CBHS Lewisham Highlights

23 February 2024
Principal's Message
Lenten Journey

Students may ask why Catholics are asked to fast, pray and give alms during lent. Lent is a time of
renewing and revitalising our faith and from ancient times fasting, prayer and charitable works enable us
to both live and express our conversion.

As part of their Lenten journey a good number of boys gave up their recess break this morning to pray
the rosary. It was another reminder to me about the prayerfulness of so many of our students and the
tangible connection so many of them have to their faith.

For this coming second Sunday of Lent, our Lenten scriptural story moves from Jesus’ baptism and
retreat to the wilderness to his Transfiguration. Jesus is transfigured (or exulted) on the mountain in the
presence of Peter, James, and John and a voice affirms that Jesus is God’s Son in words reminiscent of
the voice at Jesus’ baptism. Jesus’ transfiguration is a promise of Jesus’ resurrection and the gospel
foreshadows what we will celebrate at the end of lent. The story of the transfiguration was an attempt
by the Gospel writers to show that Jesus was both man and the son of God. God’s call, witnessed by
Elijah representing the prophets and Moses representing the law, to “listen to Him”, validates Jesus as
God on earth.
Vocational Education

One of the great successes of last year’s HSC were the outcomes of our vocational program. Nearly all of
our 35 students were successful in gaining an apprenticeship, cadetship, traineeship or TAFE entry.

Students gained apprenticeships from our school-based program or from our external work placements.
I would like to congratulate the following students:

APPRENTICESHIPS:
1 - George Villar - SBAT Carpentry
2 - Nicholas Piriz - Carpentry
3 - Daniel Ferreira - Plumbing
4 - Charlie Buda - Plumbing
5 - Christian Sarkis - SBAT Plumbing
 6 - Leonardo Pagano - Automotive

TRAINEESHIPS
7 - Samuel Griffith - Retail Food Service
8 - Christian Hadjidakis - Sport/Lifestyle Recreation
 9 - Aaron Vassiliou - Retail Food Services

YEAR 12 EXTERNAL VET

10 - Luke Bennett - Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care)
11 - Leonardo Pagano - Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
12 - Jack Georgiou - Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
13 - Christian Kulen - Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
14 - Zacharie Cuzzocrea - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Employment Program
Dr Michael Blowes

Principal

Our Year 12 employment program has provided students with careers guidance support and work
placements under the knowledgeable leadership of Mrs Robyn Stoddart who has been ably assisted by
Mrs Kate Parker. I would also like to recognise the work of our Vocational Education Coordinator, Mr Rob
Katovcic and our team of vocational teachers.

Our Year 12 Employment program has great outcomes for students and we are indebted to the support
of employers who have been willing to train and recruit our students.

Privacy Collection Notice for Parents' Addresses

Please go to the following link for the Privacy Collection Notice from the Australian Government:

Privacy Notice

Emergency Communication
If you need to get an urgent message to your child during the day, including changes to pick-up
arrangements, please call Student Services on 8585 1703 or email them at
[email protected].

Please do not email your son’s teacher or coordinator for these matters, as they may not see the email in
time as they spend most of their day in the classroom teaching.
Easter Raffle

Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Easter Raffle.

Head to https://cbhseasterraffle.square.site/ to purchase your tickets for the chance to win 1 of 3 Easter
Hampers generously donated by Easter Egg Warehouse.

All proceeds go towards our 2024 Project Compassion target.

ACER PAT Testing

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will undertake PAT
testing. These tests will focus on measuring student achievement in numeracy, reading and grammar
and punctuation. Testing will take place in the McDonald Centre, and students must ensure that they
bring a fully charged laptop to School in order to complete the tests. If any students are absent on the
day of testing, catch up tests will be held later in the term.

