Issue 12 2024
‘Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it: but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it’
Matthew 16:24-15
From the Principal
Planning is well underway for the 2025 College year and this week there were many new faces visiting the College as part of the Kindergarten Experience Day. Experience days are a very important part of the Transition Program which is designed to support both students and families as they work through the process of establishing themselves positively in a new learning environment. Students get to know the teaching staff, familiarise themselves with new routines and most importantly, make new friends. It was a delightful day for all involved with all our newest students going home with smiles on their faces, some items for show and tell at home and lots of exciting stories about their day. A huge thank you to our Kindy teaching team Mrs Nicole Wagland and Mrs Megan Kelvin for all their preparation and organisation of the day. Special thanks to our Early Learning Centre team who also supported the students as they took their first steps towards big school.
Once again, thank you to all our families that have hosted our international visitors this term. Our visitors from Kasukabe High School, Tachibana Elementary School and the LR Study Group have all being so grateful for the welcome and hospitality provided by our community. Thank you to all the families who have graciously opened their homes to the visiting students. The program involves students undertaking English lessons, attending mainstream classes and exploring the local region. Our students are also enjoying the opportunity to make new friends.
Over the last two weeks, Year 12 have been completing their Trial HSC examinations. In the coming weeks, all those students that undertake HSC courses with a practical component will have to either submit a major work or perform for the HSC Practical Examiners. This is part of their HSC Examinations. Once this is complete, all students will then prepare for the written HSC examinations which take place in Term 4. It is obviously a very busy time for all our students, not forgetting the fact they are also preparing for their graduation from the College while also completing applications for their post school pathways. I ask you to keep our Year 12 students in your thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks as they commence the final part of their educational journey.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
What's On
CALENDAR
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FLEXISCHOOLS APP
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WEBSITE
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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
Important Update on School Departure Procedures
As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our students, we would like to inform you of an important update regarding our early departure procedures.
Effective immediately, students will not be permitted to leave the College grounds during the school day without a written note from a parent or carer. The only exception to this policy is for Year 12 students who may leave at the conclusion of their scheduled periods for the day. Secondary students will no longer be able to sign themselves out and will instead be signed out by a member of staff at Reception.
This measure is being implemented to enhance the safety and wellbeing of all our students and to maintain a secure learning environment.
If your child needs to leave school early for any reason, a written note must be provided. The note should include the student’s name, the reason for leaving and the date and time of departure. Your child will need to show this note to their class teacher to leave class at the appropriate time and then present it at Reception in order to be signed out.
Please ensure that your child has this note with them when they arrive at the College on the day of their early departure so they can be at Reception at the relevant time.
The note may be provided in any of the following ways:
- An email to attendance@eac.nsw.edu.au and the relevant class teacher - for Secondary students, we recommend also copying the student’s EAC email address
- A written note in the student’s Planner (Primary students in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 only)
- A hard copy note provided directly to the student
In the event of an unforeseen emergency, please contact Reception directly and we will arrange for your child’s early departure. You can contact Reception in any of the following ways;
- By phoning 02 6681 5054
- By emailing enquiries@eac.nsw.edu.au
- In person during opening hours (8am to 4pm Monday to Friday)
We believe that this updated procedure will contribute to a safer school environment and help us manage student departures more effectively. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter and thank you for your continued support in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students.
Mrs Julie Fryer
Deputy Principal
CHAPLAIN CHAT
No More Mobbing
This week, something extraordinary happened during Primary chapel - an experience that was both powerful and deeply moving, all sparked by a simple music clip. There was a stillness among us, where something precious, even holy, seemed to pass through the room.
To provide some context, 'mobbing' is a destructive force. Perhaps one of the most dangerous things in the world is a mob of humans, unhinged from what makes us human, moving as one, united in menace. Those who fuel or incite a mob act as agents of inhumanity. Yet, the opposite is all the more remarkable. When a large gathering of humans moves with kindness, empathy and grace, the beauty of being human becomes visible.
