Term 1 - Week 6

A Message from the Principal

On Thursday night I had the privilege of being commissioned as the new principal of our College. Held at St Mary’s Cathedral, the commissioning mass welcomed beginning teachers to our profession as well those, like myself, who were taking up new leadership roles within Sydney Catholic Schools. With me were Simon Wilson, the College’s Assistant Principal, Jessica Touma who is our Religious Education Coordinator, Georgia Morrison and Reem Wehbie, both beginning teachers at the College. 

The mass was celebrated by The Most Reverend Anthony Fisher OP, Archbishop of Sydney. In his Homily, he spoke about the way that people are wired for connection and that we operate better when we collaborate. The Archbishop also spoke about the importance and power of saying yes to those who ask for help and how this transforms into connection and collaboration. This made me think about all of the wonderful collaborations that can be found at Bethany simply because people say yes to each other. 

Our student leaders are a great example of this; they are a collaborative group and support each other in their portfolios. Currently working to encourage all our students to donate to Project Compassion, our leaders have fun activities planned for Harmony Day, next Friday. Please support Project Compassion and our students by encouraging your daughters to donate and participate in this event. 

Another example was our Open Day last Tuesday 5th March. Many people came to visit our school and to get a sense of life at Bethany.  The consistent feedback was on the enthusiasm of our staff and students. People were so impressed with our girls and the collaboration between staff and students; I felt very proud! With close to 300 student volunteers, 100 staff and about 800 visitors, the College was a busy place to be.  

Last Friday evening, I attended the Society and Culture Association Awards. These awards recognise student excellence, with two of our 2024 Year 12 students, Elisha Petelo and Sienna Assiouras receiving awards for placing 6th and 7th in the State for the HSC. Ms Sladen, our College Librarian and Society and Culture teacher, was also awarded an Excellence in Teaching Award. The girls both spoke about the importance of collaboration in being successful and how this was something that was actively fostered in their Year 12 Society and Culture classroom. Congratulations to both girls, and Ms Sladen! 

Today marks the end of Week 6 and we are closer to our school holidays than away from them. This is also the time when assessment notifications are given and tasks are due.  You can help your daughter at home by checking in with her about what is due and what is coming up. If she isn’t sure, assessment calendars are also available through Compass. Keeping ahead of assessment deadlines and planning these around social and family time will help to reduce stress at what can be a stressful time. There is plenty of support for your daughter at the College, so please ask her to reach out should she need help. The answer is always yes. 

Kristina Flanagan

College Principal

From the Assistant Principal

Open Day

Our College Open Day last Tuesday 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 who were willing to show why they are proud to be a Bethany girl. Many of our prospective families commented on how impressive the girls were, they are clearly our best advertisement for the College.

I would like to thank them and the staff for the way they put themselves forward to support this important afternoon.

NAPLAN

This week and next, our girls in Years 7 and 9 will be sitting NAPLAN testing. NAPLAN provides critical information about how students are progressing in school and how they compare to their peers across the country. It allows teachers access to student results for each question, which teachers can use to develop appropriate intervention strategies to improve outcomes. For parents, it provides information on how their child is performing against national standards, not just against other children here at Bethany. It is a wonderful tool that allows the College to track student data and assist us in ensuring the high learning outcomes and high learning growth that the College has continues now and into the future.

Uniform

Thank you to all our girls who continue to wear the College uniform with pride, meeting the uniform expectations. The uniform policy is aimed at supporting a culture of high expectations within the College both inside and outside the classroom. A reminder that girls who do not meet these expectations will be challenged and consequences issued if the uniform infringement is ongoing or there are multiple uniform infringements. I thank you all for your support in maintaining the high expectations of the College.

Year 12 Jersey

It is wonderful to see our Year 12 HSC Class of 2025 wearing their Year 12 Jerseys with such pride. A reminder to students and families that these are only to be worn on Thursdays.

Bus Travel

Please find below some information from Transport for NSW regarding school bus travel. 

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible. In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use .

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times. All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

- Kids’ Helpline:  1800 55 1800

- Lifeline:  13 11 14

- NSW Mental Health Access Line:  1800 011 511

- Parent Line:  1300 1300 52

IMPORTANT DATES FOR TERM 1

Mr Simon Wilson

Assistant Principal

Religious Education

Lent as a Bethany Community

Lent is a sacred season in the Church’s liturgical calendar, a time to have a deeper encounter with Jesus in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter. As a Christian celebration, Ash Wednesday is about conversion – coming to see life differently and acting accordingly. The season began with our Ash Wednesday Liturgy, where we were reminded of the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These three pillars of Lent help us grow in faith, deepen our relationship with God, and extend love and compassion to those in need.

A special opportunity to gather in prayer will be the Youth Mass at St Michael’s Parish on Sunday, 23 March, at 6:00 pm. Attending Mass during Lent is particularly significant as it allows us to hear God’s word, reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, and receive the Eucharist, which strengthens us spiritually. We encourage all students and families to come together for this special celebration, deepening our faith as a community.

