St Mary's Cathedral College Newsletter: Term 2, Week 10

From the College Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Welcome back to Term 3. I hope that all students and families  had a restful and enjoyable holiday break. Term 2 was certainly filled with a number of exciting events, some of which are highlighted in this latest edition of the newsletter. 

PRAYER

God of all love,
Help us to pause in the busyness of our days to listen deeply to the wisdom of those who share this land and those who care for it.
May our minds be open to dialogue, may our hearts be open to transformation and may our hands do the work of reconciliation.
We ask that the Holy Spirit accompany us on our journey of healing on these lands, seas and waterways. We also ask the Holy Spirit of peace to be with all those who are living a life of fear, dispossession and distress. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen. 

Mary Help of Christians
Pray for us 

Live Jesus in our hearts
Forever

ANNUAL MUSIC CONCERT 🎶 Celebrating 200 Years of Music!!!  
On Friday, 28 July the iconic Sydney Town Hall was alive with the magic of our Bicentenary Annual Music Concert. It was a night where tradition, education, and exceptional talent came together to create an unforgettable experience.

A massive thank you to our incredible staff and students whose dedication made this event possible. Special shoutout to Ms. Alison Hunter, our inspiring Concert Director, and our fantastic music staff - Dr. Stefan Roberts, Dr. Evan Hopkins, Mr. Mark Brown and Ms Emma Hancock. Your tireless efforts,  supported by our talented music tutors, brought our theme of celebrating 200 years to life!

A heartfelt thanks to our amazing alumni who returned to perform, showcasing the lasting legacy of St Mary's music education.  As well as, Mr. Daniel Justin, Director of Music - St Mary's Cathedral Choir, Sydney for your support and guidance of our massed choir.

Music is the heart and soul of St Mary's, with over 20 bands, ensembles, and our world-class Cathedral Choir. For two centuries, we've been nurturing talent and fostering a love for music.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
The last day of Term 2 on Friday, 5 July saw ES Marks Athletics Field buzzing with energy for our 2024 Athletics Championships! 

Students shone with enthusiasm, each competing in at least six events and showcasing incredible House pride and competitive spirit. 🌟🙌🏽 A huge shoutout to Moran House for their outstanding win, taking away the Championship trophy!! 🏆🎉

To our staff, your hard work in organising, supervising, and encouraging the students was essential to the success of the carnival. Your commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment is greatly appreciated.

To our students, your participation and positive attitudes were inspiring. Whether you were competing, cheering from the sidelines, or helping behind the scenes, your dedication and teamwork shone through.

Thank you all for making this year's athletics carnival a wonderful experience. Let's continue to carry this spirit of unity and enthusiasm into all our future events.

BICENTENARY BALL
It's not too late!!! We have extended the booking deadline until tomorrow, Tuesday, 23 July for the highly anticipated Bicentenary Ball!!

Join us for an unforgettable evening honouring our rich history and vibrant future. Whether you're a longtime resident or a newcomer, this is your chance to mingle, dance, and create lasting memories.

Highlights include:
* Live performance by a five-piece band, featuring a roaming saxophonist, setting the perfect tone for an evening of dancing and enjoyment
* Alumni MCs guiding us through the night, reminiscing and celebrating our shared history
* Silent Auction: Bid on exclusive items and experiences, with proceeds benefiting a student-led Bicentenary Museum project, in collaboration with the Australian Museum.

🗓️ Date: Friday, 2 August 2024
📍 Venue: Hyatt Regency Sydney - Grand Ballroom
📲 Book your tickets now! 🔗 https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1211850

Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic celebration! 

YEAR 12 TRIAL HSC EXAMS
 Year 12 students attended workshops in the holidays in preparation for their upcoming Trial HSC exams which commence on Monday, 5 August. We will be praying for them during this time and know that all the hard work and effort will be rewarded.

Kerrie McDiarmid, College Principal

From the Dean of Senior Years

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students,

This year’s Annual Music Concert was a celebration of musical excellence over the past 200 years by the students of SMCC. We were entertained by the talented musicians of this College as well as alumni who reconnected with their alma mater to mark our bicentenary. The annual concert is a long standing tradition at this school, and this year’s performances were exceptional. It was wonderful to see and hear the broad repertoire that our students undertake with their performances. This year's Finale was a most uplifting experience with a full orchestra accompanying our massed choir.  I would like to thank all the students for their involvement as well as our tremendous music staff for their tireless efforts to put on such a fine show.

