jaderamirezsydcatholiceduau | Sydney Catholic Schools

OLMC’s new SBS News mentor

Our Lady of Mercy College (OLMC) Burraneer has welcomed a new high profile mentor for students as part of a strengthened future-focused learning approach.

SBS and BBC World News journalist, Tanya Dendrinos, spoke to the college’s Year 10 students about career pathways on 12 May, ahead of their transition to senior studies.

A former student of the college’s principal Leonie Pearce, Ms Dendrinos shared insights from her path to success and time as a foreign correspondent, including the importance of networking and the nonlinear nature of career pathways.

OLMC’s Leader of Learning and Innovation, Lauren Batty, said Year 10 were currently considering subject selection for years 11 and 12, and both ATAR and Non-ATAR pathway options.

“We hope that Tanya’s pathway insights resonate with Year 10, and motivate them to seize opportunities and feel excited by this time of future-focused thinking and planning,” she said.

Principal Leonie Pearce said the mentoring complements a teaching approach that aims to develop students’ capacity to transfer knowledge and skills to their future studies and careers – no matter the subject – through relevant learning experiences.

“Exposure to different life and career experiences prompts the girls to reflect on their own passions and be inspired by others” – Leonie Pearce

“Like other young people, many of our students are unaware of the endless possibilities or the ways to achieve their goals,” Mrs Pearce said.

“We believe in the importance of every girl exploring their own personalised pathway.

“By fostering opportunities for deep learning and meaningful challenges, we hope that our students will become empowered women who contribute to the common good, address global challenges and flourish in a complex world.”

Mercy breaking news

Ms Dendrinos also provided OLMC’s new …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 23, 2022|

‘Healthy Kids Pitch’ gives boot camp a leg up

A ‘Healthy Kids Pitch’ has kick-started a renewed wellbeing and fitness focus at St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School – and their passion for health has not gone unnoticed.

Cumberland Council awarded the Regents Park primary school a $5000 grant to buy equipment for its Friday morning boot camp program, which will soon be extended to offer an additional two boot camps a week.

The school’s equipment wish-list includes agility ladders, drill equipment, and an in-ground trampoline to promote active play at recess and lunch too.

Student leaders consulted with every class from Kindy to Year 6 for their input before they submitted their pitch to the council.

Seeds of wellbeing grow

This is the second time the school has received a Healthy Kids Pitch grant from Cumberland Council. It built a veggie garden with the first grant in 2020.

Produce from the garden is used in the school’s breakfast club, along with cereal donations from parents and eggs laid by the school’s chickens.

“We now have ‘brain breaks’ where the kids go outside after each hour of learning” – Assistant Principal, Amanda Gahan

Co-curricular clubs are flourishing

The boot camp and breakfast club are just two of the school’s thriving co-curricular clubs.

“About six to eight months before COVID hit we did a wellbeing survey of the school and put together whole programs to support students,” said Assistant Principal, Amanda Gahan.

“We introduced a breakfast club and teachers reported …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 23, 2022|

Champagnat’s teaching excellence awarded

Four Champagnat Catholic College Pagewood staff have received 2022 Teacher’s Guild of NSW Awards in recognition of their outstanding work in Mathematics, English and Human Society and its Environment (HSIE).

From digital publishing opportunities for students to giving Mathematics modules made for the COVID lockdowns a second life after face-to-face learning had resumed, we take a closer look at the stellar work of Champagnat’s teachers.

THE PROJECTS

Mathematics: Online progress

Emma Pracey and Charlotte Buxton’s Teachers’ Guild Award recognises their innovative approach to teaching Mathematics via online learning. Photo: Natalie Roberts

Charlotte Buxton and Emma Pracey, the winners of the Regional / Remote Teaching and Learning Excellence Award, developed a series of online Mathematics learning modules for years 7 to 10 students during the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

The user-friendly lessons developed by the Mathematics teachers include three levels of question – basic, challenge and enrichment – to provide opportunities for students to extend themselves.

They also contain ‘success criteria’ and learning intentions to keep students on task, in addition to theory, worked examples, videos, and interactive games.

Ms Buxton and Ms Pracey later adapted the lessons to enable a blended learning approach to the subject.

“Receiving the [Teacher’s Guild of NSW] Award was surprising but very gratifying,” Ms Buxton said.

Teachers can now give explicit instruction on a topic, then have students work through the module independently – giving the flexibility for lessons to continue seamlessly when COVID strikes, for example.

The blended learning approach also supports the college’s commitment to formative assessment, a practice where teachers monitor learning and give ongoing feedback to help students build on their strengths and address areas that need work.

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 23, 2022|

New Matraville school fast-tracked for 2023

A dynamic education master plan for Catholic schools in Matraville and Pagewood has been fast-tracked, with the new Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Matraville to open a year ahead of schedule in January 2023.

The school is an amalgamation of the current St Agnes’ Catholic Primary School Matraville and Our Lady of the Annunciation (OLA) Catholic Primary School Pagewood. Located on the St Agnes Matraville site, Sacred Heart will cater for 420 students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

Construction of a two-storey building of purpose built flexible learning spaces will be completed by December.

Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Tony Farley, said the accelerated amalgamation would allow students to begin the 2023 school year under one identity and with equal access to the new facilities.

“We’re very excited to see the Sacred Heart community realised ahead of schedule” – Tony Farley

“We trust our students will enjoy the adventure of new facilities, classmates, teachers and new learning experiences,” Mr Farley said.

“This master plan is a multi-million-dollar investment in education that will allow students to thrive in a dynamic and faith-filled environment and become the next generation of change-makers in their communities.”

Parents attended an information session on Wednesday 4 May, where the school’s new uniforms, crest and name were unveiled.

Melissa Barnes’ daughter Leilani will transition from OLA to Sacred Heart next year.

“With a new school comes new resources, opportunities and experiences – and that’s fantastic” – Melissa Barnes

“As a parent, I am excited to expand our school and parish community,” Ms Barnes said.

“My child is excited to make new friends and memories in her new school. I am confident every decision has been made with our children and the wider community in mind.”

School name honours history

Sacred Heart Principal Rosemary Andre said the name acknowledges the …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 9, 2022|

Photo gallery: Commissioning Mass for new teaching staff

To mark the beginning of their careers and acknowledge a positive start to the 2022 school year, Sydney Catholic Schools held a Commissioning Mass for all its beginner teachers at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney.

The Mass, held on the feast of St James the Lesser – one of Jesus’ chosen twelve and the author of the first Catholic Epistle – was celebrated by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP.

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 3, 2022|

STEM project gives clean water to refugees

Students at McAuley Catholic Primary School Rose Bay showed that their sense of social justice runs deep by assembling emergency water filters for use in central African refugee camps.

The year 5 and 6 students drew on the scientific principles of water filtration to build the filters with volunteers from the Origin Foundation’s water works program on World Water Day.

The students also learnt about the health impacts of poor water accessibility and sanitation on communities around the globe hit by conflict and natural disasters. They also came up with the designs for more permanent water filters.

Principal Nicole Jones said the project empowered students to think and act as global citizens, and to help reduce outbreaks of water-borne disease.

“Our students will effectively be improving the health and well-being of an entire community” – Nicole Jones

Real-world impact

The filters will be delivered to communities in Uganda by the foundation’s partner charity Lifewater, which teaches them how to install and use the devices.

“It’s so wonderful for our students to take on this challenge and make a big difference with a tangible solution like a water filter device to help improve the lives of others who are less fortunate,” Mrs Jones said.

“The Water Works program teaches our students that STEM is very much a part of addressing world issues and that they can be part of the solution.”

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 11, 2022|

Find your voice at St Mary’s Cathedral junior school

Joining the junior school of St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney marks the beginning of an enriching experience with a specialist music and academic education that is highly rewarding.

The St Mary’s Cathedral Junior School is Sydney’s only Catholic specialist music primary school.

It is part of the prestigious St Mary’s Cathedral College, in the heart of Sydney and home to Australia’s oldest music choir, where expert teachers cater to musicians and choristers with a passion for music.

The choir, which has sung for Pope Francis at the Vatican – with their performance broadcast to millions – is now accepting enrolments from boys in Years 3 to 6 and is also offering scholarships for Choir candidates.

An enriching opportunity

The St Mary’s Cathedral College Junior School Choir program includes two years of piano tuition, starting in Year 3. Students then choose an orchestral or band instrument to learn.

