AQUINAS CATHOLIC COLLEGE MENAI

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1 AQUINAS CATHOLIC COLLEGE MENAI 12 th December, 2011 Vol.18.No.35 FROM THE PRINCIPAL Late last week we received what will be the last set of external School Certificate Test results and they were most pleasing! Whilst faculties are still analysing the results in greater detail, I can report that in each of the six subjects sat by Aquinas students they were able to achieve marks above the state average; with students achieving 52 Band 6s [a mark above 90]. In the table below the depth of the results can be ascertained showing the comparison between the state and school in terms of student achievement in the top two bands: Subject Aquinas Band 5 & 6s awarded State Band 5 & 6s awarded Differential English 56% 39% +17% Mathematics 44% 26% +18% Science 37% 34% +3% Australian History, Civics & Citizenship 42% 27% +15% Australian Geography, Civics & Citizenship 37% 25% +12% Computing Skills 69% Highly Competent 52% Highly Competent +17% I would like to acknowledge the efforts of both students and staff in their preparation for these tests and we will use the data from them to help inform our learning and teaching program as these students begin their Stage 6 educational journey next year. Last week also saw the conclusion of the Shire Combined Catholic Colleges Sporting competition for 2012 with Aquinas teams being in the frame in nine grand finals. I am delighted to be able to report that the following seven teams were successful on the day and were crowned as Premiers; Year 7 Boys Oztag Year 8 Boys Oztag Year 8 Girls Basketball Year 9 Girls Basketball Year 7 Girls Volleyball Year 8 Girls Oztag Year 8 Girls Volleyball Well done to all these teams and their coaches on a terrific effort. Anzac Road Menai NSW 2234 Phone Facsimile admin@aquinasmenai.catholic.edu.au Enlivened by the Spirit

2 Congratulations is also in order for another Year 12 student, Caitlin Hutchinson, as her HSC Visual Arts major work was selected for exhibition at the Hazelhurst Gallery, Gymea. This exhibition features outstanding HSC Visual Arts works and can be viewed from December 11 th to January 15 th. Well done Caitlin! In other Creative and Performing Arts news, next year will see an Archdiocesan Festival to be held at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. A number of Aquinas students will be prominent in this extravaganza and are to be commended for their enthusiasm and talent. In the vocal and acting domain we will be represented by Bridget Woolnough [Year 11], Tim O'Hara [Year 10], Erin Isaacs [Year 8] and Anna Ciacchi [Year 7]. In acting capacity we will see Matthew Rootes [Year 8] and in dance Mia Pimentel [Year 8]. We look forward to the opportunity to see these Aquininans in action on the boards in The upcoming school holidays will see continuing work on the development of College facilities. The focus over December and January will be the provision of a covered area and associated landscaping adjacent to the John Paul II Hall that will complement other sun and rain protected areas for the students throughout the day. Additional lockers will also be installed for Years 8 and 9; the College master plan that is underway will ultimately see the provision for lockers for all students. Finally, drainage around the Upper Paved sail will be installed ensuring that students can sit under in this area even when there is heavy rain; avoiding the run off that the new sail currently generates. Please keep the Ahern family in your thoughts and prayers as Lauren s [Year 8], Grandfather recently passed away. May perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. As this will be the last newsletter for 2011 I would like to, on behalf of the entire staff of Aquinas, wish everyone a safe, relaxing, happy and most significantly, a holy Christmas and look forward to all the joys that 2012 will bring our community, one that is clearly Enlivened by the Spirit. James Corcoran Principal FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Week Day Term 4 DATES TO REMEMBER Week 10B Thursday 15 Dec Last day of formal classes Year 7-9 End of Year Mass Friday 16 Dec Year 7-9 Student/Parent/Teacher interviews 9:00am-12:00pm Week 11B Monday 19 Dec Staff Development Day Tuesday 20 Dec School closes 2012 Friday 27 Jan Staff Development Day Week 1 Monday 30 Jan Year 7 students and Year 10 Peer Support Leaders return Tuesday 31 Jan School resumes for all students Enlivened by the Spirit 2

