31/08/2015 - St Mary`s Cathedral College

Embracing Tradition, Achieving Excellence.
31st August, 2015
14/15
Scripture Reflection
Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Supporting One Another is Not an Option
Imagine a child who has never been encouraged or built up by
praise or recognition for a job well done, however small the
job. That child will likely be sullen, uninterested in doing well
and unconcerned about improving his or her own life or the
lives of others. “Why bother?” they ask themselves.
Now imagine a church filled with those children, grown to
adulthood. It’s a church where nothing gets done and where
personal, community and societal improvement isn’t on the
agenda or included in the mission statement. There’s not likely
a mission statement at all. “Why bother?” we ask ourselves. But encouragement is not an option.
Supporting each other isn’t a suggestion, it’s a necessity. It’s what is required for a vibrant, life-giving
community. It is our calling.
Lord, help me to encourage someone today.
Living Faith – September
SMCC Skoolbag App
Have you done your free download yet? From Term 4 this is how we will alert parents that the most
recent newsletter is available on the website.
Literacy & Numeracy Week
Throughout this week a variety of activities will be held highlighting the importance of literacy and
numeracy. These skills are core for the learning of all our young men. I thank Mrs Mano our Leader of
Pedagogy for all her work in organizing this week, launched at our morning assembly today by College
leaders Connor Wherrett and Christian Shead.
Creative Arts Night
All are welcome to the College this Tuesday 1st September as we showcase the work of our talented Year
12 students in Drama, Music, TAS and the Visual Arts. From 6pm to 8.30pm in the College Hall our
students major works will be on display for all to enjoy. Our Drama students will present their special
performance at 7pm. The P&F will cater with nibbles and drinks with a gold coin donation appreciated.
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Divine Mercy Night
Recently the Archdiocese held a gathering at Casimir Catholic College in support of our youth and the
Catholic ethos of our schools. Ms Assad took along about eight boys from Cathedral and she was highly
impressed by their contribution at the Friday evening gathering. Well done boys on how well you
represented our College.
HSC Music Recital Evening
Our Music 1 and 2 students put on an outstanding evening of music recently. For an hour and a half all
who attended were treated to a wide range of quality music performances.
In my five years as Principal it was the most diverse range of music performances using different
instruments. We also had our biggest group of vocal performers. Every performance excelled and it truly
highlighted the quality of our College Music Program.
Our Year 12 Music students were well supported by students from junior years. Congratulations to Ms
Harrison and Ms McHattan on their work with our HSC students and the support provided on the night
by Ms Cooley.
Cathedral’s Got Talent
This very important event in the life of our College took place on Friday 21st August. There were over 30
acts that had to be culled to the final dozen or so that performed on the day. Once again a huge range of
Talent from our most senior students in Year 12 to our youngest boys in the primary.
The Hall was filled to overflowing with students, staff and some parents. Mr Ciaschetti did a great job as
MC and everyone had a great afternoon of entertainment. All of the acts were excellent, including guest
staff performer this year, Mr Mark Egger. Our judge’s results were:
1st - Patrick Vasquez, Sam Jackson and Sergio Barca
2nd - Connor Wherrett (assisted by Marcus Nomikos)
Encouragement – Benedict Vassallo, Adrian Roper-Tyler and Cameron Roper-Tyler
CBSA Sport
Athletics
Last week was a big one in sport for Cathedral. In Athletics our big team of athletes had been training
hard for some weeks. It paid off. We retained the CBSA Athletics Champion School Trophy for the 11th
year in a row. We also won Under 14’s and Junior Opens trophies and were runners up in the Senior
Opens. A credit to Mr Peter Bottrill and the staff who assisted in training the boys, led by team captain
Liam Wheatley
Golf
The CBSA Golf championships were also held last week. Our team this year was Nidesh De Silva
(Captain), Chris Paglia (10), Liam Loughrey (8), Harrison Crowe (8) and Leo Soldo (7). Led by master
coach Mr Michael Burden the team had a tremendous day.
