Term 4 - Week 8

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of Bethany,

Sunday begins the liturgical season of Advent, a time of preparation towards the coming of Christ our Saviour. As we begin the season of Advent, I often reflect on how we can get lost in preparation but for a different purpose. At a school level, preparations are being worked on for reports, end of year celebrations, holiday planning and for many families, it can be about gift buying, Christmas lunch organisation and end of year functions. Media has told us that we have moved from Black Friday to Cyber Monday sales and now Christmas shopping and deals. All of this has its place however as a Catholic Community, let us not lose sight of preparing for the birth of Christ. As the first Advent candle is lit this Sunday, it is lit to signify hope. I am guided by hope and it is a quality dear to me. Hope to me symbolises resilience, positivity and the idea that if I feel down, things will turn around. Hope helps us to focus on goals, relationships and what is really dear to each of us. Jesus is the ultimate role model of hope. In the coming weeks, my hope for our community is that we find time to reflect on the real message of Christmas and if need be, recalibrate so that we strive for continual improvement in all of our relationships.

In the final week of the year parent teacher interviews will be held. Sometimes I hear students say what is the point of these interviews when I already have my report or I am changing subjects or teachers next year. We have parent teacher interviews for feedback. Feedback at its best should take the form of students reflecting on their achievements and improvements and teachers too which hopefully are in tune with what the students already thinks of themself. These interviews offer advice on skills which are transferable across all aspects of learning and they are often affirming. Please take the time to discuss with your daughter what she thinks are her strengths and challenges in learning and see if this is also mentioned by teachers.

Over the Summer holidays, the roof of our Penola and MacKillop buildings will be replaced due to damage from rain. Our apologies for this but it is the reason why we needed to convert an extra day of parent teacher interviews to Zoom. The builders need as much time as possible so that we can return In January with the project finished weather permitting.

Our next newsletter will be published on December 15. In this edition, we will highlight the HSC results which will be released on December 14. Please keep Year 12 in your prayers as they eagerly await their results and for many, their university placement offers and ATARs.

Semester 2 Principal Awards

Congratulations to the following students on receiving a Principal Award for Semester 2.

Year 9

Year 10

Robyn Rodwell

College Principal

From the Assistant Principal

As the end of the year draws to a close, I wanted to write to you to outline our plan for the final weeks of the school year. 

Normal timetabled classes will run for most students next week (December 4th-December 11th). Year 10 will finish their usual lessons on Tuesday December 5th and move into an alternative program for the remainder of the school year. On Monday December 11th, there will be a rehearsal for students involved in the Awards Assembly. Students will be asked to ensure their lockers are emptied by the end of the day. 

Our Awards Assembly is being held on Tuesday December 12th. The day will begin with mass to close the school year. Students will then have a break for recess before we begin our Awards Assembly. Assembly will begin at 11.15 and parents / carers who are attending, are asked to be seated by 11.00am. Assembly is planned to finish by 1.15pm at which time students will be dismissed from school. 

Buses have been arranged to transport those students who usually catch the bus from Forest Rd to Rockdale and from Croydon Rd to Hurstville. A bus to Ramsgate (947) has also been arranged. This will pick students up from Croydon Rd instead of Lily St. 

Parent / Student / Teacher interviews are being held on Wednesday December 13th from 8am-4pm (via Zoom), Thursday December 14th from 8am-4pm (Face to Face) and on Friday December 15th (via Zoom). A letter has been sent to parents outlining the details for these interviews and how to book an interview with your daughter’s teachers online. These interviews will bring 2023 to a close for the Bethany students. Monday December 18th and Tuesday December 19th are pupil free days. 

Detailed communication about the start of the 2024 school year will be sent in January. For your forward planning, our new students, including our Year 7 cohort, will start with us on Thursday 1st February. If your daughter is in Year 10 and part of the Big Sister Program, she will be asked to also attend school on this day.

