‘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

27th October, 2014 Vol.22.No.29

As shown in last week’s newsletter the building project continues to gain pace. Last week the first concrete pours (above) were made for what will be the footings for the 12 classrooms [in a split level configuration] and a completely enclosed break out space that will all form the “MacKillop Learning Common”. The Quadcopter is able to keep us all informed of what is happening behind the site fences! The pour for the Administration Building is set from Tuesday of this week and I would ask that all drivers visiting the College and its environs take care given the number of concrete mixer trucks that will be accessing the site. At last term’s Farewell Assembly for the Class of 2014 we were able to incorporate a handover to the Year 12 student leadership team for 2015. In a symbolic way leadership was handed to the incoming class with our 2014 leaders handing over our icon of St Thomas Aquinas, College Candle & House Patron Icons. Congratulations to the following students on their appointments:

College Captains Adrienne Bogard Joshua Bradstock

College Vice Captains James Carroll Isabella Krstanovski La Salle House Captains Sophie Maxwell MacKillop House Captains Mia Pimental Michael Bonnici Zach Ramsay Nagle House Captains Nathan Roumanos Rice House Captains Nick Dillon Claire Serwa Louise Spratt Congratulations also to Chelsea Cryer [Year 9] who has been selected in the Australian Oztag team for the Under 16 2015 World Cup, to be held on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, next year. Well done! Best wishes also to Nicole Miro [Year 9] who will be competing at the National Short Course Swimming Championships at the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Adelaide in early November. We look forward to hearing about your exploits @ the meet! I am delighted to see so many Year 7 – 10 students taking 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. I would also like to acknowledge the generosity of staff in being available to supervise and assist students in their personal study after school. James Corcoran Principal

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Robert Nastasi

Assistant Principal

Monday 3rd November HSC examinations Year 11/12 SFR Work placement week Learning support orientation morning-Year 7-2015

Tuesday 4th November HSC examinations Melbourne Cup

Wednesday 5th November HSC examinations-finish today

Thursday 6th November

Friday 7th November Seniors Blood bank visit during sport Summer Sport

Week 5(A) Term 4

Assistant Principal

Key Dates

Week 4(B) Term 4

Monday 27th October HSC examinations Extension 2 English seminar at the State Library Sydney

Tuesday 28th October HSC examinations

Wednesday 29th October HSC examinations Peer Support 2015 training day at Menai Indoor Centre Meet a Keeper Taronga Park Zoo for select Year 10's Year 12 BOS information night around the HSC in JPII Hall at 7.00pm-8.00pm

Thursday 30th October HSC examinations Year 8 Reflection day Period 4 Pastoral Period Year 11-2015 leaders nominations during Pastoral lesson

Friday 31st October HSC examinations Feast day of Nano Nagle Year 11 Reflection day Summer Sport

Grooming and Haircuts Our College prides itself on the appearance of students both at school and whilst in the community and to that end I have been somewhat alarmed at the hairstyles of some male students since their return from the holidays. I remind parents/carers that the College policy is for hair to be “of a uniform length, there are to be NO steps whatsoever and no cut lower than a number 3 for shaved hairstyles” Page 9 of the College diary. To avoid embarrassing conversations both with students and parents/carers I would ask for your support on this matter

from home with the general thinking being that if as a parent/carer you think the hair may be inappropriate then it is

likely that it is. Students with inappropriate haircuts will be likely sent home to have them rectified and blended in and/

or required to wear a College cap at all times at school until the issue is resolved. Your support on this matter is greatly

appreciated.

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Religious Education at Aquinas Year 8 and 11 Reflection Days This week Year 8 (Thursday) and Year 11 (Friday) will participate in their Reflection Day. Each day will be facilitated by Michael Fitzpatrick. Students are to wear their College sports uniform and bring their food, drinks and a pen to the day. Year 8 students are reminded that they are to meet at the College at 7.45am on Thursday. Students are to see their Religious Education teacher if they have any questions. Years 7 - 10 Examinations All students in Years 7-10 have access to their Yearly Examination notification via Seqta. Students will undertake a 40 minute examination in Week 6, assessing a variety of topics which they have studied this year. Students are encouraged to use the ‘Key Points to Study’ section of their notification and their class notes during their preparations, clarifying any questions that they have with their Religious Education teacher. HSC Prayer Family Program Late last term families who registered their interest in participating in the HSC Prayer Family program should have received the name of the student(s) for whom we ask for prayers. We encourage you to send a written message to the student(s) that you have been allocated. These can be initially sent to the College office, labelled clearly with the student name and that it is from their HSC Prayer Family. Messages will then be forwarded to the student(s). Please contact me, via the College Office, if you have any questions.

