Newsletter 202 13 2018

VOLUME XXXV Nº 13 14th September 2018

DATES TO REMEMBER SEPTEMBER Year 12 Farewell Assembly

20th

Years 5-12 Doxology (Full School Uniform)

21st

Year 12 Farewell Dinner

24th

Senior School Showcase

26th

Festival of Learning – JS Open Day

28th

Foundation Blessing Ceremony of the New StateOf-The Art Infants School Term 3 ends for Staff and Students

OCTOBER Staff and Students return (Summer uniform)

15th

OHI Day Celebrations

28th

Spring Fair and Greek Welfare Centre Walkaton Year 4 visit to Senior School

29th

NOVEMBER Kindergarten 2019 transition

13th

Kindergarten 2019 transition

21st

Year 4 Camp

26th

Years 3 & 4 Camp

27th

Years 3 & 4 Camp

28th

Years 5 & 6 Camp Years 5 & 6 Camp

29th

Years 5 & 6 Camp

30th

FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE GREEK BUSHFIRE APPEAL THANK YOU GENEROSITY

FOR

YOUR

On the 3rd of August we appealed to our school community to help raise funds for the children of the Lyreio Children’s Foundation, which was burnt down in the Greek bushfires. We wish to express our gratitude to you, for your most generous response. Our College has raised $20,000.00 for this worthy cause. This money will go to support the re-establishment of what is the home of 65 orphaned children. Thank you for your kindness and compassion towards these children.

DECEMBER Reports to Parents – JS

3rd

Year 6 Graduation

4th

Term ends for students Academic Excellence and Student Leadership Assembly Years 3-12 St Spyridon Day

11th

12th

Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag

K-12 NEWS Jerusalem for its inauguration or official opening. On the following day, the 14th of September, St Helen would place or deposit the precious Cross in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where it was elevated and presented before the faithful for veneration. Henceforth, the feast of the elevation became an annual celebration on the 14th of September. In the 7th Century A.D. however, the Persians had invaded Jerusalem, and among the many things they had committed, they had stolen the precious and lifegiving Cross. As a result, the annual feast of the elevation came to an end. The Byzantine Emperor Heraclius however, would not remain indifferent to this injustice. He embarked on a military campaign against Persia where he successfully retrieved the Cross, having defeated the Persian army.

HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OR ELEVATION OF THE MOST PRECIOUS AND LIFE-GIVING CROSS 2018

On the 14th of September in the year 629 A.D., the Emperor would return the precious Cross to its rightful owners, the Church of Jerusalem.

Emperor Heraclius triumphantly entered into Jerusalem delivering the Cross to Patriarch Zacharias. Together, the Emperor, Patriarch and the faithful, went to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. There the Emperor elevated the Cross. It was received with great joy by the faithful who venerated it, chanting the hymns, ‘Lord have mercy’ and ‘Save O Lord Your people and bless your inheritance…” the then national anthem of the Byzantine Empire. In this way the feast of the elevation that began in the 4th Century A.D. was re-established. Orthodox Christians and Christians throughout the world both venerate and honour the precious and lifegiving Cross of our Saviour, as it was the instrument upon which our Lord extended His pure and blameless arms, and by doing so, destroyed death and embraced all of humanity – granting to all eternal life. May the Cross of Christ save us in its strength!

On the 14th of September each year, the Orthodox Church commemorates the feast of the elevation of the most precious and life-giving Cross.

According to St Nektarios the Wonderworker, the present feast does not commemorate its discovery by St. Helen in the 4th Century A.D. Instead, it is based on an event that had taken place nine years after its discovery. On the 6th of March in the year 326 A.D., St. Helen the mother of St. Constantine the Great, would embark on a journey from Constantinople to Jerusalem in order to unearth the Cross of our Lord. According to St. Cyril of Jerusalem, the Cross of our Saviour was approximately 15 feet in height and 8 feet in width. St Helen would take the horizontal axis or beam of the Cross with her to Constantinople, while the vertical beam of the Cross would be left in Jerusalem. St Helen then commissioned the construction of a magnificent Church on the site of our Lord’s crucifixion and resurrection - a massive complex today known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the Church of the Holy Resurrection.

Mr A. Picardi Orthodox Studies Teacher

Upon its completion on the 13th of September in the year 335 A.D, St Helen would return to 4

CONGRATULATIONS

EVENTS TO FAREWELL YEAR 12, 2018

Congratulations to our Dean of Senior Programs Mr P. Meintanis on the birth of his first granddaughter Tara, daughter of Natalie Bountros (HSC Class 2001).

A number of events have been organized to farewell our Year 12 students: 

Thursday, 20th September: Years 7-12 Farewell Assembly 11:00am in the SPACe. Parents are welcome to attend.



Friday, 21st September: Years 5-12 Doxology in the presence of Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, St Spyridon Church – parents and family are welcome and encourage to attend – 8:45am.



Monday, 24th September: Year 12 Formal Dinner for Year 12 students, teachers, parents and family at Doltone House, Sylvania Waters.

The HSC examination period begins Thursday 18th October, 2018.