The choir’s weekly schedule includes seven rehearsals, private singing lessons, music and instrument tuition with instruments provided, as well as three performances. Transport services are also provided to help choristers get to rehearsals.

The road to musical success

Bede Byrne (pictured with his mum Mary) enjoys the life of a St Mary’s Cathedral chorister. Photo: Zane Wilson

Bede Byrne joined the choir at St Mary’s Cathedral College Junior School when he was in Year 3. He’s now in Year 6 and plays the trumpet.

The scholarship-holder came to the choir with a love of singing and no formal music training. The school nurtured his inner musician.

According to Bede’s mother, Mary Byrne, “They look at your potential, rather than at …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauApril 5, 2022|

Deep interest in new water polo competition

With memorable goals and help from water polo’s elite, Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) first inter-school water polo competition is already making a splash.

Zenn Pemberton scored the first-ever boys’ water polo goal in the Sydney Catholic Schools competition for Marcellin College Randwick, just hours after competing at the State Championships Nippers (U9-U12’s) in Manly.

The goal gave Marcellin an early lead over Holy Cross College Ryde in the weekly competition, which launched on 24 February.

“I am confident that the weekly competition will only get bigger and better as time goes on” – Sean Mullaly

Zenn’s father Joel said his son’s natural water abilities transferred well to water polo, which had many benefits.

“You can find with other sports like league, it can favour the bigger kids, but you still want them engaged in team sport and having the camaraderie,” he said.

“It is an even keel in the water, size does not matter.”

Holy Cross College Ryde PDHPE teacher, Claire Younan, has water polo success in her genes and is proud to coach the college’s first water polo side.

Her dad Ray Younan played for the NSW Senior men’s team and has 14 national caps to his name.

“I have learned from him and taken on the passion,” Miss Younan said.

Former Australian coach Greg McFadden, who is considered water polo royalty with 189 national appearances, also joined one of Holy Cross’ training sessions.

“This was a great experience for the students,” Miss Younan said. “We are already getting students wanting to know more about the water polo competition, so I think the numbers next year will double if not triple.”

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMarch 22, 2022|

St Mary’s shows generosity in flood appeal

The St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Georges Hall community has held true to the famous words of their patron, Saint Mary-Mackillop, to support flood relief efforts in NSW.

Students, parents and staff hosted activities on 18 February to raise $6,744 for the St Vincent De Paul Flood Appeal.

Principal Monica Palmer said the school’s motto of ‘Never see a need without doing something about it’ made prayer and outreach in times of crisis – like the recent floods – essential.

NSW State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers also spoke to students on the day about how they help people as the state’s lead agency in the response to floods and storms.

“There is a great deal of media about the struggles our fellow humans have endured during the flood crisis,” she said.

“The SES were a highlight and so inspiring.

“Our kids could be the next generation of volunteers.”

Fun and giving

The school’s Year 6 leaders organised games including an egg-and-spoon race, sand bag toss, guessing competitions, soccer shoot-outs, and skipping challenges to support the fundraiser.

Parents also ran a cake stall and students gave a gold coin donation to dress up on the appeal day.

Awareness breeds compassion

With its proximity to the Georges River, the school community is no stranger to flood water cutting off access to the school on occasion. The school recently closed for a day as many teachers and families were stranded …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMarch 22, 2022|

New Youth Ministry Coordinators welcomed

New Youth Ministry Coordinators have been inducted into their roles including Sydney Catholic Schools’ first primary school-based Youth Ministry Coordinator.

All 16 Youth Ministry Coordinators (YMCs) were formally inducted during an Archdiocesan meeting involving secondary Religious Education Coordinators (RECs) and Youth Ministry Coordinators at Waterview, Bicentennial Park, on Friday 25 February.

“It was really exciting to have all our new RECs and YMCs together in one place,” SCS’ Educator Officer: Church Engagement, Cheryl Fernandez, said.

“They’re all really eager and excited to start in their new roles.”

Our new Youth Ministry Coordinators are:

All Saints’ Catholic College Casula (Senior Campus) – Jizella Akkari
All Saints’ Catholic College, Liverpool (7-10 Campus) – Georgina Ciampa
Bethlehem College Ashfield – Eric Kent
Brigidine College Randwick – Monica Atlamaz
Casimir College Marrickville – Jacqueline Ferreira
Champagnat Catholic College Pagewood – Maria Romerosa
Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba – Samantha Ison
Holy Cross College Ryde – Claire Younan
Marist College Eastwood – Helena Bozic
Marist College North Shore – Anna Fsadni
Marist College North Shore (Primary) – Cecilia Chatelier
Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wakeley – Joëlle L’Aiguille
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington – Lidia Simpson

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMarch 21, 2022|

ARTEXPRESS: a hat-trick of success

Three Sydney Catholic Schools graduates have earned a place in prestigious HSC visual arts showcase ARTEXPRESS this year.

From sculpture to hyper-real drawings, the artists share the ideas and challenges behind their dynamic and creative works.

Monique Frasca, Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton

The Impetus Past

See it at: The Art Gallery of NSW until 25 April

Monique’s work features hand-drawn historic houses and explores the ideas of object permanence, absence and presence.

The illustrations are lifted into the present through animation accessed by a QR code.

Monique names philosopher Jacques Derrida, Frankenstein comic book illustrator Bernie Wrightson, American artist Franklin Booth, and Australian artist Rachel Whiteread as influences to her work.

“Derrida coined the idea that objects leave ‘traces’ of presence, despite their absence,” she said.

“With the concept of my work being about the past, I wanted to say ‘if these houses could speak, what would they say?”

“I thought it would be a great idea to animate the trees and make it more atmospheric, so you could really be immersed in the landscape where the houses are standing.”

“It feels really rewarding to have one year of work contribute to an exhibition people are celebrating and which celebrates art created by youth” – Monique Frasca

Edward Parsons, St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney

The Commute

See it at: The Art Gallery of NSW until 25 April

Edward is the fourth student in three years from St Mary’s Cathedral College to have his work selected for ARTEXPRESS.

His sculpture of a commuter, ‘Bob’, is crafted of monster clay and highlights the personal and humorous aspects of the mundane experience of using public transport.

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMarch 15, 2022|

HSC 2021: Accelerated maths equals success at Bethlehem

Maria Soliman is ahead of the curve after achieving phenomenal results in two HSC mathematics exams a year before graduating high school.

The Bethlehem College Ashfield accelerated mathematics student achieved marks of 99% and 98% in Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics Extension 1, respectively – and she’s still only in Year 11!

Now in Year 12, Maria will this year focus on Physics, Chemistry, English Advanced, and Studies of Religion as she works toward an ATAR score that will enable her to study paediatric medicine or engineering at university.

“A lot of people don’t see it but there’s a beauty to maths” – Maria Soliman

Maria said it felt good to have three units of HSC study already completed, and to receive such good results.

“I’m very excited,” she said.

“I didn’t tell a lot of people but everyone seems to have found out. They’re all really happy for me.”

The road to success

Maria began her journey to early HSC success by completing Year 9 and Year 10 mathematics course work while in Year 9.

“Mathematics has always been a strength for me,” she said.

“I love working with numbers. As a migrant [from Egypt], English is different here. Science is different here. But Maths is the same: it’s numbers.”

She attributes her success to the support of her mathematics teacher of five years, Mary Moujali.

“She’s an awesome maths teacher. Without her support, I couldn’t have done it,” Maria said.

Bethlehem College Ashfield is accepting enrolments. Click here to start your daughter’s learning journey today.

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauFebruary 11, 2022|

Seeing double: Wakeley school welcomes six sets of twins

Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wakeley has welcomed six – yes, SIX! – sets of Year 7 twins this school term.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is the first time in the college’s 30-year history that there have been so many twins in the one year group.

“It is very unusual,” Year 7 coordinator, Maria Messina, said.

“Our history and culture has always been that twins and siblings stay in the same [vertically streamed] house group, but we won’t put them in the same homeroom,” Ms Messina said.

“We explicitly made that decision so that they can become empowered young women and develop their own identity.”

TRANSITIONING TO HIGH SCHOOL

Ms Messina said Year 7 students go on a camp in early Term 1 to help them forge strong relationships with their peers and teachers. Kindness is a key currency at the school, and getting to know the students as learners is a priority for staff.

“Coming into high school, life is very different,” Ms Messina said.

“You no longer have one or two teachers. You have up to nine teachers, and you’re always moving around the school according to the subjects you are studying.”

