College Newsletter
Term 2 Week 10 - Friday 5 July 2019
A Message from the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students
Term Two is often the busiest term of the academic year with students involved in many external sporting competitions, extra curricular activities such as debating, Chess competition, MUNA and the Science and Engineering Challenge. In the classroom, Year 7 and 9 students have completed NAPLAN and Year 10 students are completing HSC Minimum Standards testing. All of this has been happening while students from Year 7 to 12 have been working hard on other classroom learning. Year 12 are finalising major works for Visual Art, Design and Technology, Music, Drama, Extension English, Science and History.
Students in Years 7, 9 and 10 received their Semester reports today, whilst Year 8 received their Semester reports on Tuesday so that parents and students could receive feedback on their academic efforts at the Year 8 Parent Teacher Night.
Many students from Years 8 to 12 have been involved in a national STEM case study being conducted by Macquarie University. This project will continue for the rest of the year and will provide the College with valuable insights into both student and teacher experiences in learning and teaching in Mathematics, Science, TAS and STEM subjects.
Last Friday, Cerdon College celebrated Chavoin Day, which acknowledges the Marist Sisters' Charism which provides the essential values which underpin all teaching and learning at the College.
This year, our College theme - OCEAN (One Community Embracing All Nations) provided the focus for both our liturgical celebration and our afternoon's entertainment.
After the liturgy the 2018-2019 Chavoin Shield was presented to Marcellin House.
The following staff were acknowledged at our annual long service awards for staff. These awards are a well deserved thank you to staff who have loyally committed to service of the College over many years.
The Chavoin staff awards were presented as follows -
10 Years of Service
Mrs Gallina
Miss Nimac
Miss Parker
Mrs Rowston
Mrs Ryan
Ms Singleton
Mr Tham
20 Years of Service
Mrs Marando
30 Years of Service
Mr D'Arcy
40 Years of Service
Mrs Morris
47 Years of Service
Mrs Deegan
Congratulations and a sincere thank you to these staff members for their extraordinary service to Cerdon College over many years.
One highlight of Chavoin Day is the presentation of our annual Fourvière Award which is presented to a student who -
- displays an understanding of what it means to be Marist - to follow Christ as Mary did
- strives to model the qualities of Mary through acts of humility, simplicity, hospitality, compassion, perseverance and presence
- is mindful of the needs of others and is ready to welcome others and be of service
- shows initiative and goes beyond in an unassuming way
The citation for the 2019 Fourvière Award winning student Nora-Lee Doueihi reads as follows -
The student who will be awarded the Fourviére Award is one who embodies the essence of what it means to be a true Marist. Her relationships with her peers and teachers are imbued with the spirit of Mary as she is always sensitive to the needs of others, always being gentle in word and action. She quietly involves herself in the life of the College in a humble and unassuming way, never drawing attention to herself.
This has been demonstrated through her roles as Peer Support Leader, Debater, House Captain, sports team member, Choreographer and leader of dance groups since Year 7.
She always strives to achieve personal best in everything she does. In a quiet and gentle manner, this student is always supportive of other students as they seek to involve themselves in College life.
This student displays strong leadership in House structures in Year activities in sport and extra curricular activities, always showing great respect for others and their opinions. She recently worked collaboratively with staff and students to win $5000 in funding from the Cumberland Council for the healthy eating program at Cerdon College.
The Fourviére Award 2019 is awarded to
Nora-Lee Doueihi
As students and staff take time to renew and refresh to get ready for a busy Term Three, I remind everyone that school recommences on Monday 22nd July 2019. This day is our Athletics Carnival, which will be held at Sydney Olympic Park Homebush. Students will be transported to and from the carnival. Students are reminded that unfortunately, no canteen facilities are available at the venue.
As a Marist community we pray:
Grant we pray almighty God,
that as we gather to celebrate this Chavoin Day
and give thanks for this year
dedicated to embracing all nations in unity,
may we endeavour to accept the challenge
of Pope Francis to work for unity.
May You enlighten us by Your Word as we continue
to embrace members of our world
with Your love and the joy and humility of Mary.
We make this prayer through Jesus, Your Son
who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever.