Each student in Year 9-10 will have received their semester one academic report in week 10 of term 2. It is now timely for students in collaboration with their parents/carers to review their results and begin to set plans for continued growth in semester two. We hope parents and students have taken the opportunity to meet with their teachers during our Parent/Teacher conferences. These meetings are important in the feedback and feedforward cycle that underpins effective student learning and growth. It is important for families to reflect with their son on these meetings and set some goals for semester two. 

In week 8, as part of their Phronesis (practical wisdom) program, Year 12 engaged in the annual Seniors Breakfast. This year the students heard from three alumni who have had varied work and life experiences and they imparted upon the boys some of their learnings from their different pathways. Our guest speakers were Fr Roberto Keryakos (Class of 2008 and current College Chaplain), Mr Christopher Sullivan PSM (Vice Captain, Class of 1983 and Deputy Official Secretary to the Governor of NSW) and Mr Chieu Phan (Class of 2004 and Physiotherapist). Each speaker touched on their post-school journey and how the values and traditions of SMCC set them up for success in their lives. The young men  of Year 12 were able to share a meal together and ask each of our guests questions. This phronesis lesson provided for our students to develop character traits that are reflective, collaborative and strategic. It enabled the boys to consider the next steps in their own life journeys. We thank each of our former students for their presence at this memorable occasion. 

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In week 10,  Year 11 commenced a process of discernment in relation to senior student leadership opportunities at the college. Our Dean of Mission, Mr Thomas Hunter led this process with the incoming Class of 2025. As these boys edge towards their final year of secondary education, consideration is given to the type of leader they want to be and the legacy they intend to leave behind. It was impressed upon the boys that leadership at SMCC is modeled on the servant leadership of Jesus Christ and that the values and attitudes students portray are noticed by those younger. Leadership is not a popularity contest. The process over the term 3 will inform the appointment of our senior student leadership team for the year ahead. We wish the Year 11 cohort the very best with this process.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable and restful winter break and look forward to a positive Term 3.

Kind regards,

Chris Maoudis,  Dean of Senior Years

From Dean of Middle Years

Term 2 has been a very busy but fulfilling term for the boys in Years 3-8. There has been excellent, engaged classwork occurring, many formal assessment tasks as well as involvement in the many varied co-curricular activities throughout this vibrant community. The commitment the boys have made to Wednesday morning mass,  representative sport, debating, the brilliant music concert, Founders’ Day and many other events has been stellar.

I hope all families were able to meet with their child’s teachers to converse about their progress thus far in 2024 and create some goals for the second semester.

A reminder to all students in particular about their grooming upon return to school. A letter was sent out recently that clearly outlines the College’s expectations.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday break. 

Be Faithful. Be Kind. Be Engaged.

David Timillero, Dean of Middle Years

From the Dean of Mission

FIRST RECONCILIATION AND HOLY COMMUNION
It was a special time for some of our students who made their First Reconciliation this Term. On Sunday 23 June, Alexander Mao, Isaac Dobbie, Michael Grubelic and his sister visiting from another school, Sara Grubelic, made their First Holy Communion at the 10.30am sung Mass at the Cathedral. Fr Roberto Keryakos, College Chaplain, presided over the Mass after running the formation classes and retreat day. Student Harley Gillespie completed the preparation with everyone, and will make his First Holy Communion soon. 

We look forward to welcoming these students back to make their Confirmation on Sunday 18 August, at St Mary’s Cathedral at 12.30pm. 

COHORT MASSES - AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD
Celebrating Mass is something that is very common here at the College. Every Term there is at least one whole College Mass for a special occasion. There are also Masses held every Wednesday morning, 8.10am in the Cathedral Crypt for Staff, students and families. 

It is a common practice among many Catholic schools, and one I personally see great benefit in, to have a year group attend a Mass that is celebrated especially for them each Term. So they can pause and take some time to encounter God in the context of prayerful reflection about what is on their minds and in their hearts. While most of their time is dedicated to learning and applying what is taught as a subject, as a Catholic College it is important we promote the understanding that learning about something is enriched when encountering the someone who authored it – namely God. Seeing the universe as a gift that we are all responsible for, is a radically different perspective from seeing the world as something simply here for our own taking/use. Our hope is that the Mass is a time for students to encounter God, and therefore encounter their role as a steward of the Earth and a friend for all following the model of Jesus who comes to us in the Mass. 

