VOLUME XXXVI Nº03 8th March 2019
MARCH Year 7 2020 Entrance Exam
16th
25th
24th
March Celebrations
The Annunciation of the Theotokos – School closed
FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE
25th
APRIL JS Athletics Carnival
5th
Term ends
12th
Western Good Friday – Public Holiday
19th
Western Easter Palm Sunday Lunch Western Easter Monday – Public Holiday
21st
Anzac day, Public Holiday, Holy Thursday
25th
Good Friday
26th
Orthodox Easter
28th
Easter Monday, school closed
29th
Staff development day
30th
22nd
MAY Students return – Winter uniform
1st
National Schools Event – Adelaide
8th – 10th
Mother’s Day
12th
Naplan Online begins
14th
School Photographs - SS
21st
Love of God means Love of Others If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (1 John 3:20-21) 20
Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag
K-12 NEWS Καλή Σαρακοστή – Great Lent
25th MARCH CELEBRATIONS
On Monday we enter the period of Great Lent, we wish our students and their families peace and strength in their spiritual preparations for Easter. You will no doubt be aware that our School Canteens have special menus for this time.
On Sunday 24th March we will commemorate Greek Independence Day and The Annunciation of The Virgin Mary. This is a compulsory event for all students in Year 1-6 and optional for Kindergarten. You will receive a specific bulletin about this.
It is tradition at our School that during Great Lent the Prayer of St Ephraim is recited every morning by our students and staff. We share this prayer with our parents as it embodies the essence of Greek Orthodox Great Lent.
All students are expected to be present until the conclusion of the program at approximately 4.30pm. 10.00am: Years 7 and 12 to meet their teachers in Primary School playground.
Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of idleness, meddling, love of power and idle talk. But grant me, your servant, a spirit of soberness, humility, patience and love. Yes, Lord and King, Grant me to see my own faults, and not Condemn my brother; for blessed are you to the ages of ages. Amen.
10.00am: Years 5 and 6 to meet their teachers in Mary Hamer Quadrangle. The students will represent the Junior School in St Spyridon Church for the memorial service. 1.15pm: All students (Year 1-12) are to assemble behind our school banner in the assigned area at Martin Place. The teachers will assume responsibility of their class. Parents are asked to keep their distance whilst the students march to the Opera House. On arrival at the Opera House, the students will sit with their teacher in the designated area until the conclusion of the formalities which will be at approximately 4.30pm. No child may leave before this time. At the conclusion parents are to collect their child from their Roll Teacher. Please ensure your child’s name is crossed off. Students are to wear their summer uniform with blazer and (Junior School) hat. Shoes are to be polished, buttons on blazers, shirts and dresses attached and hem sewn. Replace any items of uniform that are worn of faded. Please note that students do not attend school on Monday 25th March 2019.
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P&F NEWS All parents are encouraged to support the P&F as all money raised is given back to the College. We look forward to seeing you at the events.
THANK YOU P&F COMMITTEE 2018 On behalf of the whole school community we wish to thank the P&F Committee of 2018 and all parents and sponsors who supported their excellent work last year.
Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag Head of College
The P&F Committee raised funds towards the purchase and sponsorship of the items listed below: Purchase
P&F contribution $54,000.00
ICT Program
Junior School
Active Panels x4 Robotics/STEM Lab Expansion Program Sports Program GOANSE/Adelaide (major event sponsor) Coaching Performing Arts – Light and Sound (major production sponsor) Year 6 Graduation cake
K-12
Junior School Total
TAVERNA NIGHT
$44,000.00 $10,000.00 $20,000.00 $5,000.00 $15,000.00 $15,000.00
$500.00 $89,500.00
CONGRATULATIONS COMMITTEE
NEW
P&F
We congratulate the newly elected P&F Committee of 2019. We thank you for giving of your time to support the children of St Spyridon College.
President: Angela Kasmas Vice President: Erenie Bourdaniotis Secretary: Leslie Paparsenos Assistant Secretaries: Angela Vergotis, Vivian Zorbas Treasurer: Joanna Coutts Assistant Treasurer: Joanne Moros
Committee: Rita Georges, Melissa Takouridis, Ben Andreou, Julie Eliopoulos, Peter Dimitrakopoulos, Radah Petratos, Angella Deftereos, Nikki Sigrimis, Olga Gouveros and Athena Sorrras.
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Taverna Night was held at the Randwick Golf Club on Saturday March 2nd. It was a fun filled evening with great company, great food and dancing! A generous cake table was donated by Christopher’s Cake Shop. We were thrilled to have George Kalopedos play bouzouki during the night. We raised close to $6000 on this evening – a good start towards our fundraising goal!
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VOLUNTEERS MARCH 25th COMMEMORATION Opera House March
If there are any parents within the school that can assist us in of our fundraising efforts throughout the year, for example, with a donation or raffle prize, or know of any willing contacts that could assist, we welcome you to please contact us: Angela 0407 061 940 Erenie 0410 318 053 Leslie 0421 286 954 Joanna 0419 992 027 Or email us on our P&F email: pfcommittee_@hotmail.com
On March 24th, the St Spyridon College will celebrate with the Greek Community in the greater Sydney area for the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire and the Annunciation by archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she should become the mother of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Our school children will march from Martin Place to the Opera House for this wonderful celebration. Traditionally, the P&F Committee, through generous donations, provide the children with a package of Smiths Chips (114g) and water is donated by the Archdiocese.
Fundraising is the P & F Committee’s number one purpose and we do this through fun, varied and engaging events. Since all the flyers of our upcoming events are now posted in the portal and our School’s social media channels, we, as a committee, thought it was a good opportunity to reach out to our greater St Spyridon community for donations to help these events have the best chance of raising maximum funds for our school.
If you are able to donate some packages of Smiths Chips (114g), please drop them by the Junior School Office by Monday March 18th. EASTER STALLS LAMBATHES SALE Lambathes will be for sale from April 1-12, at the Easter Focus Assembly on April 12th, and at Palm Sunday lunch while supplies last.
