College Newsletter
Term 4 Week 4 Friday 3 November 2017
A Message from the Principal
As students in Year 7 to 10 will sit examinations over the next weeks, it is important that all students are completing all set assessments and homework as well as preparing for examinations they have.
Courses of study for 2017 for Year 7 to 9 will not be finished until the last day of formal classes on 12th December. All students from Year 7 to 9 need to be in attendance until this date. Wednesday 13th December to Tuesday 19th December are Staff Development Days for the staff at Cerdon College.
If parents wish to speak to Year 7 to 10 teachers about student's progress, appointments can be made with individual teachers from 8:45 am to 10:45 am on Monday 18th December.
Students in Year 11 who have commenced their HSC courses of study will have formal assessments from 11th December to 13th December. No Year 11 student will be given any exemption for any of these tasks.
With the Bishop's Statement in mind, we join as a community as we pray:
Grant safe passage, Lord
to those fleeing conflict,
warfare and persecution,
And for whom the perils
Of an overcrowded boat
In dangerous waters
Is a risk worth taking
Compared to the life
They have left behind.
Bring peace, Lord,
Where there is conflict,
Sow love where there is hate,
And begin within our hearts,
That the love we display
Might make a difference
In this increasingly fragile world.
Through Jesus Christ alone,
the Prince of Peace, we pray.
(John Birch - faith and worship)
God Bless
Mrs Patricia Baker
Principal
Message from Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM CONV. - Bishop Delegate for Migrants and Refugees
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Pope Francis has chosen the theme, “Child Migrants, the Vulnerable and the Voiceless”, at the recent 103rd World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
Pope Francis reminds us that, “Migration today is not a phenomenon limited to some areas of the planet. It affects all continents and is growing into a tragic situation of global proportions. Not only does this concern those looking for dignified work or better living conditions, but also men and women, the elderly and children, who are forced to leave their homes in the hope of finding safety, peace and security.” (Pope Francis, Message 2017).
The statistics are alarming. UNICEF reported in December 2016 that, “An estimated 535 million children…live in countries affected by conflict or disaster, often without access to medical care, quality education, proper nutrition and protection…”. We are no longer able to sit in silence when confronted with these realities. We therefore need to become informed and also become engaged. There are many individuals and organisations who do amazing and inspirational work in this field, who quietly go about their work. We need to join in solidarity with them, and at a grassroots level to commence the process of making a difference in their lives.
House of Welcome Christmas Appeal
As part of our Christmas appeal this year, Cerdon college will continue to support the House of Welcome that has now re-located to Granville. Staff and students will be asked to donate items to their food bank so that they can distribute this to our local refugee families. Your support will be greatly appreciated when we commence collections.
Collection of non perishable items will continue throughout November. Lists of items will be distributed in homerooms, however, products such as rice, tinned tuna, plastic bottles of cooking oil, laundry powder and coffee are always appreciated by the House of Welcome.
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.
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 3 November 2017
Textbook Lists for 2018 are now available
Social Justice Update
Last term as a follow up from the Year 10 Social Justice Day two Year 10 Religion classes had the opportunity to work alongside Rotary in support for their 'Days for Girls' program. The program ensures a more equitable provision of education for females in developing countries. Female students in developing countries received a toiletries pack to assist them in maintaining good hygiene so as they do not need to miss school.
Miss Parker and Mr Mulheron's classes donated goods and their time to pack these toiletries into bags that have recently been distributed by Rotary in Timor Leste. Vera Liondas who visited Cerdon explained that while the transport was arduous, the smiles on the girls faces made it worthwhile. Each class should be proud of their effort as they have participated in a form of action to ensure a more just world in turn living out our theme for 2017 of "Dreams to Action".
Mr N Mulheron
Continuing Support for St Patrick’s Church Hill
Staff and students from Cerdon College have continued to work very early on Saturday mornings at St Patrick’s Church Hill to provide breakfast to the disadvantaged. Our Year 12 students have concluded their time and have “passed the baton” to our Year 11 who have taken up the challenge. Sr Fidelis SM, a past staff member of Cerdon has expressed her sincere gratitude to the College for the support and manner with which our girls participate.
