The voice of St. Spyridon College | August 2014 | NUMBER 18 |

Photography: Mike Flokis Photography, Ms G. Kokinelis, Ms M. Kalithrakas, Mrs C. Tsaconas, Mr A. Condous and Angelina Flokis

Sharing the Journey

The term Stylus is used to describe a myriad of different devices used in

computing, science, medicine, art and technology. In ancient times, a stylus

was the bone or ivory pen used to write on wax or clay tablets. Stylus is

also the Greek word for pillar, denoting strength and grace.

stylusThe Strategic Plan 2012 – 2016*

The new Strategic Plan 2012-2016, will pursue “Excellence in All Things”.

The College will provide students with a culture of high expectations driven by best effort from

everyone – from students, teachers, parents, the Board and Parish.

A focus on programs for students with a high intellectual potential, will enrich the educational

practices of differentiation and innovation.

Students will experience an education with a moral purpose. As Global citizens, they will work

together and alone to make a difference – to make the world better by their presence, thoughts

and actions.

Students will have faith in God and in themselves because they learn in a culture of confidence and

trust, that upholds the dignity and worth of every person.

Strong and effective operations will ensure a safe and secure environment where students learn in

functional and conducive buildings and facilities with optimum access to up to date technologies.

The Seven Goals of the Strategic Plan 2012 – 2016

Goal 1 - Rich and diverse educational experiences that aim for excellence and demand best effort.

Goal 2 - A Passport to Global Citizenship for students.

Goal 3 - Teachers of excellence.

Goal 4 - Strong and dynamic partnerships with parents.

Goal 5 - Established reputation as a centre of excellence.

Goal 6 - A safe environment based on sound policies and procedures.

Goal 7 - A secure financial future with functional and conducive buildings and facilities.

The Pursuit of Excellence in all things

* A copy of the full Strategic Plan is available for download at www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au

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Extract from speech at GOA National Schools Event Closing Ceremony.

Your Grace, distinguished guests, all students of the Greek Orthodox schools of Australia.

When Mr Peter Meintanis set off for St John’s in Melbourne on that first interstate competition in 1996, he had a vision. His vision was for a strong national and annual sporting competition that would embrace the students of all the Schools of our Greek Orthodox Church in Australia. Today, in the presence of His Grace Bishop Seraphim, and all other dignitaries, we can celebrate the realisation of that vision. Over the last three days, we have had the great joy of seeing some 400 young people come together, in a spirit of shared faith and commitment to excellence in Sports and in the Arts.

Every year, our schools take it in turn to host this wonderful event, which for the last few years incor-porates the arts as well as sports recalling Ancient Greece where the performing arts were an inseparable part of all Olympic Games. We commend and congratulate all students who participated in this year’s outstanding Spoken Arts Festival.

A huge team of people, across the States, works all year round to make these three days happen. Just today the Heads and Principals sat down together to lay the groundwork for the National Schools Event in 2015. We wish St Euphemia College every success as you begin your preparations as the host school for 2015.

So why do we give this event such a place of honour in our calendars, our budgets, and in the sheer volume of work that a national event of such proportions demands?

The answer is simple: we do it for you my dear students; Because you are the focus of our every waking

moment. Because for us, your coming together in a spirit of friendship and shared faith

gives us hope for the future; hope that you will go out into the world and make it a better place, because we did our job; because we helped to bring you up as people of faith, people of discipline and people of tradition.

The NSE strengthens ethos, character and reputation for all of our Orthodox Schools. It builds shared pride in our

Church and is a valued tradition for all of us. Some teachers and students have been active contributors to this tradition for many years. Today we must sadly farewell our Year 12 NSE participants for the last time. You go with our every good wish for your final examinations and for your future happiness.

Among the teachers of each of our schools, there are past students from across the Greek Orthodox Schools...

