Issue 12 2023
‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’
Jerimiah 29:13
From the Principal
STEM and Digital Technology Centre
I am absolutely delighted to confirm that our Development Application for the construction of a state of the art, 21st century Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and Digital Technology Centre has been approved. We will now finalise the construction drawings and move to the Tender process. Construction will commence in early 2024 and the building will be fully operational for the commencement of 2025. This incredible facility will allow us to continue with our 'Towards 2030' strategic goals and support the continued growth of the College.
This centre has been designed to allow students to engage in contemporary learning practice while undertaking real world learning experiences that prepare them for 21st century life. The ground floor of the building is dedicated to STEM based learning experiences while the upper floor focuses on specialist digital technology courses and opportunities. The building design incorporates a series of large, medium and smaller spaces that create flexibility and adaptability for a range of learning experiences.
The ground floor of the building concept has been developed to support and promote a collaborative real world problem solving learning model. In such a setting, students are provided with a challenge or provocation, and then work through the processes of research, design, prototype development, testing and finally presenting or ‘pitching’ their innovations. There is a large central
collaborative learning space that will support large group presentations and also accommodate smaller group discussion and student development team group collaboration sessions. Students will have access to design and development studios with access to digital tools with which to develop concepts, research ideas, enable modelling and trial design features. They will then be able to access build and production studios to create prototypes for testing. In these studios, students will have access to micro and digital circuitry kits, laser cutters, 3D printers and other graphic design printing equipment. Students can then return to the large collaborative learning space to present and pitch their designs to the group.
The upper floor will provide students with access to a broad range of special courses and equipment that will enable them to explore an array of digital technologies and applications. This will include multimedia design and development, animation, digital imaging, robotics, coding, video development and editing, sound production and engineering, and virtual reality.
Throughout the building there is provision for displaying and exhibiting student work to model exemplar learning and provide stimulus for idea generation. The building also incorporates storage as well as student and staff amenity.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
Thank you from Kasukabe
Last Friday our EAC students farewelled their new friends from Kasukabe High School in Japan. One of the Kasukabe students, Hideaki Yagi delivered a lovely speech that encapsulated the experience.
"Thank you for coming to this farewell party so much.
We are happy for everyone to enjoy Japanese culture.
Thanks to your kindness, we were able to have a safe and enjoyable time.
As for me, this is my first time to go to a foreign country. I like English, but before coming here I was worried about living in Australia because I don't have confidence in my English skill.
However, my host family treated me as if I were a member of their family. Nami, Jade and Lily talked to me in easy English and we were able to get along! I felt so happy!
In the school, we were able to communicate with many students and enjoy school life together.
These experiences will be in our heart forever. We are sure that this program, because of your kindness, will become one of our greatest memories."
Hideaki Yagi
Kasukabe High School, Japan
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
Growing up as a child during The Troubles in Ireland, my safe place was curled up with my favourite book. Reading everything from Enid Blyton’s, Famous Five where every adventure ended with a picnic and ‘lashings of ginger beer’, to Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, recognised as the first fictional English novel written in 1719, my imagination was flooded with images of smugglers, pirates and shipwrecks, and being marooned on a desert island.
Now as a teacher of English Literature I look back on some of those stories I enjoyed and re-read them with a different lens. First published in 1942, the first Famous Five book made use of language such as “queer”, “gay” and even “brown” to refer to tanned faces. After being removed from library shelves in the late 1980’s, large-scale changes were made to Blyton's work to ensure children's minds remained 'unsullied by the nastiness of racism, sexism, and xenophobia'.
Robinson Crusoe, considered propaganda for British colonisation in the eighteenth century, glorified its creeds; such as the discovery and cultivation of isolated lands, the meeting with primitive tribes and cannibals, the promise of liberty and respect of the inhabitants and the superiority of the English nation over other nations. Now we read Defoe’s work through the lens of invasion, oppression, dispossession, cultural misappropriation and marginalisation.
