黑料社区

Greetings, and a very special warm welcome to our new parents and students for 2024 who are now receiving our Newsletter.

This year Remembrance Day will be celebrated on Saturday the 11th November (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month), the month dedicated to peace. Remembrance Day was initiated by King George V in 1919, a year after the Armistice signed by the allies of WWI and Germany and was originally known as Armistice Day. At 黑料社区, we will stop for a short moment at the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th month, next Saturday, the 11th November, the moment each year in which many nations of the world remember those who have given their lives in war - a day in which we remind students never to forget, and in all aspects of life, be both peace-makers and advocates of peace.

In November it is common in the UK to wear a poppy, the most popular symbol of Remembrance Day in western and allied countries. The red poppy was the only flower resilient enough to grow on the war-torn western front, the previously beautiful French landscape - landscapes that had been turned into barren and muddy battlefields. The red poppy today symbolises those who have lost their lives in war. This image is captured in the poem entitled 鈥業n Flanders Fields鈥� by Canadian Doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, shortly after losing his friend in the battle of Ypres.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Let us pray for peace in the world.

In this issue of the Newsletter, we give recognition to the amazing and incredible achievement of students at 黑料社区. On Friday 27th October the new College leaders were inducted in a simple but symbolic ceremony based on the Gospel of John and the call to service witnessed by Jesus with the washing of feet at the last super. Already our leaders of the Class of 2024 are making their mark, initiating programmes and raising the bar, setting the example for all students to aim high, do their best, be kind, become involved, and to take up every challenge and every opportunity.

On Sunday 12th November Team India and Team Fiji service tours will come together with staff and parents to debrief and report on their service experience. Students continue to talk about the opportunity and learning, and without exception, the reflective experience the opportunity provided: being more aware, more assured, more grounded and more settled. The virtue of St Francis of Assisi is both wise and insightful, 鈥渋n giving we receive鈥�, or that of Luke 6: 鈥淕ive and it will be given to you鈥�; or Proverbs 11: 鈥淥ne gives freely yet grows all the richer鈥�.

Another highlight in the coming week is Grandparents Day on Wednesday 8th November. Year 7 students have the opportunity to show their grandparents the College and how they learn - the learning framework, how they use Google docs and other online resources, submit assignments and assessments, and collaborate with classmates. Grandparents have been invited to share their learning experience when they were at school. It is yet another example of what I find special about 黑料社区 鈥� a place where all the family is welcomed.

Summer sport has started, and the Year 12 Play is now showing (if you haven鈥檛 already, got those tickets and come along). Year 9 have their camp coming up, and Year 10 after their exams have their transition week 鈥� a range of events seminars and presentations to prepare for Year 11.

黑料社区 is a busy place but teaching and learning is our core business and for students to set themselves high expectations 鈥� to aim for the stars. 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 to ensure their sons and daughters complete homework, review and prepare for classes and exams, and read. I encourage families to invest in some old technology such as books and magazines and have them about the house so they can be picked up and flicked through 鈥� any amount of time reading is good for all of us for so many reasons including our wellbeing.

Keep us in your prayers as you will be in ours. In the upcoming Advent and Christmas season, may what is essential, to love and be loved, to touch hearts and transform lives, to inspire each other to aspire to be our best, to be whom God has willed us to be, be our focus and resolution.

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

'Give yourself permission to be inadequate. Both God and nature give you permission not to be perfect. Don鈥檛 be too hard on yourself and especially on others. Everyone falls short. God doesn鈥檛 keep you from falling and failing, but redeems you when you do fall. You鈥檙e loved as you are. Fear not, you are inadequate!'

Daniel Berrigan S.J.

Every year 黑料社区 runs a Christmas Hamper Appeal. Please bring in a food hamper item and a gold coin to buy gifts for families in need from Monday 6th November. Donations can be made to your Tutor Teacher or Dean.

On Sunday 22nd October, 黑料社区 hosted the NSW Special Olympics Swimming Carnival. Athletes with special needs travelled from as far away as Canberra to participate in this Carnival. The Carnival was organised and facilitated by our Year 11 students in roles such as marshalling, timekeeping, record keeping, starting and hospitality (provision of food and drinks). One elderly gentleman stated he was not only impressed by our students鈥� professionalism and compassion 鈥� but more praiseworthy he didn鈥檛 see any of them at any time on a mobile phone!

