St Mary's Cathedral College Newsletter: Term 4, Week 10

From the College Principal

As we celebrate Christmas we pause to remember the significance and importance of this very special time in our Christian calendar. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we are called to ‘unwrap’ the true meaning of Christmas. In a world where we are surrounded by rampant commercialism, we are invited to take the time to consider the hope that comes with the birth of Christ. We are confronted with a time of great global uncertainty, where purity and morality have often been forgotten, much like the time when Jesus was born. So we pause to consider and be grateful for the reminder that our faith can act as a light in the darkness and the message of Christmas and Christ can spread to the corners of the world and change our lives. 

As we approach Christmas let us be the light of hope for others. Let our focus move beyond the material to what is truly valuable; genuine encounter with our God and a connection with those we love.  I hope that this holiday season provides a time for renewal and an opportunity to reconnect with those most important to us in our lives.

HOLY CHILD PROGRAM
I thank all of our community for their generosity in contributing to the Holy Child Program. We raised $2261. We also created a beautiful video prayer that we will send to the community. Please keep them in your prayers this Christmas.

THANK YOU AND FAREWELL TO STAFF
I would like to thank the amazing St Mary’s Cathedral staff for all that they have done this year.  Some of our staff are moving to new contexts and we would like to acknowledge and thank them for their contribution to the College:

Mr McKenzie: A wonderful English and History teacher who has ensured we are challenged to be our very best. His talents extend outside of the classroom as well, his dedication to coaching Rugby 7s and the Cricket team is greatly appreciated. 

Ms Mattson: Our committed Grade 6 teacher, whose tireless efforts to the learning of our primary students has been greatly appreciated.

Mr Kyritsis: An amazing Maths teacher whose passion for his subject is shown in every class. His talents go beyond the classroom to his coaching of the tennis team.

Ms Peric: A dedicated English teacher who has provided us with many opportunities to extend our learning in the craft of writing.

Mr Smith: A passionate HSIE teacher, whose dedication to pursuing excellence for all his students is greatly appreciated. His talents also extend to the sporting arena, in coaching our Basketball team.

Ms Mahoney: An amazing English teacher whose tireless dedication to her students has seen true improvement in our writing. This same dedication extended to her work with Diverse Learning Team. 

Mrs James: The College’s Business Manager, who has ensured that our college is well resourced and maintained.

Ms House: A wonderful TAS teacher whose commitment to her students stands out in all her classes across the TAS faculty.

Mrs Fahey: A great English teacher, who has been our Leader of Learning for English and the Curriculum Leader. We thank her for all her time and effort that she has dedicated to our learning.

Mr Christodolous: An outstanding Maths teacher who has been at the college for 24 years. We thank him for his tireless dedication to our college.

Mr Ciaschetti: Our Leader of Liturgy who has made such a significant contribution to the life of the College in his 24 years here. He has become part of the fabric of St Mary’s and we thank him for his contribution to the religious life of the College and for his outstanding work in student leadership. 

WELCOME TO NEW STAFF MEMBERS
The College is growing and as such we have a number of new staff who will be joining us in 2024. We also have a number of new leadership positions for 2024. We congratulate our new leaders and welcome all new staff to the St Mary’s community:

College Leadership Team

• Principal: Kerrie McDiarmid
• Dean of Mission: Thomas Hunter
• Dean of Liberal Arts: Belinda VanderGert
• Dean of Senior Years: Christopher Maoudis
• Dean of Middle Years: David Timillero
• Leader of Curriculum & Assessment: Anne Ung
• Leader of Pathways & Partnerships: Ashley Norman
• Leader of Operations and Administration: Chau Dinh-Vu

Leadership Roles: Middle School

• Instructional Leader Humanities: Nicholas Puiu
• Instructional Leader STEM: Danielle Van der Meer
• Instructional Leader RE: Fiona Roy
• Instructional Leader Music (5-8): Stefan Roberts
• Instructional Leader Wellbeing (5-6): Rosa-Lia Mascera

Leadership Roles: Senior School

• Instructional Leader English: Andrew Kuchappan
• Instructional Leader Science: Adrian Claydon  
• Instructional Leader VET: Andrew Aslanidis

New Teaching Staff

• Teacher of English/ HSIE: Madeleine Allara-Radoczy
• Teacher of Mathematics: Gabriel Kichkin
• Teacher of Mathematics: James Alfieris
• Teacher of HSIE: Elizabeth Jones
• Teacher of HSIE: Vladimir Aleksov
• Teacher of TAS/Engineering Studies: Elizabeth Seares
• Teacher Primary: Giulia Andreacchio
• Teacher  Diverse Learning: Gordon Kome
• Teacher  Diverse Learning: Sarah Tafeuni
• Teacher  Diverse Learning: Victoria Zambetti
• Teacher Gifted and Talented: Veronica Schwedes
• Teacher of Languages (T1): Sandra Zanuttini

HSC RESULTS
We celebrated with our 2023 HSC students today as they received their results. We congratulate them on some outstanding achievements. Below is a snapshot of the data from the class of 2023. We look forward to many of them returning to us next year as Academic Coaches or General Sports Officers. Well done gentlemen, we are very proud of you!

