Issue 11 2024
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
From the Principal
Welcome back to Term 3! It has been an incredible start to the second half of the year with NAIDOC celebrations, welcoming our international visitors from Japan, Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences, the Duke of Edinburgh expedition, the commencement of the Year 3 and 4 Coastal College program and eleven new students and two staff members joining our College community.
A special mention and welcome to our friends from our sister schools, Kasukabe Kyoei High School and Tachibana Elementary School. These exchanges are invaluable, offering our students the chance to develop cross cultural understanding and form lasting friendships. A heartfelt thank you to our Homestay Hosts for opening their homes and hearts to our guests. Your generosity and hospitality are greatly appreciated and play a crucial role in the success of these exchange programs.
The 2024 National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) results have been released to schools and EAC’s results are, once again, very pleasing and confirmation of the hard work of students and the dedicated efforts of staff. As part of the NAPLAN program, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 undertake tests in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. In all these domains across each of the year groups, our students were above national average. The College will now set about reviewing the performance of all students and identifying ways to respond to the key messages contained within its detail for teaching and learning. While the data is significant, detailed and allows comparison to national trends, it is worth remembering that this is one of many assessment tasks that students will undertake this year and that it is providing a snapshot of student learning at a specific point in time. Along with NAPLAN, students participate in numerous internal assessment tasks which each tell a small part of the story of each student. Their greatest worth, however, is found in gathering all this information together to help create a profile of each learner that can shape what teachers do in providing meaningful experiences for students in their class.
This term will also include one of the most eagerly anticipated social events on our calendar: the Friends of EAC Trivia Night. This fun event will be held on the evening of Saturday 24 August in the Lindsay Walker Centre. The Trivia Night promises to be an evening of fun, laughter and community spirit and is a fantastic opportunity for parents, carers, staff and friends of EAC to come together, test their knowledge and enjoy a great night out. I encourage everyone to mark their calendars and join us for what promises to be a memorable event.
As we navigate through Term 3, let us continue to support one another, celebrate our achievements and strive for excellence in all our endeavors. I look forward to the exciting events and milestones this term will bring and wish everyone a productive and fulfilling term ahead.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
Connecting Communities: EAC's Sports Uniform Donation to Rafiki Mwema
EAC recently made a donation of preloved and now out of use sports jerseys and uniforms to Rafiki Mwema, a charitable organisation in Kenya. Founded by EAC's own Sarah Rosborg, mother of Lovisa Rosburg in Year 7, Rafiki Mwema provides a safe and nurturing environment for children who have experienced trauma and abuse.
The donation, which includes a variety of sports jerseys and uniforms, will be utilised by the children at Rafiki Mwema. This initiative not only supports the children in Kenya but also emphasises the importance of sustainability and giving back.
Sarah Rosborg's connection to EAC and her dedication to making a difference through Rafiki Mwema is an inspiring link to our EAC values of compassion and citizenship which we seek instill in all our students. By donating these items, EAC is extending a helping hand across continents, bridging communities and making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
We are proud of this initiative and are looking forward to developing an ongoing relationship with Rafiki Mwema.
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.
FLEXISCHOOLS APP
Canteen orders, absentee notices, important notifications and more can all be found on EAC's app, FlexiSchools 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
As we journey through Term 3, I am reminded of the incredible displays of courage that surround us, both within our College community and beyond.
A great example of courage is the performance of Australian swimmer, Emma McKeon at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Emma faced a formidable challenge as she competed in her final Olympics. Despite a shoulder injury that threatened to derail her dreams, Emma demonstrated extraordinary courage, pushing through pain and doubt to not only compete but secure a gold medal in the 100m freestyle. Her perseverance and bravery under immense pressure serve as a powerful reminder of what it means to confront adversity head-on.
Emma's story of courage is a testament to the human spirit and mirrors the challenges our students face every day. At EAC, Courage is one of our four values, alongside Citizenship, Creativity and Compassion. Our students are encouraged to embody this whether they are preparing for assessments, navigating social dynamics, or standing up for what they believe in.
