St Spyridon News 70

VOLUME XXVIII No 7 20th May, 2011

DATES TO REMEMBER MAY ICAS Computers JS

24th

Information Morning and Tour JS

25th

Divine Liturgy Gala Dinner - Postponed

Half Yearly Exams Yrs 11

OFFICIAL OPENING OF SPORTS AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

26th Date to be advised 30th

JUNE Half Yearly Exams Year 10

1st – 3rd

ASISSA Cross Country JS

2nd

HSC and Careers Expo Year 12

3rd

Vaccinations Year 7 girls, Year 7 boys and girls

6th

Queens Birthday School Closed

13th

CIS Cross Country JS

16th

Debating Competition JS

17th

P & F Trivia Night

18th

Athletics Carnival JS

20th

P & T Interviews K-4 & 6

21st

P & T Interviews K-4 & 5

22nd

Divine Liturgy

23rd

Term ends for staff and students

24th

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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT Visit to Australia by Mr Demetris Christofias, The President of the Republic of Cyprus On Sunday 29th May, 2011, at 9.45am, all students in Years 5 and 6, and Years 7 to 9 and Prefects, will attend the President at the Archdiocese, in the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady, in Cleveland Street, Redfern, where he will be received by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos and all the clergy and members of all the Greek communities of Australia.

This is an historic event, at which all students from all year levels are also welcomed to attend with their parents.

All attending students must wear the full dress uniform including blazer, as students will form a Guard of Honour leading the President into the Cathedral.

PREFECT PAGE PREFECT PROFILE Leaya Stemitsiotis.

Prefect.

English Advanced, Mathematics, Ancient History, History Extension, Business Studies, Legal Studies, Biology.

Future Aspirations: To attend university and study a course in Forensic Psychology.

To become a part of an organisation to promote and enforce the rights of children.

Role Model: My Family.

Hobbies: Playing Netball and Basketball, reading, watching movies and spending time with family and friends.

Favourite Quote: ‘Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.’

William Shakespeare.

Achievements: I have participated in netball and basketball from years 2006- 2010 and as a result I received an ‘outstanding achievement’ in sport.

Name: Rank: Subjects:

Andrea Hadjidemetri Prefect 2011 9th May 1994 Mathematics, Ancient History, Modern History, History Extension, English Advanced, English Extension, Modern Greek Future Aspirations: Travel the world and write magazine articles on my experiences.

Favourite Quote: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Martin Luther King Jr Name: Status: DOB: Subjects:

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GOA

NATIONAL SPORTS EVENT

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5

K

–

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NEWS

sincerely thank our Parish for a very thoughtful and enjoyable evening. Father Steven and Mr Elia Economou, Parish President acknowledged and praised the countless committees and individuals who volunteer themselves for the development and progress of our Church and College. Their kind words were touching, uplifting and inspired us all to proudly work even harder for new missions in the future. Many thanks especially to Mrs Christina Tsaconas for a most memorable night!

UNIFORM SHOP Every Wednesday during school term: Hours from 8.30 am to 10.00 am and 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm

CASUAL POSITION AVAILABLE St Spyridon Parish Office has two positions available for two people to work together.

MOTHERS DAY LUNCH

The position requires for the setting up of tables and chairs, making coffees/tea, cleaning and putting away of crockery and general cleaning up after mnimosina (memorial services) and funeral wakes.

An eventful celebration with a cosy and casual atmosphere at Tony’s down at La Perouse. All guests received complimentary champagne, chocolates and gift vouchers on arrival followed by some quality raffle prizes. Everyone indulged in the delicious mezethes and a variety of satisfying main courses from lamb souvlakia to BBQed calamari. It was a most relaxing day for all the mums!

The applicants must be available to work some Sundays as required for mnimosina (memorial service) and during the week for funeral wakes.

Please call Helen or Christina on 9313-6899.

FINAL TOTAL OF MONIES RAISED 2010

Mrs H. Simicos

Fundraiser

SENIOR SCHOOL PLAY

Taverna Night Easter Stall

We are in need of the following items for our upcoming Play.

1 1 2 3 2 2 1

Buffet Dining table plus 2 – 4 chairs Bookshelves Large carpet pieces office desks office chairs light internal door

Palm Sunday Lunch Mother’s Day Stall Mother’s Day Brunch Sports Carnival Father’s Day Stall Trivia Night Open Day Spring Fair Total

If anyone has any item, in reasonable condition, that could be donated to the School could you please ring John on 0447776664 to arrange pick up.

