Term 1 - Week 6

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Third Sunday of Lent

This Sunday’s Gospel reading depicts one of the most beautiful exchanges between Jesus and a woman. This Biblical scene of Jesus and the Woman of Samaria is captured beautifully in The Chosen series which you can view here and the Gospel reflection below can be found in, Go Make Disciples Lenten Companion, Spirit and Truth.

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of Bethany,

Thank you for spreading the news or attending our Open Evening last week. We were graced with fine weather and crowds of people mostly with daughters in Year 5, seeking enrolment for Year 7, 2025. Overwhelmingly the feedback that we received was of the happy atmosphere across the College and the outstanding way in which each student who volunteered of her time represented our College as a role model. From the tour guides to the girls who helped in each display and those who provided hospitality, a huge thank you. Applications for Year 7, 2025 are due on March 31. This date is for all applications including siblings so please get your enrolment form in if you currently have a daughter in Year 5.

Whilst I was immensely proud, watching our students at Open Evening and hearing them articulate what our College has to offer, I reflected on the opportunities given to our girls so far this term. We have many clubs operating during break times including the Film Club which is run by Year 11 students and each fortnight, a film is discussed which has been previously advertised and watched by the club. These films are all approved by Mrs Chisari and rated for all age groups accordingly. Mr Dowling is running Bridge Club, teaching members how to play Bridge and there is also a Theatre Club newly formed that is occurring. 

Yesterday I had the privilege of watching as so many girls nervously took the risk to audition for our musical Frozen Junior. We have had a number of  girls use our beautifully decorated and ever changing Library space taking advantage of the after school tutors available for homework help. Also taking a risk were our Public Speakers last week, our volunteers for St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol and those attending our Youth Mass. These activities are aside from the many sports currently on offer. The purpose of focusing on this is to highlight to students that there is a great deal on offer in our College and we are only at the halfway point of Term 1. When I read about positive mental health for girls and strategies for improving this, quite a lot is written about school involvement and teenage girls craving a sense of belonging. Please encourage your daughter to try something new and be part of the fuller life of the College.

Open Day 2023

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Robyn Rodwell

College Principal

From the Assistant Principal

The last two weeks have seen the College hold significant events that help to showcase our school and build a sense of community. 

Open Day was a great success and it would not have been possible without the support of our students and staff. Both were generous with their time, creativity and energy. There were close to 300 student volunteers, all who were willing to show why they are proud to be a Bethany girl. Our students are our best advocates and I would like to thank them and the staff for the way they put themselves forward to support this important afternoon. 

We also held our College Swimming Carnival for the first time in two years. The weather was great and our girls in attendance had a fun day, whether they competed in races or novelty events. Our College student leadership team, in particular our House Captains, did a wonderful job of promoting the theme and creating a sense of community spirit throughout the day. 

This week we had a whole school assembly and it was a celebration of student achievement and talent across a number of domains. The College was recognised by Sydney Catholic Schools for the most money raised at the end of 2022 for the Catholic Education Foundation across all secondary schools in the diocese. We celebrated our public speakers and in particular, those who made it through to the next round. There was a wrap up of our swimming carnival, held last Tuesday, with recognition given to our Age Champions. Awards were given to the talented artists for their poster designs promoting Internet Safety. Two Gold Awards were presented and we had the Year 11 music class perform. 

Research confirms for us the value and importance of school connectedness, the belief that those in the community care about students and know them both as a learner and as an individual. When students experience a strong sense of belonging they are far more likely to make good choices, engage in healthy behaviours and succeed academically. One of the best ways that students can experience this connection is through participation in the range of extra-curricular activities on offer at the College. I encourage every girl to look for opportunities to be engaged in our community beyond the classroom. Find something you love or something you are good at and give it a go. The chance to learn a skill and to connect with other girls across year groups is a great way to increase resilience and promote a sense of positive wellbeing.

Please encourage your daughter to keep a lookout for ways to be involved in school. We have a number of activities that appeal to a range of different interests and passions. And if they think something is missing, encourage them to speak with their Student Representative Council (SRC) member about starting something new. At Bethany you can be part of:   Choir, Representative Sport, Film Club, Bridge Club, Debating and Public Speaking, Band, Youth Mass and Media Team

Try it! You just never know what you’ll enjoy. 