3 FROM THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Yesterdays Gospel centered on the pivotal question, Who are you? Rather than asking who you are as a mother, father, teacher, nurse etc it was as asking, Who you are in relation to the Messiah? John the Baptist himself testifies to his relationship to the Messiah. He is the divinely chosen witness to the light, not the light itself. Messianic expectations were anything but uniform at this time. After he denies being any messianic figure, John identifies himself as a voice in the wilderness he states that his role is preparatory. John is content to be first the witness and nothing more. John knew his place humbly attesting that there is another, even greater, who is coming. As Christmas draws near, may it be a time of quiet reflection on the particular gifts God has given to me, and what particular way I may further God s kingdom. Wishing you and your families a happy, holy and peace-filled Christmas and may the new year find you and your families blessed with good health, love, and happiness. Jodie Hughes Religious Education Coordinator Catholic Youth Events in Sydney Theology on Tap On Monday 12th December from 6:30pm 9.30pm at the Commercial Hotel, 2 Hassall St, Parramatta. Once a month, the young & hip of Sydney will be hitting up The Commercial Hotel to grab some food and drinks and listen to some of the best speakers around and quiz them in the 'free 4 all' Q&A. "Theology on Tap" is a casual and relaxed forum where friends from all walks of life gather for straight talk, hard facts and real answers on our faith and how it applies to daily life. Come for a listen (and maybe a drink!). Invite your friends, especially those wanting to learn more (or debate) about the Catholic faith! Fire off the questions you have never had the opportunity to ask! Contact: Jessica Langrell - jessica.langrell@nd.edu.au or visit for more information. ADAM Made in the image of God On the 3rd Saturday of each month from 4.00pm to 5.30pm at OLSS Miranda Parish Youth Centre: 50 Kiora Rd, Miranda. Young Men's fellowship and discussion group (18+). Contact: James Boggs: OR Shire Activ8 Office: shireactiv8@gmail.com for more information. Advent Pilgrimage to the Tomb of St Mary of the Cross On Sunday 18/12/2011 from 9.30am pm starting at St Fiacre's Catholic Church, 96 Catherine Street, Leichhardt. Pilgrimage begins with Mass at 9.30am at St Fiarcre's, stops for lunch at Hype Park, crosses Harbour Bridge and finishes St Mary's tomb. Contact: Fr Lam at lamofmcap@gmail.com for more information. Immaculata Mission School From3rd January th January 2012 at St. Thomas Beckett Parish Lewisham- the Immaculata Centre. 7 Thomas St, Lewisham year olds - TO KNOW GOD...TO LOVE GOD...TO MAKE GOD KNOWN! Cost: $290. Contact: Immaculata office, or visit more information. The Guadalupe Expedition From Friday 13/01/ Thursday 26/01/2012. A pilgrimage from death to life, including Guadalupe, Aztec ruins, street mission, Catholic concerts & the March for Life! The pilgrimage will visit Mexico City, New York City & Washington DC and is hosted by Harvest Inroads, Bishop Peter Comensoli& Jessica Langrell. It costs $3990* and includes all flights, transfers, tours & accommodation. Contact: Sam Clear - samuelc@pilgrimage.net.au for more information. SCHOENSTATT GIRL S CAMP II (ages 13-16) From Sunday 22/01/2012 to Wednesday 25/01/2012 at Mt Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Rd., Mulgoa. Each one of us is made in the image and likeness of God. Find out what real beauty is at our camp! Program includes discussions, prayer and outdoor fun activities. Cost: $120 (includes food and accommodation). Contact: Sr. M. Luka, sr.m.luka@bigpond.com for more information. Mrs Catherine Nolan, Youth Ministry Coordinator Enlivened by the Spirit 3

