Message from the Head of College
Dear College Community,
In Luke 7:36–50, we read about a sinful woman who approached Jesus while He was visiting the house of Simon the Pharisee. Although she was not invited because of her reputation, she had heard that the Lord loved sinners and welcomed those who came to Him. While Jesus was not given the customary welcome by Simon, the woman approached Him with ...
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents, Carers and Members of our College Community,
October has been another busy and rewarding month at St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College, filled with opportunities for learning, personal growth, creativity and achievement.
Our students have enjoyed a wonderful variety of experiences, including the Year 4 and Year 10 camps, Scienceworks excursions, i...
General Information
طفلك
يمتد موسم حمى القش في ملبورن من تشرين الأول \ أكتوبر إلى نهاية كانون الأول \ ديسمبر، ونشهد بشكل متزايد معاناة الطلاب بسبب حمى القش أثناء تواجدهم في المدرسة.
إذا كنت تعلم أن طفلك يعاني من حمى القش، نرجوك
– تزويد الكلية بدواء طفلك مع نموذج الموافقة على تقديم الدواء مكتمل وموقع، أو
– قدم الدواء لطفلك في الصباح قبل مغادرته إلى المدرسة.
أي من الإجراءين أعلاه سيوفر على طفلك المعاناة أثناء وجوده في المدرسة ويمنع تعطيل جدولك اليومي بسبب إستدعاؤك لاصطحاب طفلك من المدرسة قبل موعد إنتهاء اليوم الدراسي.
إذا كان طفلك يعاني من حمى القش ولكن لم يتم تشخيصه، يرجى مناقشة الأمر مع طبيبه.
حمى القش والربو المصاحب للعواصف الرعدية
موسم حبوب لقاح العشب يجلب زيادة موسمية في الربو وحمى القش. كما يمنح فرصة حدوث الربو المصاحب للعواصف الرعدية.
تنصح وزارة الصحة بأن الأشخاص المصابين بحمى القش، خاصة الذين يعانون من صفير أو سعال مع حمى القش، والأشخاص المصابين بالربو حالياً أو في الماضي أو غير المشخصين، معرضون لخطر الربو الناتج عن العواصف الرعدية الوبائية. يمكن أن يكون ربو العواصف الرعدية الوبائي مفاجئاً وخطيراً بل ويهدد الحياة.
التحكم الجيد في حمى القش الخاصة بك أو بطفلك يمكن أن يساعد في تقليل خطر الربو المصاحب للعواصف الرعدية.
بإمكانك الحصول على مزيد من المعلومات باللغتين الإنجليزية والعربية على موقع مستشفى الأطفال الملكي في ملبورن من خلال الرابط التالي:
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Thunderstorm_asthma/
يقدم الفيديو القصير لقناة الصحة الأفضل من وزارة الصحة المرفق أدناه نظرة عامة عن الربو المصاحب للعواصف الرعدية وحمى القش.
https://youtu.be/WjlARvcLzN0?si=un3LEi9UNt47oz5M
Mrs. Hanan Khreish
Head of Policy and Compliance
نموذج التحديث السنوي للمعلومات الطبية وجهات الإتصال في حالات الطوارئ
لتقديم أفضل رعاية ودعم لطلابنا أثناء رعايتنا لهم، تعتمد الكلية على أولياء الأمور ومقدمي الرعاية لتوفير معلومات حديثة ودقيقة حول
– أي حالات طبية قد يكون طفلهم يعاني منها،
– كيف يتم إدارة حالتهم الطبية (إن وجدت)، و
– جهات الإتصال الحالية في حالات الطوارئ ألتي تحدث أثناء وجود الطالب تحت رعايتنا.
يتم إجراء تحديث سنوي للمعلومات الطبية للطلاب من خلال نموذج تحديث المعلومات الطبية السنوي للطلاب الذي سيتلقاه الآباء ومقدمو الرعاية في أوائل تشرين الثاني\نوفمبر. تقع على عاتق أولياء الأمور/مقدمي الرعاية مسؤولية تعبئة هذا النموذج بموجب أحدث المعلومات المتوفره لديهم . قد يحتاج الآباء/مقدمو الرعاية إلى مناقشة الإحتياجات الطبية لطفلهم مع طبيبه، حيث ستحتاج الكلية إلى أحدث المعلومات المتاحة للموظفين عبر نظام إدارة الكلية الإلكتروني.