Just as Emma McKeon displayed resilience and integrity in her pursuit of excellence, we urge our students to approach their studies and personal challenges with the same fortitude. Facing exams and assessments requires not only academic preparation but also the courage to remain true to oneself and uphold personal integrity. In our Holistic Learning Framework, we link courage with responsible decision making, persistence and problem solving. It is courage that empowers our students to make good choices, persist and overcome problems to achieve their personal best.
As we continue through this term, let us draw inspiration from Emma’s journey and strive to be courageous in all our endeavors. Together, we can foster an environment where every student feels supported and empowered to face their challenges with bravery and confidence.
Mrs Julie Fryer
Deputy Principal
Sports Report
Athletics Carnival Results
Our Primary students have been busy during their sport lessons and are almost finished catching up on their remaining events from last term's Athletics Carnival. Both the individual Age Champions and the overall Champion House are still too close to call, with the couple of remaining events potentially changing the final outcomes. All events will be completed by Tuesday of next week and the results will be shared at the next Primary assembly.
The results of our Secondary Athletics Carnival are below.
Mr Mike Ryan
Leader of Sport and Coaching
Congratulations to Emily Evans!
We are proud to share the news that Emily Evans, Year 7, received an Outstanding Achievement medallion from New South Wales Combined Independent Schools Sports Council (NSWCIS). This prestigious award recognises Emily's remarkable success in Multi Class Swimming at the 2023 NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (NSWPSSA) Swimming Championships. Emily's impressive results included 11th in the 50m Freestyle, 8th in the 100m Freestyle, 9th in the 50m Backstroke, 10th in the 50m Breaststroke, and 5th in the 50m Butterfly. Congratulations, Emily, on this well-deserved achievement!
The medallion was presented to Emily at the Term 3 Commencement Assembly on Tuesday, 23 July 2024.
NCIS Secondary Netball Championships
Four of our Secondary netball teams traveled to Tweed Heads on Thursday 25 July to compete at the NCIS Secondary Netball Championships.
Congratulations to both of our boys teams who went through the day undefeated to be crowned U15 and Open Boys champions.
Special mention to Asha Ledingham (Year 9) who was selected in the NCIS U15 Girls team to travel to Sydney for the NSWCIS Secondary Netball Championships on Monday 19 August.
Netball NSW Schools Cup - Primary
Yesterday, our Year 5 and 6 students took to the netball courts at Ballina Netball Association in the local Netball NSW gala day. We are yet to receive the final results but were very happy with the way all of our teams played.
Today, it's our Year 3 and 4 students' turn and from all reports they are also enjoying themselves.
Student Spotlight: Jacob Palmer | Rugby Union
During the Winter School Holidays, Jacob captained the U12 Far North Coast Rugby Union team at the State and Country Championships held in Camden. The Far North Coast team came away from the tournament as the NSW Country Champions. They also placed 6th in the NSW State Championship. Congratulations to Jacob and his team mates.
Ava Delaney Shines in Leadership and Sports
Ava Delaney, Year 11, has achieved remarkable recognition through her involvement in athletics and community sports.
Ava was selected to participate in a highly coveted leadership camp organised by NSW Little Athletics, a significant honor as only 60 students from across the state were chosen. This opportunity allowed Ava to develop her leadership skills and network with like minded peers.
As well, Ava's dedication to sports and community service earned her a prestigious nomination for the the 2024 NSW Community Sports Awards where she was selected as a Finalist for the state. Being recognised as a finalist in such a competitive field is a testament to her hard work and commitment. Ava's achievements reflect her determination and serve as an inspiration to her peers. Well done, Ava!
Congratulations to Sienna and Emilia Savage
Congratulations to Sienna Savage from Year 9, who has been accepted into the Queensland State Equestrian Team to compete at the National Dressage Titles this September. Ranking in the top 4 riders in her division, this is a fantastic achievement.
