Reflection - Antonine College

20 September 2013
Reflection
FEAST
OF
THE
EXALTATION
OF
THE
Risen Lord! (Pope Francis’s
GLORIOUS CROSS
Homily, Rome reports).
On Saturday 14 September we celebrated the feast of
Jesus said, "If any want to
the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, also known as the
become my followers, let
Triumph of the Cross. This feast was observed in Rome
them deny themselves and
before the end of the seventh century.
take up their cross daily
It commemorates the recovery of the Holy Cross, which
and follow me" Luke 9:23.
had been placed on Mt. Calvary and preserved in
Jesus is teaching us that
Jerusalem in 335 by St. Helena mother of the Roman
the cross is a constant feature in our daily lives as his
emperor Constantine the Great, and then the Holy Cross
followers. To take up the cross every day, we need to do
had fallen into the hands of the Persians. The precious
more than wear a crucifix or place it in our surroundings;
relic was recovered and returned to Jerusalem by
it is a way of life. To live and experience the resurrection
Emperor Heralius in 629.
and new life is to accept sacrifice and self-denial as part
of our daily lives. People who love much sacrifice much.
The sign of the cross has become a universal Christian
This is what we see in Christ, he showed us how much he
symbol. The cross is not just a piece of wood. It is a
loves us. This is what we see in the lives of saints. This is
symbolic summary of the history of our salvation,
what we are called to be. Let us encourage each other to
summary of suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus
turn our crosses into victory, with Christ and ready to
Christ through which we have been redeemed. It is a
proclaim:
symbol of our faith in the crucified and risen Lord Jesus
Christ.
O cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share in the triumph of
We celebrate this important feast to emphasise the
Christ Jesus.
importance of the reality of the cross in the daily life of
every Christian. In this manner Pope Francis called all
Christians not to live with fear, shame or without
resurrection, rather to centre their lives on the
Resurrection of Christ. “There are many Christians
Quote:
"How splendid the cross of Christ! It brings life, not
death; light, not darkness; Paradise, not its loss. It is the
without the Resurrection, Christians without the Risen
wood on which the Lord, like a great warrior, was
Lord. They join Jesus to the tomb, they weep, they offer
wounded in hands and feet and side, but healed thereby
well wishes, but it stops there. Thinking of the attitude of
our wounds. A tree has destroyed us; a tree now
these Christians without the Risen Lord, I have found
three, but there are more: fear, Christians living with
fear; shame, those who feel embarrassed; and
triumphalist. These three attitudes are not found in the
brought us life"
(Theodore of Studios).
Principal’s Message
Sr Daad El-Azzi
END OF TERM THREE
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Term three comes to an end today, Friday 20
We remember in our prayers Year 3 students who
September, which means the school break starts. The
received the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time
term break will run from Monday 24 September until
on Saturday 14 September at Our lady of Lebanon. It
Friday 4 October and term four resumes on Monday 7
was
October. The end of term three also marks mid-
Congratulations to all these students and their
semester two for Foundation to Year 11 students and
families and may these children always open their
the final three weeks in term four for our Year 12
hearts to Jesus and grow in wisdom and grace.
a lovely celebration of our community.
students. This time of the year also sees planning for
2014 whilst continuing to work on the teaching and
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL/OVERSEAS TRAVEL
learning programs for the remainder of 2013.
Absences of some students have been a concern in
recent times. Parents need to realize that absences
STUDENT INTERIM REPORTS
can impact greatly on the progress of students in
Teachers have been busy completing term three
different ways. We need to remind parents to discuss
interim reports. These interim reports will help you as
their holiday plan with us before planning any
parents to keep informed about the progress and
absence of more than 3 days and fill out the
effort, the strengths and the challenges of your child
appropriate form available through the front office.
at this time of the school year. We know reporting to
Students and parents should arrange work to
parents is an important part of the educational
complete wherever possible while they are away.
process. It will help parents and teachers to focus on
ways to support child’s learning at home and at
ANTONINE DAY
school. The interim reports will be distributed to
It is a great day to celebrate the Antonine Community
students on Thursday 19 September.
spirit. We were truly blessed for this year’s College
Feast Day, which commenced with a wonderful
YEAR 12 STUDENTS
celebration of the Eucharist and ended up with picnic
This time of the year will be the final opportunity for
lunch and fun run activities. I wish to thank Mgr. Joe
the Year 12 students to get any suggestions or advice
Takchi, Maronite parish priest, for being our celebrant
from their teachers prior to sitting their trial exams,
at mass and I would like to thank the students for the
end of year examinations or completing final
beautiful choir. I take this opportunity to thank all
assessment tasks. We ask all parents to encourage
their children to continue to seek help from teachers
who contributed to the success of this wonderful day
of celebration.
in class and make the best use of each school day.
Should you have any concerns, please feel free to see
Term four is very short for our Year 12 students as
me.
their final school day is Tuesday 22 October. I would
like to wish all our Year 12 students the best for the
rest of their academic year.
I wish everyone a safe, blessed and restful term
break.
Antonine Day - 18 September 2013
Fun Run - 18 September 2013
Maronite Bishop of Australia, Antoine-Charbel Tarabay
Visit to Antonine College - 26 August 2013
