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Sydney Catholic Schools

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So far Isabell Petrinic has created 166 blog entries.

Joëlle L’Aiguille: Our Youth Ministry Coordinator

Meet Joëlle L’Aiguille, the 2022 Youth Ministry Coordinator at Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wakeley.

French and Religious Education (RE) teacher, Joëlle L’Aiguille, joined Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wakeley a year ago.

She was formally inducted as a Youth Ministry Coordinator of Sydney Catholic Schools during an Archdiocesan meeting held earlier this year. 

JOELLE’S FAITH JOURNEY

Joëlle has been a teacher for 16 years, and was heavily involved in youth ministry in her local parish in Mauritius before arriving in Australia. 

This, coupled with her RE teaching experience, stood her in good stead for her new role as a Youth Ministry Coordinator.

“I think youth ministry made me the teacher, human being and Catholic that I am today” – Joëlle L’Aiguille

Wooden rosary beads and a Bible

Joëlle said she was drawn to teaching because she believed she could “really have an impact” on her students.

She attended World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany, in 2005 in her first year of teaching. It was an experience that “really changed” her life.

“Youth ministry has really helped me develop my relationship with Jesus but also to want to bring Jesus to the world and to be more involved in my parish, more involved in my community,” Joëlle added.

“I’m really lucky to be in a school where people are into their faith” – Joëlle L’Aiguille 

“It’s important to be genuine with them (the students) and to show that you care for them and to bring them along on the journey, to help them to have a personal relationship with Jesus,” Joëlle said.

“Further to that, you need to yourself be a disciple and have a true relationship with Jesus yourself.” …

October 25, 2022|
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Hedge your bets for career success

Studying at Southern Cross Catholic College has allowed Year 12 student Demetrius Thalasselis the freedom to hedge his career bets.

Demetrius is studying for a Certificate II in Construction, Baking and Hospitality all at the same time.

“My dad is a painter and I like to eat,” Demetrius said with a laugh. 

He said during “Hospo”, which is his name for Hospitality, he can “be in my own zone, listen to music and dance a bit, and let my food do the talking.”

Innovation and Enterprise

The College’s Innovation and Enterprise pathway has a special focus on employability through a wide range of career pathways, traineeships and apprenticeships.

Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood student Demetrius Thalasselis in the colleg's hospitality and baking facilities

Students are offered the opportunity to complete their HSC along with dual nationally accredited Certificates II or III, in addition to completing the first stage of an apprenticeship or full traineeship by the end of Year 12 across a range of courses.

“You wake up at four or five (in the morning), you drive the distance,” said Demetrius, who is a fierce advocate for “doing what you love” and “doing it with your passion.”

This is why he is “okay with the hours” because he understands it’s part and parcel of achieving his career goals. 

Ignite your child’s passions

If, like Demetrius, your child is looking to ignite several of their passions, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood may be their ticket to success.

Southern Cross provides practical hands-on career pathways to full-time and part-time students from Years 9 to 12 in:

  • Business and …
October 25, 2022|
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WriteOn 2022: Creativity spells success for budding student author

A story about an un-fun fair has secured a Sydney Catholic school student a win in the 2022 WriteOn Competition.

Holy Innocents’ Catholic Primary School student Samuel Phillips has been named a winner in the WriteOn competition for the second straight year, this time winning gold. Last year he won silver. 

WriteOn 2022 winner Samuel from Sydney Catholic SchoolsBuoyed by his win, the school has now established an “Author’s Corner” in the school library where children who love to read and write can get together to share and discuss their ideas, projects and the latest books they’ve read.

“I wanted to get gold, so I tried again and I won!” – Samuel Phillips

Samuel’s gold medal-winning story will be included in the best of WriteOn 2022 anthology. 

An annual competition of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), in conjunction with the State Library of NSW, WriteOn asks students in Years 1 to 6 to write a 500-word creative piece based on an image.

The write stuff

A photo of a fairground games stall (pictured above) was the inspiration for Samuel’s 2022 entry.

“I wrote about an un-fun fair,” Samuel, a Stage 2 student at Holy Innocents, explained.

WriteOn 2022 winner Samuel from Sydney Catholic Schools“There are seven kids and they go to a fun fair, where they all get picked off one by one.

“They then defeat the evil wizard, Zoron, and their friends come back.” 

Samuel accepted his award at the State Library from the NSW Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell, on 12 September.

Deborah Bestulic, Principal of Holy Innocents’ Catholic Primary School, couldn’t …

October 11, 2022|
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Pursue a career caring for others

Studying at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood has allowed Macey Danger to pursue a career that involves caring for others while still at school.

Macey is completing a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care), and dreams of completing a Diploma of Health at TAFE post school.

Although she is in the final leg of her Year 12 journey, Macey has already been given the chance to show her capabilities as a nurse both at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney and at an Estia Health aged care home.

Southern Cross Burwood Health Services Assistance student Macey Danger treats Frank the dummy Macey Danger ‘treats’ Frank the dummy. Photo: David Swift

“In addition to our coursework, for our practical component we do placements in a hospital and a community placement,” Macey said.

She felt nursing was, undoubtedly, her calling in life. She sees patients at their absolute lowest and has the privilege of caring for them. “I love it,” she said.

“I help the patient with hygiene, feeding, dressing,” Macey added.

She said that her desire to become a nurse began during visits to her grandparents in hospital. 

“I saw that and it encouraged me to want to help,” she said.

“I didn’t realise till then that I was so empathetic. I recommend the course, 100 percent!”

Innovation and Enterprise

Southern Cross provides practical hands-on career pathways to full-time and part-time students from Years 9 to 12 in:

  • Acting aspirant Sebastian Youseff playing on his guitar Acting aspirant Sebastian Youseff has chosen a Performing Arts pathway at Southern Cross …

October 4, 2022|
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Student STEM MAD initiatives take out national awards

A digital weather data and water conservation system was among six outstanding Sydney Catholic Schools projects to pick up awards at the 2022 STEM MAD Nationals.

Our award-winning schools were St Clare’s College Waverley, St Kevin’s Catholic Primary School Eastwood, Good Shepherd Catholic Primary Hoxton Park, Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton, and St Aloysius Catholic Primary School Cronulla.

St Aloysius Cronulla picked up two major awards – the STEM MAD National Award (Primary) and Best Application of Maths in Context Award (Primary) – for their digital innovative weather data and water conservation system.

The project team consists of Year 6 students Flynn Coady and Kate Middlemiss and Year 5 students Isla Whitford and Patrick Hughes.

Over the past five years the budding entrepreneurs have worked with their local council, industry experts and Sydney Water to develop a solution to prevent high salinity levels from impacting local playing fields and golf courses.

Their research included connecting via Skype with a meteorologist in the University of Oklahoma.

‘OUR STUDENTS MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE’

“This project has developed over a number of years and each year the students display greater skill and understanding in developing clever solutions that ensure water use efficiency and sustainability,” Elizabeth Ovens, Principal of St Aloysius Cronulla, said.

“We believe our students make a real difference as we are working with industry professionals on real problems involving recycled water use in our local area, using our STEM skills.”

MORE MAJOR AWARD WINNERS

St Clare’s College Waverley Year 9 student Marianna Quintero Zuniga picked up the Best Integration of Technology Award (Secondary) for her pop up learning pod project.

Major award sponsors, SEAM (Social Enterprise Asset Management), gave their award ‘STEM for …

October 3, 2022|
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Maria Romerosa: Our Youth Ministry Coordinator

Meet Maria Romerosa, the 2022 Youth Ministry Coordinator at Corpus Christi College Maroubra.

An English teacher at Corpus Christi College, Maria Romerosa, was formally inducted as a Youth Ministry Coordinator of Sydney Catholic Schools during an Archdiocesan meeting held earlier this year. 

The meeting, at Waterview, Bicentennial Park, involved secondary Religious Education Coordinators (RECs) and Youth Ministry Coordinators.

MARIA’S FAITH JOURNEY

A strong Catholic, Maria had worked as a teacher in the state system for 13 years before joining Sydney Catholic Schools in 2022.

She says she jumped at the opportunity to be a Youth Ministry Coordinator when told of the position by Corpus Christi’s Principal. 

“For me it’s coming back full circle,” Maria said. “Having that strong connection to my faith and wanting to bring that to the students and having them experience (that).”

SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY

Traditionally, there is a Youth Ministry Coordinator (YMC) in every Archdiocesan secondary school.

A BibleYMCs are teachers within their school who’ve been appointed to their positions of leadership. They work with the schools’ RECs and other staff to engage students in faith-filled activities within the school.