For the first time since 1995 Cathedral were awarded CBSA Champion School in Golf. It is one of the
oldest trophies in the CBSA with the current trophy going back to the early 1980’s. After 20 years we
finally have the trophy once again. We also won the trophies for the Under 14’s won by Leo Soldo and
the Junior Opens won by Harrison Crowe. A significant milestone in Cathedral sport. Well done to the
whole team.
Sunsprint Challenge
This weekend is the State Championships for the solar car challenge held at UNSW. Once again Cathedral
will have a number of teams entering their cars. I wish all our teams’ fine weather so they can perform at
their best.
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Year 12 – Final Weeks
Our senior students can see the light at the end of the tunnel. They have just two weeks to complete final
preparations and be well organized leading into their final weeks of study before their external HSC
exams. It will be a crucial fortnight. It is all about putting in that little bit of extra effort aiming to get that
extra mark or two in each subject that can make all the difference in the end.
Staff News
Recently a number of staff and their spouses have been blessed with the birth of children in their families.
We congratulate Mr Shaw on the birth of his son Ronan, Ms Ung on the birth of her son Louis and Mr
Norman on the birth of his daughter Edith.
Father’s Day
This significant day occurs this Sunday. I pray all our Dads have a wonderful day celebrated with their
families.
CEO – Understanding Our Parents Research Survey
The Catholic Education Office would still like more families to take part. Immediately after my article is
the advertisement giving all families the information to access this survey. Flyers also were sent home
with your son last week. Please consider giving time to complete it.
Br Christopher Peel cfc
Principal
From the Assistant Principal
CATHEDRAL COLLEGE LAUNCHES SKOOLBAG 3
After consideration of the benefits that come from improved communication with the community, the
College has purchased a Skoolbag license. If you have an iPhone or an Android device you will be able
to download the application. For Android devices go to the Google Play App and search for St Mary’s
Cathedral College Skoolbag, for an iPhone go to the App Store and complete a similar search. Free to
download and as with any app you will see when new messages, newsletters and items have been posted.
Over the next few weeks Cathedral Skoolbag App will swing into action as newsletters are uploaded,
alerts are generated to keep you informed of last minute changes in College events and reminders about
upcoming College events. Up to date news will be posted here as we celebrate the achievements of our
students academically, culturally, on the sporting fields and as they work for social justice in the
community. I encourage all members of the community to download the app over the next few weeks.
Mr Gregg Conroy
Curriculum Office News
Year 12 reports were posted on the Parent Portal over the weekend. We are all mindful of the fact that for
Year 12 students, the school year is almost over and that it is important for the students to make the most
of their learning opportunities over the remaining weeks at school. Students and parents are asked to
consider carefully the information provided in the reports, particularly in planning work and revision
schedules before the HSC.
Mr Jason Marks
From the Leader of Pedagogy
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DEAR+ Lightning Writing Year 7 Trial:
As part of our commitment to boosting student writing performance, last week we launched the inaugural
DEAR+ Program, as part of our morning DEAR/Homeroom time. The boys still completed their 15
minutes of DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) but then commenced their first stint in Lightning Writing
for 3 minutes only. The idea is to critically think and write fast! The boys found it initially a little daunting
to begin writing and then complete it in 3 mins but most enjoyed the opportunity. We will continue to
Trial this Writing project for the rest of the year and then re-evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, as we
continue to assist boys to become more competent writers.
Lightning Writing in Action
DEAR+
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PBL(Project Based Learning)
Our Year 7 students have been busy working on their projects, whether it be the Sunsprint Challenge
teams, the Planter Box builders or working on the Design a House or Fractured Fairytale project to name
a few. This week’s star student was Robbie Franov, who made a very authentic musical instrument totally
out of ‘recycled materials lying around at home’. He even belted out a few tunes...actually he didn’t, but
I tried to, much to the humour of the boys. Well done, Robbie, on accomplishing a truly authentic and
sustainable PBL project.
