St Mary's Cathedral College Newsletter: Term 1, Week 10

From the College Principal

Lord, as we gather together as family and friends during this break, we invite you once again into our lives. May the hope of your resurrection colour our days.

May the promise of your spirit working in us light up our lives. May the love you revealed to us shape our giving. May the truth in your word guide our journeys and may the joy of your kingdom fill our homes.

As we gather together underneath the banner of your life, we celebrate the new life and renewed hope that the resurrection of Your Son has given us. Amen

Dear Parents/Carers,

This week marks the holiest week in our liturgical calendar and provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon the light and hope that comes with the risen Lord. Easter celebrates the defeat of death and offers us salvation. Beginning on Palm Sunday we recognise our flaws and acknowledge our humanity. We begin to emerge from the darkness on Good Friday as we prepare for the light of the resurrection and the true joy of Christ as a light for the world. 

As we take time to be with our loved ones, let us also think about the light that they bring to our lives. As we contemplate the light of Christ let us acknowledge those who are witnesses to his example and ask ourselves how we can provide light and hope to those around us.

Save the Date

Mother’s Day Mass & Morning Tea

St Mary's Cathedral College is celebrating Mother’s Day at the College on Friday, 12 May 2023 at 8.00am - 9.00am.  

This is an optional event for those students whose mother, guardian, grandmother or significant other is able to accompany them to the College for a special Mother's Day service, followed by morning tea. 

RSVP by Monday, 1 May, via the link HERE

Parent Meet & Greet

We are excited to confirm the St Mary’s Cathedral College mid-term Parent Social event will be held on Friday, 26 May 2023 from 5.30pm - 7.30pm. We hope you can join us for drinks & canapés at the College.  Further details for this event will be shared at the commencement of Term 2.

Please note: this event date has been updated slightly to allow for parents to attend the Band Camp performance on Friday evening, 16 May 2023. 

Farewells

It is with a heavy heart that we farewell and wish the following staff members all the very best for their next venture. We would like to thank them for their time, dedication and contribution to both the College and students. They certainly made an impact and will be missed by all. 
Dianna Gebron - Administration/Enrolment Officer
Catherine Brennan - Administration/Reception
Kate Fullbrook - Leader of Diverse Learning

Finally

I would like to wish all of you a safe, happy, and Holy Easter break. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our teachers and support staff for their dedication and commitment to our students. This has been a busy but very rewarding start to the year. I look forward to seeing all of our students back in Term 2. 

Kerrie McDiarmid, College Principal

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. This term has certainly passed us quickly and throughout the busyness of the term it is opportune to take stock of all we have achieved so far this year. 

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 will this week receive their Term One Progress reports on Compass. The upcoming Easter 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.

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.

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 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. 

Chronicle Entries and Detentions

Just a reminder that chronicle entries and detentions can be issued to students for a number of reasons at the College where students have engaged in behaviour that breaches our behaviour management policy. 

Part of learning is for individuals to receive consequences for their actions. This is a normal part of an adolescent’s development. At St Mary’s we ask that teachers be consistent with their approach in ensuring that the school rules are upheld fairly and equitably. In saying this, we ask the same of our parents. Please encourage and support the College when your son receives consequences for his actions. Our expectations are outlined in a number of ways to students and parents. Students are continually reminded of these and sign an agreement that they will uphold minimum requirements in regard to attendance, their learning and their interactions with others. 

Please do not contact / email the College requesting that chronicle entries and detentions be revoked for reasons including: this being the first time your son has engaged in this behaviour or that he was unaware of the processes etc. Students are expected to be resilient and take responsibility for their actions. We follow a restorative approach at the College and it is a normal part of your child’s development for them to make mistakes which they can learn from. 

Uniform and Grooming

All students will need to be in full winter uniform upon the commencement of Term 2. 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 on page 11 of the College Student Diary.