Donations have a multiplier effect –they raise three to ten times their value for the school. A large chocolate Easter bunny brings joy to the junior school children while raising hundreds in $1 raffle tickets. The chance to win an iPad raises thousands during a walk-a-thon, Father’s Day hampers raise hundreds in ticket sales at a breakfast. Internal events have a lot of the food and time donated, so all funds received go to the school. Even donations of ribbons, candles, and boxes means the funds raised for lambathes go towards equipment and facilities for our children at both the junior and high school.
EASTER RAFFLES We are seeking donations for Easter hampers for the Annual Easter Focus Assembly raffles. More than one hamper/prize means more winners at the Junior School. Donations of quality chocolate or Easter holiday fun vouchers would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Angela on 0407 061 940, or drop off your donation at the Junior School office.
We are your committee and we look to everyone for new ideas to make our events fun and worthwhile for the participants. Parents and friends often ask how they can help if they cannot volunteer their time. Attending the events is a great way to contribute, but if you wanted to do more then please consider a donation for a raffle prize. Please contact our President Angela Kasmas on 0407 061 940 with any ideas or find one of our P & F committee members who can answer any questions you may have. Thanks in advance for your contributions and participation.
Leslie Paparsenos, Angela Vergotis, Vivian Zorbas P&F Secretaries
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JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT On the 28th February, the Junior School celebrated their first Divine Liturgy for the year. The children participated fully – almost all receiving communion and Mr Psilacos’ enthusiasm for Byzantine chanting ensured that this week too, the chanting could be done by the children. We thank Father Steven for helping us start the day in such a wonderful way.
JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS PROGRAM It has been a very busy few weeks! In week 4, we had five days of intensive swimming lessons for our Years 3-6 students in preparation for our swimming Carnival. The students were graded and split into four groups and worked hard to perfect their strokes, some moving up a level along the way. We had our team selections for Basketball, Netball and Football. (Our Futsal teams were selected at the end of last year). Our teams have started their early morning training sessions or will commence this week. Congratulations to the students who were selected. 2019 BOYS FUTSAL TEAMS Juniors U10’s Seniors U12’s William Karatasos George Agiasotis Angelo Takouridis Peter Baroutis John Missos Zane Rallis Paul Canlis Andrew Panayi Theodore Kyriakou Sam Nicotera Necta Imisides Ethan Alas (GK) Nicholas Soumilas (GK) Peter Manavis Sonny Kounnas Kostan Papadopoulos 6
Netball Team (Mixed) Zane Rallis Aki Dimitrakopoulos Nicola Lisgaris Aaliya Prakash Leah Dionisopoulos Paige Sigrimis Cara Diamond Konstantina Siganakis Savannah Giallafos George Alexandratos Eva Kaleel
2019 GIRLS FUTSAL TEAMS Juniors U10’s Mikaela Imisides Khrysa Psillakis Coco Tsingouris Olivia Gravanis Sophia Gatsis Adriana Poulos Athina Paradisis Kayla Hansimikali
Seniors U12’s Georgia Karatasos Eva Drivas Alannah FDionysopoulos Krystal Preketes Bianca Soumilas Adrianna Augoustis Sophia Paparsenos Nicola Lisgaris
ASISSA Girls Basketball Team Kleopatra Mamanidis Vakina Cilmi Michaela Deftereos Sophia Paparsenos Mary Palogiannidis Nicola Lisgaris Adrianna Augoustis Evelina Neroutsos Chrissy Drakakis
Girls Football Team Kiara Zabetakis Irene Primikios Chrissy Drakakis Georgia Karatasos Sophia Paparsenos Nicola Lisgaris Eva Drivas Mikaela Imisides Alannah Faith Dionysopoulos Adrianna Augoustis Bianca Soumilas Lexi Castrisos Gemma Tsaousis
Boys Basketball Team Aki Dimitrakopoulos Mitchell Coutts Ethan Tsingouris Emmanuel Moros Nicholas Soumilas Zane Rallis Peter Asproukos Andrew Panayi Peter Bizannes Sonny Kounnas
Congratulations to Georgia Karatasos who was selected to represent ASISSA at the CIS Tennis Trials and to Adrianna Augoustis who will be representing ASISSA at the CIS Basketball trials. Best of luck to them both! ANNUAL SWIMMING CARNIVAL Thursday 21st February marked our Annual Swimming carnival at Botany Pools. This year we had a combined event with the Senior School. Quite a bit of planning went into this day leading up to it and we weren’t quite sure how it would pan out as it was our first time, but it ended up being a spectacular day with a grandstand filled with big smiles and a very competitive day of Swimming.
Boys Football Team Zane Rallis George Agiasotis Peter Baroutis Peter Asproukos Maximilian Economou Peter Manavis George Antonas Jonathan Gouveros Louis Degabriele
The seating was filled with students from Year 2–Year 12 in their house colours: RedCorinthians, BlueDelphians, GreenNemeans and Yellow- Olympians. The atmosphere was electric and although the weather wasn’t ideal at times, our swimmers soldiered on and their determination and commitment was remarkable.
Andrew Panayi Sam Nicotera
Without the combined efforts and the leadership of the staff and coordinators, the day would not have been an outstanding success that it was. We would also like to thank the parents for their ongoing support. The final standings for the carnival and age champions were:
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Our 2019 Age Champions were: 8 Years
9 Years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years
Helana Constantinidis & Ariea Hillston Michael Antonas Kayla Hansimikali John Missos Michael Deftereos Kostan Papadopoulos Bianca Soumilas Maximilian Economou Sophia Paparsenos Phillip Preketes
With a stella effort, the Corinthians were crowned House winners from the Junior school and the overall winners from the College were the Olympians! Well done to all our swimmers. On Wednesday 27th February, we had our special assembly in the hall where we presented ribbons to our overall winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th) from each event. The Age champions were also announced. They will be receiving their trophies at the Sports Presentation at the SPACE in November.
UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS THIS TERM
11th March- ASISSA Swimming Carnival 14th March- ASISSA Boys Football Trials 19h March- Greek Orthodox Swimming Carnival 5th April – K-6 Athletic Carnival.
Mrs C. Diavatiotis Sport Co-ordinator 8
support in reiterating this message at home will be appreciated.
AFTERNOON PICK UP As the whole K – 6 School is currently housed on the Primary side, our play areas are limited. For this reason and for the safety of children, we ask children do not play or run around in the playground after dismissal. We ask that you take your child/ren and leave the grounds straight away. If you are waiting for an older child, we ask that you keep your younger children seated with you.
