College Newsletter
Term 1 Week 4 Friday 17 February 2017
A Message from the Principal
Cerdon College's Parents and Friends Association meets each term on Monday Week 3 at 7:00 pm. All parents are welcome to attend and support the work of the Cerdon College community, by providing input into initiatives undertaken by the College.
2017 Parents and Friends Association members:
President: Mr M Dennis
Vice President: Mrs L Gale
Secretary: Mrs S Burton
Treasurer: Mrs T Maldigri
Committee Member: Mrs J Subramaniam
Today, as a College community we were joined by students from our 2016 HSC class who achieved outstanding results in their courses of study.
The list of 2016 HSC Prizewinners is as follows:
Susie Sukarieh
2016 Dux
All Round Achiever
First in Subject - Biology, Legal Studies and Mathematics Extension 2
Melissa Cuadros Lu
Third in State Spanish Extension
All Round Achiever
First in Subject - Spanish Continuers and Spanish Extension 1
Jamie Lipsham
First in State 2 Unit VET Entertainment
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Italian Extension 1 and Entertainment
Naomi Abdo
First in Subject - Information Processes and Technology
Sally Al-Saffar
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Arabic Continuers
Daniela Angeloni
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Ama Boatemaa Berkoh
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Visual Arts
Georgia Crelley
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Geography
Lara Davies
First in Subject - Business Services
Emily Del Principe
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Italian Continuers and Italian Extension 1
Isabella El-Hajjeh
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Alissa Favotto
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Economics
Angelica Galindo
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Visual Arts
Niamh Hughes
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Bryarna Kelly
First in Subject – Hospitality (Food and Beverage)
Amanda Kheir
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Christina Kheir
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject – Chemistry, Physics and Studies of Religion II
Tiana Lardieri
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Anna Thuy An Le
First in Subject - Studies of Religion II
Jennifer Lee
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject – Mathematics Extension 2 and Studies of Religion II
Jamie Lipsham
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Italian Extension 1 and Entertainment
Jessie Wei Yu Ly
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Rachel Mardini
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Simone Merrick
First in Subject - Senior Science
Sophie Miles
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Freshta Nawabi
First in Subject - English Extension 2
Mary Nguyen
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Earth and Environmental Science
Nicole O'Connor
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Mathematics General 2 and Hospitality (Kitchen Operations and Cookery)
Elizabeth Orlando
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Ancient History and Community and Family Studies
Maggie Pan
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Business Studies
Wenjing Qiao
First in Subject – Mathematics and Mathematics Extension 1
Elizabeth Richards
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Toni Saba
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Lara Sahyoun
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Bianca Semaan
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Geography
April Serhan-Guevara
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Channelle Succar
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Studies of Religion I
Tiana Totaro
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject – Studies of Religion II
Demi Towns
First in Subject – Music 1
Olivia Townsend
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject Mathematics General 2, Textiles and Design and Visual Arts
Jessica Tran
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Catalina Valdivia
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Drama
Julia Validakis
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - Music 1
Athanasia Valsamou
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - French Continuers
Javiera Varela
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject - English Standard
Amelia Vella
Outstanding HSC Achievement
Ana-Louise Vella
Outstanding HSC Achievement
First in Subject – English Advanced, English Extension 1, Food Technology,
Modern History, History Extension 1 and Studies of Religion II
Congratulations to all our HSC Prizewinners on their outstanding results and we wish them all the best in their tertiary studies.
