Issue 1 2024
‘I chose you and I commissioned you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last'.
John 15:16
From the Principal
Welcome back for 2024!
It has been great welcoming our students back in recent days as we commence the 2024 College year. In particular, I wish to welcome all those students and their families who are new to EAC. I look forward to getting to know you and I am sure that in a very short period of time you will all feel part of our wonderful community.
At the commencement assemblies for both our Primary and Secondary schools, I encouraged students to think about some goals to make 2024 a happy and rewarding year for all. I invited them to:
- Be the best learner they can be by developing good learning habits and enjoying the challenge,
- Consider how they would grow their friendship groups, build on the strong friendships they already have and how they might go out of their way to welcome the new students, staff and families who have joined our College community, and
- Think about ways they could get involved in the extra-curricular life of the College.
While the start of the school year is always filled with much excitement and frenetic activity, this was especially true for our 2024 Kindergarten cohort. On their first day there were lots of smiles, a few anxious looking faces and even a couple of tears (from the mums!) but the students looked great in their uniforms and were very proud of their new hats, shoes, lunchboxes and classrooms. Special thanks to Mrs Kelvin and Mrs Smith for helping make the transition to Kindergarten as smooth as possible for all.
Once again, I invite all our families to join us for the Welcome and Information Afternoon on Wednesday 14 February commencing at 3.30. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the staff, say hello to other parents and hear a little about some of the programs and opportunities available through 2024. I particularly encourage all our new families to take advantage of this opportunity.
Parents of Primary students will meet in classrooms from Year 1 to Year 6 at 3.30pm before moving to The Lindsay Walker Centre for a Principal’s briefing at 4.30pm.
Parents of Secondary students are invited to gather in The Lindsay Walker Centre at 3.30pm for a cuppa and chat with staff followed by the Principal’s address at 4.30pm
The afternoon will conclude at 5.00pm.
Welcome to new staff
We have a number of new staff who have joined the highly talented and motivated EAC staff.
Each of these people bring with them many gifts and talents and I am sure they will prove to be great assets to the College. I am sure you join with me in making them welcome.
I am very much looking forward to meeting new families, catching up with current families and watching all our students grow and learn in 2024.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
What's On
CALENDAR
For your personalised Calendar of Events, simply log in to Parent Lounge HERE.
Stay up to date with EAC announcements and news by following us on Facebook HERE.
SchoolStream APP
Canteen orders, absentee notices, important notifications and more can all be found on EAC's app, SchoolStream which you can find out more about HERE.
WEBSITE
The EAC website is a treasure trove of valuable information including forms, publications and in depth information, all of which are available HERE
WHAT WEEK IS IT?
To help clarify our College Weeks, we've created a printable quick reference guide available HERE.
OFF THE DEPUTY'S DESK
DREAM, BELIEVE, LEARN, ACHIEVE
I thought I would share with you my welcome speech to the students for 2024.
Welcome back for 2024, I hope that you all enjoyed spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, travelling, playing sport, gaming or just hanging out. For those of you who got jobs and worked over the summer, well done, I hope that you managed to save some of it.
Summer in Australia is also a great time for sport I know that many of you, like me, were avidly following the Australian Open. Watching the women’s singles final between Aryna Sabalenka and China's Zheng Qinwen, it was also a time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of First Nations Wiradjuri woman Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s first win in the Australian Open. She ranked number two for most grand slam titles by an Australian woman.
Evonne was born one of eight children, in Griffith New South Wales in the small country town of Barellan. Overcoming much social and economic disadvantage at the time she won the French Open singles and the Australian Open doubles championships by the age of 19. She won the women's singles at Wimbledon in 1971. In 1980, she became the first mother to win Wimbledon in 66 years. Evonne went on to win 14 Grand Slam tournament titles, representing Australia in three Federation Cup competitions, winning the title in 1971, 1973 and 1974, and was Fed Cup captain for three consecutive years.
Appearing at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena to celebrate her 1974 triumph, which was followed by victories in 1975 and 1976, Evonne Goolagong Cawley said she has always and continues to live by the mantra 'dream, believe, learn, achieve'.
It is now time to begin a new year at EAC, a fresh start full of possibilities. Moving into a new Year at the College is both exciting and daunting, with the new challenges ahead. By the end of last year many of you were in a very comfortable routine, but now everything is new again, new subjects, new classes and new teachers. It is also a year to meet new people, reconnect with old friends and maybe rebuild relationships.
So, my challenge for all of you students, staff and parents is to take the opportunity to have a fresh start, rebuild old friendships and make new ones and get involved in the College with renewed energy, and in the words of Evonne Goolagong Cawley – ‘dream, believe, learn, achieve’.
