PHOTO BLOG: 2024 Eisteddfod

The 2024 Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod is back and better than ever with some amazing talent set to grace the stage!

Students from both primary and secondary will perform across an array of categories including vocal, instrumental, drama and dance.

Follow along below as we bring you all the action in our photo blog!

Dance, Drama and Instrumental Solos, Duos, Trios and Quartets.

Dance Ensembles

Drama Ensembles

Instrumental Ensembles

Rock Band and Contemporary Ensembles

Eisteddfod Showcase Eisteddfod 2024: More students take the stage

AdminApril 22, 2024|

Aquinas’ Brilliant Bruschetta Recipe

Follow Aquinas Catholic College Menai’s Year 11 Hospitality recipe for bruschetta!

Make sure you check out how our Executive Director and Chief of Staff tried their hand at making the dazzling dish!

INGREDIENTS:

½ red onion
2 tomato
8 basil leaves
1/3 sour dough bread
2 Tab olive oil
2 Tab balsamic vinegar
2 clove garlic
Salt and pepper to season
Flat leaf parsley to garnish
1-piece feta/goats cheese to garnish

METHOD:

Wash tomato and basil.
Prepare mise en place:
– brunoise onion
– concasse tomato
– macedoine tomato
– chiffonnade basil leaves
– crush garlic
– slice bread lengthways
– cut bread into even pieces.
Mix olive oil with crushed garlic in a metal bowl and season with salt and pepper as required.
Brush both sides of bread with garlic and oil mix and place on a baking tray.
Cook brushed bread for 15 minutes in preheated moderate oven (180°C).
Place bread on wire rack to cool.
Mix prepared tomato, remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, onion and basil in a bowl.
Top the bread with tomato mixture.
Garnish and serve.

AdminOctober 23, 2023|

PHOTO BLOG: 2023 Eisteddfod

The 2023 Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod will see some of the most exciting artistic talent take to the stage in a six-week extravaganza.

Students from both primary and secondary students will perform in four categories—Vocal, Instrumental, Drama and Dance—across five different venues.

Follow along below as we bring you all the action over the next two months.

Week 5 – Rock Bands

Week 4 – Instrumentals

Week 3 – Vocal Ensembles

Week 2 – Drama Ensembles

Week 1 – Dance Ensembles and Solos More on the 2023 Eisteddfod here!

AdminMay 22, 2023|

The curtains lift for the 2023 Eisteddfod

The Eisteddfod is back for its third year in 2023 and it’s bigger and better than ever.

Students from 114 schools will lace up their dancing shoes and warm up their vocal chords for the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Eisteddfod.

Born from a need for schools to have the opportunity to perform, the SCS Eisteddfod offers Vocal, Instrumental, Dance, and Drama categories with numerous sections in each.

With two extra venues added to accommodate for the 1238 entries received, SCS Education Officer for Creative and Performing Arts, Iris McGill, marvels at the magnitude of this year’s six week event.

“The growth shows the need in our post-pandemic world for people to get back out there. They want to start performing and they need these opportunities,” she said.

The introduction of Newcomer, Developing, and Advanced levels for each category allows performers to be grouped via like-ability and is sure to make for an entertaining showcase.

The SCS Arts team have also partnered with the Sport team as well as the former CEO of Sydney Eisteddfod, Piroozi Desai, in order to bring in exemplary, experienced adjudicators from outside the system.

Iris, along with SCS Event and Production Coordinator for the Arts Team, Andrea Corish, are excited to announce the inauguration of some big ticket items for 2023.

“Generally we try to accommodate what’s happening in schools but we also try to push boundaries, so we have a new Drama section that we are thrilled about, which is Slam Poetry,” says Iris.

For the ensembles who are a jack of all trades, a Show Choir category is running for the first time this year for experienced choirs to present not only song, but also movement and other characteristics.

Andrea highlights that “it’s for …

AdminMay 8, 2023|

GALLERY: 2023 HSC Visual Arts Showcase

Some of the Sydney Catholic Schools’ best artistic talent was put on display at Australian Catholic University’s McGlade Gallery in this year’s HSC Visual Arts Showcase.

The showcase was an opportunity to celebrate and be inspired by the world class artistic talent in our 2022 HSC cohort.

From paintings and sculpture, to hyper-real drawings and multimedia projects, a range of incredible artistic pieces from a variety of mediums were on display.

See below for some images from the opening night of the showcase. The Arts at Sydney Catholic Schools

AdminMay 8, 2023|

School Holiday Camp: Table Tennis and Fencing

Join our School Holiday Camps!

Looking for an exciting and active way to spend your school break? Check out our school holiday camps for fencing and table tennis, where you can develop your skills and have fun with fellow enthusiasts!

Table Tennis – Monday 17th April

This Table Tennis camp is in partnership with Table Tennis NSW and will cater for school-aged beginners as well as experienced students. It will kickstart or further an individual’s love of table tennis and will provide further opportunities in the sport.

Macquarie University Recreation Hall
9am – 3pm.
Available for students Years 3 to Year 12
$70 per student

More information & Register now

Fencing – Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 April

This Fencing camp is in partnership with NSW Fencing and will cater for school-aged beginners as well as experienced students. It will kickstart or further an individual’s love of fencing and will provide further opportunities in the sport.

NSW Fencing Centre Building, Alexandria
9.30am – 3.30pm, both days
Available for students aged 8 – 16 year sold
$200 per student, inclusive of 2023 Annual NSW Fencing Association and Junior Registration

More information and Register now

AdminMarch 26, 2023|

Online exhibition: 2023 Portrait Prize Winners Announced

Sydney Catholic Schools has celebrated its second year of the Portrait Prize competition with a total of 294 exceptional entries and the announcement of four category winners.

The annual competition allows students from Kindergarten to Year 12 the opportunity of painting or drawing a portrait of someone well-known to them and who plays a the significant role in their life.

“It was a privilege for me to oversee the Portrait Prize this year,” said Education Officer – Creative and Performing Arts, Anne-Maree Wells.

“I was amazed at all the entries’ breadth of talent and it was truly a hard job judging the creativity,” she said.

Across four categories, the winning artworks were awarded to

5-8 years – Sonia Zang – St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School Mortlake
9-12 years – Leanne Trhinh – St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove
13-15 years – Nate Sinkovic – Marcellin College Randwick
15-18 years – Steven Purwadi – Corpus Christi College Maroubra.

Dr Kate O’Brien, Director of Education and Research at Sydney Catholic Schools, said there was an extraordinary level of artistic talent among the 294 entries, an increase of 85 on the number of entries from last year.

“We were incredibly excited to see the artworks our students produced and we certainly were not disappointed,” Dr O’Brien said.

“Congratulations to our four winners on a fantastic achievement – who will now represent Sydney Catholic Schools in the Young Archie competition, run by the Art Gallery of NSW.”

“The Portrait Prize is aligned with curriculum outcomes for the Visual Arts, and learning modules delivered in hybrid remote/face-to-face models supported student learning and the development of art making practice,” Dr …

AdminMarch 17, 2023|

Worldwide Win in Gifted Education

A global award in gifted education has been awarded to Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) for the systemic Identification and selection process of our gifted students.

On 1 March 2023, SCS’ Bernadette Bentley and Nicole Shepherd attended the World Giftedness Centre Awards in Dubai to accept the ‘School Global Award Initiative of Gifted Education’ for Distinguished Academic Performance.

The award is the initiative of the World Giftedness Centre in recognition of the continuous efforts of the Hamdan Foundation to encourage and support best practices in gifted education.

“SCS winning this award recognises the distinguished contribution of the Systemic Gifted Identification and Selection Process in serving gifted education and talent development at an international level,” said Education Officer, Bernadette Bentley.

