From the Principal… Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of the Bethlehem Community,

Reflection for the week…Pope Francis on Lent

Opening Lent, pope urges people to slow down, rediscover silence

Rome: Pope Francis, leading Catholics into the season of Lent, urged people on Wednesday to slow down amid the noise, haste and desire for instant gratification in a high-tech world to rediscover the power of silence. On Ash Wednesday devout Christians in churches around the world have ashes rubbed onto their heads in a ritual reminding them of their mortality as a priest recites the biblically inspired phrase, "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return." On Wednesday, a cardinal rubbed ashes on the pope's forehead and then Francis did the same to other members of

the congregation at a Mass in the Basilica of Santa Sabina on Rome's Aventine Hill. "Pause a little, leave behind the unrest and commotion that fill the soul with bitter feelings which never get us anywhere," he said in his homily. "Pause from this compulsion to a fast-paced life that scatters, divides and ultimately destroys time with family, with friends, with children, with grandparents, and time as a gift...time with God," he said. During Lent, which ends on Easter, Christians are urged to occasionally fast from food, give up something they enjoy as a sign of humility, carry out extra acts of charity and reflect on how they can improve themselves. Francis, who led a procession along the streets of Aventine Hill before saying the Mass, urged his listeners to beware "the emptiness of everything that is instantaneous, momentary and fleeting" and not forget tenderness and compassion. "Pause for a little while, refrain from the deafening noise that weakens and confuses our hearing, that makes us forget the fruitful and creative power of silence," he said. Francis has invited Roman Catholics and members of all other religions on Sunday to observe a day of prayer, fasting and initiatives for peace on February 23, urging everyone to "say no" to violence and conflict. When he announced the initiative, he said was making the appeal because of the "tragic protraction" of conflicts around the world, particularly in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Francis specifically invited non-Catholics and non-Christians to join the initiative in any way they saw fit, "but all together". Reuters This story was found at: http://www.smh.com.au/world/opening-lent-pope-urges-people-to-slow-down-rediscover-silence-20180214-p4z0d4.html The Bethlehem College community acknowledged the commencement of this most important season of the liturgical calendar with a very thoughtful Ash Wednesday liturgy organised by Mrs Taouk. The liturgy included an introduction by Mrs Taouk, scripture readings, distribution of ashes, music and the launch of the Caritas lenten appeal.

Catholic schools Enrolment period

The Catholic schools enrolment period for Year 7 2019 and 2020 is now open until early Term 2. Bethlehem College has 14 Catholic feeder primary schools and is also very popular with students in other Catholic Primary schools as well as Public schools.

As per the Sydney Catholic Schools’ Enrolment Policy, students from feeder Catholic systemic schools are given first preference for places in Year 7 to Bethlehem College. All they need to do is submit an enrolment form and they will be given an interview date and time. These enrolment forms will be distributed as part of a package to each Year 5 and 6 student, during the primary school visits and also to prospective parents at Open Day on

March 6. Enrolment applications can also be downloaded from the Bethlehem College website or collected from the school office.

In 2018, members of the enrolment committee interviewed and offered places for Year 7 2019. There are limited places available for Year 7, 2019. I

will commence interviews for 2020 in a few weeks. I am asking that all applications be submitted by the end of Term 1.

Our experience of enrolment application data during the last few years suggests that late enrolment applications come from siblings of current Bethlehem College students. Siblings still need to submit enrolment forms by the due date! If we have no idea of whether our current students have siblings who wish to attend the school, then we cannot “reserve” a place in the school. With students from 14 Catholic feeder primary schools, other non- Catholic feeder schools seeking a single sex education and Catholic students in our local State schools all seeking positions in the school, competition for places is intense. Whether you are a current Bethlehem College parent, an aspiring Bethlehem parent or know of families who wish to enrol their daughter at the College, I would ask you to submit the enrolment form by the due date.