Robbie Franov and his authentic musical instrument in PBL
Literacy and Numeracy Week
Literacy and Numeracy Week starts this week and we have a myriad of activities on offer. Here is a
snapshot:
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Sunsprint Challenge
Our talented young men in the Sunsprint division of PBL have been very busy preparing their cars in the
lead up to this weekend’s championships. The 2015 UNSW Sunsprint Challenge is held again this year
in the Quadrangle of UNSW on Friday, 4th September and Saturday 5th September. Saturday is Open
Day at UNSW so there are lots of events and promotions happening. Parking is free in all of the
carparks. Racing using commences around 10.30am and usually concludes by 1.30pm. Come along with
your families and cheer on our talented young men and their solar cars. Should be lots of fun and good
luck to our competing teams.
Mrs Jasmin Mano
Leader of Pedagogy
From the Visual Arts Department
SMCC had the exciting opportunity to be a part of the annual international Google logo competition;
giving young minds the opportunity to redesign their famous logo. Primary and secondary students have
had the opportunity to submit their entries. I am pleased to announce over 50 entries from Yr 3 – 8 were
submitted; I was very impressed by the high level of artistic standard - some young budding artists!
State finalists will be announced next month, with the winning prize receiving $10,000 worth of ICT for
their school! Good luck boys! Attached is a selection of SMCC entries; special mention to Elias Francis
from year 6 for winning SMCC’s Google Logo Award!
Mr Michael Clark
Visual Arts Teacher
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Reilly Bashall, Year 6
Seth Barrun, Year 6
Elias Francis, Year 6
Samuel Dunnicliff, Year 3
Alex Pereira, Year 7
From the Music Department
HSC RECITAL EVENING
The recital on the evening of Wednesday 19 August was well attended by family and friends of our Y12
Music classes, providing the students with further support in the lead up to the practical component of
their HSC Music examinations. The students presented a varied selection of works from their individual
HSC programmes. Thank you to Mr Michael Wyborn, Mr Oliver Brett, Mr Thomas Wilson and Ms
Miranda McHattan for accompanying the students. Thanks also to Ms Liliane Cooley and Y11 Music
students for assisting in hosting the evening and to Br Peel and College Staff for your support and
attendance at the event.
Music 1 and Music 2 students complete their HSC Practical Examination on Monday 31 August and
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Tuesday 1 September respectively. On behalf of the College community we wish the students great
success and all the very best for their final preparation.
JUNIOR RECITAL EVENING
On Wednesday 21 October selected Music students from Y7 – Y10 will also have the opportunity to
practice their performance skills. The boys will present a variety of works in their recital in the Chapter
Hall, commencing promptly at 6.00pm. All welcome.
MEET THE MUSIC
The next concert in this series is Thursday 27
August at the Sydney Opera House,
commencing at 6.30pm. The concert
features three young Americans who will be
performing repertoires from Bach to Brahms
and Beyond including their own ingenious
mashups of the Beatles, Mumford & Sons
Little Lion Man, Hallelujah and more.
Zach De Pue, Nick Kendall and Ranaan
Meyer are Time for Three (tf3), an uncommon mix of virtuosity and showmanship that has not only
wowed audiences, performing with orchestras right across America but who have also turned tf3 into a
viral YouTube sensation, especially with their anti-bullying hit Stronger. This enthusiastic ensemble, with
a no-limits repertoire includes everything from country and western to bluegrass, rap, jazz and alt rock,
are wildly successful with audiences of all ages …….a concert that must not be missed!
LUNCHTIME CONCERT
Our latest concert in this series was held on Wednesday 5 August. On behalf of the musicians thank you
to all the students, parents and staff who attended the concert. Our music students are very fortunate to
have such great support. Congratulations to all performers.
Our next concert in this series is Wednesday 9 September in Rm 417. Performances include a variety of
works from students across all years. All welcome!
END OF YEAR MUSIC CONCERT
6.30pm Wednesday 26 November, in the College Hall, featuring all of SMCC’s ensembles Camerata, Orchestra, Guitar Ensembles, Training Band, Junior Band, Intermediate Band, Senior Band,
Junior Jazz, Acapella Group, Primary Ensembles, Stage Band, Brass Ensemble, Choirs, Soloists and
more!
