St Spyridon News 67-4a March 2011

DATES TO REMEMBER IMPORTANT

MARCH

VOLUME XXVIII No 4 24th March, 2011

ANNOUNCEMENT

Annunciation – school closed

25th

SCHOLARSHIPS Year 7 and Year 11, 2012

ISA Cross Country SS PSSA Swimming Carnival JS

26th

25th March Celebrations

27th

NSWCIS Girls Soccer JS

28th

Spalding Parent Course JS After School Care Sports Program ends for Term 1

29th

Applications are now invited from new and continuing students to sit for the following ACER Examination Scholarships: Year 6 (Year 7, 2012) A Year 6 Scholarship for the top Year 6 student applying for St Spyridon College will receive their tuition fees paid for four years, from Year 7 to Year 10.

Year 10 (Year 11, 2012) Two scholarships for the two top Year 10 students will receive their tuition fees paid for two years.

Closing date for applications is Friday, 8th April, 2011.

ACER scholarship examinations will be held on Saturday, 14th May, 2011.

Twilight Tours SS Year 1 to Vision Centre UNSW

31st

APRIL 4th

Year 12 Half Yearly Exams begin

th

Spalding Parent Course JS

5

ACER Registrations close Easter Assembly Junior School Term ends

8th

Forms and information are available online on www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au, follow link to Scholarships and Awards then Year 7 and 12, 2012 or from the Senior School - admin@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au Tel: 02 9311 3340 Fax: 02 9311 4532

th

Easter Monday Public Holiday

25

TWILIGHT TOURS

th

Anzac Day Public Holiday

26

Staff Development Day

27th

Term 2 begins for students

28th

MAY UNIFORM CHANGE

2nd

National Schools Event SS

3rd

National Schools Event SS ISA Girls and Boys Football Trials

4th

Go Beyond the Hour Please R.S.V.P on 9311 3340

From the Scholarships and Student Leadership Assembly Ashli Bergmann – School Captain My life at St Spyridon College began in Year 7. My main concern was whether the school community would accept me, especially considering that many people in my year group had been together since kindergarten.

Every year since I’ve been in Year 7 I’ve attended this same event. Over the years I’ve listened to various Year 12 leaders and award winners speak, and have watched them be acknowledged for their academic efforts. In Year 7, I remember asking myself how it was possible for a student to be able to speak so well in front of a large crowd, and how it was possible for one person to achieve so much.

The only answer I could come up with was that those people were ‘special’ or ‘lucky’ in some way. They were definitely born without the ability to become nervous, and with the ability to get high marks without trying. I used the phrase “naturally smart” to describe them. Looking back I realise that, honestly, this is just the only answer I was willing to accept. It gave me an excuse-a justification-as to why I might never be able to do something that I really wanted to do. And being a school Prefect is one example of something that I’ve wanted to do from the day I started high school.

So perhaps it was natural for me to be doubtful that I would ever get here. It was probably just my own way of dealing with the prospect of disappointment-the idea of “giving up before I tried” or justifying why things were not within my control. In fact, I believe that it is natural for all of us, at one time or another, to tell ourselves and those around us that we will never achieve what we want to achieve.

Because in the event that it happens we don’t get such a shock. We can say to ourselves and our friends, “I told you so”.

Nowadays I don’t really use the term “naturally smart”. It’s true that some people are born with traits or abilities that make them able to do some things better than others, or do things that others can’t do as quickly or even at all. But when it comes to intelligence I think it comes down to effort and how you define intelligence in the first place. When I looked up intelligence I found that it meant having a “capacity for learning, understanding and knowledge.” Everyone here possesses this capacity. So is it wrong to say that we are all intelligent? I don’t think so. We are all intelligent. We are just motivated to want to know about different things. It could be that we are more interested in some things rather than others, or that we have realised that we are better at something specific.

The reason I am saying all this is because I want each and every one of you to know that you can achieve whatever you want to achieve in life. What you need to remember-and this is something that I need to remember too-is that we need to be prepared to work hard and make sacrifices for what we want. Which means we also need to be prepared to make mistakes, and lots of them. After all, reflecting on our mistakes is what eventually leads us to success. We realise what we can change-what we can do differently-and we improve each time. It may take a very long time to reach success, but perseverance is the key. Too often we want instant gratification, but it is what we work the hardest for that we appreciate most.

Student Principle 5 states that “We consider our studies to be our main goal and undertake to be active participants in our own learning.” So if we know that there’s something in particular we want to do after school, for example, then it’s so important that we take advantage of the opportunity to learn; that is given to us at school. There are times when we know we aren’t making the most of our opportunities. At these times, we must remember that millions of children throughout the world will never go to school. Not only 2

will they never learn, but they will never meet those friends that they would only otherwise have met if they did go to school. I’m sure all of us agree that the prospect of seeing our friends everyday; is one of the main reasons we drag ourselves out of bed every morning!

Having said this, it becomes clear that our learning environment must foster our learning. Each and every one of us must help create an environment where we are able to feel comfortable to learn, and in turn reach our fullest potential. But I think creating the right environment is not a problem for anyone here. I see it when I walk past the classrooms and in the playground every day. I saw it when I first came to the school in Year 7. I can’t honestly describe how it felt to have various people approach me, knowing nothing about me, and make me feel as if they actually cared about me. Similarly, now, I don’t understand how some of the Year 7s and others from younger years are able to be so relaxed in approaching me.

