1

VOLUME XXVII No 1 12th February, 2010

H E A D O F C O L L E G E R E P O R T Welcome to Term 1 of the 2010 school year to all students and teachers and an especially warm welcome to the 96 students joining the St Spyridon family for the first time this year. We also welcome our new teachers. The Kindergarten children have settled in very well. Indeed, some of them seem to have been ready for the move to school for a long time. The Year 7 Class of 2010 is down to business after their “Getting to Know You” camp. We congratulate the HSC Class of 2009 for their excellent results, particularly our Top Achievers Christopher Stasos (ATAR 98.9) and Mark Xin (ATAR 97.6) and our Distinguished Achievers. We wish all of them well in their future studies. We issue a challenge to the Year 12 Class of 2010, to better their track record and to close the decade as the highest achieving HSC Class in the last ten years. On the 28th January 2010, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) launched the My School website (www.myschool.edu.au). The website provides profiles on each school, including ours with information about results from the national literacy and numeracy tests (NAPLAN). As many parents would be aware, the Sydney Morning Herald drew upon this information to generate a ranking of schools across the state. According to this report, St Spyridon College was 101st out of 555 senior schools, while our primary school students were ranked 202nd out of 1004. Well done everyone. However, we do not believe that the production of league

tables will or should become the focus of school communities. We are certain that schools will continue to work on their strategic directions, using a rich source of information, resources and professional development in implementing best practice. Sadly on the 13th January our beloved student Gera Tantsyura passed away after his battle with brain cancer. I wish to thank all the 15 teachers, and the 50 students who were present for the funeral, at Cabramatta. I am sure this was a great comfort to his mother Ms Tantsyura. We will remember Gera as a brave and gracious boy, who endeared everyone to him with his sense of optimism against insurmountable odds. We thank Rev. Father Steven Scoutas for his support at this difficult time. ‘Ζωή σε µας’. I close by congratulating the P & F Committee for organising a very successful Taverna Night. Thank you to all parents and their families who attended and gave their full support.

The P& F raised $15,000 from this wonderful event. Congratulations to all and we look forward to a well-attended Parents & Friends AGM on the 9th March, 2010. Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag

DATES TO REMEMBER F E B R U A R Y

Lent Begins

15th

Swimming Carnival JS

19th

Swimming Carnival SS

23rd

Years 7 and 10 Vaccinations

25th

M A R C H

Greek Orthodox Swimming Carnival JS

8th

P & F AGM

9th

ASISSA Swimming Carnival JS

12th

Church, Opera House

21st

Twilight Tours SS

23rd

Annunciation, School closed

25th

Palm Sunday

28th

Holy Monday

29th

Holy Tuesday

30th

Holy Wednesday Term ends for staff and students Early Dismissal

31st

2

P R E F E C T S P A G E PREFECTS 2010 We congratulate the following students who have been selected to lead the whole school community in 2010. Alexander Vatiliotis School Captain Aleksandra Djordjevic Vice Capain Angelina Flokis Senior Prefect Gregory Lazaridis Sports Captain Connie Bouhoutsos Sports Captain Sotiri Abouyanni Patrice Calopedos

Theodore Faros Phoebe Ganis Felicia Kilias Tiffany Koutrouzas Natalie Pizanis George Sialepis Stephanie Vardas

Welcome Address by School Captain “people become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret to success.” – Norman Vincent Peale My name is Alexander Vatiliotis, your School Captain for 2010 and I have the privilege to be working together with our Vice Captain, Aleksandra Djordjevic, Senior Prefect Angelina Flokis, the entire Prefect Body and my Year 12 peers to make 2010 the happiest and safest year for all students at St Spyridon College. Together we will strive to provide a good example for younger students and support their development at the College on a social, emotional and spiritual level in an attempt to give every student at St Spyridon College the opportunity to fulfil their potential. I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back to school for the new year and hope your holiday was safe and enjoyable. A special welcome to new students, new families and new teachers to our school whom I’m sure all students will make welcome in our school community. The start of a new year gives students the opportunity to build on past successes but at the same time start afresh with a clean slate, ready to pursue old and new challenges head on. Students should not think that just because they have reached their goals they can stop working hard, because the end point of one goal is just the starting point for another. On the other hand, if 2009 was not the best year for you, we must remember that the only true failure is not to have tried at all. Never hesitate to do your best and focus your abilities on the challenge at hand, no doubt in the process you will surprise yourself at what you are capable of. The example provided by the Year 12 class of 2009 is a testament to the school, as it displayed the College’s ability to engender students in a dynamic learning environment to become the best person they can be. The 2010 Prefect Body is thrilled to have had such powerful mentors in the year above and we will use their leadership as a benchmark for our endeavours this year. On behalf of the Prefect Body 2010 I'd like to wish everybody a fantastic year and hope it is filled with love, peace, joy and blessings from above. Alexander Vatiliotis, School Captain 2010

