VOLUME XXXVI Nº 1 8th February 2019
FEBRUARY Intensive Swim Week Years 3-6
11th -15th
Year 7 Parent Forum
18th
Year 7 Vaccinations
19th
Swimming Carnival Years 3-12 @Botany Pool
21st
ACER Scholarship Exam
23rd
MARCH Twilight Tours – SS Information Morning - JS Year 7 2020 Entrance Exam
5th 16th
25th March Celebrations
24th
The Annunciation of the Theotokos – School closed
25th
FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE Together with Mrs Katsogiannis Deputy Head of College and Mrs Synesios Principal Junior School, I extend a warm welcome to all students, parents and teachers for the 2019 school year. We thank Father Steven Scoutas who has blessed the students, teachers and buildings for the beginning of the new school year. We also thank him for conducting the Senior School Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of the Five Loaves service (Aρτοκλασία). Everyone now feels renewed and refreshed for the challenges of the year ahead.
The Kindergarten teachers are very pleased with the way their new students have settled down into school life. We wish their parents all joy and strength in the years ahead. The students of the Year 7 class of 2019 have made an excellent start to Senior School, and they have stepped up quickly to the new demands and expectations of their new setting. We congratulate the HSC Class of 2018 on their outstanding results, and extend every good wish for their future. The results of our Distinguished Achievers have placed St Spyridon College in the top 12% of schools in NSW according to the Sydney Morning Herald rankings. Congratulations to all the Class and to the Dux of 2018 Rhea Tsimboukis, who achieved an ATAR of 99.60. We wish the HSC Class 2019, all strength and success in their final year of schooling. The outstanding work of P&F Committee members of 2018, with the leadership of the President Mrs Angela Kasmas, is an inspiration to us all in taking our school forward. We invite all parents K-12, to attend the P&F AGM to be held on the 19th February 2019. Please take the time to get involved in some of the many events and activities the P&F organises throughout the year. Your contribution is both needed and appreciated, because it helps create our unique school ethos. It is also a wonderful way to make new friends and connections with other parents. We look forward to another year, when teachers and parents work together to prepare our students to achieve and accomplish in ways pleasing to God. In his address to the Year 7 students and their parents, the College Captain Bill Avdalis reminded us of the words of St Paisios: “Desire and effort must come from you. God will provide the power and the result”. Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag
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COLLEGE STUDENT LEADERS 2019 We congratulate the following students who have been selected to lead the Student Body K-12 in 2019.
Bill Avdalis College Captain
Stella Ktenas Vice Captain
George Bozikis Senior Prefect
Spiros Zafiropoulos Sports Captain
Christina Vlahos Sports Captain
Prefects: Brendan Borodyansky Jade Capitanelis Anthea Condous Ephemia Damianos Dimitrios Dimas William Georgas Chris Vlachos
Adam Geortsis Fereniki Ghelis Leonidas Gouskos Mark Grillakis Sophie Ioannidis Nikolija Jovanovic Desi Kapodistrias
Cleo Mihail Roula Nicholos Eleni Preketes Katherine Raptis Alexandra Stamios Tiffany Tsoukalas Marie Vasilakis Chris Vlachos
STUDENT LEADERS
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COLLEGE CAPTAIN
Good morning Mrs Stefanou, Mrs Katsogiannis, Mr Meintanis, Ms Kokinelis, teachers and beloved students of this College. I would like to formally welcome you all back to the start of the new school year. I hope that you have all had a great start to the term, and that you are all refreshed and ready to continue your learning journey with as much enthusiasm as possible, tackling any challenges that may come your way. The second week of term has already passed and we hope that the Year 7s have had a smooth transition to Senior school. Let’s remember to always stay on task and remain focused throughout the lessons. If we cannot understand the theory or concepts explored in class, let’s not hesitate in asking for assistance from our teachers, because at the end of the day, our teachers want the very best for us and want to see us succeed. Let’s strive to improve ourselves in mind, body and soul. Remember to help one another, greet each other and as always, be good to one another. Let us never forget God in our lives so that with His help, we may try our best to achieve our goals in life. On behalf of the Year 12 Prefect body of 2019, I pray to God that the year ahead may be a blessed one full of learning, patience and spiritual growth. Bill Avdalis College Captain for 2019
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AGIASMO / BLESSING SERVICES - PHOTO GALLERY This week, both Junior and Senior School commenced our school year with a blessing in the Church and of our campuses. We prayed for the health of all our children, staff, parents and extended families. We thank our Very Reverend Father for conducting these important services for us.
