FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends

Welcome back to 2015

A very special welcome to all of our new students and their families to the St Patrick’s Marist College community. I hope that the fi rst week has been exciting and you feel as warmly welcomed as I did when I arrived last year. I look forward to meeting all new families and families of our Year 7 students at our upcoming cocktail party in the coming weeks.

As we began the school year last Tuesday morning, our staff gathered in prayer. We welcomed our new staff, we thanked all staff who worked over the holidays to ensure the readiness of our grounds and learning spaces and those in our administration team that made certain we had a smooth commencement to the year.

I spoke to the staff about the direction for the College for 2015. Our theme for the coming year is Renew and Adapt “ Exploring Student Centred Learning” which has come from our newly developed Vision for Learning. We continue our work with our Formation, Literacy and Numeracy plans as well as developing a deeper understanding and capacity to use technology as a tool to support our learning in the classroom. I will share the draft version of our Vision for Learning Document in the coming weeks. At the heart of our work is our fundamental belief that every student can and will learn every lesson, every day, through focus, precision and relentless consistency of every staff member.

I would like to congratulate the staff on our outstanding HSC results. Every subject was above state average. Some notable mentions were Roy Kim who received an ATAR of 99.05, Ian Astalosh 98.9 (Ian also made the All Rounders list), Timothy Lee 98.3. Joshua Denning 97.8, Scott Bascil 98.35, Dhaval Shah 97.7 and Lauren Stavropoulos 97.35. We had 21 students with an ATAR over 90 and a signifi cant number of the cohort with ATARs over 80. 80% of our students have taken up a Tertiary offer.

I remind students as we start the year that we own our own behaviour. That together we create the great Marist spirit that is evident particularly in our relationships with one another. We are responsible for our learning and our teachers are there to help us be successful.

I remind all about the College expectations including:• Tolerance and respect• Being ready to learn and to be active in that learning• School procedures• Rights and responsibilities• Prohibited items (refer page 13 of the school diary)Lastly, I welcome all new staff to the school.

Mrs Angela HayPrincipal

Number 1 4th February, 2015

In this Issue

• From the Principal

• Director of Mission

• Director of Studies

• Leaders of Learning

• Performing Arts Department

• Careers Co-ordinator

• Peer Support

• Year 9 Textiles Technology

• Information for Parents and Carers

• Parking in surrounding streets

• India Fundraising

• Year 7 Students

• New Staff

Key Dates

Friday, 6th FebruaryCollege Swimming Carnival

Monday, 9th FebruaryYear 10 Information Evening

Tuesday, 10th FebruaryHigh Achiever’s Assembly

Wednesday, 11th FebruaryYear 7 Camp

Wednesday, 18th FebruaryCommencement Mass

The Mission of Marist schools is to lead young people in the way of Mary, to know and love God in the belief that they all can become good Christians and good Citizens.

St Patrick’s Marist College151 Kirby Street, Dundas NSW 2117 - Visit our Website: www.stpatricks.nsw.edu.au

Star of PeaceTelephone (02) 96385644 • Facsimile (02) 96842120 • Emails: stpatsdundas@parra.catholic.edu.au

From the Director of Mission ....

GOSPEL REFLECTION

There are powerful spirits at work in our world: good angelic forces and evil demonic forces – sometimes called diabolical forces. The word ‘diabolical’ comes from a Greek word referring to something broken in two, something torn apart, something shattered which should be whole.

Looking at persons and societies torn apart, it is obvious that the diabolical spirit is very powerful. That spirit harbours a certain fear: the fear that there could be a stronger spirit moving through human history. The evil spirit found this fear to be well grounded when Jesus appeared at the synagogue at Capernaum, when the Holy One of God appeared on the scene of human history. What did the ‘unclean spirit’ which possessed a man cry out?

‘Have you come to destroy us?’ The fear was realised because they recognised Jesus as ‘the Holy One of God’.

They realised that they were in peril. ‘Are you going to destroy us?’ Jesus’ answer was a resounding ‘Yes’, not in words but in action. He healed the man possessed. He made whole this gravely disturbed person being torn apart by the diabolical spirit.