Congratulations to the following Year 11 students who generously gave their time to ensure the Carnival was successful: Riley Albert, Mitchell Daly, Georgia Fath, Juan Jose Diaz Gomez, Colbey Ellison, Chloe Gething, Charlotte Hayward, Clarissa Hendrawan, Mitchell Holmes, Julia Kim, Talia Manassa, Liam Moore, Madeleine Nolan, Summer Rayne Roughley, Sofia Strbik, Hannah Trethewey.

Bob Munday 
Deputy Principal

In our previous Newsletter, Ruby reflected on her Service Tour experience in India. In this edition, Charlotte reflects on her incredible Fijian Service Tour experience:

In the most recent school holidays, I was honoured to be given the opportunity to visit Fiji under the Lasallian Without Borders (LWOB) Program. This experience was once in a lifetime trip, being able to assist our Lasallian brothers and sisters overseas. During this experience, we were able to immerse ourselves in the Fijian culture and create everlasting friendships.

Whilst in Fiji we visited two villages, Namatakula and Belo, spending time at the schools meeting primary school children, while also going into the villages and building relationships with elders within the community. Here we donated plants and paint, which were purchased through the fundraising money from our cupcake Friday's and Bingo night.

The first village we visited was Namatakula, where we were tasked with painting the village church, which was run down after facing harsh weather and being neglected for a few years. This was my personal highlight, as all the kids from the primary school came and helped us paint the church straight after school each day. We had music playing and were singing and dancing, all connecting through a common goal of painting the church.

After a couple of days of recharging, we visited our second village, Belo. My most fond memory from this village was the Sunday morning Mass, where my small group of 25 students, were able to sing a Fijian gospel song for the Belo community. As we sang 鈥楨 Da Sa Qaqa鈥�, the faces in the church lit up. Before we had even finished singing, the church was already clapping and cheering for us. The immense pride and joy that the Fijian people had that we were singing in their language was extraordinary.

Throughout the trip I learnt the importance of gratitude, being content and gained a greater appreciation of the small things. As a team, we were able to experience and feel the collective love that was on offer, from all of our brothers and sisters in the villages 鈥� not once did it fail to feel as if we were at home. While these communities did not have much, they never settled for less than a smile and a welcoming 鈥楤ula!鈥� The joy that they would bring to their days was inspiring and a quality that I hope to recreate moving forward.

I鈥檇 like to thank all the staff that came on the trip with us; Mr Fisher, Mr De Paoli, Ms Hagerty, Ms Booth, Ms Robertson, Mr Winslade, Ms Stewart, and Ms Archer. I鈥檇 especially like to thank Mr Goodman and Mr Fisher for their planning and organisation for this trip.

I am so grateful that I was able to experience the opportunity of travelling overseas to help those in less fortunate circumstances than those in the 黑料社区 community. While our main goal was to help improve the lives of our Fijian brothers and sisters, I truly believe that they, unexpectedly, changed ours in more ways than we could ever have imagined. The memories of this trip will stay with me forever and I cannot wait to get back to Fiji to see everyone again!

Charlotte Hayward, Year 11

The announcement of new leaders is always an exciting time at the College, with new ideas, aspirations and hopes for the year ahead. Below we hear from the 2024 College leaders, gaining an understanding of what makes them our leaders of the future. 