I think it is so admirable to have a quality like that because, for me, it has always been quite difficult to initiate conversation with others. I think I’m better at approaching people than I used to be, but only because I go to this school! If I was to pinpoint the Student Principle which I believe prevails strongest within our school, I would state number three, which is: “We work together to achieve a school community whose distinguishing characteristics are those of friendship, compassion and decency.”

The open and inviting nature with which you receive those who are new to the community is something everyone here should be proud of. It is one of the reasons why I wanted to become a leader of the school.

It gives me an opportunity to hopefully do something worthwhile for the community that has allowed me to be part of the close relationships that exist within it. Not only now, but when I leave also. I hope to provide ongoing support to St Spyridon College in any way that I can when I am no longer a student at the school. I am doubtful, however, that any support I give will repay what I take with me.

I would now like to emphasise the importance of appreciating what we have and making the most of it.

This applies not only at school but in all aspects of our lives. As I said previously, there are millions of children in the world who will never go to school. In fact, there are around 72 million children out of education worldwide. 640 million, or 1 in 3, children are without adequate shelter, and 270 million, or 1 in 7, children; don’t have access to health services. So many children in the world don’t have basic needs, let alone all the extra luxuries we are lucky enough to have. It’s important that we consider this before we complain about having too much homework to do or too many responsibilities. Having said this, when it feels like we can’t handle things by ourselves we need to be there to support each other. I would like to read you one of my favourite poems which focuses on this idea of support: One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD. When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it.

LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

This poem inspires me because it highlights how vital it is that we have others to support us in our times of need. It also reminds us that even when it feels like we have no one, God is always here for us even 3

though we may not realise it. He may be helping us in ways that are not obvious to us. It is a gift to be able to realise that someone is in need and then to be able to help them. Sometimes we need to focus more on others and our surroundings. Perhaps a little too often we focus too much on ourselves.

Each year there is a different leader up here speaking to us and making us think about what is important to them. What is most important to me are those values I learn; and try to instil in myself through the example of those around me. The values I have mentioned today are ones which I believe will benefit us insurmountably throughout our lives if we continue to practise them. Remember always to respect those around you, cherish what you have and most importantly, believe that you can be whoever you want to be.

Thank you.

Alexander Vatiliotis – Scholarship Recipient The scholarships and student leadership assembly is a time to acknowledge and recognise leadership and academic achievement.

But more than that, it is a motivator for students to strive for, and achieve to best of their ability. I know that when I sat down there as a little year seven student all those years ago I didn’t envision myself up here making a speech about academic accomplishment. But here I am.

While the last four months have been a rejuvenating and relaxing time away from school, it is definitely a privilege to come back to the place that was my comfort, my good times and my motivation for the past six years.

This year the Professor Aroney Award has become a much more meaningful award due to the recent passing of Proffessor Manuel Aroney. While we may have lost one of the most awe-inspiring and genuine members of the St Spyridon College family, this award is one of the many assurances that Proffessor Aroney’s memory will live on.

I would like to thank the Aroney family and Sydney University Greek Society for honouring me with this award and its sponsorship.

The credit for this accolade, however, is not mine alone. I will never forget my teacher’s willingness to take time out of their free periods, lunchtimes, recesses and after school to help me with my study. I will never forget my friends who stuck by me throughout my life and helped me reach my fullest potential. I will never forget my family’s love, encouragement and most importantly, never forget my family’s sacrifice. As you progress through life you realise that there are only so many people that will love you unconditionally; so never forget to thank your family for every opportunity they have made real through their sacrifice.

To the Year 12 students of 2011 – I’m not going to lie, the HSC journey is a tough one. You are at an age when you are starting to get more and more freedom, you’re finally getting your driver’s licence and the girls are boys around you are starting to get a little cuter. However you still have 8 months to go. And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the intensity of work and study will only escalate from here on in.

While it is a tough year, it can also be one of the best years of your life. Relish the time that you have the privilege of going to St Spyridon College. Never again will you have such a diverse range of opportunities at your fingertips. Combined with your study, you have the chance to play sport with your friends at an elite level, perform in plays and Musical Snap Shots and, maybe what I will miss most, the opportunity to be with and laugh with your friends on a daily basis. Never again will there be a time when 4

there are so many people around you wanting the best for you. And importantly, never again will you have the opportunity to learn such a variety and depth of knowledge and life lessons from your peers, mentors and teachers. Worry less about what other people think and enjoy yourself. These are the good old days you’re going to miss when you look back in the future.

All of you now have made a choice, and I stress the word choice, to finish your final year of schooling at St Spyridon College. So now, instead of asking ‘how much damage will working hard at the HSC bring?’

Why not ask ‘how much good? How much satisfaction? How much joy?’. I can guarantee you that more of you will regret underworking than over working at the end of your schooling journey.

Last year at this assembly the previous recipient of the Professor Aroney award, Christopher Stasos, reminded us to step back and take a moment to properly consider the state of our world – and our unrealised and very advantageous position in it. I feel compelled to remind you of what he said again this year. Out of over 6 billion people in this world, half the world’s population live on less than $2 a day, 30,000 children die each day from poverty related, preventable diseases and over a billion people are unable to even write their own names.