Term 1 Issue 2 23 February 2018

TERM 1 UNIFORM SHOP OPERATING HOURS Tuesday: 10.30am-2.00pm

Wednesday: 8.00am—11.30am Fridays 10.30am—2.00pm Phone Number 9799 6163

CASH/EFTPOS or CREDIT CARDS accepted Cheques payable to TALEB AUSTRALIA

Lay-bys available

INDEX Principal Pages 1–4 College Open Day Page 4 Assistant Principal Page 5 2017 HSC High Achievers Page 6 Important Dates Page 6 Curriculum Page 7 Religious Education Page 8 Community News Pages 9-10

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Primary school visits

This week we commenced our Feeder Primary school visits in the lead up to Open Day. Bethlehem College has worked closely with De La Salle College to “bus in” the Years 5 & 6 boys and girls from many of our feeder primary schools so that they could have a genuine experience of life in High school. The students tour the College with the assistance of our wonderful ambassadors from Years 8-10 visit classes and had hands-on experiences in our Science laboratories, Food Technology rooms, they participated in Music, Dance and Drama classes and sampled the culinary delights of our canteen. The Primary students have been absolutely delightful, asking many questions. They enjoyed hearing about the many opportunities on offer at the College and were very grateful for the opportunity to ‘sample’ high school. They left with a “goodie” bag containing a few mementos of their day at Bethlehem College.

Opening school mass, February 16

Our opening school mass on Friday 17 February was a wonderful community event. The beautiful liturgy was prepared by our new Religious Education Coordinator, Mrs Taouk and celebrated by Father Fr Joti Bilowalu, Parish Priest of St Vincent’s Catholic Church.

We were honoured to have a number of special guests join us for this important community event including:

Sr Anne Taylor, Sr Margaret Beirne, Sr Genevieve Walsh, Sr Margaret Fitzgerald and Sr Pauline Nicholson representing the Sisters of Charity.

Stephen Kennaugh - Principal DLS

Antonella Dolores - Principal St Vincent’s

Mark McKeown - Principal St Anne’s Strathfield South

Ms Gay McKinley - President Ex-students’ Association

Mrs Janine Hannigan - President P & F

HSC Class of 2017 Dux—Miss Nichole Taoum and family There were many highlights of the mass including the prayers of intercession delivered in a number of different languages representing the cultural diversity of our community and the blessing and commissioning of new staff and Year 7 and new students in Years 8-11, new staff and the 2018 Years 8-11 SRC. But it was the sublime voices of our 120+ strong student choir and the Instrumental Ensemble “Noteworthy” led by our Music teachers Mrs Oh, Ms. Weirer and Mr Lee who captured the hearts of those gathered for the mass. It is a also a tradition of the College to invite the HSC Dux of the previous year to our Opening School mass to recognize her achievements and to allow her the opportunity to address the community. The Dux of the HSC Class of 2017 was Nichole Taoum

At the launch of the 2017 motto, then College President Therese Kanaan challenged all students to “excel beyond what they are used to and what they find comfortable, and master their own individual gifts and talents, dare to break boundaries and create a ripple of change Our College Dux for 2017, Nichole Taoum, took up the challenge to Be a pebble of excellence, create a ripple of change” with great aplomb. Many of you would be aware that Nichole achieved an ATAR of 98.2.(The highest possible ATAR is 99.95) but what many of you wouldn’t know is that Nichole was also an accelerant in three subjects Advanced English, English Extension 1 and Biology. This means that she commenced her Year 11 Preliminary HSC courses in Advanced English, English Extension 1 and Biology while she was in Year 10 and presented for the HSC examinations in these subjects one year ahead of her cohort while she was in Year 11. In 2016 she achieved the following results:

93/100 and Band 6 in Biology

94/100 and Band 6 in Advanced English

48/50 and Band 4 ( 6) in English Extension 1 In 2017, she completed the remainder of her HSC program and achieved:

49/50 and Band 6 in Studies of religion

93/100 and Band 6 in 2 Unit Mathematics

40/50 and Band 5 in Extension 1 Mathematics

86/100 and Band 5 in Chemistry

42/50 for Mathematics Extension 1 Nichole is about to commence her study of Dentistry at Charles Sturt University and we wish her great success. At the conclusion of mass our new students and their families enjoyed a lovely morning tea under the hall at DLS served by our Years 11 Hospitality students under the direction of their teacher: Mrs Thorburn.

