‘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

2nd

June, 2014 Vol.22.No.14

Just a reminder to parents and students that in Week 9 we will be having our Semester One Student / Parent / Teacher interview days on the 26th and 27th June. We have again included the Year 10 Cohort on these days and will have interviews from 8:30am until 8pm on the Thursday and again from 9am – 12noon on the Friday. Details regarding online bookings for these interviews will be made available in the near future. There will be no classes on these days and it is a College expectation that students attend these interviews with their parents in full winter school uniform. We look forward to having open three way conversations centred on learning on these days and refocussing efforts for the remainder of the year.

I was able to visit some of the Under 16s Sharks’ Knock - Out Rugby League competition held near Remondis Stadium late last week. I was impressed by the sides’ commitment and the quiet way in which they went about playing their game; despite being under pressure at certain times, in what can be a cut throat version of rugby league. The side ultimately won the competition and head now, along with the Under 13s to the State Knock - Out Championships. Well done boys and congratulations to the Under 16 coaches; Mr Roberts and Mr Burke.

Congratulations also to Jess Brogan [Year 8] on her selection as a member of the Under 15 Sutherland Representative Hockey side that will be competing in the NSW Championships held in late June in Taree. Well Done Jess!!

Please keep and Sammut family in your prayers as Chelsea’s [Year 11] and Cory’s [Year 8] grandfather passed away last week. The Lamotta family Teresa [Year 12] and Vinessa [Year 11] are also celebrating the life of their Grandfather who passed away late last week. We also pray for the repose of the soul of Vincent [Year 10] Holdom’s grandmother who also passed away last week.

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.

“Wonder is the desire for knowledge.” Thomas Aquinas

In the week we celebrated the great celebration of Pentecost, the birthday of the church, I came across this prayer and offer it for all of our young people in Year 6 who are making, or soon to make, their Confirmation; Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful And kindle in them the fire of Your love V: Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created R: And You shall renew the face of the earth Let us Pray: O God, Who instructed the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, Grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen James Corcoran Principal

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 2

Assistant Principal

Key Dates

Monday 2nd

June Year 8 & 10 Exam week Year 11 Hospitality work placement week 2015 enrolment offers posted this week Year 7 World of Maths incursion

Tuesday 3rd

June Year 8 & 10 Exam week Year 11 Hospitality work placement week NSWCCC Touch Football in Wagga Year 12 Geography field trip excursion to Cronulla

Wednesday 4th

June Year 8 & 10 Exam week Year 11 Hospitality work placement week Round 5 Debating UNSW Science Competition Day - Period 5 & 6

Thursday 5th

June Year 8 & 10 Exam week Year 11 Hospitality work placement week Cochrane Cup RL match at Aquinas - 2pm World Environment day

Friday 6th

June Year 8 & 10 Exam week Year 11 Hospitality work placement week Year 12 Biology excursion Year 12 Business Studies excursion Sport

Monday 9th June Queen’s Birthday Public holiday

Tuesday 10th June Year 11 Geography excursion to Cabramatta

Wednesday 11th

June Year 9 Parish Mass Debating Semi Finals

Thursday 12th

June College Athletics Carnival at the Ridge-full sport uniform

Friday 13th

June NSWCCC Cross country at Eastern Creek Year 7 - 2015 testing day in the JPII Hall-9.00am to 12 noon Seniors Blood bank visit during sport Year 11—2015 Enrolment packages issued during Pastoral Year 12 Chemistry excursion all day to Sydney University Sport

