Isabell Petrinic | Sydney Catholic Schools

Governor goes back to school

We could all feel the excitement in the air when the Governor of NSW and Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) alumna, Margaret Beazley, and husband Dennis Wilson turned up at Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School Carnes Hill.

Governor Beazley – a former St Declan’s Primary School Penshurst, St Joseph’s Girls High School Kogarah, and Mount Saint Joseph Milperra student – had been invited to the school to talk about our democracy.

Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley, taking questions from Holy Spirit’s students. Photo: Kitty Beale

Welcomed by Principal of Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School Carnes Hill, Brother Nicholas, Assistant Principal Leonie Sewell and the school’s Captains, Mia Yenco and Matthew Sanasi, the Governor was given a quick tour of the school before attending a school assembly.

She then met with students from all grades, and was even given a quick karate demonstration by one student before talking with Year 6 students currently studying the topic “Australia becomes a nation” in History.

“The Governor’s visit ties in brilliantly with the section of the unit on State Government,” Brother Harsas said.

Being only the second woman to be named NSW Governor – the first being Dame Marie Bashir – she regaled students with stories of how she got to her position.

“Having a legal background, I had a good basis for my role as Governor because any constitutional law that is passed in NSW I need to sign it and speak to ministers about it,” said Governor Beazley.

School Captains, Matthew Sanasi and Mia Yenco, present the Governor of …

Isabell PetrinicFebruary 12, 2021|

Students shine at ArtExpress

Nine students from Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) have been chosen from 9,000 entries to have their works displayed in the annual ArtExpress HSC showcase exhibitions.

“This year has seen the most HSC bodies of work included in ArtExpress for the (Sydney) Archdiocese,” said Eva Spata, SCS’ Specialist: Creative and Performing Arts.

She said the number of Archdiocesan inclusions had more than doubled compared to the previous year.

“I am extremely proud of all the hard work of the 2020 Year 12 students, along with the support of their teachers in such a difficult and unusual (COVID-19) year” – Eva Spata said.

ABOUT ARTEXPRESS

Each year, the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) celebrates exemplary HSC Visual Arts bodies of work with exhibitions in various major venues across Sydney, including the Art Gallery of NSW, called ArtExpress.

Out of 9,000 entries, only 50 outstanding bodies of work were selected by NESA for this year’s exhibitions.

FEATURED WORKS

Among the works featured in this year’s exhibition is a film, titled Intrusion, by Marist College North Shore alumnus Maxwell Partridge.

Maxwell Partridge

“I wanted to make a film that demonstrated that emotions, feelings and mental states can be shown through dramatic techniques, such as form and structure, rather than telling the audience,” Maxwell said.

Settling on a body of work was not as easy as it first seemed, however.

“It took a while to pick a concept that I was set on, but from there I worked on the project for about six to seven months with a few re-shoots which are important to the whole process,” Maxwell said.

American TV show Mr Robot was among the influencing factors in his project.

“Inspiration definitely came from the show Mr …

Isabell PetrinicFebruary 11, 2021|

Splash-tastic: Zone 5 Swimming Carnival

More than 250 students from Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) dove into the Zone 5 Swimming Carnival in Sutherland today.

Water riveting day of action in the pool!

That includes the cheeky duck that took a dip in the pool as kids and staff from 16 SCS primary schools arrived at Sutherland Shire Leisure Centre for a day in the sun.

HOW THE DAY UNFOLDED

Eva Correia from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School Caringbah showed her dominance over the competition winning the 100-metre 12s Girls Freestyle event.

The action then heated up in the Junior Girls (8-10 years) Freestyle Relay.

It was a battle between Our Lady and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School Sutherland.

Charli Moses, for St Patrick’s, looked to be in control but Felicity Barnes and Estelle Slater fought back to put Our Lady of Fatima three body lengths in front before the final leg.

Photographer Natalie Roberts captures some of the poolside excitement.

It was left to Our Lady’s Sienna Lakomy to bring it home for her team but Sophie Aungle took the final leg for St Patrick’s instead.

Metre by metre Aungle kept closing the gap – until she ran out of pool. Literally.

Then Lakomy stretched out her arm just enough to touch the wall first and clinch the win for Our Lady.

In the Junior Boys (8-10 years) 50m Freestyle, a 15-year-old carnival record was shattered as Zach Brown torpedoed his way to first place with a time of 34.62 seconds, almost shaving a second off the previous quickest time of 35.56 seconds.

The nine-year-old Our Lady of Fatima student also picked up blue ribbons in the Junior Boys Relay and Backstroke, and red …

Isabell PetrinicFebruary 8, 2021|

A splash of blitz spirit

“First place, Sienna Bautista!”

Six times this rang out over the loud speaker at Liverpool’s Whitlam Leisure Centre as the 2021 Zone 6 Swimming Carnival’s swimming sensation picked up blue ribbon after blue ribbon.

Her podium sweep began with the Senior Girls 100-metre Freestyle in which she left her closest rival more than 10 seconds behind.

“I’ve improved a lot this year; improving my times and strokes with different strategies and training,” said Bautista.

Sienna Bautista at the Zone 6 Swimming Carnival. Photo: Natalie Roberts

The improvements were telling.

She also finished first in the Senior Girls 50-metre Freestyle, 50-metre Backstroke, 50-metre Breaststroke, 50-metre Butterfly and 200-metre Individual Medley events.

The only race that got away from the John the Baptist Bonnyrigg Heights student was the Relay.

“I won six events but the Relay didn’t go the way we planned,” said Bautista, whose favourite event is the Breaststroke.

She said the Butterfly is “definitely my least favourite” event.

At the Zone 6 Swimming Carnival her Butterfly event went down to the wire. But the Year 6 student held off her opponent to win by 1.1 seconds!

In only her second competitive year as a swimmer, Bautista has high hopes for 2021.

“I expect to win my events at the Sydney Archdiocesan Swimming Carnival and then move on to the Mackillop trials,” she said.

“One day I would like to be an Olympian and go to the Olympics,” Bautista added.

By: NIKOLA POZDER View the Carnival results here

Isabell PetrinicFebruary 8, 2021|

Following St Joseph’s example

A powerful prayer life throughout 2020 led Berala parishioner Ivica Kovac to a unique new role as a Sydney Catholic primary schools’ Family Educator.

“Encouraged by two priests, I was praying to St Joseph; I wanted to do something more,” Mr Kovac, who comes from an equipment rental business background, said.

Sydney Catholic Schools has welcomed 16 new Family Educators

Ironically, this was before Pope Francis had announced a Year of St Joseph (8 December 2020 to 8 December 2021) in honour of the 150th anniversary of Saint Joseph being named as patron of the Universal Church.

“St Joseph, such a humble, wise, loving man and a most powerful intercessor,” Mr Kovac said.

“He is the most wonderful role model for all boys and men of all ages with all his titles – my favourites are ‘Terror of Demons’ and ‘Patron of a Holy Death’ – and is so relevant and needed now in 2021.

“If we look at who was at his side when he died on earth, it was Jesus and Our Lady, Mary; just wow!”

“Family Educators of the future must be courageous to share the truth in love always, because only this can truly set us free. Love and truth are one, inseparable!”

As part of his new role as a Family Educator at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School Earlwood Mr Kovac will help connect families with the religious life of their school and Parish communities.

Asked how he hoped to do this, he said: “Being the Year of St Joseph, I hope to offer the community the wonderful opportunity to complete a 33-day consecration to St Joseph.”