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K-12 STAFF 2019 HEAD OF COLLEGE PRINCIPAL SENIOR SCHOOL/DEPUTY HEAD OF COLLEGE PRINCIPAL JUNIOR SCHOOL
JUNIOR SCHOOL STAFF: Deputy Principal Infants Coordinator Primary Coordinator Curriculum Coordinator Sports Coordinator Greek Coordinator
Mr A. Dookie Mrs M. Kipriotis Miss D. McCarthy Miss T. Bletsogiannis Mrs C. Diavatiotis Mrs A. Gambierakis
K Cerise Mrs A. Stavrou K Jade Mrs S. Anastasopoulos 1 Emerald Mrs C. Alaydrus 1 Topaz Miss T. Bletsogiannis 2 Aqua Miss A. Sirmanoglou 2 Crimson Mrs G. Zafiropoulos 2 Indigo Mrs A. Scarcella 3 Amethyst Miss M. Nicolaou 3 Sapphire Miss C. Brocklehurst 4 Azure Mrs C. Mantsis 4 Coral Miss K. Wright 4 Turquoise Miss K. Galanis 5 Amber Miss R. Besir 5 Iris Mrs N. Economou 6 Magenta Miss D. McCarthy 6 Pearl Mr I. Davies
Yr 5 & 6 Maths Mr I. Davies ICT / Science Mr P. Arnott Librarian Mrs C. Bartlett Support Teacher K-2 Mrs M. Kipriotis Music Teacher Mrs M. Page Orthodox Studies Mrs E. Giokas Support Mrs V. Liakatos Support Numeracy Mrs A. Bennett
Greek Language Mrs A. Gambierakis Mr A. Amditis Mr J. Volas Mrs S. Georgakopoulos Mrs C. Diavatiotis Greek Dancing Mrs S. Haskas Byzantine Chanting Mr V. Psilacos Administration Mrs E. Kerameas Miss E. Giannakopoulos Miss C. Tsousta Canteen Mrs A. Giaras
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Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag Mrs A. Katsogiannis Mrs A. Synesios
SENIOR SCHOOL STAFF: MANAGEMENT TEAM Dean of Middle School Ms G. Kokinelis – Yr 6-7 Transition Adviser Dean of Senior Programs Mr P. Meintanis ORTHODOX STUDIES TEAM Very Rev. Father S. Scoutas Mr. A. Picardi Mr M. Stanimirovic ENGLISH, HISTORY & DRAMA TEAM Mrs I. Koutsoukis – Curriculum Leader Ms E. Gambriell – Year 9 Adviser Mrs D. Kefalouros – Year 12 Adviser Mrs R. Kiedja Ms G. Kokinelis Mrs V. Laskas Mr S. Mouhtaris Mrs E. Mulligan Miss M. Kyriacou Mrs D. Pavlakis Mr A. Vassiliadis – Year 8 Adviser MATHEMATICS TEAM Mr A. Kollias – Curriculum Leader Mr A. Condous Mrs H. Dalakiaris Ms M. Kalithrakas – Year 10 Adviser Ms F. Kilias Mr A. Karras LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH TEAM Mrs M. Faletas – Curriculum Leader Mrs V. Alexandropoulou Mrs V. Belajcic Ms E. Gambriell Mrs A. Petrakis SCIENCE TEAM Mr J. Boyd – Curriculum Leader Mr D. Giles Mr A. Karras Dr J. McPhee Mrs K. Alibrio Mr Ly – Assistant SOCIAL SCIENCES TEAM Mrs C. Mio – Curriculum Leader Ms A. Flokis – Year 11 Adviser
Ms S. He Ms S. Vardas Mr A. Picardi Mr M. Stanimirovic Mr V. Zafiropoulos INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & MUSIC TEAM Mr P. Meintanis – Curriculum Leader Mr G. Georgoulopoulos Mr L. Sobolevski Ms C. Savva CREATIVE ARTS AND TECHNOLOGICAL AND APPLIED STUDIES TEAM Mrs V. Grillakis – Team Leader TAS Ms M. Pringle Mrs A. Evans Ms T. Zervos Ms V. Yiannaros Mrs O. Lambi – Assistant P.D. HEALTH P.E. TEAM Mr P. Meintanis – Curriculum Leader Ms A. Flokis – Year 10 Adviser Mr F. Kaldis – Boys Sport Mr S. Magoulias Ms K. O’Shea – Girls Sport Mr V. Zafiropoulos CAREERS & STUDENT WELFARE Mrs R. Fatouros – Student Welfare Adviser Ms G. Hakos – Careers Adviser STUDENT SUPPORT/ESL Ms M. Barbouttis LIBRARIAN Ms R. Bishop Mrs C. Papadakis – Assistant SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION TEAM Mrs A. Kringas – PA to Head of College Mrs. I. Klazoglou Mrs A. Winnel Mrs M. Diakanastasis Mrs M. Doyle CANTEEN Mrs K. Georgas Mrs J. Moufarrege
K-12 NEWS SYMPATHY Our sincere condolences are extended to the Reverend Father Steven Scoutas, Presvitera Patricia and the whole family on the passing of their beloved mother and grandmother Maria. May God grant rest to her soul and long life to her family to remember her.
events and academic reports for your child. SpySchool can be accessed from the St Spyridon Web Site or directly using the following URL https://portal.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au/igloo/por tal/ Your user name is your first initial of your first name followed by your surname. eg: Kris Kringle is kkringle@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au Initial Password is: Password123! Once you have logged in for the first time, you will be prompted to change your password to one of your own choosing. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at SpySchool@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au INFANTS BUILDING - UPDATE
CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to our Dean of Senior Programs Mr Meintanis and Mrs Meintanis on the marriage of their daughter Angelica (HSC 2008) to Aaron Petinos (HSC 2008) in January. May God bless their lives with all that is good.
SPYSCHOOL – PARENT PORTAL Parents should all have login details for SpySchool. This portal provides College news,
We are very pleased to update you of the progress on the Infants Project: 1. Half of the ground floor slab poured 2. Remaining ground floor slab to be complete by 20th February 3. 1st floor slab to be completed midMarch 4. Inground sewer completed 5. Columns to 1st floor commenced 6. Brick work to start this month 7. Roof Trusses by early April
P&F NEWS TAVERNA NIGHT Come celebrate the beginning of the school year for a Greek style Taverna Night at the Randwick Golf Club at Malabar Beach. Save the Date for Saturday 2nd March 2019. Bring your dancing shoes! If you are able to help sponsor the DJ, provide a raffle prize, or sponsor decorations, please contact Angela Kasmas (0407 061 940) or Joanna Coutts (0419 992 027). More details soon on the portal!
Welcome back to school! Your P&F is entrusted with four critical roles and responsibilities for the College. These are as follows: To raise funds for the development of our College, buildings, facilities and resources To be positive role models to our students by their active community service To provide a forum for social interaction of our parent body To support and promote the good name of our College and its values and beliefs.
VOLUNTEERS If there are any parents within the school that can assist us in our fundraising efforts throughout the year, for example, with your time, a donation or raffle prize, or know of any willing contacts that could assist, we welcome you to please fill out the volunteer form at the end of this Newsletter or contact us on our P&F email: pfcommittee_@hotmail.com.
We had our very first successful meeting, planning all the events of the year. Please refer to the SpySchool portal for all the event dates. Here are some special events not to be missed: Parents & Friends General Meeting
Association
Leslie Paparsenos P&F Secretary
Annual
The Parents & Friends Association Annual General Meeting will be held on 19th February, 2019. Please come and join the Committee to discuss our fundraising efforts from 2018, our plan for 2019, as well as to elect our Executive Committee for 2019!