SCS’ Nicole Shepherd and Bernadette Bentley at the World Giftedness Centre in Dubai

“It has been a privilege to accept the award on behalf of Sydney Catholic Schools, my colleagues, and all of the Newman Selective Gifted Education Program schools,” she said.

The inaugural award affirms the Newman Selective Gifted Education Program and its Gifted Identification and Selection Process for gifted students, as one of the only system-wide gifted programs in the world.

The Gifted Identification and Selection Process is a research-based and contemporary best practice for identifying gifted students using objective and subjective data including the Higher Ability Selection Test.

“This award recognises the exceptional work of our education and research team and all of our Newman accredited schools.We are proud of their commitment to our students to ensure they achieve learning growth, to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.” Tony Farley, Executive Director, Sydney Catholic Schools.

This award helps to facilitate …

AdminMarch 8, 2023|

Embracing Equity on International Women’s Day 2023

Sydney Catholic Schools strives to crack the code to gender equity by creating an educational environment that prepares our students for the world in which they live.

Female students are encouraged to embrace innovative learning strategies, including technologies and disruptive innovation to ensure access to an equitable education system.

“Innovation is a driver of change and by embracing new technologies and championing the unique skills and knowledge of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which may also include the Arts with STEAM, Sydney Catholic Schools can offer a gender-neutral education, to accelerate progress towards a gender equitable future,” said Dr Kate O’Brien, Director of Education and Research.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ aims to close the digital divide by providing all students’ access to inclusive digital technologies and learning opportunities as well as role models in the STE(A)M fields.

Creating clear pathways from Kindergarten to Year 12, Sydney Catholic Schools endeavours to leverage the transformative power of inclusive innovation, critical to cracking the code to gender equality.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove is the first systemic Catholic school in Sydney to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) Program alongside the Higher School Certificate.

The holistic nature of the IB ignites creativity, innovative thinking and design, particularly, for in-depth projects undertaken which include the Arts into STEM.

With this choice of study in Stage 6 the young women at St Ursula’s have further access to disruptive education— that is, an an education that incorporates innovation and technology and STEM subjects — needed for future careers in these fields.

In addition to NESA approved subjects in STEM, girls will be offered access to coding classes, robotics programs, and other technology-based learning opportunities.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Women students …

AdminMarch 6, 2023|

Our 2022 top 20 NAPLAN schools

Sydney Catholic Schools has featured in the high-achieving schools list for outstanding NAPLAN 2022 results with four schools placing in the state’s top 20.

Among the Sydney Catholic Schools to take out top honours in Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) state NAPLAN results, are:

Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Primary School Mt Pritchard (7th place)
St Felix Catholic Primary School Bankstown (14th place)
John the Baptist Catholic Primary School Bonnyrigg (15th place)
Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School Bossley Park (16th place)

For Our Lady of Mt Carmel principal, Michelle McKinnon, the school’s results have been attained by good teaching practices and hard work by the students.

“The success of our students can be attributed to a culture that upholds high standards for everyone, where competent leadership coaches collaborate with exceptional teachers to inspire students to consistently improve themselves,” she said.

YEAR ROUND PARENT SUPPORT REAPS RESULTS

Principal Fran Bananno from St Felix’ credits strong, all year round parent support as well as assisting students based on identified needs.

“We have excellent mentors working with teachers to build capacity and to support our students in small groups,” said Mrs Bananno.

For John the Baptist Catholic Primary School, the school’s continued success in NAPLAN is a reflection of the clear vision and focus on core English and Mathematics instruction.

Students from St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School Bonnyrigg

“Targeted teaching, which aims to identify the specific needs of each learner, is the cornerstone of our approach. Literacy and Numeracy concepts are also taught across all key learning areas,” said principal, Brendan O’Connor.

AdminFebruary 23, 2023|

Award-winning learning centre receives blessing

Domremy College’s Nano Nagle Learning Centre (NNLC) has been officially blessed and opened on The Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

BLESSING AND OPENING OF NNLC

The blessing date of 21 November 2022 was especially chosen by the College to recognise foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the centre’s namesake, Venerable Nano Nagle.

The ceremony was officiated by Most Reverend Daniel Meagher Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Archdiocese in front of the staff, students and parents of the College, Presentation Sisters and distinguished guests instrumental in the creation of the centre.

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATIONAL ARCHITECTURE

The multi-awarded NNLC has won the 2022 Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) NSW Architecture Awards in the category of Educational Architecture.

“The Nano Nagle Learning Centre at Domremy College demonstrates the benefits of testing, listening, and prototyping in designing for change”– The AIA NSW Architecture Awards Jury

The centre was co-created through extensive collaboration between the College, Sydney Catholic Schools, Hayball Architects and Reitsma Constructions Pty Ltd and technical and educational experts.

“I am deeply appreciative of the teachers, students and parents who gave their input into the learning centre—a contributing factor in its award-winning design,” said Domremy Principal, Antoinette McGahan.

EMPOWERING STUDENTS’ LEARNING

Cleverly designed learning spaces create a comfortable environment empowering students to be critical and creative thinkers through collaboration and entrepreneurial engagement.

These learning spaces enable enquiry-based learning and include tutorial rooms, incubator spaces, presentation and maker spaces, quiet senior study spaces, a library, a theatrette …

AdminFebruary 17, 2023|

Students to lead with faith

The Archbishop Leadership Forum saw Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP welcome the new student leaders of 2023 at St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney.

Student leaders from across all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney met with the Archbishop on 25 November 2022 to discuss positive Christian leadership in the school environment.

In His Grace’s address, the Archbishop called upon student leaders to assist the Catholic Church to be an authentic and accepting community in an ever-changing world—a theme of the recent Plenary Council.

The Archbishop spoke of the importance of keeping faith in Christ despite the certain challenges the student leaders may face in their everyday life and in their school leadership.

The day concluded with a special blessing service for the young leaders and the gift of a candle for each school blessed by the Archbishop as a symbol of Christ’s guiding light and of their shining leadership. Religious education at Sydney Catholic Schools

AdminFebruary 14, 2023|

Corpus Christi College Maroubra welcomes first Year 7 co-ed group

The year 2023 heralds in transformational changes for Corpus Christi College Maroubra, formerly known as Champagnat Catholic College Pagewood.

Along with a name change, the first ever co-educational year group in the formerly all boys school were welcomed into Year 7.

“I’m very excited to be at the same school as my big brother,” said Year 7 student, Zoe Brown. “It’s very exciting to be able to go to a school where I can learn and grow around boys and girls,” she said.

The Year 7 students are starting their secondary school learning journey among some brand new state of the art facilities.

“The science facilities at this school are amazing, and I am really looking forward to the new creative arts spaces,” said Tom Wallis, currently in Year 7.

Students will benefit from the initial stage of the innovative rebuild through their use of cleverly designed collaborative spaces that will support diverse subject choice and promote critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

“I can’t wait to learn about everything! This school has so many subjects, I’m going to find out what I’m good at and what I love,” commented Year 7 student, Violet Summerbarnes.

Phases Two and Three will deliver a three-storey building with a resource centre, seminar rooms and ten more learning spaces including a covered outside learning area.

An expanded curriculum with greater choice in electives and sports will allow the new co-ed year group to discover their passions and develop personalised learning pathways along the way.

“We are excited to see Corpus Christi College continue to evolve into a dynamic place of co-education where every child will have the opportunity to develop their gifts and talents in …

AdminFebruary 9, 2023|

Introducing St Aloysius College Cronulla

Sydney Catholic Schools is excited to announce that De La Salle Catholic College Cronulla is changing its name to St Aloysius College Cronulla, as part of a much-anticipated transformation that will continue to deliver educational excellence to the Eastern Shire.

The college will also become a Years 7-12 co-educational school, with its first Year 7 cohort beginning in 2024.

