‘Enlivened by the Spirit’

Anzac Road Menai NSW 2234 Phone 9543 0188 Facsimile 9541 0398

info@aquinasmenai.catholic.edu.au www.aquinasmenai.catholic.edu.au

FROM THE ACTING PRINCIPAL

AQUINAS CATHOLIC COLLEGE MENAI

4 April, 2016 The Year of Mercy Vol.24.No.10

Year 12 students continue this week with their half yearly examinations and I commend them for their application

to these vital examinations. I encourage them to continue to prepare well and remind them that the College

Learning Centre (Library) is open each afternoon until around 6.30pm for study and support by our dedicated staff.

I also take this opportunity to thank Mrs Vukovic, their Year Coordinator, and Ms Mirabello (Leader of Teaching &

Learning) for their presence at each exam so as to reassure students and to minimise their anxiety levels.

Year 11 return to normal classes this week having spent last week on Retreat at the Kedron and Kiah Centres

respectively. The focus of this Retreat was on decision making and the students were highly engaged in the

program. I take this opportunity in thanking those teachers that attended, who also shared their stories and were

generous enough to be away from their families for three days (Mr Lillis; Mrs Buttling; Ms Scarpignato; Mr Tegg;

Mrs Katrib; Ms Cooper; Ms Kilzi; Mr McGrath; Mrs Martin; Mrs D’Astoli; Mrs McNamara; Mr van der Kley; Mr Pay

and Mr Mollica). A huge thanks to Mr O’Connor (REC) and Mrs Monk (Assistant REC) for the planning and

organisation around the three days and to Father Phil for attending Kedron on Thursday evening to celebrate mass.

In what was a busy Week 10 at Aquinas we also hosted the Year 6 Holy Family students for a Curriculum day

where they were able to experience a range of subjects that they may not otherwise have had the chance to do in

primary, including TAS; Visual Arts; Science and PDHPE. The Year 6 students were buzzing at the end of the day

claiming that they were now ready for secondary schooling. My thanks to Mrs Woods; Mrs Morris; Ms Small;

Mrs Reyes; Mr Broady; Mr McGee; Mrs Tyrell; Mrs Wells and Mr Hulme for their involvement in the day.

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 2

I also take this opportunity in congratulating the 28 families that attended the Academic Writing Excellence night

for parents/carers last Tuesday. The evening was an opportunity to showcase our whole school ‘AWE’ program

and to provide parents/carers with some practical tips around supporting their son’s/daughter’s at home in

becoming better, more sophisticated writers. It was wonderful to see the parents working closely with their

children and my thanks go to Mrs Wilson; Ms Simpson; Mr Bulmer; Mr Connor; Mr Smith and Mrs Thompson

(SCS office) for facilitating this highly valuable workshop.

Please also keep Peter Lambros (Year 10); Tori Lambros (Year 7) and their family in your thoughts and prayers after

the passing of their Grandfather last week. Also keep Lachlan Callaghan (Year 11) and Sophie Callaghan (Year 10)

and their family in your thoughts and prayers after the passing of their Aunty last night

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Finally I take this opportunity to thank all the staff, students and their families for all their efforts during Term 1,

2016 and wish all students a happy and safe holiday. Additionally all students are reminded that they need to

return in full winter uniform including blazers for the start of Term 2 as per Mr Hulme’s newsletter item. Finally

the College office will be closed from Monday 11th April until Tuesday 26th April.

God Bless

Robert Nastasi

Acting Principal

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 3

Monday 4th April Year 12 Half Yearly exams continue this week

Tuesday 5th April ‘AWE’ (Academic Writing Excellence) program for all Year 7-10 students during

morning Pastoral

WYD16 Preparation Workshop – 3.15 – 5.15pm

Wednesday 6th April Year 9 Parish Mass at 8.20am

Thursday 7th April Pastoral Period 4

Friday 8th April College Cross Country trial for selected students Periods 1 & 2

Term 1 concludes at 2.30pm (Normal school day)

Week 11 (A) Term 1

Anthony Hulme

Acting Assistant Principal

Key Dates

Acting Assistant Principal

Our Year 12 Half Yearly Examinations will continue this week and conclude on Friday 8th April 2016. Please visit our College

Website, "Latest News", "Correspondence" to view the timetable.

