College Newsletter
Term 4 Week 6 Friday 17 November 2017
A Message from the Principal
Year 12 completed their HSC examinations on 7th November and tonight will celebrate their graduation from Cerdon College at their Year 12 Formal Event.
Our Year 7 to 10 students have completed their examinations and over the next two weeks will finalise their assessments for 2017. Year 10 Reports will be distributed to students on Thursday 7th December at 3:20 pm. Year 7 to Year 9 Reports will be issued to students at 3:20 pm on Monday 11th December. Reports cannot be issued prior to these times, so please do not phone or come to the College Office to request your daughter's report early.
The College Presentation Evening will be held from 7:00 pm to approximately 8:45 pm on Monday 11th December.
The College's building programme is anticipated to be completed by the end of December. Over the next three weeks some additional works will be commenced in the senior playground area. These works will continue to build the facilities for our students. It is hoped all these works will be finished by the start of the 2018 school year.
Let us pray:
God our Father,
when times are good,
may I live in such a way
that I will be strengthened
for the difficult times
that all of us face at some time
during our lives.
Lead me
to make positive choices
to value friendship and loyalty,
to treat all with dignity and respect
and develop attitudes and values,
that support others
to be valued and respected.
Throughout difficult times
may I build on
the positive choices of my past,
looking outward
in the service of others
and avoiding self-pity.
May I grow in the faith so that,
whatever my circumstances,
I need have no regrets
but may entrust
my past to your mercy,
my present to your love,
and my future to your Providence.
May I know, too,
that my faith in God
is only a shadow
of God's faith in me
and his love for me.
Amen
God Bless
Mrs Patricia Baker
Principal
Student Safety Travelling to and from School
Parents are encouraged to have conversations with their daughters regarding their journey to and from school. In our society the practice of listening to music in headphones while we are walking is all too common. While this is an enjoyable means of passing the time, headphones prevent the listener from being completely aware of their surroundings. Students must ensure, for their safety, that they are attuned to what is happening around them, particularly when crossing roads. A student with headphones on is likely to not know if someone has followed them or approached them from behind. Where possible students should look to travel with a friend or in a group.
The safety of all students here at Cerdon is paramount and if parents have this discussion with their daughter’s it will assist us in meeting this end.
Mr N Mulheron
Student Attendance
The NSW Education Act (1990) requires every child from 6 years to 17 years of age to be at school every day the school is open. The only acceptable reason for an absence is an illness that is fully documented.
Any extended time away from school for any reason may mean that a school will require a student who has missed classes to repeat a school year, as the school may be unable to certify that a student has achieved the syllabus outcomes for that stage.
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 will not be given leave for any reason at a time when they have an Assessment Task or Examination. If leave is taken they will not be awarded marks for this task. This will have a negative impact on the student's HSC marks and Year 10 or Year 11 RoSA Grades.
As from Semester 2, the College will also be reporting the percentage of school attendance (the Attendance Level) on the report cover page.
Attendance Summary as at 17 November 2017
Last Day of 2017 Trading for Uniform Shop
Due to end of year stock take, the last day of trading for 2017 will be Monday 11 December with extended hours from 8:00 am - to 6:00 pm.
The College Uniform Shop will resume trading next year as follows -
Term 1 2018
Tuesday 23 January - 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Wednesday 24 January - 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Thursday 25 January 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Friday 26 January - Public Holiday - CLOSED
Monday 29 January 7:30 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday 30 January 7:30 am to 2:00 pm
Thursday 1 February 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Friday 2 February (Blazer Fitout) - 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Cerdon College Uniform Shop Management
Telephone: 8724 7329 (During trading hours only)
Textbook Lists for 2018 are now available
Foodbank Collection for the House of Welcome
Thank you so much to the many members of our community who have donated food items and other non-perishable goods to The House of Welcome. Each homeroom has organised themselves through the efforts of their homeroom teacher and mission promoter to ensure that everyone is involved in assisting with our efforts. Year 11 students have organised themselves so as to be ready to collect and collate items in preparation for delivery.
Donations will continue to be collected right through November. At the start of December these items will be transported to Granville so as to be distributed to those seeking asylum.
Remembrance Day at Cerdon College
On Monday, 13th November, the College held a ceremony to remember the men and women who have served Australia in times of conflict and who have paid for their service with their lives.
The commemorative address, by Jemima Barkley of Year 10, stressed the importance of peace in our world, while highlighting the work of Australian peacekeepers over the last 70 years.
Kate Bell of Year 9 then narrated the story of World War One sniper William (“Billy’) Sing, who fought at Gallipoli in 1915. He has a plaque dedicated to him in Brisbane and a statue in Clermont, Queensland.
After the wreath and poppies were laid beneath the Australian flag, ‘Advance Australia Fair’ was sung by the college choir and community.
