The Net

School of Leadership

A Year in Review

“A field is empty, but if you put in the effort to grow something then you will have a garden. And that’s life. Give something, something will come back. Give nothing, nothing will come back. To grow a flower is a miracle: it means you can grow more. Remember that a flower is not just a flower, it is the start of a whole garden.” 

Eddie Jaku, The Happiest Man on Earth.

The above metaphor beautifully captures the 2022 academic year for the School of Leadership. It seems like only yesterday that many new students nervously walked through the breezeway gates to begin the school year, their ‘fields’ not yet planted. Yet over the course of 2022, our students have met the many opportunities and challenges with fortitude; they’ve worked together, wondered deeply, and developed some excellent habits of learning.  

I have spent time in learning spaces and have seen students wanting to learn. Young people with inquisitive minds, listening, learning, questioning everything. A part of learning is questioning and finding out why, rather than just taking knowledge for granted. I have watched as SoL students were provided with enrichment opportunities in Life Design and through Become Me. Students who represented our school in sport, choir, The Orbispace Initiative, the band and Pitch Fest. Students participating in Hub Club and as SoL ambassadors and Peer Companions. It has been immensely fulfilling to stand on the sideline and watch the SoL garden bloom.

 

I have enjoyed meeting so many parents, carers and families and I look forward to getting to know so many more of you in the years to come. I am also grateful for my dedicated colleagues that I get to work with each and every day. I am inspired by their passion and enthusiasm to continually do more. 

A special farewell to our Year 8 students who will join the School of Entrepreneurs on their return to Year 9. We trust their time in SoL has set them up for a “future so bright they need to wear shades!”

We look forward to welcoming this year’s cohort of Year 6 students back to the School of Leadership as Secondary students and are excited about supporting them on the next phase of their learning journey!

When I reflect on the year, I am reminded that I am a companion on a journey. A journey that allows me to walk with 640 young people and their families. As we approach the school holidays, I wish you and your families a happy and holy Christmas. May you have time to rest, recharge and renew - ready to do it all again - only better in 2023!

Mrs Kate Kelly - Head of School of Leadership

 

Online Safety

As parents, it can be very challenging to know what our children are doing online. Some ways that you can oversee what your child is doing online can include:

Family Sharing: By creating an Apple ID that you are in control means that your child has to be granted permission by you for them to download anything from the app store. 

Apple Screen Time: Screen time will allow you to set individual limits on what apps can be used and when. You can also set content filtering that blocks certain websites that Apple deem to be potentially unsafe or inappropriate. For more information on screen time see the following link.

It is important as a parent to be aware of what your child is engaging with online, what they are viewing and streaming and then having open and honest conversations with your son or daughter. This conversation can act as a protective barrier in keeping your child safe online.

Mrs Josephine Camilleri - Assistant Principal of School of Leadership

 

Stage 3 Stories… 

Year 6 Thanksgiving Liturgy

What a joyous celebration of the significant milestone that is the end of the Primary years of schooling! Year 6 students received a Blessing from Deacon Tony as they prepare to undertake the next phase of their education. Year 6 were treated to a book reading of Dr Seuss’ “Oh the places you’ll go” from teachers they have learnt from over the course of their years at St Luke’s. The Thanksgiving liturgy culminated in a morning tea for Year 6 students, parents and teachers expertly prepared for us by Mrs Mayer and her Year 9 and 12 Hospitality students. 

 

Become Me!

Become Me teaches young people the skills to explore, design and navigate their future. Critical skills in our rapidly changing world." (Become Me website)  

In Term 3 and 4, Stage 3 has been investigating the world of work and looking at their own skills and aptitudes to find an area of work they are interested in finding out more about. They designed an experiment into their chosen area of work to answer a "Killer question" to help them understand if this is something they may wish to pursue in the future. On Thursday of Week 9, the Flipped Careers Expo gave students the opportunity to present and share what they have found as part of their investigation. Many external guests attended, along with students of other grades, giving Stage 2 an insight to the expectations ahead of some of them in 2023!