Like any avid reader these books still sit on my shelves as a record of the place in time they held sway with their use of language. Language that today is acknowledged for its historic context, its ability to promote the dominate paradigm of its time but language which ultimately is out of place in our modern world. That is why at EAC it is so important that our students become critical readers and conscious users of language to ensure that their words are reflective of the values of love, humility, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, grace, inspiring others, charity and generosity.
So with Book Week just around the corner, take the time to enjoy a read!
Mr Francis McGuigan
Deputy Principal
Hot Topics: Innovations in Senior Business Studies
Teacher of Geography, Economics and Business Studies in Secondary, our very own Mrs Luanne McIllhatton, has been recognised for her innovative teaching techniques. Economics and Business Educators NSW (EBE), a peak organisation for professional teachers, has published a case study focusing on the success of 'Hot Topics', a key component of the Business Studies course taught by Luanne.
Luanne is a highly sought after teacher with more than 42 years experience teaching at some of Australia's best Independent Schools, including EAC. Luanne's lessons are characterised by engaging topics, delivered in fresh ways always with an eye to real world practicality.
Congratulations Luanne on this great achievement.
Sports Report
Celebrating Success and Rhythmic Additions
We proudly congratulate EAC's Under 15 girls' team for storming into Round 5 of the Bill Turner Cup, Northern Rivers' school sports competition for football (soccer). Their remarkable journey has marked EAC's best-ever performance in this fierce competition, showcasing their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Despite losing out in their last match, the team were thrilled with their performance, as are we.
Given the recent spate of visitors from Japan, it is fitting we celebrate a unique addition to our Secondary Sports program for Term 3 – the exhilarating art of Taiko drumming! The rhythmic beats and dynamic energy of Taiko will now be a part of our students' sporting experiences. The delighted response from our students has been overwhelming, and we can't wait to see them embrace this fusion of athleticism and artistic expression.
Stay tuned for more updates and let's keep supporting our teams as they make us proud. Go Team EAC!
Top of the Arts
JUST FOR SHOW
Our talented Drama Year 9 and Year 11 students are performing in two comedic plays on The Lindsay Walker Centre stage at 6pm Friday, 18 August.
Just For Show is an opportunity for our students to showcase for family and friends the great work they are doing in class this past semester.
All are welcome and entry is free.
Please note there will be lighting and fog effects during the productions.
EAC STUDENT WINS CROWNED WORLD CHAMPION!
Congratulations to Maya Bright, Year 10, who has just been crowned WORLD CHAMPION at the World Dance Masters Championships held in Blackpool, United Kingdom.
Congratulations as well to Maya's sister Aiyana, Year 3, who also competed at the Championships and achieved an impressive fourth place in her group dance category.
What a wonderful achievement for the Bright family!
Little Mozarts Band Workshop
Last week, EAC's Little Mozarts Band participated in a workshop day focusing on 'playing together as a band'.
Students worked on ensemble skills and took part in various small group activities with the Concert Band Tutor Team.
The highlights of the day included the Long Note Challenge and rehearsing with our Year 6 Concert Band Students.
Mr Adam Holmes
Music and Concert Band Leader
Mind Matters
NO DEBATE ON TEAM EAC'S ARGUMENT
During an energetic HICES Preliminary Final debate, the question of whether 'Children Should be Legally Required to Have a Bike Riding License' led to a fervent exchange of arguments between students from EAC and their counterparts at Bishop Tyrrell College in Newcastle.
Both sides presented meticulously structured points supported by illustrative examples.
The emotional appeal from Bishop Tyrrell College, centering around safety and adherence to road rules, struck a chord with the adjudicator. However, EAC's articulate presentation, cohesive teamwork, and relatable anecdotes pertaining to the associated expenses and the practical challenges of implementing such a system, ultimately clinched the victory.
As a result, the EAC Primary Team advances to the Quarter Final of the 2023 HICES Debating Competition. In this next stage, they are set to cross intellectual swords with Hunter Valley Grammar School, where they will be opposing the motion: 'That teaching financial literacy should be mandatory in Australian Primary schools'.