Amen
God Bless
Mrs Patricia Baker
Principal
In Sympathy
Please keep the Akkari family in your thoughts and prayers following the recent passing of Mr Nassif Gabriel Akkari, Grandfather of Teresa, Jacinta and Chanel Akkari.
May he rest in peace.
Amen
Save the Date - Cerdon College 60th Anniversary in 2020
Please save the date!
Further details soon.
Principal's Awards
Bronze Award Recipients
Neola Asante 8G25
Caitlyn Borg 11F11
Emma Bright 8G23
Grazia Carrano 8G25
Lian Chen 8G23
Nicola Christou 8G27
Tanya Dannoun 8GL3
Jessie Douaihy 8G24
Chanel Draiby 8G26
Lara Dwyer 9I32
Julia El-Jammal 8G23
Charlie-Rose El Riachi 10F24
Zoe Fitzpatrick 8GL3
Sara Fonti 8G27
Angelina Georges 8G26
Rebecca Georges 9I31
Alana Ghassibe 10F21
Natasha Gillett 9I31
Natasha Grech 10FD1
Danielle Horish 8G25
Charlotte Hughes 8GL3
Carol Iskandar 8G23
Karen Kahramanian 8GL3
Paula Kahwajy 11F11
Zainab Kamara 10F19
Georgina Kandamkolathy 8G27
Hannah Khoury 10F24
Renee Kristiansen 11F15
Lorena Lapic 8G23
Abigail Lavery 8GL3
Teresa Lawlach 11F17
Carina Li 8G23
Nicky Luong 8GL3
Esha Mehta 8G24
Sarah Mekdessi 10F22
Sienna Morvillo 8G25
Alicia Nagamine 10F20
Chelsea Narso 8GL3
Christina Nasr 8G27
Bethany Nicholls 10FD1
Joanna Nohra 8G24
Krisha Patel 8G24
Maylyn Pelayo 8GL3
Jorja Pettitt 8G25
Adora Phan 8GL3
Honya Rezaie 8G23
Jaime Shore 8G24
Bianca Simonetta 10F20
Chiara Simonetta 8G24
Katie Stoupis 8G24
Lauren Sultana 8GL3
Briana Wilson 10F20
Silver Award Recipients
Tiana Attard 9J30
Diya Badawi 8G27
Maya Badawi 11F12
Emma Bright 8G23
Edrea Carr 8GL3
Grazia Carrano 8G25
Gretel Dennis 9J28
Sarah Denniss 10F19
Kha Tu Doan 10F22
Jessie Douaihy 8G24
Catherine Elias 9I33
Nana Ellis 10F21
Sally Fung 9I33
Ariona Haxhijaj 10F22
Taya Higgins 9J28
Charlotte Hughes 8GL3
Grace Hunt 8G27
Breeanah Khoury 8G25
Renee Kristiansen 11F15
Erica Mekdessi 8G27
Brooke Mifsud 8GL3
Sienna Morvillo 8G25
Mia Bao Ngoc Nguyen 10F19
Bethany Nicholls 10FD1
Angelina Portolesi 11F14
Claudia Portolesi 10F18
Shannel Rajeswaran 9I31
Jessica Salame 9I32
Shanice Seaib 11F11
Sophia Severin 11F13
Chiara Simonetta 8G24
Asmi Soodan 11F15
Lauren Sultana 8GL3
Sophia Vicic 11F12
Sophie Vo 10F21
Congratulations
Healthy Kids Pitch
Earlier this term, members of the Cerdon student leadership team collaborated to submit an entry to Cumberland Council’s 2019 Healthy Kids Pitch Competition. The students were able to secure a $5000 grant to encourage healthy eating and healthy food choices through education and motivation.
Specifically, the students proposed a Healthy Breakfast Bar to enable our students to access healthy foods in the morning at school. The leadership team, through their own research, determined that stopping at fast food and convenience stores on the way to school is a common practice for many of our students. In addition, many students have revealed that they choose not to consume breakfast for a variety of reasons.
Whilst we can clearly acknowledge that poor breakfast choices can impact on a student’s physical health, the pitch alluded to the impact on learning, with poorer levels of concentration and focus in the classroom as reasons to prioritise this initiative. This much needed funding will help the College to focus on this important area of health.
