Term 4 - Week 4

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of Bethany,

All Saints and All Souls

This week we celebrated All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, a Christian holiday that commemorates all the saints, known and unknown, who have attained heaven. It is celebrated on November 1st in the Western Christian calendar and on the first Sunday after Pentecost in the Eastern Orthodox Church. All Saints' Day is a significant and relevant observance in Catholic schools and the broader Catholic tradition for several reasons:

All Saints' Day has its roots in the early Christian Church. The tradition of honoring the saints dates back to the 4th century when Christians began to commemorate the martyrs and other holy individuals who had died for their faith. Pope Boniface IV established the Feast of All Martyrs in the 7th century, and Pope Gregory III later expanded it to include all saints in the 8th century.

The day is dedicated to remembering and celebrating all the saints, both those officially recognised by the Church and those who are not. The word "saint" comes from the Latin word "sanctus," meaning holy. Saints are considered exemplars of Christian virtues and faith, and their lives are meant to inspire and guide the faithful. They hold special significance in our Catholic school and at Bethany these role models are Martha and Mary of Bethany.

All Saints' Day is closely connected to All Souls' Day, which is celebrated on November 2nd. All Souls' Day is a day to pray for the souls of the departed, especially those in purgatory, who are believed to be on their way to heaven. Together, these two days remind Catholics of the communion between the living and the dead and the ultimate goal of attaining eternal life with God.

We pray for all Bethany families who have suffered loss, especially this year.

Bravo

Congratulations to the cast, crew and staff for the 2024 College Musical Frozen Jr. This was an outstanding show which displayed so many aspects of professionalism. The cast, crew and staff have been working on the musical since the beginning of Term 2. This year we had 3 matinee performances with 7 of our local feeder primary schools forming the audience. It was delightful to hear the squeals of excitement from the young students and my favourite was when the children sang along during the performance. Events like a musical add so much to a school in terms of spirit, pride and camaraderie amongst different year groups. Thank you to all of the families who attended, I was so proud of every single girl because of the courage it takes to perform in front of an audience and the commitment shown to reach each show. Special thanks also to the Year 11 Entertainment class who ran the entire back stage aspect as part of their Stage 6 course. A production such as Frozen Jr could never happen without the willingness and dedication of staff. Sincere thanks to Mrs Moroney, Mrs Iffland, Ms Como, Mr Lee, Mr Ninni, Mrs Kekatos, Miss Issa, Mr Cindric, Mrs Vale and our student dance coaches.

HSC

Today is the last day of the HSC with Bethany students undertaking the Food Technology Exam. Congratulations to every single girl in Year 12, it is not easy to sit exams and await results but these girls have now achieved a major milestone. We are excited to join with many students, the formal on Wednesday evening. HSC results and ATARs are released on December 14. Enjoy your freedom Year 12.

Opportunities

With just over half a term left for the year, what can your daughter still strive to achieve in the weeks ahead? Students are finalising their last assessments of the year in Years 7 - 10. This is an opportunity for one final push of best effort. As teachers, our aim is to teach and so just because formal assessment will soon be over, there are still many learnings to occur. Please continue to speak to your daughter about the pride one feels in themself when effort is sustained until that very last day of the school year.

Robyn Rodwell

College Principal

From the Assistant Principal

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had several conversations with parents who have expressed their concerns about social media and how to help their children manage their social media use and the way they interact with people on social media. The two apps that I get asked the most about are Snapchat and TikTok. I have to be honest; I’m not an expert on either of these two platforms and I don’t have either of them on my phone.

I did a little research and found these two guides.

https://www.tiktok.com/safety/en/guardians-guide/

The TikTok Guardian’s Guide is designed to provide an overview of TikTok and the many tools and controls that have been built into the product to keep our community safe. The guide also provides general information on common internet safety concerns. One thing I learned that was interesting was around the importance of putting your real age into the app when signing up for it. Some might not think it is a big deal to not have your real age listed in the app but TikTok explains in their guide that content is shaped to be age-appropriate. If you are familiar with TikTok, you know that it is a bit of a free-for-all in terms of the kinds of things that you can be exposed to. Checking the age your daughter has listed in the app might be one way to better protect them online.

