Star of Peace

Another busy fortnight here at St Patrick’s Marist.  Year 7 Information Evening, Ash Wednesday, Public Speaking, and our Year 7 camp.

Thank you to the parents who attended our information Evening and our P&F AGM. Our Invitation for the 'Welcome to Parents Evening' on the 12th March has gone out. 

Monday the 8th of March is International Women's Day 2021. I was very privileged to be invited to the Catholic Schools NSW International Women’s Day breakfast with Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC the Governor of New South Wales, who has had a long and distinguished law career spanning 43 years, during which time she has served as a role model for women in law at both the State and National level. We also heard from Laetitia Richmond the Principal of Brigidine College St Ives. Her Excellency, through a reflection on key writers on gender, who talked about how women needed to change themselves, and her own journey, challenged us to see that forging a gender equal world is not the job of women, it is the job of all. 

Ms Richmond gave a reflection on what has been at the forefront of the news in the last week, the Instagram poll about being assaulted and consent which has received approximately 5000 responses, these responses have shocked us all. Ms Richmond discussed all that we already do in Catholic schools, the recent changes to our PDHPE curriculum that includes understanding consent, the work that schools do through Pastoral Care and Wellbeing programs and the importance that we need to, in partnership with parents, keep the conversation about the dignity of the human person and respect for one another an ongoing one. 

Each year we have external speakers come to talk to our Year 9 and 10 students about this very topic. In a recent Wellbeing meeting we acknowledged the need to bring this conversation forward, we are in the process of making changes to our program for Stage 4. I encourage you to talk about consent and other important topics around the dinner table. How to stay safe, including the serious effects that alcohol can have in impairing judgment and personal safety in many different situations. As always, ensure that our child/ren are where they say they are going to be. If they are attending a party or sleep over, check if parents are in attendance and ask the question about supervision and alcohol. Unfortunately, there will be young people who sneak alcohol into parties. If you are having a party at your home, remain vigilant, ensure that you are more than just present, you stay in the spaces where the party is happening.

International Women’s Day brings a real recognition to the place, voice and skills of women. In this 2021 year of “Choose to Challenge” we can all:

• choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality

• choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements.

Let us remember and celebrate the wonderful strong women who have taken care of us, challenged us and taught us what it means to be loving, respectful and compassionate people, our mothers, grandmothers , sisters, aunties and other influential women in our lives.

Last week across all of Australia, we had  the national launch of 200 years of Catholic Education. It's quite a considerable contribution that Catholic education has made to society and to schooling across Australia. In 2021, Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta celebrates the bicentenary of Australia’s first Catholic school through continued commitment of growing opportunities of Catholic education for all.

From our first school in 1820, the contribution of the earliest Catholic schools transformed access to education for disadvantaged Australians. Today, Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta builds on this legacy through leadership both on equity and the transformation of learning and teaching through innovation.

Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta will celebrate the bicentenary of Australia’s first Catholic school through a continued commitment to growing opportunities of Catholic education for all. This milestone will provide the opportunity to learn from one another, inviting the voices, curiosity, and creativity of our students, teachers and parents to celebrate the gifts of faith and learning. In owning the history of Catholic schools in Australia, we recognise the hurts of the past. We acknowledge the victims of abuse and injustice and continue to support them in healing together.  

We acknowledge the history, stories and Dreaming of the Darug people. We learn from the wrongs of the past, and these challenges guide us to a future that is accepting, welcoming and proudly diverse. The history of Catholic education in Australia is far from staid, beginning with Irish insurgency in the early colony. We continue to grow from our beginnings in 1820, acknowledging the spirit, determination, and initiative shown by our earliest lay teachers. 

Ours is a story of courage and determination with heroes like St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, a woman whose extraordinary faith effectively extended the opportunities of education to ordinary Australian children. We continue to grow from the foundations laid by the religious orders and the legacy of the clergy who dedicated their lives to building Catholic schools and their communities. 

The contribution of the earliest Catholic schools transformed access to education for disadvantaged Australians. Today, Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta builds on this legacy through leading, transforming learning and teaching and through outreach. Above all, we celebrate all that unites us, and we commit to a hope that defines us, in living out God’s love for one another.

