Dear Families,

For the Class of 2016, their journey through secondary school year has ended as they move onto further study, apprenticeships and work. We were extremely happy with the results of our students this year which I am pleased to be able to share with you in this special edition of our College Newsletter.

This year we had the largest cohort of students enrolled in Year 12 for VCAL. 59% of these students achieved a Senior VCAL, the state average in 2015 was 31%. All students from the Year 12 cohort in VCAL were successful in securing an apprenticeship, traineeship, gaining a place to undertake further study or a full time job for 2017, many already starting in 2016. Congratulations to each and every one of the Year 12 VCAL students and a very big thank you to the VCAL staff for all of their efforts in realising the hopes, dreams and aspirations of these students. The Most Accomplished Senior VCAL Student for 2016 was Damien Biancon. We will recognise his achievements at the 2017 Academic Awards Assembly.

The 2016 VCE results are also exceptional. The median study core has remained at 30, the state average, for the second year running. This indicates that the entire cohort of students had improved performance compared to previous years’ results. One student received a perfect study score of 50 in English with Siobhan O’Shea. Eighteen students received an ATAR of 90 or above with the Dux of the College achieving at ATAR of 96.65. We congratulate the 2016 Dux of the College Saad Alkassab.

Highest Study Scores in each Subject

Outstanding VCE and VCAL Results

2017 STUDENT LEADERS

During Year 11 Orientation Week, our newest students applied for a range of leadership roles at the College in 2017. The number of students demonstrating an interest in these roles was particularly high, and the standard of applications was quite exceptional. We look forward to working with these students next year.

BRADMAN CLUSTER

Bradman - Year 11 Cluster Leader - Stephanie Ananidis

Bradman - Year 11 Sports Leader - Danny Pham

CHANG CLUSTER

Chang - Year 11 Cluster Leader - Talia-Rose Wulf

Chang - Year 11 Sports Leader - Matthew Savastra

DUNLOP CLUSTER

Dunlop - Year 11 Sports Leader - Matthew Waring

Dunlop - Year 11 Sports Leader - Mya Henry

MACKILLOP CLUSTER

Mackillop - Year 11 Cluster Leader - Brayden Attard

Mackillop - Year 11 Sports Leader - Dylan Axiak

TRUGANINI CLUSTER

Truganini - Year 11 Cluster Leader - James Dale

Truganini - Year 11 Sports Leader - Mikaela Jurcic

WINTON CLUSTER

Winton - Year 11 Cluster Leader - Samantha Wainshtein

Winton - Year 11 Sports Leader - Juanita Ravanal

2017 STEP UP TO YEAR 12 PROGRAM

Our 2017 Year 12 VCE and VCAL students commenced their learning programs between November 22 and December 2. Students have already made significant progress in completing learning requirements and, in some cases, completing assessment. All students have been provided with learning tasks to complete over the break so that we can ensure that they are well placed to achieve success in their chosen learning program.

The Year 12 Commissioning Mass was a significant part of this program. Two of our Year 12 2017 student leaders made a significant contribution to this celebration. Danica Hinayon, 2017 Religious Education Learning Area Captain and Geraldine Vytilingam, 2017 Liturgy Captain both contributed to the Homily through the following addresses which are both eloquent and inspirational:

Danica Hinayon:

We have finally reached the midpoint of our time here at Catholic Regional College Sydenham. After all the hard work we have overcome the challenges placed before us and successfully finished the year as year 11 students, but today is the first step into the next level of our journey. Today, we start as year 12 students. However, we, not just as students but as followers of God, must take the time to evaluate our performance during the year. Did I attempt to overcome the hurdles that came my way? Did I perform to my absolute abilities during the years? How will I improve and find the strength to achieve my goals in the future?

In today’s first reading, Jacob’s wavering faith causes him to question God’s ways and attitude towards his people. But God came to him and reassured his insecurities; that those who have faith shall ‘renew their strength’ and:

“Soar on wings like eagles.”

Our College theme for 2017 is inspired by this verse and hopes to encourage our college community to do the same.

However, at times it can be difficult to ‘Soar like the Eagle’. Faced by the challenges that come in schooling, work and our very own lives, we may feel scared to go on, afraid to make mistakes when trying to do something. But the Gospel today teaches us that by having faith in our God we may be able to achieve our dreams no matter how fearful it may be to reach for them. The Lord tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Make sure to always remember that any hardships that come your way, God will always be beside you, guiding you for this is only the beginning of the next part of your journey.

Geraldine Vytilingam:

So how do we “Soar like the Eagle”? A wise priest once gave the analogy that we as humans, are often like eagles on the edge of a cliff. Beneath you is the darkness and terrors of thorns and bushels, around you is nothing but high mountains, blocking the clear flight path. We, just like eagles, are often scared to take the leap. The leap of faith into the unknown, above the fear, above the darkness that surrounds us. Yet do we know, that the moment we jump off this barricade of fear we soar, high above the trials, into an air of clarity and freedom which we find in God.

Often in our school and personal lives, we are afraid of what surrounds us. We fear what others will think, we fear judgement, we fear failure, and we fear oblivion. However, with our eyes on the light, our eyes on Christ our light, we are able to soar above the world’s perception of ordinary, and push beyond extraordinary.

To trust in God takes courage, it takes risk, it takes patience and it takes belief that things will be alright, despite the severity of the situation. As year 12s in our final year of schooling, I encourage you all to look beyond the surface, to go deeper in your faith, explore new friendships, push yourselves academically, discover new endeavours, exceed the expectations of what society defines as ‘youth’. This is your year to achieve all your hopes, dreams and aspirations, as young people on the verge of becoming young adults.

However, you are not alone in this journey. Look around at the incredible support you have in our community here at Sydenham; friends who are often your family, and teachers who are sometimes your mentors, guiding you through life's rocky path. Do not settle for mediocre, because in the words of Pope Benedict XVI, “You were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness”.

I pray, that if you learn any lesson through our college theme of ‘soaring like the eagle’, it is that sometimes things in life don't always go our way. Sometimes the decisions of others affects us more than we would first like it to. Often in moments of darkness we forget to realise there is a dim light, a glimpse of hope, guiding us through to the end of the dark tunnel; and often the plans we have for ourselves are so minuscule in comparison to the grand plans God has for us.

In moments like these, I pray you learn to trust. Trust that tough times don't last, and know that resilient people do.

Thank you, good luck and God bless.

Christmas is a time for family and celebrations, of new life, of hope and as a people of the Eucharist who gather as community in the Body of Christ to give thanks for all we are blessed with. It is a beautiful time where we hear the Word of God and celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus Christ. May you and your family know the peace and hope of Christmas in 2016. On behalf of the College community I thank you for your support throughout the year and look forward to working with you again in 2017.

Jeff Mulcahy

Acting Principal

Our Catholic Faith

A Christmas Prayer