Lent also calls us to sacrifice and generosity, reminding us to look beyond ourselves and assist those in need. As a Bethany community, we are invited to give alms through donations to Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. Caritas is a Catholic international aid agency that works tirelessly to eradicate poverty and uphold dignity by supporting communities both in Australia and around the world. Their projects include education for sustainable farming, disability support, healthcare initiatives, and young mother support groups.

Families who wish to make a tax-deductible donation can do so via the Bethany Online Project Compassion donation page: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/o/bethany-college-hurstville. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in transforming lives and spreading Christ’s love.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us embrace the call to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving with open hearts, remembering that our sacrifices and acts of kindness bring us closer to God and each other. May this season be a time of grace and renewal for all in our Bethany community.

Year 8 and 10 RE

Each year, schools across the Archdiocese of Sydney participate in the Year 8 and 10 Religious Education Test. It is with great joy that I congratulate the following students on their outstanding achievements in the Archbishop’s Religious Education Test for 2024. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to deepening their understanding of the Catholic faith, its values, and the teachings of the Church are truly commendable. These students have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and devotion, and we couldn’t be prouder of their efforts.

Year 12 SICT Excursion - Mary Mackillop Place, North Sydney

On Friday, February 28th, the two Year 12 Studies in Catholic Faith classes were accompanied by Mr. Cindric, Mrs. Wetherell, and Mrs. Donnelly on a visit to the museum and commemorative site dedicated to Australia’s first Catholic saint, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Saint Mary is remembered for her pioneering efforts in establishing Catholic education for the poor and neglected, as well as founding orphanages to support those in need.

This excursion was planned to align with the unit "The Good Works," where students explore the contributions of Catholic individuals and groups in the growth of the faith within Australia.

During the visit, the classes toured the estate and explored Alma Cottage, where Saint Mary lived in Sydney among the Sisters of St Joseph, the congregation she co-founded with Father Julian Tennison Woods in 1866 in Penola, South Australia. Saint Mary passed away in Alma Cottage in 1909, which is located within the grounds of the Josephite Convent. Students were fascinated to learn that her original desk, where she wrote and studied, is still preserved.

Saint Mary was initially buried in Gore Hill, but in 1994, her remains were relocated to the original vestry of the chapel, which had been used by the Josephite Sisters for many years. The Memorial Chapel now attracts pilgrims from around the world, who come to pray at the tomb of Saint Mary MacKillop.

Additionally, students were addressed by representatives from the Jesuit Refugee Service, a Catholic welfare organization that supports refugees and asylum seekers in their resettlement in Australia. The students were deeply moved by the story of Sara from South Sudan, who shared her family's struggles during the civil war, including the dangers, persecution, and discrimination they faced.

The students were highly engaged throughout the day’s activities, finding the experience both informative and thought-provoking. Many commented on the serene and peaceful atmosphere at Mary MacKillop Place, which offered a striking contrast to the busy, urban surroundings. The students expressed their gratitude to Mr. Cindric for his careful organisation of the logistics and transport for the trip.

IFTAR Dinner

"The ISRA Iftar dinner was a wonderful and insightful experience, bringing interfaith dialogue to life. It connected well with what we study in SOR, highlighting community, understanding, and shared traditions. Sharing a delicious meal also gave us the chance to interact with other students from different schools across Sydney in a welcoming setting."

Maria Mandoukis

"The Iftar Dinner was a truly uplifting and heartwarming experience. It provided an opportunity to connect with students from schools across Sydney, representing both Islamic and Christian backgrounds. Through these heartfelt conversations, we explored the power of interfaith communication and collaboration. This experience deepened my understanding of coming together to work toward a common goal, teaching me lessons that extend beyond the classroom."

 Charlotte Giamboi

Jessica Touma
Acting Religious Education Coordinator

Wellbeing Update

Saturday March 8 was International Women’s day, a day which is a powerful reminder of the wonderful achievements of women, as well as a chance to reflect on the ongoing journey toward gender equality.

At Bethany, students had the opportunity to listen to a panel of staff talk about their journey as women and with women. Year 12 Student leaders Mairead McAllister and Catherine Smith interviewed staff and asked questions about women in leadership, work balances, and who the women were who had been a source of inspiration to them. Our staff - Mrs Flanagan, Mr Paff and Ms Corcoran also gave the students advice from their perspective about navigating the world as a woman. The students were grateful to have had this chance to listen to the experience and ideas of their teachers.

Attendance Matters

At the time of writing, we have approximately 65% of students with an attendance for 2025 at or above the 95% level. Well done to all those students for starting off the year well in terms of presence in classes and prioritising their learning. Additionally, we have 82% of students whose attendance is 90% or above. Please continue to reinforce to your daughters that attendance at school is the key factor to learning, particularly as the term progresses and student workload increases.

Goal setting

Over the next two weeks, students will be engaging in Goal setting during their pastoral periods and homeroom each morning. Clear goals support academic success, build well being, encourage reflection and develop critical skills for life.

