St Spyridon December Newsletter

VOLUME XXVII No 18 3rd December, 2010

DATES TO REMEMBER

HEAD OF COLLEGE

DECEMBER

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JS Awards Presentation Morning in Church– 9.00am Year 6 Graduation Evening Dinner 6.30pm-10.30pm

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Speech and Prize Giving Afternoon SS 12.30pm Year 6 Bowling 9.30am – 12.30pm K-6 Carols in the afternoon 2.00pm Term ends for students

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Office opens

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Staff Development Day

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Staff Development Day

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Years 7, 11 & 12 commence Years 1 – 6 commence

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Staff Development Day

Memorable Moments from the Junior School Musical Showcase.

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Divine Liturgy

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Years 8 – 10 commence Kindergarten commence

In this the last Newsletter for 2010: We wish all students, teachers and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2011.

Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag 1

AWARDS AND PRIZE GIVING MORNING have demonstrated the greatest improvement in English.

The Member for Heffron’s Outstanding Leadership Award will be presented to a student in Year Six who demonstrates leadership qualities.

The Junior School Awards Presentation will be held on Tuesday 7th December in St Spyridon Church.

Proceedings will commence promptly at 9am and all parents and friends are welcome to attend. This event is to acknowledge the academic success of students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

Year 6 will receive their gift from the Junior School acknowledging their completion of primary schooling.

Three students from each class from Kindergarten to Year Two will be awarded Academic Excellence based both on their classroom work and assessment tasks. There will also be three awards given to each class for Achievement in Greek. st

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The incoming Captains, Prefects and House Captains of 2011 will also be presented with their badges.

You asked to take the time to praise your child/ren for their achievements this year, as each student has endeavoured to do their best and improve their learning outcomes. Students need to understand that they are on a continuous learning journey. It is important that they feel good about themselves and their efforts, having done their personal best.

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For Primary students, prizes for 1 , 2 and 3 are awarded in each class for the Key Learning Areas of English, Maths, Science and HSIE. The Laiki Bank Athena Pallas Award for Reading will be given to students in each class of the primary who have completed the most home reading. The Bank of Cyprus Award for Diligence and Improvement in English is presented to students in Years 3 – 6 who

We congratulate the following students.

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Please note Infants awards in alphabetical order not order of merit Kindergarten Cerise Paul Giavis Academic Excellence Achievement in Greek George Grillakis Academic Excellence Achievement in Greek Fotios Konitsas Academic Excellence Jameson Darras - Samaras Achievement in Greek Kindergarten Jade Adriana Drakoulis Stephen Koutoulogenis Sia Manos Nicholas Papas Kyriakos Tripidakis

Academic Excellence Achievement in Greek Academic Excellence Academic Excellence Achievement in Greek

Kindergarten Ruby Jorge Cooney Patricia Hardas Tiana Natsikas Stephanie Vardakis Lucia Zois

Academic Excellence Academic Excellence Academic Excellence Achievement in Greek Achievement in Greek

1 Emerald Billy Bourdaniotis Demi Micos Peter Petrides Vicki Synesios

Academic Excellence Achievement in Greek Academic Excellence Academic Excellence

1 Topaz Teoni Antonopoulos Emmanuel Aroney

Academic Excellence Academic Excellence

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Achievement in Greek

Achievement in Greek

Achievement in Greek Achievement in Greek

Achievement in Greek

James Bletsas Mary Diamond

Achievement in Greek Academic Excellence

2 Aqua Alyssa Alas Ariana Armenakas Marissa Diakoumis Nicholas Drakoulis Steven Mangafas Thomas Mouratidis

Achievement in Greek Academic Excellence Achievement in Greek Academic Excellence Achievement in Greek Academic Excellence

2 Crimson Pedro Athanasiou Rose Economou Frances- Lee Pascalis Nicola Skouteris Katherine Tsingos

Academic Excellence Academic Excellence Achievement in Greek Achievement in Greek Academic Excellence

3 Amethyst Kyle Bae Desi Kapodistrias Peter Nikas Austin Papadopoulos Peter Synesios Tiffany Tsoukalas Georgia Veryinis

1st Maths 1st Greek grp2 2nd Maths (=) 1st Greek grp1 1st English (=) 2nd HSIE 3rd English

3 Sapphire Theoni Apostolopoulos Nicola Cafcaros Connor Giavis William Georgas Sophie Ioannides Stella Ktenas Kristina Poulos Jordan Roumbas

1st Greek grp2 1st Maths 1st English (=)3rd Maths (=)3rd Maths 1st HSIE 3rd English 1st Science

