domenictrimboli01 | Sydney Catholic Schools

One school, 32 languages

St Joseph the Worker is continuing to set the bar for multiculturalism with the school this year boasting students from 32 nationalities, 99 of which speak a language other than English in their homes.

It’s a level of cultural diversity that would be impressive in any organisation, let alone in a primary school with just over 100 students in Auburn South, in Sydney’s west.

WE ARE ONE BUT WE ARE MANY

According to St Joseph the Worker Catholic Primary School Principal, Gai Melville, multiculturalism is something that has always been part of the fabric of the school.

“I think one of the things we like to do is just acknowledge that our families have travelled from distant lands to live in this country as one community,” Mrs Melville said.

“We all belong and we all bring different gifts and different abilities to the community, and together it makes us richer and stronger” – Gai Melville

“What people often say is you can feel the warmth in the welcome here; that it feels like a family,” Mrs Melville said.

CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES

One of the most important events in St Joseph the Worker’s school calendar is its annual Multicultural Day.

Traditionally held on a single day, this year’s weeklong celebration was held in the first week back after COVID lockdown.

It began with a multicultural prayer service. Students then took part in a range of activities, including sampling Ukrainian dancing, Italian music, French art and Ghanian crafts, among other things.

St Joseph the Worker Auburn South dressed in traditional clothes.

“It was a great chance for the school’s diversity to really come alive,” said teacher and head of the 2021 Multicultural Day Committee, Markian Stefanychyn.

“You see the colours and …

domenictrimboli01October 26, 2021|

Judges go wild for animal design

St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Belfield student Marcus Joukhador has won Taronga Zoo Sydney’s STEM Enrichment Design competition.

The competition required students to research, design and build an animal enrichment object for the zoo’s pygmy marmoset enclosure.

Taronga Zoo keepers, behavioural scientists and educators were among the judging panel who selected the Year 2 student’s design as the best of 70 entries submitted.

Excitingly, Marcus, his family and his entire class have now been invited to Taronga Zoo where they will get to see his design placed into the enclosure.

Marcus was hands-on during the construction process.

WILD WITH EXCITEMENT

Marcus said that being able to watch the pygmy marmosets enjoy his design first-hand will be a special experience.

“I don’t think I have any words for it – it will be a more than proud moment” – Marcus Joukhador

“I felt so excited because it was my first time entering a competition and to win it was awesome,” Marcus said.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

As part of the project, Marcus submitted a comprehensive seven-page document that analysed the pygmy marmoset’s habitat, diet, appearance and behaviour.

He described his findings from websites and videos, and was even inspired by watching his baby cousin interact with the different features on his sensory mat.

From his research, Marcus then sketched out his idea onto paper, making sure that his design ticked all the safety and construction requirements.

Marcus’s hanging board.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

Marcus’s final design was a timber hanging activity board that promotes and stimulates the physical and mental health of the pygmy marmoset.

It features sensory blocks, swinging doors, hidden mirrors, food skewers and even includes a natural wooden abacus.

Marcus was hands-on in building the board, helping to drill the attachments and sand down …

domenictrimboli01October 15, 2021|

Thrifty duo win Techgirls award

St Clare’s College Waverley students Suki Waddel and Olivia Zammit are set to take the world of fast fashion head on after their app, Thriftr, was named the winner of the 2021 Techgirls Competition.

The app – which helps users locate second-hand clothing in their area – took out the NSW Secondary School category and was also named the winner of the overall National Competition.

The competition is part of the Tech Girls Movement Foundation, an organisation that campaigns for a future where women will lead and innovate across STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.

It represents a fantastic achievement for the Year 9 duo, who were inspired to create the app after seeing the negative impacts that fast fashion is having on the environment, people and the fashion industry.

The app helps users locate sustainable fashion in their area

The start of something special

The pair, who spent three months coding and designing the app, said the idea for Thriftr first came about after participating in a Tech Girls workshop through school.

