‘Enlivened by the Spirit’

Anzac Road Menai NSW 2234 Phone 9543 0188 Facsimile 9541 0398 info@aquinasmenai.catholic.edu.au www.aquinasmenai.catholic.edu.au

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

AQUINAS CATHOLIC COLLEGE MENAI

23rd June, 2014 Vol.22.No.17

Last week we had a fantastic College community day when we are able to take time to pause and celebrate Aquinas Day for 2014. St Thomas Aquinas’ Memorial falls on January 28th in the universal church’s liturgical calendar, and as such, it is impractical for us to celebrate on this day @ Menai given it is prior to, or just as, the school year commences. Our day began with a terrific liturgy celebrated by Fr Phil Zadro our Parish Priest in the John Paul II Hall. The students were engaged in the mass and were heavily involved in the ministries of singing, music, reading, and were also extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Special thanks go to our Religious Education Coordinator, Mrs Nolan and Assistant REC, Mr Strudwick for ensuring we had such a prayerful liturgy. Then followed a number of house relays that were unable to be held at last week’s athletics carnival. The student versus staff relay was the final event and although the staff proved to be early front runners they were easily rounded up by the students and were well beaten!

Then followed a frenetic fundraising period where each Pastoral class undertook running a stall of chance, skill or food offerings that entertained and fed the hungry hordes. Mr Tsambalas and our hard working Pastoral teachers are to be commended for their ingenuity in raising money for those less fortunate than ourselves. The finale of the day was the annual talent quest where a large range and styles of student acts entertained the community. The ‘Year 11MC’ Act was adjudged winners, but the standard from the other nine acts was absolutely amazing. As with the relay, the Year 12 v Staff Act was taken out by a very inventive and inclusive student team whose dancing and video performances were of an exceptionally high standard. Whilst the staff synchronised swimming themed act was entertaining and had some high points; it was not in the same class as the Year 12s. Thank you also to the production team led by Mrs Bosi who did the hard yards backstage to ensure the talent quest was a fitting spectacle to conclude our day. Well done!!

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Just a reminder to parents and students the term will conclude this week with our Semester One Student / Parent / Teacher interview days on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th June. We have again included the Year 10 Cohort on these days and will have interviews from 8:30am until 8pm on the Thursday and again from 9am – 12noon on the Friday. There will be no classes on these days and it is a College expectation that students attend these interviews with their parent[s] in full winter school uniform. A reminder to parents that each scheduled interview is for 5 minutes and that if there was a need for further discussion at another occasion that can be arranged, and in doing so will ensure a more timely flow of interviews. We look forward to having open three way conversations centred on learning on these days and refocussing efforts for the remainder of the year. Congratulations to two of our Hospitality students from the class of 2013 both Alesha Smith and Cameron Wong won NSW Australian Vocational Student Prizes. These are prestigious awards and there is a cash prize of $2000. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of their teachers Mrs Halliday, Assistant TAS Coordinator and Mrs Martin. Well done all! Aquinas students continue to excel in different fields of endeavour and the following students are to be congratulated on their efforts; Jacqueline Cowell & Rose Lewis [Year 10] recently represented the College in the NSW Interschool

Equestrian Event. Ethan Stacy [Year 7] has been selected in the Australian Baseball side to compete in the 15th Annual

Cal Ripken World Series competition to be held in Aberdeen, Maryland USA in August. He will be in one of eight international sides competing with ten teams from the United States.

The Opens Rugby League side bowed out of the NSWCCC Knockout in a cold Wagga Wagga last week, but continue in the GIO Cup this week.

The Under 14 Cochrane Cup side was victorious over St Pat’s Sutherland and play again this week. The Year 7 debating team was runner up in the recently concluded Catholic Schools’ Debating

Competition. Please keep the Coogan family in your prayers as Luke’s [Year 8] grandfather recently passed away.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

James Corcoran Principal

Social Justice News Vinnie's Clothing Bin Donations

Our very own Vinnie's Clothing Bin, which is open for your donations during the school term, will be closing for business over the school holidays. That being the case, this FRIDAY will be the last day for collection this term.

