Principal's Message

Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop

As you are aware, the Relics of Saint Maroun, Saint Charbel, Saint Rafqa, Saint Nehmetallah and Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop will be visiting our school on Thursday 17 August 2023. (click here for more information).

Before then we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop. Mary was born in Victoria to Scottish immigrants. She was the eldest of eight children and spent her early years working to support her family. At the age of 24 she dedicated her life to God and took on the name “Mary of the Cross”.

Along with Fr Julian Tenison-Woods, Mary opened a school in a disused stable in Penola, South Australia. Her vision was to provide education for underprivileged children. Many other women came to join her there, and Mary and Julian founded Australia’s first religious order: the Sisters of St Joseph.

Mary and the Sisters were committed to serving the poor – to going to where the need was and living amongst those in need. This took Mary all over Australia to many rural areas.

Mary faced fierce opposition throughout her life, which at one point culminated in her being excommunicated. In the face of trial, Mary was a model of forgiveness, insisting no ill be spoken of those who wronged her, while also remaining resolute in her convictions.

Mary was remarkable as a strong female leader in 19th century Australia. Education in this country is what it is today thanks to her dedication and determination.

The College has purchased 500 Mary MacKillop Prayer cards which will be distributed during the Relics Prayer Services on Thursday 17 August 2023 to parents who attend and to some year levels.

We encourage you to participate in the Novena for Mary MacKillop with your families in the lead up to her Feast Day. Please click on her image below to see the Novena.

Saint Mary MacKillop, pray for us.

Antonine Teacher Meets the Pope!

This year, I had the pleasure to endorce Ms Isabella Athaide for the The Emerging Leaders Program. Isabella is a dedicated teacher and leader in the College. I was thrilled when her application was accepted. This week she commenced the program in Rome.

The Emerging Leaders Program provides opportunity for emerging leaders in Catholic education, health and social services to encounter, engage and embark on a leadership journey underpinned by our Catholic faith. Participants explore how to share their knowledge, understanding and life-changing experiences with and for the benefit of your school community upon their return.

Rome provides a rich learning experience that will enable participants to develop their leadership identity through self-reflection and spiritual discernment, immersed in the rich historical context and surrounds of the Vatican City. Following Rome, the program includes a retreat experience in Assisi, participants will then travel to Lisbon to join the WYD events. They will learn from a range of key thought leaders, including Archbishop Peter A Comensoli.

This week Ms Isabella Athaide met with the Pope along with other participants. She was chosen to ask a question of the Pope. Please see her description below:

- Ms Joanne Bacash

As you can imagine today has been a whirlwind of emotions. We were not aware of this exclusive time we would have with the Holy Father. When lucky enough to be chosen to ask a question to the Pope I knew I had to ask about his encyclical Laudato si which we had just finished studying at year 10 RE. Students amongst my class felt as though as a young person, on an individual level, they couldn’t help to fix the environmental crisis we are facing (that it was a problem too big for them, and needed action from big corporate companies). I asked Pope Francis to provide guidance to our students about how everyone can make a difference to care for our common home. This was filmed by their press at the Vatican and we will be able to get a copy of the footage over the next couple of days, I am so excited to share this with the year 10’s in particular. He was insightful, well spoken, approachable and incredibly inspiring. A very humbling experience…Here are some snaps from what will always be an unforgettable day.

- Ms Isabella Athaide

Awards Evening Sponsors

Antonine College is searching for sponsors for our Awards Evening. If you are interested in sponsoring please complete this form and more information will be emailed to you https://bit.ly/AwardsSponsor23

- Ms Joanne Bacash

Faith Development

Year 10 Retreat

The Year 10 Retreat was held on the 22^nd of June and facilitated by the Youth Mission Team. Students participated in various discussions and activities on the impact of their decisions and choices and the way in which they can influence how others see themselves by the choices they make and the relationships they form.

I, Jayden Sadek, was honoured to take part in this year's fulfilling Year 10 Retreat. This experience allowed me to further my relationship with those who surround me, but most importantly the one who surrounds us constantly, and that is God. My relationship with Jesus Christ was able to be deepened with the amazing religious acts, exercises, and prayer that I was specifically offered on this day. Many of the things that were talked about by the Youth Mission Team allowed me to reconsider my view on a spiritual lifestyle and the constant struggles that a believer faces. I am incredibly thankful to have been a part of this special day which gave me a new insight on a Christian lifestyle that will deepen my relationship with God.

