St Agnes

Catholic High School

Week 10 newsletter term 3

Dear Parents, Students, Staff, and Friends,

We are at the end of Term 3. It has been an extremely busy term with many events and activities some of which are outlined in this newsletter. Many of our students have been engaged in their learning and participating in the many opportunities available at St Agnes. It is wonderful to see a large number of students involving themselves in the life of the school.

Year 12 2022 Graduation Mass and Ceremony

We formally farewelled our Year 12 students with a Mass at Our Lady Queen of the Family, Blacktown and a Graduation Ceremony at school for the students and their families. This is a significant milestone for these students, ending 13 years of schooling. This celebration was a special one for our Year 12 students and the whole community. During the Mass we had a special prayer to bless our graduates.

I would like to thank a number of people who ensured the farewell to Year 12 was successful: Mr Madigan, Mr Sadsad, and Mr Mangion for their organisation of the Mass, the school band and choir led by Ms D’Aprile, Mr DiIenno and Mr Cecire. Also integral to the day were Mr Khan, Mr Vellio and Mr Camelleri, the Information Technology team, and Mrs Bettiol for taking and sharing photos of the day with our community and Mr Kemmis for organising the Year 12 Graduation Ceremony, it was a special night for our students and their parents. As teachers, as we formally farewelled our students.

During the Graduation Ceremony the Inaugural Peter Brogan Award, which is an award for excellence in Catholic Life and Mission was presented. The Brogan family attended, with his wife, Rose Brogan, presenting the Award to Michelle Clarke and Summah Russell.

Year 12 students should stay dedicated and put in their best effort in the time remaining to prepare for the crucial HSC exams, which start on Wednesday, October 11th. It is essential that all our Year 12 students maintain their concentration and work diligently, as these exams constitute the most significant part of the HSC. We wish our Year 12 students all the best in their HSC. Our St Agnes school community is very proud of their achievements and we wish each of them success as they begin the next stage of their life’s journey.

Senior Academic Scholarships

I am pleased to announce that in 2024 St Agnes is in the position to offer Academic scholarships to students entering Year 11. St Agnes Catholic High School is renowned for its commitment to fostering personal growth and offers a multitude of pathways for students to nurture their talents and passions. Our current Year 10 students are invited to apply for these scholarships. Information has been distributed to students and their parents.

2024 School Leader

School Leaders for 2024 were announced on Monday and formally acknowledged and inducted during the Year 12 Graduation Ceremony. I would like to thank the students in Year 11 who nominated for leadership positions. It was wonderful to see the passion our students have for our school and the leadership qualities which they displayed.

I would like to congratulate St Agnes School Leaders for 2024:

School Captains - Sienna Edwards and William Planer

SRC- Amire Gorgise and Bronte Norris

Cultural Diversity - Jewel Osborne and Beminet Habte

Additional Pupil Free Days -

Term 4 9th & 10th October 2023

CSPD has given all schools an extra three Professional Developed Days due to the implementation of new syllabuses in 2024. This was communicated to parents during Term 2 that these days will give teachers an opportunity to collaborate and develop new resources, as well as to plan for the coming years. We are also taking the opportunity to collaborate with other secondary schools on Monday 9th October in relation to these new courses.

Science Week

Science Week’s theme for this year was Innovation - Powering Future Industries. During Science Week students participated in, and enjoyed, various activities such as Adventure Lab, Hands on Chemistry, holograms, and rockets. I would like to thank the Science Faculty and, especially Mrs Cruickshank for organising the event.

Book Week

Thank you to the English Department and the many staff members who participated in Book Week. The students and staff had a great time participating in the various activities over the course of the week. Mr Loughlin, Leader of Learning - English has written an extensive report in this newsletter.

HSC Showcase

On Friday 1st September we celebrated the achievements of our senior students and had an opportunity to see their creativity come to life. At St Agnes, we encourage students in all facets of learning; the Creative Arts and Design and Technology are areas where students are able to excel.

I would like to congratulate all our students, especially Year 12 on their commitment to their major work, especially considering the various hurdles they have had to endure over the past few years. Also, I thank parents for supporting their sons and daughters in their creative pursuits, for supporting the school, and for attending the night. Also, I would like to thank our alumni from the Class of 2022, Shiraz Bawab who was there to help us celebrate the showcase.

