Newsletter
August/September 2024
Using God's Gifts to Serve Others
Dear College Community,
Human beings possess a unique nature that allows us to learn and advance. There is a distinct difference between us and other creations. What sets us apart is the array of skills and gifts bestowed upon us by the Lord Jesus Christ. Consequently, He will inquire about how we utilised these gifts. The Lord has granted us the abilities of understanding and reasoning, health, and the capacity to communicate with others, and He will hold each individual accountable according to their gifts. He will ask whether we used them, benefited from them, invested them, or merely utilised them for our own gain.
This is a crucial lesson for us to learn, especially at this time of the year in the Coptic Church, as we approach the end of the Coptic year. This period serves as a reminder of the end of the world and the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, an event for which we have all been eagerly awaiting. It is then that He will question us about what we have done with our gifts.
In the "Parable of the Talents" from Matthew 25:14–30, we find a powerful illustration of this principle:
14 “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18 But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return, I would have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29 For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.'
At the end of the world, the Lord will want to hear from us that we used His gifts to communicate with others about Him, to assist the poor and the sick, and to employ the gift of reasoning to invent new solutions that enhance life.
I hope that we always remain ready, continually talking to God, expressing our love for Him, and committing to serve Him through the use of our talents in the service of others.
Fr. Tadros Sharobeam
Head of College
Acting Principal's Message
As we mark the end Term 3, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the many accomplishments, changes, and blessings we have experienced over these past few months. This term has been incredibly busy, filled with exciting activities and opportunities for growth. We are reminded of the verse from Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” As we move forward with faith and purpose, we celebrate these steps that have shaped our term.
The rebranding transformation has been a significant project for the College, symbolising a fresh new chapter in our journey. Alongside this, the uniform change update has been a major focus, with the Student Uniform Workshop Consultation allowing students to contribute their valuable insights. We are excited to move forward with these changes, reflecting both our values and vision for the future.
In celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of St Mary, the entire College came together in prayer, marking this sacred time in our Coptic Orthodox tradition. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our shared faith and values.
This term also brought memorable moments for our students, from the Year 3 Sleepover, where friendships deepened and independence flourished, to the Foundation 100 Days of School, a significant milestone for our youngest learners as they completed their first 100 days of primary school. We also celebrated Science Week, igniting curiosity and wonder in students as they engaged in a variety of experiments and activities. Our Library activities provided additional enrichment, fostering a love of reading and learning beyond the classroom.
We are incredibly proud of our Lord’s work through our students for Victorian School Music Festival Choir for their outstanding performance, showcasing the dedication and talent of our students. In addition, the College’s commitment to service was highlighted through our participation in the Coptic Orphans Fundraiser, as we came together to support children in need.
We also celebrated Religion Week, deepening our connection to faith and spirituality through various activities across all year levels. These events are a true testament to the strong community spirit and faith-filled education we provide here at SMCOC.
As we prepare for spring holidays, let us continue to support one another in achieving success and fostering a nurturing environment for our students. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all parents, carers, staff, and students for your ongoing support and dedication.
Wishing you all a blessed end of Term 3 and stay safe.
Blessings,
Germaine Saad
Acting Principal
Rebranding & Uniform
Our beloved College has been represented by a longstanding uniform and brand identity. These elements have played a significant role in our history, reflecting our faith, values, traditions, and community spirit. Now, as educational landscapes continue to evolve and competition increases, it is crucial that we too, continue to grow and evolve, and that our visual identity reflects both our rich history and our aspirations for the future; showcasing St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College as a premium faith-based College that provides a world-class education.
Members of the Executive Leadership Team have been working tirelessly on a comprehensive brand review to re-establish the College’s unique strengths: our rigorous academic programs, nurturing environment, and values driven education rooted in the Coptic Orthodox faith. After much guidance, consultation, and creative collaboration amongst educators, students and clergy, we are thrilled to announce that St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox College is embarking on a new journey with an updated brand crest and a fresh, modern uniform.
In the coming months, you will begin to see these exciting changes take shape. Our new uniforms will be designed with the utmost care, ensuring they are comfortable, durable, and reflect the pride we all feel in being part of the St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox College community. In addition to the new uniforms, we are also updating our brand. Our new logo and crest have been thoughtfully designed to honour our past while embracing a modern and dynamic future. While these changes are being made, we want to assure you that our College name remains unchanged, continuing to represent the same values and commitment to excellence.
The development of our new uniform will be a collaborative process, with consultation sessions planned to gather input from our students, facilitated through the Student Representative Councils (SRCs). This will ensure that our updated uniforms not only reflect our foundation but also resonate with the students who will wear them every day.
We are also excited to announce an upcoming overhaul of our website and new signage across the campus. Our new website will offer an enhanced experience for students, parents, and visitors, making it easier than ever to stay connected with everything happening at our college. The new signage will reflect our updated brand, providing a cohesive and modern look across our campus.
I want to assure you that while our look may be changing, our core values and our dedication to providing an excellent education in a nurturing, faith-filled environment remains steadfast. We are deeply committed to our mission, which is harnessing every child’s God-given potential.
Thank you for your ongoing support and trust. We are thrilled about this new chapter for St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College and look forward to embarking on this journey together. We will share key milestones with you as we progress through this transformative journey. Know that we appreciate your partnership as we move forward with grace and enthusiasm.
All information and timelines regarding the new uniform for 2025 will be announced in September/October 2024. You will be provided with all the details at that time. We kindly ask that you reserve your questions until then.
Student Health – Home is the best environment for your unwell child!
Student Health – Home is the best environment for your unwell child!
Dear Parents and Carers,
St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its students and staff. This, however, requires parents and carers’ support, as it cannot be achieved through efforts and actions taken only by the College.
Keeping your unwell child at home not only will support your child’s health and comfort while sick and help speed up his/her recovery, but also will prevent the spread of infection to other children and staff, if the child is infected with an infectious condition.
We understand that keeping your child at home can be challenging to some families where both parents/carers work. However, parents and carers need to understand that the school environment is not the right one for a sick child, and that the school must comply with public health and wellbeing regulations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases/conditions. For these reasons, we urge parents and carers to keep their unwell child at home when not feeling well, and/or when showing cold or flu symptoms or other infectious condition.
Please note that it is our College policy to contact the parent/carer and ask them to collect their child from school if the child presents unwell to staff.
Furthermore, the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 (regulation 111) states that a parent or guardian must also inform the person in charge of the primary school or children's service their child attends if the child is infected with an infectious disease/condition listed in the regulations, or has been in contact with a person infected with a condition for which the exclusion of contacts is required.
For the School exclusion table for primary schools and children’s services and what is required of parents and guardians, please visit the Department of Health’s Website.
Therefore, we also urge parents and carers to
· inform the College if their child is infected with a condition that is specified as excludable on the ‘School exclusion table for primary schools and children’s services’, and
· inform the College if their child has been in contact with a person infected with a condition for which the exclusion of contacts is specified on the ‘School exclusion table for primary schools and children’s services’.
We thank parents and carers for their cooperation and support to keep the College community healthy and wish you all good health.
Hanan Khreish
Policy and Compliance Leader
! صحة الطالب - المنزل هو أفضل بيئة لطفلك المريض
،أعزائي الآباء ومقدمي الرعاية
تلتزم كلية سانت ماري القبطية الأرثوذكسية بتوفير بيئة آمنة وصحية لطلابها وموظفيها. غير أن هذا يتطلب دعم الوالدين ومقدمي الرعاية، لأنه لا يمكن تحقيقه من خلال الجهود والإجراءات التي تتخذها الكلية وحدها
إن إبقاء طفلك المريض في المنزل لن يدعم فقط صحة طفلك وراحته أثناء مرضه ويساعد على تسريع شفائه ، ولكنه سيمنع أيضا إنتشار العدوى إلى الأطفال الآخرين والموظفين ، إذا كان الطفل مصابا بحالة معدية
نحن نتفهم أن إبقاء طفلك في المنزل يمكن أن يسبب مشكله لبعض العائلات التي يعمل فيها كلا الوالدين / مقدمي الرعاية. ومع ذلك ، يحتاج الآباء ومقدمو الرعاية إلى فهم أن البيئة المدرسية ليست هي البيئة المناسبة للطفل المريض ، وأن المدرسة يجب أن تمتثل للوائح الصحة العامة والرفاهية لمنع انتشار الأمراض / الحالات المعدية. لهذه الأسباب ، نحث الآباء ومقدمي الرعاية على إبقاء طفلهم المريض في المنزل عندما لا يشعر بصحة جيدة ، و / أو عندما تظهر على الطفل أعراض البرد أو الأنفلونزا أو غيرها من الحالات المعدية.
يرجى الإنتباه إلى أن سياسة الكلية المتبعة لدينا هي الاتصال بالوالد / مقدم الرعاية ومطالبتهم بأخذ طفلهم من المدرسة إذا كان الطفل مريضا
علاوة على ذلك ، تنص لوائح الصحة العامة والرفاهية لعام 2019 (اللائحة 111) على أنه يجب على الوالد أو الوصي أيضا إبلاغ الشخص المسؤول عن المدرسة الابتدائية أو خدمة الأطفال التي يحضرها طفله إذا كان الطفل مصابا بمرض / حالة معدية مدرجة في اللوائح ، أو كان على اتصال بشخص مصاب بحالة تتطلب إستبعاد جهات الاتصال.
للحصول على "جدول الإستثناء للمدارس الابتدائية وخدمات الأطفال" والمطلوب من أولياء الأمور والأوصياء ، يرجى زيارة موقع وزارة الصحة الإلكتروني على الرابط التالي:
Department of Health Website
لذلك ، نحث أيضا الآباء ومقدمي الرعاية على
- إبلاغ الكليه إذا كان طفلهم مصابا بحالة محددة على أنها قابلة للاستبعاد من المدرسه بموجب "جدول الإستثناء للمدارس الابتدائية وخدمات الأطفال" ، و
- إبلاغ الكليه إذا كان طفلهم على إتصال بشخص مصاب بحالة يتم تحديد إستبعاد جهات الإتصال الخاصة بها من المدرسه بموجب "جدول الإستثناء للمدارس الابتدائية وخدمات الأطفال".
نشكر أولياء الأمور ومقدمي الرعاية على تعاونهم ودعمهم للحفاظ على صحة مجتمع الكلية ونتمنى لكم جميعا الصحة الجيدة.
Hanan Khreish
Policy and Compliance Leader
Important Information for Parents:
Phonics-Based Learning Approach
From 2025, all Victorian government schools will be required to adopt Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) to teach reading. But what does this mean for you and your child? SSP is a phonics-based approach designed to help children learn to read by focusing on letter-sound relationships in a structured way.
As a parent or carer, you can play an important role by aligning home reading support with the methods used at school. For more tips on supporting early literacy, visit ISV’s Parents Website for insights from Diane Bourke: Learn more by clicking here
St.Mary's Assumption
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. Luke 1:46-48
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1
On Friday the 23rd of August 2024, the College celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the pure body of Saint Mary. Priests and students gathered to celebrate this joyful event, with many priests from around the Diocese joining the wonderful occasion. It was also a great blessing to have our Fathers from our sister Church, the Syrian Orthodox Church, join us during this joyful event, Father Yacoub Afram, Father Ezekiel Aho and Father Saliba Noori. During the Liturgy, Father Sourial gave a wonderful and interactive sermon about the diverse names of “Mary”. We thank our Fathers who attended; Father Tadros, Father Sourial, Father Samuel, Father Arsanios, Father George, Father Anthony, Father Kerillos, Father Saliba, Father Yacoub and Father Ezekiel.
We pray that the love and motherly nature of St Mary always surrounds you and your family, all the days.
A Blessed Feast to All!
Marina Mikhail
Primary CORE Teacher
Hip Hop, Popcorn, and Pillowcases: Year 3 Sleepover Fun!
On the 4th of August, our Year 3s had an unforgettable school sleepover packed with excitement and laughter!
The fun kicked off with a Hip Hop dance class where the kids dressed up, danced, and let loose. Pizza took the top spot as the favourite food, while a cozy movie night with popcorn added to the bonding experience.
The next morning, students signed their own pillowcases as a special keepsake. Teachers reported fantastic feedback, making it a memorable night for everyone!
Nashwa Maroky
Year 3 Classroom Teacher
Foundations 100 Days of School
We are 100 days brighter in Foundation! On Friday, 9th August SMCOC Foundations Students celebrated their 100 Days of School. The celebration was a vibrant and engaging event that marked a significant milestone in the academic year. The day was filled with fun and challenging experiences, showcasing each child’s growth. Each Foundation student went home with an important certificate congratulating them for completing an incredible first 100 days of school.
With the support of our exceptional school community, we look forward to the continued learning and growth that awaits all our Foundation students.
Kate Tsiolas
Foundation Teacher
Science Week 2024: A Celebration of
Curiosity & Innovation!
Science Week 2024 at the College was a massive success, packed with activities, demonstrations, and curiosity! Throughout the week, students and staff alike engaged in hands-on science, leading up to Friday’s Science Fair.
From physics games with Mr. Johnson to thrilling chemistry experiments by Mr. Chris and Ms. Haley, the week was full of exciting learning. Ms. Demondia and I explored psychology, while biology and protein indicators were demonstrated by Mr. Chris and Mr. McKenzie.
The staff also took part in celebrating Australia’s scientific achievements, adding a special touch to the week’s festivities. The highlight was the Year 10 Science Fair, where students presented and defended their research like real scientists.
We’re looking forward to an even bigger Science Week in 2025! Well done to everyone who participated!
Ms Hayley Tronson
Teaching and Learning Leader
Download SEQTA Engage Today!
SEQTA is our learning management system. Part of SEQTA is SEQTA Engage, which It is a powerful tool for parents and carers to have an overview of their child’s learning and assessments. It provides parents and carers with access to key information about their child's academic programs and progress, which is quick, easy and confidential. This includes access to their timetable, as well as attendance and punctuality records, assessment results, teachers’ feedback and College reports, enabling greater collaboration and enhanced learning outcomes for your children.
Both the SEQTA Engage and SEQTA Learn (for students) sites use the SEQTA Teach programmes as the primary vehicle, through which all the teaching and curriculum-related information are shared.
If you need any assistant, please do not hesitate to contact Dalal Youil.
As parents and carers, you can download SEQTA Engage below.
Year 11 Camp: Building Resilience
Year 11 Camp was a time for students to reflect, retreat, and build the confidence and resilience needed for success, both individually and as part of a team.
It provided students with valuable skills in group collaboration, allowing them to proactively work together while also offering a much-needed break from the pressures of VCE. Most importantly, it was a time to unwind, connect with peers, and simply have fun, fostering personal growth and lasting memories.
Chris Mathew
Year 11 Coordinator
Inspiring Authors Visits
On Monday, August 5th, we welcomed the nationally renowned author Lee Fox, who captivated the Foundation to Year 2 students with her stories, including Ella Kazoo Will Not Brush Her Hair. The following week, on August 12th, Corrine Fenton presented to Year 3-4, while Belinda Murrell inspired Year 5-6 with her storytelling.
A big thank you to everyone involved!
Rosemary Sullivan & Deb Henwood,
Librarian
Student Uniform Workshop at 10 Feet Tall
On Wednesday, August 28th, seven SRC students were selected to represent their peers in a special meeting with Joseph Meseha, Managing Director of 10 Feet Tall, our Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement Manager Amanda Bajada and Head of Primary Mervet Boulos. The students gathered ideas from their classmates to help design the new SMCOC school uniform. The students said "it was a spectacle experience to be collaborating at 10 Feet Tall, communicationg with us about collecting data and presenting potential ideas about the new SMCOC uniform. We teamed up to brainstorm about possible ideas to make our new uniform a comfortable and stylish fit. The whole experience was very exciting. This experience also taught us how to work together, collaborate and even become more closer with unfamiliar students, as we ranged from year 6 to year 12."
"It was a great opportunity to present forth the ideas of the students giving the freedom to design the uniform that represents who we are as an Orthodox Christian School."– Joys Shehata 10A
"We all felt comfortable to speak freely and honestly about our ideas. This experience was an overall amazing day with great possibilities for a great change in the near future for SMCOC. " – Matthew Bahna 6A and Patricia Saloumi 6D
Victorian School Music Festival - Choir
On Tuesday, August 6th, SMCOC’s Upper Primary School Choir proudly represented our college at the Victorian School Music Festival. Under the direction of Ms. Sabrina Limhow, Musical Director Mrs. Sandra Mlikota, and piano accompanist Mr. Dimitri Ioannou, the choir has diligently prepared for this moment.
Their performance featured “My Own Superhero” by Shawna Edwards, celebrating friendship, and “Whenever the Wind Is High” by Todd McNeal, depicting a mysterious figure in the night. The choir was honoured with the Silver Standard Award, returning to St. Mary’s with great joy and excitement. Enjoy some highlights from their outstanding performance!
Coptic Orphans
On Monday the 26th of August, the College was privileged and honoured to be visited by John Ibrahim the Director of Coptic Orphans. He was accompanied by Magda Bekheet who works with John, as well as Olivia Solomon who is an alumni of SMCOC. Additionally, we were blessed to have the company of Mrs. Silvia Tossoun, who is a valued member of the Board, as well as the Chair of the Board Mr. Jimmy Morcos.
The staff, parents, carers and students wanted to help this great cause and had a successful fundraiser that raised $1,950. It was overwhelming to witness the generosity of people who donated.
Our visitors presented to our College how Coptic Orphans help the thousands of children in Egypt that have become fatherless. It truly touched our hearts and we pray that this fabulous initiative continues to grow with the guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mrs. Mervet Boulos
Head of Primary
Honouring St. Mary: A Journey Through Her Life
During Religion Week
During Religion Week, our Primary students were blessed with the opportunity to hear the inspiring story of St. Mary, brought to life by the priests of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Each year level experienced this powerful narrative, with our dedicated students portraying key figures from St. Mary’s life, from her miraculous birth to her glorious Assumption.
This collaborative retelling not only deepened the students' understanding of St. Mary’s significance but also brought the rich traditions of our faith into the hearts of all who attended.
May the blessings of St. Mary's Feast be with us all.
Madonna Kadas
Coptic Orthodox Religious Education (CORE) Teacher
Celebrating the Creative Gifts of Our Students
During Core Week
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” – James 1:17
We are truly blessed to showcase the incredible artistic talents of our Primary students during Core Week (August 19-23, 2024). In honour of St. Mary’s Assumption Feast on the 22nd of August, our students participated in a drawing competition centred on depicting St. Mary, displaying their remarkable creativity and skill.
A heartfelt congratulations to all our talented artists! Your contributions have enriched our school community and made Core Week a truly memorable celebration.
Striking Gold: Year 5’s Unforgettable Sovereign Hill
Camp Adventure
Year 5 students recently embarked on an exciting camp at Sovereign Hill, a living museum that brings Australia's 1850s Gold Rush era to life. Over several days, students explored the recreated goldfields, panned for real gold, toured historical buildings, and gained valuable insights into life in Colonial Australia.
The immersive, hands-on activities provided a fun and educational experience, allowing students to deeply engage with this significant period in Australian history. From candle-making workshops to a thrilling sound-and-light show about the Eureka Rebellion, the camp was a memorable journey that connected classroom learning to real-world history.
This adventure will be remembered not only for its historical significance but for sparking curiosity and wonder in our students, making history come alive in the most exciting way.
Liz Robertson
Year 5/6 Cluster Coordinator
Road Safety Incursion
On the 4th of September, Foundation students participated in a fantastic Road Safety Incursion hosted by RACV. The students had an engaging and interactive session where they learned important road safety skills, including how to cross the road safely, the importance of seatbelts, and understanding traffic signals.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the activities and now have a better understanding of how to stay safe on and around the roads. A big thank you to RACV for providing this valuable learning experience!
Amanda Odisho,
Learning Support Staff
Year 5 Incursion - Aspire Higher
On Tuesday, September 3rd, Year 5 students participated in an exciting incursion presented by Unleashing Personal Potential. The transformative workshop was held at the College and featured three dynamic sessions.
- Session 1: Leadership through example, influence, and kindness—whether or not you have the badge.
- Session 2: The Epic Race—a fast-paced, outdoor team challenge.
- Session 3: Self-awareness and growth—discovering personal strengths and understanding others.
It was a day of growth, teamwork, and leadership development for the entire cohort.
Mervet Boulos,
Head of Primary
Year 8 Workshop: Building Grit, Growth, and Leadership
On Friday, September 6th, Year 8 students participated in a full-day workshop at the College focused on cultivating essential life skills. The program emphasised growth mindset, grit, wellbeing, and leadership development.
Key topics included:
- Growth Mindset and My Brain
- Setting Goals and Getting Gritty
- Building Relationships and Wellbeing
- Leadership Development
- Grit, Habits, and Deliberate Practice
- The workshop helped students build stronger connections and prepare for future challenges, empowering them with tools for personal and academic success.
Mervet Boulos,
Head of Primary
R U OK?
On Thursday the 12th September, the College came together to celebrate R U OK? Day with a series of thoughtful activities designed to promote mental health and community. The Wellbeing Department hosted a delightful morning tea for staff, featuring a gratitude tree where staff members could share words of appreciation and encouragement to each other.
For R U OK? Day, primary students watched a meaningful video that explained the importance of the day and how they can practice its values in their daily lives. Each student also received a special souvenir to keep, reminding them of the message. Secondary students got involved in lunchtime gym stations, where they had the chance to craft personalised keychains with the words 'Speak healing, Share burdens,' reflecting the day’s theme. We also had a compliment station in the gym, where students were encouraged to write and share uplifting notes with their peers, to foster a supportive and inclusive environment.
SMCOC R U OK? Day was a meaningful reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. By coming together as a school, we embraced the spirit of community and connection, which extends beyond the day.
Nardine Saad, Merean Isaac,
Wellbeing Department
College Band & George Halaby Shine at
Royal South Street Festival
College Band
On September 10th, the SMCOC Secondary Band participated in the Royal South Street Festival of Band and Strings in Ballarat, competing in the contemporary music category. The band delivered stunning performances of four well-known pieces and earned a silver award. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and their musical talents.
George Halaby - Solo Guitar Performance
Year 10 student George Halaby also competed in the solo instrumentalist category, performing three challenging pieces on classical guitar. With a score of 89/100 and an honorable mention, George's first competition performance was outstanding, and we look forward to his continued success in future events.
Sandra Mlikota
Head of Music
Year 3 Market Day: Putting Money Skills into Action!
In their Money unit for Mathematics, the Year 3 cohort has been busy earning classroom cash through good behaviour, neat homework, and daily reader changes.
Each week, students had the chance to buy classroom perks like V.I.P. seating (sitting next to whomever that want), swapping chairs with the teacher, or taking a Time-Out break. Some students chose to save their money for the big event—Market Day!
During Market Day, students used their savings to buy a variety of items, and many popular products sold out quickly. They also got hands-on practice with giving and receiving change, reinforcing their money skills in a fun and practical way.
It was a great opportunity for the Year 3s to apply what they’ve learned and enjoy a memorable classroom experience.
Nashwa Maroky,
Year 3 Teacher
A Magical Book Week Celebration
On Friday, 1 September, SMCOC was transformed into a world of literary wonder as we celebrated Book Week in style! The day kicked off with an unforgettable Book Parade, where both students and teachers brought their favourite book characters to life in a spectacular display of imagination and creativity. It was truly a sight to behold!
In partnership with Lamont Book Company, we hosted our annual Book Fair, with a special focus on our young readers from Foundation to Year 6. The fair provided the perfect opportunity to ignite a passion for reading and foster a love of books that will last a lifetime.
To make the day even more special, every student went home with a book, a bookmark, and a colouring sheet—because at SMCOC, we believe in spreading the joy of reading to everyone!
Staff Spotlight
Every month, we're excited to shine a spotlight on staff members at SMCOC. This feature is a fantastic opportunity for our community to get to know the incredible individuals who help make our college a welcoming and vibrant place. In this edition, meet our Learning Support Officer, Sev Rozakeas.
My name is Sev Rozakeas, and I have been working as a Learning Support Officer (LSO) at the College having recently joined the team in 2024. Working with the students gives me immense fulfilment and is incredibly rewarding. I have developed a positive rapport with many of the children and staff, for which I am truly grateful. I feel fortunate to work at a College that shares my Orthodox Christian values and morals. The College has a wonderful sense of community, which has made my time here a positive and enriching experience.
My background is in Business and Management, and I have also worked in various schools over the years. As a parent volunteer, I regularly assisted students
with one-to-one reading. I have also supported teachers in Greek schools, helping students with their learning and oral language acquisition. Additionally, I am involved in my church, teaching Sunday school classes. A day in the life of an LSO at the College is highly rewarding.
My role primarily involves supervising classes across all year levels and preparing work-related materials for staff. The positive environment and opportunities
for growth make my time here both gratifying and meaningful. Most importantly, helping shape a child’s future and positively influencing their behaviour is
what I find most fulfilling.
I am a mother of three adult sons and the proud owner of two mini dachshunds and their seven puppies! I am also thrilled to have recently become a grandmother to a beautiful little boy who has brought immense joy into our home. One of my passions is gardening, and my home garden provides my family with fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables. Another great passion of mine is riding my bicycle.
I am truly honoured to be part of the St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College team, and I look forward to the future with excitement!
Important Dates
Trial VCAA Exams start, September 25 – 26, 2024
Trial VCAA Exams, September 30 – October 1, 2024
Trial VCAA Exams conclude, Wednesday, October 2, 2024
VA & Tech Week, October 7 – 11, 2024
Commencement of Term 4 for Teachers, Monday, October 7, 2024
Primary PAT Testing, October 8 – 11, 2024
Students Return (Term 4 commences), Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Year 5 & 11 Liturgy, Thursday, October 10, 8:30am – 10:00am
Maths Week, Oct 14 – 17, 2024
Primary PAT Testing, Monday, October 14, 2024
Year 7 - Zone Bowling Excursion, Monday, October 14, 2024
Year 4 Camp – Portsea, October 16 – 18, 2024
Year 7 & 8 Liturgy, Thursday, October 17, 8:30am – 10:00am
Last Day for Year 12 students, Friday, October 18, 2024
Maths Week (World of Mathematics Visit), Friday, October 18, 2024
Year 9 Equip 2 Workshop – Incursion, Friday, October 18, 2024
Secondary PAT Testing, October 21 – 25, 2024
Foundation Swimming Lessons, October 21 – 23, 2024
Year 12 Celebration, Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Year 2 - Park Excursion, Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Arts and Technology Exhibition, Thursday, October 24, 2024
Year Foundation & 6 Liturgy, Thursday, October 24, 8:30am – 10:00am
Year 5 Excursion - Eporo Towers, Friday, October 25, 2024
Year 10 Camp – Marysville, October 28 – 30, 2024
Foundation Swimming Lessons, Tuesday, October 29, 2024
VCE Exams Commence, Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Year 7 Step Up Workshop – Incursion, Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Year 7 Orientation Day, Thursday, October 31, 2024
Year 1 & 4 Liturgy, Thu, October 31, 8:30am – 10:00am
Orientation Day for all New Enrolments Year 1 - 6 & 8 – 12, Friday, November 1, 2024
Join Our Team: Bus Driver Wanted
We are reaching out to share an exciting job opportunity within our community that may be of interest to you or someone you know. Our College is currently seeking a dedicated and responsible Bus Driver to join our transportation team.
The role of the Bus Driver is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students as they travel to and from our College. This position requires a valid commercial driver's license, a clean driving record, and a working with children check.
This position requires the following key responsibilities:
- Safely transporting students on scheduled routes.
- Ensuring compliance with all traffic laws and safety regulations.
- Maintaining a clean and well-functioning bus.
- Communicating effectively with students, parents, and College staff.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for this position, please contact Mr. Fadel Guirguis on 0403494122 for more details. We appreciate your support in helping us find the right candidate to keep our students safe and ensure a smooth transportation experience.
Fadel Guirguis
Bus Manager
Canteen Price Changes
As you have been informed the prices at canteen have changed, please make yourself familiar with these changes and ensure your child has the correct money to purchase from the canteen.
You can find out price updates on via the menu changes we circulated via SEQTA.
St Mary's Coptic Orthodox College
19-35 Thorpdale Avenu, Coolaroo 3048
93 - 301 0999
stmarys.vic.edu.au