The bin is located in the College staff car park and ready for your generous deposits of new and used in good condition clothing. Good clean, wearable clothing (of all sizes) and accessories, with no rips/stains or tears, are the most valuable donations the St. Vincent de Paul Society request. Giving clothes is a great way of helping out the community, especially giving to those who need them the most, the ones less fortunate than us, living below the poverty line.

You can donate during College opening hours, so please give and…. MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

With every good wish,

Peter Tsambalas Social Justice Coordinator

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Assistant Principal

Key Dates

Monday 23rd June GIO Cup Opens RL match at Jubilee oval

Tuesday 24th June Visit from teachers from Mary Mackillop Wakeley

Wednesday 25th June Year 7 Mass, 8:20am Year 12 SOR focus day at ACU Taste of TAFE day Student leavers Expo - Gymea Cochrane Cup Round 2 vs DLS Caringbah at Shark Park No 2 Last day of lessons for Year 7-12 classes

Thursday 26th June Year 7-10 Student/Parent/Teacher interviews in the JPII Hall - 8.30am to 8.00pm (students to come in full winter uniform) - pupil free day

Year 11 - 2015 re-enrolment forms due back to College office today

Friday 27th June Year 7-10 Student/Parent/Teacher interviews in the JPII Hall-9.00am to 12 noon (students to come in full winter uniform) - pupil free day

Last Day of Term 2

Week 9(B) Term 2

Week 1(A) Term 3

Monday14thJuly Term3commencesinfullwinteruniform  Year10into11‐2015onlinebookingsCLOSEfortransitioninterviews

Tuesday15thJuly Year12Assessmentfreeweekcommencestoday

Wednesday16thJuly Year12Mass  Year12Assessmentfreeweek

Thursday17thJuly Year12Assessmentfreeweek

Friday18thJuly Year12Assessmentfreeweek  12PhysicsexcursiontoSydneyUniversity  Sport

Reminder of Year 7-10 Parent/ Teacher/ student Interviews 26th & 27th June 2014 Just a reminder once again that Year 7-10 Student/Parent/Teacher/interviews are on the last two days of term-Thursday 26th June from 8.30am to 8.00pm and Friday 27th June from 9.00am to 12 noon in the John Paul II Hall, with students expected to present in full school winter uniform. Effectively these days are pupil free days for the school, though Year 11 and 12 are welcome to use the College resource centre if they wish.

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Year11re‐enrolmentformsfor2015andonlinebookingsforTransitioninterviewsPleasebeadvisedthatthesere‐enrolmentformsneedtobehandedintothefrontof icebyThursday26thJuneor earlier. Details/codes for the online bookings for the interviews thatwill take place inWeek 2 ofTerm3(21st&22ndJulybetween9.00amand5.00pm)withaleadershipteammemberorCoordinatorforthosecontinuingintoYear11‐2015areasfollows:Loginto: www.schoolinterviews.com.auEventCode: 2FALDBookingsopen: Friday27/6/14at3.00pmBookingsclose: Monday14/7/14at5.00pmNoteforthesebookings,familiescanselectfromanyofthe7teacherslabelledasTeacherA,B,C,D,E,F,Gapplyingatimethatbestsuits.Interviewswill be conductedat theCollegebetween9.00amand5.00pmandeachwillrunfor20minutes. Studentswill leave their class 5minutes early andmeet their parents/carersinthefrontof icefortheinterview.AlsonotethattheinterviewisachanceforthestudentstoexpresstheirdesirearoundundertakingStage6studiesatAquinasCatholicCollege,MenaiandtheyareaskedtobringtheirlatestReport(Year10Semesterone)alongwiththequestion/answersheetissuedtothem.Shouldyouhaveanyqueriespleasedon’thesitatetocontactmeattheCollegeEndofTerm2Itakethisopportunitytowishallstudentsandtheirfamiliesarestfulmid‐yearholidaybreak,achancetore‐chargethebatteriesandtohavesomepeacefulre lectivetime.Can I remind students and families that our normal standards are expected around haircuts and winteruniformuponreturntoschoolonMonday14thJuly(WeekA).God Bless

Robert Nastasi Assistant Principal

Maths Recall is included in the newsletter each week and is designed for Stage 4 and 5 or junior students. The questions may focus on Working Mathematically problems and all are intended to be done without a calculator.