Mr Dan Walsh
Primary Pastoral Leader (Year 4 to 6), Teacher of Year 6 and Debating Coach
3, 2, 1, LEGO!
Well, it is that time of year again when our Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) students have the opportunity to participate in First Lego League. This year’s challenge is called MASTERPIECE.
Through the League, students will learn about the role STEM plays in the arts, and will imagine and innovate new ways to create and communicate art across the globe.
We look forward to seeing what the students come up with.
CLICK HERE to find out more about First LEGO League.
Mrs Julie Beavis
Teacher of Digital Literacy, Information and Software Technology (IST) and Mathematics
SUSTAINABILITY CENTRAL
BECAUSE WE CAN
We are excited to announce a major step forward in EAC's sustainability journey. The College Canteen is bidding farewell to plastic bottles and embracing a greener alternative: aluminium cans. This transition not only reduces plastic waste but also promotes recycling and minimises our carbon footprint.
Aluminium cans are easily recyclable, with a higher recycling rate compared to plastic. By making this change, we are fostering a culture of sustainability among our students and staff, demonstrating that small choices can make a big impact. Join us as we sip to a cleaner, greener future!
MIND MATTERS
SCHOOL REFUSAL
Is a 'battle of wills' occurring in your home too? Are you noticing your young children or teenagers are;
- Refusing to move when told to get out of bed or go out to the car?
- Locking themselves in their room?
- Throwing tantrums, yelling or screaming?
- Complaining frequently about headaches, tiredness or stomach upsets?
- Having trouble sleeping?
A recent growing concern, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic and 2022 floods, is when children behave in ways that we might term as 'School Refusal'.
Do you, as an adult, recall days when you have felt unmotivated or uninspired to go to work? While most common in children aged 5 to 6 years and again at 10 to 11 years of age, educators across Australia are noticing school refusal increasing across all age groups.
A Brief Overview
School Refusal is when children become extremely upset about going to school and there is an increase in their nonattendance. There is rarely a single cause. School Refusal may be linked to anxiety about leaving parents for a time, leaving the actual home, experiencing bullying challenges with peers, parents separating or experiencing significant illness. School Refusal can happen gradually or suddenly - there is no set pattern. The student's high level of distress or specific worry doesn’t go away. School Refusal is an emotional reaction to a perceived problem and hence, does not have a formal psychological label or diagnosis. Some effects of School Refusal include negative impacts upon learning and emotional development, detrimental effects on friendships and missed opportunities to connect with other students.
Finding Solutions
Tell your child that you are going to work together with EAC staff including teachers and counsellors to help them get back into happier school routines. Chat with your child's Class Teacher or Pastoral Care Teacher initially who can refer on to Leaders of House, the College's student support team and the Directors of the Primary and Secondary Schools as required. Affirm a collaborative strategy for life: we all work together as a team, in a problem-solving manner - using this approach with the right support, things will brighten for you.
We regularly hear phrases like “learning to be more resilient”. How you address this issue often helps prevent longer term misbehaviours or 'poor choice habits'. We need to convey to our young people that we all encounter problems that sometimes feel overwhelming… and that we can calmly resolve these challenges.
What can you do?
- Find a calm time to ask them about their concerns and worries about school, because once known, we can start to effectively address them
- As stated above, speak with EAC staff in developing a collaborative plan (practical ways to manage the schoolwork or social situations) depending on what is troubling your child
- Review different ways in which your child tries to manage their worries and focus on their strengths
- Consider learning relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises to help reduce the anxiety
- Consider if your child might benefit from professional support
Online Resources
- https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/school-refusal/
- https://schools.au.reachout.com/articles
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-learning school refusal
- https://childmind.org/article/when-kids-refuse-to-go-to-school/
- https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/school-anxiety-and-refusal/
- https://events.blackthorn.io/en/7F5Ucke7/g/8m73Sp78Ff/understanding-school-refusal-4a2V2e9epT/overview
- https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/c3e1167c-8547-418d-89f7-cbf45202c20f/200806sewell.pdf
- https://www.emedicinehealth.com/school_refusal/article_em.htm
Mr John Noble
Consulting School Counsellor
Library Lowdown
WRITERS FESTIVAL A HAPPY ENDING FOR YEARS 5 AND 6
What a fantastic day Year 5 and 6 had on Wednesday at the 2023 Byron Writers Festival!