College Captains

My name is Phoebe Reynolds and I am honoured to be 2024 Captain of 黑料社区. I grew up in Castle Hill, where I attended 黑料社区 Drive Primary School, and Gilroy Catholic College in Years 7 to 10. While I have been at 黑料社区 I have embraced every opportunity that has come my way and endeavoured to become involved in all aspects of College life from Faith and Mission, Sport and the LYL program. At the start of 2023, I joined the 鈥楥alled to Serve鈥� Program whereby I engage in a multitude of service opportunities, including the Door Knock Appeal, College Tours, Year 7 and 8 Reflection Days, just to name a few. I have been a part of the 黑料社区 Swim, Cross Country and Athletics teams, in which I have gone on to represent 黑料社区 at CIS Swimming, and CIS Athletics. This year I was extremely lucky to have been a part of the 黑料社区 2nd鈥檚 Netball team where I made close friendships with Year 12 students. During the 2023/24 Summer, I will be representing 黑料社区 in the 1st Touch Football team. Each Friday morning, before school I thoroughly enjoy attending Mass at our College Chapel with my friends which is a great way to finish off the week. My favourite subject was 2 Unit Studies of Religion, where I was extremely blessed to have the opportunity to do this course as an accelerated subject. I started this course in Year 10, coming to the College on Tuesday afternoons. This provided me with the opportunity to make friends at 黑料社区 before officially starting in Year 11, as well as completing 2 Units of my HSC in Year 11. One thing I love about 黑料社区 is the strong sense of community, where I have felt incredibly welcomed by my peers, and teachers within my short time here at the College. This culture at 黑料社区 is something that I aim to foster into the new year and make even better. I am extremely excited to lead the college with the leadership team this coming year and work collaboratively for the benefit of both the College and community.

Hi, my name is Nihaal Dhillon and I am one of the College Captains for 2024. I went to Matthew Pearce Public School Primary School and I have been at 黑料社区 since Year 7. I think one of the best things about 黑料社区 involves all the opportunities and extra-curricular activities it has to offer. A thing about me. I love getting involved in as many College activities as possible. I play tennis for 黑料社区, I have been a part of the College Musical's (Footloose and Les Miserables), I was a part of the Senior Play (Clue), I have done Debating for 黑料社区 and I absolutely loved being a part of the Mock Trial team. I love playing and watching sports. I also love reading in my free time as well as going on runs. My favourite subjects involve English, Chemistry and Economics. I am so excited to be working with all of you this year. 黑料社区 is such a beautiful family and I cannot wait to be working beside each and every one of you. Together we can make a difference. Please don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out and ask for help if you need. I am always here to help.

College Vice Captains

Hi, we would like to introduce ourselves - Ruby Keast and Julian Vargas, your 2024 College Vice Captains. We are beyond grateful to be given this opportunity and aim to promote the Lasallian values of the College. A little about us鈥�

My name is Ruby and I moved across to 黑料社区 from Castle Hill High School at the beginning of the year. Since joining the College I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the 黑料社区 community through involving myself in things such as service, Vinnies Van, SRC and sport. A big highlight of mine from this year was attending the LWOB India trip over the past school holidays as I learnt so much about myself and the world, and it was an amazing, unforgettable experience. I am dedicated to my studies, aiming to work hard in all my school work, and am taking the following subjects for my HSC: Legal Studies, Modern History, SOR II, Extension English and Standard Maths. I strongly encourage each student at 黑料社区 to make the most of their school life by getting involved and having fun. I am extremely honoured to be a leader for this coming year, and will strive to continue the 黑料社区 legacy by embracing our College spirit and core Lasallian values.

Hi, my name is Julian and I am one of the College Vice Captains for 2024. I attended primary school at Our Lady of the Angels and have been at 黑料社区 since Year 7. I have loved immersing myself in 黑料社区 life at every opportunity I could and will continue to do so and promote the strong sense of community as a College leader. I have been involved in Debating, the Walk the Talk program, Vinnies Van and Duke of Edinburgh in which have allowed me to develop various skills in which I wish to implement as a leader. I am very passionate about school and my studies, having completed Mathematics Accelerated recently which was an amazing opportunity, completing three units of my HSC early. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am very proud to be a leader this year and will work hard to foster and promote the Lasallian values that the College is built on.

黑料社区 provides students with so many opportunities to serve, lead and help others and as your leaders we urge each and every student to take an active role in the 黑料社区 community. We are so excited to be your 2024 College leaders and cannot wait for the year ahead.

Lasallian Captains

Hi, we are the Lasallian Captains Ethan Quimpo and Natalia Papallo we are both privileged to be named 2024 Lasallian Captains and are so excited to get started on servicing and leading the 黑料社区 community.

