‘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

8th April, 2013 Vol.20.No.9

Year 11 Retreat Program Year 11 have just returned from a wonderful 3 day retreat program superbly designed by Mrs Nolan, where the focus was to lead

students toward an increased awareness of themselves and their God. Each student presented themselves in a mature and

respectful way focusing on The Parable of the Good Samaritan and decision making in their lives and to that end I congratulate

them and hope their immersion experience is a lifelong one. My thanks to Mrs Nolan, Mr Broady, Mrs Butler, Mrs Schiller,

Mrs Phillips, Mr Tsambalas, Mr McGee (Kiah Ridge retreat centre), Mr Strudwick, Mrs Monk, Ms Esposito, Mrs Hecimovic,

Mrs Katrib, Ms Moore, Mr Van der kley and Mr McGrath (Kedron Retreat centre)

Year 9 Reflection Day Year 9 is to also be commended on their enthusiasm and engagement in the recent reflection day on Thursday 4th April at Holy

Family Church facilitated by Mr Chris Doyle. The students commenced the day with mass and then took part in some ice breaker

and group activities before exploring various spiritual dimensions in their lives. My thanks to Mr Pay, Ms Kilzi and the Year 9

Pastoral team for facilitating this day so well.

Fundraising and Social Justice Initiatives at Aquinas Catholic College As the Easter season comes to an end so too does Project Compassion and it is with great pride and gratitude that I thank the

entire College community for contributing close to $8000 to support those less fortunate in our society. Thanks and well done to

all and in a particular way to Mr Tsambalas our Social Justice Coordinator and his many student helpers.

I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful work of our Year 12’s around the “World’s Greatest Shave” fundraiser driven

by Jeremy Safi and the “Pink Stumps day” driven by Kaylee Magrath raising a staggering $7,600 for the Leukaemia foundation

and $1200 for the McGrath Breast cancer foundation respectively. Well done!!!

Sydney Independent Catholic Colleges Rugby League

Congratulations to Jeremy Safi and Jayden Brailey recently selected in the SICC opens Rugby League team and to

Blayke Brailey, Kyle Flanagan, Dean Tatsis and Dylan Xerri selected in the Under 15’s SICC team to compete at the NSW

Combined Catholic College carnival in Term 2. Best of luck to these boys and well done to all those others who trialled last

week.

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2012 ESSA-Essential Science Skills Assessment

The College recently received the 2012 ESSA results for our current Year 9 students. The ESSA test is an online tool that is a

state wide Science assessment program based on the NSW Science Years 7-10 syllabus, which mandates the teaching of science

in contexts that assist students to see the relevance of science and to make meaning of scientific knowledge, understanding,

skills, values and attitudes. The test provides information about student achievements which are then used to support learning

and teaching programs. The result scale is divided into Levels 1 to 6 (level 6 being the top end) and the Aquinas results were as

follows:

The individual student result packages will be coming home with the students on Monday 8th April.

I wish all students and their families a lovely upcoming Term 1 holiday break and look forward to all students returning

re-energised on Monday April 29th in full winter uniform

God Bless -St Thomas Aquinas-Pray for us

Robert Nastasi Acting Principal

Levels Aquinas Catholic College % State %

1-3 43.7 40.6

4-6 56.3 59.4

From Acting Assistant Principal Key Dates Week 11(A) Term 1

Anthony Hulme Acting Assistant Principal

Monday 8th April Year 6 Curriculum Day Year 12 Exams continue

Tuesday 9th April Year 12 Exams continue Year 8 Mass @ Holy Family 8:20am Year 7 online RAMP (Maths Project) Period 1

Wednesday 10th April Year 12 Exams continue

Thursday 11th April Year 12 Exams continue Year 7 Peer Support BBQ - Period 4

Friday 12th April Last day of Term - Normal school day Year 12 Exams continue

TERM 2 Monday 29th April

First day of Term - Starting Monday Week B

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Today we invited Year 6 students from Holy Family to experience the wonderful curriculum experience that Aquinas Catholic College offers. Once again we thank all the staff and students for making these Year 6 students feel welcome in our Community to celebrate the wonderful resources we have at Aquinas. Term 2 resumes on Monday 29th April. The timetable for the day will be Monday Week B. Could all parents/carers make sure students have the correct equipment for the day.

Students need to return to school in Term 2 in their winter uniforms. This includes wearing the College Blazer as the outermost garment to and from school. No jumpers and/or cardigans are to be worn as the outer garment.