لمساعدتنا في تحديث سجلات الطلاب، يجب إعادة النموذج المكتمل والموقع إلى الكلية بحلول يوم الاثنين 30 تشرين الثاني\نوفمبر 2026. سيضمن إجراءك في هذا الشأن حصولنا على معلومات دقيقة إستعدادا للعام الجديد.
شاكرين دعمكم المستمر لنا.
السيدة حنان خريش
ساري المفعول الآن (WWCC) التغييرات في الفحص للعمل مع الأطفال
الحفاظ على سلامة الأطفال مسؤولية مشتركة
في يوليو 2026، عززت الإصلاحات مشاركة المعلومات وتقييم المخاطر وصلاحيات هيئة تنظيم الخدمات الإجتماعية (س.س.ر) للتحرك عندما تكون هناك مخاوف بشأن ملاءمة الشخص للعمل مع الأطفال.
في 19 أكتوبر 2026، دخلت تغييرات إضافية حيز التنفيذ على الفحص للعمل مع الأطفال مع إدخال
– خدمه عبر الإنترنت، حيث يتوقع من المؤسسات (بما في ذلك المتداولين الفرديين) تلبية المتطلبات القانونية الجديدة من خلال إخطار (س.س.ر) حول العمال والمتطوعين الذين يتعاملون معهم للعمل مع الأطفال
– تدريب إلزامي جديد على سلامة الأطفال للأشخاص المتقدمين للحصول على أو تجديد تصريح العمل مع الأطفال
WWC.
معا، ستعزز هذه التغييرات الضمانات التي تساعد منظمات مثل مدرستنا على إتخاذ قرارات أكثر أمانا بشأن الأشخاص الذين تستعين بهم للعمل أو التطوع مع الأطفال.
لمزيد من المعلومات، يرجى زيارة صفحات فحص تصريح العمل أو التطوع مع الأطفال من خلال الرابط التالي:
https://service.vic.gov.au/find-services/work-and-volunteering/working-with-children-check .
Highlights
Scienceworks Museum
On Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th of October, our Year 6 students embarked on an exciting educational excursion to Scienceworks Museum. Travelling by school bus, students explored a range of interactive exhibitions and participated in engaging learning experiences, including the Earth, Moon, Sun – Energy Lab, Beyond Perception, the Sportsworks Exhibition, the Pumping Station Exhibition Viewing and the Think Ahead Exhibition.
The excursion provided students with a valuable opportunity to extend their classroom learning, explore scientific concepts and discover the wonders of science through hands-on experiences. Our Year 6 students thoroughly enjoyed the day, making it a memorable and. enriching experience for everyone involved!
Dina Yousif,
Year 6 Teacher
Foundation Living Things Science Incursion
Our Foundation students have been busy exploring the fascinating world of Living Things in their Science lessons this term. To build on and extend this learning, students recently enjoyed a hands-on and interactive science incursion with Mad About Science.
The incursion provided students with the opportunity to explore many of the concepts they have been learning about in the classroom through exciting, real-life experiences. Students investigated the five senses, interacting with a range of objects and activities that encouraged them to think about how we use our senses to explore and understand the world around us.
A particular highlight was getting up close to worms! Students were fascinated to observe these living creatures and learn more about them. They also had the opportunity to plant their own seeds, helping them develop a deeper understanding of plants as living things and what they need to grow and survive.
The session was highly interactive and gave students the opportunity to touch, observe, investigate, ask questions and share their ideas. Being able to experience these concepts first-hand helped bring our classroom learning to life and gave students a memorable way to deepen their understanding of living things.
It was wonderful to see the students’ curiosity, enthusiasm and excitement throughout the incursion. They absolutely loved getting involved and showed just how much fun science can be when we have the opportunity to explore and learn through hands-on experiences!
