jaderamirezsydcatholiceduau | Sydney Catholic Schools

Boost young minds with Science and Technology

Ever wondered how your child’s endless curiosity and boundless energy can be the foundation for a future in science and technology? Imagine transforming their natural wonder into a love for Science and Technology right from your living room. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover the secrets for making your home a launchpad for future scientists, engineers, and tech entrepreneurs!

Why Science and Technology is the future (and why it matters to you!)

Science and Technology jobs are growing like wildfire – expected to soar by over 12% in the next five years! That’s twice as fast as other careers. But what does that mean for you and your kids? It means a world full of opportunities for scientific thinkers. Observing, questioning, testing, and communicating – if this sounds like your child, you’re already halfway there!

Transforming everyday moments into adventures in Science and Technology

Cooking up science in the kitchen

Turn your kitchen into a science lab! Measuring ingredients is a sneaky way to practise maths. Breaking down a recipe? That’s computational thinking in action! Try this: mix baking soda and vinegar for a fizzy volcano or colour celery water to see capillaries in action. Cooking just became a whole lot more exciting!

Experimentation nation

Got vinegar and an egg? Cover the egg in the vinegar for 48 hours and watch the shell dissolve and reveal a bouncy egg! Or mix corn flour and water into a paste to make Oobleck, a great example of a non-Newtonian fluid that is a lot of fun to play with. These fun experiments teach chemical reactions and biological processes effortlessly. Who knew learning could be this fun?

Nature’s lab – …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJuly 30, 2024|

Alumni set to make a splash at Paris Olympics

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Three to Watch!

A talented trio of Sydney Catholic Schools alumni will take to the pool at the upcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Here we look at how each found themselves set to make a splash on the world sporting stage. We will be proudly cheering them on!

Se-Bom Lee

This will be Se-Bom Lee’s second Games, having competed in the 400m individual medley at the Tokyo games.

The St Martha’s Catholic Primary School Strathfield alumnus secured a place on the team for Paris at the Olympic trials in June, finishing second in the 200m backstroke with a time of 1:57.02.

Lee medalled in the men’s 200m medley at both the 2024 Aus Championships (bronze) and Olympic trials (silver). Incredibly, since completing school he has balanced competitive swimming with completing a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Science and Engineering. What a high achiever!

Olivia Wunsch

A former student of Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School North Ryde, Olivia, aged only 17 received a 2024 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship this year. There’s no doubt she has a bright future in swimming to look forward to having clocked personal bests in the 100m butterfly, 200m freestyle and 100m freestyle at an Olympic qualifier event.

Her performance in the 100m freestyle event secured her place on the Paris relay team. We have a feeling this is just the beginning for Olivia and we can’t wait to see her swimming talent in action.

Holly Warn

Ever wondered who the youngest member of Australia’s Paralympic swim team? It’s the spectacular Holy Warn who at 15 has secured her place on the team having placed 3rd in the 400m freestyle in the S7 class at the Paralympic Trials. on.

The former Sacred Heart …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJuly 25, 2024|

Domremy’s light focus brightens hearts and minds

Light-themed projects at Domremy College Five Dock have brightened the minds of gifted students in the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) network and provided help to families in Papua New Guinea (PNG) living in energy poverty.

Lights for learning

With only 20 per cent of PNG’s 10.5 million residents able to access electricity, school students must rely on dangerous and unsustainable sources of fuel – like kerosene, diesel, wood or candles – to study after dark.

To help improve the situation, Domremy student volunteers have built 50 solar-powered lights as part of the Origin Energy Foundation’s Solar Buddy light initiative.

“We are very proud of all students who gave their time to become more aware as global citizens and make a difference,” – Sarah Thompson

The Solar Buddy project marries STEM and social justice to improve the health and education outcomes of people living in energy poverty around the globe. The lights will be shipped to PNG.

Domremy’s Leader of Innovative and Global Connections, Sarah Thompson, praised the efforts of the students involved in an emotive letter to the Domremy community that acknowledged the severe impacts of energy poverty around the world.

The Solar Buddy initiative was led by the school’s Environment and Humanities captains, with students writing a heartfelt letter to accompany each light.

“We are very proud of all students who gave their time to become more aware as global citizens and make a difference,’” Ms Thompson said.

“We would like to thank the team of volunteers from Origin Energy Foundation for their financial and personal support throughout this project.

“We hope to maintain this relationship and continue to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

Let there be light

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJuly 25, 2024|

New festival shines light on learning

Move over Vivid – there’s a new light festival in Sydney!

More than 2,000 people attended Domremy College Five Dock’s first-ever Light Festival, complete with a glow bar, silent disco and inspiring light-themed student works.

The two-hour event in late June celebrated a term’s worth of learning in STEM, humanities and the arts.

Spotlight on learning

The college Science labs featured light experiments including open flames, refractions and holograms.

Year 9 students at Domremy and Year 5 students from four nearby Catholic primary schools explained what they learnt about the principles of light and architecture while designing model houses.

Their works were part of a Science project for Newman Selective Gifted Education Program students at Sydney Catholic Schools.

Bold and bright installations by the college’s Design and Technology students included sea jellies, puzzle pieces and an octopus named Eugene.

Music and Drama students entertained with musical performances and expressionist theatre performances enhanced by strobe and other lighting effects.

English teachers screened a video of students’ blackout poetry (made by removing words from newspaper clippings with black marker) and ekphrastic poetry, named for the Ancient Greek practice of describing things in vivid detail.

Instructional Specialist at Domremy, Lucy Silva, said the college arranged for a renowned Photographic Light ‘painter’ Peter Solness to work with students on the school oval to capture light in movement.

“The results were simply spectacular!” Mrs Silva said. “The …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJuly 25, 2024|

Music teaching hits the right note

The first tentative thoughts that a career as a music teacher could be for Meaghan Brady came when she forged a strong connection to her ‘amazing’ music teacher during her high school days in Ireland.

Now, a specialist music teacher role at Sydney Catholic Schools is hitting all the right notes for the expat, who has taught at St Therese Catholic Primary School Mascot since January.

“I always knew it was music that I wanted to teach,” Ms Brady said.

“I really connected with my music teacher throughout secondary school. I wanted to be as amazing as she was and to be the same inspiration that she was to me.”

The 40-minute lessons Ms Brady delivers for students from Kindergarten to Year 6 allow her to get to know and to teach every student in the school while sharing her enduring love for music.

This and a key part in music-filled school events including masses and graduations, place her at the heart of the St Therese community.

“As a music teacher you always have the opportunity to truly engage with a school and its community,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m walking down the Kindy corridor or across the school and past Year 6 students, they all know me and I know them.

“There’s a special connection. They want to talk to you about a band or a song that they really like, or a piano performance they heard on the weekend.”

“As a music teacher you always have the opportunity to truly engage with a school and its community,” – Meaghan Brady

Meaghan’s music lessons cover concepts such as beat, …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJuly 25, 2024|

Meet the Maestros: James Ryan

‘Meet the Maestros’ is a series of articles that celebrates the diverse professional talent and musical expertise of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program tutors.

Here Darwin-born Jazz musician James Ryan shares how a decades-long experience and commitment to inclusive music education has helped to bring Amadeus to students on the autism spectrum at Sydney Catholic schools.

Saxophonist and flautist James Ryan tutors students in Aspect satellite classes at Sydney Catholic Schools in Sydney’s south and inner west.

The role is a continuation of his career supporting students on the autism spectrum to learn an instrument which began in London in the 1990s.

“It’s really important that all children are given the same rights, consideration and opportunities,” Mr Ryan said.

“I never assume what children can and cannot do, and that should be the same with every student.”

Mr Ryan Teaches all wind instruments – the saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and baritone horn.

At St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School Holsworthy a group of eight students are learning the clarinet under James’ tutelage, while at St Michael’s Belfield and St Columba’s Leichhardt they learn brass instruments.

“I do believe that the Amadeus program is for everyone,” – James Ryan

“We’re seeing some children just blossom,” Mr Ryan said. “It’s an opportunity not every child has so it’s very special.

“The support from the Aspect staff has been amazing and also from the management of Amadeus who have gone the extra step and developed this within the Aspect program.”

Jazz calling

Mr Ryan is prolific …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 24, 2024|

Game on: Benefits of sport for kids

With the Paris Olympic Games less than a month away, the determination, camaraderie and sheer physical skill present in elite sport will be on full display.

And while seeing athletes at their peak is a vivid reminder of the many benefits of sport, your child doesn’t have to be a budding Olympian or Paralympian to embrace the positive effects of taking to your nearest pool, track, court or field.

Here are three reasons why making sport a part of daily life from an early age is a winning idea.