Mr Francis McGuigan
Deputy Principal
CHAPLAIN CHAT
WE ARE ADDRESSED
In late March 2020 I drove overnight from Brisbane to Canberra. It was the first COVID lockdown and I needed to get alongside my family. I was on Blackstump Way somewhere between Coolah and Dunedoo. It was just after midnight, the sky was cloudless and the moon had set an hour before. The road and the night were black.
I have a fascination with Indigenous navigation and use of the stars. I had heard a lot about the Dark Emu - a pattern in the Milky Way shaped like an emu that communicates story, seasons, pathways, knowledge. It is marked not by stars, but by the dark spaces between the stars.
As I stepped out of the car to the crunch of gravel and the chorus of frogs in the nearby creek, Dark Emu popped out of the sky. I saw it with shocking clarity, it reached down and stole my breath. And because it was so dark, the entire shape seemed to drop to just above my head and hang there like a vaulted ceiling. I could reach up my hand and touch Dark Emu, if only I dared.
I stared at it for ages, face to face. I felt 'addressed'. Unmistakeably. As clear as my son calling my name, I felt addressed. But then, all of us are. All of us are addressed.
The following comes from the text that accompanies one of our four College values - Creativity.
We are being addressed. All of us. Something bigger than school or work is calling us. It comes from over the horizon. It sounds like a song. Listen. It has many names; love, justice, beauty, truth, community.
We are being addressed by compassion - that we might be compassionate.
We are being addressed by truth - that we might courageously live in truth.
We are being addressed by community - that we might serve the common good.
We are being addressed by life - that we might respond with joyful creativity.
We are being addressed. Each of us. As we move from Christmas through Epiphany into an intentional journey to Easter (called Lent, starting next week with Ash Wednesday), we are invited to respond with a creativity that brings light and life to others. We are invited to move forwards into life, into love, into justice, into community. In this journey, may this we know, Emmanuel, the strength of God, is with us.
Reverend Richard Browning
Chaplain
EAC Essentials
WEDNESDAYS ARE WASTE FREE AT EAC
Australia is one of the highest producers of waste per person in the western world. The average student’s lunch generates around 3 kg of waste per school year.
If you consider the impact of the collective lunches of your family, that is a lot of waste. But with your assistance, we can make a great contribution towards avoiding waste.
As part of our school’s commitment to reducing our waste to landfill, we are continuing our waste-free lunch day on Wednesday of each week for Primary students who bring a packed lunch. Each waste-free lunch will earn them a raffle ticket to win a canteen voucher each fortnight.
- A waste-free lunch contains no throwaway packaging and produces no food waste.
- The typical waste-free lunch is packed in a reusable lunchbox or bag.
- Food is put in reusable containers rather than wrapped in disposable packaging.
- A drink is in a refillable bottle and all containers are resealable so that leftover food and drink can be saved for later.
- Fruit and vegetable scraps (e.g., apple cores and banana skins) will be composted at the school through our compost and worm farming system.
By helping your child pack, a waste-free lunch you will help fulfill a number of goals:
- Reduce the 13 million tons of lunch waste currently going to landfill in Australia.
- Minimise litter around the school due to less waste becoming litter.
- Help you save money – an average waste-free lunch can save you $10.50 per week or $397.50 per year per child.
Please note that students with a waste-free lunch offer their lunchbox up to be checked on Wednesday to get their raffle ticket, rather than an inspection type situation which may cause embarrassment.
Thank you for supporting your child’s participation in the waste-free lunches and our school waste and sustainability program.
2024 EAC Bus Passes Issued
Users of our EAC Hinterland and Coastal Bus Services are advised that all passes for 2024 have now been issued for current bookings.
Presentation of current bus passes will be strictly monitored so please ensure students have their current bus pass with them for each journey.
For queries and bus bookings, please email enquiries@eac.nsw.edu.au or download our information booklet HERE.
Early Learning Centre
Welcome to the ELC!
Welcome back, ELC families! We're thrilled to embrace both familiar faces and new arrivals in 2024. The year has kicked off splendidly, with educators focused on ensuring a smooth transition for all. From settling into new routines to fostering friendships, our dedicated team is here to support every child and family. Together, let's create an enriching environment where curiosity thrives, and lifelong connections blossom. Here's to a fantastic year of growth, learning, and joy at our Early Learning Centre!
Ms Nicole Wilson
Director of the Early Learning Centre
Primary
Primary is off to a cracking start!
It has been a great start to the year for our Primary students. The sense of excitement from the students as they came through the gate last week was a joy to observe. It was wonderful to see so many parents join us in helping to settle the kids into their new classrooms, have a quick chat with the teachers and leave knowing their children are in a safe, warm and welcoming learning environment.