Alexander Vatiliotis Aleksandra Djordjevic Angelina Flokis

3

4

5

J U N I O R S C H O O L S T A F F I N G 2 0 1 0 HEAD OF COLLEGE Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag PRINCIPAL JS Mrs M. Hamer Assistant Principal JS Mrs A. Synesios Infants Coordinator Mrs M. Kipriotis Primary English Coordinator Mrs S. Dimitrelis Primary Maths/Science Coordinator Mr A. Dookie Coordinator Special Programs Mrs M. Mansour Sports Convenor Mr J. Volas Kindergarten K Cerise - Ms K. Finikakos K Jade - Miss E. Rogaris K Ruby - Ms V. Liakatos Year 1 1 Emerald - Miss R. Besir 1 Topaz - Miss C. Brocklehurst Year 2 2 Aqua - Mrs L. Marinos 2 Crimson - Miss A. Kollias Year 3 3 Amethyst - Mrs N. Economou 3 Sapphire - Mrs M. Mansour

Year 4 4 Coral - Miss T. Bletsogiannis 4 Turquoise - Mrs S. Dimitrelis Year 5 5 Amber - Miss A. Orfanos 5 Iris - Miss J. Mendelson Year 6 6 Magenta - Ms C. Tsokas 6 Pearl - Miss C. Theodossiou Science Yr 5/6 & - Mr P. Arnott Computer I.T. Librarian - Mrs C. Bartlett Support Teacher K-2 - Mrs M. Kipriotis Support Teacher 3-6 - Miss J. Mendelson Music Choir - Mrs H. Coyne Greek Language - Mrs A. Ieroklis

- Mr J. Volas - Miss D. Kordi - Miss T. Argyrou Greek Dancing - Mrs S. Haskas Admin - Mrs E. Kerameas

- Miss E. Giannakopoulos - Mrs M. Doyle

Canteen -Mrs A. Giaras

6

S E N I O R S C H O O L S T A F F I N G 2 0 1 0 HEAD OF COLLEGE Mrs. E. Stefanou-Haag PRINCIPAL SENIOR SCHOOL Mrs. A. Katsogiannis MANAGEMENT TEAM Dean of Middle School Ms G. Kokinelis – Yr 6-7 Transition Adviser Dean of Senior Programs Mr P. Meintanis ORTHODOX STUDIES TEAM Father S. Scoutas Father A. Joannou Mr P. Mavrommatis Mrs C. Mio ENGLISH, HISTORY & DRAMA TEAM Dr V. Hickie – Curriculum Leader Mrs D. Kefalouros Mrs R. Kiedja Ms G. Kokinelis Mrs I. Koutsoukis Mrs E. Mulligan Mr C. Reynolds LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH TEAM Mrs M. Faletas – Curriculum Leader Mrs V. Belajcic Miss E. Gambriell Mrs V. Alexandropoulou (Consulate) Miss A. Tsintiridou (Consulate) SCIENCE TEAM Mr J. Croft Mr D. Giles Dr. L. Srinivisan Mrs E. Dubossarsky – Assistant SOCIAL SCIENCES TEAM Mrs C. Mio – Curriculum Leader Mr D. Brindley Mr M. Atteya Mr V. Zafiropoulos

CREATIVE ARTS AND TECHNOLOGICAL AND APPLIED STUDIES TEAM Mr G. Georgoulopoulos Mrs V. Grillakis Ms M. Pringle Miss C. Savva Mr L. Sobolevski Mrs O. Lambi – Assistant MATHEMATICS TEAM Mr A. Kollias – Curriculum Leader Mr A. Condous (Year 9 Adviser) Mrs H. Dalakiaris Miss M. Kalithrakas (Year 10 Adviser) P.D. HEALTH P.E. TEAM Mr P. Meintanis – Curriculum Leader Mr A. Condous – Boys Sport Mr F. Kaldis (Year 11 Adviser) Mr P. Mavrommatis (Year 12 Adviser) Ms K. O’Shea – Girls Sport (Year 8 Adviser) Mr V. Zafiropoulos CAREERS ADVISER & STUDENT WELFARE ADVISER Mrs R. Fatouros – Student Welfare Adviser Mrs A. Skerman – Careers Adviser STUDENT SUPPORT Ms M. Barbouttis LIBRARIAN Ms R. Bishop Mrs C. Papadakis – Assistant SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION TEAM Mrs S. Balayannis – PA to Head of College Mrs A. Kringas Mrs D. Cross Mrs M. Diakanastasis Mrs M. Doyle CANTEEN Mrs I. Paraskevas Mrs M. Makridopolus

7

S C H O O L B L E S S I N G 2 0 1 0 On Tuesday 9th February the school year was officially blessed. Father Steven and Father Andrew blessed the staff and students of the Junior School in the Church and then blessed classrooms and play areas. They then went to the Senior School to bless the staff and students there.