“With each Wednesday being dedicated to St Joseph I hope and pray that we can …

Isabell PetrinicFebruary 5, 2021|

Carnival goes off with a splash

Nearly 170 primary students from Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) made a splash at the Zone 6 Swimming Carnival in Liverpool today.

Fifteen schools were represented at the Whitlam Leisure Centre including first-timers, St Anthony of Padua Catholic College Austral.

St Anthony student Emma McGlone with her blue ribbon. Photo: Natalie Roberts

It was a special moment for the St Anthony of Padua students, with Emma McGlone taking out first place in the Under 8’s 50-metre Girls Freestyle – and her school’s first ever ribbon at an SCS sports carnival.

“We’re super excited to finally represent our school and show off our talents to the other Catholic schools,” St Anthony of Padua’s sports coordinator, Bonnie Petrovski, said.

“It’s also very exciting for Emma winning her event, and we’re proud she will represent our school at the Archdiocesan Trials.”

HOW THE DAY UNFOLDED

The Zone 6 Swimming Carnival opened with the Senior Girls 100-metre freestyle.

And there was no stopping Sienna Bautista from John the Baptist Catholic Primary School Bonnyrigg Heights as she powered to victory by a whopping 10 seconds, going on to take out another incredible five first place finishes in the 50-metre Freestyle, 50-metre Backstroke, 50-metre Breaststroke, 50-metre Butterfly and 200-metre Individual Medley.

She was definitely Zone 6’s star of the day!

“I’ve improved a lot this year and I love swimming,” a modest Bautista said.

However, she was pipped at the post in the Senior Girls Relay by Charlize San Jose, who made up more than five body lengths in the final leg to claim victory for St Catherine Of Siena Catholic Primary School Prestons.

“It was an incredibly successful day and it’s a huge shame that parents couldn’t …

Isabell PetrinicFebruary 4, 2021|

New Family Educators welcomed

Today we welcomed 16 new Family Educators into the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) family.

“It’s really exciting to actually have all our primary schools – bar three – with a Family Educator now,” SCS’ Educator Officer: Church Engagement, Bernadette Bridle, said.

“They’re all really eager and excited to start. We have such a diverse group of FEs that bring a variety of gifts and perspectives to this role.”

“They’re coming in during a challenging time, during COVID,” added Ms Bridle’s peer, Elsa Manu. “We’re also very excited to have a male presence among the Family Educators.”

Ivica Kovac joins Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School Earlwood as its Family Educator.

“It feels like somewhat of a calling,” Mr Kovac said.

“I’m trying to be open to God’s will” – Ivica Kovac

The Family and Faith program is an initiative of Sydney Catholic Schools, and new Family Educator Michelle Thompson is secretly hoping the program will be extended to other Dioceses.

“I learnt about the whole program from friends,” Ms Thompson said.

Family Educators liaise between our school and parish communities, working on and creating invitational events, information sessions and activities that aim to:

connect families with the religious life of the school and the parish;
provide further support to families in the development of their child – spiritually, socially and educationally;
promote Catholic mission and identity;
promote a welcoming, vibrant faith community.

Qualities needed in a Family Educator are: Deep, genuine faith; a willingness to serve; a real ‘yes’ attitude; and a passion to evangelise. Meet Our Family Educators: Laura Neeson

Isabell PetrinicFebruary 2, 2021|

Three sets of twins start school

Teachers were seeing double at St Anthony of Padua Catholic College Austral at the start of this school term.

Principal Lea De Angelis said the school has welcomed three sets of Kindy twins, who couldn’t be more excited to go to “big school.”

Asked to explain why he was thrilled to be at school, five-year-old Charlie Tannous said: “Because we get to see our favourite people.”

St Anthony of Padua Catholic College principal Lea De Angelis with one of the new starters.

His sister, Matilda, nodded her head in agreement.

They spoke of friends they’d made at Preschool.

Sisters Savannah and Sophia Smith, also aged five, said they looked forward to playing at school and making new friends.

Four-year-old twins Christian and Sebastian Pittorino reflected happily on the Kindy “practice days” they had attended at St Anthony before the official first day of school.

“We got to play outside,” Sebastian recalled.

The boisterous triple-doubles are among 119 Kindergarteners to join St Anthony of Padua in 2021, and 6000 Kindergarteners taking the next step of their learning journey at a Sydney Catholic school.

Gallery: First day of school

St Anthony of Padua Catholic College is the only comprehensive Preschool to Year 12 Catholic school within the beating heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The co-educational school is being built in six stages on a picturesque 10.9-hectare parcel of land within the newly revitalised community of Austral.

“There is a strong sense of pride among our staff, students and parents in building the college from the ground up, and contributing towards creating the culture and traditions of St Anthony of Padua Catholic College Austral,” Ms De Angelis said. Helpful school readiness tips …

Isabell PetrinicFebruary 1, 2021|

HSC 2020: Sydney Catholic College with the most All-round Achievers

Freeman Catholic College’s HSC results are cause for celebration.

The Bonnyrigg Heights secondary college had the highest number of All-Round Achievers recipients from Sydney Catholic Schools’ cohort, with eight of the total 46 received.

According to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), All-round Achievers lists the students who achieved a result in the highest band possible (Band 6 or Band E4) in 10 or more units of courses in their current pattern of study.

A staggering 25 per cent of all Freeman HSC students achieved Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) scores of over 90 in 2020.

College Male Dux, Vincent Nguyen, achieved the best result of his peers with 99.75, while Female Dux Alessia Poles received the second-highest at the college with a score of 99.3.

How the HSC mark is calculated

Freeman Catholic College Principal, Raymond Wooby, said he was proud of both his students and teachers, putting the fantastic results down to a proud culture of collegiality at the college.

“It’s all about the team – there is no ‘I’ in Freeman – staff who are dedicated, committed and selfless; students who understand the importance of hard work and are driven to be aspirational and parents who are willing to support,” Mr Wooby said.

“There is no ‘I’ in Freeman” – Principal Raymond Wooby

Freeman currently sits in 109th place on the HSC school rankings list and Mr Wooby is resolved to continue to improve on the college’s enviable results into the future.

“Firstly, we will take the time to acknowledge and commend these great results to the Freeman community by presenting as many of the Class of 2020 at a College assembly in February 2021,” Mr Wooby said.

“We will then examine and evaluate the HSC results and each faculty will create a plan for the year ahead.

“The third aspect of our …

Isabell PetrinicDecember 23, 2020|

Celebrating 80 years in pictures

New history picture book Discovering Our Past tells the story of St Therese Catholic Primary School Mascot in its 80th year.

Historical records show the blessing of the infants’ school and the inauguration of a magnificent Church dedicated to St Therese took place on Sunday 28 January 1940.

The school was expanded in 1951 to include a new presbytery and convent to accommodate an increase in post-war enrolments of local and immigrant families.

L-R: Robert Bell, Joshua, Rosemary and Sierra Pavicevic, Liz Bowring, Teresa Di Bartolo, Scarlett Magee, Alfina and Will Braiding.

It was during this building period that St Therese’s infamous “tent story” took place.

Discovering Our Past, by author and illustrator Liz Bowring, tells of Sister Hyacinth using a choir loft and then a large marquee as a temporary classroom for her students while construction was taking place at the school.

“This setup would work well until one stormy afternoon, gale-force winds would blow the marquee away causing Sister Hyacinth to rush the heavily rained-on children to the safety of the church,” Ms Bowring writes.

Back to the future

Current teacher Sarah Lennard has been making her own memories at St Therese Catholic Primary School Mascot for 40 years.

She first taught at St Therese in November 1980, acting as a relief teacher for a religious sister taking her final vows.

