College Newsletter
Term 3 Week 6 Friday 21 August 2015
A Message from the Principal
Dear Parents, Staff and Students
As we reach halfway through Term 3 our Year 12 Drama and Language students have completed their HSC Drama performances and their language speaking exams. Students in Year 11 are getting ready to complete their final Preliminary examinations and VET Workplacements in Entertainment, Hospitality and Business Services.
Students have also been involved in Marist Oratory Competition, PDSSSC Athletics, Dance and Netball competitions and have engaged with a group of exchange students from Waseda University High School in Japan. Students have also received Principal's Awards for Semester 1.
As a community we pray that our students continue to strive to achieve personal excellence.
God our Father, in saying
that you have written our names
on the palm of your hands,
you are telling us that each person
is unique and special to you.
We pray that individuals
may discover in themselves
the treasures you have given them,
and develop and put to good use
the qualities they hold in trust from you.
I pray and commit myself today
to promote goodness and happiness,
by treating others with respect
and care and understanding.
May others treat me today, Father,
in the same way as I treat them,
and so may we all
bring out the best in one another
and grow in the way
we look at ourselves and others.
Amen
God Bless
Mrs Patricia Baker
NAPLAN Results
Numeracy
On Tuesday 18th August, NAPLAN (National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy) results for students in Year 7 and 9 were released.
In terms of numeracy, the College has never spent a great deal of time preparing students for this assessment, our goal is the overall improvement of every student’s numerical ability not performing in one test. However, we are always interested to see how our students have performed.
While our Year 7 results provide us with a great deal of data, it is our Year 9 results that we are especially interested in as these provide data on how beneficial and effective the numeracy strategies and programs we have implemented are.
Our Year 9 results are extremely positive. If we compare Year 9, 2015 to their results in Year7, 2013 the following data is obtained:
Growth in ALL in NSW: 50 points
Growth in Cerdon Students: 56.7 points.
Hence, our students are improving by more than 6 points compared to the rest of the state.
These positive results only encourage the College to continue to use the strategies and programs already implemented across all Key Learning Areas and to focus on the numeracy strategies that will enable the further growth, development and improvement of all our students in numeracy.
Grace Muscat
(Leader of Learning: Numeracy)
Literacy
Cerdon College’s results in NAPLAN Literacy this year were excellent. Years 7 and 9 were both above the State average in all Literacy areas of NAPLAN: Grammar, Reading, Spelling and Writing. There are a few points worth considering:
In both years, Cerdon’s average in both the Grammar and Writing assessments were in excess of 20 points above the State average;
The Year 9 Writing average was over 40 points above the State average;
Year 7 Grammar and Reading result trends and Year 9 Reading result trend showed ongoing improvement from previous years. This was in contrast to the State trends, which showed a decline from previous years.
We are proud of the achievements of our girls and congratulate them all for the effort they put into completing these Assessments over one intense week. The next step is to look at how the results from NAPLAN can help to inform our teaching programmes so as to ensure our students continue to develop sound skills in Literacy that will equip them for their study at Cerdon and life beyond.
Mrs Hanratty
English Co-ordinator
Visit of Japanese Students
The students from Waseda University High School came to Australia to examine how schools with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds are able to build community.
The Waseda University High School joined students in a variety of classes, then took part in Performing Arts workshops before presenting speeches on their perceptions on Religion in Japan and their ideas on what makes Japanese people enjoy life experiences.
The day showed Cerdon students that there are many similarities between teenage culture across countries. Many new friendships have been established between the students.
Marist Oratory
On Wednesday, 19 August, Cerdon participated in the Marist Oratory competition. Marist Oratory brings Marist schools from across NSW together in order for students to compete in a public speaking challenge. Cerdon was proudly represented by:
Kalliope Mentis (Year 7)
Kiranpreet Kohli (Year 9)
Catherine Young (Year 10)
Nicole El Jammal (Year 10)
Jaida Walker (Year 12)
All students were shining ambassadors for the school community, delivering speeches that demonstrated intelligence, compassion and a true understanding of the Marist values. Catherine Young participated in the Senior Impromptu division against Year 12 students where speeches were delivered unprepared.
This was a daunting challenge but one that she met with energy and skill. Special congratulations go to Nicole El Jammal who placed 2nd in the Year 10 division and Jaida Walker who placed 1st in the Senior division.
