St Mary's Cathedral College Newsletter: Term 1, Week 11

From the College Principal

PILGRIMAGE REUNION
I was privileged to attend a reunion with his Grace Archbishop Anthony Fisher, Fr Lewi Barakat, Dallas McInerny and my fellow Principal pilgrims. We celebrated the Eucharist in the Crypt and reflected upon our experiences with gratitude. This was a profound experience and one that will stay with me forever. 

The fundraising activities undertaken last term in support of the Holy Child Program in Bethlehem meant as a group we deposited $8355 into their account. As a College we contributed over $2000. The children and the community were very grateful for our support and sent a video message of thanks.

ENROLMENTS / OPEN DAY
Our Open Day this term was a huge success and showcased the amazing talents of our students and the expertise of our fantastic teachers and staff. It was an historic occasion as we welcomed girls back to St Mary’s and spoke to our vision for a K-12 Co-education, dual campus College from 2025. Enrolments for 2025 and 2026 are very strong and we look forward to welcoming our new families to the St Mary’s family.

Please see a link to the highlights of the day: Open Day Video Link

Kerrie McDiarmid, College Prinicipal

TERM 2 COLLEGE EVENTS

Mother's Day Mass & Morning Tea - Friday, 10 May 
SMCC Parent Meet & Greet - Friday, 17 May
Annual College Concert - Friday, 28 June

BICENTENARY EVENTS - ‘SAVE THE DATE’
St Mary's Cathedral College will be hosting a number of events this year to celebrate our momentous 200 year milestone. Please see attached a 'Save the Date' invitation providing an overview of the upcoming events, dates and locations for your reference. 

The College would be honoured by your presence at these events and further details will be shared in the coming weeks/months for each event including event times, RSVP information and, if applicable, details for purchasing tickets. 

We hope you can join us at one, or all of these events. 

From the Dean of Senior Years

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

As term one draws to a close, it is timely to reflect on the vibrant St Mary’s Cathedral College community in what has been a busy year thus far. A particular highlight has been the ongoing celebration of the bicentenary. It reminds us all of the rich history that has gone into making the College what it is today. 

This term has seen varying events that nurture the academic, spiritual and physical. From our sporting successes, to the academic growth in the classroom as well as our various college celebrations, I am continually inspired by the forward-looking resilience of our students. 

Students and Parents in Years 9-11 this week received their Term One Progress reports on Compass. The upcoming break is an opportune time for families to review the snapshot of their child’s progress to set up goals for next term. Acting on feedback is important in developing a growth mindset. Year 12 students will receive their Half-Yearly Reports early next term following their feedback from their semester one assessment block. One timely reminder is that of ongoing attendance at school. Every day counts and every lesson counts. Students need to ensure that they are at school and engaged in their learning. 

Establishing positive learning habits is the cornerstone of effective learning. I have been encouraged by our senior students’ eagerness to embrace the opportunities presented through the extended operating hours of the library and academic tutoring program.

Communication and Reminders
The relationship between home and school is integral in supporting students to navigate the academic, social and emotional demands of school. The partnership and collaboration between St Mary’s and your families is essential. At St. Mary’s we have high expectations of our students and prioritise learning. In order to effectively achieve this goal students need to be at school and in the classroom so that meaningful learning and growth can take place. 

In light of this is a friendly reminder that leave during the school term is not supported by the College. We encourage families to ensure that they book holidays outside of the school term. We understand that in rare circumstances this is not possible. This also applies for appointments during school time. Parents are also asked to make appointments outside of school hours where possible to ensure the protection of learning time. We do understand that at times this is unavoidable. Please ensure that your son has a note indicating the nature of the appointment and that he has this signed by his Instructional Leader of Wellbeing prior to departure. Before leaving the College, the note must be shown to their class teacher and the student must report to the College office to sign out. 

Uniform and Grooming
All students will need to be in full winter uniform upon the commencement of Term Two. This includes the College Blazer. It is important that students have all components of the winter uniform. The following guidelines apply:

• The blazer is the first barrier to cold during winter.
• The jumper may be worn underneath the blazer.
• Students are not permitted to wear other tops, raincoats or any non-uniform items to school under any circumstances. 
• The college rain jacket may be worn when the weather is inclement.
• Year 12 students are only permitted to wear their jerseys on Thursdays with the sport uniform.

Please be mindful of appropriate haircuts for the resumption of Term Two. The College has expectations regarding appropriate hairstyles and these regulations are outlined in the College Student Diary.

I wish all our students a restful holiday break and I look forward to all that is planned for Term Two. 

Chris Maoudis, Dean of Senior Years

From the Dean of Middle Years

Dear Parents, Students, and friends of St Mary’s,

As we conclude an eventful and enriching Term One at St Mary's Cathedral College, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that we reflect on the wonderful experiences and achievements of our school community.

Bicentenary Year Celebrations
We kicked off the academic year with great excitement as we commemorated the Bicentenary Year with a beautiful Opening Mass. Through various events and activities, we have honoured the rich history and legacy of St Mary's Cathedral College, celebrating 200 years of academic excellence and community service.

Academic Excellence and Great Learning
Term One has been a period of immense learning and growth for our students. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on practical activities, our students have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a thirst for knowledge. We commend their dedication and enthusiasm for learning, and we look forward to witnessing their continued progress in the coming terms. Above all, the boys continue to let their talents shine which, are a gift to our community.

Representing the College in SCS Sport
Our Middle School students have showcased their talents and sportsmanship on the field, representing St Mary's Cathedral College with pride and distinction in Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) sports events. Whether on the basketball court, swimming pool or football field, our students have displayed resilience, teamwork, and determination, embodying the values of sportsmanship and fair play.