Mobile Phones

There are strict conditions regarding the use of mobile phones whilst on school premises. Students need to ensure they are switched off upon entering the College in the morning and they are not to be used until leaving the College in the afternoon. Students are not permitted to contact parents during the school day and we ask that parents refrain from messaging or contacting their child during school hours. Emergency contact may be made by phoning the front office. Use of phones by students  during the school day will result in confiscation and a Wednesday detention will be issued. We ask for parental support with these matters.

Easter

As we look forward to Easter Sunday, I am reminded of the power of the resurrection story as a motivator for hope in all our lives and how we can all be enlivened by Christ and trust in His power to do all good things. If we remain faithful to our Lord he will bring to life our hopes and joys more than we can ever imagine. 

I wish every family a Happy and Holy Easter and I look forward to all that is planned for Term 2. 

Chris Maoudis, Dean of Senior Years

From the Dean of Middle Years

What a wonderful term we have had here at SMCC in the middle years.

Our primary students have thrown themselves into the many and varied activities that make up College life. Their classwork has been full of energy and diligence. They have had many opportunities to revel in outdoor learning at the Botanic Garden, had some fantastic incursion highlights including a visit from the famous Dr Karl and had some great learning with some of the older students in the school including the Year 11 SLR classes. The choir continues to amaze us and have been wonderful this week in all the Holy Week masses at the Cathedral. We have had some wonderful achievements in sport as well.

Our Stage 4 students have certainly been busy. Year 7 have moved into the high school with aplomb. They are working hard and engaged in their learning. Our musicians are rehearsing with great enthusiasm towards their respective performances. We have had much success in sport with our Junior Basketball Team winning the Conference 1 Grand Final by a point in a thrilling game. 

Above all, the boys continue to let their talents shine, which are a gift to our community.

I hope you all have a happy and holy Easter.

Be Faithful. Be Kind. Be Engaged.

David Timillero, Dean of Middle Years

From the Dean of Mission

Holy Week and Easter 

As we approach the celebration of Easter, we are reminded by the Gospel accounts that the Resurrection of Christ occurs amidst great turmoil. Even Christmas recounts a context of great fear and vulnerability for Joseph and Mary. However, from “the cradle to the grave”, Jesus is God’s Word that has no ending, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). Chapters in our lives come to an end, but as Christians there is always more to the story if we allow Christ to be the lead author. 

We are all at a significant moment in our lives, be it in relation to a new beginning or an approaching conclusion. Our Year 3 and 7 students can now reflect on the first chapter (Term 1) of their education journey at SMCC. Our Year 12 students only have two more Terms before their SMCC student story comes to an end, and there are only six Terms left before our Year 11 students are at the conclusion of theirs. Among all the complex moments that make up the rich mosaics of our life stories, may we remember the examples of Jesus' compassion that shine through the worry and confusion of the Holy Week and Easter narratives. 

On Palm Sunday we recall how Jesus demonstrated that true authority does not come through intimidation and force, but through humility and being among others. On Holy Thursday at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper we recall Jesus serving and giving of himself, teaching us that our faith is a call “... not to be served but to serve …” (Matthew 20:28). On Good Friday we recall how even in the horror of the crucifixion process, Jesus still consoled the women of Jerusalem, the good thief, and his mother and John the disciple. Finally, as we participate in the Easter Liturgy starting with the Saturday Vigil ‘Service of Light’, we view the Resurrection not only as an act of the power of God, but as an act that symbolises Christ (God) as the Light of the world, even over the darkness and pain of death and suffering. 

I hope and pray that as you journey through this Holy Week and Easter period, it will be a safe and joyful time and a time to engage with the Gospel that encourages us to live out the College 2023 Theme, To Lead with courage, illuminated by faith, and be a light for the ages. 

Thomas Hunter, Dean of Mission

Project Compassion 

Our Project Compassion charity drive this year has once again  demonstrated how generous our students are. Of course such generosity is a reflection of values learnt at home. This was displayed by the additional giving by so many parents and carers online. We are still collecting and have yet to do a final count,  but we have certainly raised over $8,000! This money will go a long way towards helping Caritas Australia empower others to, “end poverty, promote justice, and uphold dignity”. Thank you for your support. 