It’s sometimes important to remember a little boy who told rescuers to take his brother first before he was washed away by the floods in Queensland. Its sometimes important to realise that only weeks ago a youth movement, orchestrated by people not much older than ourselves, through our familiar tools of Facebook and Twitter, overthrew a repressive dictatorship in Egypt; And it’s sometimes important to remember the peaceful Libyan protesters who are being gunned down by their own government so that their family and friends may have a chance at real freedom. The kind of freedom that we take for granted every day. It’s sometimes important to remember these things when we complain that the world is against us because we have four assignments due in the next few weeks instead of two.

What each of you are going to do in the future and where life is going to take you is both exciting and diverse. But life doesn’t start when you finish the HSC, life has been running its course in the background all along. I urge you to live out your dreams, quickly, because we don’t know how long we have left. Live out the dreams you have lying around so you have time to dream up and live out new dreams. So one day when we meet again down the road we can have some awesome stories to talk about.

As always it’s a pleasure to address the St Spyridon community. Thank you.

5

PREFECTS

PAGE

PREFECT PROFILE Name: Subjects: Future Aspirations: Role Models: Favourite Quotes:

Extra-curricular programs:

Stamati Margelis – Vice Captain Maths Ext1, Maths Ext 2, Physics, Economics, Business Studies, English Advanced Medicine or Engineering Chris Stasos, Dad “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today” – James Dean “Strength does not come from winning.

Your struggles develop your strengths.

When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger Music (guitar), sports (football)

PREFECT PROFILE Name:

Peter Zinopoulos

Subjects:

Business Studies, PDHPE, Hospitality, Mathematics, English.

Role Models:

My family and friends, especially my parents because they always encourage me to try my hardest at whatever I want to achieve.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Soccer, Basketball, Swimming.

Achievements:

I am proud of my sporting awards for swimming, soccer, basketball and athletics. I am also proud of receiving the Despina Hatjinikitas Memorial Award for Citizenship in 2005, the Goldstein Award for Leadership by Example in 2006, and for representing the school on the trip to Greece in 2010.

Favourite Quote:

“Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.” George Stanley Halas, Snr.

Future Aspirations:

Finish the HSC and commence further studies in the sporting or construction industry

Prefect morning tea for SRC and Peer Support Leaders

K

–

12

NEWS

Students are to remain seated in their grade groups in the care of their teachers until the conclusion of the formalities.

25th MARCH GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY - Reminder

At the conclusion parents are to collect their child from their Roll Teacher. Please inform the teacher so that your child can be crossed off the roll.

All students of St Spyridon College will be expected to attend Church with their teachers on Sunday 27th March and Martin Place.

Staff supervision will conclude at approximately 3.30pm

This is a compulsory event for all students Year 1 to 12. The march is optional for Kindergarten.

All students are expected to be present until the conclusion of the program.

Uniform Students are to wear their summer uniform with the blazer to St Spyridon Church in the morning and the Cenotaph, Martin Place in the afternoon.

The program for the day is as follows: 9.30am: Junior School children to gather in class groups with their teacher in the Primary Playground.

Senior School students Infants Playground.

Parents are to ensure that students’ shoes are polished, that buttons on blazers, shirts and dress are replaced and that hems are sewn. A reminder that hems of dresses should be knee length. Girls’ socks should turn over at the ankle. Anklet socks are not permitted.

10am: Children and staff enter the Church and proceed to the front. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Father Steven will speak on the significance of the day. Poems will be recited by students from St Spyridon College and Afternoon School.

10.45am: Children are dismissed to go home and have lunch and freshen up.

1.15pm: Staff and students are to assemble behind our school banner in the assigned area at Martin Place. They are to first go to their roll class teacher to be marked present. Teachers will organise the students in their positions ready for the march. Parents are asked to move away from the line up area allowing teachers the space to assemble the students appropriately. Staff will walk on either side of their year group.

The combined Choir of students from the three Greek Orthodox Day schools will be performing at the 25th March celebrations

ASSEMBLY Greek Independence Day and Annunciation On 23rd March, Year Six lead the assembly for Greek Independence Day and the Annunciation.

Through their dramatisation and recount of the events of Messolongi 1821, we were reminded of the unwaving courage of the Greeks who fought to the end to defend their town from Ottoman occupation. Surrender was never an option and their struggle for freedom an example for future generations. Congratulations to Year Six, Ka. Ieroklis, Mr Volas, Miss Theodossiou and Mr Amditis for a moving assembly.

We ask that parents please stay at a distance from the children and leave them in the care of their teachers while marching.

The Opera House forecourt is undergoing renovations. The procession this year will be through to George Street, King Street, Castlereagh Street to the Ampitheatre at Martin Place. The Concert and Speeches will take place at the Ampitheatre at Martin Place. The day is a special occasion for all, but particularly for our Orthodox Colleges as we are very much in the public eye for most of the day. We ask you, as parents, to reinforce what we are saying at school regarding appearance, behaviour and courtesy, so that we as a school community can be proud of our students.

The P&F will provide water and a snack.