Snapchat also provides a guide to arm parents with tools and resources to help their teens use Snapchat safely. Within the guide, you can learn more about how to use Snapchat's parental controls, download a checklist of key safety tips to discuss with your teens, and access expert resources. There is also a feature on Snapchat that will restrict their exposure to inappropriate content; something definitely worth looking into.

https://parents.snapchat.com/en-GB/parental-controls

I found both of these guides were very helpful for a novice like me. I hope you find them useful too!

For your forward planning, the last day of school activities for students is Tuesday the 12th of December. The day will begin with a celebration of the Eucahrist, followed by the presentation of Semester 2, Academic Awards. Parents will be notified if their child is receiving an award via email.

Following the presentation of Academic Awards students will be dismissed. The day will conclude for students at 1.00pm.

Following this, Year 7-11 Parent/ Teacher/ Student interviews are also on the horizon.  Face to face interviews will be held on Wednesday 13th of December and Thursday 14th of December at the College and via Zoom on Friday 15th December. More information will be provided over the coming weeks.

Kristina Flanagan
Assistant Principal

Religious Education and Mission

St. Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Appeal 

Please continue to support this cause by donating the item allocated to your daughter, during homeroom. Items include: Christmas pudding, long-life custard, Christmas cake, fruit mince pies, long-life milk, tinned fruit, tinned vegetables, jam, honey, vegemite, coffee, tea bags, cereal, chocolate, savoury biscuits such as Jatz/Shapes, sweet biscuits such as Tim Tams/Oreos, large bags of chips, 1L or larger juice/soft drinks, pasta, pasta sauce, Christmas bon bons, cordial, lollies, gravy mix and pancake mix. Items are being collected in the large tub outside Student Services up until Friday 8 December. Thank you to all families who have already contributed so generously to this initiative!

Bethany Christmas Card Competition 2023

The annual Bethany Christmas Card Competition is now open! This year's theme, chosen by our RE & Mission Captain, Eden Fernando, is:

O Come Let Us Adore Him

Competition details are as follows:

Who: Any Bethany student from Years 7-11 can enter.

When: All Christmas cards need to be submitted in hardcopy to Miss Jones by 17 November 2023.

Requirements: The artwork must be completed by the student and incorporate the theme in some way. This can be in the form of an image or words.

Prizes to be won!

Sara Camporeale

Leader of Relgious Education and Mission

Teaching and Learning News

Congratulations to Year 12 for completing their HSC

Congratulations, Year 12, and a sincere congratulations to the proud parents of Yr 12!

You did it. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off, and you've successfully completed your HSC. This is a significant milestone in your academic journey, and it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your lives.

As you move forward, remember that your accomplishments today are a testament to your potential and ability. Embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with confidence and enthusiasm, knowing that you have the skills and knowledge to excel in whatever path you choose.

This is a moment to celebrate not just the achievements of Year 12 but also the unwavering support and guidance provided by parents throughout the journey. Your hard work, dedication, and countless hours of study have paid off, and you've successfully completed your HSC. It's a significant milestone and a testament to your determination and commitment.

We celebrate this achievement with you and wish both Year 12 and their parents all the happiness and success in the world. Congratulations to the Class of 2023 and their proud parents. 

Study Skills

How much sleep?

We all know that sleep is important for general health, for growth and development and for emotional well-being. However, you may not know that important memory processes take place while you are sleeping, ensuring you retain what you are learning and studying.

Check out the unit in the Study Skills Handbook on Lifestyle and Balance to learn more about sleep and other lifestyle factors for success.

Dorian Kipriotis                                                     Sarah Rowland

Leader of Curriculum                                           Leader of Data and Growth

Wellbeing Update

Bethany Parent Engagement Evening

Our final Parent Engagement evening will be held in Week 6 this term:

Dimity Blank our Bethany school counsellor will present on the topic:

“Adolescent Brain development and behaviour”

Please join us for a night of information and discussion:

When: Wednesday November 15

Time: 6 - 7 pm

Where: Bethany College library

Please complete this form to register your attendance

See you there!!

