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Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends of the College, As I reflect on this year, I am reminded of the wonderful gift that is our children. This year I have had the privilege of getting to know your children; of seeing them succeed, of seeing them fall, of sharing their laughter and watching them learn. In preparation for the Christmas season, I encourage all of us to take time to stop and look at those around us; our families, friends, colleagues and importantly those who are strangers to us. Recognise Jesus in each one of them and acknowledge the gift that each person is. All of us will wish each other Merry Christmas or some similar greeting over the next few weeks. It doesn’t matter how we say it, what is important is the reason why we say it. We are currently in the season of Advent and as Catholics, Advent encourages us to contemplate our own lives, and, through prayer, prepare ourselves for Christ’s coming at Christmas. As a true disciple of Christ, let us say Merry Christmas to each other with the understanding that we do so as a sign that we recognise the gift of each person. Our greetings should demonstrate that we are living our St Peter’s guiding principles of respecting and caring for each other. As the end of the year approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of the St Peter’s community for the contributions they have made throughout the year. My first year as principal has been truly joyous; I have met wonderful people, witnessed the amazing achievements of our students and felt nothing but pride and thanks for the students, staff and families for their willingness to embrace a change in leadership and to pursue their learning with a focus on excellence. I wish to acknowledge and thank all the staff members at Peter’s and especially those who are leaving the College this year after many years of dedicated service. Their efforts have all contributed to the success of this school and they will all be sadly missed. I hope the future for all these people is filled with happiness and peace and that their lives have been enriched through their time at St Peter’s. Finally, to all staff, students and families, I wish you all a very happy and prayerful Christmas, one filled with joy and wonderful times with family and friends. I pray that everyone has a safe and restful holiday and look forward with anticipation to 2018, another year of growth and learning for St Peter’s Catholic College. Warmest wishes, Mr Tim Hildebrandt – Principal

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Uniform shop extended hours Please be advised of the Uniform Shop hours for the December and January period. The Shop will be open on Saturday 2nd December 2017 from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Normal hours will then continue and will then CLOSE from 8th December, 2017. We will re-open Wednesday 17th January through to Friday 19th January, 2018 and from Monday 22nd January through to Wednesday 24th January 2018 – normal times. We will be CLOSED on 25th and 26th January 2018 and recommence normal trading hours from Monday 29th January 2018. Normal Uniform Shop Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday open from 8:30am to 2:30pm, closed between 12:00pm and 12:30pm for lunch. Closed on Tuesdays. Barbara Pincott – Uniform Shop Manager Student Leaders’ News

What a fortnight it has been!! We leaders, as usual have been run off our feet. With the Christmas Celebration, end of term tidy ups and an endless ream of ideas that we have been brainstorming. I am sure you will get to hear them all in due time! We had our Christmas Fair on Thursday, 30 November it was a tremendous success, with over 500 people in attendance! This evening was filled with pretty lights and amazing singers from our feeder

primary schools and even some of our own St. Peter’s talent. Of course, we had some great food and market stalls. This night was given rave reviews and we will surely be leaving it as a legacy for the next leadership team and the ones who follow. We raised about two thousand dollars for the Vinnies Christmas appeal. EMMA PEAT / CLARE ELLEM, Social Media, and Publicity

Our annual Christmas appeal is on again and the main objective is to raise as many hamper food items as possible. These items are then given to St Vincent De Paul who then make hampers out of our donations to give to the homeless. These people have very little, and it makes their Christmas a little happier and places food in their stomach, releases the stress of having to find their next meal and puts a massive smile on their faces. So, for this reason of what it does and who it helps, we encourage you to get behind our worthy cause. BROOKE PETFIELD, Youth Ministry

2018 is fast approaching and the House Captains of St Peter’s have been hard at work planning for next year and to leave a legacy; the legacy in which we intend to leave is by reinvigorating the house system. This will involve making our school more house-focused and by doing this, on top of Swimming Carnival and Athletics Carnivals introducing House Games which will focus on students’ different strengths not just sporting. With these games and challenges, they gain points and eventually culminate in a major prize at the end of the year for the students from that house. By igniting this house spirit, we intend to have two house meetings a term with students, instead of one before the swimming carnival and athletics carnival respectively. This is to help students integrate with fellow students from the