The day proved a great success, with many proud parents and teachers amongst the bright eyed Year 6 Presenters. We thank everyone for their support, and look forward to our next Expo in 2023.

Malala Showcase of Learning

This term it was Malala’s turn in the spotlight! 

As is customary, Stage 3 students and teachers came together at the end of the term to hear all about the learning and laughing Malala experienced throughout the term. These celebrations of learning have fast become a much loved way to end the term and make visible the growth and progress across the ten weeks.

Peer Companions

Reflections from our 2022 Peer Companions:

Being in Peer Companion helped me to act as a guide for these Year 5 students. I loved that I could be that for them, and have that ability to show Year 5s on their journey to navigating the high moments and the low moments of being in the School of Leadership. Not only that, but I could create connections with the Year 5s, which is something that Year 8s don't usually get the chance to do. These relationships started off a bit awkward in the 'getting to know each other' stage, but over time (and with all the games we played), we had lots of fun as a group. I also saw that the students in my group were able to make their own connections amongst each other, and it was just great being able to bond as a group. I'm not sure what they feel, but I've made a lot of fun memories by being in Peer Companion! I'm really grateful for this opportunity given to us Year 8 students.

  • Yram Summer Claudio, Year 8

Peer Companions was one of the highlights of my year. It felt awesome being able to do something extra at school. Socialising with all ages is what I like to do and this was the perfect opportunity. It felt good doing something to help other people out at school. Plus I had a great time with my group members!! 

  • Ravya Aryal, Year 8

Peer Companions - 2023

A small group of student leaders participated in the Peer Companions training in preparation for the work they will do with Year 5 students in 2023 to assist with the transition to the School of Leadership.  

Our Peer Companions for 2023 are:

Ikjot B, Michelle B, Zoe B , Tyreese C, Aarna M, Zayed Rohan D, Antonio D, Alisha G, Angel G, Nuhaar K, Kavreet K, Jeremy L, Kirsten M, Christian M, Elena N, Natasha N, Sahasra P, Sophie P, Shreya P, Ritika P, Mia P, Yuvan R, Tanishka R, Ella R, Joelle S, Sanvi S, Megh S, Jonah V.

Mrs Ashu Aggarwal - Pedagogy Coach & Stage 3 Coordinator

 

From Year 7…

Orientation Day 

Last Friday the 2nd of December we had our Year 7 Orientation Day for our future Year 7 students for 2023. The day was a success with the students starting the morning with formal introductions to our Head of School: Mrs Kate Kelly, Assistant Principal: Mrs Camilleri and Einstein House Leader: Mrs Rietdijik. 

The students started off the day with an introduction to St Luke’s coupled with a wellbeing session and learning how to ensure ‘one’s bucket is full and taken care of.’ 

Students then moved across three different activities throughout the day which included: 

  • School Tour and Passport 
  • Drama Games and IceBreakers 
  • Life Design Launch 

Students were able to meet and greet with each other as well as familiarise themselves with the school grounds, the staff and future peers. Afterwards students moved into the HUB for a Student Q & A to ask the burning questions from our current Year 7 students. 

The day ended with a pizza lunch complete with an ice block for dessert as we assembled for a final dismissal and thanked those involved for a successful day. 

Many thanks to all those involved as it was a huge feat! We look forward to welcoming back our future Year 7 students for 2023 early next year. 

Mrs Grace Villarosa - Year 7 Coordinator of Pastoral Care

Orientation Day Plus 

On Friday the 18th November, we were able to host a smaller Orientation titled Orientation Plus. The purpose of this smaller Orientation was to ensure we provide additional opportunities for students with additional learning needs to familiarise themselves with the Stage 4 learning spaces, expectations, routines and staff. 

We started the morning with an introduction to key people in the SOL school such as the Head of School: Mrs Kate Kelly, the Assistant Principal: Mrs Camilleri and our Diversity Coordinator: Mrs Schepel. Later we took part in ice breaker and ‘getting to know you games’ with our Mackillop House Leader: Mrs Zorzo which the students enjoyed as it took place in a ‘speed dating’ fashion that was fast paced and allowed them to meet with current Year 7 students as well as their future peers. 

