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VOLUME XXXII No 1

6th February, 2015

F R O M T H E H E A D O F C O L L E G E

Welcome to the 2015 school year. We extend a warm welcome to the 107 new students and their parents on joining the St Spyridon College family. We look forward to you enriching us, through your involvement in the life of the school and community. In this regard we wish to thank the P &F Committee to 2014 for the outfit of the new Gym in the SPACe. We invite everyone to support the P & F 2015 and to attend the AGM on the 17th February, 2015.

We have started the Term on a high note, with the Year 7 students showing a refreshing enthusiasm for Senior School. The new Kindergarten class has won our hearts, settling in with their teachers and forming new bonds with their Year 6 buddies.

The HSC Class of 2014 made us proud of their achievements, with over 80% of them already having received University placements. We commend our Distinguished Achievers, whose results placed St Spyridon College 106th out of 641 Schools in N.S.W., according to the Sydney Morning Herald’s rankings. We congratulate Calioppe Kefalas, Year 11 Accelerant Student, who achieved a First Place in Course in Modern Greek Continuers, and Jovana Radic, Top Achiever in Course in Serbian Continuers 4th in N.S.W. We commend their teachers, Mrs M. Faletas and Mrs. V. Belajcic and indeed all our teachers K-12 for their hard work.

The first Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of our College was held in our Church on the 5th February. We thank Father Steven Scoutas and Father Sotiri Drapaniotis for their prayers and blessing of our students and school community.

This year’s Archdiocese Diary, highlights the wisdom of St Basil the Great, one of the greatest teachers of the Greek Orthodox Church. We thank Mr D. Kepreotes for this wonderful publication and we inform readers that we will use some quotes from the Diary throughout the year, beginning with this one:

“Words are truly the image of the soul.” St Basil the Great.

DATES TO REMEMBER F E B R U A R Y

ACER Registrations close P & T Information evening Yrs 3-6

9th

P & T Information evening Yrs K-2 11th P & F AGM 17th Swimming Carnival 20th Lent begins 23rd ACER Scholarship exam 28th MARCH

ISA Swimming Carnival 11th 25th March Celebrations 22nd Annunciation School closed 25th Year 12 Half Yearly Exams begin 26th Twilight Tours SS Information Morning JS

31st

A P R I L

Term ends 2nd Public Holiday – Western Good Friday 3rd Western Easter Palm Sunday

6th

Orthodox Easter 12th

Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag

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ST SPYRIDON COLLEGE PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2015

6:30PM – REFRESHMENTS 7PM – MEETING COMMENCES

LIBRARY JUNIOR SCHOOL CAMPUS

ALL PARENTS & FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY

ARE WELCOME!

Everyone has something special and different to offer….

so please be in it for the education and future success

of our children.

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COLLEGE STUDENT LEADERS 2015

We congratulate the following students who have been selected to lead the Student Body K-12 in 2015. Christos Raptis - College Captain Anastasia Maloukis - Prefect Calioppe Kefalas - Vice Captain Vicky Papadopoulos - Prefect Matthew Chiam - Senior Prefect Allyssa Stemitsiotis - Prefect Sophia Rizzo - Prefect Yvette Stemitsiotis - Prefect Peter Contominas - Prefect Theoni Thimakis - Prefect Anja Djukic - Prefect Ann Marie Xenos - Prefect Stephen Ioannidis - Prefect Aphrodite Zafiropoulos - Prefect Christos Kollias - Prefect

Christos Raptis Calioppe Kefalas Matthew Chiam College Captain Vice Captain Senior Prefect

Student Leaders 2015

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DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING PHOTO GALLERY

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JUNIOR SCHOOL STAFF 2015

Head of College Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag Principal JS Mrs A. Synesios Deputy Principal Mr A. Dookie Infants Coordinator Mrs M. Kipriotis Curriculum Coordinator Miss T. Bletsogiannis Primary Coordinator Ms D. McCarthy Sports Coordinator Mr J. Volas Greek Coordinator Mr A. Amditis K Cerise Miss Papathomas K Jade Mrs Mantsis K Ruby Miss Nicolaou 1 Topaz Miss Docos 1 Violet Mrs Zafiropoulos 2 Aqua Ms Tsokas 2 Crimson Mrs Economou 3 Amethyst Miss Besir 3 Sapphire Miss Brocklehurst 4 Coral Miss Sirmanoglou 4 Turquoise Miss Galanis 5 Amber Miss Bletsogiannis 5 Iris Mr Arnott 6 Magenta Miss McCarthy 6 Pearl Mr Davies Science Yr 5/6 Computer I.T. Yr K-6 Mr Arnott Librarian Mrs Bartlett Support Teacher K-2 Mrs Kipriotis Music Choir Mrs Ferguson-Coyne Support Literacy Miss Hogan Support Numeracy Mrs Bennett Greek Language Mr Volas

Mrs Georgakopoulos Mrs Gambierakis

Greek Focus Person Mr Amditis Greek Dancing Mrs Haskas Student Welfare Officer Mrs Fatouros Administration Mrs Kerameas

