Term 3 - Week 8

A Message from the Principal

In life, the worst anxiety arises from the sensation of not being able to cope. We need Jesus’ help. And so we can say to Him: “Jesus, I believe you are beside me and that you are listening to me. I bring to you my troubles. I have faith in you and I entrust myself to you”. Pope Francis

Pope Francis says seeing a psychiatrist helped him with anxiety when he was younger

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of Bethany,

Next Thursday is R You OK? Day. This is an awareness raising day to encourage people to talk about what may be worrying them and for others to check in with those who may be struggling. It is a day to continue to promote that it is courageous and admirable to ask for help and be given a safe place to be able to speak. This year’s theme is I’m here to hear. We are encouraged to follow the 4 steps below as a safe way to check in. Further resources such as these are available on the R U OK? Day website https://www.ruok.org.au/

ASK

• Be relaxed, friendly and concerned in your approach.
• Help them open up by asking questions like "How are you going?" or "What’s been happening?"
• Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them, like "You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?"

IF

• If they don’t want to talk, don’t criticise them.
• Tell them you’re still concerned about changes in their behaviour and you care about them.
• Avoid a confrontation.
• You could say: “Please call me if you ever want to chat” or “Is there someone else you’d rather talk to?”

LISTEN

• Take what they say seriously and don't interrupt or rush the conversation.
• Don’t judge their experiences or reactions but acknowledge that things seem tough for them.
• If they need time to think, sit patiently with the silence.
• Encourage them to explain: "How are you feeling about that?" or "How long have you felt that way?"
• Show that you've listened by repeating back what you’ve heard (in your own words) and ask if you have understood them properly.

ENCOURAGE ACTION

• Ask: “What have you done in the past to manage similar situations?”
• Ask: “How would you like me to support you?"
• Ask: “What’s something you can do for yourself right now? Something that’s enjoyable or relaxing?”
• You could say: "When I was going through a difficult time, I tried this... You might find it useful too."
• If they've been feeling really down for more than 2 weeks, encourage them to see a health professional. You could say, "It might be useful to link in with someone who can support you. I'm happy to assist you to find the right person to talk to.”
• Be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times.

CHECK IN

• Pop a reminder in your diary to call them in a couple of weeks. If they're really struggling, follow up with them sooner.
• You could say: "I've been thinking of you and wanted to know how you've been going since we last chatted."
• Ask if they've found a better way to manage the situation. If they haven't done anything, don't judge them. They might just need someone to listen to them for the moment.
• Stay in touch and be there for them. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference.

At Bethany valuing mental health and knowing that anyone can experience times of poor mental health and anxiety or even depression is a priority. As parents, if you do not feel equipped to have such conversations, please visit the website listed or seek professional help. Mental health should be a priority and it can be difficult to understand but please have positive mental health conversations around your home.

Robyn Rodwell

College Principal

From the Assistant Principal

As we move towards the end of the term, it is a good time to send a reminder regarding some important events that are coming up in the school calendar. When students return to school on Monday October 9, they will be in their summer uniform. Please take time over the holidays to make sure uniforms still fit and are an appropriate length. Please ensure any significant changes to your daughter’s grooming can be fixed before school returns.

For forward planning, There is a staff development day planned for Wednesday October 26. Tuesday December 12 will be our College Semester 2, Awards Assembly for students in Years 7 - 11. Students will be dismissed at 1.00pm on this day. Parent / Teacher / Student interviews will take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, December 13 - 15. Monday December 18 is a staff development day.

Mobile Phones and Digital Devices

As mentioned in the last newsletter, Sydney Catholic Schools has implemented a new Student use of Digital Devices and Online Services Policy.  Students in Years 8, 10 and 11 have been made aware of the new policy. It will be discussed with students in Years 7 and 9 on Monday. Since our school already has similar device rules in effect, we anticipate that this policy will have minimal impact on our students in terms of their phone use whilst at school. We do hope that it improves their engagement and interactions with each other.  One change will be that students will be required to have cash or their key card with them to use at the College canteen. They won’t be able to use their phone to pay at the canteen.

School Buses

Whilst there has been some improvement in the bus services provided by U-Go Mobility for our students, there continues to be some concerns. In addition to letting school know, I would encourage to raise your concerns with them directly at schools@u-gomobility.com or through Transport NSW. The more people that contact them directly, the better it is. The school has no control over the operation of the company, however, complaints and concerns are monitored and registered. Please ensure your child has their Opal card and taps on and off when they use the bus. U-Go Mobility uses the tap on/off to keep a register of how many students frequent the service.

