St Mary's Cathedral College Newsletter: Term 3, Week 3

From the College Principal

This week our WYD pilgrims have found their way to Lisbon. “Mary arose and went with haste”  (Lk 1:39) is the bible quote chosen by Pope Francis as the motto of the World Youth Day 2023. As Pope Francis states, this year’s theme emphasises the word: "“arise!” It is a word that also – let us remember – speaks to us of getting up from our slumber, waking up to the life all around us." This is what a pilgrimage does, it awakens us to the significance of our faith and the importance of hope in our lives.

As the pilgrims from our College shared their experience, I was called to reflect upon my own journey. My pilgrimage experience was so much more than seeing the sites where Jesus walked, it was an encounter. As I rewind those moments in my mind, the Word of God comes to life and continues to live in me. Each place was significant; a piece in a puzzle that when put together places my life in a mirror, allowing me to better understand His lessons and apply them to my every day.

Below is a presentation I shared with the staff that talks to the significance of that experience for me.

PILGRIMAGE

CLASS OF 2023 HSC TRIALS
Our Year 12 students commenced their Trial HSC exams at the start of week 3. We employed HSC invigilators to run our students through an authentic HSC examination process and this has helped students to feel a greater sense of ease and confidence. We wish them all the best of luck for their final week and congratulate them on their sense of diligence and effort so far.

FROMELLES DAY COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS
St Mary’s Cathedral College were honoured to be asked, on behalf of the FFFAIF, to be part of the Fromelles Day Commemorative Procession, Commencement of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay through Sydney and Commemoration of the Battle of Fromelles, which took place in Hyde Park, Sydney on Wednesday, 19 July 2023. 

Congratulations and thank you to the following students for taking part in such a special service and for capturing this historic occasion.

Alexander Pas
David Vu
Matthew Davies
Xavier Smith
Evan Zafiropoulos

You should be very proud of the images you captured, which will be documented for years to come.  

UPCOMING EVENTS

TERM 3 - P&F MEETING 

The Term 3 P&F Meeting is being held at 6pm on Tuesday, 8 August.
Please see below the details for this evening, including the Zoom link, if you are unable to attend in person and would like to join virtually:  

Event: P&F Meeting
Date: Tuesday, 8 August 2023
Time: 6pm - 7pm
Location: St Mary's Cathedral College Library 
Zoom Link: HERE

PARENT SEMINAR EVENING - The Unplugged Psychologist, Brad Marshall  

We hope you can join us for a Parent Seminar Evening at the College on Monday, 4 September 2023 from 6pm to 7pm. We will be joined by renowned guest speaker, Brad Marshall - The Unplugged Psychologist!

Please RSVP by Wednesday, 30 August via the Google Form HERE

From the Dean of Middle Years

Welcome back to Term 3. I hope you all had an excellent break and are ready to take on Semester Two.

ST MARY'S CATHEDRAL COLLEGE EXPECTATIONS
All students at SMCC can rightly expect that they will be safe and will be able to learn in an environment conducive to their progress. Similarly, all students have the responsibility, as per their Enrolment Contract, to ensure that they will uphold College rules and expectations.

Since the start of this term, Leaders of Learning, Leaders of Student Wellbeing and Homeroom Teachers  have worked with students to remind them of College expectations in relation to:

• Uniform
• Attendance and Punctuality
• Behaviour, including in class as well as when travelling to and from school
• Use of Technology including mobile phones

All College expectations relating to these areas can be found in the College Diary. We ask for parent support as we work with your sons to comply with these. Parents/Guardians are once again asked to sign their son’s College Diary each week. Your son’s Homeroom teacher will closely monitor their organisation for school.

STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK UP ON ST MARY'S ROAD
Stopping to allow children to alight from a car on the southern side (School side) in the No Stopping Zones is illegal and also dangerous. The council sends a ranger to monitor the safety of this No Stopping Zone. 

A general reminder to parents, when their children alight from the car they should do so on the footpath side and not the traffic side. Students should use the pedestrian crossing when crossing the road. 

At all times the College is aware of the need for safety for your son. We sincerely thank parents for their support with this matter.

COLLEGE EXPECTATIONS: TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Our reputation in the broader community is reliant upon all students upholding these expectations. These expectations, none of which have changed from previous years and which are outlined in each student’s College Diary, are as follows:

1. When walking to/from the College, students must use the underpass.
2. Students must not loiter at train stations or bus stops.
3. When entering the station concourse to catch trains, students must tap their Opal card on and tap off. Jumping through the turnstiles is not permitted.

These expectations are designed to ensure students’ safety and compliance with the rules around using public transport. We ask for the support of all parents/guardians in reminding their sons of these points.

Be engaged, Be Kind and Be the best you can be every day.