• Jayden Sadek, 10B

The Year 10 Retreat was a beautiful and relaxing day filled with fun activities that also linked back to our faith. Throughout the day, the Youth Mission Team prepared activities such as charades and discussion topics on whether we agreed/disagreed. At the end, we prayed and reflected on our day and then each student was given the chance to sign their name on the cross. Overall, it was an enjoyable day.

-Charbel Chalhoub, 10B

Click here for photos

- Ms Natalie Saliba

Teacher Spirituality Day – Walking Together

On Thursday 20 July teachers travelled to Heidelberg to join with Our Lady of Mercy College staff for a Spirituality Day lead by our Keynote Speaker Emeritus Professor John Warhurst. Mr Warhurst shared his experiences and understanding, particularly focusing on his participation in the Plenary Council and his perspective on the future of the Church in Australia.

Mr Warhurst encouraged us to consider what our role is in the future of the Church in Australia and how we can maintain unity while preserving diversity. He left us with a lot to unpack and as a staff we shared our ideas about the Church of the future. Below are images that were created by teams of teachers on the day.

Teachers commented on the lovely facilities at OLMC and the hospitality of Principal Judith Weir and her staff for hosting us.

Click here for photos

- Ms Ria Coffey

Learning and Wellbeing

NAPLAN Results 2023

This is to provide you with further information about how NAPLAN results for Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students will be reported, including the planned results release schedule this year.

When will individual student reports be available?

NAPLAN 2023 reporting packages will be distributed to schools in the week commencing Monday 17 July. Reporting packages will contain:

• An Individual Student Report (ISR) for each student who participated in the tests. The ISR will display students’ results against the new proficiency levels for each NAPLAN test domain, as well as performance ranked against the national average for the applicable year level. The report also includes descriptors for each proficiency level and NAPLAN test domain.
• Hard copies of an information brochure for parents and carers, including information on the proficiency levels, how to understand student performance, and common FAQs.
• Year 9 NAPLAN certificates of achievement for eligible students. In 2023, certificates will be awarded to students who meet the ‘Exceeding’ level in reading and/or numeracy.

There have been changes to NAPLAN reporting in 2023, including the introduction of proficiency standards for both school and student reporting, along with the resetting of the NAPLAN scale and time series. The four proficiency levels of:

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

These proficiency levels replace the 10-band structure and National Minimum Standard in place for NAPLAN since its beginning.

As in previous years, a suite of NAPLAN reports will be available to schools and we will use this information to analyse our College trends in literacy and numeracy and plan for teaching and learning programs to meet the needs of our students.

Due to the earlier administration of NAPLAN in March and the reporting changes in 2023, results from 2023 onward cannot be directly compared with results from 2008 to 2022. Please note that growth reports that have previously been released via the data service will not be available for this year’s tests; however, it will still be possible to assess student achievement against the national average.

Click here for more information and to read the parent information brochure.

We will distribute reports as soon as possible once they are delivered.

- Ms Ria Coffey

Digital Technology Professional Learning Activity

On Wednesday July 19 teachers at St Joseph Campus participated in a professional learning activity to engage with a variety of Digital Technology tips and tools to support improved organisation and workflow and engagement in the classroom. The Digital Technology Community of Practice team, who’ve been meeting throughout the year to develop strategies and resolutions for identified areas of need and concern relating to digital technology, hosted the series of activities teachers were involved in. The coding robots, on loan from Cedar Campus, were a big hit.

Click here for photos

- Ria Coffey, Helen Diab, Steve Weng, Gavyn Kerr, Polly Kaur, Niamh McCartney

Digital Technology Community of Practice Team

Antonine High Achievers (AHA) Program

Antonine High Achiever (AHA) program is designed to offer students an opportunity to engage in a range of challenging activities including setting learning goals, participating in STEM activities and seeking out independent tasks to extend understanding and develop thinking skills: https://www.antonine.catholic.edu.au/cedar-campus/antonine-high-achievers-aha

At Antonine College, we differentiate learning tasks in all subjects to suit the needs and abilities of our students. For high achievers, teachers adapt classwork to ensure it is challenging these students to continue growing their skills. This may include more challenging texts or vocabulary in Literacy, more advanced problem-solving strategies in Numeracy or an extension of thinking skills in Integrated Studies or Religion. In addition to this in-class differentiation, there are a small number of weekly extension sessions offered to high achieving students. The choice of the students involved is based on a combination of academic results and discussion with teachers, to ensure students get the maximum benefit from the AHA program.