1. Calculate 20% of 200km

2. Write 3 as a percentage

3. Simplify

4. Simplify

5. Expand

Mrs Catherine Fensom Maths Teacher

MATHS DEPARTMENT RECALL CORNER

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Religious Education at Aquinas Walk with Christ Last Sunday thousands gathered in the city for the annual Walk with Christ Eucharistic procession, celebrating the feast of Corpus Christi. The procession started at St Patrick’s, Church Hill and concluded in the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral, where Bishop Comensoli and Bishop Brady led prayer and Benediction. Our College’s ‘Book of Life’, filled with prayers from our staff and students, was presented in front of the Blessed Sacrament at the conclusion of the procession. SOR HSC Focus Day This Wednesday Year 12 Studies of Religion students will be attending a Studies of Religion HSC Focus Day at the Australian Catholic University. The day is offered by the Catholic Education Office Sydney and provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable insights and consolidate the content taught throughout the HSC course in preparation for their upcoming examinations. Students are reminded that they are required to meet at the College at 7.45am, in their full winter uniform, with food, drink and writing material for the day.   Road to Rome Reflection Over the past term I have reflected on my ‘Road to Rome’ pilgrimage experience with over forty leaders, teachers and staff from CEO Sydney. On Sunday April 27th we gathered in front of a screen near the Colosseum with pilgrims from all over the world to celebrate the canonisations of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. Being in Rome, participating in this significant Mass that was occurring in the crowded St Peter’s Square with Pope Francis and Pope Benedict XVI was incredible!   After the canonisations we made the journey into the Vatican, soaking up the atmosphere of the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who had flooded the streets. We then spent the afternoon visiting significant sites around Rome, including the Pantheon. The next day we had a walking tour around Rome, visiting sites such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. We then had a tour of the ancient Catacombs of St Callixtus where some important early Christians were once buried, including St Cecilia, before visiting the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls, where we prayed before the tomb of St Paul. We finished our time in Rome with a bus ride around the significant sites at night.  On our final morning of the pilgrimage we journeyed to Pompeii, where we had a guided tour of the ancient site and celebrated our final mass together before our long journey home. I am very grateful to all at CEO, Sydney and the College who gave me the opportunity to participate in this amazing pilgrimage.  Mrs Catherine Nolan Religious Education Coordinator

Reflection on the Gospel

Sunday was the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Blood and Body of Christ. In the Gospel (John 6:51-58) Jesus said to the Jews ‘I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.’ There are two experiences that lie behind the images used in this Gospel. The first was the experience of the Israelites when they escaped from Egypt and were fed by the manna in the wilderness. The second is the experience of Eucharist in the early Chris-tian communities. This Gospel was written long after Jesus’ death and Christians had been gathering for Eucharist for about sixty years. The evangelist affirms in very strong and vivid language the reality of Jesus’ presence when Christians gather to eat and drink at the table of the Eucharist. Just as food nourishes ordinary human life, the bread and wine of the Eucharist nourishes the life of Christ in the believer.

Adapted from a reflection by Mary Coloe

Pantheon, Rome

Colosseum, Rome

Image of Pope Francis in the Basilica of St Paul’s,

Outside the Walls

Tomb of St Paul, Basilica of St Paul’s, Outside the

Walls Pompeii

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Last Thursday, 19 June we came together as a community to celebrate the life of our patron saint, St Thomas Aquinas. We did this in three parts during the day; Firstly - we assembled together in the hall for mass, Then - we went outside and ate, played, relaxed and had fun, And Finally - we come back in the hall and were entertained by many talented individuals. The feast and activities that were available on the day were amazing befitting the celebrations of the achievements for such an important man in the Catholic Church. We had a smorgasbord of food stalls, catering to all tastes and styles of the culinary world. We had a plethora of activities to challenge and entertain every fabric of the human body. Wow! It was a very impressive list that was on display for all to sample. Silent disco, football kicking & ping pong challenges, putt-putt golf, nerf targets, sausage sizzle, pizza, hot dogs, slushies, donuts, ice-creams and much, much more. "Give, expecting nothing thereof" – St Thomas Aquinas. What I believe St Thomas Aquinas meant by this is, do good and lend expecting nothing in return for your reward will be great. The challenge was put to all pastoral classes to run a stall and raise money for the Beagle Bay Indigenous Experience and the Maliana Timor-Leste Project. Each pastoral class met this challenge. So, on the day, it was all about getting out and having fun. We moved around the College with friends, ate up and had a go at the activities. We all did this last Thursday, we were rewarded and we all honoured the great achievements of St Thomas Aquinas. Happy feast day everyone.