The physical benefits

Sport provides an outlet for excess energy, improved sleep quality and motor skills such as balance and coordination.

It also aids the healthy growth of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons.

“The physical benefits are quite obvious,” said Sydney Catholic Schools Manager of Sport Declan Donohue.

“The more that students are exercising the less chance they have of getting illnesses or long-term injuries.”

“Sport is an excellent avenue to expand their social network.” – Declan Donohue

The social benefits

Mr Donohue said the social benefits of sport are sometimes undervalued, and an important part of the sporting experience.

Whether it’s the inclusiveness and cooperation that comes with a team sport, or just another common interest among new friends, sport brings many social advantages.

“At school students can have a small group of friends that they spend a lot of time with,” Mr Donohue said.

“Sport is an excellent avenue for them to expand their social network.

“School and holiday sport programs in particular give students of all ages an opportunity to meet with others who they may not normally interact with.”

The mental and emotional benefits

The inherent life-lessons in sport can leave young …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 24, 2024|

Young Archie finalist shines at AGNSW

A grandfather turns his head towards the television, a portrait of seriousness as his grandson quietly snaps a photo of his pensive face.

The candid image, rendered in brushstrokes of warm brown touched with vivid blues and greens, now hangs at The Art Gallery of NSW where it has a very good chance of winning this year’s Young Archie Prize.

Steven Puwadi, a Year 12 student at Corpus Christi College Maroubra, is the artist behind the work.

Titled My Kung Kung, the portrait is a sweet and vibrant sequel to a painting of his grandmother which won the Sydney Catholic Schools’ annual portrait prize in 2023.

“To have a prestigious event specifically recognise younger people and put their work on that same plane as professional artists is inspiring.” – Steven Purwadi

In the year since then, Steven has worked with professional artists at a multi-day intensive workshop with the National Art School in Darlinghurst to take his painting to a new level.

“For my grandmother’s portrait, I took a very staged photo, bought a hat for her to wear specifically for the portrait, edited it in photoshop and aimed to copy it as closely as I could,” he said.

“This time I was more confident and experimental with my form. I wanted to be more spontaneous.”

Steven said it felt great to be a finalist in the respected Young Archie prize.

“To have a prestigious event specifically recognise younger people and put their work on that same plane as professional artists is inspiring,” he said.

Steven said his grandfather first saw his portrait on the Art Gallery of NSW …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 20, 2024|

Embracing the new International Day of Play

Spilling from a bustling Year 3 classroom to the leafy learning space beyond, students are immersed in creation.

There is chatter, movement, and wonder as they collect and build together with sand, water, blocks, cardboard, clay, leaves, pipes, feathers and more.

As they flow through the task, the students are the essence of the International Day of Play, a celebration of the universal language of childhood and the creativity it fosters for all ages.

The United Nations’ very first International Day of Play is on 11 June, placing play — and all its benefits — on the agenda of policy makers, communities and education providers around the world.

At Sydney Catholic Schools, play is already valued for the positive impact it has on the learning, development and wellbeing of children of all ages.

“Play immerses children in creating strategies and solving problems,” said Sydney Catholic Schools’ Specialist: Early Years (Pre K- 4) Curriculum, Kim Moroney.

“The joy of play gives them the incentive to develop complex reasoning skills, memory, and concentration.

“Play also ignites flexible thinking which will support children to adapt to whatever life challenges the world has to offer them.”

“Play creates a brain that has increased flexibility and improved potential for learning later in life.” – Kim Moroney

Play ‘a biological necessity’

Ms Moroney received the Br John Taylor Fellowship for educational research to study the impact of play on the learning of children in 2017.

Her research took her to Finland, Sweden, Anji County in China, and the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development & Learning (PEDAL).

Ms Moroney presented her research at The International Play Association’s 2023 World Conference in Glasgow, Scotland.

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 6, 2024|

Eisteddfod builds performance and vocational skills

Jacinta Drummond will experience the 2024 Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod from both sides of the stage.

The singer and songwriter, in year 11 at St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove, is also an external Vocational Education and Training (VET) student at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood.

When not defending consecutive first and second place wins at past Eisteddfods with her original material, Jacinta will help with backstage elements of the multi-day event.

These include audio and stage management as part of a 20-hour work placement for her VET Entertainment course.

“The skills I have gained in Entertainment this term have been invaluable to my growth in the performing arts field,” Jacinta said.

“I hope to pursue it as a career in the near future.”

Defending talent

Jacinta and her band placed first in the Stage 6 Advanced Rock Band category of the 2023 Eisteddfod.

Aiming for a back-to-back win, they will perform an original composition she has arranged on June 14.

The event is one of five Jacinta will compete in this year. Choir and solo vocal performances round out her performance schedule.

In 2022 at her first SCS Eisteddfod, she debuted an original song she had penned, Somebody Like That, in the vocal solo category of the awards.

“It has been an extremely rewarding experience to be a performing arts student at Sydney Catholic Schools,” – Jacinta Drummond

Jacinta said she appreciated music’s ability to create a connection between the performer, audience, and surrounding world.

“Music is a universal language,” she said.

“To write music which can transcend all boundaries …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 27, 2024|

Resilience and how to thrive at school

Building a child’s resilience may be one of the best ways to help them thrive at school and beyond.

School brings so many opportunities for growth and learning. Each day is a source of wonder and new discoveries, personal and academic growth, fun and friendships. But sometimes a challenge may arise.

Enter resilience, the ability to deal with disappointments and to ‘bounce back’ when faced with difficulties.

Here is how to help your child with this vital skill, and how schools support its development.

Why resilience matters

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Manager: Student Wellbeing, Clare McMahon is a Registered Psychologist.

She said wellbeing at SCS’ 147-strong system of schools is characterised by positive relationships and opportunities to maximise strengths.

Both are factors that have a role to play in building students’ resilience and a positive experience of school.

“At SCS we know that young people who feel safe, connected, secure and have loving and trusting relationships are more likely to be active participants in their learning,” Ms McMahon said.

“They are also more likely to achieve better physical, emotional, social and educational outcomes.”

“Resilience is not about being happy all the time. We need to help our children learn to fail well and learn to accept all emotions because all emotions are a part of life.” – Clare McMahon

A growth mindset

A growth mindset is a trait cultivated in classrooms across the system, and can help to build a student’s resilience.

Part of positive psychology, a growth mindset is a belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Those with a fixed …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 23, 2024|

Teaching ‘a dream’ at Eileen O’Connor

A move to special education has proved to be a highly rewarding career change for Clare Lourey and Monica Gonzalez.

The pair teach Years 11 and 12 at Eileen O’Connor Catholic College (EOCC) Lewisham, a school for students with moderate intellectual disabilities and part of the Sydney Catholic Schools network.

Ms Lourey worked as a registered nurse and midwife for six years before retraining as a teacher, then moving from mainstream classrooms to EOCC.

While she said becoming a teacher felt ‘inevitable’ with her parents in the profession, her time as a midwife honed skills that are invaluable in the education space. They include empathy and the ability to form strong connections with others.

“There is a lot of crossover, like making a connection and feeling like you are helping instil something positive in people’s lives,” she said.

“Here we have many students who are non-verbal or very minimally verbal. You do rely heavily on a good relationship with the parents and the families because ultimately that is what assists the student to flourish.”

“What we have in common with mainstream schools is the absolute belief that our students can achieve anything,” – Monica Gonzalez

EOCC students complete the Life Skills curriculum, an alternative for students who cannot access regular course outcomes.

The ability to personalise this curriculum for students and the diversity of personalities and needs within the classroom means no two days are the same.

“When we are doing our rotations we are working with three or four students at a time,” Ms Loury said.

“That is a dream. You are working in such small groups that even small growth is visible.”

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 15, 2024|

EOC@Work: Inside our school’s new social enterprise

The creativity and commitment of Eileen O’Connor Catholic College (EOCC) Lewisham’s students is driving a new social enterprise at the college.

EOC@Work began at the college for students with moderate intellectual disabilities this year.

The not-for-profit enterprise was inspired by a Christmas art project that saw colourful and expressive paintings professionally printed on cards to great effect.

For their first social enterprise project, the students made Mother’s Day cards and gifts with vibrant tutti frutti, palm tree, flamingo and other designs. They sold these at a school stall on May 10.

Creative arts teacher Katie Crowl said the enterprise helped students in years 9 to 10 to practise valuable work skills.

“For the students an important part of it is that they develop confidence and their communication and expressive communication skills,” Ms Crowl said.

“They become workers in a team and learn all of the things you need in the real world.”

Hub supports life skills

A blend of work skills and the creative arts, EOC@Work was named by students and is a practical expression of what students learn through the Life Skills curriculum.