The Holy Week and Easter Schedule for St Mary’s Cathedral  

From the Youth Ministry Coordinator

World Youth Day Raffle
Sydney Catholic Schools are coordinating a raffle to raise funds to assist students in covering the cost of traveling to WYD23 in Lisbon in early August this year. Our College has 2 students attending this event, and members of our community are invited to purchase tickets to support our students with any funds raised being offset against our students' costs. The prizes in the raffle are:

1st:   A Mazda 2 car
2nd:  $3000 gift voucher
3rd:   $2000 gift voucher

Your support of our students is greatly appreciated.

Thomas Rodriguez, Youth Minstry Coordinator

From Curriculum

The Role of Assessment in the Learning Process 

It is almost the end of the first term, and parents would have noted their sons' assessment tasks. It is a necessary part of the teaching and learning cycle and can enhance student engagement and motivation. 

Assessment is the gathering and evaluation of evidence of a student's learning. It can be formal and informal, providing information for teachers to measure and report on each student's learning progress. Set tasks from a course assessment program such as examinations, research assignments, oral presentations, practicals and viva voces, for example, form part of the learning process assessment and are used to formally report on student progress against prescribed benchmarks and standards of achievement. 

The monitoring and feedback by teachers that occur during the ordinary course of lessons form part of the assessment for learning process, also commonly referred to as formative assessment, which enables teachers to know and respond to the learning needs of students on an ongoing basis. Students are encouraged to reflect on and monitor their performance and progress to target their own learning needs and goals, forming part of the assessment as learning process. 

Interested parents and students may obtain more detailed information about these approaches to school assessment from the NSW Education Standards Authority website. 

Absence from course chronicle 

We know that students learn best when they are in front of the teacher, and to that end, LOLs will send out Letters of Concern to parents of sons whose attendance in a particular course is below 80%. The purpose of this letter is to inform parents of our concern for students who may be experiencing difficulty in meeting the course outcomes in a particular course due to their attendance pattern. Whilst the College acknowledges that absences may well be explained or justified and include times when a student has been legitimately out of class on College business, the intention of the letter is to draw parents’ attention to their son’s current rate of attendance in a course so that parents can have a conversation with their sons. 

Thank you for your active assistance with this matter.

Year 7-11 Progress Reports

Parents of Years 7-11 will receive progress reports this week, published on Compass. If you have difficulty accessing the Parent Portal, please contact student services at the College for assistance. The main objective of these reports is to provide diagnostic information on behaviour, participation, organisation and homework. Consequently, this will allow students and their parents to use this report to assess and discuss areas of strength and weakness to develop strategies to move forward for the remainder of the semester.  

Year 12

Year 12 will finish their Assessment Block by the end of the week. Year 12 parents will be issued a full school report at the beginning of week three of Term Two.  

2023 NESA Confirmation of Entry Forms 

Over the last couple of weeks, Year 10, 11 and 12 students have been confirming their respective entries with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) for the purpose of credentialing, ultimately leading to the award of the Higher School Certificate. 

Students have checked their personal details and all subjects undertaken, as well as other details. In addition, each Year 12 student has confirmed their eligibility for an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). A few Year 12 students have chosen not to receive an ATAR. I would ask all Year 12 parents to check the status of their child’s credentials by asking him to log in to his Students Online Account. It should also be noted that in signing the Confirmation of Entry form for the HSC, each Year 12 student confirms he has read and understood the NESA booklet, Rules and Procedures for 2023 Higher School Certificate Candidates, available on the NESA website. Also, each Year 12 student is confirming he has completed the NESA All My Own Work programme about good scholarship practices. 

It is very important that student information maintained by the College is true and accurate and matches records held by NESA for the purposes of credentialing the awards of the Record of School Achievement and the Higher School Certificate. Changes in contact details, medical information or other family details for a student and/or family need to be communicated to the College.  