These school based activities may include:

  • Organising and leading prayer opportunities in classes and in the school
  • Developing opportunities for students to use their gifts and talents in Music Ministry or to become Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
  • Supporting Catechists to teach state school students how to pray with Christ
  • Supporting Deanery Youth Groups across the Archdiocese of Sydney
  • Supporting the catechumenal journey – or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults …
September 27, 2022|
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An open letter to the graduating class of 2022

There are significant moments in every person’s life and finishing school is definitely one of them.

Your 13-year journey from being a five-year-old Kindergarten student to leaving school is an epic voyage of personal growth and change.

Each and every student finishing school this year has their own story to tell – of sadness and joy, triumphs and failures, of moments of wonder and times of doubt.

The stories of our Year 12 students are too numerous to count, yet what each of you has in common is that you have arrived at the very same point in your lives – as school leavers ready to take on the world.

I sincerely hope your Catholic education has left you understanding that God’s love for you is infinite and eternal.

I pray that in life’s many twists and turns you always see the light in your own heart and the goodness that exists in those around you.

I pray that you seek the truth in your life and find the strength to stand up for what is right and good even when others are reluctant to do so.

And I pray that you see that in loving and giving you will live a life that is filled with blessings that will live on for generations to come.

Congratulations, good luck and God Bless.

Tony Farley
Executive Director
Sydney Catholic Schools

September 21, 2022|
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Nurture your child’s inner performer

Sebastian Youseff dreams of being a famous actor.

There are loads of course pathways he could have followed to land his dream career.

With the hope of one day establishing a career as an actor, he chose a Performing Arts ATAR pathway at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood.

Acting aspirant Sebastian Youseff playing his guitar

Sebastian (pictured right) said he loved that the College allowed him to tap into his creative side.

“I want to go to NYU Tisch School of the Arts,” Sebastian explained. “If not Tisch, then NIDA or WAAPA (the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts).”

As a first step he is undertaking senior Stage 6 Drama and to complement his passion for the Performing Arts he is also about to complete a Certificate III in Screen and Media at Southern Cross, Sydney Catholic Schools’ only specialist performing arts college.

His passion for acting was sparked two years ago when he watched ‘The Lighthouse’.

“I thought that was great and joined The Art Umbrella (School of Performing Arts),” Sebastian, who is now in Year 11, said.

“There’s nothing better than doing a good performance, and people saying you were great!”

The journey to stardom

Southern Cross is now holding auditions for its 2023 Performing Arts stream. 

Located in the inner-west of Sydney, Southern Cross is offering full-time and part-time enrolments in Years 9 to Year 12 as part of its “Ignite Your Passion” initiative.

“The Performing Arts stream provides a specialist pathway for gifted and talented students with experience in, and …

September 20, 2022|
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10:10 Project Conference draws crowd of 700

The inaugural 10:10 Project Conference drew a huge crowd of more than 700 students and staff to Bicentennial Park.

Titled Life to the Full, the conference focused on the importance of making positive life choices and not feeling pressured to conform to society’s expectations. 

Archbishop Anthony Fisher at the inaugural 10:10 Project Conference in Bicentennial Park

Attendees heard from Archbishop Anthony Fisher; Melinda Tankard Reist (author, speaker, media commentator, blogger and advocate for women and girls); Sister Cecilia Joseph (a Sydney-based Dominican Sister of St Cecilia); Paul Pham (a youth minister at the Parish of Baulkham Hills); and Tomasz Juszczak (the Director of Evangelisation for the Diocese of Broken Bay).

“The 10:10 Project addresses the sacred, the emotional and the controversial, with the courage to address these topics in a non-threatening way,” Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP said.

Students walked away from the conference feeling energised and inspired to improve their lives and put into practice what they had heard.

“I am so proud of them,” Archbishop Fisher said.

Jacob Gerolimatos, from Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield, said the 10:10 Project had given him “a deeper understanding of manhood and about being a better person for myself and for others.” 

“The wonderful thing about the 10:10 Project is it gives young people a nobler, richer and more expansive view of themselves and what they can do, and knowing and loving Christ is key to that” – Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP

About the 10:10 Project

Launched in 2020 as a pilot involving three schools, the 10:10 Project is now offered in …

September 14, 2022|
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New education precinct announced for the Shire

Sydney Catholic Schools has unveiled its plans for a cutting-edge new education precinct in the Shire’s beachside suburbs.

Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Tony Farley, said the new education precinct will transform three existing college campuses into Year 7-12 single-sex and co-educational contemporary learning environments.

“This is a defining moment in the combined histories of De La Salle Cronulla, De La Salle Caringbah and Our Lady of Mercy Burraneer, as we reimagine this part of the Shire and transform it into a world-class precinct,” Mr Farley said.

Sydney Catholic Schools' principals Peter Buxton (left), Leonie Pearce and Stephen Mahoney at Gunnamatta Bay, NSW The three precinct schools will retain their current leaders – Peter Buxton (left), Leonie Pearce and Stephen Mahoney – to usher in the new era of collaboration.

Increased connectivity between campuses

“This will be the only Catholic education precinct within the Shire’s beating heart, on the boundary of the beautiful Gunnamatta Bay, with expanded student offerings at each school site and increased connectivity between the three campuses,” Mr Farley said.

“For example, new subject offerings linked to Gunnamatta Bay, such as Marine Science, Marine Biology and Aquaculture; sporting competitions, in rowing, sailing and rugby; creative and performing arts programs; and social outreach initiatives.”

A precinct of vast opportunity and choice

“This will be a precinct of vast opportunity and choice as De La Salle Cronulla, Our Lady of Mercy Burraneer and De La Salle Caringbah expand into Year 7 to 12 colleges from 2024, providing a smooth transition for students as they move through to the senior years of schooling,” Mr Farley said.

“Expanding De La Salle …

September 13, 2022|
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Free talk: Melinda Tankard-Reist

Free to parents, register now to hear from high-profile author and media commentator Melinda Tankard-Reist.

Melinda Tankard Reist will present ‘Too Much Too Soon: Why it’s important that we talk to our children about porn’ for one night only at Canterbury Leagues Club this Monday, 12 September.

This free talk is an event of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Mission and Identity Directorate. It is from 7pm-9pm and refreshments will be provided. Click on the button below to register. REGISTER NOW!

About the Talk

Drawing on current global literature, along with the experiences of young people, Melinda will explore how the proliferation of sexualised images and messages contributes to a distorted view of bodies, relationships and sexuality in young people, hampering their healthy physical, emotional and social development. 

She will provide practical tips on how we can address this toxic culture and raise happy, healthy and resilient young people who value their dignity and self-worth and aspire to relationships based on respect and authentic connection.

“Don’t miss this event!” said Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Church Engagement, Elsa Manu. “It will be the best thing you’ll ever do for your child.” 

About the Presenter

Melinda (pictured right) is best known for her work addressing sexualisation, objectification, harms of pornography, sexual exploitation, trafficking and violence against women. 

Melinda Tankard-Reist

She is the author/editor of seven books including her latest release, ‘He Chose Porn Over Me: Women Harmed By Men Who Use Porn’. 

Melinda has appeared on ABC’s Q&A and The Gruen Sessions, TV and radio, and has been named in the World Who’s Who of Women.

She is co-founder and movement director of grassroots campaign,

September 9, 2022|
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Trio honoured with NSW Youth Community Service Awards

Three Sydney Catholic Schools students have been recognised for their exceptional community service in the 2022 NSW Youth Community Service Awards.

Kardina Batti, Aimee Blackmore and Neethu Siril were among 26 recipients from across NSW recognised at a ceremony at Government House on Friday, 2 September.

Recipients of the 2022 Youth Community Service Award Recipients of the 2022 Youth Community Service Award.

The students from Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wakeley, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington and Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights, respectively, were presented with a trophy and certificate of commendation by The Honourable Andrew Bell, Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court.

“None of the students sought recognition for their actions, but we honour them with the highest recognition available to NSW high school students” – Order of Australia Association NSW Branch Chairman, Jim Mein AM

Gilda Pussich, Principal of Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wakeley, praised Kardina’s pure, generous nature.

“Mary MacKillop once said ‘Let us try to keep God with us by charity of thought, word and act’. Kardina, who is a caring, compassionate and selfless young woman, lives by these words,” Ms Pussich said.

A modest Kardina said: “This award isn’t only mine, it is for all of us because if my loved ones and those in need were not here, who would I have done all of this for?”

