Reflection - Antonine College

6 December 2013
Reflection
ADVENT, A TIME OF PREPARATION & REFLECTION
As we approach Christmas, let us take time out to
reflect on the ‘Jesus, the real reason for the season’. “
Let us…throw off thee works of darkness and put on the
armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in
the day.” (Rom13:12-13).
“Many of us use highways on a day to-day basis. Have
you ever considered that before we get to travel on a
highway a lot of work has to be done? For months, even
years, men and machinery push and shove earth to fill
in gullies, cut through hills, tunnel through mountains,
to take out corners and curves, to make the road flat,
The Season of Advent, which is upon us, is a season for
straight and smooth.
preparation, a time for attending to the disrepair of our
2000 years ago John the Baptist echoed the words of
the prophet, Isaiah, when he preached:
“Someone is shouting in the desert: “Get the road ready
for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!
Every valley must be filled up, every hill and mountain
leveled off. The winding roads must be made straight,
and the rough paths made smooth.” Luke 3:4-5
John wasn’t talking about making a highway from one
town to another; he was talking about a highway where
all the obstacles have been removed for the coming of
Christ into our lives.
He was urging us to make smooth the rough places in
our lives – greed, selfishness, unkindness, and
thoughtfulness? – Fill in the hollows – anger, judgmental
attitudes, and untruthfulness? – Make low the
highway to Christ that has occurred over the past year.
As John Piper writes in A Hunger for God, “Our soul is
stuffed with small things and there is no room for the
great”
Advent can be an opportunity to clean up the past and
find new energy and commitment to our life as a
Christian.
Advent is preparation time for the coming of Christ at
Christmas, when we are invited to accept Christ, not
only into the world, but also into our personal lives.
Journeying with Christ is a life-long journey that leads to
joy and peace and, like the highway, we might have to
make changes to our lives before we can get started.
mountains and hills – spiritual laziness, materialism,
From the Director of Catholic Schools Newsletter, ISSUE
exclusion of God? – That would prevent us from
120, 10 DECEMBER 2012
welcoming Jesus into our lives.
Telephone 9354 1377 or visit www.antonine.catholic.edu.au
Principal’s Message
Sister Daad El-Azzi
As we move towards the end of the 2013 school year,
we give thanks for everything we have been given.
Congratulations to all our students for a year of hard
work, dedication and commitment to learning. We had
a very busy and successful year; our students have
been involved in an extraordinary number of activities.
Our learning journey continues and in 2014 we look
forward to further developing a positive challenging
learning environment.
Congratulations to the class of 2013 on their
achievement. We eagerly await the VCE results, which
will be available to students on the 16th of December.
Nevertheless we wish all our graduates the best and
all the blessings as they begin their tertiary education
and move on to different pathways. We hope that
each of them have gained a firm foundation for their
education while at Antonine and we look forward to
hearing from them in the future and to visit us in the
next few years.
ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT
Congratulations to all the award winners who were
acknowledged on Wednesday 4 December at the
successful Annual Awards night attended by staff,
students and their families. Students were recognised
for their outstanding performances in academic and
extra curricular areas of college life. Student
performances once again highlighted the talent that
exists at Antonine College. I congratulate all the
winners and I thank all those who were involved in the
overall organization of the evening. It was a great night
for the students to shine and be proud of their
achievements. Congratulations to all the performers
who charmed us with their musicianship and delighted
us with their singing. Antonine College certainly is a
community that we should all feel proud to belong to.
SEMESTER II REPORTS
Semester II Reports will be posted home in mid
December. Congratulations to all the students who
accomplished and achieved excellent results. I want to
thank all of the parents and teachers for the
tremendous support and encouragement given to our
students. Parent involvement is crucial for student
success.
THANK YOU
To each member of our school community for their
contribution to Antonine College: parents, students,
staff (teaching, administration, bus drivers,
maintenance.. ) and members of the wider Antonine
community who have played a vital part in our
student’s education.
To our college chaplains: Monsignor Joe Takchi, Parish
Priest of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Parish and our
VCE Chaplain. Mgr. continues always to provide
pastoral guidance and support to our school
community; Father Alain Fares, Years 7-10 chaplain
and Father Edmond Andraos , Cedar Campus chaplain.
We are indeed blessed to have three chaplains working
with us at the college and we greatly value their
support and contribution.
To our wonderful Parents & Friends Association and all
the volunteers who so generously give their time and
support to our college.
LETTER TO BE SENT HOME
A letter will be sent home at the end of January 2013
which includes a calendar for Term 1 (always updated
on the website), with all dates and times of events, a
list of requirements for next year.
FAREWELL…. WITH OUR
BEST WISHES
As we come to the end of the year,
we also farewell a number of staff.
We have a number of teachers
leaving and I would like to thank
them for their contribution to our
college. We farewell Ms. Amy Kilpatrick, Ms. Brooke
Stuart, Ms. Alana Noreika, Ms Theresa Egglezos, Ms.
Keri Brown who each have played a major role in the
College. Ms Natasha le Noel, Ms. Mary Anne Lilikakis,
Mr. Vincent Panuccio, Ms. Belinda Vidos will also be
leaving and have had a positive impact on the learning
of many of our students. We also wish Mr. Allan
MacMillan all the best as he takes leave in term 1
2014. I thank those people for their contribution and
wish them well in the future.
New staff will be joining Antonine College in 2014 and
their names will be announced in January.
UNVEILING OF THE GIB RAN KHALIL
GIBRAN BRONZE BUST
We were pleased to be part of the unveiling ceremony
of the Gibran Khalil Gibran bronze bust at the State
Library of Victoria.
A group of students represented Antonine College at
the ceremony, as they performed a dance and songs
written by Gibran.
Thank you to all the staff from Antonine College who
helped organise for the day.
Principal’s Message
Sister Daad El-Azzi
2013 FINISHING DATES
 Friday 6 December: Years 7-11
 Thursday 12 December: Year 6
 Friday 13 December: Foundation to Year 5
(Early dismissal 1.00pm)
 9-13 December: 2014 Staff Planning week at St
Joseph Campus
 16-17 December: 2014 staff planning days at Cedar
Campus
COLLEGE OFFICE
The College Office will close on Friday 20 December
2013 and will re-open on Monday 20 January 2014.
Office hours will be from 9.00am to 4.00 pm.
Australia Day Public Holiday - Monday 27 January. Staff
Day - Tuesday 28 January (office closed). Normal hours
8.00 am to 4:30 pm resume from Wednesday 29
January 2014 for Term 1, 2014.
RETURNING DATES IN 2014
 Staff return on Tuesday 28 January.
 All students from Years 1 to 12 return on
Wednesday 29 January.
 Foundation preparation day on Wednesday 29
January from 11.00am to 1.00pm.
 Foundation Year return on Thursday 30 January.
WLCU HONOURING VCE STUDENTS
On 24th November 2013, The World Lebanese Cultural
Union invited the community to honour the VCE
students who achieved an ATAR score over 90 in 2012.
The students from Antonine College who were
honoured are:
As we move towards Christmas, let’s keep in mind that
Christmas should be a time of great celebration but
within an atmosphere of peace and joy.
“I bring to you good news of great joy, for to you is
born this day a saviour who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke
2:10-11)