Week 6(A) Term 2

Week 7(B) Term 2

Robert Nastasi Assistant Principal

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 3

Religious Education at Aquinas Walk with Christ On Sunday June 22

nd the Archdiocese will be holding its annual Walk with Christ

Eucharistic procession, celebrating the feast of Corpus Christi. Starting at St Patrick’s, Church Hill, the procession will travel through the streets of Sydney, culminating with prayer and Benediction at the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral. More information can be found at https://www.sydneycatholic.org/events/Eucharist13/. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to a prayer book through their Religious Education class, which will be presented at St Mary’s Cathedral at the conclusion of the procession. Families are also welcome to contribute to the prayer book by submitting a prayer of petition to the College office, to the attention of Mrs Nolan, via email or hardcopy. Road to Rome Reflection Over the past few newsletters I have reflected on my ‘Road to Rome’ pilgrimage experience with over forty leaders, teachers and staff from CEO Sydney. After visiting Siena we travelled to Assisi, the highlight of my whole pilgrimage experience. Upon arriving in Assisi we had a guided tour of St Mary of the Angels, a Basilica built around the Portiuncola, a little Church which St Francis restored and where the Franciscan movement started. We then moved up into the old city, visiting the Basilica of St Clare, which houses the St Damiano cross which spoke to St Francis, and had the opportunity to pray before the tomb of St Clare, a companion of St Francis. The next day we had a guided tour of the Basilica of St Francis, praying before the tomb of the saint, and celebrated a private mass in a chapel belonging to the local Franciscan Friars. We then travelled up the hill to the Church of St Damiano, visiting the site where the St Damiano cross originally hung and where St Clare lived, before making our way to the Hermitage, where St Francis spent much time in contemplation and prayer. That evening we returned to the Basilica of St Clare, joining the cloistered Poor Clare sisters who live there for Vespers. Assisi is a very peaceful and spiritual place, and I valued the opportunity to deeply reflect on the lives of St Francis and St

Clare. I hope to get the opportunity to return to Assisi again in the future. After Assisi we travelled to Orvieto, where we had a guided tour of the Duomo, one of the greatest Gothic buildings in Italy. During our tour we had the opportunity to pray before a corporal stained with Christ’s blood, which dripped from a bleeding host in 1263, a Eucharistic miracle. It was this miracle which occasioned the proclamation of the feast of Corpus Christ

Mrs Catherine Nolan

Religious

Education

Coordinator

Reflection on the Gospel

On Sunday the Church celebrated the Ascension of the Lord. The first reading of this mass provided the theme of WYD 2008, ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses’. It is a reminder to all of us that we are called to witness to the message of Jesus’ compassion and justice, being witnesses to the ongoing power of the Holy Spirit to change people’s lives. Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 28:16-20) is known as the great commission, where Jesus commissioned his disciples to go out to the world and spread the good news. The writers of both the first reading and Gospel make it abundantly clear that the message of Jesus is not exclusively for the people of Israel, but for people everywhere. This is not only the mission of the first disciples, but for all Christian people.

Adapted from a reflection by Greg Sunter

Basilica of St Mary of

the Angels, Assisi

Views from the old

city in Assisi

St Francis statue at

the Hermitage

Duomo, Orvieto

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 4

GIFTED EDUCATION NEWS

NSW CRYSTAL GROWING

COMPETITION

Celebrating the International Year of Crystallography

Students in Year 7 and 8 are invited to enter the

NSW Crystal Growing Competition.

Crystals are everywhere. Sugar, salt, diamonds and emeralds are crystals and LCD computer and TV screens work

because of the many tiny crystals inside.

Enter the competition and create your own crystals within a four week period. (Please note: students will need

to be available at lunch times to work on the project/ growing of crystals)

Division: Years 7-8

Competition closes: Friday 27th June 2014

Winning entries: Displayed during Science Week and entered into a national competition

There are still two spots available so if you are in Year 7 or 8 and would like to enter the competition please

email Mrs Capovilla at catherine.capovilla@syd.catholic.edu.au expressing your interest as soon as possible.

Useful websites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdYS-3J85Pw How to grow Alum crystals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy5xgoFAcRs Grow Alum crystals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnjiEdoSEvA How to grow large Alum crystals by crystallization

http://www.kidzworld.com/article/26598-make-your-own-crystals Science Project: Grow your own crystals

Social Justice News The spirit of Aquinas Catholic College was high and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves getting involved in our annual Jersey Day. A little under $1800 was raised on the day and all money raised is going to the Charitable Works Fund – the centralised fund of the Archdiocese of Sydney for the support of charitable and pastoral activities of the Archdiocese that extend beyond the limits of any single parish. This money will be a much needed donation to this organisation and the great work that it does. As many of you would be aware, Aquinas Day will be celebrated on Thursday, Week 8, 19

th June 2014. As in

previous years, this day begins with the celebration of the Eucharist, followed by stalls and activities, and concludes with our annual staff vs student Talent Quest. Following on from last year’s success, during the stalls and activities part of the day, each pastoral class will be involved in running a stall or activity raising money for worthy causes which have already been determined by the College. The focus again, just like it was for Jersey Day is for the whole College coming together as a community while raising money for worthy causes. Within each year group, each pastoral class (individually or working with another class in the year group) will manage their own activity or food or beverage ‘business’ on the day. So, come the day, it will be all about getting out and having fun. Students will be free to move around the College with friends, eating up, having a go at the activities and in so doing help celebrate the great achievements of St Thomas Aquinas, our College Patron Saint. Peter Tsambalas Social Justice Coordinator