P

&

F

NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS TRIVIA NIGHT – SATURDAY 18 JUNE DETAILS TO COME VERY SOON!

Total Raised $15 000 $ 2 700 $ 5 000 $ 3 150

All P&F members who attended the Thanksgiving Church service and dinner offered by the St Spyridon Parish on Thursday 5 May, wish to

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Fundraiser

Total Raised $ 3 596

Easter Lambathes Palm Sunday Lunch Mothers Day brunch

$ 1 800

Mothers Day stalls

$ 3 380

$ 6 400

$ 3 045 $ 654 $2 700 $8 109 $1 400 $12 500 $54 258

Mrs M Pascalis P&F Assistant Secretary

THANKSGIVING SERVICE & DINNER

2011 FUNDRAISING TOTAL Year to Date

RUNNING TOTAL

$15 176

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT SPECIAL GUEST Last week we welcomed Mr Ladopoulos from the Greek Education Office to our school. Mr Ladopoulos with Mr Dimitriades were most impressed with the standard and the courtesy of our children. We are very pleased to have Mr Ladopoulos visiting our school and being supportive of our Greek program and our needs.

WINTER SPORTS UNIFORM Parents please note that students should be wearing their winter sports uniform now. The winter sports uniform is the school tracksuit with the school polo top. White skivvies may be worn in place of the polo top on really cold days.

Sports shoes are to be mainly white.

THANKS Thank you to the P&F President Mrs Stamoulis and the P&F committee for giving of their time to prepare and sell gifts for Mothers Day. It was again a very successful activity.

LEUKEMIA FOUNDATION Our wonderful caring children again dug deep in their pockets to help others less fortunate than themselves. On our ‘mad hair day’ the children raised $1029 for the Leukemia Foundation. The children presented the cheque to Mrs Helen Wang of the Foundation at assembly last Wednesday.

NUTRITION Parents, the staff and I have become very concerned as to the type of food that is coming to school to be eaten at recess or lunch. Please try to include a sandwich and some fruit rather than chocolate cake and chips.

Infants parents please note that ‘crunch and sip’ time allows only for fruit and vegetables not chips, biscuits or cakes.

Please help us teach the children about having a good nutritional diet, balancing good food with occasional ‘junk’ food not the other way around.

EXAM WEEK Next week commencing Monday 23rd May Junior School students will be having their half yearly assessment tests. Please help your child review the work covered this year but please do not cause unnecessary stress. The assessments will be to review work they have done and learnt.

ASSEMBLIES Congratulations to Miss Orfanos, Mr Arnott and Year 5 for their presentation of a very moving Anzac Day Assembly. Congratulations also to Mrs Karpouzos, Miss Sotiras and Year 2 for their most enjoyable Mothers Day Assembly.

Mrs M. Hamer Principal Junior School

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SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT

supporting the SRC’s “Biggest Morning Tea” Pancake Day. Year 9 will be beginning Soup Kitchen Duty and focus their learning in Pastoral care on appreciating the effects of poverty and homelessness, while Year 10 representatives will be attending the World Vision Global Leadership Convention.

A BUSY TIME The lives of St Spyridon College students are generally very full and busy. However, over the last few weeks the pace has been frenetic.

Numerous students participated in the Greek Orthodox National Schools Event (including the Spoken Arts Festival) and won a number of events. Years 7 and 9 sat for the National Assessment Program, Literacy and Numeracy tests, (NAPLAN), ACER Scholarship exams were conducted, ISA winter sport has begun, Year 9 students participated in a Theatre Sports Competition, students were rehearsing and they performed at the Official Opening of our new Sports and Performing Arts Centre.

NAPLAN Over three days last week Year 7 and 9 students sat the NAPLAN tests. I am happy to report that we had full attendance in both year groups on those days. Parents can expect to receive results in September and shortly after overall results will be published on the my school web site.

PARENT TEACHER FOR YEAR 7

At the end of Term 1, interim reports identifying a student’s current academic achievement and application level, drawing attention to both strengths and weaknesses, were sent home to all parents. On Monday an impressive number of parents took the opportunity to meet class teachers to discuss their child’s progress. Any parent who was unable to attend, and would still like to speak with teachers can do so by calling the office.

Teachers will make every effort to provide further feedback.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in all these activities.

EXAMS YEARS 10 and 11 Students will be sitting examinations in Week 6.

