SSC Newsletter 211 04 2019

VOLUME XXXVI Nº04 22nd March 2019

MARCH

FROM THE HEAD OF COLLEGE

25th March Celebrations

24th

The Annunciation of the Theotokos – School closed ASISSA Netball Gala Day - JS

25th 28th

APRIL TAFE NSW Netball Competition – JS Parent Forum - SS Athletics Carnival - JS

3rd

Easter Focus Assembly – JS – 1pm Term 1 ends for Staff and students Western Good Friday – Public Holiday

12th

Western Easter Palm Sunday Lunch Western Easter Monday – Public Holiday

21st

Anzac day, Public Holiday, Holy Thursday

25th

Good Friday – School closed

26th

Orthodox Easter

28th

Easter Monday, school closed

29th

Staff development day

30th

5th

19th

22nd

MAY Term 2 begins Students return – Winter uniform Cross Country - JS

1st

National Schools Event – Adelaide

8th – 10th

7th

Mother’s Day

12th

Naplan Online begins

14th

School Photographs - SS

21st

Leadership Assembly in Church Hall - JS

22nd

Kindergarten 2020 Information Morning

29th

ASISSA Cross Country JS – Queens Park

30th

School Photographs - JS

31st

‘Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.’ – Theodore Isaac Rubin

Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT CANVASSING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR KINDER MINUS ONE CLASS 2021 We are pleased to announce that we are considering the establishment of a KINDER MINUS ONE CLASS IN 2021.

This class is for children who will be commencing Kindergarten at St Spyridon College in 2022.

If you would like to register your interest please access form through: http://www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au/…/new-kinder-minus-one-c…/…

For further information on any aspect of this Class, please contact the Principal Junior School, Mrs A. Synesios on juniorschool@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au or call 02 9663 5363.

K-12 NEWS 25th MARCH CELEBRATIONS

10.00am: Years 7 and 12 to meet their teachers in Primary School playground.

10.00am: Years 5 and 6 to meet their teachers in Mary Hamer Quadrangle.

1.15pm: All students 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 student 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.

WINTER UNIFORM REMINDER

REMINDERS 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 Years 1-12 and optional for Kindergarten.

All students are expected to be present until the conclusion of the program at approximately 4.30pm.

A reminder to parents that there are only three (3) Wednesdays left for Uniform Shop purchases this term.

Please check at home that you have all the School Winter Uniform items required, prior to end of this term.

All students will return in Winter School Uniform beginning of Term 2, Wednesday 1st May.

LENTEN KOURABIETHES (Sugar Biscuits) 2 cups vegetable oil 4 Tbsp sugar 1tsp vanilla essence 1tsp lemon zest Juice of ½ lemon 1tsp soda 600 – 750g plain flour (approx.)

300g icing sugar to roll biscuits Rose water Beat oil, sugar, vanilla essence and lemon zest until creamy and add soda dissolved in lemon juice. Mix in flour gradually, enough to make a soft dough. Pinch off small portions and form 1cm thick round or half-moon shapes. Bake in moderate oven (180C), until colour just begins to change. Sprinkle or spray with rose water and roll in ample icing sugar.

Mrs V. Grillakis Technology and Creative Arts Team Leader

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P&F NEWS EASTER RAFFLES

The P&F has voted to fundraise towards the following projects for next year, and will provide updates towards our goal of $95,000. 

Laptops for the Senior School - $44,000



Playground Equipment for the Infants School - $31,500



GOANSE – Major Sponsor $4,500



Performing Arts – Lights and Sound for the Showcase – Major Sponsor $15,000

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.

Don’t miss the exciting events planned for Term 1 and Term 2!

PALM SUNDAY LUNCH

MOTHER’S NIGHT OUT May 16th, 2019 The Mothers Night Out is an enjoyable and successful fundraising evening. It’s a night when all the mothers, grandmothers and all females of our school community and their extended friends, can sit back and relax and enjoy great food and good company.

Palm Sunday lunch will be held in the St Spyridon Church Hall on Sunday 21st April at 11:30am. We will be serving a delicious Lenten menu of entrees, main, including whole snapper fish, and desserts. We invite you to join us with your family and friends.

Please save the date and keep an eye out for the flyer.

Bookings are essential and must be made in advance to help with catering. Payments can be done through Flexischools.

Donations for raffle prizes needed: small to large, reach out to your connections for pamper vouchers, feminine items especially highly sort after, unique, designer products, hard-to-get, or popular items.

Please call: Erenie 0410 318 053 or Angela 0407 061 940 Adults (12 yrs +): $55 donation & Children (4-12 yrs): $30 donation

For any donations, please contact Angela on 0407 061 940, or drop off your donations at the Junior School office. Thank you in advance for helping make these events a HUGE success!

EASTER STALLS LAMBATHES SALE

Leslie Paparsenos, Angela Vergotis, Vivian Zorbas P&F Secretaries

Lambathes will be for sale from April 1-12, at the Easter Focus Assembly on April 12th, and at Palm Sunday while supplies last. $25 each.

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JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT LENT TRADITIONS Lent provides us all with an opportunity to reflect, renew and be strengthened so that we may walk with Christ to His Crucifixion and glorious Resurrection. The children over the coming weeks, leading up to Easter will be participating in many of the traditions of the Church.

