St Spyridon News 16 October

VOLUME XXVII No 16 5th November, 2010

HEAD OF COLLEGE

DATES TO REMEMBER

OHI DAY

NOVEMBER School Certificate

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8 – 10

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Year 4 Camp depart 8.15am

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Preparing for the Preliminaries Course begins Parent Forum and BBQ Year 7 2011, 6.00pm Years 3 Camp depart 8.15am

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Year 3 and 4 Camps return approx 3.15pm

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Sports Presentation Evening 6.30pm, Technology Wing SS

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Year 5 Camp Bathurst depart 7.00am Year 6 Camp Canberra depart 6.30am

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Year 3 Class Liturgy

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Year 5 and 6 return from Camp approx 5.30 6.00pm

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Musical showcase JS

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Year 10 Dinner

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Yearly Reports to Parents JS Year 7 2011 Orientation Day SS

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Parent Teacher Interviews JS

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Parent Teacher Interviews JS

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DECEMBER nd

Divine Liturgy

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JS Awards Presentation Morning in Church Year 6 Graduation Evening Dinner 6.30pm-10.30pm

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Speech and Prize Giving Afternoon 12.30pm K-6 Carols in the afternoon 2.00pm Term ends for students Staff Development Day

St Spyridon students honour the sacrifices of the heroes of 28th October

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SPRING FAIR th

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Thank you to the P & F for the memorable Spring Fair.

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PHOTO GALLERY - OHI DAY

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PHOTO GALLERY – SPRING FAIR

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P & F NEWS

and goods contributed considerably to our successful fundraising on the day which enabled us to achieve an impressive net profit of $12 500.

THANK YOU FAMILIES & FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE & PARISH FOR A SUPER SPRING FAIR!

The P&F committee sincerely thanks the executive staff Mrs Tsaconas, Mrs Stefanou-Haag, Mrs Hamer and Mrs Synesios who enthusiastically supported and praised all our decisions and preparations for this mammoth event. A very special thank you is expressed from the committee to Ms Giannakopoulos, Mrs Kerameas and Mrs Balayannis as well as John and Steve Kailas the GAs of the College who were so happy and ready to help prepare and pack up for this event. These wonderful people always work well beyond their call of duty. Many thanks to all those parents and friends who manned the stalls for hours on end especially those parents who happily commit to the same roles every year.

What an amazing Spring Fair, that with the help of God, defied all wet weather forecasts and gave us a stunningly sunny day with the rain arriving well after the completion of the event to help us clean up and wash away the grounds ready for a school day to follow.

You really couldn’t ask for better weather!

Thanks for all your good prayers!

Spring Fair 2010 sprung to new heights this year offering countless external business stalls including Mrs Sparkles jewellery making, Minis by Joanna cupcake making, Toys & Tu tus, Jewellery by White Castro, Tiamo and Vivian, Handmade quilted goods, Bilingual books, Partylite candles, Football heaven, Alfa pastries best tasting bougatses, fruit & veg hampers and lots lots more. Everyone also enjoyed their trusty favourite old stalls like the ever popular BBQ lamb souvlakia and Greek-style octopus, Loukoumades kindly prepared by our generous Ladies Auxiliary Mrs Emily and Mrs Maritsa, Fairy floss, Coffee by Billy’s Espresso Bar and Gelato. The Rides

by Jubilee Amusements, animals, pony rides and face painting entertained our children throughout the day with the biggest highlight that the families gathered for being the Greek class group dancing. How impressive was the standard of dancing with the direction of Mrs Sophia Haskas and how proud do we feel to watch our children dance so beautifully! Our College is truly commended for this achievement!