Mr Tsambalas Social Justice Coordinator

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UNIFORM SHOP SECOND HAND BLAZERS

If you have a blazer that is in good condition and you no longer need it, you might consider offering it for sale through the College Uniform Shop. The College sells second hand blazers on consignment. Due to OH&S Guidelines Blazers must be dry cleaned and presented in the plastic dry cleaning cover, with receipt attached. They can be left at the College office or the uniform shop. Please attach a note with your name and contact details. Once sold, you will receive $40.

Year 7-10 Student Parent Teacher Interviews Semester 1 - 2014

Aquinas Catholic College has implemented a new look on-line Student/Parent/Teacher Interview booking system that will simplify the booking process. You are invited to book an interview time with the teachers of Year 7-10, via the on-line site. This year with the introduction of a new look reporting package, the online booking process has changed from previous years so please book promptly for the best time selections. It would be an expectation that each student see as many of their teachers as possible. Teachers may also request interviews as appropriate.

The website for online bookings is: www.schoolinterviews.com.au

Year 7-10 Parent Teacher evening booking code is: X5MUW Bookings will open at 4.30pm Monday 16th June and will conclude on Wednesday 25th June. Students will need to assist their parents/carers in selecting the teachers they intend to make an appointment with. Due to the timeframe of the evening, interviews are limited to 5 minute timeslots. Any additional time for an interview can be organised with the teacher by calling the College Office and arranging a suitable appointment time during school hours. Parents will be asked online to supply a confirmation email address so the confirmation of bookings can be emailed and printed. Parents who have difficulty with this online booking process are asked to contact the College Office during school hours. We look forward to having a conversation with you.

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DEBATING NEWS

LastWednesday evening, the inal round of the Regional Catholic Schools Debating CompetitiontookplaceatBethanyCollege.RepresentingAquinasCatholicCollegewasourYear7team–BenjaminCapovilla,BenjaminFerraro,Charlotte Knoke and Joshua Lane. They were debating against Marist College Penshurst as towhether‘Australiahasalottolearn.’Unfortunately,wewerenotabletosecureawinagainsttheoppositionontheevening,howevertoreach the inals in their irst yearas a team is anoutstandingachievement. Iwould like to thankeverybodywhosupportedourYear7’sontheevening‐MrCorcoran,MrNastasiandallparentsandstudents.Asthedebatingseasonhasnowcometoaclose,Iwouldalsoliketoacknowledgeourcoachesfortheirsupportandguidanceofourteams–MrsCapovilla,MrsLennonandMrsDickinson.Debating would not be possible without our adjudicators – Mrs Fensom, Mrs Buttling,MrsHofrichterandMrsIbrahim.Iammostappreciativeandthankfulofyourcontinuedserviceandsupport.

Year7RunnersUp2014Lefttoright:JoshuaLane,BenjaminFerraro,CharlotteKnoke,BenjaminCapovilla

MissCurisDebatingCoordinator

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Year 9 Intermediate Team

The Year 9 Netball team played 6 games last Wednesday and convincingly won four of these six. This was the first time that these players had played together and worked very well as a team and should be very proud of their efforts. They were unfortunately defeated by St Patrick's Sutherland and Our Lady of Mercy College, Burraneer who were the eventual grand finalists.

Team members: Brooklyn Coots, Sinead Daly, Tara Stortenbeker, Chelsea Cryer, Hailey Cooper, Kiara Heyward, Emma Donovan, Brodie Boyle, Teagan Lang.

Special thanks also to Olivia Clark and Kayla Green who provided a very high standard of umpiring throughout the day.