Kudos also to Emilia Savage, Year 7, who performed exceptionally well in combined training (dressage and show jumping). Emilia narrowly missed making it to the top riders but, as one of the youngest in her division, we’re excited to see what the future holds for her.
Finnigan Robinson Named in 2024 Men's National Futures Squad
Finnigan Robinson, Year 10, has been named in the 2024 Men's National Futures Squad following his stellar performances at the Hockey Australian Under 18 Championships. This incredible achievement places him among the top young talents in the country and marks him as one to watch for the future of Australian hockey.
The National Futures Squads, announced by former Kookaburras legends Mark Hager and Mark Knowles, include 32 promising athletes from all across Australia. These athletes are being recognized as the next generation of hockey stars, set to shine as we look forward to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Congratulations on your success, Finn!
Mind Matters
EAC Chess Champs Shine in Shearwater Showdown
This week our Junior Chess League tournament team had the opportunity to travel to Shearwater Steiner School in Mullumbimby and participate in Round 5 of the North Coast knockout tournament. Team EAC did exceptionally well with Joshua Weingarth, Anthony Coutinho (both from Year 11) and Lukyn Patrick (Year 12) outplaying their opponents quickly on Boards 2, 3 and 4 to go up 3-0.
Meanwhile, on Board 1, Will Houghton-Olive (Year 12) had a tight battle with his opponent who played good positional chess to press Will's king but through a well thought out defence was able to enter an endgame up a rook and convert the win.
We are still in the hunt to claim second place. Good luck, team EAC!
Mr Jarryd Hawkes
Chessmaster and Teacher of Backyard Engineering, Mathematics and Physics
DIGITAL DISPATCH
Introducing EAC's Digital Dispatch!
Welcome to the latest addition to our newsletter! Each edition will now include awesome tips and tricks to level up your EAC IT skills and knowledge. Whether it is avoiding pesky recurring problems or learning something new, we have got you covered.
First up: Printing Credit. At the beginning of each year, all students are provided with printing credit ($10 for Primary and $20 for Secondary) to last the entire school year. Below is a breakdown of printing charges:
Here are some tips to help make your credit last:
- Print in grayscale as much as you can. It’s much cheaper!
- Go double-sided (Duplex) when printing lots of pages. This saves paper and money.
- Only print for yourself - no favours
- Double check your print settings before hitting 'print'. Avoid mistakes!
If you run out of credit, you will need to purchase additional credit at Reception and extra credit will then be added to your printing account.
Print smart to save money and the environment!
EAC IT Team
CHAPLAIN CHAT
Finding True Teachers: Lessons from an Afghan Refugee
One of my favourite teachers is an Afghan refugee. He said one short sentence. I wasn’t even there. His few words have had a big impact on me.
Like so many refugees fleeing the conflicts the West engages in, Abdul was not safe in his homeland nor welcomed elsewhere. He was held in detention under the ‘care’ of the Australian Government. This is where he met Emma Adams. She worked as a psychiatrist in the centres. She has three strapping boys of her own but felt the need to extend hospitality to another. So they adopted Abdul and welcomed him into their home. It was a difficult, transformative journey. CLICK HERE to read more about Emma and Abdul.
At different times different peoples are used as scapegoats, demonised and despised by the dominant culture. In this country it used to be Irish then Italian migrants. It has almost always Aboriginal people. Refugees have taken a beating over the last two decades. If only RoboDebt architects or corporate tax cheats received half the scrutiny!
Emma invited ill upon her home and family by fostering Abdul. One day a man sprayed ugly things on Emma's driveway. Emma lost her normal composure, went to the door and gave her own 'spray' in return. Abdul came and stood by her, took her hand, waiting for her to finish. Emma stopped and turned her face to Abdul. When their eyes met, the teenage boy from the Kurdish hills of Afghanistan said in his third language “Don’t let them be your teacher”.
Don’t let ugliness and ugly people be your teacher.