We also remind the girls that stockings are to be worn (no socks), and that we ask those girls who have grown a little since last year to check the length of the uniform this week so there is enough time to get them altered. Boys must wear grey socks (no football/sports socks), and a belt at all times. Short sleeves should not be seen at any time during Terms 2 & 3. The return to school after the holidays usually presents us with a few new hairstyles. Hair should be a natural colour with no dyes/tints, braiding/beading, and for girls tied back at all times. The boys are reminded that cuts shorter than a number 3 are not permitted, and hair should be off the face and shorter than the collar. Students and parents are asked to check the uniform requirements that are published on the College website and in the student diary. Usual rules apply regarding makeup, and jewellery apply all year including the wearing of a small single sleeper/stud in the lower earlobe only for girls. We thank parents for supporting us in enforcing the published uniform requirements.

1. 5 - 32

2. (-4)2

3. Simplify the rate of 200km in 4 hours

4. Simplify the rate of 0.5km in 2 hours

5. Simplify the ratio of

Mrs Catherine Fensom Maths Teacher

MATHS DEPARTMENT RECALL CORNER

This column is included each week to encourage junior students in particular, to answer basic skills questions without the use of a calculator.

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Religious Education at Aquinas Last week Year 11 participated in their Retreat at two separate venues. The Retreat was based on the parable of the Good Samaritan, allowing students to reflect on decisions that they have made, the decisions of others, and how to make positive decisions in the future. I would like to thank Year 11 for the way that they engaged with the opportunities presented to them, the staff who journeyed with them over their three days of retreat, and Fr Phil Zadro and Fr Marc Barry for celebrating the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist with us. I would like to particularly thank Mr Peter Strudwick and Mrs Julie Monk for their work during the preparation and running of the retreats. Year 9 also had the opportunity to step away from their normal everyday life last week, and participate in their Reflection Day. The day was facilitated by Chris Doyle of Karis Ministries and gave students the opportunity to develop their relationship with themselves and others. I would like to thank students for the way that they participated in the activities and the teachers who supported them. I particularly thank Miss Catherine Kilzi and Mr Nick Pay for their leadership of the day. As we continue through this season of Easter, may we show the love, peace and light of Christ to all that we meet. Mrs Catherine Nolan Religious Education Coordinator

8 RE Test Practice

2011 Q 42

In the history of Christianity, the correct sequence of events in the early Christian Church is A. Pentecost, martyrdom of

Stephen, conversion of Paul, Council of Nicea.

B. Council of Nicea, Pentecost, martyrdom of Stephen, conversion of Paul.

C. conversion of Paul, Council of Nicea, Pentecost, martyrdom of Stephen.

D. martyrdom of Stephen, Pentecost, Council of Nicea, conversion of Paul.

Previous Questions Answer: B

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.’

John 1:5

Reflection on the Gospel

In Sunday’s Gospel (John 20:19-31) Jesus stood among the disciples after his resurrection from the dead. Thomas doubted that Jesus had appeared to them, until he saw Jesus for himself, exclaiming ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus replied to Thomas, ‘you believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe’. At the sight of Jesus, Thomas brings out the full identity of Jesus. However, Jesus says to him that those who have not seen and yet still believe are blessed – because their faith is greater than that of Thomas. This is a solemn assurance that believers of all subsequent generations are in no way at a disadvantage compared to the original disciples who saw, heard and touched the Lord. The written gospel imparts to those prepared to believe, all the knowledge necessary for a life-giving encounter with the Lord.

Adapted from a reflection by Brendan Byrne SJ

Palms Australia is a Catholic organisation which has been sending volunteers on mission for over 50 years. Palms global volunteers mentor and exchange skills in countries across Asia, Africa and the Pacific. Positions exist in education, health, administration, agriculture/farming, trades and other areas.

Pope Francis calls Catholics back to Core Values. Volunteering to share your skills is a great place to start.

Come to Palms Information Session on Thursday 2 May 6:00-7:30 PM at the Aquinas Academy, 141 Harrington St, The Rocks, Sydney. If you know anyone who may be interested in volunteering but is unable to attend, please ask them to contact Sarah Torcasio on 02 9518 9551 or at sarah@palms.org.au for more information.

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Catholic Events for Young Girls The following are events organised by the archdiocese for Young Women/Girls to help explore their faith and experience a great time with like-minded youth.