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 5

GIFTED EDUCATION NEWS Last Tuesday 17 students from Year 10 attended a Science and Engineering Day at ANSTO. ANSTO (Australian

Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) is a world class public research organisation which is responsible for

delivering specialised advice, scientific services and products to government industry and other research

organisations.

Students were divided into small groups and took part in a range of science and engineering challenges during the

day. The challenges included:

Stringways - students had to develop networks that convey water in the most efficient way possible.

Flight- students constructed a Styrofoam plane which was then tested and assessed for aircraft performance

ElectraCity – Using power distribution boards students simulated powering a city as cheaply as possible.

Helter Skelter Shelter – students constructed an earthquake proof tower and then tested its strength and

durability in an earthquake simulator.

Mission to Mars – students constructed a vehicle which carried a load over the undulating surface of “Mars”.

Hover Frenzy – students constructed a motorised hover craft and assessed its manoeuvrability, speed and ability.

Eco – Habitech – students built a shelter that could withstand fierce environmental tests while being as

eco-friendly as possible.

Bridge - students built a bridge out of limited materials and then tested its strength and carry – load capacity on a

testing rig.

The students are to be commended for the way in which they participated in the day and represented the College. I

hope that some of you consider Science or Engineering as a possible career in the future. Finally, thank you to

Mr Wilson for driving us to and from the venue.

Cathy Capovilla

Gifted Education Teacher

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 6

LOST PROPERTY

We have a number of items in Lost Property.

If you are missing any items please come to the office to check Lost Property

Curriculum Matters

This week Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services (www.enhanced-learning.net) ran a study skills session with Year 11. The session focused on helping students identify changes and improvements they could make to their approach to their studies in order to maximise their results in their final years of school. The main areas covered with Year 11 were setting up an effective home study environment, managing resources for school (both paper and digital), working effectively at home and dealing with distractions, managing time efficiently, using the diary as a planning tool, making brain-friendly study notes and using a wide variety of active study techniques to suit individual learning styles. Parents are encouraged to review the handout from the session with students and discuss the main areas identified where changes need to be made. Parents can also find extra study skills tips on the following website: http://studyskillstoptipsparents.com/ .

One of the most helpful things that Prue taught me was that if I break up my study sessions into 30min blocks I will get more work done without being distracted." (Lachlan Stewart Year 11)

Students also attended a session with Rocky Biasi from Human Connections (www.humanconnections.com.au). The main points of this session were how to get into the best mental and emotional state for peak performance. The students were presented with a range of techniques and strategies to help them manage stress and overwhelm, learn how to refocus on priorities and minimise mental focus on disappointments and set-backs, how to access motivation and deal with procrastination. The students also constructed a vision for HSC Success and implemented core "success" principles by using the 4 step process to set and achieve goals.

When Rocky visited Aquinas on Friday morning, he taught me that the HSC is not quite as daunting and stressful as I thought it would be. I learnt to never give up on goals and to try and stay positive throughout the whole time and even once the HSC was over. We learnt about strategies to try and eliminate negative thoughts and about how failure is not always a bad thing, yet can make me more motivated to achieve what I want. I found what Rocky had to say and his story very motivating and reassuring for not only the HSC, but being able to cope in everyday life situations. Overall, I feel as though Rocky was very encouraging and I have benefited greatly from hearing about his experiences." (Isabella Baldacchino Year 11)

Year 12 students also attended a study skills session with Prue. The session looked at advanced research about the brain and how that could be used to make their study more effective. The focus on the session was looking ahead to the Trial HSC examinations and how students can ensure they are well-prepared. The session also outlined the approach students should take to their study in the school holidays. Steps to make effective study notes were highlighted and students also examined the study techniques they traditionally used, exploring new techniques they could try.

All secondary students at our school also have access to the study skills website to help them develop their skills.

