College Newsletter
Term 4 Week 2 Friday 20 October 2017
A Message from the Principal
Last week we welcomed our Year 7 students for 2018 to the College for an Orientation Day, where students had the opportunity to get acquainted with the College facilities and participate in lessons in a variety of subjects. This day is an important part of the transition to secondary school for these students. Special thanks to Miss A Parker and Miss R Hanson for co-ordinating this day.
Our Year 11 VET (Hospitality, Business Services and Entertainment) students completed their final Work Placements for their VET courses of study, while the rest of our Year 11 students participated in Australian Business Week Activities, which culminated in students creating a trade display to showcase the hotel they designed as part of this business simulation. Special thanks to the College staff, Mr B Collimore and Ms T Tasioulas who co-ordinated the week. Thanks to Miss J Farrugia, Mrs T Nguyen-Trinh, Miss K Ojong, Mrs M Wang, Mr M Viera, Mr M Lovadina and Mr R Zammit who acted as teacher mentors for student groups. Special thanks must go to Holroyd Rotarians who volunteered their time to assist with Australian Business Week activities.
This week our Year 12 students commenced their HSC examinations. Examinations will continue over the next three weeks, so please keep these Year 12 students in your prayers.
As a community we pray:
I was hungry for a generous word
- and you smiled and talked warmly.
I was hungry for a gesture of kindness
- and you went beyond
what I had hoped for.
I was hungry
for genuine understanding
- and you heard beyond my words.
I was thirsty for life and vitality
- and you helped me to grow.
I was thirsty for encouragement
- and you affirmed me and built me up.
I was thirsty for moral support
- and, willingly,
you shared my cup of suffering.
I was a stranger to genuine welcome
- and you gave me your full attention.
I felt lonely
- and you blessed me
with your presence.
I was a stranger to care and appreciation
- and you treated me
with courtesy and respect.
It is important to think how, in small ways,
we can set about to touch the lives of others each day.
Amen
God Bless
Mrs Patricia Baker
Principal
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 20 October 2017
Launch of the Parramatta Diocese Social Justice Statement for 2017
On Thursday 18th October four Year 10 students attended a gathering at St Patrick's Cathedral Parramatta for the launch of the Diocesan Social Justice Statement by Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv DD Fourth Bishop of Parramatta.
The representatives of Cerdon then had the opportunity to participate in workshops for the purposes of discussing how to bring this statement to life in the community of Cerdon. There was an opportunity for students to network with other schools so as to develop practical initiatives that could be implemented.
Thank you to Sr Kate and Mr Harvey for making themselves available to supervise the participants:
Monica Chan
Caitlyne Halabi
Marie Guaricci
Alexandria Makary
Mr N Mulheron
2017 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge
Congratulations to the 24 students in Years 7-9 who have successfully completed the 2017 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge. The following students have received a Studies Coordinator’s Award for their commitment to the Challenge and for achieving their goal of reading twenty books over the period of the Challenge. In addition to the Studies Coordinator’s Award, each student has earned 10 points for their House Team. Later in Term 4, each student will receive their awards from the NSW Premier. Some of the favourite books read by students this year included Artemis Fowl, Teresa: A New Australian, Goodbye Stranger, Allegiant, Wildwood Dancing and Black Beauty. Well done to all students who participated in the Challenge this year.
Mrs Sylaprany
Teacher/Librarian
Year 7
Annalise Abiwahab
Daniella Bernobic
Anastasia Chalfe
Gretel Dennis
Tatiana Elias
Joyce Eweda
Rebecca Georges
Adut Mayom
Marissa Mbarak
Gabrielle Nasr
Annalise Reynolds-Pace
Year 8
Annabelle Danil
Jamelle El Koura
Anna Haider
Nitika Harpalani
Sarah Mekdessi
Alicia Nagamine
Bethany Nicholls
Bianca Simonetta
Amelia Williams
Year 9
Jasmine Brien
Margaret Makary
Shanice Seaib
Sarah Vella
Assessment of Languages Competence (ALC)
Congratulations to the following students who received a Distinction or High Distinction in the ALC International Language Exams for French and Italian.
"One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages opens every door along the way".
