黑料社区

Greetings, and a very warm welcome to new students to the College this term and to their families, and a special welcome to our 2023 Year 7 parents and students who attended their first College event this past week, on Tuesday 18th October - the Year 7 2023 Information Evening, and a sincere welcome to our Year 11, 2023 students as well.

The academic year is fast coming to a close, with only about six more weeks of school for 2022. Year 12 will finish their HSC exams on Friday 4th November; Year 10 will finish their exams on the Friday 18th November; while Years 7, 8, 9, and 11 are busy working on their final assessment tasks for the year.

Teaching and learning are core business at 黑料社区 and for students to set themselves high expectations and walk the talk is an essential part of the process. As JFK reminds us, 鈥渨e are up for the challenge鈥�, and as Marcus Aurelius encourages, 鈥渋t is within our capacity鈥�. Home and school are partners in this process, and I encourage parents to ensure there is time and space, rituals and routines, to ensure their sons and daughters complete homework, review and prepare for classes, and read. I encourage families to invest in some old technology such as books, magazines, journals etc. and have them about the house so they can be picked up and flicked through 鈥� any amount of time reading is good for so many reasons, including general knowledge, factual knowledge, vocabulary, syntax semantics, reasoning, relaxation, leisure, and enjoyment.

Some handy tips for students preparing for end of year tests and exams:

• Establish a routine and a timetable and post it on the fridge so all the family can help keep the schedule (including the weekend)
• Make study/swat notes 鈥� use a book or folder for each subject; review chapters and or topics making summary notes of content
• Learn/memorise essential content captured in summary notes e.g., memorise then make notes of notes
• Schedule several subjects a night covering all subjects several times a week and plan to get swat notes complete well in advance, leaving time for learning/memorising content and practicing questions
• Practice answering actual questions 鈥� go online and google for practice questions, go over past tests, and ask your teacher
• Practice, practice, practice - do not look at the question and assume you know how to answer it, actually do it
• Visit the 黑料社区 Study Skills website:   Login: foroakhillonly. Password: 41results.

The term started with the Year 12 Retreat (Class of 2023) in Week 1. Comments from the students include: just amazing, fantastic, great, brilliant, really great, and nothing like what I expected. Thank you to staff and students for this wonderful opportunity for reflection and focus at the start of Year 12 and the final year of schooling.

A highlight this past week was the Year 7 Grandparents Day. The Year 7 invited their grandparents to the College to show them around and to discuss their learning goals and aspirations. It was a wonderful morning beginning with presentations from Year 7, the tour and concluding with a cup of tea and much chatter. It is yet another example of what is special about 黑料社区 - wonderful people, and the love and respect for family.

Summer ISA sport has started with 53 Basketball teams; 10 Touch Football teams, six Cricket teams and two Girls' Rugby 7鈥檚 teams. The College hosted a prayer service and dinner for the students in 1sts teams in each code and their parents 鈥� an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the value of team sport such as sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment, loyalty, and grit to help build resilience.

The Year 12 Drama students hosted their opening night of The Crucible on Friday 21st October, to a standing ovation and enthusiastic applause. It was an amazing performance. Please book via Trybooking for any remaining seats. Tickets can be booked here: . The Year 10 Drama production, The Choice, will start on Tuesday 1st November, followed by the Year 9 Showcase and Year 7 Drama.

On Friday 28th October, we have the Year 11 Graduation Assembly where academic awards for Year 11 2022 are presented, and the new College Leaders invested. Year 10 Academic Awards will be presented on Friday 2nd December while Years 7, 8, 9 have their Academic Awards presentation on their final day for 2022, Wednesday 7th December.

At 黑料社区, we do not expect perfection, but we do expect each student to do justice to his or her own skills, abilities and talents in all aspects of life.

The pursuit of excellence is at the core of Lasallian education and to achieve at the highest level is expected. For students to achieve any less is limiting not just the potential of the individuals but potential solutions yet to be found.