Students attended talks by authors Karen Foxlee, Soli Raphael and Oliver Phommavanh.
Our students were very impressive - taking notes and asking the authors imaginative questions about the writing process. Emily Evans and Sylvie Thomson, Year 6 even introduced Oliver Phommavanh to an audience of over 500 students and teachers from schools all around the North Coast.
Many students had the opportunity to meet the authors in person and have books signed. With enthusiastic assistance from students, I was able to select a variety of amazing new books on sale at the Festival to add to the Joan Pickup Library collection.
It was a great day out and a wonderful chance for our students to experience this iconic Australian event.
Thank you and congratulations to Ms Ellie Darnell, Leader of Curriculum - Stage 3 and Teacher of Year 6, for coordinating such a great opportunity for our students and to all the staff who supported the event.
CLICK HERE to view a video of Emily and Sylvie's great introduction.
REGISTER NOW FOR YOUR STATE LIBRARY OF NSW MEMBERSHIP
Do you have a State Library of New South Wales (SLNSW) Membership? All NSW residents are able to sign up for one without charge!
I have been visiting Secondary Pastoral Care classes this week to remind students of this and to demonstrate the useful research databases students can access through this membership.
We have also been promoting the Joan Pickup Library’s eResources (available by logging in to the Library's homepage HERE) and checking that students have downloaded their eTextbooks and are utilising the ePlatform eBook/audiobook library.
I have been impressed with the Secondary students' library and information skills. Go Secondary, keep it up!
Ms Jasmine Jordan
Library Resource Centre Manager
BOOKMARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE LIBRARY EVENTS
August
Week 6 (Monday 21 to Friday 25 August 2023)
- Book Week: Students dress up as a book character
- Secondary: Tuesday 22 August
- Primary: Friday 25th August (plus Grandparents Day and Book Swap)
IS THIS THE PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR?
Kindergarten together with Years 1, 2, 3, and 4 have read the six picture books this term that are in competition for the Children's Book Council of Australia 2023 Picture Book of the Year. Students were asked to predict which book will win the Picture Book of the Year award and the votes are in!
Our students have predicted Frank’s Red Hat by Sean Avery to win. We’ll have to wait until Book Week to find out if they are right.
Excitingly, Frank’s Red Hat is also the book Meerkat Productions have transformed into a play that will be coming to the College on Friday 1 September.
CLICK HERE to check out the full shortlist of books in the running for Picture Book of the Year.
Canteen Counter
CHANGES COMING SOON
Get ready for some tasteful transformations on The College Canteen menu in the coming weeks as we elevate our commitment to both health and sustainability. In the spirit of offering the best nutritional options, we will be switching out unsustainably packaged foods in favour of delicious options with better 'green' credentials.
Look out for changes to our menu options in the SchoolStream app and further announcements in the Newsletter.
Thank you for your support as we make these important changes.
Friends of EAC
How to EAC
MEET AMBER
Have you met Amber yet? Amber is EAC's therapy dog and an important member of our College community. Amber is an Australian Cobberdog who is specially trained to support and comfort students.
Amber's friendly demeanour and gentle nature make her an ideal therapy dog. She has an ability to sense when someone needs a furry companion to brighten their day. Whether it's offering a paw to shake or cuddling up close, her presence brings an aura of calmness and happiness.
Therapy dogs, like Amber, have proven benefits, positively impacting students and staff alike. Research shows that interactions with these special canines reduce stress, promote emotional wellbeing, and even enhance academic performance.
Students are always eager to spend time with Amber who is a regular visitor across the College and of particular help during challenging moments.