“It’s actually a huge transition, from big fish to little fish” – Maria Messina

“In high school it is about collaborative learning, being flexible, experiencing multiple things at the same time,” Ms Messina said.

“There are a lot of co-curricular opportunities: music programs, eisteddfod, dance, sport, musicals.”

MEET THE TWINS

While only two sets of the new twins are identical, the group reflects the culturally diverse community they have joined – they are of Iraqi, Aboriginal, Croatian and Samoan …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauFebruary 8, 2022|

UpRising: Entrepreneurship career pathways for young people

A sector-blind education initiative to help Year 12 students give their HSC Design and Technology major projects a life beyond the classroom is gaining momentum across NSW.

UpRising is the brainchild of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) teacher Richard Hainsworth.

A pilot of the program – a strategic partnership with NSW Government, the Institute of Technology Education (iTE), and a collective of future-focused businesses – began in March with 50 students from thirteen government, Catholic and independent schools across the state.

Richard, who teaches at Brigidine College Randwick, said the project aimed to provide a clear pathway for young designers and businesses to collaborate in a meaningful way, including in the research and development space.

The program also allows students to develop saleable ideas alongside core entrepreneurial skills.

“UpRising acts as a conduit between HSC design students and industry” – Richard Hainsworth

“The need for a system to assist young talent, and for industry to make early connections, is critical in preparing for tomorrow’s skills shortages and technological disruption,” Mr Hainsworth said.

CLASSROOM TO BOARDROOM

Mr Hainsworth said the HSC Design and Technology syllabus drew on many of the skills and capabilities entrepreneurs require, including the ability to solve problems and connect with a target market.

“For the HSC major project, you have to really drill down into a genuine need in society,” he said. “These projects are often commercially viable by the end of the design process and, from an ecological and positive impact perspective, ready to go.”

Current projects include lamps made of recycled seaweed, a COVID-safe workspace, equipment to reduce breast injuries in women’s contact sport, a drone to collect …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauDecember 23, 2021|

Building faith and community spirit

John Coppola planned to use his piano and songwriting skills in a music career, before following his heart into teaching and then a Religious Education Coordinator role at Trinity Catholic College Auburn.

“In my early 20’s I had a couple of personal faith experiences that changed my life,” he said.

“I wanted to do something that made a difference and helped to lead people to Jesus” – John Coppola

The role is a busy one, and varied.

A Religious Education Coordinator, better known as an REC in Catholic school circles, teaches religious education classes, and organises masses, liturgies, retreats and spirituality days to help staff and students to develop their faith.

They often have a hand in coordinating social justice initiatives, and also sit on the school leadership team.

“It is a challenging role when you have this multitude of hats on as well as being in the leadership team,” Mr Coppola said. “I see it as a privilege.”

Religious Education Coordinator at Trinity Catholic College Auburn, John Coppola.

SCHOOL SPIRIT

At Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba, students and staff grow through a faith formation framework that Petah Foran introduced when she became the school’s REC three years ago.

The six-year student framework includes six themes for each grade’s annual spirituality day. Each theme is built around a question Jesus asked and is attached to a gospel value.

“For Year 7 the question is ‘What do you seek?’ and the value is ‘community’,” Ms Foran said.

“Their Spirituality Day happens in Week 4 of their first term, so it’s all about getting to know the college.

“We can tweak the programs as …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauDecember 21, 2021|

Pitch to protect endangered species

Bethlehem College Ashfield Year 8 students – Nia, Emma, Caitlin, Lucia and Benedicta – have imagined an information campaign to protect West Papua’s critically endangered leatherback turtles.

Their ‘pitch for the planet’, at The Orbispace Initiative’s (TOI) Future of Female Leaders entrepreneurial event, included an app for locals and tourists, plus two educational children’s books to promote behavioural change and protect the turtle population.

The students were inspired by mentors including Brighte senior product manager Emily Burns and Lisa Fedorenko, an Alberts investment manager.

PITCH FOR THE PLANET

“The Bethlehem team were very engaging in their ‘pitch for the planet’ and demonstrated that they have the makings of female innovators of the future,” Bethlehem’s STEM teacher, Jennifer Price, said.

“This activity alone has developed their creativity, critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills.

“They have also developed resume-writing and presentation skills, making use of body language and verbal communication.”

“The experiential learning activities that the Bethlehem students are completing, thanks to The Orbispace Initiative, are quite simply amazing” – Jennifer Price

ABOUT TOI

The Orbispace Initiative (TOI) is an Australian charity which develops students’ entrepreneurial skills through industry mentor opportunities and events that promote success in a rapidly changing physical and digital landscape.

Bethlehem’s Principal, Ann Freeman, said taking part in programs like TOI gave students a competitive edge and “could be the differentiating factor in their future careers”.

“I have been involved in girls’ education for over 30 years and I’ve never seen as much energy, creativity and passion for learning as I have seen here at Bethlehem,” Ms Freeman said.

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauDecember 17, 2021|

The changing face of science education

Featuring a Biology superlab, balcony rainforest and woodlands ecosystems, St Patrick’s College Sutherland’s new Alpha Crucis building is a game-changer for the sciences and applied studies.

The innovative building design is the result of a collaboration between St Pat’s teachers, school leadership, Sydney Catholic Schools and JDH Architects.

The building design also includes three industry-standard kitchens for Hospitality and Food Technology, two floors of contemporary learning spaces with breakout areas, multipurpose areas and a textiles room.

Electric vehicle chargers are among the markers of the facilities’ sustainability credentials.

But it is the flexibility of the spaces that has teachers excited to hold classes in the building in the upcoming school year.

The existing tree line provides a natural canopy for St Patrick’s College Sutherland’s new five-level Alpha Crucis building, while blue aluminium fins complement its radiant white facade.

The Hospitality Room’s commercial kitchen fit out includes a full cooking line with combi ovens, bratt pans, deep fryers and a commercial coffee machine. The space will be utilised by students obtaining a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING SPACES

From 2022, Year 11 and 12 students at the college – across Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental, Physics, and Science Extension – will have use of six purpose-built science labs. These areas will also be accessible to more than 900 Year 7 to 10 students.

The Physics lab has movable desks to allow space for practical lessons using ramps, trolleys and data loggers to understand gravity and motion. The Earth and Environmental Science lab has a university lecture …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauDecember 16, 2021|

The story of Christmas told through children’s art

Sydney Catholic school students have presented a reflective and vibrant take on Christmas scripture for the 2021 Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition.

Close to 600 students in Year 5 and 6 from schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney, and Diocese of Wollongong and Bathurst took part in the project this year.

The students drew on verses from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke for inspiration.

NATIVITY MAGIC

The 32 prize-winning artworks depict gospel scenes including the journey to Bethlehem, Annunciation, birth of Jesus and visit of the magi.

Year 6 student Jeramae Gonayon from St Mark’s Catholic Primary School Drummoyne received first prize in her year category for a detailed drawing of Mary and the angel Gabriel.

A bright blue sky and intricate facial expressions featured in St John’s Catholic Primary School Auburn Year 5 First Prize winner, Lara Elfin Aydin’s detailed painting of the nativity.

Archbishop’s Choice Trophy winning artwork.

St Therese Catholic Primary School Denistone’s Mila Hinves, in Year 5, was a joint awardee of the Archbishop’s Choice Trophy. Her earth-toned holly wreath was a standout sculpture among the other works.

St Therese Catholic Primary School Sadleir-Miller student Chelsea received the Executive Director’s Award for her richly-shaded charcoal drawing of doves.

“The doves in my sketch represent purity, which is a symbol in the Annunciation” – Chelsea

Usually held at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Sydney campus, the exhibition moved online in 2020 due to COVID-19. It is a successful formula replicated this year.

SCS Specialist: Religious Education, Jodie Micallef, praised the high quality of students’ work and thanked the teachers and principals who enabled such them to come forth under unique circumstances.

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauDecember 6, 2021|

Love of physics a bridge to award

A holiday musing when travelling across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge has turned into a STANSW Young Scientist Award for Year 11 student Hayden Westwood.

The Science Teachers’ Association of NSW (STANSW) Rowe Scientific Depth Study Bronze Award recognises Hayden’s examination of how resonance – a phenomenon linked to the natural vibration frequency of objects – affected the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse.