We are very fortunate at St Agnes to have a dynamic and energetic Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Department. I would like to thank Mr Cheung, the Leader of Learning Creative Arts for his leadership of the Creative and Performing Arts at St Agnes and for his coordination of this event. Thank you specifically to Mr Zucco and Ms D’Aprile our Visual Arts and Music teachers. All the Creative and Performing Arts staff assisted on the night. Finally, thank you to Ms Vincent and Mr Scarpin for their work in the Technology Department that oversees Design and Technology and Industrial Technology - Timber, which was involved in the Showcase night for the first time.

Early University Offers

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have been successful in gaining an Early University Offer prior to sitting their HSC exams. In addition, congratulations to the teachers who have worked extremely hard in supporting our Year 12 students.

Congratulations to the following students who have advised us of receiving an offer:

Tournament of the Minds

On Sunday, 27th August, at Mitchell High School Blacktown our students participated in the Tournament of the Minds competition which provides the opportunity to solve authentic, open-ended challenges that foster creative, divergent thinking, whilst developing collaborative enterprise, excellence and teamwork. The St Agnes team enjoyed the experience and learned a great deal. I would like to thank Mrs Fraser and Mr Mangion for working with the St Agnes Teams in the weeks leading up to the tournament and giving up their Sunday so that our students could participate in the competition. We entered two teams, One Year 7/8 group STEM and one Year 9 group Language/Literature.

Congratulations to the following students:

Yr 7 - Sage, Charles, Marcus, Ronell M

Yr 8 - April V, Chloe V, Alex N

Yr 9 - Madison A, Catherine C, Ray Alfaro, Hagop, Alex Z, Ansh

Haka Warrior Competition 2023

On Friday 15th September, St Agnes participated in the PCYC Pacifica Haka Warriors competition. The students have been meeting and practising their performances for many months. I would like to congratulate the team who put on a spectacular performance at Ken Roswell Arena Olympic Park. These students included:

Chantelle Pese, Edwina Toleafoa, Ropeti Toleafoa, Cassandra Afuafu Vunipola, Christopher Faamanu, Melenifo Kaumavae, Karina Tuuina, Cadence Autagavaia, Talia Afungia, Eslynetel (Tima) Fagalei, Leroy Fagalei, Dalovinya Taiki,

Halo Roache, Evangeline Nio, Greyson Nio, Iiaisaane (Saane) Vailala, Vaka uli Harili Vailala, Christopher Hifo, Shilohbella Tuuina, Zaiven Tuifelasai, Sepuita Graf, Jocelyn Graf, Saifagaloa Lotovale, Rosemary Lealiiee, Megan Fuimanono, Maretta Fuimaono, Charlize Moala, Elijah Ahkee, Azariah Ahkee, Arirel Beia, Maketalena Kautai, Jocelyn Nisa, Helen Piliae, Cynthia Peckham, Elizabeth Suru, Izrael Fatukala, and Savannah Tofaeono.

I would like to especially like to thank Ms Padovani-Ginies who worked with these students over countless afternoons, as well as during lunch and recess, and Mr Nielson and Ms Bain who assisted on the day. Also, I would like to thank the parents who have been assisting and supporting the students.

Mrs J Holland

Principal

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To Truth Through Love

Term 4, 2023 Staff Development Days -

NSW Curriculum Reform

The NSW Curriculum Reform affects all students in all stages of learning in schools. In NSW, this work commenced across all schools across the entire educational sector in 2022, mostly in the primary school setting. In 2024, all secondary schools will begin to implement the new curriculum in English, Maths, Computing, and Languages. Other key areas will also begin preparing for the new curriculum to be implemented in 2025 and beyond. In all CSPD schools, two days of professional development for teachers will be held on Monday 9th October 2023, and Tuesday 10th October 2023. All students in Years 7 - 11 will commence formal lessons for Term 4 on Wednesday 11th October. The Year 12 students will commence their HSC examinations on the same day.

Year 12

Our Year 12 students have concluded their days here at St Agnes, formally completing 13 years of schooling. At this stage and after the joy of graduation has settled, I encourage all students to finalise their revision plans and make the most of the time available. This period is where they can really fine-tune their skills and determine what is needed for each one of their examinations.

Year 11 Examinations

Our Year 11 cohort has approached their final exams with a sense of maturity and diligence. The high expectations were set from the start and the students have met these quite well. At this stage, teachers are marking and preparing worthy feedback for their classes so that all Year 11 work can conclude early next term and the HSC can begin. On the note of the HSC, we will be holding an Information Session for parents/carers about the demands of Year 12 on Tuesday 10th October; all communication has been sent via email and the Compass App.