A BIG THANKS TO YOU ALL, AS MEMBERS AND GREAT SUPPORTERS OF OUR COLLEGE, OUR PARISH AND ITS P&F EVENTS AND FOR TRULY MAKING SPRING FAIR 2010 THE MOST FUNFILLED, MEMORABLE & SUCCESSFUL EVENT EVER! FINAL TOTAL OF 2010 FUNDRAISING MONIES RAISED 2009 TOTAL (to date) Fundraiser Taverna Night Easter Stall Palm Sunday Lunch Mother’s Day Stall Mother’s Day Brunch Entertainment Book Sports Carnival Father’s Day Stall Father’s Day Raffle Trivia Night Open Day Spring Fair Total

Our pride for our children’s achievements was felt as parents eagerly visited the Junior Arts and Crafts gallery to purchase their children’s unique creations.

Thank you to our teachers for the inspiration and direction that they gave our students for their projects!

A St Spyridon College Fair would not be complete without our two star entertainers Chris Evripidou & Sam Christodoulides who gave us the best live Greek music to create that kefi we all yearn for and love to be a part of at any event. Thank you to our Parish President Elia Economou for his efforts as MC and key organiser of music and sound system.

We thank our loyal and long term sponsors Laiki bank and Bank of Cyprus for their support at all Spring Fairs who together with our generous donors of food

Total Raised $ 6 500 $ 3 000 $ 3 000 $ 2 700 $ 2 600 $

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$ 138 $ 3 141 $

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$10 000 $ 1 033 $10 000 $43 679

Fundraiser

Total Raised

Taverna Night Lambathes Palm Sunday Lunch Mothers Day brunch Mothers Day stalls JS Athletics Carnival kiosk Trivia Night Fathers Day stalls Open Day lunch Spring Fair

$15 000 $ 2 700 $ 5 000

RUNNING TOTAL

Mrs M Pascalis & Ms F Diakoumis P&F Association

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$ 3 045 $ 3 150 $

654

$ 8 109 $2 700 $1 400 $12 500

$54 258

K-12 NEWS SYMPATHY Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs Maritsa Doyle and her family on the recent loss of her mother.

May God rest her soul.

UNIFORM SHOP The Uniform Shop will be opened before school reopens for Term 1 2011 on Wednesday, 19th January 2011 and Monday, 24th January 2011.

Victoria (Βασιλική) Balomenos - striker

Mrs H. Simicos

JUNIOR

SCHOOL

REPORT

Congratulations to all our students who attended the commemoration of ΟHΙ Day both at St. Spyridon Church and at our Archdiocese. Both Christina Balayannis and Anastasia Barton recited their poems with conviction and pride.

We thank all of you, our parents, grandparents and students for supporting our annual Spring Fair. We were blessed with good weather and much celebration.

L - R K. Gill, T. Slayter, V. Balomenos, M. Barbieri (Captain), K. Simon, C. Polkinghome, S. Shipard.

Our thanks are also extended to Mrs Haskas for preparing the students for their Greek Dancing performance and to the P & F Committee for all their hard work in making this day possible. Και του Χρόνου.

W LEAGUE LAUNCH On Monday 1st November a group of girls from our school were fortunate enough to take part in a training session with The Matilda’s, the Australian Women’s National Football (Soccer) team. This was at a launch of the 2010 – 2011 season held at the UNSW. Our girls, many of whom play for the Olympic Eagles were inspired and encouraged to continue playing by meeting these ladies who are not only talented players, but successful in their chosen careers as well….. one is even a commercial pilot.

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forward to welcoming our future students on theses days.

MUSICAL SHOWCASE On Tuesday 23rd November, K-6 will be sharing their musical talents with you. The teachers along with Mrs Coyne are preparing the musical items. We ask parents to assist us with the costuming. A note will be sent to you regarding this.

COLES SPORTS PROGRAM

FOR

SCHOOLS

Thank you to all the students, parents and friends of the College who are collecting vouchers for the school.

The competition has now closed. Please forward all vouchers by Friday 5th November.

HEAD LICE OUTBREAK Unfortunately, the school is experiencing a head lice outbreak. We are asking all parents to examine their child’s hair and treat accordingly. As with all medicines it is important to follow the directions on the pack carefully for best results.

