Education in Focus | Sydney Catholic Schools

Saint Yon Trade Training Centre building tomorrow’s workforce

LaSalle Catholic College Bankstown’s Saint Yon Trade Training Centre is empowering the next generation of career-ready students with a range of pathways for future success.

Saint Yon Trade Training Centre prides itself on its comprehensive vocational programs, offering students a chance to immerse themselves in a wide range of hands-on experiences that align with their interests and career aspirations.

Margaret Phillips, Head of Trade Training at LaSalle Catholic College Bankstown, said Vocational Education and Training (VET) delivers not just theoretical knowledge, but also practical applications in fostering a well-rounded skill set.

“We act as an informal recruitment agency for employers and the local community,” Ms Phillips said.

“By nurturing relationships with business owners and organisations, and staying updated on industry needs, we’re bridging the gap between education and employment, and addressing skills shortages to assist industry” – Margaret Phillips

The centre is dedicated to guiding students towards successful careers with a plethora of practical course offerings including Automotive, Human Services Individual Support, Construction, Electrotechnology, Hospitality, Plumbing, Retail Services and Business Services.

“Every VET course we offer here features practical elements. It gets different parts of the brain working and ticks a whole lot of boxes when it comes to learning.

“Practical training not only enhances cognitive abilities, it also prepares students for real-world challenges they are likely to encounter in their chosen fields,” Ms Phillips said.

The centre’s state-of-the-art facilities go well beyond a typical classroom set up.

Specialised spaces are tailored to reflect industry settings. Students interested in Human Services learn in classrooms equipped with hospital beds, mechanical lifters, anatomical dummies and other resources that emulate a professional workspace.

Sydney Catholic Schools prides itself on the fact that VET facilities are accessible to students …

domenictrimboli01September 13, 2023|

Student brainpower on show at inaugural Invictus Challenge

More than 100 students from 12 primary schools showcased their intellectual curiosity and inquisitiveness as part of Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) inaugural Invictus Challenge.

Held at St Vincent’s College Ashfield, the Invictus Challenge brought together students from across SCS’ Ashfield-Olympic Park network to compete against one another in a series of academic challenges designed to test their thinking and collaboration.

Students worked in teams of six across seven domains of learning: Mathematics, English, Engineering, Robotics, Creative Arts, General Knowledge, and Critical and Creative Thinking.

From unravelling complex mathematical patterns to creatively analysing the world of artificial intelligence, these gifted students demonstrated a tremendous amount of originality and determination.

Of the 14 schools that participated, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School Ashbury were crowned overall winners of the first Invictus Challenge after impressing across the different categories.

The individual category winners were:

Mathematics – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Concord
English – St Martha’s Catholic Primary School Strathfield
Engineering – All Hallows Catholic Primary School Five Dock
Robotics – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Concord
Creative Arts – Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School North Strathfield
Critical and Creative Thinking – Holy Innocents’ Catholic Primary School Croydon

Winners were presented with their trophies by The Hon. Jo Haylen, State Member for Summer Hill, and Minister for Transport.

Ben Nolan, Assistant Principal at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Concord, said the day was a huge success.

“Watching the engagement of both the students and supporting teachers on the day made all the months of planning worth it,” Mr Nolan said.

“Collectively, we were blown …

domenictrimboli01September 13, 2023|

Schools in Sutherland Shire primed for HSC success

Two Sydney Catholic Schools in the Sutherland Shire are increasing the number of teachers with specialised knowledge and expertise to ensure students are well equipped for HSC success.

As Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer (Girls) and De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah (Boys) expand to include Year 11 in 2024, exciting new opportunities and career pathways are being introduced.

Joining the school in 2024 will be HSC markers and supervisors, exam authors and contributors, and experienced HSC teachers.

These new teachers bring with them a wealth of HSC knowledge and proven track records of fostering student success in the senior years.

Providing this high level of bespoke support, teachers will act as mentors and drive an academic focus supported by extensive levels of coaching and mentoring.

An HSC Enrichment Program will further drive personalised attention. The program encompasses three integrated modes of student support including individual academic mentoring, wellbeing catch ups and dedicated social opportunities.

This places both colleges in an outstanding position to provide the best support to HSC students, making the final two years of secondary school personally rewarding and an enriching experience.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Director of System Performance, Kevin Carragher, is confident that students will be provided the support they need to maximise their potential during the pivotal HSC years.

“We are providing students with the opportunity to excel academically and cultivate essential life skills as they journey into adulthood.

“Students will feel empowered to achieve their individual goals regardless of their academic ambitions and be assisted every step of the way as they work towards making their dreams a reality,” Mr Kevin Carragher said.

Leonie Pearce, Principal at Our …

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auJuly 24, 2023|

CHALLENGING CONVENTIONS WITH TRAILBLAZING MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

A recently released report, Fading Notes, demonstrates diminishing levels of music education within generalist primary teaching degrees.

The report, commissioned by Alberts | The Tony Foundation for the Music: Right from the Start initiative, highlights how music education training for generalist primary school teachers has fallen from an average of 17 hours in 2009 to eight by the end of 2022.

One of the key recommendations from the report is the need to raise awareness of the lack of fair access Australian students currently have to quality music teaching in schools.

Sydney Catholic Schools is actively fulfilling this recommendation and challenging conventions, with its Amadeus Music Education Program to place 52,000 instruments in the hands of Year 3 to 8 students.

The program has already seen successful launches at more than 98 Sydney Catholic Schools, and its availability will expand to all 147 schools by 2024.

Sydney Catholic Schools believes music education should be accessible for all students and not just for the privileged.

The Amadeus program is one of the biggest, most comprehensive and ambitious investments in quality music education ever undertaken in Sydney’s schools and will be led by 80 school classroom music teachers and 270 specialist music tutors.

The sheer scale of Amadeus and number of music teachers involved, further highlights recommendations in the report that advocate for more K-12 teaching degrees with music specialisations.

The benefits of a quality music education are immense for all students, contributing to enhanced brain function, personal wellbeing and overall development.

“Music is an important part of life through which we express ourselves as human beings – it brings communities together, creates joy and stimulates the brain and the senses,” Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Tony Farley, said.

“We decided that …

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auJuly 19, 2023|

Amadeus: ‘It’s like I’ve got an orchestra playing in the house’

Much to the surprise and delight of those around her, Year 6 student Serena serenaded her family on the Viola at a surprise 50th anniversary event.

Serena has been learning to play the “the big violin” as part of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program – one of the biggest, most comprehensive and ambitious investments in quality music education ever undertaken in Sydney’s schools – and no one is prouder of her musical progress than Mum.

According to Tanya Rizk, music has positively changed the life of not just Serena but sister Olivia, who also attends St John Vianney Catholic Primary School Greenacre.

She credits it all to Amadeus, which is putting more than 50,000 instruments into the hands of every Year 3 to 8 student in Sydney Catholic schools.

“Olivia has always been a shy girl, but not this year,” Ms Rizk remarked glowingly. “It shows when she brings out her Violin and starts to practice.”

Ms Rizk said taking part in Amadeus had given both her daughters a newfound calm, confidence and a love of music. They were becoming more attentive listeners, as well.

“When they are playing an instrument, it’s like they have gone into a different mode completely. They’ve gone quiet, and they’re in that atmosphere of listening,” she said.

“My nephew and niece have also just started at St John Vianney and when they come over, it’s like I’ve got an orchestra playing in the house. It’s really beautiful” – Amadeus parent Tanya Rizk

ABOUT AMADEUS

The Amadeus Music Education Program is currently in 58 Sydney Catholic schools and will be rolled …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 22, 2022|

NSW Training Awards regional winner 2022 Courtney McNally

Hospitality extraordinaire Courtney McNally has been recognised as the Central and Northern Sydney Region VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year in the 2022 NSW Training Awards.

St Clare’s College Waverley Director of Administration said she felt honoured to receive the award. She teaches Hospitality to students in Years 11 and 12.

Courtney McNally.

“As teachers we are constantly striving to make a difference in the lives of our students, without expecting anything in return,” she said.

“When moments like this come along and we are recognised for our hard work they are really special and humbling experiences.”

