Department News

The HSIE Department

As we quickly approach the end of Semester 1, it is a time full of revision and assessment across our HSIE subjects. All year groups will undertake their second or third tasks over the coming week, for which we wish them the very best. 

It is an increasingly busy time for Year 10, as they have just begun their subject selection process. A reminder that in addition to asking their class teachers, students also have the opportunity to ask questions about any of the HSIE subjects they might be interested in through the shared question document. 

One of the other yearly highlights this term is quickly approaching, with Year 10 about to set off for an educational tour of Canberra, covering a range of areas in HSIE and Science. Students will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities designed to build understanding of Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. Students will be able to enhance their understanding of Law in Society, Australia in the Modern World, and Place and Liveability units of study from their Commerce, History, and Geography subjects; to better grasp how Australia has been shaped as a nation. 

In addition to this, they will get the opportunity to explore Questacon and undertake a night session of astronomy at Mt. Stromlo Observatory, hearing from experts about the formation and changing nature of the visible solar system. The College thanks the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program for their assistance in contributing towards the cost of this study tour.

HSIE Spotlight: Year 10 History 

Recently, our Year 10 History Class 1 students participated in an immersive “Stop World War I - Peace Conference Activity” as part of their study of the causes of World War I. Students worked in teams representing major European nations including Britain, France, Germany, Russia and Austria-Hungary, with the goal of preventing war from breaking out in 1914. Through research, roleplay, and negotiation, students explored the impact of militarism, alliances, imperialism and nationalism on rising tensions in Europe. They analysed their country’s priorities; and participated in interactive scenarios requiring them to make difficult diplomatic decisions and justify their responses using historical evidence.

The activity culminated in a Peace Conference simulation, where students negotiated treaties, formed alliances, and attempted to avoid war while remaining loyal to their country’s national interests. Through this experience, students developed a deeper understanding of how complex international relationships and national tensions led to the outbreak of World War I.

The conference simulation gave students valuable insights into the complexity of international relations; and helped develop their critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills.

Finally, we wish our HSC classes the very best as they ramp up for their final assessments before the trials begin early next term.

David Martin

Head of HSIE

The Languages Department

Term 2 has been a very busy time for learning in our Italian classes. Year 8 has been working on a unit about countries, nationalities, and languages. As part of this, they have created some interesting and colourful profiles of their favourite celebrities in Italian. Meanwhile, our HSC Italian Continuers class are busy preparing for their speaking task at the end of the term and their HSC oral which takes place in August! Our 38 NSW School of Languages students have also been busy completing their online lessons, heading out to lesson days, and completing assessment tasks.

Let’s take this opportunity to shine a spotlight on our Year 9 & 10 Elective students and hear about what they are enjoying about their Italian studies:

"Being asked to describe the Italian Department is not something I expected to happen this week, but I’m rolling with it. When I was choosing my Year 9 electives back in Year 8, I made plenty of pros‑and‑cons lists. The only thing I didn’t have to stress about was the teaching. With Ms Parsons and Ms Christofides around, you know you’re getting compassion, support, and the kind of enthusiasm that makes you forget you’re technically still at school.

Italian isn’t just about learning vocabulary, it’s about being drawn into the culture, history, and stories behind the language. One minute you’re learning definite articles; the next you’re debating the differences between gelato and ice cream; and the next you're making dresses out of tin foil inspired by Italian clothing brands. Somehow, it all works, and it makes the subject genuinely fun.

In short, the Italian Department has great teachers, great energy, and a subject that comes with built-in snacks. What more could you want?"

Jessica B, Year 9

"I love doing elective Italian as it gives me the opportunity to learn a new language and learn about Italian culture. The class environment is so wonderful and supportive, especially with Mrs Parsons being the teacher. Through elective Italian I’ve found a new passion for learning languages and about new cultures; it even helps me to further my knowledge in other languages such as French. Elective Italian is my favourite subject and I highly recommend it to anyone considering it!"

Grazie

Charlotte S, Year 10

Finally, let’s hear fromAva A, one of our French Continuers students, who was chosen to be a Language Ambassador for the NSW School of Languages:

"For the second year in a row, I have had the incredible opportunity to be an NSL Language Ambassador! Our team features 21 ambassadors from 20 different schools, ensuring every language taught at NSL is represented. Both years, we began with the Language Ambassador Induction Day, where we started planning initiatives to complete throughout the year.