Mrs A. Synesios Acting Principal Junior School

KALANTA

SENIOR

As is our tradition at this Parish, the students of the College are invited to participate in the carol singing to parishioners in their home.

SCHOOL

REPORT

OHI CELEBRATIONS Congratulations to Christos Kollias and Emanuel Kapodistrias, Year 7 who recited their poem at St Spyridon Church on Sunday, 31st October, 2010.

The students move from house to house. Before singing, the students ask “Na ta poume?” (May we sing for you?). The students are welcomed into the house to sing the Kalanta. They are then given a donation for the church, and offered sweets and refreshments. Upon leaving they say “Ke tou hrono” (Till next year), and proceed to the next house.

Maria Bletsas, Anastasia Maloukis, Kalioppe Kefalas, Ann Marie Xenos and Theoni Thimakis, Year 7, recited their poems at Newtown (Greek Welfare Centre) and School Assembly on Wednesday 27th October, 2010.

The dates for this year are Monday 13th – Thursday 16th December, from 5pm – 8:30pm. If you would like to participate please see me.

Katerina Arvanitakis, Year 8, recited her poem on Sunday, 31st October, 2010 at the Archdiocese.

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION MORNINGS

Thank you to Mrs Faletas and Ms Gambriell for preparing the students. I also commend the students of Years 7-9 and their Year Advisers and other Teachers for their attendance at St Spyridon Church on Sunday, 31st October, 2010.

2011 Kindergarten children will attend orientation morning sessions at the Junior School on Wednesday 10th and Wednesday 17th November 2010. We look

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PREPARING FOR THE PRELIMINARY and

HSC COURSES 2011/2012

11th November – 25th November This 11 day compulsory program is designed for the Year 10 students who will be continuing their studies at St Spyridon College beyond the School Certificate.

Over the 11 days students will attend workshops on managing the Board of Studies paperwork, study skills, the literacy demands of the HSC, spiritual enlightenment and good works in the community, first aid, global connections, manners and etiquette.

Students will also visit Pantanassa Monastery (boys) and Holy Cross Monastery (girls). They will be introduced to their subjects for Year 11 and receive their Year 11 Assessment Handbook.

Ms M. Pringle Visual Arts Teacher Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School

Every student in Year 10 will be presented with a Certificate of Graduation.

CO-CURRICULAR EXCURSION

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

Last lesson the Visual Arts group took a trip to Wylies Baths in Coogee to draw and paint. It was a beautiful day and the view was spectacular. Every year the trustees of Wylies Baths hold an art competition aimed at student from the area. Our intention is to enter works in the competition. Presently Year 10 V.A. have been working on paintings with the same aim.

YEARLY EXAMS END All Middle School students have now completed their Yearly examinations and I am sure this is a great relief to them. While exams are always a challenge, it was pleasing to hear of the preparations made by students in the lead up to this assessment period. Many students developed study timetables, organized their papers and wrote study notes, even bringing them to school for review in breaks and allocated study periods. Clearly the study skills focus in Pastoral Care has had an impact. Also, the atmosphere in Middle School corridors and examination rooms during this week further highlighted students’ focused approach.

Congratulations to all in the Middle School for your efforts. We look forward to seeing lots of personal bests being achieved.

Over the next week or so students will have the opportunity to reflect on their performance as they begin to receive results. Positives and negatives need to be considered so that new goals can be set for future development. It is also important to note that both reflection and evaluation are a necessary part of the learning process. If students do not acknowledge what they do well and where they can improve, progress will be difficult. Parents can assist their children by taking time at home to discuss exams and results.

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COLES SCHOOL FOR SPORTS VOUCHERS

PINK RIBBON DAY Last week the annual Pink Ribbon Day fundraiser was held. Thanks to the efforts of Mrs Mio who coordinated a Staff morning tea, and Year 7 volunteers who sold Pink Ribbon merchandise, almost $1000 was sent to the Cancer Council on behalf of the Senior School. Well done to all!!

