Term 4 - Week 6

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of Bethany,

This week we had the great honour of hosting Most Rev Bishop Richard Umbers as well as Fr Thomasz Lepek, our new Parish Priest from St Michael’s Hurstville to the College. Together with Mrs Flanagan and Mrs Camporeale, we discussed the place of faith in the lives of teenage girls and priority placed on the practising of faith regularly. We know that for our youth, social justice initiatives such as working with the vulnerable in our society through Night Patrol, Christmas Hampers or even Street Fest are prioritised but is prayer and attendance at Mass. Bishop Umbers challenged us to think of why Mass attendance in Australian society was dwindling by our youth and asked about the role of Catholic Schools in this. We were proud to let Bishop Umbers know our attempts in this space but know equally that we need to continue to enrich the prayer life of our College and keep this as a priority. I thank Bishop Umbers and Fr Thomasz for taking the time to learn with us and for listening. We learnt a great deal from the discussion as well. As a Catholic Community, I also remind all families to try to prioritise time for your faith and the nourishment that it can provide to our every day lives. The power of prayer is real. Keep on trying it and come to our Youth Mass at 6pm on Sunday evening at St Michael’s.

As we now turn towards our final weeks of the school year, please ensure that your daughter keeps to all usual expectations. Learning is a constant and is not just about reports and assessment tasks. Sometimes the most creative lessons come from the end of the year as topics are tied together and evaluations occur of what has been learned. Attendance all the way up until December 13 is an expectation with parent teacher interviews occurring in the following week.

Year 11 Semester 2 Principal Awards

Robyn Rodwell

College Principal

From the Assistant Principal

Empowering young women is about more than creating opportunities—it’s about instilling confidence to make informed, positive choices in all areas of life. In a recent article by Generation Australia, young women often face unique challenges in professional settings, such as wage gaps, biases, and representation in leadership. Empowerment begins early, and schools play a critical role in preparing young women to overcome these obstacles.

A school uniform, often underestimated, plays a key role in this empowerment by fostering equality, unity, and focus. Uniforms eliminate distractions caused by comparisons, allowing young women to channel their energy into academic and personal growth. By leveling the playing field, they encourage students to focus on character, leadership, and self-expression through their actions rather than appearances. This environment nurtures resilience and decision-making skills, crucial for navigating challenges later in life.

Making the choice to wear a school uniform correctly takes discipline, reinforcing values like responsibility and respect that are essential for success. Additionally, wearing a uniform instills a sense of belonging, reminding students they are part of a supportive community. When students choose not to wear the uniform correctly, they will be challenged to make a better choice. Potentially, frequent reminders might result in a consequence. Helping students to accept the consequences of their choices builds resilience and a better understanding that they have the power to control their actions. 

Empowering young women to make confident choices, from academic achievements to career aspirations, begins with small yet significant steps. By valuing the role of the school uniform in making choices that shape character, we can help young women thrive, setting them on a path to realising their full potential.

Clear information about our College uniform can be found in the Student Planner on p15. Your support in helping your daughters make independent choices is appreciated. 

Important Dates for Term 4

Kristina Flanagan

Assistant Principal

Religious Education

Sydney Street Feast

Last Friday, Miss Jones and senior students from Bethany College had the privilege of volunteering at the annual Archbishop's Street Feast, a transformative community initiative aimed at serving the vulnerable and marginalised. Held in the heart of the city, this event brought together volunteers from various backgrounds to offer food, companionship, and a sense of belonging to those experiencing hardship. It was a tangible expression of the values of compassion, service, and humility embodied by the teachings of Jesus and the life of Martha of Bethany.

Year 10 Spirituality Day

The Year 10 Spirituality Day, led by Luke Tobin and Irene Baik of Catholic Mission, offered students a meaningful exploration of the dignity of the human person and other core Catholic social teachings. This day encouraged students to reflect on their own roles in promoting justice, compassion, and respect for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance. Through engaging activities and discussions, Catholic Mission leaders helped students deepen their understanding of the intrinsic value of each person as made in the image of God, a fundamental principle of authentic Christian living. The day’s highlight was the celebration of Mass by Father Tomasz, which provided a spiritual anchor to the teachings explored. In his homily, Father Tomasz spoke about the importance of embodying these values in daily life, reminding students that faith in action is a powerful witness to the love of Christ. The Year 10 Spirituality Day offered students both insight and inspiration to live out these teachings in practical, compassionate ways.

Archbishop’s Leadership Forum

Leadership in Catholic schools is centred on service, humility, and fostering the common good, inspired by the example of Jesus Christ. A true leader seeks to guide with compassion and integrity, upholding the inherent dignity of every person. As Jesus teaches, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28). In this light, Catholic leadership is about selflessness and relying on God’s wisdom to create communities that reflect Christ’s love and work toward the flourishing of all. Recently, the newly elected Year 12 2025 College Captains had the privilege of attending the Archbishop's Leadership Forum, where they explored these principles in depth. Below is an insight from the day shared by Emily Haddad, College Captain and Stephanie Sertic, Religious Education and Mission Captain.