2024 Student leaders induction day

On Monday, October 23rd, the 2024 captains attended a leadership development day on campus where we worked on advancing our teamwork and leadership skills.

We began with identifying our unique leadership qualities and then working to better understand how we should employ these traits to represent our school in the best way we can.

We then participated in some fun team games where we saw everyone's best leadership qualities come into play as we worked together.

We also brainstormed and planned our ideas for the upcoming year, working with the teachers from the leadership team to implement all our initiatives and get everyone involved.

Overall, it was a very fun and productive day that we girls all loved. We can't wait to see our ideas come to fruition!

Hannah Cabot, College Captain 2024

Attendance Avengers

As we move into the final weeks of the year, it is crucial that student’s attendance remains consistent. At present, Year 7 is maintaining the strongest attendance, closely followed by Year 11. The Pastoral class with the highest attendance overall this year will be treated to a pizza lunch at the end of term!

Charlotte Buxton

Leader of Wellbeing

Visual Arts News

Clancy Art Prize Award Winners

Congratulations to Kristina Sertic of Year 8 and Stephanie Sertic of Year 10, who were both awarded a prize in the Clancy Prize Religious Art exhibition. The Clancy Art Prize is an annual exhibition that is held at the McGlade Gallery in Strathfield showcasing the exceptional talent of SCS students. The awards are a testament to Kristina and Stephanie's outstanding commitment and dedication to their artistic practice and faith.

Georges River Council Art Prize Winner

Congratulations to Scarlett Horne of Year 7! Scarlett was awarded first place in the Georges River Council Art Prize for students aged 9-12 years old, with an outstanding portrait of her father. Well done Scarlett on an incredible achievement and honour.

Georges River Council Art Prize Winner

Congratulations to Phoebe Luo of Year 10! Phoebe was awarded first place in the Youth category of students aged 13 to 17 years old with an incredible charcoal still life drawing. Congratulations on this wonderful achievement Phoebe!

RSL Remember ANZAC Art Competition

Four Bethany students, Charley Craig, Elizabeth Savell, Irene Tjoa and Zamarah Verlinde, have worked diligently to create artworks for the RSL Remember ANZAC Art Competition. The artworks will be on display at the Bexley RSL and Community Club from Friday 27th October to Friday 10th November. The community are invited to vote for their favourite artwork, make sure you visit the RSL to cast your vote!

Year 7 Visual Arts Still Life Drawings

Year 7 Visual Arts students have been busy working on a portfolio of artworks inspired by Pop artists such as Andy Warhol. For the first artwork in their portfolio, students applied their drawing skills to depict everyday food products in the style of Pop Art. Congratulations to our Year 7 artists on their excellent artworks.

Year 8 Visual Arts Caricature Sculptures

Semester 2 Year 8 Visual Arts students have been hard at work sculpting one of their family members in the style of a caricature. Students have demonstrated creativity and attention to detail in the creation of their artworks. Well done Year 8 artists!

Freya Wooby
Art Teacher

Sport Update

In Week 3 Bethany Teams played against St Ursula's Kingsgrove 

Junior Oztag: won 10-0

Intermediate Oztag: won 12-0

Senior Oztag: won 10-5

Congratulations to the Players’ Player for this week: Kahyla Milloy, Joanne Lewis and Sienna Ngatuvai.

Junior Volleyball: defeated 2-0

Intermediate Volleyball: defeated 2-1

Senior Volleyball: defeated 2-0

Congratulations to the Players’ Player for this week: Charley Ho, Emma Sun and Roselin Cruze

More than halfway through the season and teams are tracking quite well.

Results from Round 4 against St Pat’s Sutherland are as follows:

Junior Oztag: defeated 8-0

Intermediate Oztag: won 9-2

Senior Oztag: won 5-3

Congratulations to the Players’ Player for this week: Annie Markou, Joanne Lewis (2 weeks in a row!) and Olivia Delaney.

Junior Volleyball: won 2-0

Intermediate Volleyball: defeated 2-1

Senior Volleyball: won 2-0

Congratulations to the Players’ Player for this week: Klaudia Sarar, Annabel De Costa Bakenova and Rylie Ho.