The Washington-based suspension bridge famously fell into the Puget Sound during a windstorm in 1940. It is similar in construction to the Golden Gate Bridge.

“I feel very happy and privileged to receive an award for something I really enjoyed researching,” Hayden, of St John Bosco College Engadine, said.

“Overall the project was an interesting experience, with the results showing that there was a resonance effect on the bridge” – Hayden Westwood

Hayden said project highlights included building a model of the bridge, researching various professors’ estimations on the collapse and problem solving how to allow for a constant mechanical vibration to test his hypothesis. He attached a massage gun to an apparatus as a solution.

Hayden said his interest in Physics stemmed from a love of Mathematics, a subject he has been accelerated in by two years since Year 1.

“I have been very fortunate to have had awesome Mathematics and Science teachers throughout my education, especially Mr Shiel and Mr Balzarano, that have allowed my passion for physics to flourish,” he said.

“Putting all the parts together in a report was a challenge that was really enjoyable” – Hayden Westwood

ABOUT THE AWARD

The STANSW Young Scientist Awards is a major project of the Science Teachers’ Association of New South Wales (STANSW). It has been running since 1992 …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauDecember 2, 2021|

Philosophy electives: Thinking for the future

What can a group of long-dead philosophers teach a student today? The answer is plenty.

Amid the more prescriptive elements of the NSW curriculum, two Sydney Catholic schools have created imaginative and intelligent courses to develop their students’ critical thinking skills.

We take a look at the skills and concepts Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College (OLMC) Burraneer and Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich philosophy students take with them into a future of rapid change.

OLMC: PHILOSOPHY BY THE BAY

In 2015, OLMC Burraneer introduced the course Philosophy by the Bay, fusing the work of Renaissance philosophers with modern science, society and politics.

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) endorsed the elective for students in years 9 and 10.

Philosophy by the Bay’s first students with teacher Kerrie Ramsay in 2015. Photo: Kitty Beale

So what exactly can an OLMC girl learn from a bunch of dead philosophers?

It’s a question that the school’s philosophy teacher and gifted education facilitator, Kerrie Ramsay, asks students at the beginning of each year.

“Always for us the concept is first: ethics, power, legacy, truth,” Mrs Ramsay said.

“Then the philosophers’ opinions become ones to consider alongside our own, our family’s, our friends’. It’s a big melting pot of ideas.

“Philosophy by the Bay gives the gift of time, listening, and checking what you think about the world around you and your own values.”

“The students know they’re formulating their first beliefs and that their first beliefs won’t necessarily be their last beliefs” – Kerrie Ramsay

Mrs Ramsay said past students have been drawn to North Carolina …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauNovember 30, 2021|

The brain-boosting benefits of an Amadeus music education

From resilience to a powerful ‘brain boost’, parents, students and teachers are seeing the many benefits of learning an orchestral instrument as part of the groundbreaking Amadeus Music Education Program.

Nidal Abou Arrage remembers the February day in 2020 that her three sons came home with two violas and a trumpet. “They were excited and very cautious,” Mrs Abou Arrage said of twins, Joseph and Samuel, and their older brother Anthony.

A year on, she has noticed a remarkable improvement in the attentional skills of the twins particularly. “They are more focused and disciplined,” Mrs Abou Arrage said.

Samuel said he felt privileged to be part of the Amadeus program, while Joseph said he liked learning different music notes and songs.

“It has helped me gain more confidence and appreciate what music adds to our everyday lives” – Joseph Abou Arrage

The siblings’ schools were among 13 in the 2021 pilot for Sydney Catholic Schools’ Amadeus Music Education Program, a game-changing initiative being rolled out to 33,000 students across Sydney Catholic Schools’ network of 150 primary and secondary schools in the next two years.

The program has been integrated into the normal school curriculum and provides students in Year 3 to 8 with classroom music lessons, ensemble lessons and small group tuition led by 80 school classroom music teachers and 270 instrumental music tutors.

The specialist tutors bring professional experience from orchestras and ensembles around Australia and the world.

AMADEUS: A FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING

Phillip Scollard, principal at pilot Amadeus school Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba, said the impact on the students’ learning has been far-reaching, encompassing improved listening skills, self-motivation and resilience.

“If you can get students to understand that learning is a …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauNovember 30, 2021|

Auslan meets Yawuru language in ‘I Am Australian’

Auslan meets Yawuru language in St Mary – St Joseph Catholic Primary School Maroubra’s virtual choir rendition of ‘I Am Australian’. Watch it here:

A group of 50 students in Years 3 to 6 at the school lent their voices to the virtual choir, singing Bruce Woodley and Dobe Newton’s classic anthem ‘I am Australian’ in Yawuru – the Indigenous language of the Kimberley region.

Students also learned to sign the lyrics in Auslan (Australian sign language), thanks to their music teacher Rachel Scott.

They learned the song as part of St Mary – St Joseph’s extensive choir program.

It would have been performed at a NAIDOC assembly but the live event was twice cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead it was taken online.

“This was a way of celebrating singing and learning, and producing something that would make the school community smile” – Principal John Farrell

BRAIN-BOOSTING BENEFITS OF LEARNING LANGUAGES

“Learning language is so important for brain development; it’s also easy to do this through song,” said St Mary – St Joseph Principal John Farrell.

“I had met an (Aboriginal) Elder who gave us permission to teach the Yawuru verse, and our music teacher, Rachel Scott, had done some Auslan signing before.

“The children loved learning both of these languages.”

Mr Farrell said St Mary – St Joseph’s had a rich history in singing and musicianship inspired by Mrs Scott from the Australian Children’s Music Foundation.

Sound engineer Ben Sibson created the backing track and students recorded their parts individually to contribute to the whole.

“Singing gives everyone a sense of community” – John Farrell

“This is something that has been lost during at-home learning, so this was a way of rebuilding this …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauNovember 4, 2021|

‘Your eyes will go square’ rings true in lockdown

The cliche, ‘your eyes will go square’ rings true in lockdown. So writes winner of the 2021 UNSW Bragg Student Prize for Science Writing winner, St John Bosco student Emilia Danne.

In her response to the 2021 theme The STEM in Everyday Life, Year 8 student Emilia explores how online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our health.

“I feel extremely humbled to have won the UNSW Bragg Science Writing competition,” Emilia said.

“I was ecstatic when I found out I was chosen from all of the incredible entries from across Australia.

“We rely heavily on our devices every day, but not everyone knows about what blue light is and what it does.

“I hope that my essay can shine the light on the importance of sleep and how our devices are affecting this.”

Read Emilia’s full essay below.

THE DARK SIDE OF BLUE LIGHT

Online learning.

There are two words that strike fear into the lives of parents and caregivers, making them stop dead in their tracks. These two simple words paint a clear picture of utter chaos – online learning.

Sugar-powered siblings and printer problems make home the least ideal place for education. With so much going on in such a small, enclosed domain, it’s easy to forget for how long someone has been staring at a screen.

I looked at my average screen time a few weeks ago, only to find that I was at a new, all-time high of eight hours!

Along with millions of other high school children, I’m now spending as much time on a screen as I am sleeping.

The cliche, ‘your eyes will go square’ rings true in lockdown.

Growing up surrounded by technology has allowed the current generation to take full …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauOctober 29, 2021|

St Clare’s listed among country’s most innovative schools

St Clare’s College Waverley is officially one of the most innovative schools in Australia.

The college features in The Educator’s 5 Star Innovative Schools of 2021 special report.

The report showcases schools at the forefront of change and innovation, and whose new approaches to teaching and learning are shaping the educational landscape of the future.

“This is a reward for the innovative approach we have to learning at St Clare’s” – Kerrie Mc Diarmid, Principal

The college is also a ‘Best Secondary School – Non Government’ finalist in this year’s Australian Education Awards. The winner will be announced on 3 December.

THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Principal Kerrie McDiarmid said the inclusion in The Educator’s 5 Star Innovative Schools of 2021 special report was affirming for the school’s staff.

“They’re very excited,” she said.

“Part of what we aim to do is respond to the needs of students and make sure that every learning experience is authentic, innovative, and really positions the students for a world beyond school.

“This award is testament to the hard work of the fantastic staff we have here at the college, and to their willingness to adapt and be creative when it comes to learning.”

PURPOSEFUL INNOVATION IS KEY

Mrs McDiarmid said teachers’ persistence and ability to reflect has helped the college to successfully adopt new ideas.

