College Newsletter
Term 3 Week 5 Friday 24 August 2018
A Message from the Principal
Since our last newsletter Year 12 students have completed their Trial HSC Exams, and many students are now preparing to have their major works marked or performed. In the coming weeks, HSC markers will be on site to assess Drama and Music performances, and the Design and Technology and Visual Arts major works. Students studying languages have or are in the processes of having their speaking skills assessed. We continue to keep Year 12 in our prayers, especially those students who are completing these milestone assessments.
This week we acknowledged the hard work of all our students, especially those receiving Silver and Bronze Principal's Awards at our assembly. These awards are the culmination not only of achievement in various subjects, but also the consistent effort and diligence with which these students approach their learning. We have been working to encourage the development of a growth mindset ("I don't know how to do this yet") and the grit and determination to persevere in the face of obstacles and set backs. Both of these qualities are important in the development of effective lifelong learners.
Last week we celebrated with Fr Peter Strohmayer the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope Pius XII described Mary's Assumption as "having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory". Whereas Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary's body was taken into heaven by the power of her Son. Like Mary, we try to proclaim the greatness of the Lord by helping the lowly and the poor find justice. The Feast is a solemnity, a Holy day of obligation, and we are thankful that Fr Peter could celebrate the mass with us here at school.
And so today we pray:
Mary, our Mother,
your total giving of yourself
reminds us
that we hold in trust
from God our Father
all our accomplishments
and talents and gifts
- trusted as we are
to offer them in his service,
and bring happiness and well-being
to our brothers and sisters.
Your "Yes" to God's invitation
to be mother of his Son
reminds us
that prayer is not just words
but is from the heart.
We ask you to pray to Jesus for us
that the Holy Spirit
may live fully in us, too,
so that we may pray
in the way that each of us finds best.
So may we be prepared to join you
in saying "yes" to God our Father,
that Jesus may be born anew
in our hearts.
Amen
God Bless
Mr F Caristo
Acting Principal
In Sympathy
Please keep the Carey family in your thoughts and prayers with the passing of Barry Horne, Grandfather of Caitlin Carey (Year 11).
Staff Only Parking on School Grounds
Parents and students are reminded that the carparks on site are for College staff ONLY. It is an unsafe practice to drop off and pickup students from these carparks, particularly in Sherwood Road as the entrance is off the T-way. Parents driving students to school need to find parking or a safe drop off area, (following the Council parking signage at all times) in Kenyons Road, Bristol Street or other streets surrounding the College. It is not permissible to park across residential driveways, as the College receives a number of complaints about this and it is also contrary to legal parking regulations. This is a major safety issue for all our students and it is unfortunate that a small minority of parents still seem unable to follow the College's Policy regarding no parking on College grounds, even if they are coming to the College Office.
General Safety
All parents are also reminded that they should not be dropping off or picking up students at either the BP Service Station or on the T Way Bus Lane. These are both unsafe options for students and parents.
Students and parents too must always ensure they use pedestrian crossings to cross the roads around the school.
Thank You from the Charlie Teo Foundation
The College was very pleased to support the foundation with this important research.
Whole School Assembly on 22 August
Congratulations to the following students who received a Principal's Award at the assembly and celebrated on Thursday 23 August with a special morning tea with family members and staff in the hall -
Bronze Award Recipients
Siena Mia Agius 7E10
Marcia Arrilucea 10FD1
Jamie-Marie Bazouni 9I31
Huyen Bui 9J30
Christina Callaghan 8G25
Rachel Chaaya 11F16
Emily Contreras 9I31
Allyssa Cruz 8G23
Annabelle Danil 9J28
Sarah Denniss 9I33
Bao Tram Doan 10F20
Nora-Lee Doueihi 10FD1
Charlize D'Souza 10F24
Nana Ellis 9J29
Lynelle Fares 9J30
Sally Fung 8GL3
Hannah Galeb 7E9
Gisela Ghaleb 8G23
Catalina Guerrero 10F20
Deanna Hanna 9I31
Sophia Hassarati 11F17
Kaja Katovcic 8G23
Catherine Le 10F19
Eliana Mansour 8G24
Melissa Nakyanzi 10F20
Gabrielle Nasr 8GL3
Jennifer Ockert 9J29
Grace Othman 9I31
Monica Pham 9J29
Lanie Phan 9I33
Angelina Portolesi 10FD1
Jessica Salame 8G26
Bianca Simonetta 9J30
Elizabeth Tran 9I32
Ivy Tran 8G26
Sophia Vicic 10F18