Miss Giannakopoulos Mrs Doyle Miss Tsousta

Canteen Mrs Giaras

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SENIOR SCHOOL STAFF 2015

HEAD OF COLLEGE Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag

PRINCIPAL SENIOR SCHOOL Mrs A. Katsogiannis

MANAGEMENT TEAM Dean of Middle School Ms G. Kokinelis – Yr 6-7 Transition Adviser Dean of Senior Programs Mr P. Meintanis

ORTHODOX STUDIES TEAM Father S. Scoutas Father S. Drapaniotis Mr A. Picardi

ENGLISH, HISTORY & DRAMA TEAM Dr V. Hickie – Curriculum Leader Mrs D. Kefalouros (Year 8 Adviser) Mrs R. Kiedja Ms G. Kokinelis Mrs I. Koutsoukis Ms E. Gambriell Mrs L. McCoy Mr S. Mouharis

LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH TEAM Mrs M. Faletas – Curriculum Leader Mrs V. Belajcic Ms E. Gambriell (Year 11 Adviser) Mr G. Georgouloppoulos Mr S. Mouhtaris Mrs V. Alexandropoulou Mrs A. Petraki (Consulate)

SCIENCE TEAM Mr J. Croft – Curriculum Leader Mr D. Giles Mrs M. Henderson Mr A. Karras Mrs A. Petzler Mrs E. Dubossarsky – Assistant

SOCIAL SCIENCES TEAM Mrs C. Mio – Curriculum Leader Ms N. Gonzalez Mrs D. Pavlakis Mr V. Zafiropoulos

CREATIVE ARTS AND TECHNOLOGICAL AND APPLIED STUDIES TEAM Mr G. Georgoulopoulos Mrs V. Grillakis Ms E. Mazis Mrs L. McCoy Ms M. Pringle Ms C. Savva Mrs O. Lambi – Assistant MATHEMATICS TEAM Mr A. Kollias – Curriculum Leader Mr A. Condous (Year 10 Adviser) Mrs H. Dalakiaris (Year 9 Adviser) Mrs M. Henderson Ms M. Kalithrakas (Year 12 Adviser) P.D. HEALTH P.E. TEAM Mr P. Meintanis – Curriculum Leader Mrs V. Belajcic Mr A. Condous Mr F. Kaldis – Boys Sport Ms K. O’Shea – Girls Sport Mr V. Zafiropoulos CAREERS & STUDENT WELFARE Mrs R. Fatouros – Student Welfare Adviser Ms G. Hakos – Careers Adviser STUDENT SUPPORT Ms M. Barbouttis LIBRARIAN Ms R. Bishop Mrs C. Papadakis – Assistant SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION TEAM Mrs A. Kringas – PA to Head of College Mrs D. Cross Mrs M. Diakanastasis Mrs M. Doyle Mrs I. Klazoglou CANTEEN Mrs I. Paraskevas Mrs M. Makridopolus

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K – 1 2 N E W S

FROM THE PARISH EXECUTIVE OFFICER/BURSAR Senior School In the last few weeks the following renovations and or improvements have been completed. Oval The area of the oval was laid with Astro-Turf. This will help the students in many ways:

- It feels great and looks good and it drains well.

- It is safe for students and it is pleasant to play on.

- Elimination of dirt, grass and insects. - It doesn’t require mowing or watering. - Compressed flat surface. - Installation of white lines for

Football. - Space is utilised more effectively.

Basketball Courts Resurfacing of two of the Basketball Courts will be finished by next week. Security Cameras Security cameras and additional lighting was installed for the protection of students and staff. Carpet Carpet was laid in some of the classrooms. Junior School Classroom were painted, carpets cleaned. Security Cameras Security cameras and additional lighting was installed for the protection of students and staff. Mrs Christina Tsaconas Parish Executive Officer/Bursar P & F AGM We hope to see many parents, old and new at the P & F AGM which will be held on 17th February, 2015 in the Junior School library.

FINAL REMINDER SCHOLARSHIP EAMINATIONS Year 7 and Year 11 Applications are now invited from new and continuing students to sit for the following ACER Examination Scholarships: Year 6 (Year 7, 2016) A Year 6 Scholarship for the top Year 6 student applying for St Spyridon College will receive their tuition fees paid for four years, from Year 7 to Year 10. Year 10 (Year 11, 2016) Two scholarships for the two top Year 10 students will receive their tuition fees paid for two years. Closing date for applications is Monday, 9th February, 2015, ACER scholarship examination will be held on Saturday, 28th February, 2015. Your may register now online: www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au follow the links Scholarships and Awards the Online Scholarships. UNIFORM SHOP TIMES 8.30 am to 10.00 am and 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm – Wednesday only school term. J U N I O R S C H O O L R E P O R T Welcome back to our students and families for an exciting 2015. We are blessed to have 59 Kindergarten students. In this cohort of parents we have 14 ex-students and this is a source of pride for us.

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It is with great pleasure that we welcome 16 new students and their families across Years 1 – 6 to our St Spyridon family: Khrysa Psillakis, Paige Sigrimis, Julia Costa, Christos Paraschos, George Psillakis, Sarah Simpson, Angelina Costa, Raphael Messiou, Sara Ali, Dyllon Polyzos, Nicola Spyropoulos, Tayla Vergios, Thomas Zahos, Billy Vergios, Victoria Kyriakides & Mia Spyropoulos. We look forward to a long and happy journey into Senior School and beyond. We also welcome Mr Davies, 6P Home Room teacher and Middle School Mathematics teacher. Mr Davies comes to us after a distinguished career as a Mathematics specialist overseas. We warmly welcome back Miss Docos who is 1T’s teacher this year. We wish our new staff and all staff a rewarding and enjoyable year. CONGRATULATIONS Staff and students of the Junior School congratulate Year 12, 2014 and their teachers on the wonderful HSC results. We wish them happiness and success in their future endeavours.

