St Spyridon News 100-19a 2012

1

VOLUME XXIX No 19 16th November, 2012

REVEREND FR. MICHAEL MESCHERSKIJ

Born Harbin, China On the 20th January, 1935

To Dimitri and Vera Mescherskij.

At age 21 he married

Sophie Plotnikova in China And

In 1962 migrated to Australia.

Father Michael and Presvytera Sophie Were blessed with three sons Michael, Nicholas and Igor,

Daughter in laws Sofia and Margaret And

Four grandchildren Alexander, Catherine, Marco and Selima.

Father Michael sadly passed away

On the 4th November, 2012 Aged 77 years

“He will be forever cherished in our Hearts”

-His Family-

Father Michael attended our College Divine

Liturgies for many years, assisting with Holy Communion. May God rest his soul.

DATES TO REMEMBER NO VEMBER

National Young Leaders Day

19th

Leadership Days Year 12

20th

Divine Liturgy

22nd

Musical Showcase 12.30pm JS

23rd

Senior School Showcase 6.45pm

29th

Orientation Day Year 7, 2013

30th

DECEMBER

Year 6 Graduation K-6 Awards Presentation Morning

4th

Middle School Assembly

5th

Prize Giving SS 11.30am Early Dismissal Christmas Carols Afternoon JS Term ends for students

6th

Staff Development Day

7th

St Spyridon Day

12th HSC Results

19th SS & JS Offices close

21st

2

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS 2012

St. Spyridon College promotes educational excellence within a caring environment. We encourage

students to strive to achieve their personal best, to develop their full potential.

This Newsletter provides a summary of the major Scholarships, Awards and Prizes at St. Spyridon

College. These are presented to students at special ceremonies, in recognition of their progress and

achievement in academic study, in the visual and performing arts, in sporting pursuits and for

community service. The Academic Scholarships Scheme is highlighted, as a significant initiative in the

pursuit of our motto forever striving to excel.

We are pleased to announce that in 2012, we have a number of new Awards and Prizes:

The “ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ Distinction” Scholarship, to the continuing student who is second in Year 6,

$1000 in Year 7 Tuition fees, sponsored by AHEPA NSW.

A new Category of “ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ” Awards for First in Year for Years 7 to 11, Sponsored by

AHEPA NSW.

A new series of Athena Pallas Awards, sponsored by the Pan Arcadian Association Foundation,

for the study of Modern and Classical Greek.

A new category of Herodotus Awards for the study of History sponsored by the Cyprus Hellene

Club

The Phidias Award, for the study of Visual Arts sponsored by the Tsaconas family.

We wish to extend our warmest thanks to all our Sponsors for their financial support and their

commitment to the promotion of educational excellence. Financial contributions to the Scholarships

Foundation are tax deductible. Persons who wish to contribute to the St Spyridon College Scholarship

Foundation, should contact Mrs. Christina Tsaconas, Parish Executive Officer on 02 93136899, email

[email protected].

We congratulate all students who through diligence and sustained effort will win one or more of the

honours listed. We encourage all students to work towards them in the future.

Mrs. Efrosini Stefanou-Haag

Head of College

Α ί ε ν Α ρ ι σ τ ε ύ ε ι ν

3

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

University Scholarships of $3000 to St. Spyridon College HSC students who achieve 97.0 or

above

In the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)

University of New South Wales AAA Scholarship to student nominated by the College

On the basis of the top result in HSC Assessment

Professor Aroney Award for the Top Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR,

Sponsored by Sydney University Greek Society

Academic Scholarships to the two top Year 10 ACER Scholarship Examinations candidates

(Covering two years of tuition fees)

Academic Scholarship to Top ACER Scholarship Examinations candidate in Year 6

(Covering four years of tuition fees)

Academic Scholarship to St Spyridon Junior School Dux continuing at St Spyridon College

Senior School

(Covering four years of tuition fees)

The “ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ Distinction” Scholarship, to the continuing student who is second in Year

6, $1000 in Year 7 Tuition fees.

Sponsored by AHEPA NSW

Special Talent Scholarship for a student of outstanding aptitude in a specific area

(Covering 25% to 100% of tuition fees).