We ask that our entire learning community keep these students in your prayers as they undertake these significant exams in their

HSC year.

Week 1 (B) Term 2

Monday 25th April Public Holiday – No classes today

Tuesday 26th April Term 2 – Students return in Full College Winter Uniform today including Blazer

‘AWE’ (Academic writing excellence) program for all Year 7-10 students during

morning Pastoral

Wednesday 27th April Year 10 Parish Mass at 8.20am

SSCCC Cross Country

Thursday 28th April Pastoral Period 4

Friday 29th April Senior Blood bank visit during sport

Term 2 return

Just a reminder that Term 2 commences for staff and students on Tuesday 26th April (Week B) with all students required to

return in full winter uniform including Blazers.

Please ensure that every effort is made so that students return in Term 2 meeting correct uniform and grooming standards,

including correct school shoes (which are a hard black leather and have a heel) and correct hairstyles which are of a natural

colour, uniform and without any shavings, undercuts or irregular styles. This will avoid any phone calls to parents/carers on the

first day.

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 4

Learning and Curriculum Matters

This Week’s Assessment:

YEAR 12 HALF YEARLY EXAMINATIONS 2016

(All examinations are in the Hall unless otherwise stated)

Students are to be at the College at least 20 minutes prior to the examination starting time.

Challenge Class Learning Focus This year, in addition to highlighting the learning styles and habits of successful learners through the Aquinas Learner profile,

we will include a regular item highlighting some of the work that comes from each of the four Challenge classes. Following

this article, 7 Red have put together a piece from their recent Archaeological dig with their History teacher,

Ms Michelle Wilson.

Lisa Mirabello

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Year Subject Date

11 Drama 04.04.16

10 Elective History 04.04.16

10 Music 04.04.16

8 TAS This week

7 Science This week

7 TAS This week

11 English Studies 05.04.16

10 IST 05.04.16

9 Elective History 05.04.16

9 Multimedia 05.04.16

11 Hospitality 06.04.16

9 English 06.04.16

11 Industrial Technology 07.04.16

11 Music 07.04.16

7 History 07.04.16

Second Week Morning Session

Starts at 8.50am

Afternoon Session

Starts at 12.20pm

Monday

4th April 16

Modern History 1 ½ hours Physics 2 hours

Visual Art 1 ½ hours

Tuesday

5th April 16

Mathematics 21/2 hours

Mathematics General 2 2 hours

Italian Cont 2 hours

Italian Beg 2 hours

Construction 2 hours

Design and Tech 1 ½ hours

Economics 2 hours

Geography 2 hours

History Ext 1 1 ½ hours

Wednesday

6th April 16

SOR2 1 ½ hours

SOR 1 ½ hours

Catholic Studies 1 hour

Legal Studies 2 hours

Thursday

7th April 16

CAFS 1 ½ hours Chemistry 2 hours

Drama 1 ½ hours

ITW 1 ½ hours

SDD 2 hours

Friday

8th April 16

Mathematics Ext 1 2 hours

Business Services 1 hour

Senior Science 2 hours

Food Tech 2 hours

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 5

“7 Red participated in an Archaeological Dig in class . We could either find a Platypus skull, Marsupial Lion or Marsupial Tiger Fossil. It was lots of fun and I think the class would agree. We had to use digging tools and paintbrushes to find the fossil. My group had a Platypus Skull Fossil.” - Jessica Sewell

“The other day our class did an Archaeological Dig. Each group received a block of clay which contained

either the skull of a Platypus, the skeleton of a Lion or a skeleton of a Tiger. Each person in each group got a different tool to dig into the clay so we could find the skeletons / skulls of the different animals. Our class enjoyed this activity a lot and we each had a lot to talk about afterwards about this activity” - Nina Hamamdjian “7 Red had the privilege to replicate an Archaeological Dig in our history class. We were able to dig for different types of Australian animal fossils like an Ancient Platypus, Tiger and Lion! 7 Red had so much fun and definitely learnt some new things, our history teacher Ms. Wilson organised it really well and we had a lot fun!” - Ben Gritter “This term, 7 Red had a special task. We were given a block of plaster with one of three fossil replicas hidden inside and we had to dig them out with real excavation tools. Everyone in the class was very happy for this lesson and it was a complete surprise to us all!” – Zane Smith