Moving into Term 4

The HSC

The examinations begin on Wednesday 11th October and conclude on Friday 3rd November. I know you will keep our students in your thoughts and prayers as they embrace each exam.

Year 12 Begins

During the first two weeks of Term 4, Year 11 students will receive all examination marks, feedback, and suggestions as to the next steps in their studies. The students will have the opportunity to reflect on their successes and determine what they need to do in order to show progress in skill development for next time. That said, once teachers work through all of this with their students, all HSC courses will officially start. If any student or students wish to alter their pattern of study, time will be arranged for this to occur in Week 3.

Year 10

Our Year 10 students will receive their examination timetable early next term, as these will run during Week 4 and early Week 5. Parents/carers have now received communication from the school regarding subjects selected for Year 11 2023. If you did not receive this letter, please let us know ASAP.

Junior Examinations/Final Assessments

The students in Years 7, 8, and 9 shall also be working towards their final assessment tasks and or tests next term. The examination week for Year 9 will be in Week 5. During this time, if there are any tests for students in Years 7 and 8, these will occur during their regular lessons. All students need to remain committed to their studies and complete the set work for each class. The students in Years 8 and 9 will receive confirmation next term about their elective choice for 2024.

Study Skills - Last Minute Study

What do you do if you have left your study until the last minute?

In an ideal world, it would be great if all students paid attention, focused and participated in all classes, completed all homework and assessments thoroughly, asked for help throughout the year on anything they didn’t understand, made regular summaries of the work covered in class (preferably at the end of each topic or section) and did their best to learn as they go throughout the year.

But in reality, this doesn’t always happen for every student and every subject.

So what can you do if you have left your study for tests and exams to the last minute?

5 TIPS FOR LAST-MINUTE STUDY

1. CLARIFY YOUR FOCUS: Before you dive into your study materials, take a moment to identify what topics and concepts will be tested. Reach out to your teachers or classmates if you're unsure about any specifics. Understanding the exam format and question style will guide your study strategy. Create a checklist of subjects and topics you need to cover, ensuring you're not leaving anything out.
   
2. GATHER MATERIALS: Do you have notes, materials, and textbooks on everything you need to learn? If not, is there a friend who can forward you the resources you have misplaced? Is there an online portal where material from classes is stored? Can you borrow from the library additional books or textbooks on the topics you need to learn? Are past examination papers available?
   
3. DRAFT A STUDY PLAN: You only have limited time left so you need to make the most of it. Draw up a grid that shows how much time you have left before your exams to study. Decide if you will spend equal time on each subject or if certain subjects need more time. Allocate subjects to the time slots you have then decide exactly what you will do to prepare for each subject. For each subject make a list of what sort of study you should do to prepare for that subject. Brainstorm your ideas on how to prepare, ask your parents and teachers for feedback, and share ideas with your friends.
   
4. CREATE STUDY NOTES: Target your notes to what will be tested. It is best for learning and memory to make your study notes yourself, but if you have run out of time there are options. See if any of your class materials or textbooks have summarised the sections you need, see if there are study guides available in the library on the topics to learn, or make targeted notes yourself on the key areas you have to memorise. You could also see if there is a friend where you could split the topics between yourself and share the notes you make. Don’t spend too long on this stage, it needs to be completed as quickly as possible.
   
5. STUDY! What does study actually mean? It means memorising the material you need to know so you can recall it in the exams, and practising the skills of the subject so you know how to do the types of questions you will have in the exam. To memorise your notes you need to test yourself over and over on them. You could read a section, see what you can write down without looking then check. Then review the things you didn’t know again. Or you could do the same approach reading things out loud and then seeing what you can repeat out loud. Doing questions, practise essays, past exam questions will also help you understand what you know, and what you need to spend more time on.
   

Remember, the key is to get started. Procrastination won't serve you well at this point. Embrace the challenge, and you'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you're focused and determined. Your ability to absorb and apply information quickly is stronger than you think.

You and your parents can learn more about study and examination techniques at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

Learn more at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au.

Our school’s subscription details are -

Username: stagnes

Password: 24success

Mr G Kemmis

Assistant Principal - Learning Transformation

Wellbeing Tips for the Holidays

1. Reset Your Sleep Routine - As spring approaches, one of our best wellness tips is this: start waking up earlier. You’ll have so much more time to get your day started. You’ll also have more hours of daylight in general, freeing you up to read, exercise, relax with a cup of tea, and do whatever you please.
   