We also thank our Year 12 Senior School Leaders, Ashli Bergmann, Stamati Margelis and Elleni Mavrolefterou for joining us to commemorate these events.

7

and it is our children who are the ones who benefit.

Mrs H. Simicos

VACATION CARE During the January Vacation Care period, Kingsford OSHC went through the Accreditation process. All went very well and we are proud to say we are accredited again as of February this year with Good and High Quality Ratings for all Quality Areas. We are proudly displaying our new certificates at the centre now.

FEES OTHER: SPORTS/ CO CURRICULUM /OTHER Kindy to year 2 Year 3 to Year 6 Year 7 to Year 10

Vacation Care will be operating from the school's new building, 15 Doran St Kingsford as of Monday 11th April - Thursday 21st April. We have a fun and exciting Easter program scheduled! We will be making pizzas in our PJ's, going to the movies to see Rio 3D, being Rockstars for a day when the Music Bus joins us with all their instruments, setting up our own mini Olympics, making koulourakia and wheeling around the school on our bikes and scooters on Wheels Day. Come and join in the fun!!

=$ 110.00 p.a. =$ 230.00 p.a. =$ 320.00 p.a.

Mrs C. Tsaconas Parish Executive Officer/Bursar

DOOR TO DOOR BUS SERVICE – ONE VACANCY There is one vacancy on the Canon Shuttles Bus. If you are interested, please call Helen 9313-6899.

Parents, please make sure you fill out a new enrolment form for 2011. A copy of the program, and enrolment/booking forms are attached.

UNIFORM SHOP – VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

Miss P. Doyle Children's Services Coordinator

Uniform Shop help is needed every Wednesday afternoon between 2.45 pm and 4.15 pm. If you would like to volunteer your services, please call Helen at the Parish Administration Office on 9313-6899.

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT Whilst our students have been actively engaged in the formal learning process in the classroom, much spiritual and emotional learning has been happening alongside this right across the school.

Over the last two weeks, students have represented the school at ASISSA and CIS Swimming carnivals, participated in Futsal trials, picked olives and participated in Harmony Day. We believe a child’s spiritual and emotional wellbeing greatly impacts on any other formal learning. We are happy to share the following with you.

UNIFORM SHOP Please note in your diaries that the Uniform Shop will be closed on the following days.

Wednesday, 20th July 2011 Wednesday, 27th July 2011 and Wednesday, 3rd August 2011

TERM 2 FEES A reminder that Term 2 fees are due on 24th March 2011 and if payment is not received by the due date a $50 admin fee will be added to every account.

OLIVE PICKING Last week our Year 6 students went to the Senior School with Ms Tsokas, Mrs Ieroklis and Miss Theodossiou to pick olives. They were joined by Ms Kokinelis and the Peer Support leaders. The

Payment of fees by the due date is necessary for maintaining a healthy cashflow for our College

8

Therefore on Friday (18th March), the children came to school with coloured hair spray, coloured ribbons and funny hats. We asked that they contribute a gold coin or more if they wished. We were delighted with the generosity of our children – they raised $1066. Thank you all for your support and May God bless our loving and caring children.

students found it a wonderful experience and are now being taught by Mrs Ieroklis how to crack the olives, salt them etc and prepare them for eating.

We thank Mrs Ieroklis for teaching our students so many of our traditions.

I wish to especially acknowledge Andreas Veryinis, Peter Milios, Katerina Darras Samaras and Rose Economou for coming forward and requesting that we raise money for those less fortunate.

Mrs M. Hamer Principal Junior School

SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT MAD HAIR DAY / LEUKAEMIA FUNDRAISER

CANCER

INVESTIGATING A GEOGRAPHICAL ISSUE

I am very proud of the students of our school as I am sure you are. They are very caring children who want to help both people in and out of our country and/or people who are not as healthy or as fortunate as themselves. Therefore, at the request of the children we had a fundraiser last Friday 18th March to raise money for the Children’s Hospital Leukaemia/Cancer Foundation.

On Friday 11th March, Year 10 Geography set out on their fieldwork excursion to investigate spatial inequality. Spatial inequality refers to the distinct geographical divisions between poor and affluent populations.

The Sydney suburb of Woolloomooloo was used as an example of spatial inequality - on one side of the road was Russell Crowe’s $14 million apartment and on the other side was public housing. It was near the latter area that we experienced homeless people sleeping on old mattresses outside the police station. This contrasted with the restored Finger Wharf with its expensive apartments and restaurants. We learnt a lot about the gap that exists between the rich and the poor in urban areas – highlighted by a range of luxury vehicles parked just across the road from the public housing.

One of the letters I received from Year 3 states: “My friends and I think it would be nice if you let us do a fundraiser for the cancer patients. Firstly Katerina’s cousin has been diagnosed with cancer and he won’t be coming out of hospital till 2013 unless he is visiting his family………..etc” How could anyone refuse this request?

9

MIDDLE NEWS

Special thanks to Mr Meintanis and Mr Mavrommatis who accompanied Ms Gonzalez, the Year 10 students and myself on the day.

SCHOOL

“Leadership is practised not so much in words as in attitudes and actions”

Ms D. Kladakis Social Science Team

EARTH HOUR 2011: It's time to go beyond the hour.