Students will set three goals for Semester 1 2025 - one from each of Faith, Intellect and Character. Additionally they will decide upon a realistic strategy to help them to achieve their goal. These will be discussed with parents, caregivers and pastoral teachers and added to Compass- visible to staff, students and parents. Towards the end of Semester 1, progress towards the goal will be reviewed and the goals will be either amended or new goals set.

The process is done through the “Insights” tab on Compass. Parents are able to view their daugther’s goal in addition to writing down their hopes for their daughter at Bethany this year. The goals and hopes will be visible to students, teachers and parents to provide discussion and direction for the students this year.

Please click here for the instruction guide to adding goals on Compass.

Local news

Charlotte Buxton

Leader of Wellbeing

Youth Ministry

10:10

This week Year 10 attended a taster session of Sydney Catholic School’s 10:10 Project. This week’s theme was “Who am I?” Speakers reflected upon what is our purpose and who we are in society so influenced by technology. The 10:10 Project will continue as opt-in sessions for Year 10 students once a month on a Tuesday afternoon. The name 10:10 comes from John 10:10 “I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full.” The program teaches students about topical issues such as respectful relationships, marriage, friendships and consent in the lens of Catholicism so that students can experience fulfilling relationships and love as they enter into adulthood.

Pancake Tuesday & Project Compassion

Year 12 Student Leaders and SRC helped make and sell pancakes to raise money for Project Compassion on Shrove Tuesday. The morning was an outstanding success, students raising over $400 for the cause!

The next big school fundraising event for Project Compassion will be Harmony Day. Each student can dress in mufti and are encouraged to wear cultural dress or a sports shirt from a country or something orange. A gold coin donation will be collected at the College gates.

If you are considering giving to Project Compassion, please donate on our Bethany Project Compassion page at https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/o/bethany-college-hurstville   Donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Aged Care Visits

Once a month, students from Bethany visit the Bupa Aged Care Centre. At the start of March, students helped the residents with a gardening project that involved weeding the gardens and helping the residents plant seedlings in recycled egg cartons. Bupa sent a message to the College saying that the seedlings have already sprouted!

From Emily Naumovski in Year 10 “Our recent volunteer visit to the local aged care facility was a heartwarming experience! The time was filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, and shared moments of connection. Us volunteers spent time engaging with residents, participating in fun activities, and brightening their day with personal stories and companionship. These visits are a reminder of the positive impact we can have on each other, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to bring smiles and joy to those who need it most.”

Ms Anna Fsadni

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Teaching & Learning News

NAPLAN, Assessment tasks and Yr12 Assessment Block

NAPLAN tests started Week 6 and will continue into Week 7 for our Year 7 and Year 9 students. The results of these will be available early Term 2 and students and parents will be informed when these become available.

Term 1 is flying by and as we enter the latter half of the term, assessment tasks are being completed or are looming large for our students. In particular for our Year 12 students who will sit half yearly exams during Weeks 9 and 10. 

Preparation is the key to performing well in assessment tasks. Students should: 

1. Read the assessment notification carefully. Make note of the due date and how the task is to be completed.
2. Clarify with the teacher any areas of the task that you are unsure of and how best to prepare for the task.
3. Create a timeline or checkpoints that will assist you in completing or preparing for the task in a timely manner.
4. Refer back to the notification and the teacher regularly to ensure that you are completing all aspects of the task correctly.
5. For hand in tasks, re-read your task, complete spell checks and ask parents or siblings to read through the work. This will ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors and what you have written is clear and concise.
6. Utilise the resources available to you in your subject area (e.g. subject specific websites, the library, Google classroom resources, textbook). Explore other resources that may assist you in understanding the concepts that you will be assessed on (e.g. Atomi, YouTube).
7. For tests, start your revision early, focussing on the concepts you find most difficult first and seeking assistance sooner rather than later.
8. Make summary notes/mind maps that assist you in recalling the main concepts and the connections these have with other concepts.
9. Complete practice questions and gain feedback on your responses. Then apply this feedback to future responses.

There are numerous strategies that students can utilise, however, the key is to start sooner rather than later, have a plan of attack and seek help when you are experiencing difficulty.

How to Break Down Complex Subjects

Taming Big Topics, One Step at a Time

We’ve all faced it—that overwhelming moment when you look at a massive topic and wonder, “Where do I even start?” Whether it’s preparing for a history essay, learning a difficult science concept, or tackling a big project, it’s easy to feel stuck. But breaking down complex subjects into manageable steps can make studying not only easier but also more effective. Here’s how you can master the art of simplifying the complex.

1.  Understand the Big Picture

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, take a step back and ask: What is this topic really about? For example, if you’re studying photosynthesis, the big picture might be understanding how plants convert sunlight into energy. Write this overarching goal at the top of your notes—it’ll act as a guide for everything you learn.

Tip: Look for summaries in your textbook or online resources to help you grasp the main idea. Tools like YouTube explainer videos can also offer quick overviews or ask ChatGPT to explain the concept to you in a simple way.