St Aloysius College will form part of a new cutting-edge education precinct, alongside Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer (Girls) and De La Salle Catholic Caringbah (Boys), who will also expand into Year 7 to 12 colleges from 2024.

Together, the three schools will enjoy strong collaborative partnerships which will see sharing of resources, facilities and specialist expertise that will benefit students, teachers and families.

The precinct promises to offer expanded student offerings at each college, giving parents a choice of the education model which best suits their child, all with the same high quality Catholic education Sydney Catholic Schools is renowned for.

With the two other schools in the precinct following the single-sex model, St Aloysius College will provide students and their families in the Shire with a unique, co-educational learning experience.

Byron Hurst, Instructional Leader Creative and Performing Arts at the college, worked with students Kelsea, Sienna and Finn to create this artwork depicting St Aloysius to celebrate the name change

The college will maintain its strong connection to the local community, with the new name for the College being taken from the local parish, St Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of young students and Christian youth.

Importantly, St Aloysius College will also continue to recognise its LaSallian tradition of excellence, instilling …

AdminFebruary 9, 2023|

Connect, Reflect, Protect: Tips to keep students safe online

Safer Internet Day is a global event that brings together communities, families, schools and organisations from more than 200 countries to help create safer online spaces.

This year the global initiative is celebrating its 20 year anniversary making it a great time to reflect on real-world impacts of advancing technology and online safety awareness.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ psychologist Sandra Reynolds, who has been part of the Child Protection Team since April 2015, understands the importance of safe online learning in the classroom.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ psychologist Sandra Reynolds

“Children can be easily deceived online, it is far too great a responsibility for them to manage on their own. Guided cyber experiences in the classroom allow for exploration to occur within a safe and supervised environment,” said Ms Reynolds.

“When used safely, online resources and programs can significantly enhance a student’s understanding of a concept.

“Simply said, feeling safe makes learning possible,” she said.

This year’s Safer Internet Day theme is Connect. Reflect. Protect. The theme highlights the need to connect safely and with purpose, reflect before acting and protect ourselves/others by telling someone when something feels wrong.

“Teachers play such a large role in a student’s school day, making them perfectly positioned to model safe online practices, and teach students about the importance of online safety,” said Ms Reynolds.

“Sydney Catholic Schools is striving to achieve the right balance of learning modes within the classroom, to allow for optimum learning and skill development in all areas.” she said.

Advice for parents

“Parents also play a significant role in ensuring their child has online safety knowledge, and …

AdminFebruary 6, 2023|

DEATH OF HIS EMINENCE GEORGE CARDINAL PELL

A Statement from the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Most Rev. Anthony Fisher OP

Today we have lost a Cardinal of the Church, a former Archbishop of Sydney, a fine priest, a good Christian soul.

The Church in Australia and around the world is deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Cardinal George Pell, the former Archbishop of Sydney and of Melbourne.

Cardinal Pell’s episcopal motto was ‘Be Not Afraid’ and through good days and bad, he lived up to these words as a man of courage and with a big heart, who trusted in divine providence.

He fearlessly proclaimed the Gospel and worked to explain the teachings of the Church. He spoke truth as he found it, however difficult or unpopular. He was also a man of prayer, of deep Christian faith and a loving shepherd to his flock in parishes, schools, hospitals and throughout his dioceses.

I was in Rome last week for the funeral of another great churchman and close friend of Cardinal Pell, Pope Benedict XVI. The Cardinal and I did not know it would be the last time we would see each other in this life, but he was in good spirits and his regular, witty self, and I am thankful that we shared this time together.

Cardinal Pell was a proud Australian who loved this country and its people and he was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2005.

The Archdiocese of Sydney thrived under his leadership. He saw great promise in youth, and his vision in bringing World Youth Day 2008 to Sydney saw a whole generation of young Catholics respond to Christ’s call. Our community as a whole was uplifted by …

AdminJanuary 12, 2023|

History in the making

In a history making move for Sydney Catholic Schools’ students from Casimir Catholic College have taken out firsts in the National History Challenge (NHC) 2022.

Year 9 student, Olivia Tsigaropoulos, has been named a national winner for her outstanding multimedia project on her local theatre group, ‘Shopfront’.

“I feel very honoured and happy that my project was chosen as a winner. I was shocked when I found out as I knew there would have been a lot of tough competition,” said Olivia.

Deemed the best in New South Wales in the ‘Democracy Matters’ category, Olivia’s award-winning entry expertly analyses the evolution and success of ‘Shopfront’.

“Shopfront is an incredible community that I’m so grateful to be a part of. Its story is powerful, touching and heartwarming – I think people need to hear it,” she said.

See Olivia’s award-winning entry ‘Shopfront Arts Co-Op: A Story of Survival’ below.

“I learnt the importance of listening to and sharing the stories of others. History isn’t just about the big events – everything has a history, everything has a story that is waiting to be shared.” Olivia Tsigaropoulos

About the National History Challenge

The research-based competition gives Australian students the chance to be historians, researching world history, examining Australia’s past, and exploring their community and roots.

This year, approximately 10,000 students across the country entered the competition using quality research to engage with the 2022 theme: Causes and Consequences.

“Casimir is fortunate to have winners at both a state and national level, an outstanding achievement for both students and the school,” said Principal Carmelina Eussen.

Year …

AdminNovember 25, 2022|

The gift that keeps on giving

For the first time in 10 years Sydney Catholic School secondary colleges were invited by the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) to nominate a Year 12 student for the Catholic Education Foundation Social Justice & Excellence in Learning Award.

Recipients of this award have been recognised for their ability to lead by example, display empathy and compassion, embrace social justice activities and serve a community parish or youth group.

They were also consistent in their approach to their studies and displayed personal learning excellence.

Congratulations to the awardees:

Danielle Muha – Marist Sisters’ College, Woolwich
Zein Issa – LaSalle Catholic College, Bankstown
Pierre Nguyen – De La Salle College, Revesby Heights
Amy Guthrie – All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool
Charlton Mu – Clancy Catholic College, West Hoxton
Caitlin Fitzpatrick – Aquinas Catholic College, Menai
Senorina Tai – Domremy College, Five Dock
Oscar Stewart – Marist College, Eastwood
Charlotte Fullerton – De La Salle Catholic College, Cronulla
Bushra Alsamani – Mary Mackillop College, Wakeley
Emily Shun Wah – Mount St Joseph, Milperra
Stephanie Zygouras – St Ursula’s College, Kingsgrove
Jackson Olive – Freeman Catholic College, Bonnyrigg Heights
Stephanie Marin –

AdminOctober 27, 2022|

Athletics Championships 2022: Photos and Results

Sydney Catholic Schools’ first ever Pre to Post Athletics Championships wrapped up in Sydney with a slew of medals.

Sport was the big winner with all 1,536 competitors demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and determination in track and field events at Sydney Olympic Park.

Athletes showed their prowess in: running, long jump, shot put, discus, high jump, triple jump, hurdles, and relay races.

“It was inspiring seeing our young stars realising every athlete’s dream – of competing at Sydney Olympic Park, the home of Australia’s biggest sporting events,” SCS’ Manager Pre to Post Sport, Damien Kerr, said.

Click on the button below for Friday’s full Athletics Championships results: Athletics Championships 2022: Results Secondary Age Champions

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

The inaugural Pre to Post Athletics Championships was live streamed, to ensure our viewers at home didn’t miss a thing.

To watch all the live action from the day, click on the button below: Replay: Athletics Championships 2022

WHAT’S NEXT

Selected athletes will compete on Wednesday, 21 September in the Catholic Primary Schools Athletics Championships (Primary) and Monday, 12 September in the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Athletics Championships (Secondary).

At the Catholic Primary Schools and Combined Catholic College Athletics Championships, athletes will vie for spots at the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships on 24-27 September at Homebush.