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Finally as we bid farewell to 2023 I would like to take the opportunity to thank all members of our parent community for entrusting us with the care of your sons. It has been a privilege to lead this special College and I look forward to the excitement of another school year. 2024 marks our bicentennial year and we will share our exciting plans with you at the start of the year.  I want to wish you all a safe, happy and Holy Christmas break and hope that you enjoy time with family and friends. 

Kerrie McDiarmid, College Principal

From the Dean of Senior School

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students,

The final weeks of the term have been extremely busy yet very rewarding for students and staff. We have celebrated the end of the year with sport and academic assemblies, a mass as well as a variety of activities. The students have engaged with these experiences in a pleasing way.

A new initiative for 2024 is our new level of leadership in Year 11. We have inaugurated the House Sports Leaders as a level of student leadership to support the House Prefects in Year 12. At our recent sports assembly we were pleased to announce the following students as House Sports leaders for 2024:

We wish these boys all the very best as they embark on the ministry of leadership within the college in 2024.

Year 10 completed their transition to Stage 6 program with much enthusiasm, I commend them on their level of engagement as they prepare for the commencement of their HSC studies. They also collaborated with the Year 10 students at St Clare’s College Waverley for the respectful relationships workshop. This year SMCC hosted the girls and both groups of students engaged in the worthwhile workshops with a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie. 

As we conclude for the holiday season, I reflect on the past year with fondness. It has been a busy and rewarding year for all at the College and we look forward to next year with even greater enthusiasm. I would like to wish the entire College community a happy and holy Christmas and may the spirit of the season bring joy and happiness to all.

Best Wishes,

Chris Maoudis, Dean of Senior School

From the Dean of Middle School

Dear Parents/Carers, Students and Friends of the St Mary’s Cathedral College Community,

Year 12 HSC Results
Congratulations to the Class of 2023 on completing their HSC and Graduation.  We will hear more about them in early 2024 when they return to the school for the High Achievers Assembly and pass on their experiences to the Class of 2024.

Awards Assembly
It was so wonderful to see so many boys in Years 3-8 receive recognition for their many talents and efforts that they have produced this year. Congratulations one and all.

2024 Commencement Dates
Thursday, 1 February - All Primary and Year 7 Students return
Friday, 2 February - Years 3-12 return

I would like to thank everyone in our community for their prayers and support during this year. In a year that has challenged us in so many ways, our community has been united and determined to provide the best educational experience for our students. 

I would like to thank Ms Pashley, Ms Roy, Ms Mattson, Mr Rolls, Ms Sheehy and Ms Worsley for their dedication and care of your sons in the Middle Years. They are a tremendous team of professionals.

Have a Merry Christmas with family and loved ones. I hope 2024 brings everyone joy and happiness.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support of our school.

David Timillero, Dean of Middle School

From the Dean of Mission

As we look forward to celebrating the coming of Christ at Christmas, it is worth remembering all the times we have already experienced God’s love among us across the year. For myself, I have certainly been blessed to become a member of the SMCC community this year. Other staff, the priests of the Cathedral, the students and families have been a constant reminder of how God is at work among us. 

Christmas is a special time not because the harsh realities of life are glossed over by the decorations and public holidays, but because it is a reminder that God is with us in perfect love unconditionally. Thank you for being a shining reminder of this as members of the SMCC community. Your sons are a credit to the great work that is going on at home, and it is a privilege for us to share in the great responsibility of caring for their wellbeing and education. We look forward to continuing this journey across 2024. 

STUDENT LEADERSHIP FORUM
The Archbishop Student Leadership Forum took place on Friday,  24 November at St Mary’s Cathedral College Hall. The annual Archbishop Student Leadership Forum is held by Archbishop Anthony Fisher for newly appointed secondary school student leaders. It provided an opportunity for our school leaders to delve deeper into the definition of leadership and how they, as student leaders in our Catholic Schools, can enhance the direction of their schools. St Mary’s Cathedral College was represented by College Captain Dusan Cavric, College Vice Captain Tyler Mrmacovski, Prefect for Liturgy Ryan Carlisle and Prefect for Mission Zachary Sastradjaja. Dusan represented the College with his inspiring vote of thanks to the Archbishop and summary of the theme for the day – Leaders as Missionaries of Joy. His speech is included below:

Leaders as Missionaries of Joy

Your Grace, Archbishop Fisher, distinguished guests, staff and fellow student leaders.