8

P A R E N T S & F R I E N D S R E P O R T KLEFTIKO, KALAMATIANO, KEFI AND KAPINIARIS P&F welcomed their families back to school with the first major fundraising event for 2010 – the ever so popular and infamous Taverna Night. Rainy weather relocated this event from under the stars of our schoolyard to our cosy church hall as 430 people slowly shuffled in, to experience kleftiko, kalamatiano, kefi and our sensational guest star MC George Kapiniaris. He was comical and captivating especially with the young crowds who stood below the stage and showered him with carnations. The older generation chuckled as they recalled his classic, comical one-liners characteristic of his role as Memo in Acropolis Now. During the night, our children savored the sizzling souvlakia and stepped in time to some sousta. The high standard of Greek entertainment continued throughout the night with the nine musical performers who played our favourite Greek folk dances that we all enthusiastically performed with our pareas until 1 o’clock in the morning. The P&F members sincerely thank Elia Economou who co-ordinated the entertainment so successfully. His tireless efforts and expertise to manage both Parish and College events in this domain are praised and greatly appreciated. A warm thanks is expressed to our Parish and College executive and staff who supported the event with our preparations and their presence on the night. We express a big thank you to Christina Tsaconas for supporting and accommodating us so willingly with our preparations. We thank wholeheartedly our generous donors for their prizes in the raffle and lucky door draws. Thank you to our food suppliers who endeavoured to provide quality food at a cost price. A big thank you to a small group of families of our College, family members of P&F members and our P&F children who stepped forward to offer their precious time and efforts to prepare for this event. Finally we wish to thank all of you who celebrated this annual family fun filled College event as your presence contributed to the result of an outstanding profit figure which will help fund the educational resources for our

children. More details of that will be announced very soon. Even though Taverna Night was the first P&F event this year, it was the last event to be organized by the 2009 P&F committee. The Association will hold its Annual General Meeting on 9th March in the Junior School library. We wholeheartedly welcome and invite all College families to attend and seriously consider membership for our association. The great team spirit and outstanding achievements of the current committee are apparent and have been praised by many. Please join us and help us grow in our membership. Everyone has a special skill that they can offer which can enable this committee to gain further success which will in turn contribute to the success of our children at St Spyridon College.

Mrs M. Pascalis For the P & F Committee 2009

9

10

11

K-12 NEWS GREAT LENT Great Lent begins on Monday, 15th February. During Lent we recite the following prayer as part of our preparation and efforts during Lent. Prayer of St Ephraim

Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of idleness, meddling, love of power and idle talk. But grant me, Your servant, A spirit of soberness ,humility, patience and love. Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults, and not condemn my brother; For blessed are you, to the ages of ages. Amen BUILDINGS BULLETIN Welcome back to another exciting year in the development of our College. With this bulletin we will endeavour to keep parents informed of progress on our building programs at the Junior and Senior Campuses. Education Tax Refund Included in this Newsletter is an extract from the Tax Office in regard to the Education Tax Refund. We bring this to your attention as a recent study has found that only half of the eligible parents have applied for this refund which is up to 50% of expenses for consumables including computers and text books. The URLs of the relevant internet sites are on the bottom of the extract for your interest. 15 Doran Street, Kingsford For those parents not familiar with the development site, 15 Doran Street is the block that is next to the basketball court and extends from the road to the back of the basketball courts. We submitted plans for this development last year and informed parents via this bulletin. We are in the process of overcoming the many barriers and constraints that Randwick City Council is putting our way so that we can commence works. One of the costs that Randwick City Council is imposing on us is for changes to the road and paving to assist in traffic management.

The delays are not of our making. We are doing our level best to comply with Council. National Solar Program We are pleased to announce that Solar Panels were installed at the Senior School (on the roof of 100 club wing) at a cost of $55, 000.00. The funding was made available as part of the Federal governments NSSP plan. BER National Pride Program The beautification of our quadrangle with the construction of the collonades and greening the program has been completed. We wish to acknowledge the support of the Federal Government which provided $200,000 for this purpose. Sports and Performing Art Centre Offsite construction preliminary work is well underway. By the end of February parents will be able to see construction commence on site. Mrs C. Tsaconas Parish Executive Officer/Bursar CASUAL BUS PASSES FOR THE SCHOOL BUS Casual bus passes can now be purchased for the school bus. One will cost $50 for five rides on the bus (one way) and the other will cost $20 which can be used 10 rides from School to School (one way). The bus passes can be purchased from the School Administration Offices. TROLLEY BAGS A new manufacturer will be supplying the school trolley bags. If you would like to order a trolley bag please call Helen on 9313-6890. J U N I O R S C H O O L R E P O R T WELCOME I warmly welcome back students, staff, parents and grandparents for another exciting year. I hope