Our congratulations are extended to Mr & Mrs Giokas on the birth of their first son Peter. May they enjoy every blessing, good health and long life.

YEAR 6 DUX and AWARD RECIPIENTS Congratulations to the following Year 6 students for their academic, sporting and cultural achievements last year. SCHOOL DUX Nicholas Drakoulis «ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ» Awards SCHOLARSHIPS Roza Papas & Anastasia Reeve THE DESPINA HATJINIKITAS MEMORIAL AWARD FOR CITIZENSHIP Marissa Diakoumis THE VARNIE KAMBOS MEMORIAL AWARD FOR DANCE Frances-Lee Pascalis GEORGIA POLYDOR PRIZE FOR MODERN GREEK James Pavlogiannis ORTHODOX STUDY PRIZE Efthimia Kollias

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SPORTSPERSONS OF THE YEAR Jordan Frazis, Katerina – Darras Samaras & Efthimia Kollias STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM 2015 Congratulations to the following students who were voted in as the Leadership Team for 2015. SCHOOL CAPTAINS Billy Bourdaniotis & Vicki Synesios VICE CAPTAINS James Bletsas & Mary Diamond PREFECTS Gianni Keramitzis, Maria-Angela Patsalis, James Valmas, Madelyn Perdikakis, Kosta Ioannou, Carolyn Makridopolus, Juval Mikhail, Alexia Costa, Franklin Pyliotis, Teoni Antonopoulos & Valentina Spyridopoulos HOUSE CAPTAINS Corinthians Anthony Hatzigiakoumis & Anneta Maroulis Olympians Valandi Michael & Dimitra Kasmas Nemeans Gregory Tsoukalas & Danae Margaronis - Lopez Delphians Anaston Baltazis & Athena Demetriou GENERAL PROCEDURES Supervision Morning supervision commences at 8.15am. Parents are requested to leave the school grounds once supervision commences unless they have a scheduled meeting. Afternoon supervision concludes at 3:45pm after this time children will be placed in After School Care and parents billed accordingly. Infants children need to be collected from their classroom in the afternoon or from the Infants playground – shelter after 3.15pm. Primary children to be picked up from the Primary quadrangle. Parents and children are asked to

leave immediately so that teachers know which children are still under their supervision. Parents are requested not to assemble in front of classrooms in the afternoon prior to pick up as this disrupts students learning. K-6 will assemble every Wednesday morning in the Primary quadrangle. Parents are invited to join with us in prayer and anthems. During this assembly Merit certificates will be awarded. BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE After School Care will be held in the Cottage on the Infants side. Infants children will remain in the Infants playground and Primary children will be crossed over. If you require this service, please book your child in with Patricia at The Greek Welfare Centre on 0410 505 524. Before School Care has commenced. Any child dropped off at school prior to 8.15 am and unaccompanied by a parent or care giver will be taken to Before School Care for their safety. Please note that you will be billed for this service. OFFICE HOURS Office hours for the Junior School are 8.15am to 4.15pm. For security reasons no one is permitted to enter the administration building before 8.15am and after 4.15pm unless they have a registered appointment. The Office Staff commence their tasks at 8.15am and end the day at 4.15pm, at which time the answer machine is activated. Please note that messages left after this time may not be heard until the next morning. Parents are requested NOT to enter the Teachers’ Staffroom to speak to a teacher. Please refer to the secretaries who will call the teacher out to see you, if available. Parents are also not to go to classrooms at any time without signing in and getting a visitor’s badge at the front office. SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED within the School’s boundaries or outside the School gates.

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Foyer (Gardeners Rd) entry is ONLY to be used if attending to business at the Office. Parents and students are to use the Playground Gates as their entry and exit points. Please note gates will be locked at 9am and will reopen at 2:50pm. CHANGE OF INFORMATION If you have recently changed your address, phone number or email address please contact the office so that it may be updated.

TRAFFIC PROCEDURES

Observance of the following school procedures will greatly assist in the safety of the students, and will foster better relations with our neighbours. 1. Parents MUST NOT park in any driveway either the neighbours or the college at any time. This includes near school gates in Mary Hamer Lane.

2. The practice of parking or stopping in the middle of the road is illegal.

3 Attention is drawn to the extreme danger of leaving motors running while leaving the car to drop off or pick up students from the college, particularly when smaller children are left in the car.

4. Please drop your child/children off in the

morning and leave as soon as possible and similarly in the afternoon so that other parents have room to park.