2. Get Moving - Now that the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to start walking more! Walking is the perfect low-impact exercise that boosts your cardiovascular health without leaving you sore and out of breath. Plus, it’s easy to fit in more steps every day, such as choosing the stairs or walking to nearby errands rather than driving.
   
3. Get Out in the Sun - The benefits of vitamin D throughout the day from the sun are well known. Spring sunshine is just the best as it’s not too warm and there are so many benefits you MUST take advantage of it. Even though getting a certain amount of sunlight is healthy and beneficial, too much sun exposure can damage your eyes and skin. For this reason, it’s important to use appropriate sun protection, which includes wearing sunglasses, protective clothing, and sunscreen.
   
4. Eat as much fresh food as possible - This spring, try and fill your plate with lots of fresh, seasonal food. Eating lots of raw fruits and vegetables will leave you feeling refreshed, fueled, and energised. Plus, they’re chock full of the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to be at its peak performance.
   
5. Stay Hydrated - Water is so important to our bodies functioning and wellbeing. We should all aim to drink at least 2 litres (about 3-4 water bottles) per day by sipping at regular intervals. Avoid flavoured and carbonated drinks where possible also.
   

Get Active with Friends - We all know the benefits of exercise and socialising so why not combine the two? Anything from bike riding, walking to hard core training is all much more fun if you have someone to push you through it.

Upcoming parent webinar:

Getting the most out of gaming

Our research shows that 56% of children aged 8 to 17 have played an online game with others. As parents and carers, how can we ensure they have fun and stay safe? Join our free 45-minute webinar, Getting the most out of gaming. Tailored for parents or carers of children aged 7 to 14, the webinar will cover:

• Benefits of gaming and boosting in-game experiences
• Essential safety and privacy settings
• Promoting balanced gaming
• Addressing online risks and dealing with in-game bullying.
• Let's empower young people for safe online gaming experiences!

Register now

Protecting teens from rising sexual extortion scams

eSafety is seeing an increase in reports of sexual extortion, particularly for boys aged 15-17. Sexual extortion or 'sextortion' is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share a nude or sexual image or video of you unless you give in to their demands.

As parents and carers, open conversations can help prevent sexual extortion and help your child recover if it happens to them. Talk to your teens to help equip them with knowledge, let them know they aren't alone, and remind them there's always help available.

Every conversation counts. Talk to young people about sexual extortion

Learn more about sextortion

Mr G Hilder

Assistant Principal - School Culture

Peace and blessings to all members of the St Agnes community

Father’s Day

On Friday 1st September we came together as a school community to celebrate the male role models in our lives. For most of us, Father’s Day is a special opportunity to let our dads and grandads know how much we love them and how grateful we are for them and for all they do for us.

But for some of us, Father’s Day carries a feeling of sadness. This day might be a reminder that our dad, grandad or male role model has passed away, or that we don’t have the opportunity to see our dad as often as we’d like, or that our relationship with our dad is not as good as it might be. On Father’s Day, we hold both the joy and the sadness of Father’s Day in our hearts as we pray.

In the gospel stories and parables that Jesus told, we get an image of God as a loving parent – a father – who only wants the best for us and whose love is greater than anything we can measure. I wish to thank all the Father who came to celebrate with us, and to share breakfast with their children and staff.

Bishop of Parramatta Awards for Student Excellence

On the 7th September, The Diocese held the annual Bishop of Parramatta Awards for Student Excellence. The event was attended by Mrs Holland, Mr Kemmis, Mr Hilder, Miss Raad, Mrs Collimore and myself and Heleana’s family. The Bishop of Parramatta Award for Student Excellence is made to one Year 12 student from each Catholic school in the Diocese of Parramatta.

Each year the award seeks to recognise some of our outstanding young men and women, at the culmination of their schooling, who witness their catholic faith and achieve well in their academic, sporting, creative, vocational, and/or community endeavors.

Our nomination and recipient was Heleana Soriano of Year 12. Helena exemplifies leadership characterised by humility, compassion, and integrity. She was President of the Student Representative Council and a founding member of the Young Christian Students group. Heleana is an exemplary student whose enthusiasm and diligence across all areas coupled with her determination to succeed encapsulates the St Agnes Spirit.