4 Coral Dean Albanakis Stephen Bletsas Chrysanthi Diasinos Joanna Skouteris Rhea Tsimboukis

Achievement in Greek

Achievement in Greek

Achievement in Greek

(=) 2nd Science 2nd English (=) 2nd Science

(=) 2nd HSIE

1st Science

1st HSIE

(=) 1st Greek grp1

2nd English 2nd Maths

3rd Science 2nd Science

3rd HSIE 2nd HSIE

2nd Maths 3rd HSIE 1st Science 1st Maths 1st English

2nd HSIE

3rd Science

(=) 2nd English 1st HSIE

3rd Maths 1st Greek grp1

4 Turquoise Elaine Andrew Florence Georges Felicity Ginis Mariana Ioannou Maree Nikitopoulos Nicole Stramotas Harris Papas Victoria Zois

1st Greek grp2 1st Maths (=) 3rd Science 2nd Science 1st HSIE 1st Greek grp2 3rd Maths 1st Science

3rd HSIE (=) 3rd Science

5 Amber Demetrios Avdalis Leo Bae Jacqueline Burleigh

(=) 1st Science 3rd Maths (=) 2nd Science

2nd English 1st English 3rd English

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2nd Maths

3rd Maths

(=) 2nd English

2nd HSIE

2nd Science

Constantinos Kollias Giorge Gemisis Jordan Makridopolus Jessica Mazis Johnny Mouratidis Steffie Papadopoulos Andreas Veryinis

(=) 2nd English (=) 1st Science (=) 2nd English 1st Greek grp2 1st English 1st Greek grp1 1st Maths

5 Iris Lewis Athanasopoulos George Contominas Peter Milios George Raptis Kerryanne Syros Tina Ventoura

1st Greek grp2 (=) 2nd Maths 1st HSIE 1st English 2nd English 1st Maths

6 Magenta Steven Antoniou Hope Diasinos Ariadne Harbilas Kiri Kondou Paul Langlands Melanie Stramotas Elisa Tsounis Sebastian Zois

(=) 3rd HSIE 1st Greek grp2 3rd English 1st Maths 1st Science 1st English 1st Greek grp2 1st HSIE

6 Pearl Nicole Adam Lia Albanakis Athanasios Athanasiou Penelope Aleyannis Christina Balayannis Tim Chae Mariah Stavrou

1st Maths (=) 2nd English 1st Science (=) 1st Greek grp1 (=) 1st Greek grp1 2nd Maths 1st English

2nd Maths (=) 2nd Science

3rd HSIE

1st HSIE 2nd HSIE

3rd Science (=) 2nd Maths

2nd Science

2nd HSIE

1st Science

3rd English

3rd HSIE

3rd Science 2nd Maths (=) 3rd HSIE

2nd HSIE

2nd English

2nd Science

3rd Maths

(=) 2nd English 2nd HSIE

3rd Science

3rd HSIE

2nd Science

(=) 3rd Maths

(=) 3rd Maths 1st HSIE

Athena Pallas Outstanding Reading Award 3A Tiffany Tsoukalas 3S Vivienne Hatzigiakoumis 4C Chrysanthi Diasinos 4T Nikki Cardamis 5A Jordan Makridopolus 5I George Raptis 6M Zac Prineas 6P Penelope Aleyannis Bank of Cyprus Award for Diligence and Improvement in English 3A Nicholas Tsintominas 3S Chris Vlahos 4C Eleni Mastroperos 4T Georgina Mandadakis 5A Peter Giokas 5I Paul Janis 6M Eve Barton 6P Athanasios Athanasiou

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K-12 NEWS 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.

Mrs H. Simicos

PARENTS & FRIENDS REPORT MUSICAL SHOWCASE Wow! What a great show! Parents proudly and attentively watched their children perform their song and dance act in their grade group. Each year presented a song which was symbolic of a different time period. Year 4 bounced to the bubbly beat of 1970s Bonny M while Year 3 beamed with the Brassy 1940s Bugle Boy classic while Year 6 jumped and jammed to a current party hit‌.. while Kindy yabbadabba dooed to the 1960s cartoon classic theme song Flintstones while Year 2 had us rocking and rolling in the 1950s Beatles favourite tune. The solo performers were brave to do it alone and were very entertaining as they performed on bouzouki, piano and guitar. Well done to the confident and well spoken show presenters!

TAVERNA NIGHT 2011 Pencil in Taverna Night for Saturday 19 February.

More details to come in the New Year.

Mrs Coyne offered the audience a show rich in variety and talent. We congratulate her and all the hard working staff who worked behind the scenes to make this performance a successful and memorable one. It was great to see the students engaged in their music and having fun on stage. This is a great credit to Mrs Coyne and their class teachers.