5. For our purposes, we use Doran St as a one way street. Parents are to approach the Primary from Doran St and NOT from Mary Hamer Lane. This reduces the congestion. Cars are to exit left from Mary Hamer Lane towards Kensington or right towards Gardeners Rd. However, as Doran St is legally a two way street, parking laws apply. NB: If grandparents are responsible for pick up or drop off, please inform them of the rules for their own safety and that of our children

ALLERGIES / ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION POLICY You may be aware that a number of children at our college are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction to nut products. This condition is known as Anaphylaxis and is a severe and sudden allergic reaction, which usually occurs after exposure to a particular food. Anaphylaxis is potentially life threatening and always requires an emergency response. In order to minimise the risk to those children in the school who have allergies, the school community has implemented a number of measures. Please do not send foods with nut products in your child’s lunches. We also have children with a Sesame intolerance. We ask that you refrain from including these items. Please also do not send cakes, lollies or any food to school to be given to other children. As the health, well-being and safety of the children in our school is of paramount concern to us all, we know that we can depend on your support and assistance with this matter.

UNIFORM It is requested that all students have the correct

items of uniform. If you are unsure, p.17 of the Study Planner has the requirements listed. Please note that Primary must have laced up shoes. No Velcro or buckles.

Changes: Sport shoes can be any colour. They do not

need to be mainly white. All students will be required to wear the new

broad-rimmed hat for the 25th March celebrations.

MEDICAL UPDATES If your child is under the care of a medical specialist, you need to make this known to the college. Students with specific medical conditions such as Asthma, Diabetes, Anaphylaxis etc need to provide the school with an action plan.

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Medication kept at school needs to be current and clearly labelled with child’s name and instructions for use. Parents are requested to check this regularly and replace as needed. Contact details of parents need to be updated also in case of emergency. LUNCH TIME CHANGES We are trialling a break 30 mins for Recess and 30 mins break for Lunch to allow the children more time to play. We will consult with parents and students towards the end of the term to gauge effectiveness. CANTEEN PROCEDURES In order to streamline procedures and ensure a smoother delivery of Canteen services, it is necessary that the following procedures are observed. 1. All lunch orders to be clearly written on a lunch bag. Parents need to provide this bag. 2. Orders need to be written at home and must include child’s name, class, order and correct money. 3. Infants’ milk orders must be put into a separate bag and must include: child’s name, class, order and correct money. Please label this bag with INFANTS RECESS. 4. All orders to be handed in during roll call by the children and put in a lunch bucket which will be located in the classroom. 5. NO Child or Parent is to approach the Canteen Supervisor in the morning. If your child is late, they are to place their order in the late box at the Front Office when they collect their late slip. Your cooperation and assistance will be appreciated. Thank you to all the volunteers who assisted in the canteen in 2014. If there are parents or grandparents who can assist even for a few hours each week, we would be most grateful.

Please contact our canteen supervisor Angela Giaras. PARENT TEACHER INFORMATION EVENING At the commencement of each school year, a general Parent Teacher Information evening is held. The purpose of the meeting is for the Class teacher/s and Greek Language teacher to explain class procedures and expectations, outline the academic program and respond to parental queries. This is an opportune time for you to familiarise yourself with the daily program of your child and we encourage your attendance. Please note that these meetings are not to discuss individual children. If you wish to discuss concerns about your child, please arrange an interview with your class teacher at a mutually convenient time. The meetings for K-6 will be held in the Primary Classrooms. The meetings will be held on Monday 9th February for Years 3 – 6 and Wednesday 11th February for K-2. KALANTA Many students from both the Senior and Junior school campuses along with their parents, continued the tradition of carol singing to the parishioners last December. Joy was felt not only by the people we visited but also by the students themselves. Adam Stamos, Alexander Stamoulis Amelia Raptis, Andriana George Angelique Giokas, Athena Demetriou Billy Bourdaniotis, Cara Diamond Carolyn Makridopolus, Christo Keramitzis Christopher Vougioukas, Connor Kristallis Demetria Fatouros, Dimitra Kasmas Ekaterini Hadjidimitriou, Emmanuel Constantopedos, Emmanuel Moros, Evana George, Evangeline O'Reilly George Mitropoulos, Georgia Karatasos Gianni Keramiitzis, Helena Ginis James Bletsas, James Cardamis Jasmine Moros, Jennifer Pyliotis Katherine Fragias, Kosta Ioannou Krissy Bourdaniotis, Kristie Kallis Lisa Stamoulis, Lucia Zois Maria - Angela Patsalis, Mary Diamond Mia Paras, Miles O'Reilly, Nicholas Michos

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Nicolette Fatouros, Paris Patsalis Peter Synesios, Sophia Karatasos Stathis Gatsis, Steven Stamoulis Talia Diamond, Teoni Antonopoulos Theresa Sevastopoulos, Vasilios Hadjidimitriou, Vicki Synesios My thanks to the parents who assisted us with the driving as we could not have done it without you! Mrs Moros, Mrs Patsalis, Mrs Kasmas Mrs Karatasos, Mrs Stamos, Mrs Pyliotis Mrs Paras, Mrs Bourdaniotis, Mrs Gatsis Mrs Zois, Mrs Cardamis, Mrs O'Reilly Mrs Hadjidimitriou, Mrs Makridopolus Dr A. Bletsas, Miss Synesios Ms Golfinopoulos, Mrs Fatouros Mrs Constantopedos, Mrs Stamoulis MUSIC TUITION Private music tuition is available with the following people. Parents wishing to have their child tutored in 2014 need to contact the individual tutor. Mr Sam Podjarski for Violin. Contact Number: 0411 366 058 Ms Janet Silverton for Piano. Contact Number: 0417 657 178 Mr Leonidas Kourmadas for Piano, Guitar & Theory Contact Number: 0421 198 747 Mrs Helen Ferguson-Coyne for Singing. Contact Number: 0404 027 702 Mrs A. Synesios Principal

S E N I O R S C H O O L R E P O R T

STAFF NEWS

- We welcome back Ms Gonzalez who was on leave in 2014.