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same house and generate a team spirit which will then make the goal of being the best house at St Peter’s ever so competitive. With the help of the Junior Leaders they will inspire their fellow peers in their respective years to ignite this new house spirit of St Peter’s and make this a legacy and tradition that will hopefully continue through the years to come. JACK MCDONALD, Benedict house captain We hope the last week of school is exceptionally enjoyable for all, we also wish everyone a very happy and safe Christmas and holiday season. Year 12 Student Leaders

Stage 4 News The Stage 4 cohort has excelled in many aspects of College life during 2017. The themes addressed throughout the year are: ‘Belonging & Identity’ for Year 7 and ‘Relationships & Responsibility’ for Year 8. Achievement and success depends on an eagerness to be involved and many students in the junior years have experienced a prosperous year. Throughout the year I have been continually impressed by the way in which a vast majority of the Year 7 and Year 8 students have conducted themselves. This current group of students are motivated, vivacious and gregarious. I have been most pleased to see students extending their friendship to others. With Karinya being re-developed, for our new library, the Stage 4 students have been dispersed into different areas around the College and they have coped well. This year we welcomed Mr Tim Hildebrandt, the fifth principal of St Peter’s. Mr Hildebrandt has a shared vision for St Peter’s and I look forward to implementing his vision throughout his tenure. The five guiding principles that inform and inspire us every day were introduced during the first semester, and as members of the St Peter’s community our role is to commit to these principles on a daily basis. The senior student leaders act as mentors to the incoming Year 7 students. Each Tuesday morning the Year 12 mentors visited their respective Year 7 classes to offer help, advice and contact should any student need assistance. Thank you to the Year 12 mentors for your perseverance, resilience, time and energy that you generously offered to the Year 7 students. Year 7 class of 2017 - you have coped well with the new subjects, and up to nine teachers. You have managed with the constant moving from one classroom to another, with the added pressure of being the youngest in the College. Congratulations on surviving your successful transition into St Peter’s. I have some fond memories of 2017: Year 12 Mentor Program, Reflection Day, Immunisations, The Great Aussie Bush Camp (3 Days), Interim Reports, St Peter’s Day, Study Skills Day, Brainstorm Productions, the Swimming and Athletic Carnivals and NAPLAN, all new and exciting experiences. Year 8, as you progress on to Year 9 for 2018 and Stage 5, I would like to thank you for your contribution to Stage 4. I have enjoyed working with you these past two years and wish you all the best in your Year 9 studies next year and into the future. Highlights of the year: The College Musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors”, Reflection Day, The Great Aussie Bush (4 Day) Camp and Night of the Notables – are just some recollections to treasure.

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I would like to acknowledge and thank the diligent work of the Year 7 Co-ordinator, Mr Martin Koch and the Year 8 Co-ordinator Mrs Trish McKensey, in guiding our junior students through the past year. Their commitment and attentive support to each student under their care is greatly appreciated. I would like to acknowledge the tireless work of Mr Christopher Mundey for standing in for Mrs McKensey, while on leave in Term 4. Mr Mundey has certainly has made an impact on the Year 8 cohort during this time. Class teachers and Homeroom teachers constantly strive to provide for the academia and the positive well-being of the students in their care, giving up many hours of their time in the process. I would like to sincerely thank the Year 7 and Year 8 Class and Homeroom teachers for their continued care and support to their students. Their combined efforts have brought a mixture of successes for the students within the spiritual, academic, cultural and sporting domains within the College. I would like to acknowledge the efficiency and competency of the ladies in the administration block, and the library, for their assistance in supporting me throughout the year. These ladies, on a daily basis, are an integral support who sustains the smooth running of Stage 4, and I genuinely appreciate their contribution. At the end of this year I will be standing down from the Stage 4 Co-ordinator position and returning into the classroom a full-time class teacher. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of the past eight years, it has made me aware of the numerous external and internal pressures place upon our students on a daily basis and the resilience that they display to overcome these difficult times. I would like to acknowledge the support of the College staff throughout my tenure and I genuinely thank them for help and guidance – I would not have been able to do it without them. I would like to thank the members of the College Leadership Team as it has been my privilege, pleasure and satisfaction, to work as a member of this team under the guidance of Mr Tim Hildebrandt and Mr Peter Higgins. This team has worked tirelessly in the promotion of St Peter’s. Their dedication to the wellbeing of every person in our community is confirmed and acknowledged. I look forward to another successful year, and to the challenges and engagement that it brings. Foster our core values of Courage, Compassion and Commitment, embrace our guiding principles and ‘LIVE THE FAITH’ on a daily basis. Paul Cannon – Stage 4 Co-ordinator

