On Wednesday 21 May, at the Liverpool Council Chambers, Quota International held its annual Student of the Year Competition. The Quest encourages self-expression, poise confidence and pride in self and school. Students are assessed on their knowledge and appreciation of Australian Affairs, both nationally and internationally, their attitude and participation in community involvement, leadership potential, sporting and cultural involvement and their public speaking ability.

This year Katherine Ohlsen from Year 10 took on the challenge to represent our school in the competition. Although she was the youngest in the field of competitors, Katherine impressed the judges with her many achievements and her beautifully delivered speech and was awarded 'Runner Up' to first place.
Congratulations on such a fine effort; she was certainly a credit to herself, her family and her school.                                             

On 28 March 2008, Elizabeth Issa and Yvette Gaweda of Year 11 attended a Future Leaders’ Forum at Sydney University in the Wallace Theatre. There were various Guest Speakers that have overcome adversity to become leaders in their field—Lauren Wilson, Dr Karl Kruzelnicki and numerous others. They learnt what it takes to be a good leader and lead by example even when hurdles may appear in their path. It was a memorable day and they have taken a lot from this experience.                                                      Elizabeth Issa and Yvette Gaweda

Jennifer Do of Year 11 recently was recently selected as an entrant in the “Point Zero Cutting in Youth Design Awards”. She was one of 29 young fashion designers selected Australia wide. Two of her designs were showcased, giving the entrants an opportunity to have their works seen by the public and members of the fashion industry. After selection, Jennifer had to make her designs which were then worn by a professional model. The photos below show Jennifer’s creations.

She is to be congratulated on this fine achievement.

On Friday 9 May, Year 8 students participated in the annual Jump Rope for Heart day to help raise money for the National Heart Foundation.
This year was extra special because it was the 25th birthday celebration of the event. The National Heart Foundation attempted to break a Guinness World Record for the largest number of skippers continuously skipping for a period of three minutes. Twenty five Cerdon students were nominated to participate in this significant event.
All Year 8 students are to be congratulated on their efforts on this day and for working hard to raise much needed funds in support of the National Heart Foundation. Students prepared for the event during their PDHPE sport lessons and have developed many new skills in skipping.
A special thanks to Mrs Deegan and Mr Caristo for all of their hard work and efforts in preparing for this exciting day.

Friday 23 May, the Year 10 History debaters attended The Kings School to participate in the JA Thompson History Debating Competition. They had 2 topics to debate—

That the Federal Parliament’s apology to the Aboriginal people was justified (Negative)

That Kokoda is more significant to Australia’s sense of identity than the Gallipoli campaign (Affirmative)

That the role of women in Australia during wartime has been undervalued (Affirmative)

The girls debated all three controversial topics and were successful in winning each of their debates. These students will now compete in the quarter finals in August.
Congratulations to—
        Lauren Bourke       Brydie-Kate Cullen       Katie Davern      Andrea Fernandes
      Carly George      Jessica Orap      Katherine Ohlsen
Thanks to their coach Ms Young who prepared the girls for these History debates well.

The National Art School offers a Studio Extension Program to a limited number of students studying Visual Arts in Year 11 as part of an HSC Visual Arts Course.

Entry is competitive and chosen through a State-wide selection process.

Congratulations to the following students who have been successful in this year’s selection process—

                      Kelly Bounassif   Printmaking  Simone Daher    Printmaking
                      Krystal Dandan  Printmaking  Charnelle King   Painting
                      Penny Nailau     Printmaking   Alix Toufan        Printmaking

These students will have the opportunity of working in a media area of their choosing under the instruction of expert artists and teachers.

Congratulations to Year 10 Visual Arts students for their outstanding painted portraits that were exhibited in this years' "Cerdon Archibald' exhibition

Congratulations to Alanna Zammit whose portrait of artist Mark Kostabi won the Peoples' Choice Award.

Principal's Award Winners were:

Linda Clayton, Rochele Hanna, Gabrielle Trang, Olivis Lendvai, Jessika Roberts, Alexandra Jay and Emily Briffa