managed to achieve outstanding results in swimming but has also represented the school countless times as a member of the ISA team competing at the CIS swimming championships.

Nicholas’ achievements are profoundly emphatic particularly as his name is etched all over the school swimming records. Records that will stand for some time to come, records that reflect his competitive edge and positive approach to all competitions, records that are too many to count.

UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS  

ISA Swimming carnival 14th March @Homebush Aquatic Centre First Football Trial game Saturday 7th April v St Andrews Cathedral School

Mr F. Kaldis Boys Sport

GIRLS SPORT

Swimming as a sport at the College is only a short season and as such rarely receives the credit and adulation that the other sports receive on a weekly basis. Often our swimmers dedicate countless early morning starts and even afternoons applying their trade in an attempt to swim quicker, in an attempt to bridge the gap

ISA BASKETBALL As the 2017/18 ISA Basketball seasons draws to the end we have seen some successful performances over the season. With 5 girls 21

teams entered this season we had 3 of the girls teams qualify for the ISA grand finals.

Congratulations to the following teams who have qualified for the ISA finals to be played at Penrith Basketball Stadium this Saturday 10th March; Open B, Intermediate and Junior C.

only just played the same team last week in Bowral, which resulted in a draw and therefore extra time was needed to determine a winner.

Fortunately, the girls were able to secure a win.

Extraordinary was that the Semi Final match ended up in exactly the same circumstances. Our girls had to play Oxley again and after being 9-0 down at half time they made an incredible comeback which resulted in another draw at the conclusion of full time. As there needed to be a winner in order to progress to the finals the girls were forced to play extra time and once again were victorious against Oxley by only 1 point.

Open B team played their Semi Final Match against Chevalier. They entered the game unsure about the outcome as they were defeated by the same team just last week. However, the girls did not allow this to deter them and their positive approach and attitude resulted in a competitive match. Yana Vergotis had a very successful shooting game together with Vivienne Hatzgiakoumis’s rebounding efforts and Desi Kapodistrias’s tenacious spirit the girls found themselves ahead and held the lead throughout the duration of the game to win 15-12.

Appreciation must be shown to their coach Mr Vergotis who has volunteered his time to develop these girls into competitive basketball players. Mr Vergotis has dedicated his time each Saturday, early Monday mornings and each Thursday to assist in the development of the girls skills. Congratulations and good luck to the girls in their final match against Oakhill.

This team has been outstanding all year; they were competing in an Intermediate division which had a total of 9 schools. Due to large number of teams the girls had to play double header matches most weeks and sometimes were opposing very strong Division 1 schools of who had a number of representative players.

Comparable to our girls who have only one experienced basketball player, with the remainder of the team possessing girls with limited basketball experience but through their efforts and determination they have managed to transfer their skills successfully in basketball.

The goal set at the beginning of the year was to qualify for the Division 1 Semi Final series; unfortunately we fell just short of that goal and are now competing for the Division 2 championship. The girls will play Central Coast Grammar in the ISA final on Saturday and we wish them the best of luck.

Intermediate girls played their Semi-Final match against Oxley College. The girls knew they were faced with a difficult match as they

The Junior C girls have also qualified for the ISA finals. They finished in 2nd position and played Central Coast Grammar (2nd team) who 22

they had defeated twice throughout the year.

The girls clearly had nerves which were to be expected for a Semi Final Match. With a low scoring start and some girls in early foul trouble the game was very challenging. At the conclusion of the match the scores were tied and the girls had to play 2mins of extra time to determine a winner. Emotions were high from all the girls as they were facing anxiety from the stressful situation they faced. Fortunately, the girls’ resilient spirit and hunger to win resulted in a favourable result essentially defeating CCGS and progressing to the finals. The girls now face Central Coast Grammar (1st Team) a team which they have not defeated throughout the year. However, if their passion and determination from last Saturday’s match is an indication of their effort anything is possible.

Congratulations and Good Luck to all the girls and their coach Cassandra Georgiou.

All 3 teams will compete at Penrith Sports Stadium 30 Herbert St Cambridge Park.

Open B – 9.30am Intermediate - 8.30am Junior C – 8.30am Please come along and support it would be much appreciated.

YEAR 7 vs YEAR 6 NETBALL MATCH On Thursday 8th March the Year 6 Netball team from the Junior School visited the Senior School to verse the Year 7 Netball girls in a friendly match.

All girls seemed to thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to play against each other.

The Year 6 girls benefited greatly as they were able to consolidate their understanding of the netball rules in a competitive game situation.

This opportunity also allowed the Year 7 girls to prove their skills as they continue to be graded for their respective ISA Netball teams.

We look forward to creating a number of further opportunities in 2018 for the Junior School and Senior School to work together in the development and strengthening of our K-12 sports program.

Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport

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SWIMMING CARNIVAL 2018 - PHOTO GALLERY

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Champions of Champions: Nicholas Frazis and Eleni Haralambides

Olympian House Captains: Tiffany Tsoukalas and Charlie Christofides

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

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