I would like to start by offering a vote of thanks to Archbishop Fisher on behalf of all students here. Thank you Your Grace for making this day possible. As the leader of the Church in Sydney, your witness of the sacramental life in Christ, the Gospel and pastoral care of your people is a significant responsibility, to say the least, and yet you are generous with your time, and genuinely joyful in welcoming us here today. Thank you for the example you give to us.  

Today we meet in a school founded nearly 200 years ago. Next year, 2024, will be the bicentenary of St Mary’s Cathedral College. The Benedictines, Sisters of Charity, Marist Brothers and Christian Brothers have come together throughout history to create the rich tapestry of this college. But why did they do this? To be missionaries of joy, not only at this school but all schools they are a part of. They did this to spread the good news of Jesus, which allows us to become our own leaders and follow in their footsteps as missionaries of joy.

Pope John Paul stated, “The future starts today, not tomorrow”. Joy is not something that we should sit around and wait for, it’s up to us as leaders to carry the Word of God, the Good News forward so that authentic joy is shared. Being a leader as missionaries of joy is not just about empowering ourselves, but giving others the opportunities to develop values so that together we pioneer our schools to know more, love more and serve more.

In our communities, the education provided to us may seem to take priority over everything else, and while this is indeed important as it gives each and every one of us the tools to succeed in life, we must never forget that authentic joy comes from someone, not just something – it comes from Christ and those with the character of Christ developed through Christian values.

This year, at World Youth Day in Lisbon, the Pope described the Blessed Virgin Mary as a "missionary of joy", who instead of just thinking of herself as having just become the Mother of God, soon “arose and went with haste” to her cousin Elizabeth. “Why” the Pope states, “... because joy is missionary, joy is not just for one person, it is for sharing something with others.”

The Holy Father Pope Francis is evidently a man of joy, and he has several times discussed joy in the context of mission. At World Youth Day in 2016, he called young people to take on a mission of joy and  “open new horizons for spreading joy”. May our souls magnify the Lord. May we never forget the power of joy, the Christian value of joy and the responsibility to share joy with all others.

YEAR 9 REFLECTION DAY
This Term saw Year 9 attend their reflection day. The day was an opportunity for our students to reflect on their relationships with God and others. Following is a reflection by two of our Year 9 student leaders, Daniel Russo and Nathan Azzi:

PURPOSE CONFERENCE
This Term Archbishop Anthony Fisher and Sydney Catholic Schools welcomed students from across the Archdiocese to participate in the Purpose Conference, with the intention of providing them with an opportunity to encounter and share their faith. This was an inspiring experience of the Catholic faith, helping them to discover their purpose as children of God and leading them towards intentional discipleship. The following is a recount by one of our students who attended (Tiernan Cargill):

Thomas Hunter, Dean of Mission

From the Dean of Liberal Arts

FESTIVAL OF LEARNING - FINDING WONDER

We are excited to share the incredible journey our Year 6 & 7 students embarked on during the Finding Wonder Two-Day Festival of Learning. Over the course of two days, our students explored some of Sydney's most iconic sites, immersing themselves in the beauty and complexity of St Mary's Cathedral, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Art Gallery of NSW, and the Museum of Sydney.

Day 1: A Journey of Discovery

On the first day, our students set out on a quest to find wonder in the world around them. They visited St Mary's Cathedral, where the Religious Strand contemplated the intricate symbols that speak volumes about faith. The Science Strand explored the Royal Botanical Gardens, discovering the richness of indigenous plants and culture. The Arts Strand ventured to the Art Gallery of NSW, pushing the boundaries of creativity and thinking outside the conventional box. Finally, the Humanities Strand delved into the Museum of Sydney, unravelling the threads of history that weave together our past.

Day 2: Crafting Wonder into Art

Building upon the insights gathered on Day 1, our students brought their wonder to life on the second day. The students worked collaboratively selecting three photos that captured the essence of their experience at these significant sites. These photos became the focal point of a stunning gallery, showcasing their unique perspectives on how wonder manifests in People, Places, and Practices.

The gallery not only features visually captivating images but is accompanied by thoughtful blurbs crafted by the students. These blurbs explain how each chosen photo illustrates their personal journey of discovery, revealing the profound moments of wonder they found within the people they encountered, the places they visited, and the practices they observed.

This Festival of Learning is not just an exhibition; it's a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and the endless wonders that surround us. Get ready to be amazed by the perspectives our students have uncovered and the wonders they've found in the heart of our beautiful city.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful staff and students who have engaged in this learning experience. 

As 2023 comes to an end, I would like to express my gratitude for our exceptional educators, their countless hours, boundless energy and genuine care they have invested in shaping the minds and futures of our students at St Mary’s Cathedral College. Their dedication to their craft is what makes our College community.

I would also like to thank our students. Their commitment to their learning and enthusiasm that they bring inside and outside of the classroom adds to the community spirit of the College.