Year 11 exams begin Monday, 30th May for one week. Year 10 exams begin Wednesday 1st June for three days. Timetables have been distributed to students. The examination rules are printed on the reverse side of the timetable. Students need to be aware of these requirements.

YEAR 7’S FIRST TERM OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School

MIDDLE REPORT

CONFERENCE

Last term Year 7 provided a snapshot of how they had found their first weeks of senior school.

Recently they were asked again to reflect and evaluate their journey now that they been with us for more than a term. After reading their comments it is without doubt that all have settled comfortably into their new environment and have clearly enjoyed their interactions with new teachers and peers. Everyone was also able to express pride in at least one aspect of schooling.

Below are some of their comments.

SCHOOL

“Each time a person stands for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, a tiny ripple of hope is sent, and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance” Robert Kennedy

Things I have enjoyed

This term St Spyridon students will be continuing the ripple effect by building on their strengths, working to their potential in the classroom, playing their best on sporting field, and taking the time to consider the needs of others while exploring different ways of giving back to their community. In the coming weeks students will help raise funds for the Cancer Council by

• • • • •

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Participating in lessons and playing soccer with friends and teachers every lunch time Making new friends Receiving awards at the end of term The freedom and not being babied Having different teachers

• • • • • • • • • •

people who had experienced many difficulties, including having to rummage through supermarket garbage bins to find food. Students also learnt how the perseverance of the caring individuals and various programs provided by Oasis, gave homeless youths hope and the opportunity to fight their way out of their sad circumstances. Unfortunately funding limits the number of those who can be helped. Students were asked to go back to their schools, speak to others and think about how they can make a difference. It also was suggested that one simple way everyone of us can help is by signing an online petition found at ‘endyouthhomelessness.com.au’. Signing will let the government know that youth homelessness is a public issue that needs to be addressed.

Technology lessons Everything Building stronger relationships Learning different things The variety of new subjects and rooms Friendly and kind teachers Doing better at school All my classes because they don’t feel like a waste of time The amount I have already learnt and all the fun I have had Being in a loving school

Things I am most proud of • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

My efforts and getting full marks for my assignments Always doing my best My school is the best. I love it Coping with all the work, we get lots Adjusting well to high school life Not one negative comment in my planner My math marks Becoming more confident Taking more chances Proving I am a good all-round student Attending every day Keeping up to date with all my homework and assignments Realising anything is possible, as long as I try Surviving the term.

AUSTRALIA’s BIGGEST MORNING TEA Next week both the SRC and staff members will be holding separate fundraising events to raise money for the Cancer Council. Teachers will be holding a morning tea while students will be able to purchase Pancakes made by SRC’s served with a variety of delicious toppings. The cost of these will be $4. Interested students are advised to pre purchase tickets for the pancakes during Roll Call.

GIFTED AND TALENTED SEMINAR On Monday twelve of our most able students from Years 10 and 11 attended a very thought provoking and stimulating series of talks at Ascham School given by Julie Arliss a lecturer and philosophy expert who works in close association with Oxford and Exeter Universities in England, and Jeffery Hodges, a performance consultant who has worked with elite athletes at Olympic, World and National Championship levels. Students were introduced to the ideas of various philosophers and scientists including, Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Democritus Nietzsche, Newton, and Einstein to name just a few. They learnt among other things the different theories relating to knowledge and belief, and related contrasting views presented through Empiricist tradition, Reliabilism, Rationalism, and Coherentism.

If all that sounds rather challenging, then it is understandable why the next talk on The Quirky World of Quantum, left us all a little perplexed as we grappled with idea that… “if 99.999% of ordinary matter is empty space, and if everything is made up of atoms, then atoms are empty space. If this is the case then how is it that we observe for example a table as solid?

Is just an illusion of the mind? Or does observing

STUDENT LEADERSHIP The two Year 11 Student Council Representatives Despina Carpis and Kosta Baratsas visited Oasis House in Surrey Hills to learn about a special program run by the Salvation Army that helps homeless young people. At the beginning of our talk students were asked a number of questions. They were asked if they had breakfast, had a warm bed to sleep in, if they had their own room, felt safe, felt secure, had adults in their lives who cared for them and were able to help them if called upon. These questions were not about making them feel guilty, instead it was to help them understand what homelessness entails. Unfortunately every night 44,000 young people across Australia, don’t have any of the things we take for granted. Even more disturbing was learning that over 12,000 of these young people are under 12 years of age! The students found this experience to be very confronting at first, especially after hearing the stories of young

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a quantum event change the event as a result of the observation???” Students were also given insight into the fact that success at school does not always guarantee success in life…it your psychology that is the determiner. Employing “Success to Significance Strategies” can help our dreams become a reality. This involves turning dreams into goals, articulating the reason for these, understanding what inspires you, not comparing self with others, setting future self reference points, imaging it happening, having congruent core values, committing and never giving up! Clearly this day provided all who attended much food for thought and inspiration.