Phronesis Program Engagement
The Phronesis program continues to be a cornerstone of character development and holistic education at our school. Through a range of meaningful activities and initiatives, our students have embraced the values of empathy, integrity, and social responsibility. From community service projects to ethical debates, the Phronesis program has provided students with opportunities to cultivate moral reasoning and ethical leadership skills.

As we bid farewell to Term One and embark on a well-earned holiday break, let us take this opportunity to rest, recharge, and reflect on our achievements and experiences. May this holiday break be filled with joy, relaxation, and quality time spent with loved ones. 

I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and enthusiastic students for their contributions to a successful Term One. Together, we have laid the foundation for another year of growth, learning, and excellence.

Wishing you all a safe and rejuvenating holiday break. See you refreshed and ready for Term Two!

Be Faithful. Be Kind. Be Engaged.

Warm regards,

David Timillero, Dean of Middle Years

From the Dean of Mission

LIVING THE EASTER SEASON
The Season of Easter continues until the celebration of Pentecost on 19th May. This is a Season where we are called to remember our faith in the Resurrection of Christ whose perfect love for each of us is our greatest hope. The Pope’s Easter Vigil Homily is worth reading as a reflection on this. 

One of the most significant observances leading up to the celebration of Easter, is the Mass of the Lord's Supper (Maundy Thursday) – the word Maundy is a Latin form of the word “commandment”, and references the words of Jesus, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). The way Jesus loved others was through a love of service – of doing for others beyond self interest. As parents/caregivers you are no stranger to this, and it is a joy to see SMCC staff and students outstandingly embody this spirit of care for others. Our own Archbishop at the Maundy Thursday Mass washes the feet of twelve people representing Jesus who washed the feet of the disciples. This year students Noah Khoury and Alessandro Futia made up two of the twelve people selected from across the Archdiocese. 

FAREWELL FR LEWI
Last week The College farewelled Fr Lewi Barakat who has been a  member of the Cathedral clergy staff for over five years. In addition to holding the busy role of the Archbishop’s MC, he has always been involved in the life of the College. Often saying our Masses, attending and helping lead student and staff retreats, Fr Lewi has been a great supporter of the faith life of the College. We wish him well and ask for your prayers for him as he takes up his next appointment within the Sydney Archdiocese. 

MARY AND THE MONTH OF MAY
Due to the key Marian feast days that occur, and likely also due to the Northern Hemisphere signs of new life during spring, it is a Catholic custom that May is a month dedicated to Mary. As our College patroness, this holds a special significance for us. We will celebrate Founders Day during this Month (31st May). We are also going to invite staff and students to recite the Rosary as a College before Homeroom each day. An important system wide initiative we are involved in is sending students as representatives to the Our Lady Help of Christians Mass with other schools from across the Archdiocese. 

We of course recognise our own mothers during May, and look forward to celebrating our Mother’s Day Mass and morning tea starting in the Cathedral at 8am on Friday, 10 May. Please complete this RSVP form if you would like to attend. 

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 
If you would like your son to participate in the sacramental program run by the Cathedral with the College this year, please read the attached letter and complete the forms for each individual sacrament. All students are welcome to become Catholics, and if you would like more information on how this can occur please contact me either via a call to the College (during Term) or email me on thomas.hunter@syd.catholic.edu.au.  

Thomas Hunter, Dean of Mission

FROM THE STUDENT LEADERS
Tyler and I were privileged enough to be invited to lunch by Archbishop Fisher at Cathedral House. We were accompanied by other schools, with the likes of St Ignatius College Riverview, Loreto Kirribilli, Marcellin Randwick and Brigidine College Randwick in attendance. We started with a meal before getting into deep and meaningful conversation.

Archbishop Fisher, generous with his time as ever, spent time with each individual table, allowing us to ask him any questions we had. After lunch, he concluded with a keynote address on the importance of student leadership, and again allowing us students to question his immense knowledge. We concluded our time by conversing with the other student leaders about our roles and experiences of Year 12 so far. Dusan Cavric (College Captain)

We gathered at Cathedral House for the Archbishop's lunch with thirty representatives from various schools across Sydney. Amidst the elegant surroundings, we engaged in insightful discussions, posing our questions directly to the Archbishop regarding the Church and contemporary issues or changes within our society.

The atmosphere fostered a sense of fellowship as we shared a meal alongside our peers from, allowing us to form new connections and exchange ideas with like-minded leaders. It was a unique opportunity to not only interact with the Archbishop but also to engage with individuals who shared similar goals and personalities, enriching our perspectives and experiences. Tyler Mrmacovski (Vice Captain)

FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES

Register here

From the Dean of Liberal Arts

As we conclude the journey of Term 1, it is with great pride that we reflect upon the multitude of events and milestones that have shaped our community over the past few months. From spirited competitions to profound learning experiences, the first term of the year has been nothing short of remarkable.

Opening School Mass for the Bicentenary Year: We commenced our Bicentenary Year with a solemn yet joyous celebration during the Opening School Mass. This significant occasion provided an opportunity for our community to come together in reflection and gratitude, setting the tone for a year of commemoration and achievement.

Swimming Carnivals: Term 1 kicked off with a splash as our students showcased their aquatic talents and team spirit at the annual Swimming Carnivals. It was inspiring to witness the dedication and camaraderie displayed by our swimmers, reinforcing the importance of sportsmanship and healthy competition.

Phronesis Program Launch: The launch of the Phronesis Program marked a significant milestone in our commitment to holistic education. Through this innovative initiative, students are encouraged to cultivate critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and social responsibility, equipping them with essential skills for life beyond the classroom.

New Student Parliament Initiative: Our commitment to student voice and leadership was further strengthened with the introduction of the Student Parliament initiative. We were honoured to have the Prime Minister join us for the inauguration, underscoring the importance of civic engagement and active participation in shaping our school community.