As Marcus Aurelius once said:

鈥淏ecause a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it to be beyond mortal power. On the contrary, if anything is possible and proper for man to do, assume that it must fall within your own capacity.鈥�

I conclude this edition of the Principal鈥檚 Newsletter by recognising Mr Anthony Timmins, who was the Academic Head of Music and taught music at 黑料社区 for over 12 years up until 2020, who passed away suddenly at home from a seizure during the week. Mr Timmins taught many students involved in music and/or musicals at the College. Our prayers and support go to his wife Catherine and his two children, Bridget and Daniel.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

The most popular saint in the world is St. Therese of Lisieux. I think we all have someone in our life to whom the following applies:

鈥淧erfect love means putting up with other people's shortcomings, feeling no surprise at their weaknesses, finding encouragement even in the slightest evidence of good qualities in them.鈥�

We pray for Mr Anthony Timmins who died suddenly on Monday 17th October. Let us pray for the eternal, peaceful rest of Anthony, his family and friends, including his many friends among the 黑料社区 community.

Eternal rest grant to Anthony, O鈥橪ord.
May the celestial lights shine upon him.
May his soul, and all the souls of the departed,
Rest in peace.
Amen.

Our Lasallians Without Border immersion trips are returning! Year 11 is heading to Fiji in December this year to work on service projects. As part of Year 11s fundraising activities, we are holding a Bingo Night on Saturday 19th November. All welcome. We hope you can join us.

Tickets are on sale now via:

Mr Chris Goodman
Director of Mission

To our 黑料社区 Community, we are bringing back the 黑料社区 Youth Group! It will commence Term 4, Week 2 Friday afternoon (28th October), and everyone is invited to come. Please join us in the Senior Commons from 3:15pm to 4:30pm. The group will be run by Chris Watters and I (黑料社区's Youth Ministers), and will involve actively participating in fun activities, promoting new and stronger relationships with your peers and your faith. 

We look forward to seeing you all! 

Miss Gabriella Papallo
Youth Minister

Year 11 went on a three-day Retreat experience in their House Groups across six different conference centres across Sydney and the Central Coast. 

This important experience is returning after a two year absence from Covid lockdowns and restrictions. This is timed as a way to conclude students Preliminary Studies before beginning the HSC course. It allows our Houses to spend quality time getting to know each other and create some tight bonds for their final year of school together.

The program is based on The Road to Emmaus Gospel of Luke. These days challenge students to walk a life of Faith and recognise the people that you share the important journey of life with. 

Students take time to reflect on their hopes and dreams with a focus on goal setting for the next twelve months and beyond. 

The students and staff accompanying them have been blessed with time spent in nature, fine weather, and a lot of laughter and smiles. 

Mr Chris Goodman
Director of Mission

As we move into Term 4, we continue to form faith through our Friday Morning Masses. We invite our whole community every Friday to come to the Chapel for an 8.00am start. Following is the outline of our Masses for the remainder of the term. This is also about building unity and relationship here at the College, and I look forward to seeing you there.

28th October - Summer Sport

4th November - Miguel Mass for All Souls and Saints day (A time to remember all those we have lost)

11th November  - La Salle Mass for Remembrance Day - We make a special invite to all our families with essential Services workers

18th November - A special Mass for all our 黑料社区 Graduates from the past

25th November - Years 7 to 9 "Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve"

Many Blessings for the week ahead.

Mrs Laurainne Marshall
Prayer & Liturgy Co-ordinator

黑料社区 is proud to announce that the College Musical for 2023 is Footloose the Musical. We are very excited to bring this sizzling sensation to 黑料社区. Keep an eye out for further audition details coming soon. Footloose the Musical is dancing its way to 黑料社区 in Term 2, 2023.  

On Wednesday 19th October, we welcomed our incoming Year 7, 2023 students and their parents for an information evening. Transitioning to high school is a big change, and key members of 黑料社区 outlined how we will make this transition as smooth as possible. 

