St Spyridon News 86

VOLUME XXIX No 5 30th March, 2012

DATES TO REMEMBER

FROM THE COLLEGE

APRIL Year 12 Half Yearly Exams begin Year 7 Parent Teacher Conference 3.30pm6.30pm Greek Orthodox Swimming Carnival JS

Congratulations to Panayioti Kapodistrias, Year 10, who recently competed in World Maths Day to come 1st in New South Wales, 2nd in Australia in his Age Division and 20th in the World in his Age Division.

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Term Ends

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Western Good Friday

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Lazaros Saturday

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Western Easter Palm Sunday

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CONGRATULATIONS PANAYIOTI

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K-6 Easter Assembly

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Good Friday

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Orthodox Easter

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Easter Monday

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Staff Development Day

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Students return

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ANZAC DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

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Junior School Athletics Carnival

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MAY 1st

K2013 Parent Information Morning JS National Schools Event Adelaide

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Panayioti receiving his Award from Her Excellency Marie Bashir, Governor of New South Wales

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Uniform Change

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School Photographs JS

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Mothers Day

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Parent Teacher Conferences Year 12

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NAPLAN Years 3, 5, 7 & 9

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Half Yearly Exam Week JS

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Half Yearly Exams Yr 11 begin

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OPEN TOUR JS

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HSC and Careers Expo Year 12

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Καλό Πάσχα σε όλους Happy Easter

With Ms Kalithrakas

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WORLD EDUCATION GAMES AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY On Friday, 23rd March, I had the privilege of attending the World Education Games Awards Ceremony held in the Utzon Room at the Sydney Opera House, as a recipient of two awards for my results from World Maths Day. This year I was very surprised but extremely pleased to have achieved 1st in New South Wales and 2nd in Australia for my age group. As for 20th in the World (the most recent verification), that still hasn’t sunk in yet!

Presenting the awards was Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, Governor of N.S.W. It was an honour receiving the awards from her and listening to her speak so eloquently about how we should follow our dreams, challenge ourselves and become the best we can in whichever field of study or career that we aspire to.

There were a number of other speakers present at the ceremony including the 3P Learning/World Education Games Director Tim Power, sponsors such a UNICEF and Samsung, and 2008 World Champion Tatiana Devendranath. Tatiana told us of her experiences and achievements with World Maths Day and even the strategies she used for competing. They could come in handy for me next year!

Recipients of awards included World Champions, Australian Champions and New South Wales Champions in Maths, Spelling and Science. The ages ranged from 4 to 18 years and I was totally amazed by a 6 year old Malaysian girl who was World Champion for all three events. There were champions present from Pakistan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India and Australia and it was a pleasure meeting and speaking with them.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, lunch was served followed by a trip to Taronga Zoo. It certainly was a very eventful and memorable day. I look forward to next year’s challenge and encourage everyone to participate as well. There’s nothing more satisfying than competing or being involved in something you’re passionate about, and achieving a personal best.

Panayioti Kapodistrias Year 10

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SPEECHES FROM SCHOLARSHIPS ASSEMBLY Mr Michael Goldstein I thank you for the opportunity to speak briefly, and pass on some small idea of what leadership meant to past generations, what it means to my generation and what it might mean for you, the upcoming generation.

When I was growing up, I was fortunate enough to have people in my community who I looked up to and admired. Those whom we remember today, George and Marina Pappas, together with the initiators of this award, Hal and Col Goldstein, are 4 of the most revered in my life.

They were brilliant men and women – skilled not only in business, but more importantly, in the business of being friends. I was able to share in the passion they had for life, enterprise and friendship. They had qualities often found in that generation of recently-arrived Australians: zeal, a commitment to hard work and a strong acknowledgement of the strength of family bonds, all of which contributed to their ability to lead and act as role models.

Knowledge and information was crucially important to their generation’s leadership, as it still is today, hence our gathering to applaud those who have won these scholarships for further education.

At the centres of higher education to which you graduate will undoubtedly progress, you will learn that technology has made information more accessible than it has ever been, but remember that a good leader needs to be able to discriminate, and be capable of critiquing the flood of information that surrounds us.

You need to learn the difference between being knowledgeable, and being wise. Wisdom is knowledge as it relates to the world around you. It’s about understanding the people within your community and what their place is within the rest of the world. It is an aspirational quality of leadership that has remained unchanged from generation to generation.

I believe that the single most important quality of a good leader is the ability to make the people around you better, to enable them to be the best version of themselves. Helping others fulfil their potential and discover their own value is the most worthwhile goal you can hope to accomplish in a lifetime.

George and Marina Pappas, Hal Goldstein, and my father, Col Goldstein, were exceptional leaders. Seek to emulate their concern for the families and communities around them, and I do not feel that you could go far wrong in your quests to be strong leaders and good people.

Thank you again for your time, and I hope you will join me in congratulating the prizewinners and all the graduates here today.