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JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT With the grace of God we have come together again. I wish to thank each and every one of you for your love and prayers during my absence last year and for your support of Mr Dookie. I was able to focus on my family at home because I had an honourable and professional man with high principles looking after our family at school. I thank the Reverend Fathers, The Chairman of the Board, Dr Savoulis and the Board of Governors, Mrs Stefanou, Mrs Katsogiannis, Mrs Tsaconas and all the staff for their words of encouragement and support. WELCOME A warm welcome is extended to all our kindergarten children and their families including Mrs Tsaconas’s grandson Nicholas, Ms Liakatos’s daughter Tricia and Ms Evans daughter Seren. We look forward to sharing in your achievements Kindergarten and watching you take flight.
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We welcome to our St Spyridon family the 19 new students and their parents across Years 1 – 6: Melina Kitsos, Xristos Mamanidis, Konstantinos Kitsos, George Palogiannidis, Gemma Tsaousis, Ella Zeiderman, Zach Nader, Sava Davidivic, Thomas Mamanidis, Jasmine Abitzis, Anastasia Kitsos, Peter Manavis, Lexi Castrisos, Mary Palogiannidis, Aaliya Prakash, Kleopatrra Mamanidis and Pranav Sathyanrayanan. May you have wonderful advertures and create new lifelong friends.
The boys have been invited to play in the World Futsal Championship at the Disney ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando Florida later on this year. Well done boys! We are so proud of you!
Welcome back to Marina & Salina Famularo and family who had an opportunity to live and study abroad for a year. NEW STAFF We welcome back Mrs Mantsis (4A) and Mrs Scarcella (2I) from Maternity Leave. We warmly welcome Mrs Page who is our new Music Teacher. Mrs Page comes to us with a wealth of experience teaching Music in Primary Schools. Her passion for music education drew her from a performance based flute career into the Primary classroom and we are privileged to have her work with our children.
APPEARANCE AND GROOMING
CONGRATULATIONS
UNIFORM
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Diamadis, Annabel (2C) and Eva (5I) on the birth of their son and brother James. May our Lord bless and protect them.
It is requested that all students have the correct items of uniform. If you are unsure, the Study Planner has the requirements listed. Please note that Primary must have laced up shoes. No Velcro or buckles.
A reminder to follow the school rules as described on pp.10 - 11 of the Study Planner. Extreme hairstyles and coloured hair is unacceptable. Please ensure your child’s has the appropriate hairstyle.
To Our Year 12 students of 2018 congratulations on completing 13 years of schooling and for your wonderful results. You take with you into tertiary education and beyond our prayers and best wishes for your future.
Reminders: Sport shoes can be any colour. Primary School Shoes and Sport shoes must have laces. Buckles and Velcro not permitted. Infants may have Velcro. Broad brimmed school hat to be worn when outdoors. Raincoats to be in the student’s bags each day. In Summer, Blazers only to be worn on special occasions such as Church.
Congratulations to Necta Imisides, John Missos, Paul Canlis, Sam Nicotera and their team on winning the Craig Foster International Futsal Cup 2019. This tournament is the most Prestigious and largest futsal tournament in the Southern Hemisphere. The boys are now National Champions. It is an honour for them, their families and our school.
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PROCEDURES
OFFICE HOURS
Supervision Morning supervision commences at 8.10am. Parents are requested to leave the school grounds once supervision commences unless they have a scheduled meeting. Please do not loiter around classrooms.
The Junior School office operates between 8.15am and 4.15pm. For security reasons no one is permitted to enter the administration building before 8.15am and after 4.15pm unless they have a registered appointment. The answering machine is activated at 4:15pm. Please note that messages left after this time may not be heard until the next morning.
Parents are requested not to assemble in front of classrooms in the afternoon prior to pick up as this disrupts students learning. Year 1 & Year 2 children are to be collected from their classroom in the afternoon or from the steps near the Assembly area after 3.15pm. Kindergarten are to be collected from the steps at 3pm. Once you collect your child please leave immediately so that teachers know which children are still under their supervision. Afternoon supervision concludes at 3:45pm. After this time children will be placed in After School Care and parents billed accordingly.
Parents are requested NOT to enter the Teachers’ Staffroom to speak to a teacher, please refer to the secretaries who will call the teacher out to see you, if available. Parents are also not to go to classrooms at any time without signing in and getting a visitors badge at the front office. SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED within or around the School’s boundaries. Foyer (Gardeners Rd) entry is ONLY to be used if attending to business at the Office. Parents and students are to use the Playground Gates as their entry and exit points. Please note gates will be locked at 9am and will reopen at 2:50pm.
Changes to Routines K-6 will be taken straight to class each morning. Years 1 – 3 will line up outside their classrooms and K, 4, 5 & 6 in the courtyard. Assembly will only be held on Wednesday morning. Parents are encouraged to join with us in prayer and anthems but please do not talk during these proceedings. During this assembly Merit certificates will be awarded.
TRAFFIC PROCEDURES Doran St is a one way for school traffic. All parents are requested to approach the school via Mary Hamer Lane and exit via the lane or through Doncaster Ave. The streets are two ways for residents. Please give way to our neighbours and to any veterinary emergencies.
Parking The angled parking in Mary Hamer Lane near the playground is strictly teacher parking.
Kiss n Go is operational for Years 1-6 from 8:10am – 8:30am in the morning and from 3:20 – 3:40pm in the afternoon. Please let your child know if you will be using this service. This service will be available to Kindergarten next term.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE Before School Care is available between 7:15 – 8:15am each morning in the Library. It is available on a casual or permanent basis. The cost is $5 per child and you will be invoiced through the College. You may book your child in by contacting the Junior School Office. Mrs Debby Nicolaou will be running the Before School Care.
I ask that you relay traffic procedures to grandparents who may be doing the pickup and drop off to avoid confusion.
After School Care will be held in the Music Room in Doran House. If you require this service, please book your child in with Patricia at The Greek Welfare Centre on 0410 505 524.
Just some reminders: 1. Parents are to approach the College via Mary Hamer Lane from Borrodale Rd and exit via 14
Doran St if participating in Kiss and Go. Please do not block off the intersection of Mary Hamer Lane and Doran St as you approach. Wait in the lane if there are three cars ahead of you.
BIRTHDAYS, EASTER, CHRISTMAS SHARE WISHES, NOT FOOD We discourage the sharing of food to try and eliminate possible allergic reactions. For this reason, do not send birthday cakes, lollies, donuts, Easter Eggs or any food to school to be given to other children. As the health, wellbeing and safety of the children in our school is of paramount concern to us all, we know that we can depend on your support and assistance with this matter.