Greetings, my name is Ethan, and I am privileged to be named 2024 Lasallian Captain, alongside Natalia. The primary school I attended was, St John XXIII Catholic College, and during my free time, I love helping my family, hanging out and talking to friends and playing basketball. My favourite subject at school is definitely Mathematics and I have been a part of the 黑料社区 community since Year 7. I am currently co-captain of the First V Basketball team and a part of the Altar Serving team at the College. 黑料社区, has such an inclusive nature, pushing for students to try new sports and co-curricular activities, and I would love to be apart of the debating team during my final year of high school. I am excited to help make 黑料社区 a better school for both students and teachers and I am extremely keen to work alongside the other College leaders since we already share a bond and cohesion.

My name is Natalia. The primary school that I attend is St Joseph's Catholic School. During my free time, I love hanging out with my friends and family and playing netball, touch football and Oztag. My favourite subjects in school are PDHPE and Mathematics. I am currently co-captain of the 黑料社区 second touch football team, and I am a part of the 黑料社区 debating team, altar serving, special Olympics volunteer and many other co-curricular activities and opportunities that 黑料社区 offers. I am looking forward to working with my fellow leaders and to assisting in making 黑料社区 a better school. I am extremely keen and grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to get started.

Benildus Captains

Hi, we are the Benildus House Captains of 2024, Talia Manassa and Jardyn Orsini. We are more than excited to lead the House of Benildus in all year groups, and are prepared for what's ahead of us.

My name is Talia and I attended Crestwood High School from Years 7-10, so it was a big change from a public to a private school, but at 黑料社区, it was the easiest change. I have involved myself in many of the service opportunities that 黑料社区 offers and I also play in the Girls 1st Touch Football team and Rugby 7s team. Unlike most teenagers who dislike school, I love it. I'm always excited to come to school every day including the weekends to support the sports teams. I mostly enjoy PDHPE and Maths and my goal for this year, along with being a leader at school, sports and work, is to aim for a high ATAR and to push myself for one more year.

My name is Jardyn and I have been a member of the 黑料社区 community since Year 7. I enjoy playing sports at 黑料社区, I am currently involved in playing for the 1st Boy's Basketball team, as well as being a part of the trialling process for the Open 2024 Rugby teams. Some subjects I enjoy are Business and PDHPE. When I'm not training hard for my sporting teams, I'm often trying my best to maximise study opportunities to better my knowledge. I have strong goals in the academic side of schooling, aiming high for my ATAR, as well as continuing to maintain an excellent record and keeping up with all of the service opportunities in the coming months.To finish off, as the Benildus House Captains of 2024 we would like to share our collective most important lesson that we have taken away from our experiences throughout our 黑料社区 journey, and that is to actively participate and get involved in all areas of College life. We are immensely excited for the year ahead.

Miguel Captains

Hi, I鈥檓 Mitch Holmes, one of the Miguel House Captains. I have been at 黑料社区 since Year 7 and have involved myself in the College in all ways possible throughout my time. Around the College, I am involved in many service initiatives and sports. Service at 黑料社区 has helped me find myself as well as encounter many experiences and be exposed to opportunities, one of which is the chance to visit Fiji at the end of this year with the Lasallian Without Borders Program. Around the College, you will always see me on the sporting fields, participating in College Carnivals, coaching younger rugby teams or taking the field in the First XV Rugby team as I did this year which I hope to reiterate in the coming 2024 season. Through sports, I have been shown what passion, resilience and determination are at College through to State level, which I hope to bring to the Miguel and 黑料社区 family over the next year. I have big goals with rugby, yet I still have to study. With that, my academic studies are extremely important and mean a lot to me, which drives me to accomplish honourable results within the classroom. I live by the quote 鈥淵our body can stand almost anything, it's the mind you have to convince鈥�, which projects that you can do anything you want as long as you get your mind on board. Overall finding oneself comes from exposure, stepping out of your comfort zone, and pushing your mind, which through the next year I pride myself in pushing people to push themselves to create the best person they can be. I look forward to working with Tom in leading Miguel and bringing out the best within the group.

My name is Thomas Alloggia, I started at 黑料社区 in Year 10 and have absolutely enjoyed every opportunity 黑料社区 has to offer. My favourite experience at 黑料社区 was recently being part of the Lasallian Without Borders Program in India in September. The trip was an amazing experience that allowed us to experience the culture and lifestyle and appreciate the positivity and perseverance whilst putting in the hard work to provide assistance for our Lasallian communities. The trip was a great opportunity and I would recommend it for any students that have the chance as it is one that you'll never forget. I am also involved playing Rugby for the College in the First XV this year and I've loved having the chance to work hard but also do this with my mates, sport has been a great way to work together and build great connections with all. Additionally, it is important for me to also focus on my studies, I enjoy English, PDHPE and Design and Technology. I have found that it is very important to find a balance and participate in all areas of College life, as this has allowed me to make the most of my time at 黑料社区.