Attn:Details:

Colours:

Type:

St Euphemia CollegeCollege CrestPantone 282CWhiteMyriad Semi Bold

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GOA National Schools Event 2014

Indeed some of you were past participants in this Event. Across our seven schools, from Perth to Adelaide, from Melbourne to Sydney, there are strong bonds of family, friendship and faith that transcend geographical distance. In New South Wales at least, Greek Orthodox Schools Alumni are great contributors to all the University Greek Societies. They have built strong networks in education, business and politics.

Only the wilfully blind, the envious and the lost, can fail to see the strength, and power and beauty of the schools of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

Your Grace we thank You for Your leadership of all our Schools. We are honoured that You are here to celebrate with us the closing of this Event, as You were in Blessing its commencement. We ask for Your prayers for all the participating students as they make their way home. We ask for a special blessing for the Year 12 students of our Colleges for whom as we have said, this is their last National Schools Event.

Mrs E. Stefanou-Haag

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Top Row: L to R: Dr Ladopoulos, Principal St John’s College, Victoria; Mr Hirakis, Principal St Euphemia College,

Sydney; Rev. Father Triantafyllou, All Saints Grammar, Sydney; Sue Mayson St Spyridon Parish President, Sydney;

Rev. Father Scoutas, St Spyridon Parish Priest, Sydney; Mr Triantafyllou, All Saints Parish President, Sydney;

Mr Robertson, Principal Oakleigh Grammar, Victoria.

Bottom Row: L to R: Mrs Lillis, Head of School All Saints Grammar, Sydney; Mrs Stefanou-Haag, Head of College

St Spyridon College, Sydney; His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonia; Mrs Coate, Head of Secondary School St Andrew’s

Grammar, Western Australia; Mrs Katsogiannis, Principal Senior School St Spyridon College, Sydney.

The first meeting of the National Greek Orthodox Board of Education (GOBE) was held on 9th May 2014 chaired by His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonia.

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Of Australia National Schools Event Results

Boys Futsal - St Spyridon College

Girls Futsal - All Saints Grammar

Boys Volleyball - All Saints Grammar

Girls Volleyball - Oakleigh Grammar

Boys Table Tennis - All Saints Grammar

Girls Table Tennis - All Saints Grammar

Girls Basketball - St Spyridon College

Boys Basketball - St Spyridon College

Netball - St Spyridon College

Football - St George College

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In March 16 Year 9 representatives participated in a program called ‘Respect, Understanding and Acceptance’ hosted by the Jewish Board of Deputies on behalf of Masada College, St Pauls Catholic School, Auburn Girls High School, Brigidine College St Ives, which aims to address the issue of cultural and religious ignorance associated with intolerance.

Students from a variety of cultural backgrounds and schools

from the Public and Independent schools’ sectors were involved.

The day-long program included peer group discussions and activities, power point presentations from participating schools about their school & backgrounds, short film clips and cultural performances by selected representatives from each school.

Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

Respect Understanding and Acceptance Day

Excellence and LeadershipACER Scholarships Winners 2015 Years 11 and 12, 2015 - 2016

Congratulations to Nicole Adam and Demitra Nikas who have each been granted a two year Scholarship for continued study in Years 11 and 12 on the basis of the ACER Examinations.

ACER Scholarship Winner Year 7, 2015 – Year 10, 2018

Congratulations to Chloe Drougas of Bronte Public School, who has been granted the 2015 ACER four year scholarship to St Spyridon College.

Nicole Adam Demitra Nikas

In February, our Head of College and Principal Prefects’ Lunch was held in the Sports and Performing Arts Centre. Prefects had the opportunity to share their progress in their studies

and views on student leadership. We would like to thank Mrs Lambi for her support and expertise for all such occasions.

Prefects’ Lunch

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Congratulations to all the Student Leaders and volunteers who assisted with the Twilight tours. An overwhelming number of visitors attended this year, which is testament to the positive impression and interest our College is generating in the community.

Students warmly welcomed visitors and enthusiastically conducted tours of the school campus, impressing all with their honest and positive commentaries.

