The Net

School of Entrepreneurs

Term 2, Week 9

News from the School of Entrepreneurs 

 

From the SOE Head of School

Greetings to the School of Entrepreneurs community,

As we prepare to step into Term 3, there is much to celebrate particularly the determination and perseverance of our Year 12 students as they head into their Trial HSC examinations in early Term 3. Therefore I thought it was timely to offer some inspiration, tips and guidelines to our HSC students who are embarking on their exams shortly:

  • There is power in a consistent study routine, driven by weekly and daily planning
  • Practising past papers and moving beyond comfort zones
  • Maintaining a healthy balance between study and personal life
  • Making the most of learning time at school to ease the home workload
  • Seek strategies for managing co-curricular commitments alongside academic responsibilities
  • Use tools to overcome procrastination and stay motivated
  • Recognising how perfectionism can sometimes hinder progress
  • Effective note-taking methods and how goal-focused group study sessions helped
  • Seek ways to manage stress throughout the HSC year

We encourage our HSC students to think beyond the HSC or ATAR as a singular goal. Instead, we urge students to stay focused on the bigger picture:

  • Set your sights on your aspirations beyond school
  • Recognise that for some students the ATAR is important, but for all students putting your best effort forward now can fast-track your future opportunities
  • Be deliberate, intentional, and consistent in how you tackle your learning
  • Have the courage to address your gaps in knowledge and challenge yourself to grow

This advice is incredibly valuable for all students in our School of Entrepreneurs and we particularly wish our HSC students success in their upcoming HSC Trial examinations.

As we near the end of the term and approach the holiday break, I offer this message to our students:

  • Year 12: Trial HSC exams are fast approaching - use the holiday period wisely and with purpose.
  • Year 11: Preliminary examinations are on the horizon - stay focused and build strong learning habits.
  • Year 10: Congratulations on successfully completing the Pitch Presentation process. This is such an important milestone. You’ve demonstrated discernment, decision-making and dialogue, qualities that will serve you well not just in your academic journey but in life. Watching our Year 10 students articulate their aspirations so thoughtfully was truly inspiring. These young people aren’t just choosing subjects, they’re choosing stories yet to be written.
  • Year 9: Keep preparing with purpose for the finale of the Life  Design Pitch presentations. You are stepping into leadership and innovation, embrace the challenge.

To all students in the School of Entrepreneurs:As you progress through your academic journey, remember that every challenge you overcome and every lesson you embrace shapes you into the person you are becoming. Lean into every opportunity, stay connected to your goals, and remain anchored in your strengths and passions. Trust yourself and let your vision guide you toward a future of purpose and achievement.

Wishing all our students and families a safe, restful break. We look forward to seeing you return refreshed and ready for a focused Term 3.

Ms Jacqui Genovese - Head of School of Entrepreneurs 

 

 

 

 

What’s been happening in SOE?  

 

Religious Education 

Year 9 

This week, students participated in a thoughtful and engaging Scripture-based workshop centred on the theme of God’s love. Through guided reading and group discussions, students were encouraged to explore the message of love found in both the First Letter of John and the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

 

The first part of the lesson focused on the passage 1 John 4:7–21, where students worked in small groups to highlight key phrases, by reflecting on what these words reveal about God's nature and how Christians are called to live out this love in their relationships with others. 

 

In the second workshop, students viewed a short video retelling the Students also saw how God’s love is put into action through the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32), drawing connections between the unconditional love shown by the father in the story and the message in 1 John. Students recognised the profound image of God as a parent who runs to meet us with forgiveness and mercy, even when we fall short.

 

What stood out most was the depth of understanding students demonstrated as they made personal and spiritual connections. Many were able to articulate how these stories call us to reflect God’s love in our own lives—through forgiveness, welcome, and empathy.

 

 

 

Year 10 

As part of our Religious Education program, students recently engaged in a reflective exploration of the Catholic understanding of Grace and Mary’s role in contemplation.  Through a student-led jigsaw activity, learners investigated various theological and practical perspectives on grace by unpacking how it is experienced as God’s freely given love and presence in our daily lives.

 

Working in small groups, each student became an “expert” on one source and then shared their insights with peers. This collaborative approach not only deepened their understanding of grace, but also fostered skills in communication, active listening, and critical thinking. 

In addition to this, students also learned about Mary as a model of contemplation and reflected on how her openness to God's word and prayer life guide Catholics in their own faith journeys. Mary’s example encouraged students to consider how contemplation and attentiveness to God can help us better understand and respond to His grace.

 

Parramatta Diocese Secondary School Sports Council - Dance Gala Day

On 24th June, students from St Luke’s proudly represented the College at the PDSSSC Dance Gala Day held at St John XXIII. Competing against other schools in the Diocese, our students showcased their talent in both the Cultural and Hip Hop dance categories.

Over the past two terms, students have dedicated time to rehearsals and coordinated their own costumes, demonstrating creativity, commitment, and team spirit.

 

The Bollywood Dance Group

The Hip-Hop Dance Team

Congratulations to all involved on a fantastic performance and for representing St Luke’s with passion and pride!

 

 

HSIE 

Year 9

Students in Year 9 HSIE classes have been exploring urbanisation, megacities, and inequality in the Changing Places unit this term. As part of the process, students in 9 NAVY have been set the challenge to redesign St Luke’s guided by principles of sustainability. This was a wonderful activity and allowed the students to flex their geographical muscles. Good work everyone! 

 

 

 

Year 12 Geography

For our final fieldwork excursion of the HSC course, the Year 12 Geographers, Miss Wick and Mrs Chahine headed into the city to conduct a walk around major points of interest. Taking off from Tallawong Metro Station in the morning, we headed to the very chilly Barangaroo to start. After exploring the changes in infrastructure and gentrification, we moved to Hyde Park to look at the green spaces in the CBD, as well as memorial sites for our ANZACs. Next stop was Town Hall, and a speedy light rail journey to Chinatown to eat our way down Dixon Street. After a long day of walking and taking down primary research, we hopped back on the metro at Central Station. 

 

 

 

CAPA

 

Year 12 Visual Arts

In Year 12 Visual Arts, students are consistently engaged in developing their Body of Work in preparation for submission at the end of Term 3. They have produced a diverse range of artworks, including sculptures, drawings, and photography, among others. Some students have also explored innovative approaches by incorporating cutting-edge technology such as laser cutters into their creative process.

As a department, we’re excited to see how their major works continue to evolve and look forward to the final presentations later this year.

 

Year 12 Music 

In Year 12 Music, students are currently in the process of preparing and submitting their final two elective performance pieces as part of the school-based assessment. This stage of the course represents a significant milestone, as it allows students to demonstrate the skills and musicianship they have been developing over the past year.

Throughout this term, students have been dedicating considerable time and effort to refining their performance pieces. They have been engaging in consistent practice, seeking feedback, and striving to perfect their interpretations in order to achieve the highest possible standard in their assessments.

In addition to their school-based performance tasks, students are also preparing for their Higher School Certificate (HSC) practical examinations, which will take place in the latter part of next term. These practicals require students to perform a selection of pieces in front of a panel of external markers. The performances presented during this exam will form a substantial component of their overall HSC Music mark, contributing to the practical aspect of the course.

As the term progresses, we continue to support our students in their preparation and encourage them to remain focused and committed as they work towards these important assessments.

SCIENCE

 

Year 9

After exploring the powerful forces behind Earth's natural processes, Year 9 students recently applied their new knowledge in a hands-on engineering challenge which involved designing earthquake resistant structures using nothing more than pasta and Blu-Tack.

As part of their Earth and Environmental Science unit, students investigated how tectonic plate movements cause earthquakes and how different building designs can withstand seismic activity. With this understanding, they were tasked with creating miniature structures that could survive a simulated earthquake.

Using dried pasta for beams and columns, and Blu-Tack to bind their creations, students carefully considered the principles of stability, flexibility, and structural strength. Once completed, their models were put to the test. They were placed on desks that were shaken to mimic the vibrations of an earthquake.

The testing phase brought excitement and tension, as students observed which designs held firm and which toppled under pressure. 

This creative and engaging activity not only reinforced the scientific concepts behind earthquakes but also encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. 

 

 

Year 11 Biology and Year 12 Earth and Environmental Science

 

For Biology and Earth and Environmental Science students, having the opportunity to attend the Penrith Lakes excursion on Ecosystem Dynamics was an enjoyable experience. We conducted various water tests such as conductivity, pH, and phosphate to analyse abiotic data and confirm the high water quality of the area. This was especially valuable in understanding how the site has been successfully rehabilitated into a recreational area following years of mining that had previously disrupted the ecosystem’s pristine conditions. A highlight of the day was connecting with nature and being the cohort that captured over 50 freshwater shrimp using the dip netting technique. This demonstrates how macroinvertebrates serve as bioindicators for monitoring the health of aquatic systems due to their sensitivity to changes in water quality.

 

 

 

Mathematics

In Mathematics, we have focused on learning through problem solving. This allows students to:

  • Show different methods to solve a problem
  • Focus on their reasoning rather than solution
  • Engage with complex ideas
  • Apply a range of skills from a whole range of topic areas.

Below students are attempting to prove a formula.

 

Olympic Inspiration Visits Year 9

 

On Tuesday, 24th June, Year 9 students were privileged to welcome Suzy Balogh OAM, Australia's first female Olympic gold medallist in shooting, for an inspiring session. Suzy captivated the audience with her journey as an Olympic Trap Shooter, sharing experiences from her participation in the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and London 2012 Olympic Games.

Her narrative emphasized themes of resilience, overcoming adversity, and mental fortitude, highlighting the significance of goal setting and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. A memorable highlight was when students had the unique opportunity to see and hold Suzy's actual gold medal from the Athens 2004 Games—a truly unforgettable moment.

Beyond her Olympic triumph, Suzy has represented Australia in six disciplines of clay target shooting and has secured Commonwealth, World, Oceania, and National titles. She was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2005 for her services to sport. Currently, Suzy is the Director of Hitting Targets, where she continues to mentor and coach aspiring shooters. 

For more about Suzy's journey and her current endeavors, visit her official website: Hitting Targets.hittingtargets.com.au 

On behalf of the College, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Suzy for sharing her story with our students. Her visit undoubtedly left a lasting impression, inspiring many to pursue their aspirations with renewed determination.

 

Mr Zaccaria

Year 9 Wellbeing Coordinator