Johnny Yaacoub

Joseph El-Assaad

Elie Chahine

Mark Balkis
I wish everyone a happy, holy and restful Christmas
and summer break. I hope you enjoy this special time
with your children, your extended family and all who
are important in your lives. I hope that each student
returns with a sense of commitment and renewed
enthusiasm at the beginning of 2014.
Don’t forget to READ –READ – READ!!!!!!!!
I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
TERM DATES FOR 2014
 Term 1 Tuesday 28 January - Friday 4 April
Students return Wednesday 29 January
Easter 18 - 21 April
 Term 2 Tuesday 22 April - Friday 27 June
 Term 3 Monday 14 July - Friday 19 September
 Term 4 Monday 6 October - Friday 19 December
Deputy Principal - Staff & Student Wellbeing
Ms Joanne Bacash
It is very pleasing to see the students almost at the
end of another very successful school year. The year
was full of learning activities and events that support
a strong curriculum. The students on the whole have
received excellent results and made significant
progress.
3.
Preparing to introduce the Peer Support
program in 2014 for Years 7 and Years 11. Ms
Afif and Ms Aoun have spent 2013 attending
training and writing a program for our College
for next year. This program will support other
wellbeing programs in the College.
This year we have seen an increase in the number of
parents attending parent teacher interviews and
parent sessions. This is very encouraging as the
partnership between parents and the school has a
direct impact on student outcomes. The more that
parents are involved in the school, the better the
student outcomes will be. This does not mean that
parents need to call or visit the school each day; we
know parents have to balance many demands these
days. But parents need to be available to the school
when there are important events in the College,
when parent sessions are organized and if the child
needs extra support with their learning and/or
behavior we need parents to work in partnership
with us to ensure the child is best supported.
4.
YOU CAN DO IT! – we have continued to offer
the YOU CAN DO IT! Program this year across
Foundation to Year 10.
This program
concentrates on the social and emotional skills
all students need throughout life including:
Confidence, Persistence and Resilience.
5.
SRC Student Forum – this year we had our first
Student Forum. It was exciting to see students
from Year s 5-12 get together to share ideas
and develop proposals.
6.
Seasons – the Seasons program runs at
Antonine College at different times of the year.
The program is aimed at students experiencing
grief and loss. Ms Staunton-Burke and Mr Diab
have offered this to Cedar Campus students.
7.
College Counselling Services – we were
fortunate this year to have the services of two
provisional psychologist on site. We have seen
more support available to students who have
needed more support at times.
Our new learning management system, SIMON, has
meant that student progress and behavior can be
tracked faster and more effectively than before. This
ensures that parents are aware immediately if their
child is falling behind or needs to modify behavior.
This also means we can put support structures in
place sooner as well, supporting the child.
Some main areas we have continued to develop on
Wellbeing area:
1.
2.
Restorative practices – designing wellbeing
and discipline policies and procedures that
help students see the affect their actions have
on others and how to make things right again.
Restorative Practices approach means that the
relationship we have with one another
becomes the focus.
eSmart – as stated in previous newsletter,
Antonine College now has eSmart status. This
means that we have reviewed our curriculum
and wellbeing policies to ensure there are
opportunities to teach cybersafety and how to
deal with cyberbullying.
We created a
confidential reporting email address for
students to use:
[email protected]
These are just some of the areas that we have
continued to work in so that we can support our
students more.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and look forward to
seeing you in the New Year!
Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning
Mr Robert Fomiatti
I would like to sincerely thank all staff, students and
Arabic Award
(Sponsored by Pierre Kairouz)
parents on a most successful year at Antonine College.
The LOTE award is presented to a student who has
There have been many collective accomplishments
shown a commitment and contribution to all areas of
throughout the year, which we should all be proud.
the Arabic language.
COMPLETING A VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR
I would like to thank the staff, teaching and nonteaching, for all the hard work they have put into the
Arabic Award presented to Chloe Warda (Year 8)
College on a daily basis throughout the year.
ANTONINE COLLEGE AWARDS EVENING
The Second Annual Antonine College Awards Evening
was held in the Cedar Atrium on Wednesday 4
Debating Award
(Sponsored by Pierre Kairouz)
The student who has shown a high level of dedication
to the debate team through participation, research
December. The night was a fantastic celebration and
and preparation and polished public speaking and
recognition of student achievements in 2013. I would
analytical debate in the Debating Association of
like to congratulate all award recipients on the
evening,
which
included
Cedar
Class
Victoria Schools Competition.
Awards,
Endeavour Awards, Subject Awards and Library
Debating Award presented to Rita Abou-Issa (Year 9)
Reading Award. In addition the following College
Awards were presented on the evening:
Academic Excellence Awards
(Sponsored by Tony & Joseph Lattouf)
Sport Awards
(Sponsored by Pierre Kairouz & Elias, Sam and
David Elia)
The Sport Award is presented to a student who has
The student who has performed the strongest
participated positively and shown leadership in a
academically across a year level. The Academic
variety of sporting pursuits.
Excellence Awards are based on assessment grades
College Female Sports Award presented to
across all subjects.
Dux of Year 12 is based on the highest ATAR (is not
awarded until January 2014).
Sabine
Christine Al-Mourani (Year 11)
College Male Sports Award presented to
Elias
Year 7
Veronica Saad
Year 8
Rita Abou-Issa
Year 9
John Madi
Year 10
Brendan Maloney
Year 11
Music Award
Edmond Sophia (Year 11)
Arts Award
(Sponsored by Elias, Sam and David Elia)
The Arts Award is presented to a student who has
shown a positive commitment and contribution all
areas of the Arts at the College.
(Sponsored by Pierre Kairouz)
Arts Award presented to
The Music award is presented to a student who has
Nesrin Saleh (Year 10)
shown a commitment and contribution to all areas of
music across the College.
Music award presented to Ryan Barsha (Year 11)
Arts Award presented to
Catherine Georgios (Year 11)
Co-Curricular Award
(Sponsored by Pierre Kairouz & Bassam, Joseph and
Faddy Zouki)
The Australian Defence Force Long Tan
Leadership and Teamwork Awards
(Sponsored by Australian Defence Force)
