Term 1 - Week 8

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of Bethany,

This Sunday is the 5th Sunday of Lent and involves Bethany. In the Gospel of John 11:1 - 45, the story of Lazarus rising from the dead is told. Whilst this is a well known story which speaks of hope and renewal of our faith, it also speaks from the perspective of Martha and Mary of loss, grief and despair. The story tells us to have faith and in doing so, we can be helped to find strength and comfort in others. Lazarus lives in Bethany and he, together with Martha and Mary are great friends of Jesus.

How can we draw upon a story so dear to the hearts of the Bethany Community to apply to our daily lives?

Hope

As we help to educate our young women, both at home and at school, what hopeful messages do we give? Do we use disappointment and even loss in terms of relationships as possible new learnings? When it looks like there is no hope, where can I focus on my faith to help support me? Do our teenage daughters at times catastrophise events and feel that there is no hope?

Strength

What support mechanisms are in place when my daughter feels that there is no hope? What parenting support is given when a loss of hope is not truly believed by a parent or taken seriously? How do I empower my daughter with strength rather than do things for her that are not warranted? 

Comfort

Comfort is a form of security and does not always take the form of sympathy, sometimes it is in offering the truth that is not always easy to hear. At other times it is just knowing that a parent is there to talk to without judgement.

Whilst we know the main focus of the death and resurrection of Lazarus is about grief, I wonder if a situation such as Martha and Mary were in, can be turned into lessons for us currently at Bethany through a more positive lens of hope, strength and comfort.

If you feel that your daughter is ever in need of extra support at school, please contact her Year Coordinator, subject teacher, Leader of Wellbeing or Counsellor. At times, we recommend that certain support be set up for your daughter, it is always best to engage in conversation between school and home for the best support for your daughter. At times which is really typical of teenage girls, emotions or circumstances can feel heightened. We ask that you take this into account when supporting your daughter. Equally, the more that you can engage your daughter in conversation about social media and would she be proud if you saw every message, every chat and every photo, the more the message of being digitally aware can come across. Whilst I am not asking you to look at every one of these, ask your daughter what if you did? If your daughter has a strong opinion of you seeing what she does on social media it may mean that she needs to reflect on her values and how she wishes to be treated and seen in the digital world.

Robyn Rodwell
College Principal

From the Assistant Principal

As we move closer to the end of the term, I just wanted to share with you some important information. 

Term 2

The first day back to school for students is Wednesday 26th April and we will commence the term with a whole school assembly to commemorate Anzac Day. Monday the 24th April is a pupil free day. 

Uniform

Next term, students return to school in the winter uniform. Now is a great time to check the length of skirts and tunics, ensuring they meet the College standard. A reminder the uniform shop is open during school terms on: 

• Monday: 1.00 - 4.00pm
• Tues: 8:00–11:30am
  
• Thur: 8:00–11:30am

Please check the Ranier website for items you may require during the school holidays. 

Public Transport

Some students have recently raised their concerns about the behaviour of some Bethany girls on public transport, particularly the 947 bus to Kogarah. This is a public bus and not a school special. When members of the public are on the bus, students are reminded that it is an expectation they stand for adults and use appropriate language when speaking with each other. It’s important not only for the school’s reputation but also to show respect and courtesy for others. 

Students are expected to follow the Transport NSW Code of Conduct. Failure to do so can result in passes being withdrawn or students being banned by the bus company from their services. The code of conduct can be found here: Student Code of Conduct. 

If you have any concerns about the crowding on buses or the timetable, I encourage you to raise your concerns both with school and with Transdev. They can be contacted via email at: tdnsw.schools@transdev.com.au. The more Transdev hears from a range of people, the more likely they are to review timetables and bus numbers. 

Police Youth Liaison Officer

The Police Youth Liaison Officer will be coming to speak with our students in Years 7 - 9 early in Term 2. She will cover a range of current issues our girls are experiencing and help them to better understand their rights, responsibilities and the law. 

Best wishes to our Year 12 students as they move into their Assessment block next week. The library has been open for extended periods this week and it has been great to see the girls taking advantage of this opportunity.