FATHER ROBERTO'S SPEECH AT THE SENIOR BREAKFAST
The Senior Breakfast is a great opportunity for our Year 12 students to pause and together hear from several alumni about the importance their education at the College had in setting them up for life after graduation. While further studies, careers and personal attributes are an important motivation, Fr Roberto’s speech reminded us all of the importance of the gift of faith that all students encounter here at the College. Below are some excerpts from this. 

NAIDOC WEEK
The National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is an annual national Australian event that celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is an important event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to share their stories, traditions, and perspectives with the broader community, promoting reconciliation and greater understanding. 

Thank you for contributing to the mufti day fundraiser on Thursday, 4 July. The College is always complimented on the way our students show consideration for others, and NAIDOC week is one of many important opportunities to build their character in relation to such important values as listening and accompanying others.

At the beginning of NAIDOC Week the Sydney Archdiocese always celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday with a Mass and a meal at the Reconciliation Church in La Perouse. Attached is a Catholic Weekly article about the occasion led by Fr Frank Brennan SJ.

https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/naidoc-week-2024/

VINNIES WINTER SLEEPOUT
It’s not long to go now before some of our Year 12s brave the cold in an act of compassion and solidarity through the Vinnies Winter SleepOut. This is part of the Vinnies Winter Appeal fundraising campaign by the St Vincent de Paul Society, an Australian-based Catholic charity organisation. The appeal aims to raise funds to provide essential services and support to people experiencing homelessness during the winter season.

SMCC has a proud custom of supporting this charity each year. To further raise awareness about this issue, a number of Year 12 students will engage in a Vinnies Winter SleepOut on 26 July. Let's give them some encouragement and see how much we can raise for this important cause via the link below!

Thank you for your support.

https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/vinnies-community-sleepouts/st-mary-s-cathedral-college-2024

Thomas Hunter, Dean of Mission

From the Leader of Curriculum & Assessment

SEMETER ONE ACADEMIC REPORTS RELEASED FOR YEARS 3-10
The Semester One reports for Years 3-10 were published on Tuesday 2 July, and are available for access via Compass online.

If you encounter difficulties accessing the Parent Portal, please contact our student services team at the College and they will be happy to assist you with any issues.

Please note that the reports will only be visible on the desktop version of Compass. We encourage all students to take this opportunity to thoroughly review their reports and engage in meaningful discussions with their parents. This process will enable them to identify areas of strength and weakness and develop effective strategies to progress confidently in Semester Two.

YEARS 3-10 PARENT/ TEACHER/ STUDENT CONFERENCES
Parents and their sons were invited to participate in the Primary, and Years 7-10 Parent and Teacher Interview Day, which was conducted via Zoom on Monday, 22 July. This event was an opportunity for parents to engage in meaningful discussions regarding the information provided in the reports, as well as address any other matters they may have  wished to discuss.

We thank you for your active involvement in this event as we work together to support our students' ongoing growth and development.

YEAR 11 2024 SUBJECT SELECTION
Over the past few weeks, Year 10 students have been required to select their subject choices on the Edval Portal.  If not already done so, students will also need to print their final selections and have their parent/guardian sign this slip. Signed receipts of submission selections and the green Instructional Leader of Learning Approval sheets need to be put in the boxes in the curriculum office. Although initial selections have now closed, students will be engaged in further discernment through the subject selection interview process. These interviews will provide an opportunity to discuss initial course preferences and subject recommendations/suitability and determine final preferences.

Course-selection interviews will take place in Term 3, Week 4, on Wednesday 14 August (3:30 pm-6:00 pm). Information on how to book these interviews will come in early Term Three.

Course lines and offerings will be finalised by the end of Term 3.

Anne Ung, Leader of Curriculum & Assessment

From the Leader of Pathways & Partnerships

CSIRO STEM PROFESSIONALS IN SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP
CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools is a program in Australia initiated by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The program aims to connect STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals with teachers and students in Australian schools. 

