SCS News (Featured) | Sydney Catholic Schools

SCS spotlight: meet our leaders

In the immortalised words of American Football coach Vince Lombardi: “Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.”

At Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), our educators and leaders are not just committed to excelling, but continually growing in their ability to guide and inspire. This means they can focus on what truly matters: ensuring all 73,000 of our students achieve a meaningful and faith-filled education.

We spoke with several leaders from across our system to shine a spotlight on what it means to be an effective educator, the art of teaching, the joy of inspiring, and the power of shaping young minds for a brighter future.

1) Diane Cowan – Principal at St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School Coogee

Diane has made her mark at SCS serving in various roles, including Coordinator, REC, Assistant Principal and currently as the Principal at St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School. As a proud former student of an SCS school, she carries forward the same Catholic values and experiences to her school today.

Backed by SCS’s solid professional development and a culture of collaboration, Diane thrives in an environment where continuous learning and a shared mission empower her to lead with purpose, all while staying true to the values at the heart of the school.

Diane is particularly proud of her role in developing professional learning plans for staff and witnessing their successful implementation in the classroom, ultimately reflected in student individualised achievements.

She’s also actively involved in the broader SCS community, serving as a leader in sports programs and the Catholic Education Foundation’s scholarship initiatives.

“We share a mission that is authentically Catholic, while striving for excellence with our students,” Diane said.

2) Joseph Lentini – Assistant Principal …

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auSeptember 19, 2024|

Four ways to nurture your child’s interest in the arts

Performing and visual arts present so many opportunities for students to experience, discover, experiment, and learn.

Here are four ways to nurture your child’s interest as they develop a passion for creativity – and the life skills and confidence that come with it.

Build their confidence

Whether their curiosity leans towards drama, art, music, dance, or other forms of creative expression, there is great value in helping children to embrace their natural talent.

Manager of Creative and Performing Arts at Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS), Danielle Fuller, has worked in the creative and performing arts industry for more than 30 years as an educator, director, musician, and performer.

Danielle said the best way to encourage a child who shows an interest in the arts is to encourage them to get involved in creative activities, giving them time and space to develop their confidence within their chosen activity.

“Children are innately curious and will enthusiastically engage in creative play if given the opportunity,” she said.

“It is through creative expression that a child’s emotional wellbeing is supported.” – Danielle Fuller

Lead with positivity

Communication and expression are two ways children react to what they see, hear and experience.

As they develop their thoughts, feelings and ideas it is important that they receive positive feedback from those around them.

“Praising them is important and enabling them to find the area that they feel most confident in is also important,” Mrs Fuller said.

“Parents can support this at home through positive language, listening and discussing the challenges.”

“One of the best times to encourage children to continue learning is at the times when they are unsure about their skills. Talent helps them to build resilience and …

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auNovember 27, 2023|

What to look for in a quality gifted education offering

A strong gifted education program can provide a range of opportunities for students whose natural abilities place them in the top 10 per cent of their peer group.

With so much information available in the gifted education space, identifying a gifted child can be challenging, and knowing how to support them can be even more difficult.

Here are guidelines to help you identify if a gifted education program is suitable for your child.

Is your child curious, creative, extremely focused on an area of interest?

Do they learn new ideas or skills quickly and easily, display a good memory, or enjoy thinking in complex ways?

If any of these qualities sound familiar to you, you may have a gifted or high-ability child on your hands.

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Manager: Curriculum and Innovation, Jacinta Russo explains that while there is no single measure of giftedness, it is common for gifted students to demonstrate reasoning abilities beyond their age.

“Signs of giftedness could include demonstrating advanced speech, reading, mathematical ability, advanced humour or logical reasoning ability at an early age,” said Ms Russo.

“A gifted child might show an ability to retain and recall detailed information, to think critically or philosophically well before their peers.” – Jacinta Russo

Various assessments can provide schools with additional information to consider alongside certain behaviours you might have observed in your child, helping in the recognition of gifted students.

Identification, differentiation, and extensive support

A high-quality gifted education program will accurately find your child’s strengths and adjust learning to develop their talents, as well as provide support in areas where they may need help.

“A strong gifted education program supports both the academic and social and emotional aspects of giftedness,” said

baden.parkerbrown@syd.catholic.edu.auNovember 27, 2023|

Sydney Catholic Schools and Sydney FC Establish Partnership

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) and Sydney Football Club (Sydney FC) are excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership aimed at fostering the development of young football talents and enhancing educational opportunities for students within the SCS system.

The partnership will see SCS and Sydney FC collaborate on a variety of initiatives aimed at supporting the growth and education of school-age football players.

Through the partnership, the two organisations will work together to identify and nurture talented young footballers within the SCS system, providing specialised development programs that focus on enhancing skills and potential.

