The voice of St. Spyridon College | December 2012 | NUMBER 15 |

Photography by Mr Anthony Condous and Mike Flokis Photography

The Pursuit of Excellence

The term Stylus is used to describe a myriad of different devices used in

computing, science, medicine, art and technology. In ancient times, a stylus

was the bone or ivory pen used to write on wax or clay tablets. Stylus is

also the Greek word for pillar, denoting strength and grace.

stylusThe Strategic Plan 2012 – 2016*

The new Strategic Plan 2012-2016, will pursue “Excellence in All Things”.

The College will provide students with a culture of high expectations driven by best effort from

everyone – from students, teachers, parents, the Board and Parish.

A focus on programs for students with a high intellectual potential, will enrich the educational

practices of differentiation and innovation.

Students will experience an education with a moral purpose. As Global citizens, they will work

together and alone to make a difference – to make the world better by their presence, thoughts

and actions.

Students will have faith in God and in themselves because they learn in a culture of confidence and

trust, that upholds the dignity and worth of every person.

Strong and effective operations will ensure a safe and secure environment where students learn in

functional and conducive buildings and facilities with optimum access to up to date technologies.

The Seven Goals of the Strategic Plan 2012 – 2016

Goal 1 - Rich and diverse educational experiences that aim for excellence and demand best effort.

Goal 2 - A Passport to Global Citizenship for students.

Goal 3 - Teachers of excellence.

Goal 4 - Strong and dynamic partnerships with parents.

Goal 5 - Established reputation as a centre of excellence.

Goal 6 - A safe environment based on sound policies and procedures.

Goal 7 - A secure financial future with functional and conducive buildings and facilities.

The Pursuit of Excellence in all things

* A copy of the full Strategic Plan is available for download at www.stspyridon.nsw.edu.au

The purpose of education is to empower: to empower students to do the best they

can do and to be the best that they can be. Educators at their best are focussed

first and foremost on inspiring young people to discover the “Treasure Within”.

We are truly blessed that St Spyridon College teachers make this their life’s work. They are

passionate about the education of young people whether it be in academics, in sports, in

the arts or in community action.

In this edition of the Stylus, we applaud the life work of one very special educator. On the

20th September, Mrs Mary Hamer, Principal of our Junior School, was recognised by His

Eminence Archbishop Stylianos and the Parish of St Spyridon as founding Principal, naming

the Mary (Rayias) Hamer Quadrangle in her honour. We congratulate Mrs Hamer on this

honour. It is rare in today’s world to find a Principal who has given 30 years of sustained

leadership to the education of young people. We thank St Spyridon our Patron saint, who

was born in Asha, her home town, for selecting her at a young age to serve His school

and Community, and wish her the best for the future.

The dedication of the Quadrangle, is the first of a series of events that will be held to

celebrate the 30 Year Anniversary of our College. The Appreciating Culture Lecture to be

given by Professor Fred Hilmer, Vice Chancellor of the University of New South Wales,

together with an Arts Exhibition of works by students and visiting artists, will be held

on the 20th August 2013 as a keynote event.

Address From Head Of College

Mrs E. Stefanou-HaagHead of College

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Congratulations to Panayioti Kapodistrias who was successfully chosen to

be the NSW Ambassador for the Commonwealth Bank Australia Maths

Challenge 2012 and the World Education Games 2013. Earlier this year

Panayioti came 1st in NSW, 2nd in Australia and 20th in the World in his

age division in World Maths Day.

Panayioti was the Guest Speaker at the National Ceremony where all

seven Australian Ambassadors were acknowledged and awarded with

Medals. The presentation of medals was conducted by Suzanne Balogh -

Australian Gold medalist at the Athens Olympics.

World Education Games Ambassador

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Panayioti with Susan Balogh and the other Australian Ambassadors

Emanuel Kapodistrias received his medal from Scott Flansburg (The Human Calculator) for his outstanding achievement in the World Education Gamens in which he was awarded 6th place in Australia.

Learning to Know

Congratulations to Desi for her achievement in the World Education Games. Desi was presented with a certificate and Silver Medal for her placement as 10th in her age group.

World Games Champions

Students in K-6 got the opportunity to watch a very famous and intelligent mathematician, Scott Flansburg. Scott is known throughout the world as he had been in the Guinness Book of records for his speed in mental computations. It was a fantastic experience to see how fast he could calculate and taught us easier and quicker ways to compute sums. He also competed against a calculator and won. What he did was input a number then press equals repeatedly, and could beat the calculator by doing it in his head. Scott Flansburg was really good fun to watch and made maths a lot of fun. This was an amazing experience and we thank him very much for making the time to come to our school.

Christina Mazis – 5A

The Human Calculator visited us with his mathematical brain powers. He could multiply, divide, add and subtract sums within 20 seconds! His highest known record for multiplying sums on and on is 15 seconds. He tried beating the record in the SPACe but was too pressured by the enthusiastic children. He told us his favourite number was number 9 because if you have 50, 5 + 0 = 5 then you have 50 minus 5 which equals

45, 4 + 5 = 9. Try it! We had a lot of fun and took in a lot of knowledge. Now we can show off this method to our families and feel smart.

We thank him for his attendance to the school all the way from America.

Larissa Andrianakos – 7K

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The Human Calculator – Scott Flansberg – Visits the College

“Number is the within of all things” - Pythagoras

Mr Alan Doukie with Mr Flansberg and the Junior

School Students

Scott Flansberg at the Junior School

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Parish trip to Greece

Community Action Global Connections

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Camp Quality

Camp Quality made a visit to the Junior School. The aim was for the puppets to perform for us as a reward for Starlight Day. The puppet play explained to us what life is like for children who are living with cancer.

Before performing the puppet show, the two performers explained what cancer was and the treatments that are available. The puppet show was about a girl who was living with cancer and hadn’t been to school for a long time.

Now that she is better (well actually in remission) she has gone back to school but she has changed. Going back to school for her is challenging since she has lost her hair which was a side effect from the medicine she had to take. She also felt very sensitive and self conscious about her appearance because she didn’t want to look different from everyone else.

This performance showed friendship and how, no matter how much people’s appearance may have changed, they are still the same person inside. We should never judge a book by its cover. We all learnt something very valuable

from this session and it was a very informative and funny puppet show.

Maree Nikitopoulos Junior School Captain

•Sienna: “When people have cancer you should make them laugh so they can feel better.”

•Amelia: “If you know someone with cancer you can still play, hug and give them a high-five.”

• Jennifer: “It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside, it matters what you look like on the inside.”

Comments by 1V

•The medicine makes the hair fall out.

• It doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside, but who you are on the inside.

•Not to be a bully and mean to other people and don’t tease them.

•When you stop taking the medicine your hair grows back.

•The medicine is strong and helps the person get better.

Comments by KJ

We attended the Community Relations Commission Symposium held at Parkroyal Hotel Parramatta to develop a greater understanding of social and multicultural issues in conversation with other peers from across the NSW education system and community youth sector.

The workshop we attended was “Making it happen”. As a group we discussed strategies and opportunities for young people to find purpose, set agendas, add value and take pro-gressive steps to realise our personal and professional goals.

One of our Presenters Gracia Ngoy, wrote a book called “A Little Recipe for Success”. She presented us with this ques-tion: What (or who) stops you from becoming the person you want to be? Many students responded by saying the me-dia, attitude, and age and even our peers. We were shocked

to hear that yourself is what is stopping us from becoming the people we want to be.

To be able to ‘make it happen’ we must have 3 things: Vision, Choice and Purpose along with the essential tools which include attitude, self belief/empowerment and goals. Vision is knowing where you are going, purpose is why you are going and choice is how you are going to get there.

We were able to meet a range of different students from multiple schools and were able to talk about issues that are affecting young people today. Attending this event was a very worthwhile experience and we recommend it to anyone else who may be asked in future to attend.

Constance Synesios and Maria Mio – Year 11

Community Relations Youth Day

August Jeans For Genes Day

1 in 20 children is born with a congenital abnormality or a genetic disease. When you support Jeans for Genes you are helping unravel cures for future generations of children’

Children’s Medical Research Institute.

St Spyridon students and teachers decided to support the Children’s Medical Research Institute by participating in their annual “Jeans for Genes Day” fundraising event.

It is an initiative to raise much needed funds that the

Institute spends on treatment and prevention of childhood genetic diseases.

In “Jeans for Genes day”, a denim themed mufti day, was organised by Mr Arnott, Mrs Bennett and the passionate Year 6 Prefects, who spent half of their lunch time every day for a week raising funds through a ‘Colouring In’ competition.

Infants

Jasmin Moros 1V, Tara Zinopoulos KC, Sophia Spyridopoulos 1T

Primary

Efthimia Kollias 4C, Lisa Stamoulis 4T, Leanna Papaleonidas 2C

On Friday the 3rd of August the students displayed their support by sporting, all colours of the rainbow and every shade of blue, denim pants and of course by donating a gold coin.

The gold coin donations and the ‘Colouring In’ participation fee of 50 Cents added up to a total of $619 which will help the Institute’s work to research and treat childhood genetic diseases.

As part of their current “Heredity” science unit, Year 6 students surveyed students in the Junior School, to find out about inherited human traits. Year 6 students then analysed the collected data.

The results are in the table below:

TRAIT % - Yes % - No

Detached earlobes 87% 13%

Hitchhiker’s thumb 44% 56%

Tongue rolling 73% 27%

Dimples 22% 78%

Right-handed 92% 8%

Freckles 16% 84%

Naturally curly hair 20% 80%

Cleft chin 13% 87%

Allergies 27% 73%

Widow’s peak 25% 75%

Cross left thumb over right 68% 32%

See the colours red and green 94% 6%

Overall we had a fantastic denim day with everyone enjoying wearing their jeans and supporting a good cause.

Thank you very much for supporting Jeans for Genes Day 2012.

Mrs A. Bennett and Mr P. Arnott

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Stage 3 Paralympian Visit: Sarah Stewart

Years 5 and 6 attended a talk by the outstanding Paralympian, Sarah Stewart of Maroubra. Sarah plays in the Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team known as the ‘Gliders’. This year she will compete with the Gliders in her third Paralympic Games in London. Sarah told us her story of life before and after her accident. She is so positive and open to what life may bring. She has definitely inspired Stage 3 with her positive attitude and outlook on life!

We loved meeting Sarah and taking photos with her; together we had a lot of fun. On behalf of

Stage 3, we wish Sarah and all the Gliders lots of luck in the 2012 London Paralympics and we hope they bring back gold!

Written by Deanna Tzivakis and Christina Hatgis in 6M

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Guest Speakers at the Infants School

We were very lucky to have Dr Anna Sallos come to our school and talk to us about her fascinating job.

First, Dr Sallos talked about what doctors do at the hospital or in their surgery. We learnt that doctors treat people when they are sick, help people that get hurt in accidents, give people information to keep well and get better.

Next, Dr Sallos showed us some of the equipment she uses when treating people. We saw a sphygmomanometer that checks your blood pressure, a stethoscope that helps her listen to your heart and lungs and an auroscope that helps her look into your ears to check your ear drums.

After that, she talked about important people who help her

do her job well. People like nurses, police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, pharmacists, radiologists and many more.

Then Dr Sallos told us what we can do to stay well. She said that we should eat lots of fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly, sleep 10-12 hour every night, drink water and milk.

Finally, we asked many questions and learnt lots of interesting things.

We thanked Dr Sallos for coming and giving us such a wonderful talk.

What a busy and motivating day!

Year 2 would like to thank Mr Michael Diamond and Mr Jack Diamond for their amazing presentation on fencing at the Olympic Games. Jorge Cooney (Year 2) is very lucky to have such an accomplished great uncle and grandfather.

Both students and teachers were amazed of Mr Michael Diamond and Mr Jack Diamond’s success throughout their careers. Mr Jack Diamond was chosen to represent Australia at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games and at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth where he won a silver medal. Year 2 was very privileged to experience first-hand of holding a silver medal from the Commonwealth Games and an Olympic token from the Melbourne Olympics.

Mr Michael Diamond and Mr Jack Diamond showed us posters from the Athens 2004 Olympics Games where they pointed out Mrs Synesios, Mr Podjarski and Father Steven who were part of the Olympic Games choir. They also showed us an Olympics torch from the Athens Games and the students were able to hold it.

Another amazing part of their talk was when students got to see the different fencing swords from over the years. They were able to compare the old ones which were big and heavy to the new fencing swords which were lighter and electronic.

On behalf of the Year 2 Teachers and students we are very fortunate and grateful that Mr Michael Diamond and Mr Jack Diamond were able to take time out of their very busy schedule to come and speak to Year 2 about their sporting achievements.

Miss Sotiras Year 2 Class Teacher

Mr Michael Diamond and Mr Jack Diamond – Olympic Fencers

Jorge Cooney holding the Olympic Torch as

a baby and holding the torch today.

Students holding the silver medal from the 1962 Commonwealth Games.

Students holding an Olympic torch from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games

Our visit with Dr Anna Sallos

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In The Press

A Sensational Super Successful Spring FairThis spring fair will truly be one to remember for its sunny weather, its new BBQ menu of sizzling sweet chilli prawns and BBQ haloumi, the Ladies Auxillary’s traditional loukou-mades, the new arrival of Cypriot koubes, the great tasting homemade Greek sweets, the graceful Greek dancers, the live Greek singers, the popular amusement rides, the colourful balloons, the bold body art, the fresh flowers, the sale of student artworks and the strawberry servings from the chocolate fountain and cooking show by special guests Steve and Helen from My Kitchen Rules … and of course it does not stop there.

In days leading up to the Fair, this is what a P&F member faces and remembers as she/he prepares and panics to overcome challenges like dressing in goggles to survive the heat of kilos and kilos of onion cutting, watching, waiting and wondering about the pain staking outcome of a mammoth dodgem car semi trailer as it takes countless risky attempts for 2 and a half hours struggling to enter the school driveway late on a cold Friday night, chasing the clock to set up stalls in an empty school yard space at 6.30 am on Spring Fair morning, fearing the bad intentions of dark, heavy clouds

looming over our heads and dreading the chances of another Wet & Wild Spring Fair, seeking souvles and a charcoal BBQ, 2 days before the Fair, to ensure the cooking of a newly advertised traditional Greek meze, kondosouvli which one has no idea about how to prepare and cook, looking at an empty parent help roster and wondering who on earth will man the stalls and the fears of failure go on... Thankfully our school saint, Spyridon, supports this annual momentous occasion in our celebration of OHI day and our strong community spirit and brings on the positive outcome we have seen this year.

2012 Spring Fair was a great success judging from all the great positive feedback we received from all of you. We thank you immensely for your support, your presence and contribution to this grand fundraiser which has collected $16,000. An impressive profit which we look forward to offering to the College in order to help it fulfil the educational needs of our students. Thank you to everyone for their wonderful support.

Mrs Maria Pascalis P&F Assistant Secretary

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Students Step Up & Out

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Year 12 Class of 2012: You have achieved so much in your journey through school - in academics; in sports; in music; in Greek and English theatre productions; in the visual arts and in technology. You have represented your College in state, national and international forums with honour and exceptional style.

We have witnessed your compassion in action, through so many community action and global connection initiatives. We commend the Prefects of 2012 for your exemplary leadership to the student body. We thank our College and Sports Captain, Kostandino Baratsas, the Vice-Captain Demi Flokis, and Senior Prefect Marielle Pizanis, for their excellent work in promoting the good name of the College. The Girls Sports Captain, Erin Criticos is also warmly acknowledged.

You are an accomplished and confident group of young people with the whole world at their feet. We consider ourselves blessed in the knowledge, that the world will be a better place by your presence. We are proud to have been part of your learning journey. But this does not mean that it is easy for us to say goodbye to you. It is not easy to let you go, when you have been at the centre of our attention, our devotion and care for so many years. You will be much missed by us. We will also miss the families of our graduating students.

Together with your parents and families, we have done our best to prepare you for the challenges of the future. In trying to keep you safe, we have also tried to shield you from the worst aspects of this troubled and confused world. We have emphasised the wonder and glory of Creation - the love of family, and the centrality of friendship; Not the cruelty, ruthlessness and selfishness that can harm – and even destroy, every aspect of human endeavour.

We pray that we have given you the strength of character and the capacity to “stand well” in the presence of evil. Remember that compassion is good, but excessive pity can be the devil’s last resort. Never let greedy, lazy and manipulative people take advantage of your good nature. In Jesus’ words, be “wise as serpents and as innocent as doves”. We trust that your inner strength, your faith, your implicit understanding of the difference between right and wrong, will be as a shield and armour for you, in all life’s adventures.

When you graduate from St Spyridon College, you are immediately inducted as a life-long member of a select, exclusive group. You will have ready-made contacts and support networks everywhere - in the universities, in business, and in every possible sphere of interest. And if you think for a moment that you are an anonymous tourist in Hawaii, or in New York, or in any part of Europe of Greece, think again - you may well turn round and see an old friend there.

I close with an Irish blessing for our students.

May God Grant you: A sunbeam to warm you, A moonbeam to charm you, A sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you; Laughter to cheer you, Faithful friends near you; And whenever you pray, for heaven to hear you. And until we meet again May God hold you in the hollow of His Hand.

Mrs Efrosini Stefanou-Haag

His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos Reverend Clergy, members of the committee, the governing body, parents, grandparents, supporters, friends and above all students and pupils of our St Spyridon College. It is indeed a great moment today as we are gathered to celebrate 30 years of operation of the first college of this kind, in this continent and country. I have tried to listen to those who spoke before me and because I am not always able to hear well, because of my difficulty in hearing, I have to ask to you to give me only one minute to dedicate to this dignified lady, Mary Hamer, the principal and first teacher of this college, founding member of the college, a poem I have written years ago, before I had met her.

But today as I contemplate and I try to remember how much we have to mention and to acknowledge in receiving the services of this dignified lady, Mary Hamer, I see that this poem is only one minute long or half minute but it is very central in the meaning of this function because Mary is not only a mother, a wife, a colleague of the members of the academia field, she is above all a teacher. All professions are sacred when one exercises the profession in a responsible way but the teacher is I think the most demanding, the most difficult and the most responsible profession of all. For this reason, this collection of poetry of mine under the title «Σπηλαιώδη Τοπία» has a second «Ανθρώπου Ανάβασης».

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Thank You From Mrs Hamer

My sincerest thanks to all for the wonderful honour awarded to me by

naming the quadrangle (courtyard) after me. Special thanks to our Parish

President and Chairman of the Board Mr Elia Economou and Father Steven

for considering me and for His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos for thinking

me worthy of this recognition. I felt very humbled at having his Eminence

attend this day to present me with the plaque although he was struggling

with his health on that day.

I cannot express my gratitude and appreciation to all those who came on

that day to share this honour with me ex-students, ex parents, ex teachers,

present parents, students and staff members of the Board Parish, Ladies

Auxiliary, P& F Committee, again past and present, my colleagues from

other schools, distinguished guests, priests, and of course my own family.

It was an emotional day and one which filled me with pride as I looked

across the quadrangle comparing it from the first day on the 7th February

1983 with only 42 children and their parents with the 20th September 2012.

What an amazing difference! I accept this award and this recognition not

only for myself but on behalf of all of those who have worked tirelessly

and with such commitment, dedication and love over the past 30 years.

St Spyridon College has been a team effort by many

people and I can say we have all achieved an organisation to be proud of.

We pray that as it has in the past, it will continue in the future, to prepare

children to be wonderful citizens not only with high academic standards

but with morals and values that will help make this a better world for all.

Thank you all for being there to share that special day with me.

All of these are qualities and capabilities of Mary Hamer. Ο Θεός να ευλογεί την υγεία, την οικογένειά της, τους συναδέλφους της και όλους εμάς που έχουμε την ευτυχία να απολαμβάνουμε τους καρπούς των έργων της. Αμήν.

Thirty years ago, with the blessing, guidance and leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, St Spyridon College was founded as the first Greek Orthodox Day College in NSW.

There were no buildings, there was no infrastructure, there were no students; but there was a vision and a mission. A mission to create an educational institution, to help develop young students into well rounded, balanced and responsible young adults with sound principles and values in an Orthodox environment and with Hellenic and Australian ideals.

The decision was taken by the then visionary Parish Council and newly formed College Board of Governors to convert the old Church of St Spyridon and the adjoining cottages into classrooms.

Over the past 30 years, we have seen many changes to our facilities; additions and alterations to old cottages, purchasing new properties to allow expansion, and new buildings being built. We are now a fully equipped K-12 facility with all the modern bells and whistles... Something that we are all very, very proud of.

However, school buildings are nothing without the people that fill them... students, teachers, administrators, parents and volunteers. There are countless people who have helped to make this College what it is today, and we are grateful for every contribution by every person, no matter how big or small their role may be. However, today, we are all here to honour Mrs Mary Hamer... the Founding Principal of St Spyridon College, who for the past 30 years has been one of the pillars of our school.

In mid-1982, a young, vibrant, energetic and passionate teacher by the name of Miss Mary Rayias, applied for the position of Founding Principal of St Spyridon College. She had taught in the State Department of Education for 3 years, followed by 8 years in the Catholic System, having taught infants and primary classes, becoming an English Coordinator and Senior Teacher.

After several intense interviews, Miss Rayias was appointed as the Founding Principal of the College, and at the age of 31, she was the youngest principal in the state at the time. With only 6 months to get the school started, Miss Rayias set out on the unenviable task of setting up an Infants school from scratch. And on the 7th Feb 1983, she rang the bell for the first time... to just 42 students.

Miss Rayias became Mrs Hamer in 1984, after marrying Mr Peter Hamer, and their 3 children, Anthony, Christopher and Lydia, are all past students of our College. Mrs Hamer’s selfless dedication, passion, energy and love of this school and its students, past and present, cannot be described in words. She always puts herself last and the needs of the school and the students first.

But, I believe that our students probably have more insight into Mrs Hamer than we do, so I would like to quote the current year 2 who have written the following about her:

“We think that Mrs Hamer is very kind, caring and lovely. She makes us happy because she loves all the children at our school. Mrs Hamer is the best principal we know!” 2I

“Mrs Hamer works very hard in her office dealing with school matters. She likes to come out at big lunch and remind us of all the school rules. If there is a problem she will always have a solution.” 2A

“Mrs Hamer is a great principal who works very hard for us. We think that she is the best principal in the world.” 2C

From the mouths of babes...

We are honoured that His Eminence approved the recent unanimous decision of the Parish Council, and that he himself will dedicate shortly this assembly area THE MARY RAYIAS HAMER QUADRANGLE to recognise Mrs Hamer’s 30 years of service as Founding Principal of St Spyridon College.

On behalf of our Clergy, the Parish Council, the Board of Governors, the Head of College and all the College staff, the Philoptohos, the Parents & Friends Association, and all of the parents, students and friends of our College, past and present, I extend our congratulations to Mary Hamer on this milestone.

Elia Economou - Parish President & Chairman of the Board of Governors

Staff Honour Mrs Hamer for 30 years of service with presentation of crystal trophy.

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His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos Reverend Clergy, members of the committee, the governing body, parents, grandparents, supporters, friends and above all students and pupils of our St Spyridon College. It is indeed a great moment today as we are gathered to celebrate 30 years of operation of the first college of this kind, in this continent and country. I have tried to listen to those who spoke before me and because I am not always able to hear well, because of my difficulty in hearing, I have to ask to you to give me only one minute to dedicate to this dignified lady, Mary Hamer, the principal and first teacher of this college, founding member of the college, a poem I have written years ago, before I had met her.

But today as I contemplate and I try to remember how much we have to mention and to acknowledge in receiving the services of this dignified lady, Mary Hamer, I see that this poem is only one minute long or half minute but it is very central in the meaning of this function because Mary is not only a mother, a wife, a colleague of the members of the academia field, she is above all a teacher. All professions are sacred when one exercises the profession in a responsible way but the teacher is I think the most demanding, the most difficult and the most responsible profession of all. For this reason, this collection of poetry of mine under the title «Σπηλαιώδη Τοπία» has a second «Ανθρώπου Ανάβασης».

stylus

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Thank You From Mrs Hamer

My sincerest thanks to all for the wonderful honour awarded to me by

naming the quadrangle (courtyard) after me. Special thanks to our Parish

President and Chairman of the Board Mr Elia Economou and Father Steven

for considering me and for His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos for thinking

me worthy of this recognition. I felt very humbled at having his Eminence

attend this day to present me with the plaque although he was struggling

with his health on that day.

I cannot express my gratitude and appreciation to all those who came on

that day to share this honour with me ex-students, ex parents, ex teachers,

present parents, students and staff members of the Board Parish, Ladies

Auxiliary, P& F Committee, again past and present, my colleagues from

other schools, distinguished guests, priests, and of course my own family.

It was an emotional day and one which filled me with pride as I looked

across the quadrangle comparing it from the first day on the 7th February

1983 with only 42 children and their parents with the 20th September 2012.

What an amazing difference! I accept this award and this recognition not

only for myself but on behalf of all of those who have worked tirelessly

and with such commitment, dedication and love over the past 30 years.

St Spyridon College has been a team effort by many

people and I can say we have all achieved an organisation to be proud of.

We pray that as it has in the past, it will continue in the future, to prepare

children to be wonderful citizens not only with high academic standards

but with morals and values that will help make this a better world for all.

Thank you all for being there to share that special day with me.

All of these are qualities and capabilities of Mary Hamer. Ο Θεός να ευλογεί την υγεία, την οικογένειά της, τους συναδέλφους της και όλους εμάς που έχουμε την ευτυχία να απολαμβάνουμε τους καρπούς των έργων της. Αμήν.

The Mary Hamer Quadrangle

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What an AMAZING performance!!! We have such wonderful talented students! Congratulations to all 70 students involved in the Senior School Showcase, as both cast and crew and to all the teachers who made this possible! Thank you to all who attended and supported the performers! The SPACe erupted in applause and cheers! We look forward to seeing you all at our next production in 2013!

Quote from – www.facebook.com/StSpyridonCollege

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Poppy Constantopedos – Fantastic performances by our very talented students . I was so emotional knowing that my choice of schooling will nuture my boys into fine, balanced young men !! Congratulations to all the students and staff for a wonderful performance. Quote from – www.facebook.com/StSpyridonCollege

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The Junior School participated in the IPSHA Performing Arts Festival held at the Sydney Town Hall. Students from our College were joined by students from Cranbrook, The Emmanuel School, All Saints Bathurst, Central Coast Grammar, Pittwater House, Mosman Preparatory School and Trinity Grammar.

The evening included a variety of pieces performed by the individual schools from Baroque to Blues to Sea Shanties. The most moving items were the ones of the Combined Choir that involved over 300 students from the 8 schools. The evening opened with I Am But A Small Voice and concluded with the very inspirational I Vow to Thee My Country which reminded us about the important things in life: faith, love and loyalty.

St Spyridon College Junior School brought the house down with the choir’s performance of It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That / Sing, Sing, Sing and the Year 6 Greek Dancing Group’s Kalamatianos and Zorba.

Our students understand audience and purpose. Not only were they very well behaved and immaculately dressed, but they performed with real gusto and passion. This only happens with the uncompromising standards of their teachers, Mrs Coyne and Ka. Haska.

We thank Ka Haska and Mrs Coyne for their tireless efforts and countless hours and rehearsal to ensure that the students were prepared.

We also thank Mr Arnott, Miss Bletsogiannis and Miss McCarthy for assisting with the supervision on the night. Thank you also to Mrs Economou for being the administrative assistant for the choir and for ensuring that all the little jobs behind the scenes got done.

Our final thanks are to the parents who willingly and enthusiastically support the work of the College and encourage our students to be the best they can be.

CONGRATULATIONS everyone!

IPSHA Performing Arts Festival

Published Author

We are very proud to announce that one of our teachers Miss Kathy Finikakos is now a published children’s author with her book “Paws”.

Kathy has been a teacher of St Spyridon College for many years, and taught across the year levels K-6. She holds a B.A in English Literature, a Diploma in Freelance Journalism and a Graduate Diploma of Primary Teaching. She is in the process of completing her Certificate in Gifted and Talented teaching.

She has received a num-ber of prestigious writers’ awards including the International Library of Poetry, Distinguished Poet of the Year and Writer of the Year in 1999.

We congratulate Miss Finikakos on the publication of her book.

The Arts

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Greek Certificate of Attainment

Εξετάσεις για την πιστοποιήση ελληνομάθειας

Μια ομάδα παιδιών πήραν μέρος στο διαγωνισμό για το πιστωποιητικό Ελληνομάθειας (Greek Certificate of Attainment 2012).

Στο διαγωνισμό αυτό οι υποψήφιοι εξετάζονται σε τέσσερα επίπεδα γλωσσικής επάρκειας και αξιολογούνται σε τέσσερις δεξιότητες, δηλαδή στην κατανόηση και παραγωγή γραπτού κειμένου και στην κατανόηση και παραγωγή προφορικού λόγου. Για να χορηγηθεί πιστοποιητικό ελληνομάθειας, πρέπει ο υποψήφιος να έχει βαθμό επιτυχίας και στις τέσσερις δεξιότητες.

Τα παιδιά μας τα πήγαν πολύ καλά και φέτος. Μερικοί πήραν και ‘Άριστα’. Παρακάτω είναι τα ονόματά τους και η βαθμολογία τους.

Samantha Economou ΛΙΑΝ ΚΑΛΩΣ (Very good)

Nicholas Drakoulis ΑΡΙΣΤΑ (Outstanding)

Katerina Darras Samaras ΛΙΑΝ ΚΑΛΩΣ (Very good)

Laura Pitharoulis ΛΙΑΝ ΚΑΛΩΣ (Very good)

Roza Papas ΚΑΛΩΣ (Good)

Anna Papas ΚΑΛΩΣ (Good)

Frances-Lee Pascalis ΑΡΙΣΤΑ ( Outstanding)

Peter Nikas ΑΡΙΣΤΑ (Outstanding)

Συγχαρητήρια στα παιδιά!

Ευχαριστούμε τον κ. Άγγελο Αμδίτη για την εξαιρετική δουλειά που έκανε με τα παιδιά. Συγχαρητήρια και στην κ. Αθηνά Συρμανόγλου που έκανε και αυτή τις εξετάσεις στο Γ΄1 επίπεδο και πήρε Λιαν Καλώς.

Κ. Χριστίνα Θεοδοσίου

NSW Serbian Schools Recital “Vidovdan 2012”

In June, Mrs Mio (Curriculum Leader HSIE), Ms Gambriell (Year 8 Adviser) and I had the pleasure of attending “VIDOVDAN 2012”.

At this event, held at the UNSW’s Clancy Auditorium, students from 13 Serbian Language Schools, with over 250 participants from NSW and Canberra, had opportunity to demonstrate their talents and knowledge of the Serbian language, celebrate their cultural heritage, and showcase the dedication and cooperation of Serbian language teachers from all Church school communities, private and public schools where Serbian language is taught.

Mrs Belajcic, Serbian teacher at our College, along with Serbian students from across all year groups performed an impressive and beautiful traditional dance in national costumes.

Well done and congratulations to all for your efforts.

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St Spyridon Sports Stars

ASISSA Representatives

Junior School Swimming Age Champions Junior School Athletics Age Champions

ASISSA Representatives

Pierre de Coubertin Award

In September we celebrated the sporting achievements of our students Years 3-12. The keynote speaker on the night was The Hon. Kristina Keneally, Chief Executive Officer of Basketball Australia, who attended with her husband, Councillor Ben Keneally, Lord Mayor of the City of Botany.

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NSW Futsal Regional Champions

Best and Fairest Awards

NSW Futsal Regional Champions Eastern Suburbs Private Schools Netball Premiers

Senior Individual Awards

ISA Netball

ISA Football

ISA Basketball

National Schools Event - Netball National Schools Event – Basketball

NSW Futsal Regional Champions and State Runners Up NSW Futsal Regional Champions

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Junior School ShowcaseYiota Zois – Beautiful performances by all the children!!!!! Such talented children and teachers!!! A beautiful way to raise healthy, loving, sharing and giving young adults!! Thank you St Spyridon!!!!Quote from – www.facebook.com/StSpyridonCollege

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1130 Anzac Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035, PO Box 462, Maroubra NSW 2035 Phone: 61 2 9311 3340 Fax: 61 2 9311 4532 Email: admin@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au Website: stspyridon.nsw.edu.au

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, St Spyridon Parish of South-East Sydney A.C.N. 000 410 891 A.B.N. 84 480 080 247 CRICOS Provider Numbers: Junior School ~ Years K-6 ~ 061558A Senior School ~ Years 7-12 ~ 02319E