College Newsletter
Term 2 Week 10 Friday 6 July 2018
A Message from the Principal
Term Two is a particularly busy school term. In the last few weeks students in Years 9 & 10 have been completing their mid-year exams, while students in Year 12 have been finalising their assessments and working to complete their major works in Drama, Music, Visual Arts and Design & Technology. Students in Years 7 and 8 have also been working at their assessments; this week, Year 11 are either participating in the Volunteers in Action programme or are at work placement (if they are undertaking a VET course). Teachers have also been working at reports, in amongst each of the Parent-Teacher Evenings, enrichment activities, debating, sport and various after school classes. I'd encourage all parents to visit the College website and subscribe to the latest news to keep up to date with the happenings in a very busy school.
We also acknowledge the staff that made the celebration of another Chavion Day a great success, including Fr Gavin (our celebrant Marist Father from St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill), Mrs Parker, Mr Mulheron, Ms Ackaoui and all the staff who assisted with the mass and the Chavoin Day activities in the Hall in the afternoon.
We have also been celebrating with some of our Year 12 students who have been offered places at university via early entry schemes. All students are encouraged to participate in the various programmes and activities that the College offers to assist them in both their development as young women of purpose and towards securing their futures. As you might be aware, last year we graduated 93% of Year 12 students to university and all graduates of the class of 2017 either finished school with a place at university, TAFE or work. This is an outstanding achievement, and would not be possible if it were not for the efforts of the students in taking up these opportunities and the teachers who make these opportunities possible.
I wish to thank all the staff for their work this term, and as always, for the extra-curricula activities and opportunities they provide for each of your daughters. Without their efforts, the College would not function as well as it does, nor be as successful as it is today.
Next term, we have a large number of teachers beginning Masters degrees with the University of Notre Dame, other teachers training and updating their VET skills and qualifications, an immersion trip to Fiji as well as our regular Saturday morning commitment to St Patrick's Church Hill, and our enrichment and sports programmes.
We start next term on Monday, 23 July with our College Athletics Carnival at SOP Athletics Centre, Homebush and all students are expected to attend. I also ask your cooperation on Friday, 3 August, school census day (please see below) as this census determines our funding for the upcoming year.
We also wish Mrs Baker a speedy recovery and we will see her back for Term Three.
With all of this in mind, we pray,
God our Father,
you made each of us
unique and unrepeatable.
Inspire me to live in such a way
that I respect others
and am ready to learn
from all who are part of my life this day.
Amen
God Bless & have a safe holiday,
Mr F Caristo
Assistant Principal
School Census Day
All students are expected to be in attendance on Census Day.
Should your daughter be sick on this day, please telephone the College Office to advise of your daughter's absence. If the College hasn't received notification by 9:00 am, a member of staff will contact you to confirm your daughter's absence.
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.
Upcoming Events
Friday 6 July
Year 7, 9 and 10 Reports Distributed
Monday 9 July - Friday 20 July
School Holidays
Monday 23 July
Term 3 Commences - School Athletics Carnival
Tuesday 24 July - Friday 27 July
Year 10 (Year 11 2019) Subject Selection Talks
Tuesday 24 July
Year 10 (Year 11 2019) Subject Selection Information Evening - 7:00 pm
Tuesday 31 July
Year 10 Social Justice Day
Wednesday 1 August
Year 10 Parent/Teacher Evening 4:00-7:00 pm
Friday 3 August
School Census Day
Monday 6 August
Year 12 HSC Trial Exams commence
Year 8 (Year 9 2019) Subject Selection Forms Due
P & F Meeting - 7:00 pm
Wednesday 8 August
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day
Wednesday 15 August
Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saturday 18 August
Year 11 Drama Production - 7:00 pm
Monday 20 August
Year 12 HSC Trial Exams conclude
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.
College Uniform Shop Trading Hours
From 14 May to 24 September – MONDAYS ONLY – 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Cerdon College Uniform Shop Management
Telephone: 8724 7329 (During trading hours only)
School Calendars
CEDP News
Holy Spirit Seminary Open Day: 19 August
"Come and See Day" at Holy Spirit Seminary, Harris Park on 19 August 2018 is a whole-day event, inspired by Our Lord’s invitation to the two disciples of John the Baptist to “Come and see”, found in the Gospel of John. Open Day provides single men open to a priestly vocation with the opportunity to experience seminary life, beginning with Holy Mass at St Oliver’s Parish Church at 10 am, followed by talks, a tour, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and dinner with Bishop Vincent. RSVP essential. Please contact Fr John Paul Escarlan via johnpaul.escarlan@parracatholic.org or 0420 310 771
We are currently promoting via our social media channels and parish bulletin notices and will continue to do so until the open day. The image is of Chris del Rosario, one of our seminarians who should be ordained a priest by the end of this year.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkOxvMyARUq
https://twitter.com/parracatholic/status/1009273825958113281
Bishop's Office News
Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses
The Office For Worship is taking enrolments for its Liturgical Ministry Formation Courses for those who are interested in being Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Bringing Communion to the Sick and Dying. To be held at the Institute For Mission at 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown. Enrolments close 9 August. NOTE: Introduction Session on 16 August is compulsory.
Please see your Parish office for a form or for more information contact ivergano@parra.catholic.org.au or 02 8838 3456 or parracatholic.org/office-for-worship/
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
Pilgrimage from Prague to Dubrovnik in September-October School Holidays
A three-week pilgrimage - The Shrines and Cathedrals of Central Europe - from Prague to Dubrovnik in the September-October School Holidays will be led by Fr John McSweeney from St John 23rd Parish, Stanhope Gardens. For more information contact Harvest Journeys on 1800 819 156 or info@harvestjourneys.com for more information.
LIFTED RETREAT 2018 “Complete Joy”: 6-8 July
Young adults of our diocese are invited to join us in this Year of Youth open new horizons in our hearts for spreading joy. Take some time away from the busyness of everyday life to be with the Source of all joy: Jesus! Get ready for a weekend of new friendships, great food, solid talks and times of quiet and prayer. For 18-35 year-olds, $95 per person. Register at parracatholic.org/cyp-lifted-retreat
Nigerian Mass in Igbo: 8 July
Rev Fr Chukwunonyerem Akamadu, Chaplain to the Nigerian Catholic community, will celebrate Mass at 11.30am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes. Contact Fr Akamadu tel 0451 174 438, Stella Nwosu 0405 478 472.
The Permanent Diaconate: 8 July
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. The 2018 dates on Sundays: 9 September, 4 November. For further information visit www.parracatholic.org/permanent-diaconate or please contact any of the following deacons: Deacon James – 0425 213 832, Deacon Tan – 0407 270 782, Deacon George – 0408 440 769
Faith in Marriage Seminar: 3 August
All are welcome to attend the 2018 ‘Faith in Marriage’ Seminar address is entitled ‘Marriage & Men in Contemporary Society’ and will be given by Robert Falzon co-founder of menALIVE. All parishioners are warmly welcome to attend this free event on Friday 3 August at 7.30pm at the Institute for Mission, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown. Please RSVP to lmf@parracatholic.org or phone 02 8838 3460.
Office for Worship Formation Day: 11 August
The Office For Worship is offering a Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Dying Ongoing Formation Day on Saturday 11 August, 9.30am – 2.00pm (Morning Tea and lunch provided) at the Institute For Mission, 1-5 Marion St, Blacktown. RSVP by 6 of August, 2018. For more information or to register contact ingrid.vergano@parracatholic.org 02 8838 3456.
Council of Catholic Schools Parents
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