“Sydney Catholic Schools is proud to provide our students with the opportunity to participate in a wider variety of sports at school, as well as increased opportunities to trial and represent at a state and national level” – Damien Kerr

Click here for more Sports News

AdminAugust 31, 2022|

Watch LIVE: Sydney Catholic Schools Athletics Championships 2022

Sydney Catholic Schools is excited to present its first ever combined primary and secondary Athletics Championships.

You can watch all the live action unfolding right here on Friday, 26 August, from 8am to 3pm.

There will be three live streams from Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre, showing: the main track; the main field and warm-up track; and the venue itself. Results and Photos from the day

The Main Arena: Track Events

PLEASE NOTE: The convener has the right to change the order and start time of events. Times should only be used as a guide.

Running order for the day:
**** 8AM – 1500m ****
1) 17+ Boys
2) 16 Boys
3) 15 Boys
4) 14 Boys
5) 13 Secondary Boys
6) 12 Secondary Boys

**** 9AM – Opening Ceremony ****

**** 9.15AM – RELAY 4 x 100m ****
7) Jnr Primary – Girls
8) Jnr Primary – Boys
9) Snr Primary – Girls
10) Snr Primary – Boys
11) 12 Secondary – Girls
12) 12 Secondary – Boys
13) 13 Secondary – Girls
14) 13 Secondary – Boys
15) 14 – Girls
16) 14 – Boys
17) 15 – Girls
18) 15 – Boys
19) 16 – Girls
20) 16 – Boys
21) 17+ – Girls
22) 17+ – Boys

**** 10.35AM – 100m ****
23) 12 Secondary – Boys
24) 12 Secondary – Girls
25) 13 Secondary – Boys
26) 13 Secondary – Girls
27) 14 – Boys
24) 14 – Girls
201) MC Secondary Junior – Boys
202) MC Secondary Junior – Girls
203) MC Secondary Senior – Boys
204) MC Secondary Senior – Girls
205) MC Primary Junior – Boys
206) MC Primary Junior – Girls
207) MC Primary Senior – Boys
208) MC Primary Senior – Girls
29) 15 – Boys
30) 15 – Girls
31) 16 – Boys
32) 16 – Girls
33) 17+ – Boys
34) 17+ – Girls

**** 12.05PM – 800m ****
35) Jnr Primary – Girls
36) 11 – Girls
37) Snr Primary – Girls
38) 12 Secondary – Girls
39) …

AdminAugust 19, 2022|

2022 Winter Season Championships Results

Sydney Catholic Schools’ inaugural Winter Season Championships came to an exciting close today with winners crowned in football and netball.

Twelve secondary schools from across the Archdiocese of Sydney competed in Sydney Catholic Schools’ first ever Football Championships and Netball Championships.

Damien Kerr, Manager: Sport Pre to Post at Sydney Catholic Schools, said the day was a celebration of both students’ abilities and the hard work of teachers and support staff.

“It’s just magnificent to see students from all corners of the [Sydney] Archdiocese, the best of the best, able to come together and showcase the Catholic education sporting community” – Damien Kerr

“Events like this don’t happen without the support of the teachers — it’s the passion, the time they put in and everything else around it that makes it a great experience for our students,” Mr Kerr said.

FOOTBALL LIGHTS UP EDENSOR PARK

On what was a glorious winter’s day, the crowd was treated to a smorgasbord of footballing talent across six games at Edensor Park’s Sydney United Sports Centre.

St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove triumphed in the Senior Girls, with Holy Cross College Ryde taking out the Senior Boys title.

Marist Sisters College Woolwich claimed the trophy in the Junior Girls and Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham were victorious in the Intermediate Boys.

Marist Catholic College Penshurst were the big winners on the day, coming out on top in both the Junior Boys and Intermediate Girls.

Marist Penshurst teacher Jordan Russo said the College was incredibly proud of their students’ efforts on the day …

AdminJuly 29, 2022|

Livestream: Winter Season Championships 2022

Sydney Catholic Schools is excited to present its first ever Winter Season Championships.

So, get ready to yell loud and proud for your team!

You can watch all the live action unfolding for 2 sports – Football and Netball – right here on Thursday, 28 July, from 8.30am to 3pm.

There will be two live streams, showing the different matches underway at Edensor Park and Homebush on the day.

FOOTBALL – 8.30 – 3PM

Schedule as follows:

8:30 – 9:45 – Snr Girls – Freeman (4) v St Ursulas (3)

9:45 – 10:45 – Jnr Boys – Freeman (4) v Marist Penshurst (3)

10:45 – 11:45 – Int Girls – Clancy (4) v Marist Penshurst (3)

11:45 – 13:00 – Snr Boys – Holy Cross (1) v Marist Kogarah (3)

13:00 – 14:00 – Int Boys – Lewisham (1) v Marist Kogarah (3)

14:00 – 15:00 – Jnr Girls – Mount St Joseph (4) v Marist Sisters (2)

NETBALL – 9.45 – 1.45PM

Schedule as follows:

09:45 – 10:45 – Junior Final – Aquinas Menai v Mt St Joseph Milperra

11:15 – 12:15 – Intermediate Final – St Ursula’s Kingsgrove …

AdminJuly 25, 2022|

Eisteddfod 2022: The results are in…

Over the past six weeks, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) has showcased the amazing talents of its performing arts students at SCS’ second annual Eisteddfod. Today on World Music Day (21 June) we announce the winners.

During the 2022 festival more than 1,229 entries from 116 schools competed in over 53 solo and ensemble events in Instrumental, Drama, Dance and Vocal.

Now the ensemble winners are preparing to dazzle audiences at SCS’ first ever Eisteddfod Showcase on 23-24 June.

“We have been so impressed by the number of entries wowing our audiences at every event,” said Eva Spata, SCS’ supervisor in the creative and performing arts.

“I can’t wait to see what next year brings!” – Eva Spata

This year’s Eisteddfod entrants were judged by an array of internationally renowned luminaries including Opera Australia’s Simon Kenway.

A highly respected orchestral/operatic conductor, music educator and accompanist, Kenway was the Musical Director for the first working draft of Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed musical romance, Moulin Rouge.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

Click below for the full list of 2022 SCS Eisteddfod place-getters. EISTEDDFOD RESULTS 2022

The highest scoring school across all events will be crowned at the inaugural Eisteddfod Showcase. Watch this space to find out who has won the 2022 perpetual trophy!

ABOUT THE SHOWCASE

The 2022 Eisteddfod Showcase will be held over two days – Thursday 23 June and Friday 24 June – from 7pm to 9.30pm at Southern Cross Catholic College, 17 Comer Street, Burwood.

Day 1 will feature the first place winners in: Rock Bands, Contemporary Music Ensembles, Drama Groups, Dance Groups and Large Choral …

AdminJune 21, 2022|

Cross Country 2022: Photo Gallery

More than 3800 students from the Sydney Archdiocese represented their schools at the 2022 Sydney Catholic Schools Cross Country Championships.

Day 1: Secondary – Podium

Day 1: Secondary – Track Photos

Day 2: Primary – Podium

Day 2: Primary – Track Photos

Watch: Cross Country Championships 2022

AdminMay 27, 2022|

A Statement from the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Most Rev. Anthony Fisher OP

Click here to read the statement

AdminMay 23, 2022|

‘I hope that the gifts of our school children will make a difference’

Sydney Catholic schools have collected heart-warming messages of support – and a staggering 250 boxes of stationery – to help students in Tonga who were left without basic necessities following a series of debilitating natural disasters.

“The response from our schools was quite overwhelming,” Glen Thompson, Specialist: Archdiocesan Liaison at Sydney Catholic Schools, said.

“Schools even went to their parish communities to ask for donations and support, which was generously given by the parishes.”