Michelle Wilson and 7 Red

In North West Queensland, on a remote plateau of a cattle station called “Riversleigh”, paleontologists have unearthed a diverse collection of prehistoric animals whose history dates back 25 million years. From rock-hard limestone, scientists have recovered the remains of hundreds of different species from one of the world’s richest fossil deposits… In 7 Red’s Archeological Dig was a replica of the types of fossils found at Riversleigh! These included the Obdurodon (Ancient Platypus), Thylacoleo (Marsupial Lion) and the Thylacine (Marsupial Tiger). There was great excitement as we worked in our groups to carefully excavate our Plaster Cast using wooden digging tools and fine paintbrushes. As we continued to work together, our fossils started to appear before our very eyes! After identifying our skeletal remains, we mounted our Fossil Replica in a frame so they can be displayed at our College Open Night. See our photos and thoughts below!

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 6

COUNTDOWN IS ON:

3 MONTHS, 1 WEEK TO GO

Save the dates for the following WYD16 “Formation Workshops”:

Workshop 2: 26th of May from 3:30pm – 5:30pm (WEEK 5, TERM 2)

Workshop 3: 7th of June from 3:15pm – 5:15pm (WEEK 7, TERM 2)

The Rosary

‘The Rosary & Prayer Intentions’

on every Tuesday @ lunch…

Room 44.

PROCLAIM: High School Aged Youth Group

@ Holy Family Parish

every fortnight

Next gathering: 17th April at 6pm

Check out the “Holy Family Youth

Movement” Facebook page.

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 7

HOLY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT - WYD BBQ

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 8

eLe@rning at Aquinas

The Aquinas Catholic College Showdown

OUR STUDENTS COMPLETED OVER 154,000 Questions answered by our students in 13 days

The Aquinas Catholic College Showdown concluded on March 31. An outstanding number of students have been online for the

past 13 days completing questions from all Key Learning areas.

A large number of students stepped out of their comfort zones and learnt about new concepts via this outstanding learning tool

that is available to all our students in 7-10. In the coming days we will receive a final report of results so prizes can be allocated

to successful students. Congratulations to all those who entered into the dimension of online revision.

Every student should be using the full capabilities of their devices using:

SEQTA Learn (access via the College website www.aquinasmenai.catholic.edu.au)

Jacaranda Textbook (www.jacplus.com.au)

Education Perfect (www.educationperfect.com)

The College has provided all students with a student login and password for the above mentioned websites. Any student who has

challenges with their device must see the ICT support staff in the library as soon as possible (recess and lunchtime so no

classtime is missed).

Students are asked to consult with the ICT staff before a new version of software is installed so all necessary security certificates

match our network.

SEQTA Engage

All parents should have access to our Learning Management System. A opportunity to monitor homework and classwork exists

with this access. All parents can see Merit, Demerits and communication details. Please use the options drop down menu and

select Pastoral Care Details.

Office365

All students with a valid student email (@sydstu.catholic.edu.au) are able to download a copy of

Office365 for their device. Please follow the instructions provided at:

https://products.office.com/en-us/student/office-in-education

All students must have a copy of Office365 or a complete version of Microsoft Office to allow them to edit documents. Just having an

installed copy of Pages in not sufficient.

Could all parents please ensure s fully charged device is brought to the College

everyday.

With the holidays approaching could I ask all parents and carers to check over your

personally owned devices and clean up any unwanted games, programs and downloads.

A regular process of checking and cleaning the device will make better use of the

allocated memory.

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 9

NAPLAN is fast approaching

and will occur on

May 10-12 in 2016 (Week 3, Term 2)

Below are some practice questions you may like to attempt with your child.

Spelling – Year 7

Taken from 2015 Naplan Test Paper

1. They wayed each ingredient for the recipe

2. The hungry lion stalked its pray.

3. Like rain, snow is a form of precipitasion

4. They had to quewe for hours to buy tickets

5. Dad grew a massive pumkin and entered it in the local show.

Spelling Year 9

Taken from 2015 Naplan Test Paper

1. An ambulance took the trawma patient to the hospital

2. When the referee blew the whissel the score was even.

3. Dad started a new bizness selling hardware in our town.

4. The lack of playing fields in our area is outrayjus.

5. He plotted his chess moves strategicly and his opponent was soon defeated.

CALLING ALL PARISHIONERS!!!

