School of Entrepreneurs

From the SOE Head of School

Dear Students and Parents,

As we approach midway of the term and etch closer towards the end of the year it can be challenging to maintain the motivation and momentum that you have demonstrated throughout the year. For Year 12 students, the culmination of your 13 years of schooling is nearing completion, Year 11 are at arm's length of commencing the HSC course and taking on the leadership responsibilities associated with being the Seniors of the College. Similarly, Year 9 and 10 are preparing to embark on Preliminary and/or HSC study. It’s important that at times where we feel like the ‘job is almost done’ that we dig deep to finish strong.

Hence, in the journey of education it's easy to underestimate the impact of every small effort and action. As students in Years 9-12, you are at a crucial stage where the notion that "everything counts" holds immense significance. Whether it's completing assessments, participating in class discussion, completing consolidation / flipped learning or dedicating time to study, each action contributes to your overall growth and success. Imagine your education as a sturdy building. The foundation is what supports everything else above it. Similarly, every piece of knowledge you gather, every concept you understand and every assignment you complete acts as a building block for your future learning. By approaching each task with dedication, you're ensuring that your foundation is solid and able to support more complex ideas down the road.

School work isn't just about passing exams, it's about developing life skills that will serve you well beyond your academic years. Time management, critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication are just a few of the many skills you can hone through your commitment to your studies. These skills will prove invaluable in higher education, your career and personal endeavours.

The belief that "everything counts" cultivates a growth mindset – the understanding that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. When you approach your schoolwork with this mindset, setbacks become stepping stones and challenges become opportunities to learn. Embracing a growth mindset empowers you to face difficulties head-on and persevere, knowing that each effort contributes to your overall growth.

Accomplishments, no matter how small, boost your confidence and self-esteem. Each time you complete a task to the best of your ability, you reinforce the idea that you are capable and competent. This positive cycle propels you to tackle bigger challenges with the assurance that you can handle them.

When you embrace the idea that everything counts, you begin to see learning as a continuous journey rather than a series of isolated tasks. So, students and parents, let's embrace this mindset together and watch how even the tiniest efforts can create a powerful impact no matter how near or far you may be from the end game.

Sending you all well wishes.

Ms Jacqui Genovese - Head of School, School of Entrepreneurs

FROM AROUND THE GROUNDS

Year 9 LIFE DESIGN

Term 3 has seen students working on their Financial Fitness. This has included activities around expenses, budgeting, bill payment options and the concept of risk/reward in financial contexts. Through engaging with case studies, researching independently and conversing with parents, students have broadened their understanding of income, costs and financial planning now and into the future.

As part of the project, students have an opportunity to engage with an external competition the Suncorp ESSI Money Challenge outlined below. All Year 9 students are encouraged to register using the link and test their knowledge & skills in a real world scenario.

The Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge runs for two weeks in term three.

In 2023, the Suncorp Bank ESSI Money Challenge will run from Monday 21 August to Friday 1 September.

This is an OPT IN activity for individuals. You can complete the tasks in your own time, so long as you complete each by the due date. This is set by Suncorp.

Click here to register for the Suncorp ESSI Challenge

Complete the tasks and weekly quiz to be in the running for real prizes!

St Luke's Catholic College Year 9 students have the opportunity to improve their financial literacy through guidance from industry guest speakers like Roslyn Chand - JP of Westpac and Leanne Brindell of St George. This kind of practical knowledge is incredibly valuable for young individuals as they navigate their way through personal finances and plan for their futures.

By covering topics like tax file IDs, opening bank accounts, understanding different types of accounts (high risk and low risk), credit cards, and strategies for saving for university and beyond, our students are gaining insights that will serve them well throughout their lives. Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that can help individuals make informed decisions about their money, avoid unnecessary debt, and set realistic goals for their financial future.

Esports

Over 8 weeks across Terms 2 & 3, two students from the School of Entrepreneurs, Brent Bernardo (Year 11) and Ryan Burns (Year 10), represented St Luke’s Catholic College, competing in the AEL (Australian Esports League) High Schools Cup, where both students competed in the Super Smash Bros Ultimate tournament. The competition comprised a total of 42 competitors from high schools across the country who participated every Saturday throughout the competition.

On Saturday the 12th of August, Brent competed in the top 16 bracket of the tournament, competing with the best players across the country. While it was a close battle, Brent was victorious and became the national champion of the tournament. While Ryan was unfortunate to compete against the top 16, he competed in the Consolation bracket on Saturday the 19th of August. Ryan also became victorious, placing first against the remaining 26 competitors.

Well done to both students involved! More news to come regarding the Summer Tournament, starting in term 4.

Year 11 - Ancient History: Women in Greece and Rome Seminar

On August 11, Year 11 Ancient History students had the opportunity to connect with Alex Kujanpaa, from the Department of History and Archaeology at Macquarie University. Students were able to engage in a source-based seminar, helping to deepen their understanding of women throughout Rome, Athens and Sparta so that they can apply this understanding to their current unit of work. They had the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions and learn some very interesting facts about women in antiquity. We are looking forward to connecting again next term.

Year 11 - HSC Music Showcase

On August 14, our three Year 11 students who are engaged in the accelerated HSC Music program, had the exciting opportunity to perform their HSC Music pieces for their Trial examination in front of a live audience. Ethan Tungul, Marisilino Vuli and Declan Yates performed four pieces each from a range of musical contexts that they have been preparing for this year. We would like to thank the friends, family and staff who supported our musicians. It was a wonderful afternoon that truly highlighted the amazing musical talent of these young men. Thank you to our VET Entertainment and our Hospitality students for their assistance in making this afternoon happen. A special thank you to Mr Komorowski, Mr Erceg, Mr Alvarado and Mrs Sampath-Satwell for their valuable time and dedication to our students.

Year 11 - PDHPE: First Aid

In Year 11 PDHPE, students are currently studying a unit on First Aid, examining the diverse range of medical conditions and injuries, as well as effective treatment methods. On August 18, students had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on First Aid course. The completion of this course allowed students to practise how to correctly respond in situations requiring first aid. As a result, the students acquired life-saving skills that will remain with them for a lifetime and a first aid credential.

Future pathways

St Luke's Catholic College is celebrating 7 of our Year 11 students on their acceptance into Australian Catholic University's Blacktown + Widening Participation program. Students are offered the chance to study first year university units during the school holidays. Our students have been offered places in Business, Nursing and Criminology. Participants who successfully complete two units are eligible to receive an early entry offer to a mapped ACU course and will receive credit towards their future degree. The best part is there is no charge, students will complete two university units HECS free.

Congratulations to Mikayla, Lanna, Arjun, Simondeep, Maria, Aahan and Althea on your acceptance into Blacktown+.

Year 10 - Volunteering

St Luke's Catholic College students put their faith into action through volunteering at Catholic Healthcare MacKillop House. Engaging with elderly residents by playing games and doing crafts together not only brings joy to the residents but also provides valuable intergenerational connections that can be incredibly meaningful for both parties involved. These kinds of interactions can foster empathy, understanding, and a sense of community among the younger generation. St Luke's can't wait to return and continue to foster these connections that truly exemplify the values of faith in action and community engagement.

Step Up Into Teaching Program

St Luke's Catholic College is celebrating the acceptance of four of our Year 11 students into the Step Up into Teaching program with Australian Catholic University. Our students will use their school holidays time to attend classes at ACU and, if successful in their study, will receive an early offer into the Bachelor of Education. Congratulations to Bhumi, Jayke, Angus and Bryce! Our community is very proud of your efforts.

STEM MAD Showcase

St Luke's Catholic College students participated in CSPD's STEM MAD showcase to celebrate science week. Our students participated in an F1 racing competition, designed, developed and tested a Makey Makey game controller, engaged in a bridge building and structural strength competition and viewed soft drink bottles being launched into rockets. The day concluded with projects and presentations from across the diocese on STEM innovations that will help the world become more sustainable. Thank you STEM MAD for inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists.

Notre Dame Visit

Thank you to the The University of Notre Dame Australia for their enlightening session with future thinking St Luke's Catholic College students.

Notre Dame's insights into the diverse range of university courses available, alternative pathways to entry, early offers, and the specialised biomedical science pathway into medicine have been invaluable in guiding our students towards well-informed decisions about their academic journey.

Academy U

St Luke's Catholic College is thrilled to launch our participation in Academy U with Western Sydney University. Academy U delivers unique experiences and learning opportunities to inspire and support high potential high school students to reach their unlimited potential. Academy U allows students in Years 9 and 10 to engage with university and develop skills for successful transition to university. When students are in Year 11, they will have the opportunity to complete a first year unit at Western, (Leadership in Complexity) obtaining academic credit. Academy U students will have the chance to connect with Academic staff and industry partners during on-campus experiences and excursions. Thank you Western Sydney University and Ciaran Smyth and Alicia Pinning for the invitation to participate. Our students are ready to unleash their full potential.

Upcoming Events at St Luke’s