- A warm welcome to: Mrs M. Henderson – Maths/Science Mr A. Karras – Science/Physics Mr S. Mouhtaris – History/Mod Greek Ms E. Mazis – Technology (replacing Mr Sobolevski who is on leave in 2015).

«ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ» Awards Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding academic achievements in 2014. FIRST PLACINGS 2014 Years 7 – 11

Year 7 Anthea Condous

Year 8 Joanna Skouteris

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Year 9 Constantinos Kollias

Year 10 Mariah Stavrou

Year 11 Theoni Thimakis

Second Placings 2014 Years 7 – 11 Year 7 Connor Giavis Year 8 Rhea Tsimboukis Year 9 Mersina Hristeff Year 10 Nicole Adam Year 11 Christos Kollias Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School

M I D D L E S C H O O L R E P O R T

Welcome to all, especially our new students and families who have joined us this year. Everyone should be well rested and ready to meet the many opportunities that are on offer here at the Senior School, as well as the challenges that invariably surface. The New Year represents a fresh start and a new chapter in all our lives….lets EMBRACE IT! Congratulations to Year 7 for the great effort made so far in making new friends and settling into the new environment. In coming weeks they will have further opportunity to build relationships with peers, Year 10 Peer Support Leaders and their teachers, through specially organized events and activities. Thank you to all the Year 10 Peer Support Leaders who came in ahead of their year group to assist Year 7 on their first day at the Senior School, and also for the efficient way they have been carrying out their duty of escorting Year 7 to each of their classes every day. Well done to all who have taken on the responsibility of assisting the numerous new students who have joined the school in Years 8, 9, 10 and 11. I am sure that your efforts in befriending and helping during these first days have made their transition happy and less stressful. This is shows great school spirit, keep it up.

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YEAR 7 FRIENDSHIP DAY On Monday, 23rd February, 2015, a special whole day event ‘Year 7 Friendship Program’ will be held to assist Year 7 students with their transition to the Senior School. The program will be facilitated by ‘Burn Bright’ an organization that prides itself on providing leadership and character-based programs that create a positive atmosphere where all students feel valued and prepared for the future. Students were given a note to take home that provides more details about this event. Parents are reminded that the cost is $30 per student (place the exact money in a sealed envelope. Write the students name and Home Room class on the outside along with the activity name ‘Year 7 Friendship Day’). Return to the main school office by the due date - Monday 16th February, 2015. LEADERSHIP PREFECTS 2015 The first meeting of the 2015 Year 12 Prefect Body will take place on Thursday next week and fortnightly meetings will follow on after this. Shortly, Prefects will begin to take up their school duties which include: running the Friday Leaders Assembly, assisting at the canteen and at school sports carnivals, monitoring behavior on buses to and from school and represent their peers at external leadership gatherings. YEAR 12 SURVIVAL DAY On Wednesday 18th February, 2015, a special whole day event ‘Year 12 Survival Day’ will be held at school in the SPACe. There will be 5 focus areas covered on this day: Resilience, Personal Effectiveness, Relationships, Study Specific and Enjoying the Journey. Everyone is reminded that the cost is $30 per student (place the exact money in a sealed envelope). The Payment due date is Friday 13th February.

NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM NSW Ministry of Health offers all school students free vaccinations recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). These vaccines are important and protect students through to adulthood. This year all Year 7 Students and Years 11 & 12 will be offered the following vaccines on the following dates: - Visit 1: Wednesday 25th March - Visit 2: Wednesday 6th May - Visit 3: Wednesday 16th September All Year 7 Students will be offered:

Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine - 1 booster dose. This dose was previously recommended at 15 years of age. Your child will only be offered this vaccine in Year 7- see enclosed information.

Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine - 1 dose. If your child has already had chickenpox disease or been vaccinated, they do not need this vaccine- see enclosed information.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine - a 3 dose course offered to boys and girls- see enclosed information

(a Catch up Course will only be offered to Year 8 male and female students who didn’t complete it in Year 7) Year 11 & 12 students will be offered:

Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) - 1 dose. If your child has previously had 2 doses of MMR, they do not need this vaccine.

Consent Forms Please read the information provided with the consent form to understand facts about the vaccines that will be offered and the diseases that these vaccines protect against before you sign the forms. Please note that the consent forms for Year 7 students’, will need parent/guardians signature for each vaccine requested. The nurses will not be able to vaccinate your child if this is not done. A Record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated after vaccination.