Mrs Catherine Nolan

Religious Education Coordinator

Reflection on the Gospel

In Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 22:34-40) Jesus was asked, ‘which is the greatest commandment of the law?’ Jesus responded, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: you must love your neighbour as yourself’. The first commandment is an echo of the Shema recited by all Israelites on rising every morning (Dt 6:4-5). The second already occurs in Lv 19:18 and complements the first commandment. To love God with all one’s heart, soul and mind is to love those whom God loves: one’s fellow human beings, especially the vulnerable and the poor.

Adapted from a reflection by Brendan Byrne SJ

Aquinas Catholic College is once again supporting CanTeen by selling bandannas to students

and staff in our school this Friday, 31 October. The funds we raise will help tremendously to

fight the battle against cancer. Every year, another 20,000 young people have to deal with the

challenge of cancer – whether it’s their own diagnosis or that of their parent, brother or sister.

CanTeen believes that no young person should face cancer alone. The efforts of our school

have immensely assisted the CanTeen organisation and their annual National Bandanna Day.

All proceeds are used to provide support for those young people when cancer turns their

world upside down. Thank you in advance to everyone who buys a bandanna on the day, by

doing so, you are donating to this wonderful cause.

Mr Tsambalas

Social Justice Coordinator

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Annual collection for the Asylum Seekers Centre at Newtown In conjunction with the Holy Family Parish Menai, Aquinas Catholic College will be supporting this activity again this year. The Centre has been most grateful for the generosity of Aquinas and ask again for basic toiletry items such as: toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues, combs, shampoos, babies nappies, phone cards, talcum powder, shaving cream, razors, deodorant, moisturisers, suncream, sanitary pads, t shirts etc. Please leave these unwrapped items in the boxes provided in Pastoral classrooms from now until the end of November. The Asylum Seekers Centre is a not-for-profit organisation which relies totally on grants, donations and volunteer support. Its vision is to welcome asylum seekers to Australia and afford a dignified, meaningful and safe existence pending the fair, transparent and expeditious resolution of their claims. The Centre provides practical assistance and personal support for asylum seekers living in the community. Clients come from over 52 countries in search of safety, protection and freedom. During 2012-2013 the Centre cared for more than 1,000 asylum seekers. Thanking you for your continued generosity. Peter Tsambalas Social Justice Coordinator

Vinnie’s Clothing Bin

With over two million people living below the poverty line in Australia, including over half a million children your donation allows the St Vincent de Paul Society to provide more than immediate help, it provides something much more valuable – the opportunity of a better life. Giving clothes is a great way of helping out the community. Donations of clothing can make a great difference to an individual or a family. Good quality second hand clothing can now be donated in our very own Vinnie’s clothing bin. Our bin is currently located in the main staff car park, near the entrance to the College office where you can deposit clothing items during College hours. Good clean, wearable clothing (of all sizes) and accessories, with no rips/stains or tears, either new or used, are the most valuable donations we request. These items are always in demand, so please drop them into our Vinnie’s clothing bin to… MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Thank you for your generosity, Mr Peter Tsambalas

Social Justice Coordinator

WOW!!! Workshops for

Organised

Writing

Workshops continue this week for ALL Year 11 students

Room 9, 3:10-4pm, every Thursday this term

Workshop Two = Paragraphing – the essential elements

Please refer any inquiries to Mrs Wilson or Mr Roberts

Looking forward to seeing you all there,

Kate Wilson

(Literacy Facilitator)

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Curriculum Matters

This Week's Assessment Tasks

HSC 2015 Information Evening The 2015 HSC Information Evening is on Wednesday 29th October in the John Paul II Hall. It begins at 7pm and is expected to go for an hour. This night is a compulsory component of the HSC calendar for all students who are asked to attend with at least one parent. Information regarding both internal assessment and BOSTES rules for the HSC will be provided. Students are asked to attend in full school uniform. A special invitation is extended to the students in Year 10 who will undertake their HSC in Mathematics in 2015, as part of the Accelerated Mathematics program. Disability Provisions 2015 HSC Any student with an existing medical or learning disability who intends to apply for Disability Provisions for the HSC course should see me this week about the appropriate paperwork. Applications for disability provisions are now open and should be completed as soon as possible. Examination Block Years 7 – 10

All students in Years 7-10 will sit their end of year examinations in Week 6. Students will receive their timetable today and should have notifications for every subject, outlining exactly what will be in each examination. Students can access these notifications and keep track of study and homework from Student Coneqt.