On Friday, the 15th of November, the 5 student captains had an incredible opportunity of attending a student leadership forum, hosted at St Mary's Cathedral College. The event included representatives from all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese, and gave the opportunity for the newly elected leaders to discuss shared challenges, solutions and receive guidance from the Archbishop of Sydney. Archbishop Fisher stated a few key qualities of Christian leadership, including the importance of being “foot washers”, risk takers and joy bringers. These resonated with a lot of the leaders in the room, allowing time to reflect on and discuss how to enhance these traits in oneself, and consequently bring them out in others. Time was then given for table groups to get to know each other, and make productive conversation regarding key issues faced by young people, including consumerism and mental health. Overall, the day served as a great start to leadership for the girls, who learned how to be relatable, and dignified leaders in the Catholic faith.                                                                             

 - Emily Haddad (College Captain)

The day helped me see what it looks like to be a representative of not only the school, but of Christ. We learnt about the importance of faith and action, which are both required to advance God’s Kingdom on earth and in people’s hearts. One of my favourite things that we learnt from the Archbishop was that we should always speak about Christ and share the Good News with joy!

              - Stephanie Sertic (RE & Mission Captain)

Catechist Mass

A select number Year 10 students have embraced the 2024 Catechist Program, sharing the Gospel with children at Hurstville Public School. Their dedication to this important ministry was celebrated at the Annual Catechist Mass, where Bridget Vane-Tempest Stewart and Mya Momiroski joined catechists from across the diocese to reflect on their mission of faith and service. We are incredibly proud of these students for their efforts to bring Christ’s message to the community and look forward to seeing their continued impact into 2025.

Sara Camporeale

Leader of Religious Education and Mission

Teaching and Learning News

Minimum Standards Tests Year 10 

This week Year 10 students began on their road towards receiving their HSC by completing their Minimum Standards Tests. The NSW Minimum Standards tests are designed to ensure that students have the essential literacy and numeracy skills needed for everyday life and further education.

The tests cover three areas:

• Reading
• Numeracy
• Writing

The results from these tests will be made available in the next two weeks and students will be informed of their results. 

If your daughter was absent for these tests or did not reach the minimum standard there will be opportunities for her to complete these in the new year. The school also provides a variety of support measures to assist our students to meet this mandatory HSC requirement. If they need help or have any questions in regards to these tests your daughter should speak to Mr Paff.

All My Own Work (AMOW)

During Week 9 of this term Yr10 students will complete the AMOW program. This is an initiative designed to prepare our students for the Higher School Certificate (HSC). This program aims to instil the values of academic integrity and ethical scholarship in our students to avoid malpractice when students prepare their work.

The keys areas covered are:

• Understanding Academic Integrity: Students learn the importance of honesty and integrity in their academic work.
• Avoiding Plagiarism: The program educates students on how to properly acknowledge sources and avoid plagiarism.
• Research Skills: Students develop essential research skills, including how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively.
• Referencing Techniques: Guidance on various referencing styles to ensure students can correctly cite their sources.

To be eligible for entry into a Preliminary and/or Higher School Certificate (HSC) course, and for the award of the HSC, all students must complete AMOW or its equivalent. Completion of the All My Own Work program is mandatory for all students before they can submit any HSC assessment tasks. This program not only prepares them for their HSC but also equips them with skills that are valuable for lifelong learning and future academic pursuits.

We encourage you to discuss the importance of this program with your child and support them in their journey towards academic excellence. More information regarding AMOW can be found here.

Sarah Rowland - Leader of Curriculum                                  Cameron Paff - Leader of Data & Growth

Wellbeing Update

Gold awards

The merit system at Bethany is designed to recognize positive student behaviour in three key areas: Faith, Intellect, and Character. Students earn merits from both teachers and College staff, with the accumulation of merits leading to Bronze (36), Silver (72), and Gold (108 merits) awards. These awards acknowledge sustained positive behaviour across all aspects of College life and serve as a testament to a student's commitment in each of these important areas.

The following students received Gold awards at our College assembly in Week 5:

Kindness day

This World Kindness Day, our community embraced the theme #DoSomethingKind by engaging in meaningful actions to spread joy and compassion. A highlight of the day was the “Kindness Card” activity in the library, where students and staff created thoughtful, uplifting messages to share with others. These small but impactful gestures reminded us of the power of kindness to brighten someone’s day and foster deeper connections.

We also want to thank our Year 12 student leaders for their inspiring example of kindness and service throughout the year. Their leadership has been instrumental in building a culture of empathy and care within our school.

Let’s all commit to the spirit of #DoSomethingKind, not just on World Kindness Day but every day, as we continue to make a difference through our words and actions. Together, we can create a kinder world!

Guest speaker

 Year 9 and 10 recently had the opportunity to Alex Noble’s story and message.

Alex’s journey is one of incredible resilience and determination. A talented young athlete, Alex’s life changed in an instant following a catastrophic rugby injury that left him a quadriplegic. Rather than letting this challenge define him, Alex has become a beacon of hope and inspiration. Through his advocacy, personal growth, and unwavering spirit, he continues to redefine what it means to overcome adversity. Alex’s motto is 'If I fight, you fight!”, meaning that we can all inspire each other to be strong, resilient and face our challenges with determination and positivity. Alex is one of four nominees for Young Australian of the Year 2025.

"Alex Noble relayed an inspirational message of resilience to year 10. He revealed how his heartbreaking accident served as a catalyst for him to change his previous ideologies about life, despite the struggles he has endured. He called the girls to persevere through tough times and focus on their ultimate goals through reaching closer milestones, much like he did after his accident. We are thankful for this heartwarming insight, which in turn will motivate many of us in our future journeys."

Hunter Howesmith

"Alex Noble’s story was definitely one that hit home for a lot of us, including me. His inspiring words taught me about the art of finding peace and gratitude. He spoke not only about his personal struggles after the accident but related to our lives and difficulties as high school students. “I fight, you fight”.