Students in Years 8-12 will return in staggered times on Friday 2nd February. Students in Years 10 and 12 will be onsite from 8.45am-12.30pm. Students in Years 8, 9 and 11 will be onsite from 11.00am-3.00pm. Year 7 students are in attendance all day. This day will be focused on getting organised for the start of the school year. Classes will start on Monday 5th February.  Again, buses have been arranged for students who are departing at 12.30pm and for those leaving at 3.00pm. 

Kristina Flanagan
Assistant Principal

Religious Education Update

Advent

Advent holds significant meaning for Christians, as it marks the beginning of the liturgical year and is a period of preparation and anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. The word "Advent" is derived from the Latin word "adventus," meaning "coming" or "arrival." Here are some key aspects of the significance of Advent for Christians, including young people:

1. Anticipation and Hope: Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation. Christians reflect on the anticipation of the coming of the Messiah, not only in historical terms but also in anticipation of Christ's second coming. The lighting of Advent candles, one for each week, symbolises the increasing light of Christ coming into the world.
2. Spiritual Preparation: Advent encourages believers to prepare their hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus' birth. This preparation involves self-reflection, repentance, and a focus on spiritual growth. It's a time for Christians to reevaluate their lives and draw closer to God
   
3. Symbolism of Advent Wreath: The Advent wreath, with its four candles (three purple or blue and one pink, with a white Christ candle at the center), is a significant symbol. Each candle represents different themes—hope, peace, joy, and love—and is lit on successive Sundays. The Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, symbolising the arrival of the Light of the World.
   
4. Storytelling and Scripture Reading: Many Christian families and communities engage in the practice of reading Advent-related scriptures and stories. The narratives often include the prophecies foretelling the birth of Jesus, such as those found in the books of Isaiah and Micah.
   
5. Advent Calendars and Devotions: Advent calendars, whether physical or digital, are popular among young people and families. These calendars often contain small treats or activities for each day leading up to Christmas, reinforcing the sense of anticipation. Advent devotions, including prayers and reflections, are also common during this time.
   
6. Community and Worship: Churches often organise special Advent services, events, or programs that involve the community. These gatherings provide opportunities for fellowship, worship, and communal reflection on the significance of Christ's coming.
   
7. Emphasis on Generosity and Kindness: Advent encourages acts of generosity and kindness, reflecting the love of Christ. Many Christians take this time to engage in charitable activities, giving to those in need as a way of embodying the spirit of Christmas.

For young people, Advent can be a time of discovery and learning about the Christian faith, its traditions, and the deeper meaning behind the holiday season. It offers an opportunity for families and communities to come together, fostering a sense of connection and shared faith. Additionally, the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love resonate with the universal human experience and can be particularly relevant and meaningful for people of all ages.

This year’s Advent Companion, Rejoice, from the Archdiocese of Sydney can be found here.

I hope this special season of Advent is a fruitful personal and communal experience for all members of the Bethany community.

St Michael’s Church Christmas Mass Times:

For more Mass times around the Archdiocese, please use this link.

Archbishop’s Student Leaders’ Forum

In a transformative experience, the Year 12 leaders attended the Archbishop’s Leadership Forum on Friday, 24 November. They had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a powerful exploration of joy as a guiding force in their roles as leaders and missionaries of Christ. The forum, hosted by Sydney Catholic Schools and led by Archbishop Anthony Fisher, emphasised the profound impact of spreading joy as a form of leadership. The students worked closely with the leaders of St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, where they spoke deeply about the issues facing school communities in the contemporary world and how they can embody the mission to be missionaries of joy in their schools and beyond. The girls also had the opportunity to ask the Archbishop a question, where they spoke passionately about the resistance to evangelisation in an increasingly secular world. The day ended with a blessing in St Mary’s Cathedral from Archbishop Fisher, where College Captain Hannah Cabot was presented with a candle reminding our College community of the importance of being the light of Christ in our world.

