College Newsletter
Term 3 Week 8 Friday 9 September 2016
A Message from the Principal
Another busy fortnight has passed us by. Last week, many students took the opportunity to participate in a number of enrichment activities. We thank Mrs Agius and the teachers who have supported these students in the Tournament of the Minds, the Solar Car Challenge and the Quberider project.
Today, the Year 12 Music students have sat their HSC Practical Examinations, Year 9 went to the Chinese Gardens as part of their studies in Geography and the College hosted Apple, representatives from Catholic Education, Diocese of Parramatta and various schools across Sydney who shared their experiences working in partnership to create 21st century learning experiences for their schools. Last Monday we welcomed to the College our newest community members, families of Year 7 students for 2017 and have hosted our first orientation for a number of these students. On Wednesday, we competed in the Marist Oratory competition and thank Mrs Kearsley for her work with Sarah Denniss, Hayley Toman, Isabella Allegretti Kiranpreet Kholi, Nicole El Jammal and Amanda Kheir who represented the College. We also welcomed the Mercy Cross and the Relics of St Mother Teresa of Kolkatta and St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. We thank Ms Ackaoui and Mr Mulheron for their work in preparation for the Way of Mercy celebration and Fr Peter Strohmayer for who shared the liturgy with us.
Yesterday, the NSW Shadow Minister for Education, Mr Jihad Dib and local member Ms Julia Finn visited the school, along with our new Director Performance, Mr Paul Easton from CEDP. Our visitors got to witness first hand quality teaching and learning through their classroom visits and discussions with students Elaria Baysari and Arunita Seth, students in mathematics and science classes, as well as the Science and Engineering Challenge and Quberider Teams. All were suitably impressed with the quality of the students and the learning opportunities available to your daughters.
On Thursday, Amelia Menouhos from Year 12 was awarded the Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence. The citation was read by Gabriella Badrov (Year 10). We congratulate Amelia on her award.
The Rev. Chris DeSouza, Episcopal Vicar for Education and Formation gave a moving Homily, in with he reminded us, on the day of Mary's Nativity, that Mary's message to us was to 'to do as He asks' and in this message, Mary calls each of us bear witness to the promises of the risen Christ. As a Marist community we reflect on Matthew's Gospel reading on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
She has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit.
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son
and they will call him Emmanuel,
a name which means ‘God-is-with-us’.
Amen
Please keep Year 11 in your prayers as they complete their Preliminary Course exams over the next two weeks and Year 12 as they prepare for their graduation.
God Bless.
Mr Frank Caristo
Acting Principal
Uniform Reminder
If you do not have the College Summer Uniform or require a component of that uniform, please be sure to organise the purchase these items at the uniform shop.
The Uniform Shop will continue to open on Mondays only for the remainder of this term and will not be open during the school holidays, therefore, it is imperative that any required uniform purchases are made during the next two Mondays.
Thank you
Uniform Shop Management
Way of Mercy
Miss Ackaoui
Tournament of Minds
On Saturday 27th August, Cerdon's Tournament of the Minds Social Science team competed at the Regional Finals at Western Sydney University Bankstown campus. Our team consisted of Anh Nguyen (Year 10), Tamsyn Balogh-Caristo (Year 9), Steffanie Astermann (Year 9), Lana Ismail (Year 9), Nitika Harpalani (Year 7) and Sarah Denniss (Year 7). After six long weeks of planning, writing the script, prop making and practice, we produced an entertaining and complex 10-minute performance that earned us Honours at the award ceremony. Over this course of time, all of us learned important lifelong skills of teamwork and organisation as well as developing a hardworking ethic, 'think outside of the box' motto and confidence when performing in front of a crowd. As the team leader, I am so proud of the girls for their hard work, dedication and unique talents and skills that contributed to a fantastic day with an amazing outcome. I take this opportunity to thank Mrs Perras, Mr Farlow, Mrs Haddad, Mrs Famularo, Angelica Galindo and Erika Arabit for helping us make this performance possible. I strongly recommend students from Year 7 to 9 to try it out next year for the pure fun and learning experience. It truly is rewarding and unforgettable.
Anh Nguyen Year 10
Numeracy at Cerdon
Numeracy Tips
It is time to revisit some numeracy tips that will enable students and parents alike to use mental arithmetic to solve everyday questions without a calculator:
1. Finding half of a number is the same as dividing by 2.
2. Dividing by four involves finding half of a number and then half again.
3. Multiplying by four is the same as doubling a number (x2) and then doubling again.
While these strategies enable many calculations to be tackled mentally, initially they will require more effort than students and perhaps parents are prepared to apply. However, a little short term pain will yield long term gains. I encourage all parents to work with their daughters to master these strategies.
