Our Theme - “Jesus be the centre - Find your greatness”

Sunday 13 August, 2017 – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary

Time –

“…Command me to come over to you over the water…”

(Mt 14:22-33)

Dear Parents, Guardians, Care Givers, Grandparents and Students, There are many times in our lives where we have struggled. We may have felt swamped by an event — a traumatic accident, the death of someone we love, betrayal by a friend, the loss of a job, failure in an exam — which seems to leave us floundering? Peter felt the same in this Sunday’s Gospel. He was panicking when he doubted himself and he began to drown. That is when we can cry out ‘Lord, save me’ and Jesus will extend his hand, pull us from the turbulent water, get into the boat of life with us and calm the storm. But, and this is very important, Jesus will not take us back as if by magic to the previous situation. The storm might be behind us, but we have to press on. The disciples had started off from the Jewish side of the Sea of Galilee, familiar territory. Jesus guided them through the stormy situation to “the other side”, the pagan side, unfamiliar territory where they would not have felt at home. It takes courage for us to move to a new situation, but with God’s presence we need not be as afraid as we would otherwise be. Being able to ask for assistance from God, parents, family members, teachers, friends and those people specifically trained, is important. It allows us to overcome and deal with situations we have not yet experienced. During adolescence, as with much of our lives, we must not be afraid to ask for assistance. Here at St Leo’s we continually remind our students to ask for help – where it is needed. Anything from learning, to relational and even “I forgot my lunch money”. Learning to be

Diary Dates 2017

Monday 14th August

Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations conclude

Tuesday 15th August

Feast of the Assumption

Tuesday 22nd August Year 7 – 10 Semester 1

Awards Ceremony

Wednesday 30th - Thursday 31st August

HSC Showcase

Friday 1st September Fathers Day Mass and

Breakfast 7.30am

Monday 11th September Year 11 End of Preliminary Course Exams Commence

Tuesday 12th September Year 12 Awards Ceremony

Thursday 14th

September R U OK Day

Wednesday 20th

September Year 12 Graduation

Celebrations

Thursday 21st September

Year 12 Formal at Curzon Hall

Friday 22nd September

Last Day of Classes

The Pride Newsletter Volume 37 No. 12 7th August 2017

independent is vital – but with that goes asking others for their assistance, particularly in new situations. We can row with courage in these difficult situations, because we know we are in the same boat as Peter to whom our Risen Lord constantly extends a saving hand. ‘Do not be afraid.’

Please Remember in Your Prayers Chan Kim of Year 8. We are praying for Chan and his family through a daily Novena in the College Chapel at the start of lunch. Fr David Ranson also led us in Mass last Friday. It was offered for Chan and his family. Let us continue to prayer.

Ordination St Leo’s Catholic College finds itself in the unique position to be the first school in the Diocese to have a staff member be Ordained to the Order of Deacons. Mr Adrian Gomez, who has been a teacher of Religious Studies and our Youth Ministry Co-Ordinator since January 2014, will be Ordained on Friday 11 August, 2017 at the Hornsby Cathedral commencing at 7pm. We would be delighted if you would join us in celebrating such a joyous occasion. Please RSVP by clicking here

Creative Arts / TAS Centre The construction of our Creative and Performing Arts/TAS Building is well underway. As seen in the photos the 3 storey building will join the current Berg Hall which is itself being completely refurbished and with an additional floor being added. The finished building will provide a 21st century environment and allow students to showcase their works in Visual Arts, Music, Design, Woodwork, Drama, Technology, STEM and of course Hospitality with our commercial grade kitchen. The building will allow students to spill out onto the newly created Green passive area as an outdoor learning space. I would expect completion by this time next year.

Write It Out Congratulations to the following Year 9 and 10 students who are now published authors! These outstanding young writers were recognised at the Lebanese Muslim Association launch of the Youthink Magazine, a publication that celebrates youth voice and agency. Students from 8 schools of a variety of religious affiliations across NSW participated in the program during Term 1, with the aim of promoting cultural and religious understanding and harmony. The magazine will be kept in the State Library and a copy will be in our school library. Students wrote either spoken word poems that were performed earlier in the year at a poetry slam, or feature articles about topics ranging such as toxic masculinity, body image and cultural appropriation. Cameron Hose, Freja Bennett, Harriet Bennett, Isabelle Rodriguez, Sophie McKern, Lily Hughes, Sam Molloy, Annabelle Ferguson, Alice Somerville, Eliana Stafford-Gafney.

