College Newsletter
Term 4 Week 5 Friday 16 November 2018
A Message from the Principal
Last Friday, I wrote to students, staff and parents to inform them that Ms Elissa Kitchin, a PDHPE teacher at Cerdon College had passed away on Thursday evening, after she fell into a diabetic coma in early October.
Elissa taught at Cerdon since the beginning of 2018. Prior to that, she taught at Xavier College, Llandilo and Bethany College, Hurstville. Elissa was also a student of Caroline Chisholm College, Glenmore Park, graduating from there in 2001.
Please keep Elissa's family, our school community and the school community of Xavier College in your prayers and thoughts at this very challenging time as we come to terms with the passing of our colleague and friend.
Eternal rest grant unto Elissa O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace.
Amen.
As the term progresses, it is important parents take note that classes for 2018 end on Friday 14th December. Student reports for Years 7 to 9 will be issued at 3:10 pm on Friday 14th December. Reports cannot be collected before this time and date as the College needs time to process the reports. Reports for Year 10 students will be issued to students at 3:10 pm on Thursday 13th December.
For 2019 school resumes on -
30th January for Year 7
31st January for Years 8-12
On Thursday 22nd November, staff and students at Cerdon College will join with guests from the Catholic Education Office Parramatta, NSW Catholic Schools, Marist Sisters, parents and local community representatives to formally open our new classroom areas, Theatrette and Science laboratories. This new building is called Bon Repos. The name has great significance for the Marist Sisters, as it is the name of the original 'Mother House' for the Marist Sisters in Belley, France.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Frank Caristo for the wonderful job he did as Acting Principal of Cerdon College during my extended leave in Term 3 and the beginning of Term 4.
It was very reassuring for me to know that Cerdon College was under such sound leadership during my absence.
I also thank Mr Nathan Mulheron and Mr Ryan Zammit who at different times acted as Assistant Principals for the College and to Miss Stephanie Ackaoui and Mrs Michelina Schinella who acted as Religious Education Co-ordinators during my absence.
God Bless
Mrs P Baker
Principal
Social Justice Statement Launch 2018-2019 - A Place To Call Home
On Tuesday the 16th of October, four Year 10 students, Antoinette Azzi, Maya Badawi, Kalliope Mentis and Sophia Vicic were selected to part take in the 2018 Social Justice Statement Launch. They participated in a series of activities relating to this year’s statement, ‘A Place To Call Home’, and discussed what Cerdon College can do as a school community to prevent the issue of homelessness, as it is one that burdens multiple individuals in our society.
The day begun with an introduction to the statement, regarding the ongoing issue of homelessness in Australia, which can affect anyone and occurs everywhere due to multiple factors such as mental illness, unemployment and increasing housing prices. As of 2016, 116 427 people were recorded as being homeless, which is a dramatic increase when compared to the 102 439 people in 2011.
The girls found the day extremely eye-opening and an opportunity to consider ways to make a difference in both our school and the wider community. By linking back to the Catholic teachings, the girls were able to connect to this ongoing issue while developing a passion to take action.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
On Monday, 12th November, the College held its Remembrance Day Ceremony. This year’s event was of particular significance, as it is 100 years since the end of World War One.
In the keynote addresses, a very attentive and appreciative assembly first heard Tamsyn Balogh-Caristo speak of the lessons learned during her trip as a 2018 Premier’s ANZAC Scholarship participant. She spoke of the great respect held by villagers in France towards our soldiers, such as the school at Villers-Bretonneux, with its banner “Do Not Forget Australia”. She also told us how the French remember their own dead, often through daily commemorations.
In the other address, Annie Taniane told the story of Chaplain Walter Dexter, who tended to the spiritual needs of Australian soldiers at Gallipoli and in France and whose humanity extended to respecting those who were our enemies, such as captured German soldiers. His Christian attitude is a welcome reminder of the need to seek peace in all situations and times.
As always, the ceremony finished with the Ode to the Fallen, Last Post, Rouse and Australian National Anthem.