Currently at Cedar Campus, we offer the following weekly sessions:

• Year 1 and 2 Literacy Extension. A balance of reading and writing to enhance comprehension, vocabulary and oral language.
• Years 4 to 6 Writing Extension (Cedar Magazine). Students learn practical journalism skills including conducting interviews, writing for purpose and audience, and writing articles.
• Year 1 and 2 Numeracy Extension. A range of problem-challenging activities to enhance strategic thinking.
• Years 3 to 6 STEM Extension. This semester, students will participate in the Australian Maths Competition, a state-wide games day offered by the Australian Maths Trust, and a showcase day to share designs and programming using micro:bit pocket-sized computers.

Currently at St Joseph Campus we offer the following:

• Extension Certificates - students engage independently in a challenging problem in any of the subject areas offered (resources available on SIMON)
• Year 9 and 10 Extension Maths
• Year 7 & 8 STEM Extension classes
• Accelerated VCE classes (various available)

Although participation in these extension programs is fun, there are only a small number of places in these programs and students should not be disappointed if they are not selected to participate. Teachers will ensure learning in the classrooms is challenging and exciting for every student. Please speak to your child’s teacher or to one of the Learning and Teaching Leaders if you have questions or concerns about extending your child’s high abilities.

- Ms Mori Milholland

Foundation and Year 1 Media Arts

During term 2 the Foundation and Year 1 students used iPads to create Stop Motion videos.

- Ms Ria Coffey

Year 2A - How to make a Pirate Hat

During Term 2, Year 2A, focused on Procedural Writing. We wrote procedures and followed procedures on how to make things. We had a lot of fun following the procedures “How to make a Pirate Hat’ and ‘How to make a Pirate Ship.’ Everyone followed the instructions and successfully.

We also made cinnamon toast, pancakes and planted daffodil bulbs and broad bean seeds in our vegetable garden.

Click here for photos

- Mrs Anna Candido

Year 3 Art Gallery

During the school holidays, students were able to put their art skills learnt in term 2 into action. They used their inspiration from artists such as Jackson Pollock, Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso and they created their own canvas artwork. We created a gallery to showcase their talents with the rest of the school. Classes took turns in visiting the art exhibition and used their iPads to scan the individual QR Codes to learn more about our Year 3 artists. 

 Here is some feedback from the other classes:

I loved the painting of the sunflowers in the vase because it looked pretty- Alana 1B

I loved the amount of detail they used in their paintings," Daniel 5B

'It's pretty cool using the QR code to learn about the artists,' Marco 5A

My classmates and I went to see all the wonderful and amazing artworks on display in the atrium. We enjoyed the view of the artworks from our perspective and many unique designs from the Year 3 classes. We appreciated the opportunity to look at these marvellous artworks and subsequently many Grade 6 students were inspired and encouraged to draw and paint more, so we thank Year 3 for giving us this opportunity.
-By Peter Alzwahra 6A

Click here for photos

- Mrs Joelle Zakharia and Ms Danielle Velona

Year 4 Volcano

During Term 3, Year 4 students researched volcanoes which included designing models that simulate volcanic eruptions as part of their Inquiry unit on ‘Natural Disasters’. It was amazing to witness all the volcanoes erupting and for students to share their knowledge of specific volcanoes around the world.

Click here for photos

- Ms Martina Gawro, Ms Georgia Petraki and Mr Corrado Blanco

Year 5 Winter Garden

Although winter in Melbourne is in full swing, students from Year 5 have been busy planting their winter crops in the garden. Seedlings of different winter varieties were planted across all raised garden beds. This included spinach, lettuce and strawberries.

During these winter months students of Year 5 get to experience the true meaning of being a gardener. Mulching, weeding and watering have been some of the weekly chores out in the garden.

Finally, making connections between seasonal seedlings and farming activities will help students understand the cycles of seasons in the garden and in their own lives.