Kristina Flanagan

Assistant Principal

What's Happening in Religious Education

Father’s Day Mass

Thank you Father Janusz for our beautiful Eucharistic celebration in honour of Father’s Day. It was a pleasure to see a crowded St. Michael’s Church so early in the morning and to witness the sacred love experienced between father and daughter. Thank you to Mrs Moroney, Mr Cindric and Mr Lee for preparing the choir and to Miss Jones for her role in organising students for Mass. 

Marianne and Margaret Sarmiento of Year 12

 These two sisters remind me of the famous biblical sisters of Bethany, Martha and Mary, who together, capture the essence of Christian discipleship. It has been an honour to witness the great love Marianne and Margaret have for eachother, their family, the school community and God.

Congratulations to Marianne who is the recipient of this year’s Archbishop Award for Student Excellence. Marianne is the Religious Education and Mission Captain of the College and a most worthy awardee. I thank Marianne for her role model Christian discipleship and all the service initiatives she has led, promoted and participated in.

Congratulations to Margaret who is the beneficiary of the ACU Cardinal Pell Leadership Program, a three-week immersion experience in Rome and London to explore the Catholic Tradition and the foundations of Western civilisation. The program will enable Margaret to visit sites of religious, historic and cultural importance. These first-hand experiences will be supplemented by daily lectures and reflection sessions. I believe the program provides a wonderful opportunity for one to broaden their horizons and deepen their love of life-long learning.

Sara Camporeale

Leader of Religious Education and Mission

Teaching and Learning News

Year 12 Sydney Catholic School Masterclasses

Sydney Catholic Schools are providing revision workshops/ online lessons for a range of subjects delivered by the HSC Specialists in the Term 3 holidays. These sessions will be delivered over Zoom, recorded and placed on the CANVAS Student Masterclass page. 

This is an opportunity for students to engage in activities that will refresh their understanding of content and develop their skills in applying their knowledge through scaffolded activities. 

Masterclasses will be offered for Chemistry, Economics, English, Mathematics, and Physics. Registration details have been shared with all of Year 12 on their google classroom page. 

Year 11 Exams

Best of luck to all Year 11 students who are embarking on their end of course exams. These are a great opportunity for students to refine their study skills and revision techniques before they begin the HSC journey next term.

The following procedures must be followed if a student is absent from an exam due to illness or misadventure;

• Notify the College on the day of the exam
• Obtain independent evidence verifying the absence. This could be in the form of a medical certificate or funeral notice etc
• Submit an Assessment Appeal Form and independent evidence to Mr Kipriotis

All the very best girls - you’ve got this!

Atomi Usage

The girls listed below were the greatest users this past fortnight.

Dorian Kipriotis - Leader of Curriculum                                  

 Sarah Rowland - Leader of Data and Growth

From the Leader of Wellbeing

Parent information

Charlotte Buxton

Leader of Wellbeing

HSC Dance

Congratulations to the following HSC Dance students who have been selected to perform in the SCS 2023 HSC Performing Arts Showcase 

SCS HSC Performing Arts Showcase Recital
Core Performance -Janna Marie Mobellan 

Core Composition - Maryssa Kanellos 

Composition Dancer - Miyah Petrevski Yr 9

Major Performance - Anastasia McNeil 

Library News

Meet our Tutors

Each day, tutors are available from 3-4pm in the Library to assist students with study and homework. Below is the information sheet that has been shared with students.

Book Week Competition Winners

Congratulations to the following students who have won a prize for Book Week! Poetry Winners will be announced soon!

How many books are in the collection?

Answer: 8465

1st - Stella Li (7 Purple)

2nd - April Thompson (7 Purple)

3rd - Ava Hatzigeorgiou (7 Blue)

Junior Book in a Bottle

Answer: Good Girl, Bad Blood

2nd - Irene Tjoa - (9 Purple)

3rd - Danielle Hanna - (7 Yellow)

Senior Book in a Bottle

Answer: Divergent

1st - Junez legaspi (12 Orange)

2nd - Janette Le (12 Green)

3rd - Jane Le (12 Orange)

Guess the Teacher (see the library for answers)

1st - Evelyn Efstathakis (11 Silver)

2nd - Lilliana Favaloro (12 Blue)

3rd - Eshani Ratti (11 White)

Book Shelfie (see the library for answers)

1st - Nicole Clarke (11 Blue)

2nd - Evi Sourlanges (11 Blue)

3rd - Grace Smith (12 Orange)

Below are some of our lucky winners!