David Timillero, Dean of Middle Years

From the Dean of Liberal Arts

FINAL WEEK OF TERM 2 
NAIDOC Week was celebrated with great enthusiasm and respect here at St Mary’s Cathedral College. The theme for this year's NAIDOC Week was "For our Elders," which provided us with a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the wisdom, knowledge, and contributions of our Indigenous Elders.

WHOLE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY: EMBRACING INDIGENOUS CULTURE
We began our NAIDOC Week celebrations with a whole school assembly, where we gathered as a community to recognise the significance of this special week. During the assembly, our Indigenous and senior students led the school in Acknowledgement to Country and prayer to honour NAIDOC week and pray for continued progress towards reconciliation.

YEAR 9 SCIENCE: EXPLORING CADI JAM ORA GARDENS
The Year 9 Science students embarked on an enlightening journey to Cadi Jam Ora Gardens in the Botanic Gardens. During this educational excursion, our young explorers learned about the native plants that were traditionally used by Aboriginal clans to provide food, medicine, and other essential resources. The experience not only deepened their understanding of Indigenous customs but also fostered a greater appreciation for the rich biodiversity of our land.

YEAR 10 SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS: EMBRACING INDIGENOUS FRUITS
Meanwhile, our Year 10 Science students engaged in a series of fermentation experiments using indigenous fruits. This hands-on activity allowed them to explore traditional food preservation techniques used by Indigenous communities throughout history. By delving into the science behind these practices, our students gained insights into the resourcefulness and ingenuity of our Elders in utilising the natural gifts of our land.

PRIMARY CLASSES MUSEUM VISIT: LEARNING FROM ABORIGINAL EXHIBITIONS
Our young learners from the primary classes had the opportunity to visit the Museum and immerse themselves in the Aboriginal exhibitions. The students discovered the rich history, art, and culture of our Indigenous communities. This eye-opening experience inspired our children to appreciate the diverse perspectives and knowledge passed down through generations, shaping our understanding of Australia's past and present.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the students, teachers, and staff who participated in making this NAIDOC Week a memorable and enriching occasion. Let us carry the spirit of NAIDOC Week forward and strive to preserve and promote the Indigenous heritage that enriches our nation.

LEARNING IN TERM 3
Our students have been provided with many learning opportunities in various KLAs that embrace our focus on the Liberal Arts. This approach focuses on developing a broad range of skills and knowledge across various disciplines, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. In recent weeks, our students have engaged in fantastic learning opportunities that exemplify the essence of the Liberal Arts Approach.

YEAR 7 STEM DAY: A JOURNEY INTO SCIENCE, MATHS AND TECHNOLOGY
The Year 7 students embarked on an exhilarating journey during the STEM Day, where they participated in various Science, Maths, and Technology challenges. This true integrated learning experience allowed our young scholars to apply their knowledge from different subjects in a practical and collaborative setting. The students were engrossed in hands-on activities that encouraged them to think critically, solve problems, and work as a team.

By bringing together Science, Maths, and Technology, the STEM Day sparked curiosity and excitement in our students. They learned how to apply scientific principles to real-world situations, analyse data, and design innovative solutions. Such experiences lay a strong foundation for their future academic and professional endeavours, encouraging them to explore the vast possibilities offered by the fields of Science, Maths, and Technology.

YEAR 8 ITALIAN CULTURAL IMMERSION: BEYOND LANGUAGE LEARNING
Our Year 8 Italian students were treated to a delightful cultural experience that complemented their language learning journey. Through games, food, and language activities, our students dove into the heart of Italian culture. This immersive approach not only enhanced their language skills but also provided them with a broader understanding of the rich traditions and customs of Italy.

As the students engaged in fun activities, they experienced the joy of learning beyond textbooks. The cultural immersion deepened their appreciation for the Italian language and opened doors to cross-cultural communication and understanding. Such experiences are invaluable as they foster a sense of global awareness and empathy in our students, enabling them to become true citizens of the world.

We believe that a well-rounded education is the key to nurturing confident, compassionate, and intellectually curious individuals. By embracing the Liberal Arts Approach, we ensure that our students are exposed to a diverse range of learning opportunities that go beyond the boundaries of traditional subjects. These experiences enrich their education, equip them with essential life skills, and prepare them to face the challenges of a dynamic and interconnected world.

Belinda VanderGert, Dean of Liberal Arts

From the Dean of Mission

WORLD YOUTH DAY

Sydney has sent its largest contingent to World Youth Day this year. Around 1000 pilgrims have arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, after visiting other places of religious significance. Our two Sydney Catholic Schools sponsored students, Tiernan Cargill, and Francis Neely (pictured), travelled to Portugal via Italy. The theme for this year is “Mary rose up and went with haste”, and aims to inspire us to follow the example of Mary to take Christ to all others. 

World Youth Day is an international event held every three years, and brings together hundreds of thousands of Catholics from around the world to a nominated city. These events focus on how we are called to live the Gospel message in the world today.