On Wednesday 11th October, 2017, Cerdon College girls attended a faith formation session on the Theology of Beauty. Genuine and pure beauty is on the inside. This talk helped us understand the importance of self love and how to look beyond the beauty of an individual’s outer appearance. So here are some steps to acknowledge that:
- In order to see another's beauty we must accept ourselves
- By accepting ourselves, we are appreciating the work of our Lord.
- Remember that beauty is a gift from God and that God makes no mistakes - so when we judge ourselves negatively, we are criticising God's artwork.
- You are beautiful, however, do not get to the level of thinking that you are prettier or more advantaged in looks than others because then that's when we turn vain, arrogant and self-indulged.
- Our souls are what make us purely beautiful, inside and out, and our bodies are the only thing that can house our souls and it's beauty.
Cerdon students need to know this because our society the media can tear and wear out someone’s esteem. We can give each other the reassurance they need to build it up again. So if someone gives you compliment, accept it because it honours God’s work and beauty shining through you. To help remind girls that we are beautiful, we handed out red roses with little messages. Not everyone has the understanding that everyone is beautiful, so by telling them that God sees his children with love, girls will instantly learn that everyone is genuinely gorgeous because a greater authority shares the same beliefs. These roses were met with hugs, tears and smiles. The world needs more of this, so let’s not forget that we are beautiful and to remind others of their beauty too.
Carla Haddad and Georgia-Lee Vakuta
Young Australian Art Awards 2017 - Judges Choice
Earlier on in the year, several Year 11 Visual Arts students submitted their portrait artworks of the teachers from Cerdon College, as part of the Young Australian Art Awards. This program provides an opportunity for young Australian children to have their work assessed by a panel of judges and showcased on their website.
We are very proud to announce that Samantha Lindermann Passanante has been awarded the 2017 Judges Choice Award, narrowly missing out on First Place by one point! Her portrait of Mr Kershaw will be exhibited in Melbourne during the awards ceremony and featured in the February 2018 addition of the OzKids Magazine: Young Australian Art & Writers Award edition.
Samantha’s award winning artwork will be on display in the school office. Congratulations Samantha!
Mrs M Barbaro
Captivate Secondary Eisteddfod
On Monday the 23rd of October, Cerdon College Band students attended the Captivate Secondary Eisteddfod at Plumpton. They received a Highly Commended for their rendition of What Makes You Beautiful, a song performed by One Direction.
Congratulations to all the students involved. Thuy Ann Nguyen, Jessica Truong, Vanessa El Hayek, Piper Shepherd, Sally Fung, Sarah Denniss, Hannah Khoury, Sarah Vella, Flavia Lu and Edwina Tu.
The students commit to rehearsal every Monday at lunchtime and have worked very hard to achieve a wonderful result. Well done girls.
Ms T Singleton
Numeracy at Cerdon
Grace Muscat (Maths Co-ordinator) and
Anne-Maree McEwen (Numeracy Co-ordinator)
Enrichment@Cerdon
The Year 7 Knowledge Challenge
This week saw the youngest members of our school community participate in their first ever Cerdon College Knowledge Challenge. From our very first meeting it was very clear to see that this group was going to approach the challenge with lots of enthusiasm and excitement... and they didn’t disappoint!
After hundreds of questions which tested their knowledge in everything from Science, Maths, English, Geography, the Arts, Sport and Current Affairs the grand final was a show down between Colin I and McOscar I.
Well Done to Arushi Kumar, Tia Dbouk, Emma Yaako, Elyssa Awad and Isabella Yaako from Colin I for making the finals and for their fantastic effort. Congratulations to Natalie Awad, Kiara Mooney, Rebecca Georges, Catherine Elias from McOscar I for winning the Year 7 challenge with outstanding results.
A special congratulations to all the students who participated in this competition. All teams worked co-operatively and demonstrated great sportsmanship. We hope to see you all back next year!
UN Youth NSW JUNIOR LEADERSHIP WEEKEND for Year 7 and 8 Students
This is a fantastic opportunity for Year 7 and 8 students who are interested in learning more about leadership, education and about making a difference in our world.