Year 12 2018

5

on

P&F NEWS FATHER’S DAY EVENTS Father’s Day events were a huge success. Thank you to everyone who donated, participated, and volunteered in our Father’s day activities. This year we sold out of everything at the stalls and we had record number turn out at the breakfast – 500!

Together we raised $15,239 in profit for our school – our dads have become as generous and active as our mums in our events.

OPEN DAY – Friday 28th September Next, the P&F look forward to hosting our canteen service at the forthcoming “Festival of Learning” morning, on the last day of this Term on Friday 28th September. We will have a selection of savoury and sweet food available for sale to tempt you on this morning!

Desma Spyridopoulos P&F Assistant Secretary

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT YEAR 6 ARTMAKING As a staff, we have been planning to trial this learning sequence for a while, but the fear of mess made us hesitant. However, it is clear that we have been rewarded with outstanding learner engagement in both art making and appreciation.

Recently, Year 6 studied the styles and techniques of the artist Jackson Pollock. An American Abstract Painter, Pollock used the techniques of Automatism; painting without prior plans of what to paint, and Action Painting; physically moving around, into and onto the canvas, to express ideas and emotions in a fluid and automatic way. Pollock utilised different tools to splat, throw, toss and spray his canvases in an ‘all over way,’ using enamel paints. He sometimes listened to music as he painted; further inspiring his abstract use of line, form and colour.

Ms D. McCarthy Primary School Coordinator Excerpts from student evaluations: Jackson Pollock was an American artist who made paintings using Action Painting and Automatism. He started off doing paintings on an easel, but for the final years of his life he painted without an easel, putting his canvas on the floor instead.

In class, Year 6 were required to select from the 14 classroom paint colours, use given tools of brushes, drinking straws and yarn, and select their own tools to apply watered-down acrylic paints to cardboard, just like Pollock himself.

With a time limit of 10-15 minutes, students successfully painted in the style of the artist, Jackson Pollock, and displayed artistic appreciation for his ideas and techniques. Some even listened to music, or used a syringe, like Pollock did in learning videos, to spread their paint.

By Harry Hatzi Year 6 was asked to create their own Jackson Pollock style paintings, inspired by this artist.

Our canvases (A2 cardboard) were placed on the floor, and we were to create our ‘masterpiece’ without an idea in our head! (This is called AUTOMATISM, a technique Jackson Pollock used). We used spoons, forks, the ends of paintbrushes, string, yarn, straws and even a bucket to splat paint onto our page!

By Angelique Drakakis Year 6 had to create an artwork using Jackson Pollock’s styles. My artwork shows my emotions, and on that day I used dark colours 7

like black, brown and red. The technique I used was Automatism, which made it all original.

By James Kefalouros I think Jackson’s way of painting really influenced me, because of the way he did it; he would walk around his painting, to get the whole canvas covered in paint. I also liked the way he put the paint on the canvas.

By Ioanna Panayi YEAR 6 BENTO BOX CHALLENGE Second place was awarded to Alexandra Bizannes and Ellie Tsoukalas for having the most Teachers’ votes for the most creative and best tasting Bento Box. Third place was awarded to Jordan Haramis, Connor Kristallis and Ari Kougias for having the most Year 6 student votes for the most creative and best tasting Bento Box. Ms K. Wright & Ms K. Galanis Year 4 Classroom Teachers The Year 6 students were asked to collaboratively design a menu for a healthy lunch Bento Box, as part of their PDH unit: Food and Nutrition.

BOOK WEEK COMPETITION WINNERS Congratulations to Stephanie Moros from KJ, Christopher Skouteris from 1V and Chloe Liaskos from 2C for winning the Infants Find Your Treasure Colouring in competition for Book Week.

The students were required to select a variety of healthy and nutritious snacks, using the Food Pyramid as a guide, while also taking into account the aesthetics of the Bento Box; ensuring they used lots of colour to make it visually appealing for the consumer.

The students were assessed using a specifically designed rubric which was based around: budget, environmental friendliness, taste, aesthetics and nutritious food choices.

Three places were awarded to the following students: First place was awarded to Catherine Coutts, Julia Kamaras and Isabella Koutoulogenis for the most creative and best tasting Bento Box, as well as for successfully achieving all task criteria.

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Stephanie Moros - KJ

Chloe Liaskos – 2C THE FIRE

I lick my lips in desperation, trying to stop the smoke from drying them out. I'm twelve storeys high. I know I can’t make it. My lungs can only take so much smoke. It’s getting hotter and hotter. Towels under the door don’t do anything.

I don’t know what to do…

It all started on May 18th. My family was going to come to visit my apartment, but they couldn’t make it. I decided to just lounge around the apartment on the sofa.

Christopher Skouteris - 1V

Below, on the bottom storey, the alcoholics are arguing.

I hear yelling and doors

slamming. Shortly after, I hear bottles smashing.

Apparently, they didn’t realise there was a stove on. Big mistake. It immediately starts getting warmer. I hear the sprinklers going off, but there are too many flammables around the building.

“Fire!” I hear people yelling. I start to get worried.

