SSC Newsletter 213 6 2019

VOLUME XXXVI Nº 06 3rd May 2019

MAY National Schools Event – Adelaide

8th – 10th

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

JUNE Greek Orthodox Athletics Carnival – JS

3rd

Queen’s Birthday – Public Holiday School closed Athletics Carnival – SS

10th

Parish Trip to Greece Departs

21st

Reports to parents – JS

24th

Parent/Teachers interviews – JS Term 2 ends for Students and Staff

20th

25th - 27th 28th

JULY Parish Group 1 returns

14th

Staff Development Day

22nd

Students return

23rd

Parish Group 2 returns

27th

ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ ΑΛΗΘΩΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ EASTER HYMN Χριστός ανέστη εκ νεκρών, Θανάτω Θάνατον πατήσας και τοις εν τοις μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.

Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling on death, and on those in the tombs bestowing life.

GOOD FRIDAY AND ANASTASI

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K-12 NEWS begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3: 16). To Him be glory forever!

HOMILY ON THE OCCASION OF EASTER – PASCHA 2019 Today, the Church, as a living testimony and witness to the reality of Christ’s resurrection, invites us all to live and experience the mystery of Christ’s Pascha. The word Pascha or diavasis in Greek means to pass over and according to the Fathers of the Church, the Hebrew people, in accordance to Jewish law, kept the feast of the Passover so as to commemorate their crossing from Egypt to Palestine, and ultimately, their passage from slavery to liberty. This event however, was merely a foretaste of that which was to be accomplished by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Mr A. Picardi Orthodox and Legal Studies Teacher CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Mr Boyd, our Curriculum Leader – Science, and his wife, on the birth of their first child, Jett John Boyd, born on 17th April 2019.

May God shower them with His blessings.

The New Testament Pascha or Passover, what we commonly call Easter, commemorates the passage of our human nature from death to life, from darkness to light, from corruption to incorruption made real in Christ’s passion and resurrection. According to the New Testament, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was betrayed by one of His disciples, He suffered patiently and accepted death by crucifixion offering Himself on the Cross as a ransom for the sins of the world. Following His descent into Hades, Christ would then rise again on the third day, and by doing so, would recall the entire human race from death and corruption, ushering it into everlasting life.

OUR SYMPATHY Our deepest sympathy is extended to Ms Kiejda (English/History Teacher) and her family, at the recent loss of her father.

Capturing the magnitude of this event, St. Gregory Palamas teaches us that: “Through Christ’s resurrection, reconciliation with God the Father and sanctification were achieved. This liberation and resurrection, motivated by God’s great love for humanity, not only had to be bestowed upon us but also confirmed upon us and all this was necessary not just for those alive and for those who would come in the future, but also for those born since the beginning of time…” (St. Gregory Palamas, The Homilies). In other words, Pascha is an expression of God’s great love for humanity accomplished through the Cross and resurrection of His only-begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only

May God rest his soul and grant strength to the family at this difficult time.

NAPLAN This year, Years 3, 5, 7 & 9 will be sitting NAPLAN online with the exception of the Year 3 Writing Paper. The testing period will run from the 14th – 24th May. You may find more details at: https://www.nap.edu.au/docs/defaultsource/default-document-library/naplanonline-information-brochure-for-parentsand-carers.pdf?sfvrsn=4

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P&F NEWS The P&F Committee wish all our Orthodox parents and friends, students and staff of the College “Christ Is Risen” “Χριστός ανέστη”.

PALM SUNDAY LUNCH Our Palm Sunday luncheon was a wonderful day spent together with a fine cuisine served by the P&F Committee and parents who kindly volunteered their time to assist us. We thank each and every person who assisted and donated toward this day on our Orthodox calendar. A warm thank you to all who attended on the day on behalf of the P&F Committee and our Parish.

MOTHER’S DAY STALLS Dates: Wednesday 8th May, Thursday 9th May and Friday 10th May 2019 Gifts will be priced at $10, $15, $20 & $25.

They will be sold during and after lunch.

Children will attend in classes. Please put money in an envelope for your child to participate and support in our annual fundraiser.

UPCOMING EVENTS MOTHER’S NIGHT OUT - 16th May 2019 The Grounds, Alexandria.

We are pleased to announce the Mother’s Night Out, an annual favourite, among mothers, grandmothers, Godmothers is sold out. We anticipate a wonderful evening at The Grounds, Alexandria this year, for the first time. We look forward to your great company!

EASTER STALLS AND EASTER RAFFLE Thank you to all who donated Easter Hampers and to all who supported our Easter Stalls.