12

the holidays gave you time to rest and rejuvenate so as to put your best into 2010. Along with the 66 newest members of our family in Kindergarten, I extend a warm welcome to Max Jo (2A), Kyle Bae (3A), Sophie Ioannidis (3S), Dean Theodorakis (4T), Lee Bae (5A), Eric Volas (5I) and their families. We look forward to a long and rewarding K – 12 Journey with you. We also welcome to our staff Mrs Mansour (3S and Coordinator of Special Programs), Miss Orfanos (5A homeroom teacher, Yr5 English, HSIE) and Miss Theodossiou (6P homeroom teacher and Greek language teacher). ROOM CHANGES As you may be aware we have had a growing demand in enrolments over the last few years. In recognition of this need, the Parish purchased 15 Doran St (this is the block adjacent to the Basketball courts) to allow for the expansion of the Junior School site. Plans were submitted to Randwick City Council early last year for a facility incorporating two purpose built classrooms and a specialist area. The Council has caused us delays, which has meant that the building will be completed later than scheduled. In the interim period we have relocated rooms to accommodate all classes K -6. This has been managed with minimal disruption as follows:

• Kindergarten and Year One are on the Infants side.

• Year Two is on the Primary side where Year Three was last year.

• Years 3, 4 and 6 are upstairs. • 5I’s homeroom is the Library. The

students will be in their homerooms only for Roll Call in the morning and one Personal Development lesson per week.

• Year 5A’s homeroom is now the Boardroom upstairs which is the new Maths room. This will be fitted with an interactive whiteboard.

• The rest of Year Five’s lessons will be held in the following rooms:

English, HSIE and Religion will be in the Prep – Middle School Year 5 English room; IT and Science in the IT room. The three Greek classes will be held in the Boardroom, Greek room and English room and Art in the Year 2 rooms so they can have access to a wet area.

CONGRATULATIONS HSC 2009 On behalf of the Junior School staff and students I would like to congratulate our Year 12 students of 2009 on their excellent HSC results and wish you happiness and success in your future endeavours. BIRTHS We extend our congratulations to Mrs Boulas and her husband on the birth of their first child Chloe and to Mr & Mrs Athanasiou, Thanasis (6P) and Pedro (2C) on the birth of the newest member of their family, baby Keira. May Christ grant to both families long, happy and healthy lives. SYMPATHY Our condolences are extended to Mr. and Mrs. Dookie and family on the passing of their father and grandfather. We wish them strength at this difficult time. KALANTA Last December students of the Junior and Senior school maintained the tradition of singing “Ta Kalanta” to parishioners in their homes. This yearly activity reminds us of our Hellenic roots and teaches us all the meaning of citizenship, brotherhood and service. I thank all the students who took part and all the parents who volunteered their time to drive and supervise the students. I look forward to December 2010. Lucia Zois, Nicholas Michos, Paul Giavis, Christina Borean, Maria - Angela Patsalis, James Bletsas, Christopher Vougioukas, Vicki Synesios, Nicola Skouteris, Efthimia Kollias, Anna Papas, Roza Papas, Ariana Armenakas, Katherine Tsingos, Alexi Kounnas, Lisa Stamoulis, Desi Kapodistrias, Katherine Raptis, Steven Stamoulis, Connor Giavis, Bianca Frazis, Dean Albanakis, Carissa Frazis, Victoria Zois, Jennifer Eve Contominas, Nathan Adam, Rhea Tsimboukis, Joanna Skouteris, Anna- Maria Borean, Nicholas Kollias, Florence Georges, Stephen Bletsas, John Margelis, Jacqueline Burleigh, Constantine Tsingos, George Contominas, George Raptis, Kerryanne Syros, Constantinos Kollias, Alexander Michos, Sebastian Zois, Lia Albanakis, Nicole Adam, Steven Antoniou, Alexander Stamoulis, Manuel Margelis, Victoria Tsingos, Peter Contominas, Diana Burleigh, Kalioppe Kefalas, Christos Raptis, Christos Kollias, Maria Bletsas, Christina Andew, Natalie Michos, Constance

13

Synesios, Mrs Adam, Mrs Albanakis, Mrs Bletsas, Mrs Borean, Mrs Burleigh, Mrs Contominas, Mrs Giavis, Mrs Kollias, Mrs L. Frazis, Mrs Margelis, Mrs Michos, Mrs Papas, Mrs Patsalis, Mrs Raptis, Mrs Skouteris, Mrs Stamoulis, Mrs Tsimboukis, Mrs Tsingos, Mrs Zois