GOODBYE FOR 2010 The P&F committee 2010 wish to wholeheartedly thank the whole College and Parish communities for their great support this year at all our fundraising events and activities. You have all made our functions eventful, successful and memorable. A very sincere thank you to the executive staff- Mrs Christina Tsaconas, Mrs Stefanou-Haag, Mrs Hamer, Mrs Synesios and Mrs Katsogiannis for supporting so willingly all our decisions and plans. We would also like to express a warm thank you to the teachers and particularly to Mrs Kerameas, Mrs Giannakopoulos, Mrs Doyle, Mrs Balayannis, Mrs Cross and all other administrative staff in the Parish and College who always go beyond their call of duty to make P&F work so smooth and much easier for us.

We wish you a very merry Christmas and an exciting new 2011. We look forward to seeing you early in the New Year with a great start to our calendar of events with our ever so popular Taverna Night.

Mrs M. Pascalis & Mrs F.Diakoumis P&F Secretaries

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JUNIOR

VACATION AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE NEWS

SCHOOL

REPORT

With God’s grace we have reached the end of another school year. I take this opportunity to thank all the staff for their hard work in moving our students forward and for improving student outcomes – academic, social, emotional, physical and spiritual. I congratulate all those students K – 6 who have worked hard to improve and do better than the previous term and year. I am sure your efforts have been recognised by your teachers through merit certificates, wacky doos and maples.

As you would be aware GWC Kingsford OSHC has kept its fees for After School and Vacation Care at the same level for two years even though there have been Child Care Benefit changes.

As of Tuesday 4 January 2011 the Centre’s fees will be as follows:*Vacation Care - $38 per day* *After School Care - $17 per day*

To all our dear parents and grandparents, I thank you for your support and wish you and your families a blessed Christmas and a healthy and happy 2011.

If you have any difficulty to pay the fee on time, OR if your circumstances change and you no longer need care, please contact me as soon as possible..

CONGRATULATIONS

Please also note that it is _your responsibility_ to inform the staff about any percentage changes regarding your Child Care Benefit. Please bring in your letter from Centrelink when this does occur, so staff are able to confirm changes in your daily rate.

My sincere congratulations are extended to Mrs Coyne for an amazing Musical Showcase. Not only did the students have fun but we also uncovered some hidden talents!!!

*** Please note** *

Special congratulations to ……..

Mary Diamond from Year One and all our solo singers.

· Fees are payable weekly · It is essential to make bookings *before* Vacation Care begins, as this will help us with our *child to staff ratios*. · Children must be at the centre on the day of the excursions no later than *9am*. · Children’s property brought to the centre i.e toys, Nintendo DS’s or DVD’s etc are* not* the responsibility of the centre, please label all items with your child’s name.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family all the best for the upcoming holiday break and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Miss P. Doyle Children's Services Supervisor 0410 505 524

Joseph Gemelas for his guitar playing and Lewis Athanasopoulos for his moon walk.

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CONGRATULATIONS AND PREFECTS

2011

CAPTAINS

The following students have been elected as the 2011 Leadership Team for the Junior School.

We congratulate these students and look forward to them providing strong responsible leadership to the Junior School and taking initiative with fundraising and activities to showcase our wonderful school.

2011 Leadership Team

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Thank you also to all the teachers for assisting with the stage management of their class on and off the stage; to Mrs Bartlett for controlling the sound; Mr Arnott for working the lights; Mrs Dimitrelis and Miss Bletsogiannis for being overall stage managers; Mrs Kipriotis for running front of house; Miss Mendelson for taking photos; Mr Dookie for taking video and our secretaries – Mrs Kerameas and Miss Effie for staffing the doors.

Thank you also to our Year Six students who prepared the hall, cleaned up and moved props.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

JUNIOR SCHOOL

CAPTAIN

CAPTAIN

Jacqueline Burleigh

George Raptis

VICE CAPTAIN

VICE CAPTAIN

Markella Roditis

Constantinos Kollias

PREFECT

PREFECT

Larissa Andrianakos

Michael Constantopedos

Christiana Kilias

Peter Milios

Kerryanne Syros

Jordan Makridopolus

Deyana Xenos

John Tsakiris

2011 House Captains

Finally to our wonderful compares Steven Antoniou and Mariah Stavrou – BRAVO!!

Corinthian

Olympian

Nemean

Delphian

Mitchell

George

Peter

Eric

Knight

Contominas

Giokas

Volas

CONGRATULATIONS Alyssa Alas of 2A competed in the Little Athletic State Relays at Homebush on the 27th of November.