FIAT FAM

Hi St. Agnes Community!

Our FIAT team has launched a new program, Faith is Alive in Me, FAM!

We are a group of ministries focused on building faith in and outside our school community.

The FAM group provides students with a space for regular theological pastoral formation, and opportunities for mission activities and service, allowing students to deepen their faith and understanding and forming potential students for leadership positions.

Our first session ran on 24th August, where students got an opportunity to get to know each other and introduce the goal of the group, focusing on discipleship and mission. Students critically engaged with Matthew 9:9-13, delving into Jesus’ calling of Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him.

Our FAM session will run fortnightly, every Thursday Day 9, starting at lunch and going into period 5. We are growing ministry and would love more faith-filled students to be involved. If you are interested in being part of this amazing new program please approach or contact Mrs. Harb, Mr. Zucco, Mr. Sadsad, or Mr. Goco.

Thank you,

Mr Goco

Mini Vinnies Groups

Our Mini Vinnies Groups is supporting Lids4Kids Australia, a collective group of volunteers that advocates and facilitates the recycling of small plastic bottle lids into sustainable products, such as supporting disadvantaged people and those with a disability by turning plastic bottle lids into mobility aids for children.

If you would like to participate please collect clean lids with any inner plastic removed and give them to either Mr. Zucco or Mr. Goco

Mr P. Madigan

Head of Mission

🚀Celebrating Science Week 2023:

Innovation powering future industries 🚀

Science Week has been an absolute blast. From rocket launches to mind-bending holograms, a science-themed movie, and captivating Adventure Labs, this week has truly been a celebration of all things science!

Adventure Labs: Where Learning Meets Fun:

Adventure Lab took our students on a journey of discovery around the school. Students completed the digital scavenger hunt to learn about examples of innovation here within our own school community and had to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complete the adventure successfully. Well done to all of the participants!

Rockets:

From water-propelled rockets crafted by our year 9 budding engineers to tea bag rockets and chemical rocks being demonstrated in the lab by one of our year 11 physics students, the week was definitely filled with many opportunities for students to investigate the forces and phenomena involved in rocket launches.

Holograms: The future of visualisation

Students were able to turn their iPad into a 3D holographic projector, bringing to life distant planets, swimming fish, and dancing characters. A future educational innovation that could be commonplace one day.

Chemistry: Hands-on investigation of Iodine clock reaction

Our senior chemistry students fresh from trials popped into the labs to assist Mr Bianchi and junior students in carrying out their experiment and the level of engagement was outstanding.

The success of Science Week would not have been possible without the incredible enthusiasm and participation of our students and our many student assistants. It was great to witness the level of engagement as students eagerly participated in hands-on experiments, thought-provoking discussions, and creative projects.

A huge thank you to our amazing team of Science Teachers and Lab Staff who made Science Week a success.

TAS MAJOR PROJECTS

HSC Design and Technology and Industrial Technology are challenging subjects. They involve hands-on practical activities which develop knowledge and skills in designing and producing. The courses involve the development, realisation, and documentation of design projects. The Major Projects and supporting folio require students to select and apply appropriate design, production, and evaluation skills.

For Design and Technology, students design and produce a product, system, or environment that satisfies an identified need or opportunity. For Industrial Technology students are required to demonstrate a variety of skills to create a project made from Timber.

For both subjects, the projects are marked externally and contribute to 60% of their HSC. The folios are up to 80 pages in length which demonstrate the design process undertaken.

The students completed each and every project to the best of their abilities and I am proud to show you their achievements.

Lastly, Thank you to our Industrial Technology teacher, Adam Scarpin for his guidance and support to the students and for providing them with extra time outside of class hours to work on their projects. Also, our new TAS staff member, Nikk Woods, who stepped in to assist our students with CAD drawings and provided her expertise in her first few weeks of joining our team.

Mrs Rachel Vincent

Leader of Learning (TAS)

Industrial Technology (Timber and Furnishings)

George Salloum

Project Title: ‘Study Desk’

“The intention of this project is to design and construct a modest and stylish desk table. Its sharp unique features will complement any decor style whilst using the table for a variety of applications”.

Odeesh Mansour

Project Title: ‘Decorative Table’

“The purpose of this project is to manufacture a modern desktop table that is capable of a multitude of uses. As the desktop table will be larger in size it will be able to hold a large variety of your belongings”.