4

AWARDS AND PRIZES

St Spyridon College Dux

“ΑΡΙΣΤΕΥΕΙΝ” Awards

For First in Year, from Year 7 to 11

Sponsored by AHEPA NSW

Athena Pallas Awards

Athena Pallas was the Greek goddess of wisdom. She embodies intelligence and strategic thought. As a warrior goddess she is also the protector of heroes.

For the study of English literature at the Highest Level

Sponsored by the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens, University of Sydney

For the study English in Year 10

Sponsored by Dr Thomas Savoulis

For the study Modern Greek Literature at the Highest Level

In memory of Georgia Polydor

For the Study of Modern Greek in Years 7, 8, 9 and 11

sponsored by The Pan Arcadian Association Foundation

For the study Modern Greek in Year 10

In memory of Georgia Polydor

For the study of Classical Greek in Years 9 and 10

sponsored by The Pan Arcadian Association Foundation

For Reading in English in three categories

Sponsored by AHEPA NSW

For Reading in Modern Greek in three categories

Sponsored by Beirut Hellenic Bank

5

Pythagoras Awards

The Pythagoras Awards are named after the great pre-Socratic mathematician, philosopher and mystic. Born in Samos in 570 BC, he made important developments in mathematics, astronomy, and the theory of music. A characteristic quote attributed to Pythagoras:

“Number is the within of all things”.

For the study of Mathematics at the Highest Level

Sponsored by the Lianos Family

For the study of Mathematics in Year 10

Sponsored by the Beirut Hellenic Bank

Archimedes Awards

Born in 287 BC Archimedes is regarded as the greatest mathematician and scientist of antiquity and one of the three greatest mathematicians of all time. A famous quote from

him is: “Do not disturb my circles!”

For Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Year 11

In memory of Angelica Stavropoulos

For Science in Year 10

Sponsored by the Bank of Cyprus

Herodotus Prize

Herodotus (484-ca. 425 BCE), the 'Father of History', is one of the primary sources for information on ancient lands and peoples, including anthropological, geographical, and other

information. His pre-eminence as the inventor of the methodology and philosophy of history are undisputed.

For the Study of Ancient History at the Highest Level

Sponsored by The Cyprus Hellene Club

For the study of Modern History at the Highest level

Sponsored by The Cyprus Hellene Club

Phidias Prize

Phidias (born 500 B.C) is one of the greatest sculptors the world has ever seen. His recognition has been guaranteed by the praise of ancient writers, as well as his profound impact on the development of Roman, Renaissance and contemporary art. His statue of

Zeus at Olympia was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

For the Study of Visual Arts at the Highest Level

Sponsored by the Tsaconas family

6

Xenios Award

As Xenios, the god Zeus was patron of travellers. The word “Xenos” denotes both stranger and guest. The offer of hospitality was a sacred obligation to the Greeks. Ritual forms of

hospitality are central themes in Greek literature, and include the exchange of gifts.

For the study of Hospitality at the highest level

Sponsored by the St Spyridon Ladies Auxiliary Committee

Agora Award

In Ancient Greek cities, the Agora was a space where citizens gathered to conduct business for commercial, political and even religious and military purposes. As such it was the

centre of city life and a distinctive feature of Greek and Hellenic cities across the ancient world.

For Business Studies at the Highest Level

Sponsored by Nicholas Simitzis

Orthodox Studies Award

For Orthodox Studies in Years 7 - 10

In memory of the Very Reverend John Evangelinidis and

Presvitera Lefkothea Evangelinides

Goldstein Award

For Leadership by Example

In memory of the late George N. Pappas AM, MBE and Marina Pappas

Peter Garrett Award

For Excellence in Music in Year 12

Prizes

First in each subject for Years 7 to 12

7

JUNIOR SCHOOL AWARDS AND PRIZES

Junior School Dux Parents and Friends Award

Primary School Awards for Academic Excellence: English, Mathematics, Science, HSIE and

Modern Greek

Infants School Awards for Academic Achievement: English, Mathematics, Science, HSIE and

Modern Greek

Awards for Academic Endeavour-For diligent and sustained application to study of English

Years 3 - 6

Sponsored by the Bank of Cyprus Australia

Modern Greek Award in memory of Georgia Polydor to Top student in Modern Greek Group

1 Year 6

Orthodox Studies Award in memory of the Very Reverend Father John Evangelinidis and

Presvitera Lefkothea Evangelinides for Top Year 6 student

Despina Hatjinikitas Memorial Award for Citizenship to Year 6 student for contribution to

ethos and culture of our school

Varnie Kambos Memorial Award for Dance to Year 6 student of Greek Dance

Athena Pallas Awards for Reading in English in Years 3 - 6

Ron Hoenig MP Outstanding Leadership Award.