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GIFTED EDUCATION NEWS

Students are invited to enter the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards. The 2013 optional theme is: “Wherever the Wind Blows”. The aim of the Poetry Awards is to capture the imagination of school students across Australia, inspiring them with a passion for poetry and a love of country. It is a unique national project, giving Australia’s youth a voice and an opportunity to strive for excellence in literature. How to enter The competition runs from 1st March- 30th June 2013 Students may write a poem on any topic but the optional theme is: “Wherever the Wind Blows”. You are limited to up to 3 poems per student. Poems are to be no longer then 80 lines. No illustrations, graphics or decorations submitted. All entries must be submitted through the College. Please email your entry to

catherine.capovilla@syd.catholic.edu.au no later than WEEK 6 TERM 2 so that they can proofed and then submitted online.

There is an entry fee which the Gifted Education Department will pay. For further information regarding the competition please see me in the library or visit http://

www.dorothea.com.au/index.php

The categories and prizes are: Junior Secondary (Years 7 – 9) Winner: $500, trophy and prize pack Runner-up: $300 and prize pack Senior Secondary (Years 10 – 12) Winner: $500, trophy and prize pack Runner-up: $300 and prize pack I look forward to reading your entries! Mrs Capovilla Gifted Education Coordinator

YEAR 9/10 PHILOSOSPHY DAY

Are you interested in philosophy? Students in Year 9 and 10 are invited to attend Year 9/10 Philosophy Cluster Day on Tuesday 4th June at Mount Saint Joseph Milperra. Guest speaker, Professor Kerry Saunders will discuss philosophy; futurism and students will be involved in a circle of inquiry. Interested students should email me at catherine.capovilla@syd.catholic.edu.au expressing your interest in the day. Mrs Capovilla

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This week, parents of students in Years 7 and 9 will receive a letter about the NAPLAN tests that will be conducted, at the College, from 14-16 May. The NAPLAN tests are attempted by all students Australia wide and the information provides an invaluable resource for teachers to support teaching and learning programs, as well as to cater to the individual needs of our students. At Aquinas Catholic College, the results are used to identify students with specific learning needs and to support these students both in the classroom and via programs implemented by the learning support team. Such programs include the Reading Program for Year 7 students and the literacy and numeracy withdrawal by Mrs Kate Wilson and Mrs Renee Tenant. Both of these teachers also provide in-class support on a team-teaching basis. Additionally, the NAPLAN results are used by the Gifted and Special Needs departments to help inform Individual Learning Plans and determine appropriate support programs. It is vitally important, therefore, that all students in Years 7 and 9 are in full attendance from 14-16 May. Should you have made appointments for any of these days, please re-schedule so that students can sit for the NAPLAN tests. Lisa Mirabello Learning and Curriculum Coordinator

TUESDAY 14 MAY WEDNESDAY 15 MAY THURSDAY 16 MAY

Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation) Writing

Reading Numeracy (Number, Algebra, function and pattern; Measurement, Chance and data; and Space)

WOMEN IN ENGINEERING AND I.T. DAY

Last Friday 5th April, eight students from Years 9 and 10 (Breanna Chan, Kaitlyn Delaney, Isabella Krstanovski, Eryn Lara, Stephanie Rouse, Madeleine Toso, Isabella Vuceric and Kristina Yannopoulos) attended a Women in Engineering and I.T. Day at the University of Technology, Sydney. The girls were involved in a range of activities including: Building and racing a mousetrap racer Project managing a major company’s I.T.

requirements Designing and building a floating house Learning about artificial intelligence and smart

wheelchairs Designing a computer game The day provided the students with the opportunity to not only “get hands on” with Engineering and I.T. but also learn more about career opportunities and the university itself. The girls were an absolute credit to the College and it was a pleasure spending the day with them. Mrs Capovilla