Click here for photos

- Mr Nick Triantafillopoulos

Book Week 2023 - Read, Grow, Inspire

Monday 21 - Friday 25 of August is Book Week 2023 at Cedar Campus. Several events have been organised for the students to participate in.

Tuesday 8 - Friday 11 August - Scholastic Book Fair

• Break 1 & 2 Cedar Campus Library

Wednesday 23 August - Meerkat Productions Performance Incursion:

• 8:55am: F - 4 Picture Book Frank’s Red Hat by Sean E Avery
• 9:55am: Year 5 & 6 Younger Readers The Way of Dog by Zana Fraillon
• Cedar Campus Atrium

Friday 25 August: Book Character Dress Up Parade

• 9:30 - 10:30am: Foundation - Year 6
• Cedar Campus Atrium

Wednesday 7 September: The Great Book Swap

• 11:05am (first break): Foundation - Year 6
  

• Cedar Campus Atrium

The theme for Book Week this year is Read, Grow, Inspire. The artwork for the poster was created by author/illustrator Matt Ottley. Matt says he included a mystical seahorse in the illustration because for many cultures the seahorse represents growth, strength, beauty, and spirituality, so it is perfect for the themes of growing and inspiring.

Through reading books, we can grow emotionally and socially. We can also be inspired by stories of sports heroes, historical figures, political refugees, and scientific superstars. The Little People, Big Dreams series of biographies written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara details the lives of outstanding people who achieved incredible things, beginning as a child with a dream. We have many titles from this series in the library and they are very popular with the students. See website below for more information.

Quick countdown reminder: Book Week dress up day is in three weeks. Students can dress as a book character, or someone/something related to the theme. Start planning your costume now. Check out these websites for costume ideas:

Little People, Big Dreams

Families Magazine

Simplify Create Inspire

Pinterest

- Mr Gavan Kelly

Year 7 and 8 Semester One Academic Awards

During the Year 7&8 assemblies, students were acknowledged for their great achievements from Semester 1.

Well done to all the recipients on their excellent achievement!

Click here to view students and their awards

- Ms Ayesha Guido

Andrea Ishac - World Taekwondo Cadet Championships

Our student Andrea Ishac will be competing in The World Taekwondo Cadet Championships will be held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovnia, from August 28 to August 31, 2023.

Andrea Ishac is a 13-year-old, 3^rd Dan Taekwondo athlete from Victoria Australia. Andrea has been training in Taekwondo since the age of six. Earlier this year Andrea won gold at the Victorian state championships and will also participate in the Australian National championships that will be held in October 2023 in Perth Australia.

On the 7^th of July 2023, Andrea competed at the World Taekwondo Cadet Selection held in Morayfield Queensland, and was selected to be on the Australian National Team after she placed first in her nominated division. Andrea will now represent Australia at the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships and also compete at the Bosnian Open Tournament scheduled to follow the world championships in August. Unfortunately, here in Australia, Taekwondo is not funded and athletes and their family are responsible for covering all the associated costs.

It is estimated that the World Championships in Bosnia-Herzegovina will cost $12,000. Of this, $7000 will be athlete expenses and approximately $5000 for a guardian.

Any donation will be genuinely appreciated and give Andrea the opportunity to begin a new pathway of competing internationally: https://asf.org.au/projects/andrea-attend-the-2023-world-cadet-championship---bosnia

We wish Andrea all the best.

- Ms Ayesha Guido

Year 7 English Stop Motion

Students in Year 7 have been studying the stop motion film ‘Harvie Krumpet’ in their English classes. Students have been exploring the elements of film to deepen their understanding of directorial intent. They have then used this knowledge to create their own stop motion clip on their iPads. It is great to see students being creative and collaborating to help each other.

Find attached some amazing work from

Catalina Kanati

Marin Alnkoula

Zahra Issa

Marisya Qaso

Click here for photos

- Ms Kristina Gurmesevic

Year 9 Semester One Awards

During our Year 9 assembly this week we were able to recognise a group of high achieving students. These special awards are awarded to students across the college who have been able to maintain a subject average of 80% or higher in every single subject, for our year 9 students that means an 80% average for 10 subjects. A truly commendable effort and I congratulate the follow students for receiving this award for semester 1:

1. Isabelle Hanna
2. Angelina Saade
3. Angelina Chahine
4. Sally Alnakoula
5. Hannibal Diab
6. Isabella Isaac
7. Nancy Toma
8. Natasha Nissan
9. Giseille Antoun
10. Larisa Kyriakous
11. Charbel Maroun
12. Ghazal Almaari

- Miss Isabella Athaide

Senior Girls Soccer

The Antonine College girls’ soccer team has had great success over the last couple of years. We are very pleased to have a senior team (girls from year 10-12) to represent the school this term. On Friday of last week, we kickstarted our campaign against Tomas Carr. We were very proud to come away with a score of 5-0. Students worked extremely well as a team and represented the school well. 3 votes were awarded to Lida Zomaya for best on ground.