Back then, Malcolm Frasier was the Prime Minister and Sunnyboy ice blocks were all the rage at the canteen.

“I have taught every grade – some several times,” Ms Lennard said.

“I was also a teacher librarian for several years and I was one of the first teachers to be able to job share.”

“People whom I first met …

Isabell PetrinicDecember 22, 2020|

Books for 5-8 Year Olds

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

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

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

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

When you read to young children it:

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

Rosemary Peric. Photo: Kitty Beale

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

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

Isabell PetrinicDecember 22, 2020|

Don’t Worry, Be You@Bosco

Students and staff say they are calmer and more settled since a suite of wellbeing and mindfulness activities have been rolled out at St John Bosco Catholic Primary School Engadine.

“The students have embraced these whole-school initiatives with enthusiasm and commitment, resulting in a significant decrease in behavioural incidents in the playground and classroom,” school assistant principal, Mark Abad, said.

Some of the visibly impactful initiatives to be introduced at the school include morning mindfulness, lunchtime co-curricular activities and mental, social and physical health days.

Programs such as Be You@Bosco and Random Acts of Kindness have inspired positivity, resilience and inclusivity in both students, teachers and family members, Mr Abad said.

“These programs have improved the students’ ability to verbalise and express how they are feeling in an appropriate manner,” Mr Abad said.

“Their vocabularies have increased to include phrases such as ‘being inclusive’, ‘showing compassion’, ‘being courageous’ and ‘when dealing with relationships’.”

Staff have also been encouraged to participate in morale-boosting activities, such as World Teacher’s Day and R U OK? Day, as well as scones, hot chips and chocolate days at the school.

“These programs have improved the students’ ability to verbalise and express how they are feeling in an appropriate manner” – Mark Abad

They each have wellbeing buddies to check in with as part of the school’s Wellbeing Buddies Program.

“We know holidays can be a difficult time for some, so we are offering parish-run events that focus on community and relationship building, such as trivia nights, walks, outdoor cinemas and activity days,” Mr Abad said.

“We are also continuing tips and information around mental health on our social media platform, as well as promoting …

Isabell PetrinicDecember 21, 2020|

HSC 2020: The results are in …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Kate O’Brien. Photo: Kitty Beale

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

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

Isabell PetrinicDecember 18, 2020|

Banding together through faith and music

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Youth Ministry Band is giving students like Marcus Edwards and Gala Alemany Traconis the rare chance to explore their faith through music.

Marcus and Gala, from De La Salle College Ashfield and Domremy College Five Dock respectively, said they both joined the band after learning about it from a friend.

The experience has been life-changing.

“It wasn’t until I joined the band that I actually realised how music can bring people together and help spread a message that can help and impact people positively,” said Gala, a self-taught musician who plays bass guitar, ukulele – and sings!

The Youth Ministry Band is an evangelical project of CaSPA, the performing arts program of Sydney Catholic Schools.

Gala Alemany Traconis.

The seven-member band rehearses weekly, with year-long rehearsals normally culminating in the annual Lights of Christmas performance interspersed with Sydney Archdiocesan evangelisation events.

However this year, because of the COVID-19 crisis, the band is working on a digital showcase and online masterclasses instead.

Gala’s father, Ivan, and Marcus’ mother, Denise, had nothing but praise for the band. Mr Traconis said he has seen his daughter’s confidence, social skills and discipline levels increase since joining.

“I totally recommend the Youth Ministry Band; for the young ones to practice their skills in music, and be part of a great community” – Ivan Traconis

Ms Edwards agreed, “having mentors who are active in Catholic faith has had a positive influence on the students involved.”

Marcus said the band has helped him realise just how important God is in his life.

Gala said, “Music can create communities, break down barriers, and inspire like minded people to do the same in their own way.”

She said she loved how passionate all the band members are about their instruments and how “even when it …

Isabell PetrinicDecember 16, 2020|

Koala-ty learning in action

Students from Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) schools have had the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with one of Australia’s biggest icons … the koala!

Students learning about wildlife conservation.

Eight SCS students visited Taronga Zoo where they met Baxter the Koala and some of his native friends.

They also got to speak with zoo keepers about koalas and the innovative conservation projects they are undertaking as part of SCS’ first Project Koala program.

“The koala is such an iconic Australian animal but there are very few natural habitats in NSW, so many students have never seen a koala in person before,” said Taronga Zoo’s education officer, Georgina Cairns, who is currently seconded to the zoo from SCS.

“Having students come to the zoo helps them to create a sense of empathy and a connection with the animals and gives them a better understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation.”

One of Taronga Zoo’s many in-situ education programs, Project Koala aims to get students to engage their local community to take action to help care for our koalas which, researchers estimate, are on track to be extinct as early as 2050 without significant ecological changes.

SCS’ participating schools are:

Throughout 2020 zoo staff, with assistance from SCS teachers, have guided students in Year 3 to 10 to come up with a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) based conservation solution to assist with the ongoing survival of …

Isabell PetrinicDecember 10, 2020|

Easy Christmas recipes

Looking for some family cooking fun these holidays?

A new cookbook, released by Villa Maria Catholic Primary School in Hunters Hill, has you covered.

Titled Villalicious, the cookbook is filled with delicious family favourite recipes and is a must-have for any kitchen.

“This cookbook is a celebration of life, community and the impact of coming together to share a meal” – Principal Kevin Turner

The cookbook is an excuse for the entire family to gather around in the kitchen and put their cooking skills to the test.

Villa Maria principal, Kevin Turner, explains why the cookbook is so much more than just a collection of recipes.

“This is a take of friendship and a story of togetherness,” said Mr Turner.

“It is a homage to the power of cooking as a community and the recipes that allow us to connect, share and look forward.”

If you’re looking for that special Christmas Day dessert then you can’t go beyond the Christmas Pavlova – or MyMaa’s Christmas Pud.

Recipes which are generations old from all over the world come back to life in your kitchen through Villalicious.

“It’s a passport on a plate: the power of a meal to take you to places you’ve never been, or transport you right back to where you came from,” Mr Turner said.

By: NIKOLA POZDER

Looking for more Christmas family activities? Focus on giving thanks and giving back with this interactive Advent Calendar.

Isabell PetrinicDecember 9, 2020|

Pictures tell the Christmas Story

The silent witness of the donkey at the Nativity scene, Herod the puppeteer, and modern-day Magi depicted as a farmer, doctor and fireman – they are among the themes portrayed in a Catholic schools’ Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition.

About 12,000 Year 5 and 6 students from schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney, Wollongong and Bathurst took part in the annual project this year.

They engaged in the Religious Education Curriculum and the Scriptures to produce artworks and accompanying reflections that spoke to their understanding of the Christmas story.

“I enjoyed the personal reflections and new ways of seeing” – art judge Amanda McPaul-Browne

Of the 742 artworks submitted for judging, 95 were selected for exhibition and 27 were awarded prizes.

Among them is St Michael’s Catholic Primary School Meadowbank student Alfio Cavaleri, who received the Archbishop’s Choice Trophy, and St Luke’s Catholic Primary School Revesby student Abby Way.

Archbishop’s Choice Trophy winner Alfio Cavaleri.

Abby was awarded the Executive Director’s Award and the Year 6 second prize during a video launch presentation on Sunday, 29 November, which you can watch below.

“The launch event has traditionally been held on this day, the First Sunday of Advent, at either the Sydney Cathedral Crypt or The University of Notre Dame in Sydney,” said Jodie Micallef, SCS Specialist: Religious Education.

