News 64-1a February 2011

HEAD OF COLLEGE REPORT DATES TO REMEMBER FEBRUARY Years 7 & 8 Camp Swimming Carnival JS

14th – 16th 18th 21 23rd st

Maths Challenge Camp JS Swimming Carnival SS

22nd

Divine Liturgy

24th

Vaccinations Yr 7 girls, Yr 7 boys and girls and Yr 10

28th

MARCH P & F AGM

1st

Lent begins

7th

Greek Orthodox Swimming Carnival JS

7th

Spalding Parent Course JS

th

8

ASISSA Swimming Carnival SS Spalding Parent Course JS

15th

ISA Swimming Carnival SS

18th

CIS Swimming Carnival JS Spalding Parent Course JS

22nd

Year 5 Vision Centre

24th

Annunciation – school closed

25th

ISA Cross Country SS

26th

25th March Celebrations

27th

Spalding Parent Course JS

29th

Twilight Tours SS

31st

APRIL Year 12 Half Yearly Exams begin

4th

Spalding Parent Course JS

5th

ACER Registrations close Term ends

8th

VOLUME XXVIII No 1 11th February, 2011

I extend a warm welcome to all students and their families and wish them every success for the 2011 School Year. The 98 new students are especially welcome, as are our new teachers. We have every confidence that they will soon feel at home at St Spyridon College.

The HSC Class of 2010 is congratulated on its excellent HSC results. Highlights of achievement are Alexander Vatiliotis, College Captain and Dux who attained the Top Mark of 98.20; Aleksandra Djordjevic with an ATAR score of 94.25 who was first in the State for Serbian. Fourth in the State in Modern Greek was Leah Balayannis (accelerant). Also fourth in the State in Information Technology was Dion Panigiris. We are pleased that over 70% of the class has been offered places in University courses and that over 90% will soon be in Further Education.

We commend all teachers K-12 and acknowledge their Year Advisers and all specialist Year 12 teachers.

To the Year 12 Class of 2011 we wish every success in their HSC. St Spyridon our Patron Saint has blessed all our endeavours and best intentions for our students, so that we begin the year with the new Sports and Performing Arts Centre in operation. We thank the Commonwealth Government for its assistance with this outstanding facility.

The parent body with its excellent record of contributions to the Building Fund has made it possible for us to also complete the new Doran Street building, already enjoyed by Year 4 classes and other students. We thank the Parents & Friends Committee for their invaluable financial contribution with installing air conditioning for the Junior School and also the Senior School 100 Club Wing.

We have a busy year ahead. The Opening of the Sports and Performing Arts Centre on the 19th May, 2011 at 9.30am, is highlighted here for parents’ planners. It promises to be a memorable event, commencing with a Blessing by Archbishop Stylianos and attended by many VIPs. In closing I extend a reminder to our parents to attend the Parents & Friends AGM on 1st March 2011. We invite you to support this dynamic organisation with your presence.

Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag

PREFECTS

PAGE

We congratulate the following students who have been selected to lead the Student Body K - 12 and the whole school community in 2011.

Ashli Bergmann Stamati Margelis Elleni Mavrolefterou Ben Papadopoulos Deanne Constantinou Nicole Kalofonos Bianca Anastasas Elpiniki Andrew Evangelia Balayannis

-

College Captain Vice Captain Senior Prefect Sports Captain Sports Captain Sports Captain Prefect Prefect Prefect

Alex Georgiou Andrea Hadjidemetri Renee Hatzistergos Angela Kardamis Anastasia Kerameas George Kirkis Leaya Stemitsiotis Peter Zinopoulos

-

Prefect Prefect Prefect Prefect Prefect Prefect Prefect Prefect

Welcome Address by College Captain – Ashli Bergmann Welcome back everyone, I hope you had a great holiday and are ready to start the new school year. It’s a good opportunity for all of us to try and do better than last year and hopefully get the results we want. I would also like to make a special welcome to all the new students to the school this year and to Year 7 students to whom I would like to say a few words: Firstly I want to make sure you know that if you have any problems the teachers are very approachable or you can come to talk to one of the Year 12 Prefects if you have any questions or need any help. We are always here for you and we want to help you to make sure that you feel comfortable settling into senior school. Don’t be scared about coming up to us! You’ll get used to senior school very quickly and have opportunities to do many different things.