Fortunately, we have been able to partner Mr Soo’s Year 8 Science Class with Ms Toshali Banerjee. Ms Banerjee is a behavioural pharmacologist who will hopefully inspire and engage the students in science by providing real-world insights and experiences through her interactions with the students throughout the year. Ms Banerjee’s first visit was on 24 June, and we look forward to welcoming her again next term.

JUNIOR ENGINEERS SPACE MODE
A reminder that students in Years 3-6 are invited to sign up for the Junior Engineers Program that operates out of the school on Wednesday afternoons commencing at 3.15pm. Term 3 will focus on computer coding; and coding is not just about learning a programming language. It is about developing a range of valuable skills that prepare students for future success in a technology-driven world. It equips them with the tools to innovate, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.

Information about how to enrol can be found via the attached brochure.

CAREERS WEBSTIE - 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

From the Youth Minister

POPE FRANCIS AWARD
STUDENTS ATTEND RETREAT AT RETREAT AT BENEDICT XVI RETREAT CENTRE
Some of our Pope Francis Award students recently attended a memorable retreat at the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre in Grose Wold. This event was a unique opportunity for students to deepen their spiritual lives, form new friendships, and engage in meaningful community projects.

During the retreat, the students immersed themselves in a variety of spiritual activities. They participated in prayer sessions that allowed them to reflect and connect more deeply with their faith. Mass was a cornerstone of the retreat, offering a moment of communal worship and personal introspection. Adoration sessions provided a serene environment for students to meditate and find peace in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

A highlight of the retreat was the community project development session. Here, students worked collaboratively to brainstorm and plan initiatives that could positively impact their local communities. This activity not only fostered a sense of teamwork but also ignited a passion for social justice and community service among the participants.

Interacting with peers from a variety of Sydney Catholic Schools added a dynamic and enriching dimension to the retreat. Through playing games and engaging in conversations, our students built new friendships and shared experiences with a diverse group of young people. 

Overall, the retreat at the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre was a profound experience for our Pope Francis Award students. It provided them with a nurturing environment to grow in their faith, develop leadership skills, and build lasting relationships. We are proud of their commitment to their spiritual and personal development and look forward to seeing the positive impact of their community projects in the future.

YEAR 9 STUDENTS ATTEND EVANGELISATION DAY AT TRINITY COLLEGE AUBURN
Fifteen of our Year 9 students recently had the enriching experience of attending an Evangelisation Day at Trinity College Auburn. This special event was filled with activities that aimed to deepen their spiritual understanding and foster a sense of community.

Throughout the day, the students engaged in various meaningful activities. They participated in prayer sessions that allowed them to reflect and connect on a deeper level. The sacrament of reconciliation provided a powerful opportunity for personal growth and forgiveness.

In addition to these spiritual practices, the students took part in discussion groups where they explored themes of spirituality and hope. These discussions were not only insightful but also encouraged the students to share their perspectives and learn from one another.

The day was also filled with fun and joy, as the students played games that promoted teamwork and camaraderie. Singing together further uplifted their spirits and created a harmonious atmosphere.

Overall, the Evangelisation Day at Trinity College Auburn was a memorable and transformative experience for our Year 9 students. It allowed them to grow spiritually, build stronger bonds with their peers, and return with a renewed sense of hope and faith.

Niamh McGrath, Youth Ministry Co-ordinator

Creative & Performing Arts News

HSC DRAMA SHOWCASE
Please join us for the HSC Drama Showcase taking place on Tuesday, 23 July at 5:30pm.

This evening will exhibit a range of projects and performances before students commence their Trial and HSC Exams. It has also become a welcome tradition of the college to honour the hard work and dedication of Drama students.

Please complete the Google Form if you wish to attend. 

YEARS 7-10 STUDENT-LED PRODUCTION

Years 7-10, 

An exciting opportunity exists to be part of a production completely run by students! Students have already developed a script and we are in the process of developing the performance called 'Who do you want to be?'

Please complete the following Google Form if you wish to be involved in the show or as a stage assistant. 