The enterprise operates in a space called ‘The Hub’, a centre where students practise administrative and other work-related tasks. It features a creative centre downstairs and cafe, uniform shop and garden centre on the upper level.

“When the students come in to start their shift, they sign in,” Ms Crowl said.

“We have a team meeting and we allocate the jobs for the day.”

Tasks include the design and production of artworks. In the workshop space, students focus on card-cutting, tracing and later packaging, assembly and distribution.

“The potential is limitless.” – Katie Crowl

“It’s exciting that there is so much creative opportunity for the school,” Ms Crowl said.

“The potential is limitless. The other …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 15, 2024|

Meet the Maestros: Paul Terracini

‘Meet the Maestros’ is a series of articles that celebrates the diverse professional talent and musical expertise of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program tutors.

Here Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra artistic director Paul Terracini shares what life as a musician, composer, and conductor brings to the Amadeus classroom.

Paul Terracini became a professional musician at age 17 with the Opera Australia Orchestra.

As a tutor in the Amadeus Music Education Program he teaches trumpet, baritone and trombone to students at St John’s Catholic Primary School Auburn and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Georges Hall.

“I grew up playing the trumpet,” he said. “I don’t know if that’s a favourite, but it’s the instrument I have the greatest affinity with.

“The rest of my life I conduct orchestras and things, so I love working with strings and all of the other instruments.”

Career high notes

Mr Terracini’s long and varied career includes work at the Queensland Conservatorium and as a member of the Danish Chamber Players.

He is currently a tutor with the Sydney Conservatorium’s ‘Rising Stars’ talent development program, Conductor of the Conservatorium High School Symphony Orchestra, artistic director of the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra, and artistic director of Penrith Symphony Orchestra and Penrith Youth Orchestra.

Mr Terracini has also written music for film and television that is still played around the world, including by the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony and Boston Symphony orchestras, and the BBC.

“You see the joy on the faces of children when they get to the point where they realise ‘I can actually do this’.” – Paul Terracini

Amadeus students at Patrician Brothers’ College Fairfield, St Luke’s Catholic Primary School Revesby, and Marist …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 13, 2024|

Meet the Maestros: Monique O’Dea

‘Meet the Maestros’ is a series of articles that celebrates the diverse professional talent and musical expertise of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program tutors.

Here the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s principal violist, Monique O’Dea, shares her journey to the Amadeus classroom.

While growing up in Adelaide, Monique O’Dea was scouted at a piano concert by a violin teacher who thought she’d do well with the instrument.

“I’ll never forget my first violin lesson,” she said.

“I walked into my lesson with Mum – we had matching dresses on – and it was so exciting. I never looked back. It wasn’t until I was in my 20’s that I decided to change to viola.”

Mrs O’Dea studied violin in Vienna where she met her husband, Michael O’Dea, who is also an Amadeus tutor. Her 34-year career has included full-time touring with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Peterborough String Orchestra and several teaching roles.

Mrs O’Dea currently fulfils her love of baroque music by playing each season with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, which she joined as principal violist at its inception in 1990.

It’s a marvellous orchestra, I love it,” she said.

“We’ll have a rehearsal period of three days and then we’ll do our concerts in Sydney, Melbourne, and sometimes Brisbane.

“You come back from concerts and get to tell a few stories to your students about what you’ve been doing. It keeps everything fresh.”

The six to eight weeks between seasons has allowed her to teach violin, viola and cello to Amadeus students at schools including St Vincent’s College Ashfield,

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 18, 2024|

Meet the maestros: Mark Brown

Meet the Maestros: Mark Brown

‘Meet the Maestros’ is a series of articles that celebrates the diverse professional talent and musical expertise of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program tutors.

Here trombonist Mark Brown shares his journey from The Metropolitan Orchestra and cruise ships to the Amadeus classroom.

Former band master at St Patrick’s College Sutherland, Mark Brown, remembers going cap in hand to the principal in the early 2000’s hoping it was in the budget to buy a new clarinet.

Last year Mr Brown returned to the college – where he was also once a student – as a tutor in the well-resourced and ambitious Amadeus Music Education Program.

“My first day of Amadeus instruction, I walked into my old school to a classroom that had pallets of instruments there waiting to hand out to the kids,” he said.

“I literally had tears in my eyes. The excitement of the kids when you open up a brand new instrument and hand it to them is just amazing.”

Amadeus is an initiative of Sydney Catholic Schools that will put 52,000 instruments into the hands of every Sydney Catholic Schools’ student in years 3 to 8 by Term 1, 2024.

The program has been integrated into the normal school curriculum and provides the students with classroom music lessons, ensemble lessons and small group tuition.

Career capers

The Amadeus tutor role is the latest in a long and varied professional music career for Mr Brown, who has played trombone with The Metropolitan Orchestra, Australian Wind Orchestra, for major theatre productions including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and on cruise ships.

Mr Brown has studied at …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 18, 2024|

VET students recognised for workplace achievements

Talented Vocational Education and Training (VET) students from Sydney Catholic Schools have been acknowledged with a slew of awards this year.

Vocational Education and Training students at Sydney Catholic Schools scooped almost a quarter of the honours given at the MLWP Work Placement Awards.

Two students took out three of 16 awards at an event held by the not-for-profit youth career development provider in March. Another two were finalists.

Each of the winners and finalists studied at Southern Cross Catholic College (SCCC) Burwood, either full-time or by completing a VET course at the college as an External VET (EVET) student while enrolled at another Sydney Catholic school.

Emma Ayoub, an EVET student from St Vincent’s College Ashfield, won the Automotive category of the awards.

Sky MacIntosh, an EVET student from Aquinas Catholic College Menai, won the allied health category of the awards and was also named the MLWP awards’ Student of the Year.

SCCC student Breeanna De Florian was a Hospitality – Kitchen Operations finalist, while her peer Bianca Villari was a finalist in the allied health category of the awards.

Well placed for future employment

Jobs in the allied health sector have grown by 8.4 per cent, or 24,400 jobs, according to the federal government’s 2023 Annual Jobs and Skills Report.

The report also notes that growth in the care and support workforce over the past five years has been three times faster than total employment.

Allied health roles including for occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 18, 2024|

Meet our new Family Educators sharing the faith

Family educators have played a key role in creating vibrant faith communities at Sydney Catholic Schools since their role was introduced in 2009.

Meet the initiative’s newest faces, who bring a wealth of life experience to their roles.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Riverwood’s family educator Claudia Maroun was a family educator in 2018 and “absolutely loved it”.

A parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima Kingsgrove and mother of three, she has spent 20 years in the university education sector and three in the NDIS.

Mrs Maroun looks forward to building strong relationships with St Joseph’s families through initiatives including playgroup and SPaR sessions, and supporting charity One Meal.

“I knew in my heart that I would be back doing this role again one day,” she said. “It allows me to share the beauty and love of the faith.”

St Paul of the Cross Dulwich Hill’s family educator Kristian Tangso put her pharmaceutical science degree to use on a project to develop nanotechnology to treat brain tumours before discovering her calling.

Now an artist, family educator, and a lay Carmelite, she strives to live a simple, prayerful life and to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ little by little every day.

Stop, Pray and Reflect (SPaR) and Toddler Tale sessions are in the works at her school.

St Kevin’s Catholic Primary School Eastwood’s family educator Anne Johnson was a …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 18, 2024|

Family educators share God’s love

Moments of faith, family, loss and transition have shaped the newest recruits to Sydney Catholic Schools’ unique family educator role.

Here they share the events that prepared them to nurture meaningful relationships between parents and carers, school, and parish.

When Anne-Marie Julian’s daughter died of an unexpected and fatal heart arrhythmia three years ago at age 10, her school put together a ‘beautiful liturgy’ in her honour.

The children wrote personal letters to the family and the principal set up the Lauren Julian Kindness Award in her memory.

COVID was in full swing and prevented the Julians’ extended family visiting from Ireland in the wake of their loss. But the day after Lauren died, their local church was full with friends and community.

“That was organised by the family educators who have been so kind and caring and brought the whole community together to support our family,” Mrs Julian said.

“We were also visited and accompanied on our grief journey by the Catholic Grief Care team and Sydney Catholic Schools’ Director of Mission and Identity and Executive Director.”

“Becoming a family educator is a chance to give back.” – Anne-Marie Julian

This year, Mrs Julian has become the family educator at McAuley Catholic Primary School Rose Bay.

She brings experience including twenty years of corporate work, a strong faith instilled by her Irish-Catholic upbringing, and a keen interest in diversity, equity and inclusion to the role.