Congratulations everyone for showing interest in opening your minds to the world of philosophy and beyond.

subjects and navigate through the process of applying to university.

Topics will include ATAR, scaling and university entrance, subject selections, career pathways and university transition. Registrations will open on Monday 16 May at 5pm at http://sydney.edu.au/future_students/domestic_un dergraduate/year_10_evening/ A Scholarships Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 28 June at 6pm. Did you know that the University of Sydney gives out over $65 million in scholarships each year? That’s $65 million for over 700 scholarship schemes (not including prizes or college and sporting scholarships). A scholarship information evening for year 11 and 12 students will be held on Tuesday 28 June to assist students’ chances of receiving a scholarship. See Uni of Sydney website for more information.

Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

CAREER

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME INFORMATION Please register your attendance for any of the Evening Presentations by phoning 8204 4404 or emailing sydney@nd.edu.au A Nursing Information Evening will be held at the Darlinghurst Campus on Monday 23rd May from 6pm to 9pm.

A Business and Law Information Evening will be held at the Broadway campus on Tuesday 24th May from 6pm to 9pm.

An Arts & Sciences, Philosophy & Theology and Education Information Evening will be held at the Broadway Campus on Thursday 26th May from 6pm to 9pm.

Notre Dame OPEN DAY will be held at the Broadway Campus on Saturday 27th August from 10am to 4pm.

NEWS

The Sydney Morning Herald’s HSC and Careers Expo will be held from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th June from 10am to 4pm in the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park (next door to Hordern Pavilion). The Hall is on the corner of Driver Avenue (parallel to Anzac Parade) and Lang Road. The access is on the left front of the building. Parking is available in the Fox Studios’ Car Park. Website link for maps, list of exhibitors and their web links, seminars list, cost of tickets, etc is www.hscandcareers.com.au See ‘The Expo Guide’ in the SMH on Tuesday 31 May. UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME lunchtime presentation. On Thursday 9 June, a representative will come to the College to give a presentation on the university courses and the application process involved in applying to this university. Instead of using the UAC process, students apply directly to UND and this process involves an interview with a senior member of the academic staff. A successful student will receive a conditional offer for a course often before the HSC exams. Come along to hear all about the University on Thursday 9 June at 1.25 pm in T1 during your lunchtime.

UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY The UTS Engineering Information Evening on 22 June will give students an overview of the different areas of engineering available at UTS. They will find out how to increase their chance of entry through the UTS Engineering Bonus Scheme and Questionnaire. They will also hear from current and past students about their experiences studying at UTS. The UTS Engineering Scholarship Information Evening on 29 June will give those interested in scholarships all the information they need to apply and interview for scholarships worth up to $85,000.

UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY INFORMATION Year 10 Information Evenings “The Path to University” will be held on 6th and 8th June at 6pm.

These annual evenings are designed to help year 10 students and their parents choose their HSC

‘A Day in the Life’ Programs These programs (run by Think Education Group) give students the opportunity of experiencing what some career

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areas would be like. Be a Designer, Hotel Manager, Events Manager, Head Chef, Photographer, Interior Designer or Graphic Designer.

Designer - Saturday 10am to 4pm 28 May, 18 June or 23 July $80 For more Information Ph 1300 851 245 Hospitality Management Wednesday 6 July or Thurs 14 July $50 For more Information Ph 1300 851 237 Photography, Interior or Graphic Design 2 day workshop. 9 &10 July $160 For more information Ph 9251 0029 Costs include lunch Mrs A. Skerman Careers Adviser

GREEK

COLUMN

Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Στην έκδοση αυτή θα έχετε την ευκαιρία να διαβάσετε µία από τις εργασίες της Γ΄ Λυκείου. Οι µαθητές της Β΄ Λυκείου που ήδη παρακολουθούν τα µαθήµατα της Γ’ έπρεπε να παρουσιάσουν έναν µονόλογο εκφράζοντας σ’ αυτόν τη δική τους άποψη. Μία από τις εργασίες αυτές διαλέξαµε για να σας κρατήσουµε συντροφιά σ’ αυτό το τεύχος. Καλή ανάγνωση και Χριστός Ανέστη!