Kristina Flanagan
Assistant Principal

Important Dates

What's Happening in Religious Education

American Bishop, Robert Barron, offered a free resource last week, Having a Personal Relationship with Jesus, which resonated with me as I strive towards a closer relationship with Jesus during my own Lenten journey. It was a timely reminder to be still and immerse in the uncomplicated companionship of Christ, the beauty of which is an exclusive Christian relationship, subsequently shared with the world. I hope you enjoy it.

Year 8 Spirituality Day

Year 8 enjoyed a wonderful day at The Tops Conference Centre as we unpacked their College Value of Acceptance. We were delighted to be joined by Mrs Catherine Brown, Network K-12 Religious Education Officer, Secondary Focus, Mission & Identity Directorate, Sydney Catholic Schools. Cathy engaged our students in a series of activities that celebrated Mary’s acceptance of God’s will and the fate of her Son, Jesus. Year 8 made individual Rosary bracelets, prayed a decade of the Rosary and concluded the day with a Communion liturgical celebration.

Project Compassion

Our students have continued this fundraising campaign with bake sales and treat days in the last fortnight to support the work of Caritas Australia. Our current total stands at  $4012.85, thank you!

St. Michael’s Church

Latest Bulletin- 19 March

Archdiocese of Sydney

You can access further Mass times on the Archdiocese of Sydney website using the Parishes and Communities directory.

Sara Camporeale
Leader of Religious Education and Mission

Teaching and Learning News

SAVE THE DATE - Year 7 Parents & Students

We hope that your child is settling well into Year 7. During the early years of high school, it is essential for students to develop study habits to promote academic success and become powerful learners. Bethany College will be hosting ‘Tools for Success’ Study Skills evening, presented by Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services, on May 24th, 6:00 to 7:30pm. Dr Prue Salter will take parents and students through these essential skills and provide students with useful ways in which they can integrate these skills into their approach to their academic studies.

Dorian Kipriotis - Leader of Curriculum

Sarah Rowland - Leader of Data and Growth

From the Leader of Wellbeing

Attendance Matters

Congratulations to all students who make attendance and punctuality a priority. Remember - Attendance at school matters each and every day!!!

Parent Education

There are a multitude of free apps available for mobile phone download that can assist in student wellbeing in areas of mindfulness, focus whilst studying or sleep patterns. The apps pictured below have received positive feedback from adolescent users (and adults too):

Flipd is an app that can track your time on activities - whether that is school tasks, exercise, sleep or use of social media. It allows you to set and achieve goals, and builds accountability.

Stay focused is a tool to block apps, websites and keywords as determined by the user. In addition, you can set limits on your overall phone usage. Spending too much time on Social Networking or Messaging Apps? Block them, and Stay focused will help you reduce the usage.

Smiling Mind is an app developed by psychologists and educators that offers guided meditations and mindfulness practices. There is also a wellbeing question answered before each meditation that leads to a visualisation of your wellbeing over time.

Insight timer offers meditations from a host of traditions and teachers, and is one of the leading mindfulness apps - approximately 120,000 different guided meditations. There are also engaging and interesting meditations and stories for kids and teens on a range of topics such as sleep or how to positively express yourself.

Wellbeing Wisdom: Optimum health relies on both body and mind, and the foods you eat play an important part in your overall wellbeing. Make sure your diet includes fruits and vegetables, foods high in fibre (wholegrain cereals and bread, beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts), fermented foods like unsweetened yoghurt, olive oil, and fish.

Charlotte Buxton
Leader of Wellbeing

Red Frogs

Year 10 students learnt about the importance of identity from Elliot, the representative of ‘Red Frogs’. An organisation which aims to help the youth in understanding themselves as well as aiding them to make the right choices during ‘schoolies’. Where the founder, Andy Gourley, made the decision to care about these young people who had no supporting adults while they were in the process of making important choices about their lives. He did this by sharing the lolly, red frogs with the recently graduated young adults, thus initiating the movement of the red frogs. 

Elliot reinforced the idea of knowing ourselves through the acronym: CPR, which stands for Confidence, Purpose and Resilience. Through games and stories the year 10 cohort appreciated the journey we will undertake in order to grow. While also enjoying the lolly red frogs and the mission of Red Frogs. 