Funds raised:  Easter Stalls: $3,700  Easter Raffle: $1,965

Donations for raffle prizes needed! Help the P&F source prizes: small to large; pamper vouchers; quality items; unique items; designer products.

Please contact Angela: 0407061940 or drop off your donations at the Junior School Office.

DADS’ NIGHT OUT – STATE OF ORIGIN 5th June 2019 - SAVE THE DATE For the first time this year, a Dad’s Football Night Out (Dads, Grandads, Godfathers) is being held on State of Origin Night on the 5th June 2019.

More details in Flyer to be circulated soon and in our next Newsletter.

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

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ ! CHRIST IS RISEN!

Areas around the school are 40km zones; please be mindful of children and keep your speed under 40km/hr.

Christ’s joyous resurrection has brought us renewed enthusiasm and vigour to give of our best in all that we say and that we do. I wish you all the best for the coming term.

Doran St is one way for school traffic. Regular parking rules apply though so please don’t park in the wrong direction as you will be booked.

Parking illegally in Driveways, in No Stopping or No Standing is unacceptable and you will be fined if caught.

Thank you to Mrs Kasmas and the wonderful P&F Committee for all their help during the Lenten period with the making of lambathes, raffles and Palm Sunday lunch. Thank you to those parents who donated the raffle prizes and to all of you for supporting the fundraising efforts of the P&F. Your generosity and love for our College is appreciated. I look forward to seeing all the mums at the Mother’s Day dinner.

Kiss’ n’ Go commences at 8:10am and again at 3:20pm. Please do not queue up or block the lane before these times.

COCURRICULAR Cocurricular will commence on the 7th of May and conclude on the 20th June. There will be no cocurricular on the 28th May and 4th June due to Primary Exams.

WELCOME We welcome to our St Spyridon family Damian Bojanic (KJ) and Ariana Sofios (1T) and families. We look forward to sharing in their learning journey.

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS PROGRAM

CONGRATULATIONS

CIS SWIMMING

Our warmest congratulations to Mr & Mrs Drivas and their son Peter (1T), on the birth of their twins. May Our Lord bless and protect them all and long life be theirs.

At the ASISSA Swimming Carnival on the 11th March, two of our students qualified and then went on to compete at the CIS Swimming Carnival at Homebush Olympic Aquatic Centre.

Congratulations to Bianca Soumilas who represented ASISSA in the 11 years Breast stroke and Kostan Papadopoulos in the 10 years Breast stroke. A wonderful achievement.

Well done.

UNIFORM REMINDERS The blazer is to be worn to and from school every day in Winter. Girls to wear regulation blue tights and hair tied up with blue ribbon.

Shirts need to have the standard collar. No Peter Pan collars. Tracksuit to be worn with polo top for sport. No shorts.

KISS’ N’ GO KINDERGARTEN Kindergarten may use the Kiss’n’Go from Monday 6th May. Please let your class teacher know so that she may direct your child to the correct area in the afternoon.

TRAFFIC REMINDERS You are to approach the school via Mary Hamer Lane and exit via Doncaster Avenue.

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ATHLETICS CARNIVAL Friday 5th April marked our Annual Athletics Carnival at Hensley Oval. The weather was not on our side for either of our carnivals this year.

We all got a little wet for both our Swimming and Athletics carnivals. The rain held off for our 800m events and our infants 50m races but after that it rained on and off throughout the day.

This didn’t seem to stop our competitors. I was very impressed by the determination and focus our students displayed under these conditions!

I would like to thank all the staff and parents who assisted in the running of the day. A special thank you to Mr Kaldis from the Senior School who came to offer a helping hand on the day and who also assisted me in the set-up of the whole carnival on Meet Manager our scoring program, in the weeks leading up to the event.

Congratulations to the Winning House: The Corinthian Team!

We had a new record in the Junior Boys Discus.

Congratulations to Marcus Kalyvas - with a score of 24.94m beating his brothers record Leon Kalyvas - 24.05m.

2019 Athletics Age Champions BOYS 8 Years 9 Years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years

GIRLS Steven Sotiras Necta Imisides Emmanuel Moros George Agiasotis Zane Rallis

8 Years 9 Years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years

Stella Moros Vivien Kotsohili Zoe Sigrimis Bianca Soumilas Kiara Zabetakis

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YEAR 3 EASTER BAKING KOULOURAKIA & EASTER ACTIVITIES As we do annually at this time of the year, the children participated in the traditional baking, dying of eggs and Palm Cross and Lambatha making. It is a highlight for the children and for staff as well as ensuring that these traditions will live on in future generations. Και του Χρόνου!

Till next year!