Mr Thompson said the boxes will be shipped to Tonga in coming weeks as part of the Sydney Archdiocesan Tongan Catholic Chaplaincy Appeal.

“The messages of hope and encouragement from our students were inspiring” – Glen Thompson

“I can confidently say the donations will put a few smiles on the faces of young people in Tonga,” Mr Thompson added.

Sending thoughts and prayers

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Director of Mission and Identity, Anthony Cleary, said he was “so pleased that Sydney Catholic Schools has been able to reach out to the people of Tonga during this time of great suffering.”

“Having visited Tonga twice in the past, and having taught many Tongan youth over many years, I have a love of this country and its people,” Mr Cleary said.

“It may take years before they are able to rebuild their lives. Homes, schools and workplaces have been destroyed.

“I hope that the gifts of our school children will make a difference, not just in showing that we care, but in providing practical …

AdminMay 13, 2022|

Ashfield announcement

This is where the announcement will site with a link to the live stream

AdminMay 12, 2022|

Wallabies hop into St John’s Auburn

“I am going to heaven with excitement” – Aryush, Year 3

Students at St John’s Catholic Primary School Auburn were given a special treat on Wednesday morning when players from the Wallabies team visited the school to launch their brand new 2022 ASICS jersey.

Wallabies stars Michael Hooper (Captain), Lalakai Foketi, Izzy Perese, Angus Bell, Lachlan Swinton and Jake Gordon also participated in a skills session with Year 3 students and the Rugby Australia development team.

Louise Maguire, Principal at St John’s, said the students got a real kick out of being up close and personal with the Wallabies.

“The children really connected with rugby and it’s so nice to see them applying those skills here this morning,” Mrs Maguire said.

During the visit each student was given a brand new pair of ASICS sneakers and quickly put their new kicks to the test, giving the Wallabies players a glimpse of their newly learnt skills.

And two students, Sriamshu and Callum, were lucky enough to sit down with Wallabies Captain Michael Hooper and flanker Lachlan Swinton to ask them some questions about playing rugby for Australia – even giving the players some great examples on how they would do their own post-try celebrations!

Callum and Sriamshu press the Wallabies with their hard hitting questions.

The Wallabies visit follows a six-week rugby development program held earlier this year, involving 328 St John’s students.

The students’ enthusiasm during the program impressed Rugby Australia Development Officer Junior Taale, who suggested St John’s host the jersey launch.

A huge thank you to ASICS and the Wallabies …

AdminMay 12, 2022|

Preschool storytime: Grow your faith through Tender Tales

There’s playgroups, and then there’s Tender Tales.

Craft time at Tender Tales St Joan of Arc, Haberfield

Introduced in Sydney Catholic schools in 2010, the popular weekly Tender Tales program brings Gospel values to life for preschoolers through storytime, songs and crafts.

The free 30-minute program is currently offered in more than half of Sydney Catholic Schools’ primary schools. The sessions are led by each schools’ Family Educator.

About the Tender Tales program

Anne Gray, the Family Educator at St Joan of Arc Catholic Primary School Haberfield, said the preschool program is a great opportunity for children to meet their future classmates.

“It has been a huge success over the past six years and is a great way to get to experience our Catholic community,” Mrs Gray said.

“Siblings love feeling like they are going to school too; it’s a real community builder” – Anne Gray

St Joan of Arc mum, Daniela Guarrera, said her daughter Isabella is the third of her children to attend the program.

“My two boys came to Tender Tales as they didn’t know anyone starting school in the same year,” she said.

“They made a big group of friends and it made the transition to school easy.”

Nurturing a sense of community through play

Circle time at Tender Tales at St Joan of Arc, Haberfield

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Education Officer: Church Engagement, Bernadette Bridle, said the playgroup had many benefits.

“Playgroups can often provide an …

AdminMay 4, 2022|

Touch Football Championships 2022: Photos & Results

Shimmy, step, sprint, TRY! Read on to find out all the winners of Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) inaugural inter-school Touch Football Championships. Touch Football Results here

Photos from the Day

AUTUMN SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2022 Touch Football Championships at rain-drenched Christie Park, in Macquarie Park, was one of three secondary schools championships held on Thursday 7 April as part of SCS’ inaugural Autumn Season Championships.

The Autumn Season Championships 2022 also included Basketball at Bankstown Basketball Stadium and Water Polo at Ashfield Aquatic Centre.

Excitingly, all three events were live streamed, to ensure our viewers won’t miss a thing.

To watch all the live action from the day, click on the button below. Watch the day’s action here Water Polo Results Basketball Results

AdminApril 8, 2022|

Basketball Championships 2022: Photos & Results

Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) inaugural inter-school Basketball Championships yielded plenty of exhilarating action for our next generation of superstars yesterday.

Click on the button below for the full results. Basketball Championships Results Here

Photos from the Day

AUTUMN SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS

SCS’ 2022 Basketball Championships at Bankstown Basketball Stadium was one of three secondary schools championships held on Thursday 7 April as part of SCS’ inaugural Autumn Season Championships.

The Autumn Season Championships 2022 also included Touch Football at Christie Park in Macquarie Park and Water Polo at Ashfield Aquatic Centre.

Excitingly, all three events were live streamed, to ensure our viewers won’t miss a thing.

To watch all the live action from the day, click on the button below. Watch the day’s action here Water Polo Results Touch Football Results

AdminApril 8, 2022|

Livestream: Autumn Season Championships 2022

Sydney Catholic Schools is excited to present the Autumn Season Championships.

You can watch all the live action in all three sports – Touch Football, Water Polo and Basketball – right here on Thursday 7 April from 9am to 3pm.

There will be 10 livestreams, showing different matches underway.

So you won’t miss a thing we have created a Playlist, showing all the live action in one central location. It will go live at 9am on Thursday 7 April.

To find the events you are interested in watching, use the menu bar in the top right-hand corner of the video player below.

Livestream Playlist

Schedule of events

This stream will host the following matches from Court 1:

9am: Semi A – Junior Boys – Champagnat Pagewood vs St Charbel’s Punchbowl
10am: Semi A – Intermediate Girls – OLSH Kensington vs Trinity Catholic College
11am: Semi A – Senior Boys – Marist North Shore vs Holy Spirit Lakemba
12pm: Junior Final Girls
1pm: Intermediate Final Boys
2pm: Senior Final Girls

This stream will host the following matches from Court 7:

9am: Semi B – Junior Boys – Marist Penshurst vs All Saints Liverpool
10am: Semi B – Intermediate Girls – St Patrick’s Sutherland vs MSJ Milperra
11am: Semi B – Senior Boys – De La Salle Revesby vs Patrician Bros Fairfield
12pm: Junior Final Boys
1pm: Intermediate Final Girls
2pm: Senior Final Boys

This stream will host the following matches from Court 3:

9am: Semi A – Junior Girls – Marist North Shore vs Trinity Catholic College
10am: Semi A – …

AdminApril 1, 2022|

Grow With Us

At Sydney Catholic Schools there’s a world of opportunity every day.

To learn more about how a Sydney Catholic school education can benefit your child, find your local school – and Grow with Us!

AdminMarch 18, 2022|

History made at SCS Swimming Championships

Nearly 1,000 students from 123 schools have been making a splash at this year’s Sydney Catholic Schools Swimming Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre in Homebush on Tuesday.

In what is a Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) first, students from both primary and secondary schools are competing on the same day, with students from Year 3 to Year 12 taking to the pool.

The morning saw 390 students from 85 schools compete across 140 races, while the afternoon and evening session will see 548 students from 38 high schools competing across 100 races.

The Championships will also feature an unprecedented number of multi-class athletes, with 18 students swimming in both primary and secondary events.

Swimmers are competing for a chance to qualify for the Catholic Schools NSW Championships.

Sean Mullaly, Specialist: Pre to Post Sport at SCS, said it was one of the most exciting days on the school sporting calendar.

