Department News

The Language Department

Welcome back to Term 2 for all our students of languages. Let’s take this opportunity to consider why it is important and also compulsory in Stage 4, for all students in NSW schools to undertake the study of a language other than English for 100 hours. As the Modern Languages  K-12 Syllabus states:

Learning a language provides students with an opportunity to communicate and engage with the world and its people. Students learn the target language by developing and applying their knowledge of the language and culture(s). Studying a language enhances communication with speakers of the target language and equips learners with intercultural capability. They engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and develop respect, openness and empathy.

The Syllabus also goes on to state:

The communicative, intercultural and intellectual benefits of language learning reach beyond the individual. Proficiency in languages is a resource that serves communities and supports and promotes social cohesion within Australia. It strengthens intercultural capability, and enables students to exchange and negotiate meaning within and across languages and cultures, both locally and globally. Students develop their communicative competence and ability to use the target language in real situations and see language learning as offering valuable skills for life.

We will now shine the spotlight on some of our Year 10 Elective Italian students and gain an insight into why they have chosen Italian and what they feel have been the benefits of their study.

Ciao! Sono Leah

I am in Year 10 and have been doing Italian since Year 8 and also while I was in primary school. I enjoy it a lot because you get to learn about a new culture, particularly about the Italian lifestyle and traditions. It is really useful if you want to travel to Italy because you will be able to speak their language and understand Italian culture. I think it is a really good and important skill to be able to speak a second language, and Italian is really fun and easy to learn. Knowing another language and having these skills also opens many opportunities in your life.

Buongiorno! Mi chiamo Talia D

This is my third year learning Italian and I enjoy it very much and love learning about another culture. I think that it is important to learn other languages as it can help expand your knowledge of other cultures and also allows more communication with other people around the world, which can be useful for traveling and careers. I enjoy learning about Italian culture, particularly about their lifestyles and their foods, as it is interesting to see differences in how we live our everyday lives. It is also especially important as Australia is a very multicultural country and it is useful to know and understand another language and the culture of others living here and overseas.

Ciao ragazzi, io sono Lucy

I have been learning Italian for two years, this being my third year. I really enjoy learning it and I think it is very interesting. Learning different languages is a great skill, especially if you want to visit other countries and meet new people. In Italian, we learn about the culture, and the traditions. I think learning about other cultures is important as it helps us understand diversity and it lets us have meaningful conversations and interactions with other people. Learning to speak, read and write Italian is a meaningful skill that gives you many opportunities in your life. 

Ciao a tutti, sono Laila

This is my third year studying Italian, I enjoy it immensely. I believe Italian is an important language to learn as it is probably the language most linked to the world of art and culture. By knowing Italian, it will assist me when I go to Italy and want to travel around the country. Italy is a beautiful country, everyone is kind and welcomes you into their home. Learning a language in general is a great skill, it will teach you lessons that you will carry for the rest of your life. Learning a new language with my friends creates opportunities for us in our life. 

Buongiorno, buon pomeriggio, o buonasera! Mi chiamo GigiI’ve been consistently learning Italian for three years but first started learning it when I was younger in primary school. I plan to continue it in both Year 11 and 12 as an elective because I really enjoy the subject! I’ve always wanted to learn another language as it’s a great skill and I admire those who speak multiple languages. Italian has been a fascinating and fun language to start with! I believe that exploring another country’s culture and beliefs as you learn the language is really beneficial and eye-opening for everybody, especially if you aim to or enjoy travelling around the world. 

Grazie!

Janine Christofides

Head of Languages

The Music Department

We have a very busy term in the music department with many performance opportunities for our music students and ensembles. 

Term 2 dates for your diary:

Week 5: Year 9/11 Recital Night - Tuesday 27 May 6pm

Week 7: SCS Eisteddfod - Tuesday 10 June (A capella) 

Week 7: Jubilate Deo Mass - Friday 13 June 10am Mass (Chant Group)

Week 7: Concert Rehearsal Night - Friday 13 June 3-8pm

Week 8: SCS Eisteddfod - Tuesday 17 June (Instrumental Groups)

Week 8: Choir/Orchestra Concert - Friday 20 June 7pm

Week 8: Walk with Christ - Sunday 22 June 1.30-2.15pm (Chant Group)

Week 9: SCS Eisteddfod - Monday 23 June (Guitar Ensemble)

Week 9: SCS Eisteddfod - Tuesday 24 June (Rock Band)

Last term, our a capella group performed at the Neuroscience Staff Meeting at the Prince of Wales Hospital. The hospital invited us to perform to help them build community connections, and it was a welcome break from their busy schedules. They said the students sang beautifully, and the staff truly enjoyed their performance. Well done to Mia Sergio for leading the group and all the students involved.