Thank you to Ms Kokinelis for coordinating the students.

Student Leaders at The Twilight Tours

Middle School students had the privilege of listening to a presentation by Lorin Nicholson. Despite being legally blind since birth, he is one of the country’s most successful independent recording artists and has been a finalist in the Australian Country Music Awards being runner-up to the legendary Tommy Emmanuel.

In 2009, Lorin was also a nominee for Australian of the Year and later went on to win a Queensland community service award for his outstanding contribution to the community. Lorin also recently achieved the seemingly impossible, as he along with brother Dean, created Australian

history by becoming the first blind persons to ride push bikes over 4000km across Australia from Perth to Sydney.

Lorin’s message of respect, inclusion, resilience, perseverance, problem solving and striving for excellence were outstanding, not to mention his amazing virtuoso guitar playing. Everyone who was present was captivated, educated, entertained and inspired by this amazing individual.

Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

Guest Presenter Lorin Nicholson Inspires Resilience

I began teaching at St Spyridon College at the beginning of last year after I had taken some time away from teaching. In returning to the profession I wanted to find a small school with a close community and family environment.

It was a challenge at first as the students were slow to accept me. I wasn’t Greek, I spoke with an accent, but more importantly I was new and unfamiliar. I felt they wanted me to earn my place in their community. Once they did accept me it was like I was part of the family and always had been. The warmth I feel from these kids really beats anything else I’ve had at other schools.

Mrs A. Petzler

Mrs Anita Petzler

I started teaching as a Learning Support Teacher at St Spyridon College in February 2012. It all started with a good first impression regarding the friendliness of the administration staff that organised a date and time for my job interview. The good impression continued during the job interview where the head of college Mrs Stefanou, the former principal Mrs Hamer and a member of the parish were genuinely interested in my background and qualifications. I was more than pleased that the school made use of my knowledge of Art Education and that I was given the opportunity to teach Visual Arts as well.

The atmosphere in the staff room is always cheerful. During staff meetings our work and efforts are praised which helps immensely to stay motivated and to feel valued. Suggestions

by staff are always considered and put into action if they lead to improvement of our school life.

What really stands out for me at St Spyridon is the collaborative drive for improvement and change while respecting and keeping traditions. This was quite noticeable in the area of Learning Support. Since I started working here Numeracy Support has been implemented and we have updated our diagnostic testing material and selection procedures.

Overall my experience of working at St Spyridon College has been a very positive one mainly due to a supportive team and management.

Mrs A. Bennett

Mrs Antje Bennett

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Honouring Our Teachers

Qualifications:• Bachelor of Science - Astrophysics with minor in

Mathematics, Monash University 2005

• Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) -

Maths and Physics, Monash University 2006

Roles and responsibilities:• Senior Teacher - Science, Physics and Mathematics

• Year 12 Home Room Teacher

Qualifications:• Humboldt University, Berlin - Germany 2004

• Masters in Special Education and Visual Arts

- Fine Arts

- Special Education subject field: Speech and

Language Difficulties

- Special Education subject field:

Learning Difficulties

Roles and responsibilities:• Literacy Support Stage 3

• Year 6 Maths Support

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HSC Class 2009. Vice Captain. Bachelor of Commerce (Finance & Marketing) University of New South Wales (UNSW). Graduated 2013.

Kosta PappasHSC Class 2006. Prefect. Bachelor of Engineering (major in Civil)/Commerce (major in Finance) University of New South Wales (UNSW). Graduated 2014.

Anthony Vardas

Alumni News

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HSC Class 2006. Bachelor Health Science (PDHPE) University of Western Sydney (UWS). Graduated 2011. Master of Teaching. University of Western Sydney (UWS). Graduated 2012. Now PDHPE teacher at Moorefield Girls High.

Stathi Magoulias

HSC Class 2005. Vice Captain. Bachelor Electrical Engineering University of New South Wales (UNSW). Graduated 2010. Now Electrical Engineer with ‘Ausboard Engineering Pty Ltd’.