Deputy Principal - Staff & Student Wellbeing
Ms Joanne Bacash
We have had some great activities organised for and by students including the Year 11 Formal and the Antonine College
Student Forum.
YEAR 11 FORMAL
Year 11 students looked amazing as they entered the Regal Ballroom for their Year 11 Formal on Wednesday 4 th September.
Students had Salsa and Cha Cha dance classes prior to the night so that they could dance progressively in a "roueda" or
circle. They were taught by professional dance instructors, Manuel and Florencia from Candela Dance Company. They really
showed excellent dance skills looking very elegant on the night.
I was very proud of the Year 11 students for their enthusiasm and willingness to give something new a go and for their
perfect behaviour on the night. They really did set a high benchmark for future years.
ANTONINE COLLEGE STUDENT FORUM
On Thursday 5th September, Antonine College hosted our first ever student forum. About 60 students across Years
5-12 attended.
What is a student forum?
It is the opportunity for students across year levels to discuss an important topic, share ideas and work
collaboratively to come up with possible proposals for the future. A student forum ensures we listen to the student
voice in the College and that when decisions are made, we take into account what the students are saying.
This year the focus of the forum was Cybersafety as a broad topic but we will be looking more specifically about the
current school policy regarding student use of personal mobile phones and other electronic devices at school.
The Forum began with a guest speakers, Di Cambridge - Leading Senior Constable and Jo Imrie – Senior Constable
both from Brunswick Police Station. Both police officers have worked in the cybersafety unit for many years. The
police focused on the issues they see around the topic of cybersafety and use of technology. They also gave
students a chance to ask questions.
This was followed up by a Great Debate presented by Rodney Bou Antoun and Rita Abou-Issa. They presented a
case for and against the use of mobile phones in schools.
Students then had the opportunity to engage in some activities and group discussions to come up with a proposal
about the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices. Their proposals will be presented to teachers for
consideration soon.
It was great to have students from the SRC run some sessions and help me with organisation, especially Mark Hosri,
Chantal Gerges, Sarah Wassouf, Chloe Warda, James Wakim and Milad Almatrah.
Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning
Mr Robert Fomiatti
TERM THREE – INTERIM REPORTS
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all students, teachers and parents for a very successful term three. As
we near the end of term it is important that students are able to stop and reflect upon their achievements during
this time. A key part of this for all students is that parents are able to discuss their child’s term three interim report
with their son or daughter. The interim reports will be sent home with students on Thursday 19 September. This
report provides a brief guide for progress throughout term three.
YEAR 12 TRIAL EXAMS
Year 12 students are fast approaching the finish of their secondary schooling. However, they do have many
significant aspects of their schooling that they still need to complete. Students are reminded that there is no
change to the College’s expectations regarding attendance, uniform, personal presentation, application, behaviour
and respect for others and property. These requirements apply through to the final examination. We ask for, and
very much appreciate, parental support of these expectations. All Year 12 students should also be considerate of
other students and not disrupt their learning and preparations for the exams.
Year 12 students are reminded that their upcoming Trial Exams form an essential and important part of their
preparations for their final exams. The Trial Exams will be conducted mostly during class time from Monday 7 to
Friday 18 October. Students and parents should check the information that has been provided for them in recent
weeks that provides further details about the upcoming trial exams and the formal examination period. I wish the
Year 12 students all the best as they embark on a very busy time of their lives. I trust that they will approach this
time with a positive attitude and aim to do their best in the coming months.
I wish all staff, students and parents a safe and restful break as a preparation for a successful term four.
END OF YEAR PROGRAM FOR ST JOSEPH CAMPUS
Tuesday 22 October
Last teaching day for Year 12
Wednesday 23 October
Year 12 Graduation Breakfast
Friday 25 October
Year 12 Graduation Mass and Dinner
Wednesday 30 October – Friday 22 November
Year 12 VCE Examinations
Monday 11 – Friday 22 November
Year 11 VCE Exams
Year 11 VCAL normal classes
Wednesday 20 – Friday 22 November
Year 10 Exams
Monday 25 November – Friday 6 December
Year 11 & 12 VCE & VCAL Classes - 2014
Monday 2 December
Year 7 2014 Orientation (normal school day)
Tuesday 3 – Friday 6 December
Years 7 – 9 Exams
Friday 6 December
Years 7-9 Exam (period 1)
Year 11 & 12 VCE & VCAL Classes – 2014 (period 1 & 2)
Years 8 – 10 2014 Orientation Package (period 2)
Years 7-11 Mass (period 3)
Years 7-11 Final Assembly (period 4)
Overseas Travel Policy
It is advisable that students miss no more than four weeks of school in total. Missing more than four weeks may
have a negative impact on their progress at school. Please take this into consideration before making your decision
to travel and discuss extended travel plans with the Principal. VCE students must attend 90% of all their classes to
get a satisfactory result in their subjects. The school must be notified at least one month in advance of the
intended travel so that work can be set for the child to complete while overseas. An Overseas Travel Form must be
completed and returned to the College to be approved by the Principal.
Finance Department
SCHOOL FEES

First, second and third instalments of 2013 Tuition Fees are now overdue and need to be paid as they are
required for the ongoing costs of the College.