We invite the parents and carers of our students in Years 1 to 6 to the College next Wednesday 14 February from 3.30pm for our Welcome Afternoon. Please head straight to your child’s classroom at 3.30pm. This will be followed by a presentation from the College Executive at 4.30pm in The Lindsay Walker Centre. Our Friends of EAC President, Steve Carrigg, will also be at the event and will let you know how to get involved with Friends in 2024. The afternoon will provide opportunity to hear about all that your child can look forward to in 2024 and best inform you as to how you can support your child to ensure a smooth and productive year.
Our new Kindergarten students started their schooling life with enthusiasm last Thursday and are settling well into the routines of EAC. They have been busy exploring their new surroundings, showing wonder and awe to all that is presented to them. Year 6 students are looking forward to meeting their Kindergarten buddies in the coming weeks.
We held a hugely successful swimming carnival this week which saw almost all students in Years 2 to 6 students swim in a Competitive or Participation race and enjoy a range of novelty events. Our Houses were in strong voice with newly adapted House songs, written and prepared by our House Leaders. To enjoy highlights from the day, CLICK HERE.
Afternoons at Parent Pickup are always busy in the first few weeks. Please remember that students are available to be collected at Parent Pickup until 3.20pm, with the large crowds and number of vehicles dissipating around 3:10pm. Our staff ensure that we sight each parent before allowing students to leave the gate, and we appreciate your patience as we ensure the safe return of each student at the end of the school day.
We take sun safety very seriously here at EAC and remind parents to ensure that the students have applied sunscreen before they come to school each day. We have sunscreen throughout the classrooms for a second application around midday. We enforce the rule of 'No Hat, No Play' and insist students sit in the undercover areas if they do not have their hat.
Students are given 10 minutes at each break to eat from their lunchbox. If they have not finished after this time, our Kindergarten, Year 1, 2 and 3 students are asked to stay in the undercover area to finish their lunch while our Year 4, 5 and 6 students are asked to take their lunchbox with them to the front of the school to finish eating there. A reminder that canteen orders can only be ordered at First Break in the Primary School.
As your child settles in for the year, we thank you for your support of the College, ensuring uniform standards are met, homework is complete, and students are prepared for the day’s lessons with the correct uniform or equipment on days where they may have sport, band or instrumental lessons. We ask our students in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 to refer to their Student Planner if they are unsure of expectations around uniform such as appropriate hair styles, jewellery and shoes. Our Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students will be gently guided by their teachers to ensure College expectations are met.
Mr Wayne Cross
Director of the Primary School
Secondary
Developing Healthy Habits
Over the last week students have settled into their classes and had the opportunity to get to know the teachers and subjects that they have in 2024. Each student has been encouraged to develop healthy habits, create study plans and implement homework practices.
Years 7, 11 and 12 attended 'Elevate' workshops which discussed effective study practices, developed note taking techniques and supported them in understanding their responsibilities as learners as they enter new stages in their formal education.
For all students it is important they ensure that they don’t only meet the deadlines for their subjects, but also consider other aspects of their wellbeing which includes the aspects below.
Study Routine
- Have a location to complete homework and assignments which is free from distractions supports effective learning outcomes
- Develop a routine which allows for time to revise and complete set work
- A study routine can reduce stress and anxiety
Sleep
- There is a strong link between sleep and mental health so do your best to get the recommended 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night
- Having the recommended hours of sleep means that students brains are ready to learn and improves students success
Screen Free Time
- Too much screen time can impact your physical and mental health
- It is recommended that people have a maximum of 2 hours of recreational screen time per day
- Students need time away from screens, especially an hour before bed
- Placing guides such as 'Down Time' on a device, can help establish and protect screen free time
Physical Activity
- Movement helps to relieve stress, improve memory and boost your overall mood
- Try to move every day
- It is recommended that young people have 60 minutes of movement every day
- This could be a walk or through formal sporting activities
Healthy Eating
- Eating 'good mood foods' can have a positive effect on student wellbeing
- Eating fruit and vegetables daily ensures physical health and helps to maintain good mental health
As we begin the year of schooling, I encourage all students to implement these simple strategies to help them with their success this year.
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
Vaccinations for Years 7 and 10
Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.
In 2024 the following vaccines will be offered:
Year 7
Gardasil - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (single dose)
Boostrix (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis-whooping cough) vaccine (single dose)
Year 10
Nimenrix (Meningococcal ACWY) vaccine (single dose)
Our allocated immunisation dates for 2024 are as follows:
Term 1
Year 10: single dose, Thursday 22 February
There will also be a catch up for Year 11 Nimenrix (Meningococcal ACWY).