Θέµα:

«Το χάσµα των γενεών, πλεονεκτήµατα και τα µειονεκτήµατά του»

τα

Χάσµα γενεών σηµαίνει ότι η διαφορά στις ηλικίες των νέων είναι τόσο µεγάλη ώστε η µια γενιά να µην καταλαβαίνει την άλλη γενιά, δηλαδή, οι νέοι να µην καταλαβαίνουν τους γονείς και οι γονείς να µην καταλαβαίνουν τα παιδιά τους.

Επίσης θέλω να ευχαριστήσω τους µαθητές και µαθήτριες του σχολείου µας, που την Τετάρτη, 4 Μαϊου, πήραν µέρος στο «Spoken Arts Festival» που διοργανώθηκε στην αίθουσα τελετών των Αγίων Πάντων µε τη συµµετοχή συνολικά επτά Ελληνορθόδοξων κολλεγίων από όλη την Αυστραλία. Οι µαθητές µας: Ευαγγελία Μπαλαγιάννη, Ελένη Σιαλέπη, Μάρθα Σπηλιώτη, Ελένη Μαυρολεύθερου, Κατερίνα Αρβανιτάκη, Ελένη Γκάνη, Βενιαµίν Παπαδόπουλος και Παναγιώτης Κρίνγκας παρουσίασαν µία σκηνή από την αρχαία ελληνική τραγωδία «Αντιγόνη» που θα παρουσιάσουµε αργότερα και συγκεκριµένα τον Αύγουστο στη νέα αίθουσα τελετών του κολλεγίου µας. Συγχαρητήρια στα παιδιά για την άρτια απόδοσή τους.

Χάσµα γενεών υπάρχει και µεταξύ των ανθρώπων που δεν έχουν παιδιά δικά τους, απλώς δεν καταλαβαίνουν τους νέους γενικότερα. Γιατί συµβαίνει αυτό; Είναι φυσικό να υπάρχει µέχρι ενός βαθµού αυτό το ‘χάσµα» µεταξύ των γενεών διότι η ζωή προχωράει και αλλάζει σε όλα τα επίπεδα. Καινούριες ιδέες έρχονται, καινούρια τεχνολογία εφευρίσκεται ώστε να κάνει τη ζωή πιο εύκολη, αλλά µερικές φορές δηµιουργεί περισσότερα και µεγαλύτερα προβλήµατα, διαφορετική µόδα στα ρούχα, διαφορετικές συνήθειες, νέες διαφορετικές εργασίες και ούτω καθεξής.

κ. Μ. Φαλέτα

Οι γονείς µου έχουν συνηθίσει το δικό τους τρόπο, µε αυτόν µεγάλωσαν και δυσκολεύονται να καταλάβουν όλες αυτές τις διαφορές, περισσότερο επειδή φοβούνται τις αλλαγές. ∆εν αισθάνονται άνετα µε κάθε τι καινούριο. Το

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βλέπουν σαν κίνδυνο που θέλει να αλλάξει τα «δικά τους», ό,τι αυτοί έχουν φτιάξει µε κόπο. Οι νέοι πάλι δεν αντέχουν να βλέπουν τα παλιά και πάντα ζητούν τα νέα, τα δικά τους.

LISTENING STUDENTS

Σ’ αυτή τη µεγάλη διαφορά, στο πώς η µια γενιά βλέπει την άλλη, υπάρχουν πλεονεκτήµατα και µειονεκτήµατα.

A War Letter

TO

OUR

YEAR FOUR Dear Mum, It is my first year in the war. I was injured three times, but luckily the tall cute nurse put a bandage and stitched up the wound. I nearly caught a bomb, but the bomb went in the deep dark ditch.

A man gave up his little loud gun to me. I slept with four soldiers that were my friends. When I hear a bullet shoot out of a big black gun from the other side, I take cover so the bullet doesn’t hit me.