Mrs C. Diavatiotis Sport Co-ordinator 8

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Some inspired icons drawn by Stavros Primikirios (5A) during the last week of last term. May Our Lord’s light shine upon him always.

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LARA STATHIS ALSTER DHAMARI GEORGE AGIASOTIS ANGELO MASTROPEROS RYAN LYNCH

COMPUTATIONAL AND ALGORITHMIC THINKING COMPETITION – CAT

Alan Dookie Deputy Principal Mrs A. Synesios Principal Junior School

The Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition is a one-hour problem solving competition designed to encourage student curiosity and promote multiple modes of thinking. The problems are designed to be quick to solve and highly approachable, and range in difficulty from very easy to challenging. Some questions test the ability to perform procedures, others require logical thought, while the more challenging problems require the identification and application of algorithms. All students from Years 5 and 6 were given an opportunity to experience and enjoy this Competition which is organised by the Australian Mathematics Trust.

Our school is proud to have produced a High Distinction, 2 Distinctions and 11 Credits.

Below are the names of these high achievers.

High Distinction PETER WINNEL Distinction EMMANUEL MOROS MICHAELA DEFTEREOS Credit PANAYIOTA KRANIDIOTIS PETER MANAVIS CHRISTIAN BILLIRIS COSTANDINOS HADJIPARASKEVA LEXI CASTRISOS EVA DIAMADIS

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SENIOR SCHOOL REPORT ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ - Christ is Risen

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS Tuesday, 21st May 2019

GOOD FRIDAY

Each student will be given their own envelope.

The instructions to students/parents are on the envelopes and are self-explanatory.

Congratulations to the students of Year 10 who chanted the Engomia at St Spyridon Church on Good Friday evening.

IMPORTANT: Every student must return their envelope – even if not buying photos.

Thank you to Mr Picardi for preparing the students. Ms Kokinelis, Ms Kalithrakas and Ms Vardas for supporting the students. Mrs Lucas for leading the Choir on the night.

Please note that photos can also be purchased online: www.advancedlife.com.au (online code: 8G9 611 3XX).

Congratulations to the Year 11 Boys for carrying the Epitaphios: Paul Bessiris, Emmanuel Constantopedos, Nicholas Drakoulis, Jordan Frazis, Peter Ganis, George Hatzidis, Michael Konitsas, Steven Mangafas, Thomas Mouratidis, Jordan Polyzos, George Stavrou and James Zouroudis.

HICES DEBATING COMPETITION On Thursday 4th April, our St Spyridon College Open debating team travelled to Moriah College, Queens Park, to compete in Round 3 of the HICES Debating Competition.

Thank you to Miss Flokis and Mr Zafiropoulos for supporting the Year 11 students.

Congratulations again to our Open team in Round 3, who debated the topic: That Australians have no right to have an opinion on President Trump. Our Open team won their debate against Moriah Red, once again showcasing their dynamic and sophisticated debating skills in Round 3. We look forward to watching the Open team debate in Round 4 on Wednesday 8th May. Additionally on Monday 8th April, our St Spyridon College Middle and Senior debating teams travelled to Emanuel School, Randwick, to compete in Round 3 of the HICES Debating Competition.

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA NATIONAL SCHOOLS EVENT 2019 The National Schools Event will be held from Wednesday, 8th May till Friday, 10th May 2019.

It will be hosted by St George College, Adelaide.

This 3 day event will bring together all the Colleges across Australia under the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese banner to compete in various sports events and performing arts.

The two St Spyridon Middle teams debated the topic: That it is of more value for Australian school students to do exchanges from city to country and vice versa, than to travel overseas.

Our Middle A team successfully won their debate against International Grammar School.

However, our Middle B team were unfortunately unsuccessful in this Round, with Emanuel winning the debate. Both St Spyridon Middle teams presented well-organised arguments in Round 3, showing their improved preparation and editing skills.

For the students, this is a highlight of the school sports calendar, a real opportunity to network with their fellow peers through friendly competition with schools from across Australia.

We wish good luck to all students who will attend along with Mr Meintanis, Ms O’Shea, Mr Kaldis, Mr Zafiropoulos, Mr Condous, Mr Magoulias, Miss Flokis and Mrs Dalakiaris.

The two St Spyridon Senior teams debated the topic: If we limit our vocabulary to the dictionary, we are limiting our thoughts of expression. Our Senior A team successfully won 12

their debate against International Grammar School. However, our Senior B team were unsuccessful in this Round, with Emanuel A winning the debate. Both teams presented thoughtful arguments, demonstrating their improved team work during preparation time.