“I work on improving our community in most of my free times” – Kardina Batti

About the Award

The annual award of the Order of Australia Association (NSW) Branch is given to students across NSW who are exemplary community role models.

Principals from 1,017 secondary schools nominated one Year 11 or 12 student each for the Youth Community Service Award in …

September 7, 2022|
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Pope Francis Award expands into secondary school

Sydney Catholic Schools’ unique faith-based service program Pope Francis Award has, for the first time, expanded into secondary schools.

Pope Francis Award is a way our Year 6 students can earn an award by volunteering their time before and after school to complete community service. 

When Sydney Catholic Schools initiated this program in 2017, only 17 schools participated in the pilot program and 220 students graduated. 

Today, 105 primary schools across the Archdiocese of Sydney deliver this program, supporting students to develop mindsets of ‘giving back’ while contributing to their own success by developing new experiences that will aid them in the long run. 

Plus, for the first time, the program has been expanded to include Year 7 students from the following five secondary schools: 

“I love that it’s growing so much,” Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Church Engagement, Cheryl Fernandez, said.

From small beginnings

A Sydney Catholic Schools’ alumni, Ms Fernandez has overseen the system’s Pope Francis Award program since its inception.

So, she was elated to share that the program would be offered to every Year 7 student in all 33 of our Sydney Catholic secondary schools from 2023.

“It was always the dream to go into secondary school … there’s a need to connect the students with parish and to encourage the students to do service,” Ms Fernandez said.

Our Graduates

2017: 222 students

September 5, 2022|
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Preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs

Students can gain future ready skills training at Sydney Catholic College Southern Cross, in readiness for the jobs of tomorrow. And they needn’t wait till school has ended to land that dream job! 

Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood students using hammers on a wooden structure On the tools: Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood students learning trade skills.

Whether your child is looking to ply a trade, tread the boards –  or both –  Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood provides pathways for students to get a foot in the door of their dream job before they graduate.

Holly Fawcett-Powles, the Head of Innovation and Enterprise at the College, said Southern Cross provides practical hands-on career pathways to full-time and part-time students from Years 9 to 12 in:

  • Business and Finance: Business Services; Information and Digital Technology; and Retail Services.
  • Community and Services: Baking; Beauty Services; Early Childhood Education and Care; Education Support; Hairdressing (Salon Assistant); Human Services (Allied Health); Human Services (Acute Care); and Hospitality.
  • Creative Industries: Community Dance, Theatre and Events; Entertainment Industry; Events; Music Industry; and Screen and Media.
  • Technical Trades: Automotive; Construction (Pathways); and Furniture Making.
How are students prepared for the workforce?

Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood has forged partnerships with enterprise teams to provide pathways for further education and employment for all its students.

Caitlin Hardiman is studying a Certificate III in Education Support at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood Caitlin Hardiman is currently studying a Certificate III in Education Support. Photo: David Swift

September 1, 2022|
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Pat’s break 30-year Grand Final drought in NRL Schoolboy Cup

Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield pulled off a fairytale ending in the Peter Mulholland Cup (NSW/VIC/ACT) competition, defeating The Hills Sports High 20-16 in Wednesday’s grand final.

Their army of fans included an elated Tony Farley, the Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools.

Patrician Brothers' Fairfield celebrate their NRL Schoolboy Cup win Pat’s players celebrate their win. Photo: Suresh Prasad

“Down 16-0 early in the second half, the Pats team put on a guts and glory display that saw them surge home with minutes to go and win the title against the toughest of teams,” Mr Farley said.

“It was great to be there and congratulations to the legendary Pat’s team, their coaching staff and supporters who made it such a memorable day.”

“What an epic comeback from the Patrician Brothers Fairfield team!” – Tony Farley 

Long road to victory

Pat’s last won the premiership trophy in 1992, defeating Harristown State High School Toowoomba by just one point, entering the 2022 Peter Mulholland Cup (NSW/VIC/ACT) grand final fresh off the back of a nail-biting 19-18 win against their Fairfield archfoe Westfield Sports High School.

Fans cheer on the players during the 2022 Peter Mulholland Cup Grand Final at Leichhardt OvalThey scored all of their tries in the second half of the grand final to pull off a dramatic, emotional victory against The Hills Sports High School. 

“All year we have been the underdogs, [coming] into the grand final as the one percenters,” remarked Player of the Match, Patrician Brothers’ second-row lock Joshua Alhazim.

“Without God’s blessing and the opportunity of attending such a great school we wouldn’t have won.” 

“Everything we have done over the last two years has …

September 1, 2022|
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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. 

Amadeus Music Education Program students Olivia and Serena from St John Vianney Catholic Primary School Greenacre

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 …

August 22, 2022|
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New St Mary’s Cathedral College Principal announced

Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP has announced Mrs Kerrie McDiarmid as the new Principal of St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney following a rigorous selection process. 

Archbishop Fisher said Mrs McDiarmid’s appointment as Principal of St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney was “a wonderful moment for our oldest school and our mother Church in Australia – St Mary’s Cathedral.” 

Mrs McDiarmid will take up her new role at the beginning of 2023.

“Kerrie is a woman of deep faith and high intellect, who is driven by a passionate belief that an excellent Catholic education sets our students up for life,” Archbishop Fisher said. 

“I congratulate Kerrie and look forward to working with her in what is an exciting and transformative time in the College’s history” – Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP

“Her track record as an innovative and highly successful school leader is demonstrated by both publicly recognised student outcomes and the reputation she has within the broader education community,” Archbishop Fisher said. 

Kerrie McDiarmid is the new Principal of St Mary's Cathedral College Sydney Kerrie McDiarmid is the new Principal of St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney.

Ms McDiarmid’s most recent accolades include being named by The Educator as one of the Most Influential Educators for 2022.

During the COVID-19 pandemic Mrs McDiarmid, in her current role as Principal of St Clare’s College Waverley, oversaw a number of exciting programs that kept students focused and engaged in their learning. 

This included an integrated Maths Pathway platform for Stage 4 and 5 students that allowed students to move through the curriculum at their own pace.

Under her stewardship, St Clare’s College Waverley was also named one of Australia’s

August 18, 2022|
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NSW Rugby partnership uncovers tomorrow’s stars

Sydney Catholic Schools has partnered with NSW Rugby to discover the next generation of Australian rugby sevens representatives.

As part of this commitment, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) recently ran a NSW Rugby 7s Academy Camp in conjunction with Rugby NSW.

NSW Rugby 7s Academy Camp, run by Sydney Catholic Schools in conjunction with Rugby NSW

“I am very confident that we have just seen future Olympians hidden in the form of school students,” Damien Kerr, Manager of Sport at SCS, said. 

The two-day, invitation-only camp featured guest appearances from Australian rugby legends Ned Hanigan and Charlotte Caslick.

“There’s a lot of talent here,” Senior Manager of NSW Rugby, Michael Doyle, added.

“The Academy Camp and partnership with NSW Rugby has been instrumental in the development of talent identified athletes and will guide them towards future success” – Damien Kerr 

‘They are all really good sponges’

A select 64 students from Year 5 to 11 put their best boot forward in strength and conditioning at the 2022 NSW Rugby 7s Academy Camp, followed by speed and fitness testing. 

A male athlete at the NSW Rugby 7s Academy Camp, run by Sydney Catholic Schools in conjunction with Rugby NSW

“They are all really good sponges and learn very quickly,” SCS staff member, Noah Ta’ale, commented.

Students heard an inspiring opening address from homegrown talent, Ned Hanigen, who made the transition from Catholic Primary Schools athlete to being an Australian Wallabies player.

And they set a benchmark for their individual ability to be revisited at a potential follow-up Academy Camp. 

Lifelong sporting connections were forged along the way. 

“I am very confident that we have future Olympians hidden in the form …

August 15, 2022|
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Rugby 7s Academy Camp uncovers ‘diamond in the rough’

Could Samara Leven be the diamond in the rough NSW Rugby is looking for?

After her performance at the 2022 NSW Rugby 7s Academy Camp, both Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) and NSW Rugby are excited about Samara Leven’s promising future in the sport.

“She looks as though she has the right passion and talent equilibrium,” Damien Kerr, the Manager of Sport at SCS, said. 

Senior Manager of NSW Rugby, Michael Doyle, further remarked that he was currently looking for “that diamond in the rough.”

Pathway to success

Leven, who is in Year 11 student, was sponsored by Sydney Catholic Schools to travel to Sydney all the way from St Mary’s Catholic College in Casino to attend her first elite training camp, alongside 64 students from Year 5 to 11.