Steven Magoulias

HSC Class 2010. Senior Prefect. Bachelor of Media in Public Relations and Advertising, University of New South Wales (UNSW). Angelina is now studying a post graduate degree, Graduate Diploma in Education, at the Australian Catholic University (ACU).

Angelina Flokis

We congratulate our HSC Class of 2013 on their achievements and wish them well in their tertiary studies and future life choices.

We are proud to share these highlights with our readers:

• 97% of students have now begun Tertiary studies. Only one student not studying, working in family business.

• Andreas Nicholson ATAR 97.80, Board of Studies All Rounder , UNSW AAA Scholarship winner, Professor Manuel Aroney Award, University Scholarship recipient.

• Nicholas Stasos ATAR 97.80, Board of Studies All Rounder, Professor Manuel Aroney Award, University Scholarship recipient.

• Fotini Kapsabellis, Year 11 accelerant, First in the State in Modern Greek Continuers. Board of Studies Top Achiever.

• Maria Mio, 8th in the State in Food Technology. Board of Studies Top Achiever.

• Top 16% (104 of 660) schools in NSW.

• 14 Board of Studies Distinguished Achievers (results 90% or above in a subject).

• 21% of students with an ATAR over 90.

• Out of 47 students 42% have results 80% and above in a given course.

Undergraduate Degree Destinations of HSC Class of 2013 USYD - University of Sydney

UNSW - University of NSW

UWS - University of Western Sydney

UTS - University of Technology Sydney

UMAC - Macquarie University

UND - Notre Dame

WOLL - Wollongong University

ACU - Australian Catholic University

Destination by Course Type

Destination by Course name:

Bachelor of Medical Science UTS Bachelor of Medical Science UWS Bachelor of Science UTS Bachelor of Environmental Science ACU Bachelor of Social Science UWS Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science UNSW Bachelor of Engineering UNSW Bachelor of Combined Law UNSW Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Law UTS Bachelor of Business and Commerce UWS Bachelor of Business UTS

Bachelor of Business UWOLL Bachelor of Commerce UNSW Bachelor of Landscape Architecture UNSW Bachelor of Education UND Bachelor of Education ACU Bachelor of Arts UMACQ Bachelor of Arts ACU Bachelor of Liberal Arts USYD Bachelor of Nursing USYD Bachelor of Construction Management UWS Bachelor of Criminology UWS

HSC Class 2013 Highlights

Law

Engineering / Science

Arts / Education

Commerce / Business

UNSW - 32%UWS - 16%

UTS - 22%

ACU - 10% OTHER - 10%

USYD - 10%

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Educational Excellence

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On the 24th February 2014, the first Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Award Ceremony for Excellence in the HSC 2013 was held in the Great Hall of St Andrew’s Theological College in Redfern.

The HSC students of 2013 of the three Archdiocese schools in Sydney were presented with Certificates in four categories as follows:

• First Place in Course in the State

• All Round Achievers for a result of 90 and above in every subject

• Top Achiever for a result in the top 5 places in the State

• Distinguished Achiever for a result in the 90’s in any subject.

The ceremony was honoured by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia, Bishop Seraphim of Apollonia, Bishop Iakovos of Militoupolis, Consul General of Greece Dr Stavros Kyrimis and many other dignitaries including the Heads and Principals of All Saints Grammar, St Euphemia College and St Spyridon College. Altogether 51 certificates were presented – an outstanding achievement.

We wish to thank His Grace Bishop Seraphim as Chairman of the Greek Orthodox Board of Education (GOBE) for this wonderful initiative.