“It’s purposeful innovation, and I think that is key,” she said

“This is not just about adopting any initiative that may come along. It’s about looking for innovation that reflects our context and supports our overall vision at the school.”

Students’ work is also reflective of this overall vision.

STUDENT SUCCESSES

A short film Year …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauOctober 18, 2021|

How to overcome perfectionism

Is your child excessively self-critical, afraid of doing a task ‘wrong’ or prone to taking a while to bounce back from disappointment? They could be struggling with perfectionism.

Jan Robinson speaks regularly to students and teachers about the difference between ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ perfectionism, as part of her role within Sydney Catholic Schools’ Research and Innovation team.

She said the myth of the “perfect life” is pervasive, and “perception can be as hampering as reality” if it has as much bearing on your behaviour – or your child’s.

“There is a perceived need to always be reaching for more” – Jan Robinson

“Often we feel some responsibility to be publicly showcasing how healthy, fit, beautiful, clever, or skilled we are. But perfectionism is not always negative,” Mrs Robinson said.

“It’s a multi-faceted trait that varies from the healthy to the unhealthy.

“Understanding where behaviours fall on that spectrum can determine whether it is supporting a child’s learning, or creating barriers to it.”

SIGNS OF HEALTHY VS. UNHEALTHY PERFECTIONISM

A healthy dose of perfectionism can help us learn and achieve, but too much can lead to pressure and procrastination.

‘Healthy’ perfectionism is when students:

Strive for excellence and are satisfied with their personal best
See success as a mix of effort and ability
Allow for limitations and imperfections
Accept failures and keep perspective when they are frustrated by failure

‘Unhealthy’ perfectionism is when students:

Have excessively high standards for themselves and others
Focus too much on mistakes
Avoid taking risks
Show self doubt, poor organisational skills, and procrastinate

…

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauOctober 13, 2021|

Spirituality and wellbeing during COVID-19

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Director of Mission and Identity, Anthony Cleary, discusses the unique wellbeing ‘lift’ that spirituality can bring in times of challenge, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Farming may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words ‘spirituality’ or ‘COVID-19’. But it is a good analogy to invoke during this pandemic.

“Every so often farmers don’t plant crops for a year: They let the soil go fallow and allow it to regenerate,” Sydney Catholic Schools’ Director of Mission & Identity, Anthony Cleary, explained.

“It’s a bit like this [lockdown] is a fallow time, a quiet time.

“It’s almost like we’ve got the opportunity now to rest and regenerate, to reflect on the lives that we are living – and to take and to use the quiet time purposefully.”

“A person’s faith and spiritual growth is central to their wellbeing” – Anthony Cleary

This might mean reading books forgotten on the shelf. Or doing random acts of kindness, like calling someone in social or home isolation during COVID.

And if lockdown has given families more opportunities to spend time together, faith has also helped them find and maintain a sense of wellbeing.

AT HOME WITH SPIRITUALITY

Dr Cleary said a person’s faith and spiritual growth is central to their wellbeing.

“Belief really does assist us, especially at times where we have suffering or difficulties in our life,” he said.

“That sense of there being a God, or a spiritual sense that we turn to in prayer that gives us comfort in times of distress, I think is very crucial” – Anthony Cleary

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauOctober 12, 2021|

Tournament of Minds: St Agnes’ top honours

St Agnes’ Catholic Primary School Matraville students have achieved honours in their first foray into problem-solving competition Tournament of Minds.

In the tournament’s NSW regional final, two teams of St Agnes’ students maintained creativity and focus in two of the four six-week challenges: STEM and the Arts.

The participating students were in Years 4, 5 and 6.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

Each challenge asks teams to think flexibly and to create and collaborate without input from their teachers, parents or peers to solve a problem.

In light of COVID-19, they presented their work via two videos after working remotely for the duration of the challenge.

“I learned so much from my STEM task, which made me love science even more” – Olivia Clausen

View St Agnes’ Tournament of Minds STEM challenge entry

ENTHUSIASM, PERSISTENCE, CREATIVITY

St Agnes’ STEM team created three unique objects meant to communicate to other life forms in space, after researching the voyager golden records and pioneer plaques sent on spacecraft in the 1970s to seek extraterrestrial life.

The Arts team created an animation to teach students about Art History, and presented their view on whether technology should be used to teach the arts in future.

“It was exhilarating and exciting to see the students engage in this challenge with enthusiasm, persistence and creativity,” said Catherine Millazzo, one of the school’s challenge facilitators.

“We are so proud of them and happy to see them receive public recognition for their effort and achievement”- Catherine Millazzo

“The challenges guide students through a hierarchy of thinking, moving from knowing through to creating and evaluating,” Ms Millazzo said.

“This helped them to develop strong learning behaviours that could support them throughout their schooling years and into …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauOctober 12, 2021|

Spoonville craze hits our schools

Concord’s vibrant new ‘spoonville’ village is bringing the community together – one spoon at a time – under the creative power of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

Students, teachers and their families kick-started the newest example of the wellbeing project at Queen Elizabeth Park in September.

It is registered with Spoonville International as village number 469 of the global initiative, which began as an imaginative Englishwoman’s way of cheering up her Berkshire neighbours during the first COVID lockdown in 2020.

“It’s about encouraging happiness in the wider community” – Antonia Geary

WHAT’S THE SCOOP?

The rules of a spoonville village are simple: choose rain-resistant materials to decorate your spoon, place your spoony character in the village during your exercise trip, feel free to visit the village, add to it and, most importantly, have fun.

Spoony residents of the St Mary’s village in Concord include Batman and a bright array of people and animal-inspired denizens.

A FORM OF CONNECTION

Year 2 teacher Antonia Geary helped bring the St Mary’s village to life, even seeking City of Canada Bay Council’s approval to place it in Queen Elizabeth Park to ensure it was a true community-building exercise.

“We wanted to spread happiness to the local community and encourage all members of the local community to also add their spoons” – Antonia Geary

Mrs Geary said participation was purely optional and there had been a lot of positive feedback.

“Some of the children have started to send photos of their spoons,” she said. “There’s a bit of hype and excitement around it. They like the fact that it is our Spoonville.”

A COMMUNITY OF SPOONS

St Mary’s Villa aged care residents will also add …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauOctober 11, 2021|

Pulitzer prizes, national firsts: Meet Bethlehem’s trailblazers

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

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

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

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

A PROUD HISTORY

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

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

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

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

REMEMBERING HER DAYS IN THE OLD SCHOOL YARD

Former Bethlehem student Rachel Neeson, …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauOctober 11, 2021|

Lending a voice to the community

Hannah McMahon has lent her voice to more than a few Church youth groups and events.

She has completed more than 300 hours of community service, building on the 20 hours her Salesian school asks students to complete for community engagement.

It is this commitment to others and to her faith that has earned the St John Bosco College Engadine student a 2021 Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence.

Hannah has sung at six different Holy Communion events for students in years 7 and 6 this year, and at children’s liturgies and online Mass.

“My school has been a great outlet for volunteering and being able to grow faith-wise.”

A school vice captain, she has also raised funds for parish program Youth Matters and the St Vincent de Paul Society’s annual winter appeal.

“I’m very much a people person, so volunteering is one way I can lean into that,” said Hannah.

“I love working with young people. I’d like to go into occupational therapy or maybe teaching.

“I really enjoyed being able to give back to the school and parish through that leadership role.

“My school has been a great outlet for volunteering and being able to grow faith-wise” 2021 ARCHBISHOP’S AWARDS RECIPIENTS: FULL LIST

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 3, 2021|

Faith and volunteering leads to award

After he’d accrued enough volunteer hours for his Duke of Edinburgh Award, Christopher Hamilton kept up a commitment to preparing audio visual presentations for Mass at his parish. He could see it helped the parish staff.

It is a giving attitude the Aquinas Catholic College Menai Year 12 student has applied to youth groups, charity fundraisers and the more personal commitment of sponsoring a friend to enter the Catholic faith.

It has also landed him a 2021 Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence.

“Richard always asked me lots of questions about the church and the faith, wanting to always expand his knowledge,” said Christopher, a 2021 Archbishop’s Awards for Student Excellence recipient.

“When he asked me to sponsor him for his confirmation I felt honoured.

“I am glad he asked me to help guide him through his faith journey, as we already have that friendship going.”

“It feels very exciting to have received the [Archbishop’s] Award.