Who and what should we foster as teachers?
The young? Yes. The old? Yes. Bunjalung elders would say let country be your teacher: let the tides, the cycles of the night sky and the rhythms of birth, growing, blossoming and return teach us about living.
Jesus. Of course the Chaplain would say Jesus, but there, in person, is God’s teaching.
Who and what do you allow to be your teacher? Who and what should be?
I conclude with the opening words of this term’s chapel series, copying the work of Dom Day:
Life is a gift.
The world is full of wonder.
At the heart of it all is a love that will never let you go.
Rev Richard Browning
Chaplain
SUSTAINABILITY CENTRAL
Waste Audit and Sustainability Initiatives Update
At the end of Term 2, Ballina Council conducted the 2024 waste audit, building on the work from 2023. Following last year's recommendations, EAC has implemented a 3 bin system. While student usage has improved, some contamination remains. To address this, we have initiated a project suggested by Primary staff. Student volunteers from Years 2 and 3, supported by student leaders, will wear 'Eco Warrior' tabards to guide their peers on proper bin usage. Our goal is to reduce bin contamination.
As part of their Sustainable Living lessons, Year 8 students participated in a 'Love Your Lunch' workshop. They learned to make beeswax wraps and sandwich sushi, complementing their studies in sustainable agriculture and cooking.
In celebration of Plastic Free July, The College Canteen has eliminated even more single use plastics. We have also placed informative posters on all bins to guide students in proper waste disposal.
Year 10 Outdoor Education students will continue our tree planting project, extending their efforts along the College's River Street frontage to increase food sources for pollinators and provide natural screening.
We encourage parents and carers to support our initiatives by reducing landfill waste in student lunchboxes. Your cooperation is essential in fostering a more sustainable school environment.
Ms Kathryn Ashdown
Sustainability Action Group Leader
Exciting Extension of Our Market Garden
Following on from the success of our Market Garden Stage 1 project, we are please to unveil the extension of our veggie patches as well as the construction of a seedling house and potting bench. The abundant produce harvested from the Market Garden to date has proved to be a valuable resource for both Primary and Secondary students, enriching a variety of subjects and experiential learning modules. Our students enjoy the opportunity to engage in outdoor learning, cultivating not only plants but also their knowledge and skills.
A highlight of this extension is the new potting bench, crafted from recycled materials that would have otherwise gone to landfill. This eco-friendly addition underscores EAC's commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Thank you to our resourceful maintenance team for their enthusiastic involvement with this initiative.
Library Lowdown
The Library Catalogue Refresh for the Paris Olympics
The Joan Pickup Library catalogue has received a refreshing update just in time for the Paris Olympics! We encourage parents and students to explore the wealth of information resources and fun activities available via the library website HERE.
Our Library Monitors are busy organising a variety of entertaining games and activities for students, making this an exciting opportunity to learn about the Olympics in an engaging way.
Don't miss out on the fun and educational experiences our refreshed catalogue has to offer!
Ms Amy Quitoriano
Library Resource Centre Manager
Swap and Share: Sustainable Costumes for Book Week
As Book Week approaches, we are encouraging students, parents, and carers to collaborate on swapping costumes in an effort to make this annual event more sustainable and enjoyable.
Before purchasing new outfits, we would like to suggest;
- Utilising the Friends of EAC WhatsApp Groups to share images and ideas
- Chat with other parents and carers during pick up and drop off times to share resources
- Encourage students to brainstorm costume ideas amongst themselves
- Trawl your local second hand shops for bargains and ideas
Swapping and reusing costumes not only reduces waste but also fosters a sense of community. Let's make this Book Week eco-friendly and fun by reusing and recycling costumes! Together, we can create memorable and sustainable celebrations.
Friends of EAC
EAC ESSENTIALS
NOTES FOR STUDENTS
Trial examinations for our HSC students will be held over the coming weeks. With this in mind, we will be seeking to minimise distractions including the use of our public address system to broadcast announcements, especially announcements to call students to Reception for pick up by a parent or carer during the school day.