2. Do not queue in Mary Hamer Lane before 3:20 pm as this infuriates our neighbours who are trying to get through. 3. Parents MUST NOT park in any driveway either the neighbours or the college at any time. As the area between the Church and the Infants School in Mary Hamer Lane is restricted parking, it is recommended that you park in Bruce St or Doncaster Ave. Please ensure you follow the rules to avoid being booked.
MEDICAL UPDATES If your child is under the care of a medical specialist, you need to make this known to the school. Students with specific medical conditions such as Asthma, Diabetes, Anaphylaxis etc need to provide the school with an action plan.
4. The practice of parking or stopping in the middle of the road is illegal. 5. Attention is drawn to the extreme danger of leaving motors running while leaving the car to drop off or pick up students from the College, particularly when smaller children are left in the car.
Medication kept at school needs to be current and clearly labelled with child’s name and instructions for use. Parents are requested to check this regularly and replace as needed.
6. Please drop your child/ren off in the morning and leave as soon as possible. Similarly in the afternoon after picking up your child please leave so that other parents have room to park.
All parents are to ensure that emergency contact details are current. Please see the secretaries who will be happy to assist you.
7. The angled parking behind the Church is for Staff Parking only. Please do not park there.
CANTEEN PROCEDURES All orders need to be placed through Flexischools. If you require further assistance, Mrs Chris Alexandratos in the Junior School Office will be happy to assist you.
I urge you to be mindful of the messages you send your children parking and in the way you speak to other parents. Courteous and respect at all times.
Canteen will only be available to Infants at Lunch. Children need to bring their own recess.
ANAPHYLAXIS POLICY
VOLUNTEERS
Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction, which usually occurs after exposure to a particular food. Anaphylaxis is potentially life threatening and always requires an emergency response.
We would like to introduce some new menu options to the Canteen but need help to assist with the preparation. You do not have to commit weekly, or stay for a whole day. A couple of hours a term would be wonderful.
In order to minimise the risk to those children in the school who have allergies, please do not send foods with nut products in your child’s lunches. We ask that you refrain from including these items.
If you are interested, kindly contact Mrs Giaras in the canteen or leave your name at the office.
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KALANTA
Demi Eliopoulos Christian Liaskos Connor Kasmas Oliver Borean Sophia Gatsis Kostan Papadopoulos Zoe Leondaris Christos Kamaras Sean Durrant Michaela Deftereos Panayiota Kranidiotis
Thank you to the parents, grandparents and children who shared the Kalanta with parishioners in their homes before Christmas. The joy was shared by those who sang and those that the received the children in their homes. Thank you: Annie Syros Demitra Aroney Antonia Pizanis Markella Economou Chloe Liaskos Jonathon Gouveros Erene Hatzitoulousis Steve Petratos Peter Bizannes Chrissy Drakakis Ellie Liaskos Lara Stathis Denny Poulos Ellie Tsoukalas Catherine Coutts Dimitra Kasmas Gabriella Gouveros Andrew Dalessis Alexandra Bizannes Juia Kamaras Ioanna Panayi Holly Durrant Christos Paraschos Sarah Constantinidis Paris Patsalis Angelique Drakakis Antonios Kourliaftis Nicoletta Koufou Anne-Marie Aroney Nektarios Kollias Natalia Constantinidis Panayioti Hatzitoulousis Oscar Skarlatos Vicki Synesios Mary Diamond Alexia Costa Angelina Costa
Julia Costa Teoni Antonopoulos Sophia Karatasos Lucia Zois Aria Papadopoulos Amali Roumanos Aston Roumanos Nicola Lisgaris Maria Kappatos Mrs Zois, Mrs Roumanous, Mrs Papadopoulos, Mrs Steve Mangos, Mrs Sophia Petratos, Mr Liaskos, Prof. Stenzel , Mrs Pizanis, Mrs N. Economou, Mrs Eliopoulos, Mrs Gouveros, Mrs Bizannes, Mrs Patsalis, Mrs Costa, Mrs Petratos, Mrs Skarlatos Mrs Kasmas, Ms Constantinidis, Mrs Deftereos, Mrs Kranidiotis, Mrs Dalessis, Mrs Durrant, Mrs Syros, Mrs Gatsis, Mrs Coutts, & Mrs Hatzitoulousis.
MUSIC TUTORS If you wish your child to have instrumental music lessons, please contact the music tutors directly: Piano: Mrs Natasha Mikhaylova Ph: 0405 080 636 Violin: Mr Sam Podjarski Ph: 0411 366 058 Bouzouki: Mr Themis Ioakimidis Ph: 0423 344 243 Mrs A. Synesios Principal Junior School 16
SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT STAFF NEWS A warm welcome to the following teachers: Mr Boyd – Curriculum Leader Science Mrs Alibrio – Science Teacher and welcome back to Mrs Pavlakis – HSIE. DIVINE LITURGY On Thursday 7th February 2019 Senior School students attended their first Divine Liturgy conducted by Father Steven. The chanting by our students, as always was very moving.
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BLESSING OF LAW TERM On Tuesday the 5th of February, the Preliminary and HSC Legal Studies classes of 2019, along with their teacher Mr Picardi and Mr Meintanis, attended the 36th Annual Pan-Orthodox Thanksgiving Service at the Cathedral of “The Annunciation of Our Lady� at Redfern, marking the commencement of the new Law Term. The service was presided by His Grace, Bishop Seraphim of Apollonia, Vicar General of the Greek Orthodox Church of Australia in the presence of the Chief Justice of New South Wales, the Hon. Tom Bathurst AC and many other members of the legal profession. Following the doxology, light refreshments were provided in the Grand Hall of the Archdiocese where students were given the opportunity to speak with prominent members of the legal profession.
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Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School Deputy Head of College
MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT The action continued later with at Archie Brothers Electric Circus. There students enjoyed various arcade games and rides, including Dodgem cars.