The exact schedule is as follows:

Monday, February 26

Period One – Year 7 Reading

Period Two – Year 7 Numeracy

Period Three – Year 7 Grammar and Punctuation

Tuesday, February 27

Period One – Year 8 Reading

Period Two – Year 8 Numeracy

Period Three – Year 8 Grammar and Punctuation

Wednesday, February 28

Period One – Year 9 Reading

Period Two – Year 9 Numeracy

Period Three – Year 9 Grammar and Punctuation

Keith Page

Assistant Principal - Academic

Top 20 Most Popular Apprenticeships in NSW

Apprenticeships under Smart and Skilled are currently fee-free in NSW. Under the CBHS Dual
Accreditation program students can begin a school based apprenticeship and also obtain their HSC.
Please see Mrs Stoddart for more details.

1. Certificate III in Electrotechnology - Electrician

2. Certificate III in Carpentry

3. Certificate III in Plumbing

4. Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

5. Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade

6. Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

7. Certificate III in Hairdressing

8. Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

9. Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade

10. Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

11. Certificate III in Landscape Construction

12. Certificate III in Cabinet Making

13. Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology

14. Certificate III in Roof Plumbing

15. Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology

16. Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

17. Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

18. Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations

19. Certificate III in Parks and Gardens

20. Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher)

https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/apprentices-and-trainees/what-you-need-to-know/top-20-
most-popular-apprenticeships-in-nsw

Mrs Robyn Stoddart

Careers Adviser

Waterford Learning Centre

Accelerated Reader (AR) - Years 5-7

The Accelerated Reader Program has started again this year, with all Primary and Year 7 boys already
being Star tested to determine their individual reading levels. Students can check their individual Targets
when they login to the AR Program.

The AR program is divided into Semesters, with Semester One’s reading finishing Friday, 21 June. A
number of boys have already completed their first reading book and are well on their way to achieving
their Target by this date. It is important for all students to record their reading each night in the space
provided in the diary. Accelerated Reader tests can only be completed at school, but boys are given time
during library, Homeroom and English class time to do these. They can also come to the library during
their breaks to complete AR quizzes. It is helpful to do the comprehension test as soon as they have
completed the book, so as not to forget the details of what they’ve read.

In the next few weeks, students will receive their Renaissance Home Connect letters. This letter will
explain to parents how they can login and track their son’s reading progress. A second parent letter will
also be sent home, signed by your son’s library teacher. This is a Star Reading Parent Report outlining
how your son did in his most recent Star test. The Star test determines what level the boys should be
reading at and based on the 20 minutes of reading each day, their Target for the Semester is set. We ask
that parents/guardians sign this report, so that we know you have seen it.

Year 7 Library Lessons

Year 7 students will continue their focus on reading and information literacy by attending weekly library
lessons. This year we have divided students into smaller groups for them to participate in Reading
Circles. With the assistance of Year 10 students, the Teacher Librarians, teachers and Diverse Learning
officers, the students will be reading aloud each week from World War II themed novels chosen for this
program. Titles include, Once, by Morris Gleitzman, Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief, by Katrina Nannestad,
Diary of Anne Frank, and Tattooist of Auschwitz, by Heather Morris.

We look forward to the opportunity of improving the overall literacy of these students this year.

Mrs Toohey, Ms Howell

Waterford Learning Centre

Atalanta x Lewisham Football Academy

Both our Elite and Development squads have now kicked off, please see the timetable below.

If your son is in any of the squads please join Google Classroom

https://classroom.google.com/c/NTI0MjU0MDI4MzAy?cjc=tpkz47t as this is how any schedule changes
will be communicated.

If your son would like to join, please contact [email protected] with your son’s
name and date of birth and he can advise if space is available.

2024 CBHS Lewisham Careers Expo

The 2024 CBHS Lewisham Careers Expo will be held on the evening of Monday, 25 March across three
sessions.

Students will have the opportunity to discover and compare study and career options from various
Universities, Colleges, TAFE Representatives, Apprenticeship Employment Organisations and industry
representatives.
The Expo will be held in the McDonald Centre and is compulsory for Year 10, 11 & 12 students. At least
one parent is required to attend with the student. Students must be in full summer uniform. Please
enter via Gate 10 on Denison Road.

Other year groups are welcome, but not compulsory.

Please book via https://events.humanitix.com/cbhs-lewisham-2024-careers-expo

If your son is unable to attend please contact his Year Coordinator.

Mrs Robyn Stoddart

Career Path & Mentoring Coordinator

Parents & Friends' Association: Meet and Greet Evening: Friday, 8

March - 6 pm -8 pm
All parents welcome (No baby sitter: no problems - students are welcome to join us under supervision
in the McDonald Centre) - sausage sizzle provided

Heritage Yard for parents: Drinks and light refreshments

Please RSVP to the following link: Meet and Greet RSVP

Open Day
The CBHS Lewisham Open Day will be held on Tuesday, 5 March at 5 pm and 7 pm and Friday, 8 March at
9 am.

We know our current families are the number one reason most new families join our school and would
love your support in spreading the word.

If you have family or friends with boys due to start in Year 5 or Year 7 in 2025, 2026 or 2027 now is a
great time for them to visit and find out more about our school. Bookings are essential and can be made
via https://www.cbhslewisham.nsw.edu.au/enrol/tours/ .

If you have a business or are a member of a local church or community group we would appreciate you
passing on information about the event, a poster can be downloaded from here or a flyer from here. If
you would like us to provide printed copies of posters or flyers to hand out please email
[email protected] and we can arrange this for you.

Another way to help is by leaving a positive review on Google via

https://g.page/r/CditBGLqLlW2EB0/review to help families researching the school know why you found
CBHS to be the right fit for your family. Was it academic opportunities, pastoral care, extracurricular
activities or the head start that beginning in Year 5 gave your son?

Lastly, If you have a younger son due to start at CBHS in 2025, 2026 or 2027 please complete an
expression of interest if you haven't already done so via https://www.cbhslewisham.nsw.edu.au/enrol/
and enrolment forms will be sent to you. Whilst siblings do have preference, we need to know about
them early on. All forms must be completed by the end of Term 1 to qualify for the May round of
interviews.
ANZAC Day March 2024
The CBHS Concert Band is planning to participate in this year's City of Sydney ANZAC Day March on
Thursday, 25 April, with a mandatory rehearsal scheduled for Wednesday, 24 April.

As the event falls within the school holiday period, we kindly request all Concert Band parents to
complete the following survey ASAP as an Expression of Interest (EOI) for your son's availability. Your
input is essential for our planning purposes:

ANZAC Day 2024 – Survey

Please RSVP by Friday 8 March. Thank you for your prompt response, which will greatly assist the Music
Department in organising this year's application.

Music Program
Our Music Program is now running full steam. Every ensemble and group have had a couple of
rehearsals and we are looking forward to a very productive year. The Beginner Instrumental Program for
year 5 also commenced this week and our specialist tutors are very happy with the boys’ enthusiasm
and energy.

The Concert Band, the Percussion Ensemble and a selection of Elective Music students will have their
first performances at our Open Day on Tuesday, 5 March 2024. The event will run from approximately
4:30 pm to 7:00pm. A permission slip with specific details will be given to students involved in the next
few days.

We welcome our new strings tutor Steve Koroknay. Steve will be teaching any students wishing to take
individual tuition for violin, viola or cello. He will also be running the Beginner Instrumental Group for
strings as well as the String Ensemble. Please notice that the string ensemble is now running on Monday
afternoons from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm. Steve is a professional viola player who graduated from the
Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2022. He is very experienced in teaching orchestral strings. Please
find his and all tutors’ contact details below for your reference.

Carlos Munoz

Drama/Music Coordinator
Waterford Learning Centre (WLC) Extended hours
The Waterford Learning Centre is open every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 5.30pm during
school term. Years 5 -12 students are welcome to come to the WLC at the end of the school day to catch
up on homework or complete private study. Occasionally teachers will offer revision classes to certain
year groups after school.

Parents are asked to complete a permission note the first time the students attend. As boys arrive they
are asked to sign in and sign out as they leave.

Mrs Tanya Toohey

Waterford Learning Centre

Old Boys - Return to Lewisham

The Annual Return to Lewisham will be held at the school on Friday, 15 March 2024. This will be
followed by an Old Boys' Dinner organised by the Old Boys' Association at Wests Ashfield Leagues Club.
Please RSVP using the following link:

Return to Lewisham RSVP

Sport Report
Round 3 of the SCS Competition continued yesterday with an abbreviated round due to all Touch games
being postponed due to ground closures, with matches in Basketball in the main v Pagewood. Results
were:

Basketball:

Senior A 46-46 Senior B 23-43

Intermediate A 39-37 Intermediate B 19-31 v Cathedral

Junior A 38-29 Junior B Bye

Boys not involved in the representative teams will play recreational sports within their year groups on
Thursday afternoon with boys returning to school for dismissal at 2.45 pm. Boys may leave directly from
the venue at approximately 2.25 pm with the written permission of parents/carers.

Year 7 Cintra, Concord

Year 8 Fraser Park

Year 9 Marrickville Park

Year 10 Arlington Park

Year 11 Petersham Park

Year 12 Study Classes (if not in rep sport)

Training for all touch teams takes place on Wednesday after school at Marrickville Park with boys making
their own way to the venue. Boys will be dismissed from the park at the conclusion of
training. Basketball players should see their coaches and their google classroom for training times as
training takes place at various times on our school courts.

At the time of going to press, our Swim Team will be involved in a hectic four days of competition. Today
our boys battle it out for individual honours at the CBHS Lewisham Primary Swimming Carnival at
Roselands. Tomorrow, the Squad will compete in the Combined Christian Brothers’ Carnival at Ryde
while next Monday, 26 February the boys will compete in the major carnival of the season, the SCS at
Homebush. Good luck to all swimmers.

CSNSW Sport

In addition to our school based sport, talented sportsmen can also independently apply to the CSNSW
website to trial. Parents/Carers will firstly need to navigate the site and register to receive access. It
should be noted that all trials are AGE SPECIFIC and not all ages are catered for.

NSWCCC Individual Sports Selection CLOSE DATES for Registrations

22 FEBRUARY
NSWCCC Tennis 18 Years & Under Boys & Girls – EOI – require a UTR – Parramatta, Monday, 4 March
NSWCCC Baseball 19 Years & Under – Castle Hill,

Tuesday, 5 March NSWCCC Cricket 15 Years & Under Boys & Girls – EOI – Norm O’Neill, Tuesday, 12
March

23 FEBRUARY

NSWCCC Volleyball 15 Years & Under Boys & Girls – EOI – Menai, Friday, 8 March

15 MARCH

NSWCCC Volleyball 18 Years & Under Boys & Girls – Menai, 5 April

22 MARCH

NSWCCC Diving Championships 12 – 18 Years Boys & Girls – Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, 4 April

SCS Touch U15 and Opens see me for the link to the application

NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE CLOSE DATE

With regards to those boys wishing to pursue a pathway to further schoolboy representation for
NSWCCC teams, please follow the links below for information and registration which must be completed
by individual families. Please be mindful that not all age groups are catered for.

More information on each sport is available on the csnsw.sport website.

Registration link is shown below. Interested student should apply via the site.

https://csnsw.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2/article/637960210

David Mamo

Sports Coordinator

Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, who are the Traditional Owners of
the land on which Christian Brothers Lewisham is built, and pay our respect to their Elders past, present
and emerging.

We are honoured to recognise our connection to Gadigal Country, history, culture and spirituality
through this location, and strive to ensure that we operate in a manner that respects and honours the
Elders and Ancestors of these lands.

We also respectfully acknowledge Lewisham’s Aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander staff,
students, alumni, partners and visitors.

We also acknowledge and respect the Traditional Owners of lands across Australia, their Elders,
Ancestors, cultures and heritage, and recognise the continuing sovereignties of all Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Nations.