2015 WEEKLY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Monday
9
Percussion Ensemble
1.00 – 1.30 pm
Music: 419
8.00 – 9.00 am
8.00 – 9.00 am
8.00 – 9.00 am
College Hall
Music: 419
Chapter Hall
10.05 – 10.50 am (A)
11.15 – 12.00 (B)
1.00 – 1.30 pm
3.30 – 4.30 pm
Music: 417
8.00 – 9.00 am
3.30 – 4.15 pm
College Hall
Music: 417
8.00 – 9.00 am
8.00 – 9.00 am
Music: 419
Music: 417
8.00 – 9.00 am
8.00 – 9.00 am
Music: 419
College Hall
1.00 – 1.30 pm
Music: 419
Tuesday
Junior Band
Training Band
Camerata
(Junior Strings)
Primary Orff
Ensemble
Beginner Guitar
Advanced Guitar
Music: 419
Music: 419
Wednesday
Senior Band
Staff Choir
Thursday
Stage Band
College Choir
Friday
Intermediate Band
Orchestra: (including
String Orchestra,
Chamber Strings and
Brass Ensemble)
Junior Jazz
Please note: Morning rehearsals commence promptly at 8.00am. All students must be seated and ready
to start by 7.55am. Please bring all equipment, music and a pencil to all rehearsals.
2015 PERFORMANCE DATES FOR DIARIES: PLEASE ADD THEM NOW!
College Welcome Assembly Friday 30 January (Senior Band)
Opening Mass Wednesday 4 February (Brass Ensemble)
Academic Assembly Monday 16 February (Senior Band)
College Open Day Friday 13 March (Stage Band, Senior Band, Intermediate Band, Junior Band,
Choristers and Scholars –TBC)
Concert for The Planet 2015 Saturday 28 March (Select Brass students)
Composition Workshop with Jim Coyle Friday 24 April (Senior Music 2 students)
Edmund Rice Day Mass Friday 8 May (Brass Ensemble)
Annual Concert Friday 19 June (All - Compulsory College Event)
** Note NSW School Band Festival Saturday 19 July and Sunday 20 July (Junior, Intermediate and Senior
Concert Bands and Stage Band - TBC) has been withdrawn from our event calendar for this year
HSC Music Recital Evening Wednesday 19 August (All Y12 and all Y11 Music students)
Graduation Mass Tuesday 15 September (Brass Ensemble)
Junior Recital Evening 21 October (Junior Elective Music students)
Band Camp Tuesday 24 November (All)
End of Year Concert Wednesday 25 November (All)
Lunchtime Concert Series: Wednesday lunch – 18 February, 25 March, 13 May, 10 June, 5 August, 9
September, 28 October, 2 December
Studio Concert Series: Tuesday 3 November, Wednesday 18 November, Wednesday 2 December
Carols and Graduation Mass Monday 14 December 7.00pm (Orchestra)
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Meet the Music concerts: Thursday 6.30pm – 5 March, 30 April, 27 August and 5 November
Encore! Monday 9 March 7.00pm (Y9 -Y12 Elective Music)
Other performance dates will be advised throughout the year, as they arise. Watch this space!
Thank you for your ongoing support of our Music Program.
Ms Lee-Anne Harrison
Leader of Learning: Music Y3 – Y12
From the Sports Department
On Friday August 24th Cathedral ventured out to the State Volleyball NSW Schools Cup at Sydney
Olympic Sports Hall. The boys started off slowly being outclassed by an experienced and well
structured Sydney Boys High School. The boys remained positive and managed a convincing two set
win over Sefton Boys High School. We then played Baulkham Hills High School in a tight three set
match only to lose by one point. The fourth and final match was against competition favourites Wycliffe
Christian School who were undefeated throughout the day. With the pressure off and nothing to lose, the
boys played some of their best volleyball of the day. With great attacking play and resounding spikes by
Jason Tedjasendjaja, Peter Kim, Kendal Kim and Terence Au and wonderful setting by Josh Tabuena
and Ben Morrison, we managed to rattle the opposition and help the Cathedral boys come away with the
win.
It was an enjoyable day with the boys gaining some good experience to take with them into the Term 4
CBSA Competition. Many thanks to Ms Niven for coaching and organising the team.
By Peter Kim and Ben Morrison
Jason Tedjasendjaja jumps for the block
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