Luckily, the firefighters found you unconscious just before the building was fully engulfed.

Tomorrow you will be receiving an award.” a doctor tells me.

I fall asleep.

Chrysa Kirkis - 6P

'This isn’t a normal fire, maybe arson,' I ponder.

I jump off my couch and slip on my grubby sneakers, the sparkles reflecting like shiny diamonds on the wall. I run to my door and haul myself into the corridor. It’s full of smoke. I run back to my room and grab some rags, tying it around my mouth and nose, like a western cowboy. I speed into the corridor, prepared this time. Black smoke is everywhere, a thick dark fog makes my vision blurred. It’s so difficult to even feel around. I hear footsteps. I sense people running up towards me.

On Thursday, 6th of September, six Year 6 students participated in the annual Maths Cup at Amity College. These students were Alexandra Bizannes, Catherine Coutts, Andrew Dalessis, Elizabeth Notaras, Denny Poulos, and Tara Zinopoulos.

“Stay here! We will evacuate the rest of the floors first. Don’t move!" The fireman commands, "There’s a massive abyss on this floor.”

With 158 teams and over 400 students participating, the competition allows Year 6 students from across NSW to test themselves against the best the State has to offer. Students competed in teams of three and rotated through the three qualifying rounds called MatChoice, MatOperator and MatRace. Each round required the students to showcase different mathematical skills and knowledge, including mental computation (MatOperator), general mathematical knowledge of the Stage 3 Curriculum (MatChoice), and problem solving (MatRace). Our students shone particularly during the MatRace round with one team scoring 91 points out of a possible 100.

Five minutes pass, Ten minutes, half an hour... nothing.

I can’t just stay here like a sitting duck. I need to act. Slowly, I begin to feel around myself and attempt to navigate my way through. I steadily make progress until I have located the stairs and I immediately proceed down. The smoke is getting thicker, and it’s impossible to see. The rag on my face is drying out, so I run to the apartment and wet the towels that I found in that apartment. I decide to stay until help arrives. I’m on the twelfth floor. I stay for approximately 10 minutes. Again, the smoke is getting thicker.

Nobody comes. I don’t know what to do. The running water stops and nothing stays wet. I lick my lips in desperation, trying to stop the smoke from drying them out. I'm twelve storeys high. I know I can’t make it. My lungs can only take so much smoke. It’s getting hotter and hotter.

Towels under the door don’t do anything. The smoke clouds my thoughts and eye.

It was wonderful to see the excitement and passion our students exhibited towards all sections of the competition and the encouragement and team work they displayed!

Mr I. Davies Year 5 and 6 Mathematics Teacher “Competing at this year’s Maths Cup was a fantastic experience as it gave us the opportunity to compete against pupils from all over NSW. The standard was very high and I particularly enjoyed taking part in the MatOperator as it

The next thing I remember is waking up in a hospital. “Jennifer, you made it. The chances were minuscule, but you made it, nevertheless.

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involved a great deal of logic and thinking beyond numbers”.

It was a fun filled day with lots of exceptional individual performances. St Spyridon College won the competition so we keep the trophy for another year! Well done to all students involved.

Denny Poulos - Year 6

STUDENT PROFILE CONGRATULATIONS LAZARUS

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS PROGRAM

Lazarus Eliopoulos (3G) attended Oceania Mulimpia in Brisbane over the weekend and came home with 2 Gold and 2 Bronze medals.

Master Mark Underwood of Zone Martial Arts in Taren Point is very proud.

What an achievement!

FUTSAL GALA DAY 28th AUGUST 2018

We are very proud of you and wish you every success in the future.

Congratulations to the winners of the boys Futsal Gala Day on 28th August 2018 at David Philips Field.

GREEK ORTHODOX CARNIVAL

ATHLETICS

On Monday 10th September we had the Greek Orthodox Athletics Carnival at Crest Oval Bass Hill. All Saints College was the Host School. I’d like to thank Ms McCarthy and Mr Davies for their assistance and hard work throughout the day.

Mrs C. Diavatiotis Sports Coordinator Mr A. Dookie Deputy Principal Junior School 11

SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT Overall, we were able to expand our knowledge on the liveability of places and to further our knowledge outside of the classroom. An enjoyable and informative day was had by all!

GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION On Friday the 31st of August, Ms Vardas, Mr Zafiropoulos and Ms He accompanied the Year 7 students on a Geography excursion. The purpose of the excursion was to observe and evaluate the features that enhance the liveability of Darling Harbour and Barangaroo.

Jennifer Pyliotis – Year 7 SOLAR CAR CHALLENGE

First, we observed the many different functions and services that improve Darling Harbour’s liveability. We came to the conclusion that places such as hotels, tourism activities and open public spaces are necessary for a liveable place.

Then, we were required to take a photo that depicts the multifunctional aspects of Darling Harbour. We were then assigned the task of completing a photo sketch, making sure we captured all of the details that contribute to the liveability of the area.