It’s a good idea to try and experience new things and always try your best in whatever you do. Also, don’t be afraid of making mistakes!

Finally and this applies not only to Year 7 but to the whole school – I want to remind you that some of your classmates don’t know anyone that well because they have come from a different school so it’s especially important that we all try and make them feel welcome. I didn’t know anyone when I first came to St Spyridon because I came from a different primary school. I was so lucky and felt very welcome because I made friends quickly, but only because my classmates made the effort to try and get to know me. I can’t stress enough how important it is that you make others feel welcome and appreciated, because it’s hard coming into a new school.

We should all make the most of our time at school and have fun because – as my years does now – each and every one of you will have some amazing memories to look back on in the future. I hope this year brings with it happiness and success for you all.

JUNIOR

SCHOOL

STAFFING

2011

HEAD OF COLLEGE Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag PRINCIPAL JUNIOR SCHOOL Mrs M. Hamer Assistant Principal Mrs Aristea Synesios

Year Six Ms C. Tsokas Mr A. Dookie

Infants Coordinator Mrs M. Kipriotis Science Yr 5/6 Mr P. Arnott Sports Coordinator/PDHPE Mr J. Volas Computer I.T. Yr K-6 Mr P. Arnott Primary English/HSIE Coordinator Mrs S. Dimitrelis Librarian Mrs C. Bartlett Primary Maths/Science Coordinator Mr A. Dookie Support Teacher K-2 Mrs M. Kipriotis Kindergarten Ms K. Finikakos Miss E. Rogaris Ms V. Liakatos

Year One Ms A. Xenos Miss C. Brocklehurst Mrs G. Zafiropoulos

Year Two Miss C. Sotiras Mrs A. Karpouzos

Year Three Miss R. Besir Miss M. Nicolaou

Year Four Miss T. Bletsogiannis Mrs S. Dimitrelis

Year Five Miss A. Orfanos Mr P. Arnott

Support Teacher 3-6 Mrs J. Mulligan

Music Choir Mrs H. Ferguson-Coyne

Greek Language Mrs A. Ieroklis Mr J. Volas Mr A. Amditis Miss C. Theodossiou

Byzantine Chanting Mr B. Psilacos

Greek Dancing Mrs S. Haskas

Administration Mrs E. Kerameas Miss E. Giannakopoulos Mrs M. Doyle

SENIOR

SCHOOL

STAFFING

2011

HEAD OF COLLEGE Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag PRINCIPAL SENIOR SCHOOL Mrs A. Katsogiannis MANAGEMENT TEAM Dean of Middle School Ms G. Kokinelis – Yr 6-7 Transition Adviser Dean of Senior Programs Mr P. Meintanis ORTHODOX STUDIES TEAM Father S. Scoutas Father S. Drapaniotis Mr P. Mavrommatis Mrs C. Mio ENGLISH, HISTORY & DRAMA TEAM Dr V. Hickie – Curriculum Leader Ms L. Davis Mrs D. Kefalouros Mrs R. Kiedja Ms G. Kokinelis Mrs I. Koutsoukis Mr C. Reynolds LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH TEAM Mrs M. Faletas – Curriculum Leader Mrs V. Belajcic Miss E. Gambriell Mrs V. Alexandropoulou (Consulate) Miss A. Tsintiridou (Consulate) SCIENCE TEAM Mr J. Croft – Curriculum Leader Mr D. Giles Dr. L. Srinivisan Mrs E. Dubossarsky – Assistant SOCIAL SCIENCES TEAM Mrs C. Mio – Curriculum Leader Ms N. Gonzalez Ms D. Kladakis Mr V. Zafiropoulos

CREATIVE ARTS AND TECHNOLOGICAL AND APPLIED STUDIES TEAM Mr G. Georgoulopoulos Mrs V. Grillakis Ms M. Pringle Mrs H. Ferguson-Coyne Miss C. Savva Mr L. Sobolevski Mrs O. Lambi – Assistant