The award recognises innovation and excellence by a trainer or teacher who provides nationally recognised training to students at, or in partnership with, a registered training organisation (RTO).

As a regional award winner, Ms McNally is now in line to be a finalist in the NSW VET Trainer / Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced in September.

“VET in schools opens doors for students to apply the skills they have learnt to a number of post-school pathway opportunities” – Courtney McNally

Ms McNally said Hospitality was a popular subject at St Clare’s, with an average of two Year 11 and two Year 12 classes each year being offered.

She attributes this to the academic success of students in the subject – which is well above the HSC state average – and the practical opportunities to apply their learning.

These opportunities include restaurant ‘takeovers’ and excursions, where students can develop their culinary skills and understanding of the hospitality industry by working alongside professional chefs.

“VET, and in particular Hospitality, provides a pivotal platform to optimise student growth” – Courtney McNally

“Application based learning …

Isabell PetrinicJuly 11, 2022|

What makes a great principal?

Leading one of Sydney Catholic Schools’ 150 diverse primary and secondary school communities is a highly rewarding experience, as the system’s newest principals can attest.

Here four principals share how they embrace leadership with focus, empathy and a deep love and respect for the profession and those whose lives they touch.

Our new leaders

David Hurley, St Therese Catholic Primary School Sadleir-Miller

David Hurley’s move from assistant principal to principal of St Therese Catholic Primary School Sadleir-Miller in 2022 is the latest in a 30-year teaching career centred in Sydney’s south west.

As the school’s former assistant principal he has the advantage of knowing its staff, parents and students – and its holistic approach to learning – very well.

His Sydney Catholic Schools’ peer network has bolstered his confidence to lead.

“Our greatest strength is our wonderful teachers” – David Hurley

According to Mr Hurley, a high level of emotional intelligence is an important trait of a school leader.

“It’s one of our key values that we know and grow the learner; not just academically and from what the data is telling you, but to know their interests and what makes them tick,” he said.

“The children, of course, pick up on that. They sense the interest that teachers have in them.”

Rachel Baker, St Aidan’s Catholic Primary School Maroubra Junction

Rachel Baker’s journey to principal was a textbook example.

She went from classroom teacher, to coordinator, to religious education coordinator. She then completed a five-year stint as assistant principal (AP) at St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School Malabar before being appointed as principal of St Aidan’s.

“The whole way along I learnt more and more and built my skills as a leader to give me the confidence and knowledge to move into this role” – Rachel …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 2, 2022|

Green wants girls to aim for the top

More female Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) students will aspire to become Olympians, if former Australian netballer and SCS alumna Kimberlee Green has her way.

Green, who represented the Australian Diamonds national netball team 74 times, is one of the big names to join SCS’ newly formed Sports Council.

The Council will aim to provide more sporting opportunities for all 150 SCS schools, including more access to participation in elite sport.

“I want to be able to bring a different view, especially coming from women’s sport, I’m really passionate about making sure there’s great opportunities there” – Kimberlee Green

“You have a look at the Olympics coming up and there’s quite a few women’s sports that are going to be there,” Ms Green said.

“How do we get as many students as possible putting their hands up for selection? That’s what I hope for my position.”

A DIAMOND STUDDED CAREER

Ms Green is certainly no stranger to sport at the upper echelons.

Her mother is an Olympian and a Commonwealth Games champion swimmer, her father is a former South Sydney rugby league player. She is married to former Test cricketer Trent Copeland.

And Ms Green is a decorated netballer in her own right.

She started her career at the Sydney Swifts as a 16-year-old while still at school. She was on the NSW Swifts team when they won the first Trans-Tasman ANZ Championship in 2008.

She left the Swifts at the end of the 2016 season to become the inaugural captain of GIANTS Netball, in the Super Netball competition, before retiring in 2019.

Ms Green’s highest honours came on the international stage, joining her mum – Australian former competitive swimmer Denise June …

FrankMarch 2, 2022|

The story of Christmas told through children’s art

Sydney Catholic school students have presented a reflective and vibrant take on Christmas scripture for the 2021 Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition.

Close to 600 students in Year 5 and 6 from schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney, and Diocese of Wollongong and Bathurst took part in the project this year.

The students drew on verses from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke for inspiration.

NATIVITY MAGIC

The 32 prize-winning artworks depict gospel scenes including the journey to Bethlehem, Annunciation, birth of Jesus and visit of the magi.

Year 6 student Jeramae Gonayon from St Mark’s Catholic Primary School Drummoyne received first prize in her year category for a detailed drawing of Mary and the angel Gabriel.

A bright blue sky and intricate facial expressions featured in St John’s Catholic Primary School Auburn Year 5 First Prize winner, Lara Elfin Aydin’s detailed painting of the nativity.

Archbishop’s Choice Trophy winning artwork.

St Therese Catholic Primary School Denistone’s Mila Hinves, in Year 5, was a joint awardee of the Archbishop’s Choice Trophy. Her earth-toned holly wreath was a standout sculpture among the other works.

St Therese Catholic Primary School Sadleir-Miller student Chelsea received the Executive Director’s Award for her richly-shaded charcoal drawing of doves.

“The doves in my sketch represent purity, which is a symbol in the Annunciation” – Chelsea

Usually held at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Sydney campus, the exhibition moved online in 2020 due to COVID-19. It is a successful formula replicated this year.

SCS Specialist: Religious Education, Jodie Micallef, praised the high quality of students’ work and thanked the teachers and principals who enabled such them to come forth under unique circumstances.

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauDecember 6, 2021|

The brain-boosting benefits of an Amadeus music education

From resilience to a powerful ‘brain boost’, parents, students and teachers are seeing the many benefits of learning an orchestral instrument as part of the groundbreaking Amadeus Music Education Program.

Nidal Abou Arrage remembers the February day in 2020 that her three sons came home with two violas and a trumpet. “They were excited and very cautious,” Mrs Abou Arrage said of twins, Joseph and Samuel, and their older brother Anthony.

A year on, she has noticed a remarkable improvement in the attentional skills of the twins particularly. “They are more focused and disciplined,” Mrs Abou Arrage said.

Samuel said he felt privileged to be part of the Amadeus program, while Joseph said he liked learning different music notes and songs.

“It has helped me gain more confidence and appreciate what music adds to our everyday lives” – Joseph Abou Arrage

The siblings’ schools were among 13 in the 2021 pilot for Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program, a game-changing initiative being rolled out to 33,000 students across Sydney Catholic Schools’ network of 150 primary and secondary schools in the next two years.

The program has been integrated into the normal school curriculum and provides students in Year 3 to 8 with classroom music lessons, ensemble lessons and small group tuition led by 80 school classroom music teachers and 270 instrumental music tutors.

The specialist tutors bring professional experience from orchestras and ensembles around Australia and the world.

AMADEUS: A FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING

Phillip Scollard, principal at pilot Amadeus school Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba, said the impact on the students’ learning has been far-reaching, encompassing improved listening skills, self-motivation and resilience.

“If you can get students to understand that learning is a …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauNovember 30, 2021|

Amadeus: Sydney’s most ambitious school music education program announced

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) today launched the Amadeus Music Education Program – one of the biggest, most comprehensive and ambitious investments in quality music education ever undertaken in Sydney’s schools.

This game changing program is being rolled out to 33,000 students across SCS’s network of 150 primary and secondary schools.

The Amadeus Music Education Program provides students with classroom music lessons, ensemble lessons and small group tuition and will be led by more than 80 school classroom music teachers and 270 specialist music tutors.

These music tutors will bring professional experience from orchestras and ensembles around Australia and the world.

All Year 3 to Year 8 SCS students will have access to 52,000 different instruments and the program will be integrated into the normal school curriculum.

Amadeus enables access and equity to music education for all students, regardless of abilities and music backgrounds, and is underpinned by research that proves that learning an instrument and playing in a musical ensemble strengthens neural pathways in the brain and can significantly improve academic success and student engagement.

Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Tony Farley.

“Music is an important part of life through which we express ourselves as human beings; music brings communities together, creates joy and stimulates the brain and the senses,” Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director, Tony Farley, said.