- Perrin Jones, Youth Ministry Coordinator

Sara Camporeale

Leader of Religious Education and Mission

Teaching and Learning News

Newman Symposium

The Newman Showcase is an opportunity for students and their families to celebrate their learning throughout the year. The Showcase will be held on Tuesday the 5th of December and begins at 4:30 pm.

Students have designed a variety of masterclasses and will act as experts as they teach the skills and concepts from a range of different subjects. We look forward to seeing you on the night and becoming the students as we learn and celebrate the works from our Newman students. 

Assessment Calendar Dates

2024 Assessment Calendars will be made available to students in the first week back next term. These will specify the dates for all tasks throughout the year. Families are reminded that leave within the school term should be avoided where possible. Students who will be absent during the school year due to travel must apply in advance.

Parent Teacher Student Interviews

Semester 2 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Week 10. All bookings are to be made using the Compass portal and open on Wednesday 6th of December at 3pm.

Interviews will be held via zoom on Wednesday and Friday, and face to face on Thursday. 

To access the booking system on Compass, select the 'Book Parent Student Teacher Conference’ link. This will direct you to the Conferences page. Select the green 'My Bookings' tab next to the 'Year 7 to 11 Semester 2 PST Interviews 2023' cycle. From here you can choose the teacher on the right and then the time that suits best.

Study Skills Tip of the Week

Dorian Kipriotis                                                                             Sarah Rowland

Leader of Curriculum                                                                   Leader of Data and Growth

Languages News

Tiramisù alla Year 10

Mrs Criniti’s 100 hour elective Italian class completed their last unit “buon appetito” by making a simplified version of the famous and yummy Italian dessert tiramisù. Yallunga kitchen turned into cucina Yallunga and the students turned into chef italiane (Italian chefs)! The students really enjoyed making their tiramisù and they enjoyed eating it even more. 

Polyglots - The Christmas Edition

Further details to come via Compass regarding details of future Polyglots sessions. Hope to see you there.

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” – Nelson Mandela

Enza Criniti

Italian Teacher

Library News

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Mrs Sultana and I have been very busy preparing our beautiful library for Christmas. Our Book Club members have been busy preparing mini book ornaments and adding them to the tree. Check out the photos below to see how the library has transformed!

‘Guess the Book’ Advent Calendar Challenge

Many thanks to the efforts of our Junior Book Club members, Ava Barritt (Year 8) and Liliana Guidotto (Year 7) for leading this fun and exciting initiative. Over Weeks 8 and 9, a popular book in our Library Advent Calendar will be unwrapped each day. In order to guess the book, students need to find our hidden Bethany elves who will hold a clue. The girls have until lunchtime each day to find the elves, read the clue and guess the title of the book that is wrapped up. The first three correct entries that are drawn win a prize! Good luck to all!

HOLIDAY READING - Summer Reading Challenge

The school holidays provide a great opportunity for your children to take a break from their screens and reconnect with literature. Reading helps to improve our ability to focus, communicate and develop empathy for others as we take a journey with the main characters into new worlds.

Bethany students are encouraged to participate in our ‘Summer Reading Challenge’ which is on until Friday of Week 9. Anyone who borrows for the holidays goes into our raffle to win a $20 QBD book voucher. The winner will be announced on Friday of Week 10 - just in time for the holidays! Good luck to everyone!

Our library management system, Oliver, is available 24/7 via Compass (under School Favourites - see the Star Icon). Students are able to easily search for an appropriate text based on topic interest, genre, title/author and preview a summary to ascertain if the text is a good fit for them. They may also come to the Library Circulation Desk for assistance and the staff will be more than happy to recommend some popular titles. SORA, also on Oliver,  provides ebooks and audiobooks if this is the preferred format for your child. Students are encouraged to visit the library if they need help accessing it.

Senior students may wish to borrow from our HSC collection, as our resources have been updated with recently released study guides.