Important Dates

Kristina Flanagan
Assistant Principal

What's Happening in Religious Education

Vinnies Van Services

On any given night there are approximately 116,427 Australians who are experiencing homelessness, an increase of 14% since the 2011 Census.- ABS

Last Friday, Bethany was privileged to participate in Vinnies Van Services, Night Patrol. During the school day, staff and students volunteered their time to make an assortment of fresh, nutritious sandwiches which were distributed by Ms Rodwell, Mrs Nashed and four senior students to the vulnerable communities around Eastlakes, in the evening. The clients whom we serve are very grateful for the food that is offered but are even more delighted to engage in friendly conversation. Bethany has been rostered for this initiative on one Friday per month and I encourage all students who are 16 years or older to become involved. Please email Ms Jones if you would like to participate.

Archbishop’s Student Leadership Forum

On Tuesday 7th March, Maanasa, our College Vice Captain and I were very fortunate to attend the Archbishop of Sydney’s Student Leadership Forum at St. Mary's Cathedral House. This event was facilitated by His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, where student leaders from other Sydney Catholic Schools came together in fellowship and deep discussion about various topics under the theme, "Leadership without Virtue is Nothing!" It was a great opportunity to pose our questions directly to His Grace as we shared a delicious meal. It was also lovely to meet other student leaders and discuss topics such as  leadership, vocation, faith and how to get more students involved within the Catholic school community. At the end of the session, Archbishop Fisher encouraged us all to continue to nurture our leadership skills beyond school to strengthen our faith and spread the love of God to future generations. We were honoured to have attended the Forum and felt very privileged to have been in the presence of his Grace. 

Marianne Sarmiento, Religious Education & Mission Captain

Project Compassion 

Our fundraising efforts continue! Thus far we have raised $1,566.35 and we look forward to the ongoing initiatives each Year Group is organising to make a difference for All Future Generations.

St. Michael’s Church

Latest Bulletin- 5 March 2023

Sara Camporeale
Leader of Religious Education and Mission

Teaching and Learning News

Assessment Policy - Travel Procedures

A reminder to all families that the Bethany College Assessment Policy states that all travel leave must be approved by the Principal, regardless of the length of time. Families intending to travel in 2023 must apply for leave by submitting a request in writing to Ms Rodwell. Below are the travel approval requirements.

For leave that is less than 10 days and includes missed Assessment Task/s

• Request for leave must be submitted in writing to the Principal, Ms Rodwell
• A decision is made by the Principal and families are alerted by letter.
• If leave is approved then students must meet with the Leader of Curriculum, Mr Kipriotis to make arrangements for missed tasks. This may include early submission, extension or estimate.

For leave that is more than 10 days

• Requests for leave must be submitted in writing to the Principal, Ms Rodwell. This must be accompanied by the SCS ‘Application for Extended Leave Form’ (located at Student Services)
• A decision is made by the Principal and families are alerted by letter.
• If leave is approved then students must meet with the Leader of Curriculum, Mr Kipriotis to make arrangements for missed tasks. This may include early submission, extension or estimate.

For leave that is less than 10 days and does not include any missed Assessment Tasks/s

• Parents are to log absence on Compass as per normal

As per the Assessment Policy, students who are absent from a task without approved leave may receive a zero.

Atomi Usage

It is extremely pleasing to see the usage of Atomi by students in all year groups. The Atomi videos provided an effective resource for students to clarify their understanding or move ahead with their learning. The quizzes are also useful when revising for a task. The students below were the 5 biggest users of Atomi in the past fortnight.

Congratulations to 9 History M who had the highest usage this past fortnight. Keep up the great work girls

NAPLAN

A final reminder to all families with daughters in year 7 and year 9, that NAPLAN will take place in week 6 and week 7. 

Students will be using their own laptop to complete the test and will need to have installed the NAPLAN lockdown browser. Students are to ensure their laptop is fully charged and in working order on the day. They will also require plug in headphones for the testing, no wireless headphones can be used. 

Dorian Kipriotis  -  Leader of Curriculum               

Sarah Rowland - Leader of Data and Growth                 

From the Leader of Wellbeing

Parent support

The Butterfly foundation has been set up to provide support services, treatment and resources for the needs of those with body image issues, including eating disorders. The information below details a parent and carer webinar running on March 21st with the overriding theme of the importance of a positive body image. 

Attendance Matters

Congratulations to Year 7 who have had the biggest increase in attendance from Weeks 3 to 5!