Come and be part of the rich diversity in our parish community and celebrate our ethnic origins through food!

If you would like to put together a food stall or alternatively, would like to be part of the organising committee,

please write your name and contact number/email on the clipboard in the church foyer, and you will be contacted

by either Carmelann or Collin.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Carmelann Netto jcnetto2001@yahoo.com.au

Collin Rozario candcrozario@gmail.com

YOUR PARISH NEEDS YOU!

MULTICULTURAL FOOD FEST

IN CELEBRATION OF

25 YEARS OF

HOLY FAMILY, MENAI

WHEN: FRIDAY, 13 MAY 2016

TIME: 7:00pm-9:00pm

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 10

PEER SUPPORT CELEBRATION BBQ!

WEEK 10

To mark the end of the Peer Support Program for 2016 and to celebrate our successes, a celebration BBQ was held for all Year 7 and Year 10 Leaders on Thursday 31

st March.

Over the past 10 weeks we have focused on resilience, developing skills in perseverance, critical thinking, optimism, communication and empathy. Most importantly however, the program has allowed Year 7 to make a positive start to their High School journey. New friendships have been forged, questions answered, mentors gained and many laughs had. Thank you to all Year 7 students for entering into the program with an optimistic attitude. We hope that you walk away from this experience with memories that you will think back on in years to come. Perhaps you will volunteer to be a Peer Support Leader in 2019! To the Year 10 Peer Support Leaders – thank you for your dedication, your kind mentorship and your willingness to implement this program with Year 7. You will remain vital role models here at Aquinas. We hope to see another great group of Leaders pass through the training and implement this program next year. See you in Term 4 Year 9 2016!

Enjoy some of the photos from our celebratory BBQ!

Miss Wilson and Mr McGrath – Peer Support Facilitators

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 11

If you can spare some time to read and write for Year 7 to 10 exams, please contact the school office and leave your contact details When: Monday 30th May to Friday 3rd June

Times: Morning session 8: 50 am to 12:45pm

Afternoon session 1:15pm to 3:05pm

All Day 8:50 am to 3:05 pm

(Morning Tea and Lunch provided)

No specific skills or knowledge needed

DEBATING

Debating will commence in week 3 of Term 2.

The Regional Catholic Schools Debating competition

will run for 5-7 weeks on a Wednesday afternoon.

Try-outs for the Debating team will be held at the start

of week 2. Please see Miss Cooper and check the

notices on SEQTA for more details.

Danielle Cooper

NAPLAN ANSWERS

ANSWERS: YEAR 7

1. Weighed

2. Prey

3. Precipitation

4. Queue

5. Pumpkin

ANSWERS: YEAR 9

1. Trauma

2. Whistle

3. Business

4. Outrageous

5. Strategically

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 12

UNIFORM SHOP

(Reopening Thursday 28 April -

Relocating to the Demountable

Closest to the oval)

8:00am—9:00am

Please note the Uniform Shop only sells Sports Uniforms and School bags

CANTEEN ROSTER TERM 1

TIME: MONDAY-THURSDAY 10:00-1:35, FRIDAY 9:30-12:45

MONDAY 4/4 KEVIN HUFF, MICHELLE TURNER

TUESDAY 5/4 SIMONE CARLINO

WEDNESDAY 6/4 KATE KARPENKO

THURSDAY 7/4 KARINA MICHAEL

FRIDAY 8/4 TRISE WADE, MICHAEL ANTOUN

TERM 2

MONDAY 25/4 ANZAC DAY

TUESDAY 26/4 MARY-ELLEN ROONEY

WEDNESDAY 27/4 JEANETTE CABRERA, ANGELA ODELLI

THURSDAY 28/4 ANTOINETTE KERLE

FRIDAY 29/4 MICHELLE LISTER, TRISH WADE, MICHAEL ANTOUN

Join Mrs Katrib and Mr Burke for a fitness session followed by a healthy bowl of cereal.

This will be held every Monday and Wednesday

morning at 7:30am.

Come and join our ‘Fitness and Fuel’ morning session.

Students attending must bring a towel and water bottle.

All welcome.

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 13

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