VINNIES WINTER SLEEPOUT AND NAIDOC WEEK FUNDRAISERS 
A big thank you to those who contributed to our NAIDOC Week fundraiser. We raised over $2000 for the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative. 

In order to promote awareness and support for vulnerable members of our society, St Mary’s Cathedral is running its annual Vinnies Winter Sleepout on Friday, 18 August. Year 12 students are invited to sleep rough for one night, in order to experience what is an ongoing reality for so many. Our community has already been so generous with their donations to the Vinnies Winter Sleepout fundraiser. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so via the following link. https://my.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org.au/vinnies-school-sleepouts/st-mary-s-cathedral-college

FATHER'S DAY
All fathers, grandfathers and father figures are invited to attend our morning Father’s Day Mass and morning tea at the Cathedral and Cathedral College on Friday, 1 September. Please keep an eye out for your forthcoming invitation. 

YEAR 8 REFLECTION DAY
As part of the Religious Education and character formation at St Mary’s Cathedral College, every year group takes part in an annual Retreat or Reflection Day.  On Wednesday 16  August, Year 8 will participate in their Reflection Day with the theme of ‘Celebrating the Feast day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Christian Role Models’. The students will be watching and participating in a presentation by STARR PRODUCTIONS – who will perform a play based on Mary MacKillop’s life.  The rest of the day will entail activities based around the theme of Role Models who exemplify christian character/virtues. 

UPCOMING SIGNIFICANT FEAST DAYS
Families are invited to join the College at Mass in the Cathedral on 15 August,  at 9am for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a significant feast day that reminds us about the special place Mary holds in the life of the Church. The day is also referred to by Orthodox Christians as the feast of the Dormition (eternal sleep) of the Mother of God. Together both titles of the day demonstrate a key point about Christian spirituality. Namely, that we are not just focused on how significant religious figures are associated with supernatural events, but with how they are also associated with the realities of life. Mary was assumed into heaven, but she also witnessed great suffering and went through the process of moving towards her own death (eternal sleep). 

Another great religious figure who was also no stranger to the sufferings of life, was our own Australian saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop – whose feast is celebrated on 8 August. It may be tempting to assume this outstanding figure of the Church had great abilities, and she did, but the deeper reality is that her greatness came from her determination to do great things amongst circumstances that were far from ideal. Let us remind our students that like St Mary MacKillop, even when life does not seem to be going their way, they can still achieve great things if they set their minds and hearts to it with the assurance that God’s love always goes with them.

YEAR 7 COHORT MASS 9 AUGUST
The whole College regularly comes together for Masses and all individuals are invited to attend the 8.10am Mass for College staff and students in the Crypt every Wednesday. In addition to this, we would like to start promoting occasional Masses to help build camaraderie among year groups. Each cohort will be asked to attend a year group Mass once a year to reflect and pray on their personal and shared values. In the days ahead of their Mass, the year groups will be asked to reflect on and discuss the readings and to formulate prayer intentions. All Year 7 students are asked to attend the 8.30am Mass on Wednesday, 9 August in the Crypt (this Mass is a later start time at 8.30am to allow students to be able to attend at a more convenient time).  

YEAR 9 STUDYING THE SACRAMENTS OF HEALING
The Sacraments of Healing include the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Starting in Week 5 of this Term, our Year 9 students will be exploring the Scriptural foundations of the Sacraments of Healing, with a focus on Jesus’ acts of healing and inclusion. This will provide them with an opportunity to hear from some of our local priests about the importance of their ministry, and the comfort it brings to so many.

At the College we value staff and students having the opportunity to engage in developing their spiritual wellbeing by taking time to visit our beautiful Cathedral for moments of reflection. On these short visits students will be invited to reflect on how God’s love calls each of us to be people of reconciliation and healing. 

Thomas Hunter, Dean of Mission

OUR CATHEDRAL PARISH
If you would like to know more about our beautiful Cathedral, please see details below regarding free guided tours every Sunday afternoon.

From the Leader of Curriculum

YEAR 12 HSC TRIAL EXAMINATIONS

Dear Parents and Students of Year 12,

The Year 12 Trial HSC exams got off to a great start this week and will continue until Monday, 14 August. Please take note of the following points:

Uniform and Punctuality: All students must present to exams in complete school uniform, with an appropriate hairstyle, and be cleanly shaven. Students must be punctual for their exams. For morning exams, boys should arrive at 8.30 am (exam starts at 8.45 am), and for afternoon exams, they should arrive at 12.30 pm (exam starts at 12.45 pm).

Late Arrivals: Students who arrive late for an exam will enter the exam room on arrival and use the remaining time to complete their exam. No extra time will be allocated for latecomers. 

Early Departures: Students cannot leave an exam before the allocated finish time.