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Renee Hatzistergos Reverend Father, Head of College, Distinguished guests, teachers, parents and students, thank you so much for welcoming me back here today. When I was invited to say a few words, I was initially unsure of what you all would like to hear. Ever since primary school, I’ve sat here in the Church and watched people win this award. As I got older, I began to take notice of what they were saying, hoping that they would give me some huge secret about how to go well in the HSC. What I found is that there is no such secret.

I can only tell you what I did and how it worked for me. First, I chose subjects that I liked and that played to my strengths. I’ve always been better at writing essays than calculating sums. Talking about things like the Periodic Table seems much more like a foreign language than speaking in Greek. I’m so happy I chose subjects I enjoyed, because otherwise I would have missed out on learning in Mrs Grillakis’ amazing classroom environment, which was honestly so much fun every time. With my subjects chosen, I worked really hard on each. When my teachers told me to “rewrite that essay” or “practice multiple choice questions again” I did. Miss O’Shea, your never-ending willingness to keep remarking my answers as I improved them made me more determined to make them perfect. A lot of the time, the HSC made me feel like I was doing the same thing over and over, and this sometimes drove me a little crazy. The HSC was long, tedious and often frustrating. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. And it’s only when you finish that you realize that it was all worth it.

The friendships I made with my teachers were incredible. When I think back on Kiria Faleta’s dedication to her students, having early morning classes and late afternoon finishes, I’m still astounded. Thank you so much Kiria. In fact, I really have to thank all my teachers. I always felt that you had so much faith in me, and that I wanted to make you proud. But perhaps no one had as much faith in me as my business studies teacher, Mrs Mio. Her enthusiasm about the subject is part of the reason I chose to study Business/Law at university.

I am happy with the balance and variety in this course, which was something I realized I liked in school by keeping busy even during the HSC. I played sport the whole way through high school and participated in the National Greek Orthodox Sports Event four times, including in Year 12. Mrs Koutsoukis and Mrs Kiedja were not only my amazing English teachers who could provide dramatic interpretations of texts, supplementary information and a swift response to any of my questions, they were also my basketball and netball teams’ cheer squad, who accompanied us around Sydney on Saturday mornings too.

One of the best parts about doing the HSC was how supported I felt by my friends, my teachers and my family. I had a goal, and I feel very special that these three groups of people really helped me achieve it. I think it’s good to have a goal. It could be an ATAR score, or getting into a course at a university that you like, or anything really. However, I should probably say not to stress too much on figuring out what you want to do after school if you don’t know already. I figured it out later during that long four month break when the HSC suddenly finished. My goal was an ATAR one – I wanted to get 96. At first it seemed ridiculous and at times unachievable, which is why I feel so blessed that I had people all around me doing everything they could to help me achieve this. Mr Kaldis and Miss Gambriell, my year co-ordinator and roll call teacher, were always telling us to be selfless people. This was just one example of the guiding lessons from the teachers who were responsible for my pastoral care. What I found, though, was that in trying to be more selfless myself, I realised that it was my friends, my family and my teachers who were often the selfless ones so that I could do my very best.

Though I have spent the majority of my speech talking about my high school years, I cannot go past without mentioning and thanking Mrs Hamer who has offered continual support and encouragement from my very first day at St Spyridon College.

Finally, I’d like to thank the Aroney family and the Sydney University Greek Society for sponsoring this Scholarship. I feel very proud, honoured and grateful to be receiving this award, given the calibre of past recipients, and I hope that I can do you proud in my future study and endeavours. Thank you.

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25th MARCH PHOTO GALLERY

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NEWS

The stall will have a variety of religious items for sale such as icons and religious books, as well as Easter Lambathes made from pure bee’s wax.

CHURCH EVENTS All students are invited to attend the services and to be present or assist with the following Holy Week activities:

Pantanassa online shop www.pantanassa.org.au

Sunday, 8th April, 2012 – Palm Sunday ¾ P & F Palm Sunday Luncheon Adults $35.00 Children $15.00 from 11.30 a.m. at St. Spyridon Church Hall

NEW SCHOOL BUS ROUTE 2013 – EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Friday, 13thApril, 2012 – Good Friday Morning ¾ Decoration of the Holy Epitaphio from 10.00 a.m. at St. Spyridon Church Hall Good Friday Evening ¾ At 6.00 p.m. Year 10 students to meet in St. Spyridon Church Hall to prepare for the Lamentation Hymns.

All other students across all years are welcome.

Students to be dressed in Summer School uniform including blazer. ¾ At 7.00 p.m. Year 11 boys, who will carry the Epitaphio, to meet in the Church Hall for instructions. Students to be dressed in School Uniform including Blazer.

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If you are interested in a bus service and you live in Phillip Bay, Malabar, Little Bay, Matraville or Maroubra, please call Helen on 9313-6899.

P&F NEWS UPCOMING EVENTS Lambatha workshops Lambatha stalls

TERM TWO Palm Sunday lunch

Term Two will begin for all students K- 12 on Tuesday 24th April 2012.

Mothers Day stalls

UNIFORM CHANGE – WINTER UNIFORM

Mothers Day dinner

All students are to come dressed in Winter School Uniform on Monday 7th May. The Uniform Shop will be open on Wednesday 27th April, between 8.30am to 10am in the morning and 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the afternoon.