We congratulate and thank Nora-Lee Doueihi and Natalie Matsias for the great work that they did in presenting the pitch and preparing the video for entry. We also acknowledge the work of Lara Chahin, Annabelle Danil, Jennifer Ghaleb and Emma Cham for their contribution to the pitch and video.
Mr R Zammit
PDHPE/Sport Co-ordinator
Chavoin Day
Chavoin Day is always a highlight of the College Calendar and this year was no exception. The day started with a beautiful Mass at Our Lady of Victories Church, Horsley Park where many of the Marist Sisters and parents joined with the students and staff to celebrate our Marist Tradition. The celebrant was Father Jim Carty, a Marist Father who did a superb job embracing our 2019 theme O.C.E.A.N, One Community Embracing All Nations. The flag visual reflected the multicultural nature of the College, highlighting the 81 different cultures which comprise the Cerdon community. In the Early Church, the families brought bread to the community gathering. We too brought forward a variety of breads such as Bush Bread, Damper, Kisara, Tortilla, Roti and Unleavened bread to symbolise diversity within our multicultural College community. The essence of our gathering was, however, Pope Francis’ message urging all Christians to embrace all nations in Unity.
Congratulations to Marcellin House the 2018/2019 winner of the Chavoin Shield and to Nora-Lee Doueihi who is the worthy recipient of the Fourvière Award.
There was a real sense of community throughout the entire day. The students enjoyed a multicultural lunch sharing food from their culture with others. The afternoon entertainment provided by the College Leaders, the SRC, some staff and many volunteers from Years 11 and 12 is one to be remembered. Your contribution enhanced the enjoyment of all - congratulations.
Mrs Parker
Assistant Principal
Mission and Administration
From the Year 12 Coordinator
Term 2 has been busy for Year 12 students as they are working through many assessments and major works. They have received their Half Yearly report, attended Parent/Teacher Interviews and it is clear that there is much to celebrate. I am pleased to see evidence of a culture of learning and support as well as a commitment to working hard to achieve in accordance with their abilities. For most it was a good opportunity to discuss how they are progressing and what strategies can be employed to allow growth.
Students have expressed some barriers, which are preventing them from achieving their true potential at this point in their HSC journey. Students should be averaging three hours of work as a minimum per night. The three key issues that have emerged are :
1. Time Management skills
2. A lack of motivation
3. Distractions, particularly the distraction of social media.
These are issues that at times are challenges for us all. Students have also identified a need for more sleep, a lack of belief in their own abilities and a tendency to procrastinate as other limiting factors. Please find below links to some resources that might be of use in supporting your daughter with these identified challenges.
http://www.coachingpositiveperformance.com/17-essential-time-management-skills/
http://this.deakin.edu.au/study/six-tips-for-students-to-improve-time-management
Supporting your child … below is a checklist with suggestions on how parents in Year 12 can support their child on their journey to the HSC.
Checklist: How to best support your child during their HSC year
· Aim to build a support network of teachers, friends and families around your child for guidance and a helping hand.
· Talk to your child! Keep the lines of communication open at all times (especially during the most stressful times).
· Negotiate your expectations around study, free time and leisure activities. This may require some flexibility on your part.
· Celebrate successes throughout the year. This can be as simple as improving the result in a task or achieving a short-term goal.
· Aim to reduce the family stressors on your child, especially around examination time.
· Be realistic as to what your son/daughter may be able to achieve in the HSC.
· Provide as much practical, loving support as you can.
Attendance levels of students remains a College priority and I implore parent/carers to be diligent with ensuring that their daughters are at school all the time and on time. Research shows clearly that missing precious school time will affect the attainment of learning outcomes which impact on future learning and success.
Ms Suzana Rimac
Year 12 Retreat and Alternate Program
On the 2nd and 3rd of May, 2019, Year 12 participated in a school retreat programme. This programme included a day trip to Mulgoa, and an alternate programme held at Cerdon College.
Both days gave the grade a chance to take some time away from the stresses of school, to work on building relationships with friends and deepening our faith.