I wish all our families a very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year. I look forward to what 2024 brings.

Belinda VanderGert, Dean of Liberal Arts

By Ivan, Henry, Hayden, Leon and Jacob
A place can be defined by the actions that take place within it, and the Sydney Opera House is a perfect example of this. The building itself is a work of art, but it is the performances that take place inside it that truly bring it to life and make it a place of significance.

Animals can teach us a lot about the act of practice. Whether it's a bird building a nest or a lion hunting for prey, animals demonstrate the importance of repetition, focus, and dedication in achieving a goal. By observing their behaviour, we can learn valuable lessons about the power of practice and how it can help us achieve our own goals.

A statue can be seen as a representation of people and the acts they value. Whether it's a monument to a historical figure or a work of art celebrating the human form, statues can communicate important messages about the values and ideals of a society. The act of creating a statue requires a great deal of skill and dedication, and the end result is often a powerful reminder of the people and ideas that have shaped our world.

By Willem Nelson, Nicholas Yfantis, Leo Simmons, Zavier Elek and Ryan Bouge
We chose the image of the Bananas because of how they represent how young our democracy is. Compared to other countries like England and America, Australia’s democracy is considered to be quite young because we were formed in 1901. We chose the sculpture of the Opera House because of how much of an impression it has made in this society. The impression the Opera House has on society is how it has been influencing people to go into the theatre part of the world because of all the musicals and concerts that have happened there. We chose the picture of the Lizard at the stream because of how it represents diversity among people. We can see the Lizard and Fish live together but not fight or be aggressive to one another. This shows us that we can be like them and have respect for other people as well as ourselves.

Oliver Liang, Gary Song, Noah Wong, Matthew Lu
The opera building is an architectural miracle, a lighthouse of creative inventiveness that astonishes everyone who sees it. Its breathtaking majesty and architecture inspire wonder and make one think about the nexus between structural engineering and human creativity. Its famous sails alone raise questions about the potential for human achievement and the expressive power of culture. The opera house is an ode to the creative powers of people, inspiring awe in everyone who sees its magnificence.

The altar is in sacred light, the church altar evokes awe that goes beyond the actual area. Its elaborate style and symbolic components evoke reflection and ideas about spirituality, devotion, and the divine. The altar invites worshippers to reflect on the mysteries of faith by acting as a focal point for contemplation. It's a meeting place for tradition and reverence that promotes in-depth contemplation of the spiritual path. Within the hallowed walls of the church, the altar serves as a channel for both awe and introspective reflection in its solemn presence.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, enthrals people with her significant contribution to Christianity. Her narrative inspires wonder and makes us reflect on the transformative power of religion and divine grace. A profound sense of wonder is evoked by Mary's unwavering dedication and fortitude in the face of incredible situations. Her understated power and crucial part in the nativity story prompt us to consider the spiritual mysteries, providing a timeless means of introspection and community for believers of all ages.

By Domenico Furfaro, Vivan Shetty, Oscar Piccolo, David Bottaro, Abie Khalil
All these photos were inspirations of people, places and practices that made us wonder in several ways. The first was St Mary Makillop who educated young unfortunate kids that didn't have access to basic education, this made us wonder about her actions and good deeds. The Cathedral spire makes us wonder about the rich and grand heritage that is associated with St Mary's Cathedral, in the heart of the city. The kneeler makes us wonder about our Father in Heaven and the unanswered questions that we have about Him. These photos all help us find wonder and meaning in the world around us; the people we see, the places we journey and the practices we indulge in. 

From the Leader of Curriculum

On Monday, 11 December we celebrated those students who achieved outstanding results at our annual academic assembly. Congratulations to these students, and may their accomplishments inspire others to embrace the transformative journey of academic pursuit with enthusiasm and determination. Please find at the bottom of this list some strategies for encouraging literacy in teens over the Summer break.

PRIMARY AWARDS

POPE FRANCIS AWARD

CONFRATENITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
PLUNKETT STREET  CATECHIST PROGRAM

YEAR 7 AWARDS

YEAR 8 AWARDS

YEAR 8 ARCHDIOCESAN RE TEST AWARDS

YEAR 9 AWARDS

YEAR 10 AWARDS

YEAR 10 ARCHDIOCESAN RE TEST AWARDS

YEAR 11 AWARDS

MATHEMATICS AWARDS

YEAR 7

YEAR 8

YEAR 9

YEAR 10

LITERACY STRATEGIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Here are some strategies for encouraging literacy in teenagers during the summer holidays. 

Create a Reading Routine:
Establish a daily reading routine where they dedicate a specific time to reading. This can be done before bedtime or during a quiet part of the day.

Set a positive example by reading yourself. Show them that reading is a pleasurable and valuable activity.