Melanie Bullock

Year 10 Coordinator

2023 CSDA Public Speaking Competition update

The Zone Finals of the 2023 CSDA Public Speaking Competition was held on Friday, 10th of March at St Patrick’s College Strathfield. Four of our public speakers - Harper Bollard (Year 10), Catherine Smith (Year 10), Alesha Campbell (Year 8) and Danielle Hanna (Year 7) competed in fine form against public speakers from 16 systemic and independent Catholic schools across Sydney, delivering their speeches with much passion and finesse under fierce competition. Unfortunately our speakers did not get through to the final round. We are immensely proud of all our public speakers for their outstanding achievement. That concludes public speaking for this year. Debating preparations are currently underway. The 2023 Regional Catholic Schools Debating Competition will commence in Week 2 of Term 2.

Shirley Woo
Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator

Sport Update

Sydney Catholic Schools Conference Carnival

Last week on Tuesday 14th March we had 20 students attend and compete at the Sydney Catholic Schools Conference Championships. Bethany recorded some amazing results across the night including a number of records broken in different events. Bethany were awarded some major trophies on the night including Overall Girls Champions, Intermediate and Senior Girls Champions! 

We also had three Bethany students awarded Age Champions for their division across the whole conference, congratulations to Kelsey Corbett, Juliet King and Tameeka Johnson.

Some highlights of the night are below,  including the list of students who have progressed to the Sydney Championships which are being held on Monday 27th March at Sydney Olympic Park.

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• Tameeka Johnson    
• Amy Dambiec  
• Jacinta Kumcevski  
• Jessica Ryan  
• Monique Johnson
• Juliet King
• Millie Wong
• Gisele Galea
• Kelsey Corbett
• Eloise Button
• Clarissa Kumcevski
• Jasmine Politis
• Scarlet Watkins

SCS Representative Sport Update

Last week all teams had a bye and participated in an extended training session at school.

Results from Round 6 against BOSCO are as follows:

Touch Football

Junior - defeated 3-0

Intermediate - won 9-4

Senior - defeated 7-6

Basketball

Junior - defeated 25-22

Intermediate - won 49-19

Senior - won 50-21

Next week, teams will be competing in the Semi and Grand Finals! Confirmed teams progressing will be confirmed over the coming days.

SCS Rugby League

Congratulations to Christine Tsougranis who was selected in the Sydney Catholic Schools Opens Girls Rugby League Team to compete at the NSWCCC Trials held at St Mary’s on Wednesday 17th May (training camp) & Thursday 18th May 2023 (competition).

Good luck!

Rachel Bevan
Sport Coordinator

Careers Update

UAC Key Dates

29 September 2023 - Early Bird Processing Deadline

14 December 2023 - HSC and ATAR Results Released

15 December 2023 - Last Day for Change of Preferences for December Round 2

21 December 2023 - December Round 2 Offers Released

28 December 2023 - Last Day for Change of Preferences for January Round 1

11 January 2024 - January Round 1 Offers Released

2 February 2024 - Applications Close for Semester 1, 2024

For more dates, refer to to the UAC Key Dates fact sheet.

https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/ug-fact-sheets/ug-fact-sheet-key-dates.pdf

UAC Digital / Year 12 Conference

UAC Digital, is presenting their annual Year 12 Conference again in 2023. 

The 2023 Year 12 Conference is a conference designed for you: find out about our participating universities, why you should consider them for future study, and what's coming up for you in 2024.

Each uni will have a 5-minute block to highlight their best qualities and share useful resources. UAC will finish the conference with some key information to help you make the most of your application to uni.

The 19 uni's you'll be meeting:

– Australian Catholic University

– Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE)

– Central Queensland University (CQ University)

– Charles Darwin University

– Charles Sturt University

– Griffith University

– International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS)

– La Trobe (Sydney)

– Macquarie University

– Southern Cross University

– Torrens University Australia

– University of Canberra

– University of New South Wales (UNSW)

– University of Newcastle

– University of Notre Dame Australia 

– University of Sydney

– University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

– University of Wollongong

– Western Sydney University.

https://uacdigital.easywebinar.live/yr12conference24-registration

Reminder: University of Sydney - Life of a Marine Scientist - Webinar

 Join this session to find out what an average day of work might be like in the field of marine and climate science, and learn about how you can work in this field. Explore this fascinating field and hear how leading academics and researchers are working to solve big issues in the field, including reversing the damage to our coral reefs, how we address the impact of meteorological events and climate change, the importance of our mangroves and aquatic environments, and much more.