Her team representing Randwick Botany ran the 4 x 200 metres relay and came first out of all the clubs in NSW. Their team was one second shy off the all time State record.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION DINNER DANCE The Year 6 Graduation Dinner Dance for Year 6 will be held in the evening of Tuesday 7th December. Year 6 students are to meet their teachers in the Library at 6pm. The evening will commence at 6.30pm in the Church Hall. Names will be displayed with table numbers for seat allocation at the entry to the hall. All tickets must be handed in on entry.

Congratulations to Mrs Hatzon (Michael 3A & Greg 1E) for winning the lucky door prize – a Hoyts family movie pass.

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AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR NATIONAL CAPITAL EXCURSION

CHRISTMAS CAROLS Christmas Carols will be held on Thursday 9th December, 2pm in the Church Hall. All grades will participate this year. Children can dress up in Christmas colours (Red/Green) or Christmas costumes for the day.

Students from Year Six went on an educational tour of Canberra, the National Capital. While on this tour they participated in a variety of educational programmes focusing on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

LIBRARY BOOKS Just a reminder that the Junior School Library is now closed for borrowing until Term 1 2011. Any books that are still at home need to be returned as soon as possible or they will incur a fine. If a book has been lost it will need to be replaced or paid for.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit their National Capital as part of their civics and citizenship education. To assist in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) programme toward the travel expenses incurred.

LOST PROPERTY Parents please check lost property in the primary/infants school. All items will be disposed of at the end of this term. Please remember to label all items of clothing.

We would like to thank the Australian Government for their support of this program.

Mrs A. Synesios Acting Principal Junior School

FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES

SENIOR

We sadly farewell Mr Barrington–Higgs and Mr Konik who will be leaving us at the end of the year.

We thank them for all that they have offered our students and wish them well in their future.

SCHOOL

REPORT

SPEECH AND PRIZE GIVING AFTERNOON 2010

Our best wishes are extend to Mrs Economou who will be taking Maternity leave next year. We wish her Καλή Ελευθερία and look forward to her return in 2012.

The Annual Speech and Prize Giving Afternoon will be held on Thursday, 9th December, 2010. It will take place in St Spyridon Church from 12.30pm. Students will be bussed to the Church from school and dismissed at the end of the event from the Church.

We also farewell Miss Mika and thank her for teaching our children Greek. Miss Mika will be returning to Greece at the end of the year.

Students are to attend wearing summer uniform including their blazer.

The Reports for Years 7-9 will be distributed at the end of the afternoon.

TERM END – LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Thursday 9th December 2010

SENIOR SCHOOL SPECIAL ASSEMBLY

School ends for all students K-6 on Thursday 9th December 2010. Normal school hours for the day.

On Monday, 6th December, 2010, a special assembly will be held for Years 7-9 and 11. Certificates will be issued to students for 2nd, 3rd and 4th place in a subject.

Reading Awards along with Year 11 Record of Achievements will also be issued.

TERM 1 – 2011 Term 1 will commence on Monday 31st January 2011 for Years 1 to 6 and on Tuesday 1st February 2011 for Kindergarten.

SCHOOL CERTIFICATE The School Certificates will be available to Year 10 students from Monday, 13th December, 2010 from the Senior School office.

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MIDDLE REPORT

FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES We farewell Mr Brindley and Mr Atteya who will be leaving us at the end of the school year. We thank them for what they have offered our students and wish them well for the future.

SCHOOL

“Don’t let life discourage you: everyone who got where he is, had to begin where he was” Richard L. Evans

Mrs Mulligan will be on Maternity Leave in 2011. We wish her well as she prepares for the birth of her first child.

As the end of the school year draws closer it is important to remember the power and strength within each of us help those less fortunate than ourselves, and to initiate change, not only within ourselves, but also in the lives of others. While reflecting, we should all give thanks for the experiences and lessons that life has given us, and look forward to the renewal of hope and possibility as we prepare to herald in 2011.

Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School

CANTEEN

Throughout 2010 students across all year groups have shown their understanding of this by applying themselves with diligence towards their studies, building a sense of community through their involvement in various school service projects and activities, showing resilience in difficult situations, and learning the meaning of respect and responsibility, as well as the importance of accountability.

WOW! 2010 has come and gone before our very eyes.

I would like to thank our enthusiastic volunteers who have been wonderful throughout the year; their presence on a weekly basis allows the canteen to run smoothly.

Thank you to Diane Siagos, Elenie Coroneo for their weekly help and Angela Roditis who assisted Maria in my absence as well as Pamela Kefalas who volunteered during this time.

Looking back it has been an extremely active year!