Please note that the Uniform Shop is closed during school holidays.

Blazers are compulsory for winter.

DATES/VENUES Sat 31/3 from 10am at Infants Cottage (entry via Day lane) Mon 2/4 – Thur 5/4 from 2.30pm at Infants & Junior grounds & Holy week evening church services at front of church Sun 8/4 from 11.30am in church hall Mon 7/5 – Fri 11/5 during & after lunch Mid May

Please refer to full page flyers with details for Lambatha workshops and stalls and Palm Sunday lunch which are included in this newsletter.

25th March – Greek National Day celebrations The words of wisdom expressed by Father Steven together with the proud, poetic voices of our youth aroused our national spirit to warm us up for this very momentous day. It was pleasing that the weather was kind – sunny and cool- to us this year with the celebration of Greek National Day continuing at Martin Place as we all assembled united and

COMMUNITY NEWS – PANTANASSA MONASTERY The Pantanassa stall will be at Pacific Square from Monday, 2nd April – Thursday, 5th April (not Western Good Friday) and Saturday, 7th April.

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proud to march to a new venue, the Domain. It was spacious, closer and greener. However members of the community also appreciated the grand presence of the traditional site, the Opera House, in the past. We sincerely thank all parents and friends who assisted in the distribution (to all students) of chip snacks donated by P&F and water bottles kindly donated by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. A special thank you is expressed to John and Rita Georges who kindly transport, from year to year, the lengthy and valuable College and Parish banners and flags.

Grow P&F grow!

Our first P&F meeting for 2012 began with a warm welcome from Mrs Stefanou and was well supported by members as we buckled down to discuss and plan the above fast approaching events. We officially welcomed parent members Kim Georgas, Joanna Konitsas and Michael Sideris.

Christine O’Reilly our enthusiastic and hard working secretary motivated members in her initial emails. ‌..In previous years, the hard work of the P&F and the funds raised has managed to supply our school with interactive whiteboards, the undercroft buildings and computers, just to name a few.

We are hoping this year will be our best year yet. It's an honour to be a part of the P&F, all of us are here with one goal and that is to raise funds for our children. We know to get the best possible teachers, equipment and aides for our school, we need to spend money.

Part of our fees go to what is important, the teachers that make a difference in our children's lives, the teachers that will take our little sponges and teach them, guide them and get them ready for life. Anything else in addition to this, is where you, me and those that support the P&F and it's efforts come in.

I joined the P&F because my 6 year old daughter asked me last year. I was surprised by her comments. She said the P&F kids looked like they had fun together and then it occurred to me. By joining, I was teaching my

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GREEK ORTHODOX COLLEGES SWIMMING CARNIVAL

daughter the importance of hard work, the importance of working as a team with a common goal and the importance of giving back to the community. "Many hands make light work".

This year St Spyridon College is hosting the Greek Orthodox Swimming Carnival on Monday 2nd April at Des Renford Pool Maroubra.

Be proud to be on the P&F, you deserve to be!

If you would like to join our dynamic team or wish to enquire about any of the events, please feel free to contact the following members:

It is always a wonderful day where our three Orthodox Colleges come together to meet, share some time together and of course compete.

Anna Stamoulis (President) 0405683320 Jim Sialepis (Vice President) 0431962148 Erenie Bourdaniotis (Treasurer) 0410318053 Georgina Panselinos (Assistant Treasurer) 0419248632 Christine O’Reilly (Secretary) 0424712556 Maria Pascalis (Assistant Secretary) 0414244695

We wish all our children the best of luck and to do their personal best. All parents are welcome to attend and cheer the swimmers on.

Thank you to Miss Theodossiou for all her work in preparing for this carnival and to the parents who have volunteered their help as well as to the Year 9 students and members of staff who will be assisting with the carnival.

25TH MARCH CELEBRATIONS

Mrs M Pascalis Assistant Secretary

Thank you to all who attended the church service and the march from Martin Place to the Domain.

Congratulations to Maree Nikitopoulos for the wonderful recitation of the poem in church and of course to our delightful children whom, formed part of the Combined Schools Choir.

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT EASTER FOCUS ASSEMBLY Our annual Easter Focus Assembly will be held on Wednesday 4th April in our Church Hall. The assembly will commence at approximately 9.00am and will be 1 to 1½ hours duration. The Hall will have displays of the many activities that each grade has done in preparation for Easter, a very important event in our lives both spiritually and culturally.

URGENT REMINDERS There will be no co curricular activities or After School Infants Sport next week.

The Co curricular activities will recommence in week 2 of Term 2.

WEEK 1

The students will display their art and craft items as well as their ‘red eggs’, koulorakia flaounes, etc. Each grade will also perform an item to represent their understanding of Easter, this will include poems, songs, mimes, drama and of course the chanting of the Engomia hymns. All parents, relatives and friends are welcome to attend.

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On behalf of all the staff we wish you all a happy, healthy and safe Easter Break.

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Monday 23rd April is Staff Development Day. Tuesday 24th April students attend school.

Wednesday 25th April is Anzac Day – school is closed.