Try the strategies on these mental arithmetic questions:
1. 2 600 ÷ 4
2. 4 826 x ½
3. 75 x 4
4. 36 800 ÷ 4
5. 215 x 4
6. ½ x 46 084
7. 82 x 8
8. 8 068 ÷ 4
9. ½ x 8 008
10. 645 x 4
Time yourself and see how fast mental strategies can make you!
Grace Muscat
(Numeracy Coordinator and Acting Mathematics Coordinator)
Enrichment@Cerdon
It has been another busy few weeks at the College. In this issue read about the experiences of our science and engineering challenge teams representing Cerdon for the first time in the State Super Challenge finals. Also, there are reflections from our students from Year 7-11 who participated in the solar car challenge at the UNSW also for the first time.
The Science and Engineering Super Challenge
On the 1st September, a group of Year 9 and 10 students had the opportunity to experience the state round of the Science and Engineering challenge at the University of Newcastle after winning the regional challenge last term. The day consisted of competing against schools from all over NSW in various aspects of engineering. Challenges included the bridge, Electra-city, Eco habitat, Bionic hand, Flat pack, Stringways, and new challenges Catapult and Airship. We were up against tough competition as all the schools there had made it to state or nationals before. Although we weren’t successful we are proud to have made it this far and also proud to be the only girls’ school present on the day. Overall, it was an enjoyable and eventful day and hope we can go even further in the competition next year! (Sara Haider and the science and engineering team).
Thank you to the science team for their help in preparing the girls and in particularly Mrs Hackney and Miss Doan for accompanying, supporting and encouraging the girls on the day.
The Mini Sprint Solar Car Challenge
On Saturday 3rd September the sun was shining for the UNSW annual Solar Challenge. As this was our first time entering the competition, our school entered the Mini-Sprint Solar challenge. The challenge involved racing a solar car over a 20 metre stretch. Most of our teams experienced some success on the day, with ‘The Beast’ solar car getting through to the fourth round of testing!
Overall the challenge was ..
“..a good first step for Cerdon to enter the field of solar car competitions. It was fun and a great learning experience…it enabled us to build up on our teamwork skills …we were able to learn more about circuits and solar power and had the opportunity to participate in this new experience...a fun and enriching engineering experience!”
Congratulations to all the girls who participated and thank you to Mrs Tooma for accompanying the girls to the event, and Mr Tham, Miss Doan and Mrs Hackney for helping the girls with their preparation.
OZ Kids in Print
Oz Kids in Print is a wonderful initiative by the The Australian Children's Literary Board to provide students with the opportunity to have their writing or art work published. The association produces magazines showcasing students’ work. All entries are eligible to enter the Arts Award program or the Writing Award program. This is a fantastic opportunity for students of all ages to participate in. If you have work which you would like to submit please visit the following website http://ozkids.com.au/#about
All entries close on October 7, 2016.
The ATOM Photo Competition 2016
This opportunity has opened just in time for the holidays and is open to any school student across Australia who enjoys taking photos. To enter, students are required to take three original photographs that offer an interpretation of a place that is special to them. Entries are to be submitted online before September 19, 2016. For further information please visit
STEM Camp for Girls - The University of Wollongong
The University of Wollongong is offering girls currently in Years 9 & 10 the opportunity to participate in a STEM Camp. The camp will include hands-on workshops, industry visits exploring themes such as ‘sustainability’, ‘renewable energies’ and ‘ biomedicine’ learning more about the fields of Physics, Engineering, Mathematics and Information Technology. This is a fantastic opportunity for students who want to explore how STEM can shape our future world.
The camp will run from the 15th-18th January. The Camp fee is $299 and covers all meals, accommodation and activities during the camp. Further information is available on http://eis.uow.edu.au/stem-camp-for-girls/index.html
UNSW Women in Engineering Camp
The UNSW if offering Year 10 & 11 students interested in exploring the world Engineering the opportunity to participate in a camp during the 2017 January holidays. Students will be involved in hands-on workshops in health, aerospace engineering, technology, natural resources, energy system and the digital future. They will visit sites around Sydney which showcase engineering in action. They will hear from female engineers about their careers journeys and meet like-minded students.