Excursions Across All Year Groups: Term 1 was filled with enriching excursions across all year groups, providing students with immersive learning experiences beyond the confines of the classroom. These excursions sparked curiosity, fostered connections, and ignited a passion for exploration and discovery.

Duke of Edinburgh Hikes and Year 7 Camp: Outdoor education took centre stage as our students embarked on Duke of Edinburgh hikes and the eagerly anticipated Year 7 Camp. These adventures not only challenged students physically but also instilled resilience, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for nature.

NAPLAN and Academic Assessments: As part of our commitment to academic excellence, students diligently participated in NAPLAN and underwent various academic assessments throughout the term. These assessments serve as valuable benchmarks for student progress and growth, guiding our ongoing efforts to support and nurture every individual's academic journey.

As we bid farewell to Term 1 and eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead, let us carry forward the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the achievements celebrated. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence, embrace opportunities for growth, and nurture a community where every individual thrives.

Belinda VanderGert, Dean of Liberal Arts

From the Leader of Curriculum & Assessment

Assessment Procedures
As we progress through the academic year, it is vital to reinforce the significance of adhering to our college's assessment procedures, in particular for Years 9 - 12. These guidelines ensure fairness and equity for all students. 

Below is a brief summary to serve as a reminder for students and parents/carers of Year 9 - 12:

• Absences and Late Submissions: If absent the day before (including partial absences) or on the day of an assessment, complete the Variation to/Late Submission of Assessment Task form on Compass. Failure to provide acceptable documentation (e.g. a medical certificate MUST be presented if a student’s absence is due to illness) may result in a zero mark. 
  
• Difficulties Meeting Deadlines: Notify the Instructional Leader of Learning at least three days in advance if facing challenges or foreseeing absence. Failure to do so may lead to penalties.
• Penalties for Unexplained Absences: Absences without valid reasons or official documentation will incur penalties, including a 50% deduction per day for tasks.

Remember, these procedures exist to ensure fairness and uphold educational standards. We can all play our part in following them diligently for the benefit of our learning community.

Time Management and Assessment Schedules
As we dive into the next term, it is essential to emphasise the importance of effective time management, particularly when it comes to assessment tasks. Planning carefully and utilising the assessment schedules can greatly contribute to academic success and reduce last-minute cramming.

The assessment calendar serves as a valuable tool, offering a clear overview of when tasks are scheduled throughout the year. By familiarising yourselves with this calendar in advance, students and parents/carers can proactively plan and prepare for upcoming assessments. This proactive approach ensures that there are no surprises and allows ample time for thorough preparation.

It's crucial to recognise that there may be periods during the year when multiple assessments and school events coincide. To navigate these busy times successfully, here are a few tips:

1. Prioritise Tasks: Identify which assessments require immediate attention and prioritise them accordingly. 
2. Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks: Rather than tackling assignments or study sessions in one go, break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. This approach not only makes the workload seem less daunting but also enhances productivity.
3. Create a Study Schedule: Allocate specific time slots each day dedicated to studying and completing assignments. Stick to this schedule as much as possible to maintain consistency and discipline.
4. Utilise Time Wisely: Make the most of your study periods and downtime by using them for productive study sessions or completing smaller tasks. Avoid procrastination and distractions to maximise efficiency.
5. Maintain Balance: While academics are important, remember to prioritise your well-being and maintain a healthy balance between school work, extracurricular activities, and personal time. Ensure you are getting enough rest, exercise, and relaxation to recharge your mind and body.

In essence, by staying well-informed on assessment schedules, planning ahead, and mastering the art of time management, students can optimise their academic performance and reduce stress levels throughout the year.

Year 7 - 11 Progress Reports
This week, progress reports for Years 7-11 students were published on Compass. If you encounter any difficulty accessing the Parent Portal, please reach out to student services at the College for assistance.

The primary aim of these reports is to offer diagnostic insights into attendance, behaviour, participation, organisation, and homework. They serve as valuable tools for students and their parents/carers to identify strengths and weaknesses, enabling the development of strategies to progress effectively for the remainder of the semester. Your active involvement in reviewing and discussing these reports with your son is greatly encouraged. 

Year 11 - 12 Parent/Teacher Interviews
Years 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher Interviews will take place on Wednesday, 15 May from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, via Zoom. During this event, parents/carers and their sons will have the opportunity to discuss the information presented in their reports, as well as address various matters including academic progress, goal setting and strategies for improvement.

Bookings for these interviews will open in Week 1 of Term 2 and can be made through Compass.

Anne Ung, Leader of Curriculum and Assessment

From the Leader of Pathways & Partnerships

HSC and Careers Expo 2024
On Thursday, 30 May, Year 12 will be attending the HSC and Careers Expo at the Winx Stand, Royal Randwick. The HSC and Careers Expo provides resources and information for tertiary courses, career and employment options, the HSC, study strategies, the gap year and much more. A feature of The Expo is the seminar program with presentations on course, career and study advice, employment opportunities and key HSC subjects. Please note there is no cost for Year 12 students.

Whilst attendance is not a mandatory requirement for students in year 10 and year 11, they are welcome to attend the event independently on Saturday, 1 June. Tickets for any Year 10 or Year 11 student should be purchased in advance and can be found here. 

HEX High Achievers Program
On Friday, 15 March, the HEX High Achievers Program concluded. In total, seven Year 11 students participated in the program: Tiernan Cargill, Antonio Carnabuci, Noah Cole, Hayden Salameh, Xavier Smith, Luke Budi, and Nathan Somboonvarakit.

The program involved entrepreneurship education for the innovation generation. The students were taught skills relating to developing a startup, design thinking, UX, UI & Figma, market validation, and product design.