Families also heard from two Year 7 students on their experiences of the transition. You can read them below:

Welcome to Year 7:

A warm and wonderful welcome to the parents, carers and future year 7 students of 2023. As excitement and anticipation become your new reality I can assure you that 黑料社区 college will be everything you鈥檝e dreamed of and so much more. 

黑料社区 will provide you with an educational journey, rich with diverse learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities, which will harness your child鈥檚 sporting abilities or musical passions.

If you didn鈥檛 know already, 黑料社区 fosters the Lasallian tradition, where we aim to be like De La Salle, and follow the core Lasallian values of faith service and community. In the words of Pope Francis, 鈥淟asallians from all over the world are building new paths to transform lives.鈥� My name is Rhys Wilson and this is exactly what 黑料社区 college has provided for me in my first year of high school.

No matter what you love to do, 黑料社区 has a place for you. 

This gave me the privilege to be a part of the College Musical, Les Miserables.  

Did I know I could sing, let alone sing high notes…. well not really. 

The silver lining was when the amazing music and drama teachers helped me develop new singing techniques. The teachers always support you and encourage you to have the confidence to step outside your comfort zone and unlock your own hidden talents. That鈥檚 the magic of 黑料社区. 

My advice to all of you.. is to grab every opportunity with both hands and go for it. Even if you鈥檙e unsure, give it a go, because 黑料社区 values inclusivity, creativity and developing self-confidence in all students. 

黑料社区 prides itself on its faith, service and community. I鈥檝e had the privilege of singing in the choir and reading gospels, by attending Mass every Friday morning. This has strengthened my Catholic values, helped me to flourish in my faith and allowed me to connect with community members, students and staff. This has also reminded me to believe that we are always living in the holy presence of God. Remembering that God is with you will help and inspire you in all that you do.

The welcoming nature of 黑料社区 makes every individual feel a true sense of belonging, so get ready to make some new friends! 黑料社区 upholds the core values of faith, quality education, inclusivity, respect and social justice. 

So, to our future Year 7鈥檚, we look forward to seeing you next year and be ready to keep your feet on the ground, aiming for the stars! 

Rhys Wilson, Year 7

鈥淔eet on the ground, aiming for the stars.鈥� Good evening, upcoming Year 7 and fellow parents. My name is Jaidev and I鈥檝e almost completed my first year at 黑料社区. When I was asked to talk about my experience at 黑料社区, my first thought was our motto. The idea of 鈥淔eet on the ground, aiming for the stars鈥�, is quite inspiring. It makes us think of the goals we want to achieve while reminding us to stay grounded. 

But when I first heard it, I was quite intimidated by it. I don鈥檛 know about you, but the idea of having to reach the stars sounded like a lot of pressure. It鈥檚 inspiring but can be a scary thing for someone just starting Year 7. The stars sound like they鈥檙e far away. What if I can鈥檛 reach them? What if I can't achieve my goals? So many questions, so much to live up to. 

Your mind is probably overflowing with images of what that might be like, which is normal for a curious 12-year-old boy. But I鈥檓 here to let you know that part of "feet on the ground, aiming for the stars" is that the steps can be small and precise, with different accomplishments throughout your journey. Take an example from one of my favourite books, Harry Potter. 黑料社区 reminds me of Hogwarts. How old the school is. The towering buildings. The adventure and opportunities. And the long-lasting relationships.

I know it may all sound intimidating, but I can assure you this is not the case as when I first started, I was also scared and had many questions. How will I get to my classes? Will there be anyone I can make friends with? How is homework handled? Well from my personal experience all these queries weren't even a priority as the weeks moved on.