Our Lord continued with this mission for three years. He invites you and me to share in this mission. He empowers you and me to share in this mission.

You and I are to use all our healing powers whenever we come across whatever it is which tears people apart: disease, long festering confl ict within a family or some other group, deep loneliness – the most prevalent contemporary manifestation of apartness.

That is our mission at the personal level, but of course, there are tasks at the communal, social and political levels also. These are all dimensions of a battle of immense scale going on: evil spirits versus the Holy One of God.

What gives us hope that the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ will prevail? On Easter Sunday, Jesus Christ conquered the worst the diabolical power can infl ict on you and me: the apparent fi nality of a death which wrenches body and soul apart. Jesus’ resurrection manifests the triumph of the Holy One of God: the reintegration of the human person – bodysoul.

COMMENCEMENT MASS

Our College year begins formally at our Commencement Mass on 18th February at 11am. Parents and friends are most welcome to join us for our Mass as we also celebrate and welcome our new Year 7 students to our Marist community.

LENT – CARITAS AUSTRALIA

Each year Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on the 18th February where we as Catholics are challenged to relook at our lives, our values and our priorities. Lent invites us to return back to God and the values as expressed in the Beatitudes, a love for God, neighbour and self through prayer, self sacrifi ce and charity.

Project Compassion is also a focus for each Homeroom during Lent where students are asked to organise school fundraising and awareness. All monies raised go to Project Compassion who continue to support real development in the poorest of communities around the world.

To see more on Caritas go to: caritas.com.au

Mr J. Scanlon

From the Director of Studies ...SUBJECT CHANGES:

Parents and students are advised that if they wish to change their elective subjects. The cut-off date is Friday 13th February. This request should be made in writing, signed by the parent/guardian and handed to Ms Ellison (Director of Studies).

Year 9 and 11 students were given ample time to prepare for and make subject choices regarding their subjects during the lengthy subject selection process last year. Year 10 students should be aware that changing electives after one year is not recommended and students should be completing 200 hour courses at Stage 5. Year 12 students must consider the number of units they have, particularly when needing an ATAR.

VACCINATIONS

Year 7 will have vaccinations for dTpa vaccine [Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (whooping cough)] as a single dose; varicella vaccine (chickenpox) as a single dose; and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in a 3-dose schedule at 0, 2 and 6 months for male and female students.

There is also the opportunity for Year 11-12 students to be offered the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) as a single dose, as part of a catch-up vaccination program this year.

Monday, 16th March: Year7, 1st dose HPV Year7, dTpa

Monday, 18th May: Year7, 2nd dose HPV Year11, 1st dose MMR Year12, 1st dose MMR

Monday, 14th September: Year7, 3rd dose HPV Year7, Varicella

ID PHOTOS

All Year 7 and new students to the College had their ID photo taken on Wednesday 4th February.

This will enable students to receive an ID card.

From the Leaders of Learning ....YEAR 11

Year 11 Students have settled into senior school and are working hard. Already some students have commented to me they have noticed that the academic rigour of senior studies is much more intense. I am hopeful that through continued application both at home and at school, combined with the opportunity to complete coursework in subjects they are interested in, students can achieve much success.

Last week Year 11 students were asked to take home a letter that detailed some of the important matters relating to the Year Group and I ask that these acknowledgment slips are returned by Thursday 5th February. Also, all students are expected to attend the College Swimming Carnival on 6th February unless they have a Medical Certifi cate that explains their absence.

I look forward to a great year working with your daughter or son,

Mr. D. BonoraLeader of Learning - Pastoral (Year 11)

YEAR 7

It is with great pleasure that I formally introduce myself and the Year 7 Pastoral Team. Year 7 students are fortunate to have the support and guidance from a team of dedicated teachers who have a genuine concern and interest for students in their care.