Some of the varied activities students have been involved in include: Earth Hour, collecting food donations for the Greek Welfare Centre Easter Appeal, visiting nursing homes, helping out at the Newtown Soup Kitchen, supporting numerous charitable causes such as Loud Shirt Day, The Cancer Councils Biggest Morning Tea, Pink Ribbon Day, Red Nose Day, Jeans for Genes, Legacy, the World Vision 40 Hour Famine Appeal and Green Up Clean Up.

To our ex students Anthony Vardas and George Paraskevas, who had a great time coming back to school and helping me out; reminiscing about their fun times at school and how great our canteen is! Thank you also to our teaching staff who help when we are stranded and the queues are long – Mr Kaldis and Mr Zafiropoulos.

I wish to thank Maria Makridopolus who works with me on a daily basis, especially in my absence during the year. The canteen ran smoothly and our students were well looked after.

Congratulations and well done everyone for all your efforts!!! I wish you all a safe, happy holiday season and look forward to your renewed enthusiasm in 2011.

We wish all our students, families and friends a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

YEAR 7, 2011 PARENT FORUM On Thursday 11 November a Forum for Year 7, 2011 and parents, was held at the Senior School. At this gathering information related to getting organised for the coming year was presented to our new school members. Parents who attended are reminded that any documentation included in the ‘Information Pack’ that is yet to be returned is now overdue and needs to be sent in as soon as possible. Also, the final Camp payment will be needed on the first day of the 2011 school year. Thank you to the Yr 9 Peer Support Leaders who also attended the forum. Your efforts in assisting with set up and the serving of guests at the

Mrs. I. Paraskevas Canteen Supervisor

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BBQ are to be commended. Well done Estelle Krassas, Leo Andrew, Michael Arfanis, Penny Bounatsos, Lantou Georgou, Nicholas Stasos, Constance Synesios, Theodore Kipriotis, Maria Mio, Dean Michos, Mathew Kambos, Stephanie Pizanis, Ellen Tsoukalas, Niko Fotopoulos, Alexandros Moraitis and Valanti Toras.

YEAR 7 2011, ORIENTATION DAY A very exciting day was had by all our 55 new students as they enthusiastically acquainted themselves with the Senior School campus and engaged in informative lessons. Even though there were some very nervous faces, by the end of the day the foundations for lots of new friendships were established. Students began the day with a guided tour of the school, followed by “Getting to Know You” group work led by Year 9 Peer Support Leaders. After a recess break, students cycled through three taster lessons; Library, with Ms Bishop, Technology with Mr Sobolevski, and Cricket with Mr Zafiropoulos and Mr Meintanis. Following lunch, students evaluated their day, and received their ‘Passport to Senior School’ before being farewelled by Mrs Stefanou (Head of College), Mrs Katsogiannis (Principal), Year 9 Peer Support Leaders and myself. It was very interesting to see a number of students stay on to talk and play a little more with their new peers, even though parents were waiting at the gate to take them home !!!

YEAR 9 PEER SUPPORT AT THE JUNIOR SCHOOL Over the last couple of weeks Year 9 Peer Support Leaders have been preparing for the delivery of three Transition to High School lessons they will be leading Year 6 through at the Junior School. This activity is part of our Senior School Leadership Development Program and Year 6 Transition Program. Everyone enjoyed the activities and learnt a bit more about Senior School routines as well as some of the other preparations that need to occur.

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The first keynote speaker, Kristina Kenneally, spoke about tenacity and never giving up. The Premier quoted Winston Churchill saying “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another without a loss of enthusiasm.” She reinforced that we should always allow for mistakes and not only tolerate but embrace them as a step to innovation and leadership.

The next speaker was Mike Martin, who is the organizer of this day and the General Manager of the Halogen Foundation.

Mr Martin spoke about influences of leadership in today’s society. He posed the question “Why should I follow you?” which made us analyse who we are or could be as leaders. He left us with the message that “doing leadership and being a leader are two different things.”

Matthew Cowdrey was a great inspiration for all the students. This twenty-one year old has broken seventy-two paraolympic world records despite having lost the lower part of his left arm. Matthew defined leadership as the “ability to find ways to improve and do things better.” He gave us the tip to never give up despite any disabilities or differences, and to make the most of every opportunity.

Anh Do, lawyer and comedian provided the element of comedy for the day. He shared with us his life story, and about how he and his family came to Australia as refugees following the Vietnam War. The statements, “by attaching a big reason to a goal, it makes the goal easier to attain” and “never let people tell you can’t attain a goal” were sound pieces of advice about goal setting and leadership. The main message underlying his speech was a recollection of his father’s advice to “give it a crack and see what happens”. Anh Do told us he has been inspired by two important people, Baraka Obama and Oprah Winfrey, as he could empathise with their difficult childhoods. As a young child Anh Do and his family experienced poverty but after many years of perseverance and determination he has become one of Australia’s most successful comedians.