2.  Break It Down Into Sections

Once you understand the big picture, split the topic into smaller, more manageable chunks. Think of it like dividing a pizza into slices—it’s easier to tackle one piece at a time than trying to eat the whole thing at once. For example:

• Studying ‘The Nervous System’ can be broken into ‘Brain’, ‘Spinal Cord’, and ‘Nerves’.
• Preparing for an essay might involve planning the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion separately.

3. Focus on one section at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Tip: Use your syllabus, textbook headings, or teacher’s notes to identify these sections. If the subject feels particularly dense, ask your teacher for clarification on what’s most important.

3.  Create Visual Aids

Many students find it easier to remember information when they can see it laid out visually. Try these tools:

• Diagrams: Perfect for subjects like science or geography. Draw a labelled diagram to understand relationships between components.
• Flowcharts: Great for processes like historical events or problem-solving methods.
• Mind Maps: Ideal for summarising ideas and seeing connections between subtopics.

Visual aids not only help you organize your thoughts but also make revision more enjoyable and less monotonous.

4. Learn in Layers

Think of studying like peeling an onion—learn the surface-level basics first, then delve deeper as your understanding grows. For instance:

• First pass: Identify the key terms and concepts.
• Second pass: Learn how these terms connect.
• Third pass: Dive into details and examples.

Tip: Use multiple resources during this process. Your textbook might provide one perspective, but online videos or practice questions might give you a new way of looking at the material.

5.  Review and Consolidate

Once you’ve mastered each section, it’s time to fit the pieces back together. Review how the smaller parts connect to the big picture. This step helps you see the subject as a whole and prepares you for tasks like essays, exams, or projects.

Tip: Try summarising the topic in your own words. If you can explain it simply, you’ve truly understood it.

From Chaos to Clarity

Complex subjects might seem intimidating at first glance, but with the right approach, you can simplify them into manageable steps. By understanding the big picture, dividing the topic into sections, and using tools like diagrams and mind maps, you’ll gain confidence and clarity. Remember, learning is a process—take it one step at a time, and you’ll find that even the most challenging topics can be conquered.

Ms Sarah Rowland                                                                                        Mr Cameron Paff

Leader of Curriculum                                                                                   Leader of Data & Growth

Benvenuta Federica! Welcome Federica!

This week, we welcomed Federica Di Giugno, our Italian Language Assistant to the College. Federica will be working with Mr Gianni and Mrs Criniti in the Languages Department. Federica is part of the Co.As.It Language Assistants Program that places university graduates from Italy in schools to support teachers and students.  

The Program objectives are to:

• provide teachers and students with opportunities to increase their fluency in Italian, knowledge and understanding of Italy, its language and culture
• promote language learning and intercultural understanding 

We warmly welcome Federica to Bethany College and hope she has an enjoyable time at Bethany. Below is a note from her in both Italian and English for you to read. 

Ciao! Sono Federica Di Giugno e vengo dalla Sicilia. Mi sono laureata all’Università per Stranieri di Siena in didattica dell’italiano. Ho studiato russo e inglese e per un semestre ho frequentato l’Università di Varsavia. Ho lavorato in una scuola americana a Siena, sono stata tutor di italiano per la New York University a Firenze e nel 2024 sono stata assistente linguistica a Melbourne. Nel tempo libero mi piace molto viaggiare e cucinare piatti tipici della tradizione italiana!

Ciao! I am Federica Di Giugno and I am from Sicily. I have a master’s degree in teaching Italian from the University for Foreigners of Siena. I studied English and Russian, and for a semester I did a study exchange in Warsaw. I worked for an American school in Siena, I was the Italian tutor at the New York University in Florence and in 2024 I worked as a language assistant in Melbourne. In my free time I like traveling and cooking traditional Italian dishes!

Ms Enza Criniti

Language Teacher  

Sport Update

Conference Swimming Carnival

Our Bethany College Swim Team attended the Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 3 Carnival on Tuesday 4th March at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Whilst Bethany only had a small team of 14 students, the results achieved were outstanding! Congratulations to all who swam on the night, particularly those who have progressed to the Sydney Carnival on Monday 24th March.

Some highlights of the evening are:

• 9 records broken (All Age Relay, 12-14 200m Freestyle Relay, 12-14 200m Medley Relay, Kelsey Corbett - 14 yrs 100m Backstroke and 100m Butterfly, Eloise Button - 15yrs 50m Breaststroke and 100m Breaststroke, Zikai Zhou - 12-13yrs 100m Breaststroke and Keighly Altera - 12-13yrs 50m Backstroke).
• Kelsey Corbett - 14 years Age Champion - 8 gold medals and 1 silver.
• Bethany won FOUR major trophies, 12-14 years Girls Champions, 15-16 years Girls Champions, 17+ Girls Champions and Overall Girls Champions - a clean sweep!
• 12 out of 14 swimmers will progress to the Sydney Carnival on the 24th March.