“I am looking forward to getting back into more volunteering once the lockdown eases.” 2021 ARCHBISHOP’S AWARDS RECIPIENTS: FULL LIST

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 3, 2021|

Committed to helping community

Gabriel Liu joined the Adopt-A-Park program with his family a few years ago, and helps to clean up his neighbourhood park once a month.

It is among the reasons the Eileen O’Connor Catholic College Lewisham student has received a 2021 Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence.

“The work includes picking up rubbish, planting new trees and watering the garden, so we can enjoy a clean and nice environment,” Gabriel said.

Gabriel has also given his time to youth group fundraising activities, his church choir, and serving morning tea after Mass.

Another outlet for his love of cooking was serving in the school cafe at Eileen O’Connor.

“It is definitely one of my happiest moments” – Gabriel Liu

Gabriel said he liked the social and teamwork aspects of volunteering, and was excited to receive the Archbishop’s Award.

“Some of the work I’ve done has been really fun,” he said.

“I like to see other people feeling happy and living in a clean environment.

“I feel very honoured to receive such an award and at the same time very grateful to all my teachers in Eileen O’Connor and my family for teaching me and guiding me.” ARCHBISHOP’S AWARDS: STUDENTS SHOW FAITH AND FOCUS

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 3, 2021|

Push up challenge boosts mental health awareness

A desire to raise awareness of mental health inspired 2021 Archbishop’s Awards for Student Excellence recipient, Julia Trassari, to host a whole-school push up challenge in June 2021.

The modest goal – to do a collective 3,318 push ups in 25 days – was trumped in the first hour of the challenge at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington.

Students and staff completed more than 20,000 push ups and raised funds for youth mental health support organisation Headspace.

“It was good not only to encourage physical activity, it also built community spirit,” Julia said.

“Mental health is a really big topic, especially for high school students.

“I wanted to encourage a conversation about mental health, so that no person would be suffering in silence. Also, for people to realise that it affects a lot more people than we think.

“Physical activity is a great way to clear the mind.”

Julia also helped to make 150 Christmas cards to connect with and thank the school’s teachers and Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, who reside at the convent next door to her college.

She has organised Christmas hampers to donate to charity and monthly St Vincent De Paul snack packs for Sydney’s homeless.

During breaks in her home-study routine, she cycles to Botany’s Pantry 4 the People, to donate food for people who rely on the service for groceries after losing their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I love the feeling of giving, and the intrinsic warmth and fulfillment that comes of volunteering your time and skills,” Julia said.

“It feels good to use your strengths to support other people.”

Julia said she did not expect the award recognition or …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 3, 2021|

Archbishop’s Awards: Students show faith and focus

The Year 12 students who received an Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence this year are no strangers to the power of faith and action.

Each year, the awards acknowledge the commitment to their faith, academic life, community and social justice of one student from each of 50 secondary schools in the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney.

The 2021 awards were presented during a live video conference for the students, their parents and principals on Friday 3 September.

In his address to the awardees, Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher OP encouraged attendees to “fight for what really matters in life, with the weapons of faith, hope and love.”

“As a Church and society one of our best weapons is our young people, and today we recognise our top guns” – Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP

2021 Archbishop’s Awards recipients: full list

His Grace drew on the example of reluctant Pope Saint Gregory the Great, known for his humility and determination, and depression era novelist, Raymond Chandler, to ask students to consider what tools and traits they used to make the world a better place.

“We all slip into habits to get our point across and influence things,” he said.

“This may be our looks or the looks we give others; our thinking and how we articulate this to others; our emotions and how demonstrative we are about them; our physical presence.

“Most of us use one or two of these and leave the others to gather dust.

“As a Church and society one of our best weapons is our young people, and today we recognise our top guns.”

Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools, Tony Farley, praised the awardees for their courage and determination to be part …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauSeptember 3, 2021|

K-1 learning for themselves in COVID

Kindergarten students are taking remote learning in their stride, just months after starting their ‘big school’ adventure at Sydney Catholic primary schools. Year 1 students are used to learning online for a while – and are building their independence every day.

Video lessons are a touchstone of students’ day, giving them a chance to grow into independent learners.

They also give families flexibility to complete the 2.5 hours of remote learning a day that the Department of Education has set while COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are in place.

‘STICK TO A DAILY ROUTINE’

Kindergarten students at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Rockdale see an enthusiastic video message from their teacher, Romana Lovric, each morning.

It is one part of a daily routine designed to give students consistency.

“Transitioning to home learning with Kindergarten has been both extremely rewarding and challenging at times” – Romana Lovric

“When planning remote lessons, I stick to a daily routine so both students and parents know what to expect,” Ms Lovric said.

“Remaining connected with students and their families and their wellbeing has also been a strong focus for me.

“Each day includes some mindfulness activities, or opportunities to connect with nature in their home setting.”

St Joseph’s Assistant Principal Kylie O’Donnell said activities geared to the home environment have allowed students to explore the world around them “developing resilience, communication and mindfulness.”

LEARNING INDEPENDENCE

Kindergarten and Year 1 teachers can count on the curiosity of their students.

Designing remote lessons has made them mindful of other …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauAugust 24, 2021|

VIDEO: How to encourage reading

They let you travel without moving your feet, and you can think of books – lots of them – as your child’s passport to learning.

Teacher librarian at All Hallows Catholic Primary School Five Dock, Sharon Seymour, also reviews books for the Children’s Book Council of Australia.

Here are her three top tips for encouraging your child to read more.

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauAugust 23, 2021|

Page-turning fun

Students at St Charles’ Catholic Primary School Waverley have embraced ‘a novel idea.’

About one in six of the school’s students are part of three before-school enrichment groups for students identified as gifted in literacy.

During remote learning, they have morphed from morning meetings to weekly challenges that include logic puzzles and riddles.

Principal Paul Croker said the enrichment groups provide students with an additional learning opportunity without impacting their regular learning time.

“There is a genuine excitement during these morning groups, as the students are very keen to participate and to feel challenged,” Mr Croker said.

“Research tells us how important it is for gifted students to interact with other like minds.”

“The enrichment group is an opportunity for the students to collaborate, bounce ideas off one another and help support and extend each other’s thinking” – Paul Croker

Enrichment lessons

Years 1 and 2 students read Lev Grossman’s The Silver Arrow, a fantasy adventure about endangered animals who are returned to their habitats via a magical train.

Students in Years 3 and 4 tackled the big themes in J.K Rowling’s post-Harry Potter adventure story The Ickabog.

And Markus Zuzak’s historical fiction set in Nazi Germany, The Book Thief, allowed students in Years 5 and 6 to explore world history, politics and power.

“The major themes throughout are the value of literacy and the power of words” – Paul Croker

Their work included a project on the major themes in their book.

Other co-curricular enrichment opportunities at the school include coding, robotics, …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauAugust 23, 2021|

Book Week shortlist: Worlds of fun

The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s (CBCA) 2021 shortlist is full of tales to take you away this Book Week and beyond.

Escape between the pages of these ‘Book of the Year’ contenders recommended by All Hallows Catholic Primary school teacher librarian, Sharon Seymour, and St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove’s resource and information coordinator, Elizabeth Lansdown.

Picture Book

Ellie’s dragon, Bob Graham

Ellie and her adorable friend, Scratch, do everything together. But why is Scratch beginning to fade? A touching story about the power of imagination and growing up. Bob Graham’s tender tale and delightful illustrations will appeal to young and old alike.

Early Childhood

Anemone is not the enemy, Anna McGregor

Every day the tide washes into Anemone’s rock pool, bringing possible friends to play. But who wants to play with a friend who stings? Then one day, Anemone meets Clownfish… A tale of friendship and symbiosis.

Younger Readers

The Book of Chance, Sue Whiting

Twelve-year-old Chance has a good life. She has a loving mama, her pet dog and an almost-sister who lives next door. But she is about to learn a secret that will change everything she believes about herself. A heartfelt mystery novel for upper primary and secondary readers.

We are wolves, Katrina Nannestad

Liesl Wolf and her family are forced to flee their home in East Prussia as the Russian army invades. When she, her brother Otto and her baby sister, Mia, find themselves lost and alone, they must take dangerous risks and make daring choices in order to survive. A compelling, touching story that has its roots in truth, for upper primary and secondary readers. Book trailers wow Colide! judges

Older Readers

When Rain Turns to Snow, Jane Godwin

This book’s central character, Lissa, struggles with issues that many teenagers will …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauAugust 20, 2021|

Book club for parents: An excuse to connect and reflect

St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School Malabar’s book club for parents is made of the write stuff.