Our students in Years 10 and 12 Music had their recital night last term. All students involved showed great improvement since their last performance. Well done to all the students in the recital for their hard work preparing their piece and rehearsing with their accompanists. 

Congratulations to Aurelie Salim, who was chosen to perform at the Executive Director’s Awards night in April at the Town Hall. Aurelie performed welcome music on the piano to start the evening. Her performance was outstanding, and she was a credit to our school. 

Our Open Orchestra is currently rehearsing for the Eisteddfod. They will be performing Gravitas by Soon He Newbold conducted by Ms Jen Lau. Good luck girls! 

Jacqueline Hanniffy

Head of Music

The PDHPE Department

Our PDHPE programs are structured to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes for cultivating healthy, safe, and active lifestyles.

A cornerstone of our program is Physical Education, a dynamic area designed to promote physical activity, overall health, well-being and fitness. Our curriculum offers a diverse range of activities; including team sports, recreational activities, fitness programs and outdoor experiences. These activities are crucial in developing a variety of physical skills, such as hand-eye coordination, balance, stamina, strength and flexibility.

Beyond the development of physical capabilities, our Personal Development and Health lessons also play a significant role in supporting mental well-being. These classes provide strategies for stress reduction; facilitate the development of positive social connections; teach resilience strategies; and promote ways of keeping safe. We believe in a holistic approach to well-being, and our programs are designed to nurture the body and mind of each student.

As we commence Term 2, the PDHPE Department is dedicated to delivering engaging and inclusive lessons for all students. By exposing our students to a wide array of physical activities, we aim to foster a lifelong passion for one or more of these pursuits.

Below is an overview of the practical programs that our students can look forward to in Term 2 this year.

Years 7 & 8

Year 7 and 8 PDHPE students will participate in an Athletics unit, in preparation for the College Athletics Carnival. Students will learn the correct technique for high jump and track and field events; including shot put, discus and javelin. We look forward to seeing students apply these newly acquired skills when competing for their houses at the carnival.

Year 7 will also participate in a practical unit at Paine Reserve focusing on Team Games, while Year 8 students will participate in a Fitness unit. Year 8 students will engage in various fitness activities, including circuit training and different methods of fitness assessment. These assessments will include the beep test for cardiorespiratory endurance; the Illinois agility test; standing long jump tests for leg power; the sit-and-reach test for flexibility; and evaluations of reaction time, strength, speed, balance, and coordination. By participating in fitness assessments and comparing their results to age-related benchmarks, students can gain valuable insights into their physical capabilities and identify areas for improvement. This process empowers them to set personal fitness goals and work towards achieving them. We hope to inspire a love of fitness in our Year 8 students by the end of Term 2.

Years 9 & 10

Year 9 students will have the opportunity to attend the Heffron Centre for their double PE lessons. This facility at Heffron Park features a two-court indoor sports hall, which will allow our PE staff to run team games such as netball, basketball, hockey, and indoor futsal! We are excited to continue using this fantastic facility for our Year 9 PE program.

Year 10 will also be heading off campus for their double PE sessions, travelling to the Heffron Park Netball Courts to develop their netball skills and stay active with their peers.

Years 9 and 10 PASS Elective Courses

Our 200 hour Year 9 PASS students and Stage 5 100 hour PASS elective students will be participating in a practical unit, 'Recreational Pursuits', aligning with their classroom unit on 'Lifestyle, Leisure, and Recreation'. Students will have the chance to experience a variety of lifelong recreational and leisure activities such as Pilates, table tennis, croquet, and tennis. This unit aims to challenge their perceptions regarding the value of leisure and recreational activities as viable and rewarding forms of physical activity.

Our 200 Hour 10 PASS elective students will be introduced to the increasingly popular sport of Pickleball this term. The unit will be based on site, with students learning the fundamental techniques of serving, volleying, dinking, and footwork. This new addition to the PASS curriculum will provide students with a fun and engaging way to develop strength, coordination, and overall fitness; and we anticipate seeing some great gameplay as the unit progresses.

Years 11 & 12 PDHPE

As we approach the end of the semester, our Year 11 and 12 PDHPE and CAFS students are focusing on preparing for their upcoming assessments.

Our PDHPE staff recently led study workshops for Year 12 CAFS and PDHPE students, where students actively participated in learning activities that reinforced their understanding of the course content.

Year 11 Community and Family Studies

Year 11 CAFS students recently put their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test. In small groups, they tackled the challenge of constructing the tallest possible freestanding tower using only straws, marshmallows, and tape. This hands-on activity allowed them to explore the syllabus concept of specific roles within groups, identifying task-oriented, social-emotional, and potentially destructive behaviours in action.

We wish our students all the best as they study and prepare over the coming weeks.

Vanessa Culhane

Head of PDHPE