Goldstein Award for Leadership by Example

In memory of the late George N. Pappas AM, MBE and Marina Pappas

SPORTS AWARDS 3-12

Pierre De Coubertin Award to College Sportsperson of the Year

Sponsored by the Bank of Cyprus

Female Sportsperson Prize to Year 6 student for outstanding contribution to Junior School

sport

Male Sportsperson Prize to Year 6 student for outstanding contribution to Junior School sport

Individual and team Sports Awards in Football, Netball, Basketball

Female Sportsperson of the Year for outstanding contribution to the Senior School sports

program

Male Sportsperson of the Year for outstanding contribution to the Senior School sports

program.

8

K – 1 2 N E W S SCHOLARSHIPS Year 7 and Year 11, 2014 Applications are now invited from new and continuing students to sit for the following ACER Examination Scholarships: Year 6 (Year 7, 2014) A Year 6 Scholarship for the top Year 6 student applying for St Spyridon College will receive their tuition fees paid for four years, from Year 7 to Year 10. Year 10 (Year 11, 2014) Two scholarships for the two top Year 10 students will receive their tuition fees paid for two years. Closing date for applications is Monday, 4th February, 2013, ACER scholarship examinations will be held on Saturday, 23rd February, 2013. You may register now online: www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au follow the links Scholarships and Awards, then Online Scholarships. REPORT FROM PARISH EXECUTIVE OFFICER/BURSAR: Junior School

1. In the last few weeks we have undertaken on-site assessment to identify energy saving opportunities within our Junior School. The first area that we identified was the fluorescent tubes, over 400 of them, usage of 48kw each. We had all Junior School tubes replaced to T5 (22kw) a saving of 26kw from each tube, thus reducing energy. These were changed over in the Junior School during October holidays. For energy efficiency, there are other areas within the school that have been identified; these will be addressed in the very near future.

2. Replacement of Three Roller Doors with remote controls at The Mary

Hamer (Rayias) Quadrangle, thus making the quadrangle secure.

Senior School

We are currently refurbishing the Tiered Learning room next to the Library.

Mrs C. Tsaconas Parish Executive Officer We wish to congratulate Mrs Sue Mayson (Parish President) and the Parish Councillors on their election to the following positions on the Parish Council: Sue Mayson President James Phillips Vice President Elia Economou Hon. Secretary Bill Carayannis Treasurer Con Livissianis Assistant Treasurer Dr Thomas Savoulis Member Chris Karkoulas Member Peter Kepreotes Member Anthony Kanaris Member George Vlahakis Member Ex Officio Father Steven Scoutas Father Sotiri Drapaniotis Mrs Christina Tsaconas ARCHBISHOP’S VISIT

Visit from Archbishop Seraphim from Kythera, Greece UNIFORM SHOP The Uniform Shop will be open before school commences in January on Wednesday, 16th and Wednesday, 23rd January 2013. Hours 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

9

VACATION CARE Our vacation care program for the 2 week pre-Christmas holiday period is available and we are now taking bookings. The program is attached to this newsletter. Should you wish to enrol and book your children in, please call Christine on 0410 505 524 or email Patricia [email protected]. We will be open from Wednesday 2nd to Wednesday 30th January 2013 also - program will be available soon. Please note our bookings and fees policy: Bookings are essential and each family is expected to make bookings in advance, for the care sessions required. Bookings will only be accepted when families have completed the service’s Enrolment Form in full. Fees are payable for family holidays and sick days if those days fall on a day that a child is booked into the service. Miss P. Doyle J U N I O R S C H O O L R E P O R T MUSICAL SHOWCASE 2012 In preparation for the Musical Showcase, Movies, Musicals and More, the children will be travelling to the Senior School campus, 1130 Anzac Pde, Maroubra for several rehearsals. Below is a copy of the information that was handed out last week to all parents. The Musical Showcase will be held at the Senior School Performing Arts Centre (SPACe). The show will commence promptly at 12:30pm on Friday, 23rd November. We ask that all parents and friends are seated by this time. Doors will open at 12pm and you will be able to purchase your tickets at the door. Cost $15 per adult. Please note that all children not attending the College will need to be seated with their parents. Under no circumstances are children permitted to walk around the centre during the performance.