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Keep this vaccination records in a safe place, as they will be required for future work or travel. Immunisation Records Childhood vaccination records for children born after January 1996 can be checked by calling the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809. If you have questions about the program at school please contact Ms Kokinelis Dean of Middle School 0293113340, or the Immunisation Unit, Public Health on 9382 8333. Ms G Kokinelis Dean of Middle School G R E E K C O L U M N Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, Να ‘μαστε και πάλι πίσω στα θρανία. Σαν νεράκι κύλησαν οι διακοπές και τώρα δουλειά! Θα ήθελα αρχίζοντας τη νέα μας σχολική χρονιά να καλωσορίσω όλους μας τους μαθητές και ιδιαίτερα τα «πρωτάκια» μας και να τους ευχηθώ καλή πρόοδο. Επίσης θα ήθελα να συγχαρώ την περισυνή Γ΄ Λυκείου για τα θαυμάσια αποτελέσματά της σε όλες τις γλώσσες που παρέχει το σχολείο μας, Νέα Ελληνικά, Σέρβικα και Αρχαία Ελληνικά! Μπράβο σε όλα μας τα παιδιά και τους καθηγητές τους. Παρακάτω δημοσιεύουμε απόσπασμα της συνέντευξης της Καλλιόπης Κεφαλά, Γ΄ Λυκείου 2014, (accelerated student) που πρώτευσε στο μάθημα των Νέων Ελληνικών (Continuers level) στην πολιτεία της ΝΝΟ. (Ο ΚΟΣΜΟΣ – 31/12/14) Καλή ανάγνωση! Κ. Μαίρη Φαλέτα «Ασφαλώς είμαι χαρούμενη και περήφανη. Περήφανη όχι τόσο για μένα, εγώ διάβασα και πήγα καλά, αλλά περήφανη που μ’αυτή μου την επιτυχία , τίμησα τους γονείς μου και το σχολείο μου. ……..…… Κάτι όμως που θα κάνει αυτή την ημέρα και το τηλεφώνημα του υπουργείου για την πρωτιά μου να μείνουν στη μνήμη και στην καρδιά μου για πάντα,

είναι ότι έλαβα το τηλεφώνημα αυτό στην γιορτή του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνα, την ημέρα που γιόρταζε ο προστάτης του σχολείου μου και το σχολείο μου, που φέρει το όνομά του. ………… Δεν νομίζω ότι υπάρχουν μαγικές συνταγές επιτυχίας. Τα δύο τελευταία χρόνια, προτεραιότητά μου ήταν το σχολείο μου και τα μαθήματά μου. Μελετούσα μεθοδικά και οργανωμένα. Ειδικά στα Ελληνικά που ήταν για το HSC μου. ……….. Θέλω να ευχαριστήσω όλους για τα συγχαρητήριά τους και εύχομαι ο καινούριος χρόνος να τους φέρει υγεία, ευτυχία, ειρήνη κι ευημερία! Θα ήθελα να τονίσω πως δεν είμαι η μόνη που πρώτευσε στα Ελληνικά και συγχαρητήρια και στους άλλους δύο από το Beginners και το Extension course. Ευχαριστώ επίσης την καθηγήτριά μου που μας δούλεψε με αγάπη, υπομονή κι επιμονή που δεν περιγράφονται. Ευχαριστώ και στους γονείς μου και την οικογένειά μου, που πάντα με υποστήριζαν ειδικά όταν ένιωθα λίγο άγχος για τις εξετάσεις μου. Η μητέρα μου, που ξέρει πολύ λίγα Ελληνικά μου διάβαζε με δυσκολία τα κείμενα για να απαντήσω στις ερωτήσεις των Listening and Responding, μέρος του HSC με 25% και ο πατέρας μου με ρώταγε ερωτήσεις για προπόνηση στο Speaking, μέρος του διαγωνίσματος με 20%. Ευχαριστώ και στο σχολείο μου που μας παρέχει Ελληνικά. Τέλος, θα ήθελα πιο πολλούς μαθητές και μαθήτριες να επιλέξουν το μάθημα των Ελληνικών. Αν εγώ, ένα Αυστραλογεννημένο Ελληνόπουλο τα κατάφερε, σίγουρα μπορούν και πολλοί άλλοι.» Calioppe Kefalas Year 12 - 2014 C A R E E R S C O L U M N Welcome back to all! The HSC Class of 2014 gained some wonderful results and it has been exciting to see that over 80% received University offers in the main round (with 12 offered places at UNSW, 8 at ACU and 5 at Sydney University to name a few), while some also received early offers to Macquarie University, Australian Catholic University, Notre Dame University and University of Western Sydney. We await news also on some who are hoping for more offers in the second round. Congratulations to them and to their

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teachers - it is very inspiring for our current Year 12 class. While the Year 12 Class of 2015 are busy continuing their HSC studies this Term, I plan on interviewing each of them again to discuss their goals for the year and their plans for 2016 and beyond. This will help me to keep all students informed of any opportunities or relevant information I receive, which may be helpful for their future plans. As I hear of scholarships, cadetships, early offers, University or trade workshops or other exciting opportunities, I will be passing on the details to them. I see the Year 11 students embarking on their final years of school with great enthusiasm and several have decided to study courses at TAFE as part of their HSC studies, while others are studying a language at the Open High School. Year 10 students will be having several ‘careers’ sessions with me throughout the year, when they will reflect upon their interests and talents and explore different career areas as they think about subject choices for Years 11 and 12. I encourage all students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to make a habit of reading this column every fortnight, as well as any careers bulletins I prepare for them, so they don’t miss out on important information. (The Newsletter is emailed out to the students’ school email address.) USEFUL WEBSITE: We have again subscribed to a useful careers website which parents and students can access: www.mhscareers.com (username: spyridon password: careers ) NEW COURSES Engineering at Charles Sturt University Charles Sturt University (CSU) will be introducing a new Bachelor of Technology/ Master of Engineering (Civil Systems) in 2016. Study will begin on campus at CSU in Bathurst for 1.5 years, followed by four years of online study while students undertake four one-year paid placements in industry. Contact 1800 334 733 or visit: http://www.csu.edu.au/courses/engineering-civil-systems