You can support us in this endeavour by providing your child with a written note for them to show teachers and Reception if they are to leave class early for appointments and the like. Please detail the time the student is required to be at Reception for pick up and the reason. Please also ensure a parent or carer signs the note.
Please note that teaching staff may not check their emails during the school day.
SchoolStream Soon to Cease
Following the successful implementation of FlexiSchools as our canteen ordering and news app, EAC will soon cease its use of the SchoolStream app.
FleixSchools is free to download from both the Apple App Store and Google Play and takes just a few minutes to set up your profile.
To stay up to date with EAC notifications and reminders, please enable Push Notifications on the app.
Important notices will continue to be emailed to parent and carer contacts.
Find out more about FlexiSchools HERE.
Manage your parent and carer email contact details HERE.
Primary Pulse
Green and Gold Day Wrap-Up
Our Green and Gold Day held today was a resounding success! The students came dressed in green and gold to show their support for the Australian Olympic team. The event was a great celebration of national pride and sportsmanship. The achievements of our Australian Olympic athletes continue to inspire us all. Their dedication and hard work remind us of the value of perseverance and teamwork. We encourage our students to channel this spirit of determination into their own pursuits, both in and out of the classroom.
The Green and Gold Day coincided with the arrival of our Tachibana Elementary School buddies which was a very Aussie way for them to immerse themselves into the life and culture of our College (and our country)!
Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences
We appreciate all the parents who attended the Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences this week. These meetings are a vital part of our partnership with you, providing valuable insights into your child’s progress and allowing us to work together to support their development. We encourage communication between home and school as we see the benefits of this relationship for the development of our students. Regular updates help us address any concerns promptly and celebrate achievements. We can discuss specific strategies to support your child’s learning needs and building a strong relationship between home and school fosters a supportive learning environment.
Mr Wayne Cross
Director of the Primary School
Celebrate Grandparents and Books: Exciting Events Planned for Friday 23 August
We are eagerly anticipating our annual Grandparents’ and Book Week Celebration Day on Friday 23 August which is always a memorable event for students, grandparents, and families alike.
Here’s what to expect.
Parade Kick-Off
Join us in The Lindsay Walker Centre at 9:00am for our Book Week Parade! Students and staff will be showcasing their creative costumes as their favourite book characters. All family members are invited to this vibrant start to our celebration!
Classroom Visits
Following the parade, grandparents are invited to spend time in the classrooms with their grandchildren. This is a wonderful chance to see their learning environment and engage in fun activities together.
Morning Tea
Around 11:00am, we will host a morning tea for all grandparents. This year, we invite Year 5 and 6 families to contribute cakes and slices to make this a delightful treat. Please drop off your donations at The Ezzy Centre on the morning of the event.
Secondary Scoop
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Congratulations to the outstanding students who were awarded Academic Awards for Semester 1 at our Term 3 Commencement Assembly, held on Tuesday, 23 July. These awards recognise the hard work, dedication, and excellence demonstrated by our students across various subjects and grade levels.
Academic Effort and Application Award - Years 11 and 12
Academic Effort and Application Awards are presented to students in Years 11 and 12 who have applied themselves with diligence and sustained effort throughout their studies. These students have shown a remarkable commitment to their academic pursuits, consistently striving to better themselves across multiple subjects. While they may not have achieved first place, their unwavering effort and determination deserve to be equally acknowledged and celebrated. We are incredibly proud of these students for their dedication and perseverance.
Commitment to Learning Excellence Award - Years 7-10
Commitment to Learning Excellence Awards are presented to students in Years 7, 8 , 9 and 10 who have shown consistency across the Commitment to Learning areas in every subject. These students have demonstrated excellence across all the Commitment to Learning areas for each subject, embodying the values of hard work, focus, and a positive attitude toward learning. Their consistent effort and excellence serve as an inspiration to all of us, showcasing what can be achieved through dedication and a love for learning.