Year 7 Leader of Learning – Pastoral: Mrs Aimy Papoulias

Homeroom Patrons: Chavoin: Miss Hagarty Edwin: Miss Brennan Ludovic: Mr Moussa MacKillop: Mrs Szarycz Paul: Mr Hornby Xavier: Miss Gray Diary Support: Miss SabaStudents are strongly advised to be active in their learning and apply a regular pattern of study to establish a positive learning routine. It is expected that students comply with College expectations at all times, particularly regarding uniform, conduct, behaviour and commitment to and completion of work.

A College Diary has been issued to every student. The diary is an important organisational tool and must be used on a daily basis. It is also an excellent tool for communication between home and school. I advise that you check your child’s diary regularly and ensure that you sign it at the end of each week.

I encourage the students to get involved as much as possible during the year. There are various curricular and extra curricular opportunities made available to them.

Please feel free to contact me at the College on 9638 5644 or by direct e-mail at apapoulias@parra.catholic.edu.au

Mrs Aimy PapouliasLeader of Learning - Pastoral (Year 7)

Performing Arts DepartmentTeachers and students of this Department have hit the ground running this year – two major musical performance events are in rehearsal: the HSC High Achievers Assembly and the Commencement Mass. Anyone who sings or plays an instruments is welcome to see one of the Music teachers about joining a Music Group. Auditions for the Concert Band will be held over the next few weeks.

Drama and Music students are now working towards performances on Open Day on Monday 2nd March. Between 4.00pm and 6.00pm there will ongoing music performances in C115; and there will be Drama performances of Theatresports in the Theatrette. We look forward to sharing all this entertainment with you.

College Musical – “The Wiz” – rehearsals commence this week for all cast members of this great musical. Rehearsals are during sport and extend this term until 3.15pm each Thursday. A copy of the contract that students and parents signed earlier, will be sent out this week, to each family involved so you can mark the dates and details for each of the rehearsals. Applications for anyone wishing to work on other aspects of the musical will continue to be accepted for the rest of the term.

MUSIC TUITION PROGRAMMELessons with all instrumental and voice tutors will commence in Week 4 or 5. Unfortunately, the process of timetabling lessons is delayed by the late return of a large number of tuition contracts. Your child’s name will not be on the timetable if the signed tuition contract has not been returned. Anyone still wishing to have lessons, can collect a new form (or bring in the original one) and give it to Ms Eccleston. There are still some places and instruments available. There will be a meeting prior to the commencement of Music Tuition, to explain the process to new students e.g. understanding the timetable and procedures. Listen for the meeting details in the morning announcements.All new tuition students are reminded that their accounts will be emailed/posted each term. Notice of any absences needs to given no later than the day before the lesson or the tuition fee will be charged. Students who have class assessments scheduled during their music tuition time, can reschedule their music tuition with Ms Eccleston no later than the day before. Please direct all inquiries to Ms Nickie Eccleston by email at neccleston@parra.catholic.edu.au.

Ms Eccleston Head of Performing Arts

CongratulationsA huge congratulations to Brad Doherty who took out the Jack Newton Junior Golf Harvey Norman Week of Golf by two (2) shots on Friday, 9th January. This is a true test of golf across fi ve (5) courses on consecutive days. Heading into the fi nal round Brad was two (2) behind, however managed to get his nose in front early and went on to shoot 76 to win the Boys Championship (14 & Un-der). Again well done Brad.

Careers CoordinatorTAX FILE NUMBER PROGRAMMEThe school has just been informed that as of 1st January, 2015 the Australian Taxation Offi ce has de-commissioned the Secondary School Students Tax File Number Applications Program.

This means that students can no longer apply for a Tax File Number through the school. Any student wishing to apply for a Tax File Number will need to visit their local Australia Post Offi ce.

SIMULATED UMAT DAY

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 interested in medicine, dentistry, or optometry will need to sit the compulsory UMAT (examination) when applying for one of the above career choices. NIE will be conducting UMAT preparation workshop on the 14th of February 2015. Places for this event are strictly limited and registration is required. All details are available via www.nie.edu.au

The workshop includes an overview of the entire UMAT process - exam, scores, standardising, applications, university requirements, interviews, past experiences, professional advice, performance expectations, and more. Each student is individually assessed and fi ne-tuned for peak performance, strategic problem solving and tuition in each of the three UMAT constructs. The workshop will be conducted by two highly experienced and expert lecturers who will defi ne and explain each UMAT construct. There is a full practice test conducted under exam conditions, followed by a feedback session. This intense full day preparation workshop allows students to identify and explore their true strengths and weaknesses.