Illness During Exams: Students who fall sick during an exam must obtain a medical certificate immediately upon completing the exam. Special consideration in the marking stage will only be granted on presenting a medical certificate and completing the Variation to Assessment form, accessed via Compass.

Absenteeism: Any student absent for an exam must obtain a medical certificate covering ALL days the student cannot complete the task. The student should attend school on the first day he is well and organise an alternative time to complete the task. Waiting until the day of the next scheduled exam may not provide sufficient time for arranging an alternative time. The Leader of Learning will decide whether the student will sit the same task or an alternative paper.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

JUNIOR SUBJECT SELECTION

Dear Parents of Year 8,

Next week, we will focus on Year 9, 2024, elective subject choices. The boys will have access to a Subject Information Handbook detailing RoSA (Record of School Achievement) and College requirements. Additionally, the booklet contains comprehensive information about electives offered at the College.

To ensure that students thoroughly understand these courses, we will hold a Subject Selection forum on Wednesday morning. During this forum, the boys will have the opportunity to gain more information about electives and ask specific questions to their teachers. There will be a parent information evening on Tuesday, 29 August. I will send out more information about this event in the next fortnight.

Parents of Year 8 are encouraged to examine the Subject Information Handbook and discuss possible elective choices with their sons. Students will select their subject preferences online in the coming weeks. 

If you have any queries or need assistance, please contact me.

Karen Fahey, Acting Leader of Learning-Curriculum

From Languages

YEAR 10/11 ITALIAN EXCURSION 
On Wednesday, 19 July, students from Year 10 and 11 Italian went to ‘Roma Capoccia,’ an authentic Italian restaurant in Riverwood. Students spent the day learning how to make typical Italian dishes such as bruschetta, arancini, pasta alla napoletana and tiramisù under the guidance of Italian head chef, Federico. Students also had the opportunity to practise their Italian language skills in this environment, whilst immersing themselves in Italian culture, music and food. Students who attended the excursion are commended for their outstanding behaviour and enthusiasm. 

YEAR 8 ITALIAN INCURSION 
On Monday, 24 July, students from Year 8 Italian enjoyed an immersive and engaging insight into Italian games, culture and food. Students eagerly participated in rounds of trivia which tested group knowledge of Italian culture, geography, language, sport and food. Students also played italian games such as tombola (Italian bingo), il gioco del fazzoletto, (capture the flag) che ore sono signor lupo (what’s the time mr wolf) to reinforce understanding of asking and giving the time using italian, strega comanda colori (witch commands colours), bocce (italian bowls) and scopa (Italian cards). 

A highlight of the day for students was experiencing  ‘cannoli’ for the first time, a typical Sicilian pastry consisting of fried dough and ricotta/chocolate/custard filling as well as their pizza lunch.

Amelia Denton, Italian Teacher

Drama News

YEAR 12 DRAMA SHOWCASE
On 27 June, the College held the HSC Drama Showcase. The showcase involved a range of group and individual performances as wellas short film, promotional design and costume design projects.

The Year 12 Drama class of 2023 has been a pleasure to teach and mentor through their senior years. Most students in this class have been studying Drama from Year 9 at the College and I am very proud of their academic and creative achievements in the four years that I have known them. I have witnessed a growth in students as theatre practitioners, performers and individuals, to which I am most proud. I have been privileged to mentor students on their Individual and Group Projects and assist them in finding a voice to channel their creative expression. In our annual showcase, you can expect to see a range of performances, video drama pieces and a script writing piece. These projects aim to critique a number of topics that are intrinsically human. I am pleased to be part of their journey in Drama and it is my hope that all students utilise the skills they have acquired over the years in their future. I wish them the very best for their HSC examinations.

‘WISDOM’ A YEAR 11 PRODUCTION
Year 11 Drama class has been busy in Term 2 and 3 preparing for the play ‘Wisdom’ by David Burton. Students performed three shows over the 1st and 2nd August for audiences of students, teachers, parents and friends of the college. 

The production was directed by the class teacher, Ms Georgia Andreacchio. Below is the director’s note on the production. 

Wisdom is an exciting new work that demands to be seen by a maturing audience. When I first read this play, I was intrigued by the ensemble nature of the script and how this could be presented on stage. The possibilities of developing this show with the Year 11 Drama class was definitely going to be both exciting and challenging. In this work, I was most excited to explore the concept of ageing. In our fast-paced world, where young people are consumed by technology and bombarded with mixed messages about who they are and who they want to become, staging Wisdom is an opportunity to explore what could happen if this freedom was illegal. Myself and the students have been influenced by recent technological innovations in theatre such as the works of Kip Williams (Artistic Director, Sydney Theatre Company). William’s directorial style has almost revolutionised the way an actor and audience engages with performance through his skilful use of live video footage and camera operators to create an immersive experience. The focus on technology in our production of Wisdom serves another purpose however and that is to highlight the role that social media plays in the lives of young people. In this process, students have relished the opportunities to develop their performance skills as well as collaborate as designers, utilising green screen technology, lighting systems and program and promotional design software. I have witnessed year 11 students become reinvigorated in this process to consider their views on being a young person maturing in the world today. The year 11 team and I thank you for your participation in this show and we hope it leads to insightful discussion. 