Special mention should be given to Noah Cole who was chosen as one of 5 students (out of 84) to pitch his idea of a 'modular camera' to industry professionals, such as Matthew Gadsby, Senior Industry Manager at Google. The camera allows users to interchange or customise various components according to their specific needs or preferences. This includes, amongst other things, the ability to add drone wings to the camera. Noah received extremely positive feedback and is now looking to partner with a business expert to help make his dream a reality.

HEX will now be passing on the results to the University of Sydney, which has its own process of distributing university credit. This credit can be used by the students as progress towards their university degree in the coming years.

Grok Academy
Are you a student in years 3-12 interested in coding? 

If so, you are invited to join the Grok Academy. 

Grok Academy provides a cutting-edge platform for online learning in a tutorial-like environment. You learn at your own pace, receiving detailed feedback about your progress from Grok's intelligent auto-marking system. Lecturers and tutors can see your progress, interact with you in Grok's live chat or forums, and download learning metrics to evaluate your course.

Any interested student should complete the following expression of interest form.

Morrisby Profile
Year 10 students recently unpacked their Morrisby Profile as part of their Stage 6 subject selection process. The profile assessed the students aptitudes, interests, learning style and preferred work environments to develop a list of suggested careers and subjects. Students and their families are encouraged to discuss these results in the context of future pathways planning as we continue the subject selection process in Term Two.

Careers Website - Noticeboard
A reminder that the school’s careers noticeboard is updated every Thursday morning and can be found here. It contains information and opportunities pertaining to universities, TAFE, private colleges and a range of other institutions.

Ashley Norman, Leader of Pathways & Partnerships

Creative & Performing Arts News

Year 10 Louise Bourgeois AGNSW
Tuesday, 2 April 2024

During a scheduled Visual Arts lesson, in heavy rain no less, Year 10 students enthusiastically returned to the neighbouring Art Gallery of NSW. This time we had the pleasure of interacting first-hand with the works of Louise Bourgeois, one of the most influential artists of the past century. The exhibition titled Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day? showcases an intense, human relationship-focused body of work, split across two distinct gallery spaces.

For most students, it was their first time visiting the AGNSW’s new North Building. The highlight of which was the all-encompassing Tank – a repurposed World War II oil reservoir turned exhibition space. The extraordinary size and acoustics of the 2200 square metre underground space, amplified the experience of Bourgeois’ surreal sculptures. We were transported into an unsettling, seemingly endless “night”. The emotion, touch and vision of the artist projected, often to overwhelming scales, was heightened by our own senses.

Many of us agreed we could have spent another, if not several more hours within the space. With more than 120 works to be seen within the exhibition, I am sure this marks the beginning of a Bourgeois rabbit hole. I look forward to seeing how the students’ own human figure-focused bodies of work develop in light of these rich sources of inspiration.

Emily Pacak, Visual Arts Teacher

Year 10 Clay Workshop
Tuesday, 19 March 2024

Year 10 were fortunate to engage with a full-day ceramics workshop recently, dedicated to refreshing their skills in clay artmaking and aligned to their current unit of work on The Figure. Establishing ourselves within classical explorations of the human form, we will eventually integrate within our studies and own artmaking the influence of Modern and contemporary figure artists, including Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore.

The workshop was led by Ms Michele Marshall, Instructional Leader of Learning CAPA, who possesses a wealth of knowledge within this medium, in addition to being an experienced Visual Arts educator/assessor. Students were led through a series of workshopped activities, including preliminary sketches and creating a small clay maquette, prior to commencing a medium to large-sized figure sculpture using various clay building techniques.

Students were collectively enthusiastic to work in such an unconstrained way, and were challenged in the realisation of their ambitious designs. Several students were nearly defeated by the deceptively challenging material, but nonetheless persisted! At the end of the day, we were pleased to hear of students’ delight in surpassing their own expectations.

We look forward to refining these works over the coming weeks, working towards exhibiting these (and other artworks!) at our annual CAPA Showcase. More information to come soon.

Emily Pacak, Visual Arts Teacher

Visual Arts HSC Showcase
Congratulations to both Daniel Bortolin and James Mason-Takos of Year 12, 2023 for being selected to be hung at Sydney Catholic Schools Visual Arts Showcase. This event,  supporting excellence in the Arts was held at the Australian Catholic University’s McGlade Gallery. The Opening Night on Friday, 22 March was a showcase of the finest artworks highlighting exceptional creative talent. 

James’ artwork, Shifting Instability of Self, explores themes of gender identity and self image. By appropriating elements of drawings by Egon Schiele, who often explored themes of gender, femininity and masculinity in his work, James was able to place his face into images to represent ideas of struggling with the way that a person views themselves and the way he views himself. 

His Body of Work incorporated drawing with ink, watercolour, photocopy transfer, graphite and coloured pencils, appropriating elements of drawings by Egon Schiele. Putting his face on the drawings represents the idea of struggling with the way that a person views themselves. 

Daniel’s was influenced by artists Joseph Cornell and Isabel Davies methods of 3D collage to create a homage to his mother, uncle and aunt and grandparents' family childhood home in Narrabri North West of NSW. 

The artwork titled Country In The 80s Is Where My Mother Grew Up, is a visual journey through photos of the homestead, old objects from the era and interiors that create a sense of nostalgia. His mother taught him about her past and what it was like growing up living in a farmhouse environment. Inspiration was also drawn from Daniel’s grandfather as he was a fourth-generation farmer.