However this year, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the exhibition is going virtual for the first time.

THE JUDGES

In addition to Jodie Micallef, this year’s judging panel comprised:

John Charadia – Professional Officer: Gifted Education, Creativity and Critical Thinking, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong
Amanda McPaul-Browne – Artist, Heart of the Mountains Art Studio in the …

Isabell PetrinicDecember 1, 2020|

A show of hands for NAIDOC Week

As part of 2020 NAIDOC Week celebrations one Sydney Catholic school has unveiled unique child hand drawings steeped in tradition and colour.

“My hand pattern reminds me of the proud and positive feelings I have about my culture,” said St Therese’s Catholic Primary School Mascot Indigenous student, Charli Symonds.

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry executive officer, Dr Lisa Buxton, said she worked with 19 Indigenous students from Kindergarten to Year 6 at the school over several months, including Charli, to help co-create the artwork.

“The artwork features the hands of all the student-artists and the three circles and lines at the centre of the painting symbolises travel and the stages of the students’ learning journeys,” Dr Buxton said.

The finished artwork has been scanned and made into plaques, unveiled by principal Gabrielle McAnespie at a special assembly. These will be placed in each of the school’s 21 classrooms, offices and specialist classrooms.

“I like how we have an event like NAIDOC Week, to acknowledge and celebrate our traditions and culture”– Charli Symonds

“The project started as a short film where the students filmed their own ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ while sharing stories about their culture and traditions,” Dr Buxton said.

“It ended with both a film and an artwork where they chose colours to represent their own individual ideas about what ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ means to them as young Aboriginal people today.”

Year 6 student, Luke Chenhall, said he very much liked the idea of the plaques in the classrooms, saying “they act as an inspiration to the younger children.”

Charli, who is in Year 5, said the plaque shows “the amazing things Indigenous people have done for the land” and acknowledges them as the first people of the land “which is a terrific thing.”

By: JUDE THOMAS

Watch the video …

Isabell PetrinicNovember 12, 2020|

Southern Cross plies new trades

Students keen to ply a trade can now tap into their passions from Year 9 at Sydney Catholic Schools’ Southern Cross Catholic College at Burwood.

The Innovation and Enterprise specialisation provides a special focus on employability through a wide range of available traineeships and apprenticeships where students are able to fast-track their training into a career.

Starting from next year the Year 11-12 college will also open its doors to Year 9 and 10 innovation and enterprise students for the first time.

“Our new ‘innovation and enterprise’ career pathway is offering Certificate I courses to Year 9 students in automotive, construction, hospitality, retail and technology,” principal Tony Patton explained excitedly.

“Post-school destination tracking of past students shows that 95 per cent of students are in further training, education and/or employment within six months of leaving Southern Cross” – Michael Morris

The college will also start offering full-time courses for students in Years 9 to 12 in Music, Dance, Drama, and Musical Theatre through the Performing Arts specialisation.

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

A Southern Cross Burwood Beauty Services student applies make-up to a ‘customer’.

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

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

“Both …

Isabell PetrinicNovember 12, 2020|

Sydney’s First Catholic Performing Arts High School in 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HEAR FROM SYDNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS GRADUATES:

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

Isabell PetrinicNovember 11, 2020|

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Arrowsmith Program?

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

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

“Arrowsmith has truly changed my life” – Amelie Kovse

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

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

Isabell PetrinicNovember 9, 2020|

‘Art runs in my blood’

This young indigenous Sydney Catholic Schools student is making big waves in the art world.

Not only has Billy Reynolds designed kits for Cricket Australia’s ‘Woolworths Cricket Blast’ program, which teaches Aboriginal kids aged 5 to 10 years the basic skills of cricket.

The Marcellin College Randwick Year 12 student also designed the NRL’s 2020 Indigenous Round jersey for the Wests Tigers, which they wore in round 12.

“To see the Tigers run out with my jersey was amazing,” Billy said. “I am so glad I could design a jersey for such a wonderful community as the West Tigers.”

Marcellin College Randwick student Billy Reynolds models the West Tigers’ Indigenous Round jersey he designed.

Billy designed the jersey while taking part in the NRL School to Work education and employment program, aimed at helping indigenous students finish school and build career pathways once they finish secondary education.

“When I began painting my dad and I joked about getting my artwork on a jersey, thinking it was a long shot and that it probably wouldn’t happen,” recounted Billy.

“A few years later that same dream has come true! When I got the email that I had won the competition, I jumped out of my seat and ran to my family to tell them.”

“To see the Tigers run out with my jersey was amazing” – Billy Reynolds

The artwork he created for the Cricket Australia kit was called Sleeping Goanna.

“Originally the artwork was red but, because of the Woolworths colours, they changed it to green,” Billy said. “I’m really happy with how it came out.”

All of Billy’s art inspiration comes from his indigenous heritage and his passion for design.

“Being of indigenous heritage, …

Isabell PetrinicNovember 9, 2020|

Tech Girls Movement gains momentum

An app with a bio consciousness designed by Sydney Catholic Schools students has won a national competition designed to bolster girls’ interest in science and technology.

Created by girls at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School North Sydney, the Bio Be Aware app lets users look up if a plant or animal is endangered, rare, or harmful, and provides info on how to help it.

Watch the Bio Be Aware full pitch:

“You can take a photo, add your location and find who to contact for assistance,” the students wrote in their submission to the 2020 Tech Girls Movement competition.

Farmer Connect team (L-R): Charlotte Schroder, Maeve Oczapowska, Lara Mandalidis, Fede Thorsell and Ava Mcpeake.

“An additional feature is the community feed page, where the relevant rescue organisation updates the outcome of your original alert along with the ability to ask questions and have a conversation with people interested in biodiversity and saving our world.

“Bio Be Aware will create awareness and education about biodiversity within our community.”

The Bio Be Aware app was one of six projects entered by the school in this year’s Tech Girls Movement competition – four won awards. Bio Be Aware was named NSW Primary School winner.

School’s awards and projects

NSW Primary School Winner – Bio Be Aware
NSW Primary School Highly Commended – Farmer Connect
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Award and People’s Choice – Good Health & Wellbeing – Medic 4 Me
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Award – Sustainable Cities & Communities – Plant Oasis

About the Tech Girls Movement

Isabell PetrinicNovember 6, 2020|

Solar challenge goes to school

For the first time ever, Fairfield Patrician Brothers’ College will not only take part in the annual UNSW SunSprint Model Solar Challenge – but will host half the competition.

SunSprint invites primary and secondary students from across NSW and ACT to build solar cars or boats using renewable energy sources and then race them.

“Students’ STEM – short for Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – knowledge will be integral in implementing parts that are designed to make their car/boat efficient and more effective,” Patrician Brothers’ Year 9 STEM class teacher, Joshua Bryers, said. He said SunSprint gives students the chance to explore renewable materials and develop their engineering skills, “wrapping up the principles of STEM quite well.”

The SunSprint competition usually takes place at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) but, due to COVID-19, Patrician Brothers’ and Holy Cross College Ryde are co-hosting it instead.

Patrician Brothers’ half will be held on Tuesday 27 October. Called MiniSprint, it will include a solar boat competition. UNSW will supply Patrician Brothers with a 20-metre track and a boat pond on the day. Holy Cross will host races on 28 and 29 November.

“We’re still waiting for confirmation but the competition should range from seven to 20 schools taking part,” Mr Bryers said, making reference to MiniSprint. “Students will get a sense of accomplishment and, of course, bragging rights against other schools if they perform well. But, ultimately, this task is all about learning.”