Holiday hints for encouraging your child to read:

• What novels should my child read? goodreads.com provides an array of recommendations for popular Young Adult (YA) Fiction. 
• To find an appropriate text, visit your local library, bookshop (Big W and Kmart also have a wide selection) or search online (Booko, https://booko.com.au/, provides price comparisons for various retailers).
• If you are traveling, find a text that relates to your destination or the activities you will be doing there.
• Family Book Club - Share and read the chosen text with your child so that you can make it a point of discussion.
• Read the book, before watching the film, on a designated “Family Movie Night”.
• The most effective way to encourage your child to read is to read yourself. Find a good book as a way to relax, rather than be on your own screen.

So before the school year wraps up, please encourage your child to visit the College Library to prepare for some holiday reading.

Alison Sladen

Teacher Librarian

Year 9 Leadership Day

On Friday, 24th November there was a leadership day held for Year 9 and we learned lots of valuable things about what it means to be a good leader and what it means to be a good ‘Big Sister’.  There were many different activities that we did like creating an animal out of different shapes, having group discussions about qualities of a leader and even having to create a sculpture out of people. These activities had the common themes of collaboration and leadership. By learning these qualities we are able to grow as people because being a good leader will help in school and in the workplace. They helped us to learn what it means to be a good big sister so that we can make the Year 7 girls for 2024 feel like they can trust us and we can make them feel like they are welcome at Bethany. 

Gisele Corbo Year 9 

Visual Arts News

Congratulations to Leilani Vittorio of the Year 12 Class of 2023! Leilani's major work has been selected into the Art Express Exhibition which will be held in 2024. Her artwork titled 'Nonno' is a touching tribute to her grandfather, below is Leilani's artist statement to uncover more behind the meaning of her incredible artwork. You will be able to see Leilani's artwork on display at the Hazelhurst Art Centre from the 11th February to 10th April and at the Ngununggula, Southern Highlands Regional Gallery from the 18th May to 30th June.

Year 7 Monochromatic Celebrity Paintings

This term, Year 7 Art students worked diligently on creating celebrity monochromatic paintings. Students applied their understanding of tone and developed technical skills in painting to create impressive portraits of celebrities from pop culture. Well done to all the Year 7 artists!

Year 8 Self-Portrait Drawings

This term Year 8 Visual Arts students created a self-portrait drawing using graphite pencils. Students displayed attention to detail and perseverance in this task to create incredible portraits that showcase their technical ability and talent. Congratulations Year 8 Art students!

Freya Wooby

Art Teacher

Sport Update

Senior Volleyball played their semi final today against St Ursula’s. They lost two sets to one. The third deciding set 18-16. Such a close and skilful game. We are very proud of their efforts this term. 

Player of the match was Jocelyn. 

Intermediate girls won Oztag final vs St Patrick's 8-1.

Seniors lost final 4-0

Juniors lost Semi final 6-0.

Beth Oliver

Teacher

Being a good friend to ourselves

Taking care of yourself is always important but particularly so when life gets busy and there is a lot of change. With all the unknowns and uncertainty we may feel stressed and worried. This feels like threat and danger to our mind and it is important to soothe this so we don’t become overwhelmed with anxiety, anger and/or sadness.  While others’ kindness can calm our system, so can self-compassion.

Dr. Kristin Neff is the psychologist that has been credited with empirically validating self-compassion. She describes self-compassion as “a practice in which we learn to be a good friend to ourselves when we need it most-to become an inner ally rather than an inner enemy (Neff, 2018).” 

The following statements will give you an idea of how self-compassionate you are. The more statements you agree with the more self-critical you are, indicating you may benefit from practising more self-compassion. This can be done by: 

• being mindful- stay in the present moment
• being kind- be supportive and encouraging of yourself
• acceptance of humanity- we are all flawed and a work in progress

I find it hard to be kind to myself

If something goes wrong I automatically blame myself

I don’t deserve to do nice things for myself

I am very critical of myself when things don’t go well

When I am having a hard time, I wouldn’t even think to look after myself like I would a friend