黑料社区 provided an efficient transition through the first 2-3 weeks into your classes by showing you around. Additionally, most of the older students are always keen to help you. Friends are something that will come automatically. I heard there are around 60 plus different primary schools moving to 黑料社区. Considering that is a lot, many people will be in the same position as you. So, my advice is if you see someone in your yard, which is your year group area by themselves go up to them and say hi. Homework won't be a big pressure in the first couple of weeks, depending on your teacher, but all homework is advised to be noted in your college diary which is where you will write any key things you need to do. 

How 黑料社区 helped me discover hidden talents of mine. 黑料社区 has a range of extra-curricular activities which consist of sports, music, and drama. I was lucky enough to know that Drama was something I enjoyed, and I was lucky enough to be able to make into theatre sports an improvisation drama club.

Hope I made your doubtful queries of yours more understandable. Overall 黑料社区 is a fabulous school and I'm sure you will be ever more than happy you chose this school. You guys are in pleasure with the lovely teachers here. Have a great night and don't be shy to ask any other questions. Have a great transition to 黑料社区 and high school. Thank you.

Jaidev Madhavapeddi, Year 7

It was our absolute pleasure to welcome Year 7 grandparents to 黑料社区 on Wednesday 19th October. Grandparents play a crucial role in their grandchildren's lives and it was wonderful to see the joy on the boy's faces showing their grandparents 黑料社区, sharing stories, and experiences and comparing all the changes from when they were at school.

As well as Br Steve Hogan and Mr Nathan Jones' reflection, grandparents heard from two Year 7 boys, Jake and Michael and you can read their recounts below: 

The Year 7 Experience

Good Morning all, especially our grandparents, welcome to 黑料社区. It鈥檚 an honour to have you here today for our Grandparents Day. I鈥檒l be remarking on this year鈥檚 major events for Year 7. 

In March, we had our Year 7 camp. Camp went on for three days. Camp provided a safe and fun place to connect with people and learn about each other. It was particularly beneficial to me as I was the only boy from my primary school to attend 黑料社区. For me, camp forged some strong friendships. 

In May, we had Founder鈥檚 Day. Founder鈥檚 Day was a special day celebrating the history and legacy of 黑料社区 and its sister school, De La Salle Ashfield. St John Baptist de La Salle was a French nobleman who gave his wealth away and founded the Lassalian Brothers. Those brothers, hundreds of years later, would go on to found 黑料社区. 

The Athletics Carnival was held in June, it was a fun day competing against our mates in various sporting events such as, running, tug of war, long jump, discus and, of course, the world renowned, 黑料社区 only event, the gumboot toss. The Houses of 黑料社区 competed against each other to win desperately needed points to win the house cup. My house, Turon, won the Athletics Carnival and won the House Cup in the process. 

We had MAD, Mission Action Day, in September. MAD was an awesome day filled with rides and food. MAD was a charity event where all the funds raised would go to the Breakfast Club in Papua New Guinea for students who can not afford to eat breakfast. MAD was so busy with students and teachers having fun that I actually had trouble trying to find my friends.

I now wish you all a very happy Grandparent鈥檚 Day with your grandsons.

Jake Towers, Year 7

Why Grandparents are Important?

Grandparents are like your best friend, you can never get enough of them, and you always know that you can rely on them. In fact, I believe that my grandparents are my best friends. They always listen, they share all their wisdom and knowledge, and they are a shoulder that you can cry on. Grandparents are, in a word: sensational. They make the world softer, kinder, and a bit more bearable with their affection, love and care.

Grandparents are important to everyone. What my grandparents do for me I can never repay, because they don鈥檛 ask for anything in return. No matter how many times I try to show how much I love them, they always find a way to create a new reason why I should love them even more. If I had to list how many times I have said: 鈥淚 love you鈥� or 鈥淭hank you so much鈥� or 鈥淚 love your … (hand gestures)鈥�, I would be here all day! And they deserve to know and hear me say it often and often again, always.