Michele Marshall, Instructional Leader Creative and Performing Arts (Yrs 3-12)

Year 11 Learning workshop: Alchemy and abstraction
By Desmond Lazaro in conjunction with Kandinsky exhibition & Louise Bourgeois and ArtExpress
Tuesday, 26 March 2024

Year 11 students, currently delving into an experimental techniques and media unit, were able to experience a hands on workshop in the new education space, North Building, at the AGNSW. This was aimed specifically at Abstraction which perfectly complimented their current unit of art making. The workshop, designed and developed by artist Desmond Lazaro, Alchemy and Abstraction was a hands-on art-making experience that engaged students with the alchemical tradition of paint within the context of abstraction. In conjunction with the  Kandinsky exhibition, Lazaro created Point and line to plane, a specially created artist project that draws from the ideas that influenced Kandinsky. On view in the South Building, this exhibition draws from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York’s rich holdings to reveal Kandinsky’s work in depth.

From viewing both these exhibitions at the AGNSW, the students were introduced to - what is the alchemy of paint and how does it connect to abstraction? With a strong focus on material practice, students learnt the four methods of pigment preparation, including turning mineral rocks and stones to pigment, and pigment to paint. It will be exciting to see how this will influence and inspire their personal art making to create richer layering and use of colour with a better understanding of the processes of abstraction.

Lazaro uses handmade paper and creates his own pigments from grinding semi-precious stones and natural elements. His work can be found in the Art Gallery of NSW’s collection and in other private and public collections worldwide. 

Michele Marshall, Instructional Leader Creative and Performing Arts (Yrs 3-12)

From Religious Education

YEAR 9 EXCURSION
On Wednesday,  21 February, Year 9 were privileged to attend an excursion to St. Patrick’s Church, Mary MacKillop Place, and St. Mary’s Cathedral College. As we explored these landmarks, we delved into the first sites of Catholicism in Australia and also about the significant figures who helped develop Catholicism to grow into what it is today. I was deeply inspired by the rich history and tapestry of each site.  Moreover, the architectural beauty of each building added to the richness of the experience. 

St. Patrick’s Church in Church Hill, with its bright lighting, intricate designs and golden embellishment created a calm atmosphere. In contrast, St. Mary’s Cathedral's towering spires and grandeur with its dim lighting filled me with a sense of humility and reverence. I am thankful for our dedicated teachers, including Ms. McGrath, Mr Smith, Mr Rolls, Mrs Claxton-Fante, and Mrs Calabrese. Because of them we were able to learn about the history and spirituality of these sites as the first ever Year 9 group to be able to experience this excursion. Their guidance and support ensured that we gained valuable insights and knowledge that will undoubtedly aid us in our current religion assessments and deepen our understanding of our Catholic faith. 

Our first stop for the day was at St. Mary’s Cathedral. At the Cathedral we met up with Mr Rolls who guided us through its exterior and interior, revealing intriguing historical remnants such as the burnt sandstone wall and explaining the symbolism of many things such as the new gold cross atop the baptistry. Inside the Cathedral I was stunned by all the stained glass windows around the walls and the 7 small altars. Exploring the Crypt, we learned about significant figures buried there such as Fr. John Therry and the Archbishops: Vaughan, Polding, Kelly and Cardinal Moran, adding depth to our understanding of Catholic history. 

Our next stop was St. Patrick’s Church, where volunteers from Sydney Catholic Schools which included Ms Fernandes, my old primary school teacher greeted us and guided us to the crypt where they shared information about the church's rich tapestry. As we walked out from the crypt and inside the church, I was stunned by the illuminated brightness and Irish-themed decor, including a statue of St. Patrick and a golden monstrance. When we regrouped back into the crypt we were split into two groups. My group first toured the small stone cottage where Father Jeremiah O'Flynn first said Mass in secret, offering a glimpse into the struggles of early Irish Catholic convicts. After we finished exploring the cottage we went and explored the courtyard which contained multiple stone murals across the crypt’s wall, depicting figures like Mary MacKillop and Mother Mary McQuoin who are examples of people who helped grow Catholicism in Australia. 

Our final stop was at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney where we began with an introduction to her history before visiting her tomb in a small chapel on the site grounds. Before moving on, everyone wrote down notes for the nuns to pray for and we were given the opportunity to pay our respects to Australia’s first saint. We then proceeded to the Museum of Mary MacKillop, where we learned about her life through maps and personal items such as her rosary and cane. This immersive experience deepened our connection to Australia's Catholic heritage and left us with a newfound appreciation for the contributions of these significant figures.

Dylan Ong (Year 9 Student)

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ST PATRICK'S DAY
On Monday, 18 March, we celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a beautiful Mass that brought our community together in spirit and reflection. It was a joyous occasion filled with love and blessings.

We are excited to share a picture of Year 8 Students Luca, Luke and Harry who attended the Sydney St. Patrick's Day Mass, alongside Miss McGrath. A special well done to Aidan Adler (missing from the photo) for leading the Acknowledgement of Country during the event.’

Niamh McGrath, Acting Youth Ministry Coordinator

From Science

YEAR 8 CSI SCIENCE INCURSION
On Tuesday,  5 March, Year 8 attended a Science incursion as part of their C.S.I unit of studies. They welcomed Phoenix, from Phizzics Education, who introduced them to a variety of different scientific techniques used in Forensic Science. After listening to an explanation of the processes and how they are used in solving crimes, the students were given a scenario, involving a fictional crime, and challenged to come up with a solution to solve the crime. They participated in a series of hands on displays and experiments that provided them with evidence to help them solve the crime. Examples of the activities were: using the microscope to compare fibre samples, using simulated blood kits to identify the blood group of the suspects, analysing DNA images and conducting chemical tests on soil samples. After considering the evidence, they discussed the possibilities and offered solutions to the problem of identifying the perpetrator of the crime.

The incursion allowed them to work together in a team, discuss possible outcomes and explore new ways of gathering scientific evidence. The yr 8 students thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and now can relate what they have learned to their Forensic Science work in class.