At 8:30 pm on Saturday 26th March 2011, lights will switch off around the globe for Earth Hour and people will commit to actions that go beyond the hour. Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change.

Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries/territories participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the

TIN CAN APPEAL As Easter is a time for giving, Year 9 students’ charity focus this year is to support the Greek Welfare Centre’s annual Easter Community Appeal by encouraging all of you to Donate as many non- perishable food items as possible. The Greek Welfare Centre will then distribute the food to needy families.

Many people do not have enough money to live comfortably, and in many cases they don’t have enough food to eat. It is important that all students contribute to help those in our community who are not as fortunate as we are So please start to bring in as many cans and packets of food as possible. Remember they must be non- perishable foods such as pastas, tinned vegetables, soups, tuna and sardines, rice, coffee, tea, sugar, jams, and even dried or tinned fruits.

Basically, any packaged food that does not need refrigeration and will not go off easily Last year St Spyridon College raised over 1000 cans, which was fantastic! This year however, with more and more people facing tough economic times ahead, it is expected than an even greater number of people will need a helping hand.

The Acropolis And The Parthenon- Just Before Lights Out

Please give your donations to your class SRC member as they will be collecting each morning during Roll Call.

hour.

In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries/territories officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

On behalf of Year 9 students Thank you for your support Ms K. O’Shea Year 9 Adviser Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School

On Saturday 27 March, Earth Hour 2010 became the biggest Earth Hour ever. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

10

Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday 26 March at 8.30PM (local time). This Earth Hour organizers want us all to go beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on, we think about what else we can do to make a difference. Together our actions add up.

Ashli Bergmann our College Captain welcomed everyone on behalf of the Prefect Body and Leonidas Andrew thanked the Prefects for taking time out of their busy schedules to plan and host this event.

Why get involved?

Put simply, because our future depends on it!

YEAR 7 IMPRESSIONS OF SENIOR SCHOOL….

Earth Hour has done a lot to raise awareness of sustainability issues. But there’s more to it than switching off lights for one hour once a year. It’s all about giving people a voice and working together to create a better future for our planet.

Recently in Pastoral Care Year 7 were asked for their impressions of Senior School so far, along with any advice they would like to give Year 6.

The following provides an insight to their thoughts:

St Spyridon students dedicate Period 4 of each day to Earth Hour. Signs will go up this week in all rooms to remind everyone about conserving our resources and switching off non essential lighting across the school, especially during period 4. One of the jobs of each class Student Council Representative is to assist their peers in remembering that Period 4 each day is St Spyridon’s Earth Hour.

• • • • •

DONATE A TIN CAN & OTHER NON PERISHABLE FOODS

• • •

All students are encouraged once again to support the annual Easter Appeal organized by the Greek Welfare Centre by bringing at least one non perishable food item to school over the next two weeks. Over the years the amount of food donated by our students and staff has been impressive in its volume, this year we would like to break all previous records !!! Please be generous, the more we give the more we help.

• • • •

YEAR 12 PREFECTS HOST MORNING TEA FOR YOUNG STUDENT LEADERS

• • •

On Monday 21 March our 2011 Prefects hosted a “Nistisimo” morning tea for the entire student leadership team made up of Prefects, Peer Support Leaders and Student Council Representatives.

• •

11

There are more opportunities Its an awesome place where lots of adventures will be made Its exciting and challenging Bigger areas to move about in…teachers are great Everyone is nice and kind, and care when you cry Teachers are strict There are higher expectations of us Rudeness and bad behaviour are not tolerated Love everything...the massive canteen…great food…basketball everyday Great Science experiments Too many assignments and lots of homework Didn’t expect so many new students, but its good to make new friends You get rewarded for doing good The sports and new hall are amazing We have more freedom but are expected to be more responsible The two week timetable is confusing Year 10’s guided us to class for 2 weeks…three days would have been enough

Advice to Year 6 • Always do your homework so the work at Senior School doesn’t shock you • Don’t worry about bullies, there aren’t any here • Always be prepared, and stay focused or you might miss something important • Don’t leave things to the last minute, be organised and study more • There are lots of new students, its important to make them feel welcome and not left out • Build your muscles…the school bag is really heavy • Try to be organised and check your planner every day • Start projects straight away, or they will build up • If you have lots of after school activities, take your homework with you and do some during your breaks.

OLIVE PICKING For those of you who may not be aware, here at the Senior School we have a number of olive trees. Even though some were moved to make way for our building program, the remaining trees seem to have compensated for the loss by producing an abundance of olives this year. Thirty excited Year 6 students from the Junior School, along with selected Year 9’s did a wonderful job recently filling many baskets, bags and other containers with beautiful large and medium green olives. Well done to all !!

Ms G Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

LISTENING STUDENTS

TO

OUR

YEAR 10 VISIST TO ANSTO On Tuesday, 15th March, 2011, Year 10 Science had the opportunity to visit the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is the home of Australia’s nuclear science expertise. It is not every day that people are able to see Australia’s only operating nuclear reactor, OPAL. With all the current media coverage of the recent events in Japan and the fear of the possible results of the Fukushima Reactor incident, it was helpful for us to see the benefits of a nuclear facility.

