St Agnes

Catholic High School

MAY 12 newsletter term 2

Happy Mother's Day

“Happy Mothers’ Day means more than have a happy day.

Within these words lie lots of things we never get to say.

It means I love you, first of all, then thanks for all you do.

It means you mean a lot to me and that I honour you.”

Nicholas Jordan

The month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. No doubt, when Mary was asked to be Mother of God, she found Gabriel’s message difficult and thought immediately about her limitations. We are only being human if we find it difficult to accept that God could have a plan for us, as He did for Mary. We can be somewhat reassured by the fact that Mary did not have to do anything but just let God act in her life. So, all that is necessary for us is to allow God to dwell within us. At the Marriage Feast of Cana, Mary gave every generation of Christians a challenge when she said, “Do whatever He tells you”. John 2:5.

When Mary gave her humble answer of “Yes”, she agreed to let God love her and as a result she gave Jesus to the world and for this she is forever revered. At His crucifixion, Jesus announced Mary to be the mother of all, when He said through John to us, “She is your Mother”. John 19:27.

As our Mother, Mary would wish that we, like her, would allow God to love us and through that love, be witnesses to Jesus in the ordinary daily actions of our lives. There is no doubt that Mary’s humble acceptance of God’s plan for her is a model for all Christians.

This Sunday is an opportunity for us to express our gratitude and thanks for all that mothers do. The mother-infant bond is an intense relationship of unparalleled human affection. It is the foundation of the child’s emotional and physical survival. Motherhood is also about nurturing, sacrificing, loving and, ultimately, letting go. No wonder the saying: “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short time but their hearts forever”.

Mary, Mother of God

And spiritual Mother of us all,

May all mothers who seek your help,

Experience your unfailing protection.

Lead all mothers and their children

To your Son, Jesus.

Vale. Mr Peter Brogan

We are saddened to convey the news of the passing of Peter Brogan, who served as Principal of St Agnes for a decade, from 2008 to 2017. Peter was a beloved and respected leader, not only within the St Agnes community but also throughout the Parramatta Diocese. He went on to serve as the Principal of St Paul’s Catholic College, Greystanes until his retirement in 2020, after having spent a year as Principal of Emmaus Catholic College, Kemps Creek and serving as Assistant Principal at Parramatta Marist High School and St Columba’s Catholic College, Springwood. Peter also made significant contributions to the Archdiocese of Sydney.

Peter left an indelible mark on the lives of many students and staff at St Agnes and was instrumental in shaping the school into the outstanding institution it is today. He had a deep affection for the students and inspired many teachers to prioritise the needs of the young people over those of the institution.

Peter was a compassionate, caring, and faith-filled person of integrity, with a wonderful sense of humor. He was a warm and humble leader who was also an exceptional teacher, educator, learner, and exponent of servant leadership. Through his incredible presence, he fostered positive relationships with both his colleagues and students. He had a remarkable ability to listen deeply and give undivided attention to those around him.

We extend our thoughts, love, and support to Peter's family during this difficult time.

Vale, Peter Brogan: a true gentleman and a remarkable human being.

Parent Forums

We have found that the informal Parent Forums we have been conducting are an excellent opportunity for parents to engage in a range of topics concerning their children and to become better informed.

Our second forum, scheduled for 5.30pm Monday, May 22, is designed to assist families in utilising our communication and learning platforms, Google Classroom and Compass Education. We welcome all parents and carers to attend this forum, as accessing and using these platforms can provide valuable insights into your son's or daughter's wellbeing and learning at St Agnes. Parents are encouraged to bring their own technology to the forum to gain hands-on experience with the programs. Our IT staff will be present to assist with access.

Our third forum, which will take place in Term 3, Wednesday, August 23 and, will focus on Cyber Smartness - social media, and your child's online safety. We encourage parents to mark these dates in your calendar and attend both forums. We will be sending notifications via Compass to inform parents of the upcoming events, so please ensure that your current email address is recorded in Compass Education.

Volleyball

We would like to extend our congratulations to our Volleyball teams for their impressive performance in reaching the finals. The Junior Girls Team played a fierce final round game against Emmaus but unfortunately were unable to secure the victory in the final against Nagle College. The Intermediate Girls Team also put in a valiant effort, but were ultimately defeated by Nagle. We would like to express our gratitude to Mr Shanahan for his assistance to Mrs Tomich on Thursday.

Debating

St Agnes is proud to once again participate in the CSDA Debating Competition this term. The standard of debates has been exceptionally high, providing a valuable learning experience for all our students.

