Term 3 - Week 1

A Message from the Principal

Welcome back to Term 3. It has been a great first week and lovely to see the girls coming back to school looking relaxed and ready for Semester 2.

Our Year 12s will embark on their HSC Trial exams in Week 3. Many of our Year 12 students were present at school during the holidays, working with their teachers in preparation for the upcoming Trial HSC examinations and the finalisation of Major Works; it was impressive to see their commitment to their studies and I thank their dedicated teachers for giving of their time in support of our students.

This term also marks a significant milestone in their education, the culmination of 13 years of schooling, hardwork and growth. It’s a time for them to reflect on the memories they have made, the friendships they have forged, and the challenges they have overcome. When I meet with Year 12 next week, I will be encouraging them to approach this term with a sense of purpose and enthusiasm. On behalf of the College, we wish you all the very best for a successful final term. May it be filled with joy, accomplishment, and fond memories.

On Tuesday night, our Year 10 students also ticked off an important event in their educational journey, meeting with staff to discuss their chosen pattern of study for their final two years of school. Again, I was reminded of the importance of these discussions and the time that we put into ensuring our students are in appropriate patterns of study that drive their passions and set them on a strong path for their future. Personally, I love hearing what the girls want to do in the future and listening to them describe their aspirations and dreams. It’s such a privilege. 

Last night I had the pleasure of watching our Year 12 Drama class perform their HSC pieces at our annual Drama Showcase evening. The group performances invited the audience to consider our response to important issues like fast fashion and the need to take action when it comes to the treatment of women. Monologues covered a broad range of topics and each took the audience on a journey - some were funny, some were challenging, others made the audience cry. The girls were superb!

On the sporting front our Bethany girls continue to shine. Our Intermediate Girls Football team competed in the semi-finals of the Sydney Catholic Schools Winter Championships. They played with their hearts and were excellent ambassadors for Bethany in their sportsmanship, focus and passion, winning the match 4-0 against Brigidine College. We progress to the Sydney Championships next week and I’m looking forward to watching the girls play.

Next Tuesday, we will recognise the Feast Day of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus of Bethany with a whole school mass. I’m looking forward to this special mass and the beginning of our Bethany Day celebrations.

Finally, you may be aware that in 2026 Catholics across the Archdiocese of Sydney are being called to take an active role in shaping the future of our church through the upcoming Sydney Synod 2026. It is the first to be held in 80 years within our diocese. Prior to the synod, there are three consultation sessions being held, looking for practical and positive ways to move forward together as Catholics.

 The dates to these consultations are as follows:

1. Holy Family Menai, Saturday 9 am – 12 pm, 30 August 2025.
2. St Mary’s Cathedral, Tuesday 6 – 9 pm, 14 October 2025.
3. All Saints Liverpool, Thursday 6 – 9 pm, 16 October 2025.

Below is a link to a video and The Catholic Weekly’s article on the Synod launch which offers additional information about this event.

• Short launch video: click here.
• The Catholic Weekly launch article: click here.

The following is a registration link to these consultations: https://www.sydneycatholic.org/sydney-synod/#Register

It’s been a great start to the term and I look forward to sharing the rest of it with you all.

Kristina Flanagan

College Principal

From the Assistant Principal

Welcome Back to Semester 2

Welcome back to the start of Semester 2! I hope you had a restful and joyful holiday break, filled with time to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with family and friends. As we begin Semester 2, we look forward to the energy, enthusiasm, and spirit that each of you brings to the Bethany community.

This term promises to be busy with exciting learning opportunities, new challenges, and moments to celebrate the achievements of our students especially as Year 12 begins the last term of their schooling.

Supporting Our Students Through Trial HSC Exams

As our Year 12 students approach their Trial HSC exams, we recognise this can be a time of heightened pressure and stress. These exams are an important milestone, and with the right preparation and support, students can approach them with confidence and resilience. Here are some helpful tips for both students and parents:

For Students:

• Plan Ahead: Create a realistic study schedule that includes breaks and time for revision. Prioritise subjects and topics that need extra attention.
• Practice Past Papers: Familiarise yourself with exam formats and timing by working through past papers under exam conditions.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise helps reduce stress and improve concentration. Even a short walk can make a big difference.
• Sleep Well: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. A well-rested mind is more focused and retains information better.
• Ask for Help: Reach out to teachers, peers, and parents if you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about anything.