The clip was introduced to the students with these words:
“I am about to show you a picture of what heaven looks like. Incredibly, it is just a short video clip. I invite you to enjoy it, to delight in what you see, and in your delight, let this be our prayer today. Lewis Capaldi has the most extraordinary voice. His music and lyrics are honest and, at times, raw. He lives with Tourette's. In 2023, Lewis appeared at the Glastonbury Festival and just as he started to sing, he was struck by his tic. You can see it happen. He couldn’t sing. Normally, when that happens, the crowd grows restless. It’s always awkward, often embarrassing. But on this day, something truly beautiful happened. The crowd sang back to Lewis his own song. Watch. Enjoy.”
The track played (watch the clip HERE).
These lyrics echoed through the chapel:
“I’m going under, and this time I fear there’s no one to save me
This all or nothing really got a way of driving me crazy
I need somebody to heal, somebody to know,
Somebody to have, somebody to hold...
Now the day bleeds into nightfall,
And you're not here to get me through it all…”
As the song ended, a profound silence hung in the air. Then, we prayed:
“O God, may we honor the dignity of each other, and by our presence give back what we have already received. May we hold each other up and stop each other from falling. Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name…”
May we embody this spirit of kindness and support here at EAC, in our homes, classes, and teams. As a nation, may we offer shelter to those fleeing wars, may we never stoke the fires of fear and may we always draw out from each other our kindest, truest selves.
Rev Richard Browning
Chaplain
Primary Pulse
Exciting Events Ahead: Book Week and Talent Show
We are eagerly anticipating next Friday’s Book Week Character and Grandparents’ Day! The day will commence with the annual Book Week parade in the Lindsay Walker Centre at 9am. All families are invited to join in this festive event. Following the parade, grandparents will have the opportunity to visit classrooms and share special moments with their grandchildren. By 11am, we will gather for a cuppa, and this year, we are asking families in Years 5 and 6 to contribute a plate of treats for our popular morning tea. Please drop off your plates at The Ezzy Centre on the morning of the event.
Talent show season is approaching for the Primary students with “EAC’s Got Talent” scheduled for Friday 6 September. This annual initiative, organised by the Primary Student Representative Council, provides a fantastic platform for students in Years 1 to 6 to showcase their talents and entertain their peers. This event is a wonderful opportunity to give your classmates a memorable experience on stage.
This year, as we reflect on our core College values - Courage, Compassion, Creativity and Citizenship - it is clear how well the Talent Show aligns with these principles:
Courage: Participating in the Talent Show takes bravery. Performing in front of an audience and sharing a piece of yourself requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Each performance is a testament to personal growth and the courage to face new challenges.
Compassion: The Talent Show is a celebration of mutual support. As students prepare and perform, they will experience encouragement from peers, teachers, and family. Cheering for friends and acknowledging everyone’s hard work fosters a compassionate and supportive environment.
Citizenship: Engaging in the Talent Show contributes to a vibrant and inclusive school culture. It brings together students and teachers, strengthening our College community and reinforcing the importance of being an active and positive participant.
Creativity: At its heart, the Talent Show is a celebration of creativity. Whether students are dancing, singing, performing magic tricks, or showcasing original artwork, they express themselves in unique and imaginative ways. This event highlights the creative spirit that drives our College community.
Students in Years 1 to 6 can sign up for the Talent Show by writing their names on the sign-up sheets in their classrooms. We encourage everyone to participate and showcase their talents. Break a leg!
Mr Wayne Cross
Director of the Primary School
Bullying No Way Week at EAC
Today, EAC celebrated the culmination of Bullying No Way Week, a national initiative aimed at uniting schools and communities across Australia in the fight against bullying. This year’s theme, "Everyone Belongs," emphasises the importance of fostering a sense of belonging to prevent bullying.
Our Year 6 students embraced this message with enthusiasm, decorating their faces with purple zinc to symbolise their unity and commitment to the cause. Purple, the official color of the movement, represents the strength and solidarity of the campaign.
By coming together and supporting one another, we create a safer, more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. As we conclude Bullying No Way Week, let’s continue to champion the values of kindness and acceptance, ensuring that every individual at EAC feels they truly belong.
Thank you to all who participated and made this week a meaningful and impactful experience. Together, we can make a difference and build a supportive community where bullying has no place.