Danielle van der Meer, Instructional Leader STEM (Years 5-8)

YEAR 11 PHYSICS EXCURSION TO LUNA PARK
On Friday, 15 March, the Year 11 Physics classes went on an excursion to Luna Park to explore the practical aspects of the content within the Kinematics and Dynamics units we had been studying in class. This provided a much-needed interactive understanding of the theoretical concepts within Physics that, without this excursion, would have otherwise been complex to understand.

The day started off with students learning about friction on the slides. Excited by the concept of G-Forces, Year 11 Physics students rushed off from the simple slides and Devil's Drops to tackle some of the most exhilarating rides. 

Whilst a variety of physics principles were demonstrated on the day, the Sledge Hammer and Hair Raiser were the rides of the day, with daring students attempting to conquer them, although some less so than others. 360s in the air and negative g-forces summed up the Sledge Hammer, making some students reconsider their lunch choices as their stomachs turned. 

Going once around wasn’t enough, as we needed to truly experience these rides to understand these physics principles. At least, that was the excuse for having a whole day off school… 

Thank you to the Physics teachers who organised this experience, Mr Claydon and Mr Soo. Visualising the theoretical concepts in action at Luna Park was a unique experience. We hope to have many more in-depth studies like this one!

Michael Yfantis - Year 11 Physics

From HSIE

YEAR 12 ECONOMICS RBA ZOOM SESSION
In week 4, Year 12 Economics were fortunate to be selected to take part in a Zoom session organised by the Reserve Bank of Australia. The students received the latest information on the state of the economy and were able to ask the presenting Economists questions regarding the information presented. The session was a new and informative way of building upon knowledge developed in the classroom.

Nicholas Puiu, Economics Teacher

YEAR 7 EXCURSION TO THE HYDE PARK BARRACKS
During week 5, all of Year 7 went to the Hyde Park Barracks on a History excursion. At the barracks we became archaeologists searching through the sand pits, looking for artefacts to examine. We also looked around the barracks’ exterior walls and main building, studying the  artefacts and historical significance of the barracks. We then went inside and learned the history of the people who lived in the barracks a long time ago. We looked at the lifestyle of the convicts and women there and the everyday objects they used. We also had to look through random items and try to find information about the people who owned them. We found the experience fun and interesting. We thank Mr. Puiu and Mr. Pereira for organising the excursion.

Alexander Huynh,  Year 7

From Diverse Learning

On 28 March, 4 boys attended The University of Sydney as part of the Ngara (Listen, Hear, Think) Future Focus Program where we were invited to attend and participate with other students from Sydney schools. We commenced the day with a welcome and Acknowledgement of Country.  We had University staff present information about study at University and the various Indigenous pathways and programs available.  After morning tea, students and teachers broke off into workshops where students looked at their interests and preparation for HSC subject selection choices as well as courses for enrolment into University. After a delicious lunch, we went on a tour of the University with our insightful tour guides and the remarkable resources and history of The University of Sydney. 

The day provided the boys with an insight in getting ready for Year 11 & 12, University life and the resources to support the boys if they did wish to apply to undertake further study whether that be at University or TAFE. This included information on week-long camps being available where students can gain a real insight into what University could look and feel like in the future.  The various presenters offered the boys ideas about what is possible for study including scholarships and onsite student accommodation.

Aidan (Year 10) commented that 'The Ngara Focus Program was such a fantastic program for not only me but also the other Indigenous boys, as we all got to get some information to make more informed choices of our senior year subjects for our HSC. This day also gave us some information about the University of Sydney and a tour of the Camperdown campus to help us decide if University is right for us and to help us decide which University we want to study at. This program was amazing, myself and the boys would love to participate in more programs like this to help us even more'.

We would like to thank the organisers, presenters and tour guides and look forward to further programs that may be offered to support the boys in planning for post school.

Steven Foulger, Leader of Diverse Learning

Year 7 Camp Recap

We are excited to share the experiences and growth from the Year 7 camp at The Great Aussie Bush Camp, Lake Macquarie. This adventure was pivotal for our students, helping them build essential skills through a range of activities.

During the camp, students tackled challenges like Dual Flying Fox, High Ropes, the Giant Swing, and Archery with enthusiasm. Activities such as Gully Crossing, Fencing, Pioneering, and Canoeing fostered teamwork and camaraderie among peers.

The camp not only tested physical abilities but it is evident that this immersive experience has left an indelible mark on their personal development, fostering lasting friendships and enhancing their abilities to collaborate effectively. We are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to witnessing their continued growth throughout their academic journey.

Thanks to all the teachers involved, without whom this would not have been possible; Ms McGrath, Ms De Barra, Mr Corpus, Ms Radoczy, Mr Ashdown, Mr Ryan, Mr Kome and Ms Sheehy.

Below is a link to a slideshow of photos sharing the experiences of the Year 7 camp.

Máire Sheehy, Year 7 Instructional Leader of Wellbeing

Duke of Ed Hike Recaps

SMCC BRONZE PRACTICE JOURNEY RECAP
On 18 and 19 March, Black Diamond leaders Cameron, Jack, Connor and Georgia had the pleasure of taking the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh cohort from St Mary’s Cathedral on their Practice Adventurous Journey in Heathcote National Park. The boys met early on Monday morning at Heathcote Station and prepared their gear for a big 2 days of walking! After looking over their topographic maps, the boys set off down the ‘Pipeline Trail’ before arriving at Battery Causeway where we headed off track to explore Gunner's cave. The boys kept busy on the trail, working together to solve many tough riddles and mind games including BDA leader Cameron’s favourite, ‘magic numbers’. After walking past the picturesque ‘Kingfisher Pools’ the group arrived at camp and set-up their tents before starting their flint n steel challenge. It was great to see the boys learn a new skill, creating their own fire using flint n steel and cooking their own dinner on trangias together around the campfire, sharing stories from the day. We ended the day with an intense game of ‘Betty, Bob, Bill, Barney’ a game of rhythm and timing. Special shout-out to Jacob who came in a close second to BDA leader Georgia!