2023 University Applications

Last week Mr Norman and I spoke to Year 12 about applying for university courses, including early entry and equity entry options. Year 12 students will be able to apply for university courses online through the UAC portal, once they receive their UAC pin on 5 April. 

To start an application, your son will need to enter his Year 12 student number and UAC PIN.

His Year 12 student number is issued by the school.

His UAC PIN will be emailed to the email address he registered with NESA.

He can then choose his course preferences and submit his application. 

The UAC website is extremely useful and provides short ‘how to’ videos explaining this process.

Year 7, 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher evening

Parents and their sons will be given an opportunity to discuss the information on these reports and, of course, other matters at Year 7, 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher evening, which is on Tuesday, 16 May. More information will be given about this evening soon.

Thank you,

Karen Fahey, Acting Leader of Learnig - Curriculum

Year 9 Italian Panini Lunch - Buon appetito!

Last Monday, the Year 9 Italian class finished off their unit about Italian food by participating in a panini lunch together.  Each student had to bring in a different ingredient for the lunch (for example, a panino, some mozzarella cheese or some prosciutto).  We even had authentic Italian drinks such as chinotto, and some delicious bomboloni for dessert!

The students could only obtain the ingredients for their panino by asking for them in Italian.  If they asked correctly, they got an enthusiastic 'Sì, certo!' as a response (which means 'Yes, certainly!').  After building their panino, the class got to enjoy their food together whilst listening to some Italian music.  A wonderful time was had by all the students, and they really enjoyed being able to try some authentic Italian food together.

Elyse Williams, Leader of Learning - Languages

Year 11 Luna Park Excursion

Physics Excursion to Luna Park

On Monday, 13 March, Year 11 Physics classes went on an excursion to Luna Park at Milson’s Point for a fun and interactive experience, to learn about the principles of physics we have been studying in class.

Our highlight of the day was going on the new ride, the Big Dipper. This is a speedy roller coaster with many twists, turns and even 360° loops, demonstrating the principles of acceleration and centripetal force. We had the opportunity to see firsthand how these concepts are applied in the design and operation of a roller coaster, plus we got to have a fun time on the ride itself. It took us hours of riding to fully understand it. At least that's what we told Sir…

Another popular ride, the Hair Raiser, demonstrated the law of the conservation of energy and the interplay between potential and kinetic energy. We felt our stomachs drop as we accelerated 80km/h toward earth in just a few seconds, leaving us fighting to keep our lunch in.

Thank you to the teachers, Mr Vessalas and Mr Claydon for bringing us in for a fun day at the park and allowing us to experience the principles of physics first hand. We hope we have many more days like this to come!

Marcus Buckley and Tadhg Donnellan, Year 11 Physics

Senior Drama Showcase

In week 7, Senior Drama students previewed their monologue and group performances for an audience of SMCC students and Teachers. The students who performed include Liam Carr, Joel Ruz, Cameron Roper-Tyler, Adrian Roper-Tyler and Sen Imseang. We thank those in attendance and look forward to sharing more live performance opportunities with the community this year. 

Georgia Andreacchio, Drama Teacher

Video Drama Masterclass

Holiday Drama Workshops at ATYP

Autumn holidays are just around the corner so book now to secure your EARLY BIRD discount!! 

ATYP has workshops for everyone that include screen acting, monologue and scene work, comedy, script writing, and SO MUCH MORE!

With workshops running from 11 April - 21 April, amazing teaching artists, brilliant locations, excursions to the theatre, and guaranteed fun. What's not to love?

Don't forget, ATYP is a registered NSW Creative Kids provider so sign up for your voucher today for further savings.

Venue Spotlight: Balmain Town Hall

Year 4-6 Who Dunnit?

Do you love a good mystery? Think you’ve got what it takes to be the world’s greatest detective? These holidays ATYP invites you to dust off your magnifying glass and spend the week exploring the mystery genre. Learn how to hook your audience, create suspense and tension and discover all the tricks that are used to create a good mystery. Create characters and use your skills to tell a story full of twists and turns at the end of the week that will leave your family and friends shocked!