Portia Cain,
Foundation Teacher
Year 4 Camp – Portsea
Our Year 4 learners had an unforgettable time at Portsea Camp, filled with adventure, teamwork and plenty of fun! Throughout the camp, learners participated in a range of exciting activities, including hut building, scavenger hunts, capture the flag, flying fox and initiative games. These activities encouraged learners to challenge themselves, work collaboratively, develop problem-solving skills and build confidence as they stepped outside their comfort zones.
The fun continued into the evening with a lively disco, where everyone had the opportunity to dance, laugh and make wonderful memories with their friends. Camp was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 4 learners to strengthen friendships, develop independence and create lasting memories together. We are so proud of the enthusiasm, teamwork and positive spirit they demonstrated throughout this special experience!
Shanice Odayar
Year 4 Teacher
SMCO MEP Students Hit the Recording Studio!
Seventeen dedicated students from our Music Enrichment Program (MEP) recently participated in the annual KoolSkools recording program, spending two exciting days in a professional recording studio.
The students recorded the third SMCO album, Here We Go Again, featuring 12 tracks, including mostly original songs as well as some covers. During the sessions, students experienced the recording process firsthand, learning about multiple takes, recording instrumental and singing parts and adding vocal harmonies to create polished final recordings.
The students showed wonderful dedication, teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the two days and should be very proud of their achievement.
Each year, schools from across Victoria participate in KoolSkools, with a panel of musicians and judges selecting outstanding songs across different genres for the annual awards. The KoolSkools Awards Ceremony and Concert is usually held in mid-November.
We wish our MEP students the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating their achievements!
Sandra Mlikota
Head of Music
Year 10 Camp – Marysville
Our Year 10 students enjoyed an exciting camp at Camp Marysville, filled with adventure, teamwork and personal challenges. Activities included canoeing, harvesting and cooking fresh produce in the kitchen garden, team-based problem-solving initiatives, the Giants Ladder and Crate Stack challenges, and a scenic hike to Steavenson Falls.
Beyond the activities, students developed their communication, leadership and resilience while strengthening friendships and building confidence. The camp provided a valuable opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, support one another and create lasting memories. Thank you to the staff and Camp Marysville instructors who helped make the experience such a success.
Jonathan Gianoudis,
Year 10 Coordinator
Year 12 Final Liturgy
On Wednesday 14 October, we gathered with our Year 12 students and Fr Kyrollos for their final liturgy at the College. It was a blessing to pray together before they sit their final VCE exams, knowing that a familiar part of their school life was coming to an end.
Fr Kyrollos gave a word of comfort, reminding us that all our needs are before the Lord.
We keep our Year 12s in our prayers during their exams.
John Saad
CORE & English Teacher
Year 12 Funfields Experience
As part of the Year 12 Celebration Day, our outgoing students made the most of their Funfields experience, with comfortable weather allowing them to enjoy a wide range of dry and water rides. The adrenaline seekers eagerly took on the infamous Voodoo ride, soaring 18 metres into the air in a thrilling 360-degree frenzy! The water slides provided plenty of fun also, while the day offered a wonderful opportunity for students to relax, strengthen friendships and create lasting memories in a carefree setting ahead of the all-important VCAA examinations.
I am pleased to report that our students represented the College admirably, upholding the high standards expected of them throughout the day.
Rimon Dinkha
Year 12 Coordinator
Arts and Technology Week 2026
Arts and Technology Week, held from 26 to 30 October, was a wonderful celebration of Music, Visual Arts, STEM and Robotics, showcasing the creativity, talent and innovation of SMCO students.
The week began with an outstanding musical performance at Monday’s assembly. The Senior Band, Year 9 Band, Senior Vocal Group, and Primary and Secondary Choirs joined forces in a memorable collaboration to perform the popular song Viva la Vida.
From Tuesday to Friday, our Primary students also took centre stage during Primary Chapel, showcasing their musical talents through guitar, piano and violin performances, as well as singing.
On Wednesday, SMCO bands and soloists entertained students and staff at a lunchtime concert in the gym. The performances created a fantastic atmosphere, with an enthusiastic audience enjoying the impressive musical talents on display.
Thursday saw the opening of the Visual Arts, STEM and Robotics Exhibition, featuring an exciting range of creative and innovative student work. The exhibition showcased artworks by Primary and Secondary students, projects developed by Secondary STEM students, and an interactive drone flight simulation station presented by the Robotics Department.