The boys had another early start on day 2 and were ready to depart camp by 7:30am for another day of adventure. The boys enjoyed lunch at Uloola falls and the serenity of Karloo pools. Some even took the opportunity to dip their feet in the cool water! After a final uphill climb out of Karloo Pools, the boys arrived back at Heathcote Station where the group had their final yarn and headed back home.

Over the two days, the boys showed great perseverance in navigating the rough terrain, using their map-reading skills to identify the trail's topography. A highlight for the BDA team was seeing the boy's mateship throughout the journey where they supported one another and lifted each other up through the challenges they faced. The boys should be proud of their achievements over the trip and the BDA team is looking forward to seeing them again on their qualifying journey!

Thank You!
Black Diamond Leaders and Ms Máire Sheehy

SMCC SILVER PRACTICE JOURNEY RECAP
Back Diamond Adventures had the privilege of taking students from St Mary's Cathedral College on their practice Silver Adventurous Journey in Berowra Valley National Park from 11 to 13 March 2024. Having taken students from St Mary's on their Gold expedition to the Northern Territory for the last two years, the Black Diamond team were excited to finally get to know the silver boys on this trip! The journey began at Cowan station where the boys and their Black Diamond leaders met and prepared for an adventure into the dense, yet vibrant bush of Berowra Valley. They first completed a 5km return trek to the picturesque Jerusalem Bay which offered beautiful waterside views of Ku-Ring-Gai chase National Park and was a great stop for morning tea. From Cowan Station, they continued towards their first campsite positioned at the top of the Berowra Valley Ridgetop which had amazing panoramic views of the Valley and the tracks they were to conquer in the coming days!

The next day, the boys were up early and ready to smash out another big day of walking towards their camp at Crosslands Reserve. The terrain on this day presented its challenges, with steep inclines and rocky terrain testing the endurance and determination of the boys. However, the camaraderie among the boys fuelled the spirits of the group, as they encouraged each other to push onward and conquer every obstacle in their path. That night around the fire was a highlight for our Black Diamond leaders where the boys came together and appreciated their natural surroundings spending time stargazing and singing together around the sizzling fire.

Their final day involved hiking out Lyrebird Gully walking Track to Mt Kuring-Gai station. The trail was a nice change from their previous days, winding along the edge of a natural stream, offering glimpses into its depths with each step forward. As the boys emerged from the bush, their final challenge was presented to them as Soulbreaker Hill lay ahead of them before reaching the station. The boys absolutely smashed the walk and it was great to see them work together to push through challenging parts of the trail. After our final yarn and debrief at the top of Soulbreaker Hill, the Black Diamond team said farewell to the boys.

This trip was truly special for this group. The boys challenged themselves, showed great comradery with their peers, and learnt a range of new skills such as how to light a fire with flint and steel. We can't wait to see them again at their Qualifying Journey in October!

Thank You!
Black Diamond Leaders and Mr William Taylor

Primary News

In recent weeks the Primary students have engaged reverently and respectfully when learning about the events of Holy Week and the Easter Story.  Through a variety of ways the students have unpacked the deep questions related to Jesus' suffering and death, as well as his Resurrection. We were very proud of the way these young men participated in the Stations of the Cross, which we attended, along with members of the public, at the Cathedral.  On Holy Thursday, the whole school attended the Holy Week and Easter Liturgy.  Along with some senior students, a group of Stage 3 students reenacted the events of Holy Week and Easter. This was done with the utmost reverence and respect and was a wonderful opportunity for students and staff to stop, pray and reflect at such an important time in the liturgical year.

Last week the students participated in a workshop called Backflips against Bullying.  In this workshop the students learned about how to identify bullying behaviours and strategies for responding to such behaviours.

If you ask your sons I am sure they will tell you that playing Basketball each Thursday this term was a highlight for them.  Under the coaching of the Little Boomers coaches the students learnt many new skills and participated in games each week.  Most of all they had fun!

Fiona Roy, Instructional Leader RE Curriculum Primary

Library News

PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE (PRC)
The Premier's Reading Challenge is underway again. The response has been tremendous over the last few years, and all students from Years 3 to 9 are strongly encouraged to participate. There will be a presentation of certificates and medals for those who complete the challenge at the end of the year, but the challenge really is its own reward. Visit the PRC home page to login. A list of usernames and passwords can be found here. Please see me if there are any problems or if you have any questions.

Edward Hawkins, Teacher-Librarian

Music News

SCS Eisteddfod music categories will showcase many of our fine musicians over the term break. Our student musicians have seized the opportunity by registering themselves and setting weekly goals in preparation to present their talents for their section.

This is a wonderful opportunity for student musicians to represent the College and perform for friends, family and other students. These performances will receive valuable feedback for their own personal reflection from an adjudicator. We wish the following musicians the very best.

• Classical piano Ryker Widjaja
• Contemporary piano solo Franklin Xie
• Jazz piano solo Franklin Xie
• Jazz piano solo Marcelino Tjiputra
• String solo Matthew Chen
• Percussion solo Neo Changphanit
• Woodwind solo Xavier Yu
• Classical piano solo Nicholas Gunawan
• Classical piano solo Abel Preobrajensky

In addition to these solo events, our Classical Spanish Guitar Ensemble will be performing in the Instrumental Ensemble category in Term 2, Week 6, Friday 7 June, 2024 at Eastwood Marist. We look forward to reading about the SMCC achievements from this fantastic event in our first newsletter in Term 2.

