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VOLUME XXXI No 9

12th June, 2014

F R O M T H E H E A D O F C O L L E G E On Wednesday, 11th June, a group of 55 students and their five guides departed Sydney Airport for the biennial Parish Pilgrimage to Greece. A very large group of parents, grandparents, friends and relatives and general well-wishers were there to farewell them, together with Father Steven Scoutas, Mr James Phillips Parish President, Mr Elia Economou Parish Secretary and Mrs Synesios Principal Junior School. The students can look forward to a memorable experience. Some of the highlights include:

Visit to Sounion – Temple of Poseidon Walks through Monastiraki and Dinner in

Plaka Visit to the Acropolis and the superb

Acropolis Museum Special wreath laying ceremony at

Faliron Memorial Cemetery (ANZACS) and visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the change of guard in Syntagma Square

Visit Mycaene, Epidauros, Olympia and Delphi

Pilgrimage to the Monasteries of Kalambaka

A blessed opportunity to venerate St Spyridon, our Patron Saint and explore the beautiful island of Corfu

Visit to Ouranoupolis and Vergina Boys – Stay at Holy Mountain

Monasteries (Αγιον Όρος ) Girls – Monastery of Ecosifinitsa

Thessaloniki – Churches, Museums Between visits to Churches, Monasteries and Museums, there will be plenty of opportunities for sun, sea, good food and great companionship.

DATES TO REMEMBER J U N E

P & T Interviews K – 4 & 6 16th P & T Interviews K – 4 & 5 18th Divine Liturgy K – 12 19th Term ends for staff and students 20th J U L Y

Staff Development Day 14th Students return 15th Parent Teacher Conferences Year 7 16th Parish Trip to Greece returns 18th Parent Teacher Conferences Years 8 & 9

21st

Athletics Carnival SS 22nd Parent Teacher Conferences Year 10 & 11 Leadership Assembly JS

23rd

VACCINATIONS SS 25th HSC Trials begin 28th Futsal State Championships JS 29th A U G U S T

Athletics Carnival JS Jeans for Genes Day SS

1st

K2015 Interviews 4th – 7th Divine Liturgy 7th Specialty Photos JS 8th K2015 Interviews 11th – 13th The Dormition of the Theotokos School closed

15th

K2015 Interviews 18th –20th K2015 Interviews 25th –

27th ASISSA Athletics Carnival JS 29th

 

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For while anyone can go and see famous places, the true flavour of a journey is in sharing these experiences with friends. We extend to the students and their guides Mrs Christina Tsaconas (Group Leader), Ms G. Kokinelis (Dean of Middle School), Mr V. Zafiropoulos, Ms M. Kalithrakas and Mr A. Piccardi, every good wish, all strength and safe return.

Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag

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P & F N E W S

There is much excitement this week for our students who have left for the Pilgrimage Trip to Greece. The P&F wish all the students, staff and parents, who are also travelling, a safe and happy time away!

UP COMING EVENTS Walkathon Trivia Night

Details and dates regarding these events to be advised in the following Newsletter!

Mrs Angela Vergotis (P&F, Assistant Secretary) pfcommittee_@hotmail.com J U N I O R S C H O O L R E P O R T It is at this time of the year that we reflect on what has been achieved. I encourage you all to embrace your child and praise them for the personal growth they have made, remembering that each child is on their own individual journey. As your child’s best advocate and most important role model, they will look to you for approval. What you say or don’t say will be the yard stick that they use to judge themselves. Every step forward is only

possible with the success and confidence achieved at the previous step.

Wishing you an enjoyable break.

CONGRATULATIONS

It is with great pleasure that we inform you of the birth of Jacob Anasta Diavatiotis on the 31st of May to his proud parents Mrs Diavatiotis and her husband Con.

We also announce with great pleasure the birth of Vincent John Scarcella on the 4th of June to his proud parents Ms Xenos and her husband Ritchie.

We wish both families good health and long lives.