Re-enrolment fee of $200 should be paid by now to secure a place for your child/children for 2014.

Laptop Parent Contributions for Years 9 - 12 students are now overdue and need to be paid immediately. If
you are not sure if all payments have been made for your son/daughter’s laptop please contact the office.
We appreciate your prompt attention to the completion of these fees.

Credit Card Authorisation can be faxed to the Accounts Department on 9354 1399.

Direct Deposit facilities are available. Please contact Mrs Reina Osta on 9354 1377 if you wish to use this
facility or if you have any other enquiries regarding the fees.
Office News
OFFICE HOURS DURING TERM BREAK
Please note that the Office at Saint Joseph Campus will be open during the first week of the term break:
Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September
9.00am - 4.00pm
UNIFORM CHANGEOVER PERIOD
All students have the option to wear either winter or summer uniform during the first week of term four.
From Monday 14th October, the summer uniform is compulsory for all students. Parents are advised to
check if their child/children’s uniform still fits and make new purchases during the first week.
Please assist your child/children in maintaining pride in themselves and the school by replacing uniform
items that are worn out, particularly if they are too tight or too short.
Please note that the uniform shop will be open the first week of term 4:
Monday 7th to Friday 11th October
9.00am - 4.00pm
(closed between 12.30 and 1.30pm)
Important Dates
07 October
07 November
* Term 4 begins
* Year 3 Excursion - NGV Federation Square (9:00 AM-1:45 PM)
09 October
08 November
* Year 7 Premier League (12:00 PM-3:00 PM)
* Year 7-11 Remembrance Day and Elective Assembly (10:20 AM-
10 October
11:35 AM)
* SACCSS Badminton (Boys)
11 November - 22 November
* Cedar House Athletics Carnival (8:45 AM-3:15 PM)
* Year 11 Exams
16 October
18 - 20 November
* Year 7 Immunisations
* Year 6 Camp
* Year 7 Premier League (12:00 PM-3:00 PM)
20 - 22 November
17 October
* Year 10 Exams
* Antonine Sisters Child Care Visit to Cedar Campus (9:30 AM-
20 November
12:00 PM)
* SACCSS Awards Lunch (12:00 PM-3:00 PM)
* Year 11 Psychology Excursion (10:20 AM-3:00 PM)
25 November - 6 December
* Year 6 Camp Parent Information Evening (6:00 PM-7:00 PM)
* Years 11 & 12 Classes 2014
18-24 October
25 November
* Life Education Van
* Lebanese Independence Day
22 October
26 November
* Real Life Interviews (Year 10 & VCAL) (9:00 AM-11:35 AM)
* Year 5 Excursion (9:00 AM-3:00 PM)
* Last Teaching Day for Year 12 (3:15 PM-12:00 AM)
02 December
23 October
* Year 7 2014 Transition Day (TBC) (9:00 AM-12:00 PM)
* Year 12 Breakfast (8:30 AM-10:00 AM)
03 - 06 December
* Year 7 Premier League (12:00 PM-3:00 PM)
* Years 7 - 9 Exams
25 October
04 December
* Year 12 Mass and Graduation Dinner (5:30 PM-11:59 PM)
* Antonine Awards Evening (6:45 PM-8:00 PM)
28 October - 01 November
06 December
* Cedar Campus Numeracy Week
* Years 7-11 Final Teaching Day
28 October
* Years 8 - 10 2014 Orientation (10:20 AM-11:35 AM)
* Years 5-8 Maths Morning (8:45 AM-11:30 AM)
* Anointing of the Sick Mass - St Ambrose Church
29 October
* Years 7-11 Mass (12:25 PM-1:40 PM)
* Foundation 2014 Orientation Day (9:30 AM-10:45 AM)
* St Joseph Campus Final Assembly (2:15 PM-3:15 PM)
30 October - November
11 December
* VCE Examinations
* Cedar Christmas Concert (6:00 PM-8:00 PM)
30 October
12 December
* F-4 World of Maths Incursion (9:00 AM-3:00 PM)
* Year 6 Transition Mass (1:30 PM-3:00 PM)
* Year 7 Premier League (12:00 PM-3:00 PM)
13 December
04 November
* F-5 Final Teaching Day (finish at 1:00 pm)
* No Classes
* St Joseph Staff Final Day
05 November
17 December
* Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
* Cedar Staff Final Day
Religious Education
Mrs Christina Staunton-Burke
RE Coordinator F-12
BISHOP’S VISIT
Monday 26th August was certainly an historic day and a great thrill for all of us when Bishop Antoine Tarabay, the
newly appointed fourth Maronite Bishop of Australia, visited Antonine College for the first time. Special
assemblies were held at both campuses. The enthusiastic waving of flags by the Cedar students to a stirring
rendition of the College Anthem, as Bishop Tarabay entered the Atrium, was one of the highlights of his visit. We
look forward to seeing him again in the future.
SACRAMENTAL ACTIVITY DAY
It was wonderful to have such a big turnout again this year of our First Communion students and their parents at
the Sacramental Activity Day on Saturday 31st August at Cedar Campus.
FIRST RECONCILIATION
The Sacrament/Mystery of Reconciliation is an act of God’s love and is a personal moment to be lived in a
relationship with God. We pray for our students who received their First Reconciliation on Saturday 7th September
and experienced the Lord’s forgiveness and compassion. It was a very personal time for them in their relationship
with God. Special thanks to Monsignor Joe Takchi, Father Edmond Andraos and Father Alain Fares for hearing the
Confessions.
FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
It was great to see all the Dads and their children at the Father’s Day Breakfast held at Cedar Campus before school
on Friday 30th August. Special thanks to the Year 3B students who performed the delightful song My Dad – A Funny
Song for Dad as a tribute to all our fathers. During the week the students had many opportunities to talk about
their dads and granddads and to pray for them. We give thanks for the gift of our fathers and pray for those who
are no longer with us.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MASS
Holy Communion is the reception of the Eucharist which is the “Source and summit of the life and mission of the
Church” CCC 1324
Saturday 14th September was a blessed and grace filled day for Antonine College and Our Lady of Lebanon
Maronite Parish when our First Communion candidates were welcomed to the Table of the Lord to share in the
Eucharist for the very first time. Congratulations to the following students who have now completed their
initiation as members of the Church family. May they always be close to Jesus in the celebration of the Eucharist
and use their gifts and talents to proclaim the Good News to others.
Welcome to the Table of the Lord to share in the Eucharist
YEAR 3B
YEAR 3A
Jasmine Abboud
Charbel Khneisser
John-Paul Abou-Saba