Offer Diverse Reading Materials:
Provide various reading materials, including fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, magazines, and newspapers. Let them choose what interests them.

Explore genres like adventure, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, or biographies to cater to their tastes. Do not encourage reading on devices. Here is a useful booklist - https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/booklist/home.html  

Audiobooks on road trips or when walking the dog:
Use audiobooks if your son is a reluctant reader. Audiobooks can be a great way to enjoy stories during family road trips or other activities.

Set Realistic Goals:
Remember to set achievable reading goals for the summer. Discuss these goals with your son and track his progress. Celebrate his accomplishments to motivate him further.

Writing Challenges:
Encourage him to write. This could be in the form of a journal, short stories, or even creative writing exercises. Provide prompts if needed to spark their creativity.

Educational Games: 
Incorporate educational games like Scrabble focusing on language skills, spelling, and vocabulary. Many of these are designed to be entertaining and educational at the same time.

Visit Bookstores and Libraries:
Plan regular trips to bookstores and libraries. Allow him to choose books based on his interests. The environment itself can be inspiring.

Connect Reading to Hobbies:
Find books related to their hobbies or interests. For instance, if they like sports, find sports-related novels or biographies. This can make reading more personally relevant.

Make it a Family Activity:
Introduce family reading time, where everyone in the family reads together. This can create a positive reading environment at home.

Reward System:
Consider a reward system for achieving reading goals. Rewards can be non-monetary, such as a special outing, extra screen time, or a small treat.

Remember to be supportive and understanding of his preferences. The key is to make the experience enjoyable and not feel like a chore.

Enjoy the holiday season!

Karen Fahey, Acting Leader of Curriculum

Creative & Performing Arts News

SYDNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SCRIPTWRITING PROGRAM
Year 9 Drama students Lewis Crispin, Shay Donnellan and Samuel Kim were recently selected to participate in a Scriptwriting workshop with playwright and former St Mary’s Cathedral College student, Jordan Shea. 

Students worked collaboratively to write and produce an original script which will be staged by students in Sydney Catholic Schools in 2024. 

ADAM DIXON NOMINATED FOR ONSTAGE
Congratulations to Adam Dixon whose Video Drama ‘Oblivion’ was nominated for Onstage. This is an exhibition of exemplary HSC Drama projects and performances.  

The film follows Landon, who returns to his childhood home to reunite with his older brother, Tristan. The two became estranged following the death of their mother. Tristan, who hasn’t moved out, refuses to accept what has happened, and Landon hopes to alleviate his brother’s delusional, self-destructive coping mechanism.

The short film can be watched by clicking the link below.

2024 PRODUCTION: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

An exciting SMCC production is on the horizon in 2024!

Students are to please complete the form if they wish to be considered as a CAST or CREW member.  

Details on the production will be shared in 2024. 

Georgia Andreacchio, Drama Teacher

SUCCESS OF THE ARTS

ARTEXPRESS EXHIBITION
Ngununggula, Southern Highlands Regional Gallery
18 May 2024 - 30 June 2024

Congratulations to Aden O'Hara for his extraordinary Visual Arts sculpture collection which earned its spotlight in ARTEXPRESS, stealing the scene as a standout feature in the prestigious 2023 HSC Showcase season. 

Aden's body of work, 'Our Tethered Callus' presents an interconnected series of organic forms. His manipulation of clay sensitively creates biomorphic forms and the considered use of matt white surface treatments unifies the work with its subdued colour palette and juxtaposition of contrasting materials. 

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SYDNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS 2024 HSC SHOWCASE 
Congratulations to SMCC students James Mason-Takos and Daniel Bortolin for being selected to participate in the prestigious Sydney Catholic Schools 2024 HSC Visual Arts Showcase. 

The exhibition will grace the walls of the McGlade Gallery at ACU Strathfield Campus throughout Term 1, welcoming visitors from Saturday, March 23, to Monday, March 25, 2024.  Don't miss the chance to witness their artistic brilliance!

Daniel Bortolin
Title: Country In The 80s Where My Mother Grew Up
Painting board, wall paper, found objects, photos

“My work is a visual journey to my Mother, Uncle and Aunts and Grandparents family childhood home in Narrabri North West of NSW. There is a sense of nostalgia created by the photos of her homestead as well as the interiors and old objects from her era. My mother taught me about her past and how it was like growing up living in a farmhouse environment. This artwork was inspired by my Grandfather as he was a fourth-generation farmer and owned the property. Each time I visited Narrabri I took a variety of photos with the Mountain in the background at different times of the day showing how it changes colour which is known as Mount Kaputar. Also, videos that featured Animals, letterboxes, old country farmhouses and birds chirping in the morning.” 