I congratulate the following students for their participation in the game on Friday:

1. Lida Zomaya (captain
2. Angela Yosif
3. Neveen Hassanieh
4. Helene Ishac
5. Eden Kanaan
6. Angie Ishi
7. Chanel Samie
8. Milena Klaymeh
9. Layal El Saleh
10. Yasmin Saleh
11. Isabel Mousa

- Miss Isabella Athaide

Push Up Challenge

For the 4^th year in a row, Antonine College took part in the Push Up Challenge - an initiative that raises awareness and funds for mental health in Australia. To push for better health, students were challenged to complete 3,144 push ups over 23 days in June. Year 12 students, Amani Alkichani and Chanel Gatt, were given the opportunity to become school ambassadors for the Push Up Challenge. They participated in multiple online meetings where they learnt how to become better advocates for mental health and how to support students with their own wellbeing.

With the support of students, teachers and the community, the College raised over $7000 for mental health organisations such as Lifeline and Movember. We thank everyone who participated and donated to this amazing initiative.

- Ms Ayesha Guido

Year 10 Fashion

On Wednesday, July 19, the Year 10 Fashion students attended an excursion to the Preston Salvos where they selected items of clothing to complete a ‘Thrift Flip’ as part of their assessment for Term 3. Students are learning about sustainability and fast fashion this term.

They have already made comment in the store how cheap the items were for branded pieces as well as new with tags! The remainder of the term will consist of students unpicking the fabrics and re-sewing them into a completely transformed piece of their own design.

- Miss Natalie Pelech

Year 12 Leaders attending ABC show Q and A

On Wednesday 19^th July, 8 Year 12 Leaders had the privilege to partake in a live broadcasting of the ABC show Q and A. This was hosted by ‘Behind the News’ host Amelia Moseley at the ABC television studio in Southbank. Students across a range of different schools in Victoria were able to be a part of the live audience and ask question related to their future.

The panellists included a range of different individuals from a variety of diverse backgrounds, including Minister for Youth Anne Ally. It was a once in a lifetime experience, one thoroughly enjoyed by all students as well as myself and Natalie Saliba who were lucky enjoy to sit in another studio and watch our students live from the TV.

I thank the following students for their participation in this event, you represented the Antonine College community very well.

1. Eva Harika
2. Cynthia Hanna
3. Zaya Zado
4. Amani Alkichani
5. Rand Farrouh
6. Jawan Younan
7. Isabel Mousa
8. Jezelle Gerges

Click here for photos

- Miss Isabella Athaide

Semester One Academic Achievement

Year 7 -12 Level Assemblies included a presentation of the Academic Certificates of Achievement to the following students who achieved an average grade of 80% or above for their Semester 1 2023 Report.

Congratulations to the following students:

Year 11

• Marcus Jajou
• Kreste Yaekoub
• Mary Eid
• Joseph Taouk
• Grace Qaso
• Chantel Hanna
• Sarah Sutherland

Year 12

• Carla Haddad
• Andre Fatoul
• Antonella Anaton
• Ghada El Nazer
• Jawan Younan
• Chanel Gatt
• Nancy Taouk
• Lojain Alsaloum
• Emmy Yaekoub
• Amani Alkichani
• Eva Harika
• Zaya Zayo

Click here for a complete student list

- Ms Ria Coffey and Ms Fran Cometti

Upcoming Dates:

31 July: F-12 Parent Teacher Interviews (Early finish at 1:30 pm)

8 - 11 August: Scholastic Book Fair

17 August: Blessed Saints Relics Visit

23 August: Meerkat Productions Performance Incursion

25 August: Book Character Dress Up Parade

We are called to care for CREATION - 2023 College Theme