Amber is reminder to us all of the power of compassion and the unique bond between humans and animals.
Early Learning Centre Corner
WE ARE BRAVEHEARTS
As part of the Early Learning Centre's commitment to child safety and empowerment, this week we welcomed Bravehearts to present a dynamic session about personal safety and boundaries.
Through age appropriate activities and interactive discussions, children gained valuable insights into recognising safe and unsafe situations. The incursion emphasised the importance of open communication and building a strong foundation for safety awareness.
Our heartfelt thanks to Bravehearts for their commitment to nurturing a safe and secure environment for our students.
Ms Nicole Wilson
Director of the Early Learning Centre
Primary Pulse
HOORAY FOR HOMESTAYS
Last week, my family had the pleasure of hosting two Japanese students from Tachibana Elementary School. Alongside my wife and our two daughters, we opened our doors to these international guests, bringing diverse worlds together under one roof. Our week was packed with activities that transcended language barriers, creating a unique blend of shared laughter, exploration, and connection.
Hosting visitors reminds you of the beauty of our area. Our adventures included a visit to North Wall, where our guests marvelled at dolphins frolicking in the waves. Their excitement was palpable, and our own children shared their joy, creating an atmosphere of pure delight. The cultural exchange continued with a trip up to Bexhill for Friday night pizza, where we all indulged in some delicious slices. It was heart warming to witness our guests embracing new flavours and enjoying an evening of shared laughter and camaraderie.
Following the inability to find episodes of Bluey with Japanese subtitles, we sat down to enjoy an anime film “My Neighbour Totoro”. It was the first time I’d ever watched an anime film and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the luxury of the English subtitles, something our guest didn’t have when we took them to see the Barbie film. I’m not sure half the young crowd understood the complexity of this really well executed film, let alone those who don’t speak the language. Our guests seemed to enjoy the spectacular images in the film though and even laughed at my reference to the kids dressed as Barbie at the screening of the film resembling Ballina’s version of Harajuku
teens!
Saturday night was all sport and I know they will go home with the phrase "Go Hawks!" We also cheered on the Japanese women's football team as they secured a victory against Norway. The sheer excitement of the moment united us all, reinforcing the idea that no matter where we are from, the thrill of competition is a language of its own.
Of course, no cultural exchange would be complete without sampling local delicacies. Our guests bravely tried some Vegemite on toast, and their expressions ranged from curious to intrigued – a true testament to their open-mindedness and willingness to embrace new experiences. They didn’t go back for seconds though, and left our beloved yeasty spread off their souvenir shopping list. Lamingtons were a big hit, as were Tim Tams.
One of the highlights of our time together was a traditional tea ceremony, during which we all sat down to share the experience and sip tea. It was a beautiful reminder that simple moments of connection can transcend language barriers and create bonds that last a lifetime.
Throughout the week, Google Translate became our trusty sidekick, helping us navigate conversations and share laughter even when words failed us. It was a powerful reminder that technology, when used with a dash of humour and a lot of heart, can enhance our connections in unexpected ways.
As our international friends packed their bags and bid farewell, our hearts were full of gratitude for the experiences we shared. The language of friendship knows no borders, and our home had become a temporary haven of cultural exploration and understanding.
So, here's to forging connections, cherishing shared experiences, and embracing the beauty of our global community.
I urge all families to consider taking in homestay students when the next opportunity arises.
Mr Wayne Cross
Director of the Primary School
Exploring Nature's Forces: Year 4's Coastal College Adventure Continues
Year 4 continue to enjoy their Coastal College program each Thursday which sees students experience a range of hands-on experiments and immersive lessons which enable them to understand the theory behind natural forces at play on our coastlines. From swirling water currents simulating erosion to investigating rock formations shaped by time, the program has ignited curiosity and awe. With each excursion, students engage in active learning, fostering a deeper understanding of the Earth's dynamic processes.
YEAR 1 GO WILD
This week our Year 1 students headed off on a grand adventure to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Please enjoy these marvellous recounts from Chloe, Lexi, Lily and Mia.