CREATIVE KIDS VOUCHERS DISCOUNTED PIANO LESSONS The NSW Government is helping kids get creative with the new Creative Kids program. Parents, guardians and carers can apply for a voucher with a value of $100 per calendar year for each student aged 4.5 to 18 years old enrolled in school.
Please note too that After School Care uses the playground as does Afternoon Greek School. We thank you in advance for your understanding.
The voucher may be used with a registered activity provider for registration, participation and tuition costs for creative arts, speech, drama, dance, digital design, coding, and music lessons and activities.
IWATCHES, GARMIN, FITBIT ETC
Our Piano Teacher Natalia Mikhaylova has become a registered “Creative Kids” provider so that she can pass on the equivalent discount to students. Natalia’s phone number for enquiries and enrolments is 0405 080 636. Here is the link to the program: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/ap ply-creative-kids-voucher
Mrs A. Synesios Principal Junior School
It is becoming increasing difficult to maintain concentration and focus in some classrooms due to the distraction caused by these watches. Young children are by nature easily distracted and impulsive and, it does not take much to shift their focus from learning to a device that is beeping or being handed around the classroom. Any distraction in the classroom means that the teacher needs to stop what s/he is doing to attend to the distraction thus reducing teaching time. If your class teacher decides to ban the watches in his /her classroom, I ask that you respect their decision as it is in the best interest of the children and their learning. Your 9
SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT TWILIGHT TOURS Congratulations to our Open team who won their debate, and showcased their exceptional debating skills in Round 1. The Open team is to be congratulated on their commitment to debating, and we look forward to their continued success in the competition this year. All debating students are to be commended on their efforts in the lead up to hosting Round 1 at the College. Students were excellent helpers on the day, with each student taking responsibility throughout the afternoon, showing initiative and enthusiasm as hosts. We look forward to having the opportunity to host again in 2020.
Congratulations to all the Student Leaders and volunteers who were able to assist with Twilight Tour this week. An overwhelming number of visitors attended again this year, which is a testament to the positive impression and interest our College is generating in the community. Students warmly welcomed visitors and enthusiastically conducted tour of the school campus, impressing all with their honest and positive commentaries. DEBATING COMPETITION
Also, a special thank you to all staff and prefects who stayed after school to assist on the day; your help was much appreciated.
On Tuesday 26th February, St Spyridon College hosted Round 1 of the 2019 HICES Debating Competition. We welcomed debating teams from Emanuel School, Moriah College, and All Saints, Belmore.
We look forward to debating in Round 2 on Thursday 14th March, when we will travel to Emanuel School, Randwick.
The two St Spyridon Middle teams (Year 7 and 8 students) competed against each other in Round 1, debating the topic: That there should be a quota for Indigenous athletes in the Olympic Games. The two St Spyridon Senior teams (Year 9 and 10 students) also competed against each other in Round 1, debating the topic: That foreign aid does more harm than good. It was a bittersweet victory for the Middle St Spyridon A team who won their debate against the Middle St Spyridon B team. It was also a similar feeling for the Senior St Spyridon A team who won their debate against the Senior St Spyridon B team. All Middle and Senior teams performed exceptionally well, and are ready to use the feedback provided to continue to improve and refine their debating skills as we progress through the HICES Debating Competition in 2019. Additionally, the St Spyridon Open team (Year 11 and 12 students) competed against All Saints, Belmore in Round 1, debating the topic: That there should be a military intervention in America not Venezuela.
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NEW TECHNOLOGY CLASSES
IN
SCIENCE
On Friday 1st March, the Year 9 Science Honours class along with Mr Karras, investigated Ohm’s law using the new software SparkView that the school installed for us on the Science laptops. We conducted the experiment and graphed our data onto paper, before entering our results onto the SparkView’s platform. The software was extremely easy to use and in the end gave us the results we required and were trying to prove. We thank the school for giving us the opportunity to use such tools.
Adriana Drakoulis, Frangoulis Year 9 Students
Sia Manos,
Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School Deputy Head of College
Ms V. Laskas and Ms S. Vardas HICES Debating
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Nicole
PREFECT NEWS PREFECTS LUNCH On Wednesday, 6th March, our Head of College and Principal Prefects’ Lunch was held in the Sports and Performing Arts Centre. Prefects had the opportunity to share their progress in their studies and views on student leadership. This year, under the guidance of their teacher Mrs Grillakis, Year 11 and Year 12 Hospitality students prepared the lunch. Year 12 Hospitality students served the lunch to fulfil part of their competences for the HSC. We would like to thank Mrs Lambi for her support and expertise for all such occasions.
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PREFECT PROFILE Name: Ephemia Damianos Number of years at St Spyridon College: 5 years Previous Leadership Roles: Peer Support Leader, SRC (primary school) Subjects I am currently studying: Maths Extension 1, English Advanced, Chemistry, Business Studies and Modern Greek (completed in Year 11). Hobbies: Going to the gym, going out with my friends, trying new restaurants, organizing/planning everything. My Future Aspirations: To study Medical Science and branch into neuroscience research or psychology. My Role Models: My parents and my Yiayia. Favourite Quote: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -
Oliver Goldsmith My proudest moment: Placing 1st in NSW for my age at the Judo Championships in 2012 and 2013. One student principle that is most meaningful to me and why: Student Principle 3: “We work together to achieve a school community whose distinguishing characteristics are those of friendship, compassion and decency”
It is the most meaningful principle to me because coming from a different primary school allowed me to compare other high schools, where I found that the atmosphere at St Spyridon was my favourite by far as it was the most inviting and friendly. I also believe that essentially, this principle is saying to put our differences aside and work together to lift each other up, support each other, and to help achieve each other’s goals and create lasting friendships between us.