Representative Sport Update

In week 5, Bethany teams played against Bosco, Engadine and in week 6,Aquinas College Menai.

Results are below:

Week 5

Week 6

Congratulations to the following Juniors who have been awarded Players’ Player medals over the last two weeks: Yumi Lee, Lilly Molachino and Chloe Nixon.

Rachel Bevan

Sports Coordinator

Library News

With the start of a new year, the Bethany College Library has been buzzing with activity! It is my pleasure to share with you the wonderful things that have happened since students returned.

Year 7 Orientation Sessions

At the start of 2025, we warmly welcomed our new Year 7 students, who have since become frequent visitors, making use of our various facilities. I had the delightful opportunity to engage with each Year 7 class during their orientation. The students participated in two library sessions designed to help them get acquainted with the space and the resources available to them.

Session 1 provided an overview of the library's basic functions, including borrowing procedures, available spaces, the tutoring program, and the events we host throughout the year. Session 2 featured a demonstration on how to use Oliver and focused on installing library printers, which will prove very useful to students in the future.

We hope that our Year 7 students now feel confident and excited to make the most of the wonderful resources and spaces we offer.

Library Lover’s Week

During Week 2, we dedicated time to celebrating our College library and the many reasons we love it. Students were invited to write down one reason they appreciate the library on heart-shaped pieces of paper. These heartfelt messages are now displayed in the library, creating a wonderfully positive atmosphere in our space.

Students were invited to the Library to "fall in love" with a good book through our popular ‘Blind Date with a Book’ initiative. Books were wrapped, and selections were made based solely on genre, themes, and key words. We hope students discovered some fantastic reads!

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Installing Library Printers

A new year is a great opportunity to ensure that the Library printers are set up and ready to use. The installation process is quick, taking just 5 minutes, but it will ensure that students are prepared when they need to print.

To install the printers, students should log into Compass, click on the Star icon, and select Oliver (Library catalogue). The installation instructions are available on the Oliver landing page. Please note that this installation can only be completed while on school premises.

Resources to support learning

At Bethany, we have a number of resources to support student learning and independent research. Some of these tools are listed below:

Britannica School
All teachers and students at Bethany College have free access to the award-winning Britannica School.

Britannica School is an all-in-one digital learning resource, with content differentiated for all ages. Balanced, curated and thoroughly fact-checked by the experts at Britannica, it’s the go-to source of information for over 150 million students and teachers worldwide. 

Britannica School is great for knowledge building, research, homework help or learning at home. Inspire curiosity and joy of learning with thousands of engaging articles, images, videos, news stories and biographies across all subject areas. 

For more information:

https://elearn.eb.com/britannica-school

To access: Students access Oliver via Compass and click on the Britannica Logo

JSTOR

This year, I am pleased to announce that we have a subscription to JSTOR: a specially curated package for schools of archival journals and four primary source collections covering the arts, humanities and sciences.

With unlimited access to over 2,700 archival journals – the majority of which are unavailable on the open web – four primary source collections, and more than 2,000 open-access ebooks, the JSTOR Secondary Schools Collection provides students with a safe and trusted environment to research topics across the curriculum.

Students have access to:

• All 15 Arts & Sciences Collections; the Life Sciences Collection; the Ecology & Botany II Collection; the Business IV Collection; and all four Primary Source Collections.
• The Understanding Series - a series of English texts (full text access), that finds articles where it has been cited in other articles

Text Analyser - Upload a document (word, pdf, link) and JSTOR will analyse it and will return relevant articles to the uploaded document. Great way to start off research

• Workspace - Useful for research projects - save PDFs in the one space, add notes, generate a reference list

Why JSTOR?

• To support our senior students in particular with their independent research
• Unlimited downloads for full text PDF
• JSTOR is seen as an essential resource to provide students with a trusted source for their research projects. It is also an invaluable resource for preparing students for the rigours of higher education. Using JSTOR whilst still at school makes sure they’re familiar with the same research tools and content they’ll use at university.

Access to JSTOR is via Oliver. Just click on the JSTOR logo and enter the username and password specified.

2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge

February 24 marked the start of the annual Premier's Reading Challenge for Years 7-10. The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure in students and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge for each student to read more and more widely. If students wish to take part or require more information, they are encouraged to register their interest via Compass.

Book Club

This year, Book Club will take place every Wednesday A during Recess (juniors and seniors). The purpose is to provide an opportunity to share our love of reading with others, make new friends and participate in fun activities along the way. All are welcome!

Next newsletter…

Next newsletter, we will resume our popular section: Behind the Bookmarks: The Literary Lives of Teachers. ‘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!

Until then, happy reading!

Mrs Alison Sladen

Teacher Librarian

Careers News

On Monday, 10th March,  we were excited to welcome back Bethany ex-student Louisa Leone (College Dux 2019 ATAR 99.95) to talk to our students about the pathways into medicine. Louisa is now in her 3rd year of postgraduate study in the Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Sydney, having completed her Bachelor of Science in 2022. Louisa gave valuable insight and information to students who are considering medicine and also other areas of study in Sciences and medical fields. We are very proud of what you are achieving Louisa and know you will be a wonderful Doctor, we really appreciated having an ex Bethany girl come back and give so freely of her time. 