Solomon Captains

Hi, my name is Chloe Gething, and I am one of the Solomon Captains for 2024. I went to St. Bernadette's Primary School and came to 黑料社区 at the beginning of Year 11 in 2023. Being a part of the 黑料社区 community has allowed me to become involved in their Called to Serve Program, helping out with Special Olympics coaching and carnivals as well as an upcoming exciting trip to Fiji with the LWOB Mission team. I am looking forward to the year to come and leading Solomon House to victory with Josaia.

Hi, my name is Josaia Delana, I went to primary school at Kings Langley Public School, and I have been elected the Solomon House Captain for 2024 alongside Chloe. I am currently Captain of the 1st Touch Football team at 黑料社区, and I play AFL outside of school for the GWS Giants. I live in a household with 10 people, and I have a very busy schedule playing sport, studying and completing school work, so I do not always have a lot of free time. However, in the off chance I do, I love spending time with my family. I look forward to leading Solomon alongside Chloe with our heads held high and a smile on our faces, and walking away with the victory.

Mutien Captains

Hello 黑料社区, we would like to introduce ourselves as your Mutien Captains for 2024, Adam Tomka and Kieran McMurrich. We feel very privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to represent Mutien for 2024 and together with Mr Domars we would like to work collectively to create a strong and resilient house.

Hi, my name is Kieran and I am one of the two Mutien Captains for 2023! I am beyond excited to take on this role with Adam and the rest of the leadership team, and hopefully with the help of all of you we can lead Mutien to the House Cup! I have been at 黑料社区 since Year 7 and have loved every minute! I have been in a couple of College Drama productions over the years showing a different creative side, but have also played sports such as Tennis, AFL, Cricket, Swimming etc. I am looking forward to taking over Seb and my brother Pat for this position and hopefully we can fill their shoes. I look forward to the year ahead and working with every one of you!

Hi, my name is Adam and I am one of your Mutien Captains for 2024. Over the years, I've had the privilege of participating in various co-curricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh program, serving on the Student Representative Council (SRC), and representing 黑料社区 in ISA Tennis and Basketball. However, one of the most impactful experiences I've had was the Lasallians Without Borders Trip to Fiji. It opened my eyes to the world's realities and made me appreciate our fortunate circumstances. My message to the coming years is to seize every opportunity to get involved in the diverse activities our school offers.. Both Kieran and I are very keen for a successful 2024, we believe that together, we can make this year memorable for everyone. As we move forward, we look forward to working with you and hearing your ideas and suggestions to make Mutien the best it can be.

La Salle Captains

Hi, my name is Isaac Beacroft, I went to primary school at St Joseph's and my favourite subject is Food Technology / Hospitality. Currently at 黑料社区 I am involved in the Athletics and Cross Country teams also playing Basketball for 黑料社区 with my friends. I love getting involved in school life and taking an optimistic mindset into everything I do. I am a very driven person and you will often find me in my free time grinding away at my goals on the track or on the AFL field, if not you鈥檒l always see me doing something to do with sport. I love to spend time with family and cherish friendships. I can't wait to guide La Salle on yet another House Cup victory.

My name is Logan Penfold and I am fortunate to be elected as one of the La Salle House Captains for 2024. Originally from West Pennant Hills Primary School where I served as School Captain, I have always enjoyed the sense of pride that we get from our school spirit which I hope can bring to La Salle house and our greater College Community. During my time at 黑料社区, I have enjoyed an active participation in the many extra-curriculars our school provides us with. these include: Debating, Cross Country and Public Speaking just to name a few. After completing SOR II Accelerated HSC this year, I now do English Extension and Advanced, Maths, Legal Studies and Drama. After school I hope to pursue a career in the legal profession (hopefully my debating skills will translate) at UNSW or UTS. I'd say my best memory from 黑料社区 has been my recent mission trip with LWOB to India, where we spent two weeks helping disadvantaged communities, and I learnt the importance of appreciating the privilege that we all have. I will never forget the school we visited and the joy on everyone's faces depute their harsh circumstances. All in all, I hope that I can make a difference as a House leader and impact the lives of others in my last year at 黑料社区.