Rachel Bevan

Sport Coordinator

Library News

This library has certainly been a busy place since we returned from the holidays, which is always wonderful to see! Many students have been utilising the space for revision and collaboration with others. We have also enjoyed seeing our Year 12 students coming in to prepare for their HSC exams.

Tutoring Program

With the assessment season certainly upon us, this is just a reminder that we have tutors in the library each day to assist with homework and assessments until 4pm. No booking is required.

Until next time, happy reading!

Alison Sladen

Librarian

The Sunsprint Challenge

GEE GOLLY WHAT FUN

On the morning of Friday the 20th of October, our excited Year 10 STEM class travelled to the UNSW campus to compete in the Sunsprint Challenge. It proved to be a great fun day. 

Starting from nothing, we students had learned a lot and were proud of our achievements producing a competitive solar race car within the day.

The villain of the day was the track, slightly bumpy and most definitely lethal. Throwing cars off the circuit, smashing them into pieces and crushing dreams. However our solar car, the Rain Racer, endured. 

As heroes of the day, we students from the Math Enrichment courses managed to persevere, problem-solve and innovate through the challenges we faced with the help of friends from various other schools across Sydney. 

It was just great to experience life at the university. As high school students we got a taste of what life might be like in their near future. We attended a brief lecture that introduced us to the broad world of engineering and, in particular, solar energy. We were able to realise how your contribution and study at uni could make a real-world impact. Surrounded by like-minded students, the Year 9 and 10 Maths Enrichment class were able to make the most of this valuable opportunity to explore the potential of solar energy in the engineering world. 

Stephen Bishop

Teacher

Frozen JR. Musical

Congratulations to the cast and crew on a sensational season of Frozen JR. We are immensely proud of the efforts both on the stage and behind the scenes and have loved seeing the growth in skills and confidence throughout the year. Thank you to the many staff members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help bring this production together. 

A note from the director:

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Bethany College’s Frozen Jr.!! My colleague Dance Choreographer Danielle Como put it nicely during production week - that this experience, and the memories of it is a ‘gift’. I know this gift will be treasured by all cast, crew, staff, friends and especially family! I thank my cast for the trust they placed in me, for their eagerness in taking on director’s notes, and their phenomenal courage on stage! 

Loretta Iffland

Director

Here’s what the audience had to say:

The musical was incredible and at times I had to remind myself that the performers were high school kids.

It was such a professional production!

Bravo and congratulations on the fantastic production.

Clare Moroney

Performing Arts Coordinator

Careers News

UAC Upcoming Deadlines in November

3 November - SRS: Course preference deadline for first SRS offers

9 November - December Round 2 application deadline

10 November - November Round 1 offers released

10 November - Equity Scholarships: November Round 2 application deadline

10 November - SRS: First offers released

16 November - Change preferences for November Round 2 offers

23 November - EAS: Closing date for EAS applications for December Round 2

23 November - January Round 1 application deadline

23 November - November Round 2 offers released

24 November - Equity Scholarships: November Round 2 outcomes released

30 November - Change preferences for December Round 1 offers

UNSW Elite Athlete Scholarships Now Open

Applications Close 30 November 2023

UNSW offers a range of scholarships for elite athletes valued between $5,000-$10,000 each. To apply

https://www.sport.unsw.edu.au/scholarships

Scholarships for domestic students at Macquarie and FAQ

This scholarship program awards around $6 million each year in total. These include scholarships for domestic students based on academic excellence in various disciplines, sporting achievement, and equity and inclusion.

https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/scholarships/domestic

Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Scholarship

Applications Close 26 November

The Vice-Chancellor's Leadership Scholarship (VCLS) aims to reward the success and accomplishments of high-achieving secondary school students who demonstrate excellence not only in their academic studies, but also in other aspects of their lives.