Details
Rehearsals: Tuesday Afternoons
Time: 3:15-4:00pm
Performance Date: 12 September  - Creative and Performing Arts Night

Georgia Andreacchio, Drama Teacher

From LOTE

YEAR 10 ITALIAN EXCURSION
In Week Five, we had the honour of travelling to Riverwood to an Italian restaurant called Roma Capoccia. Upon entry we were greeted by the two chefs Federico and Nicolas. Federico is the head chef and owner, who is from Roma. We were at the restaurant to learn how to cook an Italian meal, but before the cooking, we did a short test assessing our knowledge of Italian food, in which the restaurant menu was a cheat sheet. 

To start we made Bruschetta where we each took turns to slice the pomodori (tomatoes) and put everything together. Next we made Arancini. Then we made the Fettuccine alla napoletana, making our pasta by hand in which ours was a total 'Greaseball', che disastro!!! Finally we made dessert which is a personal favourite of mine, Tiramisù. 

Overall everything was made and cooked to perfection and it was a fantastic experience that we will remember as Italian students at the College. Grazie mille to Federico and to all the crew at Roma Capoccia for this amazing day and I look forward to returning there for a mangiare (feed) in the near future.

Cristiano Epifania, Year 10

EDUCATION PERFECT LANGUAGES CHAMPIONSHIP 2024
Earlier this term, our Languages students had the opportunity to participate in the Education Perfect Languages Championship.  Students from around the world participated, answering questions testing them on their language skills in a variety of languages, from Italian and French to Arabic and Maori.

The students had seven days to compete in the competition.  As they competed, they gained points for each question they answered correctly, which contributed to their own score and also to the total points for the College.  Competitors from more than 2000 schools answered nearly 70 million questions in just seven days, and we had a number of students who did exceptionally well in this competition, helping us to come 5th in the state for Italian.  

Congratulations to the following award winners:

Nicholas Kokontis (Year 8) - Gold Award, 4964 points
Teo Xiao (Year 8) - Credit Award, 760 points
Luca Nolan (Year 8) - Credit Award, 544 points
Matthew Lu (Year 8) - Credit Award, 535 points
Ivan Hrzenjak (Year 8) - Credit Award, 500 points
Adrian Roper-Tyler (Year 12) - Credit Award, 500 points

Elyse Williams, Instructional Leader - Languages

Primary News

It has been an exciting term for the Primary students.  All students participated in a public speaking competition which saw Thomas Castro (Stage 2) and Jaiyden Barnes (Year 6) go through to the North Sydney/Harbour Network final. Both boys represented the college proudly, delivering outstanding speeches.  Thomas took home a gold medal for his age group.

In Science, Years 5 and 6 have been learning about natural disasters.  We were lucky to use the Science labs to perform experiments that simulated volcanoes under pressure.  There was a bit of popping and fizzing going on!  Thank you to Miss Van der Meer for guiding us through our experiments.

In Phronesis this term, the Primary students have learnt about who our founding fathers and sisters are at SMCC; the college's charism and most recently we looked at being pioneers of change as we embark on significant changes within our college community.  Taking all of this into consideration the students wrote letters to future students of SMCC welcoming them to our college.  Please find shared with you some of these letters written by Raven in Stage 2 and Banjo in Year 5, respectively.

Dear Future Student,

I have been in Saint Mary's Cathedral College for more than a year and I can provide 3 tips for you to have a smooth learning experience.

First tip: get a friend in your year so you can learn with them and have fun with them at recess and lunch. You can also play handball, chess or lego in the library.

Second tip: never be late and if you're early you can play on the basketball court. If you're talking with your friend and your teacher tells you to stop, take it as a warning and stop talking.

Last but not least if you're new to the school you should ask someone who has been at the school for a while like me to show you around the school.

I hope you have a lovely time at Saint Mary's Cathedral College.

Year 6 students have been learning to appreciate and write poetry this term.  We have learnt about Slam Poetry in the latter half of the term and the students have written some amazing poems which they will present in a class slam in Week 10.  The poem below is written by Charlie Shepherd about Deforestation.

Fiona Roy, Instructional Leader RE Curriculum Primary

Library News

PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE (PRC)
All students from Years 3 to 9 are strongly encouraged to participate in the Premier's Reading Challenge. 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

BRAVO!
The Music Department warmly congratulates the student body for their outstanding representation of musical excellence at the 2024 College Concert. There were many highlights and we thank those families that have expressed their gratitude and appreciation in writing to the Music department. We are most pleased that our students' aptitude and love for music shone brightly. The boys should all be proud of their performances and we hope that others found their efforts inspirational!