“Having our primary and secondary students compete on the same day is something we’ve been looking forward to for quite a while now,” Mr Mullaly said.

“To have it all come together, in a fantastic venue like Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, is really special.

“You can certainly see the excitement among the students and there’s been a real buzz around the arena so far,” Mr Mullaly added.

Sport at Sydney Catholic Schools

“Sydney Catholic Schools is proud to provide our students with the opportunity to …

AdminMarch 15, 2022|

Live basketball: La Salle Bankstown v Freeman Bonnyrigg

Watch the live action as Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights take on La Salle Catholic College Bankstown in Senior Basketball at Bankstown Basketball Stadium on Thursday 10 March, 2022.

Senior Senior Girls tip-off is at 1pm, followed by the Senior Boys.

AdminMarch 9, 2022|

Announcing the 2021 Thrive short film festival winners

More than 1,090 viewers watched Sydney Catholic Schools’ online Thrive Film Festival winners’ announcement.

Hosted by The Voice Australia sibling stars Sian and Jordan Fuller, the YouTube Premier event saw Good Samaritan Catholic College Hinchinbrook crowned the 2021 winner on the night.

Rapping sensation Kenny Nguyen, of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School Fairfield, won the hearts of the viewing audience, taking out the People’s Choice Award with 279 of 853 votes!

Festival organiser Glen Thompson said he was floored by the talent in Sydney Catholic Schools.

“Whether it was the lyrics in song, storytelling or the different animations, all the submissions brought energy and connected deeply to the festival theme of celebrating the journey of Catholic education in Australia,” said Mr Thompson, who is Sydney Catholic Schools’ Specialist: Archdiocesan Liaison.

In case you missed the announcement, you can still watch it via the live link below:

The THRIVE Film Festival winners list:

FILM	SCHOOL	AWARD
A Lasting Legacy… Celebrating 200 Years of Catholic Education	Good Samaritan Catholic College Hinchinbrook	First Place
The Quest	Galilee Catholic Primary School Bondi	Second Place
Developing a Compass for Life	Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich	Third Place
200 Years	Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School Fairfield	Innovation Award
‘Thrive, Grow and Prosper’	St Clare’s College Waverley	Spirit Award
The Journey of Faith	St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School Sutherland	Creativity Award
Celebrating Our Catholic Education	St John Bosco College Engadine	Mission & Identity Award
Through Shadows we THRIVE	Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School Carnes Hill	Shorts Award
200 Years	Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School Fairfield	People’s Choice Award
The Journey of Faith	St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School Sutherland	Executive Director’s Award

APPLAUSE FOR THE WINNERS

“I am absolutely delighted for the students in our Media …

AdminNovember 30, 2021|

Old Boys help next generation

Former Marist College Eastwood student, Kevin Torpey, is helping to unlock the potential of the next generation of students.

Current Year 12 graduating student Damon Lam is the recipient of a $15,000 scholarship bestowed on Damon by Marist College Eastwood Old Boys Association on behalf of donor and ‘Old Boy’, Kevin Torpey.

It is the first time the association has awarded a scholarship.

The Kevin Torpey Scholarship will assist Damon to pursue a tertiary education next year in either engineering or a mathematics- or science-based course.

“My objective was to provide financial assistance to college students, assisting them to attend university with reduced financial concerns,” said Mr Torpey, who has maintained contact with the college over the years through class reunions.

ABOUT KEVIN TORPEY

Kevin Torpey graduated from Marist College Eastwood in 1955, where he was a prefect and house captain.

Over the past 40 years, he has been involved in the development of many diverse major mining projects involving oil, iron ore, aluminium, nickel, lead/zinc, uranium, magnesite, coal and gold.

His career – which has taken him all over the world – has spanned mineral projects, project design, as well as development, management and consultancy services.

He originally wanted to become a civil engineer and credits the college with “allowing me the flexibility to change direction immediately upon finishing university and follow a different career”.

FRIENDS IN DEEDS

In a statement, the Old Boys Association thanked Kevin Torpey for his generosity and highlighted the importance of the association’s assistance to the college by way of donations.

“Through the generosity of Kevin Torpey, the Old Boys Association has been able to award our first ever scholarship to Damon, consistent with the terms of …

AdminNovember 15, 2021|

Revealed: Lockdown Arts Festival Winners

We’re excited to share with you the winners of Sydney Catholic Schools’ Lockdown Arts Festival.

Themed Looking outwards from a life in lockdown, the festival celebrates the joy, creativity, optimism and resilience of our Sydney Catholic Schools’ community during the pandemic.

Launched during lockdown, our Sydney Catholic Schools’ students, families and staff submitted more than 900 creative works showcasing their incredible creative talent.

Please CLICK ON THE CATEGORY NAMES BELOW to see, hear and read the amazing works of all our category winners and highly commended artists.

Dance

CONTEMPORARY Classical

Visual Arts

Painting and Drawing Photography Sculptural

Drama

Monologue/Duologue Scenes from a Play

Literature

Poem Short Story

Music

Original Composition Performance

Congratulations to all of our winners and participants. You really have done us proud!

AdminNovember 10, 2021|

Spark Festival: The Future of Education at Sydney Catholic Schools

Ever wondered what entrepreneurship education looks like in a Sydney Catholic school?

Join Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) Supervisor: Global Capabilities, Liz Jackson, and four of SCS’ principals on Monday 25 October at 5pm for an online two part panel series to discuss ‘The Entrepreneurial Agenda in Schools’.

The webinar is being held as part of Find My Spark, the education arm of Spark Festival Australia’s largest festival for innovators and entrepreneurs.

Established in 2016 to support students to develop entrepreneurial skills and mindset through Design Thinking exercises that use real-world businesses and case studies, Find My Spark is Australia’s largest event connecting the K-12 entrepreneurial education ecosystem including educators, students, policy makers and external providers.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Supervisor: Global Capabilities, Liz Jackson. Photo: Kitty Beale

SCS’ participating principals are: Ann Freeman (Bethlehem College Ashfield), Paul Forrester (De La Salle College Ashfield), Brigid Taylor (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Kensington), and Zeina Chalich (St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School Arncliffe).

SCS’ participating teachers and system leaders Nicola Steele (St Clare’s College Waverley), Richard Hainsworth (Brigidine College Randwick), Magy Adams (Trinity College Auburn) and Roslyn Mahrous, SCS Education Officer: Global Capabilities.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION

“Entrepreneurship education prepares students for the world of work as they will need to navigate a variety of jobs and careers,” Ms Jackson said.

“Embedding entrepreneurial ways of thinking early will help students play active …

AdminOctober 22, 2021|

Celebrating back to school

After more than three months of learning from home, students across New South Wales returned to school today.

There was excitement on the faces of students, teachers and parents as Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 walked through their school gates.

The staged return will see the remaining grades return from next Monday and bring some normality back to their lives after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

One of those greeting his students at the front gate was Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School principal, Bendan O’Connor.

“We felt really excited for this morning, it’s been a long time but the sun is shining and we can’t wait to welcome our students back to school today,” Mr O’Connor said.

Mr O’Connor said that health and safety measures have been taken to ensure the best possible return for students.

“We’ve put a lot of things in place – health and safety are first and foremost.

“The the general excitement of having all the children back that will be the most important part of the day,” said Mr O’Connor.

Year 1 student at Good Shepherd, Charlize, couldn’t wait to be back at school and away from home learning.

“I’d rather be at school and out in the sun with my friends than at home,” Charlize said.

Her peer, Allegra, was also happy to be back on the school grounds and in the classroom.

“I missed my teachers because they are very fun and nice,” said Allegra.

Sydney Catholic Schools welcomes back all of our students and wishes them the best of luck in the final term of the year.