Term 2
Year 7: single dose, Wednesday 15 May
Catch up Year 8 if required
Term 3
Any catch up vaccines in either year, Wednesday 14 August
To consent to the vaccination of their child, parents/guardians are advised to:
- Read all the information provided
- Visit http://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage
- Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one.
- Update or confirm your personal details on ServiceNSW as required.
- Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
- Enter the child’s personal details
- Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
- Read the linked Parent Information Sheet
- Provide consent
- Ensure that their child eats breakfast on the day of the school vaccination clinic.
If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form from the College Reception.
Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by writing to the school Principal or phoning the school. The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website HERE.
A Record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated at each clinic either as a physical card or a text message sent to the mobile number recorded on the consent form.
Details about vaccinations given at school will also be uploaded to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) to support complete vaccination histories.
Sports Report
2024 shaping up to be a stellar year for Sport at EAC
Swimming
Already the Sports Department have had a busy 2024. Even before the buzzer, our Sports staff held a swimming clinic over the summer holidays to help students prepare for swimming competition in Term 1. The clinic was well attended and took advantage of some great weather.
One of the major highlights of our sporting calendar was held in Alstonville this week - our Primary Swimming Carnival. The carnival was a great success with high levels of participation across all Year levels. We will announce the full results to the Primary School at their next assembly on Wednesday 21 February so please stay tuned for updates via Facebook and SchoolStream next week. For now though, please enjoy the photo highlights of the day HERE.
The NCIS Primary Swimming competition will be held on Thursday 22 February in Alstonville. Students who qualified will receive more information soon.
Tennis
- Open Boys: Paco Schultheiss - Champion
- Open Girls: Alice Palmer - Runner Up
- Primary Boys: Jack Higgins - Champion
- Primary Girls: River Gammon - Third
Thank you to all the parents, carers and students for your enthusiasm in helping get our 2024 year of sport off to such a successful start.
Mr Mike Ryan
Leader of Sport and Coaching
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - SARAH VANEM
Sarah Vanem (Year 9) recently helped her University of Queensland Water Polo Team claim the U14 Girls Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in Brisbane. Sarah has been travelling to Brisbane every weekend to compete with her team and their efforts were rewarded as they came up against teams from all over the country. Finishing top of their pool, they managed to go through the entire five day tournament without losing a game to eventually be crowned champions!
UPCOMING DATES
PRIMARY
- Monday 12 February: Primary Boys and Girls Football (Soccer) Training
- Tuesday 13 February: Primary Mixed Football (Soccer) Training
- Wednesday 14 February: NCIS Primary Football Championships - Coffs Harbour
- Thursday 21 February: NCIS Primary Swimming Championships
- Monday 12 February: U15 & Open Boys Touch Training
- Tuesday 13 February: Open Boys Football Trial 1
- Wednesday 14 February Open Boys Football Trial 2
- Thursday 15 February: U15 & Open Girls Touch Training
- Thursday 15 February: U15 Boys Football (Soccer) Trial 1
- Monday 19 February: U15 & Open Boys Touch Training
- Tuesday 20 February:U15 Boys Football (Soccer) Trial 2
- Wednesday 21 February: EAC Secondary Swimming Carnival
- Thursday 22 February: U15 & Open Girls Touch Training
LISMORE SAMSON FITNESS CHALLENGE
Calling EAC students to grab their friends and take part in this year's Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge! The Samson is a major fundraiser for Our Kids, the charity that raises money to purchase paediatric equipment for the Children's Ward and Special Care Nursery at Lismore Base Hospital.
Samson Teen Challenge (14-15 year olds) and Samson Junior Challenge (16-18 year olds)
Both the Teen Challenge and Junior Challenge are 4 person team events, part of the main Samson, where each team is put through nine gruelling challenges including a sled pull, farmers walk with jerry cans, prowler push, 130kg tyre flip, burpee challenge and more.
Registration is $320 per team. Entries close February 14.
Samson Teen Sprint (12-15 year olds)
The Teen Sprint is a 3km sprint starting at Hepburn Park, down Oliver Avenue to a turnaround point near GSAC and returning to Hepburn Park.
Pre-registration is $10 and registration on the day is $15.
Any students who put together an EAC team, should include EAC in their team name (eg. EAC Eagles) and will be provided with EAC athletics singlets to compete in. We already have two EAC staff teams registered for students to compete against. To register, or for more information visit www.lismoresamson.com
Top of the Arts
Lion King Roars
Congratulations to Ava Walheim, Valentina Mulé, Cleo Beesley and Roxanne Anderson who performed in the musical The Lion King at Ballina Players over the summer holidays. It was a successful show to a sold out audience. All four students shone on stage and delivered strong performances to a very appreciative audience.
Ms Mechelle Anderson
Teacher of Drama and Creative Arts
Friends of EAC
Northern Rivers News