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YEAR10GEOGRAPHYFIELDTRIPOnThursdayMarch21st,Year10wasprivilegedtohavebeenabletogoonanexcursiontoCronullaBeachtoextendourunderstandingofourstudyarea;CoastalManagement. Inclasswehavebeenstudyingthemanygeographicalissuesthatarethreateningthecoastofourcountry.Beinggiventheopportunitytogoand see the many issues that are involved in coastal management as well as learning about themanagementstrategiesthatthecouncilhasimplementedtoalleviatetheconsequenceswasinstrumentalforourassessmentpreparation.Wewerealsoextremely luckytohavehadprofessionalgeographersasourexcursionguidesontheday;andundertheirsupervisionweevenparticipatedinsomeofthe ieldworkexperimentsthatgeographersusetogatherdataabouttheland!Someofwhichincludemeasuresandduneincline/decline,comparinghistorical photographs with their modern equivalents, identifying vegetation and measure Aeolianprocessesusingananemometer.Thehighlightofthedaywasseeinghowgeographersanalysetheirdatatomakeinferencesandconclusionsregardingtheecologyoftheland.Overall the irst‐hand experience we gained on this excursion as well as the basic understanding ofgeographicaljargonandthe ieldtechniquesusedbygeographerswasofgreatbene ittoourstudiesandhelpedtheentiregradetopreparefortheirexam.Nottomentionthedayinitselfwasagreatbreakfromourusualscheduleandlotsoffun!IwouldliketothankourteachersfortheefforttheyputintoorganisingthisexcursionforthegradeaswellasourguidesatCronulla.JamesCarroll10Red

PEER SUPPORT: COPING

During Peer Support, students will consider a range of coping strategies they could use to enable them to persevere in a situation and become more resilient. They will be encouraged to recognise the importance of asking for help if they find themselves in a situation they find difficult to manage, and to work out who they can turn to and include in their personal support network. Miss Kilzi, Mrs Murphy and Mrs Morris – Peer Support Facilitators

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On Friday 22th March 30 swimmers represented the College at the Southern Sydney Combined Catholic Colleges swimming carnival at Caringbah. Once again we had a strong squad, achieving some exceptional results – “Super fish”, Jake Baggaley broke 4 records on the day:

- 50m Breaststroke in a time of 31.87 sec (3.07 seconds better than the previous record) -100m breaststroke in a time of 1.08.95 (a ridiculous 6.98 seconds better than the previous record) -100m Backstroke in a time of 1.04.51(1.96 sec better than the previous record) - 200m Individual Medley in a time of 2.14.03 (an amazing 11.75 sec better than the previous record)

Nicholas Capovilla broke the 14 years 50m Butterfly in a time of 29.91sec (1.40 sec better than the previous record) Elysia Mayne broke the 12 years 50m backstroke in a time of 38.72 sec ( 1.40 sec better than the previous record)

Overall our College placed third, while Elysia Mayne (U12s), Nicholas Capovilla (U14s) and Jake Baggaley (17+) were all named Southern Sydney Age Champions. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement! Five students were successful in progressing to the next level at Homebush on Friday 30th April where they will represent Southern Sydney. Congratulations to Jake Baggaley (50m freestyle and breaststroke, 100m backstroke, breaststroke and 200 individual medley), Marcus Baggaley (50m breaststroke and butterfly), Nicholas Capovilla (50m freestyle, backstroke and butterfly,100m freestyle and 200m individual medley), Elysia Mayne (50m freestyle, backstroke and butterfly and 100m freestyle) and Barron Si (50m breastroke). Also Nicole Miro will swim in the Multi class category in 50m Freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke and 100m Freestyle. We are also waiting to see if our distance swimmers have been successful in qualifying. Thank you to our wonderfully supportive parents who cheered on the team and also Mia Papakostas and Paige Bonham who were timekeepers on the day. Thank you Kurt Joyner, Andrew Nielsen and Tom Carr who swam at short notice and did exceptionally well in the Boys Senior Relay. Finally, congratulations to all of the students for their fantastic efforts in the pool and your outstanding behaviour. Well done Aquinas. Cathy Capovilla Team Manager

On Tuesday 26th March, students representing Aquinas participated in the Swans AFL Cup at Waratah Oval Sutherland. The gala day competition consisted of an under 16’s and opens team from Aquinas that were very competitive. The 16’s side won all three games on the day but weren’t successful enough to get to the grand final due to their for and against. The opens were strong and competitive in their three matches they played despite not winning any. With very close scores in all games the boys enjoyed the experience, despite only three players actually playing AFL in the side. The players would like to thank Mr Tegg, Mr Smith and Mr Sacca who gave up their time to coach and train the sides on the day. Well done to all the boys involved! Bradley Dwyer Year 12