PREFECT PROFILE Name: Sophie Ioannidis Number of years at St Spyridon College: 10 (since year 3) Previous leadership roles: SRC in years 9, 10 and 11; Year 10 Peer Support Leader Subjects I am currently studying: English Advanced, General Maths, Drama, Legal Studies, Modern History and History Extension Hobbies: Watching TV and movies, hanging out with friends, listening to music. My Future Aspirations: I wish to study criminology or psychology at university. My role models: Martin Luther King Jr., Ana Nzinga, parents, teachers. Favourite quote: “What a sad era when it is easier to smash an atom than a prejudice” - Albert Einstein My proudest moment: Becoming a Prefect for SSC. One Student Principle that is most meaningful to me and why: Student Principle 3: “We work together to achieve a school community whose distinguishing characters are those of friendship, compassion and decency”. I believe this student principle is the most meaningful to me as it brings to light the idea of being good to one another and highlights the school’s aim to treat one another with respect. This student principle focusses on creating a kind and welcoming community for both the school students and teachers every day. During my time at St Spyridon, I have been surrounded by a loving and caring school environment, with teachers and students being there to help whenever there is a problem. As a Greek – Orthodox school, our friendliness, compassion and decency for one another gives us the power to become closer, and allows us to be united under the shared morals, values and ethics.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT
A PHOTO ESSAY OF A TYPICAL PERIOD 1 AT THE SENIOR SCHOOL Recently as I was working in my office, Mrs Katsogiannis came in and excitedly bekoned me to come to look at something. I followed her to the Science Labs and saw Year 7 conducting their first experiment wearing new navy blue laboratory coats and safety gogles. It brought big smiles to both our faces. The students looked like mini scientists in their oversized lab coats intently boiling liquid and recording temperatures. The moment was too precious to not capture. As I walked back towards my office I noticed Mrs Alibrio in the lab next door giving an animated explanation to her Year 9 class. Since I had the camera in hand I took another snap and before I knew it, I found myself walking through different parts of the school taking candid photos of teachers and students engaged in an array typical Period 1 lessons. The collection below is the photo essay of period 1 at the Senior School.
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We feel very privileged to have had John speak to students across all year groups on Friday 22nd February. He provided messages of courage and resilience that touch all of us and shared words of wisdom and inspiration with Students Leaders (Year 10 Peer Support and Year 12 Prefects). John’s Story John Coutis is a remarkable Australian with a severe physical disability in which doctors gave him little chance of survival. However, John not only defied medical opinion, but he transcended beyond every obstacle and difficulty he faced in his life. John has made it his mission to spread the message of resilience, courage, positivity, determination and respect, to as many individuals as possible. John believes that no matter what adversities one faces, with faith and courage and resilience these can be overcome. John is a living example; proving it every single day of his life. John has spoken to over 6 million people across the world, from school children to corporate high flyers and inspired them to live their lives by his maxims. We hope that his personal stories and advice will inspire all of all of us to do the same. No matter what we face: be it a hard exam, a sporting failure, or even if simply not having the best day, if we live our lives with courage and positivity, there is absolutely nothing we cannot overcome.
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As a family man, husband and father, the Coutis’ profile is strong, both in the community & in business. In the past John, and his family joined with notable Australian sporting greats such as Allan Border, Stephen Waugh and Ian Healy, Ben Darwin, John Lazarou & many others, put together a charity walk from Ipswich to the Gold Coast (124 kms), raising $40,000 for three charities; Hydrocephalus, Amputee (Limb Kids) & Fibromyalgia. These challenges affect the Coutis family directly, with John and Leanne’s son, Clayton having Hydrocephalus, John being an Amputee & Leanne’s mum suffering from Fibromyalgia. John was declared by Halogen Australia as the MOST POPULAR SPEAKER at the 20172018 National Young Leaders Day, an event that featured Australia’s most popular sports people, performers, authors and community leaders. In 2018 John was part of the Commonwealth Games Queens Baton Relay. John was one of the very last people in the relay, accepting the baton from Australian favourite, Sally Pearson. John’s unique story and style means that his message is REMEMBERED FOR LIFE.
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ASPIRING YOUNG AUTHOR IN OUR MIDST We are very happy to announce that Anastasia Lambrou of Year 9 has for the second time entered a writing competition and been successful in winning by having her short story published in OZ KIDS IN PRINT MAGAZINE – which is sponsored by the Australian Government. We are very proud of Anastasia and commend her for the effort she puts into her writing endeavours.
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LEADERSHIP FOCUS In Pastoral Care last week Years 7 to 10 focussed on Leadership as a prelude to nominating themselves for the Representative Council so that ballot papers for this week’s vote could take place. Selected Year 10 Peer Support Leaders had the added responsibility of delivering a power point to Year 7 classes, discussing the leadership opportunities available to all students at the Senior School and informing Year 7 about the role of the SRC. Years 10 were a wonderful living example of leadership in action. They demonstrated self- confidence, public speaking skills, organization and teamwork in the delivery of their presentations.
2019 Congratulations to the following students from Years 7 – 12 who will form the 2019 Student Representative Council (SRC). The Council Meetings will be held every Wednesday at lunch this Term. Then will meet every fortnight in the following terms. We wish them well and look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead. Students will receive their badges next week at assembly. CHAIR PERSON – Bill Avdalis (College Captain) TREASURER – George Bozikis (Senior Prefect) SECRETARY – Stella Ktenas (Vice Captain) YEAR 7 7G: Isabelle Zeiderman & Victoria Stathos 7K: Marcus Rezitis & Gabriella Gouveros 7S: Chrysa Kirkis & Ioanna Panayi 7Y: Ciana Foti & Connor Kristallis YEAR 8 8A: Ellenika Trakosas & Kosta Micos 8K: Sophia Karatasos & Adam Stamos 8P: Mia Paras & Stavros Haralambides 8Z: Chris Mylonas & Alannah Rawlinson YEAR 9 9E: Adriana Drakoulis & Kristos Trakosas 9M: Nicolas Kalligiannis & Evan Xylas 9P: Natasha Bebonis & Leanna Papaleonidas 19
9S: Alexander Nikitopoulos & Christina Pascalis YEAR 10 10C: Mary Diamond & Michael Vlahos 10D: Stephanie Bousoutis & Elleni Mouskos 10M: Elise Georgiou & Gregory Tsoukalas 10V: Franklin Pyliotis & Evan Tsiokas YEAR 11 11G: George Hatzidis & Angelique Giokas 11H: Jordan Frazis & Nicola Skouteris 11L: Nicholas Drakoulis & Elena Tsallas
that her Dementia has caused her to remain within the School buildings.... specifically sleeping in the middle of the main corridor where all walk through. Normally Lou Lou would leave during school hours and return later when it was quiet and when Marie our cleaner, and her surrogate ‘mother’ was present. It is heartening to see the kindness shown by Evelyn and indeed all students as they side step to avoid Lou Lou sleeping all day long in the corridor!