On 25-26 November 2017, more than 100 students from across NSW will come together to take part in the inaugural Junior Leadership Weekend. Junior Leadership Weekend is a 2 day, 1 night residential conference at Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation (Narrabeen).
Delegates will spend the Saturday of the conference meeting each other and beginning our conversation on education. On Sunday delegates will have the opportunity to put their knowledge to use and come together to help create ideas and solutions targeted at improving education. Throughout the weekend they will get to partake in informative workshops and innovative Youth Change sessions. In addition, they will listen to and work with inspiring guest speakers. And not to mention a whole bunch of other fun things (including trivia and a disco) !
For further information and to register please visit https://unyouth.org.au/event/jlw-2017/
Please inform Mrs Agius if you are interested in attending.
The USYD Gifted and Talented Discovery Program Qualifying Exam
This opportunity is offered to students in Years 8 and 9 who are passionate and capable in science. If successful the exam allows students the opportunity to participate in the G&T Discovery program at USYD in 2018. This is a prestigious program, offered to only the top 10% of applicants in Australia. This year two of our students qualified for the program and enjoyed the experience immensely. Students who are interested in applying are encouraged to see Mrs Agius or their science teacher.
The Science Experience at the University of Sydney 2018 program
The University of Sydney will be running the very popular Science experience during the January holidays. This program will allow students to employ real science in hands-on laboratory sessions and interactive lectures to solve a crime. Students will work with fellow detectives to interview suspects and collect evidence against them. If you're a natural problem solver and enjoy exploring a case from every angle, the Sydney Science Experience is the place you need to be in January. Applications are now open for this fantastic program.
Mrs S Agius
Enrichment Co-ordinator
PDHPE/Sport Report
Australian Sport Aerobics
On Wednesday 20th September, Rose Hanratty and Sarah Vella traveled to Bendigo, Victoria to compete in the Gymnastics Aerobics National Championships. The girls were fantastic representatives of the school and performed exceptionally well at the competition. Out of the sixteen teams competing, Cerdon achieved fourth place overall. This result is testament to the hard work and commitment of the girls in the lead up to the competition. Both Rose and Sarah, along with their choreographers and coaches should be congratulated for their efforts. Many hours of early morning and lunchtime rehearsals are needed to perform at such a high level. Congratulations girls!
Miss M Bailey
PDSSSC Futsal
On Monday October 30, Cerdon participated in the PDSSSC Futsal competition at Penrith Valley Sports Complex. Cerdon were represented by a Junior and Intermediate team. Both teams performed strongly at the competition and represented the College with pride. Congratulations to the Junior team, consisting of Year 7 and 8 students, who defeated St Columba’s Catholic College Springwood in a penalty shoot out in the final. It is a wonderful achievement for all involved to emerge victorious against strong opposition at this competition. The Intermediate team, consisting of Year 9 and 10 students also tasted success, whilst just falling short of victory in the final. They were defeated narrowly by Nagle College, Blacktown 3 goals to 2.
Congratulations to all players involved and we look forward to next year’s competition. Thank you to our two coaches, Miss Meduri (Junior team) and Mr Hanna (Intermediate team) for their expertise in guiding the students to perform to such a high standard.
Mr R Zammit
PDHPE/Sport Co-ordinator
Junior Team (Year 7-8) - PDSSSC Futsal First Place
Josephine Moujaes, Priscilla Granata, Amelia Williams, Annabelle Danil, Alyssa Abou Hamed, Claudia Turano and Bianca N Cameron
Intermediate Team (Year 9-10) - PDSSSC Futsal Second Place
Katerina Bonovas, Jessie Finch, Jessica Stipic, Isabelle Stipic, Alysha Biber, Melissa Spehar, Sabrina Granata, Leila Kacanic and Julia Ljubicic
Study Samurai
Last Minute Study
What do you do if you have left your study to the last minute?
In an ideal world it would be great if all students paid attention, focused and participated in all classes, completed all homework and assessments thoroughly, asked for help throughout the year on anything they didn’t understand, made regular summaries of the work covered in class (preferably at the end of each topic or section) and did their best to learn as they go throughout the year.
But in reality, this doesn’t always happen for every student and every subject.
