‘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 PRINCIPAL

AQUINAS CATHOLIC COLLEGE MENAI

17th February, 2015 Vol.23.No.3

Last Wednesday we welcomed back the distinguished achievers of the HSC from the Class of 2014 at the Aquinas Assembly in John Paul II Hall. A number of special guests were able to join us including our guest of honour, Dr Michael Bezzina, the Director of Teaching & Learning CEO, Sydney, Dr Mark Turkington, Director of the Southern Region, CEO, Sydney, Mr Michael Blowes [Secondary Consultant from the CEO Southern Region], our Parish Priest Fr Phil Zadro, Mr Brian Cloney a Director of Club Central Menai, Mrs Julia Zuza of the Parent Representative Group, parents, grandparents, friends, and most significantly, the returning members of the class of 2014. Subject Duces were presented with certificates and the 16 students who achieved ATARs of 90 and above were also presented with Aquinas Shields for their commitment and dedication in reaching such a noteworthy standard in academic proficiency. A separate newsletter will shortly be published outlining each student’s accomplishments and those of the entire cohort.

We were also able to acknowledge those students in Year 7 & 9 in 2014 who achieved outstanding NAPLAN results. Congratulations to:

Jimmy Arfanis Hamish Baldacchino Caitlin Bell Steven Celi Chloe Cotter Joseph Davis Benjamin Ferraro Faith Savellis James Selas Jonah Wheatley

Jessica Arfanis Lachlan Bowmer Nathan Frith Kayla Green Renee Gritter Kaelan Hunter Mikayla Jee Tamara Lastro Olivia Lavidis Casey O’Leary

Both Dr Bezzina and our Dux for 2014, Rebecca Odewahn spoke about the culture of learning and the educational significance of the HSC. Interestingly, both speakers clearly articulated the importance of risking failure to achieve success in learning and the need to develop learning strategies that suit you and then committing to it. Also central to Rebecca’s reflection was that despite the pressures of the HSC was the message; to make the most of your time, particularly study periods and to remain calm, and to make the most of your most valuable resources; your family, friends and teachers.

2014 College Dux Rebecca Odewahn & Mark Turkington CEO, SR Director 2014 High Achievers, ATARS 90+

A high ATAR and or topping a subject does not encapsulate 13 years of education; learning is far more than a number or a placing but it is aspiration and one that need to set goals that are both realistic and hopeful. Our class of 2014 were challenged at our Opening School Mass last year to make their year one founded not on wishes but on hope. Wishes are ephemeral, hope starts people thinking and taking action. The class of 2014 took communal action and they did in their own unique style.

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Their catch phrase for the year was taken from “Finding Nemo” and was to “Just keep swimming” and they did just that, throughout a year that was one that all of them found difficult at times. They took advantage of the educational opportunities we are all lucky enough to share in @ Aquinas and have left a tangible legacy that will endure the test of time and provide those that follow the current learners @ Menai [as they follow their predecessors] with an example that will allow them to face the challenges of their environment with faith and confidence. We look forward now to the way in which our Class of 2015 follow the example of their predecessors that stretches back to 1998.

2014 Year 7 NAPLAN High Achievers 2014 Year 9 NAPLAN High Achievers

Today is Shrove Tuesday and tomorrow sees the beginning of Lent, a time that allows for reflection, prayer, penance, fasting and action. Our students will have the opportunity for all of these as they journey towards the Cross and Easter. Whilst the action of Lent is often linked with fundraising and alms giving, action can also be prayerful and I hope habit forming, to last beyond the forty days before we mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

St Thomas Aquinas Pray for us!

Please keep the Dailly family in your prayers as Keira [Year 9] and Tasmin’s [Year 12] great grandfather recently passed away.

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

James Corcoran Principal

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Assistant Principal

Robert Nastasi

Assistant Principal

Key Dates

Monday 23rd February Year 12 Physics excursion

Tuesday 24th February Year 7 Peer Support program Period 1

Student Leaders Pentecostal meeting

Wednesday 25th February Year 9 Parish Mass at 8.20am

Year 9 Reflection Day with Chris Doyle in the JPII Hall

Year 12 Drama excursion to SCVC Burwood

Thursday 26th February Year 12 Geography excursion to Pyrmont

Year 12 Music excursion to SCVC Burwood

Year 7 Parent Social Night at the College-6.30pm to 8.30pm

Friday 27th February Public Speaking Round 1

Year 11 Senior Science/Biology

Year 12 English students excursion/lectures for HSC

Sport

Monday 16th February College Swimming carnival at Sutherland Pool

Tuesday 17th February SSCCC RL U/15's and Opens East trial at Aquinas Catholic College

Year 7 Peer Support program Period 5

Wednesday 18th February Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday liturgies in Year groups during Period 6