The retreat programme at Mulgoa was conducted by the Youth Mission Team, a group of young Catholics who have taken a gap year to serve the church by providing formation experiences for other young people. Throughout the day the team conducted performances and group activities that allowed the girls to connect and have fun with each other without the distractions of their busy lives. This included writing affirmations for each other, discussions on personal faith journeys and time for quiet reflection and prayer in the evening. Not only were the girls able to connect with each other, but they were also able to connect with themselves exploring their faith and beliefs. Many of the students thoroughly enjoyed their day at Mulgoa describing it as both a fun and emotional day.
At Cerdon College, the students enjoyed a day filled with inspirational guest speakers, dancing, and pizza. The day began with a very engaging and informative presentation on mental health from Batyr. This was followed up with games and dancing as a grade, and a delicious pizza lunch. To finish the day, Mr Viera guided us through a meditation session and a reflection on the qualities that we admire.
Overall the Year 12 retreat programme allowed the students to pull back, relax, and take time to reflect on their faith and relationships in a fun and engaging way. Yr 12 students found this experience to be both thought provoking and spiritually enriching.
Caitlyne Halabi and Annie Taniane
Physics Kickstart Workshop - University of Sydney
On the 30th of May, the Year 12 Physics class attended an excursion to the University of Sydney in order to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts studied in class. We arrived bright and early to Merrylands train station at 8:20am and caught the train to Redfern Station. Thankfully, no one came late this time. It was a long walk from the station to the University, so when we finally arrived, we were all out of breath. But it was rewarding to be able to enter into the School of Physics building, and see the names of the great heroes of the Physics world such as Planck and Rutherford on plaques on top of the high-ceiling of the entrance room.
We were greeted by Tom Gordon, who gave us a quick tour of one of the Nanoscience Hub, which we could only view from the outside. Interestingly, all the light in the rooms were tinted an orange-yellow, because it is of a longer wavelength than white light, and hence, will not interfere with the microscopic experiments conducted. He also guided us to another room, where he explained what some of the physicists at the university were studying. He explained how plasma was being used to replicate the nuclear fusion processes of the sun, effectively creating an artificial star.
At last, we were led up a flight of stars into a Physics teaching lab to meet Lachlan, who had just completed his Masters' thesis in particle physics, and Cameron, a third year university student. The first session was dedicated to 7th module, The Nature of Light. Lachlan led us through experiments to demonstrate the wave-particle duality of light, such as using polarisers and measuring the stopping voltage of several colours of light to understand Einstein’s photoelectric effect. After a great deal of calculations and hard work, we were allowed to have a lunch break.
The second session delved into our 8th module, From the Universe to the Atom, which we have yet to cover in class. It was during this session that our brains began to be strained as we were learning about concepts yet to be introduced in class. By investigating Millikan's Oil Drop Experiment, we were able to calculate the charge of electrons. Lachlan also talked about radioactive half-life decay and then the topic of Quantum mechanics which led to discussion about the role of the Large Hadron Collider and the Higgs Boson particle. It’s safe to say that most of us were mentally exhausted by the end of the day.
The excursion to the School of Physics really helped us to gain a deeper knowledge of the principles taught in class, and gave us a new appreciation for the science being done in our world today.
Quynh Doan
Year 12
Debating 2019
This term Cerdon College students participated in Debating which is run by the Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA).
We would like to congratulate the following students for their commitment to this co- curricular activity and for their success:
Year 12
Monica Chan
Daniella Elakcnouch
Amira Halla
Perpetual Nkatiaa Boadu
Year 11
Nora-Lee Doueihi
Victoria Georges
Paula Kahwajy
Natacha Nasrallah
Year 10
Sarah Denniss
Rita Dagher
Charlie-Rose El Riachi
Ariona Haxhijaj
Alaura Mae Lassiter
Gabriella Logiotatos
Josephine Moujaes
Claudia Portolesi
Year 9
Georgina Abou Hamed
Yasmin Celebrin
Gabrielle Doueihi
Allyssa Hansen
Kaja Katovcic
Rebecca Mansour
Kiara Mooney
Shannel Rajeswaran
Year 8
Siena Mia Agius
Diya Badawi
Grazia Carrano
Tanya Dannoun
Ashlee Dib
Lara El Bacha
Hannah Galeb
Georgina Moujalli
Year 7
Princess Delany
Sienna Hill
Ashna Khatiwada
Daniella Maugeri
Sarah Romanous
Matilda Sibson
Jeslyn Soni
All students have continued to develop their speaking skills over the period of the competition. The ability for students to think quickly and justify their opinions is an invaluable skill for all students in their future endeavours.