Congratulations to all speakers!
Mrs J Kearsley
Marist Oratory Coordinator
Catholic Schools Debating Association Debating Competition
In 2015, Cerdon entered nine debating teams to compete against over 50 other schools in the CSDA Metropolitan Debating Competition. All teams performed extremely well, contributing to the growing reputation of Cerdon as a worthy competitor. While the majority of teams achieved 4 out of 6 wins in their rounds, the Year 10A team (Thy Mai, Claire Duffy, Nicole El Jammal and Catherine Young) went on to compete in the quarter finals and finished amongst the top 8 schools in their division.
Debating is an important social skill that contributes to the confidence and expression of students and all teams are congratulated both for their courage and sophistication in representing Cerdon as part of the competition.
Year 7A:
Arielle Bergmann, Teresa Lawlach, Natacha Nasrallah, Bailey Soo, Asmi Soodan
Year 8A:
Sophia Hassarati, Alisar Khalil, Sehej Sehmbhi, Annie Taniane
Year 8B:
Isabella Allegretti, Hasna Doueihi, Daniella Elakcnouch, Bella Shepherd, Isabella Tolomeo
Year 9A:
Amanda Awad, Bianca Frasca-Villagran, Kiranpreet Kohli, Maria Mathieu, Grace Kamuri
Year 9B:
Gabriela Badrov, Elise Cribbin, Jessica Li, Balpreet Sunner
Year 10A:
Claire Duffy, Thy Mai, Nicole El Jammal, Catherine Young
Year 10B
Alycia Chand, Theresa Nguyen, Shania Nassif, Kathy-May Sanayeh
Year 11A:
Emily Del Principe, Amanda Kheir, Christina Kheir, Rachel Muscat, Catalina Valdivia
Senior Open A:
Faid Ahmad, Simone Cheuanghane, Durva Panchal, Ellen Taniane, Jaida Walker
Coaches:
Mr Farlow (7), Mrs Wang (8), Mrs Chaiban (9), Miss Parker (10), Mr Thomas (Senior)
Thank you also to the Hospitality students and staff of Year 11 who so generously and professionally catered the rounds that were hosted by Cerdon.
Mr D Thomas
Debating Coordinator
Art Exhibition
Co-ordinators Awards
Alycia Chand 10F18
Gabrielle Chidiac 12FF3
Melissa Cuadros-Lu 11F13
Mona Elbaz 12GL5
Michaela Epselis 12FF2
Dianne Eugenio 12GL5
Pamela Kahwajy 12FF3
Chelsea McIntyre 10F21
Maree Mekdessi 12FF2
Mary Dan Hoang Nguyen 11F17
Thien Phan 12FF3
Kimberley Stutsel 11F11
Catalina Valdivia 11F15
Jade Williams 8G24Enrichment @ Cerdon
It has been a busy week for a number of our students with the Doodle4Google competition closing. This year we had a record number of outstanding doodles entered for the competition and we wish all those participants the best of luck for the competition.
This week we also received confirmation that two of our students, Christina Kheir and Amanda Kheir in Year 11 were successful in gaining places in the prestigious National Youth Science Forum program for 2016. Congratulations to both girls on their effort and success!
For other students interested in finding out about science opportunities, read about the workshops available at a number of universities across Sydney.
Experience It! Conference 2015 – Sydney Women in Engineering
If you like designing solutions to problems, want to contribute to society and make a difference to the world, come and see what engineering is about at the Experience It! student conference.
This conference is aimed at girls from Year 9-12 interested in learning what science and engineering offers. It will be a day of interactive, hands on and team based activities exploring the peculiar and bizarre applications of engineering. You will have the opportunity to participate in workshops based on your areas of interest and no prior engineering, maths or physics experience is required.
The conference is on Thursday October 1 at the UNSW. The program is free for high school students but you will need to register online.
For further information visit www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sydneywie or see Mrs Agius.
The Conoco Phillips Science Experience
This very popular program has sparked a science interest in many of our past student. The three day program runs at a number of universities across Australia and is supported by Rotary. Participating students are involved in a number of exciting activities across a number of scientific fields. Here students in Years 9 & 10 have the opportunity to explore new science interests and meet like-minded students from across Australia.