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FAREWELL Mrs Karpouzos will be commencing Maternity Leave as of Friday 20th June. We wish to thank her for her contribution to the College and for the love and care she has shown Kindergarten through the many wonderful learning opportunities she has provided. We hope she has time to rest before she welcomes the safe arrival of her second child. WELCOME Miss Papathomas has been employed to take KC for the remainder of this year. We welcome her and wish her a rewarding stay. CO-CURRICULAR The Co-curricular Program will recommence on Tuesday 22nd July. PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS Parent Teacher interviews will be held on: Monday 16th June and Wednesday 18th June Kindergarten - Year 4. Middle School interviews will be held on: Monday 16th June - Year 6 Wednesday 18th June - Year 5 Class teachers K-4 will be conducting interviews in their classrooms. Middle School teachers (Yr 5/6) and Greek teachers will be conducting their interviews in the Library. Please note: No co-curricular activities will be held during this week. Mrs A. Synesios Principal YEAR 6 CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN FUNDRAISER MAKES $1000! Congratulations Year 6 for your great drive, hard work, enthusiasm and team spirit with the successful operation of Chocolate fountain. You all had fun raising funds just over $1000. Sadly the fountain ran dry of chocolate and we promise those who missed out will have a chance next time as we look forward to providing Fruit and Fun in the Fountain in Terms 3 and 4. Many thanks to the Year 6 parents who donated sweet treats and drinks and some of them their valuable

time as well. Thank you to Ms McCarthy for her support with the organization of this activity. The next Chocolate fountain event will be Thursday 31st July starting 3pm.

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Mrs M Pascalis S E N I O R S C H O O L R E P O R T

HALF YEARLY REPORTS Years 7 – 11 Years 7 – 11 Half Yearly Reports will be posted at the end of Term 2. PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES Year 7 Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, 16th July, 2014 Years 8 and 9 Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, 21st July, 2014. Years 10 and 11 Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, 23rd July, 2014.

Appointments are to be made directly with teachers by the students. Parents are asked to attend the Parent Teacher Conference with their child. 2014 YEAR 11 PRODUCTION: RUNNING UP A DRESS  On Thursday 5th April at 5pm, the Year 11 Drama class, consisting of Jessica Antoniou, Suzanna Gavrilova, Yvette Stemitsiotis and Aphroditi Zafiropoulos, performed their version of Suzanne Spunner’s innovative Australian play Running Up A Dress in the Drama Studio. As part of the Preliminary Drama course, students must study the Elements of Production in Performance. This means they learn not only about what happens on stage during a performance, but also what goes on behind the scenes. For this production, the Year 11 students explored and took on the roles of costume designer, set designer, lighting and sound designer and publicity designer, as well as rehearsing and staging the script. Spunner’s play examines the mother/daughter relationship through the metaphor of sewing. The students, therefore, transformed the Drama Studio to represent the homes of four mothers and daughters, including props such as an ironing board, rocking chair and, of course, a sewing machine. The audience was invited to enjoy tea and biscuits throughout the performance, sitting at long tables decorated with lace tablecloths and floral crockery, to add to the warm, domestic setting. The performance was superb, with the audience enjoying both a laugh and tear. The mothers were particularly touched, as the students had decided to include projected images of themselves with their mothers at different ages. The performance was concluded with each student going over to their mothers and giving them a well-deserved hug. Congratulations to the Year 11 Drama students on their hard work and beautiful performance. A very special thank you to Mrs Katsogiannis, our Principal and the parents, teachers and friends who came to support the students as audience members, and to Year 10 Drama students Nicole Adam, Christina Balayannis and Mariah Stavrou who assisted as stage crew.

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Mrs L McCoy Drama Teacher FROM THE ART ROOM

Year 8 have been learning about the printing process. Most students have completed their first black and white lino-cuts. For many of the students it has been an interesting practice, having to master preparing their image in reverse and

carving out the unwanted lino before printing a hard copy using a printing press. Next Time: Year 10 have been making wearable artworks

Anastasija Stanojevic

Anthony Mina

Daniel Xeras

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Students at work

Ms M. Pringle Art Teacher

SERBIAN FUNDRAISER

On Thursday 29th May the Serbian students were selling cakes to raise money for the flood victims in Serbia. Since 14th May, Serbia has been fighting catastrophic floods that have endangered a large number of inhabitants, damaged houses, road and energy infrastructure, and destroyed livestock and crops.

With the help and support of students, teachers and staff we were able to raise $1000. Thank you all for your generosity and kindness.