Special congratulations to our Year 7 and Year 8 teams for making it through to the Elimination rounds last week.
Thank you to all staff and parents for their continued support with Debating.
Miss Hanna and Mr Kershaw
Debating Co-ordinators
House Morning Tea 2019
Each year on the Tuesday after the Long Weekend in June, Cerdon College delights in the fun-filled House Morning Tea. This occasion is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy each other’s company and feast on the myriad of fine cakes baked by the students and staff of Cerdon College.
This year the winning House for each category is:
Theme category - McOscar House
Stall Presentation - Marcellin House
House Cake - Perroton House
Money raised - Marcellin House
The overall winner on the day was Marcellin House.
A big thank you to the House Captains, House Vice Captains and Staff House Mentors who worked tirelessly in making this event such a wonderful success. In total, we raised $1189.75 which will be donated to the Balay Banaag project that the Marist Sisters are running in Davao, Philippines. This centre works with the children of women who are sexually exploited and endeavours to give these children an education, enabling them to break free of oppression.
Enrichment@Cerdon
This term was filled with many enriching opportunities and experiences for our students. In this issue, read about the efforts of students involved in MUNA, the Maths Talented Day and the wonderful achievements in The Science and Engineering Challenge 2019.
MUNA 2019
NSW Parliament House was an appropriate setting for the 2019 MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly) Competition, held last month. The competition, organised by Rotary, provides Year 10 and 11 students the opportunity to experience the workings of the United Nations and encourages students to practice skills of public speaking, diplomacy and negotiation, and to learn more about key global issues
In this competition Cerdon College was allocated Lebanon to represent at the assembly. Each team had to dress in their country’s costume and discuss their country’s position on issues such as human rights, violence against women and nuclear proliferation in the Korean peninsula.
The day was a wonderful opportunity for our girls to meet students from other schools, learn more about other countries’ stance on a number of important issues and appreciate the challenges of the UN.
Congratulations to the Year 11 girls who represented the College so well, and also the Year 10 students who trained alongside them. Overall the day was a fantastic experience for all, one which the girls greatly appreciated. Thank you to Rotary for organising this initiative, and in particular the Holroyd Rotary Club for sponsoring the Cerdon College team.
Cerdon College was represented by -
Asmi Soodan, Gwyneth Hortizano, Sophie Le, Paula Kahwajy, Nitika Harpalani and Ariona Haxhijaj.
Inquisitive Minds Mathematics Talented Day - 2019
Over 120 students from eight schools across Sydney participated in the Mathematics Talented Day on June 13 held at Cerdon College.
The day is a celebration of mathematics, problem solving and working together. Students work in pairs to solve a number of challenges, and not only learn a variety of problem solving techniques but are also challenged to consider the best strategies to use.
One of the highlights of the day was students pairing up with students from another school to solve challenges. After the initial ‘shyness’ all students enthusiastically ‘discussed maths’ and tried their best to win the many prizes along the way!
Overall it was a fantastic day, helped tremendously by the assistance of the social justice volunteers, Year 10 accelerated students and of course the Year 9 students who participated in the competition.
The Science and Engineering Challenge 2019
On Tuesday 2nd July, a group of Year 10 students participated in the Science and Engineering Challenge at Western Sydney University. The challenge involves students from different schools working on STEM related projects such as building bridges, building weight bearing towers made out of paper and straws, working through a coding system and constructing a ‘working’ hand out of string and straws.
The Year 10 team were accompanied by a group of Year 9 students who on the day, although not part of the competition, also had a chance to try out the challenges. This was a fantastic opportunity for them and their efforts were rewarded by an ‘unofficial’ third place!
The Year 10 competing team was very successful in their efforts and placed first in many of their challenges, eventually taking out first place in the competition! Furthermore the team scored so well that they could possibly make the state finals of this competition. This is a great reward for a group of students who were so enthusiastic and disciplined throughout the program.