The campaign in which vouchers were issued to shoppers who requested them, for purchases made at Coles during October, has now ended. A big ‘Pat on the Back’ and round of applause to all students and staff who contributed!!! Next week our collection will be taken to Coles for counting. The number of vouchers gathered will determine the amount of FREE sports equipment we are entitled to receive!! Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for a great result.

GREEN UP CLEAN UP AND YEAR 7 BBQ Year 7 did their bit for the environment last Wednesday by planting vegetable seeds and submitting their own personal home environmental plans. They also hosted a school BBQ and gathered sponsors for their school clean-up campaign. Everyone did a wonderful job and should feel very proud.

Altogether $2,235 was gathered. These funds will go towards the purchase of student selected prizes, (as reward for their efforts), and also towards the purchase of additional sporting and game equipment for use by Middle School students.

PYRAMID GAMES SHOW PRIZES ARRIVE There were some very excited and grateful Year 7 and 8 students at the Senior School this week, as some of the long awaited prize packs for those who competed in the Pyramid Game show in Term 2 arrived. Any parent or student who would like a copy of the televised show, please contact me at the Senior School so that arrangements can be made.

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probably go hungry. I saw a few of them take extra plates of food and empty them into lunch boxes of plastic bags. I guess this was so they could eat later?...Penny Bounatsos

SOUP KITCHEN DUTY Over the past few weeks Year 9 have once again continued with their community service activities at the Newtown Soup Kitchen. Everyone who has attended so far has expressed a desire to go back again, in spite of having some initial reservations. Prior to students going to their duty they record their feelings and also evaluate their experience at its conclusion.

Below are some of their reflections How do you feel about going to the Soup Kitchen?

I have been looking forward to it, but also feeling a little worried about what it was going to be like….Dean Michos I am looking forward to the new experience and having the chance to help people…Nicholas Stasos I feel excited and happy to be able to help those who need to come for meals….Constance Synesios I feel a bit worried as I don’t know exactly what I am going to do there, but I have never done anything like this before so the new experience will be good…Alexander Coplin I feel excited about going, I am not worried at all, I want to experience what its like to do something like this… do something real to help others… Daria Sheptitskaya I feel a bit nervous and excited because a lot of different kinds of people I haven’t seen before will be there…Natalija Mladenovic

WELCOME BBQ AND PARENT FORUM A reminder that on Thursday 11th November a welcome BBQ and Parent Forum for Year 7, 2011 and parents, will be held at the Senior School. Current Year 9 Peer Support Leaders will be present to welcome and assist with the proceedings. The evening will begin at 6pm with the BBQ and at 7pm all new students and their families will attend a parent forum where important information relating to preparations for entry into the Senior School will be given. I look forward to seeing everyone once again!

How do you feel now that you have completed this community service?

I feel relief that it wasn’t as I thought it might have been, it was actually great. I saw people who were unlucky in life but were still grateful for what others can do for them…Alex Moraitis I feel thankful that I have had the opportunity to do something like this. There were many people of all ages there, who come to eat and also talk to others. It makes me realize how lucky I am, I have everything I need and more, many of those I saw don’t even have the basic necessities…Estelle Krassas It feels great to be able to help others. We saw many different people from various backgrounds and they all seemed to be very grateful to the Greek Orthodox Church and Father Nectarios for providing food for them…Maria Mio I’ve done a good deed and it feels great, but also I feel sorry for all those who don’t seem to have much of anything. There were lots of ladies in the kitchen who volunteer to cook and clean every day, without them nothing would happen…Landou Georgou I feel happy that I have helped in a small way. Without the Soup Kitchen many of these people would

Ms G Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

LISTENING TO OUR STUDENTS WHALING SHOULD BE ILLEGAL Whaling is a controversial topic between people who want to treat animals humanely and those who want to kill whales for selfish reasons. It should definitely be banned!