Georgia Andreacchio, Drama Teacher

English News

UPON MEETING EILEEN CHONG - By Declan Bolger, Year 12 

On the first day of this term, I was very lucky to meet writer Eileen Chong, one of the few Asian-Australian authors whose works are currently prescribed within the New South Wales HSC English syllabus, and attend a personalised workshop hosted by her. Her work, Burning Rice (2012), is a poetry collection that students can elect to study within the HSC English Extension 1 Literary Homelands elective. As one such student, the opportunity to meet, discuss, and analyse Chong’s poetry with Chong herself was an incredible privilege that I was able to take advantage of. 

Chong was able to provide some incredibly interesting insights into her own writing process, the craft of her poetry and the purposeful choices she has made in the construction of her work. This workshop was able to further my understanding of these texts which had already been widened by studies in the classroom with Mrs Claxton-Fante. Chong was able to introduce me to a breadth of larger ideas concerning what it means to be a migrant or the child of migrants within new diasporic spaces. Being able to hear a writer you admire discuss texts you have studied and enjoyed with an extra level of expertise was an invaluable and memorable experience that certainly enriched my learning. 

Chong’s poetry explores themes of migration and connections to heritage that I, as a second-generation immigrant and member of a diaspora myself, can especially connect to. I’d like to share some of the wisdom she imparted to me when discussing existence as a marginalised person and that was ‘sometimes it is enough to just survive.’ Chong’s words and the discussions we engaged in about her poetry have been incredibly enlightening and honestly such a captivating look within her psyche as a writer. It was a pleasure to be able to have these discussions and learn about the texts I study within English Extension straight from the source. 

I’d also like to sincerely thank Mrs Charlotte Claxton-Fante for organising this incredibly insightful and beneficial masterclass, and for also asking Eileen Chong to sign my copy of Burning Rice!!

Science News

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK 12 - 20 AUGUST (WEEK 5)

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology and thousands of individuals – from students to scientists to chefs and musicians – get involved, taking part in more than 1000 science events across the nation.

The theme for National Science Week in 2023 is Innovation: Powering Future Industries. The theme incorporates the advancement in technology in all industries, especially using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The theme explores the use of AI in industry, as well as recent advancements in renewable energy technology, data science, and environmental monitoring. With topics of interest from medicine to marine research, agriculture, climate change and mining, this is a great opportunity to engage with the theme from a variety of perspectives.

So what’s happening at SMCC in Science Week?

In Science Week (Week 5), Science/STEM-based activities will be running Monday through to Thursday, with prizes to be won. Register in the Science Office - spots are limited!

MONDAY, 14 AUGUST

Recess - Lab 427 - Amazing Race

Students will compete in pairs to find hidden clues around the school (max. 10 teams of 2-3 students) Prizes to be won!

Lunch - Lab 429 - Trash to Treasure - Making Energy from Garbage

Make biogas by creating an anaerobic environment and seeing how effective different types of fruits and vegetables are when it comes to creating methane (max. 8 teams of  3 students). 

TUESDAY, 15 AUGUST

Recess - TLA - Have You Been Paying Attention? Science Week edition

Students will be shown a stimulus and asked a series of questions related to innovation for the future industries and sustainability.(max. 30 students) Prizes to be won!

Lunch - Lab 429 - Make your own Biodegradable Slime

Students will repurpose laundry bags made from biopolymers into slime for hours of fun (max 25 students)

WEDNESDAY, 16 AUGUST

Recess - Lab 429 - Water Wheel Challenge

Work in a team to design and build an interactive water wheel that lifts the most weight (max. 8 groups of 3 students) Prizes to be won!

Lunch - Lab 429 - Seismic Shake-up Challenge

Design a building that’s stable and sturdy enough to survive an earthquake (max. 10 groups of 2-3) Prizes to be won!

THURSDAY, 17 AUGUST

Recess - TLA - Innovation: Powering Future Industries - Kahoot Challenge

Students will compete to answer questions related to the Science Week theme (max 30 students) Prizes to be won!

Anne Ung, Leader of Learning, Science

Year 12 Physics KickStart Excursion

On Monday, 24 July 2023, Year 12 Physics classes attended Sydney University’s Kickstart Science program. The aim of the excursion was to provide the students with practical experience for Module 8, From the Universe to the Atom. 

The students studied experiments such as J.J. Thomson’s cathode ray tube to measure the charge-to-mass ratio, Radioactive decay of elements, and cloud chambers to observe types of radiation. The students enjoyed engaging with the experiments and presenters.