Cost: $249 (Food and refreshments will be provided)

Information for Parents and Car-ersTerm 1 School Fee statements will be sent out on Monday 9th February and payment will be due by Friday 6th March. Payment options include Cash, Cheque, EFT, BPay and Direct Debit.

A Flexible Payment Plan (FPP) is offered to Parents and Carers for the 2015 School Fees. The FPP is an alternative to our current payment terms and offers families the choice to pay their annual fees weekly, fortnightly or monthly over a six month period from March to August. The preferred payment method for FPP is Direct Debit. A Direct Debit form will be included with your Term 1 Statement and all forms need to be returned to the Catholic Education Offi ce by 27th February 2015.

Alternatively you may elect to pay the FPP by BPAY; however Parents and Carers will need to set this up

directly in BPAY via their bank so that the fi rst payment occurs by 6th March 2015 to be a valid arrangement. If the fi rst payment via BPay does not occur by 6th March 2015, a reminder notice will issue.

Families in demonstrated Financial Hardship are asked to contact Lisa McLaren on 9638 5644 or via email lmclaren@parra.catholic.edu.au , if you have any queries regarding your account or if you wish to discuss payment arrangements with the Principal.

The costs of Excursions and Incursions have been included in the 2015 School Fees. Parents and Carers will need to pay separately for Sports fees, Camps, Retreats, Walkathon and Lenten appeals.

Please be advised that the BPay account as listed on the School Fees statement is only for payment of School Fees. Any money paid to this account goes directly to School Fees as listed on the School Fee statement. Please do not use this account for payment of any other items or fees.

STUDENTS AT RISK OF ANAPHYLAXIS

It is the responsibility of the parent or carer to notify the school that their child has an allergy and is at risk of Anaphylaxis. This notifi cation should occur either at the time of enrolment, or if the student is already enrolled, as soon after diagnosis as possible.

Students diagnosed as at risk of Anaphylaxis need to supply the school offi ce with the student’s most recent copy of their ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis completed, signed and dated by their Doctor. Parents and Carers need to supply the School offi ce with an Auto-Injector (EpiPen) checking the expiry date of the auto injector is up to date.

A new Auto–Injector and Action plan needs to be supplied to the School offi ce prior to expiration. Students who are at risk of Anaphylaxis are also to carry their second auto-Injector in their school bag. Please contact the School offi ce if you would like to discuss the Schools procedures for Students at risk of Anaphylaxis or if you have any questions.

COLLEGE ITEMS FOR PURCHASE

Following is a price list of the items currently being sold from the College Offi ce: College Hat $15 College Backpack $55 Sport Bag $18 Chef Hat $5 Calculator $23 Replacement Diary $20 Replacement ID Card $10

Students can pay through the student posting box.

Parking - Surrounding StreetsPlease be mindful of our local residents when dropping off and picking up your children. “No Stopping” and “No Parking” signs must be enforced along with school zone speed limits. Driveways are to be kept clear at all times and residents’ property respected.

Peer Support

On Tuesday, 2nd of December, about 50 students from Year 9 participated in the Peer Support Training Day. As we were ushered into the library; we were quickly briefed on the Peer Support program, what it would take to become a leader and how we would assist the Year 7’s for 2015.

After being split into three small groups we quickly set about brainstorming the qualities of a leader, how to inspire and motivate others and how to handle diffi cult situations. We were also given the opportunity to talk to people we wouldn’t normally talk to and this was a great way to get to know other students in our grade. In between the sessions we would have team building challenges which included memory games, communication and co-ordination exercises.