Frank Smith
French Certificate 2
Aaliyah Duron Vargas - Distinction
Aleyna Ozbal - Distinction
Marina Tamer - Distinction
Vanessa Youssef - Distinction
French Certificate 3
Nikhita Kaur - Distinction
Tramhuong Do Pham - Distinction
Italian Certificate 2
Javiera Aguayo - High Distinction
Isabella Allegretti - High Distinction
Emily Campos Rios - Distinction
Isabella Caroso - High Distinction
Erica Cascio - High Distinction
Lara Chahin - Distinction
Fiona Cordova - Distinction
Elizabeth Enright - Distinction
Zyra-Jane Falcon - Distinction
Chiara Fonti - High Distinction
Alexia Francescucci - Distinction
Veronica Gambacorta - High Distinction
Sima Gem - Distinction
Zara Gooljary - High Distinction
Marie Guaricci - High Distinction
Caitlyne Halabi - High Distinction
Christal Kassab - Distinction
Margaret Makary - Distinction
Jamie-Lee Merhi - Distinction
Shirley Nagamine - High Distinction
Asha Prasad - Distinction
Elaine Rahme - Distinction
Sabah Shekeb - High Distinction
Sophia Turano - High Distinction
Daniela Valdivia - High Distinction
Chrisafoula Vavdinos - Distinction
Jade Williams - High Distinction
Ellena Yaman - Distinction
Italian Certificate 3
Bianca Buttigieg - Distinction
Kiara Correia - Distinction
Tahlia Del Principe - High Distinction
Durcy Carolina Dominguez Demichelli - High Distinction
Nawal Elbaz - High Distinction
Natalie El-Helou - Distinction
Rowan Gardoce - Distinction
Karla Herceg - Distinction
Jessica Machin - High Distinction
Aida Mesanovic - Distinction
Serina Papa - Distinction
Lamya Saba - High Distinction
Rochelle Salatino - Distinction
Gloria Tomic - Distinction
Amelia Walsh - Distinction
Nicole Yu - Distinction
Mrs M Marando
LOTE Co-ordinator
The History Debating Competition
This term has seen the introduction of a new inter-class History Debating Competition for Years 7-11. The first of our finals, for Year 8, was held during the last week of Term 3. Unlike most debates with two teams, this was a panel debate, with three teams of four. The girls arrived at this final after several class debates. The topic was “Which ancient civilisation has given the biggest legacy to the world?” Amazingly, the panel of three adjudicators could not separate the teams and, as a result, there was a three-way tie for winner. All of the girls are to be commended for the preparation they put in and for their confident, logical and intelligent speeches.
The three teams were:
8D (Ancient China):
Gabriella Logiotatos, Josephine Moujaes, Bianca Simonetta and Madison Yagki
8C (Medieval Japan):
Ariona Haxhijaj, Bethany Nicholls, Marleyana Pillay and Sophia Siderides
8D (Ancient Egypt):
Charlie-Rose El Riachi, Thuy Ann Nguyen, Daniella Touma and Elizabeth Tran
Australian Business Week 9th – 13th October 2017
Australian Business Week has been an annual event for Year 11 students for over 20 years. During this time, Cerdon College has been recognised as a leader in developing an enterprising spirit in its students. This became possible through the calibre of our students, the development and extension of our community links, and the positive support provided by the school community.
ABW is a program that challenges our students to run their own Hotel over a simulated period of 2 years over a 5 day period. We had over 110 students divided into 6 Hotel Teams- The Atlantica, Hotel Aurora, The Trident, The Royal Saffron Palace, Interstellar and The Retrograde Hotel. In their groups, they were competing in a range of different categories, including Best Website, Best Portfolio, Best Trade Display, Team Spirit and Best Advertisement, Best Computer Simulation and Overall ABW Champions.
They were faced with many challenges, including making executive financial and strategic plans; taking responsibility for assigned roles; delegating and fulfilling tasks, meeting deadlines; working when sleep deprived; and most of all, remaining confident in both their individual and team abilities.
Our ABW students consistently demonstrated their leadership and team work skills throughout the week. Our Teacher Mentors, as well as the school community have stated repeatedly that they are proud of the effort, determination and team spirit demonstrated by the students. Guest judges and speakers were impressed with the work ethic and the creativity of the students.
I would like to thank Mrs Baker and the school for their support of the ABW program, Mr Collimore for his expertise, untiring support and hard work throughout the week, Miss Farrugia for her support of the students creating the websites, our teacher mentors- Mr Lovadina, Ms Ojong, Mrs Wang, Mrs Nguyen-Trinh, Mr Zammit, and Mr Viera for their hard work and support of their teams during the week.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Rotary Club of Holroyd, who have supported the program through sponsorship, but also by providing mentors, judges and guest speakers throughout the week. The students and staff alike are very grateful for your expertise and guidance during the ABW program.