Chantelle Mansour
Angel Raffoul
Pauline Abou-Issa
Mary Nammour
Matthew Ahmar
Andre Makhoul
Angelo Hawas
Chloe Ahmar
Solomon Romanos
Rafqa Ayoub
Pietra Maroun
Marina Saad
Jacob Al-Bazi
Laith Shomali
Mikayla Bacash
Jennifer Mazloum
Theresa Taouk
Angelique Diab
Jebraeel Sukkar
Jana Diab
Charlie-Jai Mhaya
Angy Lazar
Joseph Rustom
Joseph Saba
Larrissa Haifa
Raquel Jarmach
YEAR 4A
Celine Warda
Youssef El-Ahmar
Angel Zaher
Charbel Tabet
Daniella El-Tawil
YEAR 4B
Alesha Alkazaly
Jonathan Tabet
Rand Lazar
YEAR 5B
Cameron Wustenenk
SATURDAY SCHOOL
Lisa Mireille Chdid
Jude Dannaoui
Noah Dannaoui
Marcus Elia
Ethan Faddoul
Inacia Ferreira
Nayef Hadchiti
Rochelle Hadchiti
Marcus Mansour
Stephanine Moussa
Luca Nakouzi
Aidan Romans
Marc Sassine
Leonardo Sposito
Georgio Yaacoub
We are very proud of our First Communion Group and very grateful to all those who have been part of their
Communion journey. These sentiments were beautifully expressed by Angelique Diab on behalf of the children in
the following Thanksgiving Prayer read at the First Holy Communion Mass last Saturday:
THE THANKSGIVING PRAYER
We, the children of the Antonine College and Maronite Parish Community would like to thank you for joining
with us in celebrating this special day when we received Our Lord for the first time in the Holy Communion.
Special thanks to Monsignor Joe, Father Alain, Father Edmond, Father Charles, Father Hovig, our teachers Mrs
Stradiot-Gatto, Miss Wiley, Sister Chadia and Mrs Staunton-Burke for their efforts in helping us understand and
appreciate the Eucharist.
Thank you to Mrs Merhi, Mrs Wakim and Mr George Nemer and the choir for their singing accompanied by Mr
Dany on the organ.
We thank our loving parents who have helped us prepare for Our First Communion today. Bless them with
peace and happiness always.
A final thank you must be given to Sister Sayde and Vivien for their wonderful work behind the scenes and for the
magnificent decorations in the Church.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION MORNING TEA AT CEDAR CAMPUS
The First Holy Communion students enjoyed a welcome surprise on Tuesday 17th September when they entered the
Performance Room at Cedar Campus which featured colourful “First Communion” posters decorated by the Year 1
and Year 5 students. Special thanks to the Year 4 students and their families who generously supplied the delicious
Morning Tea which was greatly appreciated by all the children. Thanks to all the senior students who provided the
cups, plates and serviettes and helped the Foundation students prepare First Communion cards whilst Year 2
students made prayer cards in honour of the occasion. It has been wonderful to see all the classes involved in this
event which will be well remembered by our First Communion students.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION THANKSGIVING MASS
A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lebanon Church for our First Communion candidates and
their families on Sunday 22ndth September at 9.30am.They will gather to pray and give thanks for the sacrament of
First Holy Communion received the previous Saturday.
GROWING TOGETHER IN FAITH
It was a great day for our College community on Wednesday 18th September when we gathered to celebrate
Antonine Day Mass together in Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Thornbury. The Mass was a wonderful start to our
Antonine Week celebrations as we honoured Saint Anthony the Great and paid tribute to the Antonine Sisters, the
founders of our College, for their continued dedication and commitment. We thank God for the blessings given to
us through the presence of the Antonine Sisters who devote their lives to prayer and the service of our community.
Loving God
We thank you for sending us the Antonine Sisters.
Bless them and all who pray and work and learn together at Antonine College.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Head of Cedar Campus
Mr Abraham Diab
Head of Cedar Campus
Dear God,
We celebrate spring’s returning and the
rejuvenation of the natural world. Let us
be moved by this vast and gentle insistence
that goodness shall return, that warmth
and life shall succeed, and help us to
understand our place within this miracle.
Let us see that as a bird now builds its
nest, bravely, with bits and pieces, so we
must build human faith. It is our simple
duty; it is the highest art; it is our natural
and vital role within the miracle of spring: the creation of faith.
Amen.
It’s hard to believe that we are at the end of term
three! Once again it has been a very busy term with
parent teacher interviews, First Holy Communion,
various masses, UNSW competitions, incursions and
excursions, assemblies, SEDA Sports, Antonine Day,
Run a Thon, Book Week, Character Parade,
Indigenous Dream Time and Tony Bones
performance, Tournament of the Minds, Active After
School Program, Father’s Day Breakfast, R.E. Concert
and of course plenty of learning. The children and
staff have worked very hard this term and I wish
them a restful and well deserved break. I thank all
the parents who have contributed to the school, your
efforts and support are appreciated by us all. We
look forward to an enthusiastic return to school on
Monday the 7th of October.
FATHER’S DAY
On Sunday 1st September we celebrated Father’s
Day. We recognised the amazing contribution men
make in our children’s lives. There is a growing
recognition of the irreplaceable contribution men
offer families in their roles as fathers, step-fathers,
grandfathers, uncles, family friends, guides, mentors
and carers.
We honoured the significant men in all our children’s
lives. We honoured the way in which they model
strong, masculine care and respect for their loved
ones and for themselves. We especially remembered
those in our community who no longer have a father
in their lives and know that Father’s Day was a
difficult one for them as they remember their loved
ones. Thank you to all of our Dads and Special Others
for joining us over breakfast to celebrate Father's
Day. We had a fantastic turn out and it was great to
see so many kids starting their day with their special
person. A special thanks to the parents and friends
committee for donating their time in organising a
scrumptious Father’s day breakfast and selling of the
gifts during lunch.
ACTIVE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