Also at this Mass, our 2017 student leaders were inducted -
YEAR 12
College Captain: Nicole El Jammal
Vice Captains:
Riley Carroll (Social Justice and Community Service)
Thy Mai (Creative and Performing Arts)
Lauren Smith (Sport)
Emily Stoove (Academic)
Class Captains:
12FF2 Ysabella Mani
12FF3 Jessica Machin
12FF6 Yasmine Abou Hamed
12FF8 Trisha Thanh Nga Nguyen
12GL4 Van Thi Mong Thach
12GL5 Natasha Milakovic
12HA Jane Bui
YEAR 11
Class Captains:
11F11 Angelique Dunn
11F12 Mae Sleiman
11F13 Joy Baysari
11F14 Gabriela Badrov
11F15 Quyen Nguyen
11F16 Elizabeth Elias
11F17 Mikayla Menouhos
House Captains:
Colin Dorsa Faghireh
Marcellin Briana Titmuss
McOscar Claudia Ong
Perroton Janine Udan
Prefects:
Zali Aquilina
Gabriela Badrov
Emma Banboukjian
Alaina Burge
Isabella Campelo Mendez
Charlotte Chidiac
Elise Cribbin
Emily Dang
Evana Dannoun
Anh Dinh
Kayla Furness
Sara Haider Year
Kate Hughes
Georgia Kalisperis
Kiranpreet Kohli
Jasmine Kramer
Isabelle Langan
Jessica Li
Elissar Maalouf
Belinda Martin
Isabella Matsias
Minh McCarthy
Mikayla Menouhos
Eugenia Mentis
Mai Truc Anh Cecilia Isabelle Nguyen
Antonela Pavlovic
Rachel Pham
Hannah Rahimi
Maria Razouk
Madison Reynolds-Pace
Antonela Scarpignato
Annamarie Subramaniam
Balpreet Sunner
Amelia Walsh
Nicole Yu
Carissa Zajac
Social Justice Leaders:
Dima Ahmad
Gabriela Badrov
Emily Dang
Erica D'Cruz
Anh Dinh
Angelique Dunn
Kayla Furness
Emily Galea
Elizabeth McDonald
Mikayla Menouhos
Mai Truc Anh Cecilia Isabelle Nguyen
Antonela Pavlovic
Teresa Thuy-Tien Le Tran
Library Assistants:
Angelique Dunn
Sara Haider
Katrina Jelavic
Chelsea Peterson
Hannah Rahimi
Nicole Yu
YEAR 10
Class Captains:
10F18 Alexandria Makary
10F19 Elise Noble
10F20 Maddison Halabi
10F21 Daniella Elakcnouch
10F22 Sarah Vella
10F24 Sophia Hassarati
10FD1 Emerson Walshaw
Mission Promoters:
10F18 Bella Shepherd
10F19 Claudia Abi Kabalane
10F20 Brooke Moody
10F21 Mary El-Helo
10F22 Annabelle Gerges
10F24 Annie Taniane
10FD1 Angelina Elias
House Vice Captains:
Colin Emerson Walshaw
Marcellin Abyssinia Abaddi
McOscar Daniella Elakcnouch
Perroton Emily Campos Rios
Service Leaders:
Monica Chan
Marie Guaricci
Caitlyne Halabi
Anthea Kazanzidis
Alexandria Makary
Nancy Maldigri
Elise Noble
Bella Shepherd
Renee Singh
Annie Taniane
Peer Support Leaders:
Abyssinia Abaddi
Claudia Abi Kabalane
Georgia Ashkar
Jemima Barkley
Alysha Biber
Isabella Caroso
Trina Castelino
Rachel Chaaya
Lara Chahin
Monica Chan
Tayla Contreras
Quynh Doan
Amelia El-Halabi
Mary El-Helo
Angelina Elias
Zara Gooljary
Sabrina Granata
Marie Guaricci
Maddison Halabi
Sophia Hassarati
Jacinta Laoulach
Antonia Ljubicic
Alexandria Makary
Nancy Maldigri
Brooke Moody
Elise Noble
Rachel Perinparajah
Emily Pham
Sabah Shekeb
Bella Shepherd
Renee Singh
Madison Stephens
Natalie Touma
Daniela Valdivia
Emerson Walshaw
Jami Younes
YEAR 9
Class Captains:
9I31 Rebecca Mansour
9I32 Sophia Turano
9I33 Antoinette Azzi
9J28 Sima Gem
9J29 Nora-Lee Doueihi
9J30 Katerina Bonovas
Mission Promoters:
9I31 Rose Hanratty
9I32 Kate Bell
9I33 Kalliope Mentis
9J28 Claudia Kukucka
9J29 Shanice Seaib
9J30 Mia Bergamin
YEAR 8
Class Captains:
8G23 Alyssa Dang
8G24 Vanessa El Hayek
8G25 Alyssa Khouli
8G26 Charlie-Rose El Riachi
8G27 Aaliyah Khalil
8GL3 Maddalena Tomasina Ram
Mission Promoters:
8G23 Teresa Akkari
8G24 Madison Yagki
8G25 Sophia Siderides
8G26 Vanessa Mekdessi
8G27 Laura Buratto
8GL3 Jamie-Marie Bazouni
Enviro Squad:
Joya Antoun
Natasha Grech
Anna Haider
Charli Jones
Karen Jreije
Bethany Nicholls
YEAR 7
Class Captains:
7E5 Piper Shepherd
7E6 Mary Elias
7E7 Claudia Turano
7E8 Monique Bechara
7E9 Isabella Yaako
7E10 Sarah Armstrong
Mission Promoters:
7E5 Antonia Kyriakos
7E6 Kaitlin Shaw
7E7 Georgina AbouHamad
7E8 Taylor Rodricks
7E9 Anastasia Chalfe
7E10 Mikayla Issac
Let us pray in the words of Saint Ignatius:
Teach us, good Lord,
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labour and to ask for no reward,
save that of knowing
that we do your will
Amen
God Bless
Mrs Patricia Baker
Principal
HSC Key Dates 2017
NESA was formerly known as Board of Studies, Teaching and Education Standards (BOSTES); NESA retains all the key functions of BOSTES and is responsible for the award of all major credentials in NSW.