We look forward to seeing you on the 23rd November, where we will be entertained by the students. Bring your family and friends as it is an event not to be missed. REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: Monday 19th November Infants are to be dropped off by their parents in the morning by 8:45am at the latest, at the Senior School. Teachers will be on duty from 8:15am. Please drop children off at the grassed area near the SPACe. Children are to come dressed in their costume and bring their Sports Uniform in their sports bag. Lunch may be ordered from the canteen. They will be bussed back to the Junior School at 12pm. Parents are to collect their Infants children from the Junior School at 3:00pm.

Primary are to come to the Junior School in the morning as normal. They are to come dressed in Sports Uniform and bring their costume and sports bag. Lunches may be ordered, but only cold food eg. sandwiches, rolls etc. Children will be bussed up to the Senior School at 11:30am. Parents are to collect their Primary children from the Senior School at 3:15pm.

Wednesday 21st November K – 6 are to come to the Junior School as normal. Children are to come dressed in their Sports Uniform and bring their sports bag. Canteen will only be open for recess. They will be bussed to the Senior School Campus at 11am for a technical rehearsal. Parents are to collect their children from the Senior School at 3:00pm.

Thursday 22nd November K – 6 are to come to the Junior School for Divine Liturgy in the morning. Children are to come dressed in Full School Uniform and bring their costume and sports bag. The canteen will only be open for recess. They will be bussed to the Senior School Campus at 11am for a technical rehearsal. Parents are to collect their children from the Senior School at 3:00pm.

Friday 23rd November - SHOWTIME K – 6 are to come to the Junior School as normal. Children are to come dressed in their Sports Uniform and bring their costume and sports bag. Canteen will only be open for recess. They will be bussed to the Senior School Campus at 12pm. Parents are to

10

collect their children from the Senior School at the end of the performance. NB: Costumes need to be clearly labelled with the child’s name and class and stored in a suit bag.

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on: Monday 26th November: Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 5. Wednesday 28th November: Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 6.

Reports will be given out of Friday 23rd November allowing parents to read them before interviews.

LIBRARY BOOKS

Could all library books be returned to the library no later than 16th November 2012.

JUNIOR SCHOOL AWARD PRESENTATION

The Junior School Awards Presentation will be held on Tuesday 4th December in St Spyridon Church. All parents and friends are welcome to come and share this morning. Parents and friends are to sit either upstairs or in the back rows of pews. This event is to acknowledge the academic success of students from Kindergarten to Year 6 using continuous assessment tasks that have been done throughout the year in the KLA’s of English, Greek, Maths, Science and HSIE. Incoming Captains, Prefects and House Captains will also be presented with their badges. Year 6 will receive their gift from the Junior School acknowledging the completion of primary schooling.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION DINNER DANCE

The Year 6 Graduation Dinner Dance for Year 6 will be held in the evening of Tuesday 4th December. Year 6 students are to meet their teachers in the Library at 6pm. The evening will commence at 6.30pm in the Church Hall. Names will be displayed with table numbers for seat allocation at the entry to the hall. All tickets must be handed in on entry.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Christmas Carols will be held on Thursday 6th December, 2pm in the Church Hall. All welcome.

Mrs M. Hamer Principal

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR NATIONAL CAPITAL EXCURSION

Year 6 students from St Spyridon have recently undertaken an educational, three day excursion of the national capital. While on this tour they participated in a variety of educational programs focussed on Australia’s history, democracy, culture and heritage. Prior to the excursion, students learnt about State and Federal Government structures and the relationships between them. They also learnt about the processes by which laws are made and changed in State and Federal Governments. In addition, students became aware of election processes and participated in community, schools and class decision- making.

In addition, students have had opportunities to become involved in classroom and school activities that use democratic processes. They have identified, through a variety of media, situations where civic action has led to the improvement of community living. This has promoted an acceptance of civic responsibility through community involvement.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit their National Capital as part of their civics and citizenship education. The government will contribute funding of $20 per eligible student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate programme toward travel expenses. This is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

St Spyridon College would like to thank the Australian Government for their support. All students had a rewarding experience!