Last week, Mrs Giokas, our Orthodox Studies teacher, taught Year 6 about Kollyva. As it was leading to the third Saturday of Souls, she also spoke of the miracle of St Theodore and the Kollyva. Together they prepared the traditional kollyva and remembered all those who have gone before us into the Kingdom of Heaven, by preparing a list of names. May their memory be eternal.

Mrs Giokas was taught about this tradition from her Primary school Orthodox Studies teacher ka.

Ieroklis and so the tradition is passed down from one generation to another. These are the many blessings of this school.

person who does not live with us (family) on earth any longer, they are now living with God in Heaven.

THE MIRACLE OF THE BOILED WHEAT - THIRD SATURDAY OF GREAT LENT

Year 6, Mrs Giokas, Kiria Anna and Kiria Stella prepared a tray of kόλλυβα in the tradition of Saturday of Souls. The children were encouraged to write down the names of the departed on a piece of paper, so the priest can read the names during the Ψυχοσάββατo service on Saturday.

Mrs E. Giokas Orthodox Studies Teacher

On Saturday, 16th March, we remembered the miracle of Saint Theodore and the boiled wheat.

Fifty years after the death of Saint Theodore (361-363), the emperor Julian the Apostate, (wanting to commit a crime upon the Christians during the first week of Great Lent), demanded the city-commander of Constantinople to sprinkle all the food supplies in the marketplaces with the blood of animals sacrificed to the gods.

Saint Theodore appeared in a dream to Archbishop Eudoxius, ordering him to inform all the Christians that no one should buy anything at the marketplaces, but rather to eat grains of boiled wheat (kollyva).

The Church commemorates this miracle to remind us that fasting is important and God’s power is greater than any human sabotage. God will send help to people who do the right thing.

THANK YOU P&F Last week our P&F President, Mrs Kasmas and Mrs Vergotis, the co-secretary, presented Kindy with their welcome water bottle. We thank the P&F for all that they do and importantly for building community and a sense of belonging.

Look out for the Palm Sunday Lunch and Lambatha flyers and the Easter raffle tickets which will be coming home to you this week.

Ψυχοσάββατo - Kόλλυβα Each year, before the beginning of Lent, the Pascha is prepared. Our church sets aside three Saturdays called ‘Ψυχοσάββατo’ (Psihosavato) which translates to ‘Saturdays of Souls’. The priest offers a special memorial service for members of God’s family who have died and are now in Heaven. A Divine Liturgy is held on the Saturday of Souls. In this Liturgy, the names of the souls to remember are given to the priest to include in prayers.

At this time we also prepare Kόλλυβα (Kollyva). Kollyva is a tray of boiled wheat that we bring to church for the memorial service.

Wheat is a comparison to explain life everlasting - wheat is a seed from a plant. It is planted in the ground. Even though it does not look alive, with nourishment, it sprouts and becomes a green living plant. In the same way a

REWARDING THE GOOD As part of managing a positive learning environment, we reward children for things other than academics eg. making good choices, playing well with others, taking initiative, showing respect, wearing their uniform correctly, taking ownership of learning, 7

representing their school service.

and, community

There are many easy to read fact sheets around screen time, mobile phone use etc. https://esafety.gov.au/parents

WACKY DOOS are awarded to K - 2. Mrs Kipriotis gives certificates and prizes to the children as they reach each level, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 150, 200+. These are awarded in class.

The NSW Government provides a $100 voucher for students enrolled in an approved sport or fitness program. https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/appl y-active-kids-voucher

MAPLES are awarded to children in Years 3 – 6. Green maples will be stamped into Student Planners and the reason written next to them.

Children will receive a certificate as they reach each level of achievement, 20 (red), 40 (bronze), 60 (silver), 100 (gold). These will be given out at assembly.

The Make Healthy Normal website has many helpful hints around adopting a healthy lifestyle.

The link below provides advice around creating healthy lunch boxes. https://www.makehealthynormal.nsw.gov.au/foo d/healthy-school-lunch-box

AFTER SCHOOL REMINDER We respectful ask that you collect your child in the afternoon and leave the school grounds quickly. Due to the lack of space, it is unsafe to have K – 6 children playing / running in the playground in the afternoon. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Mrs A. Synesios Principal Junior School

REMINDER – KINDERGARTEN 2020 ENROLMENTS If you have a child for kindy next year please enrol by 29th of March.

MOBILE PHONES Only children who are travelling to and from school on buses should bring Mobile Phones to school. Phones need to be handed into the office in the morning and collected in the afternoon.

Please remind your child that they are not to use their phones on the school grounds or they will be confiscated. If you need to contact your child, please call the office. It is not appropriate for you to call your child on their mobile during school hours.

ENCOURAGING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Below are some links that you may find useful.

The eSafety Commissioner has information to assist parents with safe and positive online experiences for children and young people.

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SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT unsuccessful in this Round, with Emanuel B winning the debate. Both teams prepared their arguments well, reflecting their improving skills and strategizing under pressure.

PARENT FORUM Year 11 2019, for Year 10 students and their Parents A Parent Forum will be held on Wednesday, 3rd April, 2019, at the SPACe, 6:00pm – 7:00pm.