Julian Falakiko

Project Title: ‘Bedside Cabinet’

“The reasoning behind my choice of constructing a bedside cabinet is to replace the existing damaged bedside cabinet which has a minimal amount for storage use. In my room, there is only a single space to store items which is a closet filled with clothes and no additional space for miscellaneous items which will benefit me as the cabinet can fulfil these reasons”.

Design and Technology

Ella Deluca

Project Title: ‘Skin Trauma Protective Product’

The motivation for this project is to create a design that is able to remain in the affected area of an individual throughout their daily activities. When somebody struggles with eczema or has burned their skin, it is often difficult for them to go about their daily lives whilst treating the infected area”.

Aken Khon

Project Title: ‘Priority Chair’

In January of 2019 I had started to travel by bus majority of the time and because of this I’ve witnessed the importance of Priority chair sections in the bus. Through these travels I have encountered numerous people who have struggled to try and pull down the seat, and even accidentally falling down on the floor because the seats would rise up without them knowing”.

Samyog Basnet

Project Title: ‘Transportable Infrastructure

“On the 25th of April 2015 at 11:56 am a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal…My own family who were present there at the time were displaced from their homes just like the millions of other survivors who were in the same situation and had to sleep in makeshift tents held up by sticks and covered over by blankets for multiple weeks out in the open due to the fear of their homes collapsing on them from aftershocks which occurred endlessly for multiple days. The significance of having access to a safe and stable structure to temporarily stay in and rest was seen as a vital need that was required to be met during these times of disaster by not only my family alone but also the other families that had lost everything to the earthquake”.

Fatafehi Manakofua

Project Title: ‘Handrail Attachment’

“My purpose for this project is being able to create a design that is useful for elderly people to have and use, especially when living alone or far away from their families. I intend to create a solution that helps prevent elderly people from falling within their own homes and allows them to be protected from injuries”.

Emmanuel Dawood

Project Title: ‘Anti Abandonment Device’

“Forgetting children in the car occurs most when a parent has a change in routine or is absent mindedly multitasking while the child is in the car, which can have a major impact because there are no ways for the child to breath in the car, this is caused by the extreme heat and no ventilation. I want to make an alert on the driver's side of the car to help the parent remember their child so that the child is not left unattended in a hot vehicle where the potential of their suffocation increases every minute they are left”.

Jakeb Samuels

Project Title: ‘Pedestrian Alert System’

“In the world today there is an ever growing problem with pedestrians inadvertently traversing into busy traffic whilst engrossed with their phone and headphones resulting in injury and sometimes death, the colloquial name given to people is labeled with is “Smombies” (Smartphone Zombies). Startling statistics state that around 17% of all deaths in NSW stem from pedestrian trauma, making a whopping 24% increase in pedestrian fatalities since 2017. I will be designing a system that notifies a distracted pedestrian (Smombie) when within walking distance of a red light via a visual queue that will appear on one’s device to alert them and draw their attention towards the crossroad to ensure they are not in danger of being hit by any ongoing traffic”.

Commerce UTS Startups Workshop on Entrepreneurship

On the 25th of August, Commerce 100 students of Years 9-10 participated in UTS Startup workshops on Entrepreneurship accompanied by Miss Panesar, Mr Tomic, Miss Liu, and Mr Goco. The students engaged in workshops following themes of problem-solving and opportunities of the future. These workshops were aimed to empower students by allowing them to visualise their strengths and problem-solving mechanisms.

In reflecting on the workshop, participants Mat Alampayan and Cyrus said that they loved the opportunity to meet real entrepreneurs. The event had an interesting and engaging environment that allowed all students to participate and be inspired to be an entrepreneur or start a business. This workshop event allowed Year 9 & 10 Commerce students to further understand potential future prospects and opened career pathways within the business environment. Mat and Cyrus also said, “this experience has undoubtedly influenced us to join and be a part of the University of Technology Sydney so that we can gain more knowledge of commerce and strive to become an entrepreneur or a business owner.”

We would like to commend our students on the way they represented St Agnes and look forward to seeing them engage in further opportunities in the future!

Ms Panesar

HSC Creative Arts Senior Showcase 2023

//Intra// - Now in its second year running at St Agnes!!!

Our showcase has grown from strength to strength since its inception in 2022 where there was only Visual Arts, Music, and Dance. This year we saw more performers and artworks as well as more community members, family, and friends come to show their support. This year we also welcomed the TAS department with Design and Technology and Industrial Technology Timber.

