‘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

31st October, 2016 The Year of Mercy Vol.24.No.32

Some of our HSC students have completed their formal public examinations and many face only one more exam.

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they face the prospect of waiting for results and discerning their

post school pathways. We are very grateful for the support of the Holy Family Year 6 families who have “adopted” a

Year 12 student to pray for during this stressful time. I am also appreciative of the support from Fr Mani and the

wider Parish as they publically pray for the entire Year 12 cohort. We are indeed blessed to part of such a

connected Catholic community.

At last term’s Farewell Assembly for the Class of 2016 we were able to incorporate a handover to the Year 12

student leadership team for 2017. In a symbolic way leadership was handed over to the incoming class with our

2016 leaders handing over our icon of St Thomas Aquinas, College Candle & House Patron Icons. Congratulations

to the following students on their appointments:

College Captains Kayla Green Matthew Mulligan College Vice Captains Lachlan Bowmer Kiara Heyward La Salle House Captains Chelsea Cryer MacKillop House Captains Leah Anderson Daniel Ferraro Bradley Hunt Nagle House Captains Abby Catalano Rice House Captains Christian Guajardo James Roumanos Olivia Lavidis I would encourage families to have their Year 7 – 10 students take advantage of the “Study Club” being held each

Tuesday, & Thursday afternoon in the College Fr Denis Foley Resource Centre in preparation for the upcoming end

of year exams in Week 6. I would also like to acknowledge the generosity of staff in being available to supervise

and assist students in their personal study after school.

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A reminder to all students and families to make use of the Enhanced Learning Educational Services [ELES] Study

Skills Handbook website that the College has subscribed to. To access the handbook visit the website;

www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and use the following Username and Password:

Username Aquinas

Password 10success

There is no such thing as “Good Luck” in exams, only good preparation! James Corcoran Principal

FEE INFORMATION

Reminder to all Fee payers that your 2017 School Fee Information Form must be returned to the College Office. The information on the form is particularly important for sibling discounts as per the Schedule of Fees.

Please note that if form is not returned then the system may charge full fees and your payment frequency will be Standard.

Should you require another form, please email accounts@aquinasmenai.catholic.edu.au

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Key Dates Week 4(A) Term 4

Monday 31st October HSC continues this week

Peer Support 2017 Training Day

Tuesday 1st November ‘AWE’ (Academic Writing Excellence) program for all Year 7-10 students during morning Pastoral

Wednesday 2nd November Year 8 Parish Mass today at 8.20am

Thursday 3rd November Year 11 English Studies Excursion

Friday 4th November Summer Sport

Monday 7th November Final week of normal lessons before Exam week next week

Tuesday 8th November ‘AWE’ (Academic Writing Excellence) program for all Year 7-10 students during morning Pastoral

Wednesday 9th November Year 10 Parish Mass today at 8.20am

Thursday 10th November College Assembly Period 4

Year 12 Formal – Doltone House, Pyrmont 6pm

Friday 11th November Remembrance Day

Summer Sport

Week 5(B) Term 4

Anthony Hulme Acting Assistant Principal

Acting Assistant Principal

Punctuality This week the students will be challenged in regard to punctuality. At the end of break times students need to move to their next class as soon as possible. Students who are late will receive a Demerit. With the onset of slightly warmer weather some students are using an excuse of filling a water bottle – this refilling should be done during the break time not at the end. A reminder to all that School starts at 8:40am. Year 11 Preliminary Reports At the end of last week, the Year 11 Preliminary Reports we released online. Parents/Carers can access SEQTA Engage to view and download these academic reports. These reports represent a student’s results at the completion of the Year 11 Preliminary Year. Any Parent/Carer who has access issues with SEQTA Engage is asked to call the College Office so your details can be reset. Devices for 2017 The specifications for devices for 2017 has not changed in regard to hardware. The College website has a list of device specifications under the link listed on the home page. The College does not recommend mini sized laptops and tablets in any format. These devices have proven costly for parents due to significant and unspecified repairs. Communications – SMS and Email The communications error that was reported last week was resolved by the carrier last Wednesday. All SMS and email messages should be back to normal. Parents are reminded that the attendance SMS is a courtesy reminder but if a parent had concern a phone call to the College office to confirm attendance is always suggested. Opal Cards Last week we have been reminded by Transport NSW that students MUST hear the chime on the Opal Card reader to log the trip when they get on and off the vehicle (bus and train). If trips are not recorded a service may be reduced. This message is of