The above table numbers are averages and so can paint only a whole school picture of attendance at Bethany, however it’s pleasing to see that the attendance averages are generally a little higher for the first five weeks of school compared to the first three. The rows coloured green are 90% or higher which is considered at least reasonably satisfactory, however a 90% attendance rate for an individual student equates to one day absent per fortnight, which is certainly not desirable. Students need to be at school each and every day to maximise their learning, build routines and resilience, and develop positive relationships with friends and teachers. There is an abundance of research and observation to support this.

“Safer Internet Day” poster competition

In Weeks 3 and 4, a poster competition was run at Bethany. Students were asked to design either a hard or soft copy poster aimed at educating adolescents about wise use of technology - whether that was focussed on the internet, mobile phones or social media. The winning posters outlined the various risks and dangers of internet use, in addition to presenting excellent strategies for ways to remain safe whilst using technology - and were aesthetically pleasing.

Year 12 Events and Media prefect Constance Kartambis selected the winning entries, all of whom received a $20 Canteen voucher in addition to 10 points for their House.

Congratulations to:

Wellbeing Wisdom: Physical exercise boosts brain power by generating more oxygen for the brain, improves mental health, elevates our general sense of wellbeing by kickstarting endorphins, and allows us to sustain concentration and improve memory.

Charlotte Buxton
Leader of Wellbeing

Uniform Shop Update

Year 11 VET Entertainment White Card Training

Congratulations to the Year 11 VET Entertainment class who all successfully completed their White Card Training on Friday, 24th February.

The training course is a mandatory component of their VET subject as they work towards a Certificate III in Live Production and Services. The White Card ensures that they understand the rules and regulations of Work, Health and Safety and can apply this knowledge when working in the industry during work placement.

Clare Moroney
Performing Arts Coordinator

2023 CSDA Public Speaking Competition

Round 1 of the 2023 CSDA Public Speaking Competition was held last Friday at Marist Kogarah. We are immensely proud of every public speaker who represented the College and competed in the initial round.

Four of our public speakers - Harper Bollard (Year 10), Catherine Smith (Year 10), Alesha Campbell (Year 8) and Danielle Hanna (Year 7) have successfully reached the Zone Finals to be held this coming Friday, 10th of March, at St Patrick’s College Strathfield. Congratulations to our public speakers! We wish you all the best of luck in the competition.

Shirley Woo
Debating and Public Speaking Facilitator

Sport Update

College Swimming Carnival

Last week on Tuesday 28th February we held the Annual College Swimming Carnival at Botany Aquatic Centre.

It was great to see everyone involved in the events and getting into the school spirit of the day, including the creative dress ups across the decades. I would like to thank all staff and student helpers on the day, without your help the day would not have been as successful as it was! Particularly Mrs Barrass, Mrs Oliver, Ms Summons and Ms Feeney for your organisation behind the scenes.

Congratulations to Tameeka Johnson who broke records in the 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle and Jessica Ryan who broke the record for 50m breaststroke.

17 years Age Champions

SCS Representative Sport Update

After Round four, our teams are sitting in the current placings:

Touch Football

Junior  - 2nd 

Intermediate - 2nd

Senior - Equal 6th

Basketball

Junior  - Equal 3rd

Intermediate  - 5th

Senior  - Equal 2nd

Results from Round 5 against St Patrick’s College are as follows:

Touch Football

Junior: Won 10-1

Intermediate: Won 8-1

Senior: Won 13-4

Basketball

Junior: Defeated 68-14

Intermediate: Defeated 34-23

Senior: Defeated 41-30

Congratulations to the following players who have received Player’s Player Medal over the past two rounds.

NSWCCC Touch Football

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected in the Sydney Catholic Schools Representative Touch Football Team that will compete at the NSWCCC Touch Football Trials in Wagga Wagga over the 3rd and 4th of April.

Rachel Bevan

Sport Coordinator

Careers News

Everything you need to know about the ATAR in 2 minutes

Here’s a quick and simple ATAR explainer without all the jargon.

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 (e.g. a personal statement, a questionnaire, a portfolio of work, an audition, an interview or a test).

The average ATAR is usually around 70.00.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NNx5NVFPQk&t=1s

UTS - Rounds 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 1 Closing Date - Friday 19 May 2023 by 11.59pm

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 360 Virtual Tour

Sit back and explore the University of Technology Sydney from the comfort of your home. 

https://tour.uts.edu.au

Western Sydney University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program May Assessment Round

17 and 18 May

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program is an alternative entry pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Pathway Program will be delivered virtually with required assessments and an interview component completed online.