“We decided that music education should not be a privilege just for those who can afford it.

“The introduction of Amadeus is a great example of how we are applying the scale and collaboration of our educational network to deliver innovative …

Isabell PetrinicNovember 17, 2021|

Spark Festival: The Future of Education at Sydney Catholic Schools

Ever wondered what entrepreneurship education looks like in a Sydney Catholic school?

Join Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) Supervisor: Global Capabilities, Liz Jackson, and four of SCS’ principals on Monday 25 October at 5pm for an online two part panel series to discuss ‘The Entrepreneurial Agenda in Schools’.

The webinar is being held as part of Find My Spark, the education arm of Spark Festival Australia’s largest festival for innovators and entrepreneurs.

Established in 2016 to support students to develop entrepreneurial skills and mindset through Design Thinking exercises that use real-world businesses and case studies, Find My Spark is Australia’s largest event connecting the K-12 entrepreneurial education ecosystem including educators, students, policy makers and external providers.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Supervisor: Global Capabilities, Liz Jackson. Photo: Kitty Beale

SCS’ participating principals are: Ann Freeman (Bethlehem College Ashfield), Paul Forrester (De La Salle College Ashfield), Brigid Taylor (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington), and Zeina Chalich (St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School Arncliffe).

SCS’ participating teachers and system leaders Nicola Steele (St Clare’s College Waverley), Richard Hainsworth (Brigidine College Randwick), Magy Adams (Trinity College Auburn) and Roslyn Mahrous, SCS Education Officer: Global Capabilities.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION

“Entrepreneurship education prepares students for the world of work as they will need to navigate a variety of jobs and careers,” Ms Jackson said.

“Embedding entrepreneurial ways of thinking early will help students play active …

AdminOctober 22, 2021|

Wellbeing: The Sydney Catholic Schools approach

A legacy of care unique to Catholic education has laid the foundations for a robust and positive approach to wellbeing at Sydney Catholic Schools.

A HISTORY OF PASTORAL CARE

Catholic schools became synonymous with pastoral care in the 1980s when many adopted the work of Marist Brother and member of Little Brothers of Mary (FMS), Brother Kevin Treston.

The educator and author’s book, Pastoral Care for Schools, quickly became favoured for its philosophy of care across all aspects of school life.

It asked teachers to recognise and develop each child’s individual gifts and emphasised forming positive relationships.

Pastoral care is the integration of the academic, social and religious dimensions of a school so that an atmosphere of care prevails within the school community.

“Pastoral Care was a marker of Catholic school; then, with the emphasis on mental health and wellbeing, the language changed,” said Sydney Catholic Schools’ Manager: Student Wellbeing and Learning, Stephen Said.

“Pastoral care included making sure that every child had a friend, they weren’t bullied and there was peer support available.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Manager: Student Wellbeing and Learning, Stephen Said.

“As we’ve become more vigilant to mental health needs, the field of wellbeing has got even more rigour about it” – Stephen Said

“Today, under a wellbeing focus, we have staff who are registered mental health practitioners with various qualifications in counselling, social work and psychology,” Mr Said explained.

“The Student Wellbeing Team also consists of educators with extensive knowledge and experience in maintaining the positive relationships that underpin learning and a cohesive family life.

“Wellbeing and positive relationships are seen as integral to learning.

“When referring to pastoral care and wellbeing one has really morphed into the other.

“But we can very confidently say that Catholic schools have a long tradition in pastoral care that has served our …

Isabell PetrinicOctober 21, 2021|

Online HSC Masterclass a big hit

More than 500 creative and performing arts students and teachers from Catholic dioceses across NSW took part in Sydney Catholic Schools’ inaugural four-day Arts Virtual Masterclass.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ creative and performing arts specialist, Eva Spata, said the HSC exam preparation courses were taken online due to the current COVID-19 climate.

According to Ms Spata, the online program was a resounding success and will be repeated in 2022.

“We look forward to providing these again next year!” – Eva Spata

“We have decided that every September holiday the masterclasses will be on zoom, rather than face to face,” said Ms Spata.

Online HSC Arts Masterclass

“With the current conditions, the ability to provide them virtually meant that we could share with our counterparts across the state,” Ms Spata said.

“We were fortunate to have industry experts and arts practitioners delivering each workshop, to prepare our HSC students.”

These included literacy consultant Dr Trish Weekes who delivered a workshop on HSC Music 1 aural exam and Sydney Catholic Schools’ education officer Mary-Anne Boutros who delivered a workshop on the HSC Visual Arts written exam.

Indigenous Australian dancer, television presenter and choreographer of Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Terrain, Francis Rings, was among the workshop facilitators for the HSC Dance written exams.

“It has been a marathon for our Drama students, covering six plays,” said Ms Spata.

The facilitators were:

Illuminate Educate’s Anne Wilson (presented on Neighbourhood Watch by Lally Katz)
Laurence Coy (presented on Norm and …

AdminOctober 5, 2021|

What every child needs right now

In National Child Protection Week, psychologist Sandra Reynolds discusses the changing face of ‘neighbourhood’ during COVID-19 and how to support your child’s wellbeing at this time.

This year’s National Child Protection Week (5-11 September) theme is: Every child, in every community, needs a fair go.

And, according to event organiser the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), to treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure that every neighbourhood has what kids need to thrive and be healthy.

But has the COVID-19 lockdown reshaped how families and children think about neighbourhoods and our feelings of connectedness?

The answer is a clear and resounding yes.

‘AS HUMANS, WE CRAVE SOCIAL INTERACTIONS’

“School is such an important part of a child’s life and it provides access not only to education but so many other areas of social and emotional development,” says Sydney Catholic Schools’ Supervisor: Child Safety, Sandra Reynolds.

“Friendships with peers and positive relationships with teachers influence the experiences of students during the course of their education.

“As humans, we crave social interaction and the need to be connected is hardwired in our DNA.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ psychologist, Sandra Reynolds. Photo: Kitty Beale

“Changing our routine and mode of operation to remote learning requires a level of retraining of our brains to derive the same level of connectedness in a physically non-connected world.”

SO, WHAT MAKES A ‘HEALTHY’ NEIGHBOURHOOD?

“Connectedness is one element of a healthy neighbourhood; other necessary elements include safe places to play and explore in, a balance of nature and accessible services,” explains Ms Reynolds.

“If we consider that for the majority of time during lockdown, we are being asked to make our …

Isabell PetrinicSeptember 9, 2021|

2021 Archbishop Award recipients

Established in 1999 by Edward Bede Cardinal Clancy the Archbishop’s awards are an annual recognition of some of the outstanding young men and women in Catholic Schools.

Below are the Sydney Catholic Schools’ recipients of the Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence 2021.

Student photo	Student details
Shanessa Mascarenhas All Saints Catholic College Casula	Shanessa Mascarenhas All Saints Catholic College Casula Shanessa Mascarenhas is a committed Catholic, who actively practices her faith within the parish communities of All Saints, Liverpool, and St Francis Xavier, Lurnea. Shanessa has volunteered her time and service in various roles in these parishes, including singing in the choir, reading, helping with the All Saints Encounter Youth Group for students in Year Five and Six, as well as attending the Antioch Youth Group to nurture her own faith development. While at school, Shanessa has attended the ‘Be the Light’ Youth Ministry, a school-based youth ministry group, where she has engaged in some school-based social justice and community service initiatives, and prayer opportunities for her own faith development. She has also trained to become a Catechist, though COVID-19 has prevented active service in this role in the local public school. Shanessa’s strong faith and love of Christ is evident through her engagement in parish and school activities.
Christopher Hamilton Aquinas Catholic College Menai	Christopher Hamilton Aquinas Catholic College Menai Christopher Hamilton is an outstanding young man of faith and action who actively participates in the life and mission of his Parish of Holy Family, Menai and within the Aquinas community. As a committed parishioner, Christopher serves his parish through the preparation and delivery of …

Student photo

Student details

Shanessa Mascarenhas
All Saints Catholic College Casula

Shanessa Mascarenhas

All Saints Catholic College Casula

Shanessa Mascarenhas is a committed Catholic, who actively practices her faith within the parish communities of All Saints, Liverpool, and St Francis Xavier, Lurnea. Shanessa has volunteered her time and service in various roles in these parishes, including singing in the choir, reading, helping with the All Saints Encounter Youth Group for students in Year Five and Six, as well as attending the Antioch Youth Group to nurture her own faith development. While at school, Shanessa has attended the ‘Be the Light’ Youth Ministry, a school-based youth ministry group, where she has engaged in some school-based social justice and community service initiatives, and prayer opportunities for her own faith development. She has also trained to become a Catechist, though COVID-19 has prevented active service in this role in the local public school. Shanessa’s strong faith and love of Christ is evident through her engagement in parish and school activities.