These awards not only highlight the academic achievements of our students but also reflect the supportive and encouraging environment fostered by our staff, parents and carers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in guiding and nurturing our students to reach their full potential.
Once again, congratulations to all the award recipients. Your hard work and dedication have paid off and we look forward to seeing your continued success in the future.
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
EAC Shines at 2024 North Coast Careers Expo
On Tuesday 30 July, Year 10 and Year 11 students attended the 2024 North Coast Careers Expo, a premier event showcasing a variety of career pathways and opportunities.
EAC students demonstrated their skills and enthusiasm, earning accolades in two competitions.
Our talented barista team was awarded Runners Up in the North Coast Junior Barista Challenge, impressing judges with their coffee-making prowess. Additionally, our culinary team triumphed in the Ready Steady Cook competition, showcasing their creativity and teamwork.
Students enjoyed learning more about the many career paths available to them and how EAC is supporting the learning journey to take advantage of these opportunities.
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Adventurous Journey
Last week, students from Years 9, 10 and 11 participating in EAC's Duke of Edinburgh program embarked their Silver Adventurous Journey which proved to be a challenging and rewarding experience. Over three days and two nights students hiked and camped around the stunning landscapes of Springbrook and Numinbah Valleys. This journey tested their endurance, teamwork and resilience as they navigated through diverse terrains and weather conditions.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award program is a prestigious, internationally recognised initiative that encourages young people to develop skills, engage in physical activities, volunteer in our community and experience adventure. Participants work towards Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, each requiring increased commitment and achievement. The program aims to foster personal growth, leadership and a sense of community.
Our students demonstrated exceptional perseverance and camaraderie throughout the journey, embodying the spirit of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to supporting them as they continue their Duke of Edinburgh experience.
Ms Ellese Morrissey
Duke of Edinburgh Leader
Innovative Investigations: EAC Year 11 Chemists Embrace Depth Study Challenge
Our Year 11 Chemistry students at Emmanuel Anglican College have recently undertaken the exciting Depth Study assessment, a vital component of the NESA syllabus that allows them to delve deeper into their chosen scientific inquiries. They combined Artificial Intelligence Large Language Modelling (LLM) and real-world experimentation to generate and analyse data before comparing the results from both sources.
The Depth Study is designed to encourage students to engage with chemistry concepts through practical experiences and experimentation. It not only enriches their understanding of theoretical knowledge but also equips them with essential scientific skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
This year, students had the autonomy to choose experiments that resonate with their interests. Here are some of the intriguing investigations they conducted:
- Chemical Reactions and Rates: Several students explored how different factors such as temperature, concentration, and catalysts affect the rate of chemical reactions. They meticulously measured reaction times and analysed data to draw meaningful conclusions.
- Enthalpy: enthalpy changes associated with different chemical reactions. Students explored how variables such as temperature, concentration, and the presence of catalysts influence the energy changes during reactions. They drew meaningful conclusions about the enthalpy variations in these chemical processes by meticulously measuring temperature changes and analysing the resulting data.
- Stoichiometry: production and calculation of precipitate mass using their knowledge of stoichiometry. They explored how reactant concentrations and reaction conditions affect the formation of precipitates. By meticulously measuring the mass of reactants and products and applying stoichiometric principles, they calculated the expected and actual masses of the precipitates.
Through these investigations, students gained invaluable hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for the scientific method. The Depth Study assessment has proven to be an enriching journey, fostering a passion for chemistry and igniting curiosity about the vast possibilities within the field.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 cohort for their dedication and enthusiasm. Their hard work and innovative approach to learning have not only met but exceeded the expectations of the curriculum.
Stay tuned for more updates on their scientific adventures and future achievements!