Greek Orthodox Board of Education Awards HSC 2013

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Parish Trip to Greece 2014

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A memorable experience. Some of the highlights of the trip include:

• Visit to Sounion - Temple of Poseidon

• Walks through Monastiraki and Dinner in Plaka

• Visit to the Acropolis and the superb Acropolis Museum

• Special wreath laying ceremony at Faliron Memorial Cemetery

(ANZACS) and visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the

change of guard in Syntagma Square

• Visit Mycaene, Epidauros, Olympia and Delphi

• Pilgrimage to the Monasteries of Kalambaka

• A blessed opportunity to venerate St Spyridon, our Patron Saint

and explore the beautiful island of Corfu

• Visit to Ouranoupolis and Vergina

• Boys - Stay at Holy Mountain Monasteries,

Girls - Monastery of Ecosif initsa

• Thessaloniki - Churches, Museums

Between visits to Churches, Monasteries and Museums, students

shared opportunities for sun, sea, good food and great companionship.

For while anyone can go and see famous places, the true f lavour of a

journey is in sharing these experiences with friends.

Their guides for 2014: Mrs Christina Tsaconas (Group Leader),

Ms G. Kokinelis (Dean of Middle School), Mr V. Zaf iropoulos,

Ms M. Kalithrakas and Mr A. Piccardi, every good wish, al l strength

and safe return.

Parish Pilgrimage to Greece 2014

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We are proud to announce that Allyssa Stemsitsiotis and Juliet Manolias, have been accepted into the National Art School (NAS) HSC Intensive Studio Practice. Allyssa has been accepted into the sculpture studio and Juliet into life drawing.

From the 1000’s of art students across the State who apply 50 participants are selected. Allyssa and Juliet were required to submit a portfolio and on this basis were selected into their preferred studios.

This will no doubt be a fantastic experience. All of their work made at NAS will be exhibited in the Cell Block Gallery, Forbes Street, Sydney later this year.

We congratulate the girls and commend their teacher Ms M. Pringle for creating this opportunity for them.

Congratulations to Allyssa and Juliet

‘Hands on my Heart’ for the NSW Police Force

In May, our class 3A, presented our artwork ‘Hands On My Heart’, to the Eastern Beaches Local Area Command of the NSW Police Force. Constable Karin Parr-Jaeger, Youth Liaison Officer, accepted our artwork on behalf of Maroubra Police. The artwork, created by 3A students, will be among other artworks created by primary school students, to deco-rate and brighten the walls of our local police stations.

The red, white and blue chequered background represents the colours of the Australian Police Force siren. It also represents the colours of the Australian flag. The blue and white stripes are symbolic of the stripes on the Greek flag, a representation

of St Spyridon College’s Greek ethos.

The heart in the centre, represents the safety, security, love and care which we receive from the Australian Police Force.

The handprints are a personal touch from each artist, leaving their mark on their artwork, and also a cheeky representation of ‘evidence’ of their presence.

With our ‘Hands On Our Hearts’ we pledge to respect all people.

Miss T. Bletsogiannis Stage 2 Coordinator

Sydney Writers’ Festival

Students from Year 7 & 8 Honours English classes and selected students from Year 9 travelled to the ‘The Concourse’ at Chatswood for an enrichment day, which was part of the Sydney Writers Festival 2014, School Days Program. Students listened to interesting presentations from a variety of author’s

and had opportunity to ask questions. Well done to Dayna Kostantakis of Year 8 whose intelligent question drew the attention of one of the authors and resulted in a wonderful photo opportunity and special book signing for her.

William Kostakis(author of The First Third) and his Grandmother (his inspiration) with Eleni Preketes

Celebrating The Arts

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Running Up A DressIn April, the Year 11 Drama class, consisting of Jessica Antoniou, Suzanna Gavrilova, Yvette Stemitsiotis and Aphroditi Zafiropoulos, performed their version of Suzanne Spunner’s innovative Australian play Running Up A Dress in the Drama Studio.

As part of the Preliminary Drama course, students must study the Elements of Production in Performance. This means they learn not only about what happens on stage during a per-formance, but also what goes on behind the scenes. For this production, the Year 11 students explored and took on the roles of costume designer, set designer, lighting and sound designer and publicity designer, as well as rehearsing and staging the script.