Below is a blank timetable to assist with this week’s examination preparation. It might be a good idea if students are looking for extra motivation or some support with keeping on track to post this completed timetable in a public place. Separate study into 20 minute, half hour or hour blocks, depending on individual concentration levels. Remember to also build in some time for exercise and pre-scheduled events like work or sporting commitments.

Lisa Mirabello Learning and Curriculum Coordinator

Year Subject Date

7 PDHPE This week

10 Visual Art 31.10.14

Time Monday Tuesday Wednes-day

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

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Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Hike

October 2014

22 students – brave, fearless, enthusiastic, well prepared

and very hungry.

4 teachers – Mrs Lyons, Miss Cooper, Miss Wright, Mr

Tsambalas

2 guides – Peter & John

1 Royal National Park

1 Starting point – Bundeena

1 Finish point – Garawarra Farm

1 Weekend

1 Night

2 Days

20 km – 10 km’s each day

50 noodle packs

100 L of water – it was very hot!!!

200 muesli bars

300 marshmallows

500 red frogs

1000 snakes

2000 chocolate favourites

70000 steps of walking

22 Finishing Dukes!!! Yeehaa!!!

22 BIG smiles at the finish

1 very happy group of campers/hikers

Infinity happy memories

Congratulations and thank you.

Mr Tsambalas

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eLearning Update

Study Resources

www.pearsonplaces.com.au

All students have access to online resources at Pearson Books. Please sit with your child/children and ask them to demonstrate

the wonderful resources available to them through their device that will assist them in their exams later this term. There are

numerous online tutorials, worksheets and revision questions to support your child’s learning.

Devices 2015

Parents in Year 8 will receive a letter this week regarding designated device for 2015.

It is encouraging to see Parents/carers of Year 11 students using the online management tool to monitor the progress of their

child/children. We thank all the parents who contacted us regarding access issues and clarified/updated mailing addresses. Due

to the software being updated by our external provider, unfortunately there may be some initial teething issues that need

immediate attention. We thank you for your understanding. Please contact the College office if you did not receive this

information.

In the coming week the Year 11 Preliminary Report will be made available online, and an SMS will be sent once it has been

released online.

All students have received a username and password. Students have been reminded of the importance of

password security, and the sensitive material that an online secure environment holds. Students will be

able to view timetables, class results, upcoming assessments, 2014 Academic Reports, handbooks,

policies and homework to complete all online. At the end of last term a large number of our students

have used this package for e-submissions of assessments

It is the expectation of the College that all students access student Coneqt daily and check their results and homework online.

Daily notices should be read everyday, especially if a student is absent from school to make sure no important messages have

been missed.

Mr Hulme

eLearning Coordinator

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

The University of Notre Dame Australia is holding a course information evening at

the St Aloysius Parish Hall in Cronulla in November. Rev Fr Tom Carroll is

kindly supporting the University in this initiative and it is on his behalf, that I

extend a warm invitation to you, your students and parents.

The evening will take place on:

Tuesday 11 November 2014

5:30pm to 7:30pm

St Aloysius Parish Hall Cronulla

18 Giddings Avenue, Cronulla

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ThinkUKnow is an internet safety initiative which aims to raise awareness of the issues which young

people face online and whilst using mobile phones. It is a partnership between the Australian Federal

Police (AFP) and Microsoft Australia, and is now proudly supported by ninemsn and Datacom.

Holy Family Catholic Primary School will be hosting a ThinkUKnow presentation on Monday

3rd November at 9am. We have been invited to extend this invitation to all parents and carers of Year 7

and 8 students, who are encouraged to attend. This presentation will cover topics such as how young

people are using technology to have fun, online grooming, cyber-bullying, inappropriate content and

e-security.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about how young people have fun online, how you

can help them to stay in control on the net, and how to report a problem.

For more information, you can visit the ThinkUKnow Australia website at www.thinkuknow.org.au or

contact Nick Pay (Aquinas - 9543 0188) or Rebecca Pederson (Holy Family – 9543 2614)

We ask that you send your RSVP to rebecca.pedersen@syd.catholic.edu.au as seats will most certainly fill

up!

We would also like to thank Mrs Pederson and Holy Family Catholic Primary School for extending this

invitation to the Year 7 and 8 parents of Aquinas.