The first round of debates included a range of topics such as “That violent video games should be banned” for Year 7/8, “That we should be a cashless society” for Year 9/10, and “That Australia should curb its immigration” for Year 11/12. All teams, except Year 11 and 12, had a successful night against Patrician Brothers.

Last week Years 8,9,11 and 12 won their debates with topics of “That all Australian households should be limited to one vehicle” (Years 7 & 8), “That the voting age in Australia should be lowered to 16” (Years 9 & 10) and “That there should be mandatory sentencing laws” ( Years 11 & 12).

We extend our gratitude to Miss Dunne and Mr Loughlin for coordinating and coaching our students for the competition, as well as to the following staff members who assisted as coaches and adjudicators: Mrs Udovicic, Mrs Hanratty, Mr Neilson, Miss Fielding, Miss Liu and Mr Kemmis.

Our team members include:

Year 11 and 10 Student Led Conferences

We extend our gratitude to the parents who participated in the Student Led Conferences held on Tuesday 9th May. As always, we value the contribution of parents to the success of our students. These conferences provided an avenue to meet with teachers from each subject to discuss your child’s progress and allowed your child to be part of the conversation about their learning. It is important that students take ownership of their learning and establish goals for improvement.

In the event that you were unable to attend the conference, we encourage you to contact your child's teachers to schedule a mutually convenient time to discuss your child's progress.

I would like to express our appreciation to the Year 11 and 10 teachers who generously gave their time to participate in the Student Led Conferences. Your presence and support were vital in making the conferences a success. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our students.

Year 7/2024 Enrolment Interviews

We conducted the third round of interviews for Year 7 students for next year on Wednesday, May 3. I would like to express my gratitude to our leadership team and middle leaders who assisted with the interviews after school. The kindness and dedication of our St Agnes staff are always appreciated. Additionally, I extend my thanks to the administration staff for efficiently organising the enrolments and interviews.

If you have a child who is eligible for Year 7 enrolment at St Agnes Catholic High School in 2024, please complete an application form available on our website as soon as possible. To avoid disappointment and missing out on a Year 7 position next year, please submit your enrolment forms promptly. Note that siblings of current students are not automatically accepted without submitting an application.

Building update

Our new creative hub is taking shape with the last several weeks seeing a huge step forward. The roofing structural steel is currently being installed and we anticipate roof installation by the end of term 2. Internal wall framing has also now commenced with the provision of air conditioning and electrical services.

We are extremely excited to see this project continually progressing and look forward to its completion in Term 1, 2024. We are blessed to share this opportunity of improved facilities with the entire St Agnes school community

Mrs J Holland

Principal

CLICK HERE to access our Parent Calendar. Click subscribe at the bottom to connect the school calendar to yours and stay up to date with school events

Welcome to Term 2!

By now, students should be well and truly settled in their learning. At this point of the academic year, it is useful for them to spend more of their time on using feedback for reflection and goal-setting. All of these are high-impact strategies for learning growth.

Feedback

Feedback improves learning. Students receive information about their learning progress in many forms, but the key feature of feedback is that it provides the learner with specific advice about how to improve their performance. Hence, it is essential that the students act on this and do not ignore it. Students should be attentive to the feedback they receive from teachers (and often from peers too) and use it to make the most of their strengths and improve areas for development.

Reflection

Reflection improves learning. This is the process through which we come to recognise ourselves as learners; we come to understand how we learn best, and what tools and resources we need to keep learning. Through reflection, we come to know what does and does not work for us.

Goal setting

Setting goals improves learning. The purpose of goal setting is to set targets for ourselves and then to determine how well we achieve this.

As teachers support students to accept feedback, reflect and set goals this term, I would expect our students to rise to the challenge and truly come to know themselves as learners.

Year 11 and 10 Student Led Conferences

We had a successful evening on Tuesday 9th May and our sincere thanks to the parents and carers who met with teachers. It is important for parents and teachers to work as a team in the education of their children. The next step for our students is to ensure that goals are set for the immediate future and they act upon the advice provided by each teacher.

Year 11 2024

On Wednesday, 26th April, we began the discussion with Year 10 students and their parents about Stage 6 schooling here at St Agnes. It is a very exciting time for everyone; we will be exploring the many and varied pathways we offer and the external partnerships we have at the school, such as UNSW, UTS, Macquarie and ACU. Further details will be provided to the students in the coming weeks and they will make their initial decisions about subjects mid June. From there, we will be meeting with each student and the parents/carers regarding their pathway for Stage 6 and beyond. These meetings will be taking place during the first few weeks of Term 3.