Canteen News I would like to thank all of the parent volunteers that have helped out in the Canteen this year. I wish them and their families a very Happy Christmas and a safe and healthy 2018. Helen Smith T

Stage 6 News The Year 12 Fortnightly Report: Term 4 Weeks 9-10

The end of 2017 is just around the corner. What a fast and action packed year we have had! This time last year our students were Year 10 and had just come together for their Celebration Evening at Wamberal. Now fast-forward one year and they are already a quarter of the way through their Year 12 final year of formal schooling.

I hear it all the time from a number of staff, but this is one lovely year group and I am excited to watch them continue to grow into the wonderful young adults they are becoming. They are cohesive and work well together, they are respectful of each other’s differences and celebrate the diversity of their achievements. And gosh there has been some amazing

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achievements throughout the year – within the classroom, work placement, cross-curricula, the school musical, creative arts, in student leadership, and the playground, youth ministry and wellbeing for learning periods.

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

Pursuing Excellence in the Classroom

Connor Hooper has performed exceptionally well in his studies during Year 11. He is completing Engineering Studies online and has received top marks for this subject as well as top of his subject in Physics, Mathematics and Extension 1 and Metal and Engineering. Connor has the goal of completing tertiary education in Engineering but is undecided about which field of engineering.

We are very proud to acknowledge that Connor was the recipient of the prestigious Honeywell Engineering Scholarship. This program involves a week of intensive lectures and hands on experience in engineering fields across the major Sydney Universities. We wish Connor all the best as he embarks on this opportunity during Week 10 of term.

Awesome Uniform Standards! Keep it Going….

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Stage 6 News from Mrs Haines Thursday morning during homeroom assembly students received the NESA HSC Rules and Requirements booklets. I encouraged students to read through this booklet carefully and to familiarise themselves with the eligibility and compliance sections in the booklet which ensures award of HSC 2018. Any student who did not receive this booklet can collect one from the Stage 6 office. Early next year we will be required to check student confirmations of entry to ensure that all students are enrolled in correct subjects for HSC.

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and relaxing New Year. A reminder that these holidays can serve as a wonderful opportunity for students to catch up on their work and plan ahead for the following year by ensuring they are organised, know what assessment tasks are upcoming, and are developing goals that keep them motivated and focussed on success. We are more than happy in Stage 6 to meet with students and help them develop revision timetables and develop their study skills for more effective learning practices.

OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE:

COAST SHELTER St Peter’s provides the opportunity for senior students to volunteer to feed the homeless and help support our community members doing it very tough in their lives. Students assist with helping, preparing and serving dinner at Coast Shelter. Coast Shelter runs the 2nd Monday of every month, from 4:30 - 7:45pm and notes can be collected in Stage 6 from Mrs Haines. Get involved it is a very rewarding experience to be part of.

COMING UP

WELLBEING FOR LEARNING WEDNESDAY

EXCITING – we are bringing back the HOUSE GAMES! We had them last year every term and this year the students have spoken and they want House Games back into our assembly periods.

So our enthusiastic House Captains with the support of the other leaders, teachers and students are running the Year 12 House Games. Look forward to seeing the students run the period – they even bargained to use the English lesson the period before to be used so they have a double period!!

Memories from past House Games:

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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR – SEE YOU IN 2018!

Farewell for 2017, thank you very much for an enjoyable year. It is an absolute pleasure working with such a supportive group of students, parents, teachers and carers.

Sandra and I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and relaxing New Year.