This term Active After School Program continued at
Antonine College. It was a great success with
students being involved in Taekwondo, Hip Hop
Dancing and Homework Club.
All students
participating begin with a healthy snack and are
involved in developing the skills associated with the
above sports and correct study habits. Thank you to
all the parents that are collecting their children on
time at 4.15pm. A special thanks to Mr Nick and all
the teachers involved in sacrificing their time after
school to assist students with their homework and
promote a healthier lifestyle.
ATTENDANCE
Reflecting on data throughout term three showed
that many of our students have taken days off school
when they have not been ill and or been late to class.
Parents need to be reminded that students who are
absent from school miss out on vital aspects of their
education. If your child is sick and can not attend
school a note explaining this should be given to the
classroom teacher on your child’s return. These days
schools are expected to stringently account for
student absence and punctuality. Please help us do
this.
AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP
Please ensure your child is collected from school each
afternoon by 3.15pm. Children do get anxious when
parents are late. We do understand that an
emergency can occur on the odd occasion. If this is
the case and you are running late please phone the
school office.
LOST PROPERTY
Could all parents please check their children’s
jumpers, jackets etc. for name tags. We have a few
“named” jumpers and jackets missing that may have
well been taken home by mistake. All clothing should
be labelled so they can be returned to the owners.
FOUNDATION (PREP) OR IENTATION DAY
The 2014 Foundation (Prep) Orientation Day will be
held on Tuesday the 29th of October. Please ensure
you return your confirmation slip that will be sent out
soon. We are looking forward to meeting our new
enrolments for 2014!
Library
Mr Gavan Kelly
College Teacher Librarian F-12
BOOK WEEK 2013
The students at Cedar Campus celebrated a very successful and
engaging Book Week earlier this term. A wide range of events
were scheduled that lasted more than a week and kept the
students involved in activities that inspired them to show their
love of books and literature.
The week commenced with storytelling, dance and music from the
oldest continuing culture on Earth. Russell, an indigenous
performer, held the students spell bound with his retelling of
traditional oral stories that explain creation and natural
Dreamtime Storytelling
phenomena from an Aboriginal perspective. Oral stories of this
type are the foundation in all cultures of the written word found in
books and more recently in digital form in eBooks, interactive apps and Internet blogs.
The Book Fair commenced the following day and proved to be a
huge success. Students filled the library at recess and lunch every
day to purchase quality literature to enjoy at home over and
over again. The success of the fair can be measured by the
overall income generated, $3585.85. This entitled our school to
$1006.00 in commission for holding the event. This commission
has enabled us to purchase new books for our Campus library
which are now catalogued and ready for borrowing.
Congratulations to the following students who each received a
$20 voucher to purchase books at the fair. These prizes were
drawn from hundreds of tickets handed out to students every
time they made a purchase of
books to the value of $5 or
more at the fair:
 Celina Aleishe 5A
Happy Customers at the Book Fair
 Raphael Hawas 5A
 Hayssem Mouhamad 1A
On Friday 23 August, the ever popular Book Character Parade was held and the
atrium was transformed into a swirling sea of colour as the students took turns, class by class, to strut, pose and
perform to the rest of the school, showing off their creativity and time spent on preparing for the event. Prizes were
awarded to the best dressed boy and girl in each class. The judges certainly had a hard time narrowing down their
choices. Congratulations to everyone who took part and made the event so successful. Perhaps next year we might
even have a special section for parents!
Gathered Together - Waiting for the Parade
Perfect Princesses and Wonderful Woody
Book Week concluded the following Monday with the incursion
of the Tony Bones’ performances of two plays based on books
shortlisted for the Book of the Year Awards. Foundation to Year
4 viewed Herman and Rosie and students in Year 5 & 6 viewed
Other Brother. Using a variety of dramatic tools including
puppetry, light projection, music and song, as well as a
sophisticated stage and appropriate props, the two actors
creatively brought to life the many characters in each of the
books.
“In the morning we watched a play called Herman and Rosie.
And they lived close to each other because Herman was on the
fifth floor and Rosie was on the seventh floor. Herman liked to
play the oboe, pot plants, boysenberry yogurt, and watch ocean
movies. But Rosie loved to listen to jazz music, ocean movies,
smelling the subway breeze in winter. Rosie was singing a song Tony Bones Performance - Herman & Rosie
and Herman heard that beautiful voice and Herman played the
oboe and Rosie heard it and then they met. They started to sing jazz music together.” Eden Kanaan 2A
“I thought Herman was the funniest because he made everyone laugh and he played the oboe. He liked pot plants.
So do I. Rosie loved jazz music. She sang it as well.” Shaban Mouhamad 2A
“Why is Herman not related to Rosie? And why does Herman like ocean movies when he is a fresh water crocodile?
I wonder why Rosie is a good singer. Poison berry yogurt is poison shouldn’t he die? Is playing the oboe hard? Why
is Herman more funnier than Rosie? Herman is the best.” Nyk Kheerodhur 2A
LIFE EDUCATION
The Life Education van will be returning to Cedar Campus for five days commencing Friday, 18 October. Each year
the van and Life Educator visit and involve the students in a comprehensive and sequential program that develops
life skills in students that help prevent and minimise the harm of drug misuse. This is an integral part of our Health
and Personal Development curriculum. A new unit has been introduced in the van’s program for 2013. The
bCyberwise unit aims to:
build positive relationships with online and offline friends