Australian Business Week would not be possible without the support and sponsorship from many of our local businesses, whom we wholeheartedly thank for their generosity:
LMS Advisory Pty Ltd, Unilever-Streets, Baxters Bus Lines, Aussie Canteen Express, Hot Frog, Rotary Club of Holroyd, and David Sproule Trophies and Corporate Awards, without whose sponsorship this program would not be as successful. We recognised this ongoing support with their logos being displayed on the Cerdon College digital signboard facing Sherwood Road.
Congratulations to the Overall ABW 2017 champions for 2017: The Royal Saffron Palace. Congratulations to all the students who worked incredibly hard over the course of the week. Your creativity, teamwork and amazing trade displays were a credit to your dedication, hard work and teamwork. You should all be proud of your achievements.
Ms Tasioulas
ABW Co-ordinator
The Winning Company: The Royal Saffron Palace
The Company Banners -
The Sponsors Recognised on our Digital Signboard
Numeracy at Cerdon
The EMU (Extending Mathematical Understanding) program at Cerdon College aims to improve the students’ numeracy skills with activities that involve ‘hard thinking’ and ‘200 hits’ of a concept. It happens primarily within Mathematics classes and in small group settings, but also occurs in other KLAs. In a recent Year 7 Music class, the girls were given the opportunity to ‘note bust’, similar to a number busting activity they might do in their Mathematics class or EMU group. The girls had to come up with as many ways as they could to make the number 8 using musical notes. A simple example might be to add 2 semibreves together as they are each worth 4 beats. A fun, interesting and EMU inspired way to learn notes and their values in Music!
Grace Muscat (Maths Co-ordinator) and
Anne-Maree McEwen (Numeracy Co-ordinator)
Enrichment@Cerdon
I recently read an article discussing a scientific study on the effects of failure in girls. The study found that girls often connect failure with ability and intelligence while boys connect failure to lack of practice. It seems girls’ mindset is that ‘If I fail at a task, I am not capable’ while boys’ thinking is more like’ ‘I have failed..I need more practice’. These findings are very interesting because they highlight the need to provide girls with experiences of failure which encourages them to learn and move on from. It is important for girls to believe that failure is only an end if we let it be..if we don’t try again and learn from our mistakes.
Last weekend I had the pleasure to see this philosophy at work at the GPN Coding Day. Here girls are supported and encouraged as they navigate through the world of coding...making mistakes and more importantly learning from them and feeling empowered to take the next step.
The Girls Programming Network Coding Day
Another fantastic event was held by the Girls Programming Network (GPN) last Sunday at The University of Sydney Information Technology Building. This day is run by girls for girls,
encouraging them to learn about coding and the applications of computer programming. In this latest event, apart from lots of pizza, treats, games and puzzles, students were involved in creating their own game called Flappy Bird. After a quick assessment, students were placed in groups matching their familiarity with coding. Working in their groups and assisted by some very enthusiastic mentors, girls were able to produce their own version of the game and were able to take the product home for further development. These days are very popular, with places filling up very quickly. It was great to see a number of Cerdon girls successfully joining the 140+ girls at this event and enjoying the experience.
The Year 8 Knowledge Challenge
The library was once again buzzing with excitement with the Year 8 Knowledge Challenge up and running. It was great to see many of our younger students really excited about participating in what has become an annual event for each year group
Teams from each house worked navigated their way through hundreds of questions on a variety of key learning areas such as english, science, mathematics, religion and the arts as well as entertainment, sport and current affairs. After the enthusiastically contested heats and semi-finals the grand final was between Marcellin and Perroton. Congratulations to Bethany Nicholls, Sophia Siderides and Madison Yagki from Marcellin 2 for a fantastic effort all the way throughout the challenge and a special congratulations to Natasha Grech, Elizabeth Tran and Briana Wilson for becoming the champions of Year 8 Knowledge Challenge 2017.
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.
UNSW Mining Engineering summer School 2018
Applications are now open for UNSW Mining Engineering summer School 2018.