If any other ex students would like to come back and share insights into their post school pathway that may benefit the Bethany girls, please send me an email as I would love to hear from you. melanie.bullock@syd.catholic.edu.au

UAC

2 April

Applications open for 2025 to 2026 domestic undergraduate admissions. Year 12 students have been given guidance on what is required to set up a UAC account. This information is also on the Year 12 Google Classroom.

Applications open at 9am for:

Domestic undergraduate applications for admission

Schools Recommendation Scheme

Educational Access Scheme

Equity Scholarships

UAC - The ATAR

HSC students: don’t stress! Everything you need to know about the ATAR in (just over) 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).

University - Institutes

University of Wollongong Parent & Student Info Nights

UOW is committed to providing high school students, parents and carers of high school students as well as non-school leavers with information and knowledge to help make informed decisions about your future. These interactive events are designed to answer all the common questions that students have about starting university study. UOW staff and current students will be on-hand to make sure you have all of your questions answered at the one time in the one place. These in-person events are held in NSW, Victoria and the ACT - a perfect opportunity for you to get all the information you need at the one place at the one time—direct from UOW staff and students. Find a date and location that suits you below:

• 26 March - Wollongong
• 2 April - Liverpool
• 9 April - Sutherland

University of Sydney Webinar - Your pathway into medicine

26 March

Passionate about studying Medicine and making a difference in the world? Seize this opportunity to discover how the University of Sydney can help you achieve your dreams of becoming a doctor!

The University of Sydney Medicine Degree will equip you with the clinical expertise, leadership skills, and human understanding needed to impact lives positively, both in Australia and globally.

Join this webinar to find out about the flexibility and rewards of our double degree programs in medicine.

Learn how to best prepare for the admissions process and set yourself up for success.

University of Sydney - Applications Casper Test Dates for Veterinary Science 2026

All applicants are required to complete the Casper online testing (via Altus Suite) for the 2025/26 admission cycle.

Casper Test Dates for entry into this course are:

• Sunday 26 May 2024 - 10:00 am AEST
• Sunday 23 June 2024 - 10:00 am AEST
• Thursday 8 August 2024 - 7:00 pm AEST
• Friday 13 September 2024 - 10:00 am AEST 
• Sunday 24 November 2024 -  10:00 am AEST 

Applicants must register for a Casper test at least 3 days prior to the testing date.

UTS Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) Scholarship Applications Opening Soon

Applications Open 1st March

All students in the course receive a tax-free scholarship worth up to $55,000.

If you are a high-achieving school leaver and believe you could be one of Australia’s future business

leaders, then the Bachelor of Accounting cooperative education scholarship program has been designed

just for you. The Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) provides you with a multi-skilled accounting degree with strong emphasis on both accounting and financial management, both essential business tools.

Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) at UTS Information Evening

7 May

At the core of every organisation is an accountant. Join our webinar to learn about what accounting really is and where it can take you.

If you are a high-achieving school leaver and believe you could be one of Australia’s future business

leaders, then our Bachelor of Accounting and cooperative education scholarship program has been

designed just for you. The Bachelor of Accounting provides you with a multi-skilled accounting degree with a strong emphasis on both accounting and financial management, both essential business tools.

Come along to this webinar and meet current students, graduates, sponsors and staff of this elite program.

Pathways to studying law at Sydney

March 19, 2025 Online

Did you know, there are many pathways to studying law at the University of Sydney? Hear from our panel of current students who have joined the law community at Sydney through alternate pathways, transferring or studying graduate entry law.

ACU - Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub (BEST) guided tour

2 and 10th April 

Did you want to take a deeper dive into Sport and Exercise Science or High Performance Sport at ACU? 

Join us for a discipline-specific guided visit at the BEST Hub, a $100m state of-the-art health and performance facility at the Blacktown International Sports Park. 

You’ll be shown around the facility by expert academic staff, meet current students and see our cutting-edge biomechanical and exercise physiology labs in action.

UNSW Year 10 Info Evenings: Subject Selection

1 April

Get advice and information that’s specially tailored for Year 10 students, that will help you navigate the HSC subject selection process, explain how UNSW admissions and scholarship applications work, and give you an insight into transitioning into university life so that you can get a head start on planning your Future. Parents and teachers of Year 10 students are invited to join the evening as well as participate in the live Q&A session.

UNSW Future Creators Day

14 April

UNSW Future Creators Day—hands-on workshops in Game Art, Animation, Design, Fashion & more. Explore your passion & bring ideas to life!

Future Creators Day is a hands-on experience for Year 10 and 11 students passionate about creativity, design, and visual storytelling. Hosted by UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore future study and career paths in the creative industries.

Join us on campus for a day of immersive workshops led by expert academics and industry professionals.