We thank University of Sydney’s Kickstart Science for the day.

Adrian Claydon, Assistant Science Coordinator

Debating Wrap up 2023

The St Mary’s Cathedral College debating season has now sadly come to an explosive end with the stellar Semi Final held on Friday, 28 July at St Mary's Cathedral College. 

Throughout the season, our teams debated brilliantly, with our Year 11 and Year 9 teams progressing from the main rounds straight through to the Quarter Finals because they had been undefeated in the main round competition. Our Year 9 Team (Daniel Russo, Daniel Andrews, Jamie Naffah, Ayden Dunne and Patrick Prasertmanakit) debated brilliantly but were sadly defeated by St. Patrick’s College, Strathfield in their Quarter Final. This was only the third debate that this team has lost in 3 years. Congratulations to these boys on their brilliant effort - you will be back bigger and better in 2024. 

Our Year 11 team (Ryan Carlisle, Kenzo Wang and Joel Ruz) were successful in their Quarter Final and progressed through to the Semi-Final last week, again against St. Patrick’s College.  The team were nervous prior to commencing preparation on the night but were supported by a large crowd of staff and students from the College. 

Upon arriving, the tension was high as we met what we knew to be a formidable team at the entrance. Preparation time began and fingernails were chewed anxiously as we awaited the topic and the side that the boys had received. The topic was "That the UN should intervene in the Ukraine war" and the SMCC team were allocated the negative side of the argument. The panic set in for the supporting teachers and students at this point as we all pondered how on earth it was that this topic could be argued.

While the team were unsuccessful in their pursuit of victory on the night, they debated brilliantly - doing justice to their side of the debate and conducting themselves with dignity and grace. 

As a College we are incredibly proud of the achievements of all of our Debaters in 2023. We offer our sincere thanks to the parents, staff and students who have supported SMCC Debating in 2023 and we look forward to another terrific year in 2024.

Charlotte Claxton-Fante, Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator 

Year 11 Duke of Edinburgh Walk

A life changing experience for the 16 Year 11, Gold Duke of Edinburgh Gold participants.

Doing both their adventurous journeys in one amazing and awe-inspiring 12 day expedition through the wonderful and picturesque sites of our Central/North Australian Terrain.

The boys haven't stopped talking about it.   

Clementina Getley, Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader

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Year 8 Camp

We are thrilled to highlight the incredible experiences and growth achieved during the Year 8 camp held last week by The Great Aussie Bush Camp, Kincumber.

This adventurous escapade proved to be a paramount moment for our students, fostering invaluable team-building skills through an array of exhilarating activities. From the thrill of rock climbing and abseiling to the excitement of the giant swing and archery, our young participants embraced challenges with enthusiasm and determination. The leap of faith, fencing, high ropes, and canoeing further pushed their boundaries, encouraging camaraderie and mutual support amongst peers. The camp not only allowed our students to conquer physical obstacles but also nurtured their confidence, resilience, and communication. As they returned with smiles and stories to share, it's 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 Cunningham, Mr Vaghela, Mr Ryan, Ms Donnelly, Ms Denton, and Ms Tafeuni.

Maire Sheehy, Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing

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Year 7 STEM Day

On Friday 28 July, Year 7 students participated in STEM day. It was an incursion focused on four key subjects; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The entire point of the day was to broaden our knowledge of these subjects and build teamwork and social skills. 

The lively activities that we took part in were: Homemade catapult. This was a mathematics activity where students were given 6 paddle pop sticks, a plastic spoon, a few rubber bands, a ball and a cup. The aim was to make a catapult that could launch the ball the furthest and the most accurately into the cup. 

Secondly, we were given a challenge; make a car move the furthest without touching it at all. Year 7 were given packs with a few items including: 2 toy cars, 2 magnets, sticky-tape, straws, rubber bands, balloons and a tennis ball. Students came up with many ways of moving the car across the hall. This activity got students to engage with all parts of STEM.

Next, we built paper roller coasters. Each group of 6 were given 4 sheets of paper, 2 retort stands and one marble with one clear goal, to create the most entertaining roller coaster. This brought out the students' unique ideas, engineering and cooperative skills. 

After that, the TAS rooms hosted the technology part of the day. We watched two videos, one about gears and cogs and how they work, and another about lift, drag and downforce, which related to our upcoming assessment on Solar Cars. We then drew a side-view of our own car designs. We labelled where the lift, drag and downforce would be.

Our final activity got students to construct the tallest tower possible out of 50 index cards. This was a tough engineering challenge as it asked students to think outside the box. Many creative ideas were brought up in our smaller groups which really developed our team working and communication skills.