Firstly, whales are becoming extinct. Ten years ago there were more whales than there are today. If we keep on whaling, in ten years time there might be no whales left. When you kill one whale you are also affecting other whales. If you kill a mother whale, you might leave her calf alone to die.

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Secondly, whaling is animal cruelty. Whales are beautiful and harmless creatures. They are alive and they can feel pain. Would you like to be harpooned for no reason? Would you like to be hunted for your meat, fat and skin? I would not!

Please love your environment especially here at school!

Thank you!

Frances-Lee Pascalis 2C.

Another reason why whaling should be illegal is because of pollution and waste. When the hunters are finished cutting off the whale meat, they throw away the whale’s bones and any other useless parts into the water. This pollutes the water and attracts sharks. The sharks might come close to the beaches and attack people.

Finally, people who kill whales are heartless, soulless and selfish. Personally I think whaling should certainly be banned!

Jordan Bond 4C

BEING GOOD CITIZENS Good morning teachers and students. Today I am going to tell you a story about the end of Spring Fair.

Spring Fair was a happy fun-filled day for all. There were many people who came to enjoy and eat lots of delicious food and drink lots of water because it was a hot day.

SPORTS REPORT ISA BASKETBALL SEASON 2010/11

However, when the spring fair was over, there was a big mess. There were papers everywhere, there were bottles scattered on the ground. When I looked at the bottles, they were half filled with water and I was very disappointed with the way people didn’t drink the rest of the water. They left bottles lying around littering the ground. So Petro Lisgaris in KR and I picked up the bottles and we poured all the water into less bottles to see what amount was left over. In the end, we counted 15 bottles filled with water. This was a large amount of water wasted.

Saturday 6th November 2010 is Round 3 and we have all Girls teams playing at Marrickville. Please show your support and watch the girls compete. Please see below for game times.

People need to be aware that we shouldn’t waste water like this especially with summer on the way. Petro and I decided to put the wasted water to good use by watering the plants in the grounds and we collected all the empty plastic bottles to recycle them.

I just want to remind you all to be more conscious with your use of water which is nature’s most precious resource to us.

My message to you is:

TEAM

OPPONENT

TIME

Open B Mrs Koutsoukis Inter B Miss Kalithrakas

St Pauls

10.00am

St Pauls

10.00am

Junior A Mrs Kefalouros Junior B Mr Atteya Junior CW Mr Meintanis Junior C- B Mr Reynolds

St Pauls

9.00am

SACS

9.00am

SACS

10.00am

St Pauls

9.00am 11.00am

May I remind students the commitment that has been made at the beginning of the season. It is vital to fulfill

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students enjoy playing competitive sport as a result we are constantly developing our recreational sporting program.

your commitment which is so important in team sports. ISA Basketball season is 10 week commitment and failure to meet this requirement jeopardizes the schools reputation and involvement in the ISA.

During ISA training periods, students not directly involved in ISA teams, have been involved in Futsal and Touch. Meeting the needs of all students is foremost on our minds - as a consequence new timetabling has helped in grouping students according to age and allowed for the steady introduction of the recreational sporting program.

Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport

RECREATIONAL SPORT Our involvement in the ISA competition over the years has given our students the opportunity to play competitive sport against other independent schools in a highly competitive competition. While we have been successful in our efforts to ensure we do our best every week at this level, we are also conscious that not all

Mr A. Condous Boys Sport

Invites you to the

Sports Presentation Evening to 2011 honour our students for DATES their sporting achievements in 2010 On

Tuesday 16th November 2010 Guest Speaker Mr Peter Katholos

Venue

Level 1, Technology Wing St Spyridon College Senior School Campus 1130 Anzac Parade, Maroubra 11