YEAR 6 DUX and AWARD RECIPIENTS Congratulations to the following Year 6 students who were awarded prizes at the Graduation Evening last year. Students were recognised for academic excellence and religious, sporting, social and cultural achievements. School Dux Maria Bletsas The Despina Hatjinikitas Memorial Award for Citizenship Kalioppe Kefalas

The Varnie Kambos Memorial Award for Dance Christos Raptis

Special award for Dance Joshua Bang Georgia Polydor Prize for Modern Greek Christos Kollias Orthodox Study prize Phillip Hatzistergos Sportsperson of the Year Anna Roniotis, Simeon Kerameas STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM 2010 School Captains Lia Albanakis, Sebastian Zois Vice Captains Nicole Adam, Manuel Margelis Prefects Anastasia Barton, Alexander Cardamis, Christina Balayannis, Elias Hatzon, Demitra Nikas, Archie Lambrinos, Mariah Stavrou, Paul Mandadakis, Melanie Stramotas, Alexander Michos HOUSE CAPTAINS Corinthians Steven Antoniou, Anastasia Gousetis Olympians Alexander Stamoulis, Georgia Koukounaris Nemeans Panos Armenakas, Keira Kipriotis

Delphians Michael Hatzon, Eve Barton PROCEDURES Supervision Morning supervision commences at 8.15am. Parents are requested to leave the school grounds once supervision commences unless they have a scheduled meeting. Afternoon supervision concludes at 3.45pm after this time children will be placed in After School Care and parents billed accordingly. Infants children need to be collected from their classroom in the afternoon or from the Infants playground – shelter after 3.15pm. Primary children to be picked up from the Primary playground – undercroft area. Parents and children are to leave the courtyard area immediately so that teachers know which children are still under their supervision. Parents are requested not to assemble in front of classrooms in the afternoon- prior to pick up as this disrupts students learning. K-6 Assembly is on Wednesdays. All students K-6 to assemble in the Primary courtyard. Parents are invited to join with us in prayer and anthems but please do not talk during these proceedings. During this assembly Merit certificates are awarded. HEALTH ISSUES ‘NO HAT, SIT IN THE SHADE’ Children are reminded to wear their hat when playing in the school grounds. Children without their hat will be required to sit in the shaded area (Undercroft in the Primary School and under the Shelter in the Infants playground). This is a school rule to protect our children’s health. ALLERGIES / ANAPHYLAXIS You may be aware that a number of children at our college are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction to nut products. This condition is known as Anaphylaxis and is a severe and sudden allergic reaction, which usually occurs after exposure to a particular food. Anaphylaxis is potentially life threatening and always requires an emergency response.

14

In order to minimise the risk to some children in the school who have allergies, the school community has implemented a number of measures. We strongly urge you not to send foods with nut products in your child’s lunches or morning recess. Another measure is to educate your child about anaphylaxis to develop understanding about this allergy. As the health, well being and safety of the children in our school is of paramount concern to us all, we know that we can depend on your support and assistance with this matter. OFFICE HOURS Office hours for the Junior School are 8.15am to 4.15pm. For security reasons no one is permitted to enter the administration building before 8.15am and after 4.15pm unless they have a registered appointment. The Office Staff commence their tasks at 8.15am and end the day at 4.15pm, at which time the answer machine is activated. Please note that messages left after this time may not be heard until the next morning. Parents are NOT to go directly to the Teachers’ Staffroom to speak to a teacher, please refer to the secretaries who will call the teacher out to see you, if available. Parents are not to go to classrooms at any time without signing in and getting a visitors badge at the front office. SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED within the School’s boundaries. Foyer (Gardeners Rd) entry is ONLY to be used if attending to business at the Office. Parents and

students are to use the Playground Gates as their entry and exit points. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT Observance of the following school procedures will greatly assist in the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of the students

1. ALL cars are to come to the college via DONCASTER AVENUE, then turn into DORAN STREET.

2. After entering DORAN STREET all cars should EXIT through DAY LANE - turn left for Kensington or right for Gardeners Road.

3. Infants may park on BRUCE ST. and enter the school grounds via the Bruce St. Gates

4. Under no circumstances should cars come TO the college through DAY LANE (morning and afternoon peak hours).

5. Parents MUST NOT park in any driveway either the neighbours or the college at any time.

6. The practice of parking or stopping in the middle of the road is illegal.

7. Please note that Doran St is a two way street and parking laws apply.

8. Attention is drawn to the extreme danger of leaving motors running while leaving the car to drop off or pick up students from the college, particularly when smaller children are left in the car.

These procedures are necessary due to the limited parking space surrounding the college.

Drawing not to scale

15

CANTEEN PROCEDURES In order to streamline procedures and ensure a smoother delivery of Canteen services, it is necessary that the following procedure is observed.

