Parent & Student Matters 

• Big Science Competition Results 
• Science Club on this Thursday
• From the Languages Department
• Year 9 Geography Excursion
• Francis Webb
• Morning Study in C5
• Maths Drop-In

Big Science Competition Results

In May this year, students from Years 7-10 competed in the Big Science Competition. The Big Science Competition is a 50-minute, multiple choice competition testing science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Over 700 schools take part in the Big Science Competition each year. 

Overall, students from the College received a commendable 11 x High Distinction, 33 x Distinction and 101 Credit certificates. The following students from Years 7-10 have been awarded either High Distinction or Distinction certificates as shown below. All certificates have been presented either in class or at Assembly this week. Congratulations to the many boys listed below. The Science Department and SPX are very proud of you.

Science Club - this Thursday

A reminder that Science Club will be on in S2 at 1.00 pm this Thursday.  All senior students are welcome to attend.

Mrs Joanne Schuster - Science Coordinator

From the Languages Department

The College would like to wish all the Year 12 Language students success for their upcoming HSC oral examinations, commencing this weekend.  Students studying Chinese Beginners, Chinese Continuers, Chinese Extension, French Beginners and Modern Greek, will all take part in the first HSC examinations of 2022 with their Oral conversation exam.  All the best Year 12!

Year 9 Geography Excursion

On Tuesday the Year 9 Geography students went on an excursion to Taronga Zoo. The weather was great, and my friends and I had a really fun time.

We got to roam free around the zoo for more than 2 hours, seeing every animal we wished to, whilst taking very cool photos of us together. Some of my favourites were the capybaras, gorillas, and chimpanzees. The most notable enclosure was the tiger trek, an Indonesian-themed immersive experience, giving students a real insight on what it would be like in the tigers habitat. 

After that my class visited a workshop where we learnt about endangered animals, the negative effects of palm oil, and how we can contribute to these issues. As this information will help us in our emerging Geography assessment.

Joseph Sorrentino - Year 9 Geography student

Jack moves audience at the 10th Annual Francis Webb Reading

Toby Davidson, Professor of Australian Literature at Macquarie University, opened the 10th Anniversary of the poetry readings of Francis Webb by describing Webb as a child prodigy whose poetry is “the gold standard” that continues to be studied at university.

Poets and visual artists read and reflected on Webb’s poems as well as two students from Webb’s old schools. Filippo Pierce, a Year 7 student at CBHS Lewisham and our own Jack Lonergan of Year 11 provided theirs.

Jack gave a confident and moving rendition of “The Day of the Statue”. He had chosen this narrative poem because of its striking imagery of a statue being hauled from the sea after many years on the seabed. Jack said, “From its opening line the eloquence of Webb’s language is demonstrated, in beautifully crafted gripping instances of imagery, metaphor and simile – not to mention lyrical devices such as assonance and alliteration - to deepen the intrigue and mystery of the subject”.

Whilst journalist Jane Sullivan (Sydney Morning Herald 29 July) recently lamented that interest in poetry has waned, it is heartening that there are events like this. Furthering the cause, Poetry Month is August and it celebrates the art of poetry while demonstrating its beauty and relevance to modern lives.

Ms Karen Keighery - Library and Information Services Coordinator

Morning Study

Morning Study is held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 7.30 am in C5.

An open invitation to get organised for the day, discuss your thoughts and ideas, complete yesterday’s work and prepare for today and tomorrow.

Please come to C5 when you arrive at school.

Maths Drop-In

Maths Drop-In Years 7-12

Maths drop-in sessions run each Tuesday and Thursday morning 7.40 am – 8.30 am in C1.

This is the ideal place where students can come and feel comfortable to ask questions, take time to study or nut out some challenging problems. Rewards are given, laughs are heard and words of encouragement are shared. Come along and be a part of the team in C1.

Maths Drop-In Years 5-6

Junior Maths Drop-In sessions will run on Friday mornings from 7.40 am - 8.30 am in The Learning Enrichment Room in the Junior School.

This is an ideal place for extra revision or taking the time to get support if needed. Come along and be part of the team.

Mrs Amanda Fileman - Junior School Teacher