St Agnes

Catholic High School

Week 6 newsletter term 4

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

It has been a busy term with our current Year 11s commencing their HSC course at the commencement of this term and the majority of subjects have their first assessment task scheduled later this term. Year 9 and 10 have completed their formal examinations and assessments over the past few weeks. It is essential that students continue their effort and application until the last day of this term. All students are required to complete their coursework as teachers are continually undertaking formative assessment to determine students' knowledge and skills in each subject.

Semester Two Reports for years 7 to 10 will be sent home electronically via Compass on 11th December 2023. I encourage parents and carers to attend the Student Led conferences on 13th December 2023.

We continue to pray for peace in the world as we witness the atrocities of war, for example the conflict in Gaza. Let us hope and pray for the end to the conflict around the world.

Executive Director visit

On the 3rd of October 2023, the Executive Director, Mr. Jack de Groot, visited St Agnes, providing an optimal opportunity to showcase the diverse cultural programs and groups within the school community, as well as presenting the latest building developments. Mr. de Groot was welcomed by the student leadership team, including Amir Gorgise, Bronte Norris, Sienna Edwards, William Planer, Jewel Osborne, and Beminet Habte. They enthusiastically introduced Mr. de Groot to the Year 12 Religious Education teachers and classes. He was then led by the Executive team, including Mr. Kemmis, Mr. Hilder and myself, around the school to discuss the latest building developments.

During his visit, Mr. de Groot engaged in walk-throughs, meeting with students and staff across various subject areas and asking students intentional learning questions. The Executive Director visited Year 9 HSIE, Year 9 Science, and Alverna Street as learning spaces, witnessing the innovative teaching methods employed by our dedicated teachers. This visit provided an excellent opportunity to discuss St Agnes’ journey and its ongoing commitment to quality education.

I extend my gratitude to our leaders who serve as proud ambassadors for our school.

School Leaders Program

Last Thursday marked a significant milestone as our six newly elected Year 12 leaders participated in their first leadership development day. Undertaking a leadership role in Year 12 is an exciting, yet challenging journey for students, as they navigate the delicate balance between supporting the school community and pursuing their personal goals in this pivotal final year. In our new leaders, we sought qualities of positivity, integrity, collaboration, and compassion. These six exceptional students demonstrated that they are clearly up to the challenge.

The leaders worked with Susie Edmonds of Inner Directions Coaching and Mentoring, spending the day reflecting on their personal leadership styles, building connections within the team, and considering ideas and their implementation. At the heart of what they hope to achieve in their leadership year is finding ways to help all individuals feel a sense of belonging at school, encouraging them to be themselves. Their ideas for the school community aim to provide opportunities that consistently uphold the St Agnes values of dignity, compassion, integrity, and inclusiveness as guiding principles in their leadership.

The day commenced with an exploration of what leadership means to each student. Their responses were remarkable, they were insightful, compassionate, and thoughtful. What emerged was a tapestry of diverse thoughts that showcased the depth of character within our leadership team. It was heartening to witness the students express their unique perspectives on leadership, setting a strong foundation for the day ahead. One notable aspect of the workshop was the ability of the students to identify the challenges inherent in leadership roles. Through clarifying questions and deep listening, our leaders helped each other navigate the challenges of leadership. This not only demonstrated their empathy, but also highlighted their commitment to supporting one another in their leadership journey.

A significant moment of the day was the crafting of personal leadership manifestos. The students were prompted to consider the question, As a leader, I am...; Their responses reflected a rich diversity of hopes, beliefs, wishes, fears, and needs. It was evident that our student leaders are deeply invested in contributing positively to the school community.

CSIRO Generation STEM project

On November 9, 2023, students from Year 10 and 9 Science actively participated in a showcase as part of their collaboration with CSIRO and STEM throughout the year. These students have ingeniously developed models and creative solutions addressing identified issues in the Blacktown Local Government Area (LGA). They will be presenting their work to various schools, parents, and the broader Blacktown community at the expo.

Congratulations to the winners of the CSIRO Generation STEM project: Christina, Rosemary, Jasleen, Yareli, Rianne, and Imogen. Special thanks to Mr. Wilson and Mr. Krishna for their dedication and collaboration with students from Years 9 and 10.

Peer Support Leaders

The Peer Support Program for 2024 is currently underway, with students selected as Peer Support Leaders for the upcoming year. On Wednesday, November 15th, the students who were chosen underwent their initial training and development session in preparation for the Year 7 2024 Orientation Day on 22nd November 2023. Their enthusiastic participation and dedication during the session reflect their readiness to support the new Year 7 cohort in their transition to high school. We express gratitude to these leaders for their commitment to shaping the St Agnes culture and eagerly anticipate welcoming the next generation of dedicated students.