We are like a student representative council, though our main goal is to improve student engagement with their courses and bring our community closer together; something incredibly important for a distance education school. Looking back at last year, we were able to increase student submissions to the newsletter and help launch the student and teacher podcast (NSL's Language Exchange) on Spotify. I was also lucky enough to create an eLibrary. While it is still in progress, as it still does not include every language taught at NSL, it should hopefully be in use soon.

To all those currently studying with NSL: if you have ideas or suggestions for things you would love to see, please reach out and let me know!"

Ava A, Year 12

Janine Christofides

Head of Languages

The Mathematics Department

7 Mathematics 1 - Ms Jasmine D’Arcy

7 Mathematics 1 is a class with incredibly bright minds, engaged learners and a positive classroom culture. As a teacher, I have implemented numerous Sherrington strategies into my pedagogy. My explicit teaching includes a heavy focus on “We do”, I question students using a mix of cold calling and hands up strategies and often ask students to refine their question: “Can you say that again using Mathematical language?”. This allows students to practice using domain specific words as well as refine their thinking. In addition, students receive fortnightly formative quizzes which allows for them to check their understanding and receive frequent feedback from the teacher. This allows me to differentiate for students - extending some students and giving more one-on-one instruction to others. 

7 Mathematics 1 enjoyed making our classroom their own by creating a poster to decorate the classroom. The students were very proud of themselves. Frequent practice allows knowledge to be transferred to the long-term memory, which gives the working memory more space to understand new and harder concepts. Hence why Maths teachers are always encouraging students to complete their homework! 

I have also implemented a “Literacy in Maths” wall where, whenever we come across a new word in a learning, we can write the definition together and have it visible in the classroom. 

I know the students of 7MAT1 have a bright future in Mathematics!

“This year in Maths, Miss D’Arcy has made it very easy and clear to learn and discover new things. She makes learning fun and interesting, helping all of the students join in and actively participate more in class discussions by asking questions to the whole class and ensuring that everyone gets a chance to ask and answer questions. The way she teaches makes every topic seem easy and achievable. I especially enjoyed learning about fractions as Miss D’Arcy helped make the concept easier to understand, by giving many example questions and breaking down the steps logically. The learning environment she creates is always positive and encouraging, making it easier for me to ask questions and discover where I can improve. Miss D’Arcy has made every topic understandable, helping the whole class learn and master new skills and topics in the past two terms”

Harriet M

“I’ve always loved learning about maths, but the way Miss D’Arcy teaches us gets us even more intrigued every time. The way she uses her iPad allows us to visualise and get a deeper understanding of a concept. I really liked when we were learning about fractions, especially when Miss D’Arcy explains the topic in a way that everyone in our class understands, this really ensured that we were all on the same page and it really helped us all learn. Overall, I love how Miss D’Arcy uses visual techniques and makes sure we all understand the topic before moving on.”

Avril G

Big Sister Program (Mathematics) - Mrs Maya Mabey

The Big Sister Program (Mathematics) has been highly successful over the past two terms. Our enthusiastic tutors have worked tirelessly to support our junior students during lunchtimes, proving to be friendly, encouraging, patient, and incredibly generous with their time. The "Little Sisters" who consistently attend these sessions have experienced significant benefits, feeling truly supported and guided by their Big Sisters. Ultimately, the program thrives on this regular attendance and the collaborative relationship between the students.

Here is what some of our Big Sister members had to say about the experience:

“My time in the Big Sister Program has been great, my Big Sisters have helped me a lot with the concept of Math and different types of formulas. I've enjoyed seeing my Big Sister and her helping me when I don't really understand a question. Doing my homework with with the assistance of my Big Sister has made a huge impact from Term 1 and I feel very confident in multiple sections of maths.”

Shannea C, Year 7

“I really enjoyed being part of the tutoring program because it helped me understand maths a lot better. I used to fail my maths tests, but now I’ve started getting Bs, which is a big improvement for me. My Big Sister explained things in a way that made sense, especially when I needed help with homework or tricky things like division. It also helped having my friends there as their presence made the sessions feel more comfortable. Overall, the program made maths feel easier and helped me feel more confident.”