Thanks are extended to all parents who found time in their busy day to join us for this beautiful community event.

Student success: Celina Verheijen Year 12 - congratulations to Celina who participated in the UNSW 2018 Women in Engineering Camp. Celina learnt about the many different fields of engineering, attending site visits, taking part in workshops where she designed a biomedical hand and solar powered racing car. She also completed a week long team project devising a solution to a challenge in transport, water, health or energy somewhere in the world. She met fe-male professional engineers and also climbed the harbour bridge.

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Best wishes to Ms. Maria Elaro who commenced her leave this week. Ms. Elaro will prepare for the arrival of her second child.

The College welcomes Miss Rebecca Knox who commenced her contract as an English teacher. We offer her our prayers and best wishes as she commences the next stage of her professional journey as an educator.

Year 7 Camp - February 19-21 Last Monday evening I had the privilege of visiting the Year 7 students and their Homeroom Circle Mentors at the camp at Yarramundi. The two night, three day camp provides an excellent opportunity for our Year 7 students from over 20 different primary schools to get to know each other, understand what it means to be part of a community, face challenges and learn about themselves.

Across the three days the students participated in a range of physical and team building activities including: kayaking, flying fox, high ropes, giant swing, initiatives and alpine rescue aimed at taking them out of them comfort zone and teaching them lessons about facing challenges, problem solving, courage and working together.

I was incredibly impressed with the way each and every girl enthusiastically approached the activities, related to and showed respect for each other, the YMCA group leaders and their teachers.

I would like to thank Mr True, the Year 7 Coordinator and Mrs Kells the Wellbeing Coordinator for liaising with the coordinators of Camp Yarramundi to plan a wonderful experience for our young ladies. I would also like to thank: Miss Weier, Mrs McAuley, Miss Marinos, Ms Ibrahim and Ms Adams for also giving of their precious school and family time to be with the girls during this special time.

Primary school visits This week we commenced our Feeder Primary school visits in the lead up to Open Day. Bethlehem College has worked closely with De La Salle College to “bus in” the Year 5&6 boys and girls from many of our feeder primary schools so that they could have a genuine experience of life in High school. The students toured the College, including the new building, with the assistance of our wonderful SRC ambassadors from Years 8-10 visit classes and had hands-on experiences in a number of our KLAs. The Primary students have been absolutely delightful, asking many questions. They enjoyed hearing about the many opportunities on offer at the College and were very grateful for the opportunity to ‘sample’ high school. Parents’ and Friends’ meeting On Tuesday night Mrs Anderson and I welcomed a large number of parents, particularly new Year 7 parents to the first Parents and Friends’ meeting for 2018. The evening commenced with a tour of the newly refurbished Food Technology kitchen and storeroom and the very impressive T Block learning and breakout spaces. Following the tour, the group returned to Lab 3 to commence the meeting. The meeting included an AGM with the election of our two office bearers, a report by Mrs Anderson and I, a discussion of how parents can become more involved in the life of the College and some suggestions for possible guest speakers at our future meetings.

It was delightful to see so many new faces at our meeting; Mrs Anderson and I were very impressed with the enthusiasm and willingness of these parents to become involved in the life of the College. We hope that you will continue to join us at future meetings.

Congratulations to our new office bearers:

Parents’ and Friends’ President: Mrs Janine Hannigan (mother of Sarah, Year 11)

Parents’ and Friends’ Secretary: Mrs Trish McEwen (mother of Nikita, Year 11)

COLLEGE OPEN DAY

TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2018

PLEASE SEE NEXT PAGE

FOR FULL DETAILS

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Reminder College Open Day

Tuesday, March 6. 3.00-7.00pm.