Throughout the day, teachers took note of teams who were demonstrating the core characteristics of STEM; learning in teamwork and cooperation. Teams that showed extensive understanding of STEM throughout the day would receive vouchers to the canteen. 3rd place would get $5 vouchers, 2nd would get $10 and first place receiving $15. This brought out the team's competitiveness in these hands-on activities. Overall, Year 7 can say with confidence that we enjoyed ourselves and that the incursion opened up our minds to the world of STEM.

Darian Bekoe and William McDonald, Year 7

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Music News

The embedded musical culture of SMCC is just one of many attributes which makes our College unique. Not all students in Sydney experience the opportunity to be a part of something that involves deep learning and skill development, igniting and growing talent through active participation. Whether your strength is performing, composing or listening and understanding music on its deepest level, music at SMCC has something for everyone.

Our ensemble offerings extend and maximise the musical potential of each student musician through focussed attention in rehearsals.  The rehearsals are conducted with the specific goal of improving performance outcomes. Being part of an ensemble is being part of a team, just like sport. Playing with other musicians is rewarding and a lot of fun.

We would like to invite all student musicians to consider joining an ensemble or even two! Our music teachers and current members extend a warm welcome to the current year 7 student musicians, and invite them to consider continuing with their classroom instrument by joining one of our ensembles for semester 2 and beyond. If you would like to continue learning your instrument and be apart of something truly unique at the College, think carefully, make a decision, and go all in. Don’t just kind of go for it. Go all in. Make the commitment and join. We would love to have you on our team!

MUSIC ENSEMBLE APPLICATION 2023

We celebrate the music opportunities beyond the curriculum for our student composers. There are wonderful prizes and recognition offered to those that enter the following competitions.

ACMF NATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Entries are now OPEN!

The annual ACMF National Songwriting Competition is a nationwide initiative designed to encourage creativity and self-expression through songwriting, and is now in its 21st year.

Every year, students from schools across Australia are invited to put pen to paper and enter their original song.

There are some amazing prizes to be won!

Entries close 30 September 2023. We encourage our student composers to submit their original works to this prestigious National competition via the link.

National Songwriting Competition Entry Form

CEF SONGWRITING COMPETITION

The Catholic Education Foundation “Opportunities for All” Songwriting competition is open for student composers from years 9 to 12.

The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) is a joint initiative with the Sydney Catholic Schools Arts Team, is inviting student songwriters from across the Archdiocese to compose an original song in response to the CEF theme of "Opportunities for All", as they celebrate their 10 year anniversary across 2023 and 2024.

The winning song will resonate with the values and aims of the CEF, and will be professionally recorded and adopted as the theme song for all CEF promotional material over the next two years.

The composer/s of the winning entry will also be invited to premiere their work on Tuesday, 31 October as part of the CEF partners end of year event at the Sydney Catholic Schools head office, World Square, from 4:00pm-6:00pm.

This is an exciting opportunity for songwriters to contribute to the extraordinary work of the CEF and to be publicly recongnised for their unique talent.

Participation Guidelines

• The competition is open to all students from Year 9-Year 12 within the Sydney Catholic Schools System.
• Submissions may be made by a solo songwriter, a songwriting duo/trio or a school group/band.
• The song may be written for vocal part/s with no accompaniment OR a vocal part/s with accompaniment eg: piano, guitar, band.
• The duration of the song must not exceed 3 minutes.
• The lyrics of the song must relate to the core work of the CEF that provides "Opportunities for All". 
• Entries must be original works and not infringe any copyrights or any other rights of third parties.
• A shorlist of finalists will be curated by the Sydney Catholic Schools Arts Team and the winning song will be selected by Catholic Education Foundation and Sydney Catholic Schools executive staff.
• The selected composer/s will work with Arts HQ Artist in Residence, Philippe-Marc Anquetil to professionally record and produce their song.
• By participating in the competition, entrants agree to their song being used by the CEF for non-sale promotional purposes. This may include placing the winning song (or samples) and/or reproducing the lyrics on the CEF and Sydney Catholic Schools website and social media. The rights and ownership of the winning song will remain with the composer/s. Entrants also consent for photos and videos to be taken during the recording process and premiere performance and be used for media release.
• The selected composer/s must be available in Term 4 from Weeks 7-9 to record their song at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood. Specific dates and times will be negotiated with the selected composer/s.

Submission Guidelines

• Record a video performance of your song on a phone or laptop and export it as MP4.
• A separate copy of the lyrics is to accompany your submission in DOC or PDF format.
• Label each file as follows: CEF Songwriting competition_school name_student/group name_song title.

Judging Criteria

• All entries will undergo a preliminary judging round and will be shortlisted before presentation to the final judging panel.
• Decisions made will be final with no exceptions and no correspondence will be entered into.
• The quality of the song recording will not be judged. Judging will solely be based on the song itself.