Mrs Julian said she was most looking forward to connecting with parents, and providing opportunities for parents to connect with each other, their school and their church.

“Our Family and Faith program … enables families to flourish in faith and life.” – Barbara Perry

“For me, becoming a family educator is a chance …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 18, 2024|

A peek inside the Kindergarten classroom

With a term of primary school to their name, Kindergarten children are becoming truly settled in their new school routine.

They’ve started to gain confidence as learners and to develop new relationships and friendships.

For a peek at what they’ve been up to inside their new classroom and what lies ahead, read on.

Inside the classroom

First, know that the Kindergarten classroom is a vibrant and exciting place to be.

“The classroom environment is carefully designed to make each child feel welcome, safe and engaged,” said Sydney Catholic Schools’ Specialist: Early Years (pre-K to 4) Curriculum Kim Moroney.

“There is movement, activity, exploration, discovery, conversation, laughter, singing, playing, reading, writing, counting, measuring, calculating, wondering, questioning, concentration, listening, explanations…the list goes on.

“Mostly, there is magic!”

“Teachers … help children understand that mistakes are OK and help us make new discoveries.” Kim Moroney, Specialist: Early Years Curriculum

Ms Moroney said teachers welcome each child ‘where they are at’ as they start their school experience, gaining an understanding of each child’s needs, talents and unique personality.

They may teach independence by gradually increasing student autonomy and setting clear expectations.

Children are supported to communicate effectively, self-regulate, and resolve differences or conflicts. Conversations about self-respect, respect for others, kindness and empathy are woven into the fabric of everyday life.

“Teachers encourage effort and help children understand that mistakes are OK and help us make new discoveries,” Ms Moroney said.

“They also offer feedback to help children improve and to develop and set achievable goals for success.”

Supporting change

A new level of tiredness or fatigue is common when …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 18, 2024|

Sophia Program gives new shape to learning

A world-first professional development and action-research program at Sydney Catholic Schools is taking teachers’ skills – and students’ academic work – in flexible learning environments to new heights.

The Sophia Program was established by Sydney Catholic Schools in collaboration with the University of Melbourne. It supports principals and teachers in the 147-strong network of schools to use space effectively as a teaching tool.

“The data allows our system to make better decisions about the future design of our schools.” – Vivienne Awad, School Design Specialist

“It is common for teachers to move into a newly built space and then have to work out how to operate in it,” said School Design Specialist at Sydney Catholic Schools, Vivienne Awad.

“This presents a huge challenge for teachers as their voice may have been absent in the design process. In this project we are advocating, before we commit to a major build, let’s see that we are utilising spaces well and getting the teaching practice right.”

The program also investigates the impact of learning environments on teachers and students, with a report on the impact of flexible learning spaces on student wellbeing to be released this year.

“To have university researchers collaborating with us to gather data and give it back to us in a form that is user-friendly is fantastic,” Ms Awad said.

“The data allows our system to learn about the factors that schools need for success in these spaces and to make better decisions about the future design of our schools.”

Thriving practice

Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School Beverly Hills’ Year 3 students and teachers were engaged in the program in 2023.

The school’s Leader of Professional Practice, …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 17, 2024|

Eisteddfod 2024: More students take the stage

Equity and inclusion are centre stage with the newest additions to Sydney Catholic Schools’ annual Eisteddfod.

Now in its fourth year, the 2024 event has attracted more than 1,300 registrations across solo and ensemble performance categories in drama, dance, instrumental and vocal.

Students from Eileen O’Connor Catholic College Lewisham, which caters for students with moderate intellectual disabilities, will perform in the secondary choir event for the first time this year.

A gospel choir section and an infant’s dance section for students from Kindergarten to Year 2 are also new to the program.

This addition brings dance performance opportunities to all primary and high school students in the system for the first time this year.

“Students get well-rounded access to the arts that goes far beyond the classroom.” – Danielle Fuller

Parents were also able to register their children alongside school submissions this year, leading to more soloists accessing the competition as part of a well-rounded arts offering.

“There is deep research that shows that arts education and participation in the arts can lead to improved cognitive, social, and behavioural outcomes in early childhood, adolescence and throughout life,” said Sydney Catholic Schools’ Manager: Performing and Visual Arts, Danielle Fuller.

“At Sydney Catholic schools we’ve always had industry practitioners alongside the best educational practitioners, so that students get well-rounded access to the arts that goes far beyond the classroom.”

Growing opportunity

The Eisteddfod has improved year on year to give more students and schools opportunities to access competition, and with it feedback from industry professionals who act as adjudicators across the events.

This year’s adjudicators include James Bryce, who received an OAM for services to …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 11, 2024|

How to make Mathematics fun for kids

Mathematics skills are vital to help children make sense of the world.

So how do you ensure they learn and enjoy them?

Here we look at how schools set strong numeracy foundations from Kindergarten, and the activities you can do at home to help your child’s skill, confidence, and appreciation for Maths grow.

Strong foundations

At Sydney Catholic Schools, students in Kindergarten to Year 2 are explicitly taught Mathematics through active learning experiences that link to real-world scenarios.

Numeracy and Mathematics Specialist at Sydney Catholic Schools, Greg Georgiou, said this allows students to practise and apply their knowledge to different situations.

“The role and intent of a Kindergarten Mathematics lesson is for students to develop essential numeracy skills and fluency, while nurturing the ability to think logically, critically and creatively,” he said.

Education Officer: Curriculum (K-6 Mathematics) Maree Cooper agrees. She said Kindergarten children require a lot of practice and active exploration with everyday objects to confidently develop numeracy and Mathematics skills.

“Teachers provide ample time, materials, and high-quality targeted support for children to enhance core skills like matching, sorting, comparing and ordering,” Mrs Cooper said.

“A Kindergarten Mathematics lesson [develops] essential numeracy skills and fluency, while nurturing the ability to think logically, critically and creatively.” – Greg Georgiou, numeracy and Mathematics specialist

The language of Mathematics

Developing a vocabulary specific to Maths at home also helps students thrive in the subject.

Words like high, low, short, long, light, heavy, near, far, first, and last make the list to describe distance, order, and other key concepts.

Your child might also compare quantities using phrases like ‘more than’, ‘less than’ or ‘the same as’.

“It might take time for your child to use …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMarch 21, 2024|

Sculpture collaboration makes stewards of the ocean

A people’s choice award – and a cameo on Sunrise – have highlighted the creativity and environmental consciousness of a visual arts collaboration between five Sydney Catholic Schools.

Students made coral-coloured ocean landscape Revived Reefs at a series of workshops for the Sydney Catholic Schools Visual Arts program, Sculpture by the Schools.

The sculpture received the People’s Choice Award in the 2024 Volvo Ocean Lovers’ Festival’s Litterarti Waste Art Competition. A handful of students involved in the collaboration shared the rationale for their work live from the event ahead of Sunrise’s weather report.

Stewardship in action

Students learned about marine ecosystems, biodiversity and the impact of waste on ocean habitats before creating the sculpture with Sydney Catholic Schools’ artist in residence, Joshua Byrne.

They used 80 per cent recycled materials, including plastics and metal cans, and recyclable paper mache to craft the vibrant artwork.

“The project not only highlighted the artistic talents of the students but also underscored the importance of sustainability,” said Education Officer: Creative and Performing Arts: Helen Landas.

“The sculpture served as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have on preserving our planet’s natural beauty.”

“By repurposing waste materials into a meaningful work of art, the schools demonstrated their commitment to reducing, reusing, and recycling.”

Students also wrote a ‘message for the ocean’, noting it was home to an awe-inspiring diversity of creatures.

The letter also pledged to protect the ocean and its delicate ecosystems by advocating for sustainable fishing practices and reducing plastic waste.

Students wrote:

“We must heed the call to be stewards of your vast blue expanse, for in doing so, we safeguard the future of life on Earth…we pledge to change our ways, to cherish you as you deserve, and to revere the incredible life that …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMarch 11, 2024|

ARTEXPRESS: Record success for Sydney Catholic Schools

A record 14 Sydney Catholic Schools graduates have earned a place in HSC visual arts showcase ARTEXPRESS this year, with another eight nominated for the prestigious exhibition.

The selected artworks embrace mediums including ceramics, sculpture, photography, drawing, painting and mixed-media to provide an emotive and considered look at themes including childhood, cultural identity, literature and a rare neurological condition.

Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton graduate Krovanes Nico’s photomedia series O le a fuga mai (Come into bloom) acknowledges her growing connection to her Samoan heritage.

Aquinas Catholic College Menai graduate Alyssa Cavallaro’s work, Chiese e cattedrali, is an ode to old-world architecture.