Study Skills Tip for May

Resolving Conflict Around Homework

Some of the most common schoolwork arguments at home lead to statements like this:

• “Stop playing computer games and do your homework.”
• “Why haven’t you started your homework yet?”
• “What do you mean you have no schoolwork to do?”

If these are common refrains in your household there are some simple steps that can be taken to deal with this.

Step 1: Family meeting. Both students and parents get a chance to explain what is bugging them.

Step 2: Agree on how much time will be allocated to schoolwork per day or per week. Minimum would be around 1 hour per day.

Step 3: Agree that during this time homework will be the first priority, then assessments and any remaining time should be spent on independent learning (e.g. reviewing difficult work, making summaries).

Step 4: Allocate set times for schoolwork and write these out and put them on the fridge e.g. Monday 4-5pm, 6-6.30pm.

Step 5: Agree that in these blocks of time, there will be no personal technology use (preferably phones switched off and put out of sight).

Step 6: Decide on rewards and consequences if the agreement is not honoured.

There are many units in www.studyskillshandbook.com.au that can help you specifically with these areas. For example

DEALING WITH CONFLICT – strategies for conflict resolution

TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS – find out the recommended amount of time to spend on schoolwork, learn more about independent learning and print weekly planners

DEALING WITH DISTRACTIONS – strategies for managing technology addictions

Log into www.studyskillshandbook.com.au with these details

Username: stagnes

Password: 24success

Mr G Kemmis

Assistant Principal - Learning Transformation

From the Assistant Principal - School Culture

Free eSafety webinars for parents and carers in Term 2

At Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) we see parents and carers as partners in your child's learning journey. In partnership with the eSafety Commissioner, CSPD would like to invite you to join the following free webinars for parents and carers:

• eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you
  
• Setting your child up for success online
  
• Getting started with social media: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram
  
• Online relationships and consent: sending nudes and sexting
  

Mr G Hilder

Assistant Principal - School Culture

From the Head of Mission

Pace e Bene. Peace and blessings to all members of the school community.

Welcome back to Term 2. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Fr Neil Kumar - the new Assistant Parish Priest at St Aidan’s Church, to our St Agnes community. Fr Neil has serviced the Mount Druitt area through his ministry, prior to returning to serve us once again. Fr Neil joins Fr Alan and Fr Pat, who attends each week, to say weekly mass for us, as well as hear confession if students wish to attend.

Welcome Fr Neil.

Year 11 Reflection Day

Attitude of Grace - “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you” (Eph 1:18)

Towards the end of last term, our Year 11 cohort went on their Reflection Day to visit Winbourne Retreat Centre at Mulgoa.

The Reflection Day's theme was “Attitude of Grace’. This was designed to give students an opportunity to reflect individually and collectively on their lives, and how they can further support outreach within our school and local context. As part of the reflection day sessions students considered the following: their personal values and priorities, their relationships with family, friends, and God, and their future hopes and goals.

I would like to thank the students for their invested interest in the reflection day and their participation. Also, thank you to Mr Scarpin, Mr Azzopardi, Mrs Tomich, Mrs Walters, Mr Zucco, and Mr Sadsad for their assistance on the day, and for leading the groups through their activities.

Below are some student reflections from the day:

Last term on the 31st March, Year 11 attended their Reflection Day at Winbourne Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, preparing us for our retreat in Term 4. Once we arrived we started off the day with prayer and an overview of what the day had to offer. We participated in a few activities with our homeroom groups which enabled us to reflect on ourselves and how we treat others. We were given the opportunity to make bracelets for the elderly as part of our outreach to those in the community most in need. Throughout our breaks, we were provided with a lovely range of food with scones and fruits for recess and fish n chips along with salads for lunch. On our breaks we also had the chance to check out one of the horses at the centre, as well as hang out with our friends. Overall, this reflection day was fun, providing us with a break from our studies, and we were able to get to know our peers better and learn a lot about ourselves as well.

Mary- Rose Ahad

The Reflection Day was an enjoyable experience. Taking place after the assessment period, I was able to spend time with my friends and also spend time reflecting on myself and who I am. The Reflection Day provided all of us with a break and getaway of sorts so we could all spend time together, hanging out and stress-free of our assessments and school work.

One of the activities we participated in involved writing about who we want people to see us as, who we think we are and what others actually see us for. It allowed me and others to better understand and properly think about who we want others to see us as and how others actually view us. I think that the Reflection Day was a worthwhile experience for myself and my peers because it gave us time to reflect on ourselves and to have time to cool down after completing our assessments.

William Planer

FIAT with Mary

Our FIAT team will be launching 'FIAT with Mary' in Week 4 where we will be exploring the life of Jesus through the Rosary.