I focus a lot on my flaws and faults and can’t let them go

If I make a mistake I give myself a really hard time

When I am struggling I don’t treat myself with much care

I can’t accept mistakes I’ve made or things I haven't done well

I think over and over about things I don’t like about myself

I am not very gentle with myself when I am suffering emotionally

If I make a mistake I feel like I should be punished

I feel like I am the only one who struggles or fails with things

Dr. Neff created the Self-Compassion Scale for researchers: https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ShortSCS.pdf

Celise De Carvalho

College Counsellor

Uniform Shop: January-February 2024

Careers News

UAC Digital / Let's Chat - Preferences and offers

6 December

Tune in for an overview of preferences and offers, including:

• an explanation of course preferences, adjustment factors, and selection ranks
• upcoming key dates
• when to expect an offer
• what to do if you receive an offer
• things to remember to best manage your application.

https://uacdigital.easywebinar.live/rego-preferences-and-offers-2023

Videos on Nearly Every Topic for Uni - UAC

UAC hosts a series of short videos about applying to uni through UAC: from the application basics to the ins and outs of early offers, changing course preferences and what students can do if they've been disadvantaged during their final years of school.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1s0OQdLq16Ee3mwajbhfhA/videos

University of Sydney Info Day

15 December

Start your journey to Sydney. Get personalised course advice before finalising your UAC preferences, along with information sessions and campus tours. This is your chance to experience Sydney. Register now to plan your schedule and get the most out of Info Day.

https://infoday.sydney.edu.au

The University of Sydney course calculator

Use the 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

The Webster Scholarship in Veterinary Science

Closes 14 December

A scholarship to support Vet students to live at St Paul’s college

The scholarship supports students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and experiencing financial hardship with the cost of accommodation through a residential scholarship at St Paul’s College.

https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/d/the-webster-scholarship-in-veterinary-science.html

University of Sydney - Understanding how preferences and offers work

15 December

Don’t miss this opportunity to join USyd for a session on UAC preferences and offers for 2024 before preferences close at 11.59pm on Friday 15 December 2023. The information provided will assist you to confidently navigate the UAC offer round process, engage with offers received, and use the UAC system to your best advantage. You will also be given  some top tips to help you get ready for what lies ahead as a first-year university student and finish off the webinar with a live Q&A with our admissions experts.

https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GZFfBHmYQWGSh5XEA1_TfQ#/registration

University of UTS Info Day

15 December, 9am - 3pm

Info Day is your chance to explore your course and pathways options. Speak 1-1 with UTS staff, attend an info session or join a campus tour to discover more about your options at UTS.

https://www.uts.edu.au/study/info-day

UTS - How to make the most of your preferences

The way you preference your courses on UAC can have a big impact on how your application is assessed and deciding on the order of your courses can be overwhelming. UTS has put together our top tips to help you master preferencing in your application.

https://www.uts.edu.au/study/undergraduate/shortcuts/school-leavers/how-make-most-your-preferences

UNSW Info Week

13-15 December

Get advice before finalising your UAC preferences

Join Info Week events to get personalised advice and all the information you need to finalise your UAC preferences. Info Week is your opportunity to learn more about your transition to uni – tour our campus, attend lectures, and chat with current students and academics to explore how your UNSW journey could look.

https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/info-week

UNSW Bridging Courses

Chemistry and Physics Bridging Courses will next be offered in Jan/Feb 2024. Mathematics Bridging course is OPEN for registration.

Bridging courses offer you the opportunity to revise or strengthen your knowledge of HSC Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics so you can successfully manage your studies in year one of university. Your lecturer or tutor will reasonably expect this assumed knowledge at the beginning of your studies. Undertaking the bridging course will ensure you’re not at a disadvantage if you do not have a strong background or any prior knowledge in one or more of these HSC subjects and intend on studying a degree that assumes knowledge of these subjects.

https://www.unsw.edu.au/science/study-with-us/undergraduate/bridging-courses

UNSW Young Women In Engineering (YoWIE)

Expression of Interest closes 15 December

UNSW’s  YoWIE Program is committed to inspiring young women currently in Years 9 - 12 to consider a future in engineering. This free three-day workshop aims to show how maths and science studies at school can help shape your future.