On Friday 31st August and Saturday 1st September, Year 9 students went to the Sunsprint event at UNSW. Like last year we made our own mini solar cars that are powered by 2.2V solar panels. On Friday, we all tested our cars on the tracks but unfortunately there was no sun, meaning that we had to use batteries to power our cars. On Saturday, however, the sun was really bright and allowed us to race our cars. Our school did really well. Our team’s results were:

Next, we went to Barangaroo and studied the processes of urban decay and urban renewal. We learnt that Barangaroo had to undergo the process of urban decay as new technologies were introduced and the ports at Barangaroo were no longer needed. We also learnt that urban renewal is the redevelopment of an existing urban area.

After that, we looked at the transport options that are available in Barangaroo. We observed that parking, bus and ferry services were conveniently located for both local residents and tourists.

- Friday: 

20m event: Team “Velocity” came 1st out of 8 teams and Team “Eastern Sharks” came 5th out of 8.

- Saturday:  

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20m event: Team “Solar Rollers” were among top 8 out of 50 teams.

100m STEM event: Team “The Majestic Duck” came 2nd and Team “Velocity” came 3rd.

We were asked to view and examine some ancient artefacts dating back up to eight thousand years. We then recorded where in the world we thought they originated from; what material the artefact was made of; when it was made and what it was actually used for. We were then required to draw a visual representation of the artefact that we were given.

Everyone was given a different sample.

We then progressed to the Nicholson Museum and viewed mummified bodies from ancient Egypt, and some pottery from ancient Greece.

Amongst the historical display was a very large Lego construction of ancient Rome. Year 7 were treated to a very interesting experience whereby we learned a great deal about the artefacts that were presented there and how to think like an historian.

Anastasia Gikas and Evan Tsiokos – Year 9 Dr L. Srinivasan Science and Physics Teacher HISTORY EXCURSION

I thoroughly enjoyed this excursion and think it was a worthwhile experience and I hope to do something similar in the future.

Peter Kotsis – Year 7 Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School Deputy Head of College

On Tuesday, 4th September, Year 7 went on an excursion to the University of Sydney and Nicholson Museum, which is also located within the grounds of Sydney University. We took part in a couple of interesting activities with the help of our tour guide.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT

SOUP KITCHEN Last week Christina Borean, Taylor Marinos and Athena Demetriou from Year 9 volunteered for Soup Kitchen. This week there were plentiful chicken, baked vegetables and salad being served up on the menu. We were told that the volunteers came in at 6.30am to begin their preparations: cooking 80kg of chicken pieces, peeling veggies and cutting up salads. Once again our students were enthusiastic and efficient in carrying out their duties and said that the experience was “even better” than they expected and that they felt good about being able to do a “good deed for the day”!

COLLECTING FOR LEGACY

IN THE SPOTLIGHT TIANA TROYANOVSKY – Vocalist

Legacy began in 1923 with the promise to help the families of the fallen. It is a charity providing services to Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a spouse or parent, during or after their defence force service. Currently Legacy cares for around 60,000 beneficiaries.

Tiana from Year 10 began her time in the spotlight as Latin American and Ballroom dancer, but as she grew older discovered her passion was more with music and singing. As a result of her electric cultural mix, a heritage comprised of Peruvian, Russian and Italian influences, Tiana’s home was always filled with the musical influences of these regions.

Subsequently she moved from singing to family and with her hairbrush in front of the mirror, to taking up formal singing lessons with a vocal coach.

Legacy is a voluntary organisation supported by veterans, servicemen and women, and volunteers drawn from all walks of life. Last Friday SRC’s from Year 9 spent their morning fundraising for this worthy cause.

Thank You: Elise Georgiou, Billy Bourdaniotis, Mary Diamond, Evan Hatgis, Elleni Mouskos and Billy Bounos.

Tiana has been attending singing lessons 2-3 times a week for a few years now and has developed a unique RnB style that has caught the attention of music critics. They have likened her vocal style to that of Aaliyah and Ariana Grande, and have stated, “The young star is set to take on the world” with “her beautiful melodies, clear vocals and nostalgic sound take one straight back to the 80’s and 90’s.” (flavourmag.uk) Recently Tiana was interviewed on The Edge 96.1 Radio station following the release of her first single “Breathe” and she is currently working on an album, which is set to be completed later in the year. We look forward to hearing and seeing Tiana perform at the upcoming Showcase later this term and to learning more of her future success.

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at the “Battle of the Bands”, 2018 placed 3rd in a guitar competition, and more recently participated in the largest guitar ensemble (made up of 457 people) in Sydney playing ‘Highway to Hell’ and making it into the Guinness Book of Records.

Jonathon has also recently formed a band called Tangelo where he will have further opportunity to demonstrate his skill and mastery of improvising complex sets. We will once again get to see Jonathon in action at Showcase on Wednesday 26th September.

JONATHAN KAN - Guitarist Jonathan (Year 11) first began playing guitar at the age of 9 and has been studying music at the Senior School since first joining the college. He has had about 8 external guitar teachers over the years that have helped add to his repertoire of skills. Exposure to the art of live performance (outside of the school setting) first came when he joined a small private music academy that had a band which performed in front of audiences at venues like the Bronte Surf Club and Blues Bar in Double Bay. These experiences provided Jonathon with further opportunity to experiment with his craft in his early years.