Girls interested in this opportunity are to visit https://www.engineering.unsw.edu.au/about-us/initiatives/women-in-engineering/outreach/women-in-engineering-camp
The Conoco Phillips Science Experience 2016/2017 at UNSW –change of date
Calling all junior scientists in Year 9 & 10.The Science Experience is a three to four day program filled with science-based activities, workshops and challenges. This experience is offered by a number of universities across Australia during the holiday breaks and over the years this program has been very popular amongst our students. This year the UNSW will be offering their program during the October holidays (this has recently changed from the July holidays). Students who are interested in Science and are willing to participate in The Science Race are encouraged to apply. Please visit https://www.scienceexperience.com.au/ for further information and to register.
The Somerset National Novella Writing Competition
Calling all writers…The Somerset National Novella Writing Competition is open to all Australian high school students. It is a wonderful opportunity for serious student writers, encouraging them in their literary growth. Students are required to write a novella between 8000 - 20 000 words. The Novella will be judged by an expert panel. Winners from each state will be flown to the Gold Coast to enjoy the Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival and will receive a cash prize. The overall winner will receive a first prize of $2500.
If you enjoy writing this a fantastic opportunity for you and with the holidays starting, there is no better time to get creative and write! For further information please visit http://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/celebration-of-literature/. Entries close December 2, 2016.
The Somerset National Poetry Prize
The purpose of the Somerset National Poetry Prize is to encourage a love of writing poetry amongst secondary school students, to affirm it as a worthwhile literary pursuit, and to stimulate excellence in writing. It also aims to inspire and enrich youth literature. If you enjoy writing poetry this is a fantastic opportunity for you. There are fantastic prizes on offer including flights to the Gold Coast to enjoy the Somerset celebration of Literature Festival. For further information please visit http://www.somerset.qld.edu.au/celebration-of-literature/competitions/poetry-prize/
The competition closes December 9, 2016.
Mrs S Agius
Enrichment Co-ordinator
PDHPE and Sport Report
Year 11 PDHPE Camp
On Thursday September 1 and Friday September 2, the Year 11 PDHPE cohort participated in a camping experience at Cataract Scout Park Appin, which is approximately 1 hour from Cerdon College. The students took part in a number of outdoor recreation activities such as Abseiling, Team Rescue, the Challenge Valley obstacle course and orienteering. We had quite a lot of rain on Friday and this restricted some of the activities that the girls were able to participate in, however, they still maintained a positive attitude and worked well to overcome adversity. All students are to be commended on their excellent conduct and enthusiasm throughout the camp. Whilst many students were happy to return home after a tiring two days, I am sure that the students will look back with fond memories of their time on camp. Many thanks to Mr Farlow and Miss Bailey who gave up their time to accompany the students on camp.
Mr Zammit
PDHPE/Sport Co-ordinator
NSW All Schools Taekwondo
The Taekwondo NSW All Schools tournament took place on Saturday September 3 and three students represented Cerdon admirably. Cerdon had featured in the finals of all three divisions they were entered in and walked away with two Gold Medals and one Silver Medal.
First from Cerdon was Aaliyah Khalil who dominated her final from the very beginning. After shaking off a few nerves she found her confidence and began to enjoy herself, so much so that she won her final on the bell at the end of the first round by defeating her opponent 10-3. As there is a 7 point mercy rule the contest was ended and Aaliyah awarded the Gold medal.
Second was Emma Cham who took to the mat looking very relaxed, so relaxed that we thought we may need to wake her up. But to everyone's surprise, Emma was the stand out of the tournament. Having to compete up a division against a black belt, Emma was explosive and determined, she did not allow her opponent an opportunity to get into the contest winning her final in 21 seconds scoring 7-0 with the mercy rule applied. Emma had left all watching in amazement and appreciation of her skill, speed and sportsmanship as she thanked her opponent and her coach. She went in to win the Gold Medal.
Last was Mary Cham, who also had compete in a higher division against a black belt. Her opponent was more experienced and stronger. Mary started the contest very well and with a lot of positive energy. The opponent was fast and like Mary, tried to dominate. This was a close battle and neither girl was giving each other any chances. Mary was leading the first round until the last 10 seconds when she rolled her ankle and picked up a niggling injury. During the half time break her coach tried to nurse the injury that appeared to be causing her some distress, but Mary insisted on completing the contest.
Mary finished the final valiantly withstanding the pain which clearly troubled her through the second round taking this bout to the very last second losing 10-12 to receive the Silver medal.
All girls represented the school with pride and respect and should be commended on their compassion, courage, team support and sportsmanship. I as a parent was very proud of all three girls, not for only representing Cerdon in a sport that most adults wouldn't have the courage to do, but in the way they were there for each other and how they conducted themselves representing their school.