Yesterday we went to Currumbin Sanctuary. First we got on the bus at school. When we got there, we went to watch the bird show. I liked the owls in the show because they could eat as they flew around. We ate lunch after the bird show. We then went and saw a red panda, Tasmanian devil, crocodile and joeys. We came home on the bus. It was a great day out.
Chloe Palmer, 1A
Today we visited Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The bus ride there was long but really fun. We rushed to the bird show to see the colourful birds being fed. Ryan was our guide and taught us so much about all the animals that live at the Sanctuary including snakes. My favourite part of the day was seeing the lemurs. They were cute and very fast.
Mia Hawkins, 1A
Yesterday I went to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with all of Year One. First we went to the bird show, then we had some lunch. Next we saw tree animals. Then we saw a crocodile and a quocka. Finally we caught the bus back to school.
Lexi Jewell, 1B
Yesterday we went to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. First we got on the bus with the other class. After we got off the bus we went to the bird show - it was very cool. After that we had lunch and after we finished eating we got to look at some cool animals. Then we split up into groups to look at animals. My favourite animal was Freddy the red panda. Finally we got on the bus to go back to school.
Lily Fryer, 1B
Thank you to our volunteer parent helpers who assisted on the day.
Secondary Scoop
STUDENTS CONQUER THE MUD MILE AT YEAR 7 CAMP 2023
Our Year 7 students this week enjoyed rite of passage - camp! Their adventure unfolded early Monday morning with a journey to the Coffs Coast Adventure Park, Bonville. Our young explorers dived into a world of excitement, conquering obstacle courses and embracing the great outdoors. Laughter echoed through the air as they challenged themselves and forged strong bonds. The camp's resounding success not only showcased their resilience but also fostered teamwork and camaraderie. A huge shout out to our spirited students for embracing every challenge with zest and to our dedicated staff for making this experience possible.
Year 11 Retreat
On Monday, Year 11 students participated in the 2023 Year 11 Retreat. The focus of the Retreat was on Leadership and students were provided a range of activities that explored a range of leadership styles and which styles each student connected with.
Students had time to reflect on the importance of adapting to a range of leadership styles and then had time to reflect on the leadership they want to show both at EAC and in the community during their HSC year.
The leadership selection process for 2024 was then discussed so that students can decide if they are interested in taking a leadership position at the College.
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
Capturing Moments
The thrill of discovery and the joy of capturing the perfect shot were evident on the faces of our Photography students as they embarked on a series of captivating excursions recently. Exploring the picturesque Ballina coastline and the vibrant street art of Lismore, our talented young photographers honed their skills while immersing themselves in the beauty of our region. From breathtaking seascapes to vibrant urban murals, these excursions enriched their understanding of the art form and left them inspired to tell their unique visual stories.
Market Garden Flourishes
Our Secondary students are proudly celebrating their winter harvest from the EAC's Market Garden. Students have nurtured and harvested a bumper crop of seasonal vegetables and transformed the produce into delicious pickles, pesto and more. The Market Garden and Market Garden Café instil valuable lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Kudos to our budding gardeners and their mentors for cultivating both delicious produce and life skills.
GIRLS CAN TOO
This week our Year 10 and 11 girls had the opportunity to participate in the NSW Government's Regional Industry Education Partnerships 'Girls Can Too' program here at EAC.
This program allows female Secondary students to explore several traditionally male dominated trades including welding, construction, electrical, fabrication and automotive, and be provided with entry level skills.
Find our more about the program HERE.
Mr Ben McRae
Student Services Officer - Pathways and Partnerships
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
Our Year 11 Sports, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) students adventured this week to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to experience the Treetop Challenge as part of their exploration into activities designed to physically engage and challenge of different backgrounds and abilities.
The group had a great time, literally rising to the challenge!
Ms Kellie Guest
Leader of House Brockington and Teacher of Human Movement Science, PDHPE and SLR
Northern Rivers News