Year 12 Formal

The HSC examinations concluded on Friday 3rd November. Our Year 12 students approached their final HSC examinations with focus and commitment. We wish all of our students, and their families, every success. The final celebration for these students was their Year 12 formal which took place last night at Curzon Hall, Marsfield. All the students looked fabulous and had a great time enjoying each other's company while dancing the night away. Over 40 staff attended the formal which is a tribute to our current Year 12 students.

I would like to thank Mr Cruickshank and Ms Raad for organising a great evening that Year 12 will remember. Also, I would like to thank the Formal Committee members. The students and staff had a great night celebrating the conclusion of their secondary education.

We are looking forward to seeing our students on the 15th December for an HSC breakfast. Many students mentioned they are looking forward to this event because it will be the final time they will gather with their year group and the teachers.

More photos will be posted on Facebook

Farewell Mr Di Ienno

It is with great sadness that we say farewell to Mr Di Ienno today. He has been appointed as Marist Learning Zone (MLZ) Co-ordinator commencing on 20th November 2023. This is a promotion position and it is a great opportunity for Mr Di Ienno to utilise his expertise and experience. In Mr Di Ienno’s previous position, he worked at Pete's Place. Pete's Place was a special assistance school that supported students who could not engage in mainstream schooling. MLZ is a similar school.

St Agnes Student Awards Ceremony Monday 11th December

At St Agnes we continue to place a great emphasis on Learning and involvement in Co-Curricular activities. There are ongoing developments in these areas that are evident in the fine results of our students this semester.

We would like to acknowledge these achievements in our Academic Awards Ceremony, which will take place on Monday 11th December, starting at 6pm, in our Alverna Performance Space. As a community this is a time to acknowledge our students and celebrate their success.

Parents and carers will be informed if their child is receiving an award and an acknowledgement form will be sent. Due to space limitations we can only have two members per family attend the Academic Awards Ceremony.

Mrs J Holland

Principal

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To Truth Through Love

Learning something new is never a simple process. We only learn to walk by trying, falling, being picked up and starting all over again. It is the same way we learn how to speak. One of the greatest blockages to learning is the fear of getting something wrong. As teachers, we sometimes see students, who perform very well in examinations and assessments, unwilling to answer questions in class. This is because they do not want to get the answer wrong. There are two terms that explain this; 'fixed mindset' and 'growth mindset'. In its simplest form, a fixed mindset is one where a person either believes they are right and will not engage with an alternative idea, or where a person is unwilling or unable to change for fear of making a mistake. A growth mindset is the complete opposite.

At St Agnes, each teacher has a responsibility to create a safe environment for students in which mistakes are welcomed, encouraged and even celebrated. All of our teachers want our students to walk out of each class with a new idea or fact retained in their mind, with the ability to apply this learning in the next lesson. The students learn by doing; whether this be putting ideas forward (as mentioned above) or developing their current skills, or indeed new skill, in a particular subject.

Study Skills Tip for November -

How much sleep?

We all know that sleep is important for general health, for growth and development and for emotional well-being. However, you may not know that important memory processes take place while you are sleeping, ensuring you retain what you are learning and studying.

Perhaps you have heard that teenagers need between nine to ten hours of sleep per night. But where does this come from and how valid is this claim? In 1980, Mary Carskadon of Stanford sequestered a group of adolescents in the university's sleep laboratory for several days, letting them sleep for as long as they wanted, up to 10 hours. She found that the teenagers slept just over nine hours, with very little variation. This single "naturalistic" study is the primary basis for the adolescent sleep recommendation. However, some researchers argue that just because teenagers slept nine hours when left alone does not mean that this is the best thing for them, just like letting people eat whatever they want is not necessarily the best thing for their health. So there is no definitive answer at this point in time.

The amount of sleep needed by teenagers is most likely very individual, just like it is for adults. It is probably safe to assume that adolescents need more sleep than adults and that the average for most people is at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Pay attention to the signs and have students listen to their body. If they lie down in bed and fall asleep instantly, this is a sign they are not getting enough sleep for their body. It should take at least 15 minutes to fall asleep. If they wake up in the morning and are feeling exhausted, then check all lifestyle factors: are they getting enough sleep, eating healthily and getting enough exercise?

