College Newsletter
Term 2 Week 6 Friday 2 June 2017
A Message from the Principal
This Sunday the Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost. This feast is the culmination of the Easter Season, when the death and resurrection of Jesus is fulfilled by the Holy Spirit. The gospels tell us, that when the disciples gathered in the upper room, afraid and unsure of what their mission was, it was Mary who reminded them to remain faithful to the message of Jesus and it was the Holy Spirit who transformed their lives, so that they became preachers of Christ's message to the World.
"When the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak." (Acts 2)
We pray that we too may have the faith of Mary, faith to believe that the Holy Spirit will enable us to clearly see what God intends for us.
Let us Pray:
Lord, you have given skills and talents
to each of us,
and you are pleased
when we use them well
so as to build our community.
I ask that I may work well with others
and bring out the best in them
as well as in myself.
Lead me to live in such a way
that I show appreciation
for the achievements
of all who use their talents
to enhance the lives of others
and develop our society.
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.
Attendance Summary as at 2 June 2017
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.
In Sympathy
Please keep the Farah family in your thoughts and prayers following the recent passing of Mr Hares Farah, Grandfather of Jamie Farah Year 10.
May he rest in peace.
Amen
Uniform Shop
Please note that as of Week 5 this term until the end of Term 3, the College Uniform shop is only open on Mondays.
Regular trading hours are as follows:
Monday and Wednesday 8:00 am—2:00 pm (Terms 1 and 4)
Mondays only 8:00 am—2:00 pm (from Week 5 Term 2 and all Term 3)
Cerdon College Uniform Shop Management
Telephone: 8724 7329 (During trading hours only)
Year 12
Term 2 has been busy for Year 12 students as they are working to complete many assessments and major works. They have received their Half Yearly report, attended Parent/Teacher Interviews and it is clear that there is much to celebrate. I am pleased to see evidence of a culture of learning and support as well as a commitment by students to work hard to achieve personal excellence.
For most students, it was a good opportunity to discuss how they are progressing and what strategies can be employed to allow continued improvement in their academic growth.
Students have advised that the barriers, which are preventing them from achieving to their true potential at this point in their HSC journey are as follows:
1. Time Management skills
2. A lack of motivation
3. Distractions, particularly the distraction of social media.
These are issues that at times are challenges for us all. Students have also identified a need for more sleep, a lack of belief in their own abilities and a tendency to procrastinate as other factors limiting their achievement. Please find below links to some resources that might be of use in supporting your daughter with these identified challenges.
http://www.coachingpositiveperformance.com/17-essential-time-management-skills/
http://this.deakin.edu.au/study/six-tips-for-students-to-improve-time-management
Attendance levels of students remains a College priority and I implore parent/carers to be diligent with ensuring that their daughters are at school all the time and on time. Research shows clearly that missing precious school time will affect the attainment of learning outcomes which impact on future learning and success.
Ms Suzana Rimac
ELES Study Skills
MAKING THE MOST OF FEEDBACK
Throughout the year you will have been receiving feedback from your teachers about your assessments. But are you making the most of this feedback? Many students are too focused on what mark they received and neglect to make the most of the feedback they are given.
It’s not just about what you did wrong either! The feedback is a chance to celebrate what you did right, what you understood and the skills and learning you demonstrated.
However it is also a chance to address areas you found difficult or did not perform as well in.
Below are some questions you can ask yourself when an assessment is returned to make the most of the feedback you are given.
When a test or exam is returned:
- What specific feedback did your teacher give you and how should you use that feedback?
- Will you be tested on these topics again or are they important for overall understanding in this subject?
- Which areas do you need to ask for help on as you still don’t understand?
- Which questions from your test paper should you re-do? Re-do them!
- Should you re-write any questions or essays and re-submit?
- Was there any revision work you did not complete before the test?
- What topic areas do you need to review and revise, what should you do to address these?
- Are there topics you still need to finalise study notes on?
- Are there sections of your study notes that you need to re-do?