Christopher Hamilton Aquinas Catholic College Menai

Christopher Hamilton

Aquinas Catholic College Menai

Christopher Hamilton is an outstanding young man of faith and action who actively participates in the life and mission of his Parish of Holy Family, Menai and within the Aquinas community. As a committed parishioner, Christopher serves his parish through the preparation and delivery of …

AdminSeptember 3, 2021|

Book Week shortlist: Worlds of fun

The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s (CBCA) 2021 shortlist is full of tales to take you away this Book Week and beyond.

Escape between the pages of these ‘Book of the Year’ contenders recommended by All Hallows Catholic Primary school teacher librarian, Sharon Seymour, and St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove’s resource and information coordinator, Elizabeth Lansdown.

Picture Book

Ellie’s dragon, Bob Graham

Ellie and her adorable friend, Scratch, do everything together. But why is Scratch beginning to fade? A touching story about the power of imagination and growing up. Bob Graham’s tender tale and delightful illustrations will appeal to young and old alike.

Early Childhood

Anemone is not the enemy, Anna McGregor

Every day the tide washes into Anemone’s rock pool, bringing possible friends to play. But who wants to play with a friend who stings? Then one day, Anemone meets Clownfish… A tale of friendship and symbiosis.

Younger Readers

The Book of Chance, Sue Whiting

Twelve-year-old Chance has a good life. She has a loving mama, her pet dog and an almost-sister who lives next door. But she is about to learn a secret that will change everything she believes about herself. A heartfelt mystery novel for upper primary and secondary readers.

We are wolves, Katrina Nannestad

Liesl Wolf and her family are forced to flee their home in East Prussia as the Russian army invades. When she, her brother Otto and her baby sister, Mia, find themselves lost and alone, they must take dangerous risks and make daring choices in order to survive. A compelling, touching story that has its roots in truth, for upper primary and secondary readers. Book trailers wow Colide! judges

Older Readers

When Rain Turns to Snow, Jane Godwin

This book’s central character, Lissa, struggles with issues that many teenagers will …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauAugust 20, 2021|

What does a teacher librarian do?

Two teacher librarians from Sydney Catholic schools share insights into their role.

Sharon Seymour, a teacher librarian at All Hallows Catholic Primary School Five Dock, reviews books for the Children’s Book Council of Australia and Premier’s Reading Challenge.

She is passionate about promoting a love of reading.

“I want students to enjoy a text; to think deeply about how it is making them feel and make connections using those comprehension skills that develop them as good readers like predicting and asking questions,” Ms Seymour said.

She believes students who read for pleasure do better in school across all curriculum areas.

Ms Seymour said cyber safety, STEM and information literacy were now critical parts of the role.

“For children to be information literate they need to be able to use technology and be responsible, ethical users of information,” she said.

“They need to be able to evaluate websites for relevance, currency and credibility, taking care to be aware of conflicting information and differing viewpoints.”

“Children are so lucky because they have an amazing amount of information available to them; on the other hand they have no idea whether it is credible” – Sharon Seymour

“It is up to them as users to be able to decipher what is out there, and that is very hard,” Ms Seymour said.

St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove’ Resource and Information Coordinator, Elizabeth Lansdown, said honing students’ research skills, supporting their wellbeing and instilling a love of reading were all part of the average day in a high school library.

She is the Teacher Librarian Professional Learning Community (TLPLC) chair.

“Often the library is the place where kids can go and feel safe, and take time out from the business …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauAugust 20, 2021|

Is this Australia’s best secondary school?

A future-focused curriculum and ample opportunities for students to build entrepreneurial skills in areas they are passionate about have made St Clare’s College Waverley a Secondary School of the Year – Non-government finalist in the 2021 Australian Education Awards.

According to Principal Kerrie McDiarmid, St Clare’s has gained popularity thanks to this approach, adding more than 200 students to its community in the past four years, including a very healthy waitlist.

“When we engage in this type of learning, often we’ll collapse the curriculum and we’ll allow the girls to work in groups, engaging with experts – teachers or external collaborators,” Mrs McDiarmid said.

“Authentic learning is at the heart of what we do, so the girls have an opportunity to engage in learning that has real-world outcomes” – Kerrie McDiarmid

“We have a staff of like-minded, passionate educators,” Mrs McDiarmid said. “They’re excited by the opportunity to push boundaries and engage students in learning that sits beyond the traditional curriculum.”

PROJECT POWER

Students at St Clare’s are exposed to new technologies and software with Artificial Intelligence. But it is a focus on collaboration, creativity and critical thinking that allows students to make the most of projects on offer and even to suggest their own.

For example, students have collaborated with NASA Mission Operations Manager Alice Bowman to create 3D animations of Mars.

They created a documentary about soldiers who died at Fromelles, one of the most devastating battles in Australia’s military history, with Australian author and broadcaster Patrick Lindsay.

They have made short films on issues of homelessness and sustainability for their own social justice-themed film festival, and formed a committee to improve their school’s environmental sustainability.

A …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauAugust 19, 2021|

In their own words: Careers in STEM classrooms

Meet the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teachers whose passion and past work experience is helping students at Sydney Catholic schools achieve.

As we celebrate National Science Week, Sue Farroukh, Gavin Gant, Sylvia Eleftherides and Andrew Di Lizio share with us the career pathways that led them to our classrooms.

SUE FARROUKH, Marist College Eastwood

– Civil engineering project lead, physics and biology teacher

I loved physics at school. For a curious kid like me it was great.

I was studying construction management at uni and had a little light bulb moment.

I wanted something more rewarding and really liked science at school, so I decided to become a physics teacher.

I worked in a big engineering firm for quite a few years.

One of our projects was to build train simulators for the new Sydney trains. With those large projects, you get a real understanding that nothing is done in isolation.

Making cross-curriculum connections is what I have taken from my work into teaching, especially with the seniors who are studying multiple sciences.

“Science answers so many questions” – Sue Farroukh

A lot of students want to be astrophysicists until they realise it’s a bunch of maths and the computers do everything now, so you’ve got to be a really good computer programmer.

Science is so broad. It’s making them aware that if they choose it as a career they’re not just going to be working in a research lab.

The pandemic has helped in that students see there’s someone who studies diseases, develops vaccines, studies viruses.

I tell students that even if they want to go into accounting or law, it does help to have a science under your belt because it is a different way of thinking.

Accuracy, validity and reliability are …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 18, 2021|

‘I feel like I’ve found my dream job’

Conductor and flautist Karen O’Keefe says teaching the Amadeus Music Education Program in Sydney Catholic Schools held strong appeal because it suited her lifestyle goals. Here she shares the perks of her role as an instrumental tutor.

“Starting my own music tutoring business, I found the before and after school hours very challenging with a family of my own,” said Ms O’Keefe.

“I then heard about the Amadeus program and it sounded like a fabulous opportunity.”

Ms O’Keefe has been teaching the Amadeus Music Education Program in 10 Sydney Catholic schools since January 2021. Her students are in Year 4 to Year 7.

“I feel like I’ve found my dream job; working within schools, teaching music, and feeling like I’m making a difference in students’ lives”

“Instruments and lessons can be expensive, so when I understood that SCS were removing this financial barrier for families, enabling all students to have access to this program, I felt that this was an organisation that aligned with my own personal values and a program that I would very much like to be a part of – bringing music to all,” Ms O’Keefe said.

Holy Spirit College Lakemba students take part in a zoom Amadeus music lesson with Karen O’Keefe.

