Parent & Student Matters  

What's happening in the College? 

• Science Week
• Update from the Art Department
• English Faculty
• Saturday School of Community Languages
• Boxercise is BACK

Science Week

We have decided to change the way we do Science Week at SPX for 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the movement of the Trial HSC Exams, unfortunately we will no longer be having demonstrations and gatherings in Week 6 in the Science labs as originally planned. 

However, we will be honouring Science Week in other ways in our classes and in Science Club this week (Week 5).

To further celebrate Science Week, all students will be eligible to participate in the Education Perfect Science Championships for 2020. This begins at 4.00 pm on Tuesday 18 August until 4.00 pm on Tuesday 25 August. Any Science activity completed on Education Perfect by students will gain them points… and there are Science Week themed activities also available to complete.

There will be a $50 gift voucher awarded to the student with the most points at the end of this competition and some small prizes awarded to other high achieving participants.

Also, thank you to the Senior Resource Centre, which has made a Science Week display in honour of the Science Week 2020 theme - Deep Blue: innovation for the future of our oceans.

Good luck and Happy Science Week to all.

Don't forget the next Science Club is on tomorrow (20 August), in S1 at 1.00 pm.

Mrs Joanne Schuster - Science Coordinator

Update from the Art Department

Below is an update of some of the areas the Art Department has been working on this term.

Year 12 Body of Work

The Year 12’s are moving to resolve their Body of Work in the next few weeks in preparation for the final date which has been moved to 14 September. We are looking at options to display the works in an online format and will inform parents closer to the completion date.

Year 11 Students at NAS

Congratulations to Cole Simpson and Mitchell Hayes who have been successful in their application to attend The National Art School intensive HSC courses in Black and White Photography. Their application included examples of their works and a written statement about their interests in visual arts. They will be at the art school in the September holidays and the summer break.

Years 7 and 8 

Some classes are painting this term and it is exciting to see progress in the way students are reflecting on their works, making judgments, considering options, making decisions on actions and back to reflecting. The activity offers opportunities to work in small groups or individually and invites an appreciation of abstract painting particularly. Colour theory and composition principles are explored through practical application and viewing works from other artists is encouraged. 

To protect uniforms we recommend students put their jacket in a plastic bag and wear an old jumper as the aprons don’t cover the sleeves. Otherwise maybe invest in Sard Wondersoap!

Lights, Camera, Pius! Film Festival

For this year’s Lights, Camera, Pius! Film Festival we will be showing films from the students in a virtual forum. Students from Years 5 -11 can enter films or animations up to 3 minutes in duration. There is a box for USB’s at the student office. Please label USB’s and have them in by the end of Week 7. There will be prizes so good luck!

Prayer Garden Mural

We are looking for students interested in making a new mural for the Prayer Garden. Designs can use a combination of images and abstraction but should reflect the use of the space. Students should present designs in colour, hard copy or digital, to  the Visual Arts Staff. More details to come.

Mr Mark Anderson - Visual Arts Coordinator

English Faculty

The Trial examinations began for our Year 12 students on Monday 17 August and the English examination is the culmination of thirteen years of education coming to fruition. The Trials represent the final in-school English assessment task for the boys before the HSC. The English Paper 1 was challenging and asked them to show depth in their learning and imagination in their responses. Both Advanced and Standard students responded that Paper 1 Section 1 short answer questions were challenging but that Section 2, the essay, was nothing that they had not learnt. The boys were well prepared and hopefully their study will provide all they need for success. The optimism in the boys' voices was reassuring and now that the first examination is over they expressed that the Trial does not seem quite as intimidating.

We all wish them every success.

Mr David Webster - English Coordinator

Saturday School of Community Languages

The Saturday School of Community Languages (SSCL) is a NSW Department of Education secondary school and the largest provider of face-to-face languages education in the state.  They offer courses in 26 languages to students wishing to study their background language.  There are 14 SSCL centres; 12 based in Sydney metropolitan area, one in Wollongong and one in Newcastle.  

As we approach subject selection for 2021 new applications and relevant appendices for SSCL can be downloaded and completed online, then printed, signed and emailed to the SSCL email address.  Enrolment for 2021 will commence on 17 August 2020.

If you would like further information please contact myself or SSCL directly on 02 7814 2115 or email Saturdaycl-h.School@det.nsw.edu.au. You can also stay up to date by following SSCL on Facebook and Twitter @SSCLNSW.

Mrs Kara Manga - Languages Coordinator

Boxercise is BACK!

Regular sessions are available every Thursday and Friday morning starting at 7.30 am in the College Gym.

Every boy is encouraged to attend classes to help improve their physical and mental health  and build their resilience during these trying times.

Boxing gear is supplied, all that is required is a change of clothes, water bottle and some discipline and commitment to improve your sense of well-being.

See you there!

Mr Rick Russo - College Counsellor and Boxercise Mentor