STUDENTS OF THE WEEK George Bozikis (Senior Prefect) is acknowledged for taking time out on a Saturday to come to school so that he could support an ISA home game.
BREAKFAST FOR BRAIN CANCER PRESENTATION TO PREFECTS AND LAB TOUR
Today Mrs Katsogiannis and I had the opportunity of attending a Breakfast for Brain Cancer Fundraiser - Celebrating Women in Brain Cancer Research on International Women's Day at the Royal North Shore Hospital. It was wonderful to meet and hear from a panel of distinguished speakers who work tirelessly and do incredible work in brain cancer research. Evelyn Shkolnik was awarded student of the week for demonstrating kindness. After hearing that our 18 year old school cat Lou Lou was suffering from Dementia and Cancer she decided of her own accord to bring in packaged cat food for her everyday.
Following the breakfast our Prefects arrived for a presentation and tour of the Brain Cancer Research facility at the KOLLING INSTITUTE RNSH. This privilege is given as a mark of appreciation for our students efforts in assisting at the White Pearl Ball. Our association and fund raising efforts for brain cancer over the years stem from the sad fact that a past student of ours, Gera Tatsuyra lost his battle with brain cancer when he was about to enter Year 8.
Lou Lou has been a fixture at the Senior School for many years, but it is only recently 20
“The National Day for Action against Bullying and Violence� will be held on Friday 15th March. At St Spyridon College we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone. Bullying has no place in our school 21
and we make every effort to educate our students in being good to one another. We do this through our Pastoral Care Program and by Promoting Days such as the “National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence” and focussing students attention on its key messages.
their story, ask questions to get more details if you need: who, what, where, when. Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child’s experience, try to keep calm to avoid more distress to your child. 2. Reassure your child they are not to blame. Many children blame themselves and this may make them feel even worse. You could say things like, ‘That sounds really hard to deal with. No one should have to put up with that.’ or ‘I’m so glad you told me. You should be able to feel safe at school; that’s not fair at all’.
The promotion of Respectful and Responsible relationships between students is of paramount importance to us. Occasionally, we may see students (usually friends) make poor choices and get carried away with a joke that goes too far, this is not bullying. Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over others who feel unable to stop it from happening.
3. Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do. A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation.
Bullying can happen in person or online. Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records). Behaviours that do not constitute bullying include:
4. Visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au to find some strategies. The website has tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practise strategies at home to help your child feel more confident.
mutual arguments and disagreements not liking someone or a single act of social rejection one-off acts of meanness or spite isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence.
5. Contact the school. Your child may be reluctant for you to do this, so discuss the idea and reassure them that the school would want to know and is able to help. Make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher and, if you need to, ask to talk with the principal. Contact the school immediately if you have a concern about your child’s safety.
If the school is informed about any of the above behaviours impacting the well-being of students at school, they would be addressed and resolved. Parents are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone.
6. Check in regularly with your child. Keeps the conversation going. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and their feelings. Your ongoing support is important.
Below are some tips that may be adapted to what works for you and your child. If your child talks to you about bullying:
Please feel free to contact the school if you would like to discuss any aspect of our approach to preventing bullying.
1. Listen calmly and get the full story. Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. After they’ve told you 22
3. It’s not OK to study with the TV on PARENT TIPS It’s common to see students memorising notes while also watching their favourite TV show as they think they’re killing two birds with one stone. Were it so easy. Unfortunately, the TV is just about the most distracting object in the house when it comes to study, and as a result it is recommended that for the time your student is studying, the TV be completely switched off.
Is your child's study environment up to scratch? Minimising distractions can have a big impact on your child’s ability to concentrate. So here are some tips to ensure that you have optimized their environment for studying. 1. No working at the kitchen table
4. Students should study when they work best
Although it might seem like a social thing to do, when your child works in a communal area, ambient noise, conversations and visual distractions are particularly prevalent in common areas of the house. Always encourage your son or daughter to study in a secluded, quiet environment where these distractions are minimal. This should only be for about 45 minutes at a time. In between study blocks, it’s a good idea for them to come out and socialise for a break
It’s a fact that adolescents have sleep patterns which vary considerably from adults – younger people tend to only fully ‘wake up’ around 10 or 11am, and reach a peak of concentration in the afternoon. As a result, most students find it easier to concentrate after lunch. When students study, we want them working at their peak of concentration – which is why I always encourage students to get study done after school, or after dinner. Every student is different though, and you may want to have a discussion with your child about when they are able to concentrate best. When they are making their study timetables, suggest they put the study into time blocks during the day when they are more likely to be concentrating fully.
2. Studying with music is OK – but not always A very common question we receive is “can my son or daughter study with music on?” – To which the answer is, unfortunately, a resounding “maybe”. There is a lot of research into the role music plays in aiding or hindering our concentration. It is generally accepted that some forms of music, such as Baroque music (music composed in the 1600s – think Bach, Handel’s Messiah etc.) can be relaxing and improve concentration. This is thought to be because the music is so constant in its intensity (it doesn’t often change in volume or speed) that we quickly stop thinking about it, but it continues to block out distracting background noises. Dance and rock music, on the other hand, tends to be the complete opposite, which is why it doesn’t often help us concentrate. A happy medium is a new series of study ‘soundscapes’, which are scientifically engineered 45-minute loops of pleasant ambient sound which are designed to be nonintrusive, but block out background noise. Look for an iPhone app called ‘Study’ – it is very effective at calming the nerves and blocking out background noise. You can also use noisli.com, which has useful white noise backgrounds.
5. Keep the work space clear When a student is studying a topic they don't find particularly interesting, nearly every visual cue will prove distracting. That paperweight on the desk which has gone unnoticed for years will all of a sudden spur a whole range of amazing memories which will replace the practice questions open on the desk. In a nutshell, the desk or workstation of your son or daughter should be clear – no pictures of friends, no books from other subjects – just the work that needs to be done. Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School
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GREEK COLUMN και πολλά ελληνικά γλυκά όπως οι κουραμπιέδες, τα μελομακάρονα, οι δίπλες, το γαλακτομπούρικο, η μπουγάτσα και πολλά άλλα. Δεν μου αρέσει όμως το σούσι και γενικά τα κινέζικα φαγητά.
Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Στην έκδοση αυτή θα σας κρατήσουμε συντροφιά με την προετοιμασία ενός από τους μαθητές της Β΄ Λυκείου, προετοιμασία που αποβλέπει στα προφορικά της Γ΄ Λυκείου για τις απολυτήριες εξετάσεις, το λεγόμενο HSC . Καλά να περνάτε.
Το σπίτι μας είναι μια μεγάλη, καινούρια μονοκατοικία. Διαθέτει τέσσερα μεγάλα και φωτεινά υπνοδωμάτια, τρία πολυτελή μπάνια, δύο άνετα σαλόνια, μια ευρύχωρη κουζίνα, γκαράζι και ένα γραφείο. Επίσης έχει και θέα στην θάλασσα.
κα Μ. Φαλέτα Ο εαυτός μου, τα χόμπυ μου, το σπίτι μου και η γειτονιά μου
Το δωμάτιό μου είναι αρκετά μεγάλο. Έχει το διπλό, μπλε κρεβάτι μου, το γραφείο μου με τα σχολικά μου βιβλία στη βιβλιοθήκη μου και μια μεγάλη ντουλάπα για τα ρούχα μου.
Γεια σας, με λένε Δημήτρη και ειμαι δεκαπέντε χρονών. Από εμφάνιση, θα έλεγα ότι είμαι αρκετά ψηλός και κανονικός στο βάρος μου, δηλαδή ανάλογα με το ύψος μου. Έχω κοντά, καστανά μαλλιά και καστανά μάτια. Δυστυχώς, πριν δύο μήνες, έσπασα το ισχύο μου όταν έπαιζα ποδόσφαιρο με το σχολείο μου και πέρασα κάποιες δύσκολες εβδομάδες. Τέλος πάντων, τέλος καλό, όλα καλά όπως λέμε.
Όταν είμαι στο σπίτι, είμαι συνήθως στο δωμάτιό μου για να διαβάζω και να κάνω τις εργασίες μου στο γραφείο μου Έχουμε και μια μικρή αυλή στο σπίτι μας, αλλά δεν έχουμε δέντρα ή λουλούδια σ’αυτήν επειδή είναι πολύ μικρή κι έτσι δεν μπορούμε ούτε να παίζουμε εκεί.
Σαν χαρακτήρας νομίζω ότι είμαι ευγενικός, πάντα προσπαθώ να δείχνω σεβασμό στους μεγαλύτερούς μου, αλλά και στους συνομιλήκους μου. Είμαι επίσης καλόκαρδος και εργατικός μια και κάνω πάντα τις εργασίες μου για το σχολείο όσο μπορώ καλύτερα και βοηθάω και τους γονείς μου με τις δουλειές του σπιτιού, για παράδειγμα κόβω το χορτάρι του κήπου μας, ποτίζω, κάνω σκούπα στο σπίτι και ασφαλώς το δωμάτιό μου είναι αποκλειστικά δική μου ευθύνη.
Μου αρέσει το σπίτι μας γιατί είναι πολύ όμορφο, μεγάλο και καινούριο. Πέρα από αυτά, νομίζω πως το ίδιο θα το αγαπούσα και αν ήταν μικρό ή παλιό. Αυτό οφείλεται στο ότι είναι το σπίτι μου, δηλαδή εκεί όπου ζω με τους γονείς και τα αδέλφια μου, με αυτούς που αγαπώ και με αγαπούν. Είναι ένα μέρος γεμάτο στοργή, ασφάλεια, φροντίδα και αγάπη. Πρέπει επίσης να πω πως η ζωή σε μια γειτονιά της Αυστραλίας όπως η δική μου είναι αρκετά εύκολη. Για παράδειγμα, εγώ ζω στην περιοχή Kingsford στο Σύδνεϋ. Κοντά μας υπάρχουν καταστήματα, πάρκα, σχολεία, πανεπιστήμια, εκκλησίες, εστιατόρια και άλλες ευκολίες και εγκαταστάσεις. Έτσι η ζωή στο προάστειό μας είναι ευχάριστη και μου αρέσει. Είμαστε κοντά στην εκκλησία του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνα και κοντά στο σχολείο μου. Δεν θα ήθελα να ζήσω οπουδήποτε αλλού επειδή ένα παιδί της ηλικίας μου μπορεί να επιλέξει το σχολείο που του αρέσει να πάει, να βγεί για καφέ με φίλους, να πάει για ψώνια ή να ασχοληθεί με τον αθλητισμό στα πάρκα και στις διάφορες εγκαταστάσεις, για παράδειγμα στα διάφορα γυμναστήρια. Ακόμη και στην εκκλησία που πάμε κάθε Κυριακή, δεν έχουμε κανένα πρόβλημα επειδή είναι πολύ κοντά μας.
Μου αρέσουν τα αστεία και τα διάφορα παιχνίδια με τους φίλους μου είτε αυτά είναι αθλητικά είτε ηλεκτρονικά. Οι φίλοι μου με περιγράφουν ως έμπιστο και ευγενικό παιδί. Πραγματικά, ποτέ δεν μαρτυράω τα μυστικά των φίλων μου σε άλλους. Επίσης λένε ότι είμαι αστείος και τους κάνω να γελούν. Μου αρέσει πολύ να παίζω ποδόσφαιρο και μπάσκετ με τους φίλους μου, ιδιαίτερα στα διαλείμματα του σχολείου ή όταν έχουμε ελεύθερο χρόνο. Ευχαριστιέμαι επίσης πολύ να παίζω παιχνίδια στον υπολογιστή και να βλέπω διάφορα έργα. Μάλιστα, μου αρέσει να πηγαίνω και στο σινεμά με τους φίλους ή με την οικογένειά μου, να ακούω μουσική και να διαβάζω διάφορα αγγλικά βιβλία. Από φαγητά, μου αρέσει το κρέας ψητό στα κάρβουνα ή στο φούρνο, τρελαίνομαι για χοιρινό γύρο, ελληνικές πίτες και μου αρέσουν
James Bletsas Year 10 (Modern Greek Year 11) 24
SPORTS COLUMN GIRLS SPORTS The Junior B team has been our most promising team this season. With a wealth of talent and a formidable combination these girls have dominated through most games and the semifinal was no different defeating St Andrews Cathedral 40-22. Their only defeats throughout the season have been when they have versed Redlands and both matches have been incredibly competitive. We look forward to another tight competitive match and hope that these girls can achieve their season goal of winning the Junior B Championship.