Patrician Brothers is entering teams from all year groups into the competition, with the majority coming from the Year 9 STEM class.

SunSprint

Raced on a 100 metre figure-eight track, the SunSprint race cars are built to the Australian-International Model Solar Challenge specifications
Cars are usually built by teams of up to four (Years 6 to 12) students and take up to …

Isabell PetrinicNovember 3, 2020|

Kudos to our teachers

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCS’ 2020 World Teachers Recognition Award recipients are:

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

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

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

Isabell PetrinicOctober 29, 2020|

First in world: Our language star

A Sydney Catholic Schools student has eclipsed 181,000 students to take out the Arabic crown in the Education Perfect World Languages Championships.

“I have participated in this competition for the past two years and achieved great growth in my mother language, which is Arabic,” Katlen Ghanem, winner of Education Perfect’s Emerald Award, said modestly.

Katlen Ghanem winner of Education Perfect’s Emerald Award

Katlen is currently studying Year 11 Arabic Continuers at Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba, which has been enrolled in Education Perfect since 2011 when it was called Language Perfect. Back then it was a language competition only.

Today it is an annual series of online competitions where students earn points across Humanities, English, Science, Maths and Languages.

“Our college, under the support and permission of our principal, had the privilege to be part of establishing and organising the Arabic activities and exercises in Education Perfect Languages,” Holy Spirit Lakemba’s languages coordinator, Marie Joseph Abi- Arrage, said.

Ms Abi-Arrage said this year the school entered students in Arabic (66 students), French (18 students) and Italian (70 students).

“Holy Spirit students answered 119,246 questions and earned 43,929 points, giving us a global ranking of 235 out of 2155 schools,” she said.

“We came second in Arabic out of 874 schools globally and first in Australia.”

Our big star, Katlen, said competing in the competition has really helped improve her vocabulary which has “helped me to express my ideas in a better, more sophisticated way.”

Benefits of learning a second language

Arabic, French and Italian language are compulsory subjects in Stage 4 (Year 8) at Holy Spirit Lakemba. The language programs are offered as electives in stage 5 and Stage 6.

Ms Abi-Arrage said there are many amazing advantages and benefits of learning a second language.

“Learning a second language …

Isabell PetrinicOctober 26, 2020|

Care squares for charity

Students and staff at Bethlehem Catholic College Ashfield have been giving up their lunchtimes to knit care squares for blankets that will warm those in need around the world.

The school’s learning resource teacher, Katheryn Gallagher, came up with the idea of students learning knitting after attending a knit-in for charity that made her feel privileged to be in the presence of others using their skills for the better good.

Students and staff come together every Wednesday lunchtime in the library resource centre to knit squares for charity group Wrap With Love which “wraps” more than 30,000 people with love and warmth each year, both in Australia and globally.

“Our learning resource centre is a magnificent space, conducive to a knitting circle and our library staff have gone out of their way to accommodate us,” Ms Gallagher said.

“Because of COVID-19, the girls are socially distanced but interconnected through knitting; whether chatting to each other or sitting together in silence, they are unified in their goal to make a blanket for those less fortunate.”

School librarian Christine Graham said the knitting group, and games set out on nearby tables, give students the opportunity to make intergroup connections and develop friendships across year groups.

Year 10 student Chloe Juwono said knitting was therapeutic and a nice way to unwind after a hard day at school, while Year 8 student Chloe Dionisio said it was a great way to help the homeless and provide them with things they may not have access to.

Ms Gallagher concluded: “If girls sit, socialise and make friends; then job done.”

Wrap With Love is always looking for knitters. Call them Wednesdays and Fridays 9.30am to 2.30pm on (02) 8399 3000 or email: info@wrapwithlove.org

By: JUDE THOMAS

—

Sydney Catholic Schools is enrolling now.

Isabell PetrinicOctober 22, 2020|

Step back in time

In 1880 it was not uncommon to see a sisterhood of nuns en route from their convent home in Pitt Street, Sydney, to St James Catholic Primary School Glebe where they taught.

Among them was their first principal, Sister Mary Austin Donovan, and Sister Marie des Agnes Lawler, both Sisters of The Good Samaritan – otherwise known as the “Good Sams” – who lived and continue to live a Benedictine way of life.

St James Catholic Primary School Forest Lodge school poster circa 1922.

This year marks the 140th year since the school first opened.

On its first day, on 21 March 1880, the co-ed school had 160 pupils and was led by a religious principal. Their first lay principal, Donna Craige, was appointed 100 years later in 1990.

In its 140th year, the school is undergoing a facelift which includes a new outdoor learning space and classroom refurbishments.

“We look forward to a newly renovated and equipped school, contemporary learning spaces thriving as a Catholic educational beacon in the community,” current principal, Enrica Bova, said.

She described the school as “an inclusive and welcoming community with strong collaborative partnerships with St James Parish, local preschools and the wider community.”

“The school community reaches out with initiatives to ensure those less fortunate and marginalised know all at St James are there to help and support them,” she said.

“St James Catholic Primary School is a school built on trust, on openness, on daily connection. We are striving through COVID to keep this fully alive.”

L-R: St James students Macy, Clare Ivens, long standing teacher at St …

Isabell PetrinicOctober 14, 2020|

Accolades keep adding up

Who hasn’t seen a kindergartener with a backpack so big it’s almost dragging on the ground.

Four kindies at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School Fairfield have taken matters into their own hands and designed and then made a 3-D model of a school bag that’s much easier on their little backs.

Kindy student Bryan Yeung’s impressive 2-D school bag design.

Cindy Wang, Bryan Yeung, Chandler Tran and Hannah Ly were among four teams from Our Lady who have wowed the judges of a prestigious mathematical competition with their ingenuity.

The Investigating with Mathematics Competition, run by the Mathematical Association of NSW (MANSW), asks students in Kindergarten to Year 12 to come up with a solution to a real-life problem using maths.

Teams in Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 6 at Our Lady placed first in the state competition and then Kindergarten and Year 1 went on to come first in Australia, with Year 2 and 6 receiving Highly Commended Awards.

“We are very proud of our students and teachers,” school principal, Jackie Vella, said.

Bryan and Hannah said winning made them “happy.”

Dr Christine Mae, Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) K-12 Mathematics and Numeracy Education Officer, said: “It is exciting to see that we have such young minds engaging in high levels of challenge by investigating real-world problems in and around the school.”

“I’m the smartest in the family,” claims kindy student, Chandler Tran. “I’ve learnt how to count up to septillion!”

WHAT THEY INVESTIGATED

Kindergarten
Using a 2-D plan, Cindy Wang, Bryan Yeung, Chandler Tran and Hannah Ly …

Isabell PetrinicOctober 12, 2020|

Kids speak up

Every child is a public speaker at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School Kingsgrove.

This is after all 440 students, from Kindergarten to Year 6, took part in the school’s first public speaking competition, “Speak Up.”

School assistant principal, Margrita Cutrupi, wanted every child to be able to speak confidently and clearly in front of an audience, so she came up with the idea of a competition.

“Public speaking promotes confidence in the children to communicate their ideas clearly and concisely,” Mrs Cutrupi said. “It has been a great program for the school because every child was given the chance to shine and excel.”

Students were offered a choice of topics, ranging from “The Coolest Toy I Have” to “Mythical Creatures – Would They Make Good Pets?”, to present in front of their peers.

Round 1 saw the children present a prepared speech to their classmates. Winners from this round then went on to Round 2, where they were asked to deliver an impromptu speech.