Sophie Vo 9I32
Silver Award Recipients
Ma. Sophia Allida 10FD1
Antoinette Azzi 10F19
Angelika Boutros 9I32
Isabella Caroso 11F17
Juliana Chahine 9I31
Mikaela Chami 9I31
Ela Dincsoy 9J29
Chloe Eigner 9I33
Jamelle El Koura 9I33
Lauren Farrugia 9J29
Rebecca Georges 8G26
Anna Haider 9J29
Alyssa Hanna 10F21
Mikayla Issa 9I32
Paula Kahwajy 10F20
Alyssa Khouli 9J30
Hannah Khoury 9I33
Marissa Mbarak 8G23
Rachael Menezes 10F19
Chantelle Narso 9I31
Victoria Nguon 9J28
Sophia Siderides 9I32
Daniella Touma 9I33
Elizabeth Tran 9I32
Nicole Wang 10F20
Amelia Williams 9J29
Upcoming Events
Monday 27 August
Dress Up Day
Tuesday 28 August
Year 12 HSC Drama Practical
Thursday 30 August
Year 8 Medieval Day
Monday 3 September
Year 7 2019 Parent Information Night
Wednesday 12 September
Feast of The Most Holy Name of Mary
Friday 14 September
Staff Development Day
Monday 17 September
Year 11 Exams commence
Thursday 20 September
Year 7 Immunisation
Wednesday 26 September
Year 12 Farewell Mass 10:30 am
Thursday 27 September
Year 12 Graduation Liturgy Rehearsal - 11:00 am
Year 12 Graduation Liturgy and Awards Ceremony 7:00 pm
Friday 28 September
Year 11 Exams conclude
Last Day Term 3
Monday 1 October to Friday 12 October
School Holidays
Monday 15 October
Term 4 commences
Monday 15 October to Friday 19 October
Year 11 Work Placement/ABW Programme
Wednesday 17 October
Year 7 2019 Orientation Day
Thursday 18 October
HSC Exams commence
Friday 26 October
Year 7 and Year 10 Peer Support Picnic
Monday 29 October
P & F Meeting 7:00 pm
Wednesday 7 November
Year 11 Reports Distributed
Friday 9 November
Year 12 HSC Exams conclude
Monday 12 November
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Monday 12 November to Friday 23 November
Year 9 and 10 Elective and Practical Assessments Week
Thursday 15 November
Principal's Awards Morning Tea
Friday 16 November
Year 12 Formal
New Appointment System for the Uniform Shop
Commencing on Monday 17 September, the College Uniform Shop will be conducting an appointments system on selected days to assist parents to streamline uniform purchases.
Parents of students already attending the College will be able to access an appointment time via the College Website when this function has been activated and the following dates will be available to make appointments -
TERM 3, 2018
Monday 17 September
Monday 24 September
Wednesday 26 September
Thursday 27 September
TERM 4, 2018
Monday 15 October
Wednesday 17 October
Wednesday 24 October
Wednesday 31 October
Wednesday 7 November
Wednesday 14 November
Wednesday 21 November
Wednesday 28 November
Wednesday 5 December
TERM 1 - JANUARY 2019
Monday 21 January
Tuesday 22 January
Wednesday 23 January
Tuesday 29 January
Wednesday 30 January
The Uniform Shop will also be open to students in Years 7-11 on the following days - no appointment necessary -
Monday 22 October - 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 29 October- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 5 November- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 12 November- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 19 November- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 26 November- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 3 December- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 10 December- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Thursday 31 January - 7:30 am to 10:30 am
Cerdon College Uniform Shop Management
Telephone: 8724 7329 (During trading hours only)
News and Announcements
For all regular announcements and up to date news on the events that take place at the College, please subscribe to the News Feed and Announcements Feed on the College Website which you can access here. You can also follow Cerdon College on Twitter, Facebook, Pintrest and Instagram; links to our Social Media can be found at the bottom of this Newsletter and on the College Website. We will continue to use Skoolbag to communicate important information about excursions, information nights and parent/teacher evenings. Please make sure that you select the appropriate group(s) to receive specific news relevant to your daughter's year group. If you are new to Skoolbag please review the infographic above.
School Calendars
Bishop's Office News
Natural Fertility Services
“My husband and I opted for Natural Family Planning (NFP) after our first baby, we’d struggled with other means of fertility management prior to this. Since then, we've been shocked by just one thing, hardly anyone knows about it! Our educator has patiently guided us in learning, implementing and having confidence in ourselves. Best of all, NFP goes hand-in-hand with faith, as God's handiwork is on vibrant display in the human body. Beyond its practical benefits, NFP has revealed to us the astounding mechanisms that God has set in motion in our bodies to create life. NFP is family planning God's way”. A couple in their 40’s with two children.