Mrs V. Belajcic Serbian Teacher

M I D D L E S C H O O L R E P O R T

"The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!" Marvin Phillips

Nothing great is ever achieved without hard work. The key to taking full advantage of your efforts is working hard, especially areas in which you have a flair. Often when students come home from school they end up just waiting until they might ‘feel’ like doing schoolwork. Or else they may find themselves working in little spurts over the whole night. A much better way to work is each night have set allocated times for HOMESTUDY, for example 2 to 4 half hour blocks (depending on the year group). During this time students should do homework first, then work on any assignments or upcoming tests, with the rest of the time (if available) allocated for independent learning activities such as summarizing lesson notes. All distractions should be removed during this time, so students learn to focus for 20-30 minute blocks of time.

  Some of the benefits for students of having set times allocated for schoolwork are:

You are more likely to do the work if you know when to start and when to end.

You will be more effective when you remove distractions and learn to focus for 20-30 minute blocks.

In all the times NOT allocated to schoolwork you can do whatever you like without feeling guilty about it.

Having set times stops arguments between students and parents as everyone has agreed when the timeslots allocated to students will be.

You know that you are definitely doing enough work for school.

Keeping schoolwork and personal life separate means you will learn to manage all of the

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distractions in your life and still complete your work for school. (Ref P. Salter) BIGGEST MORNING TEA EVENTS for the Cancer Council

Last week the SRC held its first fundraiser for the year… A CAKE STALL, in support of the Cancer Councils ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ Event. SRC’s got their “SPIRIT ON” by baking cupcakes and brownies, and making a variety of delicious slices, and bags of rocky road. There was such a big supply of goodies that the cake stall was able to trade throughout recess and lunch, resulting in almost $1000 being raised. Well done to all SRC’s for not only bringing in all the sweet treats but also for the enthusiasm you showed from set up to clean up. In addition to the calorific cake stall, teachers held their own successful morning tea event as well, adding another $450 to the total. Clearly a wonderful team effort by everyone at St Spyridon College Senior School.

YEAR 6 VISIT THE SENIOR SCHOOL Last week we had the pleasure of hosting a visit from Year 6 as part of the transition program. Students participated in four ‘taster’ lessons across various curriculum areas. This program serves a number of purposes, including:- extending the students’ educational experiences; enable them to meet and interact with older students who acted as guides and mentors on the day; meet the teachers in specialist learning areas; and generally become more familiar with the Senior School Campus as a whole. This year students also were able to enjoy a sausage sizzle - courtesy of Year 12 who happened to be holding a fundraiser for brain cancer.

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SOUP KITCHEN Another group of Year 9 students went to St Constantine and Helen’s Church Hall at Newtown to do their community service duty. Father Nectarios and the wonderful team of volunteers who cook, set up and clean everyday are always very welcoming and pleased whenever our students go to lend them a hand. Needless to say students always come away feeling satisfied and pleased that they too have been able to assist.

  

HALF YEARLY REPORTS & PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS All are currently being prepared and reports will be posted out in the first week of the holidays. Last week Middle School students along with Years 10 and 11 were given forms on which to record parent interview times with teachers. These will occur between 3.30pm until 6.30 pm on:- Tuesday 16th July (Year 7), 21st July (Years 8 & 9), 23rd July (Years 10 & 11). Please be aware that while we try to keep to our appointment times, this sometimes is not possible and delays result. We appreciate your patience and understanding. If any parent cannot attend interviews, please call administration to arrange an alternative in person or phone interview at a later date. SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM

The second round of immunizations for the HPV vaccine for all Year 7 students and Year 9 boys, along with vaccinations for Varicella (one dose) will be conducted at the start of Term 3. Catch ups for any student from these groups who was absent during the first visit will also take place. Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

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C A R E E R S C O L U M N Term 2 continues to be very busy, with many events related to courses and careers scheduled in the coming weeks. There are also some school holiday activities which may be of interest to students of various ages. INFORMATION EVENINGS UTS Information Technology Undergraduate Information Evening Wed 11th June, 5.00pm – 8.00pm, City – Broadway, CB02 Building 2 Contact: (02) 9514 2666 or mailto: FEITOutreach@uts.edu.au https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-engineering-and-information-technology/events/information-technology-undergraduate UTS Engineering Undergraduate Information Evening Wed 25th June, 5.00pm–8.00pm, City–Broadway, CB06 Peter Johnson Building, Building 6 http://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-engineering-and-information-technology/events/engineering-undergraduate-info-evening UNSW Scholarship Information Evening Tue 24th June, 6.30pm – 8.30pm, UNSW Kensington Campus https://www.whatson.unsw.edu.au/egateway/students.schedules_search?p_event_id=69 University of Sydney Scholarship Information Evening Thu 26th June Year 11 and 12 students are invited to learn more about the many scholarship schemes on offer. Attendees will also receive hints and tips on how to complete the scholarships application form, in order to maximise your chances of receiving a scholarship. http://sydney.edu.au/future-students/domestic/undergraduate/upcoming-events/index.shtml Applying to Cambridge University Professor Murray Milgate will be visiting Sydney (Cranbrook School) Monday, 8 September. Time: 4pm register for a 4.30pm start. He will talk about the secrets of applying to Oxbridge – Cambridge specifically – and what is needed from a candidate. See Ms Hakos if you wish to register to attend.