Isabella Z, Year 7

“Being a Big Sister has been such a rewarding experience for us. We’ve really enjoyed helping the younger girls, and it’s been fun getting to know them while supporting them through their maths work. When in your younger years, getting help from someone who learnt the same things as you is extremely helpful. One of the best parts is that it helps us too because we get to relearn earlier maths skills we don’t use much any more and keep ourselves updated. 

Our biggest advice is to get homework and revision done straight away, so you don’t have to stress. Doing a practice test is great for spotting what you need to work on, and then you can reteach yourself those topics. When revising, make sure you cover everything, but don’t waste time doing a bunch of questions that are the exact same question. Being a Big Sister has helped us immensely, and we really love being part of the program.”

Zoe C & Isabel N, Year 10

Maya Mabey

Head of Mathematics

The Music Department

SCS Eisteddfod

Well done to all the students who took part in the Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod over the last couple of months. A big congratulations to the following students who took part in the solo sections and ensembles:

• Solo Results:
  • Mariah U: Piano Grade 4 Encouragement Award
  • Sophie B: Piano Grade 5 Third Place; Contemporary Vocal Solo 12-14 Encouragement Award
  • Audrey K: Contemporary Piano Grade 7-8 Third Place; Classical Piano Grade 7 Second Place
  • Ainsley S: Contemporary Piano Grade 7-8 Second Place
  • Klara J: Theatre Vocal 15-17 (35K) First Place
  • Marcela N: Theatre Vocal 15-17 (35M) Third Place
• Ensemble Results:
  • A capella Small Vocal Ensembles: Highly Commended Second Place 
  • Open Orchestra Classical Orchestral Ensemble: First Place
  • Flute Ensemble Acoustic Music Ensemble: Encouragement Award
  • Clarinet Ensemble Acoustic Music Ensemble: Highly Commended Second Place
  • Brigidine Ringers Percussion Ensemble: First Place
  • Guitar Ensemble Contemporary Music Ensemble: Encouragement Award
  • Rock Band: Encouragement Award

Years 9, 10 & 11 Recital Night

On the 19th of May we had the Year 9, 10 & 11 Recital Night. For many of the students this was their first time performing in a recital and they all did such a wonderful job showcasing their talent! Well done to every student who took to the stage. We are incredibly proud of your efforts and look forward to seeing your continued musical development in the future.

Shrek The Musical

Preparations for the school musical are progressing wonderfully, with rehearsals running smoothly and students showing great enthusiasm and commitment. Cast members have been working hard to learn their lines, songs and choreography; and it has been fantastic to see their confidence and performances continue to grow each week. We are excited to see all of their hard work come together and look forward to sharing this spectacular production with our school community soon.

Tickets for Shrek The Musical are available now through this link. Shows are on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of July at 7:00pm in Cullen Hall. We can’t wait to see you there!

Jacqui Hanniffy

Head of Music

The Science Department

It has been an incredibly busy and rewarding Term 2 in the Science Department! From hands-on laboratory experiments to preparing for future field trips, our students have been diving deep into their scientific inquiries.

Here is a look back at what we’ve been up to, a warm welcome to our new team members, and a sneak peek at what is just around the corner!

Welcome to Our New Staff

We are thrilled to welcome several new faces to our growing Science faculty this term. They bring a wealth of knowledge, passion, and diverse scientific backgrounds to our classrooms. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our new educators who have already made a fantastic impact on our students' learning journeys this term!

• Ms Brownlee: Head of Science, Stage 6 Chemistry and Junior Science
• Mr Lam: Assistant Head of Science, Stage 6 Physics and Junior Science
• Mr Green: Stage 6 Biology and Junior Science
• Mr Barko: Stage 6 Biology and Junior Science

Hands-On Learning: Heart Dissections

This term, our Year 8 students and Year 11 Biology students took their theoretical knowledge of the circulatory system and put it into practice. Students participated in a heart dissection lab, allowing them to examine the real-life structure of the atria, ventricles, and major blood vessels.

Students demonstrated excellent precision, safety, and scientific curiosity during this practical activity; mapping out how oxygenated and deoxygenated blood flows through the muscular pump.