Stella Nottage

Big Sister leadership training for Year 10

Peer support plays a vital role in our Year 7 transition program. Mrs Buxton and I had the privilege of reviewing many inspiring applications from students eager to become Big Sisters for the incoming Year 7s in 2025.

Last Friday, we held a training day for our future Big Sisters, led by myself, Mrs Buxton, and Miss Issa, the 2025 Year 7 Coordinator. The sessions built on leadership principles introduced earlier this term during the ‘Great Peer Leadership” Incursion.

We emphasised the importance of forming meaningful relationships with Year 7 students by working closely with them in small groups. This hands-on approach ensures that Big Sisters can offer the guidance and support needed to help Year 7s navigate their first term and year confidently.

A fun activity on the day was the challenge of each group creating a human sculpture with various criteria and restrictions. The students ably demonstrated working together, collaborating and problem-solving.

One of the most inspiring moments of the day was the collaborative process of defining the mission and vision for the 2025 Big Sister Peer Support program. The students’ ideas and enthusiasm truly set the tone for what promises to be a supportive and empowering year ahead.

The role of the Big Sisters in 2025 is to welcome Year 7s into the Bethany community. Through genuine, approachable relationships that inspire, guide, and encourage, the Big Sisters can assist Year 7s in overcoming new challenges and forming bonds of sisterhood.

The Big Sisters' roles and responsibilities are to promote Bethany's values through mentorship and role-modelling the College pillars of Faith, Intellect and Character. The program creates meaningful relationships through inclusion and participation, and supports Year 7 in conflict resolution and finding common ground. This will foster an inclusive, safe school environment.

For the Big Sisters to succeed in this role, they must build reliable relationships with the Year 7s by being vulnerable and displaying their authentic selves. Through this, they will work together to empathise in shared experiences, and foster a support system that creates new opportunities as Year 7 enters a new chapter of their lives.

We finished the day by creating welcome cards to put into the orientation packs on the first day back at school.

Mrs Barnes

Charitable Works Fund

The Charitable Works Fund (CWF)  is responsible for collecting funds for the purpose of supporting the charitable and pastoral works of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. The fund supports the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Catholic Care and Chaplaincy services, as well as providing funds to seminaries, the Ephpheta Centre (services to the Deaf and hard of hearing) and Catechists.

Bethany held a CWF fundraiser in Week 4. Students came in mufti and, whilst regular classes were held, an air of leisure was felt across the College. We raised approximately $1300 for this significant cause and congratulate the students on their generosity.

Unexplained absences

A reminder that all absences need to be explained for the year in the next few weeks. Could parents please add a note to Compass for the relevant days, whether these are whole days or your daughter needs to arrive late or leave early. Please use Compass and not paper notes for all absence information.

Charlotte Buxton

Leader of Wellbeing

Marco Polo Awards Ceremony

Bravissima Ava! Well done Ava!

Ava Chow of Year 11 was nominated by Mrs Criniti for the Marco Polo Award for Excellence in Italian Language and Culture in NSW schools. Nominations from all over NSW were assessed and Ava's strong application was awarded one of five awards. Ava, along with her family and Mrs Criniti, attended the official award ceremony on Saturday 9 November at Club Marconi. 

The ceremony included performances by musicians, speeches and special guests including the Consul General of Italy in Sydney Gianluca Rubagotti and Valentina Biguzzi from the Italian Embassy. Of course the event would not have been complete without a fabulous Italian lunch including cannoli and gelato for dessert. Ava’s award and medal was presented to her by Nathan Hagarty MP Member for Leppington and Stella Maimone Secretary of CNA. 

A wonderful achievement. Auguri Ava! Congratulations Ava!

Enza Criniti

Italian Teacher

Sydney Catholic Schools 2024 Showcase

Congratulations to Celina Tannous who was selected and performed in the 2024 Sydney Catholic Schools HSC Performing Arts Showcase on Friday evening, on the 8th November at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood.

The Showcase recognises and celebrates the exemplary HSC practical works of Performing Arts students across Sydney Catholic Schools. 

Congratulations to Celina who showcased all three of her Dance works, including her Core Performance Dance ‘Turning Page’, Major Study Performance ‘This Bitter Earth’ and Core Composition ‘Mosquito Bite’ Danced by Miyah Petrevski  (Year 10 ).

Thank you to the Year 11 Dance students: Leni Alas, Sarah Byrne, Emma McHardy and Jenna-lee Rolph, who attended the night and supported both Celina and Miyah. 

Danielle Como

Dance Teacher

Library News

With the year winding down, it’s the perfect time to consider borrowing a book and getting back into reading. Last week at our assembly, I challenged our students to consider implementing small changes that can lead to rewarding results. Bestselling author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, notes that, "All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger". Research has found that reading for just 6 minutes a day can reduce our stress levels by more than 65%. Clear also writes that, “Success is the product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations."

Below are some suggestions I offered to help make reading a normal and enjoyable part of our day.

1.   Choose a book you want to read - It can be tempting to choose something that sounds impressive...But the key to success is to read for joy. Put aside books you feel like you should read. Instead find one that you think you’ll love. Maybe it’s by a favourite author, or a great romance or mystery you’ve heard others talking about it. Below are some of the most popular books that have been borrowed in 2024:

2.   Build a morning reading habit - Some of us may find that we reach for our phone upon waking to check the time and 15 minutes later, we find ourselves still scrolling. Set yourself up for success - place your book on your bedside table. Read one page, that’s all, no more.