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

Western Sydney's New Bachelor of Tourism and Event Management

Western Sydney University’s School of Social Science has a new degree, Bachelor of Tourism and Event Management. The degree, designed with industry, prepares graduates for professional roles in tourism, events, and the visitor economy.

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/courses/undergraduate/bachelor-of-tourism-and-event-management

UTS Introduction to Computing Science

1 May

Gain an insight into what Engineering and IT is all about and find out if it's right for you. Hear from key academics about what it's like to study engineering and IT at UTS and how best to prepare. There will also be Q&A sessions where you can have your questions answered live.

https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pOCmlPFrQEOLaFZ-S3_Quw

UTS Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

3 May

Gain an insight into what Engineering is all about and find out if it's right for you. Hear from key academics about what it's like to study engineering at UTS and how best to prepare. There will also be Q&A sessions where you can have your questions answered live.

https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wjuVnYJBTLioqGJ1UZWz9g

UTS Introduction to Bachelor of Information Technology

4 May

Gain an insight into what Information Technology is all about and find out if it's right for you. Hear from key academics about what it's like to study Information Technology at UTS and how best to prepare. There will also be Q&A sessions where you can have your questions answered live.

https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LcEtb8V4QOCo11lE9p8YAQ

UTS Introduction to Bachelor of Games Development

8 May

Gain an insight into what Information Technology is all about and find out if it's right for you. Hear from key academics about what it's like to study IT at UTS and how best to prepare. There will also be Q&A sessions where you can have your questions answered live.

https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C0iupsNyRBaFPODMBXbUgA

UTS Introduction to Data Science Engineering

9 May

Gain an insight into what engineering is all about and find out if it's right for you. Hear from key academics about what it's like to study engineering at UTS and how best to prepare. There will also be Q&A sessions where you can have your questions answered live.

https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AKW4DllxT_iDyWp2q7fQvw

UTS Introduction to Engineering

27 April

Gain an insight into what Engineering and IT is all about and find out if it's right for you. Hear from key academics about what it's like to study engineering and IT at UTS and how best to prepare. There will also be Q&A sessions where you can have your questions answered live.

https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SAQINSMpStmBO9Nwua7Uqg

UTS WiEIT STEM x Holiday Workshops

11-12 April

These holiday workshops for girls aged 10-16 provide the opportunity to solve real-world problems using engineering and technology with other girls and women.

https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-engineering-and-information-technology/women-engineering-and-it/our-community-and-events/events-0/wieit-stem-x-holiday-workshops-0

UTS Introduction to Engineering

27 April

Gain an insight into what Engineering and IT is all about and find out if it's right for you. Hear from key academics about what it's like to study engineering and IT at UTS and how best to prepare. There will also be Q&A sessions where you can have your questions answered live.

https://utsmeet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SAQINSMpStmBO9Nwua7Uqg

ACU - Register Your Interest

Are you considering ACU?  Stay up-to-date with important dates, events and information.

https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/register-your-interest

Discover Physiotherapy and Sport and Exercise Science at Brisbane Campus ACU

 Discover Physiotherapy and Sport and Exercise Science session to gain an insight into life as an ACU student.

Get hands-on during a workshop, tour the facilities, and chat with current students about their experience.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/april/discover-physiotherapy-and-sport-and-exercise-science-at-brisbane-campus?redirect=%26FilterBy%3dUpcoming%26Month%3dApril%26Year%3d2023%26PageNumber%3d1

Discover Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology at Brisbane Campus ACU

 Discover Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology session to gain an insight into life as an ACU student.