 Applications are accepted throughout the year with assessment days scheduled in August (2024 commencement) and November (2024 commencement).

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/application-pathways/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-pathway-program

Western Sydney University Resources for Senior High School Students

Students in their senior years can find a wealth of resources and information, including free HSC study sessions, on the Western Year 12 Student Info Hub. Made for senior high school students, this hub contains all the information you need to get started on your journey to university. Program information, upcoming events, how uni works – it’s all here in one convenient place. We’ve got you covered.

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/info-for-year-12-students

Upcoming Western Sydney Webinars

Join Western Sydney online for one (or more!) of the upcoming Discover Western Webinars to find your perfect study fit and get the answers you need on how to apply. Western will take you through a selection of our courses grouped by areas of study, and what career paths these might lead to.

Discover Western - Law: 

Tuesday 14 March 2023 | 5pm

Discover Western - Psychology:

Wednesday 15 March 2023 | 5pm

Discover Western - Business & Accounting:

Thursday 16 March 2023 | 5pm

Discover Western - Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Podiatry, Paramedicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine:

Monday 20 March 2023 | 5pm

Discover Western - Science and Medical Science:

Tuesday 21 March 2023 | 5pm

Discover Western - Social Science & Social Work:

Wednesday 22 March 2023 | 5pm

Discover Western - Health Science, Sport Development, Health and Physical Education:

Monday 27 March 2023 | 5pm

Discover Western - Teaching & Education:

Tuesday 28 March 2023 | 5pm

Discover Western - Languages, International Studies, Tourism & Event Management:

Wednesday 29 March 2023 | 5pm

Discover Western - Architecture, Construction Management & Built Environment:

Tuesday 4 April 2023 | 5pm

Discover Western - Design:

Wednesday 5 April 2023 | 5pm

Discover Western: Medicine:

Wednesday 26 April 2023 | 5pm

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/student-life/events/western-webinars

University of Wollongong Online Year 10 subject selection and information evening

29 March - 6pm

Get information and advice that is specifically for parents/carers and Year 10 students! Selecting subjects to study in Year 11 & 12, for some, can be an overwhelming decision. 

UOW will talk about what things to consider when selecting subjects, how to apply for uni, scholarships and give you an insight into what student life at UOW is all about. 

Live Q&A will run throughout the session, come along with your questions.

https://uow_srd.swoogo.com/infoevenings2023

Sydney College of the Arts Tours

Interested in a guided tour of the Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) studio facilities, workshops and labs? SCA are taking bookings for the last Thursday of each month starting at 4 pm.

mailto:sca.enquiries@sydney.edu.au

University of Sydney Webinar - Life of a Marine Scientist

5 April

 Join this session to find out what an average day of work might be like in the field of marine and climate science, and learn about how you can work in this field.

https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aqYgbYZ8RZe2PpbKmWiYjw

Reminder - University of Sydney - Bachelor of Commerce: Internships, Study Tours and other Work-ready Learning Experiences

15 March

Discover how the Bachelor of Commerce will prepare you for the future of work. Find out how you will gain an edge with guaranteed, work-ready learning experiences integrated throughout your degree. From internships and global mobility opportunities to consulting projects and cultural immersion programs, discover how you can choose your own unique path to achieve your personal career goals. 

You will also learn about the many ways you can combine your interests with a range of dynamic business majors as well as over 100 study areas from the shared pool of majors/minors.

https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__bK7U7_sRVCkRxjqcrvo4g

Studying Chinese at Sydney: Options, benefits and opportunities

5 April

This webinar is for students considering Chinese Studies at university, from beginners to native speakers.

Register

https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uKWEWgNySqmoJmZqyVI0ow

 ANU Tuckwell Scholarship – Applications now Open

Apply Before 12 April

One of the most prestigious scholarships in Australia. The program has a focus on giving back to Australia and is the only one of its kind that nurtures Scholars to fulfil their broader community ambitions over and above the pursuit of an undergraduate degree.