11

St Spyridon Junior School give ‘Gifts for a Child My Age’ to Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.

A small group of students from Year 6, including the School Captains and Vice Captains, recently represented the St Spyridon Junior School at Sydney Children’s Hospital. The Year 6 representatives went to the hospital to deliver the many donated gifts from students K-6. The gifts were donated by the students and their families for a child their own age.

The gifts were accepted at the hospital by staff from Play Therapy, including Mrs Adam. The gifts will be given to children who are in hospital over

the Christmas period and at other times; such as when treatment has finished or for a reward.

I would like to thank Mrs Tsimboukis and Mrs Nikitopoulos for their support in driving the students to the hospital with the gifts. Thank you to the staff at Sydney Children’s Hospital for making our visit memorable. A special thank you to both the Year 1 students and the school community for their support.

Thank you to the Year 6 student representatives: Joanna Skouteris (vc), Nicholas Kollias (c), Rhea Tsimboukis, Maree Nikitopoulos (c), Nathan Adam (hc) and Dean Albanakis (vc).  

Ms D. McCarthy Stage 3 Coordinator

12

S E N I O R S C H O O L R E P O R T

ACER SCHOLARSHIP Year 7 2013 Congratulations to Joanna Skouteris, Year 6, who is now the four year scholarship recipient based on the external ACER exams.

WELCOME BBQ AND PARENT FORUM On Tuesday, 13th November a Welcome BBQ and Parent Forum for Year 7, 2013 and their parents was held in the Sports and Performing Arts Centre at the Senior School. Year 9 Peer Support Leader applicants were present to welcome and assist with the proceedings. It was a wonderful event with excellent attendance. Parents and students received information packs to assist with the smooth transition to Year 7. Mrs Stefanou welcomed 60 families, Juliet Manolias, Christos Raptis and AnnMarie Xenos spoke sharing some of their experiences at the Senior School so far. Thank you to Ms Kokinelis for coordinating this event with the support of Mr Zafiropoulos, Mr Condous, Mrs Dalakiaris and Mrs Balayannis. We look forward to seeing Year 7, 2013 at their ‘Getting to Know You Day’ on Friday, 30th November.

13

PREPARING FOR THE PRELIMINARY AND HSC COURSES 2012/2013 Monday, 12th November – Thursday, 6th December

The program is designed for the Year 10 students who will be continuing their studies at St Spyridon College for Years 11 and 12.

Students will attend workshops on managing the Board of Studies paperwork, study skills, the literacy demands of the HSC, spiritual enlightenment and good works in the community, first aid and global connections. They will be introduced to their subjects for Year 11 and receive guidelines about their Year 11 Assessment.

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs Koutsoukis, English/History Teacher, John (HSC 2005) Nicholas (HSC 2008) and her family at the recent loss of her husband and their father Michael. May God rest his soul and grant strength to the family. Life to all of us.

Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School

C A R E E R S C O L U M N LUMINO CITY Are you passionate about architecture, building, and design? The UNSW Built Environment is celebrating their students’ work by holding a special event at Pier 2/3, 13 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay on Saturday 17 November from 11am to 3pm for students and their families which will give students an opportunity to meet and speak with teachers and students of Built Environment. It will showcase the work of the graduating students alongside a dynamic program of public events, featuring industry speakers, debates and research workshops. LuminoCITY is more than just a showcase of the students work; it is an opportunity for school students to discover the many career opportunities available under the broad discipline description of ‘Built Environment’. These opportunities include a range of degree programs dedicated to built environment disciplines - Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Industrial Design, Computing in Architecture, Construction Management, Property Development, Urban Design and Sustainable Development. LuminoCITY will be open from Friday 16th to the Thursday 22nd November from 9am to 4pm. POSITION AVAILABLE – first year apprentice to an electrician.. The firm is based in Matraville. This is for a student from St Spyridon College. In first year, students study at TAFE – usually for 1 day a week and work 4 days a week alongside an electrician. Please contact Mr George Michos on 0425 318 810 if you would like to know more information. A Day @ UNSW – Thursday, 13 December – 50 Seats left! This is being held in our holiday period. This full-day activity is designed to give students their first taste of university life! All nine of UNSW's outstanding Faculties, including Arts and Social Sciences, Built Environment, Business, College of Fine Arts, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science and UNSW@ADFA offer activities, workshops and lectures on the day to help students determine what university degree is right for them. When registering, students are given the opportunity to select their preferred Faculty lectures or activities and we ensure they get as many of those preferences as possible. This popular day generally fills to capacity so register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