Rebecca Doenau – Year 11 Co-ordinator and Sandra Haines – Stage 6 Co-ordinator

VET / Careers News Careers/VET As another year draws to an end we look forward to a peaceful and safe Christmas Season. During Week 6 and Week 9, many of our Year 12 VET students attended work placement for Business Services, Construction, Entertainment, Hospitality, Metal and Engineering and Retail. For some students this can pose a challenge, however many of the students gain valuable enterprising skills, part-time and full-time work offers and traineeships for post-school. None of this would be possible without the dedication of all parties and a commitment from the wider community. 2017 has once again been a successful year for Vocational Education and Training at St Peter’s. The Trade Training Centre has provided students and the community with many new and exciting opportunities as students transition to the world of work. ASPECT has utilised the facility for professional development days, CSO for their Institute of Teachers and Leadership and Management courses, a Hospitality Café, Aspect Cafe and a Youth Ministry Café have developed barista, customer service and financial skills while raising funds for the Cambodia House building trip 2018, ‘Movember’ and the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Hospitality students have excelled in the kitchen catering for many events including the Student Leaders Celebration, Open Evenings and staff functions. All of this would not be possible without the dedication of the Hospitality teachers Mrs Simone Peat and Mrs Cherie Pisani as well as the kitchen assistant Mrs Debbie Moore. A special mention goes to those students who participated in the third Diocese of Broken Bay Battle of the Chefs competition and many of our students participating in the very prestigious WorldSkills competition for Business Services, Hospitality and Metal & Engineering. We have numerous students involved in School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships and eVET courses as they travel a pathway to their career. Special thanks goes to the Entertainment Team and Mr Judge for their amazing efforts working with various Departments including the RE, PE and Creative Arts departments this year on events such as the Presentation Nights, Schools Music evenings and HSC Music preparation, Surfarama and the Student Leaders Christmas Celebrations. We again look forward to the Entertainment class working closely with Mr Judge in 2018. The other facilities of the TTC are Metal & Engineering and Construction. I would like to thank Mr Owen Preston for his hard work, commitment and skills in these areas. Many of our students have gained apprenticeships as a result of gaining their VET qualifications. Mr Damian Coase’s enthusiasm in Marine Studies is evident by the level of enjoyment students have in learning about the marine environment, fishing, scuba diving and gaining their boat licences.

Year 12 Marine Studies Last week the Year 12 Marine class enjoyed a free introduction to SCUBA diving in the Pro Dive pool. This is in preparation for our SSI Open Water SCUBA course that the students will begin in 2018. A big thank you to Pro Dive for this opportunity.

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Sports Coaching, with Mrs Higgins and Mr Lawicki has provided some excellent work place opportunities and community connections. The coaching sessions included teaching fundamental motor skills to Kindergarten children, training junior PDHPE students in team sports and track and field athletics and assisting at our various carnivals as well as those of our Primary schools. Mr Michael Radburn is to be thanked for his many years of dedication to Retail Services and he will continue this work into 2018. Mrs Dibb’s Business Services class has developed autonomous learning as they successfully move through the competencies of the course. These students have been involved in events management, preparing spreadsheets and setting up their own business. Congratulations to Ashleigh Bell for gaining 2nd place in the Regional WorldSkills Competition. So many students are to be congratulated on their successful engagement in work placement, SBATS, TVET, work experience, functions and competitions. All these opportunities are supported by the commitment of the teachers and parents and the responsiveness of the students. Senior First Aid Year 10 Students from Year 10 will complete their Senior First Aid Certificate over 2 days in Week 9. This qualification is beneficial in the world of work and will be used as credit transfer for VET students and PHDPE students in 2018. Year 10 received their subjects for 2018 Letter of Confirmation November 30. Any changes or errors need to be communicated to Mrs Dibb by December 6. Careers

By Nina Roxburgh

Securing full time, ongoing work is a challenge for today’s young Australians. The Foundation for Young Australians’ report How Young People are Faring shows that in 1986 it took on average 1 year to transition from full-time study to full-time work, a transition that now takes young Australians on average 4.7 years. While young people are staying in education longer than ever before, full time employment of young Australians between 20-24 years old, has dropped from 52% to 42% between 2008 and 2014. A recent analysis of the latest Census data by the Australian Financial Review, shows that between 2011 and 2016, in almost every category of work, employment rates have declined for people under 24 years old. Adding to this, FYA’s latest report, the New Work Smarts, demonstrates that by 2030 automation will transform every job across the economy. This means young people now, more than ever, need to be prepared with career management capabilities and transferable enterprise skills to adapt to constantly evolving work environments.