Here is an example of one of our student’s work by Cameron Hose titled “Toxic Masculinity”. To read this fascinating piece of writing and social commentary: click here.

Band Tour At the end of last Term 33 instrumentalists travelled with Ms Williams, Ms Lemin Luu and Mr Sammut to The Gold Coast. Workshops and performances were held over the first 3 days including the Central Coast Conservatorium Big Day Out held at Lisarow High School, St Joseph's Primary School, Port Macquarie and Byron Bay Preschool. The bands performed confidently and were congratulated on their musicianship and excellent behaviour. The week was great fun and helped develop stronger friendships within the ensemble and musical cohesion needed for a developing Concert Band.

School Aerobics – A National Silver Medal at the Gold Coast last Sunday! Congratulations to all our students who competed in the National Aerobics competition in the Gold Coast with particular note of praise for Amy Cornale and Katy O’Leary who won silver in the Pairs event. Thank you to Mrs Jamie Stimson and Ms Portia Beattie for their efforts with the teams this year.

Parent Involvement and Information Evening – Thursday 10 August Please join us for our next Parent Involvement and Information evening on Thursday 10 August at 6.30pm. We will be focusing on "Raising Teens in a Hyper-Sexualized Society".

Mr AF Gleeson Principal “…Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can…” St Mary of the Cross Mackillop (2/6/1867)

From the Assistant Principal

Year 7 – 10 Semester 1 Awards Ceremony The Year 7 – 10 Semester 1 Awards Ceremony will be held on Tuesday 22 August (Week 6) from 10:15am. We welcome any members of our parent community who would like to join us for this occasion. Parents and Caregivers of award winners will receive an invitation to the awards ceremony this week.

Year 11, 2018 Subject Selection The Year 11 2018 Parent / Student / Teacher Subject Selection Interviews will be held on the following dates: • Friday 25th August from 8:45am until 4:00pm; and • Monday 28th August from 8:45am until 4:00pm The interviews are designed to assist parents and students in completing the Subject Selection Process. Each interview will go for approximately 15 minutes. The location of the interviews will be the College Library. Each student needs to bring their Subject Selection Form and Semester 1 Reports to their scheduled interview. Parents will be able to make bookings online through the PTO site from Monday 14th August. A letter explaining the process for booking the interviews will be sent this week.

Year 12 Classes Resume on Tuesday 15th August The Trial HSC examinations conclude on Monday 14th August and all classes resume on Tuesday 15th August. All Year 12 students are expected to be in attendance for the Feast of the Assumption Mass on Tuesday 15 August. Attendance is compulsory for all students until the Year 12 day of graduation. The time following examinations is an important part of students’ program of study. Important feedback will be given to students about their areas of strength and areas for further focus. Some programs of study need to be completed in this time and significant and targeted revision will be taking place. Students have the opportunity to significantly improve their results through a concentrated effort on revision and the further development of skills.

Feast of the Assumption Mass Tuesday 15th August is the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, "having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory". The College will be participating with the wider community in this celebration. We invite all of our parent community to join with us in the Eucharistic celebration. Mass will take place at 9.30am in The Light of Christ Centre.

Upcoming Events

Week 4 Thursday 10 August Parent Involvement and Information Evening –

Guest Presenters: Koblers Friday 11 August Ordination of Deacon Adrian Gomez Week 5 Monday 14 August Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations conclude Tuesday 15 August Feast of the Assumption Wednesday 16 August College Parent Advisory Group Meeting Thursday 17 – Fri 18 August Student Leadership Camp for new Prefects Week 6 Friday 25 August Year 11, 2018 Subject Selection Interviews Day 1 Week 7 Monday 28 August Year 11 2018 Subject Selection Interviews Day 2 Wednesday 30 August Visual Arts/ TAS/ Performing Arts Showcase (TLOCC) Extra Curricular Photos Friday 1 September Fathers Day Mass & Breakfast 7:30am Sunday 3 September Fathers Day Week 9 Monday 11 September Year 11 End of Preliminary Course Examinations

Commence Wed 13 September College Parent Advisory Group Meeting Thursday 14 September RU OK Day Week 10 Wed 20 September Year 12 Graduation celebrations Thurs 21 September Year 12 Formal Curzon Hall Friday 22 September Last Day of Classes for Term 3

Cancer Council Relay for Life St Leo’s have this year entered a team in Hornsby’s Relay for Life, under the guidance of Mrs Gower (Admin) who has joined the organising committee in a volunteer capacity. We would invite staff, students and families to join us in this worthy cause and help raise awareness and funding to fight cancer in our community. A cake stall at the recent relay launch has earned the St Leo’s team just over $300 towards our $2000 goal. If you are unable to join the team at the Relay but wish to be involved in some way, we would welcome sponsorship/donations – these can be made via the following link. http://fundraising.cancer.org.au/site/TR?team_id=56026&pg=team&fr_id=4906 Year 11 students will be assisting Mrs Gower with co-ordinating our involvement. There is a flyer containing information at the back of this newsletter. If you have any questions, please email joanna.gower@dbb.catholic.edu.au.