14

Date & Time: Thursday, 13 December; 9:15am – 2:45pm Appropriate For: Year 10, 11 and 12 Students; Approx. 50 seats remaining Location: Central Lecture Block (E19) Registration: Via www.network.unsw.edu.au; Keyword: Day @ Mrs A. Skerman Careers Adviser L I S T E N I N G T O O U R S T U D E N T S INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK – WORK PLACEMENT The HSC and preliminary course for IT-VET requires that all students complete outside of school training which is known as work placement. For my work placement I was assigned to an organisation called the Gen Team in Maroubra who dealt with life coaching, external affairs, overseas media and correspondence, mining and many other energy and commodity organisations. As well as what I have just mentioned they also provide IT support for people who are in need of advice. What I noticed from the first day was the work environment was very small without being cramped as it was a home office. My colleagues and employer were very nice to me and gave me valuable advice on how to do critical tasks involving paper and electronic documenting. My main role in the functioning of the company was to make sure all their contacts and manufacturers were recorded in a spread sheet and then into a database. This was a very tedious task since there were 2997 contacts, phone numbers, addresses and names that needed to be inputted into the database but there wasn’t one minute that I wish I wasn’t doing it. As well as data input I also contributed to video editing, networking and other interesting tasks. All in all this was a very life changing experience for me since I got a taste of how real companies function and the roles of the people and the information technology within them. It has definitely been a contributing factor to help me decide what I want to do in the future as a full time job.

Dean Vukelic Year 11

As part of Information Technology VET, work placement is a mandatory requirement to complete the course. It is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge and work-related attitudes required to perform the role of an entry-level employee in a range of information and communication technology enterprises. I completed my work placement with KPMG, one of the world’s leading business enterprises that deals with audit, tax and advisory services.

The opportunity to work in the IT service department of KPMG was rewarding and offered an insight into what to expect in an IT related career. I worked side by side with my friendly instructors in the IT services desk, where support is offered over the phone and through the computer to employees in the building complex experiencing technological difficulties. Towards the end of the week I also assisted in repairing devices such as mobile phones and laptops that the business owned. Most importantly, it was interesting to see how all the theoretical components of class work were applied in a practical situation which improved my understanding of many topics covered in the course.

Theodore Kipriotis Year 11

15

YEAR THREE My First Camp

On Thursday 8th November Year Three went to a school camp at Deer Park. First, we went to our cabins and unpacked our bags. I was in cabin four with Antonio, Nio, Billy, Dimitri and Evan. Once we finished unpacking we went to do our first activity. My group was going to the mangroves. We travelled to Mangrove Island by boat. When we arrived we had a sandcastle challenge. I built a volcano with Billy. Our sandcastle was roughly 38cm tall. After that, we went to a city of crabs and I picked four crabs for the crab race. Unfortunately, all my chosen crabs failed to finish the race. My next activity was pool rafting. I was in the yellow team where we had to build a raft from planks of wood. We all had to work together as a team. My team beat the green team by one point! Our next activity was the waterslide. I slid down the slide with Dimitri and we both fell off the mat and hit each other in the water tunnel. However, we still had lots of fun! After an hour we went back to our cabins and showered. We had some free time just before dinner. So we were kicking Evan’s football. I caught Nio’s kick on top of the bunk bed and Dimitri marked my kick while lying down on his bed. Then the bell rang for dinner. We all had schnitzel, carrots, water and I also had some greens. After that, we went to the hall to play some games. It was like a mini Olympics. The first activity was to throw a ball in a jug from up high. I got two out of four balls in. Then we played captain ball and my team got sixteen balls in the target. At the end of the Olympics Group A had 155 points, Group B had 140 points and Group C had 65 points. We then went back to our cabins and went to sleep. Well, unfortunately I couldn’t sleep because Nio was making me laugh and I just couldn’t stop laughing. After a while, we all said “Goodnight” to each other. I had a great first day at camp! Franklin Pyliotis 3A

On Thursday the 8th of November, we left for camp. We were heading to Deer Park Royal National Park. I went with all of the Year 3 students and the Year 3 Teachers.

