Parent and Student Matters
- Languages
- Visual Arts
- ArtLab
- Touchstone Portrait Prize 2026
- Maths Drop-In
- From the Senior Resource Centre - Reading Challenges 2026
Languages
Chinese Club - Chinese New Year
On 19 February, Chinese Club welcomed the school community to celebrate Chinese New Year with a festive gathering filled with traditional New Year foods and snacks. Students and staff enjoyed learning about this cultural celebration while sharing in the festivities.
A highlight of the event was the homemade dumplings brought in by Alfred and Patrick Hu’s grandmother. The dumplings were a big hit, and we extend a special thank you to Alfred and his grandma for their generous contributions and for helping organise this wonderful event.
We would also like to thank Mrs Kara Manga, Mr Michael Ronchetti, and Ms Elizabeth Watson for their ongoing support of this special occasion. Happy Year of the Horse!
Chinese Club runs every Thursday during recess in A4. This term’s theme is arts and crafts, with activities connected to Chinese New Year. All Year 7–12 students are welcome to join!
Ms Leanne Lee – Chinese Teacher
Visual Arts
What an amazing Experience!
Last week Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students visited the old and new sections of the Art Gallery of NSW. The day involved looking at ArtExpress 2026, along with the Ron Muecks ‘Encounter’, and Mike Hewson’s ‘The Key’s Under the Mat’, here sculpture meets the playground. The exhibits immersed students through realism and interactivity, and ArtExpress provided inspiration for Year 12 2026 students with works from last year, giving insight for what markers are looking for and how to make our bodies of work stand out.
After lunch Year 12s went to the Study Room and looked at Francisco Goya’s Disasters of War etchings which was a fabulous opportunity to see works selected from the archive for our private viewing. Year 11s visited the other parts of the old gallery observing traditional and contemporary works. Overall, it was a very fun-filled and informative day.
Archie Turner - Year 12 Visual Arts student
Winter ArtLab
Unleash Your Creativity at Winter ArtLab!
Winter ArtLab is a Cocurricular activity offered for students from Years 8 to 11. Spaces are limited so interested students will need parents to register quickly through Clipboard. Clipboard will open at 5:00 pm on Thursday 26 February.
'Art Lab is all about extending your artmaking skills without the pressure of assessment and theory classes. The group fosters artistic growth, encourages critical thinking, and builds confidence in expressing individual creativity. Whether you are refining your current skills or discovering new passions, Art Lab nurtures your artistic journey while cultivating a strong sense of community and inspiration.
Joining the after-school Art Lab group offers a unique opportunity for you to expand your creative skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.
You don’t need to be a current Visual Arts students to join Art Lab – it is open to all students from Year 8 to 11.
Get your hands dirty! Learn how to throw pots on the wheel, discover new skills and print a t-shirt, work on collaborative projects for display around the College and enter art competitions which will showcase your talents.
Work with students from many different year groups and create new friendships with likeminded people who share your passion for art.
Expert guidance – learn from experienced art teachers and ex-student mentors.
Art Lab provides a space to explore various art forms, experiment with new techniques, and receive constructive feedback from peers and instructors.
At the end of the season your artworks will be celebrated with an exhibition for you, your parents/carers, family and friends to attend.
Art Lab will count towards your cocurricular commitment.
Activity selections must be completed by a Parent/Carer through Clipboard. Completion and payment of selections will be acknowledged as 'consent to participate’ in the activity.
Season: Winter (Term 2 and Term 3)
Time: Wednesdays 3:05 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Art Room 2
Equipment: Everything will be supplied
Cost: $400
Touchstone Portrait Prize 2026: Celebrating the people who shape us
Create a portrait in any medium:
Drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, print or digital.
(2D works must be no larger than A3.)
The competition features three age categories:
Years 5–6
Years 7–8
Years 9–12
Prizes include $200 for the overall winner, $100 for each age‑group winner, and additional gift cards for runners‑up.
Submissions close: Friday 24 April
For more information, please contact the Visual Arts staff.
Start creating - we can’t wait to see your work!
Ms Frances Doyle - Leader of Learning, Visual Arts
Maths Drop-In
Need a Little Maths Boost? Come to Maths Drop-In! ➗📐
Stuck on homework? Revising for a test? Or just want to build your confidence in Maths? Maths Drop-In is here to help!
Whether you’re working on algebra, geometry, problem-solving, or exam prep, this is a relaxed space where you can ask questions, practise skills, and get extra support.
Just bring your questions, your work, or even just your curiosity!
Where: C1
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Time: 7:40 am - 8:30 am
Come along and join the fun.
Mrs Amanda Fileman - Mathematics Teacher
From the Senior Resource Centre
Reading Challenges 2026
Let the Challenge Begin - our 2026 Reading Goals
We have delighted in welcoming new and old students back to a new year of reading, and now it’s time to set our 2026 reading goals. In Years 7- 9, completing the Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) remains a key goal. As student’s advance in years, the challenge is not so much in the reading but in finding time to read with many competing commitments.
Year 10 students’ goals are focussed on The Edmund Rice Readers’ Cup, which encourages wide reading, personal choice, and healthy competition. There are House Points for every book read as morning tea with the Principal for top readers.
The PRC officially opened this week, and students will receive an email with all the details, including how to log in and record books. Families can explore the PRC here to become familiar with how it works and how to support your son.
As we start the reading year, we encourage you to help your son establish regular reading times. Reading offers many benefits, it strengthens literacy, builds vocabulary, reduces stress, develops empathy, is entertaining and most importantly is linked to academic achievement.
You can read more about the College library on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch.
Mrs Karen Keighery - Library and Information Services Coordinator