“Our STEM elective offers our class many activities and workshops that come from outside of the school,” Olivia said.

“One of these workshops was from Tech Girls, where we had to make a small idea to solve a global problem.”

Suki said that even after the workshop ended, “we were still really proud and interested in this app we had come up with.”

“When we had the opportunity to take it further, we both jumped at the chance” – Suki Wadel

For the good of the planet

Both fiercely passionate about the environment, the girls designed the app with the goal of targeting young adults and helping to foster a more positive attitude towards sustainability among their peers.

“As we …

domenictrimboli01October 11, 2021|

Building a greener future

Students at St Mary – St Joseph Catholic Primary School Maroubra are doing their part to make the world a better place after completing a self-guided project that saw them design and build a series of sustainable garden beds for their school.

Following a planning process, which involved using a CAD (Computer-aided design) program and a 3D printer, students used old and unwanted timber sourced from local businesses to make the garden beds.

The program was first born out of a brainstorming session among the students who then engaged in inquiry-based learning to help bring their concepts to life.

Students used a CAD program as part of the design process.

Once designs were sketched on paper, the students created a prototype using paddle pop sticks before learning how to use a CAD program to model their design which were then 3D printed to test for any design flaws.

Guided by STEM teacher, Mark Chaloner, the students then carefully constructed the garden beds which they will now fill with plants and herbs once school returns.

“We wanted to make the project as hands-on as possible to allow the students to learn through their experiences,” Mr Chaloner said.

The project aims

The project aimed to improve the school community’s attitude towards sustainability by combating five of the main environmental issues affecting our planet: climate change, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, and air and water pollution.

It also spoke to one of the school’s key improvement strategies which is to “Build whole school understanding of the general capabilities and global citizenship to empower students to live out the school motto of Strength and Gentleness and contribute to a more sustainable and ethical future.”

All hands on deck!

Importance of student ownership

Mr …

domenictrimboli01October 11, 2021|

St Felix talent draws a crowd

St Felix’s Catholic Primary School Bankstown have unearthed some budding young artists after its students participated in a unique art literacy program run by the State Library of NSW’s Multicultural Unit.

In partnership with the Sydney Catholic Schools Refugee Liaison Program, the State Library facilitated several workshops designed for EAL/D (English as an additional language/dialect), refugee and vulnerable students.

The students were treated to a special visit to the State Library as part of the program.

The workshops were overseen by the State Library’s Education Officer, Andrea Sturgeon.

They ran over two blocks, with guided drawing classes over Zoom in Term 1 and a series of online portraiture sessions in Term 3.

As part of the program, St Felix students also visited the State Library in Sydney, where they were treated to a tour of the library, morning tea and a private art lesson.

Together, the sessions aimed to build language development through art and expose students to new materials, techniques and concepts.

Keen from the get-go

Sylvia Braden, a teacher at St Felix, said the students really embraced the opportunities that the workshops presented to them.

“They were very eager to take part right from the start,” Mrs Braden said.

“The students were excited about using materials they had never used before, like oil pastel crayons and oil tip pens for example.

“There was an overwhelming response to each workshop, with more than 160 students attending each of the three portraiture sessions that were run in Term 3.”

A whole new palette

Mrs Braden said there was a big shift in confidence among the students who participated in the workshops.

“It really opened their minds and encouraged conversation and questioning” – Sylvia Braden

“The language that they were exposed to – language specific to art – was …

domenictrimboli01September 24, 2021|

St Joan of Arc farewell beloved ‘Lollipop Man’

St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School Haberfield have paid a touching tribute to a much-loved member of their community after the passing of pedestrian crossing controller, Joe Di Marti.

Mr Di Marti – who was the ‘Lollipop Man’ at the school’s Dalhousie Street crossing for 10 years – passed away on Sunday, 5 September, after a brave, long battle with illness.

Known for his love of Italian music, cars and his famous “Good morning sunshine” catchphrase, Mr Di Marti was a valued friend to many of the children and families at St Joan of Arc, as well as the local Haberfield community.

He would also attend Mass with the school, and would even join in by reading a Prayer of the Faithful or participating in the Offertory when asked.

One of their own

Mr Di Marti was laid to rest on Thursday, 9 September, and although funeral numbers were limited due to COVID-19, the students of St Joan of Arc still found a way to make their presence felt.

The students’ photos decorated the pews at Mr Di Marti’s funeral

In a lovely gesture that was featured on Seven News, the pews of St Joan of Arc were adorned with photos of the students who would have otherwise been there to farewell one of their own.

The photos had been decorated personally by each student, helping to give Mr Di Marti the colourful send-off he deserved.

Jacky Guardascione, Religious Education Coordinator at St Joan of Arc, said Mr Di Marti was a special member of the school community.

Mr Di Marti’s trademark wide-brimmed hat

“I just know that if there were no restrictions, the church would have been overflowing – he …

domenictrimboli01September 16, 2021|

Early birds are soaring high

Year 12 students at St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove are proving they haven’t let a pandemic slow them down, with more than half of the class of 2021 already receiving early entry uni offers.

One hundred and one of the 165 Year 12 students at the college have been invited to study at institutions across the country in 2022, including at Australia’s two leading Catholic universities, Australian Catholic University and The University of Notre Dame Australia.

Through early entry programs, school leavers can secure a place in courses prior to taking their final exams, based on criteria which can include their Year 11 results, extracurricular activity and personal circumstances.

With St Ursula’s having reported a similar amount of offers at this stage last year, it represents a fantastic achievement for students and teaching staff alike.

Tomorrow’s leaders

Mary Leask, Principal at St Ursula’s, said the college was exceptionally proud of how hard the students have worked.

“It’s uplifting and inspiring to know that these students have been empowered by their education to continue their learning journey and work towards their dream careers,” Mrs Leask said.

“It also gives the girls a great confidence boost and scope of choice of where to study.”

One hundred and one students have received early university offers so far, with that number expected to grow in the coming weeks.

Mrs Leask said the students deserve enormous credit for the way they have navigated the disruptions of what has been a challenging year.

“It’s a testament to their dedication and perseverance – not just this year, but throughout their years of education” – Mary Leask

“To already see so many of them about to take a big step towards their future and the goals they hope to …

domenictrimboli01September 14, 2021|

St Pat’s teen snares Paralympic bronze

St Patrick’s College Sutherland student Alex Tuckfield has swum into the history books after winning bronze in the Men’s 400m Freestyle S9 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

In what was his Paralympics debut, the 16-year-old recorded a personal best time of 4:13:54 to finish on the podium.

Tuckfield, one of Australia’s youngest athletes at the Games, edged out countryman Brenden Hall for the bronze while fellow Aussie and Tuckfield’s training partner, Martin William, claimed the gold medal.

The performance caps off a meteoric rise for the former St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Como student, who only began swimming at the age of 10.

Eyes on the prize

In the heats, the Year 11 student announced himself as a genuine medal chance when he swam the fastest qualifying time of 4:14:26, beating his previous personal best by 1.8 seconds.

In a competitive final that saw the Paralympic record fall, Tuckfield swam faster again to win bronze behind William and silver medallist Ugo Didier from France.

Tuckfield, who has cerebral palsy, also competed in the Men’s 50m Freestyle S9, finishing 7th in his heat.

The Sutherland Shire local said the Tokyo experience is one that he’ll never forget.

“I honestly didn’t think that I’d win a medal in my first event, at my first international meet, in my first international race,” Tuckfield said.

“I’d been training these past weeks the best I ever have been so I knew I could post something very good.”

“But still… I touch the wall, I turn around and I look at the board and I’m just shocked” – Alex Tuckfield

The St Pat’s student was one of Australia’s youngest athletes at the Games

Tuckfield says one of the most special things about his time in Japan …

domenictrimboli01September 6, 2021|

Creative spark catches Premier’s notice

When St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Belfield student Leonardo Smith decided to send his creative writing story to NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, he wasn’t expecting much of a response from one of the busiest people in the country.

Yet the Year 2 student was given a pleasant surprise when he received a personal handwritten note from the Premier herself.

“You are such a talented writer!” wrote the Premier. “When you publish your first book please make sure to send me a signed copy!”

The Premier’s handwritten note.

The path to getting noticed

As part of an assessment task on narrative writing, Leonardo had penned a heroic tale about a young girl named Gladys who overcomes a series of obstacles – inspired by the Olympics – to save her kingdom from despair.

Leonardo’s teacher, Emily McKay, said she was blown away by his creativity and thought it would be a great idea to send it to the Premier’s office.

“As I read the story, I thought the Premier would love to read this,” explained Miss McKay.

“I asked Leonardo if he’d like me to send it to her but he said, ‘No, I’ll do it!’”

An excerpt from Leonardo’s story.

Mum: ‘We honestly weren’t expecting a reply’

Leonardo’s mother, Laura Smith, said they were taken aback when the letter from the Premier arrived.

“We honestly weren’t expecting a reply at all so when she sent a kind, personalised letter in return Leonardo was very excited,” said Mrs Smith.

“He really loves school; he’s always trying to challenge himself and do his best.”

A deserved reward

Kim McCue, Principal at St Michael’s, said the letter was a deserved reward for Leonardo’s talents.

“We’re just so proud of him; this is an …

domenictrimboli01September 1, 2021|

Jaxson gets Schoolboys’ nod

Holy Cross College Ryde student Jaxson Rahme is set to follow a path tread by some of the biggest stars in rugby league after being named in the Australian Schoolboys 2021 Merit team.

The prop forward was rewarded for a stellar year with selection in the 17-man squad, which features some of the best young talent in the country.

Rahme, who was named NSW Combined Catholic Colleges under 18s most valuable player earlier this year, was also recently signed to NRL club South Sydney Rabbitohs’ development program.

It all points to a big future for the 17-year-old, who joins household names like Nathan Clearly and James Tedesco as players who have recently represented the Schoolboys side.

Rahme said being named in the squad was a proud achievement for himself and his family.

“Mum started crying! It was a big moment” – Jaxson Rahme

“It doesn’t matter how good you play, it’s about what the selectors are looking for, so I’m just happy that I’ve been able to fill that role,” Rhame said.

Rahme was named NSW Combined Catholic Colleges’ Under 18s most valuable player in 2021.

Coach White deserves a mention

Rahme credited the rugby league program at Holy Cross and his teacher and coach, Tim White, for helping him realise his ability.

“It’s helped me grow as a player,” Rhame said.

“They’re (Holy Cross) all about discipline, respect and loyalty.

“Mr White has taught me so much about the role that I need to play.”

Mr White, who was also named coach of the Schoolboys side, said he’s seen Rahme go from strength to strength in his time at Holy Cross.

“Jaxson is a player who sees things a play or two ahead and possesses the skill and size to make it work,” …

domenictrimboli01August 29, 2021|

About domenictrimboli01

One school, 32 languages

WE ARE ONE BUT WE ARE MANY

CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES

Judges go wild for animal design

WILD WITH EXCITEMENT

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

Thrifty duo win Techgirls award

The start of something special

For the good of the planet

Building a greener future

The project aims

Importance of student ownership

St Felix talent draws a crowd

Keen from the get-go

A whole new palette

St Joan of Arc farewell beloved ‘Lollipop Man’

One of their own

Early birds are soaring high

Tomorrow’s leaders

St Pat’s teen snares Paralympic bronze

Eyes on the prize

Creative spark catches Premier’s notice

The path to getting noticed

Mum: ‘We honestly weren’t expecting a reply’

A deserved reward

Jaxson gets Schoolboys’ nod

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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