particular attention for those catching the M92 service. Students in their rush to get on and find a seat are not using their cards correctly. Data is showing a significant number of students are not doing the requested procedure correctly. Students who do not

have a correctly registered card must pay the requested fare to the driver.

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CATECHISTS - PARISH VOLUNTEERS Did you know that just over 55% of Catholic children in the southern region of Sydney attend state schools? Unlike your

children who receive faith based education every day, state school students receive 30 minutes once a week. These “Scripture

lessons” are provided by Catechists – parish volunteers who share their faith with children from Kindergarten to Year 6 at

Lucas Heights, Menai, Tharawal, Alfords Point, Illawong and Bangor Public Schools.

We have a wonderful network of Catechists at Holy Family Parish and we are always delighted to welcome new people. If you

would like to know more about becoming a Catechist and the curriculum, resources, training and support available, there will be

two opportunities on Monday 21st November 2016.

There will be a short information afternoon at 2:30pm (just before school pick up time!) and another at 7pm. This is an

obligation free opportunity to see the materials and speak to current Catechists about the role and what is involved in this very

rewarding ministry.

Please RSVP to Ter r i Casey (Catechist Co-ordinator) on 0409 390 829 or terrica@bigpond.com for catering purposes.

If you are unable to attend the information sessions, but would like to know more about the Catechist role, please feel free to

contact Terri on the number/email above. Thank you.

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WYD POST FORMATION SESSION On Thursday 27th October, WYD16 pilgrims gathered after school for their post WYD formation session. The afternoon was led by Catholic Youth Services. The session was a great opportunity for students to be able to reflect and get involved in various activities. Many thanks to Jess Flegg for her ongoing support with the pilgrims. Miss Catherine Kilzi Youth Ministry Coordinator

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:

Sunday 13 November at 6pm

Check out the “Holy Family Youth

Movement” Facebook page.

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BANDANNA DAY

Social Justice @ Aquinas

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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 14th November to Friday 19th November

Times: Morning session - 8:50am to 12.45pm

Afternoon session - 1:15pm to 3:05pm

All Day - 8:50am to 3:05pm (Morning Tea and Lunch provided)

No specific skills or knowledge needed

PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SEMESTER 2 EXAMS

Learning and Curriculum Matters

This Week’s Assessment Tasks

2016 HSC Timetable Week 4

Lisa Mirabello Leader of Teaching and Learning

Monday 31st October

Physics Tourism, Travel & Events (VET)

9.25am – 12.30pm 9.25am – 11.30am

Construction English Extension I

1.55pm – 4pm 1.55pm – 4pm

Tuesday 1st November

Economics Dance Section I Dance Section II

9.25am – 12.30pm 9.25am – 10.50am 10.40am – 12noon

Visual Arts 1.55pm – 3.30pm

Wednesday 2nd November

Legal Studies 9.25am – 12.30pm Food Technology 1.55pm – 5pm

Thursday 3rd November

Chemistry 9.25am – 12.30am Drama 1.55pm – 3.30pm

Friday 4th November

Business Services VET 9.25am – 11.30pm Design & Technology 12.55pm – 2.30pm

Year Subject Date

10 Music 31.10.16

10 Multi Media 31.10.16

10 Visual Art 31.10.16

8 Visual Art 31.10.16

7 PDHPE This week

10 Drama 1.11.16

10 Timber (Dea) 1.11.16

9 Multi Media 1.11.16

9 Timber 1.11.16

10 Timber (Bro) 3.11.16

11 (HSC) CAFS 3.11.16

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STUDY CLUB

EXAMS ARE COMING - and they’re

coming fast!

Improve your results by

getting some HELP.

Come to STUDY CLUB in the Library.