It was a great night as the school was transformed with artwork, drama, dance, music, and technology. It was great to welcome back alumni from the Class of 2022 Shiraz Bawab to open the show and celebrate the creative talents of the many students here at the school

With over 120 guests from the community and our families in attendance, the atmosphere and buzz could be felt throughout the night.

Our Year 11 Visual Arts students were able to showcase their artistic talents with their artworks on show for the first time in the Alverna space. It was great to see them engage with the audience and talk about the creative processes that drove their artmaking.

The highlight of course was the Year 12 classes of 2023 with Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, and Technology all on show! The Visual Arts and TAS students were able to show their Bodies of Work/ Major Projects before they were sent off to be assessed for the HSC by NESA. Again, the variety of talent on the show was exceptional with students delving into various expressive forms and mediums. The Dance and Drama cluster class also did not disappoint with Annabelle Murray performing her major work dance pieces.

Creative Arts Triple Threat Brooklyn O’Brien of Year 12 stunned the crowds with her 3 major work pieces - Drama Individual Project - “Songs for Nobodies”, Visual Arts Body of Work work - “Music Box” and brought the house down with her Music Core Performance, a rendition of Redneck Woman by Gretchen Wilson. Congratulations Brooklyn on your huge efforts that evening and bringing such passion and energy to the main stage!!!

A huge thank you to our Year 10, 11, and 12 helpers and in particular - Favor Gueh, Jewel Osborne, Faith Russell, Paula El-Ghossein, Vonzelle Acuesta-Lowe, Dylan Wilson, Vince Manalo, Erinn Ladines, Rosemary Shaomka and Mathew Adema.

The night could not have happened if it were not for the efforts of our teachers and students involved. I would like to thank the Creative Arts team: Ms D’Aprile, Mr Di Ienno, Mr Cecire and Mr Zucco. The TAS team Mrs Vincent and Mr Scarpin. A huge thank you to Mr Vellio and Mr Camilleri from IT for their invaluable help running the audio/visual. Also to the teachers who gave up their time to assist on the night - Mr Cruickshank, Ms Raad, Mrs Udovicic, Ms Gale, Ms Phillips, Mrs Walters, Ms Dunne, Mrs Bettiol, Mrs Hanratty, Mr Kemmis, and Mr Wilson for his drumming assist!

A special thanks to our Principal Ms Holland for her continued support for the Creative Arts at St Agnes and ensuring the show was all class the whole way!

Mr Cheung

Leader of Learning - Creative Arts

Captivate Eisteddfod

As the 2022 year rolls on, we continue to celebrate the success in the Creative Arts here at St Agnes.

One of our talented vocalists Brooklyn O’Brien was selected to participate in the Captivate Arts Factor Eisteddfod on 8th October at Chisholm College, Glenmore Park. The Arts Factor Eisteddfod is a chance to share student creative work with other schools in the Diocese. It also gives students the opportunity to take what they have been learning and perform for an audience outside of their immediate school community.

Brooklyn was placed 1st in her category and she was up against many other secondary vocalists across the Diocese.

This is not only a great win for Brooklyn, who is a passionate vocalist, but also for St Agnes as a school that is developing a strong Music and Creative Arts culture.

Congratulations on your great achievement Brooklyn.

Mr Cheung and Ms D’Aprille

ST AGNES BOOK WEEK 2023

While we celebrated Book Week at St Agnes in Week 7, a week later than the official Book Week which ran 19th to the 25th of August due to a packed August calendar, it certainly didn’t lack enthusiasm from students and staff for the activities on offer throughout the week. Each morning we had the very popular Mystery Reader Guessing Competition where students heard two staff members reading an extract from a novel and had to guess the teacher and novel they were reading. The winner was the first student to complete the Google form with the correct answers. There were many entries every day, even getting up 191 on Wednesday but our speedy and clever listeners who won a $5 canteen voucher were:

Leah Brooke,10.1, Purva Kumar, 11.3, Valerie Gunawan, 10.3, Rylene Chaudhary, 9.2, and George Yousif, 8.8.

A big thanks to our staff readers for offering their time and voices.

Ms Fielding - The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Alan Poe.