Congratulations to our Open team in Round 2, who debated the topic: That there is no good reason to teach Shakespeare in 2019. Our Open team won their debate against Moriah Green, showcasing their sophisticated and refined debating skills again in Round 2. We look forward to watching the Open team continue to improve upon their formidable skills as we progress through the HICES Competition this year.

To be discussed: - Progression through Schooling Year 1012 - Preparing for the Preliminary and HSC Courses - Year 10 Subject Selection for Stage 6 - NESA Requirements for the HSC - Careers Pathways

Although not all teams were successful in winning their debates in Round 2, all students are ready to use the feedback provided by their adjudicators to continue to improve and refine their debating skills for their upcoming debates in Round 3.

A reminder to Year 10 that the Expression of Interest forms to progress to Years 11 and 12 at St Spyridon College are due to Mrs Katsogiannis at the end of this Term, Friday 12th April, 2019.

All students are expected to attend the Parent Forum with their parents. Students may wear appropriate casual clothes.

All debating students are to be congratulated on their efforts and enthusiasm in Round 2. We look forward to debating in Round 3 on Monday 8th April.

HICES DEBATING COMPETITION On Thursday 14th March, St Spyridon College debating students travelled to Emanuel School, Randwick, to compete in Round 2 of the HICES Debating Competition.

The two St Spyridon Middle teams debated the topic: That the use of drones is breach of privacy. Our Middle A team successfully won their debate against Moriah Red. However, our Middle B team were unsuccessful in this Round, with All Saints winning the debate. Both St Spyridon Middle teams were enthusiastic and prepared for this topic, and are to be congratulated.

The two St Spyridon Senior teams debated the topic: That the Australian Parliament should allow Indigenous nations to elect their own separate Indigenous member. Our Senior A team successfully won their debate against Moriah Red. However, our Senior B team were

Ms V. Laskas and Ms S. Vardas HICES Debating

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WORLD WATER DAY

YEAR 9 SCIENCE

Today, March 22nd, is World Water Day held by the United Nations. Roughly one in every ten people on Earth lives without access to clean water. On this day, we need to pause and consider the impact of clean water in the world and try to make a difference. Some facts about the water problems the world faces include 315000 children dying every year due to unsafe water conditions, 2.4 billion people lacking access to a toilet and 80% of illnesses in developing countries being linked to poor water and sanitation conditions. As Christians, we are called to help those who are vulnerable by raising awareness and perhaps even thinking of ways to raise money.

This term, Year 9 Science have been learning about the various types of diseases, the ways that they can make us sick and the methods by which they can spread and infect healthy organisms. In the medical and biotechnology fields, there is currently a lot of research being conducted on diseases that looks into the best treatment methods and novel preventative measures to slow their infection throughout the human population. One such biotechnology is the use of immunisation vaccines, which help your immune system fight off diseases should you ever come in contact with them. For their assessment task, Year 9 was asked to research a disease of their choice and to display their findings on a poster to present to their class for everyone to learn about. See below for an example of a research poster on the disease “Gastroenteritis� (stomach flu).

William Georgas Year 12 Prefect

Marcel Darwish Year 9 Student

Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School Deputy Head of College

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STANDING WITH CHRISTCHURCH As I am sure you are all aware, last Friday, the worst mass shooting in New Zealand’s history took place claiming over 50 lives. Right now, in Christchurch, there are dozens of families that are missing fathers, mothers, children and siblings. It is a situation that no one should ever have to experience and our hearts go out to all those who suffered directly as a result of this tragedy.

We may not all be from the same culture, the same ethnicity or even the same religion but when it comes down to it, we are all human beings. We all feel pain, we all feel loss and regardless of the fact that we are over 2,000km away from Christchurch, this is something that affects all of us.

These events are a reminder to take the time to appreciate what we have and how lucky we are. They are a reminder to live our lives in the best way we can because we do not know what the future holds. As much we’d like to think we have control of our lives, we do not know what is going to happen tomorrow or next week. That is why we need to look out for each other and try to be the best people we can now. That is how we can create change that is how we can make a difference.

At the end of assembly, following the Our Father and the Prayer of St Ephraim, the students recited the prayer for the departed, in memory of the lives lost at Christchurch.

PRAYER FOR THE DEPARTED O God of spirits and all flesh, who have trampled down death, made the devil powerless, give rest, Lord, to the soul of your servants who has fallen asleep, in a place of light, in a place of green pasture, in a place of refreshment, from where pain, sorrow and sighing have fled.

As a good and loving God, forgive every sin committed by them in word, deed or thought; For there is no one who lives and does not sin; you alone are without sin, your righteousness endures forever, and your law is truth.

For you are the resurrection, the life and the repose of your servants who has fallen asleep, Christ our God, and to you we offer glory, with your eternal Father and your all-Holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

George Bozikis Senior Prefect

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PREFECT PROFILE Name: Alexandra Stamios Number of years at St Spyridon: 6 years (started in Year 7).

Previous Leadership roles: Year 8 SRC; Year 10 Peer Support Leader.

Subjects I’m currently studying: Standard Mathematics; English Advanced; Business Studies; Geography; Music 1.