ABOUT AMADEUS

Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) exciting new Amadeus Music Education Program is being rolled out across 42 SCS primary and secondary schools in Term 1, 2022, following a successful pilot program in the Auburn-Lakemba area.

As part of this program, students in Year 3 to Year 8 participate in small group and ensemble music lessons delivered by specialist teachers, like Ms O’Keefe. Students are also …

AdminAugust 17, 2021|

Watch NOW: Facebook COVID-19 Q&A

Sydney Catholic Schools is hosting COVID-19 Q&A Facebook Live sessions for Kindy to Year 2 parents and Year 12 parents and students tonight, on Friday 23 July.

Hosted by our Executive Director, Tony Farley, and our Chief of Staff, Dr Jacqueline Frost, the sessions will begin at:

5pm-5.30pm: We are holding our Kindy to Year 2 Event to connect with our Kindy through to Year 2 parents about support being offered during lockdown;
6pm-6.30pm: We are holding our Year 12 Event, for our Year 12 parents and students, to provide up to the minute support, guidance and reassurance.

You can tune in live right here, or on our official Facebook page.

—

UPDATE

The Live Q&A for Kindergarten to Year 2 has now ended, but you can still watch it below:

The Live Q&A for Year 12 has now ended, but you can still watch it below:

Isabell PetrinicJuly 23, 2021|

Helping Indigenous students kick post-school goals

Sydney Catholic Schools has partnered with the NRL School to Work program to increase our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students’ success in the classroom and assist in their transition from school to tertiary education. Here Jane Bridges, SCS’ Wellbeing Specialist: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, explains how the partnership is helping to make a difference in our young students’ lives.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Student Wellbeing Specialist, Jane Bridges. Photo: Kitty Beale

As Sydney Catholic Schools prioritises success and excellence for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, we look to our partnerships with programs such as NRL School to Work to help ensure that we are catering to the needs of all, and achieving the best possible outcomes for each individual student.

The NRL School to Work program was started in 2012 in response to closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage in employment and education outcomes across the Western Sydney region.

Since then the program has extended beyond servicing Western Sydney to schools across Victoria, NSW, the ACT and south east Queensland with more than 95 per cent of participants transitioning into education and employment after graduating from school.

Sydney Catholic Schools has recognised the impact of this program and has continued to extend the opportunity to SCS secondary colleges.

In 2021 there are 34 active students in the program across 11 SCS high schools.

The young Aboriginal students in the program are provided with access to a number of workshops, leadership camps and the support of an Indigenous mentor. This support includes job readiness guidance and support in the job application process.

The workshops and mentors also assist …

AdminJuly 5, 2021|

Amadeus Music Education Program: We’re hiring!

Acclaimed trumpeter, Greg Carger, is among the latest Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) musician hires. He has joined the SCS family as an instrumental tutor in the Amadeus Music Education Program – and so can you. We are hiring now!

The famous trumpet player and musical director is currently employed as an instrumental tutor for our system of 150 Catholic primary and secondary schools.

A sought-after freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and teacher with a career spanning 40 years, Carger has performed with the likes of the Adelaide Symphony, The Royal Ballet and world-renowned trumpeter, James Morrison.

“I applied for the [Amadeus] position to use my expertise and to do some good,” Carger said.

“I really enjoy it, especially [teaching] the primary school students because they really believe in it”

ABOUT AMADEUS

Sydney Catholic Schools’ exciting new Amadeus Music Education Program is being rolled out across 42 SCS primary and secondary schools in Term 1, 2022, following a successful pilot program in the Auburn-Lakemba area.

Greg Carger at the Sydney Catholic Schools Instrumental Eisteddfod

As part of this program, students in Year 3 to Year 8 participate in small group and ensemble music lessons delivered by specialist teachers, like Carger. Students also receive an instrument, starting with a string instrument in Year 3.

‘A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS’

“We need to instill in kids that its [music] a culturally important thing to do – to be a citizen of the world as music brings everyone together,” Carger said.

“The Amadeus program offers a great opportunity for students”

“You get a brand new instrument, a teacher to learn from and an ensemble to play in,” Carger said.

AdminJune 28, 2021|

Thirteen progress to public speaking grand final

Students spoke with a confidence and clarity that left their teachers and parents in awe at the semi-final of the 2021 Botany-Randwick Public Speaking competition. Now, 13 progress to the grand final!

The inaugural Botany-Randwick Public Speaking Competition was created in line with Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) priority to provide engaging, holistic learning experiences where children thrive academically.

This year 42 students from 14 primary schools competed in the competition’s semi-final, which was also live streamed on Zoom. Thirteen students will progress to the grand final at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Randwick on Thursday 15 July.

“The students spoke clearly with passion and commitment” – Margaret Holles

SCS’ Executive Director, Tony Farley, will be a guest speaker at the grand final. Local members of parliament – Marjorie O’Neill (Coogee), Michael Daley (Maroubra) and Ron Hoenig (Heffron) – will adjudicate.

The speeches will be live streamed for parents who cannot attend in person.

‘EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IS AN ESSENTIAL SKILL’

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School Principal, Margaret Holles, was part of the competition’s organising committee.

“Our goal was for students to gain greater skills and confidence in their oral presentations and presenting their position on any topic,” Mrs Holles said.

“Effective communication is an essential skill for learning, problem solving, collaborating and building healthy relationships in life” – Margaret Holles

While many students favoured the topic ‘The internet has caused more problems than it has solved’ at the semis, others spoke eloquently about 200 Years of Catholic Education and the importance of treating elders with respect.

“Some of the audience could be …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 21, 2021|

HSC success in face of adversity

James Tirado has cone-rod dystrophy and visual acuity of 6/60.

This means he sees with the same clarity most people see across 60 metres in just 6 metres, and is very sensitive to light.

Despite this, he has turned a challenging HSC year into a triumph – and is now on track for Paralympic glory.

The Marcellin College Randwick Year 12 graduate has received the 2021 Br John Taylor Memorial Prize, awarded each year to a student who overcomes adversity to achieve academic success in the HSC.

“I feel really honoured” – James Tirado

James received an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 99.5 and placed in the highest bands for subjects including Economics, English Advanced, Physics, and Mathematics Extension 2.

“I basically wear sunglasses a lot,” James said.

“In an exam I would have lower light levels to optimise my performance”

During 2020 James also dealt with the loss of his father, who died of a brain tumour in May.

“When we would speak about the HSC, even when I was in year 7 and 8, I’d stress and worry a bit and he’d go ‘You’ll be fine, you’ll get 99’,” James said.

“He was always the one who believed in me so I think he’d be very happy and proud knowing that did come to fruition.”

‘LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH GREAT TEACHERS’

James said the support of his teachers and peers was integral to his achievement.

“I was really lucky to have such great teachers,” he said.

“They weren’t just talking about the content; they had developed a really strong relationship with the students and you really felt that it was a partnership and …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 4, 2021|

WriteOn past winners: ‘Be creative, try your best!’

Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) primary school students are encouraged to exercise their imaginations and writing skills in this year’s WriteOn competition. We sat down with our past SCS winners who shared their tips for success.

They are only in Year 3 but Savannah Burgess and Nicholas Bertoia are already published authors.

The Sydney Catholic Schools students’ work was included in the best of WriteOn 2020 anthology.

The annual writing competition for NSW students in Years 1 to 6 asks students to write a 500-word creative piece based on an image.

Savannah, who attends St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Belmore, received a gold award from among 362 entries for her story. It was about a boy who was bullied, but finds a true friend when a picture of a dog that he drew comes to life.

Her advice to this year’s entrants?

“To look at the stimulus and use your imagination,” she said. “It helped me to think of what to write about.”

“It’s fun to be creative” – Nicholas Bertoia

WriteOn: Students will write about this image in 2021.

In 2021, students may write letters, poems, narratives, journal entries, or scripts for radio, screen or stage. An image of a child riding a bike on a semi-rural road is their inspiration.

“They should just try their best,” said Nicholas.