Friday 27th April has been planned as our athletics carnival however this date may need to be changed. We will send you an urgent flyer as soon as we have the available information.

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Monday 7th May change from Summer to Winter uniform Tuesday 8th May School Photos – all children must be in full winter uniform

YEAR 5 WELCOME MIDDLE SCHOOL!

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Education seems to be full of transitions; preschool to Kindergarten, infants to primary and of course primary to middle school. Year 5 has gone from having one teacher to over 5, one classroom to zipping around from room to room and joining year 6 in becoming the leaders of the school. It must be said that when it comes to transitions, this group have acclimatised beautifully!

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM STAGE 3!

Year 6 Leadership Skills - 2012 Buddy Program Year 6 students were super keen to begin the year with a Buddy partnership with Kindergarten students.

Year 6 wanted to show their ability to lead by example straight awaywhat a start to 2012!

Whether delving into the unfamiliar terrain of domestic and international rainforests or exploring the life of a young boy living on the edge of the South Australian Coorong, Year 5 is working to their best ability and enjoying every moment! Of course the allure of pen licences, excitement of camp and anticipation of impending excursions help give year 5 the drive and determination to complete all tasks to achieve personal bests.

After some intensive planning, Year 6 welcomed their buddies with a meet and greet event in the Year 6 rooms during Week 1. The Kindergarten and Year 6 students were so excited!

Year 6 showed great pride and leadership straight away in the manner in which they interacted with the younger students.

As part of stage 3, year 5 have taken it upon themselves to be great advocates for ‘building a better school community’. During Health this term we have been and will continue examining the skills and attributes it takes to be a great and involved member of the school community, inquiring ‘what makes a good

public speaker and attentive audience members?’ or ‘how important is respect?’

Year 5 has definitely set off on the right foot to becoming leaders of the school next year.

Since the first meeting, the relationship between Year 6 and Kinder has grown through sharing lunch together on Tuesdays, leading by example at Divine Liturgy and socialising in the playground. Year 6 and Kindergarten look forward to their time together and many students have commented on how special and important their time is; spent together. Year 6 certainly are leading by example within the buddy program and enjoy adjusting their manner to each Kindergarten child’s needs!

Ms D. McCarthy Stage 3 Co ordinator

Mrs N. Economou

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WORLD MATHS DAY Students from our school joined 1.57 million students from around the world to celebrate The World Maths Day. Close on 300 MILLION correct answers were produced over the 24 hour period.

Congratulations to ALL who participated.

The results were verified and are officially available at www.worldmathsday.com as of the 16thMarch 2012. The preliminary results with the highest contributors for our school are as follows: ¾ 4-7 age group Stefaan Gemisis with 806 points ¾ 8-10 age group Desi Kapodistrias with 2446 points ¾ 11-13 age groups Chrysanthi Diasinos with1295 points Mr A. Dookie

HICES LEADERSHIP DAY On Monday, 5th March, Year 6 students attended a workshop day at Blue Mountains Grammar School. The focus of the day was Leadership at school in 2012. The students worked alongside students from other Independent Schools in NSW; including schools from Orange, Central Coast and Sydney City Region. To better form relationships with each other, students completed a variety of “getting to know you” tasks throughout the day.

The students attended lectures on different aspects of leadership including leadership actions like making connections, being a positive role model, creating a vision and promoting communication.

The students loved the hands on workshops that followed each lecture because they promoted collaboration, communication and were definitely lots of fun!

To finish the day, students from St. Spyridon got together and developed a vision for their own leadership focus back at school for 2012. This year, the leadership group of Year 6 students will be CONNECTING FRIENDS FOREVER with a focus on cross- grade, cross-stage relationship building through modelling, teacher led programs like buddies and special days including Harmony Day and aMini-OlympicsDay!

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INTERIM REPORTS By the end of Term 1 all students Years 7-11 will receive an Interim Report on their progress so far.

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

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

PROGRESSION

WELL DONE YEAR 6 We would all like to thank Year 6 for taking the time and initiative to organize the Harmony Day class activities and the assembly.

A reminder to Year 10 students that the Expression of Interest forms to progress to Years 11 and 12 at St Spyridon College are due to me at the end of this Term.

Your enthusiasm inspired the children throughout the School particularly Year 4 as can be seen by the following reports.

Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School

Mrs M. Hamer Principal Junior School

GREEK

COLUMN

Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι,

SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT

Στο τεύχος αυτό θα ήθελα πρώτα από όλα να συγχαρώ τις µαθήτριες της Β΄ και Γ΄ τάξης του Γυµνασίου για την άψογη απαγγελία τους µε το ποίηµα του Α. Γιαλαµά «Το Όραµα». Οι µαθήτριες αυτές είναι: Μαρία Μπλέτσα, Νικολέττα Αδάµου, Άννα -Μαρία Ξένου, Χριστίνα Μπαλαγιάννη, Καλλιόπη Κεφάλα και Πηνελόπη Αλεγιάννη. Συγχαρητήρια κοπέλες! Κάνατε τον εαυτό σας, την οικογένεια και το σχολείο σας περήφανους! Επίσης θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω την κυρία Ξένου, που ανέλαβε να παραδώσει τις αιτήσεις µας για το Πιστοποιητικό Ελληνοµάθειας στο Ελληνικό Προξενείο του Σύδνεϋ.