TUES and THURS. 3.15 – 4-30

Tues wk 4 – Tues wk 6

Work with other students

Clarify with Teacher Librarian and teachers the

things you are confused about

Get some tips on study notes and study techniques if needed

And don’t forget you can stay behind any

afternoon until 4.00pm or later any day.

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YEAR 8 REFLECTION DAY Year 8 attended their annual Reflection Day last Thursday. The day was facilitated by Michael Fitzpatrick at St. Joseph’s Conference Centre, Bringelly. While there were many moments of fun and laughter the students were asked to reflect in a mature way on topics that are often quite serious. I was very impressed with the way Year 8 responded to the day. Their answers indicate that they think deeply and feel deeply. The challenge is for them to work on the issues that they identified and to put their quality thoughts into actions. Steve O’Connor Religious Education Coordinator

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YEAR 11 REFLECTION DAY Year 11 ventured off to Bringelly for their Reflection Day last Friday. Michael Fitzpatrick conducted the day which challenged the students to think about leadership and how they could contribute to the changes they wanted to see. The students identified manners, work ethic, kindness, positivity and support as qualities that they recognised in each other. The whole group was reminded that leadership is not restricted to those who have been elected to represent the College. Leadership is for every student! Steve O’Connor Religious Education Coordinator

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On the 27th of June, the Aquinas basketball teams came home from Sutherland stadium, with a win under all their belts and the urge to push onto the next stage at the centre of their hearts. With the win still fresh in their minds, the students

trained with Mr Broady, Ms Dickinson and Ms Reyes to prepare themselves for the level of competition that we would soon meet. At 5:30 on Thursday the 20th, the students arrived, cold, but ready for a challenge. After a long bus ride out to

Hawkesbury and Penrith stadiums, the students stepped off the bus and saw what they were up against for the first time. Walking into the land of giants, equipped with their secret weapon/trainer Noah Bablis, the Year 9 and 10 boys held their

resolve. At the same time, the Year 7 and 8 boys and girls and the Year 9 and 10 girls entered Penrith stadium eager to get onto the court. The year 9 and 10 boys, met their first defeat at the hands of the St. Dominique’s boys, although they came out better for it, as they now knew what to expect for the games to come. The other teams were also defeated. Throughout

the day all teams fought and fought until the end, but to no avail. Defeated, all teams headed home, although, the results of the day did not at all reflect their attitude. The boys and girls held their heads high and spent the day sharing a laugh with

one another regardless of their previous games. All in all, the effort of the students should be highly commended. Michael Monk, Year 10

NSWCCC BASKETBALL

On Thursday 20th of October, the Junior and Intermediate boys and girls basketball teams had

an opportunity to play at the NSWCCC Basketball Tournament that was held at Penrith Sports

Stadium and Hawkesbury Stadium. We had to wake up early and be at school at 5:45 am to

allow us enough time to arrive for the first games at 8:00 am and did not arrive back at school until after 8pm. Unfortunately, the Aquinas teams did

not come away with the result we had hoped for but we kept our heads held high and we never

gave up against some very tough teams. On behalf of all the students who attended NSWCCC, we

would like to thank Mr Broady for organising this day, and also to the coaches and teachers who

attended the competition with us; Mrs Finnerty, Miss Dickinson, Mr Petrie and also Ms Moore. Halle Cambey, Year 9

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Aquinas Catholic College did very well to have four teams get through to the State competition. All of our students represented the College with pride, showing excellent sportsmanship and support for one another. Well done to the following students:

Elyse Finnerty

Year 7 and 8 Girls Year 7 and 8 Boys Year 9 and 10 Girls Year 9 and 10 Boys

Kayla Khoury Elena Cuenca Jaicy Regan Kristy McLachlan Amelia Kirgan Skye Mulholland Jasmin Hatter Chloe Cosgrove Caitlin Monk Emily Lane Grace Cameron

Kristian Arndt Samuel Blewett Michael Kerle Mitchell McDonough Julian Ricci Brayden Roeger Thomas Saad Declan Woolnough