Τα πλεονεκτήµατα έρχονται από το ότι οι νέοι είναι πιο δραστήριοι και θέλουν να βάλουν τη δική τους σφραγίδα στη ζωή, οπότε προσπαθούν να υιοθετήσουν νέες ιδέες και να δηµιουργήσουν νέες λύσεις εργασίας, διασκέδασης και άλλους τρόπους ζωής. Κι έτσι η ζωή προχωράει. Κάπου εδώ όµως βρίσκονται και τα µειονεκτήµατα. Όλα τα καινούρια πράγµατα δεν είναι πάντα καλύτερα από τα παλιά κι έτσι αρχίζουν τα προβλήµατα µεταξύ των µεγαλυτέρων και των πιο µικρών. Οι γονείς δεν καταλαβαίνουν τα παιδιά, τα παιδιά νοµίζουν ότι τα ξέρουν όλα και δεν καταλαβαίνουν τους γονείς , αλλά και όταν οι γονείς προσπαθούν να δείξουν ότι καταλαβαίνουν τους νέους και συµπεριφέρονται σαν αυτούς, τότε οι νέοι µάλλον τους κοροϊδεύουν ότι προσπαθούν να φαίνονται νέοι ενώ είναι µεγάλοι. Οι νέοι παραπονιούνται ότι οι µεγάλοι δεν τους καταλαβαίνουν.

On the 366th day, Simpson grabbed me and put me on his donkey when I was wounded and took me to the nurse. While I was shooting, a soldier died because the other side threw a grenade right next to him. Also I got wounded for the fifth time, but it wasn’t bad. When I went to the nurse, she removed the bullet from my nail.

I will write to you again soon. Don’t worry about me, I am O.K. Love from John Smith

Επίσης, οι νέοι σήµερα δεν θέλουν συζήτηση. Θέλουν να κάνουν το δικό τους επειδή νοµίζουν ότι αυτοί έχουν κάθε δικαίωµα στη ζωή. Οι νέοι βρίσκουν νέους τρόπους επικοινωνίας µεταξύ τους – οι περισσότεροι επικοινωνούν µέσω διαδικτύου – που όλοι ξέρουµε πόσο επικίνδυνο είναι, αλλά συνεχίζουν να κάνουν του κεφαλιού τους.

George Leondios 4C

VISIT TO SALVATION ARMY On Monday the 9th May Kosta Baratsas and I Despina Carpis, attended a talk by the Salvation Army about their OASIS centre and programs.

From this we learned that there are 44,500 young people under the age of 25 homeless in Australia.

Most of these people are just like you and I, unfortunately homelessness can occur to anybody.

We heard many inspirational stories about the homeless and their struggles for survival.

Fortunately the Salvation Army has created a program called Oasis that helps and takes care of the homeless youth. This organisation not only provides these people a bed to sleep on and food to eat, they also help rebuild young lives. Oasis has created a group called Champions where the homeless can join in order to make a step towards change. Other programs it runs include Primary and Secondary education up to Year 11, those who wish to attend. This can make a significant change to their lives as education can enable them

∆υστυχώς, τα µειονεκτήµατα είναι πολύ περισσότερα από τα πλεονεκτήµατα που υπάρχουν εξαιτίας του χάσµατος των γενεών. Μάλλον πιστεύω πως δεν υπάρχουν πλεονεκτήµατα καθόλου διότι το χάσµα, δηλαδή, το «κενό» που υπάρχει ανάµεσα σε δυο γενιές δεν έχει γέφυρα επικοινωνίας µεταξύ τους, άρα εφόσον µιλάµε για γονείς και παιδιά, το χάσµα αυτό δεν φέρνει κανένα πλεονέκτηµα.

Mariam Spilioti Year 12 Extension Course

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to get a job or progress on to TAFE. After the talk we were given the opportunity to meet the people and hear their stories. They are all encouraged, at Oasis to fulfil their dreams and to aspire to create a better and more stable life for the future. Following this we were taken on a tour around the centre. There were many classrooms such as the art and drama rooms, a radio station and recording studio, as well as classrooms general use and sleeping quarters. Overall the experience was inspirational. One of the young people that we met, Nathan, told us his story of homelessness. Hearing it made us think and appreciate how lucky we all are. To Nathan being homeless meant being mobile, because you don’t have the choice of storing your clothes in a wardrobe. Everything you own is on back. He said that living on the streets greatly shifted the way he valued material possessions, while his value system also altered dramatically. Trivial decisions such as deciding what to watch tonight on TV changed to, where will I sleep? What will I eat?

What do I put down when they ask for my address? How do I keep my appearance neat and tidy?