Attached is a photo of the 2019 College Captains who participated in the ceremony, accompanied by Tamsyn.
Mr S. Bridges
HSIE-A Co-ordinator
TexStyle Exhibition 2018
Exceptional work of Cerdon College student Antonela Scarpignato has been nominated for her Textiles and Design Major work to be exhibited in the 2019 TexStyle Exhibition at Ultimo.
Antonella's Major Textile project is based on the features that reflect the iron age and the character of the Morrigan, the Celtic Goddess of war, death and phantom. Her inspiration relates to the focus area of costume.
“I have chosen the genre of costume as the design is an outfit worn to create an illusion, one that depicts a characteristic appearance and reflects a particular period of time, era, person, place and thing”. Antonella stated.
Her work has been selected for the inclusion in TexStyle, which is the exhibition of outstanding Major Works developed by HSC Textiles and Design students from across NSW.
Antonela’s design will be on display at ‘The Muse’ Harris Street Ultimo in March 2018. It has also been nominated for the Shape exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum.
Congratulations to Antonela on a Job Well Done!
Mrs T Gosden (TAS Co-ordinator)
SPACE CAMP 2018 - Our Trip to Space
As the sun rose early on Wednesday 3 October, Bianca Simonetta, Sophie Vo and myself (Flavia Ching Lu), three eager space explorers hopped on a plane for Space Camp in the United States of America, in the hope that one day, space exploration might become a possible career path in the near future.
The flight was excruciating long as it lasted 14 hours. Most of the time was spent either sleeping, eating or watching the in-flight movies. Once the plane touched down, it seemed surreal. Did we really just step foot into a country that is halfway around the world? It was hardly believable that we were thousands of miles away from Sydney, but it was refreshing to feel the American air hit our faces when we stepped outside of LAX.
Day 2 was a fun learning experience for the three of us. Waking up to an early American sunrise we looked forward to a jam packed day at the California Science Centre. One long bus ride later and we arrived at a large science museum, filled with the knowledge of almost every science known to society. We were taken to a hangar, which held the actual magnificent space shuttle ‘Endeavour’. The shuttle made everyone gape in awe at the size of the spacecraft! After that, groups were taken to a rollercoaster workshop, which involved balls made of different materials and a flexible track which was to be mounted onto a wall with fitted pegs. As a surprise, we were able to talk to Gregory Chamitoff; a real astronaut through video call, where our questions about NASA and space travel were directed to him. Soon after, we returned to our hotel and that was Day 2 done!
Day 3 and 4 were equally exciting. Day 3 was spent at the magical Disneyland where in the early morning, we jumped on every ride that was available before it got too crowded. We visited Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square and much more. There was so much to see that the park could not have been fully explored within the day but overall it was a beautiful place and the many photos taken by us as amateur photographers did not do Disneyland justice. Universal Studios was amazing with Day 4 spent on many rides and shopping. We were taken on a tram around the Universal Studio sets where they had filmed a number of famous movies and it was an incredible tour! It included a rescue mission and a story to go along with it. We visited places such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Despicable Me, Transformers, The Simpsons and many more. Both days were well spent getting to know other students and making new friends.
The Cerdon students were all placed in team Isidis, which happens to be an area on Mars! Most of the Isidis team were from the same Australian group supplemented by other students from Costa Rica. We had a good mix of personalities and experiences in our team, making our activities heaps of fun. After having breakfast in the cafeteria, we were taken by our camp counsellor for a speedy history lesson on some of the famous astronauts and space missions in the U.S. Space & Rocket Centre located on site. Following that we underwent some mission training. Some of us were allocated specific roles that would exist in a real space mission. I was tasked with Capcom (relaying messages from the mission control team to the Commander and Pilot on the Space Shuttle); Sophie was tasked with the Flight Director role (responsible for the countdown and all decisions when problems arose); while Bianca was tasked as the Commander/Pilot (responsible for steering the Shuttle and assisting her co-pilot). Throughout the week long camp, we experienced a similar routine to that of day 1 of Space Camp, a history session, mission training and rocket building in smaller engineering groups. On one of the days we even got an opportunity to scuba dive in their tank to simulate the gravity/conditions that astronauts experience when they go on a space walk. At the end of the week we graduated with customised patches with our team name and the surnames of each participating member, a future astronaut badge, a certificate and a bright smile plastered on our faces. Much to our delight and shock, Team Isidis (that’s us!) won the Commanders Cup, which was an achievement for the team that performed exceptionally well across all areas such as punctuality, environmental responsibility, teamwork and activities.