Kalina Englezos Talia Englezos Kadlen Vasilj Jaleesa Vasilj Halle Cambey Madison Evans Alexandra Bolton Caitlyn Eshman

Jaxon Hatter Michael Monk Christian Ricci Zacchary Figueroa George Panasetis Christian Basic Ethan Bablis Aidan Puse Lachlan Thibault-Bugden Zachary Wade

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. Simplify 200% of $650 2. Find the first three multiples of 8 3. Write in ascending order (Hint convert to a common denominator first) 4. Simplify 8 : 16 : 24 5. Solve Mrs Catherine Fensom Assistant Mathematics Coordinator

MATHS DEPARTMENT RECALL CORNER

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Our immersion to Timor-Leste was one of the most amazing and life changing experiences that I have ever undertaken. To enter a country that was once filled with so much hate and violence and to see how generous, compassionate, kind and absolutely beautiful these people are was amazing. During our stay in Maliana, we visited an orphanage and the St John Bosco training school. Both places were equally as welcoming and loving and treated you as though you were so much more than just an individual. The St John Bosco school was a school that had three years and 80 students. The students live on campus and are taught four languages, English, Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesian and Tetum which is the local Timorese language, although if you spoke Tetum on campus you would be sent home for a week! Their normal school day starts at 7:45am and finishes at 4:30pm everyday from Monday till Saturday. The first years are aged between 14 and 16, the second years live off campus as they attend work placement for that school year and the third years are aged between 17 and 19. During our time at the school we walked through and introduced ourselves in numerous classes, everyone in that class was so glad to meet you and were all so excited to speak and get to know you and learn more English. To see the comparison between their school and our schools here was astounding. They valued their education so much, mainly because most of their population are uneducated and the opportunity to attend school is very limited. The orphanage was filled with children from homes with only one parent, no parents or from families that were terribly poor. These children were so beautiful, each and everyone of them different, and all with a bright sparkle in their eye as soon as we arrived. Although they did not speak much English and we didn’t speak much Tetum, we were able to interact with songs and games. Those children brought such a smile to my face. We had dinner with them for two nights. The first night we were greeted with two songs. One in particular stood out, it was sung in Tetum and spoke about the unfairness of the world and how some people were born rich and others greatly poor. The passion and emotion used throughout this song was amazing and every person sitting in that room although not knowing till the end what the song was about was so touched and filled with goose bumps. We were able to play and interact with the kids and by the second visit most children had told their friends that we were coming back and the orphanage was filled with twice as many kids as the night before. We all stood in a circle, holding hands just embracing this amazing experience that we were undertaking. The hardest part of the night was saying goodbye. How could you say good bye to these children? These children that without even knowing had changed your life completely. With hands gripped tightly we sadly had to make our way back to our bus. Arms reaching out the windows and little hands and faces peering in for the last goodbyes.

Timor was an amazing experience and without hesitation I would go again, if given the chance.

Paris Katrivesis

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UNIFORM SHOP

OPEN 3 NOVEMBER

8:00am—9:00am

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

The Uniform Shop now has Eftpos facilities

CANTEEN ROSTER

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

MONDAY 31/10 LOUISE TRUMAN TUESDAY 1/11 WEDNESDAY 2/11 ANGELA ODELLI, STAM FARRUGIA, ANGELA RILEY THURSDAY 3/11 GEOFF RAYMOND, ANN-MARIE WALKER FRIDAY 4/11 FIONA EDGAR, KAREN WILLSON, COURTNEY GRANTHAM, LITSA XIROS AMANDA GALEA MONDAY 7/11 JACQUELINE HARB TUESDAY 8/11 NICOLE KRAUSE WEDNESDAY 9/11 DIANE FIRTKO, PETA BOURKE, SUSAN GAYDON THURSDAY 10/11 JANE LEGHISSA FRIDAY 11/11 SARINA PANTAZIS, KATHY STEPHENS, ANNMAREE SIPEK

MATHS CHALLENGE ANSWERS

Maths Department

1. $130

2. 8, 16, 24

3.

4. 1 : 2 : 3

5. x= 100