The final round was adjudicated by a panel of judges. Among them was St Ursula’s Catholic College principal, Mary Leask, who afterwards spoke glowingly of everyone’s confidence.

Our Lady of Fatima principal, Anthony Weir, remarked that taking part in the competition had improved students’ grasp of English.

By: SARAH LEANEY

—
For more information Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School Kingsgrove or to enrol your child, call (02) 9502 3723 or visit olfkingsgrove.catholic.edu.au.

Isabell PetrinicOctober 12, 2020|

Shake and shimmy

More than 40 Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) have jumped on board a new craze designed to get active while having fun.

The brains behind the fun ‘40-Second Challenge’ is Peta Haynes, the sports coordinator at St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School Panania.

She said she and her colleagues, Peter McIntosh and Liz Reakes, designed the challenge during the COVID-19 lockdown to get students moving and interacting – and now 41 SCS schools are taking part!

“Sydney Catholic Schools Sport was looking for a way that they could get kids participating in a challenge,” Ms Haynes said. “The challenge is open to those schools that would like to compete with one another in a fun and safe way during the coronavirus.”

The 40-second challenge is made up of weekly physical activities, and the school keeps score of students’ performance. Videoing yourself completing challenges is entirely optional.

The challenge groups students in year groups – Kindergarten to Year 2, Years 3 to 4 and Years 5 to 6 – with ranging difficulty levels.

Schools’ challenge

Ms Haynes and her colleagues felt it was important other schools got in on the fun as well, which is how the inter-school challenge was born.

“The inter-school challenge allows schools to challenge each other in a safe and friendly COVID-free environment,” she said, adding the activities will go a long way to building school morale and boosting student wellbeing during this tough time.

“This challenge is two-fold, in that it allows students to participate in school within stages and or classes, as well as the teachers challenging each other within their own school,” Ms Haynes said.

“The activities cover a variety of fundamental movement skills and cater to all levels of ability.”

The ‘Shake and Shimmy’ challenge has been the students’ favourite. It involves shaking ping pong balls out of a tissue box by shaking …

Isabell PetrinicOctober 1, 2020|

Giving from the heart

From doctors to cleaners, all staff at Fairfield Hospital have been gifted hand-stitched felt hearts to keep in their pockets or handbags.

The 1000 hearts were made with love by the Minnie Vinnies at Marion Catholic Primary School Horsley Park.

The school’s Family Educator, Leonie Casha, said she hopes the hearts will remind hospital staff that their hard work is appreciated.

L-R: Laila Aprim, Natalia Romeo, Pasquale Demarte, Annabelle Baleos and George Nader with some of the hearts they have lovingly made for staff at Fairfield Hospital.

St Vincent de Paul Society’s Mini Vinnies program provides opportunities for primary school students to put their faith into action through volunteering, advocacy and fundraising.

As part of this, Mini Vinnies gather regularly to identify current social justice issues in their local community and discuss what they can do to help.

Ms Casha said after returning to school from remote learning, the Mini Vinnies decided they wanted to give back to the essential workers in their community including at Fairfield Hospital.

Fellow students, parents, parishioners, grandparents and friends helped them lovingly make the hearts which Ms Casha then personally delivered to Fairfield Hospital general manager, Paul Crowe, to give to staff.

The gesture moved the staff who presented Ms Casha with a certificate of appreciation to give to the students by way of thanks.

Marion Horsley Park students hold felt hearts made for staff at Fairfield Hospital.

“We in our community saw two firemen lose their lives during the summer bush fires – now, in the midst of …

Isabell PetrinicSeptember 21, 2020|

Buddying up spells success

“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark,” according to celebrated French romantic author, Victor Hugo.

With this idea in mind Our Lady of Fatima Primary School Kingsgrove has buddied up its Kindergarten students with students in Year 6 students, who are reading with the littlies to help improve their literacy.

The REDS program, as it is known, is the brainchild of school assistant principal, Margrita Cutrupi.

Short for ‘Read Every Day for Success’, the three-year-old REDS program supports early readers to build essential fluency skills and, in turn, the Year 6ers develop leadership skills and give back in the true spirit of the school motto: Serviam.

“Research shows that learning to read is one of the most important factors in school success,” school principal, Anthony Weir, said.

“Fluency is a critical skill for a young reader,” he further explained. “[It is] evidence that he/she is comfortable ‘decoding’ the words on the page, to read automatically and aloud with expression. Fluency is the bridge between decoding words and understanding what h

Photo: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

as been read.”

As part of the program, Year 6 students complete an expression of interest survey stating why they would make a great REDS mentor. Those chosen attend a workshop where they are taught tips on how to encourage and support their buddies.

Students are also taught to use the ‘pause, prompt, praise’ strategy, which encourages the kindy students to monitor meaning and to self-correct.
This strategy can be used any time a student is reading aloud.

“Each morning, 10 minutes after assembly, our Kindergarten students get to practise their fluency and expression by reading their home readers or class readers to one of the Year 6 REDS …

Isabell PetrinicSeptember 16, 2020|

Publicity to purpose

For more than 15 years, Laura Neeson owned a successful PR agency. She worked with big fashion, beauty and lifestyle labels but often felt she had to push her faith to the side to fit in.

It was on a life-changing pilgrimage to Medjugorje, a town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that the mother-of-two “encountered God.”

“It felt like I was sitting in the foyer of Heaven. I just felt so loved,” Laura recounted.

“For the first time in my life, it felt like my life had meaning and I had a purpose. I realised in that moment that I want to do something in my life that helps someone.”

Laura Neeson with Kindy students Pearl and Hugo at Galilee Bondi. Photo: Kitty Beale

From there, Laura decided to focus on being a full-time mum, and started a prayer group at her children’s school St Charles’ Catholic Primary School Waverley with 12 other women. “I just felt so nudged – that is how the Holy Spirit works,” Laura said. “My faith had exploded.”

Laura taught the women in the prayer group how to pray the Rosary and around this time became interested in becoming a Family Educator at Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS).

She said she first heard about the role through a friend and then saw a meme on social media saying: “God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.”

She saw this as a sign to follow her heart. That’s how she met Anna Novak, principal at Galilee Catholic Primary School Bondi, who hired her on the spot.

That was nearly two years ago.

ROLE OF A FAMILY EDUCATOR

“It’s more than a role, it’s a mission,” Laura said. “My role is to nourish and cultivate the faith life of the families that come …

Isabell PetrinicSeptember 15, 2020|

Out-of-this-world learning

Year 9 students at De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah have built and programmed a robot car – also called an mBOT – that can search for life on Mars.

Their Mars Mission included analysing rock samples under a microscope and reporting their findings to “NASA”. They undertook this project as part of STEM, short for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

“Programming the mBOT and understanding the concept of gear ratios took some time, but I understand it well now,” student Matthew Nunn said.

“We saw green plant life and some fragments of metal and, after analysing them closely, we discovered microbial life.”

The Mars Mission is one of many projects helping students to develop skills in problem-solving, creativity, communication and digital literacy.

De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah Year 9 STEM students Gerry Reyes, Brayden Henniker, Nicolas Bambacas, Matthew Nunn, John Ganter and Damien Stassi with STEM teacher Dominic Ritchie. Photo: Kitty Beale

What is STEM?

STEM actively involves students in the development and production of quality design projects, and is a pathway to many subjects including physics, mathematics, engineering, design and technology and science.

It gets students experimenting, questioning and evaluating information.

This is the first time De La Salle Caringbah has offered STEM, teacher and assistant principal Dominic Ritchie said.