To learn more about Natural Family Planning in the Diocese of Parramatta contact 02 8838 3460 or nfs@parracatholic.org or catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org and www.parralmf.org.au/nfs
We’re hiring!
Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta is seeking a Nurse to attend World Youth Day 2019 in Panama. The role will be responsible for encouraging and coordinating healthy practices and the preliminary identification and assessment of medical, health and wellbeing needs of pilgrims. More information at: http://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/positions-vacant
Save the Date – Seminar for Couples Hoping to Conceive
Date: 11 November 2018. Waiting for Gabriel is an information afternoon. You’ll hear testimonies and learn about natural options which assist fertility. For more information contact Natural Fertility Services, Diocese of Parramatta catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org 0400 427 605
Save the Date - Liturgy Conference 2018
Date: 10 November 2018. Keynote Speaker: Fr Peter Williams Vicar General from the Diocese of Parramatta. Workshops (still to be finalised): Singing the Psalms, RCIA ritual & symbols, Training Junior Altar Servers and Music and Prayer in the Classroom. To register your interest go to parracatholic.org/liturgyconference2018/
Tickets: On sale soon (we’ll let you know when).
ACYMC 2018
Early-bird registration for the Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Convention hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops is now open at www.acymc.org.au. The event will host up to 500 adult delegates who are engaged in ministry with young people in parishes, schools, agencies and ministries of the Catholic Church. Rooty Hill RSL, September 21-23.
Contact James Camden, Director, Catholic Youth Parramatta for more information (02) 8838 3428 or james.camden@parracatholic.org
Lawn and Garden Services: Help CatholicCare to Help Disabled Workers
CatholicCare Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains (CatholicCare) is the diocesan social services organisation. Our Mamre Garden Services employed disabled people in a lawn and garden service lawns for both residential and commercial clients. The team of workers is supervised by our Garden Crew Supervisor. Each job is quoted separately and you will not be disappointed with the quality of the work. If you’re interested in having your lawns and/or gardens serviced by CatholicCare or would like more information, please contact 02 8843 2500 or visit our website www.ccss.org.au
RCIA: How it can grow your Parish’s Faith Life
Wednesday 12 September – Part 1
Wednesday 19 September – Part 2
To be held at the IFM, 1-5 Marion St Blacktown from 7.00–9.00. To register contact the Office For Worship: ingrid.vergano@parracatholic.org or 02 8838 3456.
Creating a Safe Church: 31 August - 1 September
The Diocese of Parramatta is co-hosting two days of presentations by Fr Hans Zollner SJ addressing the most significant issues facing the Catholic Church today with respect to harmful behaviour, including the theological and spiritual implications arising from the abuse crisis and their impact on victims and survivors, together with members of the Church. Fr Hans is regarded as one of the leading ecclesiastical experts in the field of safeguarding of minors and on areas concerning sexual abuse both in the Roman Catholic Church and beyond. More information and registration via parracatholic.org/safechurch
A special Year of Youth event in the Mountains: 1 September
We’re inviting all young adults working and living in and around the Blue Mountains for an afternoon to connect. This Year of Youth, we’re striving to create more opportunities for young people to experience the joy of the faith. Join us on 1 September from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba. Follow Catholic Youth Parramatta for more information or contact Qwayne Guevara, Local Engagement Leader at qwayne.guevara@parracatholic.org.
Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Retired and Sick Priests: 2 September
There will be a special collection for the Clergy Support Foundation of the Diocese – on Father’s Day. Your donation helps them cover healthcare costs and expenses associated with everyday living, supplementing the pension that some receive. Please give generously this Father’s Day Appeal. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Donations can be made here: https://parracatholic.org/csf/
Children’s Liturgy Workshop: 5 September
This workshop will be held at the IFM, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown from 7.30-9pm. To register contact the Office For Worship: ingrid.vergano@parracatholic.org or 028838 3456. This is an important evening for all those assisting with Children’s Liturgy in their Parish.
The Permanent Diaconate: 9 September
The discernment program for those who are interested in finding out more about this Vocation will be held at St John 23rd Parish, 160 Perfection Avenue, Stanhope Gardens 2768. Come and learn more about vocations to the Diaconate and have a chat with our team members. We are looking for men aged between 35 to 55 and residing in the Diocese of Parramatta. Our discernment program consists of five sessions, with each session dealing with different aspects of the Diaconate. The meetings will commence at 3.00pm until 6.00pm followed by the Parish Mass and Fellowship.
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.
About us
Email: cerdon@parra.catholic.edu.au
Website: www.cerdonmerrylands.catholic.edu.au
Location: Sherwood Rd, Merrylands West, New South Wales, Australia
Phone: 8724 7300
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CerdonCollege
Twitter: @CerdonCollege