YEAR 12 TRIAL HSC EXAMINATIONS

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who commenced their Trial HSC Examinations on Monday. They have truly entered into the spirit of the examinations successfully and have been very impressive throughout the past week.

These examinations are really the first opportunity that our students have had to sit lengthy examinations – given that their examinations at the end of Year 11 were completed online. Writing for 2 or 3 hours in an examination can certainly be a challenge, but commentary from examination invigilators and staff working with our students has been extremely positive.

We wish our students all the very best over the following week.

FEAST DAY ACTIVITIES

Good news! These have now been rescheduled for Friday 19th August. Further details to follow (through Compass).

EXITING THE COLLEGE

Following a near miss the other day, I remind all parents/carers that cars exiting the carpark must turn left between 7.30-8.30 am and 2.30-3.30 pm as per the signs at the front of the College.

While it may be a slight inconvenience it places student and vehicle safety at a premium.

OPAL CARDS AND BUS TRAVEL PASSES

Representatives from Busabout met with the College the other day to speak about the critical need for our students (who catch a Busabout or Interline bus) to be using an Opal Card.

All students who live far enough away from the College can apply for an Opal Card and it must be used if they are catching a bus from the College. 

You may or may not be aware, but when students tap on their Opal Card this helps provide data to bus companies (and Transport NSW) on whether more buses are required on certain routes. Given some buses are quite full – the use of Opal Cards can be very helpful.

Students catching a Picton Bus – can obtain a bus pass directly from Transport NSW.

If your details have changed or you need to apply for a new card/pass please go to: https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel

If you require further information, please contact the College Office.

PRAYER

Often the most effective prayers that we have are the ones that come to us directly from Scripture.

The following prayer, from Chapter 12 in The Book of Isaiah, reminds us of the importance of being thankful for many of the wonderful things which the Lord provides us with:

Song of Thanksgiving

On that day, you will say:
I give you thanks, O Lord;
though you have been angry with me,
your anger has abated, and you have consoled me.
God indeed is my salvation;
I am confident and unafraid.
For the Lord is my strength and my might,
and he has been my salvation.
With joy you will draw water
from the fountains of salvation,
And you will say on that day:
give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name;
Among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
Sing praise to the Lord for he has done glorious things;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, City of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!

• Isaiah 12:1-6

Congratulations to the HSC Drama class on their "smashing start" to the HSC Trial Examinations with the completion of their Practical Trial Assessment that took place on July 19th. It was a wonderful evening where we invited staff, families and friends of Year 12 Drama students to view their work. It was a pleasure having guests attend this evening after many events like this being cancelled the past couple of years!

Many thanks to Charlotte Cuming-Smith and Justin Opalniuk who MC’d the event and did a great job encouraging our performers and informing our audience on what to expect on the night.  

After a busy semester, the hardworking HSC class took time out of their break to attend holiday workshops and further prepare for this experience. All the time, effort and hard work paid off with excellent results all round.

The students presented their Individual Projects (in performance, costume design and video drama) and Group Performances to a four marker panel who were invited to the College to share their knowledge and expertise with us. It’s an important part of the Trial process to perform in front of external markers to best prepare students for the actual Practical HSC. 

The students received valuable feedback from the markers which they reflected on maturely. Each student is working towards a plan to ensure the successful execution of their Practical HSC Examination which will take place at school in Week 6 in front of external HSC examiners. The submission of design and video projects will happen the same week.

It’s a busy time for our Year 12 students and I wish the cohort success with their written Trial HSC examinations. 

Best of luck Year 12 Drama as you prepare for the upcoming Practical HSC examination. 

Mrs McLaren

Year 12 Drama Teacher

Last week it was Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day - Australia’s first officially canonised saint. 

Mary MacKillop was a great educator who organised schools for Catholic children, especially for those who were in need and who founded an order of nuns: the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. 

She faced opposition from many people and she was even wrongfully excommunicated from the Catholic Church at one point. 

She is a great example of heroic virtue, love of God and neighbor and a fierce unwillingness to give up, even in the face of incredible opposition. 

Mary MacKillop once said: 

"Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can."

Prayer:

Lord, may we imitate Mary MacKillop in her strong faith, her love of you and others and her determination to follow your will.

Amen