25th MARCH CELEBRATIONS Congratulations and thank you to all staff and students who attended this year’s celebrations.

Congratulations to Maria Bletsas, Ann Marie Xenos, Kalioppe Kefalas, Year 9, Nicole Adam, and Penelope Aleyiannis, Year 8 for reciting their poem with such confidence in St Spyridon Church on Sunday 25th March, 2012.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES – Year 7

Τέλος, δηµοσιεύουµε µια εργασία µαθητή της Α΄ Γυµνασίου σχετικά µε τον εαυτό του και το περιβάλλον του και µια εργασία µαθητή της Β΄Λυκείου που παρακολουθεί µαθήµατα της Γ΄Λυκείου. Η τελευταία αυτή εργασία παρουσιάστηκε ως µονόλογος στην πρόσφατη περίοδο προφορικών εξετάσεων. Καλή ανάγνωση, καλές διακοπές και ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ! Μ. Φαλέτα

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, 2nd April, 2012, for Year 7 only in the Sports And Performing Arts Centre.

Appointments are to be made directly with Teachers by the students. Parents are asked to attend the Parent Teacher Conferences with their child.

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στέγη, τροφή και ιατροφαρµακευτική και πνευµατική φροντίδα στα µέλη της, στα παιδιά της. Είναι λοιπόν σηµαντικό, να διατηρήσουµε το θεσµό αυτό αναλλοίωτο διότι µας παρέχει πέραν των άλλων και την ταυτότητά µας, δηλαδή, µας βοηθά να αναπτύξουµε µια ευασθητοποιηµένη, κοινωνική και ηθική προσωπικότητα µέσα από τα ήθη κι έθιµα που µας διδάσκει και µέσα από τη Γλώσσα και τη Θρησκεία µε την οποία µας φέρνει σε επαφή. Καταλαβαίνουµε, λοιπόν, πόσο σηµαντικός είναι ο ρόλος της οικογένειας για την οµαλή και υγιή ανάπτυξη του κάθε παιδιού κι ότι χωρίς αυτήν είναι αµφίβολο αν τα παιδιά θα µπορέσουν να εξελιχθούν οµαλά σε χρήσιµα µέλη της κοινωνίας µας.

Ο εαυτός µου και το περιβάλλον µου Με λένε Χαράλαµπο και έχω καστανά µαλλιά, καστανά µάτια και είµαι ψηλός µε µακριά πόδια και µακριά χέρια και δεν είµαι χοντρός ούτε λεπτός, είµαι µέτριος. Μου αρέσει να παίζω µπάσκετ και ποδόσφαιρο. Όταν δεν έχω σχολική εργασία, συνηθίζω να ασχολούµαι µε τα ηλεκτρονικά παιχνίδια. Έχω µια µικρότερη αδερφή η οποία πηγαίνει στην ∆΄τάξη του ∆ηµοτικού. Τις τελευταίες εβδοµάδες δεν πηγαίνουµε πια µαζί στο σχολείο και συναντιόµαστε στο σπίτι όταν σχολάµε. Στο σπίτι όλη η οικογένεια µιλούµε ελληνικά και τηρούµε τον ελληνικό τρόπο ζωής.

Η εκπαίδευση ως σύστηµα ή θεσµός ολοκληρώνει το έργο της οικογένειας γιατί µας µαθαίνει το δίκιο από το άδικο, το καλό από το κακό. Η παιδεία αξιοποιεί όλες τις δυνατότητες του ατόµου ώστε να γίνει το άτοµο αυτό ένα δηµιουργικό µέλος της κοινωνίας. Πρέπει λοιπόν το κράτος να βοηθά και να ενισχύει όσο καλύτερα µπορεί το έργο του συστήµατος αυτού.

Τώρα παίζω κρίκετ µε µια οµάδα κοντά στην περιοχή που µένω. ∆εν γνώριζα για αυτό το άθληµα γιατί έχω µόνο τέσσερα χρόνια που ήρθα µε την οικογένειά µου από την Ελλάδα. Το βρήκα αρκετά ενδιαφέρον και γι’ αυτό ασχολούµαι µε αυτό. ∆εν θέλω να γράψω για τη ζωή µου στην Ελλάδα. Προτιµώ να περιγράφω πράγµατα που ζω µε την οικογένειά µου τώρα και τις εµπειρίες που έχω εδώ. Μου αρέσει η ήσυχη ζωή µε την οικογένεια και µε φίλους και να βάζω τα δυνατά µου για τις νέες υποχρεώσεις που έχω στο Γυµνάσιο. (Έτσι λέει ο µπαµπάς µου το Χάι Σκουλ) Αυτά για µένα.