Generator by Connor Giavis

Generator by Anthea Condous

Anthea Condous Year 12

All debating teams are to be congratulated on their enthusiasm and commitment to the HICES Debating Competition thus far. We look forward to debating in Round 4 on Wednesday 8th May at Moriah College, Queens Park.

ANZAC SERVICE

DAY

COMMEMORATION

On Tuesday 9th of April, Year 11 Modern History students attended the RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration Service at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park.

Ms V. Laskas and Ms S. Vardas HICES Debating PHYSICS PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT CREATING GENERATORS

During World War One, 330 000 Australians fought overseas. Australia’s casualties were amongst the highest of any nation that fought in World War One: 60 000 Australians died and 170 000 were wounded. Such was the enormity of Australian casualties, it was important that those who had offered themselves be honoured and the war not be forgotten.

As part of the Electromagnetism core topic, the Year 12 Physics class of 2019 were assigned a practical assessment task where we were required to create a motor or generator and present it to our teacher, Mr Karras and our peers. A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as a hand crank which is used to produce electricity to power a lightbulb. A motor, on the other hand, does the opposite, and converts electrical energy from a battery into mechanical energy.

Students honoured the sacrifices made by the Australian servicemen and women by laying a wreath at the top of the ANZAC Memorial steps in Hyde Park. Four students were also selected to hand out programme guides to VIPs. There were representatives from both Public and Independent schools at this event. It was very moving to witness the respect and honour shown for the fallen soldiers.

This practical assessment task was quite complex and difficult because we had to apply our knowledge to create a working model.

Initially, everyone in our class had problems getting their generator or motor to actually work as expected. However, with hard work and perseverance, the obstacles were overcome, and everyone’s model eventually operated successfully. Even though this was a challenging and at times frustrating task, I found it very educational and interesting applying the theory we had been taught in class to the real world.

Seeing the models created by my peers and how they worked was also informative and enjoyable.

Overall, this assessment task was an enjoyable and valuable experience for all our physics class, helping to reinforce the content of Electromagnetism topic in a stimulating way.

Mrs E. Gambriell History Teacher Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School Deputy Head of College 13

PREFECT PROFILE Name: Mark Grillakis Number of years at St Spyridon College: 13 years.

Previous Leadership roles: Throughout the duration of my schooling career here at St Spyridon, I have had the privilege of occupying various leadership roles. These include being a 3 times Student Representative Council (SRC) member, Peer Support Leader and Prefect.

Subjects I am currently studying: English Advanced, Modern History, Ancient History, Legal Studies and Business Studies Hobbies: My hobbies comprise of boxing and kickboxing as they teach me self-defense and discipline. Furthermore, I possess an interest in automotives, along with reading.

My Future Aspirations: Upon completing my secondary education, I wish to continue my studies at University, with the aim of attaining a career in Security and Intelligence.

My role models: I am fortunate to have an array of role models in my life, which consist of my grandparents, relatives and teachers alike. However, my predominate role models are my parents in addition to my patron Saint Mark the Evangelist.

Favorite quote: "Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard"- Kevin Durant My proudest moment: Every moment has been a highlight here at St Spyridon. My proudest moment however, is being appointed a Prefect. It is a humbling experience to be able to make a positive impact not only within the school context but in the broader community, endeavoring to embody and promote the values and principles parallel and synonymous with St Spyridon College.

One Student Principle that is most meaningful to me and why: Student Principle 3: “Working together to achieve a school community whose distinguishing characteristics are those of friendship, compassion and decency�.

I believe that this is of great significance to St Spyridon College and is a fundamental principal that greatly influences the operations and values promoted within the school environment.

The respected student principal endeavours to illustrate to the school community the importance of unity in achieving an environment in which the goals, objectives visions and ideals of members of our college are accommodated for and realized. However, this can only be achieved if the school community of St Spyridon College is one defined by virtues of friendship, compassion and decency, which are also primary virtues in the Greek Orthodox faith, a faith in which our school is situated around. Hence, by following the features of this student principle, we are compelled to exercise these values in everyday life to achieve a common goal, to excel in all aspects and outlets; mind, body and soul, but also to achieve spiritual completion, and implementing this student principle enables us to come closer to God.

PREFECT PROFILE Name: Fereniki Ghelis Number of years at St Spyridon College: 3 years.

Subjects I am currently studying: Englished Advanced, Ancient History, Modern History, and Business Studies.

Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, travelling.

My future aspirations: To study Teaching at University for Modern Greek and History.

My role models: My parents and grandparents.

Favourite quote: “There is nothing impossible to him who will try.” – Alexander the Great My proudest moment: Reciting a Greek poem on the 25th of March last year at St Spyridon Church as well as receiving the Dionysios Solomos award at The University of Sydney.

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.”