Learn about studying at the Brisbane Campus as you tour our facilities and chat with current students about their experience at ACU.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/april/discover-physiotherapy-and-sport-and-exercise-science-at-brisbane-campus?redirect=%26FilterBy%3dUpcoming%26Month%3dApril%26Year%3d2023%26PageNumber%3d1

Talk with Lawyers and Criminologists ACU

Join online to hear from ACU alumni about their experiences working in legal practice and the criminal justice sector, and how they have made an impact. Take part in a Q&A session with our graduates to find out where a law or criminology and criminal justice degree can take you.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/april/talk-with-lawyers-and-criminologists

Talk with Business and IT Professionals ACU

As the world constantly changes and evolves, a career in business or IT offers an exciting future.

Join online to hear from ACU alumni about their professional experiences after completing a business or IT degree.

Take part in a Q&A session with our graduates to find out what your future could hold with one of these degrees.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2023/april/talk-with-business-and-it-professionals

CSU 2023 Medicine Information Night

29 March

CSU invites you to their online medicine information night to discover everything you need to know about the five-year undergraduate entry degree – the Doctor of Medicine

https://cvent.csu.edu.au/event/580ba471-d7bc-4095-aa56-1269fe26a324/regProcessStep1

Notre Dame Doctor of Medicine Information Session

4 May

You’ll hear from School of Medicine academics, including National Head of School Professor Gervase Chaney, along with staff from both the Admissions and the Prospective Students Offices. You will be provided with important information around how to apply, course structure and professional experience, and also give you an opportunity to ask questions during the Q&A.

https://events.nd.edu.au/doctor-of-medicine

Nursing Scholarships in Australia

The government offers a number of ways for you to support your studies, the most common of which is a student loan. Numerous institutions from around Australia offer a range of different nursing scholarships that can help you pay your tuition fees.

http://nursingcourses.net.au/nursing-scholarships/

TAFE Digital Has Options For You

TAFE Digital offers a wide range of nationally recognised, online study options, across a range of modern industries. You can study online and enjoy flexible learning to fit your lifestyle, with online short courses, certificates, diplomas, and degrees.

TAFE Digital is part of TAFE NSW, and is the largest online education provider in Australia.

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/digital

ADF Engineering Careers Information Session

29 March

Online

Consider an Engineering career in the Navy, Army or Air Force and keep Defence weapons, vehicles, aircraft, ships and infrastructure operating safely and effectively.

Join for an info session and speak with current serving military personnel to hear about their own experiences and advice.

It is highly recommended you book as soon as possible to avoid missing out-places are strictly limited!

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/events/events-detail/cgyxosp

ADF Health Careers Information Session

27 March

Online

Looking after the health and wellbeing of ADF personnel is a high priority.

Optimise your potential in a challenging and rewarding Health role and experience job variety and satisfaction while contributing to humanitarian, combat and disaster-relief operations.

Join us for an information session to find out more about Health career options in the Navy, Army and Air Force.

It is highly recommended you book as soon as possible to avoid missing out- places are strictly limited!

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/events/events-detail/cgyxosp

Stephen Donlan
Careers Advisor

Bridge Club

Bethany Bridge Club has started up this term and has already had a massive reception! The perfect mix of fun, learning and socialising - every Friday A at lunchtime.

Mitch Dowling
Teacher

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Year 7, 2025 Enrolment Applications (Due 31 March 2023)

A reminder the College’s Year 7, 2025 enrolment period has commenced, and enrolment applications are due by 31 March 2023.

Enrolment packs are available from the front office.  

Applications can also be submitted online via Compass (refer to the attached flyer).  If submitting an online application, please ensure the relevant documentation is uploaded.

School Fees

Dear Parents & Carers,

2023 School Fee statements were issued in February. Thank you to those families who have made their school fee payments. Annual, term, monthly and fortnightly payments are now overdue. 

School fee reminder letters were issued on Thursday 16^th March 2023.

CompassPay, BPAY, Credit card and EFTPOS facilities are available for your convenience. Payment plans can also be set up at the College, please contact the Bursar to request a Standing Authority form for 2023.

Sydney Catholic Schools provide Bursaries for any families experiencing financial hardship. If you require financial assistance, please contact the Bursar to request an Application For Financial Assistance through the college office on 8566 0711 or via email: accounts@bethanyhurstville.catholic.edu.au

Please do not hesitate to contact the College office or myself if you have any questions or concerns regarding your school fee account.

Linda Mudaliar
Business Manager

Catholic Education Foundation - Opportunities for all