If teenagers are sleeping in for many hours on a weekend, unfortunately this does not mean they are “catching up” on their sleep. According to University of Texas Southwestern sleep specialist Dr. Gregory Carter, when we think we're catching up on sleep, what we're really doing is messing with our circadian cycle -- the body's internal clock which dictates sleep patterns. Excessive sleeping in is in fact a signal that during the week students need to go to bed earlier. The aim is to work out the optimum bedtime so that the need to catch up on large amounts of sleep on the weekend is eliminated.

There is nothing wrong with having a power-nap in the afternoon when students get home from school, as long as the nap is no longer than 40 minutes. A short nap can help students regain their energy levels and allow them to focus on the work they have to do that evening. However, a longer nap will also disrupt sleeping patterns for that night.

Check out the unit in the Study Skills Handbook on Lifestyle and Balance to learn more about sleep and other lifestyle factors for success.

You can learn more about making great study notes in the SUMMARISING unit of www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with these details:

Our school’s subscription details are -

Username: stagnes

Password: 24success

Mr G Kemmis

Assistant Principal - Learning Transformation

At St Agnes we value our school’s pillars of dignity, compassion, integrity and inclusiveness. We strive to uphold these values in an educational setting by providing opportunities for staff and students. Below are some ways that not only we, but our families at home can help to encourage young people to find and build a sense of inclusiveness.

1. Focus on the purpose: Ask open-ended questions to help adolescents begin to narrow and focus on their purpose. Energy goes where focus flows. Helping adolescents identify their main goals can direct much of their energy to those areas of their lives and reinforce their sense of self.

2. Encourage self-reflection: Adolescents need time and space to reflect on their experiences, feelings, and beliefs. Adults can encourage and model self-reflection by continuing to ask open-ended questions and providing a safe and supportive environment for adolescents to share their thoughts and feelings.

3. Foster a sense of belonging: Adolescents need to feel like they belong and are truly accepted for who they are. It allows them to realise that they are enough. Positive relationships with peers and adults can provide a sense of belonging and connection, which can boost self-esteem and resilience.

4. Encourage positive self-talk: Adolescents need to develop a positive self-image and sense of self-worth. Adults can encourage this by modelling positive self-talk and reinforcing positive qualities and strengths in adolescents. This can also involve making adolescents more aware of any negative thought patterns they might have, and steering them towards the positive.

5. Challenge negative stereotypes and biases: Negative stereotypes and biases can undermine adolescents’ sense of self-worth and identity. Adults can challenge these stereotypes and biases by promoting diversity and inclusivity, and encouraging young people to embrace their unique qualities and perspectives.

Mr G Hilder

Assistant Principal - School Culture

Pace e bene- Peace and blessings to all members of the St Agnes community.

Umbria Room- New space for weekly Mass, Confession, Rosary, FIAT and FAM

On the 2nd November, we unveiled our new sacred space - the Umbria room. This room is a dedicated reflective space for our weekly masses, confession, Rosary, FIAT and FAM participants. Our space was opened with a normal Thursday morning mass presided over by Fr Alan Layt from St Aidan’s. Mass begins every Thursday at 8am, and will conclude by the start of period 1. Confession is heard between 11:30-1 pm. This changes each week depending on the availability of Fr Alan and Fr Neil. Students should see their Compass for further information.

The Road to Bethlehem

A liturgical pilgrimage - 2023

On Friday, December 8, we will be participating in our annual pilgrimage “The Road to Bethlehem” in our Alverna space. This is a significant event in our school’s calendar, and it enables us as a community to reflect on the significance of Advent, and ultimately the Nativity story. It is a time for the St Agnes community to reflect and engage with the story as students and staff bring the story to life in a new way. A casting call will go out to students wishing to participate through Compass in week 7.

Mr P. Madigan

Head of Mission

FIAT News

Our Faith In Action Team (FIAT) this term will be partnering with Jesuit Social Services (JSS), a social change organization working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential.

From weeks 5-8, we will be having a Christmas Food Drive to support the JSS Ignite Food Store in Emerton. Our FIAT members have developed several initiatives to promote donations and foods for the Ignite Food Store, such as a bake sale and a raffle for canteen vouchers tied in with the food drive.

We kindly ask students and families, if possible, to donate any food items from the list below. All donations, regardless of the amount, will help someone less fortunate, so please feel free to give what is within your means.

Society and Culture PIP Excursion

This term, our Year 12 Society and Culture class traveled to Sydney CBD for a full-day workshop on their Personal Interest Project, fondly referred to as the PIP.