3.    Bring your book everywhere you go - Put your book in your bag. If you have an appointment, take it with you. If you aren’t planning on leaving the house, then put it in the kitchen or where you’ll see it constantly. This is called incidental reading. Start small. Instead of reaching for your phone, pick up your book and read at least one page. The habit of checking your phone might slowly change to picking up your book instead. At first, it will feel different and challenging, as it is hard to alter habits. But over time you will notice changes occurring in the way you feel when finishing reading, instead of scrolling.

4.   Go outside - Finally, once those habits are established, consider going outside to read. Make yourself comfortable on a park bench, a patch of grass or under a favourite tree … just get outside into the fresh air and read… Reading outside can do wonders for your mental health.

2024 Summer Reading Challenge

With all of the above in mind, we have an opportunity for our students to put these habits into practice. Our popular Summer Reading Challenge will be returning next week! Every student who borrows a book during Weeks 7, 8 or 9 will receive a raffle ticket, going into the draw to win a $20 QBD voucher. The winner will be announced in Week 9. All students borrowing during this time will receive an extended loan period that gives them until our return in 2025 to return the book. Good luck to all!

Behind the Bookmarks: The Literary Lives of Teachers

A recent addition in our ‘Library News’ section, ‘Behind the Bookmarks’, celebrates the reading habits of teaching and support staff at Bethany. Each fortnight, we will get to know the relationship our members of staff have with reading. In doing so, we celebrate the diverse reading experiences within our own Bethany community! In this newsletter, Ms Dabelstein and Ms Stirling have kindly offered to share their thoughts on reading with you. We hope you enjoy!

Ms Natalie Dabelstein

 “You know when you have a word on the tip of your tongue but you can’t quite reach it? Or when you’re in a confrontation but can’t quite explain yourself? That’s self-expression! There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to express your thoughts, opinions and feelings effectively. Reading solves this as it helps to build lexicon and confidence in articulation.”

Can you please tell us about your role here at Bethany?

I have been a Visual Arts teacher here at Bethany College since 2021. As teachers, our role goes beyond the academic parts of school, it is to support a safe and positive learning environment for all our wonderful students to achieve high levels of academic success in both their written and practical work, and feel confident.

How would you describe yourself as a reader?

I’m a pretty avid reader - I fall asleep every night reading a book. I set yearly goals to challenge myself to read a variety of books from many different genres and authors. This year I have read 13 books - from biographies to fantasy, to historical fiction and contemporary fiction from all over the world.

Can you share your earliest memory of reading or a book that had a significant impact on you?

When I was in third grade, my teacher read us the Jacob Two-Two books by Mordechai Richler and I remember being so excited for story time and genuinely looking forward to finding out what happens next.

What formats do you prefer (physical books, e-books, audiobooks), and why?

I read e-books because I can change the font size and brightness depending on how tired my eyes are feeling. I love physical books, but I find I re-read lines over and over again because my eyes get lost on the page. So if I like a book I’ve read on my e-reader, I’ll buy the physical copy to put on my shelf and lend them to friends who I think would enjoy them as much as I did.

What challenges do you face when trying to find time to read?

Reading time is factored into my day so that I don’t feel challenged making or finding the time - it’s just part of my routine! But I will say the challenge of being a daily reader can be when I’m too exhausted to read but I do it anyway, then the next day having to re-read what I had read the day before because I was too tired to absorb the information.

Who are some of your favourite authors and what do you love about their writing?

I love Hannah Kent's historical fiction because they’re so well-researched and beautifully written, it’s easy to lose yourself in her stories. I feel a sense of mourning every time I finish one of her books because I feel like I’m missing something once the story is over. I’m also currently obsessed with Saidiya Hartman - her books are wonderfully challenging. Her vocabulary is rich and complex, her writing style is informative and often overwhelming. I recently read, Lose Your Mother, which took me months to get through. The book was about the transatlantic slave trade, where Hartman herself recounts her own journey through Ghana while reflecting on the history of these routes. She writes in a very succinct way, where you can’t help but feel deep sorrow and heartache, while reconciling with contemporary ramifications of this time. So… I guess Hannah Kent and Saidiya Hartman at the moment for very different reasons! Pure enjoyment and extreme challenge! 

What’s the last book you read, and what did you think of it?

Kala by Colin Walsh. I absolutely loved it! It was the same story written from multiple viewpoints and was written in the style of the narrator's accent and cadence, which made me feel like I was part of the story and not an observer just looking in. I highly recommend it!

 Ms Alix Stirling

“I think any form of storytelling gives us insight into other lives and how other people live. Reading teaches us to empathise and it teaches us more about our world…that's really vital. It is also a form of escapism and an opportunity to relax and enter an imaginary world which is really valuable and it's really fun”

Can you please tell us about your role here at Bethany?

I am an English teacher. I teach Year 7 through to Year 12 Advanced.

Can you share your earliest memory of reading or a book that had a significant impact on you?

My earliest memory of reading, I remember mum and dad reading Green Eggs and Ham to me as a kid. Once I was reading on my own, I would read Nancy Drew detective novels and books by Colin Tiele and Emily Rotor. Then I guess the next formative one was reading Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Then when I went to university I met some good friends who were big readers so my reading diversified.

 How would you describe yourself as a reader?

Inconsistent. There are times in the year and in my life where I've read books back to back. There are other times when I haven't read as much. It takes a little bit of effort sometimes to get into it and then once I’m in and hooked on a story, it's such a pleasure, a wonderful escape.