Overall, I would say that Space Camp 2018 was a wonderful experience that really allowed us to reach out to other like-minded people who come from different walks of life. We would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in a career in space exploration or wish to work in the space industry, however we are mindful of the cost involved and are appreciative in receiving this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Given the chance to go again, I would take it graciously in a heartbeat.
Space Cadets out!
Flavia Ching Lu
Year 10
Assessment of Languages Competence (ALC)
The Assessment of Languages Competence (ALC) is a suite of tests, at different levels, designed to assess language competence in learners of additional languages.
Congratulations to the following students who achieved a Distinction or High Distinction in the ALC language exams –
French Certificate 2
Distinction
Teresa Akkari
Larissa Al Youssef
Ma. Sophia Allida
Aleyna Ozbal
Vanessa Youssef
Italian Certificate 2
High Distinction
Marcia Arrilucea
Zyra-Jane Falcon
Daniella Novosadek
Sophia Turano
Distinction
Kate Bell
Caitlyn Borg
Fiona Cordova
Elizabeth Enright
Chiara Fonti
Emma Giudice
Sophie Le
Margaret Makary
Isabella Panuccio
Claudia Portolesi
Asha Prasad
Elaine Rahme
Bailey Soo
Liliana Urso
Sabrina Ventura
Sophia Vicic
Amelia Williams
Ellena Yaman
Italian Certificate 3
High Distinction
Tahlia Del Principe
Serina Papa
Distinction
Javiera Aguayo
Isabella Allegretti
Isabella Caroso
Erica Cascio
Rowan Gardoce
Catalina Gonzalez
Marie Guaricci
Coreen La Rocca
Jamie-Lee Merhi
Shirley Nagamine
Nicole Yu
Uniform Shop Appointments
The College Uniform Shop has now commenced an appointments system on selected days to assist parents to streamline uniform purchases.
Parents of students already attending the College will be able to access an appointment time via the College Website. PLEASE NOTE: the following dates are appointments only -
TERM 4, 2018
Wednesday 21 November
Wednesday 28 November
Wednesday 5 December
TERM 1 - JANUARY 2019
Monday 21 January
Tuesday 22 January
Wednesday 23 January
Tuesday 29 January
Wednesday 30 January
The Uniform Shop will also be open to students in Years 7-11 on the following days - no appointment necessary -
Monday 22 October - 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 29 October- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 5 November- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 12 November- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 19 November- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 26 November- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 3 December- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Monday 10 December- 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Cerdon College Uniform Shop Management
Telephone: 8724 7329 (During trading hours only)
Staff Only Parking on School Grounds
Parents and students are reminded that the carparks on site are for College staff ONLY. It is an unsafe practice to drop off and pickup students from these carparks, particularly in Sherwood Road as the entrance is off the T-way. Parents driving students to school need to find parking or a safe drop off area, (following the Council parking signage at all times) in Kenyons Road, Bristol Street or other streets surrounding the College. It is not permissible to park across residential driveways, as the College receives a number of complaints about this and it is also contrary to legal parking regulations. This is a major safety issue for all our students and it is unfortunate that a small minority of parents still seem unable to follow the College's Policy regarding no parking on College grounds, even if they are coming to the College Office.
General Safety
All parents are also reminded that they should not be dropping off or picking up students at either the BP Service Station or on the T Way Bus Lane. These are both unsafe options for students and parents.