Holiday Reading

Holidays will soon be upon us! All students are invited to visit the library to borrow a book in time for the holidays. We’re happy to help if they're unsure what to borrow.

Until next time, happy reading!

Alison Sladen

Librarian

Vocational Education and Training

I am delighted to share with you some very exciting news. Earlier this year, I spoke about the successful nomination of Year 12 student, Gabriella Fede for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) awards. This week, Gabriella was announced winner of The Youth Partnerships VET Excellence Award for 2023 for her outstanding effort in Hospitality and Early Childhood.

Gabriella was nominated for her diligent effort and dedication to the VET subjects’, and it came as no surprise to her teachers when she was announced as the winner.

Congratulations Gabriella, very well deserved.

Cassie Bartels
VET Coordinator

Year 7 - My Resilience Program

On Monday the 28th and Tuesday the 29th of August, Year 7 participated in the My Resilience Program. The activities were fun and very engaging. By the end of the session, each student completed a personality and strengths quiz that allowed each student to identify their strengths and discuss how to use them in positive ways.

This Program helped me become a stronger person with a better mindset. I came out of this program with three of my strongest strengths creativity, energy, and learning. These qualities helped me learn more about myself and my personality. This whole experience was something I will never forget. The coaches were all very supportive and energetic in the presentation and throughout the whole incursion.

I am very grateful that I was able to enjoy this incursion and hope I get to participate again next year.

Charley Craig - Year 7

Sport Update

SCS Representative Sport Update

 Rugby 7s Results

Thank you to our intermediate Rugby 7s team who came 5th this year. 

Last week, our Junior Rugby 7s team competed in the Semi-Finals. They won this match 14 to 7 against St Patrick's, Sutherland, thus allowing them to progress to the grand final later that day against Marist Penshurst. Even though they were unsuccessful in a win it was clear they had a great game, putting their best foot forward and displaying great sportsmanship.

AFL Results

Last week our Junior and Intermediate Teams played against Bosco, Engadine. Our Juniors were unfortunately defeated, however the Intermediates fought hard and finished with a draw, 26 all.

This week our teams came up against St Patrick’s, Sutherland. Unfortunately our Juniors fell short in a close loss 36-34 and similarly, the Intermediates also lost. The two teams will not progress to the Sydney Championships as the competition was played as first past the post. The girls should be very proud of their efforts with the Juniors finishing in 4th place and the Intermediates finishing in 3rd!

SCS Athletics Championships

Our Bethany Athletics Team competed at the Sydney Championships on Friday 1st September at Homebush. It was great to see the students supporting and cheering each other on! The day started with a march past of all the schools competing on the day. Yasmina Smith from Year 9 and Isabella Quilkey from Year 10 represented our group holding the Bethany flag with pride!

Congratulations to the following students who have progressed to the NSWCCC Championships on Monday 11th September:

Adriana Damigos (Long Jump)

Olivia Delaney (Javelin)

Aleisha Foundotos (200m)

Juliet King (100m and 200m)

Ceanna Swindon (1500m, 400m and 800m)

Rachel Bevan

Sport Coordinator

From the School Counsellor

Supporting Teens to Eat Well in a Food Confused World - FREE Parent Webinar

Join Butterfly and two Practising Accredited Dietitians and learn how to help your teen have a positive and balanced relationship with food.  Topics covered include: Why it's hard to charter a healthy course | What's helpful diet information and what's problematic | Supporting eating through puberty | Troubleshooting common eating dilemmas - 'junk food', 'high protein diets', veganism, not eating at school.

Details

Tuesday, 12th September

7 - 8pm (AEST), plus question time

Via Zoom (time-limited recording available)

Free

Register:https://events.butterfly.org.au/portal//event/?id=EP_BCCT_Parent_Webinar477928020&Name=12/09/23 BKF Teens Eating

Body Confident Children and Teens - For Parents

Information and practical tips for parents of primary and secondary-age children on how to promote positive body image in the home.  Topics covered include: Body image influences | The role of body image in problematic eating and exercise behaviours | How to positively role model | Responding to appearance talk and appearance-teasing |What to do if concerned.