Hobbies: Music; Writing; spending time with family and friends My future aspirations: getting into university (not sure which course); travel the world and create an understanding and value of culture globally; continue to practice my abilities in music.

Role models: Family; educators (teaching shapes and moulds young adults which I highly admire and have respect for).

Favourite Quote: “If you are curious, you'll find the puzzles around you. If you are determined, you will solve them.” - Erno Rubik My proudest moment: I’m proud of having a hard work ethic and strong values instilled in me and hoping to develop that as I continue to learn as I get older.

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

This particular student principle stands out to me personally as it outlines the values, morals and ethos of the college and as a human being. It taught me resilience and patience with everything I put my efforts into, and to enter every situation open minded, listening to all sides of every story and to always have trust and faith not only in yourself but confident faith in your religion. My personal lived experienced of this principle isn’t a stage of my life that can be pin-pointed but is always needed and shown through my everyday attitudes and experiences. This principle has not only taught me to have patience and resilience but over time I believe this now personal moral has built a foundation of compassion that I believe shapes the students of the College.

PREFECT PROFILE Name: Anthea Condous Number of years at St Spyridon College: 6 years (started in year 7).

Previous leadership roles: SRC in year 7, Peer Support Leader in year 10.

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

Hobbies: Playing sport such as basketball and netball, spending time with family and friends.

My future aspirations: To further my studies at university in Finance and Mathematics.

My role models: My parents for their ongoing love and support.

Favourite quote: “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger”.

My proudest moment: Becoming dux from year 7 to 11, as well as my sporting achievements.

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

This Student Principle resonates with me as doing well academically and achieving my academic goals has always been a priority for me. Throughout my schooling at St Spyridon College I have worked conscientiously by applying myself and completing all of my work to the best of my abilities. I have always maintained a positive state of mind, even when the work load has been high, and the work has been difficult. With the help of my teachers, I have overcome many difficulties to achieve the academic goals I have set for myself. Working towards justice, truth and beauty in my school life has also been a priority for me. In my dealings with my teachers and peers I have always been honest and strived to treat everyone with fairness.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT Hosting RUA day also enabled our students to take visiting students and their teachers on a tour of the school pointing out features that highlight our values and beliefs. Thanks to our Year 9 Food Technology students and their teachers Ms Yiannaros and Mrs Grillakis (Curriculum Leader), our guest enjoyed lentern koulourakia and fanouropita muffins while also learning a little about our religious practises at this time of year.

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a Giving is a choice. Respect is a Whatever choice you make makes you. wisely.” - Roy T. Bennett

Some of the key messages taken away from this day included: RACISM is a destructive force that needs to be addressed and diminished, and that difference should not be feared, instead it should be respected, understood, accepted and celebrated. The world and our immediate society are made up of a plethora of groups. Sometimes as a result of ignorance and stereotypical views, confusion and false ideas are formed. However, when students from different backgrounds are given the opportunity to interact and on days such as this, they realise that they have many similarities and shared beliefs, and this unite them.

choice. choice. choice.

Choose

RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING DAY Last week 26 Year 9’s from our School along with students from Galstaun College, Moriah College, St Pauls College, Australian Islamic College, Stella Maris College and AIA Kellyville, representing the Jewish, Catholic and Muslim faiths joined together for the annual Respect, Understanding and Acceptance Day (RUA). In previous years this day was held at the Jewish Museum. This year our College was the venue and we were the hosts.

It was an exciting, jam packed day filled with a variety of activities. Mixed groups were created at the onset, consisting of representatives from each of the seven participating schools. This gave everyone the opportunity to discuss and share ideas about our world and in the process learn about each other’s cultural and religious beliefs and values. Students enthusiastically mingled and made new friends while gaining a deeper appreciation of the diversity within our rich multicultural society and our schools.

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TIN CAN APPEAL AND EASTER RAFFLE This week students across the school began bringing in their food donations for the annual collection that is sent to the Greek Welfare Centre’s for their Easter Appeal. All students are encouraged to think of others who are not as lucky as themselves by bringing in nonperishable food items. Year 9 who lead this appeal, designed a vast array of colourful posters placed around the school to encourage peers to contribute. Judging by what has been donated in the first week it looks like we may need to set up more tables. Keep up the great effort!

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STUDENT OF THE WEEK This week’s student of the week is someone who has shown themselves to be a respectful and thoughtful person. They are in Year 11. They are not getting student of the week for one specific thing but rather because they have consistently acted in a considerate and polite way, and in a way that has helped make this school community a better place. Please congratulate Alyssa Alas.

In addition to this, students received a booklet on ten raffle tickets worth $5. The proceeds from sales will go to the Soup Kitchen run by Father Nektarios of St Constantine and Helens Church in Newtown. Father and his group of volunteers have been able to operate this service to the community for nearly 30 years. Cooking meals for this period of time, as we can all imagine is both a time consuming and expensive process.

However with the help of donations from parishioners and other members of the community this vital help to those who need it most has continued. All sold tickets and money must be returned by the end of next week, so that the schools donation can be given when Year 9 begins their Soup Kitchen Duties.

HOME STUDY... it is NOT just about the homework In order to assist students become more selfdirected and to work effectively in order to maximize learning, Middle School Pastoral Care lessons, especially Year 7, have spent much of this term developing their academic skills. Being organized is one of the key skills all students need to develop.