- Did you plan ahead to give yourself enough time to revise?
- What changes do you need to make in the way you study for that subject next time?
- Are there students who did really well that you can talk with to find what they did differently?
For other types of assessments:
- What parts of the assessment did you do really well?
- What did you enjoy about the assessment?
- What can you learn from the feedback you were given?
- Is there any part of the feedback you don’t understand that you need to discuss with your teacher?
- Can you ask a student who did really well if you can look at their assessment so you can see what is needed to get top marks?
- What could you have done differently?
- Do you understand what you need to do to improve or do you need to ask your teacher for more guidance?
You can learn more about how to make the most of feedback at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units, particularly the units on ASSIGNMENT SKILLS and AFTER TESTS AND EXAMS.
Username: cerdoncollege
Password: achieve
Student Leaders Forum 2017
On Tuesday 23rd May, we went to the student leadership gathering at St Patrick's Cathedral hosted by the Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen (Bishop of Parramatta) as well as the Very Reverend Christopher de Souza, Vicar General for Education of the Diocese of Parramatta. At this event we were able to meet up with fellow leaders in the Diocese and discuss issues facing the diocese, namely, our Catholic faith and its expression within our schools.
The gathering gave us the opportunity to listen to and gain new insights to the challenges of leadership and really provided us a sense of 'having a voice' in our world as young people.
Nicole El Jammal and Emily Stoove
Year 12 Physics Excursion
On 23rd May, the Year 12 Physics class visited the University of Sydney for an opportunity to gain further practical experience in the HSC course. We engaged in workshops to demonstrate applications to theories studied in class. The topics covered were Motors and Generators and Ideas to Implementation resulting in experiments that engaged everyone, allowing for a fun and intellectually stimulating experience.
Experiments utilised equipment including oscilloscopes, AC induction motors, cathode ray televisions and superconductors. We were able to observe the principles behind electromagnetic induction, the motor effect and the Meissner effect all within the context of a real University Physics Third Year Laboratory. Through demonstrations, we were able to prove theories using relevant equations and calculations. It was enlightening to witness and speak with experts in the various fields of Science who provided us with an insight into their careers.
As a result of this experience, we were able to broaden our understanding of the content while encountering the practical aspects of Physics.
Annmaree Kenny and Theresa Nguyen (Year 12)
Year 11 Archibald Prize
It has become an annual event to host our very own Archibald Prize at Cerdon. This year we thought we’d vary the competition guidelines and get Visual Arts students to choose a staff member to be the subject for their portrait, so as to foster the spirit of community here at school.
The girls were asked to gain the permission of a staff member of their choice, to be the subject of their work. They had to brainstorm how they might wish to portray their subject and then organise a time to interview their subject and conduct a photo shoot.
Interestingly, the interviews with the staff members changed the original ideas and preconceived notions of the staff with many of the girls discovering aspects of their teachers’ personalities they didn’t expect. Then came the hard work of working through how to represent visually what they understood conceptually about their staff member. The girls had a broad choice of expressive forms to choose to work in. The only restriction on the girls artworks was that the work had to be two dimensional.
The results were outstanding with students producing work across the spectrum of drawing, painting, photography and graphic design. The final part of the process was to host their own exhibition for the school community. It was an overwhelming success.
Samantha Lindermann Passanant’s portrait of Mr Kershaw was an overwhelming favourite of the crowd winning the People’s Choice Award. Highly Commended were Vanessa Madeleine with her portrait of Mrs Sharp, Kate Hughes with her portrait of Mrs Famularo, Kelly Nguyen with her portrait of Mr O’Halloran, Janine Udan with her portrait of Mr Tham and Katrina Jelavic with her portrait of Mrs Bowdler.