 But why are grandparents important? Well, grandparents are a special kind of person. Just by being close to them, we are reassured that we are what we are because of them. They are the perfect image of what went before and what will come after. They provide a person with experience, wisdom, and an example of how to live your life with empathy, courage, and integrity. They teach you from their own mistakes, so that you don鈥檛 have to repeat them. Like a parent, they love unconditionally. Pope Francis once said: 鈥済randparents are a treasure in the family. Please take care of them and let them talk to your children.鈥�

 My mum always tells me: "you will only know how much I love you when you hold your child in your arms鈥�, and I believe that this is the same with grandparents. The fact that their unconditional love is virtually impossible to break and I can always get into mischief without getting in trouble is a bonus.

My grandparents, my Teta Salma and Gido Richard, are some of the most important people in my life, and I will carry their love with me and always try to make them proud of me. They are the most loving, kind, and they make me feel secure and happy around them.

Michael Rizk, Year 7

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Over the past two years, FDC, our Master Plan builder, has offered a scholarship to an 黑料社区 graduate. We proudly announce that the 2023 FDC Scholarship has been awarded to Pat Spence (College Captain). This is a significant opportunity to jump-start his career with financial support and hands-on real-world experience with a leading construction company.

Due to the high calibre of 黑料社区 graduates, in 2021 additionally offered two cadetship opportunities, and again this year, the process has commenced, and several candidates have been offered to attend work experience, which can lead to cadetships within FDC.

We look forward to hearing from these graduates about the incredible opportunities they've been offered.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

In support of  in early October, 黑料社区 held the Castle Hill Book Fair in Benildus Hall. The Book Fair raised $165,000 in three days. We are proud to have demonstrated our support by offering Benildus Hall for free and to have had so many staff and students (during the holidays) volunteer their time to set up, supervise and re-stock.

This is a fantastic outcome, and the money raised will make a real difference for young people in crisis. Thank you to all those who supported .

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Friday 21st October is the opening night for The Crucible. This is a sell out performance, however, limited tickets are still available for Saturday 22nd, Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th October in the Adrian Theatre at 7.00pm. All seats have a good view of the stage. Don't miss out.

Tickets are on sale via Trybooking .

Some choices are easy to make, while others are more difficult. But once made, some choices cannot be unmade, and their consequences remain with us for the rest of our lives.

Betrayal, tragedy, obsession, revenge…what will be that one final choice? Liberation or desolation.

Year 10 Drama presents the World Premiere of MJ Knapp鈥檚 The Choice. Commissioned especially for this class to perform, The Choice will play out in the Adrian Theatre with three performances, on Tuesday 1st November, Thursday 3rd and Saturday 5th November, at 7.00pm. 

Tickets on sale now from Trybooking: 

Mrs Donna Findlay
Head of Senior School

Our HSC Visual Arts students have worked extremely hard this year to complete their Major Works. Below is a catalogue showcasing these works:

Mrs Marie Hogan
Academic Head of Visual Arts

Christian Milicevic is the Year 10 Photography and Digital Media Artist of the Month. In Term 3 he researched the practice of a photographer he admired. Neil Leifer (New York, NY), Filmmaker and former Sports Illustrated, Time and LIFE Photographer Neil Leifer鈥檚 photography career has spanned over 60 years. Christian aims to mirror Leifer鈥檚 practice and emulate his achievements as a sports photographer. Although Christian is still in the throes of resolving this series of images, he has captured the intensity, emotion, athleticism of a football final in the three photographs presented.

As a conscientious student who has worked consistently for the past two years, he was the obvious choice for the Year 10 Photography Digitial Media Artist of the Month.

Congratulations Christian

Ms Cecilia Weinert
Visual Arts Teacher

Marko Slankamenac is the Year 9 Photography and Digital Media October Artist of the Month. In Term Two Marko truly embraced the Film Noir workshop with Patrick Dixon (Graduate 2020) and utilised several conventions within his video. The example included here demonstrates backlighting to create a silhouette. In Term 3, Marko's interest in Graphic Design and Marketing came to the fore as he promoted a fictional Luxury Estate company in his name M Slankamenac. Marko has made good use of the Adobe Creative Suite when developing his practice in 2022. He has also located alternate avenues to expand the reach of his campaign pitch by targeting today's audience through social media. 