 How do you incorporate reading into your daily routine?

So it's not always daily. I find it really difficult to read in a piecemeal way, 10 minutes at a time. I'll read at night before bed for an hour or two. I like to get into it. In my holidays, I’ll often read through the night until I finish the book. I like to be absorbed and all-consumed.

What format do you prefer (physical books, e-books, audiobooks), and why?
I’m a bit old school - I like physical books. I like them on my shelf and I like to see a book and be reminded of that story and experience or where I was when I read it.

Why do you believe reading is important for students?

There are a number of reasons. I think any form of storytelling whether it’s theatre or film, gives us insight into other lives and how other people live and other experiences that we may or may never have. So I think it teaches us to empathise and it teaches us more about our world - I think that that's really vital. I also think it is a form of escapism and an opportunity to relax and enter an imaginary world, which is really valuable and fun. We can travel in ways where we can't physically travel. And then, on a basic level - vocabulary, sentence structure, expressing our thoughts and our emotions. The more we read, the better we can communicate and know ourselves and that's a really important thing as well.

What are some benefits you've personally experienced from reading?
Empathy and understanding other times. I wouldn't say I’ve read historical fiction but it's certainly set in the past. So understanding what it was like in wartime, what it was like in 15th century Italy. Understanding women's experiences through the years and diverse cultural experiences. Understanding the civil war in Sri Lanka by reading Michael Ondaatje. We know our world so much better through books and different times of history and different parts of the globe.

What genres do you enjoy reading the most and what draws you to them?
It's changed over the years. I used to love murder mysteries as a kid but I'm not interested in crime anymore. I’m getting a little bit more interested in historical fiction. I used to like gritty realism, but now not so much. I want less about the contemporary world and I want a bit more escapism at the moment. I've always loved dystopian or science fiction. If the writer can take me somewhere else in time, that's what I crave at the moment.

Who are some of your favourite authors and what do you love about their writing?

I like some of the classics as I mentioned earlier, Pride and Prejudice was in my formative years. I'm quite enjoying Maggie O’Farrell at the moment. Evie Wyld is a contemporary writer I’m really enjoying also. Madeleine Miller who does revisionist Greek mythology, Circe and The Song of Achilles, I’m really loving those. Margaret Atwood will always be one of my top.

What is the biggest misconception about teachers and their reading habits?

That it's just easy for us… and it isn’t easy. Life gets in the way, we all get busy and overwhelmed. Sometimes I just need to remind myself to stop, take a break and sit down with a book and then it becomes easy. But that initial hurdle can still be a hurdle. Sometimes reluctance is something we all have, but once we cross the line, the motivation comes.

How do you feel when you finish a good book?

It's a mixture. I feel happy to have finished it but also sad because those characters were very real in your imagination, so it’s like leaving a family or a group of friends for a moment. So it's a tinge of sadness that that story and world ended for a moment, but mostly, it’s satisfying because there's a resolution.

Could you please tell us about the book you’ve brought along today?

Sure, it is set in Italy in the 15th century. I was drawn to it because Maggie O’Farrell wrote Hamnet a couple of years ago about Shakespeare’s son who passed away, which is revealed early in the story. It was beautifully written and recommended to me. So I picked up another of hers, The Marriage Portrait. This is about a young girl who has an arranged marriage with the Duke of Ferrara and there are two timelines; one when she is young and one when she has just been married and is sixteen years old. You are told at the beginning of the book that she is expected to live only for the next year, so you’re waiting for these two parallel storylines to come together to work out how and why.

Thanks so much to Ms Dabelstein and Ms Stirling for sharing their thoughts about reading and what it means to them. There are many takeaways for us regarding why it’s just so beneficial to incorporate more reading into our lives.

Until next time, happy reading!

Alison Sladen

Librarian

Visual Arts News

Art Express Nomination

We are excited to announce that Year 12 Visual Arts student Alycia Sardelis received an Art Express nomination this year for her Body of Work titled, ‘I am Vertical, But I Would Rather Be Horizontal’. Art Express is an annual exhibition that showcases exemplary artworks created by students for their HSC examination. This incredible achievement and honour is a testament to Alycia's dedication and commitment to the Visual Arts. Congratulations Alycia!

Bexley RSL Art Competition Winners

Congratulations to four Bethany students who submitted artworks to the Bexley RSL ANZAC Art Competition; Elizabeth Savell, Chloe Tran, Sasha Marrieros and Yara Astorga Godoy. Winners were announced on the 11th November after the Remembrance Day Service. Congratulations to Chloe Tran of Year 8 who was the winner of the competition and Elizabeth of Year 9 who was awarded second place. Chloe was also selected as a finalist in the RSL NSW Competition. Students designed and created meaningful compositions that reflected the significance of Remembrance Day.

Year 7 Visual Arts Still Life Artworks

As part of their Pop Portfolio, Semester 2 Year 7 Art students crafted Still Life Pop artworks influenced by Andy Warhol’s style. Their impressive creations demonstrate outstanding technical skill and meticulous attention to detail. Great job, Year 7 Visual Artists!

Year 8 Visual Arts Caricature Sculptures

This semester, Year 8 Visual Arts students dedicated themselves to sculpting caricature busts of their family members. They demonstrated impressive technical skills in both the sculpting and painting processes, along with creativity in their designs. Well done Year 8 Visual Artists!