Since then, Jonathon has continued with additional guitar tuition at the Australian Institute of Music, joined a music program at “Big Music” resulting in many ‘gigs’ around Sydney. His talent as a creative guitarist has been recognised on numerous occasions including: 2016 being awarded “Best Guitarist” 16

SPIROS ZAFIROPOULOS - Guitarist and Vocalist

PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Uploading photos and videos onto social media services and websites can be a great way to share memorable moments with friends and family, or to boost engagement with your community. But there can be risks associated with posting photos and videos of children online. There are some things you can do to reduce the risk of photos and videos being shared more widely than you intended.

Spiros of Year 11 has been playing guitar since the age of 11. He is a self- taught guitarist whose love of music, powers of observation and great ‘ear’, enabled him to pick up various skills from musicians he admired.

Spiros was first introduced to the bass guitar in Year 7 and discovered a natural ability with this instrument. Since then he has participated in every school Showcase, performed in front of large gatherings including community fundraising events, the 2018 Combined Greek Orthodox College Dinner in Melbourne and competitions such “Battle of the Bands”. Spiros has also picked up the bouzouki and performed with his tutor at Tavernaki on several occasions and more recently at a large concert with 15 other bouzouki artists.

Tips for taking photos and videos and sharing them online Public and private places The law treats taking photos or videos in private places and public places differently. In public places you have the right to take a photo unless you do so in a way that is offensive or makes a nuisance to those around you. When an event is taking place at a private place people can enforce rules about photography, so you should consider gaining consent before taking photos and videos.

We look forward to Spiros’ performance at this year’s Showcase with the school band.

Think before you post Once posted online any photo or video can be shared, copied and/or manipulated. You may not be able to control how a photo or video is used by others.

Think about:   TECH TALK FRIDAY from the Office of the e-safety Commissioner

 

Who might be able to see these photos?

Is there anyone else in this photo? (Be mindful that some people may not want their image to be published) Will this photo offend anyone?

Are there any identifying details in the photo? (Including personal information such as your child's name, landmarks and street signs)

Privacy settings When uploading photos and videos check your privacy settings on the social media services you use as well as on the device. You can change privacy settings to control who sees your photos.

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Alternate ways to share photos and videos

Information for parents and carers

Other ways that may give you more control when sharing photos and videos include:

Parents, families and children enjoy seeing photos of their achievements but this should always be done safely.

 



sharing photos by email What can I do if I have concerns about current photography practices at my child’s school/club/organisation?

using a secure online portal (secure online facility enabling organisations to authorise access through secure passwords)

Contact the school or organisation directly to raise your concerns. Schools and organisations should be able to refer you to their social media policy. This should provide details about the type of photos that can be posted, the way they will be used and how they obtain consent from parents or carers.

multimedia messaging service (a standard way to send messages that include photos and videos over a cellular network).

Do photos and videos once posted on social media sites, become the property of the site owners?

Geo-location Sharing photos online can sometimes identify your location. If you do not want to share your location through your photos: 

check the location settings on your device to know what apps are using geo–location and turn them off or limit the function



ensure that GPS locations and schedules of children’s activities are not shared online.

Some social media sites give themselves the rights to copy and use your photos and videos.

Social media services may have Terms and Conditions or a Statement of Rights and Responsibilities which outlines how they manage sharing your photos, videos and information—these should be reviewed carefully before making any decisions on whether you consent to photos of your child being posted.

A photo or video of my child has been posted online without my permission. How can I get it removed?

The risks Taking these steps and being mindful of safety can help to minimise any risks that come with you sharing photos and videos of your child online. It’s important to remember that some people may have a different interest in your child than you do. There have been cases where innocent images posted on social media or other websites have been ‘harvested’ and used for other purposes. Sometimes predators can narrow down their search of children because of identifying details in photos.

In the first instance you should ask the person who posted the photo or video to remove it. If the person refuses or you don’t know who posted it, you may wish to contact or report your concern to the specific social media site.

Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

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PREFECT PROFILE Name: Jennifer Eve Contominas Age: 16.

Number of Years at St Spyridon College: 13.

Previous leadership roles: Year 6 Prefect, Peer Support Leader, Olympians House Captain, ISA Open A basketball Captain.

Subjects I am studying: English Advanced, Extension 1 Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Business Studies.

Hobbies: Playing basketball and piano.

Future Aspirations: I hope to study Speech Pathology and eventually open my own practice.

My Role Models: My parents and brothers along with my teachers.

Favourite quote: “Choose rather to be strong of soul than strong of body” – Pythagoras My proudest moment: Performing in school showcases as well as the National Schools Event playing both sport and music.

One Student Principle that is most meaningful to me and why: Student Principle 9: “We respond to the difficulties of life with patience, dignity and faith, never fearing to start again.”