By: NIKOLA POZDER

AdminOctober 18, 2021|

Parenting webinar: Andrew Fuller

After his two sell-out sessions last term, Andrew Fuller is back for two more sessions in Term 4.

Sydney Catholic Schools presents an online parenting series with esteemed clinical psychologist and family therapist, Andrew Fuller.

Andrew has worked with more than 3,500 schools in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the UK, including establishing programs for the promotion of mental health in schools.

Join Andrew for one or both of his zoom presentations this month – and walk away equipped with the practical tools to better support your children in this increasingly complex world.

Each session will run for 60 minutes including Q&A time, with limited places for each session.

Please note, this is a live online event and will not be recorded. As places are limited, please closely consider your availability for the event when registering to ensure all seats are utilised. Next Session

Next Session: Wednesday 27 October 2021, 7pm

The A to Z of Feelings

Topics of discussion will include:

How to differentiate genuine people from those who are fake
Separate honest people from liars
Know who to trust and who not to
Learn from your experiences by looking inwards as well as outwards
What upsets you and what to do with it
How to shelve, settle and calm worries
How to replicate times of happiness, inspiration and creativity
How to react more positively to moments of anger or conflict

Andrew Fuller

Described as an “interesting mixture of Billy Connolly, Tim Winton and Frasier Crane” and as someone who “puts the heart back into psychology”, Andrew Fuller is a clinical psychologist, family therapist, author, …

AdminOctober 14, 2021|

Online HSC Masterclass a big hit

More than 500 creative and performing arts students and teachers from Catholic dioceses across NSW took part in Sydney Catholic Schools’ inaugural four-day Arts Virtual Masterclass.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ creative and performing arts specialist, Eva Spata, said the HSC exam preparation courses were taken online due to the current COVID-19 climate.

According to Ms Spata, the online program was a resounding success and will be repeated in 2022.

“We look forward to providing these again next year!” – Eva Spata

“We have decided that every September holiday the masterclasses will be on zoom, rather than face to face,” said Ms Spata.

Online HSC Arts Masterclass

“With the current conditions, the ability to provide them virtually meant that we could share with our counterparts across the state,” Ms Spata said.

“We were fortunate to have industry experts and arts practitioners delivering each workshop, to prepare our HSC students.”

These included literacy consultant Dr Trish Weekes who delivered a workshop on HSC Music 1 aural exam and Sydney Catholic Schools’ education officer Mary-Anne Boutros who delivered a workshop on the HSC Visual Arts written exam.

Indigenous Australian dancer, television presenter and choreographer of Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Terrain, Francis Rings, was among the workshop facilitators for the HSC Dance written exams.

“It has been a marathon for our Drama students, covering six plays,” said Ms Spata.

The facilitators were:

Illuminate Educate’s Anne Wilson (presented on Neighbourhood Watch by Lally Katz)
Laurence Coy (presented on Norm and …

AdminOctober 5, 2021|

Our Mini Vinnies

More than 2,500 of Sydney Catholic Schools’ youngest students – otherwise known as Mini Vinnies – have so far followed in the footsteps of Saint Vincent de Paul, who spent his life providing relief to the poor.

Our primary school students may not have established hospitals for the poor like Saint Vincent, but they have put their faith in action by taking part in St Vincent de Paul Society’s Mini Vinnies program.

Mini Vinnies

Mini Vinnies are a group of primary school students who want to become volunteers, advocates and fundraisers within their school and local community. They meet regularly to discuss ideas to help people less fortunate.

The spiritual and learning undertaken by the Mini Vinnies group establishes strong values and builds empathy in our young people.

Our student volunteers

Sydney Catholic Schools’ involvement in Mini Vinnies began in 2011.

“There are now 101 Mini Vinnies Conferences in the Sydney region, 99 of which are a part of Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS),” said Christina Gilio, the Metropolitan Schools Engagement Officer for the St Vincent de Paul Society, affectionately known as Vinnies.

“In 2021 alone, seven new SCS primary schools have signed up to be a part of Mini Vinnies in Sydney. Several others had expressed interest prior to the current NSW lockdown” – Christina Gilio

Putting faith into action

At St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School in Ashfield, students have been taking part in a range of programs to help the less fortunate, including Mini Vinnies.

Antonella Dolores, school principal at St Vincent’s, says Saint Vincent de Paul’s teachings are instilled in their students and help them understand the importance of helping those in …

AdminSeptember 26, 2021|

Remote learning in Kindergarten

The kindergarten cohort at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Primary School Austral had just got settled into their ‘big school’ routines when the latest COVID-19 lockdown came into effect.

School principal, Lea De Angelis, acknowledged it’s been tough for the school’s youngest group moving to remote learning when they are just barely used to being in a classroom.

She said staff at St Anthony have worked hard to ensure the transition has been as smooth as possible for everyone.

“Remote learning is difficult for everyone, especially for Kindergarten students and their families who had just fully settled into the routines of school before everything changed,” Ms De Angelis said.

“We know that more than anything, small children miss the social interactions they have with their friends and teachers each day” – Principal Lea De Angelis

Ms De Angelis said Seesaw was the main tool used for remote learning in Kindergarten, “as students are well versed in using the platform during normal class time.”

“Students can post their responses to tasks with teachers providing feedback everyday,” she said.

“Zoom is used a few times each week in order to allow students to interact with each other and with their teachers.”

Ms De Angelis thanked and praised all her parents for handling the challenges of homeschooling “wonderfully.”

“We understand that many parents are also working from home while supervising remote learning,” Ms De Angelis said.

“We emphasise the importance of wellbeing – taking regular breaks and only completing the tasks which are manageable for both students and parents” – Ms De Angelis

About St Anthony of Padua Catholic College Austral

Writing over zoom

St Anthony of Padua Catholic College Austral is the only comprehensive Preschool to …

AdminSeptember 16, 2021|

Lockdown Arts Festival: Entries are flowing

Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) Lockdown Arts Festival is well underway with students, parents, guardians and teachers all jumping on board.

Labelled as the most ambitious and comprehensive arts festival ever attempted in Sydney, more than 160,000 people from the SCS community have the opportunity to submit entries.

The festival theme is Looking outwards from a life in lockdown.

Tony Farley, Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director, is excited about the festival’s potential despite being in the middle of a pandemic.

“It’s the perfect way to have some fun and be creative while we are at home in lockdown,” Mr Farley said.

Applicants have the opportunity to submit entries in five different categories – visual arts, literature, drama, dance and music. More information is here.

There has been a fantastic response with over 100 entries submitted in the first week of the festival.

“It’s amazing to see the creativity and talent of our students, their families and our staff,” said Mr Farley.

Mr Farley says that the diverse art forms on offer for entrants will allow them to express themselves however they feel most comfortable.

“Expressing ourselves through the arts allows participants to describe what they see, feel, think and understand in many different forms,” Mr Farley said.

Winners will receive exciting prizes that complement their categories.

Entries close at 2pm on Friday 15 October. Winners will be announced on Friday 29 October during a live awards ceremony. Submit your entry here

AdminSeptember 15, 2021|

Why choose a Catholic school

What does going to a Catholic school teach you? We asked Sydney Catholic Schools’ alumni Aidan Dunne and Tommy Francisco to share their insights.

The former is a medical student, the latter is a folk-rap singer-cum-youth minister. For all that, they tell us they are travelling the same road when it comes to living out their faith.

AIDAN’S STORY

Marcellin College Randwick 2019 alumnus, Aidan Dunne, currently works at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney while studying nursing at the Australian Catholic University.

Aidan Dunne with Sydney Catholic Schools’ education officer Cheryl Fernandez.

It’s where he met De La Salle College Ashfield alumnus, singer-songwriter Tommy Francisco, for the first time last year.

Aidan says his faith journey began at a Sydney Catholic Schools’ Evangelisation Day, which he attended in Year 9 “to get out of going to school for the day.”