MATHEMATICS TEAM Mr A. Kollias – Curriculum Leader Mr A. Condous (Year 8 Adviser) Mrs H. Dalakiaris Miss M. Kalithrakas (Year 11 Adviser) P.D. HEALTH P.E. TEAM Mr P. Meintanis – Curriculum Leader Mr A. Condous – Boys Sport Mr F. Kaldis (Year 12 Adviser) Mr P. Mavrommatis (Year 10 Adviser) Ms K. O’Shea – Girls Sport (Year 9 Adviser) Mr V. Zafiropoulos CAREERS ADVISER & STUDENT WELFARE ADVISER Mrs R. Fatouros – Student Welfare Adviser Mrs A. Skerman – Careers Adviser STUDENT SUPPORT/ESL Ms M. Barbouttis LIBRARIAN Ms R. Bishop Mrs C. Papadakis – Assistant SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION TEAM Mrs S. Balayannis – PA to Head of College Mrs A. Kringas Mrs D. Cross Mrs M. Diakanastasis Mrs M. Doyle CANTEEN Mrs I. Paraskevas Mrs M. Makridopolus

SENIOR

SCHOOL

BLESSING

2011

On Tuesday, 1st February the school year was officially blessed. Father Steven and Father Sotiris blessed the staff and students of the Senior School and then blessed classrooms and play areas.

SENIOR

SCHOOL SPEECH AND PRIZE AFTERNOON 2010

GIVING

K

–

12

NEWS

TERM 2, 2011 Please note that Term 2 Dates have been altered to take into account the extra Public Holiday. Students return Thursday 28th April, 2011.

CONGRATULATIONS… …to Mrs E. Mulligan (English/Drama teacher) and her husband on the birth of their first child Finley Samson Mulligan.

For any enquiries, please call Patricia on 0410 505 524.

Ms P. Doyle

PARENTS AND FRIENDS REPORT WELCOME FOR 2011 The P&F committee wishes to warmly welcome all our College families to the start of a new fresh school year. Hope you are all rested and ready for all the exciting events awaiting us in 2011. In the near future you will all be informed and invited to the P&F functions and activities that will be scheduled. We have lots to celebrate and we look forward to your company and support at every event.

Look out for our events calendar in this newsletter.

TAVERNA NIGHT POSTPONED The Taverna Night planned for 19th February, 2011, has been postponed until further notice, due to major Greek Orthodox Archdiocese events being held over the same weekend.

AGM UNIFORM SHOP – VOLUNTEER REQUIRED Uniform Shop help is needed every Wednesday afternoon between 2.45 pm and 4.15pm. If you would like to volunteer your services, please call Helen at the Parish Administration Office on 93136899.

Mrs H. Simicos

AFTER SCHOOL CARE We would like to welcome all new families to our service and wish everyone well for 2011. We have relocated as of Term 1 2011 - we are now located in the new building, next to the basketball court. Parents can enter via 15 Doran St in the afternoons when picking up your children.

After School Care fees are now $17 per day and we are able to reduce fees if your family receives the child care benefit. Our operating hours are 3.30pm6.30pm.

Our Active After School Sports program is back again this year for a 7 week session each term on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Monday sport is with Sam Gray and Tuesday sport is with Shaun Mchatton. First session begins next week Mon 14th Feb.

The P&F AGM is fast approaching on 1st March and we welcome and encourage ALL College parents and friends to attend and hopefully gather to form a new committee for 2011. As you all know, our current committee has been praised for its team bonding, its dynamic performance and for its fundraising efforts which have exceeded $50,000 in 2010.

Our College has made some outstanding and notable recent developments with the Junior school campus extended with the addition of a new building and the mammoth arrival of the impressive Sports and Performing Arts Complex in the Senior Campus.

These major facilities and others provide a high standard of learning environment for our children.

We, as proud parents of St Spyridon College, can make a difference to help sustain this standard and improve on it in years to come by contributing our precious time, efforts and involvement in the P&F team.

SO THINK OF OUR CHILDREN & JOIN YOUR P&F! SEE YOU AT THE AGM! LOOK OUT FOR THE AGM FLYER IN THIS NEWSLETTER WITH ALL THE DETAILS! Mrs M Pascalis P&F Assistant Secretary

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT Welcome back to everyone and wishing you all a happy and healthy 2011.

We hope you have all had a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday and are now ready to face the exciting challenges of this year.

A special welcome to all our Kindergarten students starting their educational journey at St Spyridon College. They have had a wonderful start and have settled in beautifully.

We also welcome the following new students who have commenced in other grades and hope they will find their time with us enjoyable and productive.