The student who has participated in a wide range of
activities at the College.
The ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards
aim to recognise students who demonstrate
leadership and teamwork within the school and the
broader local community.
Co-Curricular Award presented to
James Wakim (Year 10)
Co-Curricular Award presented to
Maurice Ghantous (Year 10)
Co-Curricular Award presented to
Christine Al-Mourani (Year 11)
College Spirit Award
(Sponsored by Bassam, Joseph and Faddy Zouki)
The School Spirit Award is presented to a student
who has demonstrated exemplary behaviour and
displayed a contagious participation in House
Competitions,
excursions and the positive manner in which they
have presented themselves to their peers, teachers
and the College community.
School Spirit Award presented to
Natasha Diab (Year 7)
School Spirit Award presented to
Grace Merhi (Year 10)
Long Tan Award presented to
Najat Ibrahim (Year 10)
Kwong Lee Dow Young
Scholars Award
The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars program is an
academic enrichment program at the University of
Melbourne designed to support high-achieving
Victorian school students in realising their full
potential. The program provides access to events,
activities and resources to give students a head start
into university. The program was established in 2007
and is named in honour of eminent scholar, leading
educationalist and former Vice-Chancellor of the
University of Melbourne, Professor Kwong Lee Dow.
While in Year 10 up to 700 students are chosen each
year on the basis of your school's endorsement and a
student's academic performance and leadership
skills. In Years 11 and 12, a student then has the
opportunity to engage with the University and each
other through an extensive program of events and
activities at the University of Melbourne campus.
Community Engagement
& Justice Award
(Sponsored by Monsignor Joseph Takchi)
Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Award 2016
presented to Monica Fakhry
The community Engagement and Justice Award is for
a student who has displayed positive leadership and
volunteered in school and in the wider community.
College Leaders
The College Leaders for 2014 are presented to the
awards evening.
Community Engagement & Justice Award presented
to Joseph Semaan (Year 9)
College badges presented to
Elias Azzi and Jasmine Zakhour
Leadership Award
Principal’s Award
(Sponsored by Antonine College)
A student who displays initiative in leading school
events and is able to lead their peers in different
activities across the College.
Cedar Campus Leadership Award presented to
Lucia Taouk (Year 6)
Saint Joseph Campus Leadership Award presented
to Jasmine Zakhour (Year 11)
The Principal’s Award is presented to a student who
has displayed maturity in relation
to their school work, peers and teachers. This
student shows a high level of respect for
the school and maintained a high standard of
academics throughout the year.
Principal’s Award presented to
Layal Wazan (Year 11)
Annual Awards Night
Wednesday 4 December 2013
Congratulations
Congratulations
YEARS 7-9 END OF YEAR EXAMS AND 11
December in the Cedar Atrium.
SENIOR CLASSES FOR 2014
All Year 10 and 11 students have recently completed
SEMESTER TWO REPORTS
their final exams and participated in their 2014
The semester two reports will be mailed in during
classes. This was an important time in completing
December. All students are asked to review their
exams and preparing for a new year of studies. The
reports and read them carefully with their parents.
Years 7-9 completed their end of the year exams on
This should also involve setting some challenging and
Friday 6 December. The culmination of the academic
realistic academic goals for 2014.
year for Years 7 to 11 was celebrated with a mass
and academic assembly on Friday 6 December.
The end of year masses and award ceremonies
allows the College community the opportunity to
YEAR 6 END OF YEAR MASS
celebrate all the many achievements of Antonine
The Year 6 students are also completing their final
College students throughout 2013. It also presents
year of primary schooling in preparation for
us with the opportunity to further challenge each
transition to secondary education. The first part of
other to strive to do the best in everything we
this process was the Year 7 transition morning held
pursue.
at St Joseph Campus on Monday 2 December. They
are also able to mark and celebrate the end of their
I wish all members of the Antonine College
primary schooling with a mass on Thursday 12
community a safe, spiritual and restful holiday
period and look forward to the challenges of 2014.
Religious Education
Mrs Christina Staunton-Burke
RE Coordinator F-12
REMEMBRANCE DAY
On Monday 11th November Cedar Campus commemorated
Remembrance Day with a prayer service in the Atrium.
Foundation to Year 6 students wore red poppies, as a symbol
of remembrance, to mark the 95th anniversary of the end of
World War 1. On 11th November 1918, at the eleventh hour of
the eleventh day of the eleventh month, a peace treaty
known as the Armistice was signed which ended World War 1.
At Assembly on the previous Friday, our senior students also
paid tribute to those who have fought and given their lives to
save our way of life and give us the freedom we have here in
Australia. May we continue to pray for the servicemen and
servicewomen who are currently serving our country
throughout the world.
BLESSING OF THE MONSTRANCE
On
Thursday
14th
November
we
gathered to bless and dedicate the
Monstrance which has been placed in
the new Tabernacle in the Chapel. We
are
very
privileged
to
have
the
Monstrance available in the Chapel for
prayer and adoration of Jesus. It will
enable us to see the host, to see Jesus
himself – the Bread of Life. Our thanks
to Monsignor Joe and Father Edmond
who officiated at the ceremony and to
Sr Sayde for obtaining the Tabernacle
and Monstrance from Italy.
CHOIR
EXCURSION
TO
DON
BOSCO
Antonine College Choir members, who sing regularly at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, enjoyed a very pleasant
afternoon at the Don Bosco Centre,
Brunswick on Saturday 16th November
with their families. Thank you to Sister
Sayde and Mrs Merhi for organising the
outing which will now become an
annual event.
JUST LEADERSHIP DAY
Congratulations to the Year 5 College
Captains for their splendid participation
in the Just Leadership Day held at St
John’s Primary School Thomastown East
on Thursday 21st November. It was a
wonderful opportunity for them to have
the experience of deep learning about
leading social justice action and the
opportunity to meet leaders from other
schools. This event was conducted by
Megan Burke from Caritas Australia, the
international
aid
and
development
organisation of the Catholic Church in
Australia. Many thanks to Mr Nick
Triantafillopoulos (SRC Coordinator) for
organising
the
students
and
accompanying them to the Just Leadership Day.
2013 LEBANESE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS
VISIT TO ST PAUL’S HOSTEL
On Thursday 21st November, the day before Lebanese
