Enquiries: Phone: (02) 9796 8240 Email: office@steuphemia.nsw.edu.au www.steuphemia.nsw.edu.au March 2013 Greek Independence Day & Annunciation of Theotokos
Sydney s Greek Australian community will celebrate Greek Independence Day on Sunday, 25 March, with a wreath-laying ceremony at the ANZAC War Memorial at Martin Place. This will be followed by a procession to the Domain, including the Greek Orthodox Colleges and the Greek Afternoon Schools. In the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos and other leaders of the community, the celebration will culminate in a special program of traditional Greek dancing and speeches. ENROLLING NOW for 2013 (All year levels) Enquiries: Phone: (02) 9796 8240 Email: office@steuphemia.nsw.edu.au www.steuphemia.nsw.edu.au Pg. 02
St Euphemia High School Newsletter March 2013 Cross Country Carnival The high school Cross Country Carnival will take place on Monday, 4 March at Lake Gillawarna, Georges Hall. Attendance is compulsory for all students. The SRC will hold a BBQ for students to purchase food and drinks. The carnival will be a selection race for the SWISSA Cross Country Carnival as well as a fund raiser for the Leukaemia Foundation. Year 7 Parent / Teacher Night Parents/Caregivers of Year 7 students are invited to attend the Parent/Teacher Evening interviews that will be held on Wednesday, 6 March 2013. This is an excellent opportunity for parents/caregivers of Year 7 to meet their children s teachers and discuss their progress. Students will receive a booking sheet and are required to book appointments with their teachers. Year 9 Camp On Wednesday, 16 March, Year 9 will be attending their annual camp to Yarramundi Campsite on the Hawkesbury River, where they will be participating in pastoral care activities with their Year Coordinator Mr Dialektakis. All students are expected to wear their sports uniform on the morning of their departure. The students will be leaving at 8 30 am. Year 12 Half Yearly Examinations On Monday, 11 March 2013, Year 12 students will begin their Half Yearly Examinations. All students should have begun studying for these examinations and we wish them good luck. SWSSA Swimming Carnival All first, second and third finalists from the St. Euphemia College swimming carnival will participate in the regional SWISSA Carnival to be held on Friday, 8 March. We wish all competitors good luck! Absences & early Leavers When students are absent from school, parents should ring the school or send an email to ehantes@steuphemia.nsw.edu.au Upon their return to school, students must submit a note signed by the parent/caregiver explaining their absence. When students are late to school they should also bring a note with an explanation of the reason. Also, students are not allowed to sign themselves out early. They can only be signed out by a parent/caregiver. Pg. 03
Non School Days There will be no school on Monday, 25 March as we celebrate the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and Greek Independence Day. Also, there is no school on the national Easter break, which is on Friday, 29 March and Monday, 1 April. AICES Swimming Carnival On Tuesday, 26 March, selected students will be competing at the Association of Independent Co- Educational Schools (AICES) swimming competition at Sydney Olympic Park. Independence Day March St. Euphemia College welcomes all parents/caregivers and friends to join in the Greek National Independence Day Celebrations on Sunday, 24 March. It is expected that Years 1 to 12 students will attend the celebrations, wearing their summer uniform, including their hat and blazer. No jumpers are to be worn. The uniform shop