As young people, we all face challenges in our everyday life. These challenges are not necessarily unique to us; however, it is how we deal with these obstacles that define us. Patience is one of life’s greatest virtues and allows us to think before making hasty, rushed decisions. Our ability to act and treat others with dignity, striving for the best, not only for ourselves but also for those around us is fundamental to our faith as Orthodox Christians. I truly believe with faith, and God by our sides, we can all achieve greatness without being fearful of failing or starting again

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PREFECT PROFILE Name: Christina Hatgis.

Age: 16.

Number of years at St Spyridon College: 13 years.

Previous Leadership Roles: SRC Year 9, Peer Support Leader.

Subjects I am currently studying: Advanced English, General Mathematics, Ancient History, Visual Arts, Information Digital Technology (VET), and Business Studies.

Hobbies: Drawing, printmaking, tennis and various forms of digital media.

My Future Aspirations: I would like to continue my studies at University, hopefully majoring in a technology or digital media course.

My role models: My parents, for their ongoing support and encouragement.

Favourite quote: “Logic will get you from a to z; imagination will take you everywhere” – Albert Einstein My proudest moment: Being accepted into the National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Course, majoring in printmaking and my academic achievements.

One Student Principle that is most meaningful to me and why: Student Principal 9: “We respond to the difficulties of life with patience, dignity and faith, never fearing to start again”.

In both my school and personal life I have learnt that patience, dignity and faith are three traits that are important for leading a happy and balanced life. These traits give me the courage and perseverance to take on life’s challenges and demands and achieve my goals. Whenever I am nervous or unsure I seek help from my family and my teachers and pray for guidance and my fear or uncertainty is eased.

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PREFECT PROFILE Name: Nathan Adam Age: 17 Number of Years at St Spyridon College: 13 Previous Leadership Roles: Sports House Captain in Senior and Junior School; Captain for Representative soccer teams: Pagewood FC, Sydney University, Frazer Park, Fiji Cup team, Futsal team, Captain for opens school soccer team, Captain for u15’s and u16’s school soccer teams, Captain for u16’s and opens futsal team, Peer support leader, SRC representative.

Subjects I am currently studying: 2 units of Mathematics, Advanced English, PDHPE, Business Studies, Biology and Food Tech.

Hobbies: Playing soccer, listening to music, driving and eating.

My Future Aspirations: To be successful while enjoying life with the people I love.

My role Models: My Dad and Steven Gerard.

Favourite Quote: “Everything happens for a reason”.

My proudest moment: Being awarded the sportsman of the year for my soccer club.

One Student Principle that is most meaningful to me and why: Student Principle 5: “We consider our studies to be our main goal and undertake to be active participants in our own learning. We set goals for our lives and strive to achieve them with a positive state of mind always working towards justice, truth and beauty.”

I feel this student principle is a true representation of my own values as without active participation and hard work, achievements are limited.

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GREEK COLUMN Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι,

HSC 2013 - Topic: Write a note to thank a friend who has recently helped you.

Στην έκδοση αυτή θα σας κρατήσουμε συντροφιά με δυο γραπτά της ίδιας μαθήτριας που έχουν να κάνουν με θέματα των τελικών εξετάσεων (HSC) του 2013.

Πολυαγαπημένο μου Κατερινάκι, Εύχομαι να είσαι καλά και εσύ και οι γονείς σου και να περνάτε όλοι καλά.

Καλή ανάγνωση Εγώ είμαι πολύ καλά και σε σκέπτομαι πάντα με αγάπη και ευγνωμοσύνη γιατί μου στάθηκες σαν πραγματική φιλενάδα όταν σε χρειάστηκα.

κα Μ. Φαλέτα HSC 2013 - Topic: A new student from overseas has joined your class. Write a diary entry describing your first meeting with him/her.

Δεν θα ξεχάσω ποτέ την ημέρα που με πήρες τυχαία τηλέφωνο και ήμουν απαρηγόρητη αφού είχα τσακωθεί με τους γονείς μου επειδή με πίεζαν να κρατήσω όλα τα μαθήματα για τις τελικές μου εξετάσεις ενώ μπορούσα να κρατήσω μόνο δέκα μονάδες αντί για δεκατρείς. Ήμουν τόσο θυμωμένη που δεν μου έδειχναν την κατανόηση που περίμενα, που κόντευα να τρελαθώ και τότε ... χτύπησε το τηλέφωνο και ήσουν εσύ!

Πολυαγαπημένο μου ημερολογιάκι, Είμαι πολύ ενθουσιασμένη γιατί σήμερα ήρθε στην τάξη μας μια καινούρια κοπέλα από Ελλάδα. Καλά, δεν μπορείς να φανταστείς πόσο μοιάζουμε εξωτερικά, αλλά και σαν χαρακτήρες. Θα με ρωτήσεις πώς τα κατάλαβα όλα αυτά; Μα, από την πρώτη στιγμή που την είδα και μας είπε ότι είναι από την Αθήνα, ένιωσα ότι έχουμε πολλά κοινά. Και όντος, είναι κι αυτή μοναχοπαίδι και την λένε Κατερίνα. Διάλεξε ακριβώς τα ίδια αθλήματα με μένα και θέλει να πάει κι αυτή Ιατρική! Μου άρεσε που μιλούσε τέλεια Ελληνικά και αυτή έδειξε να ενθουσιάζεται με μένα και τα Ελληνικά μου!