An email regarding school tours for current parents has been sent.   If you wish to book a tour of our new learning spaces please access the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/BPKCA

YEAR 7 CAMP:

On Thursday, I headed up to Year 7 camp, one of the highlights of my week. I was welcomed warmly by all of the students, eager to tell me with huge smiles, about the activities they had been involved in and the challenges that they had faced. For some of our students it was their first time away from home. This is an important part of a young person’s journey, we work to build their independence and resilience and to challenge them to meet their fears. There is nothing better than to watch someone overcome that fear, it teaches them so many important skills about life’s challenges. I also heard about many acts of kindness and family spirit. I thank Mrs Padden for her extensive work in organising the camp and the staff who left their own families,  Ms Tripodi, Mr Baczelis, Mr Caravella, Mr Boulous, Ms Gurdil, Misss Holmes, Ms Magner, Mr Lavin, Mr Gray, Mr Frede, Mr Sayegh, Ms Sarkhosh, Mrs Harney, Miss Hagarty, Miss Ters and Ms Wadih. I also thank Mrs Zammit for her work in organising all of the replacements and staff back at school, a significant job.

Public Speaking:

Alex Bozanic Year 12, won the local division of the Lions Youth of the Year competition. This longstanding public speaking/youth involvement competition recognises and celebrates all-rounders. He had an interview last Sunday and after a thorough selection process, he was through to the first part of the competition. Alex then competed against 3 other school representatives from James Ruse, Carlingford High and OLMC. Alex delivered a heartfelt, amazing speech about the importance of the arts. He also responded incredibly well to the impromptu questions. Alex won the best speech of the night and he was the overall winner of the night as well. We look forward to next Friday night, and wish Alex all the best.

Enrolments for 2022:

Enrolments for 2022 close on the 19th March, with 1st round offers made on Tuesday 30th March and Wednesday 31st March. Acceptances must be returned by Friday, 23rd April. Following that, Second round offers will be made by May 3. Every year we have a small number of current families that fail to meet this deadline and find themselves on a waiting list, which can create a great deal of distress. Please remind friends and family about these dates.

Recent Survey:

Thanks to the families who completed the recent survey. We are currently working our way through the data. 

God Bless

Mrs Angela Hay

Principal Leader

We have now reached the mid-way point of Term 1 and students are quite settled into their school routine and the day to day demands of learning. This week, we conducted a whole school survey asking students to reflect on their experiences across a range of areas including their learning especially their understanding of how they learn and what success in learning looks like. Over the next weeks and months, this information will help to inform teachers as they design learning across the school. Students’ understanding of these concepts also assists us to measure our progress as a whole in achieving our learning goal for the year, which is to nurture learners who have agency in the classroom, are expert learners and can articulate where they are in their learning journey across each of their subjects. 

Assessment and Reporting 

An assessment calendar has been shared with each year group with links to their Summative Assessments which indicate when assessment tasks are due. These are also on the College Website. We trust this will help parents keep track of student work demands and progress. Please read through these assessment handbooks with your son and/or daughter as they contain information regarding submission of tasks and the protocols regarding student absence on the day of a task, late submission and illness/misadventure processes. 

Staff Professional Learning

Each year teaching staff at St Patrick’s Marist College undertake days of professional learning as part of our commitment to the ongoing professional development of our teachers. The professional learning day scheduled for Friday 30 April (Term 2, Week 2) has been moved forward to Friday 12 March (Term 1, Week 7). This means that 12 March will be a pupil free day.

As this change to the calendar is being communicated close to the new date, the College will provide limited supervision for those students who are unable to be at home. However, no classes will be scheduled for the day and the canteen will not be open.

Mrs J. Starkey

Assistant Principal - Innovation, Teaching and Learning

A number of Senior students at St Patrick’s Marist College may have the privilege to drive cars to and from school. Duty of care, student safety, positive community image and continuing positive reinforcement of driving skills are important.

While most young drivers are careful, safety-conscious and considerate when driving, they are one of the most vulnerable road user groups. With this in mind, the College has a responsibility to take all reasonable measures to ensure the welfare and safety of students. 

This letter is to bring to your attention some of the concerns that have been raised by members of our community over not only the first few weeks of school, but have been consistent issues for a prolonged period of time. It is important that we address these issues to ensure our community still has access to these parking facilities in our local community. These issues include:

• Appropriate speed when arriving and departing
• Being aware of the general road rules
• Awareness of pedestrians, especially at the end of the school day.
• Parking on local streets leaving enough space for the residents of these homes to easily depart and return home (1.8 metres is the minimum amount of space that is to be left on either side of the driveway according to NSW Roads and Maritime) 

Parking and congestion are, as indicated above an issue around the College, therefore driving to school is an option given to only students who are in Year 12. Those students in Year 11 who have the appropriate drivers licence, can drive to school after the completion of the current Year 12 HSC Examinations have completed. This is to ensure there is adequate parking for our Senior students, especially around examination periods as to alleviate issues of students being able to park. 