Natasha Bebonis 1T, Phillip Liaromatis 2C, Jonathon Mournehis 2C, Dimitri Vasilakis 2C, Destin Chandra 3A, Yana Vergotis 4C, Spiros Zafiropoulos 4C, Nicholas Vasilakis 4T, Patricia Frazis 5A.

NEW STAFF It is with great pleasure that we welcome and introduce new staff for 2011. We welcome Mrs Zafiropoulos Year 1 Violet, Miss Nicolaou Year 3 Sapphire, Miss Sotiras Year 2 Aqua, and we welcome back Mr Amditis Greek Language.

THANK YOU I wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers last year as I struggled with my cancer. It gave me the strength and courage to continue during the difficult times. I particularly wish to thank and acknowledge the efficient and effective work done by Mrs Synesios as the Acting Principal. She worked tirelessly and passionately throughout the year. Thank you Mrs Synesios and thank you to the staff both teaching and secretarial who helped and supported her throughout 2010.

CONGRATULATIONS HSC 2010 On behalf of the Junior School staff and students I would like to congratulate our Year 12 students of 2010 on their excellent HSC results and wish them happiness and success in their future endeavours.

YEAR 6 DUX and AWARD RECIPIENTS Congratulations to the following Year 6 students who were awarded prizes at the Graduation Evening last year. Students were recognised for academic

excellence and religious, sporting, social and cultural achievements.

School Dux Nicole Adam The Despina Hatjinikitas Memorial Award for Citizenship Mariah Stavrou The Varnie Kambos Memorial Award for Dance Christina Balayannis Georgia Polydor Prize for Modern Greek Christina Balayannis and Penelope Aleyiannis Orthodox Study Prize Alexia Rizzo Sportsperson of the Year Panos Armenakas and Nicole Adam

STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM 2011 School Captains George Raptis and Jacqueline Burleigh Vice Captains Markella Roditis and Constantinos Kollias Prefects Larissa Andrianakos, Christina Killias, Kerryanne Syros, Deyana Xenos, Michael Constantopedos, Peter Milios, Jordan Makridopolus, John Tsakiris.

HOUSE CAPTAINS Corinthians Christina Theofanidis and Mitchell Knight.

Olympians Tina Ventoura and George Contominas.

Nemeans Stavroulla Mavrolefterou and Peter Giokas.

Delphians Electra Athanasatos and Eric Volas.

PROCEDURES Supervision Morning supervision commences at 8.15am. Parents are requested to leave the school grounds once supervision commences unless they have a scheduled meeting. Afternoon supervision concludes at 3.45pm after this time children will be placed in After School Care and parents billed accordingly.

Infants children need to be collected from their classroom in the afternoon or from the Infants playground – shelter after 3.15pm. Primary children to be picked up from the Primary playground – undercroft area. Parents and children are to leave the courtyard area immediately so that teachers know which children are still under their supervision.

Parents are requested not to assemble in front of classrooms in the afternoon- prior to pick up as this disrupts students learning.

K-6 Assembly is on Wednesdays. All students K-6 to assemble in the Primary courtyard. Parents are invited to join with us in prayer and anthems but please do not talk during these proceedings. During this assembly Merit certificates are awarded.

OFFICE HOURS Office hours for the Junior School are 8.15am to 4.15pm. For security reasons no one is permitted to enter the administration building before 8.15am and after 4.15pm unless they have a registered appointment. The Office Staff commence their tasks at 8.15am and end the day at 4.15pm, at which time the answer machine is activated. Please note that messages left after this time may not be heard until the next morning.

Parents are to please NOT go directly to the Teachers’ Staffroom to speak to a teacher, please refer to the secretaries who will call the teacher out to see you, if available. Parents are also not to go to classrooms at any time without signing in and getting a visitors badge at the front office.

SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED within the School’s boundaries.

Foyer (Gardeners Rd) entry is ONLY to be used if attending to business at the Office. Parents and students are to use the Playground Gates as their entry and exit points.

TRAFFIC PROCEDURES Observance of the following school procedures will greatly assist in the safety of the students, and better relationships with out neighbours.

1. Parents MUST NOT park in any driveway either the neighbours or the college at any time.

2. The practice of parking or stopping in the middle of the road is illegal.

3. Please note that Doran St is a two way street and parking laws apply.

4. Attention is drawn to the extreme danger of leaving motors running while leaving the car to drop off or pick up students from the college, particularly when smaller children are left in the car.