The PIP is a major research project that is worth 40% of their HSC and involves developing an original research topic independently investigated through primary and secondary research methods.

HSC PIP markers presented various aspects of the research process, from topic development and research methodology to integrated and analytical writing skills.

Students were also treated to performances from DJ D, Australia’s premier female turntablist; Prodikal-1, a Yuin Djiringani man who fuses traditional First Nations culture with hip hop, rock, and psychedelic global melodies and rhythms; and Morganics, an award-winning Hip-Hop artist, spoken word performer, director, and community arts worker.

After the workshop, students walked to the NSW State Library where they read award-winning PIPs in the HSC Information area written by past Society and Culture HSC students around the state. Along the way, students acquainted themselves with landmarks of Sydney, including the Queen Victoria Building, the law courts, Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney Mint, and the Parliament of NSW. We also visited the famous il Porcellino statue outside the Sydney Eye Hospital, which brings good luck to anyone who rubs its golden nose. It was a great opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the PIP process ahead of submitting their research proposal in Week 6 of this term, on which they are all busy working.

PATHE WSU Day Excursion

Testimonial from Year 12 Student

“On the 25th of October, six other Pasifika students from Year 12, as well as students from Blacktown Patrician Brothers, and I attended the PATHE Western Sydney program. This program helped us explore potential pathways we may be interested in after completing Year 12. PATHE aims to provide students like us with greater opportunities in life and to inspire us to further our education. The program focused particularly on criminology and policing, as well as music. While attending these two workshops, we learned many interesting things about these majors and what Western Sydney University has to offer for students who may choose to pursue these fields. We were accompanied by amazing Pasifika leaders who welcomed and led us around the campus. At the end of the day, we were able to ask them questions. This helped us learn from their experiences in finding the best pathway for them and what they enjoyed. PATHE opened our eyes to the many opportunities available for students like us with a Pacific background and expanded our limits of what we can accomplish.”

Thrilling Debut: 'Alverna Street Music's'

Teacher vs Student Lip Sync Battle!

In Week 5, the Alverna Stage witnessed an exhilarating showdown as our teachers went head-to-head with students in the first-ever Teacher vs Student Lip Sync Battle. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and creativity, showcasing the incredible musical talent our school boasts. The performances were extraordinary, and the student team emerged victorious!

As the curtain falls on this fantastic event, we encourage all students to participate in the upcoming Alverna Street Music lunchtime events. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a first-timer, the stage is yours to conquer. Embrace the thrill, let your creativity soar, and join us in making every Alverna Street Music event an unforgettable celebration of music, unity, and talent. Get ready to shine and be part of the musical magic at St Agnes!

AFL Sports Ready

AFL Sports Ready ran an immersion day on Friday, 3rd November, in partnership with our local Regional Industry Education Partnership at International Sports Park Rooty Hill. Students learned about traineeships available locally and gained knowledge regarding career opportunities in sport, with the primary focus being AFL NSW. While the day was centred around AFL, it also encouraged students to explore other sporting codes for career pathways. Students participated in a range of theoretical and practical workshops throughout the day and left with a greater understanding of the opportunities available to them as they get ready to leave school.

Executive Director visit

Mr de Groot the Executive Director visited Year 9 HSIE, where Mr Azzopardi and I were team teaching a lesson on Beef Farming, and Alverna Street as a learning space for a Gallery walk. Mr de Groot then visited Year 9 Science where Mr Krishna was conducting a practical investigation to examine energy changes between different chemicals when heated via flame testing, and Mr Wilson was working with students to construct and evaluate digital models of atoms as part of their studies of the changes in atomic theory over time.

In period 2, the Cultural Diversity student leaders and Coordinator, Miss Fielding facilitated a presentation on St Agnes’ Cultural Journey in the library. They were joined by members of the JAECG and the HSIE Coordinator Miss Clark. The purpose of the session was to illustrate some of the key systems and processes in place at St Agnes which celebrate cultural diversity and in turn, empower our students to succeed. In particular, the success of the JAECG, which is a key cultural group within the school community (since 2019) was discussed, as well as the literacy program: the Reading Angels (introduced in 2022). Key community stakeholders participated in this session, including Sister Maria Sullivan, Tess Mulveney, Anna Dimo and Deng Athum who are members of the Josephite Refugee Mentor Support Program and CSPD.