From the Youth Minister Salvatorian Youth Gathering 15yrs+ Mercy leads to compassion The Salvatorians invite you to the next Youth Gathering at Pymble Catholic Parish on Sunday 13th August at 6pm. Guest speaker: Rev Fr David Ransom (Vicar General of Broken Bay Diocese) Come join us for Mass, socialising, supper, talk and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament!

How can parents help during stressful assessment times? The second semester often heralds blocks of examinations or assessments for students. Some students cope well with the pressure and stress while others find it overwhelming. Of course, the more prepared students are, the less stress they are likely to experience. Encourage students to start their preparation for examinations and assessments early, in particular their study notes. If your student has examination blocks this semester, these tips will help you provide the support they need. Lifestyle makes a big difference to results: healthy eating, lots of water, lots of sleep, exercise and time for relaxation are essential. Make sure students are eating as healthily as possible. Provide healthy snacks and drinks and healthy meals. It is important that students look after their health during this period as stress can take a huge toll on the body. A nutritious diet and a bit of exercise not only help students think more effectively, but will help them deal with stress as well. Some students will try and sacrifice sleep during this time, remind them that

the last stage of memory takes place while students are sleeping. Ask students what they need from you and what you can do. Offer to help with revision, to go and buy any books or stationery needed. Be their personal assistant and help with exam timetables, preparation, lunches etc. Many students find it helpful if their parent tests them on

the material they need to memorise. Focus on a positive outlook and personal best: encourage students to be proud of their successes and what they achieve and constantly assure them that all you want is for them to do the best they can and walk away feeling proud of their efforts this year. Praise the effort they put into their study. Avoid criticism and negativity. Remember there are always multiple

paths in life for your student to get to where they want to go. Keep communication lines open. Listen. See if you can have a weekly meeting to give students a chance to talk through where they are with each subject and what is going on and if they are having any difficulties. Remember that you are the convenient target for anger (that isn’t really directed at you) but you also might be a good shoulder to cry on. Seek

professional help if you feel your student is not coping and needs it. If students are stressed or worried, first let them vent, then talk together ways they could approach their issues. Who could they talk to at school on ways to improve or ways to manage their stress? What outside resources do they have? What is it they feel most anxious

about? Is there specific help they need? What can parents do to help? You and your student can learn more about how to study effectively at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units. Username: leos Password: community For further information or queries, please refer them to Angelo Solomonides, the Leader of Senior Academic Care at angelo.solomonides@dbb.catholic.edu.au

St Leo’s has launched Qkr (by MasterCard) as an easy to use, secure phone app for making school payments from your mobile phone. Qkr will accept payment using ANY credit/debit card (except American Express) and has a simple checkout function. No info is stored on the mobile phone. We are encouraging all credit card payments to be completed through Qkr particularly for school fees or other special events etc. Step 1. Download Qkr! on your Android phone or iPhone. iPad users can download iPhone App. App Store or Google Play Step 2: Register Select your Country of Residence as ‘Australia’ and follow the steps to register Step 3: Find St Leo’s Catholic College Wahroonga Search for St Leo’s Catholic College School Step 4: Register your Children When first accessing your school menu, you will be prompted to register your child. This allows you to make school payments on their behalf. Note: The Qkr web client is available for those not wanting to complete transactions from their mobile phone. About the Qkr! App Qkr is a safe, secure and reliable way to pay for school items. Qkr Is provided by MasterCard so you know the payments are secure. No information is stored on your phone. Registration details and card information are saved securely on the MasterCard network. Qkr will accept payment using ANY credit/debit card (except American Express).

Help wanted – Yearbooks Anyone willing to donate or loan St Leo’s Yearbooks for the College Archives. Please contact Sarah Szacsvay on 0421 082 909 or leave at College Reception. We are seeking copies of 1966 to 1973, 1978, 1979, 1987, 1993 and 1995. Thank you.