Each year ANU award 25 Scholarships and offer talented and motivated students the opportunity to realise their potential by providing financial support, personal enrichment and development opportunities.

https://tuckwell.anu.edu.au/apply

ACU’s new Bachelor of Arts / Masters of Teaching (Secondary) course

An initial teacher education course, this new double degree is fast-tracked so students will be able to graduate with an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate teaching qualification in just four years.

https://www.acu.edu.au/course/bachelor-of-artsmaster-of-teaching-secondary?type=Domestic&campus=Strathfield

CSU Medicine Information Night

29 March

Join the CSU for the online medicine information night and discover everything you need to know about the five-year undergraduate entry degree – the Doctor of Medicine. 

Based at the Orange campus in regional NSW for two years followed by three years of rural and regional placements, the Joint Program in Medicine is offered by Charles Sturt in partnership with Western Sydney University.

https://cvent.csu.edu.au/event/580ba471-d7bc-4095-aa56-1269fe26a324

Timeline for Medical Entry 2023

Getting into medicine is a complex process. It’s not just about your academic performance, you also need to succeed in UCAT and interviews. There are many important deadlines that you must not miss if you are to enter your dream course. This blog outlines the key dates and tasks so you can ensure you keep on track!

https://www.medentry.edu.au/blog/timeline-for-medical-entry

UCAT Bookings for 2023 Now Open

Bookings Close 17 May

Registrations to sit UCAT 2023 are now open! The 2023 UCAT ANZ must be sat between 3 July and 11 August 2023.

https://www.ucat.edu.au/register/booking-your-test/

UCAT Timeline 2023

1 March - BOOKING OPENS via ucat.edu.au

10 May - Concession application deadline

17 May - Access Arrangements application deadline

17 May - BOOKING DEADLINE

31 May - Late booking deadline

5 June - FINAL late booking deadline

10 June - Cancellation deadline

3 July - Testing begins

11 August - Last testing date

Results delivered to universities by early September 2023

UniMelb 101: A webinar for NSW and ACT students

5 April 

If you're from New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory, this is your chance to learn what life is like at UniMelb and how to navigate the move from interstate.

https://study.unimelb.edu.au/student-life/events/unimelb-101-a-webinar-for-nsw-students

Qantas Group Pilot Academy

Applications close 26 March

Estimates suggest that 790,000 more pilots will be required globally over the next 20 years with around one third of them in the Asia Pacific region.

To help meet the increasing need for skilled aviators in one of the fastest growing global industries Qantas has launched the Qantas Group Pilot Academy. The Academy is part of Qantas’s plans to build a long-term talent pipeline not just for Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar, but for the industry more broadly.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/about-us/our-company/pilot-academy.html#course-information

NSW Police Force – Recruiting Eligibility Quiz and Certificates You Need

Take the quiz to see if you may be eligible to commence an application to the NSW Police Force.

‘Aquatic Rescue Sequence’ certification:

Applicants are required to provide certification of successful completion of the Aquatic Rescue Sequence.

First Aid certification:

Applicants are required to supply certification of completion of an approved ‘Apply First Aid’ course with at least 12 months currency remaining on certification.

Typing certificate:

Applicants are required to supply a recognized certificate of typing proficiency equivalent or greater than 25 words per minute at 98 percent accuracy.

https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/application_process/eligibility_quiz

180,000 Fee-Free TAFE places are now available

Get excited! You could score one of these spots and skill up for the jobs of the future

Just when you thought VET couldn’t get any more amazing, it was announced that 180,000 Fee-Free TAFE places are up for grabs across Australia in 2023.

Stephen Donlan

Careers Advisor

Australian Government 2023 Student Residential Address and Other Information Collection

School Photos 2023

Photography Date:22/03/2023 - Years 8, 10 and 11

Dear Parents,

School photography day is coming up. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below or by returning the order envelope with your payment to our photographer on school photo day.

NEW
advancedlife now offers Latitude Pay! To take advantage of LatitudePay and split the cost of your order into 10 small easy payments, simply order your school photos online as usual, set up a Latitude Pay account in just a few clicks and pay no interest or fees when you pay according to your payment schedule; it’s that easy.

3 easy ways to purchase:

1. LatitudePay – Click on the link below, set up an account during the online order process and split your payments across 10 weeks with no interest or fees, if you pay on time
2. Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
3. Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day

And enter online order code: HZC FK4 YXH

School photography information:

• Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school
• Sibling Photos - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school. Please note not all schools offer sibling photos
• Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
• Package delivery - School photographs will be returned approximately 6 weeks after the day of photography. Please note this delivery timeframe is dependent on proofing and additional photography days at your school.
• Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the 'previous years or group photo' tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the 'Order School Photos Here' button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past.