“By using coloured pencil in a realistic style in my body of work, my intention is to represent the incredible detail of the old world, detail that our new world is quickly forgetting,” she said.

De La Salle College Cronulla graduate’s Sienna Salvato’s charcoal drawings of drama students modelling Shakespeare’s Desdemona and Othello presents “a whimsical take on the idea of Shakespearean tragedy”.

Marist College Kogarah graduate Cristian Varvakis used graphic design and mixed media to represent his emotions around the experience of the rare neurological phenomenon, visual snow. It includes seeing static, coloured dots and auras.

“My work is intended to demonstrate the beauty within the disorientation of my experience of visual snow while challenging perceptions of normalcy, vision and reality,” he said.

“As an educator, it is incredibly gratifying to see so many students from our system selected for such a celebrated, high-calibre showcase.” – …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMarch 11, 2024|

How a well-rounded education helps kids flourish

No matter if your child is academically gifted or a talented athlete, there are things all parents should look for when choosing a school.

The conversations are happening in backyard barbecues, in local parks, and late at night between tired parents who want to do the right thing for their children.

What kind of school will give kids the best opportunity to thrive?

The question has been well researched globally and the answer is resounding: a well rounded education, with a variety of opportunities in different fields will foster the kinds of skills children will need to succeed.

For example, while there has been a huge focus on STEM education to improve our maths, science and technology skills – recent research found that including arts subjects helps future scientists and mathematicians think more creatively.*

Additionally, the World Economic Forum reported in 2020 that fostering a rich education environment, including everything from creativity to technology and teaching children collaborative problem solving skills, will provide the strengths children will need in our future economy.

“The early years of a child’s education are sharply focussed on providing them with strong foundations in literacy and numeracy which are the building blocks.” – Tony Farley, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools

Improving outcomes

This broad-based educational offering not only gives children the chance to thrive in subjects they may never have tried; it has been shown to improve outcomes in core areas such as literacy and numeracy.

And, according to executive director of Sydney Catholic Schools Tony Farley, this gets to the heart of why children should have access to a well-rounded education from an early age.

“The early years of a child’s education are sharply focussed on providing …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauFebruary 29, 2024|

NAPLAN: Holy Spirit North Ryde’s outstanding results

Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School North Ryde has cemented its place as one of the highest-achieving schools locally, after attaining well above average results in double the number of NAPLAN assessment areas.

The most recent results, based on 2023 testing, show the school has moved from four to eight of 10 assessment areas above statistically similar schools. This includes results significantly above in writing and spelling.

Principal Brian Story said the results reflected the school’s consistent, high-quality teaching practices, and were a result of teachers working in partnership with parents to establish learning goals and meet each child’s learning needs.

Mr Story said students were also well extended through the Newman Selective Gifted Education Program while the QuickSmart program helped to support students who struggle with Mathematics, leading to academic growth.

“These results are evidence of the dedication of our experienced and highly talented staff who strive to ensure that every child achieves at least one year of academic growth for one year of work,” Mr Story said.

“We are extremely proud of our students for the growth they have achieved.”

Holy Spirit will hold open days on Sunday 3 March, 11am – 1pm, and Wednesday 6 March, 9.30am – 11.30am. Register to attend here. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A QUALITY GIFTED EDUCATION OFFERING

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauFebruary 20, 2024|

Student STEM inventions to embrace this summer

Whether you are pondering how to stay sun and heat safe this summer, help injured wildlife, or alleviate shoulder pain, these STEM MAD National innovations of 2023 created by students at Sydney Catholic Schools have answers.

The competition asks Catholic primary and secondary school students across Australia to apply Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics principles and Gospel values to identify and solve a real-world problem.

Each of the projects below also draws on research, ingenuity, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to create a measurable positive impact on personal and environmental health.

The Sun Brush

The creator: Lilah Brock, Holy Family Catholic Primary School Menai

Sustainability goals: 3 – Good health and wellbeing, 13 – Climate action

Lilah’s Sun Brush is a sunscreen applicator designed to be quick and easy to use and helpful for children with sensory issues. Engineering and mathematics were strong in her work, with a prototype brush made of hard plastic and soft pony hair.

Lilah received the Best Application of Maths in Context Award – Primary for her project which involved calculating how many millilitres of sunscreen the Sun Brush could hold.

She was also a finalist in the Best Innovation for Health Award.

Lilah said about 15,000 people get skin cancer in Australia each year, a statistic which inspired her invention.

“When I went to the beach I saw so many people sunburnt or really red,” she said.

“I thought to myself ‘why are people not wearing sunscreen?’”

“We surveyed our local community and found most people would prefer using a brush applicator for …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJanuary 29, 2024|

HSC class of 2023 to bolster free tutoring program

A free tutoring program at Marist College Kogarah is embracing the talent of past HSC students to help their younger peers grow and shine academically.

The college invites new graduates who have done well in specific subjects to take on paid tutoring roles while they are at university.

The tutoring service is available to students from years 7 to 12 at no cost, and students in Year 12 are able to book subject-specific help through an online portal.

Principal Simon Ghantous said the school has about 35 tutors who work across three days each week for two hours after school.

“It’s awesome, and it works on a few levels,” he said.

“You have past-students still connected to the school, so it builds our community of alumni. They bring recent knowledge of the HSC and also spend time talking about what life is like after school, and there’s a whole lot of benefit to that.

“In the afternoons, especially before exams, the library will be full of students with tutors.”

Shared success

The school’s 2023 duxes Luca Colarusso and Brendan Mabbutt share a love of physics and an impressive ATAR of 98.75.

After both completing the subject alongside chemistry, English and the highest levels of Mathematics extension for the HSC, they are each a shoo-in for tutor roles.

Brendan plans to study aerospace engineering and Luca physics at the University of NSW.

Both credit their maths teacher Mr Nguyen and science teacher Mr Zilich for helping them achieve a great HSC result.

“They’re both great teachers,” Brendan said. “Their advice was to study hard.”

Luca said the physics exam was …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJanuary 21, 2024|

Aspiration key to HSC success

St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove’s Class of 2023 graduate not just with impressive HSC results, but with a desire to make a difference to their communities.

Here, three graduates share how their experience of Year 12 – and high-level Maths and Science – have left them on track to reach their future goals.

Jacqueline Keir received an ATAR of 99.4. She sat Mathematics Extension 2 in 2022, leaving her to complete nine units including Physics in this year’s HSC.

“It freed up time for me to focus on the subjects that remained,” she said. “ I still took up nine units which was a lot when I already had four out of the way.”

Jacqueline plans to study medicine at university to pursue a career in neonatal care.

“I applied for early acceptance to a few universities for double degrees with law, and one in medical science and I got those, but I really want to do medicine,” she said.

“It unites my love of STEM with human interaction and it’s a fulfilling career, I think” – Jacqueline Keir

College Vice Captain Chrystalla Kospetas received an ATAR of 97 after balancing humanities including English Extension 1 with Advanced Mathematics.

She plans to study a combined Business and Law degree at the University of Technology Sydney.

“I really enjoyed Year 12,” she said. “I also completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, so that was another challenge in the year.

“To future Year 12’s I’d say ‘try your best, because the hard work does pay off’” – Chrystalla Kospetas

“At this school especially, we all work hard and push ourselves to get good results. …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauDecember 21, 2023|

Family key to National History Challenge win

Discovering a box of her parents’ home movies from the 1980s and 90s led Olivia Tsigaropoulos to the remarkable achievement of her second National History Challenge win in two years.

The Year 10 student at Casimir Catholic College Marrickville created a website on the history of her family and Greek migration to Australia in response to the 2023 prize theme Change and continuity.

The site features a mini-documentary, timeline and an interactive family tree. Each person on the tree links to National Archive of Australia records, filmed interviews, or both.

Olivia said each of her four grandparents were among the wave of Greek migrants who settled in Marrickville between 1969 and 1971. They were encouraged by government policy which subsidised travel in exchange for work.

“My grandparents were excited to share that part of their life with me,” Olivia said.

“I looked not just at my family, but what society was like at the time.

“Through all of history, certain things change but what stays the same is people and humanity and love and celebration, and all of those things.

“I really gathered an appreciation for exploring family history.”

The project follows Olivia’s 2022 winning entry to the history challenge – a 10-minute documentary on the 1979 community intervention to buy and save Carlton’s Shopfront Theatre.

Olivia’s interest in drama has seen her appear in plays staged by the youth arts cooperative since 2021.

“I love storytelling and being able to make people feel something through something I create,” she said.

“Everything in history has a story. Not all of these stories are told, but they all deserve to be, and they all deserve to …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauDecember 5, 2023|

Easing the transition for early career teachers

A mentoring program for early career teachers is nurturing a new and diverse generation of educators at Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich.