Elevate Education have presented to a number of groups this year. Most recently they delivered a seminar to Year 7 on Time Management. Students practiced creating a study timetable, learned about the importance of setting up a good learning environment, and following a solid 1½ hour HOME STUDY routine each night.

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The fight for our planet’s future is on!

Home Study is made up of:    

Australia is home to an amazing array of unique plants and animals. More than 80% of Australia's flowering plants, mammals, reptiles, frogs and almost 50% of our birds occur nowhere else on Earth. However, our incredible country is losing species at an unprecedented rate and climate change is a key danger. Here are just a few examples:

HOMEWORK completion Working on assessment tasks and or preparing for upcoming tests Revision of the days lessons/topics, creating study notes (summaries) Also before sleeping, it has been emphasised to students that they not use any technology 1 hour prior to sleep and instead spend ½-1 hour instead READING.



Green turtles: The Great Barrier Reef Rising sea levels are threatening Raine Island in the Great Barrier Reef, currently home to one of the world’s largest nesting sites for green turtles. A recent study showed that higher temperatures in nests are causing turtle eggs to produce females. Around 99% of the green turtle population is now female, signalling a potential population crash.



Koalas: With higher average temperatures, global warming is changing the water and nitrogen content of eucalyptus leaves, the koala’s only food, making them less nutritious. As a result, koalas are not getting enough water and nutrients from their natural diet and have to leave the protection of their treetop homes, making them prone to predators and traffic. More severe and longer droughts will result in food and habitat loss, leaving these beautiful animals with nowhere to go.



The Antarctic: The Antarctic is one of the fastest warming areas on the planet.

The accelerated melting of the Antarctic’s ice sheets has contributed to average global sea levels rising, increasing the risk of coastal flooding in Australia. The melting ice is putting pressure on the Antarctic’s many coastal and marine species, including penguins.

A third of the Adélie penguin colonies in this region could disappear in less than 50 years due to the impacts of climate change on food supply of krill and fish.

Parents can assist their children by reinforcing the importance of these practices, having regular conversations about the school day and what is being learnt, being aware of when assessments are given and due for submission, as well as checking all home study is being completed.

Regular review of the student planner will assist with monitoring.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH WORK THAT IS MISSED DUE TO ABSENCE? All students are expected to catch up on all work missed when absent so that they do not fall behind and are able to perform at their peak at all times. The process for this may include calling a peer to find out what was missed from each class, and consulting their teachers on the first day of return to get any handouts and notes.

If absence is prolonged, parents may ring the school and ask the Year Adviser to collect and forward missed work.

FRIDAY 29th MARCH IS EARTH HOUR SCHOOLS DAY

Our school along with hundreds of others across Australia will join together for this Earth Hour Schools Day to support stronger climate change action.

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To protect our unique species and their habitats, we need Australia to STEP UP NOW and take stronger action on the promise we made at the 2015 Paris Agreement. The latest government data shows that Australia will miss its 2030 targets. As a result we risk losing our beautiful natural heritage – forever!

So what can parents do to help their children stay focused while doing their homework?

Below are some tips: 1. Acknowledge that it is hard for even YOU to stay on task when you are doing your work, taxes, etc. online because the pull of more fun activities is just one tab away.

Our school will show its support for Earth Hour by spreading the word, educating students about this event and switching OFF all unnecessary lights on the 29th of March.

Following this, every period 4 will be dedicated as our St Spyridons earth hour period.

2. Ask your child what has worked for them and what has not? Help them understand that you are not concerned about the short term of tonight’s homework, but how this is an important skill that will serve them well throughout their life.

3. If they have a mobile or other personal device besides the screen they are working on, talk about how important it is to put it out of sight for extended periods of time. Try to make a habit of putting their phones in another room during study time and then they check it about every 30 minutes for a break. Many adolescents will be very opposed to not having their phone by their side. Try an experiment with them— have them keep their phone nearby and study for 15 minutes, and then have them put the phone in another room for 15 minutes and study. Then, talk about the experience.

We add our support to the millions of people in over 7,000 cities across the globe who pledge to take some action for a better future for all. #Connect2Earth on Saturday, 30th March 2019 at 8.30pm local time.

3. Use a timer. This can be very effective—an old-fashioned kitchen timer is ideal. Have them set a goal to study uninterrupted for a certain amount of time on a subject, 20 minutes for example. A set study interval lets the brain know an end is coming. This can help increase motivation to delve into a subject.

5 HOMEWORK STRATEGIES IN THE DIGITAL AGE Refence from Delaney Ruston, MD Screenagers' Filmmaker

4. Encourage them to start their homework with their most dreaded assignment/homework first by saying to just spend 10 minutes on it. It may be that after the 10 minutes they will want to continue.

One of the hardest things in parenting is helping kids stay focused while doing homework because of all the internal distractions, like dread of working on certain tasks, or the desire to check in with friends, and the many external technological distractions that live right on the same device they are using for homework. In a study by research psychologist, Larry Rosen, he found that “students studied less than 6 minutes before switching to technological distractors.” In this same research, he found that students who had study strategies were able to stay on task longer.