Year 9 & 10 Charcoal Drawings

Last term, Year 9 and 10 Visual Arts students staged, photographed, and drew still life compositions using charcoal. They showcased a strong grasp of design principles, compositional techniques, and shading methods, resulting in beautifully rendered still life artworks. Congratulations to our talented Year 9 and 10 artists!

Freya Wooby

Visual Arts Teacher

Sport Update

SCS Representative Sport Update

In Round 5 our teams played against OLMC Burraneer with the following results:

 In Round 6 this week our teams played against St Pat’s Sutherland with the following results:

Congratulations to the following students who have been awarded Players’ Player over the last two rounds:

NSWRL Future Sky Blues

Congratulations to Emily Teplicanec, Jessica Brightwell, Sophia Brightwell and Charlotte Teplicanec on their recent invitation to attend the Westpac 2024 NSWRL Future Sky Blues Academy at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence. The girls have been identified as potential stars of the game and will attend the academy over four sessions, where they will be provided with the foundations needed to prepare them to compete at the next level. Well done girls!

Rachel Bevan

Sport Coordinator

Exciting Results from the Australian Mathematics Competition!

On Thursday the 8th of August 2024, 34 of our talented students took part in the prestigious Australian Mathematics Competition, showcasing their mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities. We are thrilled to announce their outstanding achievements!

• 16 students achieved a Credit, a testament to their dedication and hard work.
• 12 students attained Proficiency, reflecting their strong understanding and application of mathematics.
• 6 students earned Participation awards, demonstrating perseverance and enthusiasm for learning.

We are incredibly proud of every participant for stepping up to this challenge. Your efforts and achievements inspire us all to aim high and embrace the joy of learning. A huge congratulations to all!

Keep up the fantastic work, and we look forward to seeing even more of our students shine in future competitions. 

Meleena Papadopoulos

Assistant Mathematics Coordinator

Careers News

Explore Your Options at Macquarie University

17-21 December

For graduating Year 12 students - have all your questions answered at Macquarie University’s Explore Your Options. Receive personalised advice through 1:1 consultations and discover our cutting-edge facilities and stunning grounds on a campus tour. Experience our exclusive extended access day on ATAR release day (Wednesday 18 December) for extra support and to discover your pathway to success.

Western Sydney University True Reward Round 3

Round 3 Closes 11 December

Our HSC True Reward early offer program provides school leavers with valuable peace of mind by offering entry into a wide range of university degrees based on their Year 11 or Year 12 results. Students can visit the HSC True Reward webpage to find key dates, subject requirements, and application steps for 2025 study.

Western Sydney University Bachelor of Music Audition Entry Dates

7, 9, 14 and 16 January

Audition dates for the Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Creative Industries (Music) have now been confirmed.Auditions will be held at the Kingswood campus or on Zoom. 

Students will be asked to perform two short, contrasting pieces or songs (or excerpts of two pieces) and/or perform one piece and present one or more compositions as scores and/or recordings.

University of Sydney - HSC preparation (years 10-12) -The smart way to prepare for your HSC

January 2024 HSC Preparation Timetable available now

Are you nervous about tackling the HSC? Take it from us – every successful HSC begins with preparation. And now, our team of experienced educators have got you covered, with a comprehensive program of HSC preparation courses.

Led by our highly experienced team of educators, each intensive course is tailored around a critical aspect of the HSC curriculum and offers up-to-date subject knowledge and skills. These intensive holiday courses are perfect for consolidating your school studies and developing key subject knowledge that’ll give you an

edge when it comes time to sit your exams. Plus, our expert tutors will teach you examination skills designed to invigorate and challenge your approach to the test material. 

With an incredible array of courses available, you can choose which area you’d like to focus and attend just that course, or sign up for multiple courses to get comprehensive support across an entire HSC subject. So don’t hesitate! Our HSC preparation short courses are open to everyone. Sign up today and get your HSC year off to the best start possible.

University of Sydney Bachelor of Visual Arts Portfolio Deadline Soon!

Submit By 30 November, 5pm

In addition to meeting the academic criteria for admission to our Bachelor of Visual Arts degrees you will need to submit a portfolio of your artwork. We want to see your portfolio because we need to gain an understanding of who you are – your abilities, commitment and passions. Your portfolio tells us about the kind of artist you want to be. Choose up to 10 different pieces to display. When you pick a portfolio format, make sure it presents each piece in the best possible way.

Catch-Up on ACU’s Talk With Series

Recordings of Webinars available On-Demand Hear from alumni about their professional experiences after completing their studies at ACU. Listen back to Q&A sessions with our graduates to find out what your future could hold with one of our degrees.

ACU - Discover Law and Criminology at ACU North Sydney

28 November

All rise! Aspiring lawyers will have the chance to develop their analytical and courtroom skills in our law and criminology workshops. These hands-on activities will provide you with an insight into the Australian legal system and its functions. Visit our moot court, chat to current students, hear about international study opportunities and see what sets us apart. This event is designed for high school students in Years 10 to 12, however anyone, including parents and caregivers, is most welcome to attend. Places are limited – be sure to register your attendance to guarantee your spot.

UNSW Parents Info Evening 2024: Navigating UAC and offers

17 December

Empower yourself to support your child on their journey to university.

Through Parents Info Evening, you’ll understand your teen’s options and learn how to provide the support they need to navigate their decision. The livestream will cover:

• Guiding your child through UAC preferences, the offer and admission process, and the support available to them
• How your child can make the most of their uni experience
• Live Q&A: get your questions answered and understand what other parents and caregivers are curious about

UNSW Info Day

18 December

Finalise your path to UNSW with confidence. 

