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July 29, 2021July 29, 2021

Register NOW: Term 3 Family Forum

Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) is proud to announce that its second Family Forum will be focusing on student wellbeing and mental health.

“Based on feedback from our staff and parents during our first Parent Forum in Term 2 and subsequent Facebook Live COVID-19 Q&A sessions, Sydney Catholic Schools is pleased to host a webinar outlining the programs and resources designed to help your child thrive,” our Executive Director, Tony Farley, said.

Jacqueline Frost and Tony Farley present at Sydney Catholic Schools' First Family Forum — Jacqueline Frost and Tony Farley presenting at Sydney Catholic Schools’ first Family Forum.

To be hosted by Mr Farley, SCS’ Chief of Staff, Dr Jacqueline Frost, along with other SCS experts, this exciting 30-minute online event will be held on Monday August 23 from 6.30pm.

“We understand student wellbeing is top-of-mind for parents and our school communities, particularly as we navigate through these difficult times,” Mr Farley said.

“During this 30-minute session you will have the opportunity to guide the conversation through our live polling questions. We hope you will tune in!”

In case you are unable to join the online event, be sure to register above and you will receive a recording of the proceedings post event.

About the Family Forums

SCS kicked off its first, live and online Family Forum for parents, carers, and staff in Term 2, 2021, with more than 2500 people registering for this event.

These Family Forums will be run every term, providing an overview of the programs being offered by SCS to deliver on its vision, and commitment to build thriving Catholic communities through excellence in teaching and learning.

“Family Forums are designed so that everyone can learn more about how we are equipping our students with the skills, knowledge and opportunities they need to become active, global citizens” – Tony Farley

Last term’s forum centred on programs that demonstrate how SCS students can benefit from the opportunities of being part of a bigger network of schools.

The topics were wide-ranging and included discussions on teaching and learning, enhanced curriculum (performing arts, sport, and languages), classroom design and the importance of faith-based work in the community.

“Each term, the forum will focus on a different theme to give our families greater insight into how we are delivering on our commitment to building thriving Catholic communities through excellence in teaching and learning,” Mr Farley said.

If you missed SCS’ last Family Forum, you can still watch it via the live link below.

May 27, 2021June 4, 2021

Sydney Catholic Schools’ first Eisteddfod

Students from 92 schools will grace the stage in more than 400 solo and ensemble instrumental, drama, dance and choir performances, as part of Sydney Catholic Schools’ first Eisteddfod.

The Eisteddfod will be held over four Fridays at Sydney Catholic Schools’ first dedicated performing arts college, Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood, starting on 28 May.

Points will be awarded for each place, certificate and participation. The school with the highest point score will become the inaugural champion and receive a perpetual trophy.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ specialist in the creative arts, Eva Spata, said the events were an opportunity to recognise and celebrate students’ performance skills in a supportive environment.

“Every opportunity to perform develops students’ confidence and self-belief” – Eva Spata

A Marist Catholic College student music ensemble from Marist Catholic College North Shore gets ready to perform at Sydney Catholic School's first eisteddfod. — Music mavens: Marist Catholic College North Shore students Michael DeWit, Aleena Wiratunga, Jayden Wood, Poppy Douglass and Jasmine Franks will perform in the junior ensemble category of Sydney Catholic Schools’ first eisteddfod. Photo: Natalie Roberts

“Students will receive feedback from industry professionals, and this will help them refine their skills for future performances,” Ms Spata said.

“This is an opportunity for schools to show others what is part of the fabric of their own arts experience, broadening their audiences.

“It can also be inspiring for students to see their peers perform a different repertoire that they may not have experienced before.”

Marist Catholic College North Shore Year 7 student and trombone player Jayden Wood is part of an ensemble that will perform 60’s hits at the first of the eisteddfods.

“It’s fun to do performances for people,” Jayden said. “I like music because there are different things you can learn.”

EISTEDDFOD PROGRAM

28 May – Instrumental music
4 June – Drama
11 June – Dance solo and ensembles
18 June – Choirs and solo vocal

‘An exciting year for the arts’ at Sydney Catholic Schools

April 29, 2021

Walk Safely to School Day 2021

Sydney Catholic Schools Road Safety Education Officer, Andrew Sortwell, walking his children to school.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ Road Safety Education Officer, Andrew Sortwell, invites parents to role model good pedestrian behaviour on Walk Safely to School Day 2021 – and every day.

Calling all primary school parents! Consider lacing up your sneakers and walking your child to school on Friday 14 May, National Walk Safely to School Day.

As Sydney Catholic Schools’ Road Safety Education Officer, Andrew Sortwell, says: “It’s a good chance for parents to role model good behaviour as a pedestrian, i.e. teach by example where to cross the road, and how to cross the road safely.”

“If children are 10 years or younger they should be holding an adult’s hand” – Andrew Sortwell

Sydney Catholic Schools Road Safety Education Officer, Andrew Sortwell, walking with his children. — Andrew Sortwell walking with his children. Photo: Kitty Beale

National Walk Safely to School Day is a community initiative that aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking – especially to and from school – can provide for the long term wellbeing of our children.

Apart from the physical benefits, regular walking also has a positive impact on their mental health and academic performance.

Active kids are smarter kids

Children aged 5-12 years old are recommended to do 150 minutes of planned physical activity every week.

“Active transport options, such as walking or cycling to and from school, are the perfect complement to school Personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) programs that promote motor performance skills proficiency and adequate fitness,” Mr Sortwell said.

He said staying active helps students gain confidence in their ability to successfully engage in games and physical activities, and reduces their susceptibility to lifestyle diseases, such as obesity.

“Road safety education is about promoting what we need to do” – Andrew Sortwell

“National Walk Safely to School Day is a great time for parents to observe their child’s behavior in and around traffic, and to together explore the safest route to school,” Mr Sortwell said.

“It is also an opportunity for parents to support their child’s skills as a pedestrian as they’re transitioning from Year 6 to 7.”

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Your child will learn about pedestrian safety by watching you, so use safe behaviour around cars, roads, footpaths and car parks.

Road safety tips:

Collect your child from the school gate and always use pedestrian crossings where possible – never call your child across the road
Always ensure your child enters and exits the car using the rear passenger door (safety door) on the footpath side
When you come to a driveway, always look for any cars entering or reversing into the driveway

Tips to get kids walking to school:

Walk some or if you can, walk all the way to school
Get off the bus, train, or tram a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way
Leave the car at least 1km away from school and walk the rest of the way
Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier to fit in a walk to school
If you can’t walk in the morning, walk home after school

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SYDNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

November 30, 2020December 23, 2020

iLight 2020: Jesse Tree Advent family devotional

Day 9: Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Advent with your family? Creating and decorating a Jesse Tree is the perfect excuse to come together and learn more about Jesus’ family history. Make sure to check in tomorrow as we launch our last video from families and parishes.

Each time we put a new symbol on the tree, we can take time to reflect on the example it provides us, to help us become better people and grow closer to Jesus.

We’d love to see your Jesse Tree, share your pics on social media using the tag: #iLight2020

Download the resources so you can follow along at home here and the symbols here.

DAY 9 – “She names him Moses, “because” she said, “I drew him out of the water. ” (Ex. 2:10)

The ninth symbol to hang on your Jesse Tree is of BABY IN A BASKET

As a baby Moses was placed in a basket and sent down the river to be saved, after the Pharaoh of Egypt ordered Hebrew baby boys to be killed. He was discovered by the King’s daughter and raised to be a great man. When he eventually found out who he really was, he led God’s people out of danger; to the land he promised.

DAY 8 – “So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; and they took him and threw him into a pit.” (Genesis 37:22-24)

The eighth symbol to hang on your Jesse Tree is of a TUNIC

Jacob loved his son Joseph so much that he had a bright and colourful tunic made for him. This made his brothers jealous and they schemed to get rid of Joseph by selling him as a slave. But eventually Joseph was set free and, with God’s help, he forgave his brothers and lived out God’s plan for him.