College Uniform Shop
Year 7 Parents
If you have not placed an order for your daughter's blazer and require a blazer for your daughter for the commencement of Term 2, please see the staff in the Uniform Shop during trading hours ASAP.
Regular Trading Hours
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)
Cerdon College Uniform Shop Management
Telephone: 8724 7329 (During trading hours only)
Student Medical Update
The College is currently updating student medical information for the 2017 school year. If your daughter has a medical condition that requires an Action Plan eg Asthma and Anaphylaxis, please submit these to the school as soon as possible.
Administering of Paracetamol
Cerdon College is not able to distribute Paracetamol tablets to students. If for some reason, your daughter is required to take this medication, a note from parents, together with clearly labelled medication and dosage instructions should be sent to the College Office.
Change of Contact Details
Please notify the College Office if you have changed any of your contact details ie. address, telephone number, email address, etc so that we are able to update our records accordingly.
Thank you
School Fee Statements
Parents are advised that there was a slight delay in the posting of the Term 1 2017 School Fees Statements issued to families by the Catholic Education Office.
Please contact Mrs Baliva at the College on 8724 7308 if you have not received your statement or if you require any further information. Thank you.
Finance Department
Cerdon College
The Cerdon College Skoolbag App
The Cerdon College (CCM) Skoolbag app is used to communicate alerts, messages (including SMS and email) and some news items and videos straight to your mobile phone, iPad and/or tablet. Skoolbag is also used to share excursion permission notes with you and you can respond via the app to provide permission for these rather than complete and return a slip. You can use Skoolbag to keep up to date with school events, notify the school of your daughter's sickness or changes to important contact information.
We will continue to publish a fortnightly newsletter which will be emailed to parents, but you will also find that each newsletter will also appear in the Skoolbag app.
As Skoolbag has become an integral part of our communications, if you are not already using the Skoolbag app, we'd like to encourage all parents and students to download the app. Instructions for doing so are located below.
Reminder Year 9 Information Evening
A parent information night has been planned for Monday, 20 February, starting at 7:00pm in Chavoin Hall to explain the new stronger HSC Standards from 2017.
On the night, there will be an explanation of the new standards, the online Literacy and Numeracy tests and a summary of the strategies that the school is using to support your daughter to meet the minimum standards in the NAPLAN examinations.
Numeracy at Cerdon
The Year 7 Numeracy Evening was held on Monday 13th February and proved to be a very informative night for the parents of those students who attended. Mental computations and EMU (Extending Mathematical Understanding) games and strategies were demonstrated and explained to the parents. They had first hand experience playing many EMU games.
The Mathematics and Learning Support staff were on hand to assist and guide the parents as they learned how to play these games which aim to extend students numeracy skills. Not only did they go home with a broader and deeper knowledge of numeracy and the College’s Numeracy program, but they also got to take home a show bag full of useful resources. The aim is for parents to work with their daughters at home as the more experiences students have with these activities, the greater their numerical growth will be.
Parents were able to meet and talk to Mathematics and Learning Support teachers as well as Miss Hanson, the Year 7 Co-ordinator and the Assistant Co-ordinator, Mrs Manning.