Influential artists: Joseph Cornell, Isabel Davies

James Mason-Takos
Title: Shifting Instability of Self
Ink, watercolour, photocopy transfer, graphite pencil, video

“My aim for my Body of Work is to explore themes of gender identity and self image. For my Body of Work I am drawing with ink to appropriate drawings by Egon Schiele by putting my face onto his drawings. I chose to do this as his works are a great inspiration to me, both in style and meaning. In his drawings he often explores themes of gender, femininity and masculinity so I thought that using his works would fit into the themes of my Body of Work. Putting my face on the drawings represents the idea of struggling with the way that a person views themselves and the way I view myself. My Body of Work still needs more portraits, as well as more variety in the type of portrait.” 

Influential artists: Egon Schiele, Francesca Woodman

2023 FRANCIS UPRITCHARD ART GALLERY WORKSHOP
On Wednesday, 6 December the Visual Arts Department were privileged to be invited to the new Sydney Modern building at the AGNSW where Years 9 & 10 Visual Arts classes had the wonderful opportunity to spend the afternoon analysing and creating sculptures based on Francis Upritchard’s “Here comes everybody”. These are the three towering impish figures that stand in front of the new building.

We were  presented with a brief talk on these joyous “puck-like figures' ' reminding us of the enormous fig trees that surround us in this green and historical part of the city. Upritchards work references the myths and stories that we have all read; these figures are mythical creatures welcoming us into the gallery space with their huge legs, arms and hands.

The students were shown maquettes of the sculptors' process. This was a fascinating insight as we saw working and scale models. Students then designed and created their own whimsical freestanding figures out of clay.

The students created some truly wonderful figures and had an enlightening experience. We thank the Art Gallery for acknowledging our proximity to them and extending this amazing learning opportunity to us. 

Michele Marshall, Leader of Learning-Visual Arts and Drama

Religious Education News

Write up by Evan Zafiropoulos

As a part of our study of ecumenism within Christian Churches, members of the Year 10 cohort were tasked with participating in a “mock” National Council of Churches (MNCCA) debate, attempting to interpret, discuss and formulate arguments surrounding key issues of theological concern (youth engagement within the Church, the climate, welfare of refugees and asylum seekers and the discernment of vocations) in a debating-style format. It was an entertaining and educational experience for members of the Year 10 cohort, testing our public speaking, quick-thinking and argumentative skills. 

Having been divided into randomly selected teams and allotted a specific Christian Church (Anglican Church, Assyrian Church of the East, Religious Society of Friends etc), we were tasked with gathering research about the nature of our Church, deepening our understanding of their dogma and structure. We were also encouraged to make alliances and agreements with other Churches, the formidable “Orthodox Allegiance'' was born, headed by the Romanian and Coptic Orthodox Churches. As a representative of the “Religious Society of Friends” (or Quakers) I had the privilege of speaking to prominent affiliates and leaders of the denomination- their insight and knowledge was highly useful and informative, highlighting the various aspects which distinguish different Christian Churches from one another and showcasing the importance of ecumenism within Christianity. 

On Tuesday, 28 November, our preparation was put to the test; the classroom became a battleground as various Chrisitian denominations debated and presented arguments surrounding 4 resolutions. The strength of the impenetrable “Orthodox Alliance” proved too strong; they denominated the debates, swaying the council’s opinion in their favor and winning the council’s support. After 3 hours of back-and-forward arguing (and numerous “point of order” declarations) the Church was able to successfully pass 4 resolutions. The mock council was a resounding success, highlighting the vital importance of ecumenism in ensuring collaboration and unity between Christian denominations. 

Write up by Matthew Davies

On Tuesday, 28 November, a selection of students and I participated in a mock-council of churches with the idea of mimicking the practices and function of the real National Council of Churches in Australia. Throughout the proceedings, we discussed and debated the content of four given resolutions, all of which had specific relation to how Christian denominations go about worldly issues like refugee treatment and climate change, as well as ecumenical matters like youth engagement and vocational advocacy. 

Before the conduction of this faux council, however, there was extensive prior preparation done by all representative groups involved. In the weeks leading up to the big day, topics were researched based on the history of each denomination, and arguments constructed for/against each resolution. 

Most importantly, during the preparation phase voting blocs were assembled and rivalries were lodged– all based on either theologically adjacent or opposed perspectives, depending on the denomination. The bloc that held the most sway was by and large the ‘Orthodox Alliance’– a group composed of the Assyrian Church of the East, as well as the Romanian, Antiochan, Syrian and Coptic Orthodox Churches respectively. The chief opposing group consisted of the formidable ‘Bloc 2’– spearheaded by Evan Zafiropoulous of the Religious Society of Friends and Max Guerbois Brown, leader of the Lutherans– who held their ground as remarkable speakers and cunning debaters. The divisive dynamic between these two groups in the preparation phase – which was characterised by targeted interviews and meetings between heads of the denominations– preempted the events of the penultimate debate that followed, and acted a means of ‘setting the stage’ for which groups would be opposing each other most frequently.