will be open every Tuesday and Thursday between 2 00pm 4 00pm. Students who have paid to go on the buses provided by the School need to be at school by 11 45am. All students are to remain with the school till the end of the celebrations, which will conclude at approximately 4 30pm. The ceremony will begin at Martin Place, followed by a procession along King Street and concluding with celebrations at the Domain. Furthermore, this day is of religious significance as we celebrate the Annunciation of the Theotokos. We look forward to seeing all the families of St. Euphemia College at Church on Sunday morning to commemorate this important day. Any student who is unable to attend the march must ask for approved leave from the Principal. Further details will be given to students closer to the day. Pg. 04
PEER SUPPORT CAMP Camp was an unforgettable experience! On the first day after the long drive up to the Great Aussie Bush camp, we were all divided into groups and sent to different activities. My group was sent to the beach to do some sea kayaking. After continuous tries at paddling to the end of the beach, we finally made it. When everyone arrived back at the starting place we tried to build rafts, but my group failed miserably. In the evening, we participated in peer support activities. We talked about the challenges we may face in high school and how to deal with them. Later that night, one of our instructors put on an amazing fire show. It was absolutely amazing! The next day, we took part in a variety of activities such as Mud World. Throughout the course, the Year 11 peer support leaders cheered us and helped us reach the end. Once we got to the end of this muddy, smelly, cold and disgusting mud bath, everyone thought the Great Aussie bush camp had turned into the Worst Aussie bush camp! After a secret shower in our cabin (shhhh!!!), we headed off to the High Ropes. Even though I only made it to the staples on the pole on the way up, I still enjoyed it. Early in the morning of the last day, we were woken up to clean our rooms. After breakfast we headed to the Gant Swing. When it was my turn I decided to go all the way up to the top. Once I pulled the rope that would let me fall, it was the most amazing experience! I had the biggest rush of adrenaline and there was the most amazing view from the top. Vertical Challenge was our last activity. We had to choose a vertical ladder or pole and climb up while attached to a rope that our team was pulling. On the journey back to school, we chanted the songs I saw a bird and who are we? which was lead by our peer support leader, Marco. It was so funny! During camp I gained a lot of knowledge and developed a good relationship with my peer support leaders so that I now feel comfortable within the school and have memories that will last forever. Mary Dimitropoulos 7B Pg. 05
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SPORTS REPORT ST EUPHEMIA SWIMMING CARNIVAL On a bright, sunny day, St.Euphemia College had its annual swimming carnival with the highest participation in our school history, ever! Chris Butler and I (Shella Giman) and the 2013 Apollo house captains, had an interesting but fun day doing our best to support our team. The mighty Apollo managed to win. Such a victory was due to the support of our team members, fellow Year 12 students and of course, the teachers who all dressed in blue. We look forward to winning at other carnivals! Lets go Apollo! Lets go! Congratulations to all the students who attended and participated in all the events. All the teams enthusiastically cheered on their members and put a lot of effort into their team songs and banners. Shella Giman Year 12 Pg. 08