Mr Daniel Walsh
Primary Leader of Wellbeing (Year 4 to Year 6)
Primary Star Award: Willem Kingston
We are pleased to announce that Willem Kingston, Year 6, has been honoured with a Primary Star Award. Willem earned this recognition for consistently setting an exemplary standard in his sports classes through his exceptional manners, attentive listening, enthusiastic participation, admirable effort and humour.
Willem’s dedication extends beyond the classroom as demonstrated by his impressive performance at the end of Term 2 during the Primary Golf Experience Day at Ballina Swing It Driving Range & Mini Golf. His remarkable golf swing, honed through consistent practice, determination, patience and discipline was a highlight of the event.
Willem’s achievements reflect his commitment to excellence and serve as an inspiration to his peers. Congratulations, Willem, on this well deserved accolade!
Mr Tony Lancashire
Primary Sport Leader
1A Delivers A Warm Welcome
This week, EAC had the pleasure of hosting Emma Marshall, a student from Japan whose family is originally from Ballina. Emma spent a week with us, joining the students in 1A and immersing herself in school life at EAC.
Emma, who now lives in Japan with her parents, embraced the opportunity to reconnect with her local roots and experience life at EAC. During her time here, she participated in class activities and made some great new friends.
It was wonderful to see Emma engaging with her peers and adapting so quickly to the EAC environment. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude made her a delightful addition to 1A and we hope she had as much fun with us as we did having her here.
We wish Emma all the best in her continued studies in Japan and hope to see her back at EAC in the future. Thank you to 1A and to Mrs Tina Cahill for making Emma's visit such a memorable experience.
Ms Jennifer Buddee
Teacher of Japanese and International Student Coordinator
Secondary Scoop
Great New Initiative by the Student Representative Council
Our Secondary Student Representative Council (SRC) have been busy of late. Beginning this term, the SRC is producing a weekly video clip that features interviews with both staff and students about the latest events and happenings at EAC.
This new project is already providing a dynamic way for our Secondary students to stay informed and connected. Each video is shown during Pastoral Care classes at the start of the week, offering an update on College events, achievements and upcoming activities.
The initiative developed by students, for students, showcases the creativity and leadership of our SRC members. Congratulations to the SRC for their innovative approach and commitment to enhancing our EAC spirit!
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
Biology Buddies: Year 11 Students Share Microscopic Marvels with Year 8
This week, Dr Justine Jacob's Year 11 Biology students stepped into the role of teachers, sharing their expertise on microscopes and cell structure with Mr Luke Doepel's enthusiastic Year 8 Science class. This collaborative learning experience brought the NSW Science and Biology syllabi to life, bridging the gap between Stage 4 and Stage 6 curricula.
The Year 11 students, drawing from their studies of Cells as the Basis of Life, guided the younger students through the intricate process of preparing onion tissue slides. This hands-on activity perfectly aligned with Year 8's exploration of Cells as Basic Units of Living Things.
As the Year 8 students peered through microscopes, their older peers explained the fascinating world of cellular organelles. The Year 11 students demonstrated their ability to communicate complex scientific concepts, while the Year 8 students eagerly applied their developing skills in scientific inquiry.
This peer teaching initiative not only reinforced learning for both groups but also cultivated several Habits of Mind. Students practised 'Questioning and Posing Problems' as they explored cell structures together. 'Thinking Flexibly' was evident as the older students adapted their explanations to suit their younger audience.
It's inspiring to see our students embracing 'continuous learning.' The Year 11s are consolidating their knowledge by teaching, while the Year 8s are getting a glimpse of the exciting biology that awaits them in senior years.
This successful cross year level integration has set the stage for future collaborative learning experiences in EAC's Science department. Stay tuned for more exciting Science initiatives!
Mr Gavin Hartel
Leader of Curriculum (Science)
EAC Students Shine at World Dance Masters Championships
We are pleased to share the outstanding achievements of our students Harriet Bryar, Year 7 and Hannah Kernaghan and Sayla Meredith , Year 9, who recently traveled to Blackpool in The United Kingdom, to compete at the World Dance Masters Line Dancing Championships.
Competing alongside 10 other dancers from their studio, Heart of Dance, the trio faced off against competitors from 26 countries. Their dedication and hard work over the past 12 months were evident as they showcased their talent on the international stage.