The Mining Summer School provides a unique opportunity to get inside the mining industry as part of a 3 day residential camp for students currently in Years 10 and 11. Start at the UNSW campus in Sydney to experience uni life, lectures and labs. Try out the 3D virtual reality mine simulator and VR headsets. Then travel for 2 nights to visit underground and surface mines, learn how coal and minerals are extracted and processed, view mine rehabilitation sites. Learn about study, careers and opportunities in the Australian mining industry from professionals, current students and recent graduates. Applications close October 30, 2017.
For further information please visit
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
Study Samurai
Wellbeing - Progressive Muscle Relaxation
When you feel stressed where do you feel that? Most people respond with, “I feel stress in my back or my shoulders or chest. As with any emotion we experience stress in our bodies and that’s why remedial massage can help reduce stress.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is another easy body relaxation exercise to reduce stress when you most need it. Practice relaxing and tensing your muscles with slow breathing. This exercise will go through your entire body, one section at a time. You will tense your muscles for five counts and release for 10 counts. When you have released your muscles, use soothing words in your mental self-talk, such as “relax”, “I am now relaxed and calm”, “I am calm”, or “I am relaxed”. Begin this relaxing exercise in the following sequence:
- Tense your forearm. Make a fist with you right hand and tense your forearm steadily for five counts, then release for 10 counts. Repeat on your left side.
- Tense your upper arm. Tense the muscles in your biceps and triceps without the use of your forearm, bringing your right forearm up to your shoulder making a muscle. Hold for a count of five. Release it and relax for a count of 10. Repeat on your left side.
- Tense your face. Raise your eyebrows as high as they will go, hold for a count of 5 and release for a count of 10. Next, close your eyes and squeeze your eyes tightly holding for a count of 5 and releasing for a count of 10. Lastly, open your mouth as wide as you can as if you were going to yawn, holding for a count of 5 and releasing for a count of 10.
- Tense your neck. A lot of tension is stored in your neck, sometimes leading to a stiff neck or even tension headaches. Be careful when tensing the muscles of your neck, as this is a sensitive area to stress buildup. Face forward and pull your head back slowly as if you are looking up to the ceiling. Hold this position for a count of five and release for a count of 10.
- Tense your shoulders. Tense the muscles in your shoulders as you bring your shoulders up to your ears and push your shoulder blades back. Hold for five counts and release for 10 counts.
- Tense your chest and stomach. Breathe in deeply. Fill your lungs and chest with as much air as possible, squeezing your hip and buttocks muscles. Hold for a count of five and relax for a count of 10.
- Tense your upper leg. Tighten your right thigh. Hold for a count of five and release for 10 counts. Next, tense your lower right leg. This should be done carefully to avoid leg cramps, pulling your toes toward your calf muscles. Hold for five counts and release for 10 counts. Lastly, curl the toes of your right foot and hold for a count of five and release for a count of 10. Repeat on your left side.
Practicing this technique of tensing and relaxing helps your body recognise what it feels like to be tense and what it feels like to be relaxed. Each time that you experience a stressful moment, practice this technique. With continued practice you will be able to notice when you are stressed just by the change in the feel of your body. This will give you the power to control stress, instead of having stress control you.
You can learn more about this and much more at www.studysamurai.com
CEDP News
CAPTIVATE Immersion: Gifted & Talented Program
CAPTIVATE Immersion is a week-long program for talented students which takes place in week 8 & 9 of term 4. This program is targeted at exceptional music, dance and drama students, enabling them to experience a rigorous program extending and exposing them to challenging performance outcomes.
Auditions for Immersion are week 3 of term 4.
For more information & to register for auditions please follow this link - https://goo.gl/forms/xjhgHhe0UinUtmz42
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.
Diocesan Liturgy Conference 2017
The Diocesan Liturgy Conference will be held on Saturday 4 November at St Andrew’s Parish, Marayong. The conference, ‘Liturgy: The Living Presence of Christ’ is an excellent opportunity to gather together as a Diocese and explore the Presence of Christ in Liturgy. Day includes Keynote Speaker and various workshops including: Music and copyright, Bringing Christ to the Sick, Scripture and the Season of Advent, Sacraments of Initiation – a Field Perspective., organising a Mass- Ordos, Missals and Lectionaries. For more information go to: parracatholic.org/ofw or Office for Worship ivergano@parra.catholic.org.au
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
Enquiries may be made to our office on 8838 3460 or email lmf@parra.catholic.org.au.
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
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