4 Be An Angel THANK YOU! Thank you to all teachers and students for their amazing fundraising efforts over the past few weeks. The 61 presents for underprivileged children in the Menai area were given to the Holy Family Parish St Vincent de Paul conference last week to distribute to those in need. In addition to these gifts, over $550 has also been raised, which will be given to the Holy Family Parish St Vincent de Paul conference at our final mass this week, helping them in supporting those who need a helping hand this Christmas. Thank you for your very generous support. Mrs Catherine Nolan, Social Justice Group Facilitator MATHEMATICS NEWS We would like to congratulate the following Year 9 Mathematics students. Nicole Bailey Liam Blewett Sophie Busin Lachlan Clark Stephanie Efstathiou Sean Findlay Tina Kypreos Jaclyn Lee Jesse McNabb Ella Moran Becky Odewahn Jarryd Preston Laura Sidhom Julia Stanford Luke Swan They worked diligently throughout the year at school and at home to complete both the Year 9 and 10 pathway 5.3 Mathematics course at the highest level. Whilst completing all their Year 9 exams during Term 4 they also sat the Year 10 School Certificate exam in Mathematics. The students were extremely successful, all achieving Band 5 and 6s. These results are due to their outstanding Mathematical talent as well as their dedication to their studies. We wish them well for continuing to develop their Mathematical expertise next year. Michelle Morrison Class Teacher Darrin Munro Mathematics Coordinator Enlivened by the Spirit 4

5 Aquinas HSC body of work on display at Hazelhurst! Congratulations to Year 12 Visual Arts student Caitlyn Hutchinson for being selected for inclusion in the Art Rules 2011exhibition at Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre. Art Rules is a popular exhibition of artworks by local Higher School Certificate Visual Arts students. Caitlyn s inclusion in this exhibition is an impressive achievement and reflects her commitment and dedication to the Visual Arts. Her body of work, a series of photographs titled Why is a raven like a writing desk? will be on display from 10 Dec - 15 Jan at Hazelhurst,782 Kingsway Gymea, admission is free, open daily 10am 5pm. Miss Wailes Visual Arts Teacher How is a raven like a writing desk? (detail) by Caitlyn Hutchinson, photomedia, 2011 MATHS DEPARTMENT RECALL CORNER Year 10 Dinner Dance Photos The professional photos of the night are now online for browsing, purchase and/or download This is the final Maths Recall Corner for Write 2011 in Roman Numerals 2. What is the name of two lines with the same gradient? 3. What is the name of two lines which meet at a right angle? 4. What is the transformation which moves a shape ( 2, -3)? 5. What is the transformation which repeats a shape covering a space leaving no gaps? Cathy Fensom Enlivened by the Spirit 5

6 READING, WRITING, MATHS & ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES SUTHERLAND TAFE LOFTUS & GYMEA CAMPUSES We can help you develop your skills. Part-time day classes within school hours or evenings. Childcare may be available. Loftus: English Language Skills; Reading & Writing (with Computing) Ph: MATHS RECALL ANSWERS Solutions: 1. MMXI 2. Parallel 3. Perpendicular 4. Translation 5. Tessellation THANKYOU TO ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS WHO HAVE ENJOYED THE WEEKLY MATHS CHALLENGES, AND SOMETIMES FIND MY LITTLE ERRORS Have a holy and blessed Christmas. MRS CATHERINE FENSOM Gymea: Reading, Writing (with Computing), Maths Ph: Enrolment: Monday 30 January 2012, 10am-7pm UNIFORM SHOP THURSDAY 15 December :00am - 10:00am Please note the Uniform Shop only sells Sports Uniforms and School bags The Uniform Shop does not accept Eftpos or Credit cards College caps and sports socks can be purchased from the College Office CANTEEN ROSTER TERM 4 TIME: MONDAY-THURSDAY 10:00-1:30, FRIDAY 10:00-12:30 MONDAY 12/12 TANIA WILDER TUESDAY 13/12 WEDNESDAY 14/12 LIBBY YIP, JACKIE TORO THURSDAY 15/12 CYNTHIA SI FRIDAY 16/12 YEARS 7-9 STUDENT /PARENT /TEACHER INTERVIEWS 9:00-12:00 Enlivened by the Spirit 6