We encourage SMCC students to consider enrolment in an ensemble and/or individual instrumental lesson for Semester 2. Details available via each sign up form.

MUSIC FORMS 
All relevant links enclosed for 2024 

Change of Enrolment  - From Lessons, Ensembles, Instrument Return, Locker Key Return 
Instrumental Music Tuition Application
Music Ensemble Application
Music Instrument Loan Agreement 
Music Locker Hire

NSW POLICE BANDS IN CONCERT @ SMCC
To celebrate the end of Semester 1, many student musicians from the College were privileged to hear the NSW Police Bands in Concert on Monday, 1 July. Their performances did not disappoint.

SEMESTER 2 ENSEMBLES
We farewell our Year 12 cohort from the Ensemble program for 2024 and thank them for their dedication and commitment. They will be missed. Many will be presenting their HSC program in the recital and we invite the wider College community to attend. Further details are available below in dates for your diary.

Our Ensembles will now see students transitioning into ensembles where openings have emerged. Students will be approached for these new opportunities so that they may continue to progress and improve. All Ensembles will be performing in a variety of concerts at SMCC throughout Semester 2.

The Rock Bands are seeking drummers, keyboard, lead and bass guitar musicians. Our contemporary musicians read music and must be committed to attending rehearsals each week. Please consider signing up and being part of this special contemporary music program at the College. We would love to see you shine.

Music Ensemble Application

We encourage our student musicians to apply to be considered for the 2024 SSO’s Young Musician Workshop. This inspiring orchestral workshop connects students with the talented musicians of the Sydney Symphony and the 2024 Sydney Symphony Fellows in a three-day immersive program involving a series of rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses to help further develop their skills. Many SMCC student musicians have been successful in their application in previous years and had fantastic experiences. Some have made life long friendships and started to build a network with like minded talented musicians across Sydney. The workshop will be held at Parramatta Marist High School from Wednesday, 9 October 2024 - Friday, 11 October 2024.

Further information & the application form is available via the SSO Link.

SMCC LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES WILL RESUME IN TERM 3
Wednesday Lunchtime in the Chapter Hall .
A performance opportunity open to all student musicians across the College.

Lunchtime Concerts present a casual and supportive environment where students gain valuable performance practice. Our talented musical community are warmly invited to perform every Wednesday Lunchtime, in the Chapter Hall. This opportunity is open to all musicians at the College. 

All Elective music students should perform twice a Semester and are strongly encouraged to secure their performance opportunity via the form below. 

Please sign up using the Lunchtime Concert Sign Up Form 2024

HSC MUSIC 1 PREPARATIONS ARE IN FULL SWING
The 2024 HSC Music performance examination dates will be finalised by NESA in the coming weeks. Please note that the  2024 HSC Music 1 Aural Skills examination date is scheduled on Wednesday, 16 October from 1:55pm - 3:00pm. The student’s programs are coming together and will be presented in an open recital towards the end of Term 3 in the Chapter Hall. Further details for this event are in the dates for your diary section below.

TERTIARY JAZZ PRE-AUDITION WORKSHOP @ The Con
If you are considering planning to audition for a Conservatorium tertiary degree in jazz, this may be the course to further support your preparation. This experience is run by some of Sydney’s leading Jazz Educators who will cover the audition requirements and process so you can achieve your best result in this highly competitive field.

This three hour workshop includes discussion and demonstration of the process, a mock Jazz aptitude test and the opportunity for some students to have their mock audition critiqued by members of the Tertiary Jazz staff in front of your peers (this is optional). This is an invaluable opportunity to ensure your optimum preparation for the "real thing".

Further information is available via the Open Academy LINK.