For Parents:

• Encourage Balance: Support your child in maintaining a healthy balance between study, rest, and leisure.
• Be Present: Offer a listening ear and reassurance. Sometimes, just being there is the most powerful support.
• Create a Calm Environment: Help minimise distractions at home and provide a quiet space for study.
• Celebrate Effort: Focus on the effort your child is putting in, rather than just outcomes. Acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

Tell Them From Me Survey

The recent Tell Them From Me survey provided valuable insights into the experiences of our students, parents and teachers here at Bethany. Thank you to those parents who contributed by completing the survey.

We are pleased to see that our students reported a strong sense of belonging and positive engagement with their learning here at Bethany. The girls feel teachers are responsive to their needs and encourage independence with a democratic approach. The survey overall showed that the girls value the learning culture here at the College and are keen to be successful in their studies with the support of their teachers and families.

The parent survey highlighted the importance of parent engagement. Our parents' responses showed a desire to be more connected to their daughter's school life, academically and in extracurricular and faith based activities. The College is committed to creating an environment where parents feel welcome and connected to the learning of their girls.

We encourage all parents to participate in future TTFM surveys so we can continue to improve our school and ensure it is a positive and supportive environment for all students and families.

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES

Simon Wilson
Assistant Principal

Religious Education

CELEBRATING THE FEAST OF SAINTS MARY, MARTHA & LAZARUS OF BETHANY
Next week, we celebrate the Feast of Saints Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany, three siblings who were close friends of Jesus and whose lives offer us profound lessons in faith, hospitality and discipleship.

These Saints are remembered together because of their deep familial bond and their shared devotion to Christ. Their home in Bethany was a place of welcome and rest for Jesus and each sibling expressed their love for Him in unique ways:

• Martha is known for her active service and hospitality. She reminds us that serving others with love is a sacred act.

• Mary is remembered for her contemplative spirit, choosing to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. Her example teaches us the importance of prayer and reflection.

• Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, is a powerful symbol of hope and resurrection. His story invites us to trust in God’s power to bring life even in the darkest moments.

As a College community, we look to these Saints as inspiring examples of how we can welcome Christ into our hearts and extend that love to one another. Our College community will come together in thanksgiving for a celebration of Mass next week. We are blessed to have Fr Tomasz Lepek as our celebrant.

May Saints Mary, Martha and Lazarus inspire us to live with faith, love, and courage.

- Stephanie Sertic (Year 12)

Teaching & Learning News

YEAR 12 TRIAL EXAMS
Best of luck to our Year 12 students who embark on their HSC Trial examinations on Monday of Week 3. Embrace the challenge and give it your best effort. Your teachers, families, and friends are here to support you every step of the way.

Year 12 students were provided with the following Stage 6 examination protocols  this week. We ask that families are aware of the rules and responsibilities of each student. In the event that a student is unable to attend an exam due to Illness or Misadventure, please notify the College on the day of the exam and obtain independent evidence to verify the absence.

Good luck to all students!

EXTENDED LIBRARY HOURS FOR YEAR 12 STUDENTS - WEEK 2
The College Library hours will be extended in Week 2 (Mon- Thurs until 6pm) for Year 12 students only. This is to provide the girls with a quiet space to complete work and any past paper questions. Teachers will be available during this time to provide feedback and assistance. Students must sign the attendance sheet every day.

NAPLAN RESULTS
Today, your daughter has received her NAPLAN results in homeroom and they should bring home a copy of these for you to review. Please take the time to discuss these test results with your daughter. NAPLAN is one way in which to assess the ability of your daughter and it gives us an indication of where their strengths lie and what aspects of their learning they may need support in.

NAPLAN 2025 results will be reported against four proficiency levels:

• Exceeding - the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.
• Strong - the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
• Developing - the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
• Needs additional support - the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.

There is an example of what the results will look like. If you require any further information please do not hesitate in contacting the college.

YEAR 8 ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT SERVICES (AAS) TESTS 
Week 4, Tuesday 12 August
Another way which we track ‘growth’ in our students is through the AAS tests that are sat by our students in non-NAPLAN years (i.e incoming Yr6 students), Yr8 and Yr10. These test results align with similar areas of NAPLAN and allow us to see how best we can best cater to the varying needs of the girls in our classroom. These tests assess student ability and cannot be studied for. All we ask is that students do their best.

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

Sports Update

Representative Sport Update

Congratulations to our Intermediate Football team who played in the Sydney Catholic Schools Semi Final yesterday against Brigidine College, Randwick. A fantastic effort and dominant performance by all players, the team secured the win 4-0 seeing them progress to the Grand Final, which will be held next week! A huge congratulations to the team, and Mr Devlin, as this is an outstanding achievement. Details of the match, including live stream links, will be shared via Compass when they are confirmed. We wish the team the best of luck for the Grand Final!