Ακόμη θυμάμαι την ήρεμη φωνή σου που με ανακούφιζε. Ένιωσα για πρώτη φορά ότι κάποιος με άκουγε πραγματικά και με καταλάβαινε! Μου εξήγησες ήρεμα ότι οι γονείς μου θέλουν μόνο το καλό μου και μόνο αυτό και ότι μου είχες εμπιστοσύνη ότι θα μπορούσα μετά την συζήτησή μας να τους ανοίξω την καρδιά μου και να τους εξηγήσω το πώς νιώθω και τι θέλω χωρίς φωνές και υστερίες, με ψυχραιμία και πειθώ! Λοιπόν, άκουσα την συμβουλή σου, το έκανα και πέτυχε! Η σχέση μου με τους γονείς μου αποκαταστάθηκε και τώρα πλησιάζω στις εξετάσεις μου, χάρη σε σένα με άνεση και ηρεμία. Εύχομαι να είσαι πάντα καλά και να βοηθάς πάντα τόσο αποτελεσματικά τους γύρω σου.

Το καλύτερο δεν στο είπα ακόμα. Μένει πολύ κοντά μας και η μαμά της γνώρισε την δική μου και είναι και οι δύο από το ίδιο μέρος. Δεν ήξερε η μία την άλλη, αλλά ήταν μια ευκαιρία να γνωριστούν. Οπότε βρήκα την τέλεια φίλη και είμαι σίγουρη ότι θα περάσουμε τέλεια οι δυο μας.

Με παντοτινή αγάπη Μη ζηλεύεις όμως επειδή εσύ θα είσαι πάντα ο καλύτερός μου φίλος!

Η φίλη σου

Τα ξαναλέμε.... Ελένη

Μαρία Eleni Preketes Year 11 (Modern Greek Year 12)

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SPORTS COLUMN ISA ATHLETICS CARNIVAL To pursue sporting excellence in Athletics is a difficult and sometimes lonely endeavour. It is a solitary sport where you are often resigned to self-talk and imagery to help you overcome the daunting task of competing either in the field or the track.

The very idea that a slight misjudgement or small error in a field event or poor start in a race on the track could mean the difference between being competitive or not, makes the CONTEST or ATHLOS all the more enjoyable and meaningful.

Our students are given that opportunity to compete at the ISA Athletics Carnival, an Annual event that gives all students among the 20 schools the opportunity to take part in the ‘CONTEST’ to test their stamina, power, speed and strength. This year the College students, were as always admirable in their approach to all CONTESTS, they were more than willing to take the opportunity, to seize the moment and embrace the CONTEST. As a result there were many outstanding results, however it was not only the results that made this year’s St Spyridon College representative team different.

It stands out as a special squad because of what transpired before our eyes.

Our Senior Students would watch their many predecessors run, throw and jump in their last carnival for their school, and while they illuminated the track with their running and jumping it became clear that the Year 7 students were willing to take up the CONTEST. That is the greatest CONTEST of all, to replace a group of Year 12 students who for years have represented the College with dignity and respect and commitment, who have been the cornerstone and pillar of our Athletics team and the very students we have always leant on. The magnitude of this fete is by no means easy to comprehend let alone try to emulate especially considering all that they have achieved in Athletics and sport. Yet the Year 7s it seems embraced the challenge, and they, not willing to imitate their older peers chose rather to LIGHT up the track and field and make it their own.

This carnival will be remembered for the statement the younger students made, as much as the admiration and acknowledgement won by our Year 12 outgoing athletes.

It was a sweet day, a day like no other, while team trophies were not won the girls managed to finish 2nd in Junior and Senior Divisions achieving an overall position of 2nd and the relegation for the boys from Division 1 back to Division 2 was a certain reality. There was a sense that we had as a school won a more significant CONTEST. That is the realisation that we would be ready and prepared to take a leap ahead without our eldest students in 2019 and do so with an air of confidence because our Year 7 Athletes with all their virtue would look to fill the void and do so by adding value. We farewelled our Year 12s in a fitting farewell acknowledgement post carnival on the stands, but we welcomed our new Year 7s and are confident that our Year 8 – Year 11 student athletes will invariably rise to meet the challenges ahead and set forth a course that will result in more success and build on the foundations laid by our Year 12 cohort of 2018.

Perhaps the highlights of the meet were watching Nicholas Kollias our Sports Captain jump to a new school record and ISA record in High Jump with a winning jump of 1.96m. An athlete who has not failed to progress to the ISA level in any of his years at the College. An

athlete who glides over seemingly impossible dizzying heights effortlessly, an athlete who graces the planner with clear distinction in the High Jump in particular.

To our Year 12s you have been incredible ambassadors of the school. You leave the school with many memorable CONTESTS in Athletics.