5. Breaks—spend time talking about them.

Breaks are particularly effective when they contain these elements: movement, fresh air, social interactions (so checking in with friends via social media counts for this—but ideally it would not be the only break students go to).

Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School 18

GREEK COLUMN Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Στην έκδοση αυτή θα σας κρατήσουμε συντροφιά με την εργασία ενός από τους μαθητές της Β΄ Γυμνασίου, που είναι σχετική με την ενότητα που εργάζονται αυτό το τρίμηνο και η οποία είναι η «Καθημερινή μου Ρουτίνα.» Καλά να περνάτε. κα Μ. Φαλέτα

περιμένουμε τη μητέρα μας να μας πάρει στο σπίτι. Όταν γυρίζω σπίτι, αλλάζω ρούχα και αρχίζω το διάβασμα ή πηγαίνω για μάθημα τέννις. Στις έξι η ώρα περίπου θα φάμε όλοι μαζί σαν οικογένεια το βραδινό φαγητό και μετά θα τελειώσω τα διαβάσματά μου. Συνήθως μετά κάνω μπάνιο και μπορεί να δώ για λίγη ώρα τηλεόραση ή να παίξω ηλεκτρονικά παιχνίδια στον υπολογιστή μου.

Η καθημερινή μου ρουτίνα Η καθημερινή μου ρουτίνα από Δευτέρα μέχρι Παρασκευή είναι η ίδια. Το πρωί θα ξυπνήσω στις εφτά η ώρα. Θα σηκωθώ και θα μπω στο μπάνιο να κάνω ένα ντους. Μετά θα φορέσω τα σχολικά μου ρούχα, δηλαδή, τη στολή του σχολείου, θα στρώσω το κρεβάτι μου και πριν βγω από το δωμάτιό μου, θα πω την προσευχή μου παρακαλώντας το Θεό να έχω μια καλή μέρα, να είναι καλά οι γονείς μου και τα αδέλφια μου και να τα πάω καλά στο σχολείο. Μετά, ετοιμάζω την σχολική μου τσάντα και πηγαίνω στην κουζίνα για να φάω πρωινό και να πω καλημέρα στους γονείς μου. Συνήθως τρώω δημητριακά με γάλα ή αυγά τηγανητά με φρυγανισμένο ψωμί και πίνω ένα ποτήρι γάλα. Όταν τελειώνω το πρωινό μου, πλένω τα δόντια μου και χαιρετώ τη μητέρα μου και τα μικρά μου αδέλφια. Ο πατέρας μου πηγαίνει εμένα και την αδελφή μου στο σχολείο με το αυτοκίνητο και συνήθως φτάνουμε λίγο πριν χτυπήσει το κουδούνι. Βλέπουμε τους φίλους μας και μιλάμε λίγο ή για σπορ ή για τα μαθήματά μας κι όταν χτυπήσει το κουδούνι πηγαίνουμε στην τάξη μας και η ρουτίνα του σχολείου αρχίζει. Μετά το δεύτερο μάθημα, έχουμε ένα μικρό διάλειμμα και μετά πάλι στην τάξη για άλλα δυο μαθήματα. Υστερα ένα μεγαλύτερο διάλειμμα που κάποιες φορές παίζουμε ποδόσφαιρο με τα παιδιά. Μετά έχουμε ένα μάθημα ακόμη. Στις 3:05 μ.μ. τελειώνουμε και βγαίνω με την αδελφή μου μπροστά στο σχολείο και

Μετά, θα ετοιμάσω το φαγητό που θα πάρω στο σχολείο την άλλη μέρα και θα πω καληνύχτα στους γονείς και τα αδέλφια μου. Πριν πάω για ύπνο θα κάνω την προσευχή μου για να ευχαριστήσω τον Θεό για όλα όσα μου δίνει καθημερινά και μετά θα σβήσω το φως και θα κοιμηθώ. Τα Σαββατοκύριακα είναι λίγο διαφορετικά γιατί το πρωί, μετά το πρωινό φαγητό παίζω αγώνες τέννις. Μετά, αν κάνει καλό καιρό θα πάμε στην θάλασσα ή θα πάμε να επισκεφτούμε την γιαγιά και τον παππού μου ή θα πάμε σινεμά. Αν έχω μελέτη για το σχολείο, θα την κάνω και θα ετοιμαστώ για την καινούρια εβδομάδα που μας έρχεται.

Kosta Micos Year 8 Honours

SPORTS COLUMN ISA SWIMMING CARNIVAL 2019 This year’s association carnival was a very special event for the College with both the boys and girls competing in the division 1 competition. It was a tough day, but a gratifying one knowing that the school was competing in the top flight. The students were not underdone and their excellent preparation showed in the wonderful results and number of students who progressed to the next representative stage.

The day started with the older students and it was a delightful sight watching our Senior School students many of whom were swimming for the last time. The all white St Spyridon Cap among the best and from the first event the signs were clear our students would as always rise to the occasion. They were led by both Spiros Zafiropoulos and Christina Vlahos our School Sports Captains, the team goal was to beat their personal best, to establish a new best time and that would ultimately transpire in the possibility of a placing.