We wrapped up the day with a fancy dress design-and-make competition for our models to strut down the catwalk. Within 50 minutes we worked as a team to bring to life 2 great, innovative designs with an awesome sense of humour. Needless to say the day was a defi nite success with many of us being excited to take part in the program next year as leaders. On behalf of all of the participants I would like to say a huge thank you to Miss Mollace, Miss Sammut and all of the teachers who gave up their time to guide us in becoming peer support leaders for 2015.

Mrs O. MattiTextiles Teacher

Textiles Technology

In term 4 2014 the year 9 textiles class was given the opportunity to redesign a classroom (CG16) and convert it into a fl exible learning space. The students were very excited and were allocated groups and a specifi c furnishing to design. The furnishings included curtains, ottomans, beanbags, fl oor cushions and wall art.

To gather some ideas and inspiration a member of each group visited Northern Beaches Christian School. This school has a focus on fl exible learning and had some innovative furnishing which they allow their students to use during class time. Many photos were taken and shared with the rest of the textile class.

The students created a mood board, selected a colour scheme and pitched their ideas to Mrs Dowdall and Mrs Hay. The fi nal designs proved to be creative and functional.

As we have begun the near year, students have enjoyed using the space and the new furniture. The textile students are to be commended on their commitment and dedication as they worked on designing and constructing the furnishings. I look forward to another great year with this class and hope that other students enjoy this new learning space.

Miss C. MollaceTextile Teacher

India FundraisingAs a result of the 2014 walkathon, St Patrick’s Marist College was able to send over $17000 to help the Marist Brothers in their mission work. This money is being used to help start a nursery and Primary school for the district of Vialanmedu. This is an outer suburb of the larger city of Tiruchirappalli in the Tamil Nadu state.

This school is being built in an area where students from the 25 surrounding districts do not have any access to formal education. The Brothers, in the spirit of Marcellin Champagnat, saw a need for students to receive the best education possible regardless of their circumstance. This school will be ready for opening during the 2015 school year. The Brothers are expecting their fi rst intake of students by June.

The Brothers in Tiruchirappalli would like to pass on their thanks for all of the work the students, parents and families did in raising such a fi gure. Currently, they have 7 classrooms ready and the toilets are ready to be used. This work will be ongoing as they still need another $10000 to complete the building and surrounding areas. Hopefully St Patrick’s can continue in helping to raise this number so more students can access the school.

Below are some of the most recent photos of the school’s progress. More photos are on the College website and also in the Harrington Courtyard.

Mr M. Paton

EMILY GRAY English

I’m excited to join the English Faculty at St. Patrick’s Marist College and share my love of literacy and literature. I am passionate about collaborative learning and building vital literacy skills. My favourite novels are ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’.

JESSICA CARNE

PD.H.PE

I am very excited to start my career as a teacher at St Patrick’s Marist College. I am joining the fabulous PDHPE and RE teams. I am very passionate about sport and health, and am looking forward to being involved in MCCS and MCS sport. Being a former student of the College, I feel very lucky that I have the opportunity to return to such a great school where I have so many fond memories. I can’t wait to meet you all.

NEW STAFFNEW STAFF

DANIEL MOUSSA

HSIE

I am a former student of St Patricks, having graduated in 2009. After completing university in 2013, I began working at the school as a casual teacher. I will be working with the History and HSIE department, and I am especially looking forward to being involved with REMAR.

SHAUN THOMSON

Science

Growing up I had a passion for science and loved high school science. I studied Chemistry at UNSW where I went on to work in a research lab. When I’m not making things go boom, I enjoy building my dinosaur fossil collection. I hope to share my passion for science with the next generation of scientists here at St. Patrick’s Marist.

KAREN MARTIN

Specialist Teacher

I am a Science teacher who is also qualifi ed to teach English as a second language. I have over 10 years experience teaching in Independent and Catholic schools and at TAFE. My area of interest is literacy in Science education. Prior to teaching I worked in welfare and administration, coordinating, developing and delivering professional development activities. My qualifi cations are Bachelor of Science, Grad Dip Ed Science, Grad Dip Ed TESOL, Master of Education, Cert IV Training and Assessment.