This year we will again join forces with the other two Ashfield Catholic schools (De La Salle College and St Vincent’s Primary school) and St Vincent’s Catholic Church to throw open our doors in a combined “precinct” Open day. This will provide prospective parents and students with a unique opportunity to sample the many and varied offerings of this Catholic precinct.

Classes will conclude at 1.30pm (lunchtime) to allow sufficient time to set up for Open Day. Student ambassadors will remain behind while all other students will go home. Supervision will be provided at school for parents who are unable to collect

their daughters before 3.00pm.

A letter regarding Open Day was emailed to all students, parents & carers yesterday (please note that the dismissal time in the letter is incorrect, it should read 1.30pm. We apologise for this error. An amended

note will be emailed today).

The letter will also be placed on

Skoolbag and the College website.

The best advertisement for the school on this day is the amazing student tour guides/ambassadors who work very hard throughout the night speaking to guests about the fantastic learning, co-curricular and faith development opportunities that exist at Bethlehem College. I would like to thank parents and carers in advance for allowing your daughters to be part of this important leadership opportunity.

How can parents assist with Open Day?

Can you spare some time to assist at Open Day?

Would you be willing to be a parent ambassador who could assist on the BBQ?

Could you distribute our Open Day postcards into letterboxes in your local area?

Please contact the office by phone or email if you are able to assist.

Mrs Paula Bounds Principal

Uniform Shop News...

All orders currently on lay-by need to be finalised and collected by the end of

February 2018 from the Uniform Shop. Thank you.

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From the Assistant Principal…

Dear Parents and Friends of the Bethlehem College Community,

Settling into Term 1

While the past four weeks have passed with great speed, it has been pleasing to note how well the girls have settled into the routine of their studies and their broader responsibilities.

We have been impressed by how the older students have looked out for the newest members of our College community, our Year 7 students, by assisting them with transport or even finding their way to their new rooms.

We have appreciated the way the girls have responded to our College Planner checks and enforcement of College expectations around uniform, including hair and jewellery.

We have been pleased by the girls’ enjoyment of the learning spaces in our newest building (T Block) and their common sense in adjusting to the restrictions on their movement due to the ongoing building work.

What does 2018 mean for our students? Last week’s College Assembly was a wonderful testament to what defines us here at Bethlehem and the almost infinite opportunities available in 2018. Mrs Bounds reminded us of the charism of the Sisters of Charity founded by Mother Mary Aikenhead and its special meaning for the students as Bethlehem girls. Our Year 12 SRC Leaders then outlined for the students the many ways they can “get involved” at Bethlehem College, including some of their initiatives they are planning for the College community in 2018: Mrs Kells our Wellbeing Coordinator spoke to the girls of the impor-tance of acheiving ‘Balance’ in their lives and suggested the many Student Clubs or activities which are available for them to do so. Re-search consistently points to the power of forming connections as being essential not only for our wellbeing but to assist us in developing a sense of belonging and positive self esteem.

Finally, I told the girls of my challenge to them all for 2018 using this image (left):

St Catherine of Siena was a woman before her time. She lived in Italy between 1347 - 1380. Despite being only 33 when she died, she achieved many great things as a sister of the order of St Domenic. This included persuading Pope Gregory X1 to return the papacy from France (Avignon) to Rome.

St Catherine’s words:

Be who you were created to be and you will set the world on Fire!

is an appropriate challenge for all Bethlehem girls in 2018. Its message is to take up the mission set before you to be true, or faithful (Este Fideles) to that which God has set before you.

I encourage all girls to have the courage and the conviction to pursue the mandate for them to “Be who you were created to be” more than ever in 2018 so that they can “set the world on fire!”

Celebration of Achievement and Student Forum

Last Tuesday’s HSC 2017 Celebration of Achievement and student Forum was a great success as we welcomed back over 25 students from our graduating Class of 2017. The ex students were acknowledged not only for their success in the 2017 HSC but also for their wil lingness to share valu-able insights into their approach to their studies during their time at Bethlehem College. Seeing these young women speak so confidently and so elo-quently about their successes reminded me that schools are indeed now preparing students for a different world to the one we encountered when we completed our school studies many years ago. A recent article by Michael Anderson, professor of Education at Macquarie University (SMH 29/1/18) called New World by the time Class of ‘31 graduates said that schools are now being called upon to “build learning dispositions such as grit, teamwork and influence that equip students to deal with complex problems in learning and life”.