Επιπλέον, ο ιερός θεσµός της φιλίας πρέπει να παραµείνει ιερός. Για να καταλάβουµε την αξία της φιλίας θα αναφέρω τα λόγια του αρχαίου Έλληνα φιλόσοφου του Αριστοτέλη ο οποίος έλεγε: «Εκείνος που ζει µόνος του είναι ή θηρίο ή θεός.» Τα κριτήρια µιας καλής φιλίας είναι η εµπιστοσύνη και η εκτίµηση. Ο καλός φίλος σε δέχεται µε τα ελαττώµατά σου, σε σέβεται και σε στηρίζει ηθικά και πρακτικά όταν τον χρειάζεσαι. Ο καλός φίλος σου δίνει τη γνώµη του και τη συµβουλή του µε ειλικρίνεια και χωρίς εµπάθεια και γι’ αυτό ο καλός φίλος είναι ανεκτίµητος θησαυρός.

Harry Gavalas Year 7GKA Θέµα: Σ’ έναν κόσµο που αλλάζει µερικά πράγµατα πρέπει να παραµένουν ως έχουν. Ποια η γνώµη σου;

Επίσης είναι σηµαντικό να διατηρήσουµε βασικές αξίες και αρχές όπως την αξιοπρέπεια, την καλοσύνη, την ειλικρίνεια, την τιµιότητα και εργατικότητα, την αποδοχή των άλλων µε τις ιδιαιτερότητές τους, την ισότητα µεταξύ όλων ανεξάρτητα από το χρώµα, τη θρησκεια, τη γλώσσα και το φύλο του καθενός. Μόνο έτσι θα φτιάξουµε µια κοινωνία καλύτερη, που θα στηρίζεται στην αλήθεια, την αποδοχή, τη δικαιοσύνη και την ελευθερία των ανθρώπων.

Συµφωνώ, συµφωνώ απόλυτα µε την άποψη ότι µερικά πράγµατα πρέπει να παραµένουν όπως έχουν αν και ζούµε σ’ έναν κόσµο που συνέχεια αλλάζει. Ας κοιτάξουµε λοιπόν από κοντά ποιες είναι εκείνες οι αξίες και οι θεσµοί που πρέπει να παραµένουν αναλλοίωτοι στο πέρασµα του χρόνου.

Andreas Nicholson Year 12 (accelerated)

Ξεκινώ µε τον απαραίτητο θεσµό της οικογένειας που στις µέρες περνάει κρίση καθώς τα διαζύγια και οι ντε φάκτο σχέσεις αυξάνονται ενώ οι γάµοι µειώνονται. Η οικογένεια, κατά τη γνώµη µου, είναι το θεµέλιο οποιασδήποτε κοινωνίας. Η οικογένεια είναι ο θεσµός που προσφέρει αγάπη,

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CAREERS

REPORT

students who are interested in a career in business or commerce. There are 2 different events.

Chartered Accountants Cadetship Evening, which will be held on the Wednesday 23 May from 4:30pm at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. This is an excellent opportunity for Year 12 students to engage with over 30 employers, attend information sessions regarding cadetships and receive tips on the recruitment process.

Meet the Business Leader, which will be held on Wednesday the 22 August from 4:30pm at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Sydney.

This event will give Year 10 and 11 students a great opportunity to meet and network with young and experienced Chartered Accountants from a variety of business professions.

Furthermore, their website is an excellent tool for students to access a wide variety of information, including study support, event calendars, career advice, industry updates, etchttp://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/stude nts

UNSW Year 10 Subject Selection and Information Evenings UNSW offers popular Year 10 Subject Selection & Information Evenings designed specifically for current year 10 students and their parents. The evening provides excellent information for students who are considering university study in the future. Information on UNSW's admission processes, bonus points and degree specific assumed knowledge is presented along with comprehensive HSC subject selection information provided by a Board of Studies NSW Liaison Officer. Additionally, representatives from all UNSW faculties, as well as staff from the Student Recruitment Office, Admissions, Scholarships and other student support services are available to answer your questions on degree options and student life at UNSW. A number of Year 10 Subject Selection & Information Evenings during the month of May. Select the date and location that best suits you. The program for each evening is the same. There is no need to attend multiple evenings. Parking permits are only available for the UNSW Kensington Campus. Space at these evenings is always limited. Please register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

May 9, 15, 22 – UNSW Kensington Campus, Scientia Building May 21 – Riverside Theatre, Parramatta May 28–Wenona School, North Sydney Go the Network Schools site to register. www.networkschools.unsw.edu.auEnter the school name and do a search for Term 2 activities.

Look for the “Year 10 Subject Selection and Information Evening” to register.

‘A Day in the Life’ ProgramThis program (run

by William Blue College of Hospitality Management) will give students the opportunity of experiencing what a career as a Hotel Manager would be like.Tuesday 17 April$50 for materials and lunch For more Information Ph 1300 851 237 Mrs A. Skerman Careers Adviser

LISTENING STUDENTS

TO

OUR

PROFESSOR MATHS DAY

Science Parent & Student Night The UNSW Faculty of Science invites Year 11 and Year 12 students and their parents to attend an Information Evening on Science and Mathematics at UNSW on 17th May at 6pm in The John NilandScientia Building.