Marko is dedicated to all aspects of his schooling. However, passion, ability, and talent can produce some amazing work.

 Congratulations Marko.

Ms. Cecilia Weinert
Visual Arts Teacher

Each year, a number of students from Years 7 and 8 participate in the Mathematics Enrichment programs, run by the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT). This very intense program goes beyond the mathematics taught ordinarily in class and offers students the opportunity to challenge themselves and to better prepare students for the higher levels of Mathematics study in the senior school years. Thank you to Ms Horvat, Mrs Matheson and Mrs Anand who were involved in the delivery of the content. A number of competitions were run by of faculty for students at 黑料社区. 

A total of 38 Distinctions and 92 Credits were awarded to the students across Years 7 to 11. The Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Competition, also organized by the AMT, was participated by our high achievers across Years 7 to 9. The highest achievers were Michael Rizk (Year 7), Rain Luo (Year 8) and Jason Herbas and Ethan Loiacono (Year 9). The Kangourou des Mathematiques, was the third competition organized by the AMT. The highest achievers were Patrick Ren (Year 7), Rishan Kumar (Year 8) and Ethan Loiacono (Year 9). Congratulations.

Mrs Pela O'Reilly
Academic Head of Mathematics

In the last school holidays, after three rain delays, Year 10 students embarked on their Adventurous Journey component of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh. This component is the final component for Bronze DOE. Here are some recounts:

Being part of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Program was an overall exceptional experience in learning new skills, getting involved in extra-curricular activities, and exploring the outside world. The program allows students to challenge themselves by doing things outside of their comfort zone, and overcoming these challenges is a real success for all those involved. 

Doing the Duke of Edinburgh program is an excellent opportunity for extra-curricular activities for young people today. Members of the program get involved in physical activities, voluntary service, personal skills development, and outdoor education. 

The epitome of this experience is seen in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Adventurous Journey to Somerset Camp. The journey was worth two days and consisted of hiking, camping, and learning basic navigation skills. At the start, we were made to reduce our equipment to only 12 kg to teach us how to endure the journey in a minimalistic way. We had to use topographic maps to identify our location in accordance with our geographical surroundings. We also had to work as a team to get through obstacles on the trail, as some members weren鈥檛 able to get through as easily as others. Overall, the Adventurous Journey was a great way to get physically active, learn, and to interact with peers. 

The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award was an exceptional experience and has influenced us to continue on to the Silver and Gold Awards. 

Ian Joye, Year 10

The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Qualifying Camp consisted of a two-day bushwalk of which we were required to trek along the ridges of the Colo River. The expedition took place from Monday 26th - Tuesday 27th September and was an overall success. To first be able to do the camp we had to complete three different activities under service, physical recreation and a chosen skill. This was a fundamental step for the camp as it taught us how to work independently and as a team and provided us with opportunities to help and provide aid for others. The camp further built on this, teaching us new skills such as how to use a topographic map and how to identify its features in order to navigate throughout the journey. It taught us how to work as a group to find an almost exact location of where we were by identifying features on the map and then looking for them in the surrounding area. At the very start of the camp we were required to repack our bags and get rid of anything that is not a necessity in order to lighten our packs to 12kg or below, which would make the journey a lot less stressful on the body. The camp helped to build teamwork and provided many opportunities for everyone to take up a leadership role in the group. We had people assigned as garbage guru, camp leader, hiking leader, wellbeing manager and navigators to name a few. We also had to sort amongst us who would carry the cooking and toiletry kits which were provided by Somerset. The journey was a great experience and a great way for everyone to get active, get involved and build stronger connections with peers. The journey also proved to be an influential experience for people to get more involved and build on their own welfare and inspired people to continue on with the Duke of Edinburgh Silver and Gold awards. 