Please drop your child/children off in the morning and leave as soon as possible. Similarly in the

afternoon after picking up your child please leave so that other parents have room to park.

HEALTH ISSUES ‘NO HAT, SIT IN THE SHADE’ Children are reminded to wear their hat when playing in the school grounds. Children without their hat will be required to sit in the shaded area (Undercroft in the Primary School and under the Shelter in the Infants playground). This is a school rule to protect our children’s health.

ALLERGIES / REACTION POLICY

ANAPHYLACTIC

You may be aware that a number of children at our college are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction to peanut products. This condition is known as Anaphylaxis and is a severe and sudden allergic reaction, which usually occurs after exposure to a particular food. Anaphylaxis is potentially life threatening and always requires an emergency response.

In order to minimise the risk to some children in the school who have allergies, the school community has implemented a number of measures. We strongly urge you not to send foods with peanut products in your child’s lunches or morning recess. Another measure is to, at an appropriate level educate your child about anaphylaxis to develop understanding about this allergy.

Please also do not send cakes, lollies or any food to school to be given to other children. As the health, well being and safety of the children in our school is of paramount concern to us all, we know that we can depend on your support and assistance with this matter.

CANTEEN PROCEDURES In order to streamline procedures and ensure a smoother delivery of Canteen services, it is necessary that the following procedures are observed.

1. All lunch orders to be clearly written on a lunch bag. Parents must provide this bag.

2. Orders need to be written at home and must include; child’s name, class, order and correct money.

3. Infants’ milk orders for recess must be put into a separate bag and must include: child’s name, class, order and correct money.

4. Please label this bag with INFANTS RECESS. 5. All orders to be handed in during roll call by the children and put in a lunch bucket which will be located in the classroom.

NO Child or Parent is to approach the Canteen Supervisor in the morning.

If your child is late, they are to place their order in the late box at the Front Office when they collect their late slip.

Your cooperation and assistance will be appreciated.

CANTEEN ASSISTANCE Thank you to all the volunteers who assisted in the canteen in 2010. Your time and effort was greatly appreciated. Assistance is desperately needed for this year please come forward and volunteer for a few hours.

ANNUAL SWIMMING CARNIVAL Years 3 – 6 have their annual Swimming Carnival on Friday 18th February. All students must attend and participate in at least one event.

Please note that this is a school day and attendance is compulsory. Students will assemble at Des Renford Swimming Pool, Robey St, Maroubra at 8:30am for Roll Call. The carnival will begin punctually at 9am and conclude at 2:30pm. All students are to wear the College swimming costume, coloured T-Shirt and Coloured Cap. Parents are welcome to attend and cheer on the students. As in previous years, the carnival can only be a success with the wonderful support and assistance of parents. If you can assist please see Mr Volas.

Students who travel on the private bus will be taken directly to the pool and picked up from the pool.

After School Care students (Yrs 3 – 6) will be brought back to the Junior School if required. Please notify the class teacher in writing if After School Care is required on the day.

CONGRATULATIONS Last year, Year 3 students took part in a Christmas Card Design competition run by the Member of Heffron and NSW Premier, The Hon. Kristina Keneally, MP. Congratulations are extended to Harry Mavrolefterou for receiving 1st Prize for his design. His design was incorporated on the card printed and used by Mrs Keneally.

KALANTA Last December students of the Junior and Senior School maintained the tradition of singing “Ta Kalanta” to parishioners in their homes. This yearly

activity reminds us of our Hellenic roots and teaches us all the meaning of citizenship, brotherhood and service.

We thank all the students who took part and all the parents who volunteered their time to drive and supervise the students.

We look forward to December 2011.