Turon Captains

Hello, I am Luke Alderson, one of the Captains of Turon. I take great pride and honour in this role and look forward to connecting with people throughout Turon House. I am involved in 黑料社区 Rugby being named in the 1st XV but didn't get to play the whole season due to injury. I kept myself involved in College life by completing service and helping out coaching younger teams. I encourage all students to get involved in any extracurricular activity at 黑料社区 to gain the most out of their time at school. I enjoy doing Maths and have just completed the Maths Accelerated Program which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys the subject.

My name is Summer Rayne and I am one of the Turon Captions. I moved from OLMC Parramatta and have absolutely loved my time at 黑料社区 thus far. I have been able to immerse myself in various aspects of college life through the LYL service program, netball, debating and the SRC. I was also recently a part of the LWOB trip to Fiji, which was an unforgettable opportunity that I highly recommend other students take advantage of. I am currently studying Business, Economics, Legal, English Advanced, Mathematics and SOR1.We are both incredibly honoured to have been chosen as Turon captains for 2024 and have big goals for the year ahead. We aspire to be approachable leaders who can build a united culture within Turon. We are excited about upcoming carnivals and hope to take out the House Cup!

Music Captain

Hi, my name is Genevieve Brouillard and I am so excited to take on the role of College Music Captain. My passions lie in all aspects of performing arts, taking weekly contemporary and classical vocal lessons, songwriting, dance and acting courses and being a cast member in numerous musicals such as Sydney Youth Musical Theatre shows. I hope to inspire and embody a leader that anyone interested in creative arts can look up to and approach at any time. Regardless of your experience, I hope to work alongside the music department to encourage all students to get involved in any aspect of performing arts at 黑料社区, and experience the incredible opportunities on offer that will remain with you for a lifetime. I look forward to being a familiar and friendly face in the Adrian Building that you feel comfortable to approach at any time with questions, support or someone to talk to. I am thrilled for the year ahead and to continue to bring the fun and enjoyment into music at 黑料社区 while working alongside other incredible musicians!

Drama Captain

My name is Nicholas Gomez and I am the Drama Captain for 2024. I have been part of multiple 黑料社区 Musicals and have just finished the Year 11 production of CLUE. Fun fact about me; I can play over five instruments and love to make and produce music in my free time. I also take part in 黑料社区鈥檚 College Choir, and Chamber Choir, as well as participation in College Assemblies and events. I also love to be involved with other year groups and their Drama Productions. I look forward to working with Genevieve Brouillard - Music Captain for 2024.

Sports Captains introductions (Joseph Harvey and Charlotte Hayward) are in the Around the Grounds section below.

The College is pleased to launch the new 黑料社区 video, which highlights the opportunities at the College and the vibrant life at 黑料社区.

Student photo packs from our College photographers, Advanced Life were distributed to Deans this week. Please ask your son/daughter to collect these at their earliest convenience. 

However, if you selected the option 'for parents to collect', you will have received an email. Your pack will be ready for collection at Student Services.

Ms Renee Chong
Administration Manager

Friday night was a big success, for Year 11 who were fortunate to cruise around the stunning Sydney harbour for their social.

Dressed in their finest, students enjoyed an evening filled with laughter, music, and cherished memories. What truly made this night exceptional was the camaraderie among the students as they gelled together, forming a cohesive, well-behaved group. Thanks as always to our staff who made this event possible.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communication

黑料社区 accepts and encourages enrolments for students for future years from birth. Due to our extensive waiting lists, enrolments for Year 7 2026, Year 11 2025, and beyond are strongly encouraged now. Expressions of Interest can be completed here:

The final College Tour for the year will be held on Thursday 9th November from 9.30am. Please share with any interested families. Registrations can be made here: ...

Mrs Gabby Russo
Head of Marketing & Communications

Every year 黑料社区 celebrates Christmas with our wonderful Christmas @黑料社区 Service. Don't miss out on this fun family night, save the date! 