Value of $10,000 per year for up to 5 years* for an undergraduate degree including Honours, or for a five-year combined degree

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/opportunities/scholarships/important-dates/high_potential

Western Sydney University - November True Reward Deadline

Apply by 8 November for Round 2

The HSC True Reward early offer program provides students with an early offer into most university degrees based on their Year 11 or Year 12 results. HSC True Reward was first launched in 2017, providing students with an early offer into Western based on HSC results, instead of a scaled ATAR, following analysis showing subject performance is a reliable indicator of student success.

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/application-pathways/hsc-true-reward

The University of Sydney course calculator

Use the USyd ATAR search tool to explore your course options, adjustment factors and admission pathways.

If you think you might be eligible for adjustment factors, include these in your ATAR estimate to see what courses you might be eligible for based on your selection rank (ATAR + adjustment factors)

https://www.sydney.edu.au/engage/schools/career-adviser-and-teacher-resources/student-and-atar-admission-profiles.html

University of Sydney Webinar - Discover the Journey to University

29 November

Join USyd for an engaging webinar, where you will taken on the journey of a high school student's path to higher education. Dive into the world of university offerings, follow their steps, and explore the moments that shape crucial decisions.

Get an inside look at what drives your aspirations, discover the support available along the way, and gather the practical insights you need to confidently navigate the road to university.

This webinar offers:

• A personal insight into the transition from high school to university.
• Realistic guidance to navigate through various university options.
• Valuable resources and networks to support your journey.

https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e1mw5lMMQM-soSAKYk1DIw#/registration

ACU Pathways Finder Tool

There are alternative pathways into a course if you do not receive the ATAR you were hoping for, including the Foundation Studies program, certificates and diplomas. Use the pathways finder tool to narrow down admission pathways for a study area or course of interest and explore your options.

https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/acu-pathways/pathwayfinder

Scholarship opportunities at ACU webinar

22 November

ACU has more than 700 scholarships to help you get where you want to go. And these awards aren't just for the academically gifted - ACU offer a wide range of scholarships for students with different backgrounds and abilities.

Join this webinar to discover what scholarships you may be eligible for, hear from current scholarship recipients and learn about the application process.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/november/scholarship-opportunities-at-acu-webinar

Discover Teaching at ACU Strathfield Campus

22 November

Explore the different types of learning styles and consider how to use different techniques in your lesson planning.

Visit our visual arts and design studios, metal and timber workshops, and textiles and food technology laboratories to learn how you can study those subjects to become an expert in your chosen field.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/november/discover-teaching-at-strathfield-campus?redirect=%26FilterBy%3dUpcoming%26Year%3d2023%26PageNumber%3d1

Discover Nursing and Midwifery at ACU's Blacktown Campus

23 November

Join ACU free Discover Nursing and Midwifery activities. These sessions will give you an insight into life as an ACU student. Learn how nurses and midwives work at the forefront of patient care and experience how nurses save lives by taking part in a real-world emergency scenario. Visit the interactive, fully functional nursing and midwifery simulation wards. Discover how students engage in highly realistic interactions with high tech manikins and actors to develop and practise interpersonal and decision-making skills which make ACU students in high demand when they graduate.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/november/discover-nursing-and-midwifery-at-blacktown-campus

Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry Live Webinar

15 November

Are you considering a career in medicine or dentistry?

If you have answered yes, then you may need to sit a compulsory entry exam known as UCAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) before you can apply to certain universities!

The National Institute of Education (NIE) is proud to present the free information seminar all about UCAT and the undergraduate pathways into medicine, dentistry, and some other health science programs. The session is PACKED with loads valuable information during which we will be covering the following topics and more. 

This forum is an excellent opportunity for teachers, students, and parents to find out about the UCAT and to have their questions answered by an expert who has been working in the field since 1999.

https://www.nie.edu.au/ucat-free/free-ucat-information-sessions

Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Communication Scholarship

Applications Close 5 Feb 2024

The Gordon Bullock Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of his contribution to promoting Bathurst and provides financial assistance to a local Communications/Journalism student. It is open for application for commencing students and is valued at $3,000.

https://www.csu.edu.au/scholarships/scholarships-grants/find-scholarship/foundation/any-year/gordon-bullock-memorial-scholarship

Charles Sturt University Elite Athlete and Performer Program

If your competition or training requirements have affected your preparation for study, you may be eligible for special consideration entry.