Welcome to all, especially our new students and families who have joined us this year. While new beginnings are sometimes unsettling and bring on many feelings, including anticipation, and even fear, there is always an underlining excitement that comes with writing the next chapter. Be BRAVE, Do YOUR BEST, take measured risks, try new things, extend the hand of friendship, look for the positive in all situations and above all be grateful for all the opportunities that are waiting to be explored. Congratulations to Year 7 2019 for the great effort made so far in your new environment. YEAR 7 GETTING ACTIVITY DAYS
TO
KNOW
YOU
This week Year 7 spent three days engaged in a variety of activities that were aimed at developing new relationships and setting the foundations for a smooth transition year! SKY ZONE & ARCHIE BROS ELECTRIC CIRCUS The first activity of the ‘Getting to Know You’ program involved a morning excursion to Sky Zone where Year 7 and their Peer Support Leaders bounced, flipped, climbed, played dodge ball and challenged themselves in the new endurance zone.
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FRIENDSHIP DAY On Wednesday, facilitators from ‘Burn Bright’ presented “THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS” Program. There were three sessions on this day: Session 1 – Focussed on building healthy friendships and connections as well as learning the importance of supporting others. Session 2 – Aimed at empowering students with skills to further understand how they can create a positive group culture. Session 3 – Pulled the key ideas from the first two sessions together to help students identify ways they can make a difference at Senior School. A key theme that was also explored involved resilience and how students can bounce back from challenges.
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WET’N’WILD A day of energetic fun in the sun awaited the 90 students who travelled to Prospect where the water-based adventure park was situated. After receiving safety instructions, students excitedly changed into their swimming apparel and set out for some serious AQUA activities… riding waves, sliding down heart stopping holes and tubes and laughing together through all their shared experiences.
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This year all Year 7 Students and Year 10 will be offered the following vaccines
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine - 1 booster dose. This dose was previously recommended at 15 years of age. Children will only be offered this vaccine in Year 7. Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine - 1 dose. If your child has already had chickenpox disease or been vaccinated, they do not need this vaccine in Year 7. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine a 3 dose course: Year 7 Meningococcal ACWY vaccine - Year 10
Vaccinations will be held on the following dates: - Visit 1: 19th February - Visit 2: 28th May Year 7 received their vaccination cards this week. They are due back on Tuesday. Year 10 received them today and they are due back on Friday 15th February. YEAR 7 BBQ AND PARENT FORUM STUDENT LEADERSHIP
On Monday 18th February a welcome BBQ for Year 7 students and Parents will be held outside the SPACe between 6.00pm - 6.30 pm. There, parents will have opportunity to meet some of the Year 7 teachers and Curriculum Leaders. A Forum will take place after the BBQ from 6.30pm until 8pm. Guest speakers from two organizations that work closely with us to develop student knowledge and skills in Global Citizenship and Leadership (High Resolves) and Academic Skills (Elevate Education) will provide valuable insights into some of the Pastoral Care programs undertaken at the Senior School. We look forward to seeing you all at this important event.
PEER SUPPORT LEADERS 2019 A big well done to the Year 10 Peer Support Leaders who have been busy helping Year 7 with their transition to the Senior School. They have showed leadership by organizing and escorting Year 7 to each of their classes, as well as accompanying them on the ‘Getting to Know You – Getting to Know Us” activity days. Later this term they will begin the Peer Support Group Program. NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM NSW Ministry of Health offers all school students free vaccinations recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). These vaccines are important and protect students through to adulthood.
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surrounded by a range of distractions. Research shows that these distractions serve to limit the amount of information that students can remember and recall and therefore how they will perform in the exam room. As such, students should think of TV, radio, music, younger siblings, phones, textmessages, Youtube and the latest photos or updates on social media networks not just as distractions, but as the causes of lost marks.
Safer Internet Day was celebrated globally this week. Our College proudly declared its support on our school sign and Senior Prefects also spoke about the importance of this day at the Friday student assembly. The Safer Internet Day 2019 theme ‘Together for a better internet’ encourages all Australians to collaborate and support each other in developing the critical skills required for navigating the online world. These skills can help us in all areas of life, online and off. The skills are called the 4Rs of Online Safety:
The most obvious solution to the problem of distractions is locating students in environments without distractions such as a study or a bedroom. But in many cases parents don’t promote or encourage this for two mistaken reasons: 1: The belief that children have been born with an innate ability to multi-task. This belief has become increasingly common as the media often discusses the tech savviness of children. However, one of the problems with this is that your children’s brains haven’t taken an evolutionary long-jump in the last 10 years. Just because students have unprecedented access to data and information doesn’t mean that they can effectively process or use that information. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Again, research shows that students who multi-task have lower levels of memory retention and recall than students focusing on one separate task, reinforcing the need for students to remove distractions and resist attempting to multi-task.
Respect – I treat myself and others the way I like to be treated. Responsibility – I am accountable for my actions and I take a stand when I feel something is wrong. Reasoning – I question what is real. Resilience – I get back up from tough situations.
2: The belief that because you can multi-task as a parent that your child should have the same ability. Unfortunately, research once again shows that the ability to block out distractions increases with age which means that whilst you may be able to block out background noise, your children are much less likely to be able to. As such, every time the volume on the TV spikes for an ad break, the kettle boils or the phone rings, their attention is disrupted and their ability to memorise what they are working on drops.
TECH TALK FRIDAY Reference - Elevate Education Attention, study and the Social Media effect The amount of content that a student can remember will directly impact on what they write in their exams and by extension, the marks they get. This makes the act or process of memorising a set of notes extremely important for students. The process of memorising a set of notes has a number of steps, the first of which is simply paying attention to what we are attempting to memorise. This first step is the easiest of the memory steps, but interestingly the one that most students have the greatest difficulty with, as most students find themselves studying whilst
So the challenge for the parents then we will be helping your child remove distractions. Below are some tips for creating a study environment free from distractions: Separate study from life Help your child find a space in which study will be removed from the hustle and bustle of life at 23
home. This location might be your child’s bedroom, a separate study if you have one or simply a room as far away from the TV as possible.
do, it isn’t going to be the end of the world either; it will simply mean that what would otherwise take an hour to do, takes two hours. On the other hand, students are also going to have high powered brain work. This is the stuff discussed above, like memorising notes and doing practice activities. When doing this type of work students need to remove all distractions. Unfortunately, that means not only is the phone off, but it is in another room. Similarly, the computer will be turned off and preferably in another room. In these moments of high powered brain work, all students will have in their study environment is a desk, a lamp and their notes.