The studio returned home to Lennox Head with an impressive nine World Titles! This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the girls' perseverance and commitment to their craft.
Congratulations to Hannah, Harriet and Sayla for their exceptional performance. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to celebrating their continued success in the future.
Important Update: AFP and AUSTRAC Tackle Offshore Sextortion
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) have successfully shut down over 500 bank accounts linked to offshore criminal syndicates involved in sexually extorting Australian teenagers. This multi-jurisdictional operation, known as Operation Huntsman, began in June 2022 and targets Australian-based accounts used to funnel money to international crime networks.
Sextortion involves coercing victims into sharing sexual images and making payments under threat of exposure. The AFP is deeply concerned about the rising trend, which has seen reports of sextortion increase dramatically - over 100 reports monthly, a significant rise from the previous year. Many victims are young males aged 15-17, though some are as young as 10.
Operation Huntsman has led to substantial disruption, with more than 100 individuals facing action and hundreds more under investigation. The operation is a part of broader efforts to combat this crime, which includes collaborative international investigations and public awareness initiatives.
The AFP urges parents and carers to support and protect children if they become victims of sextortion. If your child is facing such threats, do not pay the demands and report the incident to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) at www.accce.gov.au.
For further information and resources on protecting your child online, visit www.thinkuknow.org.au and check out the ACCCE’s Closing The Net podcast for valuable advice.
DIGITAL DISPATCH
Keep Your Password Safe
Ensuring the security of your student's EAC password is crucial. Please remember that this password is private and should never be shared with anyone, including staff, IT personnel or other students.
If you suspect that someone else may know your password, change it immediately. To do so, follow these steps:
1. On your desktop, press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select "Change a password"
2. A Google Chrome page will open to office.com - sign in using your existing credentials
3. Complete the required fields on the next screen and click "Submit"
For security, EAC passwords must:
- Be at least 8 characters long
- Include an uppercase letter
- Include a lowercase letter
- Include a number
- Not contain any part of your name
Stay safe and keep your online accounts secure!
EAC Essentials
Friends of EAC
Library Lowdown
Mind Matters
First Lego League 2024: Get Ready to Dive into the 'Submerged' Challenge!
It is almost time to assemble our teams for the upcoming First Lego League (FLL), a thrilling STEM-based competition with an ocean-themed challenge titled 'Submerged'. This year, we are excited to form three teams: one for Year 5, one for Year 6 and a combined team for Secondary students in Years 7 to 10.
The regional competition will take place at Hastings Secondary College in Port Macquarie on Saturday 16 November with the national championships set for Saturday 30 November at Macquarie University in Sydney. Please note that participating students will need to arrange their own transportation to the venues.
If your child is interested in participating, please reach out to Mrs Julie Beavis at jbeavis@eac.nsw.edu.au. Remember, this is a significant commitment and we look forward to seeing the enthusiasm and dedication of our students as they dive into this exciting extracurricular activity!
Be sure to check out the season reveal clip HERE.
Mrs Julie Beavis
Teacher of Digital Technology, Digital Literacy, Information and Software Technology, and Mathematics
Sports Report
2024 EAC Primary Athletics Carnival Champions
We are excited to finally be able to announce the House and Age Champions of the 2024 EAC Primary Athletics Carnival!
After an extended period of competition to allow for rain delays and the like, we extend our congratulations to House Brockington for taking out the House Championship. Congratulations also to our Age Champions for each division who demonstrated outstanding athleticism and sportsmanship.
Thank you to everyone for your patience as we finalised the results and ensured all students were provided the opportunity to compete.
Well done to all our participants and congratulations again to our champions!
Mr Mike Ryan
Leader of Sport and Coaching
Exciting Opportunity for Female Students: Northern NSW Football 2024 Her Sport Her Way Initiative
We are pleased to offer our female students a fantastic opportunity through the Northern NSW Football 2024 Her Sport Her Way funding initiative. This program provides a pathway into football coaching and refereeing at no cost, allowing students to develop their skills and grow in the sport.