Nektarios Kollias, Paul Giavis, Nicholas Micos, Damascus Economou, Christina Pascalis, Christina Borean, Maria – Angela Patsalis, Vicki Synesios, Christopher Vougioukas, Athena Demetriou, James Bletsas, Frances- Lee Pascalis, Samantha Economou, Efthimia Kollias, George Stavrou, Nicoletta Tsimboukis, Nicola Skouteris, Lisa Stamoulis, Desi Kapodistrias, Connor Giavis, Eleni Preketes, Steven Stamoulis, Dean Albanakis, Stephen Bletsas, Rhea Tsimboukis, George Makris, Joanna Skouteris, Jennifer – Eve Contominas, Carissa Frazis, Anna – Maria Borean, Sophia Micos, Bianca Frazis, Nicholas Kollias, Sarantos Makris, Constantinos Kollias, John Tsakiris, Peter Milios, Kerryanne Syros, George Contominas, Deyarna Xenos, James Lambrou, Melanie Stramotas, Alexander Michos, Lia Albanakis, Mariah Stavrou, Liana Panselinos, Christina Balayannis, Georgia Koukounaris, Alexander Stamoulis, Nansia Koukounaris, Peter Contominas , Constance Synesios, Mr. E. Economou, Mrs. Patsalis, Mrs. A. Stamoulis, Mrs Albanakis, Mrs Bletsas, Mrs Giavis, Mrs L. Frazis, Mrs Michos, Mrs M. Pascalis, Mrs Panselinos, Mrs Skouteris, Mrs Stavrou, Mrs Tsimboukis and Mrs M. Kollias.

Our special thanks to Mrs Synesios who has been organising this very special event for the past 20 years voluntarily.

PLAYGROUP FOR TODDLERS The little ‘Sparrows’ of St Spyridon Playgroup meet each Monday in the Parish Hall from 10am to 12pm in the morning. The programme for the Playgroup is professionally organized by the Greek Welfare Centre.

Age group 0 – 6 years. Playgroup recommences for 2011 on Monday 14th February.

MUSIC TUITION Private music tuition is available with the following people. Parents wishing to have their child tutored in 2011 need to contact the individual tutor.

Mr Sam Podjarski for Violin Contact Number: 0411 366 058 Ms Janet Silverton for Piano and violin Contact Number: 0417 657 178 Mr Leonidas Kourmadas for Piano, Guitar & Theory Contact Number: 0421 198 747

MIND QUEST 2011 nd

Year 9

Year 10

Maria Mio

Stephanie Satouris

rd

On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April 2011 the fifty fourth NSW Talent Enrichment Weekend Mind Quest will be held for primary students from Years -6 at St George Girls High School. These include gifted and talented students, gifted underachievers and students with above average ability with a special interest. Students will have an opportunity to participate in over 38 exciting, fast paced courses in the two day program. They include courses in chemistry, earth sciences, drama, lego robotics, art and much more. Many of these highly successful courses have been run in the past and students’ evaluations suggest that they have been challenged and enriched by the experience. The cost of the weekend is $160 including GST. Contact Shelagh Poray on 02 42332328 for more details. Forms are available at the office.

Year 11

Year 12

Mrs M. Hamer Principal Junior School

SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT

Ashli Bergmann

WELCOME A warm welcome is extended to our new teachers: Ms L. Davis Ms N. Gonzalez Ms D. Kladakis

English/Drama HSIE/Economics HSIE/Legal Studies

We hope that their time with us will be rewarding and enjoyable.

YEAR 12 INTERIM REPORTS Year 12 will be receiving their Interim reports next week.

In this report we share what is going well and in particular highlight issues of concern.

Parents will be ale to make time to discuss their child’s progress at the future Parent Teacher Conferences.

FIRST PLACINGS 2010 Congratulations to the following students for achieving first place in their year.

Year 7

Year 8

Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School

OPENING OF LAW TERM 2011 Students of the Year 12 Legal Studies class attended the 30th Annual Pan-Orthodox Church Service to mark the opening of the Law Term for 2011. The service was held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation on the 8th of February, 2011.

The procession to the Cathedral was led by the Chief Justice of New South Wales, the Hon. Jim Spigleman which commenced from the Rectory of the Archdiocese and officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos. Students also had the opportunity to listen to a number of keynote speakers including the Attorney General The Honorable Mr John Hatzistergos MLC and Nicholas Pappas. Year 12 Legal Studies students Michael Lantis and Evangelia Balayannis noted that ‘this event inspired them to strive to achieve such prominent positions in society and represent the Greek Orthodox Ethos within the legal community’. The students also noted that one of the highlights of the evening was when the legal practitioners entered the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation dressed in their robes.

The Year 12 Legal Studies class felt privileged to have been invited to this event which solidified the connection between God’s law and the Legal System.