Thursday 19th February Pastoral lesson during Period 4

Friday 20th February Sport

Senior Blood Bank visit

Week 5 (A) Term 1

Week 4 (B) Term 1

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AT AQUINAS REFLECTIONS ON OUR 2015 THEME If our words are an indication of our hearts’ quality so then are our actions. Our actions have an impact on the outside world but also reveal the nature of our inner world. It is often said that actions speak louder than words. St Francis of Assisi is often attributed with the quote “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words!” What Francis and Jesus are getting at is the importance of being genuine. Are we being genuine to ourselves? Are we being genuine to each other? THE GOOD NEWS: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mark 1:40-45 Jesus Cleanses a Leper 40 A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling[p] he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me

clean.” 41 Moved with pity,[q] Jesus[r] stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do

choose. Be made clean!”42 Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 After sternly

warning him he sent him away at once, 44 saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go,

show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to

them.” 45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus[t] could no

longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

MR. O’CONNOR SAYS…

It is easy to focus on what Jesus does in this story. Jesus has the power to heal but it is important for us

to realise what we need to do to access that power. This passage begins and ends with the answer. The

leper came to Jesus (Mark 1:40). After his encounter the Leper proclaimed freely what Jesus had done

for him, even though Jesus asked him not to. As a result “people came to him from every quarter.” (Mark

1:45) If we want to encounter Jesus we need to make the move. Go to Him! Steve O’Connor

Religious Education Coordinator

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Duke of Ed News

Bronze

This weekend saw another group of students complete their Bronze Practice

Journey.

The students completed the Heathcote-Waterfall loop which saw them camp

at Kingfisher Pool. Although the site was busy with other hikers, the group

managed to find a secluded camp site, close to the refreshing pools. The

group spent much of the first afternoon swimming and enjoying the

waterfalls, as well as discovering the hidden caves. After enduring an

afternoon shower, the rain held off long enough to cook dinner and play

some mind boggling night games!

We had an early start the following day, with the group being led out by

Miah-Rose Lake (Year 11) who was completing her Bronze Qualifying

Hike. In addition to some blistering pace and Miah's awesome orienteering

skills (for most of the way!) the group reached the finishing point in record

time!

Once again thank you to the guides at Sydney Coast Walks and Miss Flegg

for your continued guidance, and a big congratulations to the group for

completing their Practice Journey

Mr Pay

Everyday Saints - Youth Ministry @ Aquinas

Mr Corcoran spoke about Pope Francis and Everyday Saints during last week’s opening school mass. So why not get involved this year! You can become an ‘everyday saint’ in sharing your thoughts and ideas in participating in growing in faith activities.

World Youth Day will be a main focus that you can be involved in. You can have a chance to go on pilgrimage to Pope John Paul II home town, Krakow in POLAND in 2016!

Anyone interested in getting involved in the Catholic life of Aquinas through participating in mission and growing in faith activities is to meet Miss Kilzi on:

Meeting Wednesday 18th

February,

Week 4, Lunch 1 in Room 15.

Everyone is welcome. Bring your lunch.

Miss Kilzi Youth Ministry Coordinator

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ROSES DAY Many thanks to Steve Roberts, the Year 12 pastoral teachers, Catherine Kilzi, Phil Knight, other staff and of course the Year 12 students for all their work Friday morning with roses and the bbq.

Also a big thanks to the Year 11 who decorated the school so beautifully.

Somehow we managed to de-thorn, wrap, tag and sort over 1000 roses in less than 2 hours, while also having a BBQ breakfast.

All money raised will go to Project Compassion and the Lenten Appeal.

Hope you had a lovely Valentines day!

Yours in love and charity, Mrs Monk

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eLe@rning 2015

Devices

A big thank you to all parents/carers who have organised the device for their child in 2015. It is a requirement of the College that

every student should bring a fully charged device to school everyday. The only device in Year 7 & 8 is an iPad. In Years 9 – 12

a laptop must be the device used. We have discussed with the students that iPads and tablets are not suitable for the students and

assignments/tasks in Years 9 – 12. That College has not specified the brand of the laptop device. That choice is one to be

decided by the parent/carer.

Textbooks – Endeavour Education

Students in Years 7 – 10 have been provided with a username and password. Where available we have tried to keep the CeNET

username and textbook username the same. The password was indicated on the booklist from Endeavour Education.

Due to the large number of students downloading textbooks from numerous schools, it has been suggested to try downloading

chapters or books afterhours at home. We thank you for your understanding with the downloads.

Any concerns with downloading should be directed to the College so we can contact the provider.

Year 10 students

A large number of Year 10 students have not picked up their device from 2014. Could I ask these students to make contact with

the library to collect these if you indicated you wanted them cleaned. A reminder to the remaining students and parents, that the

device that was used as part of the DER must be returned and software cleaned due to licensing agreements. A reminder will be

sent to the students who need to return the device as soon as possible.

Device Safety

A reminder to all students that they should know where their device is at all times. Do not leave your bags

unattended at local shopping center’s or shops. We strongly recommend using Apps such as ‘Find my iPad’

as extra security for misplaced devices.

User Agreement Forms

All students should have returned their User Agreement form. This agreement must be signed by a parent/carer. Any student

who does not return the Agreement Form will have access to the College network restricted.