Please join us in praying the Rosary in Chap 4C at lunchtime.

Rosaries will be provided but please feel free to bring your own.

Mr P. Madigan

Head of Mission

Vinnies Van 2023

During the holidays students got the opportunity to go and help out with the Vinnies Van. We were lucky enough to help make sandwiches and load up the van for our first stop into Mt Druitt and then Parramatta. Our experience with the Vinnies Van has been a real delight, and eye opener, to say the least. It has helped students broaden their understanding of others' experiences through compassion. You meet people all with different experiences, histories, families, and connections in a close community and even if they remain a stranger to you - it’s a moment you find yourself grateful for. We spent some time at each spot and although we were all a little nervous, in the end we got to have lovely chats with some amazing people, shared many jokes and friendly conversations between teachers and our peers and we really got to help to give back to the community. We all enjoyed our experience and had an amazing time throughout the night. It was definitely a rewarding night, to say the least, and an experience we will cherish and that we look forward to doing again.

Mr B. Mangion

Vinnies Van Leader

Year 11 RYDA Program

On Tuesday, 2nd May, Year 11 attended the RYDA program at Penrith Regatta Centre. The RYDA program is a day where students are taught about the importance of road safety, hearing real life scenarios, participating in real cases and watching driving demonstrations. Overall, it was a fun and informative day where students gained a better understanding of the responsibilities of gaining a drivers license, not only for the driver but also for any passengers and the roles that come with driving a vehicle.

UAVAIR Drone Incursion

Michael Basan, from UAVAIR, visited our Year 9 & 10 Science students and offered them a Drone Experimental Day. Students learned what was involved in becoming a remote drone operator and worked with simulations and operated drones.

Reflection

Last Friday my class, and myself, were given the opportunity to take part in a drone experimental day. It focused on the use of drones in our everyday lives and helped us open a new perspective into possible future pathways and careers. We were given the chance to operate small drones in order to learn the simple ways that drones are able to be used. i.e. roof inspections. This was an amazing experience that has helped us open new doorways or explore existing routes to future careers. We are extremely grateful to have been given this experience and are thankful for the opportunity for new perspectives for potential future careers.

Leah Brooke , 10.4

Air Force Familiarisation Program

at RAAF Base Richmond

Year 10 student, Jordan Spratt attended the Airforce Familiarisation program at Richmond RAAF base between 28th to 30th March.

She engaged in a range of observations and immersions and has taken the initiative to experience a pathway to review its suitability to her interests and passions.

Jordan is well on the way to identifying what her plans are for Year 11 and 12 based on her proactive approach to networking with the community in an industry that she is keen to discover.

Will you be Brave and Shave?

On the 26th May 2023, Mr Wilson and Samuel Suarez will be taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave as part of "Team St Agnes". The World’s Greatest Shave is a campaign held every year through the Leukaemia Foundation. A charity dedicated to providing awareness, funding and treatment for individuals who suffer from blood cancer. Our goal for 2023 is to raise a total of $2000 by the date of the shave, which will be completed here on-site on the 26th May.

How Does The Process Work?

Across Weeks 3, 4, and 5 Mr Wilson and Samuel will be actively partaking in fundraising across the St Agnes School Community, rallying support and promoting the positive impact of raising awareness. Any, and all, donations made will be passed directly to the Leukaemia Foundation, where they are then divided towards those most in need. In the past two years, the St Agnes Community has raised over a staggering $5000 dollars, enough to provide over two months' worth of accommodation and treatments for an affected individual.

Why Is St Agnes Involved With This Campaign?

Mr Wilson: “Having lost close family members in recent years as a result of cancer, the World’s Greatest Shave is something that stands very important to me. Knowing that my contributions, and those of the staff, students, and community around me are making a difference to those in need, is an incredible feeling. Nobody should ever have to feel loss or sickness, but I’m so glad that I’ll be able to be a part of those making a difference. The support from the St Agnes Community has been nothing short of phenomenal in these last couple of years, and words truly cannot describe the appreciation I have for our staff, students, parents, and the wider community".

Samuel: "The reason I’m participating is that I have a family member diagnosed with cancer and currently going through chemotherapy. The reason I wanted to be involved in the World’s Greatest Shave at St Agnes was to bring the community together and not to be afraid of losing some of your hair to raise awareness for those who are in need. By taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave, I hope to achieve raising awareness, and the promotion of an event that deserves continued involvement which can spread across other schools and businesses".

What Can I Do To Get Involved?