“I’ve always been a person that required basic proofs about the complexities of the universe,” Aidan told the latest cohort of SCS students at this year’s Evangelisation Day.

He explained to them what led to his deepening of faith.

“One night, I was at a boxing class and I injured myself so I decided to leave early and go home,” Aidan began.

“I was sitting and waiting for my mother to pick me up when I asked God to give me a sign.

“It was a still night and I decided to go for a quick run while I was waiting.

“I got up and entered a dark and deserted alleyway and I said the only words I knew in the Bible from Psalm 23:4 and all of …

AdminSeptember 14, 2021|

Volunteering in COVID-19

Sydney Catholic schools’ student volunteers are continuing to make a difference to the lives of others during our city’s hard lockdown. To mark International Day of Charity (5 September) we are shining a spotlight on some of their charitable works.

Besides honoring Mother Teresa’s tireless work to help others overcome poverty and suffering, the International Day of Charity highlights the need to open wide your hand to your brothers and sisters, to the needy and to the poor.

Our student volunteers remind us that charity begins at home – lending a hand to your neighbors and friends – and that it can be both meaningful, magical and fun, and an energising escape from our day-to-day routine to give back to your community.

Preparation for One Meal

Our big-hearted students at St Joachim’s Catholic Primary School Lidcombe have been dedicating their time to spreading happiness by ‘Lighting up Lidcombe’ with creative messages of hope, support and humour, guaranteed to put a smile on your dial.

Students at St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove are realising their full potential through living out the school’s motto – ‘SERVIAM’, meaning ‘I Will Serve’.

Their school lies across the local government areas of Canterbury-Bankstown, Bayside and Georges River Council – areas of concern during COVID – and, along with students from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School Kingsgrove, they are spending hours of their own time cooking hot nutritious meals for people doing it tough within 5 kilometres of their schools.

They are doing this as part of a service titled One Meal Kingsgrove, supporting the not-for-profit organisation One Meal. The school also has a close relationship with the St …

AdminSeptember 3, 2021|

2021 Archbishop Award recipients

Established in 1999 by Edward Bede Cardinal Clancy the Archbishop’s awards are an annual recognition of some of the outstanding young men and women in Catholic Schools.

Below are the Sydney Catholic Schools’ recipients of the Archbishop of Sydney Awards for Student Excellence 2021.

Student photo	Student details
Shanessa Mascarenhas All Saints Catholic College Casula	Shanessa Mascarenhas All Saints Catholic College Casula Shanessa Mascarenhas is a committed Catholic, who actively practices her faith within the parish communities of All Saints, Liverpool, and St Francis Xavier, Lurnea. Shanessa has volunteered her time and service in various roles in these parishes, including singing in the choir, reading, helping with the All Saints Encounter Youth Group for students in Year Five and Six, as well as attending the Antioch Youth Group to nurture her own faith development. While at school, Shanessa has attended the ‘Be the Light’ Youth Ministry, a school-based youth ministry group, where she has engaged in some school-based social justice and community service initiatives, and prayer opportunities for her own faith development. She has also trained to become a Catechist, though COVID-19 has prevented active service in this role in the local public school. Shanessa’s strong faith and love of Christ is evident through her engagement in parish and school activities.
Christopher Hamilton Aquinas Catholic College Menai	Christopher Hamilton Aquinas Catholic College Menai Christopher Hamilton is an outstanding young man of faith and action who actively participates in the life and mission of his Parish of Holy Family, Menai and within the Aquinas community. As a committed parishioner, Christopher serves his parish through the preparation and delivery of …

Student photo

Student details

Shanessa Mascarenhas
All Saints Catholic College Casula

Shanessa Mascarenhas

All Saints Catholic College Casula

Shanessa Mascarenhas is a committed Catholic, who actively practices her faith within the parish communities of All Saints, Liverpool, and St Francis Xavier, Lurnea. Shanessa has volunteered her time and service in various roles in these parishes, including singing in the choir, reading, helping with the All Saints Encounter Youth Group for students in Year Five and Six, as well as attending the Antioch Youth Group to nurture her own faith development. While at school, Shanessa has attended the ‘Be the Light’ Youth Ministry, a school-based youth ministry group, where she has engaged in some school-based social justice and community service initiatives, and prayer opportunities for her own faith development. She has also trained to become a Catechist, though COVID-19 has prevented active service in this role in the local public school. Shanessa’s strong faith and love of Christ is evident through her engagement in parish and school activities.

Christopher Hamilton Aquinas Catholic College Menai

Christopher Hamilton

Aquinas Catholic College Menai

Christopher Hamilton is an outstanding young man of faith and action who actively participates in the life and mission of his Parish of Holy Family, Menai and within the Aquinas community. As a committed parishioner, Christopher serves his parish through the preparation and delivery of …

AdminSeptember 3, 2021|

Music education alive in lockdown

The COVID-19 lockdown has opened up new ways to learn music at Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba.

Amadeus Music Education Program practical lessons are now happening via Zoom instead of face to face.

Head of the Creative and Performing Arts program at Holy Spirit, Emma Hughes, says it’s impressive how well students have adapted.

“It’s a nice distraction for them, in particular during lockdown” – Emma Hughes

“It’s been really good; overall the feedback is very positive,” Ms Hughes said.

“Both the tutors and students are enjoying it and I think it’s a nice break for them from doing their normal classes, offering them something a little different.”

“Moving remotely has allowed for more individualised feedback for students”

ABOUT AMADEUS

Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) exciting new Amadeus Music Education Program is being rolled out across 42 SCS primary and secondary schools in Term 1, 2022, following a successful pilot program in the Auburn-Lakemba area.

As part of this program, students in Year 3 to Year 8 participate in small group and ensemble music lessons delivered by specialist teachers, like Ms Hughes. Students are also provided with a string, woodwind or brass instrument which they will take home to practice.

Benefits of music

Research shows that music:

Boosts brain power
Promotes wellbeing
Improves language and maths skills, memory and coordination

Amadeus online

Ms Hughes says music lessons during lockdown are not much different for the students.

“Students are set up and their instruments tuned before the tutor puts out a link that they must log into [Zoom],” she said.

“Once they’ve done that, they need to make sure the camera captures them with the whole instrument, as well as making some minor sound adjustments.”

“Parents …

AdminAugust 30, 2021|

Watch NOW: Online Family Forum

In case you missed it, you can tune in to our Family Forum right here:

Dr Jacqueline Frost and Mr Tony Farley at Sydney Catholic Schools’ second Family Forum

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) hosted its second, live and online Family Forum for parents, carers and staff with more than 1000 people joining to hear about Student Wellbeing.

Hosted by Executive Director, Tony Farley and featuring Dr Jacqueline Frost, Chief of Staff, and Dr Kate O’Brien, Director of Education and Research, the Family Forum centred on the principles and programs being run by SCS to ensure that students feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually secure.

According to SCS Executive Director, Tony Farley: “For us, it’s a simple philosophy. Once we get well-being right, learning happens.

“As our students move through 13 years of schooling – life necessarily involves challenges and setbacks. These are unavoidable but learning how to effectively manage these difficult life experiences is resilience and helping to develop resilience in our students is an essential component of the education we offer,” he said.

The Family Forum covered topics including the importance of belonging, the role of wellbeing in the classroom, respectful relationships, managing behaviour and the role of diversity and inclusion in students feeling safe and respected. The session also discussed mental health, anti-bullying, and positive behaviour strategies.

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

Dr Kate O’Brien at Sydney Catholic Schools’ second Family Forum

“The feedback from everyone who participated has been great and we know that parents are eager to learn as much as they can to support the wellbeing of their children. It’s tough right now …

AdminAugust 24, 2021|

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Congratulations to all of our winners and participants. You really have done us proud!

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