Work at a desk Our ability to pay attention is based not only on the disruptions around us, but also on our physical state. Often the environment in which we work has a direct impact on our physical state, the obvious example being students doing homework on their bed or lying down on a couch. Unfortunately, if students are lying down, their bodies will begin to go into sleep mode and their attention levels lower (take reading a book in bed and drifting off mid-page as the best example!). The same thing happens when students are studying in a prone position. As such, maximise attention by ensuring that your child’s study location has a desk or table to work at.
Take regular breaks Because of the fact attention is tied to our physical condition, it is important that students take regular breaks as well. Don’t expect your child to lock themselves in their room for hours on end. Instead, encourage your children to take regular study breaks. But again, in order to ensure that a study break doesn’t turn into another set of endless distractions, help your child master the art of the power break. The power break is a 5 to 10 minute time-out in which they might go outside, kick a ball, do some push-ups, make a cup of tea, or anything else which gets them up and about. It does not consist of is sitting down to watch TV or jumping on the computer, because you can guarantee once a student has been disrupted there will be no return to study.
Clean the desk: Study is rarely fun, to the point that any object within easy reach will automatically become worthy of attention and serve as a distraction. Remove these distractions by getting rid of all objects on or near the desk. Filter distractions Be your child’s ally and help them filter out distractions. Keep younger siblings away. Monitor TV volume. If your child is working in a shared room near the TV, buy them noise blocking headphones that they can use to block some of the ambient noise out.
When all else fails If all else fails and social media and the phone are winning the battle for attention, here is a handy little trick. In an effort to help the students of the world a number of app makers have developed some handy little programs that temporarily remove distractions from reach of students. For those families using a Microsoft operating system on their computers, download a program called Cold Turkey and for those using Apple, try a program called Self Control. These programs allow you to block certain websites for a specified period of time. In other words, you are not blocking the sites forever, just when you need to.
How do we get rid of these distractions? The obvious answer is we tell students not to have distractions close at hand. The problem with this advice is that you know it won’t be followed. Instead of trying to get students to do the right thing all the time, we can at least get them to do the right thing when it really matters. We do this by helping them self-select. We tell students that there are two types of work they have to do: high powered brain work and low-powered brain work. The low-powered brain work consists of homework and repetitive tasks. For this type of work it isn’t ideal that they have their computer on, or a phone at hand, but if they
Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School 24
GREEK COLUMN νερό καθαρό σαν κρύσταλλο και οι παραλίες γεμάτες ψιλή, λευκή άμμο χωρίς βότσαλα και πέτρες!
Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Πόσο γρήγορα κυλάει ο χρόνος! Να που πέρασαν οι θερινές διακοπές και είμαστε και πάλι στα θρανία. Πρώτα απ’όλα, θέλω κι εγώ να συγχαρώ από αυτήν εδώ την στήλη, όλους τους μαθητές και τις μαθήτριές μας για τα θαυμάσια αποτελέσματά τους στις εξετάσεις του περισινού HSC και μαζί με αυτούς και τους μαθητές της Β΄ Λυκείου, που τελείωσαν πέρισυ την Γ΄ Λυκείου για το μάθημα των Ελληνικών.
Πέρα από την θάλασσα και τις παραλίες, το νησί έχει πολλή, νυχτερινή ζωή και πολλούς νέους, κάτι που μας άρεσε πολύ αφού και τα δυο βράδια της διαμονής μας τα περάσαμε σε νυχτερινά κέντρα χορεύοντας και γνωρίζοντας διάφορους ενδιαφέροντες ανθρώπους. Τετάρτη πρωί έπρεπε να φύγουμε οπότε πήραμε το πλοίο από το λιμάνι για Ζάκυνθο, νησί που βρίσκεται στο Ιόνιο πέλαγος, δυτικά της Πελοποννήσου. Εκεί μείναμε μόνο για μια μέρα, αλλά ήταν αρκετή για να θαυμάσουμε τις ομορφιές του νησιού. Μείναμε σε ένα πολυτελές ξενοδοχείο που είχε θέα στην παραλία, αλλά ήμασταν εκεί μόνο για λίγες ώρες το βράδυ, δηλαδή μόνο για να κοιμηθούμε αφού την υπόλοιπη μέρα, ήμασταν απασχολημένοι με το να εξερευνούμε το νησί. Η Ζάκυνθος είναι ένα αρκετά μεγάλο και εντυπωσιακό νησί που άρεσε σε όλους μας πολύ.
Στο τεύχος αυτό θα σας κρατήσουμε συντροφιά με τις γραπτές εργασίες δυο μαθητριών της περισινής Β’ Λυκείου. Οι εργασίες αυτές ήταν μέρος του πρώτου διαγωνίσματος από τα διαγωνίσματα της Γ’ Λυκείου, η οποία αρχίζει κάθε χρόνο στις αρχές του τελευταίου σχολικού τριμήνου. Καλή χρονιά! κα Μ. Φαλέτα
Το επόμενο πρωί πήραμε το πλοίο με προορισμό την Ηγουμενίτσα. Καλά ήταν αυτές τις τρεις μέρες στα νησιά, αλλά επειδή όλοι είμαστε από ορεινές περιοχές, όλο τον χρόνο στην Αθήνα δεν είχαμε πολλές ευκαιρίες να επισκεφτούμε τα χωριά μας οπότε αποφασίσαμε τις δύο τελευταίες μέρες της εκδρομής να τις περάσουμε σε ένα ορεινό καταφύγιο ενός χωριού της Ηγουμενίτσας. Κάναμε πεζοπορία στο βουνό της περιοχής, απολαύσαμε τη φύση και τα βράδια μέναμε στο ορεινό καταφύγιο.