The actual day itself was comprised of a three-hour council debate, spanning the length of three class periods, in which all parties were given the opportunity to both discuss each resolution as it was, and then provide subsequent amendments if they saw fit (amendments which would then also be discussed and passed if a majority of votes were cast). Perhaps the most important and influential tool of all during these proceedings was the ‘point of order’, a power which was used ad nauseam by all prominent debaters to question– and indeed undermine– the words of opposing speakers. The first three of the core resolutions– those surrounding the treatment of refugees, stance on climate change, and engagement of the youth in the church– passed with unanimous votes. At face value, it would seem as though all parties were in wholesale agreement with each other. However, the reality of the debate was not so concordant. 

While it was easy to agree with the central idea of a resolution, the specifics of each document were much more divisive, and the real meat of the argument was really found in the amendments that came subsequent to the initial resolution discussion. Here, the ‘point of order’ was used during crucial parts of arguments to capitalise on weak/dubious statements, and assert an alternative, perhaps more concise, perspective. The group that found themselves on top of these discussions most frequently was of course the esteemed and aforementioned Orthodox Alliance (of which I was a part of– go Romania!), who held majority votes for many of the debated amendments and were able to ascertain diplomatic upper-hands due to a wholly united front, as opposed to the more make-shift Zafiropoulous-Guerbois Brown administration. This is of course, not to say that ‘Bloc 2’ were by any means less capable as debaters in comparison to the OA, it simply came down to a numbers game in many cases.

At the Council’s conclusion, it would be no stretch of the imagination to say that each group worked cooperatively in union with each other to create resolutions that were most reflective of the ideals of the represented denominations. Overall, the exercise  was an excellent way in demonstrating the cohorts understanding of ecumenical relationships, as well as an enjoyable way of collaborating with peers over potentially contentious topics.

Primary News

Lights, Camera, Hope in Action!... Wednesday, 6 December saw the launch of our Primary Film Festival!!

A collaboration of Year 5’s Integrated Unit Hope in Action. Inspired by the biblical quote ‘I have come so that you may have life and have that life to the full’ (John 10:10) and Primary Drama where the boys have produced their own silent films.

STAGE 2
Stage 2 students eagerly read the first of the Narnia chronicles “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C. S. Lewis this term. Students enjoyed reading parts of the book outside at the Domain in nature. Stage 2 students learnt about the different themes of the book like courage and friendship. 

Furthermore, the world of Narnia uses the power of imagination and Year 3 and 4 students enjoyed the connection to Visual Arts. Students showed their creativity and enthusiatically built their own Narnia- Diorama.

Heike Pashley, Year 3/4 Classroom Teacher

PRIMARY GRADUATION
Year 6 you did it!! Congratulations to our amazing students who have completed their Primary School Years!!

We were honoured to hold a celebratory Mass with parents and all primary students in the crypt, led by Fr Don. Followed by morning tea, where students reminisced with a slideshow of photos from their experiences at St Mary's Cathedral Junior School.

Well done! On to bigger things for their future! Thank you to all the Teachers, Deans, Mrs McDiarmid and our Parents/Carers - we are so proud of what the boys have achieved so far!

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Music News

Congratulations to our HSC cohort of 2023 on their fine results. The student musicians have worked hard and we warmly congratulate them on their achievements. We wish them the very best as they continue their studies beyond the College in 2024.

We would also like to congratulate Zachary Sastradjaja, Fletcher Netting and Matthew Chen on their recent performances and musical achievements. With the business of the concluding year, these student musicians are to be celebrated for their talents and commitment to musical excellence.

The Sydney Youth Orchestra is celebrating 50 years of musical engagement and both Zachary and Fletcher performed with the Symphonic Wind ensemble at the Sydney Opera House.  The performance in November received outstanding reviews and we are proud to see our student musicians continuing their engagement and membership in quality opportunities. Congratulations on your dedication and commitment throughout 2023.

Matthew Chen has continued to excel and flourish on the Violoncello as the year has progressed. We warmly congratulate Matthew on his recent AMEB examination accomplishments. We look forward to hearing Matthew perform in 2024.

The Music Department would like to congratulate all Ensemble members and those that attended our semester two Concert Series. These concerts celebrated the musical life of the College and we were proud of the quality repertoire that each Ensemble presented. Congratulations and we look forward to the new and plentiful offerings at the College in 2024. We encourage our SMCC student musicians to practise through the break and wish our wider College community a blessed Christmas and restful break.