The most popular experiences for our students have been the UNSW program which will run on the 28-30 September 2015 and the University of Sydney program which will be on the 13-15 January 2016. For other dates and further information visit www.scienceexperience.com.au
Engineering & IT at UTS
The University of Technology Sydney is running the Engineering Link Project which allows students the opportunity to work with engineers and scientists on range of day long projects to gain a real understanding of what a career in engineering could be like for them.
Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 are invited to apply. The project runs over two days on October 1 & 2 2015. To find out more information and to register visit www.telg.com.au/register or see Mrs Agius.
The UNSW Women in Engineering Camp
The UNSW is inviting young women in Years 10 & 11 who are interested in learning more about engineering to apply for a position for its annual Women in Engineering Camp. Over the past few years a number of our students have participated and benefited greatly from this program. This residential program runs over five days and places are limited. Applicants will be selected on the basis of aptitude for engineering, including performance in maths and science subjects at school.
For further information please visit www.engineering.unsw.edu.au/wiec or see Mrs Agius.
Write 4 Fun
Entry is now open in the 2015 Schools Writing Competition! Students all over Australia are invited to enter their poems or short stories, and battle it out for the great cash prizes on offer.
There is no theme!! Entrants are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild and get their creative juices flowing to write on any topic. The competition is open to all students 7-12.
Poems and short stories entered into the competition will be considered for inclusion into our 2015 Write4fun anthology! Those selected will have the opportunity to purchase the edition at a discounted rate. There are fantastic prizes on offer including a $1000 cash first prize. Entries close August 30, 2015.
For further information and to enter online visit www.write4fun.net/competitions/
Mrs S Agius
Enrichment Co-ordinator
PDHPE and Sport Report
PDSSSC Dance
On Friday 14th August, 70 students represented our school at the PDSSSC Dance competition. The girls showcased their skills across a variety of dance styles, including Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Cultural. The girls performed with lots of energy and enthusiasm on the day!
Jazz A – 1st place
Alana Blazevic, Angela Pham, Tayla Noble, Olivia Townsend, Nicole O'Connor, Rachael Vella, Chloe Chatten, Ciara O'Kane, Maddison Temple-Twindley, Vanessa Madeleine, Amy Townsend, Sophia Hassarati, Nancy Maldigri
Contemporary A – 2nd place
Olivia Townsend, Nicole O'Connor, Rachael Vella, Rochelle Salatino, Ciara O'Kane, Leanne Purkis, Maddison Temple-Twindley, Vanessa Madeleine, Amy Townsend, Sarah Vella, Alana Blazevic, Angela Pham, Tayla Noble
Hip Hop A – 3rd place
Mia Aquilina, Chloe Chatten, Alexandra Botoubia, Tiana Lardieri, Alana Blazevic, Angela Pham, Olivia Townsend, Nicole O'Connor, Rachael Vella, Maddison Temple-Twindley, Vanessa Madeleine, Amy Townsend, Nora-Lee Doueihi, Rowan Gardoce.
Choreographed and coached by Danielle Gallucio (Year 12, 2014)
Cultural B – 3rd place
Kiranpreet Kohli, Olivia Achmar, Alexia Kazanzidis, Elaine Rahme, Annie Taniane, Chloe Issa, Alana Blazevic, Kajol Chand, Zyra-Jane Falcon, Olivia Bleeker. Lucy Tan, Nicole Cinque, Allyson Issa, Elisa Kilic, Melissa Aoun
We had four students perform in the Solo category and each of them performed beautifully in very competitive sections. Congratulations to Rachael Vella and Chloe Chatten (Senior Soloists) and Nora-Lee Doueihi and Rose Hanratty (Junior Soloists).
I would like to thank the Year 11 Entertainment class for their contributions on the day, assisting with a variety of jobs including lighting, videography, photography, backstage and ushering. Each student was very professional and hardworking. The girls had the opportunity to work with the technical crew at the Joan Sutherland Centre and received work placement hours towards their course.
I would like to thank the many parents who came to support us on the day and cheer for the girls. I would also like to thank Miss Parker and Mrs Kearsley for accompanying the students on the day. A special mention to Ms Mackinnon and Ms Murfet for assisting in running the competition, as well as coaching the dance teams throughout the year. Looking forward to continued success in the Performing Arts at Cerdon!