Congratulations to the following Girls ISA Basketball Teams who were successful in qualifying for the ISA Semi Finals. Open and Open D, Intermediate B and Junior B teams. Unfortunately, the Junior C team narrowly missed out on a semifinal position but nonetheless had a positive season where the focus was to develop their skills further. Thank you to their coach Rhea Tsimboukis (Sports Captain 2018), who immediately took on the role at the end of her HSC examinations. The Semi Finals took place last Saturday 2nd March at Penrith Basketball Stadium. The Intermediate B who finished 3rd played 2nd place Blue Mountains Grammar School. These girls even surprised themselves with the level of success they earned throughout this season, to finish 3rd was a great achievement and whilst they were defeated 22-10 in the semifinal they should be proud of their efforts this year. Thank you to their dedicated coaches, Lia Albanakis and Georgia Koukounaris.
Our Open girls this year have exceeded expectations. Finishing in 4th position they were facing a difficult challenge having to play 1st placed Oxley, a team that defeated them in Round 10 by 12 points.
The Open Ds also had a successful season finishing in 3rd position also and played 2nd placed Blue Mountains Grammar however this ended in St Spyridon’s favour. With ISA declaring this game the most exciting finish of all games played throughout the Semi Final day. The girls started slow and came from behind to win on the buzzer with a calm and collected 2 point shot from Nicola Skouteris. The girls were beyond excited as were the supporters and families who witness such an amazing win for a deserving team who did not give up until the end. These girls are to be congratulated for their composure throughout the whole match and their willingness to listen to their coach Larissa Andrianakos. We wish the girls the best of luck as they play St Andrews Cathedral this Saturday at the Grandfinal.
What was most interesting was the resilience shown by these girls to not enter the Semi Final already defeated but rather used their previous defeats as motivation to play their best. Having only played Oxley last week this enabled the girls to pay particular attention to their opposition’s weakness and strengths and adopt a strategy that would assist them to earn victory. With the score finishing 16-14 in our favour, the open girls had not just defeated the undefeated 1st placed Oxley team due to their skill but rather their ability to incorporate strategies and game tactics, further emphasisng the vast number of benefits in the involvement in sport and its power to develop the mind and body. We wish the girls the best of luck as they play Blue Mountains Grammar this Saturday in the Grand Final. 25
nostalgia was enough to evoke memories and thoughts of joy for our oldest students. I take this opportunity to congratulate and commend all the competitors, spectators, our school house captains, staff and all families who attended. It is events such as these that highlight the strong healthy competition and comradery that exists in the College K- 12. It also emphasises and confirms the schools growth in the College sports programme. Thank you must also be conveyed to Mrs C. Diavatiotis (coordinator of Sport for the Junior School) for her zeal, excellent organisation and passion for building and strengthening school sporting opportunities for the Junior School students. Likewise, Ms O’Shea (Girls Sports) for helping to organise and run what is arguably a significant and demanding event, especially considering it was a first time event for the school.
Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sports
BOYS SPORTS COMBINED SWIMMING CARNIVAL It has been a long term ambition for the school sports team to host a combined swimming carnival. A moment in time when the Junior School and Senior School students could all assemble together and compete for a chance to crown an overall winning house champion, an opportunity to celebrate the success of our swimmers but, to also farewell the Year 12 swimmers who for the last time grace the pool with their presence. A moment for our youngest competitors the 8 year olds, who would hopefully cherish the opportunity and the memories created by such an event.
I encourage all students to continue to strive in all sporting endeavours and I take this opportunity to acknowledge all the Year 12 students for their outstanding and valued contribution in the pool. They have been paramount to the sporting landscape of the College.
The College achieved this goal on Thursday 21st February at Botany Pool. It was a wonderful sight watching all the competitors on the day and an even more impressive spectacle listening and enjoying the chanting and barracking in the stands from the respective house groups. The day and the races proved to be a success. For the Senior School, the move to a 50m pool was a welcomed move, while the pre-registration process definitely allowed for a smoother and more efficiently run carnival. Highlight of the day included watching the older year 12 students compete for the last time and definitely the young 8 year old first time competitors really striving and applying themselves to hit the finishing wall. At that moment, we all caught a glimpse of where our year 12 student swimmers started and the 26
executed individual and team basketball performances.
Records Broken Desi Kapodistrias in the following Girls U17 events: 50m Freestyle 33.35 50m Backstroke 37.93 50m Butterfly 33.81 50m Breaststroke 44.87 100m Freestyle 1:11.22
The U14 boys were unlucky not to defeat Oakhill College losing the game in the late stages of the game by only one point, while the U15 team were defeated by 10 points. Despite the loss, the boys were buoyed knowing that they could match it with teams in this difficult division.
Catherine Coutts in the following Girls U12 events: 50m freestyle 33.10 50m Butterfly 35.42 100m Freestyle 1:12.45
Watching the teams was especially gratifying, seeing their growth and improvement as a team but also the growth of boys basketball. Winning is one thing but learning to play and playing well is something our teams are harnessing. The quality of the basketball was impressive and while the results may not have been what we wanted, the teams and their coaches must be congratulated and commended for a great season, in many ways a breakthrough year for the boys with both these teams learning to play some very well structured games. Thanks must also go to Mr Koulouritotis and Mr Tsoustas for their commitment and coaching throughout the year, their guidance support and knowledge has made an incredible difference.
Winning Houses
Junior School: Corinthians Middle School: Corinthians Upper school: Nemeans Overall College House Champions 2019: Olympians
Champion of Champions 50m Freestyle:
Marko Gacevic in a time of 28.17 Eleni Haralambides in a time of 31.50
Semi Final Results U14 boys lost to Oakhill 24-23 U15 boys lost to Oakhill 45-35
Students who have made the Senior School swim team to compete at the ISA have been notified and are now busy preparing for their next carnival.