The initiative offers the following courses for free:
- Football Skills Training Coaching Certificate (Age 15+) - usually $60
- C-3 Football Referee Course (Age 13+) - $183, reimbursed upon completion
Male students are also welcome to participate but will need to cover the course costs themselves.
If you are interested, please register your details by clicking on the relevant link below before Monday 26 August. Be sure to enter 'EAC' in the sections asking about your club and competition as well as any additional information.
Once registered, we will monitor your progress and work to schedule the practical sessions. If enough EAC students sign up, we will host the practical components at the College. Otherwise, they will take place locally in Ballina.
This is an excellent chance for our students to explore coaching and refereeing in football and continue their sporting development. We encourage all interested students to take advantage of this opportunity!
Mr Tony Lancashire
Primary Sport Leader
EAC Primary Rugby League Challenge Triumphs Over Cancellation
When the inaugural Catholic & Independent Rivers Primary Rugby League Challenge was canceled, our determined U12 Boys (Rugby League) and U12 Girls (League Tag) teams refused to let it dampen their spirits. Instead, they seized the opportunity to showcase their skills by hosting our own EAC Primary Rugby League Challenge on the oval last Tuesday.
With enough eager players to field two teams in each competition, the day was filled with exciting matches as our students displayed the results of their weeks of dedicated training. Their impressive skill and determination were on full display as they battled for bragging rights and personal pride.
A special thank you to Mr Falvey, Mr Pearson, Mr Lees, and Ms Craig for their invaluable support on the day. Now, we eagerly shift our focus to the upcoming Matt King Cup in Casino on Thursday 26 September.
NCIS Athletics Update: New Date Announced
Due to recent wet weather, the NCIS Athletics Championships in Coffs Harbour, originally scheduled for last Wednesday, have been postponed to Tuesday 27 August.
Families of students who have qualified to represent EAC at the event have been sent updated information. Please review this information carefully and confirm your child’s attendance through Parent Lounge by Monday 19 August.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prepare for this rescheduled event. We look forward to seeing our students compete and represent EAC with pride on the new date.
Netball NSW Secondary Schools Cup: EAC Shines on the Court
EAC was proudly represented at yesterday's Netball NSW Secondary Schools Cup gala day in Lismore, fielding three boys' teams and three girls' teams competing for spots in the Far North Coast (FNC) finals.
Our boys continued their dominance on the netball court, with all teams remaining undefeated throughout the day. The only exception was a dead rubber match for the Year 9 boys, where they played out of position, having already secured their place in the FNC finals.
The girls also had a strong showing, with the Year 9/10 team dropping only one game and both the Year 7 and Year 8 teams enjoying success at various stages.
We eagerly await the final results to see which teams have qualified for finals, but we're confident EAC will play a major role once again.
A big thank you to Ms Williams for her excellent umpiring, to our students who also took on umpiring duties between games, and to Ms Campbell, Mrs Miller, Mrs Atkinson, Ms Morrissey and our netball parents for their unwavering support throughout the day.
Jett Qualifies for National Cross Country Championships
We are proud to share the news that Jett Beck, Year 11, has qualified to compete at not one, but two prestigious national events!
Jett will represent EAC at the All Schools National Cross Country Championships in Melbourne from 20 to 24 August, followed by the Australian Athletics Cross Country Championships in Launceston, Tasmania from 29 August to 3 September.
This is an outstanding achievement and we wish Jett the best of luck as he takes on the nation’s best in both competitions!
Top of the Arts
Welcoming the LR Study Tour Group from Japan
This week, EAC had the pleasure of hosting the LR Study Tour group from Japan. Our visiting students, who attended classes in Years 7, 9, and 10, engaged in English studies and explored Australian culture firsthand.
The experience was enriching for both our EAC students and our Japanese guests. Our visitors enjoyed participating in classroom activities, while our students embraced the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and forge new friendships. The interaction fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives, and firm friendships were established.
We extend a warm thank you to all who contributed to making this visit a memorable and successful one. The connections made and the cultural insights gained are invaluable, reflecting the true spirit of international collaboration and understanding.
You can watch a great highlights reel of the visit HERE.
Ms Jennifer Buddee
Teacher of Japanese and International Student Coordinator
Northern Rivers News