Samantha Lindermann Passanant portrait of Mr Kershaw
Vanessa Madeleine portrait of Mrs Sharp
Numeracy at Cerdon
2 June 2017: Interesting Numerical Facts
This week, students in Years 8, 9 and 10 completed a 90 minute Mathematics examination. To end what has been a busy week for students, here are some interesting numerical facts about today’s date:
● It is the 153rd day of the year
● 2 is the only prime number that is also even
● Words that mean two include deuce, a couple, a brace, a duo, a pair
● Two dimension means something has just length and width, but no depth
● Twain is an Old English word for two
● Bi- means two. For example, a bicycle has two wheels, a bivalve (e.g. mussel) has two shells
● Binary code just uses two digits: 0 and 1. Instead of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 you have 1, 10, 11, 100, 101, 110, 111, 1000, 1001, 1011
● Two is the only whole number where 2 + 2 = 4 and 2 x 2 = 4
These and other interesting facts can be found in Richard Phillips’ “Numbers: facts, figures and fiction”.
Grace Muscat (Maths Co-ordinator) and
Anne-Maree McEwen (Numeracy Co-ordinator)
Enrichment@Cerdon
Over the last few weeks I had the pleasure to see some of our girls debate at the EVATT and MUNA competitions, students submitting entries to a number of competitions and also witnessed some fantastic student achievements. A number of our students also participated in the UN Youth Development Summit at the University of Sydney, and Cerdon was commended on having the highest attendance rate of any school in NSW. It is encouraging to see so many students taking up these opportunities: in this weeks’ edition, read about some of these girls’ experiences and a number of new opportunities available for enrichment.
OzKids Writing Success
OzKids is a non for profit organisation which aims to promote and support children's literary and artistic talents and to provide a vehicle for children to appreciate and develop their skills and encourage them to continue in the arts, especially when they see their work published.
Selection of published works is made by a group of judges who are very talented artists and authors, leaders in their field. Congratulations to Felicia Aung in Year 12, who has had her work recognised and selected to be published in the OzKids Magazine and also received an Achievement Award for her efforts. Well Done!
Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA)
The Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) is an initiative by Rotary to engage senior students in developing a greater understanding of world affairs through a forum which models the United Nations Assembly.
This year MUNA was conducted at NSW Parliament House on Saturday 20th May. The event was hosted by Dr Hugh McDermott (Member for Prospect). The Cerdon team, representing the United Kingdom researched and debated resolutions on topical issues such as violence against women, the definition of gender, the use of the death penalty and organ donation.
Each member state of the United Nations Assembly presented very passionate and informative arguments stating their nation’s position, often causing heated debates in the chamber. The day proved to be not only very informative but also very entertaining with all the girls thoroughly enjoying the experience.
Congratulations to Erica D’Cruz, Anh Nguyen , Hannah Rahimi, Balpreet Sunner for their wonderful efforts in representing the UK at MUNA. Thank you also is extended to Daniella Elakcnouch, Perpetual Nkatiaa Boadu and Sabah Shekeb for supporting the girls on the day and along with Jade Williams and Destiny Singh for participating in the 2017 training program for MUNA.
UN Youth EVATT Debating Competition
The EVATT competition aims to model the workings of the United Nations Security Council. Students are allocated a member state of the UNSC and are asked to represent that country in debating a number of resolutions. This year’s resolutions focused on electoral security, the question of the Crimean Annexation and the question of Catalonia and Euskal Herria.
There was a lot of interest in this competition this year from students in Years 10-12. As a result students traveled to OLMC Parramatta, MLC Burwood and The University of Sydney to attend different heats. All had interesting experiences and all came away with a much better idea of how complex and challenging foreign diplomacy can be!
Educational and stimulating! These two words perfectly sum up our first EVATT experience.
Placed for 3.5 hours in a room with 15 other teams, competing from various schools, immersing yourself in the debate seems like the only option.
EVATT challenged us to listen to the political stances of nations from all over the globe, equipping us with an abundance of knowledge about contemporary United Nations’ issues. The hotly contested debates on each issue had us buzzing with an opportunity to voice our own opinions and learn essential skills such as delegation and negotiation. EVATT is the ideal opportunity to become engaged in education debate about political issues that apply to each and every one of us.