Before joining St Spyridon College, I wasn’t a studious student and I didn’t set goals in regards to my educational journey. However, this all changed from the moment I decided I wanted to join St Spyridon College in year 9. This was initially a major challenge for me as I was not used to the high expectations that were placed on me by my teachers. Slowly, slowly my study habits began to change and I soon realised how important it is to set goals but also to be able to achieve them as without goals I have no vision, no direction and no purpose in life. The pastoral care program and our school moto “forever excelling” helped me understand this.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT

Students entertained the residents with a recital of the St Spyridon Hymn and many tears of joy were shed by both the elderly and Year 9’s as they interacted. Clearly all were very moved by this wonderful experience. Well done students and teachers who accompanied the group.

EASTER FOCUS ACTIVITIES

On Wednesday the 10th of April Year 9 had an awesome and inspiring opportunity to visit St Basil’s Nursing Home in Randwick. We were initially nervous as we did not know what would confront us. Once there the joy, hope and love of the residents in seeing us were palpable. A touching moment was seeing Father Miltiades the former parish priest of St George Rose Bay. He spoke with the students and recognised a number of students and a teacher who had been baptised by him.

Visit to Nursing Homes Once again Year 9 students had the pleasure of visiting Nursing Homes: St Simeon at Rooty Hill and St Basils’ at Randwick. They gave out Easter cards created by Year 7 and with the assistance of Mrs Grillakis and Miss Yiannaros (plus the elective Year 9 Food Technology class), were able to take a big basket full of Koulourakia (Easter biscuits).

Truly the essence of Holy Week became evident during our visit. We were blessed to be able to give something back to people who have done so much for the world we live in. A moment that will remain forever in our memories are the tears and joy expressed by the residents when we chanted ‘the tropario of St Spyridon’ and the hymn to the life giving Cross.

Christina Pascalis Year 9

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EASTER RAFFLE Congratulations to all the students who purchased Easter raffle tickets. As a result of the fabulous generosity demonstrated by the entire school a very generous donation will be made to the Soup Kitchen. The first Year 9 students who begin their Soup Kitchen Duty next week will give Father Nektarios a cheque for $1,500 on behalf of the Senior School!

A big thank you must also be extended to Mrs Gambriell (Year 9 Adviser) and Miss Savva (Year 9 Home Room Teacher) for their donation of Easter hamper containers, gifts and packaging materials, as well as their efforts in motivating students and coordinating the collection of chocolates from Year 9 who donated enough chocolates and soft toys to fill the 35 Easter hamper prizes for the Raffle.

Thank you also to Mrs Evans (Year 9 Home Room Teacher) for her assistance with arranging hampers, Mrs Mio and Ms Kalithrakas for the gifts donated for inclusion in the hampers and all the students who spent many hours arranging baskets with their Year Adviser and the Home Room Teachers already mentioned.

TIN CAN APPEAL BOXES GO TO THE GREEK WELFARE CENTRES EASTER APPEAL This was indeed a record breaking year for the collection of non-perishable foods. Altogether an amazing 60 boxes were filled and collected by the Greek Welfare Centre before being transported by truck to the collection point at Marrickville Town Hall. Everyone should feel very proud of the team effort shown!

MAIN PRIZE WINNERS     

Mia Paras (Year 8): 1st Prize – Family Pass to Easter Show & 110 ride coupons.

Maria Grivas (Year 10): 2nd Prize – Super Large Hamper.

Jasmin Analin (Year 10): 3rd Prize – X-Large Hamper.

Paris Mousamas (Year 11): 4th Prize – Very Large Hamper.

Anastasia Reeve (Year 11): 5th Prize – Very Large Hamper.

**30 Additional Hampers were also won by various students across all year groups.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY The first Middle School Assembly for the year was held on the last Friday of term. Students were pleased to see their efforts recognized through the awarding of Gold, Silver and Bronze Certificates, Perfect Attendance and EMPLE (Excellence in Maintaining a Positive Learning Environment) Awards and Year Adviser ‘Pat on The Back’ Maple Leaves.

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GOOD VIBE EVENTS STAFF Vs STUDENT GAMES To mark the end of a wonderful and very busy Term 1, Year 12 organized some fun games that entertained the school at recess and at lunch. First up was a TUG of WAR play offs between the Year 12 girls on one side and female teachers on the other. This was followed by Year 12 Boys versing male teachers. Students observing these feats of endurance and strength were thoroughly entertained with the sight of their teachers engaged in unfamiliar activities.