During their presentation, Beminet and Jewel effectively illustrated the impact and importance of targeted cultural programs within schools, explaining how the JAECG and Reading Angels have led to amplified perspectives of culture, have improved literacy outcomes for young people and have resulted in the creation of spaces within the school which facilitate connection and allow for immersion in culture and learning. The final part of this session involved a series of hands-on activities, including cultural painting with the JAECG which paid respects to the Dinawan (emu) in the Sky (the dust lanes in the milky way) and picture book reviews led by Reading Angels student coaches in years 7,9 and 11.

Overall the Executive Director’s visit was a huge success and provided opportunities for our teachers and students to contribute to meaningful discussion about St Agnes’ journey.

Miss Fielding

Year 10 Graphics

Testimonial

“The Minecraft coding program was a fun experience that enabled the opportunity for me to learn coding through playing Minecraft which had made the learning process not only fun but also enjoyable as you get to learn new skills in a game that we are familiar with” Thomas Schuster

"The future depends on what you do today." — Mahatma Gandhi, lawyer and political ethicist.

CAREERS IN INFORMATION SECURITY

What are Information Security Analysts?

Picture yourself shielding precious information from cyber threats. Information Security Analysts are the first line of defense in the virtual world, ensuring that business networks and systems are fortified against attacks.

What skills and strengths are needed?

These professionals require meticulous attention to detail, robust analytical skills for assessing security measures, and a proactive mindset. Technical proficiency is paramount, and a capacity to think like an attacker can be beneficial. Effective communication skills are essential for explaining complex information to nonexperts.

What are the pathways?

Studying cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology at university, with a focus on security is a good place to start. Relevant VET courses in IT security can also pave the way. After your course you’ll need experience in roles like junior security consultant or IT support specialist before moving into a dedicated security analyst position. We offer IDT VET in 2024 and many microcredential opportunities throughout the year at St Agnes.

RISE is a program that starts at ages 15–17 and encourages a lifetime of service and learning by providing support that includes need-based scholarships, mentorship, networking, access to career development opportunities, and the potential for additional funding as Rise Global Winners work toward solving humanity’s most pressing problems. The application is free, and there is no cost to Rise Global Winners or their families to participate in the Rise program.

Benefits offered to RISE global winners may include:

Attendance at the fully-funded residential summit.

Higher education scholarships.

Funding for ideas on a competitive basis.

Network matching.

Starter technology packages.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants for the 2024 cohort must be between the ages of 15 and 17 as of July 1, 2024, meaning they were born on or between July 2, 2006 and July 1, 2009.

Deadlines

17/01/24: Application submission due.

31/01/24: Peer review due.

How Do I Apply?

The application is a multi-step process that gives you an opportunity to RISE about yourself. You will showcase your potential through videos, projects, and group interviews. There is also an alternate low-tech pathway for applicants without technology access. The overall process includes the following four steps:

1. Tell them about yourself.

2. Submit your project.

3. Complete two assessments.

4. Review projects.

Little Stories: Big Ideas Writing Competition

Are you Australia’s best young writer?

This is free to enter. The competition closes 22 December 2023. In 100 words or less write your story incorporating the theme MAGIC. Fill out the form in the link and you can enter as many times as you like.

https://littlestoriesbigideas.com.au/entry-form/

Year 12: Get Ready With Us Webinar

Wednesday, 15 November 2023

6pm – 7pm (AEDT)

Are you struggling to balance your social life, exams and assignments? Or perhaps you just need a boost of motivation to keep pushing forward?

If this sounds like you and you’re gearing up for Year 12 next year, then you don’t want to miss our Year 12: Get Ready With Us Webinar.

This isn’t your typical webinar; it’s an experience tailored just for you and designed to change how you approach your senior year. We’ll keep it fun, engaging and, most importantly, useful.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Personal Stories: You’ll hear inspiring anecdotes from students who have been through Year 12 and have come out on top.
  
• Study Hacks: You’ll learn practical tips and tricks that have helped our students successfully navigate Year 12.
  
• Planning the Year Ahead: We’ll provide you with a roadmap for 2024 so you feel organised and don’t miss important dates.
  
• Live Q&A: You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.
  

Don’t let Year 12 overwhelm you.

Register now and secure your spot – your future self will thank you.

Australian Catholic University (ACU) Blacktown Campus Open Night

Parent Information Evening

The Australian Catholic University campus at Blacktown is holding a Parent Information Session on Thursday the 23 November from 6 - 7:30pm. This is a great opportunity to meet with current students and with university staff to gain a deeper understanding of what courses are on offer. There will also be information on early entry schemes as well as scholarships on offer. For further information and to register your intention to attend this event please use the following link

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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