demonstrate safe and respectful online behaviour

provide strategies for keeping personal information safe online

provide strategies for dealing with face to face and cyberbullying.
Parent Information Session:
Have you ever considered the following?

What is my child learning in Life Education?

Have you seen inside the Life Education mobile classroom, or know of Harold?

What drug education is appropriate for primary school students?

Why do we have health and drug education?

How is health and drug education integrated into your school’s curriculum?
Then come to the Parent Information session to be held in the van Friday morning on the 18th of October at
8:50am. Just knock on the door and come on in. The session runs for 30 minutes.
Learning Support
Ms Nandy Awadalla
F-12 Learning Support Domain Leader
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF APPS!
With so many educational apps available, there’s no limit to the learning possibilities at your fingertips. Take a
look at some of our favourite apps for learning that are being used in our classrooms.
READING, WRITING & SPELLING
S p e a k I t ! is a great text-to-speech solution that can allow students with reading difficulties to
get a little help with reading when they need it.
D r a g o n is an excellent speech-to-text application. It transfers what you say into text. For
students who struggle with writing, this tool allows them to record their ideas quickly and then
gives them an opportunity to edit their work after.
D i c t i o n a r y a perfect app for looking up definitions or getting a little spelling help.
i T h e s a u r u s a great tool for students to use to increase their vocabulary and make their
writing more interesting.
R e a d & W r i t e : Students can practice reading and writing letters using this application.
Students can trace letters, learn letter sounds, and get illustrations to go along with each part of
the alphabet. This hands-on app gives students practise tracing letters with a finger to increase
their memory retention and develop fine motor skills.
S e n t e n c e B u i l d e r : is designed to help students learn how to build grammatically correct
sentences.
S i m p l e x S p e l l i n g : this app is outstanding in developing students’ reading and spelling
skills. It teaches students spelling rules through simple, engaging lessons. You can easily track
your child’s progress on this app and see areas where they need further practise.
Science
YEAR 2 SCIENCE
This term grade 2 have been studying Science with
Miss Hine and Mrs Monds. We have looked at the life
cycle of butterflies, frogs and plants. We have also
looked at the parts of trees. As part of their studies all
the grade 2’s planted cress seeds in the shape of their
name. This is an easy experiment to complete at home:
What you need:

Cress seeds

Paper towel

A texta
Steps

Write your name on the paper towel in large
writing.

Wet the paper towel but do not soak it.

Carefully place cress seeds where you have
written your name on the paper towel. The
seeds should stick to the paper towel.
YEAR 4 SCIENCE
While studying plants and how they can be
classified Grade 4’s were provided with photos
of various plants. They then needed to work
out how they could be classified, for example
finding the vines, the seeded and non-seeded
plants and plants which provided food we
could eat.