Joshua Farrant, Year 10

The Duke Of Edinburgh Bronze Award Camp is a great experience that allows participants to learn and demonstrate new skills and get first-hand experience on the difference between being in a wild environment and being in an urbanised environment. Between 26th -27th September, 黑料社区 took a trip to Colo River and it was a big success. In order to complete this two-day expedition, we need to be able to complete at least three hours of hiking every single day which stretches to approximately 15km in total. This would include climbing up and down steep hills and navigating through difficult turns. We also had to be able to stay one night in the wild and be able to have the appropriate food needed for dinner. Guides that had taught us all the essential skills to be able to complete these adventurous journeys. But before doing all of this adventure, we must bring the right tools and materials that do not exceed 12kg and we were instructed to record all of our data on numerous pieces of paper that showed where we went and what we went past over the past two days. We were also told to put the pieces of rubbish we left in a plastic bag and carry them along the way. Throughout it all, many students enjoyed this trip, and this will certainly propel some students, myself included, to participate in the higher levels of Duke of Edinburgh awards in the foreseeable future. 

Daniel Xu, Year 10

The Duke of Edinburgh trip took place in late September, in which a bushwalk in the Colo River region was completed. The students did not just get to arrive on the 26th and hike, it took extensive planning days, even weeks beforehand. On the camp the students needed one dinner, two lunches and one breakfast. The students must have planned so that their meals were high in the appropriate proteins needed. On the morning of the 26th September, a large group of 黑料社区 students left 黑料社区 to participate in this endeavour. The expedition started off with some logistics, as the whole group had to plan their journey, this taught the students how to use grid lines and map a walking trail. After the mental part of the journey was completed, the physical part started to kick off. Over the two days, over 15km of uphill hiking was completed. It was important that over the two days we cleaned up our rubbish, so we did not ruin the environment, our solution was to bring a garbage bag so that we could place our rubbish somewhere. This trip was a good experience, and it has helped me to decide, hopefully others likewise, to continue completing the Duke Of Edinburgh Award.

Christian Milicevic, Year 10

The Duke of Edinburgh award is given at three levels; Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level contains four components being physical recreation, skill, service, and an adventurous journey. The bronze adventurous journey is a two-day camp that was originally scheduled to take place earlier in the year, however, due to harsh weather conditions and torrential rain, it took place during the first week of September school holidays on Monday and Tuesday.

Around 50 Year 10 students were part of the trip and were required to partake in substantial planning sessions prior. These sessions included separating into groups, and planning on what to pack including clothes, meals, and other resources. Fortunately, the group were lucky enough to have the likes of Mr Rajczyk and Ms Nusdorfer assist them in preparation.

Upon arrival to Somerset camp at Colo River, students immediately dispersed into their pre-organised groups. Plenty of planning time was spent at base camp on the first day, mapping out the route to be taken. Students were taught how to use grid and area references as well as read topographic maps in order to navigate the endeavour.

The group embarked on their physical journey at around lunch time and hiked for two-three hours straight on the first day. Each group was led by a navigator which students took turns in being.

Once they had arrived at the campsite, students began setting up camp, and learnt how to put up tents and use trangias in order to cook their dinner. That night, many good conversations were had around the fire and in tents.

On the second morning, the group woke up to rainfall and packed up camp quickly, before setting off again for another day of hiking. After four hours of hiking the journey was finally complete, and 15km+ of steep uphill and downhill hiking had been accomplished.

Each student was required to complete a report on the adventurous journey as a part of their Duke of Edinburgh award. All in all, it was a great and enjoyable experience for everyone as part of the award, as well as to just get out of the house in the holidays. A special thanks to all the teachers that came on the trip.

Dylan Manio, Year 10

Mr Jack Rajczyk
Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator

For Term 4 we have had to make some changes to our rehearsal times for College Band, Concert Band and Stage Band.