Thank you to all the teachers who supported the students in their challenges. Thank you also to the Year 11 students who mentored some of the groups. Congratulations to all involved for a fantastic achievement!
Looking for some activities over the holidays ??
UNSW: The Scientia Challenge: Year 7-10
The sciential challenge is a program for gifted and talented students in Years 7-10. The courses are developed by academics at the UNSW and provide the opportunity for students to work with like-minded peers in a rigorous and challenging program. These July holiday courses will explore brain health, robotics and poetry writing. For further information and to register please visit the following site:
Microsoft Minecraft Events.
Microsoft is giving students of all ages the opportunity for all students interested in coding and/ or video production to participate in some free workshops. These workshops offer a fun, hands-on experience for students of every age using the Minecraft platform. Students can choose to design their own 3D Minecraft video or participate in a Minecraft hour of Code.
The workshops will take place during the holidays at the Pitt Street Microsoft Store. Workshops are FREE but registration is essential. Further information is available on the link below
Sonya Agius
Enrichment Co-ordinator
Sr Ann Marie Learning Centre - Library News
2019 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge - ends 30 August 2019
Years 7-9 students participating in the 2019 PRC: please note that there’s less than two months left to complete this year’s Premier’s Reading Challenge! The July school holiday offers the perfect time to read for pleasure as well as completing the PRC at the same time. If you are seeking reading inspiration, visit the Premier’s Reading Challenge and the Arts Unit website for interviews with Australian and international authors. On May 8, 2019 more than 200 new books were added to the PRC reading lists - so for 2019, more than 900 new books have been added this year. The new booklist can be accessed here (please be aware that this is a combined list for K-9).
Wondering about what other students have read and enjoyed this year? Visit the PRC Group Padlet for a wide range of reading recommendations. Don’t forget you can use the new student PRC website to help you discover PRC books by genre. This is also where you login to record the books you have read for the PRC. As well as print books, the library also provides access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks through OverDrive. The Sora (OverDrive) app is an easy way to access and download ebooks and audiobooks.
2019 PRC Holiday Checklist
If you are a student completing the 2019 PRC, the July holiday break will be a good time to check you have done the following:
- Is your Reading Log up-to-date? Your books need to be entered online as well as on your reading sheet to submit to Mrs Sylaprany when you have finished.
- Have you added your mini-review to Padlet? Choose a book you have enjoyed to add to Padlet. See examples of what other students have submitted here.
- Have you submitted your Book Review for a book you have loved this year? Make a copy of this template, write your review and submit to Mrs Sylaprany.
Reading logs and book reviews must be completed by 30 August 2019.
The Books & Reading PRC page has further information and links. All the best for the remainder of the Challenge!
Parent Book recommendations
Thank you to the parents who have kindly responded to the library’s invitation to share a book you have enjoyed and would recommend to students. Your book recommendations will be shared with students next term. The library is still happy to receive more good book recommendations for students. Parents are welcome to complete this form (it will only take a few minutes) to recommend a good book. Thank you!
Book Club
The Sr Ann Marie Learning Centre has a Book Club for students and teachers which has been running for a few years. The club has read a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels. You can read about and browse past book club meetings here. For our next meeting, the club is reading books by Australian authors including Karen Foxlee, Robert Newton, and Ambelin and Ezekial Kwaymullina. At our most recent book club meeting, Ms McNamara spoke about meeting and listening to Heather Morris, author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz. The YA version of this book has been recently published and can be reserved at the library. All students are welcome to join Book Club. The club usually meets about 2-3 times per term.
Access to ebooks and audiobooks through OverDrive
As part of the Australian Catholic Education Network (ACEN), students in the Parramatta Diocese have free access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks through the OverDrive platform. Having access to digital books can be particularly convenient when travelling or away on holidays. Internet access is not required once an ebook or audiobook has been downloaded to a mobile device. The Sora (OverDrive) app provides a simple way to access ebooks and audiobooks (when using this App remember to choose ‘ACEN’ as your library). Listening to an audiobook is a great way to experience a story and can support students in developing their reading and literacy skills (especially when combined with reading along with a print version of the book). To discover other digital resources available to students visit eLibary (library catalogue) and click on the links to resources located under ‘CEDP Resources’ and ‘Local School Resources’.
Mrs Sylaprany
Teacher Librarian
Library and Information Week 2019
Library and Information Week (LIW) 2019 was a huge success! Launch day of LIW involved interactive activities that tested the capabilities of students through fun and enjoyable challenges.
The first activity of the day included a Where’s Wally Hunt, in which students needed to follow a number of clues through the non-fiction collection of the library. Many students either worked with their friends or by themselves, each having determination to finish the hunt before time ran out. Another activity held was the Origami Workshop run by one of the library monitors, NiNi Dai. Students learnt how to create a variety of mind-blowing origami figures such as lotus flowers, traditional paper cranes, roses and many more. This was a fun and engaging activity, allowing students (and teachers) to learn new origami skills.
Throughout the entire week there were mini-competitions such as ‘Can you guess how many’, Design a Bookmark and ‘What Book Am I?’ The design a bookmark competition involved students designing a bookmark that responds creatively to the themes of ‘truth, integrity, knowledge and literacy’. Students designed both digital and hand drawn illustrations with a combination of techniques. Bethany Heng’s (Year 11) bookmark won the Student’s Choice Award. The ‘What Book Am I?’ competition consisted of students being given 5 clues about a book in the library’s fiction collection, and guessing what the book. Day 2 of LIW, started with another enjoyable activity of an Ultimate Where’s Wally Hunt.
Many Year 7 students got involved as well as small groups from Years 8 to 10. This activity was full of heat and determination as once again, students were aiming to finish the hunt before the end of lunch time. Another activity encouraged students to match a number of quotes to their correct book, and another competition where students were to match the quotes to their correct character, to win a prize. On the third day of LIW week, the National Simultaneous Storytime took place, where the fun book, ‘Alpaca with Maracas’ by Matt Cosgrove was read aloud along with other books read aloud by students and teachers. Not only was this captivating and fun, but it also encouraged reading and sharing amongst both teachers and students.
The fourth day of LIW, consisted of Chess Champions, origami workshop and book speed dating. The Chess Champions was the biggest Cerdon chess showdown. Students battled the teachers for 10 minutes each round. The most enjoyable part of the day goes to the Book Speed Dating. This was the perfect opportunity to learn about new and exciting books. For 5 minutes each round, students and teachers got to listen and share books of their own choice with each other. So many students and teachers participated and really got the energy going.
Finally, on the last day of LIW, students were presented with three rounds of Library Kahoot where students’ knowledge was tested, another origami workshop was set up and it was wear red for ALIA Day (Australian Library and Information Association). The library monitors and staff had a final photo together, wearing red for ALIA Day and signifying the end of LIW 2019. The end of the week concluded with announcements of winners from the weekly and daily competitions. Overall, LIW of 2019 was a great success, bringing the joy of students and teachers closer together as a community of learners.
Alyssa Hanna and Zali Furness (Year 11)
Sporting Achievements
AeroSchool Aerobics
On Sunday, June 30, the Cerdon Aerobics pair of Rose Hanratty and Sarah Vella competed in the AeroSchools State Trial 3 at Abbotsleigh School. The girls placed first in their section and received a Blue Band, indicating they received a mark of 16.00 or higher. They will now compete in the AeroSchools State competition in August.
Congratulations to the girls for this result and for all the hard work they put in to achieve it.
Special thanks to Mrs Barbaro for her excellent coaching and mentoring of the girls.
NSW Cricket
Congratulations to Elise Noble for her achievements in Cricket this year. Elise was selected in the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Open Cricket team. She performed extremely well at this competition and was selected in the NSW All Schools Merit Team. Elise has performed well in a variety of cricket teams over the years and this recognition is well deserved given her commitment to the sport since arriving at Cerdon in Year 7.
NSW Taekwondo State Championships
Congratulations to Emma Cham of Year 10 for her achievements at the NSW Taekwondo State Championships in May this year. Emma won the Gold Medal at the competition, outperforming her opposition. Emma has been a strong performer at both school and non-school based NSW Taekwondo competitions over the years and she has reached the level of 1st Dan Black Belt from the World Taekwondo Headquarters in Korea. Congratulations Emma!