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To ensure young people are equipped with these skills, we need to adopt a new mindset in the way we approach and navigate work. Rather than understanding and preparing for working life on one linear career pathway, young Australians need to change their mindsets to see skills as portable across a cluster of jobs, and to manage a portfolio of work. This also includes finding new ways to enter the job market. Coding as a career Quiz yourself to find how you can combine CS with your passion to generate new ideas for career and study options, browse 154 Computer Science degrees in Australia and New Zealand and meet the coders combining CS with fashion, gaming, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, sustainability and more. Your best guide to finding high paying job pathways, making your dream career come true, and finding your passion! Read Careers with Code online. We look forward to the HSC results and University offers for the 2017 cohort and I wish the Class of 2017 success and happiness for their future. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all in 2018. Pauline Dibb – VET/SBAT/Careers Co-ordinator

Japanese News I would like to thank the Japanese students of 2017 for their dedication and commitment to learning an interesting and challenging language. I would also like to thank all of the parents for your continued support of your son and/or daughter’s learning. Without our partnership between school, parent and student, the successes achieved could not have been possible. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas (kurisumasu omedetou) and a Happy New Year (akemashite omedetou). I look forward to seeing many of my students from Year 8 in the Year 9 course. I wish the Year 10 Japanese students the best of luck in their senior studies. A few comments from parents about their child’s learning:

• Thank you so much for your ongoing feedback. We are very proud of *'s efforts this year. We also want to thank you for your ongoing support as a teacher which has enabled * to do so well. Thank you so much for going above and beyond with all the children this year.

• Thank you Ms Dowdell for your continued progress reports…She speaks so highly of you and your classes and she has thrived in Japanese. I thank you very much for providing her with an excellent environment to savour another culture such as Japanese. I am so glad she has achieved these results in your classroom.

• I'm very pleased with *’s interest in Japanese. * does really enjoy the class, she is actually teaching the whole family at times!!

• We are so proud of her and really appreciate your hard work in supporting your students to do well. • Thank you for all your updates…* loves Japanese and is always talking about you and your lessons. • Thanks for the update, very happy to hear this. * will be very proud as she does try hard to complete all of her

tasks as best as she can.

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Semester Two results Year 8 students have worked hard this semester on both a family writing task and a food and restaurant cultural and speaking task. The quality of work presented was outstanding and particular mention needs to be made of the following students…

Family Writing Task This task involved students writing extensive details about their own or a fictitious family. They had to present it with photos and detailed information. All in Japanese, of course! 8B2: Erica Field, Noah Tomkins, Mackenzie Easson, Shantel Evans, Lauren Harmer, Elliot Mylchreest, Allie Pedzikiewicz, Gabriela Recchia, Darcie Shaddock and Jaguar Woodhouse. 8B3: Skye Garnham, Sehaj Preet Kaur, Muskan Sharma 8G1: Connor Acton, Emily Bates, Isla Bond, Charlotte Bough, Katrina Brunetta, Madeline Calvert, Lara Davis, Phoebe Laing, Maayra Taneja 8G2: Emily-Jane Hill, Emma Martin, Sarah Scott, Savannah Smith, Emma Wilnierak

Food and Restaurant Cultural Task Students had the opportunity to design an advertising poster of their favourite sushi restaurant or and information poster about the traditional tea ceremony, or an authentic blog from the perspective of a restaurant reviewer. Sushi and Tea Ceremony Poster 8B2: Mackenzie Easson, Lauren Harmer, Amelia Horvat, Cameron Torpy 8B3: Clay Keyes, Isabella Morris, Siena Pearce, Bree Poulton, Muskan Sharma 8G1: Katrina Brunetta, Allana Chahine, Lara Davis, Madison Horne, Malachi Knight 8G2: Emily-Jane Hill

Review Blog 8B2: Shantel Evans, Erica Field, Elliot Mylchreest, Allie Pedzikiewicz, Jaime Robertson, Darcie Shaddock 8G1: Emily Bates, Madeline Calvert, Rhiannon Glaw, Maayra Taneja, Alexandra Tohme 8G2: Emma Wilnierak

Food and Restaurant Speaking Task This task involved students preparing a ‘LIVE’ speech introducing a family member and their food and drink preferences, or a recording; a ‘Morning Show’ interview or a restaurant scene. This task was particularly outstanding with students taking the opportunity to showcase their excellent knowledge of the Japanese spoken language. Some also took the opportunity to teach family members so they could participate, and these tasks were particularly memorable. The family involvement was excellent. The following people not only did an excellent task, but also involved their family in the task. So a BIG ‘arigatoo gozaimasu’ (thank you) to the following families: 8B2: Allie Pedzikiewizc 8B3: Daniel Pedzikiewizc 8G1: Isla Bond, Charlotte Bough, Phoebe Laing, Ethan McCrae, Whitney Morris 8G2: Kiralee Pearce, Sarah Scott