Independence Day, the Year 2 students visited St Paul’s
Hostel, Thornbury. It was wonderful to witness the joy and
happiness on the faces of the elderly residents when our
Year 2 students entertained them with songs and dances in
honour of Lebanese Independence Day.
UNVEILING OF THE BUST OF GIBRAN KHALIL
GIBRAN
This year we were delighted that Antonine College was
invited to participate in the Independence Day of Lebanon
celebrations which featured the unveiling of the Bust of
Gibran Khalil Gibran at the State Library of Victoria on
Saturday 23rd November.
Gibran Khalil Gibran (1883-1931) the famous Lebanese
artist, poet, and writer was born into a Maronite Catholic
family from Bsharri in northern Mount Lebanon and it was a
great honour for our College to be asked to sing and perform
a dance on this historic occasion.
Special thanks to Mrs Merhi for her work with the choir and
to Mrs Atme and Mr McMillan for preparing the students for
the dance performance. Congratulations to all the students
for their wonderful performances on the day and for
willingly participating in the preparation sessions
beforehand. We are very proud of their achievements.
LEBANESE INDEPENDENCE DAY PRAYER
SERVICE
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like
a cedar of Lebanon (Psalm 92:12)
On Tuesday 26th November staff and students gathered
together in the Cedar Atrium to celebrate the 70 th
anniversary of Lebanese Independence Day from France on
22nd November, 1943. We thanked God for all the blessings
bestowed upon our beloved Lebanon and prayed for all
those who have made great sacrifices to build our
homeland.
Thank you to the Year 5 and 6 students who conducted the
prayer service which concluded with Dabket Lebnan, a
Lebanese dance performed by some Year 4 students and
Ennak enta lebnanee, sung by a group of Year 2 students.
Many thanks to Sister Chadia, Mrs Atme and Mrs Eid for
preparing the students for this important event and to Mr
Dany for playing the organ. Special thanks to Mrs Atme for
organising the Lebanon’s Got Talent acts enjoyed by
everyone after the prayer service. Happy Lebanese
Independence Day for 2013!
Lord,
strengthen our faith in You so it can
be like our ancestors’ faith that saved
Lebanon in the hard times of the past.
Help us to be stronger in faith in spite of
all trials, temptations and problems.
Let us put our trust in You to save us
today for without You we perish.
Amen.
CEDAR RESPONSE TO TYPHOON HAIYAN – RAINBOW DAY
Rainbow Day was held at Cedar Campus
on Wednesday 27th November as staff
and students wore coloured wristbands
to raise funds for those who are
suffering in the aftermath of Typhoon
Haiyan
which
recently
hit
the
Philippines. Wristbands in the colours of
the rainbow were sold for $2.00 as a
sign of hope and promise of our support
for those affected by Typhoon Haiyan.
We are pleased to announce that
$566.00 was raised on the day.
Thank you to everyone who purchased a
coloured wristband, wrote a message
and wore their wristband to show their support and to stand in solidarity with the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. All
money will be sent to Caritas Australia.
CHOIR CHRISTMAS EXCURSION TO THE MYER WINDOWS
Antonine
College
Choir
members
enjoyed their tram ride to the City to
view the Myer Christmas Windows
followed by Carol Singing in the Bourke
Street Mall on Thursday 28th November.
Special thanks to Mrs Theresa Egglezos
and the choir students for generously
giving up their time to practise and
provide beautiful singing at various
College events throughout the year.
May the choir continue to grow in
strength from year to year.
ROCK THE HALL ORPHANAGE
BENEFIT CONCERT
Thank you to Mrs Theresa Egglezos and the Year 11 Music students for organising the Benefit Concert on Friday
29th November in St Joseph Campus Hall with all funds raised towards the Antonine Sisters Notre Dame of Rosary
Orphanage, Achkout, Kesrouan, Mount Lebanon. It is great to see our students working to help others in need.
May we continue to pray for the work of all charitable institutions which serve to bring fullness of life and
happiness to people in Australia and around the world.
THANKSGIVING MASSES
The Year 7-11 End of Year Mass will be held at St Joseph Campus Hall on Friday 6th December at 12.30pm and
will be celebrated by Monsignor Joe Takchi.
The Year 6 Transition Mass will be celebrated by Cedar Campus Chaplain, Father Edmond Andraos, on
Thursday 12th December at 1.30pm in the Cedar Campus Atrium. Parents and friends are warmly welcome to
attend.
THANK YOU
At the beginning of the year we gathered as a College from Foundation to Year 12 to ask God’s blessings on our
college community under the patronage of St Maroun. Throughout the 2013 academic year we have been
blessed with so many opportunities to live out our College theme: “Growing in Faith Together” and to also
reach out to others in our world. This has been evident, for example, in the active participation of students and
staff in liturgical events and fundraising and social justice activities.
The delivery of Religious Education is a team effort and there are so many people to thank for their hard work
and dedication throughout the year. My thanks to Sister Daad, Monsignor Joe, Father Alain, Father Edmond,
Sister Chadia, Sister Mariette, Sister Rita, the RE teachers and all the Staff for their faithful commitment and
valuable contributions to the Faith Formation and Religious Education at Antonine College. May the true spirit
of Christmas bring you peace, happiness and joy.
Learning Support
Ms Nandy Awadalla
F-12 Learning Support Coordinator
It’s hard to believe we are at the end of another year. We are very fortunate to have a wonderful team of staff who
work across the college offering extra assistance to students and supporting teachers.
2013 has been another successful year. Our program continues to be delivered
largely in the classroom. Staff work with small groups and sometimes individual
students providing them with support in any area they need. Whether it is fine
motor development, literacy, numeracy, organisation or oral language that as
student needs assistance with, the learning support team strive to meet the needs
of all our students in an inclusive manner.
The success of the Learning Support Program would not be possible if it weren’t for the talented ladies working
diligently to support our students and enhance their learning. I’d like to thank
Mrs Mona Georgios, Mrs Adriana Borg and Mrs Arlene Miller our Cedar
Campus team, and Mrs Dolly Blanco and Ms Natalia Rypien who make up our St
Joseph’s team. Your support, dedication and empathy towards our students is
inspirational. Thank you.
Head of Cedar Campus
Mr Abraham Diab
Head of Cedar Campus
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Reflection:
If a child lives with criticism,
he
learns to condemn.
ensure that all children are placed in the best
learning environment to meet their needs. In the
allocation of students to the particular classes the
teachers consider the following factors in the
decision making process:

If a child lives with hostility,
he
learns to fight.
A balanced distribution of student abilities and
gender across all classes.

If a child lives with ridicule,
he learns
to be shy.
The needs of individual students. These include
social, intellectual, emotional and physical

Student relationships and friendship networks

Students are allocated to a class not a teacher.
It is not possible to request a particular staff
member as your child’s teacher, this is the
school’s decision. You will be informed which
class your child is in and the name of their
teacher on the first day of school next year.
If a child lives with shame,
he learns
to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
he
learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
he learns
to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
he
learns justice.
If a child lives with
security,
he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
he
learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance, and
friendship, he learns to find love in
the world.
Wishing you
Christmas.
all a safe
and Merry
It’s hard to believe it is already the end of the school
year. We have had a very busy and productive year.
The children have worked very conscientiously and
are to be congratulated on their efforts. I thank all
the parents who have contributed to our community
in so many ways. Your efforts and support are
appreciated by all of us. Thank you to the staff who
have worked tirelessly and sacrificed their own time
all year to ensure the best programs are offered to
the children.
We have not commenced 2014 class groupings and
structures. All staff will be involved in the process, to
During the term, Year 6 students went on their end of
year camp to Phillip Island. Students were involved in
many team building activities, adventure and fun. It
was a great experience. A special congratulations to
all the students in Year 6 for their outstanding
behaviour during the camp. The guides and bus
drivers at the camp site all commented that they
were one of the best group of children that they have
had visit and commended their attitude and
behaviour. This is a credit to our wonderful families
and excellent teachers at Antonine. I would also like
to thank Ms Gauci, Mr Blanco, Ms Amy and Ms
Trembath for their efforts and dedication and lack of
sleep while on camp ensuring that all the students
were safe at all times.
On Monday the 2nd of December Year 6 students took
part in their transition day at St Joseph Campus. It
was a great opportunity for the children to become
familiar with their new environment and prepare
themselves into the next phase of their schooling. I
believe these transition days are beneficial and help
ease any anxiety students may have been feeling about
the changes they will experience in moving to Year 7.
Thank you to Miss Sarah and all St Joseph staff who helped
on the day, for their support and guidance.
Finally I would like to thank you for your support
throughout the year. I wish you and your family a
safe and happy Christmas and holiday period, and I
look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Cedar Campus Oval open for students
Tuesday 26 November 2013
Library
Mr Gavan Kelly
College Teacher Librarian F-12
As the year draws to a close and we pause to reflect on the previous
months, it becomes apparent that a vast range of activities, events and
programs have enriched the students’ experiences in the Cedar campus
library.