Highlights Across the Year Groups

Our classrooms have been buzzing with a huge variety of activities tailored to different year groups. In Junior Science, students have been exploring Chemical Reactions in Year 10, Disease in Year 9, Body Systems in Year 8 and Forces in Year 7.

Year 11 Biology Zoo Excursion

The learning doesn't stop at the classroom door! We are incredibly excited for our upcoming Year 11 Biology Excursion to the Zoo. This trip will provide our senior students with a first-hand look at animal adaptations, conservation strategies, and ecosystem dynamics - directly linking to their current module on depth studies and biodiversity. This is part of their depth study which will be assessed early next term.

National Science Week

While we are wrapping up a fantastic Term 2, we are already looking forward to Term 3, where we will be celebrating National Science Week!

This year's theme is "Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All". This theme invites students and educators across Australia to explore curiosity and inquiry in STEM by investigating how ideas take root, develop, and flourish in real-world contexts. Stay tuned for the full schedule of events; we cannot wait to celebrate the wonders of science with the whole school community!

Ann Brownlee

Head of Science

The TAS/VET Department

Year 7 Materials Technology - Ms Rae Milton

Our Year 7 Materials Technology students have been busy unleashing their inner designers this term. The textiles room has been a buzz of creativity as students designed and produced their very own unique tote bags. Demonstrating fantastic focus and new skills, the students learned how to incorporate both appliqué and embroidery to bring their custom designs to life. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the beautiful, practical bags they have created!

Year 7 Engineered Systems - Ms Jessica Cranfield

In Year 7 Engineering, students learned how engineers solve problems and create useful products. They used the Design Process to plan, build, test, and improve their ideas. Throughout the unit, students completed the hands-on project of creating a floor plan for a shopping centre through a range of software programs. These activities helped develop their problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Students learned from both their successes and mistakes as they tested and improved their designs. By the end of the unit, they had developed a better understanding of engineering and how it can help improve everyday life.

Year 8 Food Technology - Ms Lucy Collins

Year 8 Technology students have been exploring healthy eating through the Food and Agriculture unit, with a focus on the Australian Dietary Guidelines and making informed food choices. A key aspect of the unit involved investigating food waste and developing practical strategies to reduce it by designing meals that utilise commonly discarded ingredients. Students demonstrated their creativity and food preparation skills by preparing a range of dishes while practising essential cooking techniques in the kitchen. 

Year 9 & 10 Textiles - Ms Rae Milton

Years 9 and 10 Textiles Technology students have successfully completed their Hoodie projects! Students took on the role of fashion entrepreneurs, managing a design folio that included moodboards, sketches, costing itemisation, and product labelling. They then manufactured their own hoodie jumpers, featuring a custom digital transfer design. Congratulations to all students on producing such high-quality, professional work!

Year 10 Food Technology - Ms Ashleigh Clarke

Year 10 Food Technology students perfected their practical skills in the field of cake decorating. As part of their “Food for Celebrations” unit, we explored reasons for celebrations across the globe and the role of food in various kinds of celebrations. For our assessment, we planned a 16th Birthday party and decorated a cake in class which reflected their chosen theme.

See our work below:

Year 11 Tourism, Travel and Events

Year 11 Tourism, Travel and Events students have been gaining valuable industry experience through work placement at the Sistine Chapel Exhibition in Sydney. Students have been involved in a variety of customer service roles; including crowd management, greeting visitors, and guiding guests throughout the exhibition. This hands-on experience has provided students with valuable insight into the tourism and events industry while developing their communication and organisational skills.

Year 10 Financial Services

Year 10 Financial Services students recently participated in a week-long simulated workplace program in the Sydney CBD alongside students from other Sydney Catholic Schools. Working within a realistic business environment, students took on roles in areas such as payroll; attended professional meetings; recorded meeting minutes; and collaborated with industry mentors. The experience provided students with an authentic insight into workplace expectations and helped strengthen their professional and employability skills.

Year 10 Business Services

Year 10 Business Services students recently attended an industry workshop at the New Brighton Hotel in collaboration with Youth Partnership. Throughout the day, students engaged in a range of practical marketing and event planning activities, applying the business concepts they have been studying in class to real-world scenarios. The experience provided students with the opportunity to develop their teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Lucy Collins

Head of TAS/VET