We look forward to seeing you all at the presentation.

Mr Nick Pay

Pastoral Care Coordinator

Parent Presentation Monday 3rd November 9am Holy Family Catholic Primary School Multi-Purpose Hall

Reflection Day - November 8th

Marist Laity Australia would like you invite you to our reflection day on Saturday November 8th at 10 am. Dominic Arcamone will be speaking on the topic "We Escape. We Quest. We Love" at St Pat-ricks Church Hill in the Rocks in Sydney.

Go to http://www.maristlaityaustralia.com/2014/ for more information.

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Student wellbeing continues to have a primary focus at Aquinas Catholic College. As part of this focus, each week we will highlight useful websites, apps, contact numbers, resources or informative articles that can provide information and helpful strategies to support you and your children and their wellbeing.

Sutherland Shire Youth Network is a group of organisations that provide opportunities and assistance for young people. Detailed information is available at http://www.projectyouth.org.au/userfiles/file/PY-Directory-2012.pdf

Here is a selection of contacts that may be useful: Sutherland Police Youth Liaison Office 9542 0899 Sutherland Shire Family Services 9528 2933 Sutherland Shire Adolescent and Family Services 9521 5130 Mental Health Access Team 9540 7474 Menai Youth Centre 9543 6440 Child Protection Help Line 132 111 Lifeline (24 hours) 131 114 Police Assistance Line (PAL) 131 444

Mr Nick Pay

Pastoral Care Coordinator

Services Websites Apps

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation who help young people that are going through a tough time. Looking for someone to talk to? If you're 12-25, you can get health advice, support and information from headspace. headspace can help you with:

General health

Mental health and counselling

Education, employment and other services

Alcohol and other drug services

Reachout.com is one of the most useful resources available to teachers, parents and students. The site provides a wealth of information surrounding mental health and wellbeing. Contains information and fact sheets on topics such as:

School, uni and study

Mental fitness

Personal identity

Goals and motivation

Sex and relationships

Drugs and alcohol

Bullying, abuse and violence

Smiling Mind is modern meditation for young people. It is a unique web and App-based program, designed to help bring balance to young lives. It is a not-for-profit initiative based on a process that provides a sense of clarity, calm and contentment. Visit www.smilingmind.com.au or download the app from your app store.

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STUDY CLUB

Do you have trouble studying once you get home?

Do you find you don’t understand some of what you need to study?

Are your study notes all over the place?

Maybe you need a little help.

Come to STUDY CLUB in the Library.

TUES and THURS. 3.15 – 4-15pm Weeks 3 - 5

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

Don’t forget you can stay behind any afternoon until 4.00pm or later every

day. It’s a great place to study or do homework away from distractions.

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. Simplify 14 ÷ -2

2. Simplify –2 + 8 ÷ 4

3. Write the HCF of 8 and 20

4. Write the LCM of 8 and 5

5.

Mrs Catherine Fensom Maths Teacher

MATHS DEPARTMENT RECALL CORNER

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LOST PROPERTY

We have a number of items in Lost Property including:

Blazers and a bag with sport gear

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

CANTEEN ROSTER TERM 4

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

MONDAY 27/10 MARY-ELLEN ROONEY, JACKIE LORENZATTO

TUESDAY 28/10 KERRIE HARRINGTON

WEDNESDAY 29/10 JACKIE TORO, LIBBY YIP

THURSDAY 30/10 ZEFFY DELHAS

FRIDAY 31/10 SONYA TRAJCEVSKI, LIZ GARCORZ, CAROLYN BARLOW, NICOLE DENOBREGA

MONDAY 3/11 JACQUELINE HARB, KEVIN HUFF, CALUDIA VITALE D’AMICO,

ROSEMARY MORRISSEY

TUESDAY 4/11 CHRISTINE KLEIN

WEDNESDAY 5/11 DIANE FIRTKO, PHILIPPA MCGUINESS

THURSDAY 6/11 CATHY FULTON, JANE LEGHISSA, CAROLINE RAMSAY

FRIDAY 7/11 SARINA PANTAZIS, FRANCINE GUAJARDO, ANNE MAREE SIPEK,

KATHY STEPHENS, JULIE CUPITT, CLAUDETTE FAKHOURI

UNIFORM SHOP

THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER

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

Answers:

MATHS CHALLENGE

Maths Department

1. -7

2. 0

3. 4

4. 40

5.