University - General

UCAT For Entry to Medicine in Australian and New Zealand Universities

The UCAT ANZ is a compulsory entry requirement for our Australia and New Zealand Consortium

universities. You are required to sit the UCAT ANZ 2025 test (between 1 July and 5 August 2025) if you are intending to apply for entry in 2026 to a relevant course or programme listed below.

UCAT ANZ results cannot be carried over from one year to the next. For example, results from UCAT ANZ 2025 can only be used to apply for courses commencing in 2026.

Some pathways to medicine/dentistry/clinical sciences will not require the UCAT ANZ. For some applicants a different test may be required. You should always check the entry requirements for each course or programme using the websites of the universities to which you intend to apply before booking a test.  There are no general exemptions from the test.

Free UCAT Information Session

6 May

The National Institute of Education (NIE) is proud to present the free information seminar all about UCAT and the undergraduate pathways into medicine, dentistry, and some other health science programs. This forum is an excellent opportunity for teachers, students, and parents to find out about the UCAT and to have their questions answered by an expert who has been working in the field since 1999. The session is PACKED with loads of valuable information during which we will be covering the following topics:

• What is UCAT? UCAT scores? UCAT Sub-tests?
• UCAT changes this year, and refining exam preparation strategy.
• The Undergraduate selection criteria
• Application process into universities for medicine and dentistry
• When and who can sit the UCAT
• UCAT vs GAMSAT - How is UCAT different?
• Can you prepare for the UCAT?
• Undergraduate medical school interview explained and medical school interview preparation advice
• Gap Year
• Alternative degrees and career choices
• Q & A

Scholarships for Medicine

Plan ahead and research these options! Scholarships included on this page include many options from a variety of universities across Australian, within the healthcare professions.

 The Maths Needed for 15 of Australia’s Most Popular Uni Courses

We’ve rounded up the top five most popular uni courses in NSW, Queensland and Western Australia, and made notes under each to let you know if maths is a prerequisite, assumed knowledge or will just generally help you out along the way. Keep this page bookmarked! As more states and territories publish their most popular uni courses, we’ll update this list.

And as always, it’s really important to do your own research. Before you decide on your Year 11 and 12 subjects, you should look up the degrees you’d like to do at uni to check their complete list of entry Requirements.

University of Melbourne - UniMelb 101: A webinar for NSW and ACT students

2 April

Ever wondered what it’s like to study at the University of Melbourne, in the heart of Australia’s most liveable city?

If you’re from New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory, this is your chance to find out.

UniMelb 101 is a live Q&A webinar designed for you to ask your burning questions about study at Melbourne, entry requirements specific to your high school curriculum and the exciting student life and community that awaits you.

TAFE

 TAFE NSW for Schools

With our diverse range of courses, strong industry connections and approaches to learning that suit all needs, TAFE NSW will help students get the job they want. Our passionate teachers have current industry experience, meaning our students learn real-world skills that see them become in-demand and job ready, with many of our students graduating to become leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who contribute to our global economy.

Imagine a career in the Sign & Graphic Industry

The graphic design and sign manufacturing industry, also includes the router, engraving, laser and fabrication industries, and is without a doubt one of the largest manufacturing sectors in Australia. The industry has over 7,600 businesses. The value of production is worth many billions of dollars. In an industry this big there are many great career opportunities available almost anywhere in Australia.

Sydney Trains Trainee Train Signaller Open Days

25 & 28  March

As part of this recruitment process, we will be hosting onsite information sessions for our upcoming Trainee Train Signaller Intakes on 25th March & 28th March 2025.

These sessions will be held on site at the Rail Operations Centre (177-187 Wyndham St, Alexandria NSW 2015). Sessions will run for 90 minutes, please note attendance is optional but encouraged.

Private Colleges

Sydney Design School - Interior Decoration Workshop

15-16 April

Be inspired. Be creative. If you love interiors magazines and beautifully styled spaces, this fun two day

workshop is for you. It’s perfect for any interiors enthusiast who wants to decorate their home with skill and confidence. Perhaps you’re considering a career in interiors? This beginners workshop will give you a taste of the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration course and you’ll get a feel for our School and the passion of our Educators. Get hands on as you learn how to put together a full interior decoration scheme for a living space in your own home. Plan the layout, select furniture and lighting, explore colour schemes and create a sample board of your ideas.

Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) - Sydney Info Night

16 April

Join us on campus and discover how ACAP can help you make a real difference in the lives of others.

Find out about our degrees in psychology, social work, counselling, criminology, coaching and law, as well as the career paths available to you. ACAP’s degrees of difference have been shaping futures for over four decades. As a global leader in the vast field of applied psychology, our professionally accredited qualifications contribute to societal well-being, embodying values of integrity, equity, and social justice. Join our on-campus info night and discover our industry-driven programs led, meet our industry experts teacher and see how ACAP can help you achieve a career that’ll make a real degree of difference.