Spunner’s play examines the mother/daughter relationship through the metaphor of sewing. The students, therefore, transformed the Drama Studio to represent the homes of four mothers and daughters, including props such as

an ironing board, rocking chair and, of course, a sewing machine. The audience was invited to enjoy tea and biscuits throughout the performance, sitting at long tables decorated with lace tablecloths and floral crockery, to add to the warm, domestic setting.

The performance was superb, with the audience enjoying both a laugh and tear. The mothers were particularly touched, as the students had decided to include projected images of themselves with their mothers at different ages. The perfor-mance was concluded with each student going over to their mothers and giving them a well-deserved hug.

Congratulations to the Year 11 Drama students on their hard work and beautiful performance. A very special thank you to Mrs Katsogiannis, our Principal and the parents, teachers and friends who came to support the students as audience mem-bers, and to Year 10 Drama students Nicole Adam, Christina Balayannis and Mariah Stavrou who assisted as stage crew.

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stylusSpecial Feature: Yioryios Papayioryiou, HSC Class 2010.

Education: - 2014 to present Honours in Visual Arts, Majoring in Painting, The Australian National University

- 2011 to 2013 Bachelor of Visual Arts, Majoring in Painting, The Australian National University

- 2013 Exchange program, École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts Paris

Achievements:2014 Finalist in the QT Art Prize 2013 Emerging Artists Support Scheme Award 2013 Acquisition Award 2013 Artwork acquired by the Australian Embassy (Paris) for its own private collection 2011 Winner of the Art Gallery of New South Wales Picasso Prize 2011 Featured in the National Gallery of Australia Sculpture day 2011 Featured in the Australian National University Newspaper “Woroni” 2010 Winner of the “I Heart Kirribilli Art Prize”

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Year 8 have been learning about the printing process. Most students have completed their first black and white lino-cuts. For many of the students it has been an interesting practice, having to master preparing their image in reverse and carving out the unwanted lino before printing a hard copy using a printing press.

Ms M. Pringle Art Teacher

From the Art Room

During the second week of the Easter Break, Eleni Mavrolefteros of Year 12 competed in the Kurrunulla Dance Festival, presenting the dances she has been studying to prepare for HSC Dance Assessments.

She entered four sections of competition and was awarded second place in the Lyrical Dance section, first place in the Contemporary Dance section, first place in the Student Choreography section and in the Stars of the Future Finale was awarded the trophy for “Most Promising Contemporary Dancer”.

This was a wonderful and enjoyable opportunity for Eleni to test run her material under assessment conditions and also meet other young dancers with the same commitment and love of dance.

Mrs A. Katsogiannis Principal Senior School

Congratulations to Eleni

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Community ActionSerbian Fundraiser For Victims Of Floods

In May the Serbian students were selling cakes to raise money for the flood victims in Serbia. Since 14th May, Serbia has been fighting catastrophic floods that have endangered a large number of inhabitants, damaged houses, road and energy infrastructure, and destroyed livestock and crops.

With the help and support of students, teachers and staff we were able to raise $1000.

Thank you all for your generosity and kindness.

Mrs V. Belajcic Serbian Teacher

The SRC held its first fundraiser for the year… A CAKE STALL, in support of the Cancer Councils ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ Event.

SRC’s got their “SPIRIT ON” by baking cupcakes and brownies, and making a variety of delicious slices, and bags of rocky road. There was such a big supply of goodies that the cake stall was able to trade throughout recess and lunch, resulting in almost $1000 being raised. Well done to all SRC’s for not only bringing in all the sweet treats but also for the enthusiasm you showed from set up to clean up.

In addition to the calorific cake stall, teachers held their own successful morning tea event as well, adding another $450 to the total. Clearly a wonderful team effort by everyone at St Spyridon College Senior School.