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PASTORAL CARE PROGRAM The school year began with significant changes to our Pastoral Care Program for Years 7-11. These changes are an integral part of our mission for a holistic education within an Orthodox Christian framework, so that every student may strive to achieve excellence, a love for learning and achievement and spiritual growth. These changes will complement and enhance the efforts made by families and the school community. One of the initiatives is the introduction of a formal school assembly every Monday morning. At these assemblies, Years 7-11 will have the opportunity to listen to guest speakers who will address issues such as how to build resilience and conflict resolution. Also, it will be a time to reflect on and reward students for their participation in the variety of educational, social and sporting activities that have taken place during the week. This will strengthen students sense of school spirit. Also, the formal assembly will offer the school community the opportunity to pray together as well as to reflect on the teachings of our Church through the sermon on the scripture readings or feasts of the Church. In keeping with the Orthodox ethos and heritage, there has always been a strong focus on the spiritual dimension of each student and the nurturing of the spirituality of all members of the community through daily prayer in roll call and the end of the school day, as well as the compulsory Sunday liturgical services. With an emphasis on integrating the spiritual life of prayer and reflection with learning, and to address the social, spiritual and emotional wellbeing of every student, every fortnight, Years 7-10 will participate in a liturgical service conducted in English especially for the school community. At times, during this allocated period, Year Advisers will also conduct year meetings and other activities that will assist students in the matters of learning and welfare. To maintain the link with the wider community, students will attend a compulsory Sunday Church Service once every semester. Furthermore, the College has always conducted annual camps for Years 7-11. Unfortunately, the camps are becoming expensive. The School does not want to deny students the educational and social experience of these camps, and, in order to alleviate the financial burden for parents, camps will now take place biannually. In Year 7, students will attend the Orientation Peer Support camp which will assist them in the transition into High School. Camps will also occur for students in Year 9 as well as the Spiritual Retreat at the end of Year 11. All these initiatives have been redesigned and implemented to support each student to grow and develop and to engage in meaningful and successful learning. Pg. 10
ΝΕΑ ΤΟΥ ΓΥΜΝΑΣΙΟΥ Η Επέτειος της Εθνικής μας Ανεξαρτησίας και ο Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου Η Ελληνοαυστραλιανή κοινότητα θα γιορτάσει την επέτειο της Ανεξαρτησίας την Κυριακή 24 Μαρτίου με κατάθεση στεφάνων στο ΑΝΖΑC War Memorial στο Martin Place. Θα ακολουθήσει παρέλαση προς το Domain από τα Ελληνορθόδοξα Κολλέγια και τα απογευματινά σχολεία. Η γιορτή θα συμπεριλαμβάνει παραδοσιακούς ελληνικούς χορούς και ομιλίες και θα γίνει παρουσία του Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου κ. κ. Στυλιανού και άλλων επισήμων. Αγώνες Ανωμάλου Εδάφους (Cross Country Carnival) Οι αγώνες Ανωμάλου Εδάφους θα διεξαχθούν την Δευτέρα 4 Μαρτίου στο Lake Gillawarna, Georges Hall. Η παρουσία όλων των μαθητών είναι υποχρεωτική. Το μαθητικό συμβούλιο θα αναλάβει τα αναψυκτικά και το φαγητό αυτής της ημέρας. Το