Our SMCC Brass Ensemble were invited once again to participate in the annual ANZAC Day commemoration by the RSL Arncliffe Sub-Branch in Arncliffe Park at the Cenotaph. Rehearsals have been intensive and this ensemble will continue to rehearse over the term break in an effort to ensure another fine performance.

The Music Department would like to thank the parents and carers aligned to this ensemble for their ongoing support of their son’s musical engagement. The ANZAC Day Service serves the wider community and offers our students a professional setting in which to flourish. Our musical contributions are valued and appreciated beyond College life  and offer an opportunity to prepare for our own ANZAC Service early Term 2.

SCS PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY FOR EXPERIENCED MUSICIANS
As an extension of the Artists’ Evolution Program, SCS is inviting talented musicians to be involved in skill development and performance opportunities for 2024. The program will begin in Term 3 and students will perform as part of the Network Events in Term 4.

Parent and Carer nominations will take place early Term 2, and successful students will receive performance Music and rehearsal tracks before ensemble rehearsals begin in Term 3.

There will be two ensembles and students will be allocated to either Ensemble A or B based on the school they attend and the Network to which their school belongs. To participate in the program, students must have the minimum equivalent level of AMEB Grade 4, be in Year 5 or above and be available for all the rehearsals and performances as indicated below.

Rehearsals venue is still to be confirmed but please note:

• Ensemble A Venue: St George/Sutherland Shire area
• Ensemble B Venue: Ashfield Area

Students are nominated by their Parents/Carers via this form. The closing date for all nominations is Friday, May 3.

Should you have any questions, please contact amadeus@syd.catholic.edu.au

Alison Hunter, Leader of Learning Music

Sport News

CS TOUCH & BASKETBALL 

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Semi Finals

Third Place Playoff

SYDNEY SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Sydney Swimming Championships were held at Sydney Olympic Park on Monday, 25 March. Cathedral had 18 swimmers represent at this event. We experienced some great success, with 6 students progressing to the NSWCCC carnival. Below left is a picture of our All-Age 6x50m Freestyle Relay Team. They swam an exciting race, and narrowly placed third, which shows the impressive depth of the College swim squad. Thank you to all of the boys who trained so hard to get this far, and for representing the College with such pride and integrity.

NSWCCC SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
The NSWCCC Swimming Championships were held at SOPAC on Thursday, 4 April. Cathedral had 6 students participate, and impressively, all 6 swimmers advanced to the NSW All Schools Carnival in May!

Mark Gifford. 17+     Bronze Medal 50m Freestyle
Oliver Low. U15        Bronze Medal 50m Butterfly
                                   Silver Medal 100m Butterfly
Alex Spencer. U14     Bronze Medal 50m Backstroke
Aleister Low. U13     Silver Medal 50m Butterfly
                                   Gold Medal 50m Backstroke
                                   Gold Medal 50m Freestyle 
                                   Gold Medal 100m Backstroke
                                   Gold Medal 100m Freestyle
12-14 Relay Team     (Chris Lam, Aleister Low, Alex Spencer, Ryker Widjaja)
                                   Gold Medal 4x50m Medley Relay
                                   Gold Medal 4x50m Freestyle Relay

CONFERENCE 1 EUROPEAN HANDBALL
Congratulations to Gabriele Modica who was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding goal keeping efforts week in, week out in Conference 1 European Handball competition.

NSWCCC VOLLEYBALL
Congratulations to Raphael Dody Antonius and Eden Preobrajensky for being selected into the NSWCCC Volleyball team, which participated in the NSW All Schools selection tournament last week.

NSWCCC AFL
Congratulations to Jasper Champion and Sebastian Mok for being selected into the Northern NSW AFL team, which will compete in the NSWCCC selection trials in Wagga Wagga in May.

Simon Shaw, Instructional Leader Co-curricular/Sport

Community News

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BILLIARDS U21 CHAMPION
Sharing some exciting news about Jason Yu, 15-year-old Year 10 student at SMCC. Jason recently made his mark by becoming the Australian National Billiards U21 champion, during the tournament held in Melbourne from 4 to 7 April  2024.

In the final match, Jason triumphed over Xavier Daw from QLD, a 19-year-old opponent, with a score of 173 to 146.

Congratulations Jason!!  St Mary's Cathedral College is proud of your achievements.

From the Parents & Friends Committee

PARENT YEAR REPRESENTATIVES

Dear Parents/Carers,

I'm pleased to share our parent Year Representatives for 2024.

Our P&F email address: smccpfcommittee@gmail.com   to direct questions or comments.
Heidi Spiliopoulos Holt (President) tel: 0415 653 795
Amanda Sharwood (Vice-President) tel: 0425 251 546

Our year representatives will support the P&F by being the connecting force between the committee's messages, the school's messages and callouts for our support and the parents they are representing in their year group.

Introducing the Year Representatives:

Year 3/4 rep- Josue Castro
Jcasvilla@gmail.com

Year 5 rep - Christine Ho
Christine.minhchauho@gmail.com

Year 6 rep - Liz Vincent
lizalicevincent@gmail.com

Year 7 rep - Lucy Kara
lfvsnowball@gmail.com

Year 8 rep - Natalia Hennessy
Natalia.hennessy@gmail.com

Year 9 reps (both committee members)
Amanda Halpin - amandahalpin@optusnet.com.au
Jamily Lichaa - Jamilylichaa@gmail.com

Year 10 rep - Patrick Yu
peijun.au@gmail.com

Year 11 rep - Mary Lilic (committee member)
den996@bigpond.com

Year 12 reps (both committee members)
Grainne Tierney-Reed - Stmarysyr12@yahoo.com
Janette Lum - Stmarysyr12@yahoo.com

Should you have any inquiry, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Kind regards,
Heidi

Upcoming Dates