These included radiopharmaceutical production (Cancer treatments and scanning) and research into areas such as climate change, water resource management, materials engineering, applications of radiopharmaceuticals and use of neutrons in understanding atomic andmolecular processes, as

12

well as a range of other scientific research disciplines.

HARMONY DAY Harmony Day is celebrated around Australia on 21 March each year. It's a day where all Australians celebrate our cultural diversity.

A special thank you must go to Mr Croft, Dr Srinivasian, Mr Mavrommatis and Mrs Mio for taking the time to take us for the unique experience

Year 2 students enjoyed learning about Harmony Day and completing various activities.

Maria Mio Year 10 Science

Students read Whoever You Are by Mem Fox and discussed the differences between children around the world and the need to accept them “whoever they are, wherever they are, all over the world” (Mem Fox).

YEAR 9 – SYDNEY OBSERVATORY AND IMAX THEATRE Year 9 had an excursion to the Sydney Observatory. There we visited three areas of the Observatory. The year was split into three groups.

My group first visited a mini theatre, with a 3D screen. The instructor showed us videos about the small objects in the universe, the large objects and the birth of stars. The group then visited the planetarium where we looked at the position of stars in the universe, and some of the constellations that appear in our sky. The final area was at the top of the observatory. From the telescope there, we could see objects such as the Australian flag on the Harbour Bridge.

They also watched video clips of multicultural children talking about what Harmony Day means to them and completed a fun Harmony Day quiz!

Year 2 students then made orange handprints and we linked them together to signify unity, acceptance, friendship, peace and love. Come and see our Harmony display on the wall opposite the Year 2 classrooms.

Miss Sotiras and Mrs Karpouzos Year 2 Teachers

Once all groups finished their areas, the year group headed off to the IMAX theatre where we watched Hubble.

It was an interesting documentary about the problems and risks in going out of the earth as an astronaut.

Overall the excursion was a great experience for the class of Year 9.

HARMONY RAP Let the bullies wash away.

Let the wars go away.

We know our kingdom is rotting away.

So let harmony take over today.

Let’s make racism take a permanent holiday.

5,4,3,2,1 let the harmony shine today and let the pain wash away.

Nelson Mandela and Casey Jenson our heroes from today and forever.

Everyone remember we will sing this song and get our message through.

PEACE, LOVE & HARMONY! Panayioti Kapodistrias Year 9

Mitchell Knight, Gabriel Cassimatis, Peter Giokas, Giorge Gemisis, Peter Milios and Lewis Athanasopoulos (Year 6)

13

YEAR 6 HARMONY DAY RAP HARMONY DAY is really cool, HARMONY DAY is not for fools, PEACE, LOVE, RESPECT each other Don’t forget to love each other RESPECT yourself and respect each other PEACE on Earth forever!

Fighting people is not good Fighting will make you look like a fool Peace on Earth makes you feel really good PEACE, LOVE, RESPECT !

DON’T FORGET !!

Jordan Stojkovic, Giorgen Rokos, Paul Janis, James Panayiotakis and Tina Ventoura (Year 6)

GREEK

NEWS

Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Στην έκδοση αυτή θα έχετε την ευκαιρία να διαβάσετε µερικές από τις εργασίες της B΄ Γυµνασίου και της Β΄Λυκείου. Οι µαθητές της Β΄ Γυµνασίου έπρεπε να περιγράψουν την καθηµερινή τους ρουτίνα µια και αυτό είναι και η θεµατική τους ενότητα γι’ αυτό το τρίµηνο και οι µαθητές της Β΄Λυκείου έπρεπε να απαντήσουν στο γράµµα που πήραν από κάποια Αλεξάνδρα. Καλή ανάγνωση! κ. Μ. Φαλέτα

HARMONY Helping each other unite Always accepting others for who they are Remember we might look different but we are the same Multicultural Australia work as one Others come along and join us Never forget that we are all equal Young, old, black and white Daily pray for Peace and Harmony And remember we are one!

Yes! We Are One !

Η Καθηµερινή µου Ρουτίνα Καθηµερινά, ξυπνάω στις έξι η ώρα το πρωί, σηκώνοµαι από το κρεβάτι µου και βλέπω λίγη τηλεόραση. Μ’ αρέσει να βλέπω τις αθλητικές ειδήσεις. Στις εφτά και µισή κάνω ένα ντους. Μετά, ντύνοµαι για το σχολείο και ξυπνώ την αδελφή µου που είναι πολύ υπναρού. Στη συνέχεια ετοιµάζω την τσάντα µου µε αυτά που χρειάζοµαι για το σχολείο. Ύστερα, πηγαίνω στην κουζίνα για να φάω το πρωινό µου µε τον αδελφό µου και την αδελφή µου. Για πρωινό, συνήθως τρώω δηµητριακά ή τηγανίτες. Αµέσως µετά, πλένω τα δόντια µου. Περίπου στις οχτώ παρά πέντε, παίρνω την τσάντα µου για το σχολείο και πηγαίνω στο αυτοκίνητο. Η µαµά µου µας οδηγεί στο σχολείο και παίρνει δέκα λεπτά για να φτάσουµε στο Γυµνάσιο έτσι ώστε να είµαστε εκεί στις οχτώ και δέκα. Στο σχολείο έχουµε πέντε περιόδους και δύο διαλείµµατα. Η πρώτη περίοδος αρχίζει στις εννιά παρά είκοσι εφτά. Το πρώτο διάλειµµα ξεκινά στις έντεκα η ώρα και διαρκεί εικοσιπέντε λεπτά. Το µεσηµεριανό διάλειµµα αρχίζει στη µία και πέντε και διαρκεί σαράντα λεπτά. Στα διαλείµµατα, εγώ συνήθως πηγαίνω στο κυλικείο