We are indebted to you for the majestical long lasting memories you have created and leave the school with. You will definitely be missed, but I am confident you know that no matter the outcome in all your years of competing at all the ISA athletics events no matter the outcome, for us you are and have always been VICTORIOUS.

Maybe watching the Open boys (Zac Prelec, Nicholas Kollias, Anthony Pascalis and Adam Geortsis) take 2nd place in the 4 x 100m relay and secure their spot in the ISA team is the most memorable highlight. They are now the school’s first relay team to compete for the ISA at the NSWCIS carnival. Others may suggest that watching Spiros Zafiropoulos of Year 11 throw the Shot and earning a place in the NSWCIS Carnival.

In regards to success on the day the above achievements were recognised through the following students earning their place in the ISA Athletics Team to compete at the NSWCIS Athletics Championships.

Yet we may also look to Peter Kotsis of Year 7 who ran an incredible 100m to make the ISA team in a time of 13.41sec, or maybe Leon Kalyvas in Year 7 who placed first in both Discus 33.37m and Shot Put 10.63m. Or maybe Gabriella Guerrera, our new Year 7 champion Triple Jumper with a jump of 9.95m or just maybe those who witnessed the scintillating sprinting ability of Larisa Arnautovic of Year 7 who qualified for the 100m in a time of 13.86m, 200m in a time of 28.46, 400m in a time of 1:04.22 and 800m in a time of 2:38.09. Larissa seemed to be at ease on the big stage, silencing all who admired the ease with which she cruised past her opposing competitors.

Congratulations to the following students: Larisa Arnautovic – 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m Theofanis Barlas - 400m Gabriella Guerrera – Triple Jump Benjamin Hickman - 800m and 1500m Leon Kalyvas - Shot Put and Discus Nicholas Kollias – High Jump and Long Jump Peter Kotsis - 100m and High Jump Alexia Moufarrege - 200m Kamuta Vakafua - Discus and Shot Put Spiros Zafiropoulos – Shot Put BOYS OPEN RELAY TEAM: Adam Geortsis, Nicholas Kollias, Zac Prelec and Anthony Pascalis.

The highlight reels are amazing, but more so the humbling, and inspiring CONTEST winning collective of all our Athletes who managed in one day to be victorious because of their efforts and relentless approach to all athletic events.

The team effort was by far the greatest highlight.

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17yrs Long Jump Nicholas Kollias- 6.07m Junior Girls Triple Jump Gabriella Guerrera9.95m 15yrs Boys Javelin Michael Vlahos- 26.93m 17yrs Boys Javelin Nicholas Kollias-35.20m

We also had a number of school records broken, these will be updated in the school planner.

Congratulations to the following students: 17yrs Boys 200m Nicholas Kollias - 24.10 14yrs Boys 400m Theofanis Barlas - 1:00.22 13yrs Girls 200m Larisa Arnautovic -1:04.22 13 years Boys 800m Benjamin Hickman 2:22.53 14 yrs Boys 800m George Grillakis -2:24.79 16 Yrs Girls 800m Desi Kapodistrias- 2:48.43 Junior Boys 1500m Benjamin Hickman5:03.65 Intermediate Girls 1500m Desi Kapodistrias5:57.80 Senior Girls 1500m Victoria Zois - 6:03.83

Finally, thank you to our staff Mr Mouhtaris and Mrs Grillakis who helped with duties on the day and Mr Zafiropoulos and Mr Magoulias for their efforts with training the students throughout the athletic season. Your efforts and support are appreciated.

Ms K. O’Shea – Girls Sports Mr F. Kaldis – Boys Sports

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ST SPYRIDON COLLEGE 2019 DATES TERM 1 Monday 28th January 2019 th

Australia Day, Public Holiday

Tuesday 29 January 2019

Staff Development Day

Wednesday 30th January 2019

Staff Development Day

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Thursday 31 January 2019

Years 1 to 7, 11 & 12 commence

Friday 1st February 2019

Kindergarten and Years 8 – 10 commence

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Monday 25 March 2019

The Annunciation of the Theotokos, School Closed

Friday 12th April 2019

Term ends

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Friday 19 April 2019

Western Good Friday, Public Holiday

Monday 22nd April 2019

Western Easter Monday, Public Holiday

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Thursday 25 April 2019 Friday 26th April 2019

Anzac day, Public Holiday Holy Thursday Good Friday

Sunday 28th April 2019

Orthodox Easter

Monday 29

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April 2019

TERM 2 Tuesday 30th April 2019 st

Wednesday 1 May 2019 th

Monday 10 June 2019 th

Easter Monday, school closed

Staff Development Day Students return Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

Friday 28 June 2019

Term ends for Staff and students

TERM 3 Monday 22nd July 2019

Staff Development Day

Tuesday 23rd July 2019

Students return

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Thursday 15 August 2019

The Dormition of the Theotokos – School Closed

Friday 27th September 2019

Term ends for Staff and students

TERM 4 Monday 14th October 2019

Staff and students return

Wednesday 11th December 2019 Thursday 12th December 2019

Academic and Student Leadership Assembly Term ends for students St Spyridon Day, School closed

Friday 13th December 2019

Staff Development Day

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