The lunch 5 on 5 basketball games were also highly energetic and noisy as teachers shoved and pushed and tried to outwit Year 12’s, even using a step ladder at one point to try and score goals! Well done Year 12 Sports Captains (Christina Vlahos and Spiros Zafiropoulos) and their assistants who organized all these activities

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LENTEN BAKE SALE

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Year 12 banded together in the last week of Term 1 to hold a Lenten Bake Sale of tasty treats made by them‌ and perhaps with a little help from their parents as well. It was wonderful to see their entrepreneurial enthusiasm and the variety of sweets on offer.

Over $800 was raised from this event that will be put towards decorations for their formal.

Congratulations to Christina Vlahos for organising the Staff Vs Students games day and Cleo Mihail for her efforts in advertising the Year 12 Bake sale and games.

GIANT CHESS Recently our new giant Chess Board and Chess pieces arrived to replace the weather worn ones that stood in the courtyard. They were put together by the eager Year 7 students shown in the photos. These students plan to begin an in house chess competition at lunch times‌ beginning soon.

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ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS The President of Maroubra RSL Mr Collin Flatters and the Club Secretary Frank Brown, expressed their heartfelt thanks to our Prefects for their contributions.

As always, our students proudly represented our College and community at the annual Anzac Day Commemorations. Such events enable us to acknowledge the contributions of the fallen and all others who have fought valiantly in the name of freedom.

Additionally, our students are able to:   

Reflect on the cost of freedom To honour and respect the soldiers who fought bravely, and Acknowledge the values that define our Australian identity.

This year, Year 11 Modern History students attended the combined NSW Schools Anzac Day Commemoration in Hyde Park with Mrs Gambriell. Our students also had the responsibility of giving out rosemary pins of remembrance to officials who attended.

The Dawn Service on Thursday 25th April was attended by our Prefects. Bill Avdalis (College Captain) was invited to recite the war poem In Flanders Field and with Senior Prefects Stella Ktenas and George Bozikis, laid a wreath on behalf of our College. This honour has been reserved for our School for many years in recognition of our consistent support of this event.

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PRINCE HARRY WARNS AGAINST VIDEOGAMING Last week Prince Harry publicly shared his concern with video gaming and Fortnite in particular. At an event at the YMCA in London, he said that game companies are working “to keep you in front of a computer for as long as possible… and that game [Fortnite] shouldn’t be allowed.”

For younger kids, and for people who are more susceptible to compulsive behaviours, changing a habit on one’s own is not so easy. That is why it is vital for parents to talk about how to set limits for appealing things like Fortnight. If you are unsure whether your child needs strong time constraint rules, maybe try the following: Decide (ideally with their input) the amount of time they have until the game needs to be turned off.

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When that time is up, decide whether they shut off the game themselves?

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If they cannot, talk to them about what is happening and why they think they are having a difficult time.

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Ask your child what they like about the game? What is it that makes them want to play for hours on end? Is it the camaraderie? The strategy?

Ask if they think there is a difference between 1st-person-shooter games and 3rd-person-shoot games?

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Ask if it’s easier to not start playing a video game than to have to stop yourself once you are playing one?

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Ask what do they think they can do to stop when they don’t want to?

Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

The sad fact is that once video game companies have the youth’s attention they then try to sell them “virtual goods.” Loot boxes are one of the ways video companies are making their money — $50 billion is the estimated value at this point. Youth feel the intense pull to purchase the virtual things being flashed before them.

Currently countries including Singapore, Belgium, and Australia have either restricted, or are considering limits, on video game loot boxes — and the U.S. is starting to talk about this topic as well.

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GREEK COLUMN Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι,

όπως αναφέραμε και πριν, ειρηνική και αρμονική συνύπαρξη. Το Αυστραλιανό Γραφείο Στατιστικής μας ενημερώνει πως ένας στους τέσσερις πολίτες είναι μετανάστης, ότι η Αυστραλία είναι πατρίδα 270 εθνικοτήτων, ότι μιλούμε περίπου 300 γλώσσες, ότι ένας στους δύο πολίτες μιλάει μια δεύτερη γλώσσα.

Στην έκδοση αυτή θα σας κρατήσουμε συντροφιά με την εργασία μαθήτριας της Γ΄ Λυκείου, η οποία γράφτηκε στα πλαίσια των διαγωνισμών του Α΄ εξαμήνου. Το θέμα της είναι σχετικό με τα θέματα της ταινίας «Πρώτη φορά νονός» που διδάσκονται στο μάθημα των Προχωρημένων Ελληνικών.

Αγαπητοί μου αναγνώστες θα συμφωνείτε τελικά μαζί μου ότι είμαστε τυχεροί, πολύ τυχεροί, που ζούμε σε μια πολυεθνική χώρα.