Other honourable mentions: 8B2: Aaliyah Balogh, Kasey Barton, Kodi Davidson-Waters, Shantel Evans, Erica Field, Christopher Gotley, Tama Grainger, Gabriela Recchia, Darcie Shaddock 8B3: Lacey Brown, Sehaj Preet Kaur, Isabella Morris, Hailey Paul, Siena Pearce, Morgan Ryan, Muskan Sharma 8G1: Emily Bates, Katrina Brunetta, Madeline Calvert, Allana Chahine, Lara Davis, Travis Gardner, Rhiannon Glaw, Maddison Hicks, Madison Horne, Malachi Knight, Madelaine Lade, Jennifer Lister, Hope Matthes, Connor Shephard, Maayra Taneja, Alexandra Tohme 8G2: Annaleise Heath, Savannah Smith

Manga Competition At the end of Term 4 students in the Japanese classes have been drawing entries for the annual Manga (Comic) Competition. There are numerous outstanding entries as can be seen by the photos provided. I always find it a

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rewarding competition and we have many talented artists in our community. Because voting will not have occurred by the time of this newsletter the winners will be announced in the first newsletter of 2018.

Commendations Students worked hard in 2017 and received numerous commendations for their efforts. A student in each class was awarded a prize of Japanese lemonade (ramune): the novelty drink with a marble in the top. In each class the most commendations were received by: Year 10 – Eliza O’Donnell Year 8, 8B2: Erica Field, 8B3: Sehaj Preet Kaur, 8G1: Madeline Calvert, 8G2: Sarah Scott; Honourable mentions to: Year 10: Jaimi-Lea Andrews, Chantelle Bate, Bella Young; Year 8; Allie Pedzikiewizc, Shantel Evans, Elliot Mylchreest, Muskan Sharma, Maayra Taneja, Charlotte Bough, Savannah Smith.

Japanese Shopping Circle To commemorate our 3 years together, Year 10 Japanese students journeyed together to have a Japanese shopping day in Sydney. We hit numerous Japanese stores to experience shopping ‘in Japan’. We visited Uniqlo, Superdry, Minisou, Muji, Kinokuniya Bookstore and Daisoo. Students were also able to buy as much sushi as they wished from multiple Japanese restaurants. Students made the following comments:

• Great to experience Japanese culture through shopping. Really enjoyed the Japanese shops and had a fantastic day with my friend (Bella)

• It was a wonderful day experiencing the Japanese culture in Sydney…(Jasmine, Kiara and Kyra) • I wish we could have stayed in the Japanese bookstore forever – Kinokuniya • I enjoyed the entire experience of our Japanese shopping spree! Just the city vibe is enough to enjoy. My

favourite place would have to be Kinokuniya book store (Klair) • It was amazing to see Japanese culture in another aspect besides videos, etc. Also it was a fun way to educate

JAPAN CLUB (ARTSCOOL) Thanks to the Japan Club group who have made this year such a success with their enthusiasm and commitment to Japanese language but especially the culture. I look forward to sharing the Japan Club experience again in 2018. Year 10 students have commented about their year in Japanese:

• My favourite part of learning Japanese was being in a class that became a family • I enjoyed learning Japanese because it has an amazing marking system. Also everyone is friendly…My favourite

part of learning Japanese was seeing myself and my friends grow and learn • I enjoyed learning Japanese because Mrs Dowdell made it interesting. She had numerous ways to complete work

and I really gained something from learning this course for the past 4 years • I enjoyed learning Japanese of the past years as it has expanded my vocabulary of another language as well as

my knowledge of the different culture. Japanese has been a wonderful learning experience and I have gained great relationships with my peers and our wonderful teacher

• I found Japanese interesting because their culture and language are so different from ours, yet still able to be integrated into our own lives here

Year 8 students have said: I enjoyed learning Japanese because:

• It was fun and an interesting experience that pushed me to my full potential • We learnt lots about traditional Japanese food and culture. Japanese food and culture is very unique and

fascinating • It was fun to learn about a culture other than our own • It is a new language and an interesting one at that. I had an excellent teacher that helped me learn how to say

Japanese foods, places, birthdays, foods and much more • There were many fun activities and it was challenging • I had an enthusiastic teacher who wanted nothing but the best from us • I liked having Mrs Dowdell as a teacher, she really encouraged the students to enjoy Japanese which always

makes it easier to learn and more fun • I learned how to speak a new language

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• I liked the weird food choices that we got to eat • It is very insightful learning a new language and culture. I enjoyed the way it was taught. • It is learning a new language and culture. I also got to try foods from the country • It has shown me that there are patterns in languages and I can figure other languages out now • It opened me up to a culture which I otherwise would not have explored

I would have enjoyed Japanese more if: • There was a creative task in each section • We could have had even more hands on material to really see what the culture was like • There was a big test instead of assignments

I found Japanese interesting because; • There were lots of new things to learn • It is completely different to anything else I’ve learned • The way it was taught and the things taught were very fun and cool to learn. It was interesting to explore a new

country and the different aspects of life. I also found the activities helped me learn easily • Learning a new language and seeing how others live their life in another country I find really interesting and

inspiring • We covered stuff which I did not know was Japanese • It not only contained theory but Mrs Dowdell came up with various activities that broadened our knowledge

My favourite part of learning Japanese was: • Learning the phrases of everyday sentences then going home to teach my sisters and parents • Doing the mock blog because I got to experience different cooking styles and etiquette • When we go to play games and meditate • Learning the culture in a fun way. I really liked how we didn’t have to do major tests and we had the ability to

complete tasks at home • Being able to speak in Japanese and my family members having no idea what I am talking about. As well as

expanding my knowledge of Japan and its words • The friendly however competitive challenges especially bingo (Atari) • Learning to say ‘sorry’ (sumimasen) in Japanese because saying sorry in a different language sounds more

considerate and heartfelt Kurisumasu omedetou to everyone (Merry Christmas) and akemashite omedetou (Happy New Year).

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Jenni Dowdell – Japanese Teacher

Year 7 – 11 Presentation Evening The St Peter’s Catholic College Annual Presentation Evening is to be held on Tuesday 12 December 2017 in the College Hall, commencing promptly at 7:00pm. Students eligible to receive awards will be notified closer to that date. A practice session for award recipients will be held during Period 5 on the day of the presentation to check attendance and explain the procedure for the night. As this is a formal College celebration, students are expected to be well-groomed and attired in full summer uniform with polished black leather shoes and correct College socks. Students not in correct uniform will not be presented with their award on stage.

The 2017 Surfarama – “Have a Go” This year’s Surfarama was a cracker, maybe the best one in its 28-year history. The contest had everything, great weather, small clean but contestable waves, enthusiastic competitors, great surfing, but most of all that X Factor, the buzz or the stoke. It was a fantastic day and it was a pleasure to be a part of it. But days like this don’t just happen and there are a lot of people to thank for all their hard work. Back to the beginning it was the organisation of our wonderful office ladies who ensured the competition got off to a good start. To Ms Newell [for putting over numerous notices about meetings], Mrs Callender [for your amazing organisation and typing] and Mrs Dwyer [who sorted out the entry fees and permission notes] Thank you. To the fabulous Entertainment class and Mr Judge, you make the day run like a professional contest with your PA, music and announcing, well done.

To the staff that met at the beach at 6 am, set up the tents then marshalled, judged and watched over the safety of our students all day, I thank you. I must make special mention of Mr Williams who has been an integral part of the St Peter’s surfing community for 20 years and is leaving to surf some perfect waves during his retirement. And finally to all the competitors, judges, talliers, photographers and spectators, thanks for making it a great day.