The YoWIE program began in 2016, and has grown in popularity as more young women join each year to experience what it’s like to be an engineer. By participating in the YoWIE program, you’ll have access to a range of hands-on activities, talks by practising female engineers, and the chance to meet other like-minded young women in a fun and supportive environment.

UNSW is excited to share their passion for engineering and encourage students currently in Years 9 - 12 to apply for our next round of YoWIE. Discover your potential and join young women from around Australia to create the next generation of leaders in engineering.

https://www.unsw.edu.au/canberra/about-us/our-schools/engineering-it/engage-with-us/young-women-engineering

Reminder - UNSW Young Women in Engineering Pathway Program

Registration Now Open!

The UNSW Young Women in Engineering Pathway Program is an alternate pathway program for high school students* in Year 11 and 12 who will be applying for an eligible engineering degree at UNSW Sydney and expecting an ATAR within the Faculty of Engineering Admissions Scheme (FEAS) eligibility** range. The one-month program runs from February to March and has capacity for 120 motivated students to participate each year. 

Gain valuable skills by participating in an engineering challenge set by one of the eight engineering schools in the UNSW Faculty of Engineering. Guided by a lead academic and UNSW Women in Engineering student ambassadors, you will work with like-minded students in small teams to tackle an engineering challenge associated with their ongoing research. 

This transformational program can not only help you gain entry to UNSW Engineering, but by completing activities and attaining badges under the three program pillars of INSPIRE, ENGAGE and EMPOWER you can automatically qualify to be interviewed for a paid UNSW Student Ambassador role upon starting an engineering degree at UNSW Sydney!

https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/study-with-us/young-wie-club/young-wie-pathway-program

Canberra - Global Studies and International Development

4 December

Join UC to learn more about the Global Studies and International Development degrees, including the Bachelor of Arts (Global Studies) and Master of International Development. 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, international career.

https://www.canberra.edu.au/events/Home/Event/462577

ACPE Early Offer

Take advantage of ACPE's Early Entry and Offer Program in 3 easy steps. 

1. Apply either direct via the website or via UAC 
2. Upload your Yr.11 Results and complete the form below. 
3. Receive an offer and accept it on either UAC or via ACPE's direct application

https://acpe.edu.au/earlyacceptapply/

AIM Audition Weeks

1 - 31 December

On campus auditions are back at AIM! If you’re applying to study at the Australian Institute of Music, you’ll need to audition or submit a portfolio to be assessed for admission. Live auditions are now held on campus every week. If you’re applying to study at the Australian Institute of Music, you’ll need to audition or submit a portfolio to be assessed for admission. Live auditions are now held on campus every week. They’re a great way to get instant feedback and check out the incredible facilities.

https://aim.edu.au/events/audition-weeks-at-aim-sydney/

NIDA Stage & Screen School - Years 7-10

15-19 January

Spend a week exploring performance for both stage and screen in this practical introduction to acting. Develop skills in improvisation, text analysis and script work then apply these skills to an on-screen performance. Present live and recorded scenes at the end of the week.

https://www.open.nida.edu.au/course/OHSSS710

NIDA Auditions and Screen Tests, Years 11-12

11-13 December

Become confident in how to present yourself to a theatre or screen director, practice auditions for theatre, film and TV. Participate in a ‘mock audition’, receive constructive feedback on your audition preparation and technique.

https://www.open.nida.edu.au/course/OHAST1112

Discover The Hotel School - Information Session

13 February

If  you are passionate about a career in hospitality, tourism and events? Dive into the possibilities of kickstarting a dynamic global career within the hospitality, hotel and tourism industry. Don't miss out - join The Hotel School on Tuesday 13 February, where you can take the first step together towards an exciting future.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discover-the-hotel-school-sydney-tickets-759349293177

Stephen Donlan

Careers Advisor