The St Declan’s Catholic Primary School Penshurst student received a silver award in 2020 for a story about a boy who lost his dog.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ literacy specialist James Muldowney encouraged all Sydney Catholic primary schools to become involved in this year’s WriteOn.

“Not only do creative writing competitions such as this create …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 4, 2021|

Celebrating 64 Indigenous graduates

As we celebrate with our 64 Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 2020 alumni, Southern Cross Catholic College (SCCC) alumnus Anthony Carter-Rankine has an especially unique story to tell.

For the first time in more than a decade, a remote indigenous community in the Northern Territory has a Year 12 graduate.

Anthony Carter-Rankine, from Ti Tree – the closest town to Alice Springs – is only the second ever male in the region to have completed their Higher School Certificate (HSC).

The Southern Cross Catholic College (SCCC) alumnus also gained a First Aid Certificate before graduating, and has since secured a job at the Central Desert Regional Council.

Ti Tree in the Northern Territory, Anthony Carter-Rankine’s home.

“SCCC helped me gain my HSC and also some VET (Vocational, Education & Training) qualifications,” Anthony said. “By doing short courses, as well as securing part-time work, it helped me learn lots of skills that will assist me with my new job.”

Jane Bridges, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Wellbeing Specialist: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, applauded Anthony’s determination and perseverance.

“Anthony’s story is a tribute to himself and a great testament to SCS’ commitment to the education of young Aboriginal students” – Jane Bridges

“The barriers that Anthony faced were profound and were compounded by COVID,” Ms Bridges said.

“I pay tribute especially to his home community for trusting Anthony to the care of SCS and to the teachers that worked with him and the organisations that partnered with his school.”

The long road to completing the HSC

Anthony arrived at SCCC in Term 4 of 2019 from Ti Tree, a town with 110 people, according to 2016 Census figures.

For Anthony to complete Year 12, he had to give up many things and overcome many …

Isabell PetrinicJune 2, 2021|

My cup is full

Every student in front of you in a classroom, has a cup into which they pour everything they need to handle in a day; be an adult in their life who can help fill that cup, writes Sydney Catholic Schools’ student wellbeing specialist, Jim Clifford.

Seriously, my cup right now is full. Spilling over the edges. And if we were talking about a nice double shot soy latte in the sunshine on the patio, that’d be great – but we’re not.

In fact, truth be told I can handle a bit of a latte spill-over, and being one of the clumsiest individuals I know I’m even used to it. But when this cup is full and at the point of overflowing, well it can be pretty untidy…

A very knowledgeable and talented colleague of mine presented me with the cup analogy a while back.

After any number of years working across some pretty challenging (and wonderful) places, from mainstream secondary and primary schools to out of home care and specialist disability settings, I’ve used balloons, soft drink cans, bell curves and all manner of other metaphors to help me understand and explain a kid’s limits. But I think I’ve settled on the full cup being pretty much where it’s at for me.

“For every student in front of you in a classroom, they have a cup into which they pour everything they need to handle in a day. For some kids that cup is huge… But for some, that cup isn’t starting out quite as large as others.

For every student in front of you in a classroom, they have a cup into which they (or more often we) pour everything they need …

AdminMay 6, 2021|

Walk Safely to School Day 2021

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Road Safety Education Officer, Andrew Sortwell, invites parents to role model good pedestrian behaviour on Walk Safely to School Day 2021 – and every day.

Calling all primary school parents! Consider lacing up your sneakers and walking your child to school on Friday 14 May, National Walk Safely to School Day.

As Sydney Catholic Schools’ Road Safety Education Officer, Andrew Sortwell, says: “It’s a good chance for parents to role model good behaviour as a pedestrian, i.e. teach by example where to cross the road, and how to cross the road safely.”

“If children are 10 years or younger they should be holding an adult’s hand” – Andrew Sortwell

Andrew Sortwell walking with his children. Photo: Kitty Beale

National Walk Safely to School Day is a community initiative that aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking – especially to and from school – can provide for the long term wellbeing of our children.

Apart from the physical benefits, regular walking also has a positive impact on their mental health and academic performance.

Active kids are smarter kids

Children aged 5-12 years old are recommended to do 150 minutes of planned physical activity every week.

“Active transport options, such as walking or cycling to and from school, are the perfect complement to school Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) programs that promote motor performance skills proficiency and adequate fitness,” Mr Sortwell said.

He said staying active helps students gain confidence in their ability to successfully engage in games and physical activities, and reduces their susceptibility to lifestyle diseases, such as obesity.

“Road safety education is about promoting what we need to do” – Andrew Sortwell

“National Walk Safely to …

Isabell PetrinicApril 29, 2021|

Support for Indigenous students

Meet the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) alumna making a difference in Aboriginal students’ lives.

Jane Bridges, SCS’ Wellbeing Specialist: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, said she felt very proud to work for SCS in Aboriginal education.

A Ngunawal woman, from the Bell line of family from Yass, she helps teachers at SCS learn from families about the background, aspirations and strengths of their Indigenous students, in partnership with her colleague, Adam Daniels, who is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community and Student Liaison Officer at SCS.

“Sydney is one of Australia’s biggest and fastest-growing Indigenous population hubs and SCS has responded to the requests of families to educate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in a Catholic tradition,” Ms Bridges said.

Today there are 1093 Aboriginal students enrolled in SCS schools (40 more than in 2020), including at least 77 students who will sit their HSC this year.

“SCS is currently working on a focus of developing Aboriginal Studies in Stages 5 and 6 for all students and a Cultural Competency program is already accessible by all staff,” Ms Bridges said.

“As a system of schools we are enriched by the stories and spirituality that Aboriginal people bring to us daily.”

“The work that is being done is life-changing for individuals and Aboriginal families,” Ms Bridges said.

Other ways SCS supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to succeed:

All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are given personalised learning plans that engage with student and family goals. “The plans are dynamic and focus on success,” said Ms Bridges.
The staffing allocation model (SAM) is used by schools to support strategies to focus on the literacy and numeracy needs of each student, including extension.
Pathways through VET. “These have had significant implications for improving retention and HSC completion rates,” Ms Bridges said.
Partnerships with external …

Isabell PetrinicMarch 19, 2021|

Future of 21st century education

At a time of uncertainty and challenge, more and more parents are choosing one of our 150 schools to educate their children, writes Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director, Tony Farley.

Sydney Catholic Schools is experiencing record levels of demand. The strong foundations of literacy and numeracy provided to our students are valued by our parents who know these are the essential building blocks upon which all other learning and growth are built.

Our parents know that in Sydney Catholic schools each child has his and her own unique needs and that every child must be known and guided to their fullest potential by professional and skilled teachers.

While Sydney Catholic schools are high performers in both NAPLAN and the HSC, we also offer a comprehensive education that is practical, creative, innovative and designed to be engaging for all students.

Parents and students are offered an extraordinary range of learning initiatives, activities and programs. Through various tools and channels our schools encourage constant engagement and feedback between students, parents and teachers as an essential component of educational excellence.

St John Bosco College Engadine Students. Photo: Kitty Beale

Our schools are faith communities that are inextricably part of the local parishes that worship and thrive throughout the Archdiocese of Sydney. Our parish communities are places of spiritual growth and our schools’ close connection with parishes is essential to who we are and who we can be.

To visit a Sydney Catholic school is to be part of a dynamic, vibrant and optimistic experience of 21st century education. Our schools are founded upon and imbued with 2000 year old Catholic traditions of faith, worship and outreach.

In a world of constant change and challenge, our schools are places where students, staff and parents can …

Isabell PetrinicMarch 3, 2021|

Best career working with animals

If you are an animal lover with a penchant for teaching, Georgina Cairns has one of the most enviable jobs in the world.

For the past three years, Georgina Cairns’ classroom has looked a lot different to other teachers.

That’s because Georgina has been working for diocesan schools including Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) as an education officer at Taronga Zoo Sydney, where she has been sharing her passion for all things animals with students across NSW.

What is your job and what does it involve?

My position as a Taronga Zoo education officer is very diverse and combines my passion for teaching and wildlife. I deliver school workshops on the zoo grounds and often in the immersive classrooms to students from Kindergarten all the way up to Year 12.