Get personalised advice and insights before you finalise your UAC preferences at UNSW Info Day. With ATARs released at 9am and UAC’s change of preferences deadline at midnight, this is your opportunity to get all your last minute questions answered. Explore your study options, tour our campus, and chat with academics and current students, so you can feel confident in your choice. 

Get a taste of life as a UNSW student:

• Attend lectures on your area of interest
• Explore UNSW on a campus tour
• Chat with academics and current students in our advisory zones

Study Medicine – Medicine Offer Quiz

What are your chances of being accepted into direct entry medicine in Australia? Is your course preference plan setting you up for success? Take the quiz to find out!

Start at TAFE and finish at University with a Degree - TAFE NSW Credit Transfer

Check credittransfer.tafensw.edu.au when helping your students to see how many Credit Points a TAFE NSW qualification can give them for a degree with an Australian University. With around 3,000 pathways available.

Scholarships and financial assistance

There are plenty of costs associated with tertiary study: course fees, books and computer equipment are just a few. If you have additional expenses (such as rent if you need to live away from home), you may be wondering how you will manage on a limited student income.

1300Apprentice Early Offer Apprentice Intake 2025, Sydney, NSW

Imagine learning while earning a full-time wage, gaining hands-on experience in a real work environment, and achieving recognised qualifications—all without the burden of student debt.

At 1300apprentice, we have some of the best host employers in their industries looking for motivated trainees ready to start in 2025.

You will be employed through 1300apprentice and paid while you undertake a certificate through an accredited Registered Training Organisation while you learn on-the-job skills in your chosen vocation. Get in early to secure your early offer traineeship and finish your HSC, knowing that you have your career ready and waiting for you. 

We offer traineeships opportunities in:

• Administration: Business, Accounts Administration, HR, Medical Administration, Marketing, Customer Engagement
• IT: Certificate III & IV in Networking, Programming
• Transport & Logistics: Warehousing, Supply Chain Operations
• Automotive: Sales Administration, Marketing.

Institute of Applied Technology - The way to get digital skills

There’;s a new way to get the digital skills Australia needs at the Institute of Applied Technology, with courses designed by trusted industry and education experts to complement your experience and fit with your life.

Launch your Career event resources

Launch your Career event resources. The webinar recordings of the Launch your Career event series are available on the DART Learning platform. Each webinar features industry speakers and information from career areas such as Hospitality, Animation, Big Data and Cyber Security.

Childcare and Aged Care Diploma and Certificate III Courses at Agrade Education

Find out about the Childcare and Aged Care Diploma and Certificate III courses on offer. Classes are online via zoom and have supportive teachers to assist students. Upon completion students may work in AGrade Education and Training centres, as most of the students find work during studies.

TAFE NSW –Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Here is a great quick summary all about apprenticeships, traineeships, school based apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship courses. It covers how long they take and who can apply for these opportunities. From Barangaroo to the Sydney Metro project, from WestConnex to new residential builds, New South Wales is a state in construction. We need apprentices. We need to build a strong pipeline of skilled tradespeople.

The NSW Government recognises this and has now made it even easier for you to become (or employ) an apprentice. They’re investing over $285 million to fund the qualification fees for 100,000 new apprentices. So what are you waiting for? Become an apprentice today.

TAFE NSW Information Sessions

Join us online or at your nearest participating campus, and discover how TAFE NSW can help you get the skills you need for the job you want. Registrations are mandatory. Get in quick to secure your seat today.

Private Colleges

Flight School - Apply now for January

Apply Now for January

Year 12 Students interested in becoming a pilot? Double Diploma & Commercial Pilot licenceAVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilots Licence - Aeroplane) & AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Multi Engine Instrument Rating). The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is the minimum requirement to earn a living as a pilot in Australia. You’;ll start your training learning the fundamentals of flight in single engine aeroplanes such as the Piper Warrior, before progressing towards larger and more complex aircraft culminating in your CPL flight test being performed in the legendary Cessna 182T Skylane. We’ll arm you with all the non-technical and technical skills required to work in the industry as a professional pilot. No previous knowledge is required!

Apply Now for the Institute of Creative Arts + Technology

Applications open The Institute of Creative Arts and Technology offers bespoke diploma and bachelor courses in Communications and Media, Digital and Social Media Marketing, Business and Accounting for domestic and international students.  We equip students with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed for success in business, entrepreneurship and creative industries.

Beford College Scholarships

Our scholarships are designed to give students opportunities they might not otherwise have. We recognise that every student is different and all shine in their own way. We see hard work and determination as an indicator of a potential scholarship candidate and also recognise that there are many other reasons we may consider when selecting those to receive this grant.

Register for the next ACPE Experience Day

Next Date: 19 December

Tour our state-of-the-art facilities, interact with our passionate students and experienced lecturers and participate in informative sessions and hands-on workshops.

Want to pursue a career in sport? Discover why ACPE is ranked #1 for Health, Sport, Physical Education,and Dance. Join us on campus. See where you will study, meet our students and lecturers, and participate in info sessions and practical workshops to take the next step with confidence. We’ll have a number of sessions running throughout the day so you can decide on how you would like to enjoy your Experience Day! See below for details on the workshop and speaker bios.

JMC Academy - Musical Theatre Audition Workshop

15 December

Join Australia’s Music Theatre industry and take to the stage in 2025.  