Mr Gavin Hartel
Leader of Curriculum (Science)
Year 9 Commerce: Running a Business
Year 9 Commerce students, under the guidance of Mr Bryan Malone, Mrs Wendy Finlay and Mrs Amanda Middleton, have embarked on an exciting entrepreneurial journey this term. They have diligently developed innovative business ideas and transformed them into operational businesses, showcasing their creativity, strategic thinking and business acumen.
This week, the fruits of their labor were put to the test. On Wednesday evening at our Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences and at lunchtime on Thursday, the students set up vibrant stalls around the College, eagerly offering their unique products for sale. The variety of items available was impressive, reflecting the diverse interests and talents of our budding entrepreneurs.
It was heartening to witness the strong support from the entire College community. Students, staff, and families enthusiastically visited the stalls, making purchases and encouraging our young business leaders. This support not only provided the students with valuable real world business experience but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration.
A big thank you goes out to everyone who supported these businesses. Your encouragement and participation have made this learning experience both meaningful and memorable for our Year 9 Commerce students. We look forward to seeing how these young entrepreneurs will continue to grow and innovate in the future.
Year 10 Wellbeing Day: Building Resilience and Connections
On Wednesday, our Year 10 students immersed themselves in a transformative Wellbeing Day, designed to foster personal growth and equip them with the tools to navigate life's challenges. This special day encouraged them to reflect on their identities, develop resilience, and strengthen their sense of community as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey.
The day kicked off with insightful workshops led by the dynamic teams from Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman. These sessions provided students with valuable perspectives on self awareness, emotional intelligence, and strategies to face adversity with confidence.
Following the workshops, students engaged in a variety of reflective activities that further enriched their Wellbeing Day experience. Reverend Richard led a spirituality session that offered a moment of introspection and spiritual growth. The day also included a fun physical activity session, promoting the importance of physical health and wellbeing. Adding a creative touch to the day, students enjoyed a tie dye sock activity, allowing them to express their individuality and creativity.
Throughout the day, students had ample opportunities to build new friendships and strengthen existing connections. These interactions are particularly significant as they move forward in selecting subjects for their senior studies, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
The Wellbeing Day was a resounding success, providing our Year 10 students with both practical tools for personal development and memorable experiences that will guide them as they continue their educational journey. We are proud of their engagement and enthusiasm, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this day on their future endeavors.
History Comes Alive: Year 8 Students Experience Medieval Europe
On Friday 27 July, Year 8 were treated to a medieval show presented by the company Celtic Thunder. Their presenter for the day, Colin Phillips, is a professional performer and educator who has a passion for medieval and celtic history. He loves sharing his knowledge in an informative and dramatic way that allows students to experience this period of history, seeing, hearing, touching and smelling the culture and lifestyle of this fascinating and often violent period.
Colin came along with a huge assortment of authentic weapons, armour, artifacts and period costumes and the students were all keen to dress up and take part in interactive activities. The show links directly to the topic of Medieval Europe which is now studied in the subject ‘Changing Worlds’. The students were a great audience and Colin emailed me afterwards to give his compliments on the students' behaviour. Colin said ‘They were a great group to work with and very helpful in the pack-up. Hopefully I can come again next year’.
Thanks to my wonderful Human Science and Its Environment (HSIE) staff who gave up their time to supervise the students and provide them with this wonderful opportunity for learning outside the classroom.
Ms Jennifer Holmes
Leader of Curriculum (HSIE)
Duke of Ed Breakfast Canteen Kicks Off with a Sizzle!
We are delighted to announce the successful launch of the Duke of Edinburgh Breakfast Canteen, which began serving students this week. This new initiative will be open from 8:00 am to 8:40 am every Thursday and Friday for the duration of the term.
This program not only provides a delicious start to the day but also supports our Duke of Edinburgh participants in developing essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and service. The students involved in running the canteen are gaining valuable experience in managing operations and customer service.
We encourage all students to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to enjoy a wholesome breakfast while supporting their peers in the Duke of Edinburgh program. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the successful commencement of this initiative and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have throughout the term.
Northern Rivers News