Mr Cheung - The Hobbit by J.R.R Toilken

Mrs Beran - Runt by Craig Silvey

Mr Conte - Last Man Standing - Steven Bradbury

Mr Kemmis - 1984 - George Orwell

Ms Udovivc - The Pride and the Prejudice by Jane Austin

Mrs Cruckshank - A Town Like Alice by Nevile Shute

Mr Neilson - The Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison

Ms Dunne - Horton Hears a Hoot by Dr Seuss

Me, Mr Loughlin - The Jabberwocky by Lewis Carrol (that stumped a lot of you!)

On Tuesday at recess, we held a Library Scavenger Hunt where students frantically searched the beautifully decorated walls of the library for book-related clues in an effort to earn some delicious prizes while on Wednesday we continued the Book Week fun with Speed Dating, except with books, so staff and students got to spend a few minutes raving about their favourite book to a partner before moving on to someone else. A big thanks to Ms Fielding and Mrs Hanratty for organising those activities.

We also had the Best Book Ever Book Review competition running throughout the week with all participants going into the draw for our major prize - a $50 Dymocks Gift card. There were over 70 entries. The lucky winner of the draw was Cecilia Nguyen of 8.5 who reviewed the Manga comic book Demon Slayer.

Finally, on Friday we ended the week with an amazing display of costumed mayhem outside the library at lunch for our official Book Week Parade. Well done to all students and staff who participated and made it such a fun afternoon and big congratulations to our best costume winners who took home a $20 Big W gift card (except for the Chipmunks and Chipettes because there were too many of them. But they still picked up a $5 canteen voucher each.

Book Week Parade Winners:

Stage 4 - The Chipmunks and Chipettes, Year 8 (May Alkhouri, Logan Swain, Lucas Tollefsen, and their chipmunk friends)

Stage 5 - SpiderPunk - Keith Alunday, 10.1

Stage 6 - Where the Wild Things Are - Mary Shamon and Summer Russell - Year 12

Staff - The Wicked Queen - Ms Walters

Mr Loughlin

Leader of Learning - English

HSIE Showcase

On Monday 18.9.23, the HSIE faculty hosted a showcase to display exemplary student work across grades 7-9. On display included year 7 dioramas, board games, posters, and visual essays that focussed on the unit Landscapes and Landforms. Year 8 student projects were based on themes related to Medieval Europe, including power, medicine, death, and destruction. Finally, the showcase featured Big History projects from year 9, where students were given the opportunity to design their very own planet!

The HSIE coordinators Miss Clark and Miss Fielding are incredibly proud of the effort, hard work and dedication that went into the creation of each project. They would also like to thank the teachers who assisted in the set up of the showcase. It was a HUGE success!

Miss Fielding

Assistant Leader of Learning

25-29th September 2023-

Western Sydney University Free HSC Study Sessions - Registrations Open

Registrations Now Open!

Delivered by highly qualified senior teachers with 25 free sessions across 16 key HSC subject areas, the sessions will include content analysis, tips and strategies, and a detailed exploration of key syllabus and curriculum areas. Students will also have the opportunity to sit a practice exam and deconstruction, with feedback and advice from experts. Subjects covered include: English (Advanced and Standard) Community and Family Studies, Economics, Mathematics (Advanced and Standard 2), Geography, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Legal Studies, PDHPE, Modern History, Visual Arts, Physics, PDHPE

Year 12: 2024 NSW Government Infrastructure Traineeships

NSW Government Infrastructure has announced its intake for Traineeships.

This is an exciting opportunity for Year 12 students interested in full-time TIME PAID WORK + studying at TAFE.

Please see the attached flyer and use the QR Code to apply.

Traineeships on offer. Certificate IV qualification in:

• Business
• Project Management
• Procurement & Contracting

Scholarships : Study Bachelor of Education

In the News

St Agnes made the WSU newsletter!

School Fees General Information

Installment 3 statements have gone out. Please note Instalment 3 due date was 23 August 2023. If you would like to set up an arrangement for the remainder of the year please choose one of the options provided and notify the College via email stagnes@parra.catholic.edu.au

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 which states that a Term's notice (10 weeks) must be given in writing to the Principal before the removal of a student. Failure to do this means that the full 10 weeks’ fees will be payable. A Leaver's Form can be collected from the front office and completed for each departing student.

Further information regarding school fees can be found here.

Uniform Shop News

At the commencement of Term 4, St Agnes uniforms will no longer be available to be purchased at the school.

The new store is located at Blacktown Mega Centre – St Martins Crescent Blacktown and uniforms will be available in the new store from Monday 2 October, 2023. It will be open 7 days per week for your convenience.

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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