Thank you also to all our families and friends who supported the boys at the basketball semi -finals. Although a long day, the U15 boys in particular appreciated the support knowing that the late tip off of 4pm was not the ideal starting time. A big thank you to our School Sports Captain Spiros Zafiropoulos, who remained behind for the entire day to support both the U14 and U15 teams. His support and encouragement did make a difference to the boys’ demeanour and team morale.
SQUAD TRAINING Swimming squad training has now begun and all the students are preparing for their events at swimming squad training at All Sorts Fitness and Aquatic Centre. While training starts at 6:30am, the students’ dedication and hard work is testament to their willingness to improve. We thank Ms Flokis for dedicating her time and expertise in coaching the students. If not for her passion and unflinching commitment, we could not envision nor realise the many steps in progress the College has achieved over the years in swimming. BASKETBALL SEMI FINALS Saturday 2nd March the U14 Boys and U15 Boys competed in the division 2 boys ISA Semi-finals. Both teams displayed excellent sportsmanship and really well constructed and 27
TENNIS TRIALS There is yet another sporting milestone for the College to celebrate this winter season. Tennis trials are well underway and the students are warming up to playing a very traditional and demanding sport in a competitive environment in the ISA competition. All interested students have been given information regarding the tennis competition and there is a great deal of excitement and interest in this the latest opportunity for the students. The school has hired a coach for the season and we are now in the process of finalising teams. The first trial was conducted last Thursday the 27th February and by all accounts the students enjoyed and relished the opportunity to try something different. The school has invested in a portable tennis net and of course line marking has also been arranged. Once the season gets underway, more information will be included in the newsletter for all the community to be able to come along and watch our athletes.
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personal best is not enough, instead scaling new heights must always be the norm.
FOOTBALL TRIALS Boys football trials were completed on Thursday with the successful teams posted on the school notice board.
Under the leadership of the Year 12 student swimmers the College for the first time will see both the boys and girls swim in the division 1 ISA competition. What an amazing achievement, a fitting commendation and acknowledgement of their hard work and effort.
Registration forms will be distributed and relevant information provided regarding after school football training sessions. CIS CUP
Where does that leave our cricketers? They are the pioneers of the sport at the College and their exuberance, passion and dedication has helped to strengthen our sports programme.
The First XI football team opened their season with a first round game against Cranbrook in the CIS Cup. Unfortunately, the team lost the game 5-0. Despite the lopsided score line, the boys were competitive in the first half conceding only one goal. In the second half, it became a very difficult task given lack of match practise. Despite this, the boys enjoyed the hit out and will use this as an opportunity to build on the upcoming season. This game was also used as an opportunity to trial boys in a game scenario, in order to select the team for the year.
The curtain is now drawn and our boys played their last innings. Tears aplenty at Redfield in their last game after the last ball was hit and the final delivery bowled, it was all over. A hush engulfed the boys in the final huddle clear evidence that it was the end and yet also reminiscent of the first huddle two years ago albeit for two very different reasons. The St Spyridon Year 12 cricketers have left the crease and retired their bats, gloves, helmets and cricket balls for those who are left behind to commandeer the toughest of the ISA wickets. Stand tall SENIOR CRICKETERS for the runs and wickets you have taken have been counted and the running tally of Cricket statistics for the College have begun.
YEAR 12 THANK YOU It has been a busy time in sport for the College with the final series for basketball and the completion of the summer season, the inclusion of tennis into the school’s sports programme the trials for the winter season and of course the swimming carnival and squad training sessions. It is however, the best moment in time to celebrate and commend our Year 12 swimmers, Cricket players and Basketball athletes.
I will definitely recall the hard hitting centurion, our Sports Captain and First XI Cricket captain Spiros Zafiropoulos and his blinding pace generated with the ball in hand. Let’s not forget the howling yells of encouragement from Steven Stamoulis behind the stumps and Connor Giavis taking unthinkable catches. What about Christian Jenkins always composed and a genuine contender for best all-rounder and then there is Brendan Borodyansky his deliveries whistle past his opponents and Manny Giokas he has the most revered medium pace deliveries. Yes you, the originals of 2019 will be missed. No need for tears, rather the opposite be proud, for you are the pioneers of cricket here at the College.
It feels that it was only yesterday, that our year 12 swimmers were in Year 7, and yet how quickly time passes by that we find ourselves commending and thanking them for their contribution. Swimming has evolved over the years at the College and evidence of this is due in part to the year 12 contribution. They have from the outset raised the bar aspiring to scale new heights and always looking for new challenges and setting new benchmarks. They have never skipped a beat and quite often surprised the school with their accolades. They are a small group, who have mapped out new roads and moulded our thinking to never be satisfied with the present achievements rather the opposite that being content with one’s
Morning tea on away trips will not be the same and I am sure that those in the mountains and on the coast and even inland will forever wonder where did those happy, jovial boys go? 29
Mr Zafiropoulos will be a lonely figure standing at those cake shop/pie shop stalls but alas you would be glad to know that the younger generation are ready to take to the crease and so the tradition continues.
UPCOMING SPORTING EVENTS
Year 12 cricketers, you offered the community so much joy watching the gentleman’s game at Coral Sea beneath the shade of the trees. The incredible morning tea and extravagant lunches, there is nothing quite like the cricket. At the end in the winners circle you stood tall. Thank you Year 12 boys for the memories.
Half day Swimming training day Monday 11th March
ISA Swimming carnival Wednesday 13th March
Mr F. Kaldis Boys Sports
What about the boys First V basketball team. A tough season for a team that was riddled with injury and yet surrender they did not. At one stage I thought they would fold but I was once again surprised with their resilient character. Our Year 12s managed a win and managed to inspire the younger boys with the mantra of never giving up, of learning to lose gracefully and never letting down their guard. A true team, where no individual assumed a greater role than the other, a team searching for success in every game. To you the Year 12 boys in the First V basketball team, Dimitri Dimas (team captain), Adam Geortsis, William Georgas, Bill Avdalis, Bill Malomitis and John Dalakiaris I say thank you for always striving. I say thank you for being the best you can every week and I say congratulations for leading the basketball teams to some of the schools most memorable sporting moments.
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