Senior School News

21st Annual Social Justice Forum 

On Tuesday 23rd June, I had the opportunity to partake in 21st Annual Social Justice Forum hosted by Mount St Benedict College, Pennant Hills. There were over twenty schools across Sydney who joined the online forum, focusing on the areas of justice and the alleviation of poverty in the midst of Covid-19. The theme for 2020 was ‘Communication is key’, where the forum explored the notions of stewardship and hospitality as fundamental components of a more just and fair society. 

The evening consisted of various discussions and workshop presentations by organisations such as Caritas Australia, Santa Teresa, the House of Welcome and the Good Samaritan Sisters and Partners of Bacolod, Philippines. It was a fantastic, engaging and insightful experience and I look forward to working with the staff and students of the College with what I have learnt over the coming weeks. 

By David De Vecchis, 2020 College Captain

2020 Interschools Snowsports Event

On Monday the 27th July, Snow Sports Australia made the decision to cancel the 2020 Interschools Championships scheduled for September this year. Unfortunately, they felt they could not provide a safe carnival with the current restrictions and the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in NSW. 

We look forward to participating again next year. 

Mr Luke Wilson

Year 10F Science

Year 10 are currently studying Genetics and are learning how to use Punnett squares to determine the inheritance of genes. The class conducted a practical where they applied their knowledge to make “veggie babies”. They were able to see how traits such as eye colour are passed from parents to children and also to gain a better understanding of dominant and recessive alleles. The boys enjoyed putting their knowledge of genetics into practice in this activity.

Miss Elizabeth Parsons

Science Teacher

What’s happening in Science Week?

The theme for Science Week 2020 is Deep Blue: innovations for the future of our oceans. Students will be exploring ideas in relation to the ocean as well as experiencing a range of engaging experiments and demonstrations. There is an opportunity to compete in a Paper Plane Challenge at the Br Luke Hall during lunch on Tuesday 18 August. More details can be found at http://www.paperplanes.youngscientist.com.au/ or by asking your child’s Science teacher.

Year 7 will be participating in an exciting, interactive presentation from The Australian Reptile Park on Friday 14 August at the College. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the planned Year 9 excursion on Tuesday 18 August to the Science Centre and Planetarium in Wollongong has been cancelled. Hopefully, the Science Week activities will make up for some of the disappointment.

Mr David Clarke

Science Coordinator

Stage 4 - Internal 'Toolboxes'

Late in Term Two, Stage 4 students were asked to consider the concept of accessing their internal “toolboxes”. This “toolbox” would contain all the necessary instruments to face life’s challenges and in school, this context was presented through the lens of pastoral and academic wellbeing. Students were asked to identify what kinds of tools they might need, what they might be called and when such instruments should be used. This metaphor was received well, and students quickly began to recognise that they might need, for example, resilience or determination in a setting whereby they faced friendship challenges, or organisation and diligence when it came to preparing for assessments.

 Pastoral and Academic Care sessions demanded that boys be clear about what tools they already felt they had, and which were missing from their “toolbox”. In an Academic Care session, a challenge was set. Students had to design a poster demonstrating their metaphorical toolboxes, highlighting their most used instruments.

We are pleased to announce that the following boys were winners in this competition and for their efforts will receive 3 Reward points and a Certificate.

• Andrew Nothdurfter
• Brandon Khandharixay
• Matthew Fitzgerald
• Sam Labbozzetta

Mrs Lee Ursino (Academic Coordinator Stage 4), Mr Luke Wilson (Year 7 Coordinator) and Mr Mitch O’Brien (Year 8 Coordinator)