So what can you do if you have left your study for tests and exams to the last minute?
5 TIPS FOR LAST MINUTE STUDY
- FIND OUT FAST: Be very clear what you need to learn and what will be tested. It is impossible to start your study until you are sure what you have to know. Find out as much as you can too about the exam format and the style of questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher. For each subject write a list of exactly what topics and areas you need to review.
- GATHER MATERIALS: Do you have notes, materials, textbooks on everything you need to learn? If not, is there a friend who will let you photocopy the work you have misplaced? Is there an online portal where material from classes is stored? Can you borrow from the library additional books or textbooks on the topics you need to learn? Are past examination papers available?
- MAKE A PLAN: You only have limited time left so you need to make the most of it. Draw up a grid that shows how much time you have left before your exams to study. Decide if you will spend equal time on each subject or if certain subjects need more time. Allocate subjects to the timeslots you have then decide exactly what you will do to prepare for each subject. For each subject make a list of what sort of study you should do to prepare for that subject. Brainstorm your ideas on how to prepare, ask your parents and teachers for feedback and share ideas with your friends.
- CREATE STUDY NOTES: Target your notes to what will be tested. It is best for learning and memory to make your study notes yourself, but if you have run out of time there are options. See if any of your class materials or textbooks have summarised the sections you need, see if there are study guides available in the library on the topics to learn or make targeted notes yourself on the key areas you have to memorise. You could also see if there is a friend where you could split the topics between yourself and share the notes you make. Don’t spend too long on this stage, it needs to be completed as quickly as possible.
- STUDY! What does study actually mean? It means memorising the material you need to know so you can recall it in the exams, and practising the skills of the subject so you know how to do the types of questions you will have in the exam. To memorise your notes you need to test yourself over and over on them. You could read a section, see what you can write down without looking then check. Then review the things you didn’t know again. Or you could do the same approach reading things out loud then seeing what you can repeat out loud. Doing questions, practise essays, past exam questions will also help you understand what you know, and what you need to spend more time on.
The key is to get started. No more procrastination, no more excuses. Start today!
You and your parents can learn more about study and examination techniques at www.studysamurai.com by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units or watching some of the videos on this topic.
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.
New Trading Hours for Uniform Shop from Term 4 2017
Additional Trading Hours -
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)
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
CEDP News
News from the Office of the NSW Children's Guardian
The latest news from the Office of the NSW Children's Guardian is available for viewing here.
Issues addressed include:
- Child Safe eLearning Updated
- Child Safe face-to-face training
- Child Safe training for the Disability Sector
- Spotlight on unsafe employers
Bishop's Office News
Represent our Diocese: Share your Wisdom
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv is calling for greater participation of lay people through new advisory councils. Please consider nominating or encourage someone you know. Details, including the nomination kit, are available from parracatholic.org/advisorycouncils or by contacting Tanya from the Diocesan Ministry Centre on 02 8838 3460. Nominations close on Sunday, 5 November 2017.
Pre-marriage preparation
The Life Marriage & Family Office in the Diocese of Parramatta has now launched an online booking system, allowing couples to enrol for pre-marriage preparation programs and to pay by credit card. Couples will be guided on the website to the most appropriate form of preparation, i.e., the Pre-Marriage Weekend Course (Friday evening & Sunday) or Prepare/Enrich, an individual couple preparation with face to face feedback sessions. Both preparations are designed to strengthen and enrich the couple’s relationship and work on building a rewarding life together. Bookings may be made and dates chosen by visiting our website www.parracatholic.org/pmp or enquiries may be made to our office on 8838 3460 or email lmf@parra.catholic.org.au.
Employment
The position of Admin, Youth, Networking & Events Coordinator at the newly-opened Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations (CCCMR) in Blacktown is available. Details are available at: https://catholicjobsonline.com.au or emailing Rev Dr Patrick McInerney on patrickmcinerney@columban.org.au
Mass in the African tradition: 5 November
Join us as we celebrate Mass in the African tradition. Very Rev Peter G Williams will celebrate Mass at 2.00pm at Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, 51-59 Allawah Street Blacktown. Contact Stella Nwosu 0405 478 472.
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