Details

Tuesday, 17th October

7 - 8pm (AEDT), plus question time

Via Zoom (recording available)

$15

Register:https://events.butterfly.org.au/portal//event/?id=EP_BCCT_Parent_Webinar2583081573&Name=17/10/23 BCCT

Celise De Carvalho

School Counsellor

Careers News

Key dates

18 Sep 2023  11.59pm

Schools Recommendation Scheme applications close

29 Sep 2023  11.59pm

Early bird processing charge deadline

10 Nov 2023  7.30am

First round of Schools Recommendation Scheme early offers released

14 Dec 2023  6.00am

HSC results released

14 Dec 2023  9.00am

ATARs released

15 Dec 2023  11.59pm

December Round 2 change of preference deadline

21 Dec 2023  7.30am

December Round 2 offers released

11 Jan 2024  7.30am

January Round 1 offers released

2 Feb 2024  11.59pm

Applications close for semester 1, 2024

View all UAC events on the key dates page

A full listing of all Uni news and deadlines.

https://www.uac.edu.au/key-dates

What is the ATAR?

The ATAR is a rank, not a mark.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 that indicates a student’s position relative to all the students in their age group (ie all 16 to 20 year olds in NSW). So, an ATAR of 80.00 means that you are 20 per cent from the top of your age group (not your Year 12 group).

Universities use the ATAR to help them select students for their courses and admission to most tertiary courses is based on your selection rank (your ATAR + any applicable adjustments). Most universities also use other criteria when selecting students (eg a personal statement, a questionnaire, a portfolio of work, an audition, an interview or a test).

https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/atar

5 steps to managing HSC stress

Stress and anxiety are incredibly common for students studying their HSC. While we need a certain level of stress to motivate us and help us achieve our goals, it’s important to know how to manage it and seek support when things become overwhelming.

https://www.uac.edu.au/media-centre/news/5-steps-to-managing-hsc-stress

UOW Pre- Medicine Degree

The Bachelor of Pre-Medicine, Science and Health is a three-year undergraduate degree providing a solid foundation towards graduate medicine, dentistry, veterinary studies, optometry, podiatry, physiotherapy or pharmacy. Depending on which major/minor you choose, this course also leads to a wide range of postgraduate study or professional career options in the physical and life sciences, allied health or health informatics.

This degree will explore core content for medical school entry including academic literacy, critical thinking skills and an understanding of what it takes to be a successful health practitioner. Extracurricular activities will demonstrate your leadership, dedication, and cooperation. From your first year, you will have opportunities to participate in a wide range of volunteer and enrichment activities in the community. These will assist you in developing real-world skills and ready for a career in health and medicine.

https://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/information/index.html?course=bachelor-pre-medicine-science-health

University of Sydney Webinar Demystifying the Teacher Personal Statement!

20 September

If you’re applying to study a teacher education degree at the University of Sydney (excluding early childhood), you will be prompted to complete a personal statement questionnaire during the application process. The statement allows USyd to assess your suitability for teaching against the non-academic capabilities common in successful teachers, as those attributes and motivations are common to effective teachers.

Join the School of Education and Social Work for an interactive session where you will be taken through the process step by step, leaving you confident and prepared when it comes time to submit your personal statement.

https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x7eIHJ35TjizJTkt-N3QqQ#/registration

UTS - Round 2 for Applications for Bachelor of Accounting 2024

The closing dates for applications to the 2024 Intake of the Bachelor of Accounting course are as follows:

Round 2 Closing Date - Friday 13 October 2023 by 11.59pm

In person half-day interviews for both rounds will be held Monday-Friday 6-10 November 2023.

These interviews are for applicants who are considering Bachelor of Accounting as a course preference after the close of on-time UAC applications.

https://www.uts.edu.au/study/business/business-courses/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-accounting/application

UTS - Book a 1-1 undergraduate consultation

Join UTS for an online 1-1 undergraduate consultation. Get your questions about courses, admissions and life at UTS answered.

Chat with one of the student ambassadors and learn about all things UTS. Whether you have questions about admission schemes, course options or student life.

 All consultations run for 15 minutes.

https://www.uts.edu.au/study/undergraduate/our-courses/events-and-info-sessions/book-undergraduate-consultation

ACU Veteran Family Entry Program

This entry pathway is available to any partner, spouse, or child over the age of 18 of current/previous serving ADF personnel. Applications are handled on a case-by-case basis though as a rule of thumb 2-years of service is required. If you are unsure of your eligibility, you are encouraged to contact  Student the Veteran Services team to discuss further.

https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/admission-pathways/i-have-completed-military-service

ACU Webinar - Talk with Exercise Science and High Performance Sport Professionals

20 September

A career in sport and exercise science will allow you to help people achieve peak performance and optimal health and wellbeing.