1. All lunch orders to be clearly written on a lunch bag. Parents must provide this bag.

2. Orders need to be written at home and must include; child’s name, class, order and correct money. No change will be given.

3. Infants’ milk orders for recess must be put into a separate bag and must include: child’s name, class, order and correct money. No change will be given.

4. Please label this bag with INFANTS RECESS. 5. All orders to be handed in during roll call by the

children and put in a lunch bucket which will be located in the classroom.

NO Child or Parent is to approach the Canteen Supervisor in the morning.

If your child is late, they are to place their order in the late box at the Front Office when they collect their late slip. Your cooperation and assistance will be appreciated.

ANNUAL SWIMMING CARNIVAL Years 3 – 6 have their annual Swimming Carnival on Friday 19th February. All students must attend and participate in at least one event. Please note that this is a school day and attendance is compulsory. Students will assemble at Des Renford Swimming Pool, Robey St, Maroubra at 8:30am for Roll Call. The carnival will begin punctually at 9am and conclude at 2:30pm. All students are to wear the College swimming costume, coloured T-Shirt and Coloured Cap. Parents are welcome to attend and cheer on the students. As in previous years, the carnival can only be a success with the wonderful support and assistance of parents. If you can assist please see Mr Volas. Students who travel on the private bus will be taken directly to the pool and picked up from the pool by parents. After School Care students (Yrs 3 – 6) will be brought back to the Junior School if required. Please notify the class teacher in writing.

PARENTING WORKSHOPS Practical workshops for busy people because children don’t come with instruction manuals, for more information go to www.randwick.nsw.gov.au or contact: 9399 0886. DEVELOPING THE WHOLE PERSON Lucas Dedes of 4T attended the International Taekwondo Seminar held in Perth on the 2nd and 3rd of December 2009 and got to train with legendary 1st Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha. He also attended the 2009 AAITF National Taekwondo Championships on the 5th and 6th of December and walked away with Gold in pattern in under 10’s division and Silver in sparring in under 10’s division. Lucas managed to keep his title from last year’s tournament held in Melbourne, coming 1st in pattern – under 10’s division. “It was an honour and an experience within itself to meet and train with the world’s 1st Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha”, Lucas said.

CONGRATULATIONS Last year, Year 3 students took part in a Christmas Card Design competition run by the Member of Heffron, The Hon. Kristina Keneally MP. Congratulations are extended to Felicity Ginis of 4T for receiving Honorary Mention for her design. Her design was incorporated on the card printed for use by the Member for Heffron. All the students involved received a certificate for their participation. Mrs Synesios Asssistant Principal Junior School

16

S E N I O R S C H O O L R E P O R T STAFF NEWS FAREWELL We farewell Mrs J. Michalski, Dean of Upper School who resigned at the end of Term 4 to take up the position of Board of Studies Liaison Officer. Mrs Michalski leaves after six years dedicated service to the staff and in particular the students of our College. We thank her for her positive contribution and wish her well in her new position. WELCOME A warm welcome is extended to our new teachers: Mrs H. Dalakiaris Mathematics Dr. L. Srinivisan Science/Physics Miss A.Tsintiridou Modern Greek We hope that their time with us will be rewarding and enjoyable. CONGRATULATIONS… …to Miss Evans on her recent marriage in the holidays. Miss Evans will now be known as Mrs Mulligan. FIRST PLACINGS 2009 Congratulations to the following students for achieving first place in their year. Year 7 Year 8 Panayioti Kapodistrias Maria Mio

Year 9 Year 10 Stephanie Satouris Ashli Bergmann

Year 11

Aleksandra Djordjevic and Alexander Vatiliotis

Year 12 College Dux Christopher Stasos

Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School

17

CANTEEN Happy New Year! A big welcome to all our students, their families and staff. A variety of hot food is available each day, also sandwiches, salad boxes, fruit salad which are all prepared fresh daily. Encourage your children to place their orders in the morning to avoid disappointment at lunch time. If any parent would like to volunteer their time, be it one hour, three or four hours, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me on 9311 3340 for any days during the term that you may be available. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers of 2009! Mrs I. Paraskevas and Mrs M. Makridopolus Canteen Supervisors