Our dedicated staff can support you while you study as part of the Elite Athlete/ Performer Program.

Many of our members can:

• study their course online
• get flexibility in their studies, sit exams elsewhere or get assignment extensions
• get subsidised on-campus accommodation support
• access tailored study plans and academic support
• use our gyms and sporting facilities
• get free Elite Athlete Program sporting apparel
• apply for sports travel grants.

https://athletes.csu.edu.au/elite-athlete-program

University of Canberra Bachelor of Nursing Information Session

8 November

Join to learn more about UC's nursing course, Bachelor of Nursing. In this webinar, you'll have the opportunity to hear from teaching staff and from a current student about what you can expect from the program and how it can support you on your way to a fulfilling career in nursing.

https://www.canberra.edu.au/events/Home/Event/462520

ACPE 2024 Scholarships for Sport and Dance

Scholarship students become ACPE Ambassadors of the college, its values, and generations of alumni who share this legacy of excellence in industry. Share your passion with us – your journey with ACPE starts now! Applications are now open for the 2024 ACPE Semester One commencing students scholarship program.

https://acpe.edu.au/admissions/scholarships/

Australian Training Company Apprenticeships and Traineeships

The Apprentice Employment Network and its 29 member Group Training Organisations have over 1000 apprenticeships & traineeships on offer for school leavers. They are also running numerous pre apprenticeships courses giving school leavers a kick start they need for picking up a trade.

https://www.austrg.com.au/job-seekers/job-vacancies/

The Hotel School Hayman Island - Online Information Session

22 November

The Hotel School Australia is excited to announce that they are now accepting applications for the Associate Degree of International Hotel & Tourism Management at their Hayman Island Campus for enrolment in 2024.

This unique work and study program involves students working at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort whilst they complete their qualification at the Hayman Island campus.

Join to meet the Head of Hayman Island Campus and learn more about:

• The Hayman Island Experience - living, working and studying on a 5-star resort
• Work opportunities at the Intercontinental Hayman Island
• Student experience and events on campus
• Career pathways post-graduation

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/hayman-island-online-information-session-tickets-732460307497

40 free career pathway brochures

TAFE NSW has recently published documents to help guide students who are looking for career options, new skills, and VET to support current and future employment trends. Developed in consultation with key industry partners, these brochures are perfect for students to find their pathway at TAFE NSW

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/schools/pathway-brochures

TAFE NSW 2024 Degrees Guide

Students don't need an ATAR to study a degree with TAFE NSW, but they will graduate with a qualification that could change their future. Download the 2024 Degrees Flyer and explore the range of degrees taught by industry-experienced professionals at TAFE NSW.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/documents/60140/168353/TAFE-NSW-HE-Degree-Guide.pdf

Stephen Donlan
Careers Advisor

Managing the Demands of a Busy Term

The rest and relaxation of the holidays now feel like a distant memory and as the term gets busier and more demanding you might notice you feel a bit more tired, stressed, irritable, or overwhelmed. Although these experiences and feelings can be uncomfortable, they are a completely normal part of life. We can acknowledge these feelings of discomfort and we can put things in place to help manage it.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is like a ladder of what people need to be happy and well. At the bottom are basic things like food, water, and a safe place to stay. Once those are covered, people look for friends and love. After that, they want to feel good about themselves and get respect from others. At the very top, people aim to be the best they can be and find their true purpose. It's a way to understand what drives us and how our needs change as we grow and improve our lives.

As we feel more tired, stressed or irritable we need to ensure the bottom rung of our needs is being met. We might like to place emphasis on rest (e.g., creating a consistent sleep schedule), designing an achievable study plan (e.g., setting realistic time aside for homework/assignments), prioritising time to move our bodies in a way that feels good to us (e.g., beach walk, stretching, taking our dogs to the dog park), eating nutritionally-dense foods, filling up our water bottles, and perhaps most importantly, connecting with our loved ones (e.g., having dinner together around the table each night).

Is there something you can tweak this week to achieve one of your basic needs or those around you?

Celise de Carvalho

Counsellor