SCS will work closely with Sydney FC to introduce football-related educational programs that align with the curriculum, offering students valuable insights into the sport’s technical, tactical, and strategic aspects.

SCS students will have unique opportunities to learn from professional football coaching staff through mentorship programs, helping students gain insights into the world of football and develop critical life skills.

The partnership will also see the introduction of a dedicated Sydney FC/SCS Game Development Officer whose sole objective will be to encourage students to be involved in football. Jamie Dib, an alumnus of Trinity Catholic College Auburn, has been appointed to the role.

The partnership reflects SCS and Sydney FC’s commitment to both academic excellence and sports development, creating a holistic learning experience for students, teachers, and families.

Declan Donohue, Manager of Sport at SCS, said the partnership will empower students both in and out of the classroom.

“We are extremely excited to see our students benefit from the unique opportunities that Sydney FC will provide,” Mr Donohue said.

“With Sydney FC’s help, we will be able to offer more support to students who have a passion and talent for football while also helping maintain a strong focus …

domenictrimboli01October 31, 2023|

Gallery: 2023 Clancy Prize

Some of Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) most inspiring visual arts talent was on full display at this year’s Clancy Religious Art Prize and Exhibition.

The opening night of the exhibition, held at the McGlade Gallery at the Australian Catholic University, saw the announcement of 19 individual and collaborative works winners, including the coveted Executive Director’s Award.

Tony Farley, Executive Director of SCS, selected Patrician Brothers College Fairfield Year 10 student Nelson Fasavalu’s stunning painting, Experienced, Encountered, Elevate, as this year’s award recipient. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE GALLERY OF WINNING ARTWORKS

The theme for this year’s Clancy Prize was ‘Pilgrimage, the inner and outer journey to seek transformation’, and invited students to reflect on the spiritual conversion that pilgrimage offers, and the way it can unlock, awaken and enrich our faith.

The Clancy Prize was first launched in 1999 by Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal Edward Clancy, who recognised the importance of religious art as a powerful force in the service of humanity.

Today, it’s open to all of Sydney Catholic Schools’ secondary students, offering them a chance to celebrate their connection to God and the Catholic tradition and to showcase their extraordinary talents in the visual arts. STUDENT LEADERS HONOURED AT ARCHBISHOP AWARDS

domenictrimboli01September 19, 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|

HSC 2022: The results are in

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) has achieved outstanding results in the 2022 HSC with nine of its 33 schools ranked among the top 100 high schools in NSW.

A total of 17 schools ranked among the top 150 high schools, underlining SCS’s position as one of the top performing systems in Australia.

SCS recorded an impressive 2630 Distinguished Achievers, 66 Top Achievers and 58 All Rounders.

Notably, nine SCS students also received HSC First in Course honours.

“We are extremely proud of the Class of 2022, who have displayed incredible resilience and commitment throughout their senior years of education,” SCS Director of Education and Research, Dr Kate O’Brien, said.

“These results are a testament to our students’ hard work and fortitude, together with the unfaltering support of their families, teachers and school leaders” – Dr Kate O’Brien

SCS Executive Director, Tony Farley, said the results were reflective of students’ unwavering pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.

“It’s been inspiring to see the way our students have applied themselves not only in the lead up to their HSC exams but also during what has proven to be a challenging three years,” Mr Farley said.

“Academic excellence is one of the cornerstones of our mission of Catholic education and the results of 2022 affirm that our schools will continue to be places where our students are among the top performers in the state.” – Tony Farley

“Congratulations to the class of 2022 – we can’t wait to see what heights you’ll soar to next.”

2022 HSC Sydney Catholic Schools Highlights

– Nine schools ranked in the top 100 high schools in NSW and 17 schools ranked in …

domenictrimboli01December 15, 2022|

Eisteddfod 2022: The results are in…

Over the past six weeks, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) has showcased the amazing talents of its performing arts students at SCS’ second annual Eisteddfod. Today on World Music Day (21 June) we announce the winners.

During the 2022 festival more than 1,229 entries from 116 schools competed in over 53 solo and ensemble events in Instrumental, Drama, Dance and Vocal.

Now the ensemble winners are preparing to dazzle audiences at SCS’ first ever Eisteddfod Showcase on 23-24 June.

“We have been so impressed by the number of entries wowing our audiences at every event,” said Eva Spata, SCS’ supervisor in the creative and performing arts.

“I can’t wait to see what next year brings!” – Eva Spata

This year’s Eisteddfod entrants were judged by an array of internationally renowned luminaries including Opera Australia’s Simon Kenway.