Taekwondo Report courtesy of Mr David Cham.
ROYAL COMMISSION INTO INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
The Diocese of Parramatta is required to appear before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Case Study 44. This public hearing is expected to begin on Monday 12 September 2016. For more information please refer to the Royal Commission website www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/public-hearings/case-studies
For anyone needing information and support please contact the Diocese of Parramatta information line on (02) 8838 3470. Operational from 03/09/2016 until 07/10/2016, Mon to Fri 7am-10pm, Sat and Sun 9am-5pm.
The Child Protection Information Line 1300 661 015 is available for families who would like more information about protocols or support services in Catholic schools run by the Diocese of Parramatta.
Concerns or allegations about any criminal offence should be reported to NSW Police on 131 444.
The Diocese of Parramatta is committed to continuously reviewing and improving its child protection policies and procedures. For more information please visit www.safeguarding.org.au.
Study Skills Handbook
A MESSAGE TO YEAR 12 STUDENTS
These last few months of Year 12 can be overwhelming as the focus just seems to be on marks, marks, marks.
So here are some important things to remember:
Yes this year is important. And yes you want to get the best marks you can. BUT.
A very big but.
You as a person are not defined by a number alone.
There are always alternate paths to get to where you want to go in life. The marks might make it quicker or easier but if you really want to get somewhere, if you are passionate about what you want to do, you will find a way to make it happen. Many people don’t get their first preference at university, so start off in one course then transfer after a year to the one they really wanted.
Lots of students leave school and find out that they actually have some incredible skills, they just weren’t academic! They discover that they are really good at lots and lots of stuff and that in the end, the marks did not make that much difference to their final career.
Really what you want after the next few months is to walk away with no regret, to be able to walk away saying no matter what, I really did the best I could – rather than I threw away twelve years of school just because I couldn’t be bothered pushing hard in the last few months. Doing your best is all anyone should expect of you, teachers, parents and even yourself.
These can be challenging months and you will be so over study by the end of it. Remember everyone has to go through it and the good news is it is never like this again! Just keep saying to yourself each day, this is one day less and I will never ever have to study like this again. The hardest part of Year 12 is finding the self-discipline to make yourself do the study when you don’t feel like doing it! So hang in there, persist, just take it day by day and make use of the support structures around you through the school, family and friends.
Dr Prue Salter
While Year 12 is busy studying, the rest of the school can learn more about how to achieve their personal academic best at school at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with these details:
Username: cerdoncollege
Password: achieve
Working With Children Check
Parents or carers who engage the services of a private tutor or coach have an important role to play in helping to keep their children safe. The Certificate for Self Employed People will no longer be valid after their expiry date and the certificate holders will need to apply for a new Working With Children Check.
From 1st April 2016, adults who provide private tuition or coaching services to children are required to have a Working With Children Check. There are some exemptions, including volunteering by a parent or close relative with a team, program or other activity in which their child usually participates in or is a team member.
Parents or carers should ask their child’s tutor or coach for their name, date of birth and their Working With Children Check number.
They must then go online and verify the tutor or coach is not barred from working with children in NSW.
Verifying that a tutor or coach can work with children is quick and easy – just follow the simple steps at www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/parentscheckthecheck . If a person is barred, interim barred or not found then you cannot engage them in child-related work.
If you suspect that an adult is providing services to children without a Working With Children Check you can go online to make a confidential report or phone (02) 9286 7219.
2016 SMH HSC Study Guide
The 2016 HSC Study Guide is published in the Sydney Morning Herald and is now available. The guide is a joint project with BOSTES. It is a valuable resource for students, teachers and parents covering a wide range of HSC subjects. It contains:
- study advice
- oral, performance and written exam advice
- tips for finalising submitted works
- videos
Contributors include BOSTES curriculum inspectors, experienced HSC teachers and markers, past HSC students and parents.
Updated advice for HSC students about examinations
Advice for HSC students about examinations has been updated on the Students Online website to include important information about the 2016 HSC examinations.
It covers a range of topics including revised syllabuses, changes to specifications and courses where personalised answer booklets are being introduced.
HSC Dates for Practical and Performance Examinations
School Calendars
Future Makers
Is your daughter passionate about making artworks or has a desire to learn new skills?
Then this course may be of interest to her.
For more details on this course - Future Makers access link here
Mrs Odonga
Visual Arts Coordinator
College Uniform Shop
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)
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