Rachel Bevan
Representative Sports Coordinator

Wellbeing Update

SIGNIFICANT DAYS IN TERM 3
This term Bethany will acknowledge three important national initiatives across the College. These are “International day of Friendship” (Week 2),  “Bullying no way! Day” (Week 4) and “R U OK day (Week 8). There are various activities that students will participate in homerooms to educate them on these important community issues.

GOAL SETTING
In the next two weeks, students will be asked to reflect on their goals from Semester 1 and set three new goals in the areas of Faith, Intellect, and Character for the next semester. Similar to the first set of goals, parents will have the opportunity through Compass, to reflect and comment on their daughter’s goals. Discussing with your daughter how she went in working towards her goals in the first part of the year, and how this experience might inform her next set of goals, is a valuable opportunity to teach her the importance of self-reflection, personal growth, and setting meaningful, achievable intentions for the future.

PARENT CORNER - THE TRAITS OF PERFECTIONISM
Striving for excellence is a quality we often celebrate in our students—it drives them to set ambitious goals, work hard, and take pride in their achievements. In many ways, this pursuit can build resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose. However, when the desire to do well turns into a relentless need to be perfect, it can start to take a toll. Perfectionism in secondary students is increasingly recognised as a growing concern, often linked to anxiety, fear of failure, and burnout. While healthy ambition fuels growth, perfectionism can trap students in a cycle of self-criticism and pressure, where no achievement ever feels good enough.

By nurturing self-compassion and realistic expectations, parents can help their daughter’s build resilience and a more positive sense of self. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open—listen without judgment, validate their feelings, and reassure them that they are valued for who they are, not just what they achieve. Perfectionism can be a heavy burden for young people, but with support, they can learn to set healthy goals, take pride in their efforts, and embrace challenges with confidence rather than fear. As we know, growth, not perfection, is the true measure of success.

COMMUNITY STUDENT ACTIVITIES IN TERM 3

Charlotte Buxton
Leader of Wellbeing

Library News

BOOK WEEK - BOOK AN ADVENTURE
Get ready to turn the page on an exciting chapter—Book Week 2025 is coming in Week 5, and this year’s theme is “Book an Adventure”.

Book Week is arguably the biggest event in the school library calendar! It gives us the opportunity to celebrate reading, school libraries and the people who bring books to children – from booksellers to school library staff, parents, teachers and beyond. We are very excited to celebrate all things to do with reading. There is much fun to be had and lots to celebrate.

This year’s Book Week is extra special—we’re celebrating the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s (CBCA) 80th anniversary! For eight decades, the CBCA has championed quality Australian literature for young people, and 2025 marks a milestone worth celebrating.

The theme, ‘Book an Adventure’, celebrates the incredible journeys we take every time we open a book. Whether it’s exploring magical worlds, solving mysteries, travelling through history, or discovering new perspectives, reading is the ultimate adventure. It sparks imagination, builds empathy, and strengthens literacy skills—all while transporting us to places we’ve never been.

Our plans to celebrate Book Week in style are well and truly underway! The library will once again be transformed. Throughout Book Week, students can look forward to a range of fun and engaging activities designed to bring stories to life and inspire a love of reading. From creative competitions and interactive events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

In the coming weeks, students will need to check Compass for full details and updates on all Book Week activities.

Let’s celebrate the power of books and the adventures they offer—one page at a time!

Alison Sladen
Librarian

Visual Arts Update

YEAR 8 CARICATURE SCULPTURES
Year 8 Visual Arts students have been hard at work sculpting caricature busts inspired by their family members. Their creations showcase impressive sculpting and painting skills, along with a wonderful sense of creativity and individuality in each design.

Well done to our talented Year 8 Visual Artists for their dedication and artistic flair!

STAEDTLER ART COMPETITION PEOPLE'S CHOICE WINNER
Congratulations to Annabel De Costa Bakenova of Year 10 who is the winner of the Senior People's Choice Award in the Staedtler Art Competition. Her painting, 'This is Fine (Internally)', captivated audiences with its originality and outstanding artistic technique.

Annabel’s dedication and creativity are truly commendable, well done on this outstanding achievement!

Freya Wooby
Art Teacher

Vaccinations

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

Attention: Year 7 will be held on Wednesday 27th August - consent needs to be provided before the day. 

Year 10 Catch up Vaccinations will also 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