Go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and enter the username: aquinas and the password: 10success and start improving your results today! Lisa Mirabella Learning and Curriculum Coordinator

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 7

DEBATING NEWS

Last Wednesday Aquinas hosted Round 4 of the competition with our opposition being St. Patrick’s College Sutherland. Congratulations to both our Year 7 and Senior teams for winning their debate especially in light of the tough competition they faced. I would like to thank all the staff and students that assisted me in running the debate. Your help is deeply appreciated. This is the last week for the preliminary rounds of the competition so good luck to all our teams. This week our opposition is Marist College Penshurst however the actual debate will take place at Bethany College. The address is Croydon Rd, Hurstville. Could I ask that all debaters be at Bethany by 4pm. I would also like to take this opportunity to rectify an error made in last week’s newsletter. I mistakenly said that Year 9 lost their debate, however they did indeed win. So belated congratulations to those students in this team. Additionally I would also like to thank Mrs Ibrahim for volunteering her time as adjudicator for the Round 3 debate. Miss Curis Debating Coordinator

Maths Recall is included in the newsletter each week and is designed for Stage 4 and 5 or junior students. The questions may focus on Working Mathematically problems and all are intended to be done without a calculator.

1 Calculate 15% of 300km

2 Write 21/4 as a percentage

3 Simplify 0.1 : 0.4 : 2

4 Simplify

5 Simplify –2(4 - 7)

Mrs Catherine Fensom Maths Teacher

MATHS DEPARTMENT

RECALL CORNER

THE BOOK CLUB -- New to the Holy Family Parish

Come and have a cup of coffee. Meet up for friendship and

discussion

Our First Book: Where the Hell is God?

In this book Fr Richard Leonard, SJ explores the question: Why do good

people suffer?

A short book & an easy read -- only 67 pages.

“Moved by the terrible accident that left his beloved sister a quadriplegic

before she turned thirty, Richard Leonard, an Australian Jesuit priest,

tackles some of the hard questions such suffering raises.”

When: Thursday, 12th June, 9.30 am

Where: Parish meeting rooms

Price of Book: To be Advised

All Welcome!

If you would like more information or you want to come

please contact us:

(We need to have numbers to purchase the books):

Margaret: 9543 5762 email: margaret.keyes1@optusnet.com.au

Ann: 0425 271 578

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 8

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 9

‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 10

Answers:

MATHS CHALLENGE

Maths Department

1. 45km

2. 225%

3. 1 : 4 : 20

4. 5 + 3 = 8

5. +6

CANTEEN ROSTER TERM 2

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

MONDAY 2/6 MICHELLE TURNER, SYLVIA KERMECI, JACQUI HARB

TUESDAY 3/6 MICHELLE MCNABB, MELISSA TOWNSEND-CRYER

WEDNESDAY 4/6 JULIANNE LANE, PENNII CASTLE, MEL COYNE

THURSDAY 5/6 MELINDA HUMPHRY, LEANNE CARPENTER, SHELLI BAKER

FRIDAY 6/6 JENNY KNOKE, VERONIQUE THIBAULT, LOUISEBRYANT, SONIA BOGARD

JULIE BELLE

MONDAY 9/6 PUBLIC HOLIDAY

TUESDAY 10/6 ANNA SEPOKAS, MEL COYNE, JO O’HARA

WEDNESDAY 11/6 VERONIQUE ROCA, SONIA NIELSEN, KRISTEN KASPARIAN

THURSDAY 12/6 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

FRIDAY 13/6 BEATRIZ DAVIS, DASHA MCGEE, CLAIRE KOLIC, CATHY CARUCCIO

UNIFORM SHOP

THURSDAY 5 JUNE 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

Life, Marriage and Family News

Our Archdiocese will shortly be celebrating the annual

Marriage Mass and Renewal of Vows, on Sunday the

13th of July at St Mary's Cathedral. The Mass is an

opportunity for the Church community to recognize the

great blessing couples provide through their married

lives and to celebrate the dignity of married love.

Outreach Work Opportunities for

Women (WOW)

FREE COURSES

Thinking of re-entering the workforce?

Need skills in computing, bookkeeping or emerging technology for em-

ployment?

Want to study part time during school hours?

Information & Application Session

Gymea Campus Building E

1100am - 24 June 2014

For more information call Outreach Section