Mr Hulme

eLearning Coordinator

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SPORT - NSWCCC The Registration process for trials for CCC teams have changed. To nominate for consideration the following process needs to be followed. REGISTRATION PROCESS ON WEBSITE

1. Go to www.csss.nsw.edu.au website

2. On top right hand side of page, click LOGIN. If you don’t have a login or you have forgotten your login, go to the HELP button (located on the top right hand side written in Blue)

3. Once you are logged in, go to the NSWCCC Home Page.

4. Click on (Individual Sport you wish to trial for)

5. Click on Register

Please complete the registration process.

8. Click on “Register for this Sport” at the bottom of the page.

9. An email will be sent to your Sport Coordinator for approval and consent.

10. You will also be required to pay online for individual sports which must be done before the event. Please allow 7-10 days for administration to process. (this is not done automatically)

11. You can login to your account at any time to view sport coordinator approval

NSWCCC Entry into individual Sports and Team Sports

TEAM SPORT ENTRIES Southern Sydney Combined Catholic Colleges is the pathway for our students to progress to the NSWCCC Championships and NSWCCC selection. SSCCC run trials for the following teams: Baseball U/15 and Open Rugby League Swimming Soccer Rugby Union Cross Country U/15 and Open Touch Athletics If students wish to trial for the SSCCC teams there is a school trial first, before they progress. When students are successful in making the school team they will be asked to register on the NSWCCC website to progress to the SSCCC selection. Individual Entries NSWCCC selection trials are run for the following sports which are either individual sports or sports which do not have a selection championship.

AFL Cricket Diving Golf Hockey Netball Softball Tennis Triathlon Volleyball Waterpolo These Sport trials are for those students who perform at an elite level rather than just having a go. Therefore students are only progressed to the trials if they demonstrate the necessary skills in that sport for the NSWCCC standard. Sport experience is offered during Friday afternoon sport, weekday afternoon and weekend sport. As you can imagine with over 150 Catholic High schools, if every school sent a bunch of kids to have a go, the trial would soon blow out to a gala day and the NSWCCC selection trial would not serve it purpose of progressing the correct students to NSW All Schools and National level. If you are interested in finding out more information on NSWCCC trials and events please look at the website, or email me at mark.barnes@syd.catholic.edu.au. Mark Barnes Sports Coordinator

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Each week Maths Recall is included in the newsletter to encourage junior students to regularly focus on non calculator skills. Please show your answers to your maths teacher during your next lesson, as it shows interest and excitement about mathematical skills. 1. 8 is greater than 3. Replace the words with

mathematical symbols

2. Find 10% of $65

3. Evaluate 4 + 6 x 3 — 3

4. Evaluate 23

5. Evaluate 0.3 x 0.2

Mrs Catherine Fensom Assistant Mathematics Coordinator

MATHS DEPARTMENT RECALL

CORNER

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UNIFORM SHOP

THURSDAY 19 February 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

PLEASE NOTE PRICES HAVE CHANGED

AND PRICELIST IS ON WEBSITE

CANTEEN ROSTER TERM 1

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

MONDAY 16/2 SWIMMING CARNIVAL

TUESDAY 17/2 MARY-ELLEN ROONEY, KARINA MICHAEL

WEDNESDAY 18/2 JACKIE TORO, LIBBY YIP,

THURSDAY 19/2 ZEFFY DELHAS, SARAH RAYMOND, ANN-MARIE WALKER

FRIDAY 20/2 FIONA EDGAR, KAREN WILLSON, KATE BELL, NICOLE DENOBREGA

THEODORA KONTOGIORGIS

MONDAY 23/2 TIFFANY KUNZE, MONICA STEEL, JACQUELINE HARB, KEVIN HUFF

TUESDAY 24/2 JO O’HARA, NICOLE KRAUSE, CAROLINE RAMSAY

WEDNESDAY 25/2 DIANE FIRTKO, PHILIPPA MCGUINESS, BELINDA SELBY

THURSDAY 26/2 JANE LEGHISSA

FRIDAY 27/2 SARINA PANTAZIS, JULIE CUPITT, ANNE MAREE SIPEK

Answers:

MATHS CHALLENGE

Maths Department

1. 8 > 3

2. $6.50

3. 19

4. 8

5. 0.06

CANTEEN NEWS

No meat or chicken products available on

Ash Wednesday (18 February) or

Fridays during LENT

Hash Browns $1.00

Mini Spring Rolls pkt 3

with sweet & sour sauce $2.00

Cheese & Tomato pizza slabs

will be available $3.00

Cheese & Spinach Triangles $3.50

Small Ricotta & Spinach Rolls $2.50

Mixed Vegetable Roll $3.50

Greek Salad & Garden Salad $3.50

Falafel Wrap $4.50

(lettuce, tomato and hommus)

Fried Rice $3.00

Salad Sandwiches / rolls

Tuna / Salmon / Egg / Cheese also available

Cheese & Bacon rolls will be replaced

by Cheese rolls on Fridays during Lent &

Ash Wednesday