Also, the work of students who entered a competition to design an image for our college sign on Sherwood Road will be shown over the next two weeks.
Mr S. Bridges
History Co-ordinator
National Young Leaders Day
On the 30th of October we attended the Halogen Leadership Conference held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. The day proved to be an enlightening one, where students from various schools across NSW congregated to hear some of the most inspirational Australian leaders share their stories and experiences, leaving us with little pieces of wisdom to take away with us.
The speakers on the day were Gladys Berejiklian, John Coutis, Adam Goodes, and Andrew Scipione and one of the most important lessons we learnt that day was, “We are only given one chance, it’s up to us what we do with that chance.” This piece of advice was given to us by John Coutis, who also expressed the importance of our lives and the people who are important in our lives. He showed us this through the story of his life which was full of sadness, laughter and eventually smiles. John Coutis touched the heart of everybody in the whole room, and we know that we will never forget his words of advice.
Emma Balogh-Caristo, Tamsyn Balogh-Caristo and Bella Shepherd
Marist Youth Leadership Camp at Mittagong
On Sunday the 12th of November, the Cerdon College student leadership executive team were given the privilege to attend the Marist Youth Leadership Gathering at Mittagong. We were able to meet other student leaders from 17 different NSW Marist schools, including schools run by Marist Brothers and Marist Fathers.
Over the course of the three day gathering, we learnt about leadership in a Marist context and were able to gain ideas for initiatives from other schools to incorporate our Marist values into our leadership here at Cerdon College. Whilst learning about these Marist values we also participated in a variety of activities including, seminars lead by Br. Greg McDonald and bonding tasks ranging from ‘The Amazing Grace’ to talent shows. On the second night a liturgy was held with each student receiving a handcrafted wooden cross to accompany us on our “spiritual journey to sacred places”, followed by a formal dinner with principals from different schools. This enabled us to talk with Mrs Baker about our student vision for Cerdon College in 2018.
As a reflection on this gathering, we are grateful to have met so many new friends and have gained a new insight as to how we can be truly effective Marist leaders.
Gabriela Badrov, Kelly Nguyen, Mikayla Menouhos, Shiarna Tarasenko and Emily Dang
Numeracy at Cerdon
On Tuesday, 14th November, teachers from Padua College Brisbane visited Cerdon to become familiar with the numeracy strategies we have employed over the last decade. Padua College is looking at ways to improve the numeracy of their students and given the significant improvement many of our students have made in this area, they wanted to see first hand, ’Numeracy at Cerdon’. They were able to observe Mrs. Agius teach a Year 7 EMU (Extending Mathematical Understanding) group and then those same girls participated in an Open Task on Time. The EMU program assists students in their Growth Points while Open Tasks help students to develop reasoning and problem solving ability.
The following Year 7 girls are to be commended for the exemplary manner in which they represented Cerdon College; Corina Beshara, Laura Camilleri, Natalie Mariani, Grace Mathew, Adut Mayom, Marnely Pelayo and Shauna Shetayh. We would also like to thank Mrs Agius for showcasing a number of EMU activities for our visitors.
Grace Muscat (Maths Co-ordinator) and
Anne-Maree McEwen (Numeracy Co-ordinator)
Enrichment@Cerdon
Enrichment @Cerdon
In this week’s edition we celebrate the success of the Cuberider team who recently presented at the Powerhouse museum. The evening involved a number of schools showcasing their projects in the presence of some very influential people in politics and industry.
Cuberider Showcase
On Friday evening 10th of November, our students were invited to present their experiment at the Cuberider Showcase at the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.
The event was primarily to celebrate the students’ success in the Cuberider Programme and for them to showcase their achievements to members of Parliament, Industry professionals and the general public. As part of the evening, students had the chance to meet Solange Cunin, the co-founder of Cuberider who spoke openly about her passion for STEM education and Space. Students also met Lucy Turnbull (our first lady) and Craig Laundy the Liberal Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and to interact with representatives from businesses, universities and fellow students from other schools.
Our students had a wonderful time, speaking confidently about their experience during the Cuberider project and inviting guests to try out their prototype of a moisturizer suitable for space travel. So impressed was a businessman that he offered the girls the opportunity to consider producing the cream using indigenous ingredients, with the possibility of featuring the product in the travel kit of first class travellers on QANTAS flights! He described their efforts as ‘inspirational’ and a true reflection of STEM education in the real world.