Jessica Mazis, Larissa Andrianakos, Elana Dionys, Stavroulla Mavrolefterou and Markella Roditis (Year 6)

HARMONY DAY RAP Harmony Day is peace and freedom Giving and caring is what we do Wake up, wake up, it’s Harmony Day! Look at the clock it’s Multicultural Day! Wake up and say hey it’s Harmony Day! We’re equal, and we’re all one, Once again it’s Harmony Day! H A R M O N Y DAY Electra Athanasopoulos, Christina Theofanidis, Steffie Papadopoulos, Antonia Katerinis and Phoebe Dalakiaris (Year 6)

14

σαν ταξιδιώτης χωρίς χάρτη, να σου πω την αλήθεια. Μακάρι να µπορούσα να διαλέξω κάτι όπως εσύ και να ησυχάσω! ∆ιαθέτω πολλά ενδιαφέροντα όπως το διάβασµα, το ποδόσφαιρο και να πηγαίνω στον κινηµατογράφο. Κλείνοντας το γράµµα µου σε χαιρετώ! Θα περιµένω µε ανυποµονησία το επόµενο γράµµα σου. Γεια! Αντρέας

για να αγοράσω κάτι να φάω. Αφού έχω φάει, πηγαίνω στο γήπεδο του µπάσκετ και παίζω µπάσκετ µε τους φίλους µου. Εκεί συζητάµε, παίζουµε και γελάµε. Στην τελευταία περίοδο αρχίζω να αισθάνοµαι κουρασµένος και δεν µπορώ να συγκεντρωθώ. Τον νου µου τον έχω στο σπίτι και σκέφτοµαι τι θα φάω και τι θα δω στην τηλεόραση. Όταν η σχολική ηµέρα τελειώνει στις 3:05 µ.µ. περιµένω τη µητέρα µου να έρθει και να µας πάρει στο σπίτι. Αφού είµαι σπίτι, ξεντύνοµαι, τρώω λίγα φρούτα και µετά αρχίζω τις εργασίες του σχολείου. Όταν τελειώνω τα µαθήµατά µου τότε µπορώ να παίξω. Τελευταία, πηγαίνω στο κεβάτι µου στις 10:00 µ.µ. κάνω την προσευχή µου και διαβάζω στο κρεβάτι µέχρι να µε πάρει ο ύπνος.

Andreas Nicholson Year 11

SPORTS

REPORT

SENIOR SPORTS REPORT

Emanuel Kapodistrias Year 8 GKA

ISA BASKETBALL

Σύδνεϋ, 25 Ιουνίου 2011

Saturday 14th of March at Penrith Sports Stadium Junior A Girls Basketball team competed in the finals. The girls were faced with a rematch from the previous year where they lost in the finals against Central Coast Grammar School.

Αλεξάνδρα, γεια σου! Με λένε Ανδρέα και χαίροµαι που µου έγραψες ένα τόσο ωραίο γράµµα για την ζωή σου στην Ελλάδα. Από καιρό ήθελα κι εγώ να ζητήσω αλληλογραφία µε παιδιά από την Ελλάδα, την άλλη πατρίδα µου, να µαθαίνω ιδιαίτερα για τη ζωή εκεί στην Ελλάδα. Ζω στην περιοχή που ονοµάζεται Yowie Bay. Μ’ αρέσει πάρα πολύ η περιοχή µας γιατί υπάρχει πολλή πρασινάδα και ησυχία. Είναι κοντά στο νερό και σε µαγαζιά. Υπάρχουν πολλά πάρκα στη γειτονιά µας όπου παίζουν τα παιδιά και τα γεροντάκια βγαίνουν περίπατο, το ίδιο και οι µητέρες µε τα µωρά τους. ∆υστυχώς όµως δεν είναι κοντά στην πόλη ούτε στους φίλους µου. Όπως ξέρεις, είµαι δεκαπέντε χρονών και µένω στο Σύδνεϋ. Από εµφάνιση θα έλεγα ότι είµαι πολύ λεπτός, δεν παχαίνω ακόµα κι αν τρώω πολύ. Έχω κόκκινα µάγουλα, πυκνά, καστανά µαλλιά και κατσανά µάτια. ∆υστυχώς είµαι πολύ κοντός και αυτό δεν µου αρέσει καθόλου. Η επιδερµίδα µου είναι λευκή σαν το χιόνι και καίγοµαι εύκολα στη θάλασσα το καλοκαίρι. Σαν χαρακτήρας θα έλεγα ότι είµαι φιλικός. ∆εν µου αρέσει το κουτσοµπολιό. Χαίροµαι όταν οι φίλοι µου χαίρονται. Οι φίλοι µου µου λένε ότι είµαι άνθρωπος κοινωνικός και δραστήριος. Ζω τη ζωή µου στο πλήρες. Πιστεύω ότι το κλειδί της επιτυχίας είναι να έχεις µεράκι για την δουλειά σου. Στενοχωριέµαι πολύ που ακόµα δεν µπορώ να διαλέξω τι θέλω να κάνω στο µέλλον. Υπάρχουν τόσα πολλά επαγγέλµατα γύρω µας, τόσες πολλές ευκαιρίες κι εγώ δεν µπορώ να διαλέξω... Νιώθω