Sydney TAFE extends degree application deadline Late applications will be accepted until February 13 for the Associate Degree of Applied Engineering (Renewable Energy Technologies); Associate Degree of Accounting; Bachelor of Applied Finance (Financial Planning); Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth - 5); Bachelor of Design (Interior Design); Bachelor of 3D Art & Animation; and the Bachelor of IT. Info on 1300 360 601. ACU – Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to five years) - NEW in 2015 This new course is designed for students who want to pursue a teaching career in a birth to five years setting. The course was developed in response to workforce needs in the early childhood sector and as such graduates find employment as Early Childhood Teachers in early childhood settings, such as early learning centres and kindergartens. See http://www.acu.edu.au/early-childhood UPCOMING EVENTS: UNSW Campus Tours Fri 6th February, 3.30pm – 4.30pm Sat 7th February, 10.00am – 11.00am Fri 13th February, 3.30pm – 4.30pm Fri 20th February, 3.30pm – 4.30pm Fri 27 February, 3.30pm – 4.30pm UNSW Campus Tours are conducted by highly trained and experienced Student Ambassadors who can provide information about the ins and outs of studying at UNSW. Tours are conducted nearly every Friday throughout the year and also at 10am on the first Saturday of each month. http://infoday.unsw.edu.au/ SCIENCE /ENGINEERING EVENTS AT UNSW Any students (and their parents) interested in Science or Engineering should take note of the following dates. Further information on registering for these events will be available in the near future; Engineering and Science Student/Parent Info Evening 11 June Science Info Day: 23 July, 5 November

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Engineering high school Info day: 20 May, 28 October UMAT 2015 UMAT is a test that is used specifically to assist with the selection of students into the medicine, dentistry and optometry programs at undergraduate level at the Universities listed on the website. Registrations for UMAT 2015 are now open and close 5:00pm (AEST) 5th June 2015. The test takes place nationally on Wed 29th July 2015. http://umat.acer.edu.au/ STUDY IN THE USA: COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY FAIR Mon 16th February, 6 - 8pm at SCEGGS, Redlands 272 Military Rd Cremorne Students in Years 10 to 12 interested in finding out about US study after the HSC are encouraged to attend. Many institutions will be represented and valuable information about the application and admission process will be provided. Register at: www.trybooking.com/GUFB BLUE MOUNTAINS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL MANAGEMENT SCHOOL: LEURA CAMPUS OPEN DAY Sat 21st February, 10.00am – 1.00pm, 1 Chambers Road, Leura NSW An interactive hands-on day where students can view the campus, with a guided tour from a current student, and also experience work making cocktails and café lattes. http://www.bluemountains.edu.au/openday/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=homepage CAMP AMERICA ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION Wednesday 11th February, 6:30pm - 7:30pm (AEDT) Find out everything you need to know about Camp America and get all your questions answered from the comfort of your own home. http://campamerica.com.au/camp-america/events/camp-america-free-one-hour-info-session-live-online/

PROJECTS ABROAD INFORMATION SESSIONS Tue 17th February, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, Sydney Central YHA, 11 Rawson Place, Sydney Tuesday 24th February, 6pm (AEDT) online. This general information session will provide an overview of Projects Abroad, profiles of volunteers, safety concerns and information on all their different destinations and projects. Attendees will be able to ask questions via instant messages throughout the 45 minute presentation. http://www.projects-abroad.com.au/more-info/information-events/ http://www.projects-abroad.com.au/more-info/information-events/webinars/ SYDNEY DANCE SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS School holiday classes are taught by industry professionals and are offered in a variety of dance styles to students aged 8 – 18 years. http://www.sydneydancecompany.com/classes-and-courses/holiday-workshops/#.VMmVlmiUd40 Ms G Hakos Careers Adviser S P O R T S C O L U M N  CONGRATULATIONS SPORTS CAPTAINS 2015 Sophia Rizzo – Girls Adonis Tsoustas – Boys

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ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL 2015 ISA Basketball continues this year as the students completed Round 7 within days of returning back to school. After a long break no doubt the students struggled to find form and fitness but fortunately the Open Girls were able to secure a win over St Pauls Grammar school 40-11. Open C Girls consisting of Year 11 girls also won their match 32-11 against Oakhill College, despite only having 5 players and finishing the match with 4 due to injury, a fantastic result. Intermediate Girls narrowly lost in a low scoring game 8-6 against Redlands. All Junior teams lost but will continue to prepare and train to end the season well. 7th February 2015- ISA Basketball Round 8 -all teams at home playing at the SPACe. 14th February 2015- ISA Basketball Round 9 - all teams away. 21st February 2015- all teams away with the exception of the Open C’s at home. 28th February 2015- Semi Finals. 7th March 2015- Finals. GIRLS and BOYS OPENS FUTSAL Trials have commenced this week for both boys and girls Opens team. Only students who participate in the ISA season either Summer or Winter are eligible to trial. The team selected will play at both the NSW Regional Futsal Championships and the Greek Orthodox Colleges competition. TRIAL DATES: Boys Monday 2nd February Wednesday 4th February Thursday 5th February Tuesday 10th February Girls Tuesday 3rd February Friday 6th February Monday 9th February Venue: SPACe Note these trials are for Opens only Junior trials will be conducted later in the year.