The book club was started in 2016 by the school’s then-Family Educator, Brenda Smith, to give parents a relaxed environment to connect with others.

It quickly became a social gathering where people who would normally not connect in the school yard could connect over a book.

“It is always great to have commonality with others” – Frances Addabbo

What happens in book club

St Andrew’s book club meets every six weeks to discuss a book chosen after mutual discussion.

Restaurant gatherings have turned into 40-minute Zoom sessions online while COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are in place.

What are they reading?

The group will discuss Mexican author Sofia Segovia’s novel The Murmur of Bees at their next online meeting in September.

The novel is about the impact of an adopted boy, protected by bees and with the gift of foresight, on those around him. It is set during the Mexican revolution and influenza pandemic of 1918.

St Andrews’ current Family Educator, Frances Addabbo, who now facilitates the book club, chose the book based on the recommendation of a friend.

Why join

Ms Addabbo said the main highlight of the book club was a sense of connection between parents at the school.

“Parents have appreciated taking time off their schedule, family and work responsibilities to read a book,” she said.

This year St Andrew’s book club has also read WWII love story The Lace Weaver by Lauren Chater and Geraldine Brooks’ The Secret Chord, an exploration of the life of King David in the Bible’s Old …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauAugust 20, 2021|

What does a teacher librarian do?

Two teacher librarians from Sydney Catholic schools share insights into their role.

Sharon Seymour, a teacher librarian at All Hallows Catholic Primary School Five Dock, reviews books for the Children’s Book Council of Australia and Premier’s Reading Challenge.

She is passionate about promoting a love of reading.

“I want students to enjoy a text; to think deeply about how it is making them feel and make connections using those comprehension skills that develop them as good readers like predicting and asking questions,” Ms Seymour said.

She believes students who read for pleasure do better in school across all curriculum areas.

Ms Seymour said cyber safety, STEM and information literacy were now critical parts of the role.

“For children to be information literate they need to be able to use technology and be responsible, ethical users of information,” she said.

“They need to be able to evaluate websites for relevance, currency and credibility, taking care to be aware of conflicting information and differing viewpoints.”

“Children are so lucky because they have an amazing amount of information available to them; on the other hand they have no idea whether it is credible” – Sharon Seymour

“It is up to them as users to be able to decipher what is out there, and that is very hard,” Ms Seymour said.

St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove’ Resource and Information Coordinator, Elizabeth Lansdown, said honing students’ research skills, supporting their wellbeing and instilling a love of reading were all part of the average day in a high school library.

She is the Teacher Librarian Professional Learning Community (TLPLC) chair.

“Often the library is the place where kids can go and feel safe, and take time out from the business …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauAugust 20, 2021|

Is this Australia’s best secondary school?

A future-focused curriculum and ample opportunities for students to build entrepreneurial skills in areas they are passionate about have made St Clare’s College Waverley a Secondary School of the Year – Non-government finalist in the 2021 Australian Education Awards.

According to Principal Kerrie McDiarmid, St Clare’s has gained popularity thanks to this approach, adding more than 200 students to its community in the past four years, including a very healthy waitlist.

“When we engage in this type of learning, often we’ll collapse the curriculum and we’ll allow the girls to work in groups, engaging with experts – teachers or external collaborators,” Mrs McDiarmid said.

“Authentic learning is at the heart of what we do, so the girls have an opportunity to engage in learning that has real-world outcomes” – Kerrie McDiarmid

“We have a staff of like-minded, passionate educators,” Mrs McDiarmid said. “They’re excited by the opportunity to push boundaries and engage students in learning that sits beyond the traditional curriculum.”

PROJECT POWER

Students at St Clare’s are exposed to new technologies and software with Artificial Intelligence. But it is a focus on collaboration, creativity and critical thinking that allows students to make the most of projects on offer and even to suggest their own.

For example, students have collaborated with NASA Mission Operations Manager Alice Bowman to create 3D animations of Mars.

They created a documentary about soldiers who died at Fromelles, one of the most devastating battles in Australia’s military history, with Australian author and broadcaster Patrick Lindsay.

They have made short films on issues of homelessness and sustainability for their own social justice-themed film festival, and formed a committee to improve their school’s environmental sustainability.

A …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauAugust 19, 2021|

STEM family challenge ignites creativity

Ever tried to build something as tall as a child out of just newspaper and masking tape? Or to make a model water slide better than one at a theme park?

More than 60 families at St Pius Catholic Primary School Enmore have embraced the STEM Family Challenge, adding another dimension to their child’s learning.

The STEM Family Challenge

Each Monday a family is set a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) challenge and given a week to complete it. They are given a kit of minimal materials and a portfolio to record and evaluate how they solve the challenge.

The following Monday they present their work to the school as a family, answering questions about their creations.

How it started

St Pius’ STEM instructional specialist, Maryse Rodrigo, introduced STEM challenges to her Year 2 class in 2019 to cater for their diverse needs.

“The biggest benefit I’ve seen – and we are a tiny school, so you get to see it quite closely – is that our children are starting to really think outside the box” – Maryse Rodrigo

From the initial spark in Term 1 the STEM challenge grew to incorporate literacy, and students’ reading skills grew in leaps and bounds.

By Term 2 optional mini challenges were sent home for families to do together.

By 2020 the whole school became involved.

“I had parents emailing me or pulling me aside in the playground (to ask) ‘My child is interested in STEM, how can I get them involved?’” Mrs Rodrigo said.

What’s involved?

“It could be something like using tape, newspaper and paddle pop sticks to create a famous landmark,” Mrs Rodrigo said. She said every parent and every child said in their evaluation that the best …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauAugust 17, 2021|

Brain breaks students will love

Need a ‘brain break’ or just some inspo to get moving in lockdown?

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Randwick PDHPE teacher and wellbeing coordinator, Ry Kato, has you covered.

Mr Kato’s 10-minute daily family exercise and daily challenge videos were so popular during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown that he had to bring them back.

He’s made the videos available to his entire school community via Google classroom.

“My hope is that these videos can provide some sort of benefit to my students and families, physically and mentally,” Mr Kato said.

“Exercise and physical activity are the key to feeling good”

“The main aim of the videos is to get the students active, especially after potentially hours without moving while doing their remote learning,” Mr Kato said.

“The response to the videos and challenges has been great. Many students and parents have let me know that they are enjoying them as a family.”

JOIN THE FUN

Reap the benefits of Mr Kato’s lessons with these simple exercises to get your blood and oxygen flowing:

1. Breathing exercises. Breathe in through your nose, hold for 3 seconds then breathe out through your mouth. Repeat 10 times.

2. Neck circles. Make 10 big, slow circles with your head clockwise, then 10 slow circles anticlockwise

3. Floor to roof. Touch the floor with both hands, then slowly reach as high as you can to the roof. Hold for 5 seconds, then repeat.

4. Swimming strokes. While sitting, do 15 seconds of freestyle, backstroke, breastroke, butterfly – and then repeat.

5. Ankle rolls/calf raises. Keep your toes on the floor while rolling your ankles around them in circles.

6. Squat holds. Stand up, then squat down (like you’re sitting on an imaginary …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJuly 26, 2021|

Thirteen progress to public speaking grand final

Students spoke with a confidence and clarity that left their teachers and parents in awe at the semi-final of the 2021 Botany-Randwick Public Speaking competition. Now, 13 progress to the grand final!

The inaugural Botany-Randwick Public Speaking Competition was created in line with Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) priority to provide engaging, holistic learning experiences where children thrive academically.

This year 42 students from 14 primary schools competed in the competition’s semi-final, which was also live streamed on Zoom. Thirteen students will progress to the grand final at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Randwick on Thursday 15 July.

“The students spoke clearly with passion and commitment” – Margaret Holles

SCS’ Executive Director, Tony Farley, will be a guest speaker at the grand final. Local members of parliament – Marjorie O’Neill (Coogee), Michael Daley (Maroubra) and Ron Hoenig (Heffron) – will adjudicate.

The speeches will be live streamed for parents who cannot attend in person.

‘EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IS AN ESSENTIAL SKILL’

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School Principal, Margaret Holles, was part of the competition’s organising committee.

“Our goal was for students to gain greater skills and confidence in their oral presentations and presenting their position on any topic,” Mrs Holles said.