YOUNG LEADERS DAY On Monday 22 November a number of our Year 11 Prefect applicants attended the annual Young Leaders Day at the Sydney Convention Day. Over 3,500 young potential leaders from across three states attended this event. They witnessed a very exciting program which challenged them to reach their own personal goals as well as motivate them to achieve the goals of those they are leading. An array of inspirational speakers addressed the students, shared their special stories and gave wise advice to students. Students who attended this day all left the event feeling inspired, energized and ready to make a difference. Thank you to Mr Meintanis for stepping in for me at the last minute to accompany the students.

The final speaker of the day was Anne Bunde-Birouste who is the founder of Football United. Her opening statement “Dare to dream and pursue your dream with passion.” Left us feeling like we could conquer all ! She advised us to believe in ourselves and what we can do as leaders or followers. Furthermore, she spoke to us about perseverance, passion and having fun whilst achieving and doing good things. Melvin, who is one of the members of Football United defined leadership as “taking risks, having dreams and learning to trust in yourself”.

On Monday 22nd November, the Prefect applicants for 2011 attended the National Young Leader’s Day at the Convention Centre in Darling Harbour. The day included a number of inspirational speakers who spoke on various aspects leadership. We were privileged to hear from the Premier of New South Wales, Kristina Kenneally, Mike Martin, Matthew Cowdrey, Anh Do and Anne Bunde-Birouste.

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GREEK NEWS

Overall, the day was enjoyable and inspirational. The speakers helped us understand that to become better leaders, we need to believe in ourselves and persevere in order to achieve our goals. We would like to thank Ms Kokinelis for giving us the opportunity to attend this event and Mr Meintanis for accompanying us on the day.

Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Στην τελευταία µας έκδοση, δηµοσιεύουµε τρεις εργασίες µαθητών της Α’ Γυµνασίου και πάλι. Οι εργασίες αποτελούν µέρος των διαγωνισµών του Β’ εξαµήνου. Οι µαθητές είχαν να επιλέξουν ανάµεσα σε δύο θέµατα (σπίτι – σχολείο) και παρακάτω παραθέτουµε παραδείγµατα σχετικά µε τα δύο αυτά θέµατα. Καλή ανάγνωση και Καλές Γιορτές! κ. Μ. Φαλέτα

Year 11 Prefect Applicants

Αγαπηµένη µου Ελένη, γεια σου! Τώρα σου γράφω από το καινούριο µας σπίτι. Είµαι ξετρελαµένη µαζί του! Βρίσκεται σε µια ήσυχη και ήρεµη γειτονιά που ονοµάζεται Μπέλµορ. Είναι πολύ όµορφη γειτονιά! Οπωσδήποτε το σπιτάκι µας είναι µονοκατοικία. Έχει µια µεγάλη σαλοτραπεζαρία, µια κουζίνα που περιέχει όλες τις συσκευές, έπιπλα και ανέσεις, τέσσερα υπνοδωµάτια, τρία µπάνια και δύο γκαράζ. Το σπίτι έχει και ένα µεγάλο κήπο µε όµορφα λουλούδια όλων των χρωµάτων, που φυτέψαµε µαζί µε τον µπαµπά και τη µαµά µου. Στην είσοδο του σπιτιού έχουµε µια βεράντα. Έχει ένα τραπέζι και καρέκλες µε µαξιλάρια. Εκεί µ’ αρέσει να ξαπλώνω το καλοκαίρι διαβάζοντας ένα καλό βιβλίο. Με χαλαρώνει!

WORLD VISION PRESENTATION On Monday a representative from World Vision visited the Senior School to present a special plaque to students for their efforts in the 40 Hour Famine. Over the past 3 years our school has raised over $12,000 for disadvantaged communities around the world.

Everyone should feel very proud of their efforts. Well done again St Spyridon!