Please join us on Monday 6th November to celebrate 黑料社区's talented Music students at the Music Ensemble Evening. 

We all know that sleep is important for general health, for growth and development and for emotional well-being. However, you may not know that important memory processes take place while you are sleeping, ensuring you retain what you are learning and studying.

Perhaps you have heard that teenagers need between nine to ten hours of sleep per night. But where does this come from and how valid is this claim? In 1980, Mary Carskadon of Stanford sequestered a group of adolescents in the university's sleep laboratory for several days, letting them sleep for as long as they wanted, up to 10 hours. She found that the teenagers slept just over nine hours, with very little variation. This single "naturalistic" study is the primary basis for the adolescent sleep recommendation. However, some researchers argue that just because teenagers slept nine hours when left alone does not mean that this is the best thing for them, just like letting people eat whatever they want is not necessarily the best thing for their health. So there is no definitive answer at this point in time.

The amount of sleep needed by teenagers is most likely very individual, just like it is for adults. It is probably safe to assume that adolescents need more sleep than adults and that the average for most people is at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Pay attention to the signs and have students listen to their body. If they lie down in bed and fall asleep instantly, this is a sign they are not getting enough sleep for their body. It should take at least 15 minutes to fall asleep. If they wake up in the morning and are feeling exhausted, then check all lifestyle factors: are they getting enough sleep, eating healthily and getting enough exercise?

If teenagers are sleeping in for many hours on a weekend, unfortunately this does not mean they are 鈥渃atching up鈥� on their sleep. According to sleep specialist Dr. Gregory Carter, when we think we're catching up on sleep, what we're really doing is messing with our circadian cycle -- the body's internal clock which dictates sleep patterns. Excessive sleeping in is in fact a signal that during the week students need to go to bed earlier. The aim is to work out the optimum bedtime so that the need to catch up on large amounts of sleep on the weekend is eliminated.

There is nothing wrong with having a power-nap in the afternoon when students get home from school, as long as the nap is no longer than 40 minutes. A short nap can help students regain their energy levels and allow them to focus on the work they have to do that evening. However, a longer nap will also disrupt sleeping patterns for that night.

Check out the unit in the Study Skills Handbook on Lifestyle and Balance to learn more about sleep and other lifestyle factors for success.

You can learn more about study and examination techniques at by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

黑料社区's login details are:
Username: foroakhillonly
Password: 41results

Mr Gavin Russell
Assistant Principal Curriculum

Please find below the Year 9 examination timetable and corresponding information. Good luck to our Year 9 cohort.

Please find below the Year 10 examination timetable and corresponding information. Good luck to all Year 10.

If you would like some insight into TikTok, its safety and how to communicate with teens about TikTok then please click the link below:

黑料社区's Reading Boost Program has come to an end! Over two terms, 4,000 merits have been awarded and 50 students were invited to our exclusive morning tea!

Congratulations to all students who participated and persisted with our reading challenges during Terms 3 and 4. Students who completed their Reading Boost journey as an Ultimate Explorer should be commended on their time management, persistence and self-directed learning.

Thank you for participating in Reading Boost 2023! We have really enjoyed reading your book reviews and hearing about books you have read. The multiple book faces and photos of reading to pets were Reading Boost highlights this year!

Mrs Katrina Marsden
Teacher Librarian

Congratulations to our Junior Theatresports team (Callum Tyler, Jack Cruickshank, Lewis Whittaker, Michael Rizk and Jaidev Madhavapeddi, Year 8) on the qualification for the Theatresports Schools Challenge Grand Final.

The Grand Final is next Friday 10th November at 7.00pm at St Patricks College in Strathfield. 

Tickets available at the door - $15 for adults and $10 for students.

It has been a tremendous start to our ISA Summer 2023/24 season. Results across the board have been outstanding with a special mention to the following teams:

1st Boys Basketball 鈥� Undefeated
1st Girls Basketball 鈥� Undefeated
1st Boys Touch Football 鈥� Undefeated
1st Girls Touch Football 鈥� Undefeated
Junior A Touch Football 鈥� Undefeated

As we move into the 3rd round of competition, I wish every team good luck and hope that the positive sportsmanship displayed on the courts and fields continues this weekend.