Day 1- Netball The Girls Netball team were certainly challenged in very physical and emotional matches. As a young team their maturity was tested and they proved that sport is very much an emotional rollercoaster. Unfortunately, the girls were narrowly defeated by St George College by two points. Finishing in second place which was an excellent effort.

Day 2- Basketball and Table Tennis After a slow and less energetic start and the challenge of combining the junior players into the Girls Basketball team, however, they remained undefeated champions. They showed exceptional skills and are to be congratulated for their outstanding performance.

Both girls and boys surprised themselves in their ability in an unfamiliar sport such as Table Tennis. However, in true St Spyridon spirit our students endeavoured to be competitive narrowly missing out on a finals position.

Day 3- Volleyball and Indoor Soccer A much harder task than in previous years as the team dynamics have changed with many junior players. Lead incredibly by Ivana Bojanovic who demonstrated exceptional maturity to deal with the extreme pressure placed on her from the competitors. The girls finished undefeated and Championship winners.

We encourage you all to visit the web site www.youthhomelessness.com.au to sign an online petition to take action against youth homelessness.

Your signature could make a huge difference for these young lives.

Despina Carpis Year 11

SPORTS

St Spyridon show little experience in Volleyball but will endeavour to do our best in anything we try. Girl’s Volleyball on the other hand displayed little skills but displayed the real reason behind why we compete in this tournament. Despite our ignorance of Volleyball rules the girls displayed excellent sportsmanship and were extremely exhausted from the laughing. Although achieving 6th place, the girls won two sets which has taken them three years to achieve.

REPORT

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA NATIONAL SCHOOLS EVENT SYDNEY 2011 Selective students from various Greek Orthodox colleges around Australia participated in the Annual Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia National Schools Event hosted by All Saints College in Sydney.

Congratulations to the following students who received the Most Valuable Player in their sports.

Ivana Bojanovic- Indoor Soccer Ivana Bojanovic- Table Tennis Cassandra Georgiou- Netball Nicole Kalofonos - Basketball Renee Hatzistergos- Volleyball

The event aims to build friendships amongst students with similar beliefs and values through a competitive yet friendly sporting tournament.

St Spyridon College, defined as the team to beat in many sports due to the success in recent year’s students, had a hard task at hand to fulfil expectations.

Thank you to Ms Gambriell, Mr Zafiropoulos and especially Mr Meintanis for taking time from their families to assist in the week. Thank you to all parents who supported the students at the events,

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Ivana Bojanovic was selected in the NSW CIS Football team. This is her 4th year selected in this team which is an extraordinary achievement.

your presence was encouraging for all students.

Thank you to Kimberly Flaskas for coaching the Girls Basketball team and Angelina Flokis for her support. Furthermore, thank you to all parents for allowing their children to participate in such an event as it is a very memorable event in their school life and one that they will cherish.

The level of competition has most certainly improved since my involvement in Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia National Schools Event. St Spyridon has set the benchmark in many sports and as a result other schools have responded to these expectations this has allowed for the competition to become stronger.

The students most certainly delivered to expectations with their hard training and dedication, all students represented the school with pride and must be commended not only for their outstanding results but their behaviour.

Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport

CONGRATULATIONS …

GOA NATIONAL SPORTING EVENT

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Every year there is always one main sporting event that either every team or individual strives to compete in and certainly win. For our School the National Orthodox Sporting week is that tournament. After a disappointing year in 2010, our students managed to exceed all expectations and subsequently win the Outdoor Boys Football.

When reflecting on this tournament, I can honestly profess that we were at a level that only the students could take themselves to.

Cassie Georgiou and Nansia Koukounaris who were selected to represent 15’s and Under ISA Netball Team to compete in the NSW CIS Championships later next term. Cassie was also selected for CIS to trial for the NSW ALL SCHOOLS team on Friday, we wish her all the best.

Captivating, enthrawling and pleasing are words I use to describe our schools participation this year.

Thank you to all the students who participated and the teachers who helped out with our boys sport.

Mr Kaldis – Boys Outdoor and Indoor Soccer Mr Zafiropoulos – Boys Table Tennis and Volleyball Mr Georgoulopoulos – Basketball.

Martha Spilioti who competed for CIS in the NSW All Schools Carnival. Martha at 15 years of age finished 4th in the 15-16 yrs 200m Butterfly.

All competitors who finished before her were 16 years old.

Mr A Condous Boys Sport

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