Καλά να περνάτε κα Μ. Φαλέτα

Γράφει η δημοσιογράφος Ευθυμία Κόλλια

Τίτλος: Είμαστε πολύ τυχεροί που ζούμε σε μια πολυεθνική χώρα.

Efthimia Kollias Year 11 - Modern Greek Year 12 Extension

Είδος γραπτού κειμένου: Άρθρο Αγαπητοί μου αναγνώστες, μικροί και μεγάλοι, Αισθάνομαι πολύ ευτυχισμένη που ζω στην Αυστραλία. Η Αυστραλία είναι μια ελεύθερη, πλούσια, δημοκρατική και πολυεθνική χώρα. Ονομάζουμε την Αυστραλία πολυεθνική επειδή με το μεγάλο μεταναστευτικό πρόγραμμα που άρχισε το 1945, δέχτηκε μετανάστες από όλες τις ηπείρους και έγινε ένα χωνευτήριο φυλών, κουλτουρών, γλωσσών και ομολογιών. Σήμερα ζούμε αρμονικά γιατί μαθαίνουμε πως πρέπει να αποδεχόμαστε όχι απλώς να ανεχόμαστε τους άλλους γύρω μας. Να αποδεχόμαστε τις ιδιαιτερότητες των άλλω ανθρώπων. Να αποδεχόμαστε και την μοναδικότητά τους και όχι να θεωρούμε τον εαυτό μας και την εθνικότητά μας ανώτερη. Η αποδοχή των άλλων λοιπόν σημαίνει ειρηνική συνύπαρξη και συνεργασία. Είναι γεγονός ότι δεν είμαστε ίδιοι. Κρατάμε ο καθένας μας την εθνικότητά του, μιλούμε την γλώσσα των πατέρων και παππούδων μας έχουμε την θρησκεία μας, τα ήθη κι έθιμά μας, την κουζίνα μας, την νοοτροπία μας, τις αρχές και τις αξίες μας, τις προτεραιότητές μας. Όλα αυτά μας χαρίζουν την μοναδικότητά μας και μας κάνουν διαφορετικούς. Η αποδοχή των άλλων λοιπόν με τις διαφορετικότητές τους, τις ιδιαιτερότητές τους είναι που μας κάνει τυχερούς που ζούμε στην χώρα αυτή. Σε λίγες ημέρες εορτάζουμε την Ημέρα της Αρμονίας ως μια υπενθύμιση σε όλους τους πολίτες πως χρειάζεται να προσέχουμε και να φυλάσσουμε τον πολυεθνικό χαρακτήρα της χώρας μας. Η αποδοχή της διαφορετικότητας σημαίνει, 25

SPORTS COLUMN GIRLS SPORTS Eleni Haralambides of Year 10 competed in the 50m Breastroke.

ISA SPORT On Saturday the 6th April the girl’s footballers had the opportunity to compete in a trail match against St Andrews Cathedral School. This was a valuable opportunity allowing the girls to create formations and develop team cohesion prior to the commencement of the ISA Season. Both teams showed potential and look to be in good stead for the competition.

Catherine Coutts also competed in a number of individual events including:     

This Saturday 4th May ISA winter sport commences.

We have a total 7 netball teams, 2 girls football teams and a girl’s tennis team. All teams have been preparing through their ISA lessons and are looking forward to their first match.

50 m Freestyle – 4th Overall 50m Fly- 3rd Overall 50m Breaststroke – 7th overall 100m Freestyle – 4th overall 50m Backstroke – 15th overall

Catherine will now go through to the NSW ALL SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS to compete for NSWCIS in the 50m Butterfly.

We have a number of fixtures home and away so it is important to check the relevant APP for your sport details. Reminders to all students:    

Arrive in their team kit with Full School Sports Uniform Away games to arrive promptly for bus departure and pick up Bring food and water as there may not be any canteen facilities Home games to arrive 30mins prior for adequate warm up

Most importantly have fun representing your School with pride and making long lasting memories.

ISA SWIMMING

Finally, Desi Kapodistrias in her final representation for swimming at the College. Desi qualified for the following events:

On Wednesday 1st May and Thursday 2nd May we had a number of girls representing ISA at the NSWCIS Swimming Championships at Homebush.

For the first time in the Schools history we had a girls relay team compete in the Junior Girls Medley Relay. To qualify for this event is an incredible accomplishment.

       

Congratulations Catherine Coutts, Sia Manos, Angelique Drakakis and Jasmin Moros.