Λοιπόν, να σου πω λίγα για το δωµάτιό µου. ∆εν είναι πολύ µεγάλο, αλλά για αυτόν τον λόγο είναι πάντα βολικό. Μ’ αρέσει πάρα πολύ το δωµάτιό µου γιατί έχω το γραφείο µου µε όλα τα προσωπικά αντικείµενα και τον υπολογιστή µου. Έχω και µια βιβλιοθήκη στην οποία έχω βάλει όλα τα αγαπηµένα µου βιβλία. Το δωµάτιό µου έχει επίσης µια εντοιχισµένη ντουλάπα όπου κρεµώ τα ρούχα µου και τη στολή µου για το σχολείο. Νοµίζω ότι θα σ’ αρέσει το δωµάτιό µου, Ελένη. Χάρηκα πολύ που µιλήσαµε και θα σε δω αύριο στο σχολείο. Με πολλή αγάπη και φιλάκια η φίλη σου Βασιλική

Ms G Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

Vicky Papadopoulos Year 7

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Γεια σου, Γιάννη,

Γεια σου Ουρανία,

Τι κάνεις; Όπως θα έµαθες, χτες µετακοµίσαµε σε καινούριο σπίτι. Θα σου περιγράψω λοιπόν, την καινούρια µας κατοικία.

Τι κάνεις; Πώς αισθάνεσαι; Το πρωί, στο µήνυµά σου, µου έλεγες να σου πάρω τα µαθήµατα γιατί είσαι άρρωστη και δεν θα ερχόσουν σήµερα στο σχολείο. Λοιπόν, όπως ξέρεις, σήµερα είχαµε Ελληνικά, Φυσική Αγωγή, Γεωγραφία, Μουσική και Ιστορία.

Το σπίτι µας είναι µονοκατοικία. Είναι διώροφο σπίτι φτιαγµένο από τούβλα και βρίσκεται στο προάστειο του Μάσκωτ. Έχει ένα διπλό γκαράζ µε κόκκινα, κεραµικά πλακάκια στη σκεπή. ∆ιαθέτει τέσσερα µεγάλα υπνοδωµάτια, που όλα έχουν διπλά κρεβάτια, κοµοδίνα, µια τουαλέτα και ντουλάπες.

Για τα Ελληνικά, πρέπει να διαβάσεις το κείµενο «Το σχολείο µου» και να απαντήσεις στις ερωτήσεις στη σελίδα 15. Στη Γεωγραφία µάθαµε για τις διάφορες εποχές και πώς ο πλανήτης µας κάνει στροφές για να δηµιουργηθούν οι διάφορες εποχές.

Το δικό µου υπνοδωµάτιο έχει και µια µεγάλη βιβλιοθήκη και ένα άσπρο γραφείο. Οι τοίχοι του είναι σε γαλάζιο χρώµα, είναι µεγάλο δωµάτιο και το αγαπώ πολύ!

Στη Μουσική δεν κάναµε τίποτε σπουδαίο. Περάσαµε ολόκληρο το µάθηµα όπως το περνάµε πάντα, δηλαδή, παίζοντας στο πιάνο. Έµαθα κι ένα καινούριο τραγούδι και θέλω να σου το παίξω όταν µε το καλό γυρίσεις στο σχολείο.

∆ιαθέτει επίσης τρία µπάνια, ένα στο ισόγειο και δύο στον πρώτο όροφο. Όλα έχουν ντουζιέρες όµως µόνο ένα έχει µπανιέρα. Όλα είναι επενδυµένα µε άσπρα πλακάκια. Επειδή έχουµε τρία µπάνια, κανείς δεν χρειάζεται να περιµένει το πρωί τον άλλο!!!

Στην Ιστορία µάθαµε για την αρχαία Ελλάδα. Μιλήσαµε για το πώς ήταν η Ελλάδα τότε και πώς έχει αλλάξει. Πρέπει να διαβάσεις τη σελίδα 146 και να απαντήσεις σε όλες τις ερωτήσεις.

Η ξύλινη κουζίνα µας είναι αρκετά µεγάλη. Στην κουζίνα υπάρχουν: ένας φαρδύς νεροχύτης, πλυντήριο πιάτων και εντοιχισµένο ψυγείο.

Μήπως αναρωτιέσαι γιατί δεν σου έχω γράψει για την Φυσική Αγωγή ακόµη; Είναι επειδή είχαµε µια σπουδαία ηµέρα σήµερα. Ήµασταν η πρώτη τάξη που δοκίµασε το επιτραπέζιο τέννις! Μόνο µερικοί ήξεραν να παίξουν. Αν µε έβλεπες να παίζω θα ξεκαρδιζόσουν στα γέλια!

Η τραπεζαρία έχει µεγάλο τραπέζι και είναι κοντά στην κουζίνα και δίπλα στο σαλόνι. Στο σαλόνι υπάρχουν τρεις δερµάτινοι καναπέδες, µια µεγάλη τηλεόραση και ένα όµορφο τζάκι. Το πλυσταριό είναι δίπλα στο µπάνιο και στην κουζίνα. Το πλυντήριο είναι πολύ µεγάλο και παίρνει πολύ χώρο. Το σπίτι µας έχει και µεγάλο κήπο µπροστά και πίσω, µε πολλά λουλούδια και δέντρα.