A highly respected orchestral/operatic conductor, music educator and accompanist, Kenway was the Musical Director for the first working draft of Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed musical romance, Moulin Rouge.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

Click below for the full list of 2022 SCS Eisteddfod place-getters. EISTEDDFOD RESULTS 2022

The highest scoring school across all events will be crowned at the inaugural Eisteddfod Showcase. Watch this space to find out who has won the 2022 perpetual trophy!

ABOUT THE SHOWCASE

The 2022 Eisteddfod Showcase will be held over two days – Thursday 23 June and Friday 24 June – from 7pm to 9.30pm at Southern Cross Catholic College, 17 Comer Street, Burwood.

Day 1 will feature the first place winners in: Rock Bands, Contemporary Music Ensembles, Drama Groups, Dance Groups and Large Choral …

AdminJune 21, 2022|

St Vincent’s College Ashfield announced

St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, Bethlehem College and De La Salle College are amalgamating to form new K-12 co-ed school St Vincent’s College Ashfield.

domenictrimboli01June 10, 2022|

VIDEO: Stations of the Passionate and Faith Filled

St Paul of the Cross Primary School Dulwich Hill opened their gates to the community for the launch of Stations of the Passionate and Faith Filled.

The outdoor exhibition features 17 stunning depictions of the Stations of the Cross, by talented Sydney Catholic Schools staff, captured in the video above.

domenictrimboli01April 10, 2022|

2021 HSC Virtual Showcase: Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) celebrates the final selection of students who have been included in the 2021 HSC Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts Showcases.

Following a rigorous selection process by an experienced panel, 72 students were selected in the showcases after demonstrating outstanding talent in creative and performing arts. Click here to view the showcase selection list

These students were selected from 173 nominations submitted by schools for exemplary work in their practical components of the HSC courses.

The HSC Creative & Performing Arts Showcases provide a professional platform to celebrate exemplary students of Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Arts while also serving as a benchmark of excellence for younger emerging talent.

Although the showcases were planned to be unveiled in a series of in-person events, COVID disruptions mean that this year they will be presented virtually.

https://vimeo.com/694170049/21d437958f Click here to view the performing arts program Click here to view the Visual Arts Showcase Click here to view the visual arts program

Eva Spata, Supervisor: Creative & Performing Arts at SCS, praised the cohort for producing some exceptional artistic pieces in what was a difficult year for students.

“Congratulations to the students who have been included in the showcases as well as those who were nominated by their schools,” Ms Spata said.

“This has been a challenging time for all students, particularly those completing the HSC but we were extremely impressed with what our students submitted” – Eva Spata

“The showcases are a wonderful way to celebrate their tenacity, commitment and talent,” Ms Spata added.

domenictrimboli01March 31, 2022|

Results and Photos: SCS Swimming Championships 2022

An unprecedented 938 students from 123 schools lit up the pool at the Sydney Catholic Schools Swimming Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre in Homebush on Tuesday 15 March 2022.

In what was a Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) first, students from both primary and secondary schools competed on the same day.

The morning saw 390 students from 85 schools compete across 140 races, while the afternoon and evening session involved 548 students from 38 high schools competing across 100 races.

The Championships also featured an unprecedented level of multi-class athletes, with 18 students swimming in both primary and secondary events. View Primary results here View secondary results here

LEADING THE WAY

The day was a chance for some of the best young swimmers in Sydney to show their potential and they certainly didn’t disappoint with a number of SCS records tumbling. Brother-sister duo Ella and Max from St Therese Catholic Primary School Mascot dominated in the primary session, with the pair breaking two records each on their way to both being crowned Age Champions.

10-year-old Ella broke records in the 50m freestyle and the 50m backstroke, while 12-year-old Max set new benchmarks in the 50m freestyle and the 200m individual medley.

Standouts in the secondary session included 14-year-old St Mary’s Cathedral College student Victor Strokin winning an incredible 10 races, and 16-year-old Payne Nell from St John Bosco College Engadine who came out on top in seven races.

Please note: all podium photos will be distributed by schools.

THE ROAD AHEAD

It’s a quick turnaround for qualifying swimmers who will now move on to compete at the Catholic Schools NSW Championships on Tuesday 22 March 2022.

For primary students, a NSW …

domenictrimboli01March 18, 2022|

Online exhibition: 2022 Portrait Prize

The winning artists of Sydney Catholic Schools’ inaugural Portrait Prize have been announced and will now have their work displayed at the Art Gallery of NSW.

The four inaugural Portrait Prize winners are:

5-8 year-olds – Grace MacFarlane – St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Sutherland
9-12 year-olds – Sofia Pirrello – St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Oatley
13-15 year-olds – Tatum O’Connor – Mount St Joseph College, Milperra
16-18 year-olds – Silaar Gorbthum – Freeman Catholic College, Bonnyrigg

The Portrait Prize attracted a strong field of 211 entries from talented young artists in Kindergarten through to Year 12.