I also get the opportunity to travel around NSW to bring the zoo workshops and animals into classrooms. In addition to teaching, I am responsible for the coordination of various projects including digital programs, the Taronga Zoomobile and Project Koala.

What do you love about your job?
Every day I get to teach in the amazing immersive classrooms. These classrooms are animal exhibits which give students a unique opportunity to interact with wildlife. The animals move freely around the classroom and are conditioned to display natural behaviours.

Each classroom is themed around an iconic habitat including desert, rainforest and woodland environments. Animals in each classroom include Greater Bilbies, Cotton-top Tamarins, Bush Stone Curlews and Nicobar Pigeons.

“Seeing the student’s faces light up when they see monkeys running across vines or echidnas waddling around the classroom is a highlight for me”

I get to share my passion for wildlife with schools, not only at the zoo but by travelling …

AdminMarch 2, 2021|

Books for 5-8 Year Olds

My child is 5-8 years old. What should I look for when picking a book they will want to read? We asked Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Reading Recovery, Rosemary Peric.

1. What should a parent/carer look for in a children’s book?

Interesting vocabulary with the unexpected use of language making the story exciting;
Stories with rhyme, rhythm or repetition;
A story with a ‘problem’ and then the joy of resolution;
A theme that interests the child; and
A story that makes the listener attuned to the detail of the language to be thinking, problem solving as the story is read, making meaning and … children saying: ‘Read it again! Read it again!’ when the book is finished.

2. What are the benefits of reading aloud to children at this age?

When you read to young children it:

Promotes a love of reading
Develops awareness of the sounds, rhythms and patterns of language
Builds vocabulary and a knowledge of book language
Develops skills in listening comprehension and critical thinking
Builds concentration
Encourages children to be imaginative
Promotes oral language development

Rosemary Peric. Photo: Kitty Beale

3. What is your best tip/s for encouraging a reluctant reader?

Read over and over again! Read stories that your child/ren love and read them with enthusiasm, don’t be dull, flat or boring, read with joy;
Visit your local library and allow your child to choose their own books;
Don’t worry if they want to read the same book more than once, just as a musician enjoys playing the same piece of music many times, so too a young reader can get something more from a book each time they read it;
Talk about the pictures and details that catch your child’s interest. …

Isabell PetrinicDecember 22, 2020|

HSC 2020: The results are in …

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director, Tony Farley, has congratulated our 2020 HSC top achievers on their outstanding results in a challenging year.

In this video announcement he applauded the hard work of our 3876 HSC students who collectively have received 2602 merit awards.

“This morning’s results have confirmed that the students and teachers in our 33 secondary colleges have a great deal to be proud of,” Mr Farley said.

First in Human Services: Good Samaritan’s Nathan Galindo.

Impressively, five Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) students have topped the state in their HSC courses, and Brigidine College Randwick has improved their ranking for the second straight year to remain SCS’ highest ranked school.

Brigidine is now 49th in NSW, compared to 64th in 2019, according to data derived from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).

The rankings are calculated using the ratio of the number of band 6 (90-100 marks) results to the number of exams sat by the school.

Freeman Catholic College in Bonnyrigg Heights had the highest number of All-Round Achievers recipients from SCS’ cohort with eight of the total received.

“SCS is absolutely delighted with the HSC results which show consistent improvement,” SCS’ Director Education and Research, Dr Kate O’Brien, said.

Dr Kate O’Brien. Photo: Kitty Beale

“All students who completed the exams should be very proud of their achievement,” Dr O’Brien said.

“It shows persistence, tenacity and this year, more than anything, commitment.

Isabell PetrinicDecember 18, 2020|

Sydney’s First Catholic Performing Arts High School in 2021

Students keen to leap into the spotlight can now tap into their passions at Sydney’s first comprehensive Catholic performing arts high school.

Starting from next year Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) Southern Cross Catholic College at Burwood will offer full-time courses for students in Years 9 to 12 seeking a specialised education in the performing arts.

Courses are in Dance (Classical or Contemporary), Drama, Music – Instrumental (Classical or Contemporary), Music – Voice (Classical or Contemporary), and Music Theatre – Singing, Dancing and Acting.

This will be in addition to the popular part-time ViVA! and CaSPA performing arts programs that will continue to be offered to all SCS secondary students at the college, located in Inner Western Sydney.

“The Certificate course is aimed at triple threat performers, who can sing, dance and act” – SCS’ Specialist in the Creative and Performing Arts, Eva Spata

The college will also open its doors to Year 9 and 10 students for the first time in 2021.

“As part of our repositioning we have dropped the ‘Vocational’ out of Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College but only to better reflect who we are: a Catholic college where students of all abilities can shine brightly, whether they are born to dance or to ply their trade,” principal Tony Patton said.

“I couldn’t be more excited at the prospect of nurturing and training the young performers of tomorrow, alongside students completing our outstanding full-time occupational training programs and apprenticeships.”

The college is expected to grow by more than 200 students with the addition of the full-time performing arts cohort, Mr Patton said.

HEAR FROM SYDNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS GRADUATES:

Welcoming the changes, SCS’ specialist in the creative and performing arts, Eva Spata, said Southern Cross is the perfect place for students looking to be …

Isabell PetrinicNovember 11, 2020|

‘Like magic, I was getting A’s and B’s in maths’

Does your child struggle to reach their full potential in class? The Arrowsmith program may be the answer.

Year 6 student Amelie Kovse always struggled to keep up in the classroom until she found the Arrowsmith Program.

“I thought that I was stupid, that something was wrong with me – that I would keep failing in all of my subjects,” Amelie, now aged 15, recalled.

Then her mother heard about the Arrowsmith Program, which was coming to Amelie’s school at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary Mosman.

“Like magic, I was getting A’s and B’s in maths, English and science, compared to D’s and C’s,” Amelie said proudly.

Because of the Arrowsmith Program, Amelie’s life took a turn for the better and she can now honestly say she is succeeding in high school.

Amelie said she is keeping up with the school workload, understands the lessons and has even topped one of her maths assessments.

“Because suddenly she is achieving things on a daily basis, her self-confidence has shot up,” Amelie’s mother, Jadwiga, said.

For Amelie, taking part in the Arrowsmith Program has been life-altering and she now has big ambitions for the future. She dreams of being a scientist/biologist who finds cures for diseases, or a veterinarian.

“Arrowsmith has truly changed my life,” Amelie said. “Now I can definitely see myself going somewhere.”

What is the Arrowsmith Program?

Offered through three schools in the Sydney Catholic Schools system, Arrowsmith is best described as a cognitive strengthening program.

To put it simply, specialist teachers work with identified students to help develop and strengthen new neural pathways in their brain, in response to direct and targeted stimulation.

“Arrowsmith has truly changed my life” – Amelie Kovse

Students most likely to benefit from this program have specific learning difficulties.

“Students may find it really hard to read, to write, to spell; sometimes …

Isabell PetrinicNovember 9, 2020|

Kudos to our teachers

Let’s send virtual apples to all our amazing teachers on World Teachers’ Day (Friday 30 October).

What better day to recognise seven of Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) teachers, who have been named winners of the Teachers’ Guild of NSW 2020 World Teachers’ Recognition Awards.

The awards publicly acknowledges teachers who have made a wonderful contribution to their school in advancing the education profession.

“It is an honour to have such fabulous role models for our young people in so many of our schools,” SCS’ Director of Education and Research, Dr Kate O’Brien, said.

Sacred Heart Mosman Year 2 teacher, Charlotte Allen, high-fives a pupil.

“We thank you for your expertise and commitment,” Dr O’Brien said. “These awards are validation of the teaching excellence that exists in our classrooms across the system … (they) celebrate the exemplary role models that our teachers are for our students.”

SCS’ 2020 World Teachers Recognition Award recipients are:

Charlotte Allen – Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Mosman
Sue Farroukh – Marist Sisters Catholic College Woolwich
Sabrina Jammal – Holy Family Catholic Primary School Menai
Kevin Kennedy – St John Bosco Catholic College Engadine
Karen Perrett – St John Bosco Catholic College Engadine
Jillian Ripepi – St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School Holsworthy
Melinda Wagner – St John Bosco Catholic College Engadine

“My Year Two’s asked if I got a scratch and sniff sticker as a reward – oh, I love how the minds of 8-year-olds work,” laughed Ms Allen.