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS During the recent holidays we received the very sad news of the passing of one of our Year 7 2009 students, Gera Tantsyura. Throughout the year Gera showed great bravery and maturity in his battle against the brain tumor which eventually overcame him. Gera was a quiet and softly spoken student, but his resilience and determination to rejoin his peers after numerous set-backs was to be admired. The esteem in which he was held and sense of community and support in times of need is evidenced by the large number of students, staff and parents who attended his funeral. Gera will be missed and always remembered in all our hearts and prayers. Our thoughts and sympathies are also with his mother who lost her only child. “Αιώνια του η µνήµη”. PASTORAL CARE Welcome back to all, especially new students and families who have recently joined us in the Middle School. It has been wonderful to see an abundance of enthusiastic and positive attitudes towards being back at school and for learning !!! As 2010 school year begins, it is important to reflect on both the achievements and the not so successful aspects of the past so that clear and productive goals are set and maintained. At this point everyone has the opportunity for new beginnings, for wiping the slate clean, for ‘reinventing’ oneself. With this in mind Middle School students should now be making plans

to take advantage of the opportunities that await them. Students also need to remember to step out of comfort zones, step up and try new things, take measured risks, because these can lead to personal growth, resilience and maybe one day … success in areas not previously even imagined! YEAR 7 & 8 CAMP Congratulations to Year 7 for the great effort made so far in meeting the challenge of settling into a new environment. In week 1 student’s had the opportunity to strengthen their personal development and relationships with peers and teachers, when they attended camp at the Academy of Sport, with Year 10 Peer Support Leaders, Year Advisers and Home Room Teachers. Well done to Year 8 for building upon last years experiences at camp. New outdoor activities were tried by the majority, even if it meant stepping out of comfort zones. Thank you to all staff for the additional time dedicated towards making these events not only possible but also a success.

18

19

20

LEADERSHIP A Pat on the Back to all the Year 10 Peer Support Leaders who came in ahead of the rest of their year group on Day 1 of the new school year, to assist Year 7 on their first day at the Senior School, and for escorting these younger members of our school to each of their classes over the first two weeks. The contribution and efforts of Peer Support Leaders is a very important part of the Year 7 Transition program and Year 10 Leadership Development undertaken at the Senior School. The first meeting of the 2010 Year 12 Prefect Body took place on Tuesday. Plans for the year ahead were begun along with preparations for the delivery of SRC Leadership talks to Middle School students in Week 3. Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

CAREER NEWS Welcome back to our students and their parents and welcome to all our new students. We look forward to an exciting and challenging year ahead. Congratulations to our Year 12 students of 2009. I am still tracking the 2010 destinations of the students. Unfortunately for me, they are not at home waiting for my phone call. Many of our students have already accepted offers for university places in 2010. Over 60% of our students will undertake bachelor degree courses at universities and colleges this year. The other students have enrolled or are in the process of enrolling in courses at TAFE and private colleges or are commencing a ‘GAP’ year, working or travelling overseas and delaying further study for one year. We wish them well in the next stage of their career journeys. Work Experience for Year 10 students will take place for one week at the end of Term 2 probably from Monday 21 to Friday 25 June for those students who are not going to Greece on the School Tour. Information Packs will be given to the students soon. Start thinking of the type of work you would like to do. Costs of Tertiary Learning. These notes may help our present students and their parents to understand about the costs of studying. These tuition costs do not include books and equipment.

On average, the Government pays for about three-quarters of the cost of students’ study in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) – ie a business or law course may cost the government about $28 000 but the student only pays about $8700 per year. Each university sets their own contribution amount, up to a ceiling which is imposed by the Government. Student contributions will therefore vary between institutions and courses. This year, students will pay up to $8677 annually for law, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science, accounting, administration, economics and commerce courses; up to $7412 for computing, engineering, mathematics, science and built environment courses, and up to $5201 for humanities, arts, behavioural science, foreign languages and visual and performing arts courses. Nursing, education, mathematics and science have been declared “national priority” subjects and have a ceiling of $4162. A student may pay the student contribution up front (and receive a 20% discount) or they may request a HECS-HELP (Higher Education Loan Programme) loan and repay the loan later. Repayments are based on the graduate’s income and are made through the taxation system at a later date when the students commence working and their income reaches a certain threshold eg in the past, $39 825. TAFE students are required to pay their fees on enrolment day. These fees are far less than the uni fees and vary with the level of the course. Certificate I and II cost $438, Certificate III cost $686, Certificate IV cost $934 while Diploma courses cost $1242 and Advanced Diploma cost $1490. These courses are subsidised by the Government. Fees at private colleges are not subsidised by the Government and often cost about $9000 a year. Students doing courses at some institutions may be eligible to apply for FEE-HELP which is a different scheme. TAX FILE NUMBERS (TFN) I will be running a program here at the College in Term 1 so that students can apply for their Tax File Numbers via the school. They will need these for part time employment now and in the future when they begin full-time work. Students will need to complete some forms with their personal details including their birth certificate details. Please talk to your parents if you think that you may need your TFN at some time in the future. The Application Period for TFN will take place near the end of Term 1.