Topic: Write a diary entry reflecting on a recent unforgettable trip you had. Write 200 words in Greek. Αγαπητό μου ημερολόγιο, Πάλι καλά που έχω και σένα να σου γράφω τις σκέψεις μου και να κρατάω έτσι αναμνήσεις... Σήμερα θα σου διηγηθώ την πρόσφατη εκδρομή που πήγα με την παρέα μου. Αποφασίσαμε να πάμε μια πενταήμερη εκδρομή μαζί, τώρα που τελειώσαμε το σχολείο και ήρθε το καλοκαίρι. Ξεκι-νήσαμε λοιπόν Δευτέρα πρωί από την Αθήνα όπου μένουμε , από το λιμάνι του Πειραιά για την ακρίβεια και πήραμε το πλοίο για την Ελαφόνησο, η οποία βρίσκεται ακριβώς κάτω από την Πελοπόννησο και συγκεκριμένα κάτω από το ανατολικό της άκρο.
Αυτή η εκδρομή ήταν γενικά η καλύτερη που θα μπορούσαμε να κάνουμε αφού συνδυάσαμε θάλασσα και βουνό και αυτό άρεσε σε όλους μας πάρα πολύ. Αυτά από μένα για τώρα...
Είχαμε ακούσει καλές εντυπώσεις γι’αυτό το νησί από τους φίλους μας και οι περισσότεροι έλεγαν ότι οι παραλίες του είναι πανέμορφες οπότε είπαμε να το επισκεφτούμε.
Κωνσταντίνα Konstantina Koliopanou Year 11 (Modern Greek Year 12)
Είχαμε προγραμματίσει να μείνουμε μόνο μια μέρα, αλλά μας άρεσε τόσο πολύ το νησί και οι παραλίες του οπότε καταλήξαμε να μείνουμε δυο μέρες. Η θάλασσά του ήταν γαλαζοπράσινη , το 25
Αγαπητό μου ημερολόγιο, Χθες γύρισα από ένα αξέχαστο ταξίδι. Πήγα με το σχολείο μου στην Αμερική για δύο εβδομάδες. Ήταν κάτι το διαφορετικό μια και δεν είχα ξαναδεί κάτι παρόμοιο. Η πτήση ήταν εννέα ώρες και έπρεπε να καθίσω δίπλα στον Νικόλα οπότε δεν θα έλεγα ότι η πτήση αυτή μου ήταν και ιδιαίτερη απολαυστική. Μόλις μας είπε ο πιλότος για την σύντομη προσγείωση τρελάθηκα από την χαρά μου! Κατεβήκαμε από το αεροπλάνο, ξεμουδιάσαμε τα πόδια μας, βρήκαμε τις αποσκευές μας, περάσαμε τον έλεγχο διαβατηρίων και αρχίσαμε να επιβιβαζόμαστε στο πούλμαν που μας περίμενε. Κάποια στιγμή φτάσαμε στο ξενοδοχείο το οποίο λέγεται ”Beach Side Views Hotel”, τεσσάρων αστέρων. Μας έδωσαν τα κλειδιά μας και μας ζήτησαν να είμαστε πίσω στην ρεσεψιόν σε μισή ώρα. Μετά, όλοι μαζί πήγαμε για μεσημεριανό και στη συνέχεια για κολύμπι στην γνωστή παραλία “Venice Beach” . Μείναμε τρεις μέρες στο Los Angeles . Τελικά, επιβιβαστήκαμε και πάλι στο πούλμαν και φύγαμε με προορισμό μας την Ουάσινγκτον. Εκεί, ξεναγηθήκαμε στην Βουλή τους και επισκεφτήκαμε τα πολεμικά τους μουσεία. Όλο αυτό διήρκεσε πέντε ημέρες που κατά την γνώμη μου ήταν πολλές για τα πράγματα με τα οποία ασχοληθήκαμε, αλλά τέλος πάντων... Μετά πήγαμε στο Las Vegas και είδαμε τα αξιοθέατα εκεί. Το πόσους “Elvis” είδα, αδυνατώ να στο περιγράψω! Εκεί , όλοι κάναμε τα περισσότερα ψώνια μας. Φύγαμε από το Las Vegas και επιστρέψαμε στο Los Angeles για τις τελευταίες τέσσερις ημέρες του ταξιδιού μας. Τις μέρες αυτές απλά διασκεδάσαμε, φάγαμε, κολυμπήσαμε και απολαύσαμε τις μέρες μας ξένοιαστα. Πέρασα τέλεια και χάρηκα πολύ που είχα την ευκαιρία να συμμετέχω σε αυτό το ταξίδι. Τα ξενοδοχεία μας ήταν όμορφα, καθαρά με πανοριμική θέα και εύχομαι να ξαναπάω μια μέρα στο μέλλον. Τα ξαναλέμε σύντομα... Μαρία Irene Kourliaftis Year 11 (Modern Greek Year 12)
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SPORTS COLUMN inspiring version of sprinting, jumping and throwing from all our athletes.
BOYS SPORTS Welcome back to all the students for season 2019. The high standards set in sport in 2018 will be difficult to emulate but, when running the race with purpose the outcome is always a positive and the results a by-product of that effort and enthusiasm. The arena is set and term 1 2019 promises to be a jammed packed sporting term and year. For the summer season the teams are rushing towards the finishing line, the results of the last four remaining games of the regular basketball and cricket season will determine the final placings for all our teams.
Competitive sporting opportunities beckon and our students will be ready to do their best. It shapes to be a highly rigorous and congested calendar that will bring out the best in all the athletes of the College. Good luck to all our students in all their sporting endeavours and in particular best wishes to our Year 12 students who compete in their final season/s of sport representing the College. BASKETBALL
While the summer season comes to a close, the swimming commitments are almost underway. I invite the St Spyridon Community to witness what is hoped will be a memorable day when the Junior School and Senior School assemble to compete in a unified school based Swimming Carnival. It promises to be a momentous occasion and one that can set the tone for future events. Our boys and girls athletes are definitely relishing the opportunity to compete once more in the ISA carnival and this year in division 1.
All the teams engaged in a holiday training session on Thursday 24th January as well as training on Thursday of last week to help the teams return to play from the long holiday break. The training was positive and did have the desired impact with all the teams ready for the round 7 games v Redfield College. I thank all families for their support in managing to bring their child/children to training on these dates. While the results were mixed for the teams there were some very positive signs from all the boys. The U15’s were flawless asserting themselves from the outset helping them win the game comfortably. The U14 boys were also very positive and by far the better team in both offence and defence. Angus Chellos was a standout player for the U14 team, scoring some very crafty buckets in the paint and really asserting his dominance with his excellent footwork.