Afterwards students engaged in the following activities: 

  • A school tour and tour of the classroom spaces 
  • A wellbeing session 
  • Explanation of school expectations and the St Luke’s Pillars 
  • Reviewed the Welcome Booklet for 2023

The morning was a success and allowed our future students to feel comfortable in their new surroundings as well as familiarise themselves with the processes at St Luke’s: School of Leadership. 

 

Mrs Grace Villarosa - Year 7 Coordinator of Pastoral Care

 

Multicultural Day 

Multicultural Day at St Luke’s was celebrated on the 25th of November. This was a terrific celebration of our diverse local community and to embrace the varied cultures we each represent. Students enjoyed a morning of cultural dances, outfits and trivia. Many thanks to Head of School: School of Entrepreneurs Mr Bloomfield who had organised the event and hosted a range of different performances. 

Mrs Grace Villarosa - Year 7 Coordinator of Pastoral Care

 

Year 7 HSIE

In Week 8, Year 7 have had the opportunity to enhance their skills through engaging in a range of Ancient Egypt games. With each activity focused on a particular aspect of Ancient Egyptian life and culture, from mummification to hieroglyphics, students were encouraged to choose and complete tasks based on their favourite topics of our unit. With a group of students completing a CSI investigation of King Tut, others investigating the mysterious funeral custom of mummifying crocodiles, a few designing a Minecraft cities to display Egyptian battles, and some learning about the ways Egyptian children liked to play with interesting toys and games, it has been a great way to wrap up our topic! 

Miss B Wick - HSIE/English Teacher 

 

Year 7 TAS - Technology Mandatory

Year 7 Life Design -

Congratulations to all Year 7 for their recent SIM Showcases that wrapped up this term. This was a project that showed a culmination of what they have achieved in Year 7 this year in Life Design. Students were tasked to create a unique showcase to present their SIM: Strengths, Interests and Motivations. It was great to see the students confidently display and share knowledge of their own unique self with peers and staff alike. 

Mrs Viney, Mrs Pepper, Mr Jones and Mrs Villarosa: Year 7 Life Design Teachers 

 

Year 7 PDHPE

On Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd November, Year 7 travelled to Hawkesbury Pool where they participated in water safety activities. Students enjoyed the water activities such as swimming, floating, stroke correction, creating whirlpools in the indoor pool and relays with an inflatable boat. Students learnt about water safety, tried on life jackets, and practised CPR. 

Mrs Roach and Mrs Paz: PDHPE Teachers 

 

 

Year 7 Maths - Pitchfest 

Reminder - SLC in Week 10 

Year 7 Italiano

A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale! At Carnival, every joke matters!

In the Year 7 space, we are celebrating Carnevale!

Students are to choose their favourite Carnevale character, create their mask following their character’s personality and perform their script!

Come and meet Pulcinella, Colombina, Arlecchino, il Dottor Balanzone, Pantalone and many more!

 

From Year 8…

What a journey this year has been! Year 8 has been a pleasure this year and I am blessed to have been their coordinator. I wish them all the very best in their journey from 9-12 and know that they will give it their absolute best! 

Let’s have a look at some of our highlights for 2022 in Year 8: 

Book Week: 

Celebrations of faith: 

Visiting the Art Exhibition: 

Coming together as a year group:

Multiple presentations: 

Year Meetings: 

Multicultural Day: 

Year 8 Leadership Day: 

Fun and connection in mentor: 

Farewells for dear staff: 

Harmony Day: 

The My Future Self Expo: 

Miss Rowena Chand - Year 8 Coordinator of Pastoral Care

 

Year 8 Life Design - Capstone Projects 

This week, Year 8 have been presenting their culmination work for the last two years of their Life Design journey. Beginning from Year 7, the students got to have an inward approach to designing their life by learning about their Strengths, Interests and Motivations through a range of carefully designed activities founded in Life Coaching theories. This year, the students learnt about excelling themselves for their future including learning about the importance of flow, always being a leader, exploring future careers in the my future self expo and finally, unlocking their purpose in life. For a 13/14 year old to be able to articulate all this about themselves and then stand in front of a panel of industry leaders from various fields to share this journey with them is beyond impressive. The students have done themselves proud and relished in this achievement. Congratulations Year 8!