21

NSW POLICE FORCE CAREER DAY 2010 will be held on Sunday 21 February 2010 from 10am-4pm at NSW Police College, McDermott Drive, Goulburn. A career in the NSW Police Force offers you excitement, challenge and the opportunity to contribute positively to the safety and security of the community. Our Police Career Day is a great way for you to meet and chat to local police officers, university lecturers and police officers from the NSW Police Force Recruitment Branch about becoming a police officer. You will be able to have a chat with staff from the Recruitment Branch. Learn about Professional suitability requirements including criminal history, integrity, traffic history, employment and medical history. You can also learn about the requirements to undertake and pass Physical Capacity Testing and supply certification in terms of current Senior First Aid, ability to swim 100m and the ability to type 25wpm with 98% accuracy. You must be the holder of a current motor vehicle driver’s licence and have obtained the Green P requirement (NSW or equivalent) and be an Australian Citizen or have permanent residency. The recruitment officers will give you a great opportunity to further explore and gain an insight into the NSW Police Force as a career. Staff from Charles Sturt University (CSU) are also available to discuss academic requirements. Prospective applicants are encouraged to speak with CSU staff and discuss their CV and academic qualifications. Phone: 1800 222 122 Email: recruiting@police.nsw.gov.au Website: http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/ Mrs A. Skerman Careers Adviser

GREEK NEWS Αγαπητοί γονείς και φίλοι, καλή χρονιά! Στο τεύχος αυτό δεν δηµοσιεύουµε την εργασία κάποιων µαθητών καθώς µόλις µια βδοµάδα έχουµε που ξαναβρεθήκαµε µετά τις καλοκαιρινές διακοπές και κάποιες από τις τάξεις µας τις είδαµε µόνο για µια ή δυο φορές επειδή έλειπαν σε κατασκήνωση. Σας κάνουµε όµως γνωστό ότι οι µαθητές της Γ΄Λυκείου κατά κανόνα, ετοιµάζουν να σας παρουσιάσουν το θεατρικό έργο:

«∆εσποινίς ετών 39».

Ελπίζουµε όταν ο καιρός φτάσει να τιµήσετε µε την παρουσία σας την παράσταση που µε πολύ µεράκι και ζήλο ετοιµάζουν για σας οι µαθητές µας. Περισσότερες πληροφορίες θα βρείτε στο διαφηµιστικό µας που ακολουθεί, αλλά και στα επόµενα τεύχη µας καθώς οι παραστάσεις θα πλησιάζουν. Μην ξεχνάτε ότι µε την παράσταση αυτή αποχαιρετούµε την φιλόξενη αίθουσα του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνα που για 20 και πλέον χρόνια µας φιλοξένησε και από του χρόνου θα µπορούµε να παίζουµε στην καινούρια αίθουσα του Γυµνασίου του κολλεγίου. κ. Μ. Φαλέτα

Το Θεατρικό Εργαστήρι Του

ΚΟΛΛΕΓΙΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ

ΣΠΥΡΙ∆ΩΝΑ

σας παρουσιάζει την ηθογραφική κωµωδία των:

Αλέκου Σακελλάριου &

Χρήστου Γιαννακόπουλου

«∆εσποινίς ετών 39»

Σκηνοθεσία: Μαίρη Φαλέτα Date: May 2010 (to be advised) Venue: St Spyridon Church Hall

22

SPORTS REPORT SENIOR SCHOOL BASKETBALL This weekend is Round 9 of the ISA Summer Season of Basketball and both the Junior C’s Year 9 and the Junior A’s have secured a place in the Semi Finals that will take place at Penrith Sports Stadium on Saturday 27th of February. May I remind students about their commitment to the season with only two rounds remaining. All games are at Marrickville this week and I encourage all parents to support the last home game of the season for all teams. Inter St Spyridon vs Oxley- 9am Junior A’s St Spyridon vs CCGS- 9am Junior C’s St Spyridon (Yr 7) vs SACs – 10am Open B- St Spyridon vs SACS – 10am Junior C’s St Spyridon (Yr 9) vs Oxley – 11am

Ms K. O’Shea Girls Sport ISA BASKETBALL – 2009/2010 SEASON

The 2009/2010 basketball season so far has many exciting moments. Excellence has always been at the forefront whenever students are involved in representing the College. Of the three teams representing the College in the ISA boys basketball it looks like two of them will make the semi finals – 13’s and the Open’s. The boys exhibited not only good sportsmanship on and off the court but endeared themselves to the many people who watched them play.

ST SPYRIDON COLLEGE SWIMMING CARNIVAL - 2010

Compulsory for Years 7-12

Date: Tuesday 23rd February 2010

Time: 8:30am – 2:30pm

Venue: Des Renford Aquatic Centre (Heffron Pool)

Students are to make their own way.

Students need to bring lunch with them.

NOTE: o SCHOOL SHORTS MUST BE WORN WITH

HOUSE T-SHIRT (COMPULSORY) Mr A. Condous Boys Sport

23

24