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2011 DATES

TERM 1 Thursday 27th January 2011 Friday 28th January 2011 Monday 31st January 2011 Tuesday 1st February 2011

Staff Development Day Staff Development Day Years 1 to 7, 11 & 12 commence Kindergarten and Years 8 – 10 commence

Monday 7th March 2011

Lent begins

Friday 25th March 2011

Annunciation – school closed

Friday 8th April 2011

Term ends

Friday 22nd April 2011 Sunday 24th April 2011 Monday 25th April 2011

Public Holiday – Good Friday Easter Public Holiday – Easter Monday, Anzac Day

TERM 2 Tuesday 26th April 2011 Wednesday 27th April 2011

Staff Development Day Students return

Monday 13th June 2011

Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday, School closed

Friday 24th June 2011

Term ends for staff and students

TERM 3 Monday 18th July 2011 Tuesday 19th July 2011

Staff Development Day Students return

Monday 15th August 2011

Dormition of the Theotokos - school closed

Thursday 22nd September 2011 Friday 23rd September 2011

Term ends for students Staff Development Day

TERM 4 Monday 10th October 2011

Staff and students return

Thursday 8th December 2011 Friday 9th December 2011

Term ends for students Staff Development day

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

Following the annual anticipation of this continuing series of talks on Orthodoxy since 1989

‘A SHORT COURSE IN ORTHODOX STUDIES’ is again being organized as an initiative of ‘St Spyridon’ Parish of South‐East Sydney in collaboration with ‘St Andrew’s’ Theological College, Sydney

This year’s series will be held each TUESDAY evening in ENGLISH as always from November 2nd till December 8th, 2010, 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. at St Spyridon Parish Hall, 72‐76 Gardeners Road, Kingsford, Sydney

Tuesday 2nd November THE CROSS – A THERAPEUTIC PROVOCATION TO OUR LIVES

By Father (Dr) Dimitri Kokkinos, (M.B.B.S., F.R.A.C.P.) Parish Priest at ‘St John’s’ Church, Parramatta, Visiting Medical Officer in Neurology at Bankstown Hospital, and Conjoint Lecturer in Neurology at the University of New South Wales

Tuesday 9 November ST. GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN ‐ A BRUTALLY HONEST BISHOP

By Philip Kariatlis, (B.A., B.Th., M.Th., Ph.D.) Graduate of St Andrew’s Theological College, Lecturer in Dogmatic Theology and Academic Secretary at St Andrew’s Theological College th

Tuesday 16th November A JOURNEY IN CHURCH HISTORY ‐ THE AUTHENTICITY OF ORTHODOXY

By Associate Professor Angelo Karantonis, (B.Ec., M.Comm., B.Th.) School of the Built Environment, Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney, Founding Chairman of St Spyridon College Board of Governors and Graduate of St Andrew’s Theological College

Tuesday 23rd November OBEDIENCE ‐ A WILLING SURRENDER

By Professor Nicholas Manolios, (M.B.B.S., M.D., Ph.D., F.R.A.C.P., F.R.C.P.A.) Director of Rheumatology – Westmead Hospital, Professor in Medicine, University of Sydney, and Member of St Spyridon Fellowship.

Tuesday 30th November ORTHODOX LEADERSHIP AND THEOLOGY ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

By Father (Deacon) George Liangas (B.Sc. (Med.) (Hons.), MB.BS., DCH.) Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow, Associate Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sydney Wednesday 8th December GOOD AND FAITHFUL PARISHIONER ‐ GOOD AND FAITHFUL PRIEST

By Father Konstantinos Skoumbourdis (B.Th.) Graduate of St Andrew’s Theological College, Parish Priest at St Andrew’s Church, Noarlanga, Adelaide, Chaplain of St Basil’s Homes, South Australia and Religious Educator at St George College, Adelaide

NO FEES – JUST TURN UP – THIS IS THE 21ST YEAR OF THE ‘SHORT COURSE’ SERIES

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