As one season comes to a close, another begins and planning for the winter football season is well underway. The football draw is almost finalised and the boys are definitely looking forward to kick off in what shapes to be a stellar year for the College. We eagerly look forward to welcoming the new Year 7 team to the school football community. While these are all exciting prospects the introduction of competitive tennis for the winter season must be considered a highlight of the sporting calendar. With our school cricket team in its second season, the time and interest among the students have given the school strength and emboldened the sports team to introduce tennis. We cannot wait for the first serve, first volley, first forehand and backhand of tennis at St Spyridon.
While these teams performed well the U13, U17 and First V were not able to secure wins. Despite this, all the boys played tirelessly throughout their games and must be commended for their commitment to training and excellent sportsmanship. In particular Nicholas Drakoulis of the U17 team must be commended for his outstanding enthusiasm and relentless approach in his efforts to aspire to do his best despite the game being out of the teams reach. These qualities are highly sought after attributes that all our boys must aspire to achieve in all games.
A sporting season is not complete without the Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals and we look forward to yet another gratifying and 27
SENIOR SCHOOL HOUSE CAPTAINS Congratulations to the successful nominees for being elected as house captains for 2019. Olympians - Efthimia Kollias and Jordan Frazis Corinthians – Jordan Polyzos and Alexi Kounnas Delphians Moufarrege
SWIMMING Last year’s swimming accolades were immensely pleasing with a number of the athletes achieving personal best times and a number of trophies won for our girls. This year we look forward to helping our students strengthen their performances and this begins with the Annual School Swimming Carnival. For the first time the College will trial a combined Junior School and Senior School carnival in a 50m pool. We are hopeful that the added atmosphere and extended break between events will give all the athletes more time to recover and ultimately improve their times and aspirations to make the College swimming team. Students last week attended the annual house meetings and pre-registered for their chosen events and were given all the relevant information. The same details can be found below.
George
Hatzidis
and
Alexia
Nemeans – Angelique Giokas and Emmanuel Constantopedos
REPRESENTATIVE TRIALS 2019 Both Marko Gacevic of Year 11 and Matija Gacevic of Year 9 attended the U17 boys ISA trials for water polo on Wednesday 6th February. Both boys trialled well and were selected to represent the ISA at the annual CIS Championships to be held on the 18th February at Knox Grammar.
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Date: Thursday 21 February 2019 Venue: Botany Aquatic and Leisure Centre Time: 8:25 am roll call at the adjacent park Booralee Park. First event anticipated to be between 8:45am - 9am Please note that students must pre-register for events prior to the carnival. All heats will be timed finals and success in a heat does not automatically confirm inclusion in a team. Students who are successful in making a team will be given details regarding squad training as well as ISA carnival information at school following the carnival.
Marko Gacevic
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Matija Gacevic
Spiros Zafiropoulos was included in this year’s 28 boys who were drafted to attend this year’s trials for the ISA Cricket XI team. We commend and congratulate Spiros for making this. In the trials Spiros batted well but was unfortunately unable to secure a spot in the squad. That said our school Sports Captain and First XI Cricket captain should be commended for his persistence and relentless effort in trying to improve and develop his cricket skills.
GIRLS SPORTS GIRLS BASKETBALL Well done to all girls for their enthusiasm shown in their first week back for 2019. An immediate start from the summer holidays as the back end of the ISA Summer season has recommenced. All teams are now approaching Round 8 of the competition and it is increasingly important for all girls to attend their allocated morning training session each Tuesday in order to prepare well for the Semi- finals The opens had a tough match against 2nd placed St Andrews Cathedral where the lead changed hands throughout the duration of the match, proving to be a close game. The Junior B team had an exciting and tough match to begin 2019 going into extra time and fortunately resulting in winners against Central Coast Grammar School. I look forward to some more positive results as we try and cement our positions on the ladder. Round 7 TEAM OPEN B
Spiros Zafiropoulos
OPPONENT RESULT MVP SACS 16-26 Desi LOST Kapodistrias OPEN D SACS 18-25 Vivienne LOST Hatzgiakoumis INTERMEDIATE BMGS 8-24 Elleni LOST Mouskos JUNIOR B CCGS 20-18 Natalia WON Constantinidis JUNIOR C CCGS 4-44 Jennifer LOST Pyliotis
CALL TO PARENTS COACHING INTEREST Any parents interested in coaching a competitive football team are asked to kindly please forward an email to Mr F. Kaldis at fkaldis@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au or alternatively call the school on 9311 3340 to speak to Mr F. Kaldis to discuss further. UPCOMING EVENTS
Combined Senior School and Junior School swimming carnival @ Botany Aquatic Centre on Thursday 21st February Round 8 ISA Basketball and Cricket Saturday 9th February @ Chevalier College Round 9 ISA Basketball and Cricket Saturday 16th February @ Oakhill College and at the Scots All Saints School in Bathurst. Tennis trials TBC
Mr F. Kaldis Boys Sports 29
GIRLS TOUCH FOOTBALL Round 7 TEAM OPPONENT Junior KWS REDLANDS
RESULT LOST 4-1 LOST
MVP Sophia Karatasos Alexandra Constantine
The Touch Football girls travelled to Macquarie University for a Gala Day where they played Kinross Wollaroi from Orange and Redlands. Unfortunately, fitness got the better of our girls after a long break but all girls are determined to finish the season well. We wish the girls the best of luck as they will be travelling to Bathurst this Saturday to play 2 more games against All Saints Scots College and Kinross Wollaroi. ISA OPEN NETBALL TRIALS Tuesday 12th February 2019 – Any girl from Years 9-12 who wishes to trial for the 2019 ISA Netball team is encouraged to attend the trail to be held in the Space on Tuesday 12th February 3.30-4.30pm. There will be an independent selector there to help myself and Ms Flokis select the squad for 2019. Commitments will include:
Morning training Session ISA Training Session Wednesday Night Tempe Competition Saturday ISA Competition 12 weeks
TERM 1 DATES
Saturday 9th February – Round 8 ISA Saturday 16th February – Round 9 ISA Saturday 23rd February – Round 10 ISA Saturday 2nd March – ISA Semi Finals Saturday 9th March – ISA Finals
Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sports
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