Firstly, we got off the bus and got our cabin room number to put our luggage in our room. We got changed for our first activity which was the Mangroves. Before we got into the boat we had to put our life jackets on.

Next, we got into the boat and our leader was teaching us a lot of things about the Mangroves. We had to lick the Mangrove tree leaves and if it was salty up the top it was called “a river mangrove”. If it was salty down the bottom it was called a “grey mangrove”. My one was salty up the top!

After that, our leader told us to find a crab and have a crab race. Antonio’s crab won! Then our leader took us back to Deer Park. As we were going back she went really fast, it was very fun!

Meanwhile, we had afternoon tea and went off to our next activity which was Pool Rafting. First we had to build our raft using rope, wood and barrels. Then we placed our rafts into the water and raced! Both teams had a tie! After this activity we had lunch.

Then, the time I had been waiting for came and we went on the massive waterslide! It was so much fun and I nearly fell of the slide! We had dinner after the waterslide and it was really tasty. We were supposed to go on a bushwalk but it was raining that night. Instead we watched a movie in the hall with our sleeping bags.

The next day, we had breakfast and then went to our activity which was a long bushwalk! When we got to where the instructors wanted us to go we had the chance to play for a bit. We then went to the lunch area. Once we arrived there we sat down and unfortunately it started to rain! We had to run back to the camping area and eat our sausages there.

16

When we finished eating we had to get our luggage and head back to school

Overall, I really enjoyed camp and I am really looking forward to next year’s camp adventure!

Emmanuel Aroney 3S YEAR FOUR CAMP On Wednesday 7th of November, Year 4 went to Deer Park for our camp. We departed at 8:15am to go to Deer Park. When we arrived, we went to the hall and we played games. We had hamburgers for lunch. We stayed at the hall for half a day. Then we took our bags to our cabins. I was in cabin 16. The people in my cabin were: Anna, Alexi, Nicoletta, Nicola, Nicki, Katherine, Katerina, Angelique, Stephanie, Rose, Roza and Vivika. Our cabin was Group E. our group instructor was Scotty B. Our first activity at camp was ‘Initiatives’. At Initiatives, you learn how to communicate with others and trust people. We had to communicate without talking and we had to trust Nicola to guide us while we had our eyes closed. Next, we went bush cooking. We made bread out of damper and we used the fire to cook the damper. The first night, we had a PJ party with lollies and we watched a movie called ‘Cool Runnings’. The next day, my favourite activity was the water slide. Mr Volas was at the bottom of the slide waiting to hit us with a mat! On the last day, we went rock climbing and I touched the top four times! I had a great camp! Dominique Koukos 4C On Wednesday 7th November 2012, we went to camp at the Royal National Park. Our cabins were really cool. The people in my cabin were: Nicoletta, Roza, Anna, Katerina, Alexi, Angelique and Dominique. There were so many people because, the cabins were interconnecting and the doors could slide open. The girls in 4C were all in Group E. our instructor was Scotty B. my favourite activities were the waterslide and rock climbing. When we went on the waterslide, Mr Volas got a mat so when we

came sliding down he would hit us on the head! Miss Bletsogiannis and Miss Orfanos both went on the waterslide. I liked when I went over the dip in the slide and I liked when I went into the tunnel and water came up everywhere. I also liked the rock climbing. I made it to the top on every climb I went on! I liked when the people who were pulling me up, would walk forward and make me come down. I think camp was really fun and I recommend it. I enjoyed it very much. Nicola Skouteris 4C

YEAR 6 CAMP On Wednesday 7th of November Year 6 left for their trip to Canberra for three days and two nights. We had a blast. On the first day we arrived in Canberra after a 4 hour bus trip. After a short stop at Mount Ainslie, which was unfortunately very foggy so we could not see a thing, we went to the Australian War Memorial. We were taken by a tour guide to a place called “Discovery Zone”. In here we were able to explore the life of the soldiers in the trenches, in submarines and we also got into a helicopter that was used during the Vietnam War. Next we dispersed into groups and visited the exhibition which displayed planes and memorabilia from WWI and WWII, Vietnam and Afghanistan. We had the privilege of walking past the remembrance walls that had written the names of the fallen soldiers that fought nobly for their country. The walls were decorated with red poppies. We also saw the tomb of the last soldier which was in a very impressive hall. Overall we enjoyed touring the Australian War Memorial to show respect for Australian soldiers. After lunch we went to the Electoral Education Centre where we learned everything about the