Mrs Denise Martin

Year 7 The Year 7 team consisted of 10 very talented netballers who fought their way throughout the day, winning 5 out 6 games. This placed them 2nd overall, and straight into the grand final up against St. Patrick’s, Sutherland. Losing 12-4 in the round game to them, we knew it would be tough. However, in true Aquinas spirit the team never gave up, but eventually lost 13-8. Congratulations on your efforts and sportsmanship ladies. Ms Lauren Petrie

Year 8 Year 8 started off strongly, winning 4 out of 5 games they played. Placing second overall, they faced a tough semi final against St. Patrick’s, Sutherland. Despite their tenacious efforts and determination to win, they unfortunately lost. The team played extremely well throughout the entire day, and their fight to the last minute is admirable. An unlucky loss girls, however you should all be very proud of yourselves! Ms Lauren Petrie

On 18 June six netball teams represented the College at the Southern Sydney Netball Gala Day. All teams represented the College with good sportsmanship and played netball at a very high standard.

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Year 11

The Year 11 Netball team consists of a group of highly skilled and talented girls. They played strong competitive netball all day, winning all 6 of their matches. This brought us to the Grand Final where we were to play our toughest competitor of the day, being De La Salle, Cronulla. It was a nail biting match with a tie at full time, this led to 5 mins extra time. With flawless play and a hunger to win the girls held their composure and won by 2 points. The girls were very deserving of being champions on the day. I would also like to thank Mrs Cathy Spratt who assisted in leading the girls to victory.

Mrs Nicole Katrib

Year 12

The Year 12 Netball team played solid and competitive Netball throughout the day. The girls had 2 successful matches and lost 4 of their matches by a very slim margin. The competition was tough but that didn't get in the way of the girls enjoying each match and giving 100%. They displayed great leadership to the junior netball teams and demonstrated true sportsmanship and good will throughout the day. Well Done Year 12!

Mrs Nicole Katrib

Year 10

3rd Place

Team members:

Alana Jehnic, Alana Halliday, Jenna Lennon, Lauren Semrani, Bianca Orlando, Alicia Patrick, Stephanie Sargeant, Alison Cameron

Congratulations to the Year 10 team on a hard fought tournament. After 5 games Year 10 proceeded to the semi finals in 3rd position after 3 wins and 2 narrow losses. They came 3rd after a tiring semi final against OLMC Burraneer Bay. As a coach I was very proud of every player, in particular their adaptability to play different positions to help the team and the pride they displayed in representing Aquinas. Well done, Year 10. Thank you also to the umpires Kayla Green and Olivia Clark for giving up your time to umpire for our team.

Mrs Simone D’Astoli

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FRIDAY SPORT

Hats are required and water bottles are recommended for students participating in all sporting activities

CCC Cross Country Eastern Creek Jerome Etteridge won his division of the cross country on Friday the 13th June and will be joining Sophie Maxwell at the all schools race early next term. We wish Jerome and Sophie well in this very demanding event.

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Answers:

MATHS CHALLENGE

Maths Department

1. 40km

2. 300%

3. 1 : 2 : 4

4. 9 - 10 = - 1

5. 8 - 6a

CANTEEN ROSTER TERM 2

TIME: MONDAY-THURSDAY 10:00-1:35, FRIDAY 9:30-12:45

MONDAY 23/6 MARIA SKARENTZOS, TIFFANY KUNZE, STEPHANIE BRODIE, KEVIN HUFF TUESDAY 24/6 KERRIE HARRINGTON, ANTOINETTE KERLE, CHRISTINE KLEIN WEDNESDAY 25/6 JULIANNE MULLER, PHILIPPA MCGUINESS, MICHELLE LAWRENCE THURSDAY 26/6 STUDENT / PARENT / TEACHER INTERVIEWS FRIDAY 27/6 STUDENT / PARENT / TEACHER INTERVIEWS

TERM 3 MONDAY 14/7 JACQUELINE HARB, DIANA LARKHAM TUESDAY 15/7 ANTOINETTE KERLE WEDNESDAY 16/7 LISA SHAW, JOANNE ASHE THURSDAY 17/7 SHELLI BAKER, KAREN MAJOR FRIDAY 18/7 ANN MARIE WALKER, MEGAN FEGHALI, LEANNE BROWNE, ANICK BRADSTOCK, VANESSA CURRAN, NICOLE DE NOBREGA

UNIFORM SHOP

THURSDAY 17 JULY 8:00am—9:00am

Please note the Uniform Shop only sells

Sports Uniforms and School bags

The Uniform Shop does not accept Eftpos or Credit cards

College caps and sports socks can be purchased from the College Office