Biggest Morning Tea Events For The Cancer Council

Last Friday our Senior School students and teachers once again banded together for the 2014 Schools Clean Up Day. The organizers of this national campaign have said that this was the best yet with more than 460,768 students from over 2464 schools Australia wide taking part. Our school’s results are counted along with the 572,400 volunteers who removed 15,700 tonnes of rubbish at 7,140 sites right across the country over last weekend - what an amazing effort!

Ms G. Kokinelis Dean of Middle School

St Spyridon Cleans Up

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“Love and goodwill make all things possible and children learn what it means to truly serve. They learn that they are supported and never alone.”

Taverna Night 2014 will go down in St Spyridon history as a most impressive, entertaining and profitable family community event. Not just profitable financially but profitable in terms of a strong P&F team spirit which was felt and displayed by all P&F children. Watching our children roll up their sleeves and work together to set up tables & chairs, circulate food to the tables, mingle and release their party spirit and have fun, is the most priceless and rewarding gain for us parents to get out of belonging to the P&F committee. Quoting the wise words of our Junior School Principal, Mrs Synesios.

St Spyridon College can confidently boast that its children acquire such spirit with great role models in our College & Parish executive, our teachers and our parents and adult family members.

With 270 guests at Taverna Night and more than 80% of the food and drinks donated by committee members and their families and friends and a most dynamic high spirited team, an impressive amount of $10,000 was raised in profit to eventually contribute to valuable educational resources for our children. The P&F committee and their family members gave gener-ously to ensure an outstanding event.

Mrs M. Pascalis

2014 Taverna Night

Parents and Friends

Members of the P&F committee, former and current, wish to sincerely thank Jim Sialepis, parent of St Spyridon College for over 15 years and now in his final year. Jim is the father of George, currently pursuing his University studies and famously known for his impressive Greek comedy perfor-mances and father of Lena, who is currently working hard and completing Year 12.

We truly miss him already in his recent absence and the invaluable contribution he made to the committee, the students and the College. We thank him wholeheartedly and express our best wishes for the good health, success and prosperity for himself and his family. Γειά σου Τζίμη!

Thank you Jim Sialepis for your great contribution to P&F

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stylusMama Mia! Mothers Day night outMs Stamoulis and her fabulous P&F committee organised a most enjoyable Mothers’ Day Dinner at the Graphic Arts Club Mascot on 15th of May. A great evening was had by all the Mums who came along! Our guests included Mrs Stefanou, Mrs Katsogiannis, Mrs Synesios, Ms Kokinelis, Mrs Kipriotis, Mrs Zafiropoulos, Mrs Economou and Mrs Tsaconas. The evening’s MC was Erenie Bourdaniotis, our “hostess with the mostest”, keeping us entertained and taking us through

the raffle of many beautiful prizes. At the end of the night, every lady went home feeling like a winner, with a gift bag full of treats! We would like to thank the very generous donors and all those present who ensured the success of the evening.

Desma Spyridopoulos P & F Secretary

Visit to the Brasserie Bread Factory

In March 2014, Year 4 went to the Brasserie Bread Factory. Once we arrived we were introduced to the manager Matt and crew member Jo.

Brasserie Bread is an Artisan Bakery. The bread is made by hand from the very best ingredients. They add no additives or preservatives and the bread is handcrafted.

Before we went anywhere we had a screaming contest to see who goes into the kitchen first. Jo picked us, as the loudest and we went into the kitchen first.

Once we got to the kitchen we washed our hands, then we got to work. We made our bread plaits first. Matt gave us three pieces of dough and then showed us what to do. We copied what he did then Matt came around to collect our bread and gave us a number. I was A4.

We made a pizza with fresh tomato puree, olives, fresh basil leaves and cheese. I put everything on. Then Matt came around again to collect our pizza. We washed our hands and lined up at the door.

The other class (4T) was still on their tour. After we had finished we swapped around. Jo took us to all different places such as, the store room and the ovens. Jo also told us that they don’t use dry yeast.