17

voting system. First we watched a film about the history of voting that told us about who had the right to vote, who influenced voting in Australia and how especially women and indigenous Australians had to fight for their right to vote. We then went on to do a mock election, submitting our own ballot paper, voting for our favourite food. Everyone was so excited when we finally arrived at the Sundown Motel. Once we got there, we had a bit of fun time before dinner which was Spaghetti Bolognese and Lemon cake. After dinner everybody got changed into their PJ’s but nobody went to sleep straight away! Some of us had cabin parties and there was a lot of knock and run. The next morning we were all up early. We had to put on our school uniforms as we departed to Parliament House quite early. At Parliament House we had to go through metal detectors. Some of us had to take their shoes off. We walked through the foyer and made our way over to the House of Representatives. We went to the viewing gallery. Parliament wasn’t in session. Our tour guide asked us lots of questions, most of which we could answer and he was very impressed with our knowledge. The House of Representatives is green and the Senate is red. In the Senate, there was a chair for the Governor-General and a chair for the Queen. Unfortunately the Queen has never ever sat in the chair. Then we went to the Education room where we re-enacted the passing of a bill. We had to take on different roles, e.g. Harris and Jennifer C. acted as the Prime Minister and Joanna and Anna Maria were the Speakers. It was so much fun. After a pizza lunch at the High Court canteen, we drove to the Australian Institute of Sport where we got a tour from a BMX rider. She showed us the Basketball arena, the swimming pools, the volleyball arena and more. On the top level there was an area with lots of fun activities. There were reaction time, strength and endurance tests like an arm wrestling machine and a chin up competition. Straight after dinner at our motel, we boarded the bus to go to the Dinosaur Museum for a night tour. Inside the museum it was pitch black and our guide had a torch. There were displays of all kinds of dinosaurs from the Jurassic, Cretaceous and Triassic period. We learned lots of interesting facts about dinosaurs.

On the last day, we packed our bags and left the Sundown Motel. We went to the National Museum of Australia. We went to the K-Space and designed space ships and houses of the future. Then we went to “Circa”, a rotating cinema, and we saw the history of Australia. Then we were off to the Questacon. We loved the Questacon because you can learn about science while having fun. Finally after a quick lunch in a park we got back on the bus and our very funny driver Sam, who beat us in playing “Spotto”, returned us safely to Sydney. Overall we enjoyed the Canberra trip and we found it very educational and fun. Rhea Tsimboukis, Joanna Skouteris, Jennifer Petrides, Deanna Tzivakis, Dean Albanakis, Stephen Bletsas, Carissa Frazis S P O R T S R E P O R T ISA GIRLS BASKETBALL AFTER ROUND 4 Points Open A’s Div 1 Chevalier  16 CCGS    14 Oakhill    13 Redlands  10 Barker       9 St Spyridon    8 BMGS      6 

Inter A’s Div 2 CCGS    10 Chevalier    8 St Pauls       8 BMGS      8 Redlands    6 St Spyridon    4 

Inter B’s Div 2 SACS    12 St Spyridon  10 St Pauls   10 BMGS      8 Redlands    4 Barker      4 

Junior A Div 1 CCGS    12 Chevalier  10 Redlands  10 St Spyridon    8 Oxley      4 BMGS      4 

Junior B Div 2 CCGS    12 Chevalier  10 SACS      8 St Pauls     8 St Spyridon    6 Oxley      4 

Junior C Div 3 Redlands B  12 St Spyridon  10 St Pauls   10 SACS B        8 CCGS      6 Redlands C    4 SACS C        4 BMGS      4 

18

19

20

21

VENUE: St Spyridon College, Sports & Performing Arts Centre, 1130 Anzac Parade, Maroubra

PRICE: Adults - $20 Children/Pensioners - $15

DATE: 29th November 2012

TIME: 7.00pm

22