Students and parents too must always ensure they use pedestrian crossings to cross the roads around the school.
Upcoming Events
Monday 19 November to Friday 23 November
Year 9 and Year 10 Exams
Thursday 22 November
Opening and Blessing of 'Bon Repos'
Thursday 29 November
Principal's Award Morning Tea
10:45 am to 11:15 am
Monday 3 December and Tuesday 4 December
Year 9 PASS Camp
Wednesday 5 December
P & F Thank You Luncheon
Thursday 6 December
Year 9 Peer Support Training
Year 10 Self-Defence Incursion
Friday 7 December
Year 9 Peer Support Training
Year 11 Picnic
Monday 10 December
Presentation Night Practice (Pds 3 and 4)
Presentation Night 7:00 pm
Tuesday 11 December
Christmas Mass and Year Assemblies
Wednesday 12 December to Friday 14 December
Year 11 Practical Exam Block
Thursday 13 December
HSC Results Released
Friday 14 December
HSC Breakfast (8:00 am)
ATAR's Released
Year 10 Luncheon
Year 7-9 Picnics
Year 7-10 Reports Distributed
Monday 17 December to Friday 21 December
Staff Professional Learning Program
News and Announcements
For all regular announcements and up to date news on the events that take place at the College, please subscribe to the News Feed and Announcements Feed on the College Website which you can access here. You can also follow Cerdon College on Twitter, Facebook, Pintrest and Instagram; links to our Social Media can be found at the bottom of this Newsletter and on the College Website. We will continue to use Skoolbag to communicate important information about excursions, information nights and parent/teacher evenings. Please make sure that you select the appropriate group(s) to receive specific news relevant to your daughter's year group. If you are new to Skoolbag please review the infographic above.
School Zones
Parents need to take note that the area surrounding Cerdon College is designated as a School Zone. Police and Council Rangers constantly patrol the area. They will have no hesitation in prosecuting drivers for driving offences.
In NSW more than one million school students travel to and from school each day. The vast majority of students do so safely. The NSW State Government is committed to further increasing safety for children during school travel times.
The school zones were selected according to a number of criteria concerning the risks young pedestrians are exposed to, including a combination of high traffic volumes, the level of pedestrian use and crash history.
All NSW school zones are sign-posted with regulatory signs that list the operating times of the school zones.
What times do the school zone speed cameras operate?
All school zone speed cameras operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week and detect vehicles exceeding the speed limit. They are also programmed to detect vehicles exceeding the 40km/h school zone speed limit during sign-posted school zone times.
For most locations these times are: 8am – 9.30am and 2.30pm – 4pm on gazetted school days.
How do I know I am entering a school zone?
NSW school zones are sign-posted indicating the operating times of the school zone. There are also large, bright yellow markings painted on the road showing the 40km/h speed limit. In addition to the regulatory signs Roads and Maritime has also installed flashing lights (school zone alert systems) at a number of school zone sites, including all fixed speed camera sites that are located in a school zone. School zone flashing lights are used as an additional warning system to alert motorists to slow down, and are not legally required in NSW.
Are school zones enforced on pupil free days?
Fixed digital speed cameras enforce the school zone 40km/h speed limit during the stated school zone hours on all gazetted school days. Pupil free days or staff development days fit into this category and in some cases there may still be students attending schools on these days.
There are also some instances where double demerits apply on a school day. This will usually happen when the day before a long weekend is also a gazetted school day.
School days are defined as those gazetted by the NSW Government and which can be found on the NSW Government website and in most annual diaries. Both Catholic and independent schools, irrespective of their term dates, have enforceable school zones in line with Department of Education school terms. The fixed speed cameras enforce the school zone speed limit in accordance with the Department of Education school term dates.
About us
Email: cerdon@parra.catholic.edu.au
Website: www.cerdonmerrylands.catholic.edu.au
Location: Sherwood Rd, Merrylands West, New South Wales, Australia
Phone: 8724 7300
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CerdonCollege
Twitter: @CerdonCollege