Throughout the week, students demonstrated their creativity, technical skills and enthusiasm across a diverse range of artistic and technological disciplines. It was particularly rewarding to see so many students sharing their talents, supporting one another and contributing to the success of this special celebration.
Congratulations to all our musicians, singers, artists and innovators for their enthusiasm, dedication and outstanding achievements. Arts and Technology Week 2026 was a wonderful celebration of the creativity and talent within the SMCO community!
Alberto Moreira
Head of Arts and Technology
Sandra Milkota
Head of Music
Fiji Mission Trip – Year 6
On 13 October, six of our wonderful and courageous Year 6 students, who volunteered to participate in the Fiji Mission Trip, departed alongside two of our dedicated Religionteachers, Mrs Madonna and Mrs Wafaa. The group travelled to Sydney to join fellow participants from St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox College before departing together for Fiji on 14 October. They were accompanied by nine students and three teachers from St Mark’s, as well as Father Joseph.
This mission trip provided a valuable opportunity for our students to live out their faith through service, compassion and fellowship. Through their participation, they engaged with local communities, built meaningful connections with children and experienced the importance of giving back to others. Throughout the trip, scheduled bus transfers ensured smooth and organised travel between locations. Students also maintained a reflection journal, providing them with a meaningful opportunity to document their experiences, reflect on their learning and personal growth, and deepen their understanding of service and faith.
Mission Trip Program
Suva Mission Program: Participated in mission and service activities with children in Suva.
Day with the Suva Children: Enjoyed a day of engaging activities, fellowship and connection with local children.
Church and Coral Coast: Attended Divine Liturgy and travelled from the Grand Pacific Hotel to the Coral Coast.
Coral Coast Mission Program: Engaged in mission work, service opportunities and group activities.
Warwick: Participated in further mission activities and group experiences.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 6 student and our dedicated teachers for their will to serve, represent our College and embrace this meaningful opportunity. We thank the Lord that their journey was safe, fruitful and spiritually enriching, and thankful that they have returned with treasured memories, strengthened faith and a deeper appreciation for the importance of
serving others.
May God bless and reward all participants for their time during this mission trip to Fiji.
Mrs. Mervet Boulos
Deputy Principal (Staff & Students)
Bible Verse of the Month– Luke 1:37
For with God nothing will be impossible.
Important Dates:
- InterSchool Sports - Yr9 & Yr10 Volleyball Teams Thursday, November 5
- Primary Tennis Hot Shots - Regionals - Yr6 Tennis Teams Thursday, November 5
- Year 7 Orientation Day Thursday, November 5
- All New Enrolment Orientation Day Friday, November 6
- Primary Liturgy Monday, November 9
- Project 4 Hope - P2 - Yr9, P3 - Yr10 Monday, November 9
- Year 3 - Werribee Zoo Excursion Tuesday, November 10
- Secondary Liturgy Tuesday, November 10
- Year 1 - Sport Wise Incursion - Oval Tuesday, November 10
- Year 11 Exams Wednesday, November 11 – Friday, November 13
- Remembrance Day Wednesday, November 11
- Year 6 Students Graduation Rehearsal - Ultima Function Centre Wednesday, November 11
- Year 6 Graduation Dinner Thursday, November 12
- Foundation Orientation Day 1 Friday, November 13
- Year 9 - Year 11 Exams Monday, November 16
- End of the Year Exams Concludes Wednesday, November 18
- Year 12 Graduation Dinner Thursday, November 19
- Foundation Orientation Day 2 Friday, November 20
- Secondary Excursion Monday, November 23
- Head-Start Tuesday, November 24 – Friday, November 27
- Foundation Orientation Day 3 Friday, November 27
- Head-Start Monday, November 30 – Thursday, December 3
- Year 5 Buddies Excursion Tuesday, December 1
- Term 4 - Last Day for Students Thursday, December 3
- Christmas Carols Thursday, December 3, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Students Free Day Friday, December 4
- Semester 2: Parents/ Teachers Interview Friday, December 4, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Term 4 - Last Day for Teacher Thursday, December 10