σχολείο θα διαλέξει τους καλύτερους μαθητές για τους αγώνες SWISSA. Επίσης, ένα ποσό από τα έξοδα θα διατεθεί για το Leukemia Foundation. Συνέντευξη Καθηγητών και Γονέων/Κηδεμόνων Οι γονείς/κηδεμόνες των μαθητών της Α Γυμνασίου παρακαλούνται να παρευρεθούν στην βραδιά συνεντεύξεων Καθηγητών και Γονέων/Κηδεμόνων που θα λάβει χώρα την Τετάρτη, 6 Μαρτίου 2013. Αυτή είναι μία εξαιρετική ευκαιρία για να γνωριστούν οι γονείς/κηδεμόνες της Α Γυμνασίου με τους καθηγητές των μαθητών και να συζητήσουν την πρόοδο των παιδιών τους. Οι μαθητές πρέπει να κλείσουν ραντεβού με τους καθηγητές εκ των προτέρων. Κολυμβητικοί Αγώνες (SWISSA) Οι μαθητές που έλαβαν 1 η, 2 η και 3 η θέση στους σχολικούς αγώνες κολύμβησης, θα πάρουν μέρος στους κολυμβητικούς Αγώνες SWISSA που θα διεξαχθούν την Παρασκευή, 8 Μαρτίου 2013. Η Κατασκήνωση της Γ Γυμνασίου Την Τετάρτη 16 Μαρτίου, η Γ Γυμνασίου θα πάει στην ετήσια κατασκήνωση στο Yaramundi Campsite στο Hawkesbury River. Οι μαθητές θα λάβουν μέρος σε διάφορες δραστηριότητες που θα οργανώσει ο σύμβουλος της Γ Γυμνασίου, ο κύριος Διαλεκτάκης. Όλοι οι μαθητές πρέπει να φορέσουν την αθλητική τους στολή το πρωί της αναχώρησης και πρέπει να βρίσκονται στο σχολείο μέχρι τις 8.30π.μ. Εξετάσεις Γ Λυκείου Τη Δευτέρα 11 Μαρτίου 2013, οι μαθητές της Γ Λυκείου θα καθίσουν για τις εξετάσεις του Α εξαμήνου. Οι μαθητές θα έπρεπε ήδη να έχουν αρχίσει να προετοιμάζονται γι αυτές τις εξετάσεις. Ευχόμαστε σε όλους τους μαθητές μας Καλή Επιτυχία! Pg. 11
Μέρες Αργίας Λόγω της Εθνικής μας Επετείου και του Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου, το σχολείο δεν θα λειτουργήσει τη Δευτέρα, 25 Μαρτίου. Επίσης, λόγω του Πάσχα των Καθόλικων, το σχολείο θα είναι κλειστό την Παρασκευή 29 Μαρτίου και Δευτέρα 1 Απριλίου. Κολυμβητικοί Αγώνες (AICES) Την Τρίτη 26 Μαρτίου, μαθητές του Κολλεγίου μας θα πάρουν μέρος στους Κολυμβητικούς Αγώνες (AICES) στο Sydney Olympic Park. Απουσίες και μαθητές που αποχωρούν νωρίς Όταν θα απουσιάσουν μαθητές μας από το σχολείο, οι γονείς είναι υποχρεωμένοι να τηλεφωνήσουν στο σχολείο ή να στείλουν ηλεκτρονικό μήνυμα (email) στην διεύθυνση ehantes@steuphemia.nsw.edu.au Μόλις επιστρέψουν στο σχολείο, οι μαθητές πρέπει να φέρουν δικαιολογητικό υπογραμμένο από τους γονείς/κηδεμόνες. Όσοι μαθητές φτάνουν στο σχολείο αργοπορημένοι πρέπει επίσης να φέρουν δικαιολογητικό, που θα εξηγά τους λόγους. Επίσης, οι μαθητές δεν έχουν από μόνοι τους το δικαίωμα να φεύγουν νωρίς από το σχολείο. Για να φύγουν νωρίς πρέπει να έχουν την γραπτή έγκριση των γονέων/κηδεμόνων. Επέτειος 25 Μαρτίου Το Κολλέγιο της Αγίας Ευφημίας προσκαλεί όλους τους γονείς/κηδεμόνες και φίλους στον εορτασμό της Εθνικής μας Παλιγγενεσίας, την Κυριακή 24 Μαρτίου. Όλοι οι μαθητές Α Δημοτικού Γ Λυκείου του Κολλεγίου υποχρεούνται να παρευρεθούν, φορώντας την καλοκαιρινή στολή με το σακάκι και το καπέλο. Τα πουλόβερ δεν επιτρέπονται. Το κατάστημα που πουλάει σχολικά είδη (uniform shop) θα είναι ανοιχτό κάθε Τρίτη και Πέμπτη από τις 2.00μ.μ. 4.00μ.μ. Οι μαθητές που έχουν πληρώσει για να πάνε στο Martin Place με λεωφορείο πρέπει να βρίσκονται στο σχολείο το αργότερο μέχρι τις 11.45π.μ. Όλοι οι μαθητές πρέπει να παραμείνουν στην εκδήλωση μέχρι το τέλος της γιορτής, που αναμένεται να τελειώσει κατά τις 4.30μ.μ. Οι εκδηλώσεις θα αρχίσουν στο Martin Place και θα συνεχιστούν με παρέλαση προς το Domain. Επίσης, αυτή την ημέρα εορτάζουμε τον Ευαγγελισμό της Θεοτόκου. Αδημονούμε να δούμε όλες τις οικογένειες του Κολλεγίου της Αγίας Ευφημίας την Κυριακή στην Εκκλησία για να εορτάσουμε αυτή την σπουδαία ημέρα. Οι μαθητές που αδυνατούν να παρευρεθούν πρέπει να έχουν την συγκατάθεση του διευθυντή, του κυρίου Χειράκη. Χ. Χειράκης Διευθυντής Pg. 12