Some purpose statements from the Year 8 students: 

At my best, I am utilising my artistic abilities in order to bring new things into existence. I wish to contribute to the world through imagining, generating and selling products that can go towards solving a greater cause. This lights me up because it is something that comes naturally to me and because I am using what I generally enjoy doing to satisfy the needs of something bigger.

  • Alana Balagtas

At my best, I am able to act as a guide to positively influence those to appreciate all aspects of their life, both the positive and negative. Through this, I have the ability to see the potential in people which they may be unable to see themselves. I can serve as a role model to those and provide them with valuable insights which show a way to thrive in their lifetime with genuine intentions. I want to be able to contribute to society through the valuable words which I am able to share. This concept is able to enlighten me as I relish in supporting others to reach their full potential and both designing and sharing my thoughts and feelings with others.

  • Chanel Cascio

At my best I am a strong and independent individual who is talking and connecting with people using humour. I want to contribute by helping people destress using my humour to cheer them up so that they can see that life doesn't have to be boring. This lights me up because I can help people get away from the idea of a normal life and to a life that they enjoy instead. 

  • Nathan Chandra

Year 8 CAPA

Year 8 have been working through their major works for both Art and Music. Students have been challenged to develop either a viva voce, composition and a body of work, focusing on specific styles of art such as surrealism, impressionism, cubism, pictures generation and neo expressionism and genres of music such as rock, disco, music theatre, soul and country. 

It has been a great term to witness and experience the development of the year 8 capa students through their major works. 

 

Year 8 ENG/HSIE

Year 8 Eng/HSIE have been investigating medieval Japan - Japan under the Shoguns - a fascinating time in history where military commanders, known as Shoguns essentially ruled the empire. Students have also been exploring the nature of identity and culture through a film study of ‘Spirited Away’. In this unit, they have explored the concept name and place and their power in shaping an understanding of who we are and where we have come from.

As part of their demonstration of learning, each class created displays of a social group from Shogunate Japan. Stage 2 students had the opportunity to come and explore these displays. Year 8 students demonstrated their abilities to engage a younger audience and had a lot of fun explaining some of their learning to them. It was a proud moment as a teacher to watch many students step up and show their leadership and creative skills in this way.

 

Year 8 TAS- Technology Mandatory

Classes 8.1 and 8.3 Technology have been working on a unit “Operation Christmas Give Back” which focuses on our Witness and Relate pillars. The classes each selected a different charity and have baked and fondant decorated shortbread cookies over the last few lessons. This has been a big task- with over 160 cookies made in each class! They have now designed labels and packaged their gifts which will be delivered to the Parents and staff from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Nepean Hospital; and the Yagoona shelter of the RSPCA. We hope that our small gifts brighten someone’s day and show’s our gratitude to our community during this festive season. 

Classes 8.2 and 8.4 in Design and Technology have been putting their skills to the test, through the unit Minimalistic Toy where they have been creating an acrobatic puppet. This has been a skills based unit where they have been learning and applying practical skills in the makerspace. This has involved the application of saws  and hammers to create a frame which has been wired for the puppet to move around on. Some students have been introduced to the makerspace tools for the first time and worked well to complete the construction, design and wiring of each of their puppets within the time allocated.

 

Year 8 Maths

Year 8 have been learning about the unit called Linear Relationships - this unit focuses on the Cartesian plane and given the coordinates, plotting points and finding coordinates for a given point on the Cartesian plane. 

Students started with what they already know about the unit by working in groups and representing their knowledge on the whiteboard and later on explaining it to the rest of the class. Knows and Need to Knows are an important part of any unit of work, which gets revisited at different times during the unit to see if one of our need to knows is a know now and if there are any more need to knows for the unit.

Throughout the unit students have been broadening their ability to work confidently with aspects of linear relationships, which focuses on T4 pillar - Understanding self as a learner.