The girls were simply outstanding in the pool with a number of excellent performances but to go on and not mention Desi Kapodistrias, Catherine Coutts and Eleni Haralambides would be an injustice to these athletes who lit up the pool and dominated in many events. All the other girls also performed well on the day and in particular our new Year 7 students who were neither overawed nor intimated being in the highest division.

What a momentous day for the girls with 6 girls qualifying for this year’s ISA team, I don’t recall a time when this has happened in the past and for all who witnessed this success it was very gratifying and encouraging. Congratulations to all the girls listed below.

Catherine Coutts - Year 7 Girls 12-12 50 Free 31.38 Girls 12-14 200 Medley Relay Girls 12-12 50 Fly 33.95 Girls 12-12 50 Breast 46.31 Girls 12-12 100 Free 1:08.42 Girls 12-12 50 Back 42.53 Angelique Drakakis - Year 7 Girls 12-14 200 Medley Relay

Eleni Haralambides - Year 10 Girls 15-15 50 Breast 37.84 Desi Kapodistrias - Year 12 Girls 17 & Over 200 IM 2:46.86 Girls 17 & Over 200 Free 2:33.41 Girls 17 & Over 100 Back 1:15.67 Girls 17 & Over 200 Fly 3:03.40 Girls 17-17 50 Back 34.92 Girls 17 & Over 100 Fly 1:14.26 Girls 17 & Over 200 Back 2:42.80 Girls 17 & Over 100 Breast 1:34.76 Jasmin Moros - Year 8 Girls 12-14 200 Medley Relay Dariya Vinokur - Year 7 Girls 12-14 200 Medley Relay For the boys it was the second year in this division and the goal for the boys was to match last year’s effort and ensure that they remained in this division for 2020. At the same time as a group the boys gathered pre event and discussed doing their best and making every event count. It was a memorable day for the boys with outstanding individual results in heats and across the day the team tally did not disappoint with the boys placing 7th out of 9 schools. The Seniors placed 5th a fitting farewell for the boys who can claim much of the kudos from the schools success in climbing the ladder to be in division 1 for two consecutive years and ensuring that we remain in this division in 2020.

Individually there were some very strong performances from the Gacevic brothers and of course the Leondaris brothers. The two brother pairings had a tremendous impact in the pool and while they did not progress to the next level they really did show that they are not that far off the pace.

One student who really did perform superbly and earnt himself a place in the ISA team was Connor Kristallis of Year 7 who placed second overall in the 50m Breaststroke in a time of 47.65. Connor now goes on to represent the school at the ISA carnival.

What about Spiros Zafiropoulos, Jordan Frazis, Christian Jenkins and John Dalakiaris. What an amazing freestyle and

medley relay. The boys placed 6th in the freestyle relay and again 5th in the medley relay.

SCHOOL RECORDS BROKEN AT THE ISA

James Cardamis and Stavros Haralambides together with Hudson Rallis also managed some very positive results and are to be commended for their efforts throughout the day.

In fact all boys must be commended and in particular our Year 7 boys who really helped the school with their seamless transition.

Catherine Coutts U12 -

Although another year of swimming is over it has been exciting and rewarding with the combined carnival with the Junior School, the introduction of the half day training day and the squad training the schools swimming programme is definitely growing and improving.

An invitational for 2020 is on the cards and is surely the next milestone that we can all look forward to trying to achieve.

50m Butterfly in a time of 33.95 at ISA Carnival 50m Freestyle in a time of 31.38 at ISA Carnival 100m Freestyle in a time of 1:08.42 at ISA Carnival

Desi Kapodistrias U17 -

Thank you to Ms Flokis, our swimming coach, for her management of the team as well as Mr Magoulias and Mr Zafiropoulos for their support and encouragement throughout the day.

100m Freestyle in a time of 1:08.87 at ISA Carnival 50m Backstroke in a time of 34.92 at the ISA Carnival 50m Breaststroke in a time of 43.30 at the ISA carnival 50 m Butterfly in a time of 33.16 at the ISA Carnival

Eleni Haralambides U15 -

Congratulations to all competitors and good luck to all those who qualified for the ISA team for 2019.

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50m Breaststroke in a time of 37.84 at the ISA

St Patrick’s v St Spyridon Redlands v St Pius X

BOYS FOOTBALL The boy’s football teams have been selected and posted on the school notice board; training has begun and the boys will be playing their first trial game on Saturday 30th March against Redfield College. Boys who have yet to forward registrations please do so to Mr Kaldis and a reminder to all the students that after school and morning training begins next Thursday 28th March.

Round 9 – 3rd August (Round 4) St Andrew’s v St Patrick’s St Pius X v Oakhill St Spyridon v Redlands Round 10 – 10th August (Round 5) Redlands v Oakhill St Patrick’s v St Pius X St Andrew’s v St Spyridon

ISA Football Draw 2019 – Draft 1

ISA Semi Finals – 17th August ISA Grand Finals – 24th August

Home team listed first (reverse Round/Fixtures in brackets)

The Schools home games will once again be played at Chifley Reserve.