National Simultaneous Storytime performance by VCAL students
Felice Arena author visit
Book Week character parade
Book Fair
Information literacy lessons
Tony Bone’s Book Week performance incursion
iPad and computer activities
Book Fair
These activities and events are integral parts of a sequential library
program that addresses literature, information literacy and Information
Communications Technology (ICT) as a general capability. Combined,
they contribute in help meeting the School Improvement Framework
goal of improved student learning outcomes in literacy.
When looking at the number of books that have been borrowed by the
students this year, it is obvious that the
students are inspired and engaged when it
comes to the library and reading. Take a
look at these statistics:Year Level
Foundation
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Books Borrowed
1368
1764
1837
2819
2379
2032
2349
That’s an amazing overall total of 14 548
books!
Using iPads to
locate books
Book Week
Year 3 note taking
The most popular items were two books by Nick Bland, The Very Cranky Bear and The Wrong Book. Both of
these books have been featured as part of National Simultaneous Storytime over the last two years which goes to
show that the special events conducted as part of the library program really do engage and inspire students to
read.
Library classes and borrowing for 2013 have now ended and library staff are busily involved in shelving all
resources and conducting a stocktake. This process is a vital part of evaluating and developing the collection and
ensuring we have quality literature for reading for pleasure and language development, as well as non-fiction
books to support the learning and teaching program.
If your child is looking for something good to read over the summer holiday period, why not pay a visit as a family
to your local municipal library? Local libraries are free to join and often have toys, games and audio books
available to borrow as well as great books. And of course there is Christmas, the perfect occasion for giving a gift
of a book that can be treasured and enjoyed over and over again.
Jesus came as the Way, the Truth and the Life. May you and your family have that abundance this Christmas and
in the years to come.
Literacy
Mrs Ayn Walsh-Richardson
F-6 Literacy Domain Leader
The classroom teachers have administered the end of the year literacy assessment tasks and they are pleased with
the learning outcomes. It is rewarding to see that all students have worked hard to demonstrate progress with
their literacy learning. Thanks to all parents and teachers who have supported the students on their learning
journey.
Last week the students in Foundation-Year 3 were given a notice to return all home readers to school and I would
appreciate your co-operation in ensuring the books have been returned.
Although the students do not have home readers over the holiday period, they still need to practise reading.
Therefore, I recommend visiting your local Council Library. It is a great way to encourage your child’s on-going
learning as well as showing your child that you value books and reading.
Using the Local Library

Make visiting the library a weekly outing during the holidays.

Obtain a library card for all the family members.

Let your child use the computer to search for book titles or favourite author.

Ask the Librarian to help find books if assistance is needed.

Let your child choose books to take home and read.

Find out about free events, workshops and storytime sessions held in the Library.

Encourage your child to attend any appropriate activities.
I wish all families a Holy and Happy Christmas Season.
Science
Mrs Stephanie Monds
F-6 Science Domain Leader
This term in Science, Year 1 students have been studying Biological Science. As part of this,
students have been learning about how plants grow and planted seeds to observe the
various stages of growth. The students loved seeing how much their plants grew.
Numeracy
Miss Amy Kilpatrick
F-12 Numeracy Domain Leader
Keep Having Fun with Maths Over the Christmas Break
Over the Christmas holidays many students need to continue to practice the skills they have learnt during the
school year so that they don’t forget them. Here are 12 ways you can make sure your child keeps their Maths
skills in good shape.
1. Read a Maths story
Combine Maths with reading to improve both Numeracy and Literacy skills. Your local book-shop will have a great
kids section, just ask if they know any great Maths stories.
2. Play a game
Maths games come in all shapes and sizes, so choose your favourite. Games like Monopoly,
Tetris, Jenga and Angry Birds encourage reasoning skills and creating strategies.
3. Watch a You Tube video
Take a break from watching terrible clips and watch some quirky Maths! Multiplication raps,
fraction raps and Maths drawings can all add a short burst of Maths into your child’s day.
4. Play cards
Traditional card games are full of logic and arithmetic. Check out the ‘Math 4 Love’
website for games that are designed to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication
and division.
5. Visit a museum
Look up the summer Maths programs for your local science museums, or just
browse around and highlight the different ways Maths is involved in the world.
6. Play a travel game
Going on any long drives over the holidays? Use those long car journeys or endless airport delays to play some
travelling Maths games with your captive audience: http://www.mathsinsider.com/5-fantastic-maths-games-forcar-trips-short-and-long/
7. Play chess
Play this ultimate logic game on a traditional board, or try the various versions
available online, and on smartphones.
8. Bake
Younger children can practice number recognition and counting and older children
can scale up or scale down recipes, for a tasty mathematical distraction. 9. Plan a trip
Use Google maps to help you and your child investigate journey distances and travel times to make sure your
family arrives at that important destination on time!
10. Watch sport
Football, soccer, cricket, rugby. Sports are full of statistics. Grab a piece of paper
and see if you and your child can calculate along with the experts.
11. Play Live Online Maths Games
Registered players on Calculation Nation (http://calculationnation.nctm.org), can
practice fractions, factors and many other Maths topics against other students online. This website is run by the
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
12. Set up a food stall
Help your child run a drinks stand, or sell the cakes you made with your children, to help boost mathematical,
ingredient measuring and money management skills.
Sourced from www.mathsinsider.com/maths-summer-slide/
Humanities
Miss Jessica Hine
F-6 Humanities Domain Leader
This year has seen the introduction of History from

Puffing Billy steam train
Foundation to Year 6. Students studied a range of

Sovereign Hill at Ballarat
topics including Community and Remembrance,

Cook’s cottage
Aboriginal stories and traditions, Colonial life in

Gumbuya Park
Australia, the Eureka Stockade and Federation.

Earth's Dinosaur Zoo- Arts centre

Science Works
Over the school holidays, there are a range of

Collingwood Children’s farm
interesting and educational activities that you can do

Melbourne Aquarium
as a family that are also fun. Some ideas are:

First Peoples exhibition at the Bunjilaka
Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne
Museum
Next year will see History topics continue and the
introduction of new Geography units from F-6. Enjoy
your holidays.
Co-Curricular Activities
Mr Nick Triantafillopoulos
SRC/Co-curricular - Cedar campus
On the 21st of November eight of Cedars future leaders ventured off to St John’s Primary School in Thomastown
East for the Just Leadership Day. The aim of the forum was for students to experience a deep learning about
leading Social Justice action. It was also the opportunity to meet leaders from other schools.
With approximately 60 students there on the day, the program consisted of a guest speaker from CARITAS Megan Collins. Our future leaders were provided with the opportunity to learn from others, network and
enhance their existing leadership skills.
I hope that this shared experience will inspire our current leaders of the Cedar Campus as well as our future
leaders, to demonstrate leadership within our school and also be instrumental in taking action to improve our
local communities.
LOTE
Mrs Caroline Eid & Mrs Rima Atme
LOTE Teachers
What a busy term in the Arabic department!
The students at the Cedar campus have been very busy being involved in many cultural activities. Term four
started with commemorating Duraid Laham, where Students worked hard in preparing a song from his movie “Al
Aba’a Al Seeghar”. Their hard work and effort was rewarded by winning the first prize.
As the term went, we prepared for the ‘Lebanese Independence Day which is a tradition at our school. Some of
the activities were: Year 2A & 2B prepared a song for Assi Hellani” Illoun inta libnany. They performed the song
for the elderly at the hostel, which is always a pleasure to do. The students started with the Lebanese National
Anthem, sang a couple of hymns taught by Sister Chadia and ended the by dancing the dabke.
On Tuesday the 26th we held a prayer service for the Lebanese Independence Day in the Atrium followed by few
performances from’ Lebanon’s Got Talent’. A few days prior to the performances students auditioned and a few
finalists had the opportunity to show their talents in front of the whole school at the assembly. The finalist from
Lebanon’s Got Talent were Ashley and Josef who played the derbake, Hadil and Ruby sang Fairuz’ song “Ana w
Shady”, a group of Foundation students performed one of the hymns in Arabic and finally one of Year 6 students
played Fairuz song “Nassam alayna l hawa”. The assembly ended by Years 5 & 6 presenting some of our Saints,
landmarks and famous personalities such as Fairuz, Gibran Khalil Gibran and etc……….
Year 3
Year 3 teachers
Mrs Anna Stradiot-Gatto & Miss Amy Wiley
PEN PALS
The students in year three have had a wonderful experience this
semester. They were given the opportunity to write to a group of
students from Maranatha Christian Academy in Brooklyn Park,
Minnesota in the USA. The children learnt how to write letters,
discovered facts about Minnesota and were able to make
long life friends. They were always very excited when their
letters arrived and enjoyed sharing them with their
classmates. With Ms Nandy's help, the students have made a
DVD with thoughtful messages to send to their penpals.
EXCURSION TO NGV
On Thursday the 29th of November the year three students visited the National Gallery of Victoria and participated in a two hour tour entitled, Every Picture Tells a Story.
Each grade had an NGV teacher who guided them around the gallery. The students were taught how to sketch
what they could see and the guide spoke about different drawing techniques that could be used. They practiced
sketching using different grey leads and were shown how to draw lines of varying thickness.
In class the children had been studying Australian artists. They were guided through the gallery and were shown
paintings by Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin and John Brack. They discussed the stories behind each one and
most students were fascinated by the events which influenced each painting.
Sidney Nolan’s 1946 painting of The Footballer was a favourite amongst the boys. They certainly enjoyed sitting
in front of the huge frame and copying the masterpiece. Many girls enjoy the aboriginal paintings as they were
very bright and colourful and they did a great job with their own masterpieces.
It was a great excursion and we hope to attend the NGV again next year.
Year 4 overview
Year 4 teachers
Mr Paul Tarabay & Miss Danielle Velona
Wow what a great finish for the year!!
This term in Year 4 we have been learning about ‘Natural Disasters’ and their impacts on people and the earth’s
surface. On the 21st of November we went to IMAX to extend students’ learning by watching a documentary
titled ‘Forces of Nature’.
During watching the documentary we were able to follow scientists, researchers, storm chasers and filmmakers
on their quest to understand the origins and evolution of natural disasters, how they are triggered and how we
might be able to predict their occurrence. We learned about Montserrat where volcanoes have been erupting
for nearly a decade and how volcanologists were searching for clues that might foretell future eruptions and
help save people’s lives. We watched meteorologist and storm chaser in pursuit of a deadly and elusive force of
nature, tornadoes. Furthermore, we experienced an earthquake 7.4 on the Richter Scale, lasting 48 seconds
from the safety of our seats.
Indeed, we have enjoyed an action packed scientific adventure in Forces of Nature that revealed the beauty and
the power of some of our planet’s most extreme and least understood phenomena, Natural Disasters.
Year 5 Excursion to Bounce and bowling
Year 5 teachers
Ms Amy Kilpatrick & Mr Nick Triantafillopoulos
On Tuesday 26th November, both Year 5
classes went on an excursion to Bounce
and AMF bowling. We worked really hard
in our work this term, and to celebrate our
hard work we got to go to bowling and
bounce.
I had fun jumping on the trampolines at
Bounce. There was also a foam pit where
you could practise your flips.
Afterwards we went to bowling, we
organised our teams and got ready to bowl. Some people were
lucky to get a strike and some weren’t. I ended up with a total score
of 109. It was a fun experience and I would love to go there another
time.
By Yvonne Abou-Issa, 5A
On Tuesday, the 26th November, we went on a fun trip to Bounce. It
took 40 minutes to get there. When we arrived it was exciting. We
all ran to the door. The guy introduced us and told us the rules.
Then they gave us special socks that we could use at Bounce and
then take home. Then we started jumping. The coolest thing was
the foam pit. It was so cool. I also liked the trampoline that was on
the side of the wall and the free trampolines. It was a fun part of the