Winter Uniform
The Uniform Shop will be open every Monday in Term 3 from Monday 29 July between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm.
If you prefer, you can make an appointment for a fitting via the College website.
Uniform Shop Management
Telephone: 8724 7329 (during operating hours only)
Head Lice
At this time of year, Head Lice is prevalent due to the changing weather conditions. It is very important to check your daughter’s hair regularly. If Head Lice are found, please treat your daughter with a commercial shampoo.
Skoolbag
Canteen Price List
Term 3 Upcoming Events
Monday 8 July - Friday 19 July
School Holidays
Week 1
Monday 22 July
School Athletics Carnival
Tuesday 23 July
Year 10 (Year 11 2020) Subject Selection Talks commence
Fourvière Day
Wednesday 24 July
PDSSSC Gala Day
Year 10 (Year 11 2020) Subject Selection Information Night 7:00 pm
Friday 26 July
Year 10 (Year 11 2020) Subject Selection Talks conclude
CSDA Debating Semi Final 4:00 pm
Week 2
Monday 29 July
Year 10 Social Justice Day
Tuesday 30 July
ANCQ Chemistry Competition
Wednesday 31 July
Year 10 Parent/Teacher Night 4:00-7:00 pm
Thursday 1 August
Year 10 (Year 11 2020) Subject Selection Request Form returned and interviews
Friday 2 August
CSDA Debating Final
Week 3
Monday 5 August
Year 12 HSC Trial Exams commence
Year 8 (Year 9 2020) Subject Electives forms due
ACER Reach Mathematics commences
P & F Meeting 7:00 pm
Thursday 8 August
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day
Friday 9 August
ACER Reach Mathematics concludes
Sports Aerobics State Championships
Week 4
Thursday 15 August
Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Week 5
Monday 19 August
Year 12 HSC Trial Exams conclude
Year 9 RE Incursion
Tuesday 20 August
NSWCCC Netball Championships
Thursday 22 August
Year 9 Science Incursion
Friday 23 August
PDSSSC Dance
Week 6
Monday 26 August
Dress Up Day
Tuesday 27 August
BREBAS (Maths) Challenge commences
Thursday 29 August
Year 11 Drama Performance 6:00 pm
Friday 30 August
PDSSSC Athletics
Year 11 Drama Performance 6:00 pm
Week 7
Monday 2 September
Year 12 Trial HSC Exams (Practice & Revision Block) commences
Year 7 (2020) Parent Information Evening 7:00 pm
Wednesday 4 September
ICAS Science Assessments commence
Thursday 5 September
Year 9 Science Incursion
PDSSSC Gala Day
BREBAS (Maths) Challenge concludes
Friday 6 September
Year 8 Medieval Day
ICAS Science Assessments conclude
Week 8
Monday 9 September
PDSSSC Oz Tag Gala Day
Tuesday 10 September
ICAS Writing Assessment
Sports Aerobics National Championships
Wednesday 10 September
Sports Aerobics National Championships
Thursday 12 September
Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary
Sports Aerobics National Championships
Friday 13 September
Staff Development Day
Year 12 Trial HSC Exams (Practice & Revision Block) concludes
Sports Aerobics National Championships
Week 9
Monday 16 September
Year 11 Exams commence
PDSSSC Basketball Gala Day
Tuesday 17 September
Year 7 Immunisation
Thursday 19 September
ICAS Mathematics Assessment
Friday 20 September
Year 12 Picnic
Year 10 History Excursion
Week 10
Monday 23 September
Year 12 Farewell Mass Practice
Tuesday 24 September
Year 12 Farewell Mass at Our Lady of Victories Horsley Park 10:30 am
Wednesday 25 September
Year 7 Science Excursion
Thursday 26 September
Year 12 Graduation Liturgy Practice (P3 and P4)
Year 12 Graduation Liturgy and Award Ceremony 7:00 pm
Friday 27 September
Year 11 Exams conclude
Last Day Term 3
Monday 30 September - Friday 11 October
School Holidays
School Calendars
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