Program covers *Introducing the Faculty of Science, *Science Career Opportunities, *Overview of Science Degrees, *Student Life at UNSW. Guest speaker Wilson da Silva, science journalist, editor and documentary filmmaker.

Following the presentation there will be an opportunity to speak with some current students and academic staff.

Registration is essential http://www.science.unsw.edu.au/parent-studentnight-2012/

Professor Maths Day was highly enjoyable. There was something for all ages. Whether it was, adding numbers from one to nine for Kindy, or problem solving for Year Six everyone had lots of fun!

Over two short days, Professor Maths satisfied all years with her math-a-magic. She explained everything briefly so we could have more time to do the activities.

So here’s how it all panned out. Both Year Six classes were divided into groups depending on how many students were in the class. There were around ten activities that we were free to try as long as everyone stayed in their groups. Each activity had a work sheet for it. On each work sheet, there were questions to answer or problems to solve about the activities.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants will host some exciting and informative events for

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Overall, this was an excellent experience and I am sure this would be everyone’s response if you asked them. I wish we could do it all over again!

PROFESSOR MATHS DAY On Thursday 8th March, Kindergarten to Year 3 had an hour of fun maths games with Professor Maths.

Felicity Ginis 6P

Year 3 had their turn after lunch. We had to be in groups of four. In my group was Mary, Anaston and Dimitri.

HARMONY DAY For those who do not know what Harmony Day is we are here to tell you.

My favourite activity was “Build a Cube” because I found out that lots of shapes can make a cube.

My group won this challenge so we each got to wear a red hat. I really loved this day as it made Maths fun. It was awesome.

Harmony Day is all about different cultures coming together. A definition of harmony is “no war on earth”. Did you know that you know more people than you think! From friends cousins to uncles, to their uncles friends….you might know someone who’s from Asia or Africa. On this special day especially, you should care even more than what you do on other days like for e.g. Not laugh at them because they have a funny voice.

Maria-Angela Patsalis 3A On the 8th March, 3A and 3S went to Professor Maths and we did fun maths activities that everyone enjoyed so much! The types of activities we did were the cube, horse racing and shadow shapes.

I think Harmony Day should be everyday!! And not just because its like a mufty day!

Anastasi Poulos 3A

Roza Papas 4T

WORLD MATHS DAY

Harmony Day is about countries, cultures and people from all around the world join up together as one!

Wednesday 7th March 2012, started out like any other day except it was World Maths Day! World Maths Day is an international event where children from 200 countries and territories competed online against each other and tried to score the highest result.

To the elderly and young community participation is the key of an Empowered community.

Now I am going to tell you an acrostic poem about harmony Day. H is for happiness to the world A is for activities we could do together R is for respect to other people M is for many people are going to get together O is for opinions to be shared N is for nice to one another Y is for yes to always use your manners D is for discussing your feelings to your friends A is for always helping your friends when they need help Y is for young and old people being together

During the day, classes had time in the computer lab to engage in online maths activities using the World Maths Day website. There was a massive buzz around the school as the children eagerly hurried to the computer lab to quickly sign in and start solving maths activities. Children excitedly played against the clock to achieve their personal best.

Participating in World Maths Day was a fun and exciting day for children of all ages to be involved in a safe online event where they could solve maths activities, win prizes and have fun!

Katerina Darras-Samaras 4C

Rhea Tsimboukis 6M

Harmony day is a day where people respect each other, and getting all different cultures together and respect the other cultures. Today some of my friends are going to be handing out harmony day chains, bracelets crowns and some more things.

There were also some expert activities for all years. If anyone had completed the activities, they were allowed to wear the funny wig or the cool glasses. Professor Maths was weird in a funny sort of way, with her different coloured socks and her white lab coat.

Dominique Koukos 4C

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ISA SWIMMING CARNIVAL

SPORTS

COLUMN

Congratulations to all students participating at the annual ISA Swimming carnival held Friday 16th March 2012 at Homebush Aquatic Centre from 3.00pm- 10.30pm.

FUTSAL Monday 26th March Under 14’s Girls team represented St Spyridon College at the Regional Futsal Championships held at Bankstown Basketball Stadium.

Year 8 and Year 9 girls demonstrated their capabilities as they finished undefeated as Regional Champions. The girls will now compete in the State Futsal Championships in August.

Students who participated were: Nicole Adam, Lia Albanakis, Christina Andrew, Anastasia Barton, Eve Barton, Kosta Baratsas, Alexander P Cardamis, Alexander Cardarmis, Michael Constantopedos, Peter Contiminas,, George Contiminas, Erin Criticos, Yianna Criticos, Phoebe Dalakiaris, Demi Flokis, Niko Fotopoulos, Harris Fotopoulos, Cassie Georgiou, Elias Hatzon, George Karapanayiotidis, Emmanual Kapodistrias, Antonia Katerinis, Panayioti Kapodistrias, Theodore Kipriotis, Natalie Michos, Maria Mio, Stephanie Mio, Lena Nesterenko, Adonis Tsoutsas, Sebastian Zois.