Ms Ripepi said receiving this award was “definitely” a highlight of her professional career, and …

Isabell PetrinicOctober 29, 2020|

Applause for our Principals

Say thank you on Australian Primary Principals’ Day.

If you get the chance, take the time to thank your school leaders on August 7, Australian Primary Principals’ Day.

Every day, our primary school principals inspire their teachers and students in our classrooms, staff rooms, and even under lockdown during COVID-19.

For two of our shining stars, the pandemic has done little to dampen their long-lasting enthusiasm for the job.

Gabrielle McAnespie and Beverly Coffey share the illustrious title of longest serving principal in our network of 150 schools. The pair joined the leadership ranks of Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) some 30 years ago.

“There’s an old saying: ‘Find a job you enjoy doing and you will never have to work a day in your life’,” Mrs McAnespie said brightly. “I wouldn’t say every day has been a bowl of roses, but it’s certainly a very worthwhile career.”

Principal Gabrielle McAnespie reads to her students. Photo: Kitty Beale

This is Mrs McAnespie’s sixth year as principal of St Therese Catholic Primary School Mascot and Ms Coffey’s seventh as principal of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School North Sydney.

“It’s a fabulous job because it’s never the same,” Ms Coffey said, adding she is excited about her school joining with Marist College North Shore to form a united K-12 school next year.

“I think it’s a privilege to lead a community and to be able to put your particular touch on everything” – Beverly Coffey

When she and Mrs McAnespie first became principals in 1991, teaching via Zoom was the stuff of science fiction, while the nation was in the very real grip of the “recession we had to have.”

Paul Keating replaced Bob …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 6, 2020|

Help keep your child safe online

While educators were adapting their lessons to teach from afar, Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) Child Protection Team had been bracing for these changes by creating remote learning guidelines to ensure young isolated learners are safe in their (home) school.

“Zoom and Google Hangouts are new mediums – it’s quite a novel thing to have your teachers teach into your home,” said psychologist Sandra Reynolds, who has been part of the Child Protection Team since April 2015.

“When used safely, online resources and programs can significantly enhance a student’s understanding of a concept. Children can be easily deceived online, it is far too great a responsibility for them to manage on their own.

“These guided cyber experiences in the classroom allow for exploration to occur within a safe and supervised environment. Simply said, feeling safe makes learning possible.”

Sydney Catholic Schools’ psychologist Sandra Reynolds. Photo: Kitty Beale

Ms Reynolds said the team based the new remote learning guidelines for parents and teachers at SCS on existing distance education and tele-health videoconferencing models, including those of Alice Springs School of the Air (ASSOA) and the Australian Psychological Society.

“People in remote areas have been accessing tele-health and online learning for a long time,” she explained.

ASSOA, for example, has been broadcasting to children in isolated communities throughout the Northern Territory and parts of South Australia and Western Australia for more than 49 years.

In ASSOA’s 1.3 million square-kilometre “classroom” students take part in online lessons with their classmates and then complete follow-up activities at home, with support from their home tutors (mostly parents).

“Feeling safe makes learning possible” – Sandra Reynolds

Closer to home, the Catholic school system in the Archdiocese of Sydney is educating more than 70,000 students, at different levels of learning, affluence and technological savvy.

“Sydney Catholic …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 4, 2020|

Why are the arts so important in school?

The importance of the arts in a well-rounded education is sometimes lost on parents. What they may not realise is that while their child is having fun singing, acting and dancing in the classroom, deep inside the unconscious of their minds something magical is happening.

“While taking part in a production or performance can bring its own pleasure, studying the arts can also unlock and develop many of the skills and abilities needed to succeed in life,” said Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) specialist in creative and performing arts, Eva Spata.

“Drama allows students to improve their confidence, explore their creativity, and build ways to retain information and learn about body control.”

SCS’ Eva Spata with award-winning acapella students at Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich.

“Learning about body control is also an important aspect in dancing, where the physicality and coordination of the medium builds students’ cognitive skills and expressions,” Ms Spata said.

“Every year at Sydney Catholic Schools, we see students develop truly awe-inspiring creative pieces, sometimes far beyond their years – and it is not just our artistically-gifted children who are reaping the benefits of artistic participation.

“Our Catholic Schools Performing Arts Program (CaSPA) is open to everyone, from Kindergarten to Year 12, giving students access to professional mentors who can nurture their talents and abilities and help them strive for excellence in their own lives at school and beyond.

“Our auditioned ensembles target students who are gifted and talented in singing, dancing, acting and songwriting, while our Let’s series allows all students to develop and pursue their passion for the performing arts.”

SCS’ student performers steal the spotlight. Photo: Kitty Beale.

SCS’ other performing arts offerings include: …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 3, 2020|

My child is struggling in school

If you are concerned that your child is falling behind at school, it is important to intervene early.

One of the most costly mistakes a parent can make in their child’s education, is to delay dealing with any potential problems. The NSW school curriculum is delivered via learning progressions, therefore falling too far behind can affect your child’s entire education.

Learning is foundational and, like building a home, if you do not build on the proper underpinnings the whole house could collapse.

‘Check in’ the moment they ‘check out’

It is hard to provide a complete checklist of warning signs that a child is falling behind, as every child is different. However, teachers commonly identify struggling children as the ones who withdraw from some or all subject areas.

Examples of this may include assignments not being attempted, class exercises left incomplete and homework largely ignored. A child may also misbehave to distract attention away from their learning difficulties.

A teacher helps a primary school student with her school work. Photo: Kitty Beale

Ask about their day

One of the best ways parents can determine their child’s weak subjects is to ask them about their day. If they are happy to talk about English and history in detail but refuse to discuss maths, then this may flag problems in that subject area.

This is the time for parents, in consultation with their school, to assess their child’s engagement and to see if they have developed the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to progress in the subject.

Clean and routine

Another key factor that may assist a student to maintain their academic performance is a clean environment and a structured routine. Routines can also play a part in helping anxious children cope with …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 3, 2020|

Get your child ready to start school

Sending your child to “big school” can be nerve-wracking, especially when it’s your first child taking that exciting step. But our experts say it doesn’t have to be.

Choosing the right start date for your child, ensuring they’re socially ready, preparing them to learn well and setting up the best possible routine for them from the very beginning, are all simple ways to make sure they shine in Kindergarten and beyond.

In NSW, kids can start Kindy at the start of the school year if they turn 5 on/before 31 July.

The right time to start

“Deciding the best age to send your child to school can be tricky,” said Sue Sinko, Sydney Catholic Schools’ early education expert and a former principal.

In NSW, kids can start Kindy at the beginning of the school year if they turn five on or before 31 July that year. By law, they must be in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday.

“The decision about when is the best time for your child to start school is an individual one,” Ms Sinko said.

“Starting school at six, instead of five, can give some children an extra year to mature and become more independent. For other children, it won’t be of great benefit.”

Sydney Catholic Schools’ early education expert, Sue Sinko. Photo: Kitty Beale

Ms Sinko recommends discussing the right time to start with people who know your child well and who understand the school system. This can include your child’s preschool educators.

“Deciding when your child should start school should not rest entirely on your child’s academic skills,” she said.

“Teachers say that academic skills are …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 3, 2020|

ABOUT AMADEUS

Our new leaders

A DIAMOND STUDDED CAREER

‘AS HUMANS, WE CRAVE SOCIAL INTERACTIONS’

SO, WHAT MAKES A ‘HEALTHY’ NEIGHBOURHOOD?

SUE FARROUKH, Marist College Eastwood

Active kids are smarter kids

If you are an animal lover with a penchant for teaching, Georgina Cairns has one of the most enviable jobs in the world.

My child is 5-8 years old. What should I look for when picking a book they will want to read? We asked Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Reading Recovery, Rosemary Peric.

What is the Arrowsmith Program?

Let’s send virtual apples to all our amazing teachers on World Teachers’ Day (Friday 30 October).

The right time to start

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our schools and offices now stand. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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