Ryan Leonard was an academic and research scientist with a PhD on honey bee cognition before he joined the college’s staff as a newly-minted biology and science teacher in 2022.

That same year, graduate Visual Arts teacher Lili Negrine began her first permanent teaching role at the college and the task of guiding students through their HSC.

Both were among 19 early career teachers on staff in 2022 and joined the college’s pilot coaching and development program alongside peers with diverse backgrounds.

The two-year program is aligned to national professional standards for teachers and supports new teachers in four domains: professional identity, professional practice, wellbeing, and orientation.

It embodies the recommendations of the Australian government’s Strong Beginnings report into initial teacher education released in June 2023.

Mentoring matters

Instructional Specialist Melissa Carson brings 30 years of teaching experience to her role as program coordinator and mentor.

“We focus on teaching practice and work with faculty groups and one-to-one on what can make a difference to students’ learning growth,” Ms Carson said. “They come out of the program fully accredited.”

Ms Carson said the coaching experience needed to be authentic and agile to help new teachers adjust to the demands of the profession.

“Even though there has been a marked improvement in the accreditation process to become a professional teacher, it’s still daunting,” Ms Carson said.

“An experienced teacher looks at the standards and says ‘You do that every day, it will take you no time to find that evidence’. The coaching gives them time and space …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauNovember 28, 2023|

Orbispace: Students win with sustainable pitch

St John Bosco College Engadine students won first prize in The Orbispace Initiative’s 2023 Pitch For the Planet competition and wowed real-life investors with a product to reduce methane emissions from dairy cows by up to 90 per cent.

Team of five, Synetic, designed a soluble animal supplement as part of the 20-week STEM and entrepreneurship program, which asked students to pitch a sustainable solution to help the Australian dairy industry to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by one third by 2030.

The students pitched their ideas to judges and investors at Sydney’s Startup Hub on 15 September. Synetic were awarded a $1,000 cash prize and visits to NSW Parliament and the University of NSW Digital Grid Futures Institute.

“The average cow produces 375 litres of methane every single day” – Kitty Wakim

Project judges included Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty and Associate Director at RPS Engineering Meg Panozzo.

St John Bosco College TAS Teacher, Nita Panagio, said the students showed great maturity and design thinking skills throughout the challenge. She was extremely proud to see both teams of students from the college who participated in Orbispace this year in the competition final.

“The environment was authentic and students learnt so much beyond the classroom,” Mrs Panagio said.

Sustainable focus

“The average cow produces 375 litres of methane every single day,” said Synetic team member Kitty Wakim.

“The solutions that have been produced are too expensive for farmers to afford annually. The products farmers are exposed to commonly share an ingredient that is unfit for human consumption.”

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauNovember 20, 2023|

Innovation in HSC Design and Technology major projects

Three Year 12 graduates from Sydney Catholic Schools received seed funding through education initiative UpRising to develop their 2023 HSC Design and Technology major works.

The strategic partnership with the NSW Government, Institute of Technology Education (iTE), universities, and future-focused businesses aims to give senior Design and Technology students the entrepreneurial skills and support to turn their major works into viable commercial products, supporting the innovation ecosystem.

It was started by former Sydney Catholic Schools Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) teacher Richard Hainsworth in 2021, with 50 students from nine NSW government, Catholic and independent schools in the pilot.

Here UpRising’s 2023 seed funding recipients share the concepts behind their societal need-driven designs.

The projects

Eva Kolokotsas, Domremy College Five Dock

Mycelium coffee table

Eva grew a biodegradable coffee table after observing the amount of curb-side furniture around Sydney destined for landfill.

She discovered mycelium – mushroom fibres that can be harvested and heat treated to create a strong lightweight, sustainable building material – while researching sustainable packaging.

“There is a lot of waste of fast furniture,” she said. “I thought I could use mycelium to solve that need.”

Eva grew and harvested mycelium before mixing it with hemp hurd, water and other materials to produce her design, then baked it in an oven.

“The heat kills off all the active mycelium, so I’m left with the raw material,” Eva said. “It doesn’t alter the size but it makes it much lighter. You can biodegrade it.”

Eva plans to study law at university next year. Through UpRising, a …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauNovember 2, 2023|

Our students centre stage at wellbeing conference

A creative approach to wellbeing has placed 39 choir and dance students and one violinist from St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School Central Bankstown centre stage at the 2023 Positive Schools Wellbeing in Action Conference.

The students sang and performed to Coldplay and The Chainsmoker’s collaboration Something just like this and Hall and Oats’ You make my dreams come true at the Sydney Masonic Centre on 26 October.

The students belong to lunchtime dance and choir clubs formed at the school in February to help build an environment for students to thrive.

Confidence in context

The students were invited to perform at this year’s Positive Schools conference by applied social psychologist Dr Helen Street, whose work on contextual wellbeing forms the basis of St Brendan’s whole-school approach to wellbeing.

Staff completed professional development with Dr Street after St Brendan’s Principal, Patricia Laidler, and Leader of Diverse Learning and Wellbeing, Michelle Coupland, saw her present at the Positive Schools Conference in 2022.

“We are so proud of our shining stars – students and teachers alike.” – Ann-Maree Vyvyan

Dr Street framed an educator’s role as not to tell someone how to be well or to reward them for behaving well, but to provide the right context and environment for students to flourish.

Assistant principal Ann-Maree Vyvyan said the dance and choir clubs had helped St Brendan’s culturally diverse student population to build friendships, self-esteem, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

“These students now have the confidence to go back into the classrooms and, in small group …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauOctober 26, 2023|

Peer program encourages positive mental health

One Sydney Catholic Schools student’s work takes the 2023 Mental Health Month theme, We all have a role to play, to heart.

When it comes to promoting positive mental health, Archie Kingham is ahead of the curve.

The Marist College Eastwood Year 11 student has developed an initiative called Mental Mates.

Drawing on the expertise of organisations including headspace, the program offers workshops and talks that give high school students the tools to speak about and improve their mental health.

Archie created the initiative in five months through youth leadership program Max Potential. The program asks participants aged 16 to 18 to deliver a community service pitch that takes an entrepreneurial approach to meeting needs in their local community.

“What inspired me to come up with the idea was that people were constantly saying high school is stressful, and that being a teenager is stressful,” Archie said.

“However I never heard my peers commenting on their stress, no matter how obvious it was.”

“The idea of Mental Mates is to create a school environment where students no longer feel that there is a stigma surrounding mental health.” – Archie Kingham

Archie attributes the reluctance to speak about stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns to a stigma that he hopes Mental Mates will help to break.

The program will include small group workshops and guest speakers to share their experience of mental health to give students pathways to speak openly about their concerns and find help when needed for themselves and others.

“No other organisation, as far as I could find, was actually doing this,” Archie said.

During the program’s development Archie surveyed his school community and a majority …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauOctober 3, 2023|

Students celebrated at Youth Community Service Awards

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) students have received a hat-trick of NSW Youth Community Service Awards for the second year in a row.

Three SCS students were among only 26 in the state presented with the 2023 awards, which recognise exceptional community service by a Year 11 or 12 student, in honour of their mentoring, volunteer and advocacy efforts.

The awards are held annually by the NSW Branch of the Order of Australia Association and were presented by Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley at Government House on 7 September.

Asteer Salem from Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wakeley, Erica Chau from Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights, and Archibald (Archie) Kingham from Marist College Eastwood were acknowledged at the ceremony with a certificate and medal.

Asteer gave the vote of thanks at the end of the ceremony.

Archie, in Year 11, said he felt humbled to receive the award.

“There were some incredible candidates with superb contributions to their community,” he said. “I believe that everyone has a duty to support others less fortunate than themselves.”

“The greater the privilege and opportunity we have the more reflective and supportive we should be.” – Archie Kingham

Marist College Eastwood Principal Silvana Rossetti said all three students were a credit to their schools and the communities they served. She said Archibald lived the Marist characteristics of presence, family spirit, and love of work each day.

“I am extremely proud of Archie who shows genuine concern for the wellbeing of others,” she said.

“This is exemplified by his involvement in organisations both in and out of school that have as their core value the wellbeing of those less …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 27, 2023|

Alumna takes the lead in Miss Saigon

Sydney Catholic Schools alumna Abigail Adriano gives a masterful lead performance in Opera Australia’s current production of Miss Saigon.

Not many people have to choose between two dream career opportunities just two years after graduating high school, but Abigail Adriano has.

The Trinity Catholic College Auburn alumna deferred a law degree – forfeiting a full scholarship – to take on the lead role of Kim in Opera Australia’s current production of Miss Saigon.