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Year 7 camp is always an amazing experience for both students and staff and the 2013 Year 7 camp was no exception! I am a firm believer that the best learning happens when students challenge themselves to get out of their ‘comfort zone’ and move into their ‘courage zone’. That’s what camp is all about, providing an opportunity for students to realise their potential and do something they never thought possible. Whether it was on the flying fox, abseiling tower, rock climbing, challenge ropes, bushwalk, raft building or the exhilarating giant swing I saw each and every student giving their best. Seeing students push themselves despite their own fears and doubt was an inspiring sight, something that as parents you should all be proud of. The camp also offered a unique way for the year 7 pastoral team to get to know their students and for the students to see a different side to their teachers. I know the students enjoyed pulling their teachers to the very top of the giant swing, taking maybe a little too much delight in our own fears. I would like to personally thank all the teachers: Miss Millar, Miss Dickinson, Miss Petrie, Mr Tegg, Mr Sacca, Mrs Panagio, Mrs Lennon, Mrs Lavilles-Reyes and Mr Smith who generously gave up three days away from their family and a lot of sleep to ensure your children had a great camp experience. To finish my favourite memory from the camp was how incredibly supportive and encouraging the students were of each other and the staff. Whether it was a close friend, a new acquaintance or a teacher completing an activity every student was there shouting encouragement and cheering them on – it was a very proud moment to be Year 7 Coordinator. Mr Cullerton Year 7 Coordinator

A few comments about camp from Year 7 “I myself did things that I never thought I could do. The giant swing for me was a great highlight of the whole camp – it really pushed me to dare myself and give it a go. I had a blast!” - Katerina Tsvaris 7 Silver “Abseiling was another breath-taking experience, when you lean back and feel like you’re about to fall your whole body is shaking. It is the scariest but also the best feeling out of all the activities!” - Marcus Tiller 7 Green “Kate (our guide) showed us a tree that had been struck by lightning and was burnt on the inside while the outside was ok. Then we built a fire with sticks in the shape of a Tepee, Kate explained this was the best way to make a fire. When the fire was built and lit we roasted marshmallows.” - Alexander Firtko 7 Purple “My favourite moment on camp was seeing people giving it a go and finishing the activity smiling and seeing a very different side to our teachers.” - Tiana Harb 7 White “I was able to conquer my fear of heights! All the guides, teachers and students showed me there was absolutely nothing to worry about and that it was able to be done.” - Jonathan Low 7 Red “I was so thrilled when I saw the activities, I couldn’t stop smiling! I participated in the activities only because of the encouragement of my peers and teachers. Without their support I wouldn’t have done the things I participated in” - Samantha Coelho 7 Blue

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ArtExpress excursion - Visual Arts

On the 13th of March, Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students visited the ArtExpress exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW. ArtExpress displays the most successful Bodies of Work from the 2012 HSC. Being able to view these works was inspiring and will help prepare us for the challenge of creating our own Body of Work. On the day we also participated in a study morning which consisted of lectures from three exhibiting students, giving their first-hand experiences and own advice on the subject. The day was very interesting and definitely beneficial.

Report by Ella Moran - Year 11 Visual Arts student

Photographs by Karina Morellini - Year 12 Visual Arts student

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CANTEEN ROSTER TERM 1

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

MONDAY 8/4 MARIA SKARENTZOS, JENNY CARR, MONICA SPOONER TUESDAY 9/4 HELP NEEDED WEDNESDAY 10/4 TRISH BENSON THURSDAY 11/4 HELP NEEDED FRIDAY 12/4 CONNIE MALLIA, CARINA POWDITCH TERM 2 MONDAY 29/4 JACQUELINE HARB, ROSALIE & BRIAN JEFFERYS TUESDAY 30/4 JO O’HARA, MARGIE DILLON WEDNESDAY 1/5 SUE GATENBY, MEL COYNE, LISA SHAW THURSDAY 2/5 SHELLI BAKER, KIM GLENIE FRIDAY 3/5 ANNE MARIE WALKER, MEGAN FEGHALI, LEANNE BROWNE

Answers:

MATHS CHALLENGE

1. -4

2. 16

3. 50km / h

4. 500m / 2h = 250m / h (cannot have a decimal)

5. ( )

Maths Department

UNIFORM SHOP

THURSDAY 11 April 8:00am - 9:00am

Please note the Uniform Shop only sells

Sports Uniforms and School bags

The Uniform Shop does not accept Eftpos or Credit cards

College caps and sports socks can be purchased from the College Office

"Opening the Heart"

Please come to "mass, talk and reflection" this Wednesday April 10th from 5.30 pm to 7 pm at St Patricks in the City. The focus of the talk is on "Opening the Heart". This is part of the Marist Laity Australia monthly meetings. Mass will start in the Church and then move to the crypt. For more information contact info@maristlaityaustralia.com or just turn up.