Another reminder to all parents is to ask your child to please use their Opal card when using the buses. This is especially important for our school specials as this dictates the number of services we have at the College. We have had some requests for greater bus sizes, especially for the 600 of a Thursday afternoon. State Transit will not adjust this service due to the 'low' numbers of students on this bus. Also, we have been asked by State Transit to not overcrowd the 600 of a Thursday. This bus leaves the school at 2.40 pm. The second 600 does not arrive until 3.20 pm. This service can only be changed by having students tap on and off to show passenger numbers on this bus. This will mean that some students will not be able to board the early bus for the foreseeable future and will need to either wait for the second bus or arrange an alternative way home. We have been assured that if the numbers warrant a change of time for the second 600, State Transit will do so. 

Looking forward to your continued support and co-operation with managing transport to and from the College for the whole community.

Every year, the Australian Government collects data on Student Residential Addresses and Other Information.  

Purpose of the Collection 

This collection is routinely used to inform Commonwealth school education policy, and to help ensure that Commonwealth funding arrangements for non-government schools are based on need, and are fair and transparent. Please refer to the Collection Notice to Approved Authorities (attached).

Attached is a copy of the Australian Government 2021 Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection notice for Parents. 

WEEK BEGINNING - MONDAY, 22nd FEBRUARY

https://youtu.be/kmXVXl74Qm8

Readings: Genesis 9:8-15; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:12-15 

All three readings today remind us of the desire of God leading us to “aspire not to have more, but to be more.” The rainbow in the sky, the covenant, the baptism of Jesus and his temptation in the wilderness all remind us of the salvation that God wants for us and for our world. In the Gospel Jesus proclaims: “This is the time of fulfilment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” 

As John baptises Jesus, his true identity as the Son of God is revealed. "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Immediately following this we are told that Jesus was driven into the wilderness for forty days. We have all experienced being in a wilderness in our lives. Sometimes there is more than one experience of wilderness in our lives where we are lost, confused and searching. 

The first Project Compassion story is of Jamila, a Rohingya woman, living in the world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh. A single mother, she fled armed conflict in Myanmar to save herself, her elderly mother and eight-month-old baby. 

Thanks to the generosity of Caritas Australia’s supporters and through our partnership with Caritas Bangladesh, Jamila had access to emergency food and shelter. Then, as her stay in the camp stretched on, Jamila joined the Women Friendly Spaces project where she received counselling and emotional support. She learnt about health and hygiene, and participated in a parenting program. She also learnt to sew, which enables her to fulfil her dream of supporting her now four-year old daughter and having what they need for a bright future. 

Through the Women’s Friendly Spaces program, Jamila has found a family to support her through times of wilderness. Project Compassion invites us to ‘be more’ as we continue to show our love and compassion for our global family. 

How can we be more for others when they experience times of wilderness? 

Prayer of Intercession 

Loving God, We pray for all refugees who are forced to flee their homeland. That we, as a global family, will respond generously to their needs and assist in developing a safe and secure future for all. Amen

WEEK BEGINNING - MONDAY, 1st MARCH

https://youtu.be/Zy8zZXEMt-U

Readings: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Romans 8:31-34; Mark 9:2-10 

The disciples in today’s gospel stood in the presence of God. “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him! Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them anymore, but only Jesus.” It was here they recognised the divinity of Jesus and hope for humanity. They saw God anew in their teacher and were transformed. We are called to see God anew. To see God’s presence in our brothers and sisters on our streets, in our nation and around the world. In seeing, we, like the disciples, are called to “listen to him.” 

As we listen, this Lent we are called to “aspire not to have more, but to be more”. To hear in a new way, to let go of those things that hold us back and to take up other things that allow us to live more simply, to show a deep and lasting respect for our global family and for the earth. 

The Project Compassion story of Margret, is also a story of transformation. Margret is a teacher at a vocational school for deaf students in the Solomon Islands. She was born deaf, so she knows the challenges it poses to education and employment. 

The school faced water shortages, with not enough to supply staff and students with safe water for drinking, cooking, washing and growing vegetables. Then Tropical Cyclone Harold damaged the school and its vegetable garden, amidst the threat of COVID-19. 

With Caritas Australia’s support, the school installed water tanks, provided cyclone-proof building materials and helped to implement COVID-19 prevention measures. The community has been transformed with enough water for its students and the capacity to cater for more and with plans to boost food security through increased agricultural production. 

As we continue on our Lenten journey may we welcome the opportunity to ‘be more’ open to God’s invitation to “listen to him”. 

Prayer of Intercession 

Loving God, We pray for the millions of people without access to clean water. That together, as a global family, we work hard to ensure this basic human right is upheld so families and their communities can thrive. Amen 

Dear Year 7 Parents

We would like to invite you to the Year 7 Parents Welcome Night. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your 2021 cohort and also meet parents in your child's homeroom.