ADDITIONAL HSC MUSIC 1 RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS - NSW DoE
Writing about music in Stage 6 – Music 1 aural skills

MUSIC DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Term 3

Week 1 -  Monday,  22 July 2024 
Ensemble rehearsals & Individual music tuition commence 

Week 1 - Friday, 26 July 2024 
Academic Assembly
Middle School Rock Band performance
College Hall

Week 2 - Sunday, 4 August 2024
HSC Music 1 rehearsals 10am - 3pm
Chapter Hall

Week 3 - Sunday, 10 August 2024
HSC Music 1 rehearsals 10am - 3pm
Chapter Hall

Week 5 - Wednesday, 21 August 2024
Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence 
SMCC Saxophone Quartet opening procession performance 8:30am 
College Hall

Week 5 - Friday, 23 August 2024
SMCC Keyboard Festival 5pm - 7pm 
Chapter Hall

Week 6 - Friday, 30 August 2024
HSC Music 1 Recital Night 5pm - 7pm 
Chapter Hall

Week 8/9 - HSC Music 1 Performance examinations
HSC Music 1 - date TBC by NESA
Chapter Hall

Term 4

Week 1 - Tuesday, 15 October 2024
Ensemble rehearsals & Individual music tuition commence 

Week 1 - Wednesday, 15 October 2024
HSC Music 1 Aural Skills written examination 1:55pm - 3:00pm
Venue at the College TBC

Week 5 - Friday, 15 November 2024
Year 10 Elective Music Recital Night 5pm - 7pm 
Chapter Hall

Week 7 - Friday, 29 November 2024
Last day to withdraw from individual music tuition & Ensembles for 2025
Form for change of enrolment is provided in the Form links below 

Week 8 - Tuesday, 2 December 2024
SMCC Contemporary Music Night 5pm - 7pm 
Chapter Hall

Week 8 - Friday, 6 December 2024
SMCC Band & Strings Night 5pm - 7pm 
College Hall

Week 9 & 10 - Monday, 9 December - Friday, 20 December 2024
SMCC No Ensemble rehearsals
Individual lessons are finalised for the year

Alison Hunter, Leader of Music

Sport News

SCS FOOTBALL & LEAGUE

Round 4

Round 5

Semi Finals

SYDNEY CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
The team results from the Sydney Cross Country Championships were released since the last newsletter, and Cathedral had some absolutely outstanding results. Cathedral placed 1st in the Juniors, Intermediate and Senior age categories for Conference 1. Cathedral also won the Aggregate Shield, meaning we were the top performer out of all Sydney Catholic Schools. Well done team!!

NSWCCC CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
The NSWCCC Cross Country Championships were held on 4 June. Cathedral had 9 students attend the event. Congratulations to Rory Reed, who placed 5th, and now qualifies for the NSW All Schools Cross Country.

SYDNEY TABLE TENNIS
St Mary's Cathedral fielded two teams in the SCS Table Tennis Gala that took place at Olympic Park on 5 June. Kevin Yu and Evan Zafiropoulos (Senior team) and Thomas Liu and Vivan Shetty (Junior team) played all their matches in the sporting spirit expected of a Cathedral man and are to be commended for treating their opponents with respect at all times, as well as representing the College with enthusiasm and pride. The Senior were unable to progress beyond the group stage, coming up against opponents that were a step above the level they were accustomed to. 

The Junior team progressed to the knockout rounds, and after winning a closely fought semi-final, played the final against St Patrick's Sutherland where they took out an exciting cliffhanger to win 3:2. When the dust had settled, it became apparent that Thomas and Vivan went through two tournaments without having lost a match. An incredible effort! Well done to all the young men who represented the College this year.

NSW ALL SCHOOLS AFL
Sebastian Mok was selected to the NSW All Schools AFL team. He will now participate in the School Sport Australia Australian Football Championship as part of the School Sport Australia Games on the Gold Coast from 27 July-3 August. Well done Sebastian!!!

SCS CHESS
The Sydney Catholic Schools Chess Championships were held at Rosebank College on 2 July. Cathedral had one Intermediate team and one Senior team competing in the finals. Our boys performed quite well against some tough competition. The Intermediate team placed fifth, and the Senior team narrowly missed out on third place.

Simon Shaw, Instructional Leader Co-curricular/Sport

Community News

2024 WORLD POOL CHAMPTIONSHIPS
Congratulations to Year 10 student Jason Yu, part of the U18 Scotch Doubles runners-up at the 2024 World Pool Championships in Blackpool, UK, 27 June 2024.  Additionally, Jason’s Australian U18 team proudly finished in the Top 4!

UPDATE TO ORDERS FOR THE COLLEGE CANTEEN

Upcoming Dates