Ms D. Kladakis Legal Studies Teacher

Maria Bletsas

Panayioti Kapodistrias

College Dux Alexander Vatiliotis

MIDDLE

SCHOOL

NEWS

Welcome back everyone to what promises to be a very exciting and dynamic year. To all our new parents, students and of course Year 7, happy new beginnings and every success in all your endeavours, as you begin your educational with us here at the Senior School.

While the first few days of Senior School were met with a mixture of nervous trepidation, laced with great excitement, I am pleased to report that the overall consensus at the end of two weeks has been overwhelmingly positive. This is the result of many factors; the Year 10 Peer Support Leaders who assisted Year 7 on Day 1, and their continued efforts in guiding them to each of their lessons over the past two weeks; the ‘buddies’ assigned to all new students who have shown them around the school campus, and looked after them during class and break times; and of course students across all Year Groups and staff, who have been so welcoming and friendly in their interactions with the new students. This in essence reflects the nurturing nature of our Pastoral Care Program and highlights the importance we place in building a sense of belonging amongst out students.

YEAR 7 & YEAR 10 PEER SUPPORT LEADER CAMP, AND YEAR 8 OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMP Next week, from Monday 14th until Wednesday 16th February, Year 7 and Year 10 Peer Support Leaders, along with Year 8, will be travelling to Gosford as part of our annual camp program. All students must be at school no later than 8 am, as buses need to depart promptly by 8.30am. This week students were provided with a check list of what they must pack, along with the camp program. We ask all parents to check this list in order to ensure students have everything they need. Electronic devices such as mobile phones, ipods, hand-held game devices should not be brought to camp. Teachers will not be responsible for loss or damage to these. If any student needs to be contacted for emergency purposes please call the school and a message will be relayed to attending staff members. Alternately, in extreme circumstances, call the camp directly using the contact details provided in the camp information pack. It is anticipated that all students will return to school between 2.30pm and 3pm. Parents must make arrangements to pick children up from the front of the school at this time. As it will be close to end of day dismissal time , parents need to park away from the immediate front of school area for safety reasons and to enable school buses and coaches clear access.

PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE All students in Year 7, 8 and 9 will once again be encouraged to read widely and regularly through Pastoral Care as part of the Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC). This activity requires Middle School students to read 20 books from a set list, from now until September. Studies have shown that regular reading, a minimum of ½ hour each day before sleeping, greatly assists students in their literacy development and understand of curriculum across all learning areas. Students must bring their current PRC novel to each Pastoral Care lesson, as time is dedicated at the start of this lesson to this activity. Year 7 & 8 will begin the Challenge in week 4, Year 9 will began next week.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL NOMINATIONS This week Year 7 and Year 9 participated in Leadership focused lessons during Pastoral Care that were ably presented by the Prefect Body. Students explored aspects of Leadership, evaluated their own leadership qualities and practices, as well as reviewed the role of the Student Representative Council (SRC), before nominating class members. Nominees now have until week 4 to prepare a 2-3 minute speech before their class, after which voting will take place.

Successful students will be officially presented to the school and receive their badges at the Scholarship and Student Leadership Assembly which will take place in week 6. Students in Years 8, 10,11 will focus on Leadership and follow processes in Weeks 4 and 5.

CAREERS

NEWS

Welcome back to our students and their parents and welcome to all our new students. We look forward to an exciting and challenging year ahead.

Congratulations to our Year 12 students of 2010.

I am still tracking the 2011 destinations of the students. Unfortunately for me, they are not at home waiting for my phone call. Many of our students have already accepted offers for university places in 2011. Over 70 % of our students will undertake bachelor degree courses at universities and colleges this year. The other students have enrolled or are in the process of enrolling in courses at TAFE and private colleges or are commencing a ‘GAP’ year, working or travelling overseas and delaying further study for one year. We wish them well in the next stage of their career journeys.

Costs of Learning. These notes may help our present students and their parents to understand about the costs of studying. These tuition costs do not include books and equipment.

IMMUNIZATIONS 2011 Last week Year 7 & 10 were given vaccination cards for to bring home. These happen annually to safeguard children against particular diseases. Yr 7 Hepatitis B – dose 1 of 2 (all students) and Human Papillomavirus - dose 1 of 3 (girls only); and Year 10 Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis – single dose (all students). Parents must return the cards fully filled in and signed by the due date. If children have already been immunized/will be immunized by the family doctor/or not immunized at all, then this must be indicated with a short note of explanation and parent signature written on the front of the particular vaccination card, and also returned to school by the due date.