Register and submit your composition to SMCCsydney-music@syd.catholic.edu.au  by Term 3, Week 10 Monday 18 September, 2023.

MUSIC FOR OUR ELDERS - A Cultural Immersion Experience
Wyniss

In partnership with Musica Viva, Year 7 and our SMCC indigenous students will experience a live performance in week 4, Friday 11 August, 2023  by Wyniss. Our student musicians will immerse themselves in our topic, Music for our Elders through the memories of growing up as a child in the Torres Strait. Wyniss will share play, songs and dances, and children’s movement games demonstrating how these are important ways to pass on knowledge, stories and traditions from the old generation to the new generation. Their educational philosophy includes encouraging children to practise new skills and learn about growing up in their community.

The ensemble leader, Dujon has combined these ideas in his music, teaching us about children’s games from his childhood, growing up on Mua Island, and also about the gradual learning of traditional music and dance skills in Torres Strait Island culture.

Please ensure that the consent form for your son has been completed via Compass.

JAZZ FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Our SMCC Ensemble student musicians have secured their seats! The first 100 students to provide consent via Compass will hear this world-famous jazz orchestra from the USA. Consent is required by Monday, 14 August 2023.

In a Sydney first, the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra and the legendary trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis will be performing for one show only in their Jazz for Young People concert at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Wednesday, 30 August 2023.

Illustrating the fundamentals of jazz, this narrated program promises to be a high energy interactive concert that will give expert insight to the historical and cultural origins of one of the world’s greatest art forms.

Parents & Carers please ensure that you complete the consent form via Compass for your son to attend this exciting experience in week 7.

Dates for your Concert Calendar:
2023 Year 12 Music Recital
Tuesday, 22 September, 2023
5:30pm-7:00pm
Chapter Hall

Lunchtime Concert Series
Wednesday lunchtime
1:40pm - 2:05pm
Chapter Hall

Wednesday Lunchtime in the Chapter Hall 1:40pm - 2:05pm
All boys are invited to perform repertoire of their own choosing in a friendly setting. Student musicians are encouraged to prepare their pieces in their instrumental lessons with their teacher.

Instrumental teachers may sign their students up to perform a solo with accompaniment of backing track. Please ensure you are prepared and organised for your scheduled performance.

Elective Music students are required to perform twice a semester.

Lunchtime Concert Signup form

SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WORKSHOP - Beyond the curriculum.

Applications now open!
Get your application in before 11:59pm, Sunday 13 August

Open to student musicians from years 4 to 12!

Challenge yourself and get to grips with a masterpiece. This opportunity will ignite your brain pathways via  a  deep dive into the finer elements of a major work. The Young Musicians Workshop connects the talented musicians of our Sydney Symphony Fellowship with students in a series of rehearsals, sectionals and masterclasses, extending learning beyond the curriculum. The Music Department encourages our student musicians to apply. Students will meet like-minded musicians and start to build their own network and new life-long friendships through music.

Apply and read more about this wonderful opportunity via this link.

Alison Hunter, Leader of Learning- Music

Concert Photos 2023

Photos taken by the advancedlife photographer can be viewed and purchased through their online portal. To view and order prints, simply follow the steps below:

1) Go to www.advancedlife.com.au
2) Enter this unique access code – DQD 715 MJA
3) Select 'Event Photos' to browse through images captured on the evening
4) Once your order has been placed, your prints will be available to collect from the school approximately 14 days later

For further enquiries please contact – www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

Sport

SCS EUROPEAN HANDBALL
 July 27 

SCS FOOTBALL
The Sydney Catholic Schools Football Championships were held in Week 10 Term 2. Cathedral’s Junior A team qualified for this competition after impressively defeating Lewisham in the Conference 1 Grand Final. Unfortunately, Rosebank won a hotly contested match, 0-1, putting an end to what was a very successful season for our Junior A team.

SCS CHESS
The Sydney Catholic Schools Chess Championships were held in Week 10 Term 2. Cathedral had a team competing in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior divisions. The competition was very tough in all divisions, and our Seniors managed to secure victory by half a point!

NSW ALL SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY
The NSW All Schools Cross Country Country was held at Sydney Motorsport Park in Week 1 this term. Congratulations to Jacob Sousa, Raj Naidu and Ethan McKenzie for representing the College and achieving commendable results. A special mention goes to Ethan McKenzie, who came second in his race and now qualifies for the National Championships in Canberra later this term.

Library News

PREMIER'S READING CHALLENGE (PRC)

Students at the College have participated in the PRC for many years, improving their vocabulary, their comprehension, and their general understanding while also satiating their competitive instincts. All students from Years 3-9 have a username and login (unchanged for students who participated in the past). The PRC closes for student entries on Friday 18 August at 11:59 pm. Please make sure you have logged all your reading by this time. If you have any questions, please see Mr Edward Hawkins. 

Term 3 Upcoming Events