Join online to hear from ACU alumni about their experiences working as exercise scientists and high performance sport professionals. Take part in a Q&A session about where a career in sport and exercise science could take you.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/september/talk-with-exercise-science-and-high-performance-sport-professionals

ACU Veteran Family Entry Program

This entry pathway is available to any partner, spouse, or child over the age of 18 of current/previous serving ADF personnel. Applications are handled on a case-by-case basis though as a rule of thumb 2-years of service is required. If you are unsure of your eligibility, we encourage you to contact one of our Student Veteran Services team to discuss further.

https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/admission-pathways/i-have-completed-military-service

ACU Webinar - Talk with Exercise Science and High Performance Sport Professionals

20 September

A career in sport and exercise science will allow you to help people achieve peak performance and optimal health and wellbeing.

Join online to hear from ACU alumni about their experiences working as exercise scientists and high performance sport professionals. Take part in a Q&A session about where a career in sport and exercise science could take you.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/september/talk-with-exercise-science-and-high-performance-sport-professionals

ACU Webinar - Talk with Psychologists, Youth Workers and Social Workers

26 September

Join online to hear from ACU alumni about their experiences in the field. Take part in a Q&A session with graduates and learn about the rewarding and challenging careers of psychologists, social workers or youth workers.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/september/talk-with-psychologists-youth-workers-and-social-workers

ACU Webinar - Talk with Nutritionists and Dietitians

27 September

Nutritionists and dietitians translate science and promote healthy eating and lifestyles to individuals, communities and populations.

Join online to hear from ACU alumni about their experiences working as nutritionists and dietitians. Take part in a Q&A session with graduates and learn about the fulfilling careers.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/september/talk-with-nutritionists-and-dietitians

UNSW Indigenous Pre-programs

Applications Now Open

Program Dates: 20 November - 6 December

Discover your path to success

UNSW’s Indigenous Pre-programs offer a holistic pre-entry university experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The programs are both an alternative entry pathway to UNSW and a degree-specific preparatory program, meaning you can hit the ground running on day one of your degree. 

UNSW run Indigenous Pre-Programs in the areas of Business, Education, Law, Medicine, Social Work, or Science & Engineering.

https://www.indigenous.unsw.edu.au/future-students/pathways-unsw/indigenous-pre-programs

UNSW Aviation Short Courses

3 - 4 October

UNSW Aviation's two-day short course is aimed at Year 9-12 students interested in a career in Aviation. From the technically challenging cockpit with awe-inspiring views to the operational, logistical, safety and commercial challenges of managing airports and airlines, UNSW Aviation is uniquely placed to create graduates ready to take on opportunities and become future leaders in this exciting industry.

Students get a taste of university life and insight into the study of aviation, which will include workshops in scheduling and navigation. They will also learn about the many career pathways aviation offers and guest speakers will add real world perspectives about current affairs in aviation. 

Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and students will be able to meet like-minded peers, industry leaders, aviators and academics.

https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/current-affairs-aviation-0

How to transfer to a different degree

Many students enrol in a course with a plan to transfer into another course after completing a year’s study. A typical example is completing one year of a general degree (such as Arts) and then transferring to a more specialised degree (such as Arts/Law).

Other students start a degree only to find it’s not quite right for them. They’d like to move to a completely different degree.

Whatever your reason for wanting to transfer to another course, how do you do it?

https://www.uac.edu.au/media-centre/news/how-to-transfer-to-a-different-degree

RBA Economic Update Webinar for High School Students

September 13, 2023

Aimed at students in Years 11-12, this webinar will feature an RBA economist sharing insights on monetary policy and current economic conditions. It’s a great opportunity for students to get the latest information about what’s happening in the Australian economy and pose questions to an RBA economist. Students and educators should register directly to attend this online event.

Find out more

Real Estate Institute of NSW - Certificate of Registration Course

A course developed to meet NSW Fair Trading requirements for you to become an assistant agent. This course is the stepping stone to your future real estate career. The course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to be work ready. You can also continue your studies and complete the full Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice to become a fully Licenced Real Estate Agent.

https://www.reinsw.com.au/Web/Courses/Course-Display.aspx?EventKey=VETQ02OLIN

TAFE Careers Guide

Whatever you’re interested in, TAFE NSW has a pathway to help you get the job you want.

Get a head start on a career by completing a TAFE NSW vocational education course, either at school or online, or earn while you learn with a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship. You can also do your post-school studies and choose from a diploma, degree or other pathway to university.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/school-students

Stephen Donlan

Careers Advisor

Senior Uniform Fitting