Last Friday 27th October, many of our Summer sport players attended Friday morning Mass. The Mass was an opportunity to reflect and set goals for the remainder of the year. This then lead into our first College Assembly for the Term. Our 1st sports teams who compete in the ISA Division 1 were acknowledged and announced to the College by our Sport Captains. 

I am pleased to introduce our 黑料社区 2024 Sports Captains, Joe Harvey and Charlotte Haywood:

Hi, my name is Joseph and I am honoured to be one of the College Sport Captains for 2024. I attended St Gerard's Primary School in Carlingford and have been at 黑料社区 since Year 7. Sport has always been one of my greatest passions and I have never hesitated to give it my best shot. I have represented the College in various sports including Touch Football, Basketball, Athletics and Rugby, each of which I have developed cooperation and teamwork skills that I plan to utilise during my time as a leader.

While I participate in a wide range of sports, I am also enthusiastic in my studies, having recently completed the Mathematics Accelerated Program, giving me more time to study and train during Year 12.

I look forward to working with Charlotte to help make sport at 黑料社区 the best it can be during 2024.

Hi, my name is Charlotte and I am one of the Sports Captains for 2024. I am excited and feel privileged to be in the leadership team for 黑料社区 for the next 12 months, surrounded by so many amazing people. My previous school was Arndell Anglican College, located in the Hawkesbury and I love all things to do with sport!

I have been playing Netball for over 10 years, and this year, was selected in 黑料社区's 2nds Netball team. I also play in the Girl鈥檚 Rugby 7鈥檚 team and was recently selected in the 黑料社区 First Touch Football team.

In the recent school holidays, I was lucky to be given the opportunity to go on the Mission trip to Fiji. Here I improved my leadership skills, enjoyed teamwork and was pushed outside my comfort zone, all skills which I will be utilising in the next year in this leadership role.

I cannot wait to work with Joe, continuing the amazing 黑料社区 sporting legacy, whilst strengthening the girls sporting culture in the College.

Student Achievements

Rugby:  Congratulations to Flynn Farrell (Year 10), Callum Spooner (Year 9), Darcy Feltham, Sam Polley, Hasani Bloomfield (all Year 10), and Cyrus Bloomfield (Year 9), who played in the U15s NSW Gen Blue squad in Queensland over the weekend. The boys were an integral part of the successful team that convincingly beat Queensland in the two-match series.

Flynn, Callum, Darcy and Cyrus were also selected in the Team of the Series.
Congratulations boys in what has been an outstanding Rugby season.

Touch Football: Millie Hollis (Year 12) 鈥� 1st Girls Touch Football Captain has been selected in the NSW touch Emerging Blues Squad. Millie goes into camp on Saturday 11th November and will hopefully gain selection in the U20s State Team, representing NSW in the Touch Football State of Origin.

We wish Millie the best of luck in her endeavours to one day be selected in the Australian Team.

Cricket: Congratulations to our 2nd XI Cricket Team, who are also undefeated winning their first two ISA fixtures. Senon Ranasinghe (Year 10) has played an integral role in these victories with the following performances. Well Done Senon.

Round 1 vs St Pius 131no

Round 2 vs St Patrick鈥檚 5/27

Equestrian: We are fortunate at 黑料社区 to have students successful in a range of various sports. Two 黑料社区 students, Madeleine Breatnach (Year 11) and Emma Galea (Year 12) represented NSW in the school holidays at the Australian Interschools in Werribee, Victoria. 

Madeleine won her class which was the Eventing 95 and also came 5th in the Pas de Deux dressage.

Emma also had a very successful event placing: 

6th overall in Combined Training 105
8th in Novice Dressage 2.3
5th in Show Jumping 110 A2
2nd in Show Jumping Super Two Phase
1st in Show Jumping AM5

These jumping results gained Emma the title of Australian Show Jumping Champion 110cm. Congratulations girls.

A special mention also to Chloe Garnon who played one of the best games of Basketball in 黑料社区 Girls Basketball, scoring 33 points out of 43 for 黑料社区 against Central Coast Grammar. She shot 3 from 4 baskets, 3 point shooting and shot at 92%.

Mr Anthony Toro
Acting Head of Sport/Rugby Convenor

The Uniform Shop roster for the upcoming weeks is below. Thank you to all our volunteers: