Curriculum and Learning
Year 10 Soirée Celebration
Congratulations to our outstanding Year 10 Music students for hosting a memorable Soirée on Monday evening. This was a wonderful celebration of passion, commitment, and achievement. From the impressive musical performances to the supportive atmosphere, the evening reflected the dedication and enthusiasm of our students. Music is such an important skill for our boys, helping them cultivate key personal and performance skills such as confidence, expression, connection with others, and perseverance. These qualities will serve them well as they move into their Stage 6 studies next year. A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to making this event such a success.
The Importance of Meaningful Assessment
As we approach ‘assessment season’ for many of our boys, it’s timely to remind ourselves of the importance of approaching every task with diligence and purpose. Assessments are not just about marks; they are opportunities to learn, reflect, and improve. Each task provides valuable feedback to guide improvement. For this feedback to be meaningful, accurate information must be gathered, which can only occur when our boys apply themselves fully and give their best effort in every assessment. Moreover, this helps our boys refine their approach to the assessment experience, similar to the work of an athlete as they prepare for competition. I wish all of our boys, the best as they engage with these assessment tasks and hope they provide meaningful feedback moving forward.
The Record of School Achievement (RoSA) Credentials
Students in Years 10 and 11 who are leaving the College at the end of the year to enter full-time employment and/or a non-secondary school educational/training institution are eligible for a RoSA from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Students for whom this applies must notify the College Enrolments Office by no later than Friday 21 November 2025.
The Authority’s website contains information about the RoSA at:
Continuing students who complete the HSC will have their Year 10 and Year 11 grades as part of the HSC Record of Achievement. Students who remain at school to complete their HSC will not receive a RoSA.
James Martin
Director of Curriculum
Marco Polo Awards - Italian Language and Culture
Ms Annelise Macolino, a valued member of our Language Faculty, has been recognised for her exceptional contribution to the teaching of Italian. She has been awarded the Teacher Category Prize in the 2025 Marco Polo Award for Excellence in Italian Language and Culture in NSW Schools. Ms Macolino’s win came as a surprise—though for those who know her, it is no surprise that she is so deserving of this honour.
In addition to this outstanding teacher recognition, we are also excited to celebrate one of our students, Brando Flammia, who has received a Student Prize in the same competition.
Brando was one of three student entries submitted by the College and is notably the only Stage 4 student in NSW to receive this distinction.
Brando’s submission reflected on his favourite Italian saying, A tavola non s’invecchia. Brando wrote beautifully about how the phrase reminds him of his grandparents and the special family moments shared around the table. Here is his submission:
La mia frase Italiana preferita: A tavola non s’invecchia. La mia frase italiana preferita è “A tavola non s’invecchia.” Per me questa frase ha un significato molto speciale, perché mi ricorda i momenti passati con i miei nonni. Intorno alla tavola con la famiglia, il tempo sembrava fermato. C’erano risate, racconti, e tanto calore. Ora che i miei nonni non ci sono più, capisco ancora di più quanto quei momenti fossero preziosi e porto con me i loro insegnamenti. Oggi la tavola continua a essere il cuore della mia vita familiare grazie ai miei genitori. A tavola condividiamo ricordi della loro infanzia e cuciniamo piatti che ci legano alla nostra cultura. Entrambi i miei genitori lavorano duramente ogni giorno per mettere il cibo sulla tavola e prendersi cura della famiglia. Questa frase mi insegna a non dare nulla per scontato e a capire che la vera felicità nasce dalla famiglia e dai piccoli momenti condivisi. |
My favourite Italian phrase: At the table, one does not grow old. My favourite Italian phrase is “A tavola non s’invecchia.” For me, this phrase has a very special meaning because it reminds me of the moments I spent with my grandparents. Around the table with my family, time seemed to stand still. There was laughter, storytelling, and so much warmth. Now that my grandparents are no longer here, I understand even more how precious those moments were, and I carry their lessons with me. Today, the table continues to be the heart of my family life thanks to my parents. At the table, we share memories from their childhood and cook dishes that connect us to our culture. Both of my parents work hard every day to put food on the table and take care of our family. This phrase teaches me never to take anything for granted and to understand that true happiness comes from family and the small moments we share together.
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Both will be celebrated at an official awards ceremony on 15 November, recognising excellence in Italian language and culture across NSW schools.
The College community extends its congratulations to Ms Macolino and Brando Flammia on their remarkable achievements. Their passion for the Italian language and culture continues to inspire those around them, enriching our Languages Program and strengthening our College’s proud tradition of excellence in learning.
Stephanie D'Arcangeli
Head of Languages