Balpreet Sunner and Bianca Frasca-Villagran
Congratulations to Bianca Frasca-Villagran, Balpreet Sunner, Wenjing Qiao, Anadora Alejo, Catherine Young, Nicole El Jammal, Theresa Nguyen, Carla Boumelhem, Carmela Espinosa, Chelsea McIntyre, Olivia Dunn, Kathy-May Sanayeh, Sabah Shekeb and Quynh Doan for participating in EVATT 2017.
The UN Youth Development Summit
The UN Youth Australia’s Development Summit brought together students from Years 9-12 to learn about what development means and to explore current issues in the field.
Last weekend, a group of Cerdon students attended the United Nations Youth Development Summit at The University of Sydney. This day was filled with interesting discussions and exciting activities involving the economic development of Africa. There were many opportunities for students to learn about the realities faced by developing countries through interesting talks and workshops. A highlight of the day was the interactive problem solving activity in which students acted as diplomats for nations in Africa. Plans were foiled when one of the countries ‘blew’ themselves up!
Overall this summit was a worthwhile, informative and enriching experience.
Enrichment opportunities available …
OzKids : Literary and Arts Program
OzKids is a non for profit organisation which aims to instill a love of literature and the arts in all students. The organisation offers students the opportunity to have their stories and poems or art work reviewed by a group of judges who are leaders in their field.
A selection of works is then published in the OzKids Magazine at regular times throughout the year. At the end of the year prizes are awarded for the best pieces of literature and art work submitted.
Entry is open to all school students. Closing date for your work to be considered for this year’s awards is 6th October, 2017.
Further information is available from http://www.ozkids.com.au/index.html
B.Inspiring Leadership conferences 2017.
B.Inspiring is offering students in Years 10, 11 and 12 the opportunity to learn about how Business and Leadership and Law and Leadership can be combined to create and sustain positive change in our communities.
Business and Leadership: Monday 3 July to Wednesday 5 July 2017
Law and Leadership: Monday 10 July to Wednesday 12 July 2017
The cost of each three day program is $50.
For further information and to register please visit the Enrichment @Cerdon google classroom page or see Mrs Agius.
The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards 2017
The Dorothea Mackellar awards give school students the opportunity to showcase their creativity through poetry. Students are invited to submit a poem on any theme or if they wish the optional theme of All Over the World.
Students may enter up to three poems, but all entries need to processed via the school.
The competition closes on June 30.
For further information please visit
http://www.dorothea.com.au/How-to-Enter-2017-awards
ATOM Photo Competition
The ATOM Photo Comp is an initiative of Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM). It provides students with the opportunity to enter three photographs on a given theme for a chance to win some fantastic prizes. The theme for this years’ competition is My Backyard.
Further information is available on http://atomphotocomp.org
Entries close September 1, 2017.
Mrs S Agius
Enrichment Co-ordinator
PDHPE and Sport Report
PDSSSC Year 7-9 Football
On Monday May 22, the Cerdon Year 7-9 Football team travelled to Jamison Park, South Penrith to participate in the PDSSSC Gala Day. The team performed very well on the day against strong opposition, finishing 3rd in their pool. The following students are to be commended for performing with enthusiasm and representing the College with pride:
Sharaze O'Brien, Stephanie Raftopoulos, Bianca N Cameron, Josephine Moujaes, Illana Mellis, Amelia Williams, Nina Furtado, Leila Kacanic, Annabelle Danil, Julia Ljubicic, Gizelle Gellado, Jessie Finch, Melissa Spehar, Priscilla Granata, Rachel Attard and Isabelle Stipic
Thank you to Chantelle Chan and Natasha Chan (Year 11) for volunteering their services as referees on the day and to Louise Awad (Year 11) who assisted as Team Manager. Their assistance on the day was much appreciated.
Thank you to Mr Hanna for training and coaching the squad. We now look forward to the PDSSSC Futsal Gala Day on Monday November 6.
Mr R Zammit
PDHPE/Sport Co-ordinator
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