JOSEPHINE CALIAssistant Principal - Innovative Teaching and Learning

I graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s degree in Science and I have also studied teacher education at the Australian Catholic University. I have more than 17 years experience as a teacher and an educational leader within the Department of Education and Communities Schools, Independent and Catholic Schools, as well as at Macquarie University. I have taught both boys and girls and I am passionate about providing challenging learning opportunities for all young people, at all stages of their education. I also have a passion for using technology in the classroom to enable all students to learn.

Year 7 StudentsYear 7 Students

The fi rst Marist Brothers arrived in Australia on the ‘Star of Peace’ on 21st February, 1872. On the 8th April, 1872, school commenced at St Patrick’s. Our Newsletter is named, ‘Star of Peace’, as it too, hopefully, brings peace and good news to our community.

Parents Representative CouncilANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Cybersafety: Raising Responsible Digital Citizens

Monday 16 February 2015

7pm at Diocesan Assembly Centre, Cnr Flushcombe Rd and Marion St, Blacktown

Do you really know enough about Digital Technology to Protect your child?

Recent Studies show that 70% of students are hiding their online behaviour from their parents. This is why most parents feel their children are safe online. But are they?

Leonie Smith “The Cybersafety Lady” helps parents navigate through the digital minefi eld with up to date information on the latest online trends and apps.

How Cybersmart are you? Here’s a quick quiz:1. Which apps are the worst for cyberbullying and most

used by predators?2. What is the most popular way to cyberbully?3. Best way to supervise your child online without

spying?4. What are “Whisper”, “Yik Yak”, “Secret”, “Snapchat”

and “MeowChat”?If you can’t answer these questions correctly then you don’t know enough about cybersafety to protect your child’s digital future.

Contact: Parents Representative Council, Parramatta

Diocese: Email: prcparrasecretary@gmail.com

UWS Penrith Observatory

FAMILY ASTRONOMY NIGHT Saturday, 14th February & 28th February

8.00pm - 10.00pmThese night will include a multimedia presentation with question time, a 3D astronomy movie, a tour of the dome area and 0.6m telescope and an opportunity to view celestial objects through the university’s telescopes. Our programs will run regardless of the weather.

Cost: $18 adult, $12 child/concession and $50 family.

Bookings are essential: Book and pay online: www.uws.edu.au/observatory, What’s On

Enquiries: (02)47360135

Email: penrithobservatory@uws.edu.au

Community NewsHornsby Concert Band

Interested in learning a musical instrument? Parents - always wanted to learn but never had the

opportunity before?

The Golden Kangaroos Hornsby Concert Band may have the solution. Our community band consists of beginner, intermediate and senior concert bands, marching band, stage (jazz) band and a number of smaller ensembles. We welcome musicians of all ages and abilities. Rehearsals are in the evenings at Beecroft Community Centre.

The beginner band will be starting at 6pm on Monday 16th February. No previous experience is required and instrument hire is available. Age is certainly no barrier with people from 7 to 70 participating in previous beginner bands, in fact often Mum or Dad end up learning alongside their children.

Ever wanted to march at ANZAC Day? The Centenary of ANZAC is a chance not to miss. Marching band rehearsals start on Sunday 22nd February.

For more information visit www.gks.org.au, email membership@goldenkangaroos.org.au or phone Paul on 9868 3289

Shamrocks Dundas JRLFCShamrocks Dundas JRLFC 2014 Senior Age Champions are now holding registrations for the 2015 season. Games are played on Sundays – Season starts 12th April 2015. Juniors games played in the Balmain District. International games in Combined Competition. Jerseys, Shorts, Socks supplied

Enquires please call Bob 9874 9033.

PARRAMATTA CITY COUNCIL

LORD MAYORSCHOLARSHIPPROGRAM8 x $1,000 scholarships for first year students8 x $500 scholarships for second and third year students

OPEN MONDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2015

For more information contact Parramatta City Council on 9806 5000 or visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au

Hills / Parramatta Lions JAFL Doyle Park, cnr Isabella & Macarthur Sts, Parramatta

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN Call Debbie Buttigieg on 0414 253 789

or visit hillslions.aflnswact.com.au