Mrs Stephanie Monds
F-6 Science Domain Leader
Leave the paper towel on
a tray or paper plate.
Water every second day
or whenever necessary to
keep the paper towel
moist. (If the paper towel
is drying out too quickly
you can leave it sitting on
some wet cotton wool).
After a week or so the
cress will start to sprout.
It should be ready to eat in about 2 weeks.
Numeracy
Miss Amy Kilpatrick
F-12 Numeracy Domain Leader
FREE MATHS APPS FOR YOUR IPAD/IPHONE
Many parents and students have their own iPads or iPhones and might just be looking for some educational apps
to download for free. Below are 8 apps that are very popular amongst primary school aged children. Check them
out and have a go!
Math Dragon
Math Ninja
A great game for
Simple addition and
recognising numbers
subtraction game
Virtual Manipulatives
Educreations
Great for learning
Fractions
Works like a whiteboard
and can record what you do
Number Battle
A great game for
mental maths
Telling Time
Fun games involving
time
Shuttle Mission Math
A mathematical puzzle
game
Digital Abacus
Use an abacus to
learn + and -
2013 MAV YEAR SIX INTERSCHOOL MATHS GAMES DAY
Students from Year 6 made the most of a wonderful opportunity to show off their maths skills at a recent Maths
Games Day organised by the Maths Association of Victoria at Genazzano College. More than 40 teams from other schools competed. The activities included Team Problem Solving, One-on-one Games of strategy and Physical
Maths Games. Our students displayed great maths skills and worked effectively in teams. We are very proud of
the way that Zain Al-Boudi, Zein Wannous, James Melhem and Zein Ahmed represented Antonine College. We
will find out the final placings and scores soon. WELL DONE BOYS!
Tournament of Minds
Miss Amy Kilpatrick & Miss Jessica Hine
On the 19th August, two groups of students from Year 5
and 6 competed in the annual Tournament of Minds
challenge at Latrobe University.
Team 1 consisted of:
Team 2 consisted of:
Mia Obeid
Rene Warda
Chanel Farah
Jacqueline Sahyoune
Joseph Makhoul
Shinelle Younis
Anthony Ghantous
Rosella Slim
Dorvarn Jarmach
Sandra Ghosn
Shayenne Shakaroun
Joseph Asmar
Angela Nammour
Mariam Wehbe
Both groups chose the Language Literature activity and
created a book using characters from other stories. The
students worked very hard in the weeks leading up to
the competition making costumes, props, scripts and
practising their performances. Both teams performed
very well on the day, in the scripted and spontaneous
challenges. Congratulations to all students on a job well
done.
Year 1 Excursion
ScienceWorks
Ms Belinda Vidos & Miss Anne-Marie Nehme
Year 1 teachers
On Friday the 13th of September, the Year 1 students went on an excursion to ScienceWorks.
The students were very excited to experience a range of Science models and learn of many interesting scientific
facts.
The students explored the Nitty Gritty Supper City. They were amazed by the large screen viewing of Tycho on the
Moon in the Planetarium room. Below is a snap shot of what the students had to say:
“My favourite part was when we watched the movie” Abdel-Latif
“I liked the part was when we raced each other but the best part is when we played the piano” Ushae
“My favourite part is when we watched a movie about the universe. There was a big screen and it turned around
and around. We became dizzy.” Samuel
We ended our day with some lovely meditation. We were all so exhausted!
The Year 1 teachers would like to thank the parent helpers, student teacher and teacher’s aid for their assistance
on the day. It was a rewarding excursion!
Year 3B Drama
Mrs Anna Stradiot-Gatto
Year 3B teacher
There were 28 excited Year 3s on Tuesday morning. Dressed in their Flat Stanley and fairy tale gear, the students
were prepared to show their parents the hard work they had done during Drama and Literacy classes this term.
The children studied the novel Flat Stanley and two groups wrote and devised their own plays. The third group of
students wanted to experience acting using a script so they learnt their lines, practised hard and were able to
deliver a very confident and polished performance.
Below is some feedback from the students:
“I love learning about drama.” John-Paul Abou-Saba
“I learnt we have to speak slowly, face the audience and speak loudly. I was the wicked step-mother.” Eva Farah
“I learnt that you have to co-operate with your team-mates and listen carefully to the director’s instructions. I was
Ardis the princess.” Taleen Hassanieh
“When you are doing drama, don’t worry if you make a mistake, you can make your own words to fit the play. I was