Congratulations to Nicole Adam, Lia Albanakis, Vicky Papadopoulos, Chrystal Christie, Theoni Thimakis, Anja Djukic, Tiana Milsavljevic, Anne Marie Xenos and Mr Meintanis their coach.

Wednesday 28th March Under 16’s girls team represented St Spyridon College at the Regional Futsal Championships held at Bankstown Basketball Stadium. The girls main focus was to prepare for the upcoming Greek Orthodox Schools Event and transfer their individual skills into a cohesive team. Many girls backing up from Monday’s Championship success.

Their performance demonstrates that they are in good stead to be competitive, much younger and less experienced team nether less skillfull and determined. This determination placed them undefeated and they won the final 2-1 they will now progress to the State Futsal Championships.

Thank you to Mrs Stefanou, Mr Meintainis, Mr Zafiropoulos, Mrs Grillakis and Ms Gambriell for coming and supporting our students.

Congratulations, Lia Albanakis, Vicky Papadopoulos, Chrystal Christie, Theoni Thimakis, Anja Djukic, Tiana Milsavljevic, Cassandra Georgiou, Yiana Criticos, Andriane Efstratiou, Nansia Koukounaris, Natalie Michos and Mr Meintanis.

Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport

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CONGRATULATIONS …

… to Michael Constantopedos in making the ISA swimming team and progressing to the NSWCIS Swimming carnival on Tuesday 1st May at Sydney Olympic Park

FUTSAL COMPETITION Congratulations to both Boys teams. First I would like to congratulate the St Spyridon Reds who became U14 Regional Champions. Also must mention that the U14 White's who made it to the semi finals but strangely enough were defeated by St Spyridon Reds.

Special thank you to Mr Kaldis who has been a exceptional coach in Futsal.

St Spyridon Reds Daniel Arzani Ethan Tsiribas Jordan Makridopolus Steven Antoniou (Keeper) Michael Hatzon Jacob Mavrolefterou Lewis Athanasopoulos

Mr A. Condous Boys Sport

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St Spyridon White Panayiotis Bounos Elias Hatzon Billy Retsas Harris Fotopoulos (Keeper) Peter Giokas Alexander Cardamis Stefan Prso George Dimas

Prefect Page Name: Subjects studying:

Demi Flokis Advanced English, Ancient History, Food Technology, Hospitality, Music, 3 unit Greek (completed in 2011).

Hobbies/Interests: Playing sports such as Netball & Swimming. Playing the piano/singing. Spending time with friends.

Favourite Inspirational Quote: “When you’ve got something to prove, there is nothing greater than a challenge.”

– Terry Bradshaw Future aspirations: Primary or High School teacher.

Where would I like to be in 10 years time: I would like to be a full time teacher and hopefully married with children.

Role models: My parents and my sister. They have always been there when I’ve needed the support and kept my head high to keep going.

Name: Subjects studying:

Hobbies/Interests:

Brannon Bergmann Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, Economics, Physics, Information Technology (VET), Information Processes and Technology, Advanced English.

Cars – Working on/modifying/maintaining them and driving them.

Favourite Quotes: -“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

- Dr. Seuss -“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” - Robert Brault -“The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.” - Bill Copeland Future Aspirations: In the future I would like to study “Mechatronic Engineering” at university, (a combination of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering) and then pursue a career related to this field.

Where I would like to be in 10 years: Married with kids and living in a house with a big shed where I can work on my cars.

Role Models: My parents.

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POSITIVE EMAIL CULTURE Emails at Home and School Emails can serve a good purpose but they have their good and their bad points. At their best they are great communicators. At worst they can cause misunderstandings, fail to communicate emotional nuances, and by their broadcast qualities can irreparably harm relationships.

The advantage of an email’s speed is also its shortcoming. Friendships can be lost by too much haste and too little thought before pressing ‘send’.

Communication is a good thing, provided the communication is positive or constructive and appreciated by the other party. When staff and parents use emails to communicate we all need to observe some common sense protocols that allow us to maximise benefits.

The following protocols are based on Parenting Tips which is provided as a service to the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia: Some Protocols Greet your recipient by name – it’s polite.

Brevity is the strength of email but it can be all too easily mistaken for impoliteness. Before pressing ‘send’, if it is not an email response, recheck the text and add some niceties.

Emails are at their best with content that is informative.

Avoid emails that have emotional overlay. Avoid negative emails. If you have something difficult to deal with, pick up the phone instead.

Avoid emails that are in the least confrontational, and for any issue that could at all possibly be taken the wrong way. Pick up the phone instead.

Never email words that should not be said to a recipient’s face.

Group emails have the potential to waste many people’s time if they are not pertinent.

It is courteous to avoid time-wasting emails, and even joke emails broadcast to groups.

We must not write about third parties using emotionally charged words they would be uncomfortable to read about themselves.

Interpret behaviour in a most charitable light and stick to the facts.

Do not reply to emails that are contentious. A fact to face discussion is needed.

Do not forward emails of any sensitivity to a third party without permission of the sender. This is obviously all the more important if there is distribution to a group.

Sign off with your name and contact details – it’s helpful.

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Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite gives us six reasons why Orthodox light candles:

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