The annual Portrait Prize gives students the chance to recognise and appreciate someone well-known to them and who plays a significant role in their life by paying them one of the highest compliments – painting or drawing their portrait.

The theme for the inaugural Portrait Prize was: Me, You, Us.

Dr Kate O’Brien, Director of Education and Research at Sydney Catholic Schools, said there was an extremely high level of artistic talent among the entries.

“We were incredibly excited to see what artworks our students were going to produce and we certainly were not disappointed,” Dr O’Brien said.

“Congratulations to our four inaugural winners on a fantastic achievement – they will now represent Sydney Catholic Schools in the Young Archie competition, which is run by the Art Gallery of NSW.”

“The Portrait Prize is aligned with syllabus outcomes, and learning modules have been developed to be used remotely or face-to-face to help inform student learning,” Dr O’Brien added.

Each year entrants’ works will be exhibited in a virtual gallery on the Sydney Catholic Schools’ website, and prizes …

domenictrimboli01March 16, 2022|

History made at SCS Swimming Championships

Nearly 1,000 students from 123 schools have been making a splash at this year’s Sydney Catholic Schools Swimming Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre in Homebush on Tuesday.

In what is a Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) first, students from both primary and secondary schools are competing on the same day, with students from Year 3 to Year 12 taking to the pool.

The morning saw 390 students from 85 schools compete across 140 races, while the afternoon and evening session will see 548 students from 38 high schools competing across 100 races.

The Championships will also feature an unprecedented number of multi-class athletes, with 18 students swimming in both primary and secondary events.

Swimmers are competing for a chance to qualify for the Catholic Schools NSW Championships.

Sean Mullaly, Specialist: Pre to Post Sport at SCS, said it was one of the most exciting days on the school sporting calendar.

“Having our primary and secondary students compete on the same day is something we’ve been looking forward to for quite a while now,” Mr Mullaly said.

“To have it all come together, in a fantastic venue like Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, is really special.

“You can certainly see the excitement among the students and there’s been a real buzz around the arena so far,” Mr Mullaly added.

Sport at Sydney Catholic Schools

“Sydney Catholic Schools is proud to provide our students with the opportunity to …

AdminMarch 15, 2022|

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|

Clancy student scoops design gong

Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton student Ava Eden has been named the winner of the 2020 Technology Education Challenge (TECx) – the largest online design challenge for students studying technology education in Australia.

The challenge required students to submit a concept that would help solve one of the complex and critical world problems highlighted by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Ava’s innovative water distribution system concept – which assists in solving issues relating to water availability during periods of drought in Australia – was deemed the winner after receiving the most votes.

The Year 8 student also received her very own brand-new 3D printer for taking out first place.

Doing it for the country

Ava’s concept featured a design for a mechanism that would capture rainwater in areas of Australia that experience high rainfall and would then redistribute that water to drought-affected areas of the country.

Ava said her idea was prompted by the need for Australians to act on climate issues which could soon become irreversible.

“Australia has been going through so many natural disasters in the last few years including drought and the bushfires, and I saw how much this has impacted the environment and the wildlife,” Ava said.

“I really wanted to think of an idea that could reduce this impact and help this problem.”

“The system I developed was a way I could help to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts here in Australia” – Ava Eden

A knack for design

Ava, who is part of the Newman Selective Gifted Education Program in her school, spent months conceptualising …

domenictrimboli01November 15, 2021|

Pulitzer prizes, national firsts: Meet Bethlehem’s trailblazers

The 2021 International Day of the Girl Child – on Monday, 11 October – marks five years since the United Nations’ Gender Equality Forum called for governments, corporations and change-makers around the globe to make bolder moves towards gender equality.

It is also a perfect time to shine a light on the many women leaders who have called Bethlehem College Ashfield their school since it opened 140 years ago.

The college’s alumni are trailblazers in education, medicine, law and the arts.

“From the moment you walk through the doors and engage with the staff and students, it is obvious that this is a unique and exceptional place” – Principal Ann Freeman

A PROUD HISTORY

Rosina Burns, a graduate of the class of 1900, was the first woman in Australia to gain a Masters degree in education, completing her studies in 1928.

By the 1940s, fellow alumni Barbra Kearns had become the first woman to graduate from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music as a Professor of Music. She is also believed to be the first Catholic woman to join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

The 2006 Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks was equally lauded in her earlier journalism career. She received the Overseas Press Club Award for best coverage of the Gulf War with her husband Tony Horwitz.

That same year, fellow alumni Justice Deirdre O’Connor became the first woman appointed to the Federal Court of Australia. She was also the first woman to be appointed full-time to the NSW Law Reform Commission.

REMEMBERING HER DAYS IN THE OLD SCHOOL YARD

Former Bethlehem student Rachel Neeson, …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauOctober 11, 2021|