This experience was truly an eye opener for our students as they realised the importance and impact of their learning…
‘This was an incredible opportunity to celebrate the achievements of students and for students to be recognised for all of our efforts and endeavours’
Janine
‘The night was very interesting and informative’
Anh
‘It was a unique and incredible experience..I feel extremely grateful to be part of something so extraordinary’
Dima
‘It was an amazing experience to showcase our efforts to politicians and business people’ Alex
‘I found the experience to be very rewarding since I was able to meet and speak with some influential people and talk about our Cuberider project’
Flavia
An exciting experience where we were able to talk about what we are passionate about
Teresa
Congratulations to Flavia Lu (Year 9), Alexandria Makary (Year 10), Dima Ahmad (Year 11), Anh Nguyen (Year 11), Teresa Tran (Year 11), and Janine Udan (Year 11) for their efforts at the showcase and to Mr Tham and Mrs Agius for supporting the girls throughout their Cuberider journey.
Mrs S Agius
Enrichment Co-ordinator
PDHPE/Sport Report
Year 10 PDHPE Advocates for Health Presentations
On Wednesday November 15 and Thursday November 16, Year 10 presented their Health Promotion Stalls to a very engaged audience of Year 7, 8 and 9 students. The stalls were the culmination of knowledge and skills that the students acquired throughout the Advocates for Health unit this term. In particular, the students learnt about the influences on health decision making, the risk and protective behaviours and the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. Amongst those in the audience were some special guests to help judge the student work and provide feedback. Guests included Chris Baker and Mary Anne Farrugia from Cumberland Council’s School Engagement Team. We also had former student Emma Burton, now working for Wesley Mission, attend to view some of the projects that relate specifically to mental health. All guests noted that the presentations were very engaging and that the students’ knowledge was very comprehensive. The students produced some amazing projects that certainly have the potential to be effective beyond the school community and it is great to see them taking such pride in their work. The various health issues promoted by the students included sun safety, mental health, substance use, obesity, diabetes, physical activity and food habits. Congratulations to all students of Year 10!
PDSSSC Blue Award
Congratulations to Shiarna Tarasenko of Year 11 who was awarded with a PDSSSC Blue Award at the Diocesan Sports Awards Ceremony on Tuesday November 14. The awards ceremony took place at Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta. Shiarna has excelled in external competitions in Ice Hockey and Netball. Her year began on a high when she was selected in the Australian U18 Women’s Team, travelling to San Sebastian, Spain for the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships. She also travelled to Copenhagen, Denmark for a training camp with the Australian Team. In addition, she has been playing in the Australian Women's Ice Hockey League for the Sydney Sirens in which she has played in matches around the country. Along with her pursuits in Ice Hockey, she has represented to a high standard in Netball where she Captained the U17 Parramatta Auburn Netball Association (PANA) State Championship team. She has been rewarded with a range of sponsors to support her participation at this level, including Anytime Fitness and Safar. To add to this, she has already kicked off her role as Cerdon College Sports Captain with enthusiasm, organising a lunchtime Oz Tag competition with more activities planned for next year. We congratulate Shiarna for her achievements this year and wish her well as she prepares to travel to the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships held in Poland during in January 2018.
Taekwondo
Congratulations to Emma Cham of Year 8 and Mary Cham of Year 10 for their achievements in Taekwondo this year. In particular, their most recent performances at the Australian Championships held in Bendigo, Victoria in October. Whilst Mary has battled injury throughout this year, she has managed to compete as a junior in the very strong black belt division. This has meant competing against more experienced opponents. At the Australian Championships, Mary put in a very strong performance in her division but had to withdraw as she had re-injured her hamstring. We congratulate Mary on her efforts and hope to see her fully fit and competing at this level next year. Emma competed in the cadets red belt division, winning the bronze medal in her first year representing NSW in a national competition. It was a strongly contested competition and Emma narrowly lost in the semi final by a few points to the eventual gold medalist. Congratulations to Emma and we look forward to seeing her rise to the next level in 2018.
Mr R Zammit
PDHPE/Sport Co-ordinator
In early 2017 parents/carers of Year 7 students were asked to provide consent for their children to receive three doses of HPV vaccine in the NSW School Vaccination Program.
Most* Year 7 students who have received two doses of HPV vaccine are considered to be fully vaccinated and do not require a further dose.
This change is based on recent international studies that show for children aged 9 to 14 years of age, two doses of HPV vaccine provide the same protection as three doses, as long as the second dose is given at least six months after the first dose. Based on this evidence, the World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends a two-dose HPV schedule, and this has already been adopted in comparable countries (i.e. the UK, Canada, the United States and New Zealand) and is now being adopted in Australia.
In 2017 Year 7 students were given the second dose of HPV vaccine at least six months after the first dose to accommodate the urgent roll-out of the Meningococcal W Response Program to Year 11 and 12 students. Year 7 students who have received only one dose of HPV this year will be offered their second dose in 2018. Parents/carers whose children were vaccinated in 2017 but who still wish for their child to receive a third dose of HPV vaccine can access a free dose from their general practitioner (GP).