Jo told us that they have a machine called a divider. It cuts dough into 7 pieces. It was awesome!

I had really good time and I can’t wait to go to a Saturday class.

Damascus Economou Class 4C

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Junior School Focus

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Our students’ eyes said it all. As if a new world sprang in front of them, a virtual world nonetheless. A world that will enable them to learn and study the Greek language assisted by computers! What a wonderful opportunity.

Even more amazing was having the creators or rather two of the creators of that program talking to us face to face! We had Dr Aspasia Hatzidaki and Dr Yiannis Spandidakis visiting our school from the University of Crete. They spent time with our Year 6 stu-dents guiding them through this innovative program!

We had no reason to contradict their claim that this creation of theirs is unique in its conception as well as its application! Indeed, this program opens up new ho-rizons for our students. It comes to enrich the existing resources and make learning the Greek language fun! It is divergent enough to cater for all ability levels and is user friendly and engaging. And what’s more, it can be accessed by our students at home in their own comfort and time.

The two university teachers amazed and were amazed in return by the speaking skills of our students, their dancing prowess but more than anything else by their politeness!

With no hesitation the visitors declared that the education of our students is in good hands!

Needless to say that our overall school environment made an indelible impression on them. Going on a tour through the classrooms and interacting with our students made them ex-claim in astonishment! They had nothing but praise for what they evidenced! They didn’t expect to hear Kindergarten reciting the National Anthem of Greece for example.

We have no words to express our gratitude to them! It has been a fabulous experience for everyone

and we look forward to working in partnership to promote the Greek language.

Mr A. Amditis Greek Language Coordinator

University of Crete comes to St Spyridon College.

Year 6 Welcomes Kindy 2014

Kindy 2014 does Maths

Kindergarten have been very busy bees. In Mathematics students enjoyed participating in hands on activities. In patterns and algebra, students made patterns using various materials such as counters, paddle pop sticks, teddies, animal counters, coloured pasta and other objects. Kindergarten thoroughly enjoyed creating their own pattern cards. Take a look at the fabulous patterns they created.

All students are congratulated for their exemplary behaviour in Church, Martin Place and the Domain. I also congratulate Efthimia Kollias, Steven Mangafas and Eleni Preketes for the way they recited their poem, Η Ανάσταση του Γένους.

Well done to the Choir who sang with gusto and to all of Year Six and their Greek teachers for the very moving Assembly on the significance of the 25th March last Friday.

Congratulations are extended to the Principal of our Senior School, Mrs Katsogiannis for once again representing our school and our Archdiocese as one of the MC’s for this event.

Mrs Haskas’ dancers stole the show.

25th March Commemoration

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Faith And Tradition

Every year the Cretan Association of NSW commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign.

As always, our College was proudly represented by our College Captain Eleni Mavrolefteros, Junior School Leaders, SRC’s and students of Cretan backgrounds. Student Leaders from our College along with our Head of College Mrs Stefanou and Mrs Sue Mayson, Parish President, laid a wreath in honour of the fallen.

The students who attended on this day:

Eleni Mavrolefteros, Chris Vlachos, Nicole Adam, Katie Thimakis, Theoni Thimakis, Georgina Mandadakis, Paul Mandadakis, Michael Vlahakis, James Valmas, George Siganakis, George Kalergis, Emmanuel Constantopedos, Frances-Lee Pascalis and Nicholas Drakoulis.

Battle of Crete Commemoration

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1130 Anzac Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035, PO Box 462, Maroubra NSW 2035 Phone: 61 2 9311 3340 Fax: 61 2 9311 4532 Email: admin@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au Website: stspyridon.nsw.edu.au

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, St Spyridon Parish of South-East Sydney A.C.N. 000 410 891 A.B.N. 84 480 080 247 CRICOS Provider Numbers: Junior School ~ Years K-6 ~ 061558A Senior School ~ Years 7-12 ~ 02319E

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