A big thank you to the Year 8 helpers (Melissa Lahoud, Charli Jones, Tarnya Alam, Daniella Fares, Anjana Tangirala, Marie Joe Khalife, Karen Jreije and Alyssia Mokdassi) who ably assisted the teachers throughout the evening.
Grace Muscat (Maths Co-ordinator) and
Anne-Maree McEwen (Numeracy Co-ordinator)
Enrichment@Cerdon
It has been a busy start of the year with a number of students taking up some exciting opportunities. Students in Years 7 and 8 are currently trying out for the Kids Lit Quiz which will take place at Cerdon next month. Other students are already in the process of completing entries for a variety of competitions. Many of these competitions are available now for student entry and are listed later in this Newsletter. They include opportunities in film making, photography and writing for students from Years 7-12. All these experiences not only help students collect points for their colour house and teacher awards, but more importantly can provide experiences which provide a deeper learning or develop a new interest.
During the holidays a number of students embarked on some amazing experiences and they are all to be congratulated for taking such an initiative! In this issue read about our students’ experiences at The Australian Computing, Coding and Engineering Summer School at UNSW and UNSW Mining Summer School.
The 2017 University of NSW Mining Summer School (UMSS)
On the 18th of January, 14 high school students including myself were given the opportunity to participate in the 2017 UNSW Mining Summer School (UMSS). This three-day program allows students first-hand experience of the work different mining engineers do in order to operate Australia's biggest industry.
The first day started at the UNSW Kensington campus. The day included experiences of what UNSW had to offer including the 3D Virtual Reality Simulator and VR Headset programs which outlined the process of mining from the extraction to its refinement.
The next two days were the most interesting part of the program. We headed out West to Orange and there we visited two different mines; Newcrest Cadia Gold and Copper Mines, and Airly Coal Mines. During the visit, we were given the opportunity to head underground up to 400m below sea level to see the process of extraction, as well as the development of a mine, focusing on strategies of stability control and air ventilation on the surface. We learned about the future goals of the mine sites including extending the life span of the sites and the rehabilitation and restoration of closed sites. Apart from the mines we visited other science related roadside attractions such as the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, locally known as 'The Dish'.
The program ended with an alumni dinner which allowed students to talk to industry representatives and ask questions about their experiences as Mining Engineers. Overall this program managed to challenge my former negative views of the mining industry. I now understand that mining is not just extraction of minerals from the ground, but also involves caring for the welfare of the environment. The UMSS experience is a great program for any student who is curious about the mining industry. This experience has truly opened my eyes to the world of mining as well as introduced me to many new friends.
Anadora Karina Alejo
(ACCESS) The Australian Computing, Coding and Engineering Summer School
The ACCESS Program was a week long summer school that ran from the 16th - 20th of January at the University of New South Wales. This summer school provided women from high schools across Australia the opportunity to take part in social activities, introductory lectures, tutorials, industry site visits, and several major projects all relating to computer programming and various forms of technology. We were fortunate enough to be the first group of women to take part in such a fantastic event and understand the demand for women to be involved in careers in technology.
Over the course of the five days, we were able to interact with like-minded women and share our interests in this particular field of Computing and Engineering. We also had the opportunity of networking with mentors, university students, tutors and industry professionals and learn about their experiences working in information technology (IT).
We were also able to learn about the IT undergraduate courses offered at UNSW and ask current students questions. We visited three major-tech companies (Commonwealth Bank Protection Group, Metamako and WiseTech Global) and had a site tour to experience what it would be like to work in this industry. We completed numerous projects that varied from coding using languages such as Python and C, to hands-on projects that included building our own Raspberry Pi Touch Screen Device, embedded systems, and a GPS Tracker, which we were also able to take home!
From this experience, we were able to learn more about ourselves and our interests. We made friends with fellow participants as well as our mentors, and took away valuable information regarding applying for Universities. It gave us the opportunity to attain information and insights from industry as well as learn about possible placements for future careers. We highly recommend this fantastic opportunity to other students interested in learning more about STEM careers.
Carmela Espinosa, Katarina Planinic, Hannah Sediqi
PDHPE and Sport Report
Swimming Carnival
The Cerdon College Swimming Carnival was held on Tuesday January 31 at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and it was an enjoyable day had by all.