This year's night will be held on Friday 12 March at 7pm in the Harrington Courtyard.

Please RSVP via the following link https://www.trybooking.com/BOWRZ

For catering purposes RSVPs need to be in by Monday 8 March.

This is a free parent only event.

Please note that this event is subject to change and is dependant on COVID-19 Government regulations at the time of the event.  A reminder if you have visited a hot spot, awaiting COVID-19 test results or have any COVID-19 symptoms that you do not attend this event.  Please ensure you follow the COVID-safe protocol including hand sanitising and social distancing at the event.  We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us at pandfstpatsdundas@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you all!

St Patricks Marist College and P &F

During break 2 of Tuesday, 2nd March 2021, 8 Edwin met on the top oval to run our fundraiser for Project Compassion - a Penalty Shootout!

Students and teachers could pay $1 per Ball in an attempt to score a goal against Isaac Nott, Mitchell Reid and Henry Amery, our goalies.

Around 40 people from assorted homerooms and year groups turned out for this event, as well as a dozen teachers. Everyone gave it their best shot, whilst enjoying the sun! We were also giving out prizes to those who scored including Jelly Cups, small packets of chocolates and other sweet treats. Overall, it was a fun lunchtime fundraiser for the Lenten Appeal and we raised over $70 for Project Compassion from those who came and gave it a go and those teachers who donated to our homeroom. We appreciate everyone who got involved and for your generosity.

Miss Mayday, Isaac Nott and Antonio Khair

Year 8 Edwin

This month we held our annual Debating Development Day, where students across all year groups get together to work on their debating skills. 

Mrs Miller, Mr Palmer and a number of our wonderful leaders assisted in mentoring our new and existing teams. It was a day full of great activities with workshops on types of questions, structuring an argument and using prep time wisely.  The highlights were the number of icebreaker games that were played, such as  the 'shipwreck' challenge, where students were assigned an occupation such as, a chef, an influencer and a girl scout and needed to argue why they should be allowed to remain on the metaphorical island.  Students also played a quick draw game where they needed to provide three fast arguments in response to topics like, 'we should only eat salad' and 'we should only be allowed to keep native animals as pets.' It's safe to say it was an enormous amount of fun and a really beneficial experience for all.  

All Year 8 and Year 9 students participated in a Maths workshop called Problems, Patterns, Pictures, Puzzles (PPPP) run by Inquisitive Minds.

The workshop immerses students in mathematical and logical thinking as they learn and utilise foundational and advanced problem-solving strategies. The workshop consisted of two parts - a comp-lesson (Competitive Lesson), and a challenge. In the comp-lesson, we competed in a fun competition and got taught amazing strategies to solve problems involving diagrams, lists, and patterns. In the challenge, it was all hands on deck in a fast-paced environment, trying to do as many problems as possible. The winners of both comps got chocolate and bragging rights. All of the problems were hands-on and encouraged collaboration and team-work. I personally had a wonderful time at the workshop, and would definitely love to do it again!

Ayden Bottos
Year 9 Paul

Chess Club meets every Monday during Break 2 in B111.

Chess Club is a great opportunity to meet new friends, learn and refine skills in the game, and to just have fun! All students are welcome to join us, whether you're a beginner who has always wondered how to play, or a Grandmaster looking to share your knowledge. See you at Chess Club.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge 2021 has begun! The Challenge is open to all students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10:

• All participating Year 10 students will be placed onto the 7-9 challenge, with the  same participation rules and requirements as other 7-9 Challenge participants.
• All Year 10 students who complete the Challenge will receive a certificate that reflects their cumulative participation (i.e. Gold Certificate for 4th year, Platinum Certificate for 7th year, standard completion Certificate for all other years).
• Year 10 students who received a PRC medal in 2020 in recognition of their completion of the challenge from Years 3 to 9 inclusive will receive a PRC certificate in 2021, and will not receive a second medal.
• Year 10 students who did not complete the challenge in 2020, but would have been eligible for a PRC medal if they had, will receive their medal in 2021 upon successful completion of the challenge.

• The Challenge runs from 1 March to 20 August 2021. Ongoing reading is encouraged. Books read from 1 September 2020 can count towards the 2021 Challenge.
• Twenty (20) books need to be read in order to complete the Challenge. Fifteen (15) books must come from the PRC 7-9 booklist, and 5 books can be the reader’s own personal choice.
• Students who register and successfully complete the Challenge will receive a PRC certificate.
• For more information about the Challenge, visit the website.
• Get started with PRC ebooks available on SORA!

Students sign up to participate here.