A QKR code has been set up, the details of which can be found on the St Agnes QKR App. Alternatively, you can find the details for the St Agnes team page linked below, and via compass, where you can donate directly, or leave messages of support for Mr Wilson and Samuel. Each and every donation, no matter how large or how small, can go a long way in helping those in need!

Thank you so much for all the donations that have come in already. We are sitting at $906!! What an amazing generous community we have!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

School Fees General Information

Instalment #2 statements have been distributed. Please note Instalment #2's due date is 31 May 2023. If you would like to set up an arrangement for the whole year please choose one of the options provided on the bottom of the statement and notify the College via email stagnes@parra.catholic.edu.au this is your preferred option.

School fees can still be paid for in cash at your local post office. These post BillPay details are noted on your school fee statements.

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) has a policy in place that states that a Term's notice (10 weeks) must be given in writing to the Principal if you wish to unenroll your child student. Failure to do this means that the full 10 weeks’ fees will be payable. A Leavers form can be collected from the Administration Office for completion.

Further information regarding school fees can be found on our website.

Experience the Army: Reserve Day - 4th/3rd Battalion Wollongong

Students are invited to join Defence Force Recruiting at the Wollongong Army Reserve Open Day.

Students will get a rare look inside Wollongong's Army Reserve Depot home of the 4th/3rd Battalion, view vehicle and equipment demonstrations and get their hands on interactive displays. They’ll also get to chat to current serving members on the day.

Wollongong Army Reserve Open Day

When: 10:00am - 2:00pm, Saturday 20th of May

Where: 4/3 Wollongong Army Reserve Depot, 91 Gipps Street

Wollongong, NSW 2500

REGISTER HERE. Links to an external site.

Penrith City Council FREE online workshop

Sometimes it can be nerve-wracking to be in the passenger seat and supervise your child or younger sibling when they’re logging their hours for their Learners. That’s why Penrith Council and Transport for NSW have partnered to run a free online workshop to provide you with some of the best tools and tips when it comes to Learner Driver supervision.

The workshop will cover topics such as:

• How to supervise learner drivers
• How to complete the Learner Driver Logbook
• The important role you play in supporting your child or young adult while they learn how to drive
• What the license conditions for Learners and Provisional License holders are
• How to complete 120 hours of supervised driving with a minimum of 20 hours night driving
• Advice on holding L plates for a minimum of one year before a Provisional (P1) License
• You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and receive advice from a Road Safety expert.
  

The workshop is best suited for anyone supervising a person under 25 years or younger who is working towards their learner driver’s license or who are now clocking up their hours. You can be a parent, older sibling or an adult with a full license supervising a young person getting their Ls.

The workshop will be held on Microsoft Teams. You can access Teams via PC, laptop or mobile phone, and will need internet access. REGISTER HERE

2023 HSC Study Support - Max Webber Library, Blacktown

Blacktown City Libraries will be running their popular HSC Study Support program in 2023. Our HSC lectures are delivered by HSC textbook authors and Head HSC Examination Markers giving students a vital advantage in their HSC exams.

2023 HSC LECTURES Monday June 5 – Tuesday June 20 2023

This year we are offering 5 HSC Lectures:

HSC English Essay Writing Skills, Monday June 5, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm

HSC Biology Revision Lecture, Tuesday June 6, 5.30-7.30 pm

Preparing for the Mathematics Standard 2 HSC examination, Tuesday June 13, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm

HSC English Paper 1: Texts and Human Experiences Standard and Advanced, Monday June 19, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm

HSC Business Studies Tuesday June 20, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm

All tickets are $10 (Non-refundable). Free entry for accompanying parent/teacher.

Purchase tickets through Eventbrite, located in Blacktown City Libraries ‘What’s On’ calendar on the Library’s website: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Services/Libraries

DETAILED BROCHURE AND HOW TO BOOK CAN BE FOUND HERE

Compass is our primary parent communication tool for day-to-day operational matters, upcoming events, notices, and notifications so it is essential that all parents download the app.

It is more important than ever that we are able to communicate effectively, especially when it involves the safety of our children. If you haven't already, we ask that parents download the Compass app onto their devices for either Apple or Android.

• Compass is a web-based system allowing you to access up-to-date and meaningful information about our school and your child’s progress. Compass includes many different features, including the ability to:
  
• Be informed of important updates, events, and reminders
  
• View your child’s timetable
  
• Review your child’s attendance
  
• Provide explanations for periods of absence
  
• Update your contact details
  
• Book Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences.
  

Compass is accessible on any modern web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari) or by using the Compass iOS or Android apps.

If you have not received notifications via email can you please email the school to check on our contact details for you.

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