200IM- 9th Overall 200m Freestyle - 7th Overall 100m Backstroke- 8th Overall 200m Fly- 4th Overall 50m Backstroke – 11th Overall 100 Fly- 9th Overall 200m Backstroke 100m Breaststroke

There is no doubt that swimming can be a tedious, hard and lonely sport with little reward which makes Desi’s achievements even more outstanding. Desi has been an integral member of St Spyridon College Swim team since she commenced in Year 7, her 26

accomplishments have been outstanding holding numerous school records, qualifying for ISA over consecutive years, age champion for 6 years and Champions of Champions in 2017. Desi has balanced her school work, other sporting endeavours with her vigorous swim training schedule with maturity and dedication. These attributes that she has shown over her schooling years are respected by her peers as they look at her with admiration. Well done Desi!

Larisa had an outstanding tournament where she finished 13th in the singles competition and secured a semi -final position in the doubles competition.

Larisa also competed at the recent NSW Gold Tennis Tournament at Homebush last weekend where she finished 1st overall in the Under 14s division. We are extremely proud of Larisa’s achievements in Tennis and look forward to watching her success in the future.

Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sports

FUTSAL

BOYS SPORTS

Last day of Term 1 the Opens Girls Futsal travelled to Dural to compete at the NSW Regional Futsal Championships. This is the same team that will travel to Adelaide to compete at the Greek Orthodox Colleges National Schools Event. This team is a young team with many members eligible to compete at the Under 14s competition, with the combination of the senior players the team is extremely skilled, talented and determined to be successful. The girls played 6 matches in total and were able to win 3, draw 1 and they lost 2. The objective of the tournament was to gain confidence in their abilities to shoot goals and work together on formations and skills taught to them by Mr Kaldis their coach at training. The experience was positive and allowed an opportunity to recognise the strengths and weaknesses in preparation for Greek Orthodox Colleges National Schools Event.

Term 2 marks the beginning of the competitive winter season in sport (football and tennis) as well as the athletics/cross country season. The boys’ teams have been preparing for the upcoming football season and in the last week of term 1 the boys displayed very promising signs of what to expect for the season ahead with very good performances from all the teams in their trial games against St Andrews Cathedral School. This season the boys’ football teams will definitely be looking to try and feature in the semi-finals and as always will be attempting to improve from game to game.

OUTSIDE SPORTS NEWS Congratulations to Larisa Arnautovic of Year 8 who last term travelled to Canberra to compete at the Australian Clay Course Tennis Championships.

Larisa is a member of a Junior Tennis Development program where she attends and trains every Monday during school hours and most afternoons after school at Homebush. Larisa currently holds an Australian Women’s Tennis Rank of 343 at the age of 13.

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It is also an exciting time for the school with the school entering 3 teams in the tennis competition.

That said there is little time to settle in before the first game is played and first set completed with round 1 scheduled for Saturday 4th May.

College will be competing in Football, Futsal, Basketball, Netball, Volleyball and Table Tennis.

Thursday evening promises to be a highlight for all involved with performances from each school prior to the annual dinner.

We wish all the students competing in round 1 the best of luck.

We wish all the teams the best of luck in this year’s event which will be held from Wednesday 8th May – Friday 10th May.

SACS CUP FOOTBALL FUTSAL In the holidays, the boys first XI football team competed in the annual St Andrews Cathedral football cup. The team performed admirably throughout the 2 day tournament. This tournament is used as the platform for the season ahead and in many ways is a tournament that helps to build team dynamics and gives the boys an opportunity to try different positions.

In the last week of term the Open boys futsal team competed in the Dural Regional Futsal Tournament.

The boys and their coach Mr Magoulias must be commended for their performances throughout the day. The boys managed to qualify from their group stage first, however stumbled in the quarter final losing in a close game 2-1. It was not their best performance and unfortunately at times in sport when the game is not going your way the encounter becomes even more challenging. I commended the boys at the end of their games and their disappointment at the outcome was a clear sign that they themselves knew that they had not given a true account of themselves.

Over the two days the team managed to secure 3 draws and were beaten in one game. Results from the tournament are listed below.    

1-1 v St Pauls College 5-1 loss to Riverview 1-1 v Sydney Boys High School 0-0 v Oakhill College

Mr F. Kaldis Boys Sports

The final game against Oakhill stood out among the rest for the boys resilience and real determination to focus on defence against a well organised team attack. Ultimately the boys had the better chances to secure a win but were unlucky not to finish with a win. Thank you to Mr Zafiropoulos and Mr Magoulias for accompanying and supporting the boys over the two day tournament.

GOAANSE The annual 3 day sports and performing arts tournament amongst the 7 Greek Orthodox schools across Australia will be played this year in Adelaide with St George College hosting the event. The 28

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GWC KINGSFORD OSHC - After School 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/enrollfor-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-care-subsidy 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.

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