Join us for an exclusive Music Theatre Workshop led by the incredible Chloé Zuel!

This workshop is designed to elevate your performance skills, build your confidence, and help you create captivating characters for your upcoming auditions. You will have the unique opportunity to work directly with Chloé, known for her iconic role as ‘Eliza Hamilton’ in Hamilton, and engage in practical exercises that focus on vocal and movement techniques.

Throughout the session, you’ll participate in a dance and voice workshop and then, experience an exclusive Q&A with Chloé and our Head of Acting, Glen Hamilton. This session will help you explore effective audition strategies, develop your character creation skills, and receive tailored feedback to refine your performances. Chloé’s wealth of performance experience in productions such as Six the Musical Australia, West Side Story, Ragtime and more, will provide you with invaluable insights into the industry.

This is a free event for Year 12 students and those who have finished high school, looking to study Music Theatre next year!

Sydney Design School Designer for a Day Workshop

17 January

Curious about what it might be like to work as an Interior Designer? We have developed the perfect one day workshop for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to find out more. You’ll get hands on in our studios experimenting with colour and materials. Find out what it takes to become a professional Interior Designer and understand what an average day looks like on the job! You’ll even jump into our 3D design studios to create your own interior space. Be quick to grab your spot, we have a maximum of 24 students per workshop. We hope to see you there!

ACAP Online Information Session - All About Work Integrated Learning at ACAP

28 November

Join us for an online session where you’ll learn about Work Integrated Learning (including the Placements Program) at ACAP. During this interactive session, we will delve into what is Work Integrated Learning,explore the courses in Counselling, Social Work, Psychology and Criminology that feature placement opportunities, discuss the program structure, and showcase the array of placement options available.

You will also gain firsthand insights from professional organisations who will discuss the benefits they have gained by partnering with ACAP. Additionally, we will introduce you to ACAP alumni who will share their transformative placement experiences and the outcomes they’ve achieved following their placement.

Australian Institute of Music - Sydney Info Day

18 December

Deciding which path to take after school can feel daunting, but if you’re passionate about music, we’re here to guide you. Our Sydney Info Day offers the perfect opportunity to get first-hand insights into what it’s like to study at AIM. Hear directly from current students about the skills they’ve gained and the networks they’ve built. If you’re thinking about studying with us in 2025, our expert staff can provide insights and answer your questions before UAC preferences close.

SAE Info Night

27 November

Want to embrace the latest technologies and engineer the impossible? Join us in Sydney for this exclusive event to discover SAE;s new technology courses in VFX & Virtual Production and Computer Science! Specially designed in consultation with industry experts from Technicolor and Ubisoft, our VFX courses will nurture your creativity and empower you to experiment, while our Computer Science programs have been developed to prepare you for the collaborative and geographically diverse world of technology and creative media.

Camp Creative

13 - 17 January

Some Workshops Selling Fast!

Camp Creative is a vibrant summer school, retreat and creative community that springs up every January in Bellingen, NSW. It’s a week filled with creative courses – art, music, dance, crafts, singing, photography,writing, drama, lifestyle, and wellness. Plus courses especially for kids and teens. It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or a professional artist. Camp Creative will spark your creativity and inspire your new year.

Seek – How to Find a Job

6 handy steps to make it happen for you! So you think you’ve got your job search technique down pat? Think again. What’s seemingly a simple process can actually be approached from hundreds of angles. We’ve got some tips to help you land your next great job.

CSIRO Undergraduate Traineeships

Bring to life what you’re learning in your degree in a real world environment and rub shoulders with some of the greatest scientific minds that our country has to offer!

Undergraduate traineeships provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to immerse themselves in an innovative environment to gain valuable skills and experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Students must be required to complete a placement as a compulsory or elective component of their undergraduate tertiary study which may include Honours project supervision. Traineeship placements are usually for 3-12 months and are available across a range of research and non-research functions. The number of placement opportunities varies each year and is based on projects on offer at the time of inquiry.

Connect with ANSTO’s Women in STEM

ANSTO is committed to supporting the next generation of women in STEM. We are offering a range of opportunities for our female STEM leaders to connect with students from across Australia.   ANSTO’s STEM professionals are available to connect and inspire your students. Choose from a wide listing of successful women in STEM.

Post School Disability Employment and the NDIS - Are you a Year 12 student or leaving school?

School leaver employment supports are NDIS supports available to students leaving secondary school. These supports give you the skills and confidence to help you move from school to employment. They offer individualised supports for up to 2 years after finishing school to help you get ready for work and plan your pathway to employment. They are also tailored to meet your individual employment goals and may include:

• work experience in open employment
• job skills training
• travel training.

What to Wear to an Interview

Wondering what to wear to an interview? You’re not alone. Figuring out your best ‘hire-me’ outfit is a pre-interview dilemma that stumps even the most fashion-forward amongst us. Beyond looking professional and polished, you need an interview outfit that’s a balance between being ‘you’ and a respectful nod to the company culture.

IBM SkillsBuilder

Start building your future, here.

Explore new technologies, build skills that are foundational for the workplace, and earn digital credentials to show what you’ve learned—all for free.

Discover interests you didn’t know you had and prepare for jobs, with a new skill, that are just beginning to exist with our free learning pathways.

Earn digital credentials from IBM and other companies for free. These free credentials help you in your career development, show that you’re ahead of the curve, and that you have foundational knowledge and a skill set in topics that are driving the future.

Melanie Bullock

Careers Advisor