Καταλαβαίνω πως θα είσαι θυµωµένη που έχασες την ευκαιρία να παίξεις κι εσύ, αλλά σου έχω ευχάριστα νέα: την άλλη εβδοµάδα θα παίξουµε ξανά!! Θα δεις τι πλάκα και γέλια θα κάνουµε την επόµενη εβδοµάδα όταν θα παίξουµε µαζί!

Φίλε µου, Γιάννη, ξέρεις κάτι, αν και µόλις µπήκαµε, το αγάπησα αµέσως το καινούριο σπίτι µας γιατί έχει όλα όσα χρειάζοµαι.

Ελπίζω να είσαι καλά και νά έρθεις αύριο στο σχολείο. Αν δεν κατάλαβες κάτι για τα µαθήµατα να µου στείλεις µήνυµα και θα στα εξηγήσω πάλι.

Σ’ αφήνω τώρα. Με πολλή αγάπη ο φίλος σου Εµµανουήλ

Γεια σου και περαστικά.

Emmanuel Kapodistrias Year 7

Kalioppe Kefalas Year 7

η φίλη σου Καλλιόπη

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LISTENING TO OUR STUDENTS

where doing their daily duties. These duties included making liturgy garments for priests as well as fixing and completing their gardens and fields, and maintaining their fruit trees. All these tasks were performed with prayer in their minds, focusing and surrounding their deeds in God and our Faith.

VISIT TO PANTANASSA MONASTERY On the 19th November the boys from Year 10 visited the monks at Pantanassa Monastery on Mangrove Mountain. Despite the fact the monastery was still under construction, the trip was highly enjoyable and insightful. We were shown the intricate and delicate process of making an icon and were told biblical stories, while in the awe-inspiringly beautiful chapel.

The monks were all very hospitable and offered us all refreshments and made sure that our stay was comfortable. The scenery itself was breathtaking with a quiet and peaceful ambience truly befitting of a place where one can get in touch with their spiritual side and become closer to God.

These Church garments were hand-made by the nuns with old sewing machines, and it was amazing to see their concentration and how perfect they turned out considering just how hard they looked to make.

Our time at Holy Cross Monastery seemed to go by too quickly for us. It was already time to head back to school.

On our bus ride, we were all talking about our day to each other about the monasteries with the boys telling us about their visit to Pantanassa monastery and the girls remarking on how lovely the Holy Cross monastery looked with most of its beautiful appearance being made by the nuns.

Giorgio Lambos Year 10

HOLY CROSS MONASTERY On Friday the 19th November Year 10 students, as part of their ‘Preparing for the Preliminary course’ went to Mangrove mountain for the day. The girls were taken to the Holy Cross Monastery and the boys visited Pantanassa Monastery.

Overall, these monasteries left a very good impression on all of us and we were really glad and thankful of having the opportunity to visit them.

Mariam Spilioti Year 10

On the girl’s visit to Holy Cross, we were first greeted by the ‘Igoumeni’ and we entered the small chapel to begin the service dedicated to the Theotokos which was chanted by the five nuns that live there. We also had booklets with the service written inside and also translated in English for us to understand the meanings of the verses and prayers.

SPORTS REPORT CONGRATULATIONS……….

Cassandra Georgiou who was selected to represent St George Representative Oz Tag Team at the Junior State Championships next February. Cassandra continues to demonstrate her tremendous talent in a variety of sports. We wish her all the best.

When the service was completed the Igoumeni showed us the relics of many saints that they have at this monastery as well as a small piece of our Lord Jesus Christ’s cross which we had the great opportunity to approach and kiss.

BASKETBALL 2010 Although the end of a school year we are only half way through the Basketball season and with some fantastic results the students remain enthusiastic and are looking forward to next year. All teams have showed such determination and have made tremendous improvement in their basketball skills.

With the Finals approaching on our return to school I hope all students and their families have a restful and safe holiday.

We were then showed the new plans that they had for this monastery to extend and be rebuilt in a few places, with the help of people’s donations, as well as ideas and sketches from priests all the way in Greece.

Then we were taken to their dining room and there we were offered banana bread muffins and Turkish delight. Whilst eating, we were all very quiet and due to this we saw the quiet and peaceful nature of this environment and the beauty of it, taking you away from reality and into a calm state of mind. The Igoumeni stayed present with us here as the other nuns

Finally, thank you to all parents for your support throughout the year.

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Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport

BOYS BASKETBALL 2010/2011 Thank you to all the players and coaches so far in Boys Basketball. Round 7 of the competition will resume next year Happy Holidays

Mr A. Condous Boys Sport

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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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