Student Achievement

Drama Academy

Brothers, Tom and Ben in Year 8 have just received an award from O’Grady Drama Academy, for undertaking 200 acting classes over the last six years.

Both boys have aspirations of pursuing an acting career, and are carving out a pathway for themselves.

The boys have made full use of the drama opportunities offered to them at St. James including roles in The Witches, Alice in Wonderland and the SIS Big Night Out.

For Tom, the favourite thing about acting school, has been the opportunity to be creative and use his imagination. Ben, credits his increased confidence as social skills, as things he has gained.

For boys who may be interested in exploring acting, Tom’s  advice is: ‘Be yourself…allow yourself to be creative…do stuff like Helen O’Grady to advance your skills’ Ben adds, ‘Take what roles you can get, even if it’s a small role, because eventually you’ll move up the ranks’.

Congratulations to Ben and Tom, for their long term commitment to developing their craft and pursuing their passion for acting.

Science

Joshua in Year 8 has excelled in Science this year, having participated in in the Education Perfect International Science competition.

Joshua downloaded the Education Perfect app, and in his own free time, answered a total of 720 science questions, on topics such as space, chemistry, and the earth.

A total of 100,000 people internationally participate in the Education Perfect Science program on-line, and Joshua’s performance ranked him in the Top 20% internationally.

He credits his Science teachers, Mr Thomas in Year 7 and Mr Koutsogiannopoulos in Year 8, for helping him develop a keen interest in science.

The Education Perfect online program is available to all students who wish to pursue their curiosity and expand their knowledge in science further.

Congratulations Joshua.

Learning English

Thien in Year 9 received an Academic Excellence Award at our recent St James Day Mass. However, what makes this achievement extra impressive is that English is not his first language.

Thien moved to Australia from his birthplace of Vietnam a year ago. To develop his English skills, he attended Noble Park English Language School for six months before commencing at St James at the start of the year.

In just one semester, Thien has established himself as an intelligent and humble young man, with an incredible work ethic. He attributes his academic success to studying for up to 1 and a half hours per night and applying himself in all classes.

Of course, the language barrier poses an additional challenge. Thien notes that English grammar and vocabulary are extremely difficult. To improve these skills, he reads from English novels every night, ensuring that he underlines any new and unfamiliar words. He then translates them into Vietnamese and keeps a list of his new vocabulary.

Thien loves being part of the St James College community, commending the teachers, students and our facilities. He encourages all students to work hard and try their best in all aspects of school life. Congratulations, Thien!

Old Boys

Former St James student, Lucas Sargiotis, has been awarded the Monash University Leadership Award for the month of June.

Lucas attended St. James from 2014-2017 and is currently doing Year 12 at St. Bedes.

Lucas won the Monash University Leadership Award for his contribution at St. Peter’s Football Club.

Not only does Lucas play in the Under 17s, he also diligently helps out with the Juniors and with the Auskick at Centenary Park on Saturday mornings.

“It felt pretty rewarding and that I’ve accomplished something by helping out with the juniors and helping out with the Auskick at Centrenary Park on a Saturday morning,” Lucas said.

“I’ve just helped them with a few pointers here and there… helping them perfect their skills so hopefully one day they can be AFL footballers.”

Lucas is setting the example of leadership for his peers and indeed the whole of St Peters.

“(A good leader is) someone who’s persistent in their endeavours to try and help their club and help other people strive for their goals,” he said.

He said the sense of community at St Peters was one of the best things about playing football.

“The sense of being one big family, we all look after each other on the field and off the field. It’s really good here.”

Congratulations Lucas.

George Vlamakis

Student Counsellor