College Band and Concert Band will now rehearse together on Wednesday morning at 7.45am

Stage Band will now rehearse on Thursday morning at 7.45am.

All rehearsals take place in the band room in the Adrian Building.

Mr Mark Domars
Academy of Performing Arts

Term 4 sees the start of the ISA summer sport season. Our Junior Cricketers have been in competition for a few weeks and our ISA teams start this weekend. ISA Round 1 starts on Saturday with the 黑料社区 Basketball, Cricket and Touch Football sides playing for competition points. We look forward to an exciting season of summer sport.

During the week we held our Summer Sports 1sts teams Prayer service and presentation. The 黑料社区 1sts coaches introduced each player who were then presented with a Sporting Excellence medal by Br Steve Hogan fsc to recognise the fantastic achievement of being selected into an 黑料社区 1sts team. Congratulations to all players and good luck for the season ahead.

Mr Andrew Wisemantel
Head of Sports

During the school holidays, Lachlan Coady (Year 9) participated in the Australian Schools Orienteering Championships in Victoria. Congratulations to Lachlan who has achieved amazing results throughout this competition:

Australian Schools Sprint Championships 26th September
Junior Boys (12-15yrs)
36th / 55 (25th Australian as NZ were also competing)

Australian Schools Long Distance Championships 27th September
Junior Boys (12-15yrs)
38th / 55 (27th Aussie)

Australian Schools Relay Championships 28th September
Junior Boys (12-15yrs)
NSW 2 8th / 18 teams

Australian Middle Distance Championships 25th September
M14A (14 years and under)
17th of 27 (14th aussie)

Australian Sprint Championships 30th September
M14A (14 years and under)
7th of 26 (5th aussie)

Australian Long Distance Championships 1st October
M14A (14 years and under)
21st of 24 (17th aussie)

Australian Relay Championships 2nd October
M14A
Team NSW - 2 of 6 (Best Aussie state)

Congratulations to Seronique Taylor, Talia Scheeren and Daniel Gonzalez (all Year 12) who have been offered to take part in the UBS Investment Banking Cadetship program. This is an enviable opportunity for these graduates, as they are able to combine tertiary study and develop practical experience in the workplace while being paid.

These students sat academic testing and also underwent multiple rounds of interviews before they were awarded these positions. This is the first time they have accepted so many students from one school. 

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Some of our staff were fortunate to see Matthew Geoghan (Year 10) who was the Beast in the Musical Beauty and the Beast at the Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown. Matthew is very talented and has appeared in all 黑料社区's Musical productions. We know we will see a lot more of Matthew to come on stage!

At the recent NSW All Schools Championships, several students competed in a number of events with phenomenal results. Congratulations to all the boys:

• Lachlan Albert (Year 7) won a Silver medal for U12s high jump
• Myles Ashby (Year 9) came 2nd in the U15s 3000m race walk
• Isaac Beacroft (Year 10) won a Gold medal in the U15s 3000m race walk, breaking a 17 year old state record by 1 minute and 5 seconds, won a Bronze medal in the U15s 3000m run, a Silver medal in the U15s 2000m steeplechase. NSW All Schools reviewed Isaac's events as 'Three of the best ever in the history of the Championships'
• Zacary Green (Year 7) came 4th in U13s 1500m run and 12th in U14s 3000m run
• Thomas Shannon (Year 10) won a Bronze medal in U16s 5000m race walk, came 19th in U16s 1500m run and 11th in U16s 3000m run.

Isaac and Myles have also qualified for the NSW state team and will compete at the National Championships in Adelaide in early December.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Keep active this summer with Western Sydney Aquatics! We will be open for classes throughout the school holiday period, offering a wide range of swimming classes for all fitness levels. For more information visit our website  or call 0451436606. 

Please support The Rotary Club of Castle Hill for their End Polio Now Movie Night: