St. Leo’s Parents
Partnership Handbook
Year 7, 2015
Lex Dei in Corde
St. Leo’s Catholic College
(02) 9487 3555 • 16 Woolcott Avenue, Wahroonga 2076
www.stleos.nsw.edu.au
October 2014
Dear Parents/ Caregivers
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the College for 2015.
Our goal is to make your child’s transition into the St Leo’s Catholic College Community as
smooth as possible, giving them the confidence to reach their potential.
Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay exist to educate and form young people in
Catholic discipleship. The College mission is to empower each student to become a confident,
competent, Catholic young man or woman of conscience. The Catholic values of integrity, hope,
dignity, respect and justice are present in every aspect of school life.
We aim to provide an education that will challenge, encourage and engage each student so
they can achieve their own personal best. The College staff are experienced, dedicated and
professional in their delivery of structured and positive learning experiences both within and
beyond the classroom.
We believe parents are the first and most important educators of their children. The College
strives to work in partnership with parents and is proud of the positive relationships that exist
amongst our staff, students, local parishes and the wider community.
This Booklet will provide you with important information that will assist you and your
son/daughter in your journey as a member of the St Leo's community.
Once again I extend a warm welcome and trust that your family will have an ongoing and happy
relationship with St Leo’s Catholic College.
Yours sincerely
Anthony Gleeson
Principal
CONTENTS
LEADERSHIP TEAM................................................................................................................... 1
KEY STAFF CONTACTS ............................................................................................................ 1
OFFICE HOURS/ CONTACT DETAILS ...................................................................................... 1
TERM DATES 2015 .................................................................................................................... 2
STATIONERY AND TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS ............................................................. 3
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL............................................................................................................ 3
LOCKERS ................................................................................................................................... 3
THE HOUSE SYSTEM ................................................................................................................ 4
DAILY SCHEDULE/BELL TIMES ................................................................................................ 4
PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION .................................................................................................. 4
THE LIBRARY ............................................................................................................................. 4
TRANSPORT .............................................................................................................................. 5
SAFETY ISSUES ........................................................................................................................ 5
HOME – COLLEGE COMMUNICATION ..................................................................................... 5
STUDENT ATTENDANCE .......................................................................................................... 6
APPLYING FOR LEAVE ............................................................................................................. 7
LEAVING EARLY ........................................................................................................................ 7
UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS ....................................................................................................... 7
MEDICATION .............................................................................................................................. 8
PEANUT PRODUCTS ................................................................................................................. 8
VOLUNTEERS ............................................................................................................................ 8
CATHOLIC MISSION .................................................................................................................. 9
LITURGY ..................................................................................................................................... 9
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND ST LEO’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE........................................... 10
RETREATS AND REFLECTION DAYS .................................................................................... 10
SOCIAL JUSTICE ..................................................................................................................... 10
YOUTH MINISTRY.................................................................................................................... 10
PASTORAL CARE .................................................................................................................... 11
TEACHING AND LEARNING .................................................................................................... 11
PATTERN OF STUDY .............................................................................................................. 12
ORGANISATION OF CLASSES ............................................................................................... 12
REPORTING ............................................................................................................................. 12
HOMEWORK ............................................................................................................................ 13
EFFECTIVE STUDY HABITS.................................................................................................... 13
LEARNING SUPPORT .............................................................................................................. 13
CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM ................................................................................................. 13
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Principal
Mr Anthony Gleeson
Assistant Principal
Mr Anthony Mahoney
Director of Mission
Mrs Jamila Torpy
Leader of Partnership
Mrs Louise Fentoullis
Director of Learning
Mr Dean Lomaca
Director of Administration
Mrs Julie Macri
Director of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Mrs Lindy Sykes
KEY STAFF CONTACTS
College Counsellor
Mrs Anne-Marie Newham
Learning Support Coordinator
Ms Sharon Blanchard
Sports Coordinator
Mr Luke Trotz
Youth Minister
Mr Adrian Gomez
ICT Manager
Mr Alan Jones
Literacy Support
Mr Tony Gulliford
College Registrar
Mrs Jayne Persico
Music Coordinator
Ms Carolyn McFarlane
Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator
Mrs Neryle Sheldon
Public Transport Enquiries
Mrs Robyn Wilson
OFFICE HOURS/ CONTACT DETAILS
Main Office
Ph:
02 9487 3555
Office Hours:
8am to 4pm
Email:
stleos@dbb.catholic.edu.au
Accounts:
Ph:
Office Hours:
8.30am to 2.30pm
02 9487 3555
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Fax:
02 9487 2637
Fax:
02 9487 2637
TERM DATES 2015
TERM 1
Australia Day (Public Holiday)
Monday 26th January
Staff Professional Learning Day (no classes)
Tuesday 27th January
Year 7 First Day
Wednesday 28th January
Years 8 – 12 Orientation Day (9am – 11am)
Classes resume (all students)
Thursday 29th January
Classes conclude
Thursday 2nd April
TERM 2
Staff Professional Learning Day (no classes)
Monday 20th April
Classes resume
Tuesday 21st April
ANZAC Day (Public Holiday)
Saturday 25th April
Queen’s Birthday (Public Holiday)
Monday 8th June
Classes conclude
Wednesday 24th June
Year 7 – 10 Parent/ Student/ Teacher
Interviews (no classes)
Thursday 25th June
Staff Spirituality Day (no classes)
Friday 26th June
TERM 3
Staff Professional Learning Day (no classes)
Monday 13th July
Classes resume
Tuesday 14th July
Classes conclude
Friday 18th September
TERM 4
Labour Day (Public Holiday)
Monday 5th October
Staff Professional Learning Day (no classes)
Tuesday 6th October
Classes resume
Wednesday 7th October
St Leo’s Day Mass and Fair (all students
expected to attend)
Thursday 10th December
Year in Review
Friday 11th December
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STATIONERY AND TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
A stationery and equipment list is included in the Orientation pack.
All students in Year 7 require an iPad. A separate booklet included in the Orientation pack
provides technical specifications in regards to the purchase of iPads. Please contact Mr Alan
Jones at the College if you have any questions in regards to technology.
Parents are asked to ensure all equipment is purchased and ready for use before the start of
the school year.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Where to meet?
All students are to meet at The Light of Christ Centre, Unwin Road entrance at 8:30am on
Wednesday 28th January 2015. Students should come dressed in full summer uniform.
What to bring?
Students should bring recess and lunch and plenty of drinking water.
A folder with plastic sleeves, pencil case with pens and pencils and an A4 exercise
book will also be needed on the day.
What to expect?
The day will start with a welcome assembly where students will be placed into Tutor Group
classes. Please say goodbye to your son/daughter at this stage.
Parents are then invited to join other members of the College community at the College Chapel
for morning tea.
Students will spend time with their Tutor Group teacher and Peer Support Leaders and will be
led through an Orientation program.
Getting home?
Students will be dismissed at 2.30pm. Please ensure you have arrangements in place for your
child to make their own way home, or to be collected from the Unwin Road entrance to the
College.
LOCKERS
Students will be issued with a Locker in the first few weeks of Term 1. Students will need to
provide their own suitable padlock (key and lock system). Students should keep valuable items
such as wallets and phones on their person. College bags should be stored in student lockers
which can be accessed before school, recess, lunchtime and after school.
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THE HOUSE SYSTEM
Each student is allocated to one of the four College houses. These houses: Aquinas, Chanel,
Loyola and Xavier have been named in honour of four saints. Students will be involved in a
range of house activities throughout their time at the College. The house colours are:
Aquinas
Green
Chanel
Blue
Loyola
Gold
Xavier
Red
DAILY SCHEDULE/BELL TIMES
Students are expected to arrive at the College in good time for the commencement of the
school day and will be considered late if they are not at school by 8:30am.
A schedule of the bell times for 2015 will be included with the College Important Dates and in
your son/daughter’s diary.
Permitted Early Leave occurs each Tuesday (Day 2) meaning that students may leave school at
2.20pm every Tuesday (Day 2) of the fortnightly cycle if there are no prior appointments made
by teachers at the College.
Early Permitted Leave provides time for staff to be involved in a comprehensive Professional
Development Program. It also allows time, on a needs basis, for teachers to see a group of
students for academic or pastoral reasons without interrupting classes.
Prior notification will be given to students (written in their diary) if a teacher needs to see a
student or group of students at 2.20pm on Tuesday (Day 2). All students will be dismissed by
3:10pm if a meeting is requested.
PLAYGROUND SUPERVISON
Morning supervision commences at 8:15am. Please note there is no supervision prior to this
time.
THE LIBRARY
The College Library is open to all students every day: before school from 8:00am, during recess
and lunch, as well as after school until 4pm. Library staff are always happy to provide
assistance to students.
Our Teacher Librarian, Mrs Neryle Sheldon, is on hand to assist students with sources of
information for their Assessment Tasks.
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TRANSPORT
Over 80% of our students travel to school by train. They alight at Waitara Station and walk
about 600 metres down Yardley Avenue to the rear entrance of the College past The Light of
Christ Centre. Our other students travel by bus (alighting at Unwin Road or Pacific Highway), or
by car.
Free travel is granted to eligible students between home and school only, by the most direct and
cost effective route. Students are required to travel by the same route in both directions and
must live more than 2kms in a direct line from school, or 2.9kms walking distance.
A transport form is included in the enrolment pack. Additional forms can be obtained from the
College Office. Please contact Mrs Robyn Wilson at the College if you have any questions.
SAFETY ISSUES
The safety of your son/daughter is our highest priority. It is essential that all students who walk
to and from school follow road safety procedures, such as crossing at marked crossings and
following traffic signals, particularly on Pacific Highway. We ask that you discuss this with your
son/daughter.
A senior member of staff is on Pacific Highway duty (Waitara Station) at dismissal time of an
afternoon.
Please note to ensure student safety there is no access for parents to the College
driveways. Please do not block driveways as this can significantly obscure your son or
daughter’s field of vision. If you intend on dropping off/picking up your son/daughter at
the Woolcott Avenue entrance to the College, we ask parents to assist with traffic flow
by using Woolcott Avenue, then Windara Crescent to the school.
When parking in the surrounding streets ensure that you leave plenty of room for residents to
enter and exit their driveways. Please note that it is illegal to double park.
HOME – COLLEGE COMMUNICATIO N
A St Leo’s College Diary will be given to all students at the start of the year. The College diary is
an important communication tool between the College and parents. It is to be kept in a neat and
tidy state at all times, free from stickers and ‘art work’.
The diary will be used by teachers as a means of communication with you. Students are also
required to record each lesson’s daily homework activities, projects, assignments and
assessment tasks. Parents are asked to check their son/daughter’s diary at the end of each
week and sign in the appropriate section at the bottom of each page. Looking through your
son/daughter’s diary each week is a great way to monitor their progress. Please make time to
both reinforce the wonderful things they are doing and challenge any behaviour that needs
improvement.
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The College Newsletter, The Pride, is a fortnightly publication. The College Newsletter is in
electronic form and each family will be emailed the link each fortnight. In the interests of
maintaining the privacy and safety of our students the newsletter is password protected. The
password is: leoscommunity.
It is an expectation of the College that families read the newsletter each fortnight, as it is an
essential communication tool. If you change your email address then please contact the College
Reception immediately.
The College Edumate Parent Portal is designed to provide active links so that you can easily
access important information relating to your son/daughter’s well-being and academic progress.
Edumate is an important tool that will support the ongoing partnership between home and
school.
The College App is an important communication tool that provides the ability for swift, concise
dissemination of information to parents and friends of the College. Notifications can be sent to
all users, staff only or individual year groups. This will prove very useful for urgent notices
should excursions be cancelled, reminders about camps/excursions and even emergencies
such as fire or lockdown.
Parents are encouraged to visit the College website to apply for an Edumate account and to
download the College App from the iTunes store. The iOS version will be available at the
beginning of November and the Android version will be available in December 2014.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
All students are expected to be in attendance and punctual each day. If your child cannot attend
school, parents are asked to ring the College on (02) 9487 3555 prior to 9.30am. A note
explaining the reason for the absence is required on the day your son/daughter returns to
school.
Students who are not in class by the commencement of Period 1, will need to sign in through
the front office. Students will be given a Late Ticket which must be presented to their teacher on
arriving at class. A note explaining the reason for the partial absence will be required the
following day.
Where a student has more than three unexplained arrivals in a term, they will be required to
make up the missed time at an afterschool detention.
Parents are able to view their son/daughter’s attendance through the Edumate Parent Portal.
Parents will be able to see a record of student whole day and partial absences.
Parents can submit absence notes by sending in a written note to their son/daughter’s Tutor
Teacher or by using the College App.
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APPLYING FOR LEAVE
The Board of Studies expects students to attend every school day unless there is a good
reason for absence – e.g. illness or pressing family need. Dentist, doctors and other
appointments should be made outside school time.
Students are responsible for catching up on any work missed during their absence. They
should ask their classroom teachers for assistance.
If parents wish to take their child on holidays during the school term, or to extend term holidays
or weekends, you will need to seek approval from the Principal (who acts on behalf of the NSW
Board of Studies) in writing, and well in advance. A leave form must be filled out and
submitted with a letter addressed to the Principal.
LEAVING EARLY
If your son/daughter needs to leave the College grounds during the day, you must provide a
request in writing to your son/daughter. The letter must state the time your child needs to leave
the College and is to be presented to their Year Leader, before the end of recess, who will
approve the request. Your son/daughter must report to the Front Office with the signed request
and sign out before leaving the College grounds. Students can be collected from the Front
Office.
UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS
Students are to wear the College uniform throughout the school day and while travelling to and
from the College. They are required to maintain a standard of dress and grooming that shows
pride in themselves and the College. It should be worn with pride and dignity and kept clean and
in good order at all times.
Students wear the Summer College Uniform in Terms 1 and 4 and Winter College Uniform in
Terms 2 and 3.
Students wear their College Sports Uniform on the day they have sport. Students must come to
school in normal school uniform and change into Sports Uniform on the days they have practical
PDHPE classes.
The Uniform Shop is located in the Technology Centre, beneath the library.
Uniforms can be purchased during term on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and
1.45pm. Please come to the College Reception and we will direct you to the shop. Wherever
possible, we would recommend you come during these hours as specific Year 7, 2015 fit-out
weekends (listed below) will be busy.
We have allocated Saturday 29th November for a Girls fit-out session from 9am – 2.30pm.
The Boys fit-out session is on Saturday 6 December from 9am – 2.30pm.
CHEQUE, CREDIT CARD, EFTPOS ONLY – No Cash will be accepted on these specially
allocated sessions.
If you have any queries regarding these weekend sessions, please email Sharon Crossan at
sxns@bigpond.com. A Uniform Price List is in the Orientation pack.
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MEDICATION
If your son/daughter needs medication during school hours written approval must be given to
the College. Please address any of these letters to the Year 7 Leader. College Reception
(Student Services) will ensure the medication is secure, recorded and administered at the
correct times.
PEANUT PRODUCTS
The College has a commitment to minimise the risks associated with severe anaphylaxis
reactions to nuts. While it is impossible to create a risk free environment, staff, students and
parents can take important steps to minimise the potentially fatal allergic reactions. For some
people, severe allergic reactions can be triggered not only by eating foods, but also by their
touch and smell.
It is essential that peanuts and foodstuff that contains traces of peanuts are not brought to
school. We do not sell foodstuffs that contain peanuts in the Canteen.
VOLUNTEERS
The College strives to work in partnership with parents. We rely heavily on the generosity of
parents volunteering their services to support their children at the College. There is an
expectation for parents to become involved at some level through attendance at meetings or
through “a hands on approach” to events and activities. It is through this involvement that a real
partnership is formed.
There are many areas where support from parents would be greatly appreciated. These
opportunities are not only rewarding but your son/daughter will really enjoy having you share in
their life at the College. The following is a list of opportunities for parents to work in partnership
on a regular basis:
Supporting Educational Outcomes
Literacy
Numeracy
Exam reader/writers
Assist in planning Parent Network/Principal Update discussions and/or facilitating
forums
Spiritual Growth
The Dish – meals for the homeless
Fundraising for Social Justice Outreach program (s)
Actively developing Social Justice Outreach program(s)
Help organise evening reflection sessions
Volunteer your talents/skills/time/Exam reader/writers
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Social and Other Supporting Opportunities
Year/Class Parent Representatives
Assist at College events e.g. Principal’s Updates and Parent Network cheese and wine
evenings
Admin support for Parent Network or Social Justice Outreach program(s)
Planning and event co-ordination
Writing e.g. email invites or paragraphs for Parent Network Section of The Pride
Newsletter.
For more information on how you can get involved, please liaise with Mrs Louise
Fentoullis, Director of Partnerships, via email at: louise.fentoullis@dbb.catholic.edu.au
CATHOLIC MISSION
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay exist to educate and form young people in
Catholic discipleship: offering them experiences of following Jesus as members of the Catholic
community and offering students the opportunity to freely respond to the Gospel.
We challenge our community to take to heart our motto: God’s law in our hearts and by living
this fulfil His call:
“Hear then what your God asks of you,
… to act justly
love tenderly
and walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
LITURGY
The College’s prayer and liturgical life is an integral part of its identity as a Catholic school.
When we gather as a school community Jesus Christ forms the centre of our gathering. Called
together in prayer we respond to St Leo’s motto to have “God’s Law in our hearts.” At our
fortnightly assemblies, during Tutor Group and during liturgical and significant events we
celebrate our faith together through prayer and the sacraments.
Students, staff and parents are encouraged to participate in all liturgical celebrations. Students
who are not Catholic are encouraged to come forward to receive a blessing at the time of
communion.
We have the celebration of the Eucharist every Tuesday morning at 8:00am and Friday
lunchtime at 1.00pm. All members of the community are invited to attend.
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND ST LEO’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE
As a Catholic College we are called upon to touch both the hearts and minds of our students. At
St Leo’s this is achieved through developing students’ knowledge of the history and teachings of
our Christian faith and the rituals and practices of our Catholic Church in an atmosphere of
academic rigour within the classroom.
In Years 7-10 the focus of student learning is on essential understanding and appreciation of
core beliefs and practices. From an appreciation of the historical Jesus to a perception of the
Church through medieval times to the formation of differing variants due to the Reformation, at
all times students are encouraged to work with primary sources of learning such as the Bible.
Responding to the call to discipleship the students look at ethical issues, social justice teachings
and are challenged to identify what it means to respond to God’s call using the example of Mary
and the saints.
RETREATS AND REFLECTION DAYS
Retreats and reflection days are part of St Leo’s Religious Education Program. They are
generally held away from the distractions of the normal school environment to help students to
better focus on themselves, their spirituality, their future and their relationships with each other
and God. They provide an opportunity for students to reflect on various aspects of their
development as spiritual beings. This includes experiences of music, prayer and ritual that
enhance their understanding and support them as they journey toward adulthood.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Social Justice is a biblical mandate. The College works to delve into ways to answer Bishop
David Walker’s Worldview statement that we have “an obligation to work to create social
conditions in which the unique dignity of each person is respected and all human rights
protected.” Social outreach is an important focus of our ministry of raising up the poor. Students
are encouraged to participate in the many social justice initiatives at the College such as St
Vincent de Paul activities, visits to the local nursing home, supporting Year Group charitable
activities, involvement in Lighthouse Retreats, Street Retreats and outback pilgrimages. This
student Social Justice Ministry group forms the student link between the College and the
community in our awareness of the needs of our local and global neighbours.
YOUTH MINISTRY
The College has a Youth Ministry Coordinator who plays a significant role in providing
opportunities for students to be involved in:
Social justice and outreach programs, especially those linked to St Vincent de Paul and
visits to the Grange Aged care facility;
Activities such as street retreats and reflection days, World Youth Day and Lighthouse
experiences;
Eucharistic ministries and sacramental preparation with RCIC;
Assisting with the liturgical life of the school;
Linking students to broader experiences of Church including parish;
Fostering prayer experiences such as the Abbey, Bible reading and Rosary.
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PASTORAL CARE
The Pastoral Care Program permeates every aspect of the life of the school: spiritual,
academic, social, cultural and physical.
The College has in place sound systems and structures that build resilience and a healthy
school community recognising all members of the College. It has a strong Catholic pastoral
philosophy, a positive and welcoming and informed community, well developed policies,
practices and procedures and a safe and supportive environment that fosters the individual
differences, gifts and talents of all. This ensures all students have the opportunity to reach their
full potential, achieve their personal best and feel happy, safe and valued.
Each student is a member of a Tutor group. The Tutor Teachers along with the Year Leader
play a special role in the Pastoral care of students at the College. Tutor teachers meet with their
Tutor group each day. Their role is to attend to the administrative matters of the Tutor group,
deliver the tutor pastoral program that focuses on the three areas of Faith Development,
Academic Resilience and Social Resilience, and be a significant support for each student’s
wellbeing.
The Year Leader oversees the Pastoral program for their year group and has responsibility to
monitor school policies, procedures and practices to ensure they are congruent with pastoral
care aims and guidelines, and that they contribute positively to students’ welfare and
development.
The College has a full time Counsellor (Mrs Newham) whose role is to facilitate the emotional,
academic and social wellbeing across the College. Mrs Newham works closely with students,
staff and parents to ensure a co-ordinated strategy for students as required.
The Counsellor provides a confidential service to students and is bound only to disclose matters
by Keep Them Safe legislation.
Mrs Newham may be contacted by phone or for appointments. Students from Years 7 to 10 can
access Mrs Newham via their Year Leader.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
As a comprehensive high school St Leo’s provides a high standard of education that promotes
the academic, spiritual, personal, social and physical development of each student. Our school
is committed to excellence in all areas of education and to the pursuit of learning as a lifelong
experience. Our teachers are well prepared for their classes and we expect our students to
bring commitment and diligence to their learning experience in the College.
St Leo’s Catholic College offers a broad curriculum that seeks to:
foster and challenge the individuality, creativity, initiative and ability of all students;
provide structures that enable students to study in the areas and levels most
appropriate to their abilities, needs and interests.
The College emphasises:
the acquisition of skills and attitudes necessary for the organisation of knowledge in
such a way that concepts and phenomena are adequately explained and their
usefulness enhanced – through an integration of skills, processes and content;
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that learning is a human endeavour and the way in which it relates to people is of
fundamental importance – through the incorporation of Christian and Catholic values;
the importance of meeting the needs of the individual – through ability groupings,
differentiated curriculum and strategies that cater for individual learning styles;
the necessity for independent learning strategies – through integrated, sequenced
activities designed to build learning skills;
the responsibility all teachers have as teachers of literacy and numeracy – through
specific strategies for the development of literacy and numeracy;
the responsibility all teachers have in supporting and implementing information,
communication and learning technologies – through specified strategies for
incorporating appropriate technologies.
PATTERN OF STUDY
Students in Year 7 study the following core subjects – Religious Education, English, Creative
Arts (Visual Art and Music), Human Society and it’s Environment (HSIE), Information and
Communication Technologies (integrated across all subjects), Mathematics, Personal
Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Science, and Technical and Applied
Studies (TAS).
In Year 8 – the students will also complete 100 hour Language course (currently French or
German).
ORGANISATION OF CLASSES
Students are placed into classes based on a range of factors. In particular, St Leo’s has a
unique program designed to support and extend students so that they can achieve their own
personal best.
The Targeted Class: students are provided with enrichment activities whilst remaining in the
prescribed syllabus
The Enhanced Learning Class: a smaller class designed to provide extra support for students
with higher Literacy and Numeracy needs. In addition to the class teacher, the class is
supported through the provision of at least one Learning Support teacher.
Placement into these classes is carefully considered using all available data and is regularly reevaluated.
REPORTING
Parents are able to access their son/ daughters results in Formal Assessment Tasks throughout
the year through the College Edumate Parent Portal.
In addition to this the College produces four formal Academic reports for students in Year 7:
Term 1 Interim Report – distributed at the end of Term 1
Semester One Report – distributed at the end of Term 2
Term 3 Interim Report – distributed at the end of Term 3
Yearly Report - distributed at the end of Term 4
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HOMEWORK
Homework is set by teachers to supplement, extend and consolidate classroom learning outside
school time and benefits students by complementing classroom learning, fostering good study
habits and providing an opportunity for students to be responsible for their own learning.
Students in Year 7 are expected to complete 1 ½ hours of homework/ study each night, 5 nights
per week.
EFFECTIVE STUDY HABITS
Study skills are not innate qualities of students – they must be modelled, taught, practiced and
nurtured. These skills are taught to the students in the specific classes and also through the
Tutor Program delivered by the Tutor Teacher and Year Leader.
Parents are asked to assist in this area, by providing a conducive study environment at home,
free of distractions and parental support to be available for checking of homework (reading the
work to be handed up) and suitable supervision when using computers/iPads.
LEARNING SUPPORT
St Leo’s is a school community which caters for a wide range of students with specific individual
learning needs. At St Leo’s we promote a culture of embracing individual differences, the
inclusion of all students in school activities and support every student to achieve their personal
best.
Learning Support staff at St Leo’s work closely with Year Leaders and teachers to ensure the
identification and appropriate support of students who find learning challenging. Learning
Support initiatives are integrated into the school programs to support individuals and groups of
students to access the curriculum.
CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM
At St Leo’s we believe that each individual is blessed with God given gifts that should be
nurtured and shared for the benefit of the whole community. We are committed to offering each
of our young people this opportunity in a wide range of co-curricular activities.
Opportunities exist for students to compete in a range of representative sports. St Leo’s is a
member of the Broken Bay Secondary Schools Sports Association (BBSSSA). This sporting
association provides the pathway for students to represent at Combined Catholic Colleges,
NSW All Schools and of course, Australian Schools level. BBSSSA has Gala Day selection
tournaments throughout the year in a wide range of sports.
All students in Years 7 – 10 are involved one afternoon per week in the comprehensive College
Sport for Life program.
Students have the opportunity to be involved in a range of performing and creative arts cocurricular activities.
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There are a range of music activities, ensembles and groups that students can be involved in at
the College including
Vocal Ensembles (Bel Canto and Max 12)
Symphonic Band
Concert Band
Stage Band
Four Seasons (mixed players)
Students who belong to any of these ensembles may hire instruments if required.
Private tuition during College hours is available for piano, keyboard, saxophone, clarinet, flute,
guitar, (acoustic. electric and bass), brass, strings, drums, percussion and voice.
Students have a range of avenues that can enhance their skills and interest in debating and
public speaking. The school supports student entries in a number of competitions including the
Catholic Schools Debating Association competitions Term 1 and 2 each year and The Sydney
Morning Herald and Legacy Public Speaking competitions. Workshops drawing on experts from
Sydney and Macquarie University are run to improve student’s skills throughout the year.
Students have the opportunity to display their dramatic talents in the various College
productions, which involves acting, singing and dancing. Students can have fun, interact with a
variety of students from different year groups and grow in confidence.
Students can get involved in a range of other co-curricular activities such as the Tournament of
the Minds, the da Vinci Decathlon and the internationally recognized Duke of Edinburgh
Scheme.
The College website, The Pride newsletter and the daily student notices provide information
about upcoming co-curricular event and activities.
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