The two-day camp, run by SCS in partnership with NSW Rugby, included athletic testing with drills and skills, as well as game situation training. 

Leven entered the world of rugby via the boys Casino Bulls team at 12 years of age. “My brothers always played and I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll just train with the older boys’,” she explained. 

Samara Leven gets her shirt signed by rugby international Maddison Levi amara Leven gets her shirt signed by Maddison Levi.

It wasn’t until a couple of years later that she joined a girls’ side and received dispensation to play with both genders.

The NSW Rugby 7s Academy Camp has given Leven an opportunity for further recognition and to have her talents nurtured. The camp also provided her with an unbelievable opportunity to meet and greet her idol, Charlotte Caslick.

“Charlotte is my role model; she lets her game do the talking,” Leven said.

Leven …

August 15, 2022|
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Unveiled: Clancy Prize winners 2022

A religious art exhibition featuring works by talented secondary students from across the Archdiocese of Sydney officially opened on Friday night.

The opening of Sydney Catholic School’s 2022 Clancy Religious Art Prize Exhibition included the announcement of 18 individual and collaborative works winners, including the coveted Executive Director’s Award.

Tony Farley, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, bestowed his prize on a magnificent 10-panel photography artwork, titled ‘Bridge to Life’, by Holy Cross College Ryde students Jayden Gronau and Alistair Logan.

“It’s a beautiful and stunning representation of the bridge between heaven and earth that invites us to explore our relationship with each other and our relationship with God,” Mr Farley said.

Click on the button below to view the 2022 winners’ artworks in our Virtual Gallery.

Clancy Prize 2022: Virtual Gallery

ABOUT THE CLANCY PRIZE

The annual Clancy Prize exhibition is a celebration of Sydney Catholic school students’ creativity and spirituality, expressed through visual arts, inspired by Cardinal Edward Clancy.

Sydney Catholic Schools' Executive Director, Tony Farley, goes over the choices while judging the 2022 Clancy Religious Art Prize Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director Tony Farley viewing the works on display at McGlade Gallery. Photo: Gene Ramirez

The artworks illustrate students’ understanding of this year’s exhibition theme: Scripture: The bridge between heaven and earth.

Taking part is a very practical way for students to unpack the inspiring verses that celebrate the goodness of God and, most importantly, it provides an opportunity for them to glorify God through their gifts and talents.

Sixty artworks – ranging from sculptures and paintings to photographs and mixed media – were …

August 1, 2022|
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‘A momentous day’: OLMC Waterloo upgrade announcement

Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) Catholic Primary School Waterloo today announced a much-welcomed facilities upgrade.

The building program will bring improved site accessibility, a new community space and playgroup, in addition to playground makeovers and a garden facelift.

School Principal, Margaret Holles, said she wanted every child to feel at home and inspired in this inner-city haven.

“We want the new playgroup and community space to promote a sense of wellbeing, belonging and community among our existing and future students,” Ms Holles said. 

The reception area would also be relocated to the Elizabeth Street-facing hall on the school property – see the 3D render below – as part of the three-stage capital works program.

Stage 1 is set to get underway this school term.

“By the end of 2023, all classrooms will have new furniture, new carpet and new walls, creating learning environments that promote wellbeing and provide opportunities for explicit teaching and flexible learning,” Ms Holles said. 

“The environment will complement our pedagogical principles for promoting student growth” – Margaret Holles

AN EXCITING TIME IN OLMC’S HISTORY

Principal Holles made the surprise announcement to parents and grandparents gathered at the school for a liturgy to celebrate both the grandparents and the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

“We’re wanting to provide outdoor learning opportunities and to give our students every opportunity to let their light shine – to experience success and to be challenged to be their best self,” Ms Holles said.

OLMC Waterloo students with Principal Margaret Holles

She told the families the “modern makeover” would also include a new “contemporary” school crest and uniform. 

“The new crest embraces our …

July 29, 2022|
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We’re hiring teachers for the Amadeus Music Education Program

Sydney Catholic Schools is looking for passionate and enthusiastic classroom teachers to join our growing Amadeus Music Education Program team. 

There are multiple opportunities available, working from one to five days, for suitable Music teachers  who have an ability to teach Dance and Drama.

A teachers’ perspective

Peta Haynes arrived at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Moorebank just as the groundbreaking and highly-anticipated Amadeus Music Education Program was being rolled out in the school.

Sydney Catholic Schools' Amadeus Music Program teacher Peta Haynes leads a classroom music lesson.

Ms Haynes said she has found implementing the program in her school both enjoyable and rewarding. 

“I have been a music teacher for 30 years and have always enjoyed teaching and encouraging students to learn about all aspects of music – the Amadeus project is an amazing extension of that,” she said. 

“The fact that the Amadeus project combines both practical and classroom teaching, to give students a complete experience, is certainly an honour to be a part of” – Peta Haynes

ABOUT AMADEUS

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program is one of the biggest, most comprehensive and ambitious investments in quality music education ever undertaken in Sydney’s schools. 

A Sydney Catholic Schools student receives a leeson as part of the systemwide Amadeus Music Education Program

The program is being rolled out to 33,000 students across Sydney Catholic Schools’ network of 150 primary and secondary schools. 

The Amadeus program is currently in 58 Sydney Catholic schools and will be rolled out to 40 more in 2023, following the successful large-scale launch of the program last November.

All 150 Sydney Catholic schools will offer the …

July 25, 2022|
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Adding fun and opportunities to primary Maths

A challenge program at Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield is giving gifted Mathematics primary school students a chance to expand their problem-solving and number skills.

It is the second year that the college has run its Maths Challenge. 

Sixteen students from the following three College feeder primary schools took part in the 2022 program: 

Sydney Catholic Schools students work on a maths problem together

“The purpose of the program is to both excite and challenge the students’ knowledge about what it means to apply and use mathematics,” said Patrician Brothers’ Mathematics teacher and program facilitator, Peter Pham.

He said the challenge was designed to meet a need for extension opportunities in the primary school setting.

“It extends the students who have demonstrated the capacity to work up to three years ahead of their peers,” Mr Pham said.

“Rather than it being something tedious and repetitive, we wanted to show students that you can apply Mathematics to different situations” – Peter Pham

About the Maths Challenge

A Sydney Catholic Schools student learning maths in class

The Thursday sessions include a teaser question for the primary students, which is followed up with a problem for them to solve covering topics such as algebra, measurement, area, perimeter, indices, probability, and data analysis and evaluation.

“I give them time to attempt to solve the question themselves before providing guidance and going through solutions,” Mr Pham said.

“We want to develop a culture where …

July 21, 2022|
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Homelessness crisis: Here’s how you can help

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Family Educators are once again inviting families to be advocates for the homeless by sleeping, or spending time, outside on Friday, 5 August.

Holy Family Catholic Primary School Menai students 'sleeping rough' to raise money for Vinnies

During the event – known as the Family Winter Sleepout @ Home – students will have- nothing but a cardboard base, sleeping bag and a single small blanket as they ‘sleep rough’ to raise money for Vinnies. 

Campaign coordinator Vivan Mourani, an Education Officer: Church Engagement at SCS, said she felt a strong personal connection to the Family Winter Sleepout @ Home.  

“Having been a volunteering member of St Vincent de Paul Society for many years and witnessing homelessness first-hand, I personally feel very passionate about serving those less fortunate with hope,” Mrs Mourani said. 

“Helping others with hope is at the core of my faith and I believe that it’s the small things that lead to a big change.”

“Vinnies changes lives every day, and who wouldn’t want to be part of that?” – Vivian Mourani

How you can end homelessness

Sadly, according to 2021 Census data around 19,400 children aged 0 to 14 years are homeless in Australia. This includes children experiencing hidden homelessness, for example being forced to ‘couch surf’, living in overcrowded dwellings or sleeping in cars. 

Students from Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School Carnes Hill getting ready for Sydney Catholic Schools' 2022 Family Winter Sleepout at Home event

“The Family Educator’s Family Winter Sleepout @ Home campaign is our attempt to bring families together to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of homelessness,” SCS’ Education Officer: Church Engagement, Elsa …

July 18, 2022|
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2023 Performing Arts Auditions: Start your journey to stardom

Want to see your name in lights? Southern Cross Burwood will soon hold auditions for its 2023 Performing Arts stream.

Southern Cross Catholic College is offering full-time and part-time enrolments in Years 9 to Year 12 as part of its “Ignite Your Passion” initiative.