Round 1 – 4 May (Round 7) Oakhill v St Patrick’s Redlands v St Andrew’s St Pius X v St Spyridon th

UPCOMING SPORT EVENTS -

Round 2 – 11th May (Round 8) St Spyridon v St Patrick’s St Pius X v Redlands St Andrew’s v Oakhill

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Saturday 30th March: Football trial v Redfield College Saturday 6th April: 2nd Trial Football Game v St Andrews Cathedral School

GIRLS SPORTS Round 3 – 18th May (Round 6) St Andrew’s v St Pius X St Spyridon v Oakhill St Patrick’s v Redlands

ISA BASKETBALL GRANDFINALS Congratulations to the following Girls ISA Basketball Teams who were successful in qualifying for the ISA Finals. Open and Open D, Junior B teams. These teams competed at Penrith Sports Stadium last Saturday 9th March and despite losing their matches all teams played competitively and proved they were worthy of a grand final position.

Round 4 – 25th May (Round 9) St Patrick’s v St Andrew’s Oakhill v St Pius X Redlands v St Spyridon Round 5 – 1st June (Round 10) Oakhill v Redlands St Spyridon v St Andrew’s St Pius X v St Patrick’s

The Junior B team had a difficult task versing undefeated first place Redlands. The girls need not be disappointed with their season; this team has been amazing to watch. All girls are brilliant individual players with excellent skill sets and with further practice in developing their team cohesion they will no doubt be a formidable team in the future.

Round 6 – 15th June (Round 3) Oakhill v St Spyridon Redlands v St Patrick’s St Pius X v St Andrew’s Round 7 – 22nd June (Round 1) St Patrick’s v Oakhill St Andrew’s v Redlands St Spyridon v St Pius X

Thank you to Tina Ventoura, their coach, for her efforts in developing these girls to reach their potential.

Round 8 – 27th July (Round 2) Oakhill St v Andrew’s

After an exciting finish in their Semi-final match the Open Ds were full of confidence going into 22

their grandfinal match against St Andrews Cathedral School. The girls were leading the whole match but unfortunately a determined St Andrews did not give up and were able to take the lead from St Spyridon in the last 5mins of the match. The girls gave it their all and were devastated with the outcome. Nevertheless they had a positive season and should be proud of their efforts and achievements. Thank you to Larissa Andrianakos their coach for her dedication to the girls throughout the season.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents, teachers, coaches and students who all came to support all the girls in their Grandfinal matches. Particularly, the Year 12 students with their Senior Prefect George Bozikis who was instrumental in arranging supporters to attend.

The school spirit was pleasing to see and no doubt was a contributing factor to the girls playing so well. Lastly, to the Year 12 girls Christina Vlahos, Sonya Paradisis, Desi Kapodistrias, Vivienne Hatzigiakoumis, Anthea Condous, Tiffany Tsoukalas, Yana Vergotis and Eleni Preketes who played their last ISA Basketball match for St Spyridon. Their dedication to school basketball has not gone unrecognized and their presence will be missed in the years to come.

Our Open girls quite possibly had one of their most competitive games of the season. Despite never taking the lead throughout the match they were always tied or within 2 points making for a very competitive match. We could not have been prouder of their effort and determination not only throughout the season but particularly in that match. Each and every one of the girls contributed to the success of the team and all played an important role on the court. Whilst disappointed the girls still have The Greek Orthodox National Schools Event in Adelaide to finish on a high note. Congratulations to Nansia Koukounaris their coach for guiding this team to reach their potential and pushing them to exceed expectations.

ISA WINTER TRIALS ISA Winter trials have concluded. All girls have been placed into their teams and received their registration sheets. Please return these ASAP to Ms O’Shea and ensure all families are registered to Team APP either St Spyridon Netball or St Spyridon GIRLS FOOTBALL to receive all correspondence. Please contact Ms O’Shea if there are any issues.

Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sports 23

Mr F. Kaldis Boys Sports

GWC KINGSFORD OSHC - After School Care - Vacation Care HOW TO ENROL If you would like to enroll your child/ren into our service to attend after school care or vacation care, please visit our website to complete and submit our enrolment form https://gwccservices.org/enroll-for-oosh/ The Child Care Subsidy reduces the cost of your total child care fees. For those that are eligible, we are able to reduce to upfront cost of your fees. For more information or to see if you are eligible, visit https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/child-caresubsidy If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Patricia on 9567 2021 or via email childrenservices@gwccs.org.au

AFTER SCHOOL CARE After School Care operates from the St Spyridon Music Room. For parent pick-ups in the afternoon, parents can access our room via the gate at 15 Doran Street.

Our After School Care program offers a wide range of flexible activities. Children can choose from a variety of activities and resources including homework, arts/crafts, music, and sports.

With the support of qualified, experienced staff, children select and plan their own activities and experiences. Our educators always go above and beyond in creating a fun and safe environment for your children Afternoon tea is provided each day.

After School Care operates from 3.15 – 6.30PM and is $25 per session for permanent booked care and $27 per session for casual care.

VACATION CARE Vacation Care provides care during the school holidays. Our program offers great fun and diversity through activity theme days. We aim to deliver unique experiences through our excursions and incursion, as well as specialty clinics in sports, music and creative arts. Our program is now available (in this newsletter) and you are able to book your children in via our online booking form which you can access via our website https://gwccservices.org/vacationcare/ Vacation Care operates from 8am – 6pm and is $63 per day for booked care. All bookings made throughout the vacation care period are charged casual rates at $68 per day. Excursions are an additional $10.

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