the Prince.” Marina Saad
“I learnt it was very hard work to do an act.” Joseph Rustom
Year 4 Excursion
National Gallery of Victoria
Mr Paul Tarabay & Miss Danielle Velona
Year 4 teachers
Students in Year Four have been studying a unit of
with the aim to further develop their understanding
work titled ‘First Contacts’ in History. In school, they
about the Indigenous people of Australia through their
have learnt a lot of background information about the
shared Artwork in the gallery. The guided tour was
indigenous people of Australia such as their ways of
indeed very valuable and informative. The day ended
living, languages spoken, kinship, educating and
with the students being involved in an hour of an Art
sharing their culture through Dreamtime stories,
workshop where they have worked cooperatively,
hunting for food, their agriculture, aquaculture and
creatively and excitedly.
much more. The unit will conclude by touching on the
conflicts Aboriginals have had with the Early Settlers
Students in Year Four and their teachers would like to
and the impact of that on them.
offer their gratitude to the parent helpers (Mrs Azzi
and Mrs Ibrahim) who came along to offer their much
So on Thursday the 12th of September, students in Year
appreciated support. Overall, it was a day enjoyed by
Four attended the national gallery of Victoria in the city
all.
Standing next to
Aboriginal tombs
Happily working together
Year 5 Excursion
Mary MacKillop Centre & Queen Victoria Market
Miss Amy Kilpatrick & Mr Nick Triantafillopoulos
Year 5 teachers
During this term the Year 5 students have been learning about the development of the Catholic Church in Australia and the
people who have helped to shape our Church such as Saint Mary MacKillop. The Year 5 students visited the Mary MacKillop
Heritage Centre, East Melbourne on Thursday 29th August and enjoyed finding out more of the remarkable life of Australia’s
first saint.
Mary devoted herself to caring for the poor and defending the rights of all peoples. Her tireless dedication and trust in God
inspire all Australians and many people throughout the world. Mary’s example was followed by other women and today we
especially celebrate her life with the Sisters of St. Joseph who continue her good work today.
The students also had the opportunity to visit one of Melbourne’s major landmarks – The Queen Victoria Market.
Children had the chance to do some shopping and browse around the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.
Lots of yummy delights were purchased from vegetable vendors and delicatessens. All children found the experience of
visiting the market very rewarding and fulfilling.
Literacy
Mrs Ayn Walsh-Richardson
ORAL READING
Reading is a complex process, students use several sources
of information while reading and they need to combine the
information to gain meaning from print. The information
they use includes: word knowledge, the structure of
language, possible meanings of texts, their knowledge of
the world, the shape and sounds of words and the
alphabet. Readers are problem solving as they process a
text while gaining meaning from it.
All students need to practise oral reading daily so that they
can put into practice the strategies they have learnt.
Therefore, during the holidays students should continue to
read often, to build on and improve their oral reading
skills. Teachers have observed that some students’ reading
ability has regressed after a holiday break because they
have not been reading during the holidays.
SUPPORTING ORAL READING
If your child comes to a word they don’t know.....
Visual Information Prompts

give them some time to work it out.

suggest they say the first part, middle and end.

look at the words around it.

ask them to guess a word with the same beginning
sound and would make sense.

look at all the letters.
Meaning Information Prompts

can the picture help

think about what would happen next.

think about the story.

think about what you know about the character.

what would make sense and sound right.
Co-Curricular Activities
Mr Nick Triantafillopoulos
SRC/Co-curricular - Cedar campus
FOOTY DAY
With the AFL finals upon us, students from Cedar Campus were asked to wear their AFL team jumpers, scarves
and beanies to celebrate Cedar Footy Day.
There were various footy related activities such as handball target, longest kick and kicking for goal. The day was
full of fun for everyone and it was fantastic to see smiles and laughter all around.
Finally, a special thanks to all those involved (including VCAL students) in making Footy Day a great success at
Cedar. GO HAWKS!