The green room at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood

The Performing Arts stream provides a specialist pathway for talented performers with experience in, and a passion for, Dance, Drama and Music to get a foot in the door of their dream job before graduating.

Students have access to state-of-the art facilities and industry specific equipment to succeed, including a recently upgraded dance studio, 400-seat auditorium, dedicated recording studio and control room, green screen room (pictured right), music and drama studios.

All the programs are led by industry experts.

World at her feet

Year 12 student Madeline Safar (or Maddy, as she’s affectionately known) is pursuing a Performing Arts ATAR pathway at the College.

Studying a Certificate III in Community, Dance Theatre and Events has allowed her to follow all her passions and she has already secured her place as a full time student at Sydney performing arts academy ED5 International next year.

Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood performing arts student Madeline Safar Maddy is pictured in the College auditorium. Photo: David Swift

The Certificate III lays the foundations for stricter dance training in her future pathway at ED5 International. There she will come out with an Advanced Diploma after two years, ready to see her name in lights.

Not that Maddy has been resting on her laurels.

She recently performed in the first Sydney Archdiocesan musical, Fame Jr., and she has performed in Grease The Musical mass ensemble at Qudos Bank Arena and in Wizard of Oz mass ensemble, …

July 11, 2022|
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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 has been recognised as the Central and Northern Sydney Region VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year in the 2022 NSW Training Awards 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 …

July 11, 2022|
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Warn’s surprise surf lifesaving win

Fletcher Warn has had another stellar year in the surf.

Marist Catholic College Kogarah Year 11 student Fletcher Warn competed in a level above his age division to rank first in the U19 Male Surf Teams event at the 2022 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.

Sydney Catholic Schools' surf life saving champion Fletcher WarnWarn, 16, competed in the team event alongside teammates two years older than him.

He admitted to being nervous but determined at the start of the race at North Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast.

“No one really thought we could win because we had three under 19s and one under 17 in the team,” Warn said.

“One of us had glandular fever and hadn’t trained for weeks.

“There were boys towering over me and I knew it was going to be a dog fight to the can.”

“The start gun went and I just ran straight in to give it my all” – Fletcher Warn

After swimming in a gutter for 15 metres, Warn rallied with a sprint to the lead pack.

He and his team mates held their positions in the race’s top 10 during the race’s final sprint.

“It was a really good feeling,” he said.

Warn’s individual results at the competition, which brought together more than 1,400 competitors from clubs across Australia, were just as impressive.

He placed second in the U17 Surf Swim, second in the U17 Ironman event, fourth in the U17 Ocean Swim, and fifth in the U17 Board Rescue.

He was also a 2022 Surf Life Saving Sydney Branch Youth Athlete of the Year finalist.

HISTORY OF ACHIEVEMENT

Warn joined nippers at Wanda Beach SLC at age six and has medalled in at least one event every year since turning competitive in the sport at age eight, except in 2020 when competition was …

July 11, 2022|
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New weekly sport fixture Goalball: ‘It’s a truly inclusive sport’

Sydney Catholic Schools’ latest inter-school sports offering – goalball – is proving a huge hit with students, teachers and spectators alike.

A Sydney Catholic Schools' goalball athlete A Sydney Catholic Schools’ goalball athlete is pictured at Whitlam Leisure Centre, Liverpool.

The Paralympic sport is being offered at Sydney Catholic Schools as part of the system’s first ever Unified All Abilities Interschool Sports Program, allowing athletes with and without a disability to share the empowerment that comes with engaging in sport.

So far, the following seven Sydney Catholic schools have taken up goalball as a sport:

What is goalball and how is it played?

For the uninitiated, goalball is an indoor team sport played by athletes with vision impairment. It has been a Paralympic sport since 1976 and in Term 2 it was introduced as a weekly Thursday sport fixture for secondary students in Sydney Catholic schools. 

A Sydney Catholic Schools' goalball athlete wearing his blackout shades Blackout eye shades are worn by all the players to  level the playing field for all the athletes. Photo: Natalie Roberts

The object of goalball is for the player to roll a bell-filled ball into their opponent’s goal while the opposing players try to block the ball with their bodies. 

“Goalball is an amazing sport that’s …

July 8, 2022|
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School of Rock Casting Announcement

Find out who’s in the lead cast of School of Rock, Sydney Catholic Schools’ 2022 Archdiocesan musical extravaganza.

The full cast has now been announced!

A staggering 4,000 young performers from across the Archdiocese of Sydney will take to the stage at Qudos Bank Arena on October 11-12 to perform in School of Rock, by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Buy your tickets here: https://fal.cn/3pLof

ROLE
STUDENT
SCHOOL
MRS WARD (LEAD PARENT) Liliana Alexiou Kensington – Our Lady of The Sacred Heart College
FEATURED DANCERS Isabella Allsopp Woolwich – Marist Sisters’ College
FEATURED DANCERS Nevada Anastasiadis Kingsgrove – St Ursula’s College
ADULT CHORUS Natasha Anzellotti Burwood – Southern Cross Catholic College
SHONELLE (LEAD STUDENT) Alexandra Apostolovski Penshurst – Marist Catholic College
STUDENT CHORUS Sabaya Asprea Penshurst – Marist Catholic College
STUDENT CHORUS Maximus Ayoub Sydney – St Mary’s Cathedral College
FEATURED DANCERS Lailah Baba Lakemba – Holy Spirit Catholic College
STUDENT CHORUS Anoushka Bansal Rose Bay – McAuley Catholic Primary School
SUMMER (LEAD STUDENT) Gezel Bardossi South Hurstville – St Raphael’s Catholic Primary School
MRS MADISON (LEAD PARENT) Olivia Barsoum Kingsgrove – St Ursula’s College
EMO GIRL 1 & ADULT CHORUS Lorelei Becci Burwood – Southern Cross Catholic College
FEATURED STUDENT EXTRA Hayden Broad Eastwood – Marist College
STUDENT CHORUS Pollyanna Bruce Mosman – Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
FEATURED DANCERS Helaina Bruton Engadine – St John Bosco Catholic Primary School
MADDISON (LEAD STUDENT) Libby Burgess Oatley – St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
FEATURED STUDENT EXTRA Adelaide Burke Rose Bay – McAuley Catholic Primary School
MR SANDFORD (LEAD PARENT) Adam Burridge Penshurst – Marist Catholic College – Alumni
FEATURED DANCERS Caitlin Callus Five Dock – Domremy College
TOMIKA (LEAD STUDENT) Lara Rose Carrozza Haberfield – St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School
MRS JANES (LEAD TEACHER) Angelina Castelli Kingsgrove – St Ursula’s College
FEATURED DANCERS Maddison Cerniglia Kensington – Our Lady of The Sacred Heart College
MRS SHONELLE (LEAD PARENT) Grace Childs Kingsgrove – St Ursula’s College
LAWRENCE (LEAD STUDENT) Cameron Clark Sutherland – St Patrick’s College
ADULT CHORUS Sarah Clarke Cronulla – Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College, Burraneer
PIT BAND – GUITAR Jack Covell Burwood – Southern Cross Catholic College
MR GREEN …
June 16, 2022|
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‘Reconciliation is everyone’s business’

To mark Reconciliation Week 2022, St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School Annandale has renewed its commitment to its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The school’s Family Educator and RAP founding committee member Fiona McGrath said St Brendan’s is the first Catholic junior school in Sydney to develop and publish its own RAP.

The RAP, which was officially launched in 2016, is a formal statement of commitment to Reconciliation in and around the school and in the surrounding community.

A physical acknowledgement is proudly displayed in the school’s entrance foyer in the form of a painting by former Casimir College Marrickville student, Elijah Charet. A backdrop artwork for the school’s acknowledgement, by Year 6 student Bronte Roff, is also displayed in all classrooms and common areas of the school.

“Doing a RAP is a type of formation, which helps us to further appreciate and understand cultural history and diversity within the school, parish and community” –  Fiona McGrath

Recognised by Reconciliation Australia, St Brendan’s RAP is also listed with Narragunnawali which supports all schools and early learning services in Australia to develop environments that foster a high level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions.

St Brendan's Annandale students painted these song stones as part of Reconciliation Pictured are stones that were given to St Brendan’s after going through Ceremony. Students painted them with their own design. Known as ‘song stones’ they have been placed in the school’s Indigenous Garden and painted pots, so they can become part of Mother Earth once again.

“Reconciliation Australia and Nurragunnawali have educational platforms which can assist in countless ways but the most valuable help (in our understanding) comes from spending time and learning from Elders, like Deborah Lennis, who are within the immediate community,” Ms McGrath said.

D’harawal woman and …

June 3, 2022|
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Cross Country 2022: Day 2 – Results

More than 2,690 students from 120 primary schools converged on Sydney Motorsport Park for Day 2 of Sydney Catholic Schools’ inaugural Pre to Post Cross Country Championships.

On a bright and sunny day in Sydney’s west, the championships officially began with Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights student Alexa Filipakis leading the audience in a most beautiful acapella rendition of our national anthem. 

It so moved the athletes that some spontaneously placed their hands on each other’s shoulders in camaraderie and as a sign of respect.

Sydney Catholic Schools' Cross Country Championships Primary Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director, Tony Farley, with some of today’s proud medalists.

And so began our students’ road to the Catholic Primary Schools Championships. 

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Manager for Sport, Damien Kerr, was elated with how well things went on both days of competition.

“It was wonderful to see the crowd support and the wonderful displays of graciousness and sportsmanship from all our athletes, whether they won or lost,” Mr Kerr said. 

“It was also pleasing to see how many parents and athletes were using the SportSplits Real-Time Tracking app to watch the live results come in – this is the first time we have made this app available to our schools and families.

“We also saw huge numbers tune in to our first Cross Country live stream.” 

Two very proud Sydney Catholic School principals and sports lovers narrated the action for the audience watching the live stream – Chris Egan from Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School Beverly Hills and Hannah Schneider from Villa Maria Catholic Primary School Hunters Hill

May 25, 2022|
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Cross Country 2022: Day 1 – Results

More than 1,100 secondary students from across the Archdiocese of Sydney came together today to compete in Sydney Catholic Schools’ inaugural Pre to Post combined Cross Country Championships in Eastern Creek.

The Cross Country Championships officially began with an opening ceremony, signalling the start of 16 races ranging from three to eight kilometres in length. 

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Manager for Sport, Damien Kerr, said the excitement, both in the stands and on the track at Sydney Motorsport Park, was palpable on Day 1 of the two-day Championships. And with very good reason.

“Today’s event marked the first time in Sydney Catholic Schools’ history that a cross country was live-streamed and had commentators narrating all the action,” Mr Kerr said. 

Sydney Catholic Schools' Cross Country Championships 18+ Boys winners 2022 The 2022 Cross Country Championships 18 Years Boys winners.

First-time commentators and very good friends, Gabby Zanapalis and Natalie Toma, both rose to the unexpected challenge, syncing seamlessly and bouncing off one another well. 

The Year 9 students, from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington, were invited to commentate as part of their school’s entrepreneurship program.

“It was nerve-wracking at first – I don’t like the sound of my own voice,” admitted Natalie.

Gabby, on the other hand, was not embarrassed at all, stating “I love the sound of my own voice.”

“I do athletics so I understand the mental and physical preparation these athletes need to have, so I feel it was easier for me to say some things,” Gabby, who hopes to one day work as a multimedia specialist, said.

The system’s new

May 24, 2022|
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‘The dream is make A-League’

Bethlehem College Ashfield student Audrey McLaren (pictured right, above) has enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to Italy with her Sydney soccer club APIA Leichhardt.

“It was very amazing seeing all the landmarks and food,” the Year 11 student said.

“We went to Rome, and then we went to Florence and Pisa and it was all very interesting. It was obviously very different to Australia.”

“Eventually, hopefully, the dream is make A-League (Women’s)” – Audrey McLaren

The Viareggio Cup

APIA Leichhardt was invited to play in the prestigious Viareggio Cup youth tournament, which featured giant clubs such as Juventus, Inter and AC Milan.

“All the girls in the 18’s team got invited to go as a squad,” Audrey explained.

“We started training immediately before the tournament. It wasn’t much preparation because holidays had hit, so we only had six to four weeks to actually prepare.”

Despite the limited preparation, APIA won one of its three Women’s Cup soccer games: a stunning 4-3 result against Livorno.

Sidelined by injury

Unfortunately an injury limited Audrey’s time on the field during the tournament, but she got to experience the different styles of play during the warm-up matches.

“Europeans play very strategically, so it’s different to any soccer we’ve really played against and they were really fast,” the midfielder said.

“Even when we played a trial match against a US team, they were all athletes, they were all really great athletes and it was pretty interesting seeing their type of game as well” – Audrey

Audrey, who has also played for Canberra United Academy and Canberra Olympic, hopes to represent Bethlehem College on the field.

“Hopefully next season I’ll make the reserves (at APIA) and… making first grade time and then eventually, hopefully, the dream is make A-League (Women’s) as well.” Green wants girls to aim for the top

May 19, 2022|
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Eisteddfod 2022: What to expect

Sydney Catholic Schools’ second annual Eisteddfod takes centre stage from Friday, 20 May 2022.

During the festival students from 116 schools will compete in more than 53 solo and ensemble events in Instrumental, Drama, Dance and Choir. And, for the first time, selected winners will be invited to perform in an Eisteddfod Showcase.

Sydney Catholic Schools has also announced additional competition dates in 2022, adding two more weeks to the Eisteddfod calendar.

This year the Eisteddfod will run for six weeks until 24 June on Fridays and Saturdays.

“It’s a very exciting time to be a young performer in a Sydney Catholic school,” Sydney Catholic Schools’ Supervisor in the creative and performing arts, Eva Spata, said.

A Marist Catholic College student music ensemble from Marist Catholic College North Shore gets ready to perform at Sydney Catholic School's first eisteddfod.

AT A GLANCE

292 – Piano Solos Entries

281 – Dance Entries – Solos & Ensembles

387 – Vocal Entries – Solos & Ensembles

180 – Instrumental Entries – Solos & Ensembles

89 – Drama Entries – Solos & Ensembles

Most performances will be held at Sydney Catholic Schools’ dedicated performing arts high school, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood.

Marist College Eastwood will host Instrumental Ensembles on Friday, 10 June, and Choir Ensembles will be held at Marist College Penshurst on Friday, 17 June.

EISTEDDFOD SCHEDULE
Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod

The 2022 Eisteddfod covers the following categories:

  • Friday, 20 May: Rock and Contemporary Bands
  • Saturday, 21 May: Instrumental and Piano Solo
  • Friday, 27 May: Drama Groups
  • Saturday, 18 May: Drama and Vocal Solos
  • Friday, 3 June: Dance Groups
  • Saturday, 4 June: Dance Solos
  • Friday, …
May 19, 2022|
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Cross Country Championships 2022: What to Expect

More than 3800 students from the Sydney Archdiocese will represent their schools at the 2022 Sydney Catholic Schools Cross Country Championships. Here’s what you can expect.

Sydney Catholic Schools is proud to once again offer our students a unique opportunity to race at Sydney’s premier sporting circuit, Sydney Motorsport Park in Eastern Creek.

Athletes competing at Sydney Catholic Schools' 2021 combined Cross Country CarnivalThis year, secondary school athletes will compete in the Sydney Catholic Schools Cross Country Championships on Tuesday 24 May, and primary school athletes will compete on Wednesday 25 May. 

“In an exciting first for Sydney Catholic Schools, family, friends and competitors will be able to get real-time sports results in the palm of their hands while all the live action is unfolding,” Sydney Catholic Schools’ Manager for Sport, Damien Kerr, said.

“Simply download the SportSplits Real-Time Tracking app – via https://rtrt.me/app/scspxc22 – and click on the ‘Tracker’ tab to get live results.”

Download the SportsSplits tracker mobile appOther features of the app include:

  • Push notifications for start times
  • Race stats including pace
  • Position of athletes on the map
  • Estimated finish  

Sydney Catholic Schools will also be live streaming the Cross Country Championships on both days at: https://bit.ly/3yJpKbS

Plus, coverage of the event will feature on the Sydney Catholic School website, Facebook,Twitter and Instagram. 

ABOUT THE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2022 Cross Country Championships will involve 150 Sydney Catholic schools …

May 18, 2022|
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Watch LIVE: Cross Country Championships

Join us LIVE at Sydney Catholic Schools’ 2022 Secondary and Primary Cross Country Championships.

Due to popular demand, Sydney Catholic Schools will be live streaming yet another of its major sporting events.

This May, parents from across the Sydney Archdiocese can tune in to watch our young sporting stars race at Sydney Motorsport Park during the Cross Country Championships.

Day 1 of the championships is for secondary colleges and Day 2 of the championships for primary schools.

So you won’t miss a thing, we will have a single live stream, showing different angles of the racing including the finish line – so you can cheer on the athletes as their race comes to an end.

Primary – Main

Secondary – Main

Primary Feed – Extras Secondary Feed – Extras

Get live results from the 2022 Cross Country Championships instantly in the palm of their hands, using the Multisport Australia SportSplits Real-Time Tracking app.

Download the app to receive details about race times, pace, position of athletes on the map, and estimated finish. You can even get notifications about when races start!

Secondary – Day 1
Primary – Day 2

Download the SportsSplits tracker mobile app

…

May 13, 2022|
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Watch it together: New Holy Week children’s video

Join acclaimed musician John Burland and Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Church Engagement, Cheryl Fernandez, as they take us on a journey through Holy Week in a new family video.

Free to watch online, the Holy Week video is brought to you by Sydney Catholic Schools’ Mission and Identity team. It is part of an ongoing YouTube series titled Faith, Fun and Celebration.

The Holy Week episode incorporates Scripture, doctrine, song and prayer to remember and reflect on this very special time in the Church year.

Faith, Fun and Celebration

Faith, Fun and Celebration began as a zoom initiative to support Sydney Catholic schools and families during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2021.

“As a team we soon realised the power of this medium to reinforce learning and promote evangelisation,” said Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Archdiocesan Liturgical Music, John Burland.

Aimed at students from Kindergarten to Year 4 and their families, the video series incorporates Scripture, doctrine, prayer, song and movement.

“We have had feedback from many Year 5 and 6 classes who are also enjoying the series and finding it an excellent form of Religious Education revision” – John Burland

Upcoming videos in the Faith, Fun and Celebration series will cover Liturgical Seasons, the Sacraments, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.

ABOUT HOLY WEEK

Holy Week is a time set aside in the Church calendar to help us remember the events in Jesus’ life leading up to his death and resurrection. 

St Vincent's Ashfield reenacts Palm Sunday Students from St Vincent’s Primary School Ashfield re-enact Palm Sunday.

“Hanging on the walls of Catholic churches are pictures or carvings known as the Stations of the Cross,” said Jodie Micallef, Sydney Catholic Schools’ Specialist: Religious Education (Primary). 

“As we meditate and pray with these images we remember the story …

April 8, 2022|
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Water Polo Championships 2022: Photos & Results

The Olympic water polo goals of secondary students from Sydney Catholic schools have taken another leap forward.

A real squad effort saw six teams of Year 7-12 students from the Archdiocese of Sydney come away with wins at Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) first Water Polo Championships at Ashfield Aquatic Centre.

Sport, however, was the real winner with all 200 competitors demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and determination over the course of a dull rainy day.

“It was inspiring seeing the enthusiasm and camaraderie of our young rising stars on display here today [7 April], pushing each other to excel to the best of their ability in adverse weather conditions,” SCS’ Manager Pre to Post Sport, Damien Kerr, remarked yesterday.

“Here’s the magic of teamwork; the players were able to consistently find ways to buoy each others’ spirits and excel despite the weather challenges.”  

The path to Olympic glory

Four boys’ and six girls’ secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney are currently part of Sydney Catholic Schools’ inaugural Thursday afternoon inter-school water polo competition, which includes congregational school, Rosebank College Five Dock.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ 2022 participating schools are: 

A proud moment in history

SCS’ new Thursday …

April 8, 2022|
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Project Compassion: ‘The donations keep getting better each year’

A fun in-school coin challenge has helped raise nearly $1000 for Project Compassion, while teaching students the benefits of giving back. 

Students in all six houses at Mount St Joseph Milperra dug deep in their pockets for the Caritas Australia annual appeal raising much-needed funds for people living in poverty.  

Part of the challenge was to also see which house could make the longest coin line with its donated coins.

Mount St Joseph Milperra students take part in a fun coin challenge to help raise money for Project Compassion Mount St Joseph Milperra students inspect each others’ lines of coins.

For the third straight year Penola had the longest coin line, which is apt considering their House value is Hospitality.

Together Penola raised $313.75 in various coin denominations. 

“The school spirit really ignites when our school leaders roll up their sleeves and start the line up,” Amelia Ayoub, the Youth Ministry and Social Justice Coordinator at Mount St Joseph Milperra, said.

‘The donations keep getting better each year’

Currently the Guinness World Record for the longest line of coins measured 75.24 km and was made by pupils of BRG/BORG Kirchdorf in Austria, along with parents, teachers and volunteers, on 9 December 2011.

While students at Mount St Joseph did not break any records, they have outdone each other year on year with donations.

“The donations keep getting better each year and that’s because the school absolutely loves getting involved to support those in need,” Ms Ayoub said. “This initiative has been a long-time favourite with the students at Mount St Joseph.”

“One enthusiastic Penola student donated $50 worth of 5 cent …

March 30, 2022|
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‘Never Take Teachers for Granted’: Executive Director’s Message

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director, Tony Farley, reflects on the importance of not underestimating the profound impact our teachers have on their students.

We should never take teachers for granted, or underestimate the profound impact they have on every student they teach and the future of Australia.

Along with parents and carers, our teachers guide our children through 13 years of school and prepare them for a world of possibilities, challenges, setbacks and successes. 

They work with each child as an individual, acknowledging that every child has their own way of understanding, learning, doing and being.

Our teachers also know that success in life necessarily involves working with others and that helping each child to develop skills in collaboration, cooperation, teamwork and problem solving are the foundations of success in both their personal and professional lives. 

Teachers work hard, and I mean really hard. On any given day they are instructional specialists, counsellors, trusted colleagues and confidantes. 

They’re administrators constantly accounting for what they do to regulators, and calm and considered leaders reassuring students and parents in times of trouble and grief. 

Over the past two years they kept turning up to schools when the rest of society was working from home and then switched to being experts in remote learning as the pandemic reached its ugly peak. 

Our teachers are back in schools now as the number of COVID-19 cases begins to rise, teaching our children, reassuring our parents, and making their schools great places of learning, care, growth and optimism.

They have their own families, their own lives and their own troubles and challenges. Yet when you visit schools all you can see is their dedication and professionalism and their enduring belief in the liberating possibilities that a great …

March 29, 2022|
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Recognising young artists

Sydney Catholic Schools’ inaugural Portrait Prize is giving students from Kindergarten to Year 12 the chance to have their work displayed at the Art Gallery of NSW.

The annual Portrait Prize celebrates students’ talents, and allows students to recognise and appreciate those close to them.

Students have been invited to produce a portrait of a person who is special to them – someone who is well-known to them and who plays a significant role in their life. The 2022 theme is: Me, You, Us.

“This is an amazing opportunity for schools to showcase their student’s artwork,” said Dr Kate O’Brien, Director of Education and Research at Sydney Catholic schools.

“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.”

A virtual exhibition will be launched on Wednesday 16 March on the Sydney Catholic Schools website, and prizes will be awarded in each of the following categories:

  • 5-8 year-olds
  • 9-12 year-olds
  • 13-15 year-olds
  • 16-18 year-olds

The finalists will represent Sydney Catholic Schools in the Young Archie competition, run by the Art Gallery of NSW.

A large number of aspiring artists from across our schools have already submitted entries.

As part of the artistic process, many have reflected on culture and identity and how this is rooted in their family, school community, culture and nation. The brain-boosting benefits of an Amadeus music education

February 23, 2022|
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Making history: Thursday inter-school sport competition begins

Today will be remembered as a milestone moment in Sydney Catholic Schools’ sports history, when 38 schools across 256 teams took part in the system’s inaugural Thursday afternoon inter-school sports competition.

Across 27 different Sydney venues, a flurry of whistles and buzzers signalled the start of the inter-school sports competition.

For the first time in Sydney Catholic Schools’ history every secondary school student was given the opportunity to compete against their peers in an organised conference format that will culminate in a Sydney wide Championship Final every school term.

Getting this weekly competition off the ground has been over 12 months in the making.

“We have built this new Catholic sporting competition so that every student, in every one of our schools, has opportunities to compete at a level which challenges them,” said Damien Kerr, Manager Pre to Post Sport at Sydney Catholic Schools.

“Our aim is that this competition will grow into the strongest underage sporting competition in the country” – Damien Kerr

Basketball action at the Whitlam Leisure Centre, Liverpool Basketball action on day one of the Sydney Catholic Schools’ Thursday afternoon inter-school sports competition.

The power of sport

Sport and physical activity play an undeniably significant role in the holistic education and wellbeing of all students. 

By launching this inter-school sports competition, Sydney Catholic Schools aims to reignite and reimagine sport and provide positive opportunities for students of all ages and abilities to increase their social skills, independence, teamwork, problem solving and resilience. 