If some of the students who graduated from our College in 2017 have roles in shaping the directions of the spaces they will inhabit in their adult working lives, then we can rest assured that they will make a difference by taking on some of the complex problems they will face head on.

Best wishes

Catherine Anderson

Assistant Principal

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2017 HSC Celebration of Achievement Tuesday 20 February Last Tuesday, the high achieving students (who achieved ATARs in the eighties and nineties) from the graduating class of 2017, returned to Bethlehem College to give the current Years 11 and 12 students some noteworthy advice on how to handle the final years of school and to be deservedly recognised for their impressive achievements in their HSC. After a short ceremony in which the ex-students’ ATARs and intending 2018 Tertiary courses were acknowledged, Years 11 and 12 were placed in groups with a graduate, to whom we could direct questions. Our questions varied, with some students asking about helpful tips for studying, ways to cope with stress, how to manage your time efficiently, how to manage co-curricular and external activities amongst the workload. After a few minutes of discussion with one graduate, there was a rotation as another graduate moved to a different group. This allowed us to gain information from a graduate whose pattern of study resembled our interests and with whom we shared similar courses. Each group had an open discussion with at least 3 graduates. We found this session to be extremely beneficial as we were able to gain answers to some of our burning questions, from ex-students who have first-hand experience. We thank the organising teachers and our highly successful 2017 Year 12 students for generously sharing their time and expert ise as this session gave us a more thorough understanding of what needs to be undertaken during these final years of school, in order to perform well and achieve our goals. Lynette Elias, Julia Waugh - Year 11

Important Dates Term 1 2018

27 February “On the Block Band” Instrumental Program Information Evening. 6pm in College Hall 28 February Yrs 9-12 Visual Arts Excursion to ARTEXPRESS 28 February CGSSSA Touch Football 1 March Yr10 Mass 2 March CSDA Public Speaking Round 1 2 March Yr12 Legal Excursion to Downing Centre Court Complex 6 March COLLEGE OPEN DAY 3-7pm. Classes conclude at 1.30pm. 8 March Yr9 Mass 9 March Yrs 9 & 12 Textiles Excursion, Stitches & Craft Show, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse 13 March CGSSSA Swimming

From the Curriculum Coordinator… ASSESSMENT INFORMATION The Stage 6 Assessment Calendars have now been finalised and students have access to these through BCOnline/Community/Assessment Calen-dars. Year 11 students will receive their Assessment Handbooks early next week. Handbooks and Calendars for Stages 4 and 5 will be issued over the next two weeks. Please ensure that relevant dates are noted as well as the procedures to follow in the case of illness, misadventure and clashes of task dates with other commitments. All students are expected to complete formal tasks on the due date and failure to do so will incur a penalty unless the student has applied for an ‘Extension of Time or Alternate Date’ prior to the due date, or has lodged an ‘Illness/Misadventure form’ within one week of the task. These forms must be accompanied by appropriate documentation such as a doctor’s certificate in the case of illness, or a letter in the case of misadventure. Failure to submit/complete tasks on the due date without submitting appropriate documentation will result in penalties. The penalty for Stages 4 and 5 is attendance at an after-school detention and a possible loss of marks if an unfair advantage has been gained. Stage 6 students re-ceive a zero mark. Please read the handbook with your daughter and ensure that she understands the importance of meeting her assessment dead-lines. All students have access to the google assessment calendars through BC Online/Community/Assessment Calendars. The Assessment Hand-books and relevant forms are available in BC Online/Community/Curriculum. ASSESSMENTS DUE IN WEEKS 5, 6 and 7 Please note that the Stage 4 and 5 Calendars are not yet final and some dates may change.

Mrs Janet Mann

Curriculum Coordinator

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YEAR 12 YEAR 11

WEEK 5 Nil Nil

WEEK 6 5th Mar – Society & Culture 7th Mar – Textiles & Design

Nil

WEEK 7 16th Mar – Legal Studies

12th March – PDHPE 13th March - CFS

YEAR 10 YEAR 9

WEEK 5 27th Feb – Science L,N 28th Feb – Science E 1st Mar – Science R

Nil

WEEK 6 5th March – Science A 8th March – Music, ISTEM

Nil

WEEK 7 12th March – Maths 14th March – History A,N 15th March – History L,E,R 16th Mar – Commerce, Food TechA

12th March – Music 13th March – Elective History 14th March - History 15th March - English

YEAR 8 YEAR 7

WEEK 5 Nil Nil

WEEK 6 Nil Nil

WEEK 7 12th March – History Nil

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From the Religious Education Coordinator…

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR

ASH WEDNESDAY LAUNCH AND OPENING SCHOOL MASS

On the 13th of February a group of Bethlehem girls and I were invited to attend the Caritas Australia's launch for Project compassion at De La Salle. We were taught about the aim of Caritas, who support those in third world countries suffering in poverty. Project compassion is a fundraiser that many catholic schools are involved in; making up one third of it total donations. This substantial amount of money raised, greatly benefits those who face many hardships and goes towards creating programmes to bring about a ‘just future’ for them. Project compassion is the main Lenten fundraiser for Caritas Australia. Lent is a time to open our hearts and minds, to think about those who are less fortunate than us, and thinking of what we can do to help others. This is why project compassion is a wonderful program to support by almsgiving. Many think that Easter is just about chocolate and Easter bunnies (yes they are there for us to enjoy) but Easter has become far too commercialised. Having hot cross buns on sale from January just makes it seem as though Lent and Easter is about making money, rather then the real meaning as a reflective and spiritual time for thinking of others and renewing our live as we await the resurrection of Jesus. Project compassion is a wonderful fundraiser that helps many individuals and I encourage everyone to donate what they can.

Adriana Zappulla Year 12

As part of the Project Compassion Launch we were invited to have one of our students involved in a Studio 10 interview to be aired a slot with them for the Sydney Dio Launch. We would like to sincerely thank and congratulate Adriana for being involved. Caritas have also included a quote from Adriana in a story for the Catholic Weekly. Caritas were very appreciative of Bethlehem and Adriana’s efforts during Project Compassion, which really helps in the work that they do with countries and communities globally. The link to the story, which was aired, is below.

https://twitter.com/Studio10au/status/963972102092087297

Last Friday the Bethlehem Community gathered to celebrate the Opening of the 2018 School Year. We were fortunate to have the company of special guests, parents and friends. Some of those were Sr Anne Taylor, Sr Margaret Beirne, Sr Genevieve Walsh, Sr Margaret Fitzgerald, Sr Pauline Nichol-son representatives of the Sisters of Charity, Stephen Kennaugh - Principal DLS, Antonella Dolores - Principal St Vincent’s, Mark McKeown - Principal St Anne’s Strathfield South, Ms Gay McKinley - President Ex-students’ Association, Mrs Janine Hannigan - President P & F and Miss Nichole Taoum the 2017 Dux of the College.

During the celebration we welcomed and blessed the newly elected SRC members and all new members of our community, both staff and students. We were also very happy to have welcomed Fr Joti Bilowalu, who celebrated his first Mass with our Bethlehem Community. As we celebrated our first Mass together for the year we reflected on the theme for this year – “Year of Youth” and the SRC’s theme “Let faith be the strength that propels our sails, on an ambitious journey and all it entails.” This year the young ladies of Bethlehem are invited to focus on renewing and engaging with their faith. Throughout the year we have many opportunities for our students to embrace and live their faith as they journey through 2018. God Bless, Yvonne Taouk Religious Education Coordinator

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Community News... NSW School Zone Rules updated—7 new traffic infringements introduced...

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Community News...