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All that leaves is the presentation of prizes and that will happen on Friday this week in homeroom time. So if you were in a final, prepare your speech because you will be getting a prize and trophy. Speaking of prizes, I must acknowledge our wonderful sponsors who this year have donated nearly $2000 worth of prizes. A fantastic effort, we should support them because they support you. Surfers Choice Mandy and Sean Hilton have been not only sponsoring the Surfarama from the very beginning but also a heap of other junior contests here on the Coast. Their shop at Long Jetty is a genuine Surf Shop with all the latest boards and one of the largest wetsuit ranges in our area. Check it out or visit: www.surferschoice.com.au Dunes Greg Sandman is a local surfer and also the owner of Dunes International at Forresters Beach. He manufactures quality swimwear and rashees and also sells a range of custom designed Aviant wetsuits, surfboards and bodyboards. Have a look online at: www.dunesinternational.com Our other long term sponsors include: Adrift Surf Paul and Fay from the very cool Adrift Surf in The Entrance are suppliers of all things retro. A big trend in surfing is the move towards alternate surf craft and they have a wide range of hip Disrupt boards as well as Stussey, RVCA and Affends surf clothing. Have a look at: www.adrift.com.au Adelio Surfwear Local hip surf brand Adelio have profited from their move to The lucky Surf and Supply shop at 417 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty. The Jetty is booming and the local surf scene is one reason for this. We have some of their latest cool gear as prizes. Take 3 for the Sea Here at St Peter’s we endorse and support Take 3 and we will proudly be flying their banner at this year’s Surfarama. We will of course leave the beach spotless and every competitor will be encouraged to pick up three pieces of rubbish [especially plastics] as they leave the water after their heat. Take 3 have donated some prizes that will be given out on the day to those who “Take 3 for the Sea”. Look up: www.take3.org Whitey’s Rite Price Tyres Local surfer Mark Whitehead is on a mission to make sure some of our students have the safest tyres possible. To that end he has donated two fantastic prizes of $250, to be used for tyres, to go to the highest placed male and female senior surfer. A great initiative. Surf Dive ‘n Ski are one of the biggest names in the surf retail industry and have an impeccable reputation for selling the latest and greatest gear. Thanks to ex-student, are manager and past Surfarama winner Mike Wells, we have some great gift vouchers as prizes as well as Mates Rates cards for every competitor. Visit their Tuggerah Westfield store or www.surfdiveandski.com

© St Peter’s Catholic College Material in this Newsletter cannot be reproduced without permission from the Principal

© St Peter’s Catholic College Material in this Newsletter cannot be reproduced without permission from the Principal

© St Peter’s Catholic College Material in this Newsletter cannot be reproduced without permission from the Principal

© St Peter’s Catholic College Material in this Newsletter cannot be reproduced without permission from the Principal

Christmas Eve Children’s Mass @ St Cecilia’s Church Wyong and St John Fisher Tumbi Umbi This Mass is truly a beautiful way families in our school and parish can celebrate the Christmas story. The Mass will be Christmas Eve at 5pm at BOTH St John Fisher and St Cecilia’s Church. We encourage families and extended families to set aside some time to come along, children are encouraged to dress up in character from the Christmas Nativity story (we’d love to see lots of angels, shepherds, wise men and wise girls), along with lots of Marys and Josephs. For any child who would like to take on a special role (Readers & Prayers Year 4 and up), (All ages welcome to join in the choir, ribbon movement, procession, Gospel re-enactment etc) – A special rehearsal is planned 3.00—5.00pm on Friday 22nd December at St John Fisher for those attending St John Fisher Mass And Christmas Eve from 3.00pm Sunday 24th December at St Cecilia’s Church for those attending St Cecilia’s Mass All are welcome and every child who attends this will be given a role at the Mass. We hope to see lots of people for both the Mass and rehearsal. Parents are also encouraged to come to the rehearsal – there are a few jobs to do and many hands make light work! We also need some adults to help out before the Mass with car parking, so all volunteers are greatly appreciated. Enquiries for St John Fisher please call Colleen Smith 0418667223 and for St Cecilia’s Church please call Anne Brady 4351 3522

Important Dates: • Tuesday 12 December Last Day of formal lessons for students

Presentation Night – 7pm Year 7 – 10 reports available on Edumate 2018

• Wednesday 17 to Friday 19 January Uniform Shop OPEN 8:30am – 2:30pm

• Monday 22nd to Thursday 24th January Uniform Shop OPEN 8:30am – 2:30pm

• Monday 22nd to Thursday 24th January Front Office and Finance Office OPEN 9:00am – 2:30pm

• Monday 29th January Teachers return (Pupil-free days Monday and Tuesday)

• Wednesday 31st January Year 11 and Year 7 commence New students to the College to attend for one hour

• Thursday 1st February ALL students return