Olivia Cleary, a Year 9 student from Brigidine College Randwick, looked forward to adding the weekly sporting competition to her school diary.

“This is really exciting,” Olivia said.

“I was a bit nervous about playing, because we have never had a competition like this before… but I think …

February 10, 2022|
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i4Give Week: John Burland song helps heal broken hearts

A song by acclaimed Catholic musician John Burland is helping heal broken hearts across Australia during i4Give Week (1-7 February).

Mr Burland penned I Forgive – the theme song of both i4Give Day and Week – following conversations with grieving couple Leila and Danny Abdallah whose three children and cousin were tragically killed by a drunk and drugged driver at Oatlands on 1 February 2020.

Sydney Catholic Schools singer-songwriter John Burland at i4give Week 2021 launch John Burland performing at the i4Give Week launch. Photo: Giovanni Portelli, The Catholic Weekly

“We talked at length about the power of forgiveness and its importance as part of our faith,” Mr Burland, who is Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Archdiocesan Liturgical Music, said.

On Sunday (6 February) he sang the song during a special service in Parramatta that brought people of all faiths together, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, to remember Anthony, Angelina, Siena Abdullah and Veronique Sakr.

“I feel very honoured to have been invited by Danny and Leila (our nation’s 2021 Mother of the Year) to sing at the launch of i4Give Week,” Mr Burland said. “The song carries their message of forgiveness.”

Mr Burland was also invited to sing I Forgive at a Memorial Mass held for the four angels on Tuesday 1 February (i4Give Day) at Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Harris Park.

Danny and Leila Abdallah at the i4give 2021 launch Danny and Leila Abdallah. Photo: Giovanni Portelli, The Catholic Weekly

The two families took the extraordinary step of forgiving the man behind the wheel as an important step in their grieving process and, now, i4Give Day is being held every year on the anniversary of the deaths in memory of the …

February 7, 2022|
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Watch NOW: COVID, our schools and what to expect in 2022

More than 3,000 families and 1,000 staff logged on on Tuesday night to hear about COVID-19, our schools and what to expect in 2022.

In case you missed our latest online forum, you can still watch it via the live link below.

“As information becomes available and the community situation evolves, our school leaders, our teachers and our staff will be walking alongside every member of our community, responding to the challenges of living and learning in the time of COVID” – Executive Director, Tony Farley

COVID, our schools and what to expect in 2022

Everyone here at Sydney Catholic Schools can’t wait to welcome back our 73,000 students and more than 10,000 staff.

As part of this welcome, we kicked off the 2022 school calendar with two online interactive forums, for all our families and employees.

Titled ‘What to Expect in 2022’, both events were hosted by the Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Tony Farley, and our Chief of Staff, Dr Jacqueline Frost.

Throughout the interactive forum, the audience was invited to vote for topics they wanted the hosts to expand on further.

“These forums are just one way that Sydney Catholic Schools provides our communities with the best and most up-to-date information about the return to school, and the plans that every one of our schools must maintain to ensure safe and thriving school communities,” Mr Farley said.

During the pandemic, Dr Frost has acted as as our school’s chief liaison and representative with public health authorities and other regulators and is widely acknowledged as a leading expert in the operational management of COVID-19 within schools and education systems.

So, it was with authority and experience that Dr Frost and Mr Farley outlined key details around what we can all expect as our students and staff return to our 150 schools next …

January 27, 2022|
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HSC 2021: The full results are in …

Sydney Catholic Schools has achieved its best HSC results ever with 11 of its 33 schools ranked among the top 100 high schools in NSW.

To cap off an incredible 2021, 18 Sydney Catholic Schools ranked among the top 150 high schools and confirmed its reputation as one of the top performing systems of schools in Australia.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ unprecedented academic success saw its schools reach new heights with the number of distinguished achievers rising from 2486 in 2019 and 2511 in 2020 to 3115 in 2021.

Sydney Catholic Schools' Director of Education and Research Dr Kate O'Brien Sydney Catholic Schools’ Director of Education and Research, Dr Kate O’Brien.

“These amazing results reflect the hard work and commitment of students, unwavering support of parents and carers and teachers and school leaders who stood out in the toughest of years as professionals who always put their students first,” Sydney Catholic Schools Director of Education and Research, Dr Kate O’Brien, said.

The results follow a series of ground-breaking HSC excellence initiatives that involved all 33 secondary schools meeting to share and analyse HSC performance data, identify key strategies for achieving academic success and find ways to share resources and opportunities across our 33 schools sitting the HSC.

“Our system-wide approach to excellence means that every student and teacher has access to a huge range of resources and experiences that a large system like ours can provide,” Dr O’Brien said.

“We’re always exploring new opportunities for our students and these results indicate we’ve hit a rich seam of success that will keep on giving” – Dr Kate O’Brien

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director, Tony Farley, said: “Our students’ results speak for themselves.”

“In the hardest of times and with the odds stacked against them, they excelled with distinction,” Mr Farley said.

January 20, 2022|
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‎Vaccination hubs now open!

Sydney Catholic Schools’ COVID-19 vaccination hubs are now open and taking bookings!

Sydney Catholic Schools has partnered with South East Sydney Local Health District to establish COVID-19 vaccination hubs at Marcellin College Randwick and St Patrick’s College Sutherland for 5 to 11 year-olds.

Click here for more information, or to make a booking to receive the first dose before school goes back .

There are plenty of appointments still available this Thursday (20 January) and Friday (21 January).

January 19, 2022|
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1,142 Pope Francis Award graduates recognised

The Pope Francis Award gives student volunteers in Year 6 a soul-enriching opportunity to help make the world a better place. This week we recognise our 2021 graduates.

In recognition of their important contribution to our school and parish communities Sydney Catholic Schools is currently recognising the latest 1,142 Pope Francis Award graduates from across the Archdiocese of Sydney.

They will each receive specially-designed certificates and medals after completing 20 or more hours of self-driven community service in their school and parish communities before and after school, including during lunch and recess, throughout 2021.

Pope Francis Award program medals“The best thing you can give people is your time and that’s what we encourage: for young people to make an impact,” Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Church Engagement, Cheryl Fernandez, said.

“I believe it’s a beautiful way for students to be involved in giving back to the community,” she said, adding “it’s a way that students can develop organisational and leadership skills.”

ABOUT THE POPE FRANCIS AWARD

The Pope Francis Award supports students’ growth as a whole person – including their social, spiritual and emotional learning and wellbeing – by encouraging the involvement of students in their school and local parish.

It supports students to find their voice and be a powerful influence for good, no matter their academic ability, within the nurturing environment of their school and parish community.

“The yearlong program will help your child recognise the importance of respect and caring for others, while encouraging them to be compassionate open-hearted service leaders who ‘never see a need without doing something about it’,” Ms Fernandez said.

As Pope Francis says, “Jesus didn’t stay out on a balcony. Instead, He got involved. Follow Jesus’ example.”

Christ the King Catholic Primary School 2021 Pope Francis Award program participants.

November 26, 2021|
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PM Scott Morrison school visit

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah today for the official blessing of the school’s multi-purpose hall.

The PM – who represents the federal seat of Cook, wherein the school is located – also recorded a good luck message for the college’s HSC students earlier this month.

The 1000 person capacity hall is part of a $9 million project to expand the De La Salle community’ s available learning spaces.

Other features of the build, which began in 2019, include internal and external sports facilities, additional music rooms and an amphitheatre for outdoor learning.

Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP at De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP addressing students at De La Salle Caringbah.

Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher OP led the blessing of the new hall which has been named ‘Wiyanga Ngabamara’, meaning ‘Mary mother of God’ in Aboriginal language.

The translation was advised by Dharawal person and Chair Of the Gujaga Foundation, Raymond Ingrey, and senior Gweagal and Dharawal elder Dr Shayne Williams.

Mr Morrison, Archbishop Fisher, Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director Tony Farley and Principal Peter Buxton together unveiled a plaque during the day’s event.

The PM then addressed the star-struck students, speaking of the opportunities De La Salle gives students to not only excel in their studies but grow their faith.

“It is really exciting that our Prime Minister has taken time to come to our school,” Year 8 student Harrison said afterwards.

He said having Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Archbishop at his school made him feel particularly proud of the school’s new facilities.

“It is a very special occasion,” Harrison said.

November 19, 2021|
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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.

Sydney Catholic Schools' Amadeus Music Education Program student being taught how to play a violin by his music teacherThis 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.

Tony Farley, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools 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 …

November 17, 2021|
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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.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ students perform an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’

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