Ms G Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

On average, the Government pays for about threequarters of the cost of students’ study in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) – ie a business or law course may cost the government about $30 000 but the student only pays about $8900 per year. Each university sets their own contribution amount, up to a ceiling which is imposed by the Government. Student contributions will therefore vary between institutions and courses. This year, students will pay up to $8859 annually for law, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science, accounting, administration, economics and commerce courses; up to $7567 for computing, engineering, mathematics and built environment courses, and up to $5310 for education, humanities, arts, behavioural science, nursing, foreign languages and visual and performing arts courses. Mathematics, science and statistics have been declared “national priority” courses and have a ceiling of $4249.

A student may pay the student contribution up front (and receive a 20% discount) or they may request a HECS-HELP (Higher Education Loan Programme) loan and repay the loan later. Repayments are based on the graduate’s income and are made through the taxation system at a later date when the students commence working and their income reaches a certain threshold eg in the past, $44 912.

TAFE students are required to pay their fees on enrolment day. These yearly fees are far less than the uni fees and vary with the level of the course.

Certificate I and II cost $450, Certificate III cost $704, Certificate IV cost $958 while Diploma courses cost $1274 and Advanced Diploma cost

$1528.

These courses are subsidised by the Government.

Fees at private colleges are not subsidised by the Government and often cost about $9000 a year.

Students doing courses at some institutions may be eligible to apply for FEE-HELP which is a different scheme.

I have a small number of booklets which I can lend to anyone who is interested in this area. http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/ is a website which gives information about ‘Higher Education for Students in Australia’.

CONGRATULATIONS The following students: Petros Stefadouros, Christopher Kolistasis, Leonidas Andrew and Niko Fotopoulos were selected for NSW Secondary Futsal Representative to tour New Zealand in December. All four boys attended the tour, and it was great to hear that the NSW Team was undefeated and Leonidas was Vice Captain for this tour. Well done boys and good luck this year.

TAX FILE NUMBERS (TFN) I will be running a program here at the College in Term 1 so that students can apply for their Tax File Numbers via the school.

They will need these for part time employment now and in the future when they begin full-time work. Students will need to complete some forms with their personal details including their birth certificate details. Please talk to your parents if you think that you may need your TFN at some time in the future. The Application Period for TFN will take place near the end of Term 1.

Mrs A. Skerman Careers Adviser

SPORTS

REPORT

BASKETBALL 2011 We welcome the back end of the Basketball season with Round 8 this Saturday. Finals are approaching and Junior A’s and Junior C’s look hopeful for a Semi- Final place. The new Year 7 students were a welcomed addition to the Junior Teams in particular Georgia Koukounaris, Lia Albanakis and Tiana Milisavljevic – thank you for supporting the teams first week back.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL - 2011 Compulsory for years 7-12 Date: Tuesday 22nd February 2011 Time: 8:30am – 2:30pm Venue: Des Renford Aquatic Centre (Heffron Pool)

Good luck to all teams for the remaining games.

Enjoy the end of the season.

Students are to make their own way.

Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport

NOTE:

BOYS BASKETBALL Round 8 on 12th February St Spyridon College v Oakhill College.

13’s at 8:45am 14’s at 9:45am Opens at 10:45am Venue: Borgia Debbie and Abbey Community Recreation Centre, 531 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville.

Students need to bring lunch with them

o SCHOOL SHORTS MUST BE WORN WITH HOUSE T-SHIRT (COMPULSORY) Mr A. Condous Boys Sport

ST SPYRIDON COLLEGE PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TUESDAY 1 MARCH 2011 6:30PM – REFRESHMENTS

7PM – MEETING COMMENCES

JUNIOR SCHOOL CAMPUS Doran House ALL PARENTS & FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY ARE WELCOME! Everyone has something special and different to offer…. so please be in it for the education and future success of our children.

2011 DATES TERM 1 th

Thursday 27 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 Tuesday 26th April 2011

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

TERM 2 th

Wednesday 27 April 2011 Thursday 28th 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 th

Monday 18 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 th

Monday 10 October 2011

Staff and students return

Thursday 8th December 2011 Friday 9th December 2011

Term ends for students Staff Development day