“When I got the call from my agent I was crying and jumping for joy,” she said.

“The role of Kim is such an iconic role. Not only was she played by [fellow Filipina actress] Lea Salonga who I’ve always looked up to as a performer, the music itself is so incredible.”

School and stage

Abigail, 19, began singing and acting at an early age and played the role of Alice in Matilda Jnr, The Musical at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre while in Years 5 and 6 at St John’s Catholic Primary School Auburn.

While in Year 9 at Trinity, she took part in Sydney Catholic Schools’ performing arts programs to further develop her vocal talent.

“I was very lucky that my school was very supportive of my dreams.” – Abigail Adriano

Friends, family and her past principal have all come to see the show, which she said has themes that are “quite confronting”.

As the youngest in the rehearsal room Abigail said she embraced the challenge of reinterpreting the musical for a modern audience alongside her fellow actors. She said Opera Australia’s production depicted the women of the story with “much more complexity”.

“Miss Saigon deals with the sufferings of war, and all of those themes are embedded …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 25, 2023|

Meet our VET Student of the Year

People, food, and seeing fare migrate from paddock to plate – Charlize Ashby has a passion for all things hospitality and the award to prove it.

The Brigidine College Randwick Year 12 student was named ‘VET in Schools Student of the Year – NSW Central and North Sydney Region’ in the 2023 NSW Training Awards.

The awards are held annually to recognise outstanding achievement in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

Charlize, who has completed a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations, is now one of three finalists for the state-wide award from a pool of 40,000 students.

“It was so amazing that the hard work I put into hospitality paid off,” she said.

“I’d see it on my timetable and think ‘I’m so excited for that’.”

VET ambassador

Part of being a NSW Training Awards regional winner and state finalist is to be an ambassador for VET, speaking with other students and schools about her experience as a hospitality student. As a self-described people person, she relishes the opportunity.

“I love how hospitality is inclusive of everyone.” – Charlize Ashby

“There is a mix of theory and practical skills,” she said.

“You can stop thinking about the books for a moment and create something in the kitchen to eat, serve to your friends or take home to your family.”

Charlize has put her hospitality qualification and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) gained through her school to work in her roles at Mad Mex and Merivale Venues.

She has also catered for 800 school open day guests and was booking manager at Kingsford restaurant Pinocchio’s for a night.

Classroom and career

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 14, 2023|

Engadine students shine in Matilda Jnr, The Musical

Students at St John Bosco Catholic Primary School Engadine have stretched their creative muscles in their first performance of much-loved production Matilda Jnr, The Musical.

Based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel, it sees an exceptional five-year old triumph over uncaring parents and an unpleasant school headmistress with imagination, resilience, and intelligence help her

More than 100 students are involved in the production, with students lending their talent as actors, singers, dancers, stagehands for props and backdrop, and curtain crew.

Lottie Wilson, in Year 4, plays the lead role of Matilda. Her audition surprised teachers who had no idea she could sing.

“When I sang the teachers said they were really shocked by my voice,” she said.

“I really like playing Matilda because she is a strong character, and she stands up for herself.” – Lottie Wilson

“It’s a really fun experience to work with other people and interesting to see what they can do.”

Year 5 student Maeve Bishop has found her assertive side while preparing for her role as Miss Trunchbull.

“I get told a lot to be fiercer!” Maeve said.

“She [Miss Trunchbull] is headmistress in Matilda’s school and she is very mean to all the kids. I like to play her character because she has some really funny moments.”

Acting Principal Mark Abad said the musical was just one opportunity in the school’s rich creative arts program that allows students to nurture and explore their creative talents.

It is the third musical the school has rehearsed since 2019 and the second one staged (the school’s 2021 offering, High School Musical, was cancelled due to COVID).

“At St John Bosco we value the creative arts, recognising it as a …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 13, 2023|

How music builds a healthy brain

The benefits of learning a musical instrument begin well before your child is playing sweet melodies with ease and enjoyment.

Research has shown that each tentative note can strengthen neural pathways in the brain and lead to learners who are more confident, resilient and self-aware.

The planning, monitoring, discipline and self-evaluation involved in mastering an instrument can be applied in other school subjects and areas of life.

Danielle Fuller, Sydney Catholic Schools’ Manager: Performing and Visual Arts, believes an arts-rich education from an early age can develop students’ creativity and self-expression and increase their motivation to learn.

This has a positive impact on school attendance rates, academic outcomes, and wellbeing.

A total brain ‘workout’

“Playing an instrument may be one of the best ways to help keep the brain healthy,” Mrs Fuller said.

Instruments like the violin, which require the right hand to do something different to the left, engage the peripheral nervous system which controls gross and fine motor skills.

The brain’s executive function, which plans and makes decisions, kicks in as a musician plays one part but keeps focus on the next.

“Couple that with the total sensory input – visual, auditory, and emotional all at the same time – and it becomes a total workout for the brain,” Ms Fuller said.

Embracing excellence

Sydney Catholic Schools supports students to grow their creative talents through collaboration with a range of industry experts from prestigious organisations including Opera Australia and Sydney Conservatorium of Music – part of the trailblazing Amadeus Music Education Program.

The program gives all students in years 3 to 8 at a Sydney Catholic school equitable access to instrumental tuition …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 6, 2023|

Five benefits to school-aged sport

The health benefits of sport for young people are so often expressed it’s easy to forget just how profound their impact.

Here are five reasons why sport is a first-rate way to encourage healthy bodies, minds, and skills for life.

Healthy bodies

Australia’s physical activity guidelines recommend children aged 5 to 17 do at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each day.

These valuable minutes come with many health benefits according to Australia’s national wellbeing framework for learning communities including Sydney Catholic Schools.

Physically, sport provides an outlet for excess energy, encourages better quality sleep and improves motor skills such as balance and coordination.

“You’re more productive if you are physically healthy,” said Sydney Catholic Schools’ Manager: Pre-Post Sport, Damien Kerr.

“To get physically healthy you must participate in regular physical activity and then it is a self-perpetuating cycle.”

Healthy minds

The mental benefits are also impressive. Sport leads to improved blood flow to the brain and higher levels of serotonin and endorphins – neurotransmitters which help regulate and improve our emotional state.

This can boost mood, concentration and alertness – all of which influence learning and academic achievement.

“Regular inter-school sport is a way for students to get … all those benefits that come from playing in a team sport,” – Damien Kerr, Manager: Pre-Post Sport

Confidence

Prepare for your child’s confidence to soar when they clock some of their recommended physical activity through sport.

“You can see success through sport very quickly, whether that is the result at the end of a game, or you note your skills are getting better as …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 6, 2023|

Holiday sport program on point

The latest offering in Sydney Catholic Schools’ comprehensive sport program is set to blow school holiday boredom out of the water.

Opportunities to try dragon boating, water polo, orienteering and fencing will be provided alongside traditional ball sports in one, two and three-day programs that emphasise skill building in an active, fun and supportive environment.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Manager: Pre-Post Sport, Damien Kerr said the program represented a new frontier for Sydney Catholic Schools.

“Our school holiday program gives families an affordable way to try an array of different sports outside of school hours” – Damien Kerr, Manager: Pre-Post Sport

“We hope that students will look forward to the school holidays with a sense of excitement, not just because they don’t have schoolwork, but because they are engaging in activities with a purpose – to keep active and make new friends.”

Active fun

Say goodbye to screen time. Sydney Catholic Schools’ holiday sport program offers myriad opportunities for fun and fitness.

They include:

Dragon boating – In partnership with Easts Dragon Boat Club and supported by Dragon Boats NSW. This two-day camp introduces students in Years 6 to 11 to this exciting, fast-paced sport.

Fencing – In partnership with NSW Fencing. Students aged 8 to 16 will learn grace and precision with foil, sabre and epee – the tools of this ancient art.

Water polo – A fast-growing sport at junior level, water polo builds stamina and teamwork among other skills. Offered in partnership with Water Polo NSW for students in Years 6 to 11.

TrySport – Sydney Catholic Schools TrySport camps provide a mix of Olympic and fun games for students in Years 3 to 9. Includes badminton, orienteering, lawn bowls and pickleball.

Rugby union –

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 6, 2023|

Kindergarten: Four tips for a successful start

Of all the milestones in early life, starting kindergarten can be one of the most exciting – and nerve-wracking – for parent and child alike.

Below are four factors to consider for a smooth transition from daycare and home to a larger, more structured primary school environment.

Timing

While there is no national starting age for kindergarten, in NSW children are expected to attend by the year they turn 6.

A child’s social and emotional needs, as well as how they cope with change, often trump academic readiness in the decision-making process.