excursion.
By Sarena Nader, 5B
On the 26th of November the Year 5’s went to AMF bowling as part
of their excursion. We were in groups of 5 or 6. We wore bowling
shows, they were comfortable. We weren’t playing for tokens we
were playing for fun. My score was 95. I was using a bowling ball
that was size 8 but sometimes I would challenge myself and use a
size 10. It was a fun end of the year excursion!
By Mark Mazloum, 5B
Year 6 Camp to Phillip Island
Year 6 teachers
Ms Chantelle Gauci & Mr Corrado Blanco
The year 6 students boarded the bus full of anticipation and enthusiasm for three days of camp. It was a teary farewell for
some students as it was the first time they would be away from home for two nights. The excitement was palpable on the bus
as we ventured to Phillip Island.
Upon arrival at Phillip Island, we stopped at the Nobbies for lunch and for a stroll along the boardwalk. The views were
magnificent! The sound of the waves crashing into the rocks as well as the screeching of the seagulls added to this
mesmerising experience.
We arrived at our campsite shortly after lunch and it was time to unpack and explore the facilities at CYC. We also had an
opportunity to play soccer, make use of the pool and challenge our friends at table tennis and other games. In the afternoon
we walked to the local Cowes beach for a swim and games. It was great to see everyone having a wonderful time.
Antonine Idol was the highlight on the first day, with many of our students performing their acts. It was great to see our
students so engaged and willing to showcase their talents on stage.
On our second day, we walked along the south coast of Phillip Island, from Forrest Caves to Surfies Point. At the end of the
walk we enjoyed a splash and a swim at the surf beach. The waves and the swell made for a fantastic experience, as it was the
first time for many of our students at a surf beach.
A trip to Phillip Island would not be complete without a visit to the Island’s main attraction, The Penguin Parade. After much
anticipation, the little penguins emerged from the ocean and waddled up the sand dunes. It was an unforgettable experience
with many of us walking beside them along the boardwalk.
Our third day arrived too soon. We packed our belongings and farewelled this beautiful campsite. We had one last opportunity
to experience the wildlife at Phillip Island when we visited the Wildlife Park. We handfed the kangaroos, wallabies and geese.
Some of us even fed the emus! Our final stop was at San Remo where we saw the local pelicans being fed. It was a truly
enjoyable and unforgettable camp thanks to our wonderful students and supportive staff.
MARKET DAY AT ANTONINE COLLEGE
10 November 2013
Our market day was held on Sunday 10 November at the Cedar Campus. The Campus was full of different stalls and
plenty of buying and selling!
The total amount raised was $3000 which went towards the completion of our Cedar Campus oval.
Well done to our Parents & Friends Committee for their tireless effort and commitment to this fundraiser.
Important Dates
11 December
Cedar Christmas Concert
(6:00 PM-8:00 PM)
12 December
Year 6 Transition Mass
(1:30 PM-3:00 PM)
13 December
F-5 Final Teaching Day
(finish at 1:00 PM)
St Joseph Staff Final Day
17 December
Cedar Staff Final Day
20 December
Office closes for 2013
2014
31 January
St Joseph Campus Assembly
10 March
Labour Day Public Holiday
5 February
No classes for Foundation (testing)
11-14 March
Catholic Education Week
7 February
College Opening Mass
17 March
Feast of St Patrick’s Mass
12 February
No classes for Foundation (testing)
18 March
SACCSS Senior Sports Day
18 February
St Joseph Campus Photos
19 March
Feast of St Joseph
19 February
No classes for Foundation (testing)
20 March
Melbourne Victory Year 4 Soccer
Clinic
F-12 Parent Information Evening
24 February
Year 6 SRC National Young Leaders
Day
21 March
Year 10 Relationships Day
SACCSS Golf
23 March
Feast of St Rafka
25 February
Cedar Campus Photos
25 March
St Joseph Campus House Athletics
26 February
No classes for Foundation (testing)
26 March
SACCSS Swimming
22 January
Uniform Shop open
(9.00AM - 4.00PM)
26-28 February
VCAL Camp
27 March
Melbourne Victory Year 4 Soccer
Clinic
27 January
Australia Day Public Holiday
28 February
St Joseph Campus Swimming
Carnival
20 January
Office re-opens at St Joseph Campus
(9.00AM - 4.00PM)
Book list Collection (St Joseph)
Uniform Shop open
(9.00AM - 4.00PM)
28 January
Staff Day (Office Closed)
29 January
Office re-opens
(8.00AM TO 4.30PM)
Foundation Preparation Day
(11.00AM-1.00PM)
Years 1 - 12 Classes commence
30 January
Foundation Classes commence
Year 9 Laptop distribution & meeting
3 March
Ash Monday
5 March
No classes for Foundation (testing)
Year 7 & 9 Immunisations - St Joseph
Campus
6 March
Year 12 Retreat
7 March
Relationships Incursion - Year 10
3 April
Melbourne Victory Year 4 Soccer
Clinic
4 April
Last Day of Term one
18 April
Good Friday
21 April
Easter Monday
22 April
Term two commences
25 April
Anzac Day
TWO-WEEK SEMESTER BREAK IN 2014
After much deliberation and consultation, the College Executive has decided that the school will
revert back to the two-week semester break in 2014, which will mean that there will be a
number of pupil free days throughout the year to accommodate staff professional learning days. We are thankful
for all the feedback from parents about this trial in 2013.
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.
EMAIL ADDRESSES / PARENT REMINDER ADDRESSES
All parents are reminded to confirm that the College has their correct email addresses. As a range of important
communications in the future will be emailed to parents, please ensure that the College has your current valid
email address.
STUDENTS LEAVING THE COLLEGE
Foundation – Year 12 Students not returning to Antonine College in 2014 need to complete an Exit Form.
The Exit Form is available from the office. Parents must notify the College as soon as possible if their child will not
be attending the College in 2014.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
SCHOOL FEES

2013 Tuition Fees are now overdue and need to be paid immediately as they are required for the ongoing
costs of the College.

Re-enrolment fee of $200 should be paid by Friday 13th December to secure a place for your child/children
for 2014. If the re-enrolment form and payment are not received by the above date, we assume that your
child/children are not returning to Antonine College in 2014.
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.
LOST PROPERTY
The Lost property boxes are full at both campuses. If you go searching there, you will discover items of clothing for
Sports, winter, summer etc. Please feel free to drop in at both campuses to claim any items. We will be sending the
items to a charitable organization after this date.