* Students with significantly impaired immune systems are still recommended to have three doses of HPV vaccine. Parents of these students should make arrangements to complete the vaccine course with their GP or by calling their local public health unit on 1300 066 055.
More information is available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/hpv or by calling your local public health unit on 1300 066 055.
Building Site
Access to the College Office is via the Sherwood Road footpath only. Parent co-operation in allowing Cerdon College to meet its Work, Health and Safety obligations is appreciated.
School Zones
Parents need to take note that the area surrounding Cerdon College is designated as a School Zone. Police and Council Rangers constantly patrol the area. They will have no hesitation in prosecuting drivers for driving offences.
In NSW more than one million school students travel to and from school each day. The vast majority of students do so safely. The NSW State Government is committed to further increasing safety for children during school travel times.
The school zones were selected according to a number of criteria concerning the risks young pedestrians are exposed to, including a combination of high traffic volumes, the level of pedestrian use and crash history.
All NSW school zones are sign-posted with regulatory signs that list the operating times of the school zones.
What times do the school zone speed cameras operate?
All school zone speed cameras operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week and detect vehicles exceeding the speed limit. They are also programmed to detect vehicles exceeding the 40km/h school zone speed limit during sign-posted school zone times.
For most locations these times are: 8am – 9.30am and 2.30pm – 4pm on gazetted school days.
How do I know I am entering a school zone?
NSW school zones are sign-posted indicating the operating times of the school zone. There are also large, bright yellow markings painted on the road showing the 40km/h speed limit. In addition to the regulatory signs Roads and Maritime has also installed flashing lights (school zone alert systems) at a number of school zone sites, including all fixed speed camera sites that are located in a school zone. School zone flashing lights are used as an additional warning system to alert motorists to slow down, and are not legally required in NSW.
Are school zones enforced on pupil free days?
Fixed digital speed cameras enforce the school zone 40km/h speed limit during the stated school zone hours on all gazetted school days. Pupil free days or staff development days fit into this category and in some cases there may still be students attending schools on these days.
There are also some instances where double demerits apply on a school day. This will usually happen when the day before a long weekend is also a gazetted school day.
School days are defined as those gazetted by the NSW Government and which can be found on the NSW Government website and in most annual diaries. Both Catholic and independent schools, irrespective of their term dates, have enforceable school zones in line with Department of Education school terms. The fixed speed cameras enforce the school zone speed limit in accordance with the Department of Education school term dates.
School Calendars
Bishop's Office News
Special edition of Catholic Outlook
At the request of Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Catholic Outlook will be back in print for a special, one-off December 2017 Christmas edition. This special edition will be a beautifully bound, 40-page, A4 magazine and will showcase the work of the parishes, ministries and agencies of the Diocese of Parramatta. Look out for copies in your parishes and schools from Monday 4 December.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv statement on Manus Island
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop Delegate for Migrants and Refugees has issued a statement on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, following the closure of the Manus Island Centre. He states: “The policy of offshore detention has failed and it is time for us to deal with the issue of asylum seekers and refugees according to this nation’s proud tradition and the best nature of its citizens. We can do a whole lot better, just as we did welcome “those who’ve come across the seas” after the wars in Europe and in Southeast Asia. The concern for maritime border security does not have to make us into a mean-spirited people. The policy of offshore detention has cost Australia dearly. But it has cost the detainees and their families even more. I appeal to the government and political leaders to act in accordance with our honourable tradition. It is time to find an alternative and conscionable solution, including accepting New Zealand’s offer of resettlement and bringing the remaining detainees on Manus Island to Australia for further processing.”
The Catholic Foundation: 19 November
The Diocese of Parramatta is delighted to announce the establishment of The Catholic Foundation, which will replace and expand on the good work of the Diocesan Works Fund. The Catholic Foundation needs to raise $2.5 million annually to sustain the works of the Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains - including the formation of our seminarians, providing Christian education in public schools, empowering our disabled with job training, supporting our deaf and assisting single mothers facing homelessness. For more information please visit: https://yourcatholicfoundation.org.au
Holy Hour for Vocations: 24 November
Everyone is welcome to join the Holy Hour for Vocations from 6:30pm-7.30pm for an hour of adoration, prayer, music and quiet time at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Marys. For information about priesthood in the Diocese of Parramatta and Holy Spirit Seminary, please contact Fr John Paul Escarlan, Director of Priestly Vocations, vocations@parra.catholic.org.au
About us
Email: cerdon@parra.catholic.edu.au
Website: http://dev.cerdon.nsw.edu.au
Location: Sherwood Rd, Merrylands West, New South Wales, Australia
Phone: 8724 7300
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CerdonCollege
Twitter: @CerdonCollege