“It depends on the child, the family, the advice from the early childhood service,” said Kim Moroney, Specialist: Early Years (K-4) Curriculum at Sydney Catholic Schools.

“Some children are excited to leap into the next stage of their life, but for others that is more challenging. It’s different for everybody.”

“Schools are very proactive in welcoming and reassuring families.” – Kim Moroney, Specialist: Early Years (K-4) Curriculum

Familiarity

It can be natural for a child to miss their old routine as they adjust to a new one at primary school.

Taking photographs of the classroom, playground, office and teacher (with permission!) during orientation and talking about them with your child can help familiarise them with their new environment ahead of time.

Developing their vocabulary around school and familiarity with school items such as lunchboxes, shoes, hat, and backpack – and when and how they are used – is also helpful.

“The most important thing when children are transitioning to school is for them to have a sense of connection, and of belonging to the school,” Ms Moroney said.

“Having conversations with your child about school and how they are feeling is invaluable.”

Social and emotional …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 6, 2023|

Tech education helps close cyber security skills gap

Close to 800 Sydney Catholic Schools students have gained new technology skills thanks to a coding challenge geared towards filling a critical cyber security skills shortage in Australia.

Marist College Eastwood accounted for a record 560 of the 794 students from Sydney Catholic schools who enrolled in this year’s Cyber Live challenge.

Cyber Live is one of four international coding-based challenges, run by technology education charity Grok Academy, that Year 7 to 10 students from Marist College take part in each year.

Sarah Hasman, the college’s Assistant Technological and applied studies (TAS) Coordinator, said the challenge teaches students valuable collaboration and problem-solving skills.

The Cyber Live challenge also hones students’ ability to analyse information and helps boost their awareness of current cyber security practices.

“A lot of students think they know about how to be safe online, but they don’t really,” Ms Hasman added. “This developed that knowledge for them.”

Other opportunities to develop web-based skills, including a Grok web design challenge, are embedded into the college’s Year 9 Information and Software curriculum to enhance students’ technological literacy.

After completing the web design challenge, participants each received a certificate with a grade – distinction, credit or pass – to add to their resume.

CYBER ADVENTURE

The 2022 Cyber Live challenge asked students to trace clues and work out a way to stop a large-scale simulated cyber attack on Sydney’s public landmarks.

“It sort of felt like an escape room. It was engaging,” participating Year 9 Information and Software Technology (IST) student, Rayneer Liong, said.

“Lots of jobs now are tech …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 30, 2022|

Wanago uni pathway boosts STEM learning

A group of 33 Sydney Catholic Schools’ students are poised for early entry into engineering and information technology (IT) degrees through The University of Technology Sydney’s Wanago Program.

Year 11 and 12 students who complete a NESA-accredited HSC Engineering or Information Technology elective through the program are offered direct entry into undergraduate courses including civil and mechanical engineering and software design.

SKILLED FOR THE FUTURE

According to a September 2021 report by the Ai Group, nationwide skills shortages are currently highest in STEM-related fields.

These include in Engineering, and in ICT where security specialist and program manager roles are projected to grow by 26.6% in the next three years.*

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Director of Education and Research, Dr Kate O’Brien, said the Wanango opportunity was just one example of university-level partnerships at Sydney Catholic Schools that broaden students’ learning and give them clear pathways to further study.

The problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking skills emphasised in Wanago electives are also in keeping with the ethos that underpins all learning at Sydney Catholic Schools.

“We want to empower our students to make a difference and to be adaptable to the needs of their communities and future workplaces,” Dr O’Brien said.

“Students in the Wanago Program will be well placed to fill critical skills shortages while pursuing disciplines they love” – Dr Kate O’Brien

“We’re very excited to see the innovative projects they imagine and develop as part of their learning at UTS.”

Wanago program manager Emaly Black said the curriculum was filled with project-based enrichment activities that expose students to industry and to UTS student societies where they can see innovation in action.

“This is perfect for students who enjoy learning by doing,” …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 28, 2022|

Portrait turns heads at Art Gallery of NSW

Winning her age category in Sydney Catholic Schools’ inaugural Portrait Prize was just the beginning for Tatum O’Connor.

The Mount St Joseph Milperra student’s portrait of her niece is now a finalist in the Young Archie competition, run by the Art Gallery of NSW.

Winners will be announced this Saturday, 18 June.

Tatum said she was elated to see her work on display at the Art Gallery of NSW.

“I have no words to even begin to describe my excitement and joy at being a finalist,” she said.

Chosen from a field of more than 2,400 entries her gouache portrait, titled Feeling Blue, took 20 hours to complete.

“Art showcases messages, symbols, thoughts, and ideas that words can’t convey . . . I find that extremely powerful” – Tatum O’Connor

“I’ve been creating artworks for as long as I can remember with persistent encouragement from my family, teachers and peers,” Tatum said.

“Art allows me to express myself in a way no other hobby would.”

It seems third time’s the charm for Tatum, who has entered the Young Archie competition three years running.

“I admittedly lost a bit of hope of one of my portraits getting recognised, but winning the Sydney Catholic Schools Portrait Prize gave me motivation and hope,” she said.

“My niece is a bit too young to understand this milestone. I’ll give it to her someday and she’ll finally realise the impact this portrait and her existence have had on my life.”

ABOUT THE YOUNG ARCHIE COMPETITION

Beginning in 2013, the annual …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 16, 2022|

Demountables help flooded Lismore school

Seven demountable classrooms have made the 761 kilometre journey from St Patrick’s College Sutherland to flood-devastated Trinity Catholic College Lismore, where they will help get students’ learning back on track.

Principal of Trinity Catholic College Lismore, Jesse Smith, welcomed the warm-hearted gesture of Lismore’s sister Diocese.

“The generosity of Sydney Catholic Schools ensures that the 500-plus students that we have in years 7 to 10 can continue to access quality learning in Science and other key learning areas,” Mr Smith said.

“We can only say an enormous thank you” – Trinity Catholic College Principal, Jesse Smith

Classrooms a ‘remarkable’ help

Mr Smith said community resilience has been tested at the dual-campus Lismore school, where all but seven classrooms and the college library were significantly damaged in the February deluge after water levels reached a peak of 14.37 metres.

He said Sydney Catholic Schools’ donation – particularly of specialist Science classrooms, “which are expensive and time-consuming to rebuild” – would help provide stability for Trinity’s students.

“A lot of rebuilding needs to happen, so to have those demountable classrooms here and operational in the next couple of weeks is just remarkable,” Mr Smith added.

“We offer a significant number of senior science classes too, so ensuring the passion for science continues is a priority and this does an enormous amount to help us continue down that path.”

St Patrick’s College Sutherland Principal, Janine Kenney, said the college community was pleased the donation was of help to the Lismore school.

“It is wonderful that the system can support the present needs of the Lismore community,” she said.

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 7, 2022|

What makes a great principal?

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

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

Our new leaders

David Hurley, St Therese Catholic Primary School Sadleir-Miller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 2, 2022|

New era for Champagnat Pagewood

From next year, Champagnat Catholic College Pagewood will take a new name – Corpus Christi College Maroubra – as part of its transformation to a co-educational years 7-12 college.

The college will welcome its first girls to Year 7 in 2023.

To support the increase in students, the college is undergoing an extensive rebuild. This includes new state-of-the-art facilities, which will enhance contemporary learning, encourage collaboration, and allow for diverse subject choice.

“Every child will have the opportunity to develop their gifts and talents in state-of-the-art facilities and be part of the transformation of our College” – Craig Mooney, Principal

A proud Marist tradition

Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Tony Farley, said the college’s new name was a result of extensive consultation with the parish, school leadership and members of Sydney Catholic Schools’ executive team.

“We are excited to see the Champagnat community continue to evolve into a dynamic place of co-education,” Mr Farley said.

“Through this significant change the college will continue a strong faith commitment in the Marist tradition and commitment to a rigorous education.

“This is a foundation that encourages students to grow in faith and academically to become compassionate, capable future leaders in their communities.”

The co-ed journey

Champagnat – soon Corpus Christi College – principal Craig Mooney with students modelling the new uniforms.

College Principal Craig Mooney said many parents had expressed excitement at the ability to send their sons and daughters to the same secondary school.

“A great deal of work has been undertaken in preparation for the transition to co-education,” Mr Mooney said.

“In interviewing the boys and girls …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 2, 2022|

About jaderamirezsydcatholiceduau

Confidence in context

A total brain ‘workout’

Embracing excellence

Active fun

CYBER ADVENTURE

SKILLED FOR THE FUTURE

Classrooms a ‘remarkable’ help

Our new leaders

A proud Marist tradition

The co-ed journey

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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