“We aimed to design a STEM program that grabs a student’s interest and further develops the passion they have for problem solving,” Mr Ritchie said.

“We have seen the students really engaged with the STEM projects and they are enthusiastic about developing their skills.

“Thanks to the positive feedback from students and parents, interest in the class …

Isabell PetrinicSeptember 15, 2020|

How to ask ‘R U OK?’

We caught up with CEO of the Mental Health Coordinating Council, Carmel Tebbutt, ahead of RU OK?Day (Thursday, 10 September).

Carmel Tebbutt is perhaps best known for being the first woman to hold the position of Deputy Premier of New South Wales.

The Sydney Catholic Schools’ alumni and former NSW Minister for Education has since retired from politics and now uses her knowledge of how government works to support people on their mental health recovery journeys.

She does this through her role as the chief executive officer of the Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC), the peak body representing the community health sector in NSW.

MHCC advocates for policy development and legislative reform in the sector.

“We need to remain focused on the things we can do and that’s why RU OK?Day is so important,” Ms Tebbutt said with reference to our national day of action.

RU OK?Day is dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and support those struggling with life’s ups and downs.

“Every day is a day to ask, ‘Are you okay?’” according to Carmel Tebbutt.

Ms Tebbutt said 45 per cent of people in their lifetime will experience a mental health condition, and one in five Australians experience mental illness in any one year.

The coronavirus pandemic and self-isolation is creating new mental health and wellbeing challenges.

“RU OK?Day opens up permission to have those conversations,” Ms Tebbutt said.

“But those conversations should happen every day if you feel a friend or a colleague is not coping.

“Pick a time when you have the time and capacity to listen.

“It’s not like there is any right way to do it. I’d say, …

Isabell PetrinicSeptember 10, 2020|

Making learning count

Gifted maths student Tracie Duong, 16, was among 102 students and 24 teachers from Sydney Catholic schools to give up a day of their school holidays to build their problem solving and analytical skills in the lead-up to the new Mathematics HSC.

“I want to be an engineer, probably mechanical. I love maths and science,” forum attendee Janice Nyoto, a Year 12 student at St Clare’s College Waverley, said. Photo: Kitty Beale

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) organised the all-day Mathematics Extension 2 (MX2) Student Forum at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Sydney both to help get students exam-ready for the new Advanced Mathematics HSC, as well as to help increase overall student participation in higher-level maths courses.

For Tracie, it was a no-brainer to take up the opportunity. She is already used to putting in some hard yards to achieve her dream of being a civil engineer.

“In the middle of Term 4 last year, my teacher said to me ‘Tracie, you can do Mathematics Extension 2 if, during sport, you go to St Pat’s.’ So I did it,” said Tracie who is currently in Year 11 at all-girls secondary school Mary Mackillop Catholic College Wakeley.

Tracie’s school does not offer the maths course but nearby all-boys secondary school Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield, more commonly referred to as St Pat’s, does offer it.

Mathematics Extension 2 is the highest level mathematics course for students with a special interest and ability in mathematics and students will sit their HSC exam on 26 October.

MX2 Student Forum

NESA’s Anna Wethereld addresses Sydney …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 28, 2020|

Formula for success

During National Science Week, we caught up with a Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich graduate who has followed in the footsteps of 20th century scientists Einstein and Rosalind Franklin and made a breakthrough discovery of her own.

Meet Dr Linda Thomas.

Dr Thomas developed a passion for asking questions at a young age, never imagining it could lead to a career as a clinical psychologist and mucosal immunologist. Or that she might one day be quoted in her field.

The human body. Photo: Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash.

“Commencing with the first black box, our brain and our mind, I studied neuroscience after leaving school and, later, the immune system, ending up integrating the two disciples to research the gut-brain axis,” Dr Thomas said, making reference to how the gut and the brain talk to each other.

“As part of my research in the areas of mental illness, dementia, as well as respiratory infection, I discovered a novel (i.e. previously unknown) protein and went on to formulate a cystic fibrosis vaccine in which I held two patents,” Dr Thomas said.

She said she feels privileged “to be able to help people experiencing physical and mental health difficulties, to treat their gut so they can improve their neural development, their capacity to learn and to function better generally.”

“Looking back to those days of early high school, I couldn’t have foreseen that my future would have found me researching and working in this exciting and developing field,” Dr Thomas said.

“However, I am sure that the groundwork was laid in that classroom-school environment.”

Photo: Michael Longmire on Unsplash

For many students, there is that one teacher who holds a special place in their hearts. For Dr Thomas, that person …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 20, 2020|

Reaching out to refugees

Charity begins at home … and ends with nine carloads of donatable goods!

This was the experience of families at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School North Sydney who have shown their faith through action by generously donating much needed-food and toiletries to the Jesuit Refugee Service Australia (JRS).

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School North Sydney parents Jaytee Agapito and Amber Quin and child with Jesuit Refugee Service Australia director, Carolina Gottardo.

JRS is an international Catholic organisation, offering dignity and hope to refugees through emergency assistance in shelter, food, casework, employment, legal and school engagement areas.

St Mary’s reached out to the JRS during the COVID-19 pandemic, breaking bread in spirit by providing food relief to more than 300 households – or 800 people – many of whom are ineligible for JobSeeker and JobKeeper benefits.

“The generosity of the parents exceeded my expectations,” said St Mary’s Family Educator, Linda Curtis, who coordinated the drive.

“The generosity of the parents exceeded my expectations” – Linda Curtis

“The generosity not only included the donation of food and toiletry items; it also included the drive out to Westmead from North Sydney to deliver the items, and some parents continuing to volunteer on an ongoing basis,” Ms Curtis said.

She said students’ actions have reflected those of Australia’s first Catholic saint Mary MacKillop who, in 1871, uttered these meaningful words: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

St Mary’s parents Eilish Reville and Felicity Clarkin load …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 19, 2020|

Schools stand with Lebanon

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) parents have been overcome by people’s show of love and support for Lebanon after a huge explosion shook Beirut on 4 August, killing more than 170 people and injuring thousands.

Danny Makary – a Lebanese-background parent at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School in Meadowbank – said words cannot describe the gratitude he and three other Lebanese school parents are currently feeling towards their school and parish communities, along with their friendship and family circles.

After the deadly Beirut explosion, which left the world reeling, the parents posted an appeal on the school’s Facebook page calling on the community to donate non-perishable foods, clothing and essential items, such as nappies and women’s hygiene products, to help people affected.

“The appeal was posted on the school Facebook on Saturday (8 August),” Mr Makary said. It was also posted on Sydney to Lebanon, a Facebook group created that day to let people know how they could support the struggling families in Lebanon.

“We woke up the next day and our phones were ringing off the hook with calls from the school community, friends, family, people on Instagram and Facebook that had seen the post,” Mr Makary said.

“We’re now trying to raise funds to secure a third container” – Parent Danny Makary

Within just a few days the parent group, which includes five non-school parents, was inundated with donations, filling up two container-loads.
Such was the outpouring, they have now had to place a pause on donations.

“The first two containers have also been donated – we’re now trying to raise funds to secure a third,” Mr Makary said. “It’s been so overwhelming.”

…

Isabell PetrinicAugust 14, 2020|

Is this Australia’s best primary principal?

Sydney Catholic Schools has so many great teachers. One has been recognised at a national level.

Helen Elliott, a Sydney Catholic Schools’ teacher lauded for her extraordinary ability to lead by example, has been named a finalist in the Australian Education Awards 2020, in the category of Primary Principal of the Year – Non-government.

“It’s very humbling and rewarding to be recognised in this way,” All Hallows Catholic Primary School Five Dock principal Helen Elliott said.