Watch the video here.

DAY 7 – “And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching heaven and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” (Genesis 28:12)

Today (December 7), the seventh symbol to hang on your Jesse Tree is of a LADDER.

Abraham’s son, Isaac, grew up to have his own son, Jacob, who had a dream about a ladder that connects Heaven to the Earth. In his dream, the Lord stood beside Jacob and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Issac and the land in which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring…and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Gen 28:14

Watch the video here.

DAY 6 – Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said “Abraham, Abraham.” (Genesis 22:10-12)

Today (December 6), hang a picture of a RAM on your Jesse Tree.

Abraham is called on by God to make a difficult promise; to offer up his son, Isaac’s life, to God. He obeyed and trusted in God. In the middle of the act, he was interrupted by an angel and his baby was saved. Abram offered a ram as a present to God in his son’s place. God’s great love for all those who trust him is the centre of the story.

Watch the video here.

DAY 5 – Now the Lord said to Abram, “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2)

Today (December 5), Hang a picture of stars on your Jesse Tree, representing a STARRY NIGHT.

In the story of Abram, he was promised wonderful things by God. And, like Noah, Abram had to have faith and trust God’s plan for him. God asked him to leave his home with his wife Sarai. In return, God said he would make them parents with as many children and grandchildren as stars in the night sky.

Watch the video here.

DAY 4 – God said “When I bring clouds over the earth and the [rain]bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh” (Genesis. 9:14-15)

Today (December 4) the fourth symbol to hang on your Jesse Tree is of a RAINBOW.

The story of Noah tells of a time when God loved his people so much that to save them, he had to destroy all the bad things in the world. God rescued Noah by telling him to build an ark and take his family and two of each animal – all that was good – onto the ark to keep safe from the floods.

Watch the video here.

DAY 3 – God said, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it” (Genesis 3:3)

Today (December 3), the third symbol to hang on your Jesse Tree is of an APPLE.

In the beginning of the creation story, God created everything good and with a purpose. Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden by eating from the one tree in which God asked them not to eat. Eating this forbidden fruit (apple) became known as the first sin.

Watch the video here.

DAY 2 – “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him helper suitable for him (Genesis 2:18)

Today (December 2), the second symbol to hang on your Jesse Tree is of ADAM AND EVE.

The Bible tells us God created Adam from dust and placed him in the Garden of Eden. Eve was created from one of Adam’s ribs to be his companion.

Watch the video here.

DAY 1 – In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1)

Today (December 1), as a family, start by finding a tree – whether real or ornamental, or even just a decorative paper tree stuck to a wall or fridge.

The first symbol to hang on your Jesse Tree is of EARTH. Cut out a picture of the EARTH and hang this paper ornament on your family Jesse Tree.

This symbol represents the creation of heavens and Earth by God over seven days and reminds us that God is the creator and centre of all things.

Watch the video here.

Jesse tree drawing — “The Jesse Tree is named after Jesse, the father of King David, the first ancestor of Jesus,” says Anthony Cleary.

“Advent presents a rare and precious opportunity to reset our inner compass and seek direction where we can adopt prayerful daily habits,” Anthony Cleary, Sydney Catholic Schools’ (SCS) Mission & Identity Director, said.

“This year, we are asking our schools to join us on a more meaningful journey to celebrate Advent, with the traditional Jesse Tree – or Jesus’ family tree!”

The Jesse Tree is a very old tradition used to help tell the story from Creation to the birth of baby Jesus.

Mission & Identity’s iLight 2020 program invites families to place 24 symbols of stories and people in the Bible on the Jesse Tree throughout the four weeks of Advent, leading up to the coming of Christ.

“The purpose of iLight 2020 is for each one of us to be a light in the darkness of what has been a most challenging year,” Mr Cleary said.

“We warmly invite you to journey towards Christmas as a wider Catholic community this Advent by sharing this initiative with your school and parish community.”

August 2, 2018October 29, 2018

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