Antipodeans Abroad Information Sessions GapBreak Information Night Wed 11th June, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, 303A / 282 Victoria Ave Chatswood Language Immersion Information Night Thu 19th June, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, 303A / 282 Victoria Ave Chatswood http://www.antipodeans.com.au/info-nights.htm WPC Group Apprenticeship and Traineeship Information Evening Thu 17th July, 5.30pm – 7.00pm, 2/190 George Street, Parramatta RSVP: 1300 760 099 or nswreception@wpcgroup.com.au College of Event Management Information Session Fri 20th June, 6.30pm, Level 9, 28 Foveaux Street Surry Hills Contact: 1300 725 846 or mailto:enquiries@coem.edu.au http://collegeofeventmanagement.com.au/campus/information-sessions The University of Notre Dame - Parent Information Evening 24th Jun 2014 6pm Broadway: Parents of Year 10, 11 and 12 students are invited to attend the Notre Dame Parent Information Evening. Attendees will have the opportunity to find out about University life, talk to current students, meet academic staff and find out about pathways into University. Contact: Damien Nedeljkovic: sydney@nd.edu.au 02 8204 4404 Bond University Investing in Your Future - Information Seminar. Wednesday, June 25, 2014, 6:30pm–8:30pm State Library of New South Wales This seminar is free of charge, and gives your Year 12 students and their families the chance to learn more about: Fast-tracking success at Bond, Bond University Scholarships, Fees and costs, FEE-HELP loan Registrations: See online registration form or www.bond.edu.au/experience. Contact: (07) 5595 1067 or Annabelle Cottee on 0419 483 340. Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) Information Evening 26th Jun 2014 6pm Ultimo Contact : Simon Freeman : simonf@aie.edu.au, 02 8514 8800 http://www.aie.edu.au

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EARLY OFFERS TO UNIVERSITY University of Notre Dame Early Offer Program Applications are currently being received and close September 1st. Information and forms are available on their website Contact: 02 8204 4404 or sydney@nd.edu.au http://www.nd.edu.au/sydney/careeradvisorandteacher/earlyofferprogram.shtml Macquarie University Global Leadership Entry Program for Year 12 Students The Global Leadership program provides students with the opportunity to gain practical skills through volunteering and participating in leadership activities in Australian and overseas. As part of the program students will gain early entry into a limited number of Macquarie degrees and will also receive invitations to special events and pre-study programs. The program is open to Year 12 students who are not only doing academically well but are also leaders in their community. Contact: (02) 9850 6410 http://mq.edu.au/future_students/undergraduate/how_to_apply/global_leadership_and_entry_program CADETSHIPS Moore Stephens Accounting Cadetship Program Applications close Fri 20th June Cadets will work with a range of companies and individuals while receiving a salary, study support and mentoring. Contact: pslattery@moorestephens.com.au http://www.moorestephens.com.au/careers/cadetship-program-2015-sydney BlueScope Steel Cadetships In 2015 BlueScope Steel are offering cadetships in Engineering, Chemistry, IT and more. These cadetships are based in the Illawarra region. Registrations of interest are now being accepted and applications will open on the 1st of July. http://cadets.bluescopesteel.com/index.cfm?objectid=6217C78E-92C5-ADFC-BBA3372576650524 Working at the ABC A host of opportunities are available for students interested in gaining work experience within the media broadcasting sector through the ABC. Cadetships, Scholarships and Work Experience places are on offer and all applications can be made online. http://www.abc.net.au/careers/cadetshipsandworkexperience/

UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE DAYS IN THE HOLIDAYS Event Name : MyDay Dentistry and Allied Health Date : 30th Jun 2014 Time : 10:00am Venue : Charles Sturt University in Orange Cost : FREE Contact : Judy Walsh : infoevents@csu.edu.au 02 6338 6010 Event Description : Workshops and information session for the Clinical Science, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy courses Event Name : MyDay Policing and Justice Studies Date : 1st Jul 2014 Time : 10:00am Venue : Charles Sturt University in Bathurst Cost : FREE Contact : Judy Walsh : infoevents@csu.edu.au 02 6338 6010 Event Description : Workshops and information session for the Criminal Justice, Justice Studies and Policing courses Event Name : The University of Notre Dame - A Day in the Life of a Nursing Student Date : 2nd Jul 2014 Time : 10:30 Venue : Darlinghurst Cost : FREE Contact : Damien Nedeljkovic : sydney@nd.edu.au / 02 8204 4404 Event Description : Find out what being a Notre Dame Nursing student is all about! Watch a dissection, experience clinical activities in our simulation wards, tour our anatomy museum and speak with staff and current students. Event Name : Experience UTS Day Date : 2nd Jul 2014 Time : 9am - 3pm Venue : UTS City Campus, Broadway Cost : FREE Contact : UTS Future Students: future.students@uts.edu.au Event Description : A Hands-on day for students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

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Run during the July school holidays, students build their own timetable for the day, choosing up to 4 hands-on workshops to attend. Past workshop examples include Life in a Hospital ER, Fishy Forensics, Digital Literacy and many more. Students visit the campus, check out UTS facilities. Attendees can also chat with UTS students at the event to gain an insight into life at uni. Registration is essential and opens in June. Visit www.undergraduate.uts.edu.au/events in June for more details. PRIVATE COLLEGES EXPERIENCE DAYS Macleay College: July School Holidays, 1- 4

July Event Management Industry Day: Travel & Tourism Industry Day: Sports Management Industry Day: Public Relations Industry Day: Contact: Gemma Cunliffe: gcunliffe@macleay.edu.au, 8373 5127 RSVP essential, places in each day limited to 20 people. https://www.macleay.edu.au/news/2014-june-july-industry-days-macleay SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Australian Theatre for Young People School Holiday Workshops Theatre Making: Rehearsed Reading, Years 7-9 Mon 30th June – Fri 4th July, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Carriage Works, Sydney Explore script interpretation and character development resulting in a rehearsed moved reading to family and friends. Script Writing: Monologues, Years 10 – 12 Mon 7th July – Fri 11th July, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Carriage Works, Sydney. Learn how to make monologues work as a piece of theatre and explore techniques that will captivate audiences and delve further into fascinating characters. http://www.carriageworks.com.au/?page=Event&event=School-Holiday-Workshops ONLINE EVENTS Teach.NSW Video Conferences Connecting directly with students via video conference allows students to receive firsthand information about the Teacher Education Scholarships, teach.Rural Scholarships and

Cadetships that are available to high achieving HSC students. To organise a video conference phone 02 9836 9892 or email kylie.famularo@det.nsw.edu.au or anita.zappia@det.nsw.edu.au. http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers-centre/school-careers/teaching Online Q and A with Defence University Sponsorship Students and Graduates Wed 25th June, 6.30pm – 8.00pm The Defence University Sponsorship provides university students studying Engineering, Medicine, Nursing, or Dentistry and Allied Health, with sponsorship during their studies. The benefits include a salary while studying, payment of HELP fees, free healthcare, free dental, and a guaranteed job within the Navy, Army or Air Force. The online Q and A will provide an opportunity to chat with current sponsored students and recent graduates, who are currently working within the Navy, Army or Air force, about their experience. https://www.facebook.com/events/252268468299719/ My Future Live Online Q and A with an Optometrist Tue 17th June, 2.00pm (AEST) Amanda Griffiths, is a clinical optometrist with professional experience working in private practice and teaching university students. She will be available to speak about her career and participate in an online Q and A session. http://www.myfuture.edu.au/tools-and-resources/study-or-training-options/scholarshipsearch YEAR 10 Mycareermatch Students in Year 10 are reminded to complete the online questionnaire at www.mycareermatch.com.au to investigate how their unique personality style relates to different career areas. A copy of the report can then be obtained from me or printed at home. Ms G Hakos Careers Adviser