Year 7-9 Monologue & Scene Work Intensive

These holidays, take your performance skills to the next level with ATYP. Learn about the elements of drama including script analysis, establishing subtext, clarifying intention, sharing focus and building tension. Examine short scenes and monologues to create 3-dimensional characters work on articulation and voice projection and how to hold an audience’s attention. Throughout the week you will work with an industry professional on different scenes and monologues and will get the chance to share your work with family and friends at the end of the week.

Venue Spotlight: Bondi Pavilion

Year 4-6 The Heist

These holidays, get your team together, make your plans and get ready to pull off the biggest heist of the century! You could be trying to steal jewels, precious artifacts or maybe even a rare animal! You decide. Develop your character creation and storytelling techniques and spend the week delving into the themes of mystery, suspense and adventure. Finish your week with a performance that will leave your family and friends wondering how you pulled it off!

Year 7-9 Monologue & Scene Work

These holidays, take your performance skills to the next level with ATYP. Learn about the elements of drama including script analysis, establishing subtext, clarifying intention, sharing focus and building tension. Examine short scenes and monologues to create truthful 3-dimensional characters work on articulation and voice projection and how to hold an audience’s attention. Throughout the week you will work with an industry professional on different scenes and monologues and will get the chance to share your work with family and friends at the end of the week.

Why Students should participate in Drama

Sport

SCS Touch & Basketball

Round 5

Round 6/Semi Finals

Round 7

Grand Final & 3rd Place Playoff 

Basketball

The Junior Basketball team was the only Cathedral team to progress to the grand final in the Term 1 competition. The team finished fourth at the end of the regular season, and sensationally upset the top seed in the semi finals after staging an impressive comeback from what looked like certain defeat. 

In the grand final, the opposition got out to a quick lead. Our team clawed their way back into the match, only for the opposition to take the lead again. Each time we managed to close the gap, the opposition would go on their own run to take the lead back. Our boys never gave up, and stuck to the game plan outlined by Mr Davidson. In  the final minute, the opposition tried to protect the lead by holding the ball, but Cathedral saw this as an opportunity to swarm the ball handler and force a turnover. Down by one with just over ten seconds left, we had one final opportunity. Marcelino Tjiputra hit an impressive shot in the key with seconds to go, sealing a dramatic victory. 

The team competed on Wednesday, 5 April in Sydney Championships! We congratulate the team for winning the compeition - they are the Sydney Catholic Schools Junior Basketball Champions for 2023.

Sydney Swimming Championships

The Sydney Swimming Championships were held on Monday, 27 March at Sydney Olympic Park.

We experienced some fantastic individual and team success. Below are some highlights:

- 12-14 Freestyle Relay Silver Medal

- 12-14 Medley Relay Silver Medal

- Tom Nicoletti U12 50m backstroke Gold Medal

- Ryker Widjaja U13 50m backstroke Gold Medal

- Oliver Low 100m Butterfly Silver Medal

- Mark Gifford 17+50m Freestyle Bronze Medal & 100m Backstroke Silver Medal

Seven Cathedral students progressed to the NSWCCC Championships!

NSWCCC Swimming Championships

The NSWCCC Swimming Championships were held on Friday, 31 March at Sydney Olympic Park. Our swimmers were up against some tough competition from all over the state. Our swimmers represented the College with pride, and although no one progressed to the next level, the competition was a great experience for our swimmers - and some of them even swam personal best times!

• Mark Gifford 17+ 100m Backstroke Bronze Medal
• Oliver Low U14 100m Butterfly Silver Medal
• Tom Nicoletti U12 50m Backstroke Silver Medal

Uniform Shop

Notice: All uniform items purchased commencing Term 2 onwards, from Taleb Australia School Uniform Shop, will either need to be picked up from the shop or delivered to home. Orders will no longer be delivered to the college for distribution to students.

Term 2 Upcoming Events