There were some fantastic performances at the carnival and we congratulate the following students who have been awarded Age Champion and Runner Up for their respective age groups:
12 Years Age Champion Rebecca Georges McOscar
12 Years Age Runner Up Olivia Budini Perroton
13 Years Age Champion Trisha Castelino Marcellin
13 Years Age Runner Up Christina Callaghan Marcellin
14 Years Age Champion Sophia Vicic Marcellin
14 Years Age Runner Up Sarah Denniss Colin
15 Years Age Champion Emerson Walshaw Colin
15 Years Age Runner Up Elise Noble Colin
16 Years Age Champion Trina Castelino Marcellin
16 Years Age Runner Up Anthea Kazanzidis Marcellin
17 Years Age Champion Bianca Buttigieg Colin
17 Years Age Runner Up Alexia Abouhamad Colin
18 Years Age Champion Alexia Kazanzidis Marcellin
18 Years Age Runner Up Gabrielle Barbara McOscar
Victoria Buckler 50m Freestyle
Invitational Champion Emerson Walshaw Colin
Congratulations to Bianca Buttigieg of Colin House, who set a new record for the U17 50m Backstroke (35.24).
Congratulations to our House Champions, Marcellin.
1st Marcellin 442 points
2nd Colin 398 points
3rd McOscar 195 points
4th Perroton 147 points
Congratulations to McOscar who were victorious over Colin in the Staff and Student relay event. Thank you to the staff and students who took part in the event.
I would like to thank all of those students who participated on the day and to the parents who attended in support of their daughters. Large whole school events such as the swimming carnival require the contribution of many staff and students to ensure that they run smoothly. I would like to acknowledge those that fulfilled official duties on the day including our very dedicated teaching staff and the Year 9 Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) students. Thank you to the House Mentors, Captains and Vice Captains for their continued support and commitment to their House throughout the day. We look forward to our School Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals with anticipation in the coming months as these events will influence the points tally for the Chavoin Shield, which will be presented on Friday June 23.
Ice Hockey
Congratulations to Shiarna Tarasenko of Year 11 who toured Spain over the break as a member of the U18 Australian Women’s Ice Hockey Team. Shiarna represented Australia at the IIHF Division II World Championships from January 26 to 29 in San Sebastian, Spain. Shiarna took part in Sunday’s Final against Romania which finished up as a 10-0 victory for Australia who won the Gold Medal. This is an amazing victory, especially since this was only the second Australian under-18 Team to compete at the World championships. We congratulate Shiarna on this wonderful achievement and wish her well in 2017.
PDSSSC Softball
Congratulations to Briana Titmuss who was recently selected in the PDSSSC Softball Squad. Briana will attend the NSWCCC Softball Championships at Kelso Park Softball Complex on Tuesday 21 February 2017. Best of luck Briana!
Mr R Zammit
PDHPE and Sport Coordinator
Sacrament of Confirmation 2017 - St Gertrude's Parish
Dear Parents,
We will be holding an information evening for the Sacrament of Confirmation, on Thursday 23rd February at 7:30 pm, in the Montefano Hall.
If your child is in Year 6 or above, and has received First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, they may be eligible to enrol in the Confirmation Sacramental Programme. Due to a number of changes, it is vital that you attend this meeting if you wish to enrol your child in the Confirmation Programme for 2017. Enrolment forms will be handed out at this meeting. No enrolment forms for Confirmation will be distributed through the schools.
If you have any questions, please contact the Sacramental Office on
9725 4317. Office hours: Tuesday and Friday 10 am – 4 pm.
Alternatively, you can leave a message on the answering machine or send an email to sacraments@stgertrude.org.au.
Halina Vanolini and Helena Anna Mertin
Sacrament Coordinators
St Gertrude’s Parish, Smithfield
Assessment Booklets & Assessment Central
Students can access the document by logging into Classm8. They are to use their school username and password to log in and they can access the assessment handbook in Google Drive.
The documents are also available to parents to view and/or download via Assessment Central. Either click on the link provided in this newsletter or navigate to the Assessment and Curriculum page on the College website to access Assessment Central. Each year group will have its own assessment handbook and assessment schedule.
All formal assessment tasks for Years 10-12 are also entered into the relevant Google calendar (see below for links to each calendar).
School Calendars
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: 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