Mrs Jenn Sharp
NSWCCC Netball
The NSWCCC Netball Gala Day took place on Tuesday 18th August. Cerdon entered three teams, junior, intermediate and senior. With teams coming from all over NSW it was always going to be a challenging day and all of the girls put in a great effort. Unfortunately none of our teams made the finals. The Intermediate team came fourth in their division.
Thank you very much to Miss Farrugia, Miss Bailey and Miss Meduri who coached the teams.
Thank you also to our umpires who worked tirelessly on the day, Madison Reynolds-Pace, Gabriela Badrov and Daniella Elakcnouch
Congratulations on your effort girls.
Junior Team:
Jessica Rennie, Chelsea Kaua, Caley Donohoe, Tayla Contreras, Emily Campos, Jami Younes, Daniela Valdivia, Jordan Wyer, Isabelle Geha.
Intermediate Team:
Julia Achmar, Shiarna Tarasenko, Louise O'Neill, Allyson Issa, Claire Duffy, Annamarie Subramaniam, Monique Khattar.
Senior Team:
Alanna Lee, Karla Ignazzi, Tyler Nicholas, Rachael Vella, Rachel Lockhart, Daniella Kady.
PDSSSC Athletics
Cerdon College Athletics squad competed in the PDSSSC Carnival on Wednesday 19 August at Blacktown Athletics Centre.
The team consisted of:
Mikhaela Topfer, Olivia Achmar, Katerina Bonovas, Tiarna Eid, Emma Giudice, Ashai Hawach, Isabella Saad, Isabelle Stipic, Emily Campos Rios, Trina Castelino, Louise O'Neill, Daniella Elakcnouch, Chantelle Chan, Natasha Chan, Jeg Deng, Julia Achmar, Allyson Issa, Lauren Smith, Natasha Milakovic, April Sweeney, Kaitlin Allan, Catherine Young, Melissa Barron, Emma Cohen, Mallory Morrell, Hayley Nolan and Georgia Crelley.
Outstanding performances on the day came from:
Natasha Milakovic - 1st 15 Years Javelin, 2nd 15 Years Shot Put
Daniella Elakcnouch - 1st 13 Years Javelin, 3rd 13 Years Shot Put
Kaitlin Allan - 2nd 16 Years 200m, 3rd 16 Years 400m, 4th 16 Years 100m
Catherine Young - 3rd 15 Years High Jump, 2nd 1500m Walk
Hayley Nolan - 3rd 16 Years 100m
Congratulations to Natasha and Daniella who will now compete in the NSWCCC Athletics Carnival to be held later this year.
Special thanks must go to Mr Porter and Mr D'Arcy who acted as officials and the following Year 9 PASS girls who helped out throughout the day - Dorna Faghireh, Dorsa Faghireh, Jasmine Kramer, Elizabeth McDonald, Emilee McNaught and Mikayla Menouhos.
Mrs C Deegan
Team Manager
Dropping Off and Picking Up Students
The gates are clearly signposted and parents are asked to respect these instructions which are in place to protect the safety of students.
Canteen Helpers
Thank you
School Excursions and Incursions
For other excursions not covered by the general permission note, you may receive a permission note which will need to be completed and forwarded to school by the due date. Some of these excursions may incur a cost which will also need to be paid by the due date. There are no exceptions or extensions to the due date for these activities.
A copy of each notification and permission note is also available from the College Website.
Change of Contact Details
Thank you
College Uniform Shop
Cerdon College Uniform Shop Management
Telephone: 8724 7329 (During trading hours only)
The Uniform Shop's normal trading hours are as follows -
Monday and Wednesday 8:00 am—2:00 pm (Terms 1 and 4)
Mondays only 8:00 am—2:00 pm (from Week 5 Term 2 and all Term 3)
School Calendars
Advertising
40th Year Reunion
Class of 1973 (Year 10) and 1975 (Year 12) reunion to be held on Saturday, September 19 at Surveyor General Inn, Berrima at 12 noon. A separate room has been booked.
You will be able to buy your own lunch and drinks and catchup with friends.
If you are able to attend, please email class75@outlook.com by September 10, 2015. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Anne Healey, Helen Hrast and Lynne Power
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