“Effective communication is an essential skill for learning, problem solving, collaborating and building healthy relationships in life” – Margaret Holles

While many students favoured the topic ‘The internet has caused more problems than it has solved’ at the semis, others spoke eloquently about 200 Years of Catholic Education and the importance of treating elders with respect.

“Some of the audience could be …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 21, 2021|

Feel Good Fridays keep students upbeat, focused

St Patrick’s College Sutherland student leaders have found the answer to staying focused and up beat at the end of a school week: Feel Good Fridays!

On Feel Good Fridays, students from all grades have joined dance, skipping, mindfulness colouring and band sessions to de-stress and connect. Scavenger hunts and karaoke will be among the activities offered soon.

Wellbeing captain, Bethany Schembri, said the school’s leadership team began the initiative to encourage student wellbeing, motivation and a sense of optimism among their peers.

“One little action of positivity can mean so much to one person” – Bethany Schembri

The initiative recognises how fundamental student wellbeing and a positive school environment are to students’ ability to learn and build strong relationships with others.

The whole-of-school wellbeing activities have been highly popular with students.

Bethany said the focus on building opportunities to enhance positive mental health was important as the demands of high school increased each year and students were also faced with the influence of social media.

“Overall, the feedback has been extremely positive,” she said.

“We have found that students love to be more active as a way to get their mind off the pressures of school.

“It helps build relationships between kids of different grades, growing a school community where students are able to feel like they belong.”

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 8, 2021|

HSC success in face of adversity

James Tirado has cone-rod dystrophy and visual acuity of 6/60.

This means he sees with the same clarity most people see across 60 metres in just 6 metres, and is very sensitive to light.

Despite this, he has turned a challenging HSC year into a triumph – and is now on track for Paralympic glory.

The Marcellin College Randwick Year 12 graduate has received the 2021 Br John Taylor Memorial Prize, awarded each year to a student who overcomes adversity to achieve academic success in the HSC.

“I feel really honoured” – James Tirado

James received an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 99.5 and placed in the highest bands for subjects including Economics, English Advanced, Physics, and Mathematics Extension 2.

“I basically wear sunglasses a lot,” James said.

“In an exam I would have lower light levels to optimise my performance”

During 2020 James also dealt with the loss of his father, who died of a brain tumour in May.

“When we would speak about the HSC, even when I was in year 7 and 8, I’d stress and worry a bit and he’d go ‘You’ll be fine, you’ll get 99’,” James said.

“He was always the one who believed in me so I think he’d be very happy and proud knowing that did come to fruition.”

‘LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH GREAT TEACHERS’

James said the support of his teachers and peers was integral to his achievement.

“I was really lucky to have such great teachers,” he said.

“They weren’t just talking about the content; they had developed a really strong relationship with the students and you really felt that it was a partnership and …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 4, 2021|

WriteOn past winners: ‘Be creative, try your best!’

Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) primary school students are encouraged to exercise their imaginations and writing skills in this year’s WriteOn competition. We sat down with our past SCS winners who shared their tips for success.

They are only in Year 3 but Savannah Burgess and Nicholas Bertoia are already published authors.

The Sydney Catholic Schools students’ work was included in the best of WriteOn 2020 anthology.

The annual writing competition for NSW students in Years 1 to 6 asks students to write a 500-word creative piece based on an image.

Savannah, who attends St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Belmore, received a gold award from among 362 entries for her story. It was about a boy who was bullied, but finds a true friend when a picture of a dog that he drew comes to life.

Her advice to this year’s entrants?

“To look at the stimulus and use your imagination,” she said. “It helped me to think of what to write about.”

“It’s fun to be creative” – Nicholas Bertoia

WriteOn: Students will write about this image in 2021.

In 2021, students may write letters, poems, narratives, journal entries, or scripts for radio, screen or stage. An image of a child riding a bike on a semi-rural road is their inspiration.

“They should just try their best,” said Nicholas.

The St Declan’s Catholic Primary School Penshurst student received a silver award in 2020 for a story about a boy who lost his dog.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ literacy specialist James Muldowney encouraged all Sydney Catholic primary schools to become involved in this year’s WriteOn.

“Not only do creative writing competitions such as this create …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 4, 2021|

Empowering our students to be ‘critically literate’

A professional learning conference has highlighted the diversity of teacher librarian roles at Sydney Catholic schools, and how they are empowering students as literacy evolves.

Sydney Catholic schools teacher-librarians were among nearly 100 Catholic and independent school staff from across NSW and the ACT to attend the May Teacher Librarian Professional Learning Community (TLPLC) Conference at the State Library of NSW.

Hundreds of others accessed presentations digitally to get around COVID-19 restrictions.

“A lot of the skills that are required for children to navigate through technology are literacy skills – critical thinking, problem-solving, and being able to understand how to sift through all the information and make sense of it” – Simone Johnston

Literacy consultant Jennifer Asha presents via video link at the TLPLC conference. Photo: Gene Ramirez

Literacy consultant Jennifer Asha highlighted the importance of students becoming “critically literate.”

“We need to break both visual and verbal codes as readers,” she told conference delegates.

“We break those codes so we can actively participate in the different socio-cultural meanings of the texts, and know that we use texts for different purposes and functions.”

Ms Asha used text examples including Aaron Becker’s wordless picture books, Philip Bunting’s Who Am I?, and Christina Booth’s book about the extinction of the Thylacine, One Careless Night, to highlight ways teachers could encourage students to analyse and challenge a text, develop empathy, and appreciate subtlety and meaning.

“If we have connected learners, we’re setting up for a more fruitful, sustainable society” – Simone Johnston

WRITING CHANGE

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauJune 4, 2021|

Sydney Catholic Schools’ first Eisteddfod

Students from 92 schools will grace the stage in more than 400 solo and ensemble instrumental, drama, dance and choir performances, as part of Sydney Catholic Schools’ first Eisteddfod.

The Eisteddfod will be held over four Fridays at Sydney Catholic Schools’ first dedicated performing arts college, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood, starting on 28 May.

Points will be awarded for each place, certificate and participation. The school with the highest point score will become the inaugural champion and receive a perpetual trophy.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ specialist in the creative arts, Eva Spata, said the events were an opportunity to recognise and celebrate students’ performance skills in a supportive environment.

“Every opportunity to perform develops students’ confidence and self-belief” – Eva Spata

Music mavens: Marist Catholic College North Shore students Michael DeWit, Aleena Wiratunga, Jayden Wood, Poppy Douglass and Jasmine Franks will perform in the junior ensemble category of Sydney Catholic Schools’ first eisteddfod. Photo: Natalie Roberts

“Students will receive feedback from industry professionals, and this will help them refine their skills for future performances,” Ms Spata said.

“This is an opportunity for schools to show others what is part of the fabric of their own arts experience, broadening their audiences.

“It can also be inspiring for students to see their peers perform a different repertoire that they may not have experienced before.”

Marist Catholic College North Shore Year 7 student and trombone player Jayden Wood is part of an ensemble that will perform 60’s hits at the first of the eisteddfods.

“It’s fun to do performances for …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 27, 2021|

Encyclical letter inspires classrooms lessons

Six years after Pope Francis wrote his encyclical letter on care for the environment, students at St Charles’ Catholic Primary School Waverley are embracing the lessons in it, to make their school more sustainable.

St Charles are leading plans to make their school environment more sustainable with a series of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) projects.

“The whole school community will benefit as we design and implement projects that empower our students to become environmental advocates in sustainability,” Principal Paul Croker said.

CLASSROOM STEM PROJECTS

This term, St Charles’ Year 3 students are learning how to support the school ecosystem by growing new vegetables.

Year 4 students are testing for light and heat, to find out where the plants will thrive. Year 2 students are learning about recycling and will use this knowledge to build a garden bed for the new vegetables.

“We hope for students to gain an increasing understanding about sustainability” – Paul Croker

By December, Kindergarten students will also have discovered how to make a safe place for animals to live at their school.

Year 1 will identify the features of their environment and what type of animal is best suited to those conditions.

SCHOOL CHARISM

Mr Croker said the STEM projects link well with the school’s Franciscan charism, as they all teach students to care for their surroundings – God’s creation – and are based on real-world problems.

“They were developed in reference to Pope Francis’ world-changing papal encyclical letter, ‘Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home,” he said.

Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace …

jaderamirezsydcatholiceduauMay 24, 2021|

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