Australian Institute of Music - The Art of Lyrics School holiday Workshop

14 April

Created for students in Years 9-12, AIM’s new high school music workshops provide incredible opportunities to explore songwriting, mentored by AIM’s own accomplished musicians and educators.

This songwriting workshop is essential for any high school students curious about writing songs and performing and is a golden opportunity to work with incredibly accomplished songwriters. Join us these school holidays and discover the songwriter and performer you were born to become.

Australian Institute of Music - Mastering Performance School Holiday Workshop

14 April

AIM’s new school holiday workshop is designed for high school students interested in Music Performance. Created for students in Years 9-12, the workshops provide incredible opportunities to experience playing and performing music, mentored by AIM’s own accomplished musicians and educators.

Sydney Flight School - Limited Spots Available for June 2025 Intake

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!

Brent Street Autumn Camp

14-16 April

Don’t miss an incredible 3 days of dancing at Brent Street Studios in Sydney, Australia. Bringing you 15 of our top choreographers and teachers, you’ll leave the workshop feeling inspired and pumped, ready to smash Term 2 ahead! We welcome students from all studios across Sydney and Australia to enjoy our Autumn Camp. It’s so much more than just dance classes; it’s an experience of making friends, a physical challenge and inspiring teachers!

Throughout the intensive, teachers will be on the look out for hardworking and fierce dancers to win a scholarship to the 2025 Winter Camp (held in July School Holidays), so be ready to break a sweat! Brent Street is a wonderful place and we are excited to share a little bit of the magic with you at the workshop!

See you there!

AMPA

 Don’t miss your chance to apply for the Bachelor/Associate of Dance Program for 2025/6!

Seize the opportunity today to receive the training and qualification you need to thrive in the performing arts industry. At AMPA, we are dedicated to cultivating well-rounded and versatile dance professionals. Our program empowers students to develop skills in performance, choreography, teaching and production while enhancing academic proficiency.

Plus, we offer Fee-Help for domestic students and credit for Diploma and Advanced Diploma graduates looking to elevate their qualifications.

SAE Info Night

16 April

Just make the first move in your dream career – join us at your local SAE campus this April for Info Night! This is your chance to get a feel for the vibe at an SAE campus. Explore our creative and technology courses, meet industry experts and chat to the campus teams about student life. You can even take a tour of our facilities and check out some of the awesome student projects on display.

General

Study Engineering - Resources for Students, Parents and Teachers

Engineering is a career for problem solvers. It’s a wide and diverse field that touches every part of human medicines we take are all products of engineering. This means anyone with interests in virtually any area can be attracted to and enjoy engineering and it’s never too early to introduce engineering to young people. Young children can develop an interest in and appreciation for engineering with toys such as Lego, Meccano or even Play Doh. We’ve put together some resources for school-age students and teachers to help you foster interest in budding engineers of any age.

Women in cyber security

Are you a woman thinking about getting into cyber security? There are loads of opportunities for young graduates looking to future-proof their pathways

Careers at Council

This is the industry’s go-to source of information about work in local government. Explore the many and varied roles in the Career Areas section.

ADF Gap Year Gap Year Videos

No matter what part of the Defence Force you wish to enter there is a role for you in an ADF GAP Year.

See any of the 10 videos showing a wide range of roles you can go into in an ADF GAP Year.

Australian Federal Police - Entry Level Recruit Who we’re looking for

We are always on the lookout for candidates with sound academic performance and strong critical-thinking skills. You must be over 18 to apply for a job at the AFP, but you can still register your interest in joining if you’re under 18. Applicants must be able to meet our eligibility requirements which take place at various stages throughout the recruitment process.

To apply you need to:

• be over 18 years old
• be an Australian citizen
• meet our character standards.

If you progress through the recruitment process you'll be asked to:

• complete the Employment Suitability Questionnaire (including providing your traffic history)
• obtain a security clearance, including a national police check
• undergo mandatory drug testing and provide your fingerprints.

Melanie Bullock
Careers Advisor

Winter Uniforms

Year 7 and Year 10 Vaccinations

If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 in 2025, you can provide consent online for school vaccinations. 

Attention; Year 10 will be held on Monday 7th April - consent needs to be provided before the day. 

Please note date change; Year 7 will be held on Wednesday 27th August - consent needs to be provided before the day.

In Year 7, students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). In Year 10, students are offered the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. 

Online consent will only be accepted if provided through the NSW Health School Vaccination Program portal. Consent should not be provided to the school via email or other electronic form submission. 

How to provide consent: 

1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: engage.health.nsw.gov.au
2. Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you do not have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one. 
3. Update or confirm your personal details as required. 
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:   
5. Enter your child’s personal details 
6. Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child   
7. Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement 
8. Provide consent   

Detailed instructions can be found on the NSW Health website. If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper consent form from the school. Produced by South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.

The benefits of providing consent online: 

• easily update your child’s details 
• receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given 
• faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) 

For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination . 

If you require information in your language, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx

Michelle Barrass

Leader of Teaching Administration