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L I S T E N I N G T O O U R S T U D E N T S RECOUNTS BY TWO AQUA In English Literature, Year Two have been studying different text types and the way in which these text types are written. One our most favourite text types are the “Folklore Dreamtime Stories” which were told by the Aboriginal people. As a result, Year Two visited The Royal Botanic Gardens to attend a workshop “Aboriginal People and Plants”. Despite the wet weather, we had lots of fun walking around the gardens learning all about the Aboriginal way of life. Two Aqua would like to share some of their excursion recounts with you. Mrs Giokas 2 Aqua ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS EXCURSION

On a rainy and wet Tuesday morning, Year Two set off on their first excursion for the year. It was Tuesday 10th June, and we were heading to The Royal Botanic Gardens. We went with Mrs Giokas, 2A and 2C. We all went by a big bus with black seatbelts. We put our seatbelts on ourselves and I sat with Tara. Mrs Giokas gave us a name tag. When we arrived it was not raining so we walked around to see lots of plants. Then we met Shirley and we learnt a few things. She gave us some leaves to crush up and smell. Next we met Gai and she told us about other plants. Finally we met Clarence and he was a funny Indigenous Australian. He played the didgeridoo for us and threw a kangaroo skin to us. He told us all about sticks, spears for throwing up high. He even sang us a song! He taught us so much about the Aboriginal way of life. After that we walked back on the bus and finally arrived back at school. I had a wonderful time on my first excursion with year two!

George Vlahos

On a rainy and wet Tuesday morning, Two Aqua set off on their first excursion for the year. It was Tuesday 10th June, and we were heading to The Royal Botanic Gardens. Mrs Giokas came with us and we travelled by bus to The Royal Botanic Gardens. I sat next to my friends Gabriella and Ellie. The other year two class joined us on our

excursion. First, we had a little tour around The Royal Botanic Gardens. On the way we saw lots of satisfying and amazing plants. Next, we sat down under some shelter to have some lunch as it had started to rain. Later Shirley, a plant expert told us about some plants and ways the Aboriginals lived. Then Shirley gave us two leaves and asked us what they smelt like. One smelt like lemon and the other smelt like liquorice. Then Shirley told us about a tree called “The Bottle Tree”. She said The Bottle Tree can produce water, but the plant was rotting so the gardener had to cut off a branch so the Bottle Tree won’t die. Then Shirley told us that the little fruits at the top of palm trees are alright to eat. After that, we met Gai who showed us a plant that the Aboriginals made baskets out of. She also showed us a plant that felt as soft as fur. Finally we met Clarence who is an Aboriginal and he spoke about the weapons that the Aboriginals used. Then he played the didgeridoo. Finally we travelled by bus back to school. I had so much fun!

Alexandra Bizannes 2A

On a great Tuesday morning, Two Aqua set off on their first excursion for the year. It was Tuesday 10th June, and we were heading to The Royal Botanic Gardens. We went with Mrs Giokas and others. First we got on the bus and I saw:

The Sydney Art Gallery Cars A restaurant People at cafes A frappe 

Then as I saw all those things, we reached The Royal Botanic Gardens! We had to line up when we got off the bus and we walked down the stairs into a great journey in The Royal Botanic Gardens! So we started the journey. We met Shirley who gave us some questions. I didn’t put my hand up so I could let people have a turn. Then she gave us two leaves. One of the leaves was a lemon leaf and the other one was a mango leaf. They smelt so yummy! Then Shirley told us some facts. Then I spotted 4 Golden Orb Spiders around the gardens. Next we met Gai and she also took us around the gardens. She showed us lots of interesting things. Then Gai took us to Clarence who showed us some weapons and he played the didgeridoo. Finally the journey was over and everyone went home. It was the best excursion in my life!