Mrs Elliott has worked for the Sydney Catholic school system for more than 40 years, 11 of them as a principal.

She was nominated for the top accolade by All Hallows’ acting assistant principal, Christine Torresan, who wasn’t at all surprised when her colleague of five years made the cut.

Principal Helen Elliott teaching Year 5 religion.

Why Mrs Elliott is a cut above the rest

“Her first response when I told her she’d been selected was to say, ‘It’s not just me. I’m part of a team’. That’s how modest she is,” Ms Torresan said with a laugh.

“She’s an exceptional leader who supports teachers both in their wellbeing and professionally,” Ms Torresan continued.

“Her leadership allowed me to get my Highly Accomplished accreditation.

“She also encourages us to coach and mentor each other and puts herself in the position of receiving feedback on her classroom teaching. At one stage even a prac (pre-service) teacher gave her feedback on her teaching!”

“She’s an exceptional leader who supports teachers both in their wellbeing and professionally” – Christine Torresan

An admittedly shy person, Mrs Elliott said “growing people” gave her immense satisfaction.

“Anything I do is guided by how I can make the children happy, to ensure that they’re engaged in their learning …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 13, 2020|

Applause for our Principals

Say thank you on Australian Primary Principals’ Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Keating replaced Bob …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 6, 2020|

Help keep your child safe online

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Feeling safe makes learning possible” – Sandra Reynolds

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

“Sydney Catholic …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 4, 2020|

Why are the arts so important in school?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCS’ other performing arts offerings include: …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 3, 2020|

My child is struggling in school

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

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

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

‘Check in’ the moment they ‘check out’

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

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

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

Ask about their day

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

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

Clean and routine

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

Isabell PetrinicAugust 3, 2020|

Get your child ready to start school

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

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

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

The right time to start

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Teachers say that academic skills are …

Isabell PetrinicAugust 3, 2020|

Sky’s the limit when you Zumba

St Francis of Assisi Regional Catholic Primary School Paddington has taken fitness to new heights, offering rooftop Zumba classes.

Zumba instructor and school assistant principal Hayley De Vries said she started the putting on Zumba classes during the COVID-19 lockdown, “to reach out to families, to make a connection, and to get them active whilst they were at home.”

Ms De Vries would film herself doing dance-inspired Zumba workouts and send this footage to families, so students could easily practice the moves in their living rooms.

“The teachers used it to do their sport class each week,” Ms De Vries, who previously worked as a trainer at Crunch Fitness, said.

Now students are back at school, they are coming together in person on Fridays to take part in amazingly fun Zumba dance parties on the school rooftop.

Sydney Catholic Schools is enrolling now. For more information or to download an enrolment form for the Sydney Catholic school of your choice, visit sydcatholicschools.nsw.edu.au/enrolment.

Isabell PetrinicJuly 14, 2020|

Teachers paint a bright future

The term ‘masterpiece’ has taken on a whole new meaning at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Primary School Mt Pritchard.

Teachers have spent their holidays, weekends, and before and after school with paint brushes in hand, transforming blank walls around the school into works of art.

Amanda Henderson, Biljana Ostojic, Natalie Ihlow, Adriana Cosic, Natalie Bittar and Jenny Phan started with the walls outside the kindy classrooms, creating brightly-coloured scenes of happy children running, numbers, books and an image of Jesus.

The new Our Lady of Mt Carmel Mt Pritchard wall mural.

“The inspiration for the artwork came from creating images which we believed depicted life at our school,” kindergarten teacher, Stephanie Sultana, said.

She said students were delighted to come back to a bright, cheery and vibrant learning environment after the COVID-19 disruption.

“They are all now eagerly waiting for the next location of the art masterpieces,” said Ms Sultana.

For more information about Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Primary School Mt Pritchard or to enrol your child, call (02) 9610 2371 or visit olmcmtpritchard.catholic.edu.au.

Isabell PetrinicJune 30, 2020|

Blessed are the Zoomers

The coronavirus has seen a growing number of lapsed, irregular and curious churchgoers join a congregation using online technology.

By dipping their toes in digital worship, people can enter a church discretely before making a commitment with their feet, said Sydney Catholic Schools ’ chaplain, Father Gary Perritt.

“It’s a big thing if you haven’t been to Church for two, five, 20 years,” Fr Gary said.

“For some people to physically step through the door and start going to Mass again may be frightening. They may not have a sense of what to do, or may feel they will be judged.”

Fr Gary said online Masses have also opened up the doors of churches to people who are sick, aged, and young families with children who aren’t always able to attend for practical reasons, for example their child is sleeping.

“The Archbishop’s Easter Sunday ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral was watched by over a million people – the Cathedral, if it’s full, holds less than a thousand,” Fr Gary said.

“Zoom is a great innovation and a great support for priests working in these strange times” – Father Gary Perritt

He is hopeful that now churches in the Archdiocese of Sydney have re-opened, more parishioners than ever will attend Masses physically as well. This includes those who have had their curiosity piqued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It calls on the regulars to welcome and go out of their way to include them. To speak to them, to say ‘Hello, I’ve not seen you here before’,” he gently reminded. “Your welcome can do wonders for the practising of their faith,” Fr Gary said.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ chaplain Father Gary Perritt. Photo: Kitty Beale

Currently churches may have up to 50 …

Isabell PetrinicJune 26, 2020|

Homelessness in Sydney: Four ways you can help

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Team Leader: Family Educator Project, Meredith Lemos, has been warmed by the empathy and generosity of the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) community.

Family Educators have led students, teachers and staff in jointly raising nearly $28,000 for the lay Catholic organisation St Vincent de Paul Society – affectionately known as Vinnies – to help people living rough on our streets this blistery winter.

“It’s going up by the second,” Mrs Lemos said with excitement in her voice.

Photo: Matt Collamer on Unsplash

Every night, more than 116,000 Australians experience homelessness and a quarter are young people aged under 18, just like our students at SCS.

Vinnies Australia is fighting to halve this number by 2025 and Mrs Lemos is optimistic the SCS family can together raise $30,000 to help Vinnies break the cycle of homelessness.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Family Educator Project Team invites families to be advocates for the homeless by taking part in simultaneous family backyard sleepouts and sitouts this Friday (26 June).

“Our inaugural FamilyWinterSleepout@Home event aims to bring families together to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of homelessness, while encouraging greater empathy and kindness among our students,” Mrs Lemos said.

Vinnies’ National Council of Australia chief executive officer, Toby O’Connor said falling donations because of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with a spike in demand for services, make tough times even tougher for many people.

“While our good works continue, revenue from our shops has all but disappeared due to necessary closures,” Mr O’Connor said. “Donations now are vital.”

St Patrick’s …

Isabell PetrinicJune 24, 2020|

About Isabell Petrinic

ABOUT ARTEXPRESS

FEATURED WORKS

HOW THE DAY UNFOLDED

HOW THE DAY UNFOLDED

New history picture book Discovering Our Past tells the story of St Therese Catholic Primary School Mascot in its 80th year.

Back to the future

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

Looking for more Christmas family activities? Focus on giving thanks and giving back with this interactive Advent Calendar.

THE JUDGES

What is the Arrowsmith Program?

Watch the Bio Be Aware full pitch:

School’s awards and projects

About the Tech Girls Movement

SunSprint

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

WHAT THEY INVESTIGATED

Schools’ challenge

ROLE OF A FAMILY EDUCATOR

What is STEM?

Why Mrs Elliott is a cut above the rest

The right time to start

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

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