OUTDOOR OPENS SOCCER TRIALS 2015 Trials will commence Week 3 for any boy wishing to trial for ISA Opens football team and Greek Orthodox Colleges team. Any boy wishing to trial must have commitment to the ISA Winter season. Selection process will include three staff members who will form the basis of team selection. TRIAL DATES: Wednesday 11th February Period 5 Thursday 12th February Lunch Friday 13th February Lunch Venue – Artificial Surface OPEN NETBALL TRIALS Trials will commence Week 3 for any girl wishing to trial for ISA Opens Netball team and Greek Orthodox Colleges team. Any girl wishing to trial must have commitment to the ISA Winter season. Please bring sports uniform in order to trial. Selection process will include three staff members who will form the basis of team selection. TRIAL DATES: Thursday 12th February Lunch Friday 13th February Lunch Monday 16th February Lunch Venue: SPACE CROSS COUNTRY All students will be trialling for the ISA Cross Country team during their PE periods over the next coming weeks. Once trials have concluded students will be informed of their selection and any possible training schedule. The ISA Cross Country carnival is to be held on Saturday 21st March 2015 at Chevalier College. BOYS ISA BASKETBALL Welcome back to all families to a new year of sport. The basketball competition on Saturdays continued last Saturday with the boys’ basketball teams continuing their great form from last year.

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Most teams travelled to Bathurst for their encounter with St Stanislaus College. Despite being the first game back from the break, all were exceptional with very strong performances from all teams. The Open boys, U14 white and U15 white team were victors on the day. With the U13 white team narrowly defeated and the U17 boys losing out to a very dynamic and well organised Stannies team. Our development teams also performed well at the SPACe with great contributions from all the boys. The U14 blue and U15 blue team were also winners in round 7 of the competition. Next week the boys will be competing against either Oakhill College, Redlands or St Patricks College. Emails will be forwarded to all families and a hard copy of game times will be posted on the sports notice board as well as being given out to the students. With only three regulation rounds remaining, most of the boys’ teams have a real opportunity to make the semi-finals to be played at Penrith Sports Stadium on Saturday 28th February, 2015. The Open boys will continue their regular training during school hours as well as after school on a Wednesday.

Updated points tables are available on the ISA website: http://www.isa.nsw.edu.au/ Families with any questions or concerns are asked to kindly contact Mr Kaldis on the school contact number 9311 3340. Remaining Rounds: Round 8 Saturday 7th February Round 9 Saturday 14th February Round 10 Saturday 21st February Semi final Saturday 28th February Final Saturday 7th March ISA REPRESENTATIVE SELECTIONS 2015 We wish Adonis Tsoustas of Year 12 (Sports Captain) and Christian Ishak Year 11 the best of luck at the upcoming ISA Basketball trials to be held on Monday 16th February at Penrith Basketball Sports Stadium. STUDENT PROFILE: JOHN TROVAS 2014/2015 NSW Track Championships John Trovas of Year 9 competed in the 2014/2015 NSW Track Cycling Championships on the 31/1/2015. John was successful, winning a Silver Medal in the 500m Time Trial and a Bronze Medal in the Sprint Championships.

John now has the opportunity to be selected in the NSW National Team to compete in Melbourne for the National Cycling Title. Congratulations to John, and we wish him all the very best in his cycling endeavours.

John Trovas Year 9

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SENIOR SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL Date: Friday 20th February 2015 Time: 8.30 am—3.00 pm Venue: Des Renford Aquatic Centre, Robey St Maroubra

Assemble at Heffron Park poolside for Roll Call

This is a compulsory school event all students must attend and participate in at least one event

School swim wear must be worn Sports Uniform with house T-Shirt must

be worn (COMPULSORY) Students are advised to bring their own

lunch and plenty of water

Students are to make their own way to Des Renford Aquatic Centre

Students who catch private buses will be dropped off and picked up to and from Des Renford Aquatic Centre

Ms K. O’Shea (Girls Sport) and Mr F. Kaldis (Boys Sport)

 

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P&F TRIVIA NIGHT IS BACK !!!

tickets available and selling fast

SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2015 arrive 7:00PM

(7:30 start)

ST SPYRIDON CHURCH HALL

Prepare your team for triumph and purchase

a table of 10 @ $250 (donation) (or $25 per adult)

(for adults 16 yrs & over) PRE PAID TICKETS ARE ESSENTIAL

BYO FOOD ALL DRINKS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON THE NIGHT

COUNTLESS PRIZES & SURPRISES

FOR TICKETS CONTACT: Anna Stamoulis 0405 683 320 Erenie Bourdaniotis 0410 318 053 Maria Karedis 0403346942

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