Vasilios Hatzidimitriou 2A

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YEAR 2’S EXCURSION TO THE BOTANIC GARDENS On Tuesday June 10th, Year 2 visited The Royal Botanic Gardens. As part of our Literature Unit on Folklore, students were able to enrich their knowledge about Mother Nature’s beautiful gifts to us and acquire an understanding about Aboriginal history in Australia. Year 2 were given the opportunity to learn about the Aboriginal culture through the words and experiences of an Aboriginal descendent. They learnt about the significance of the Aboriginal people to our Australian heritage and how sustainability of our natural environment is very important to maintain. Year 2 thoroughly enjoyed their day at The Gardens. Although it was raining for the most part, the students sustained a positive attitude and were that excited by the extraordinary sights they saw that they completely forgot they were getting wet! Miss Galanis 2C Year 2’s Fantastic Excursion On Tuesday 10th June, Year 2 went on an excursion to The Royal Botanical Gardens. We went so that we could learn about our environment and how the Aboriginal people lived off the land. First, we caught the bus from school to the beautiful Botanic Gardens. We enjoyed talking to our friends on the bus and were excited for the things we were about to see and learn. After that, we arrived at our destination and disembarked from the bus. Miss Galanis asked us to stand in two lines and hold hands so that we wouldn’t get lost. Then, we walked inside and asked for directions to our lunch area. It was pouring rain but that did not stop us from having a wonderful look at all the amazing trees and plants around us. Next, we ate our lunch in a little hut and then began a tour of the Gardens. We had a guide who was taking us around the Gardens and explaining to us the significant things about many of the plants and trees that exist.

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After that, we were given two leaves to smell and one was lemon myrtle and the other was aniseed. They smelt delicious! We were also shown a big tree called a ‘bottle’ tree because it was shaped like a bottle. Unfortunately, we were told that this tree was dying due to a fungus disease it had. We were all really sad to find this out. It was so lovely to look at! Finally, we went inside to listen to an Aboriginal man talk about history. He spoke about the Aboriginal culture and even played The Didgeridoo for us. He loved telling jokes and was rather funny. Overall, we had a fantastic day learning about nature’s beauty and Aboriginal history. By 2C

S P O R T S C O L U M N  

SENIOR SCHOOL  

NSW REGIONAL FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIPS This week we had four teams travel to Marrickville to compete in the NSW Regional Futsal Championships. On Tuesday 10th June the Under 16 boys and girls competed and were successful. Both were undefeated and came first in their pools, and this enabled them to progress to the Semi Finals. Unfortunately they were both defeated, however, a positive and worthwhile experience. Wednesday 11th June the Under 14 boys and girls competed and despite the girls unable to win a game, they have set the foundations for the future and this experience will be beneficial in their development in girls’ football. The boys only lost

one game in their pools and were unlucky not to progress to the Semi Finals. Congratulations to all teams for participating with enthusiasm and passion for their school. ISA NETBALL AND FOOTBALL Congratulations to all teams for a positive start to the season and good luck in the remaining games next Term as the season concludes. Important dates to remember: 19th July – Round 7 ISA 16th August – ISA Semi Finals 23rd August – ISA Finals ATHLETICS CARNIVAL The St Spyridon College Annual Athletics Carnival is to be held at Hensley Athletics Field, Eastgardens on Tuesday 22nd July. All students should have recorded their events they wish to compete in with Mr Kaldis or Ms O’Shea - no entries will be taken on the day. It is expected that all students participate in at least one event on the day. This is a compulsory school event. Full Sports Uniform is to be worn with your house colour shirt.  

JUDO NATIONALS  On Monday, 9th June, I went to compete at the Australian National Judo Titles in Wollongong. It was a very hard competition and I had just moved up to the senior girls (12-14 years) category. There were 7 girls in my category and all of them were much older and more experienced than I was. I had 2 fights and lost both of them and did not get a place. I got a lot of experience competing against the older girls and enjoyed the long weekend.

Ephemia Damianos 7P

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PREFECT PROFILE Name: Pamela Prineas Age: 17 Number of years at St Spyridon College: 13 Subjects currently studying: Advanced English, Mathematics, Legal Studies, Business Studies, Modern History, Extension History Hobbies: Singing, Greek dancing, netball, basketball, watching movies, hanging out with friends. Favourite quote: “Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great.” Orison Swett Marden Achievements: Orthodox Colleges in Melbourne 2013 resulting in first place for girls netball, basketball and volleyball. Played lead roles in the musical productions of ‘Daring to Dream’ in 2013 and ‘Time to Shine’ in 2012 as well as performing in snapshots in 2012. received the roles off SRC twice (2009 and 2013), Peer Support Leader in 2012 and Delphians Sports Captain in 2013. Greek dancing which I attend every Friday night and my participation in the Kytherian debutante ball in 2012. These events have assisted me in embracing my heritage and have enabled me to meet many people who share the same values and ethics as I do. Attendance at NIDA classes for a total of 4 years. At NIDA I attended the classes of singing, dancing and acting. I was fortunate enough to be one of the select few chosen in my class to perform in the productions with the older students; this incudes productions such as Andy Warhol. Role models: Parents

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