Throughout the year they were only defeated once all year. Central Coast Grammar School consisted of many representative players, however the girls started strong and finished well with a convincing win. I anticipate much further success for this team and look forward to watching them in the future seasons. Special mention to Mr Lambos who devoted his time to coach the girls; he definitely pushes our girls to achieve their best which was clearly evident with the result. Thank you to Mrs Kefalouros for your support and assistance at each game and to the parents that assisted with the Bench duty and supported the girls each week.

Congratulations: Cassie Georgiou, Rena Lambos, Nansia Koukounaris, Nicola Demetri, Adrianne Efstratiou, Lena Nesterenko, Yianna Criticos, Natalie Michos and Stephanie Mio. Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport

BOYS BASKETBALL 2011 Congratulations to all the boys basketball teams especially our 14’s who became ISA Boys Champions for the second year on 12th March.

The 14’s comfortably defeated St Pius X College

15

in the Finals at Penrith Basketball Stadium. Well done to the 14 Boys and their coach Mr Giles. The boys exhibited not only good sportsmanship on and off the court but endeared themselves to the many people who watched them play. So far this season that has particularly memorable for me as a sports master was the resilient attitude and pride they adopted the moment they ran onto the basketball courts for their college. A special mention to Luka Kasalovic who scored most of the points against St Pius College.

Nicole Adam, Leah Albanakis, Christina Andrew, Anastasia Barton, Eve Barton, Alexander P Cardamis, Alexander Cardarmis, Peter Contominas, Demi Flokis, Ellen Fotopoulos, Cassie Georgiou, Alex Georgiou, Elias Hatzon, Theodore Kipriotis, Keira Kipriotis, Dylan Kontos, George Malomitis, Maria Mio, Stephanie Mio, Lena Nesterenko, Dean Ronotis, Alex Stamoulis, Martha Spilioti, Peter Zinopoulos, Sebastian Zois, Natalie Michos, Yianna Criticos, Leonidas Andrew

Team Consisted of: Luka Kasalovic (Captain) Nikolas Baratsas Sotiri Kastanas George Karapanayiotidis Dylan Kontos Anthony Vasili Aiden Xydis Panayioti Kapodistrias

Also would like to thank Ben Papadopoulos(Boys Sports Captain), Deanne Constantinou and Nicole Kalofonos (Girls Sports Captains), Makrina Spilioti and Angelina Flokis (Year 12 2010) for helping doing the timing all night.

Also a special thank you to Miss Gambriell and Mr Zafiropoulos who managed the squads and came to the ISA Swimming Carnival to help out and to be away from their families.

On behalf of all team members we would like to thank those who have supported us throughout the basketball season and all who made the effort to support us on such an important day. The final thank you lies upon none other then our teachers (Mr Sobolevski, Mr Giles and Mr Georgoulopoulos) who leave their families to help, support and coach basketball teams. Their efforts throughout the basketball season have been incredible.

Every member of each team appreciates all that the teachers have done for us.

ISA SWIMMING CARNIVAL On Friday 18th March many students from St Spyridon participated in the Annual ISA Swimming Carnival. Some outstanding results were achieved, in particular the Intermediate Girls Division with 2nd place overall.

All students applied maximum effort and tried their hardest to do their best for our School. May I remind you that many of the schools that we participate against have a large number of students to select from and to achieve such outstanding results is an excellent achievement.

Congratulations to Martha Spilioti who qualified to represent ISA at the NSWCIS championships.

Congratulations to all students and further results will be published once they become available.

The following students attended the swimming carnival and participated:

16

Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport and Mr A Condous Boys Sport

17

NSW SCHOOLS 2011 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Congratulations for Regional Champions 3:00pm Finals 6-0

Venue: Penrith Sports Stadium, Herbert Street, Cambridge Park

being

U16’s

Schools

U19’s Boys Futsal Peter Kringas, Chistopher Georgiades, Alexander Georgiou, Veniamin Papadopoulos, Peter Zinopoulos, Peter Theodosi, Phillip Fotiou, Theo

U16B’s Boys Futsal Mathew Kambos, Dean Michos, Alexandros Moraitis, Dean Roussis, Valantis Toras, Michael Metros, Louis Alexandrou

U19’s Boys Futsal Peter Kolistasis, George Docos, Andrew Sigrimis, Michael Horafios, John Patis, George Janjetovic, George Matzavrakos Congratulations for making the Semi Finals.

Thank you to all the students who participated and to Mr Kaldis for coaching the U16’s to become Schools Champions.

Mr A. Condous Boys Sport U16’s Boys Futsal Alexander Coplin, Andrew Leonidas, James Andrew, Niko Fotopoulos, Christopher Kolistasis, Alexander Spiropoulos, Petros Stefadouros, Nicholas Stasos

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26