Alison Hunter, Leader of Learning-Music

STRINGS AND THINGS CONCERT - 27 NOVEMBER 2023
Photos by Alexander Pas

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CONTEMPORARY MUSIC CONCERT - 28 NOVEMBER 2023
Photos by Alexander Pas

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BANDS CONCERT - 29 NOVEMBER 2023
Photos by Alexander Pas

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Sport

SCS CRICKET, OZTAG & VOLLEYBALL

Round 6

Round 7

Grand Finals

MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Mountain Bike gala day was held at Sutherland on Monday, 4 December. This was a fun day of competition where students had to complete a one-lap time trial of the course, which would then determine their starting order in a multi-lap race. Cathedral had 11 competitors, and a special mention goes to Max Economou for coming first in the Intermediate B race.

FUTSAL
The Futsal gala day was held at Perry Park on 6 December. The boys played in several close matches and missed out on the semi final by one point. Our players can still hold their heads high, as they drew with the runners up and beat the eventual winners, Lewisham, 8-4!

BADMINTON
The Badminton day was held in sweltering conditions at Lidcombe on 7 December. This was a very tough competition against schools from all four conferences. Cathedral managed to get two teams through to the quarterfinals - the Intermediate and Senior team. Unfortunately both teams were up against the eventual winners, Marist Eastwood. Nonetheless, the boys enjoyed the competition and are looking forward to next year's competition.

Simon Shaw, Sport Coordinator

Library News

PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE
Over the course of the year more than one hundred Cathedral students participated in the Premier's Reading Challenge. When the event concluded in August, I was thrilled to find that thirty students had managed to complete the challenge, reading at least thirty books and logging them on the PRC site. A number of these students received a Gold Award, having completed the challenge four times, and there was one Platinum Award recognising seven successive years of voluminous reading. Congratulations to all the students who participated and especially to those who completed the challenge. 

Year 3: Ethan Barnes, Harrison Boxall (Gold Award), Connor O'Flaherty. Year 4: Luke Pantazes (Gold Award). Year 5: Jaiyden Barnes. Zhi En Mao, Sheng Yang Xiao. Year 6:  Elie Khalil (Gold Award). Year 7: David Bottaro, Brendon Cheah (Platinum Award), Zavier Elek, Domenico Furfaro, Luke Garcia Lisicic. Year 8: Shieru Morgan, James Mourad, Adrian Nguyen (Gold Award), Finn O'Flaherty, Immanuel Obiegbu, Dylan Ong, Rorey Power, Marcelino Tjiputra, Justin Zingovski. Year 9: Daniel Andrews, Samuel Kim, David Merodio, William Nicoletti, Riley Power, Alexander Wong. Year 10: Tiernan Cargill, Thomas Munoz Rubi.

In addition, four students received the Premier's Reading Medal, having completed the challenge every year between Years 3 and 9. Congratulations to Samuel Kim, Riley Power, Alexander Wong, and Thomas Munoz Rubi on this wonderful achievement.

Edward Hawkins, Teacher-Librarian

From the Community

PHOTO DAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2024
Photo day is very early next year, Tuesday, 6 February 2024. Photos should be ordered in advance of photo day to speed up delivery and mitigate the problems of cash-filled envelopes. The purchasing and payment options can be viewed in the notice below. 

Additionally there are photos from the recent Year 12 Graduation events that can be viewed and ordered by families. Use the school's code DQD 715 MJA to access the portal. 

YEARS 3-7 2024 JUNIOR ENGLINEERS MICROBIT COURSE
Dear Middle School families,

Please find information regarding the Junior Engineers Microbit course that will run after school on Wednesdays from 3.15 to 4.15 during Term 1 2024.

This is a financial agreement between families and the external company - Junior Engineers.

Parents can now start enrolling their sons through the designated webpage - https://www.juniorengineers.com.au/classes/microbit?postcode=

SMCC ALUMNI  - TO THE  'CLASS OF 2023'
On behalf of the Old Boys President Jake Ryan, please see attached the link to a flyer with the QR codes you can use to sign up to the SMCC Old Boys Union Facebook/Instagram account and mailing list. 

https://www.facebook.com/Stmaryscathedralcollegeoldboysunion
https://www.instagram.com/smcc.alumni/

Upcoming Dates

Important Information for 2024

STUDENT COMPASS CARDS
If a student is late for school, they are required to sign in using their student Compass card. Failing to do so, will result in a 20-minutes detention after school. If a student lost their Compass card, please reapply for one via the Compass parent portal. 

NOTE: School activities may occur between 3:00pm and 3:20pm. Please do not make after school appointments before these times.

STUDENT OPAL CARDS
All students are required to use Opal cards on public transport to and from school. If a student does not have an Opal card, please apply via Transport NSW. When entering the station concourse to catch trains, students must tap their Opal card on and tap off. Jumping through the turnstiles is not permitted.

STUDENT EARLY DEPARTURE
Should a student need to leave school early for an appointment, please ensure that the student seeks authorisaion on the parent/carer's note (whether submitted on Compass or in the student's diary), from the Year Group Leader of Wellbeing during Homeroom.