Issue 13 2024
'You will seek me and find me when you seek with all your heart.'
Jerimiah 29:13
From the Principal
The last two weeks of College life have been an incredibly busy and exciting time for all. There have been a number of significant academic, cultural and sporting events over the last fortnight which reminds me, once again, of the amazing breadth of opportunities that are available to our students.
Thank you to all those grandparents, parents, families and friends who joined us for the Book Week Parade and Grandparents Day last Friday 23 August. It was a great celebration of learning, community and family and it was wonderful for our Primary students to get involved in such an enjoyable event that encourages and promotes a love of literature and reading. Many thanks to the staff for their efforts to celebrate the day and for dressing up as book characters. Thank you also to parents and carers for helping the students bring their favourite book character to life and to those who supplied something scrumptious for our Grandparents Day morning tea. It was a fantastic community day. I also congratulate and thank all the Secondary students who dressed up as their favourite book character for Secondary Assembly last Tuesday.
Congratulations to the large contingent of students, staff, parents and carers who travelled to Coffs Harbour this week for the 2024 NCIS Athletics Championship. It was a fantastic day of competition with many students achieving personal best performances. A number of students were victorious in individual events with four students being crowned Age Champions. EAC came home with both the Primary and Secondary percentage trophies. More than 50 students have been selected to compete at the CIS Athletics Championships - an absolutely remarkable outcome. Well done to all involved and special thanks to the staff who supported a very long day that began before the sun was up and ended after it had gone down.
On Thursday evening this week, Year 12 Drama students put on a fabulous performance in The Lindsay Walker Centre as they presented their HSC Group and Individual Performance pieces. The HSC Showcase evening was orchestrated by the very talented Mrs Mechelle Anderson. The students will now present their pieces to the HSC examiners in the coming week. They have also been invited to the Regional Drama Showcase, ‘Dramaworks’, at the Byron Community Theatre on Wednesday 11 September. Congratulations to all involved.
Our Secondary Concert Band also ventured north to compete in the Gold Coast Eisteddfod last week. The competition is held in very high regard and involved approximately 50 schools. The students really held their own and the judges' comments were highly complimentary. Most importantly, the staff involved said the students were incredible ambassadors for the College, holding themselves to the highest standards both on and off the stage. Meanwhile, our Primary choirs and Junior Concert Band attended the Lismore Eisteddfod and also performed extraordinarily well, achieving First Place in both the Primary School Choirs Years 3 and 4, and the Vocal Ensemble Years 5 and 6 competitions.
Our Middle and Open debating teams have both progressed to the semifinals of the HICES Debating Competition. This is a statewide competition for independent schools with each division consisting of approximately 70 teams so it is an amazing achievement for EAC to have two teams in the semifinals. We wish them the very best of luck in their upcoming debates.
Finally, a huge thanks to all our trivia buffs who attended the Friends of EAC Trivia Night on Saturday 24 August at the College. It was a wonderful night of friendly competition and fun. This year’s theme was ‘ Music Through the Ages’ and lots of attendees took the opportunity to dig out their wardrobe from yesteryear and dress up for the occasion. It was a great night with lots of laughs. A huge thank you to Steve Carigg and the Friends Committee for all their work in getting the event together. I am proud to say (maybe even brag) that EAC staff tables had a clean sweep of the podium.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
What's On
CALENDAR
For your personalised Calendar of Events, simply log in to Parent Lounge HERE.
Stay up to date with EAC announcements and news by following us on Facebook HERE.
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
Importance of Maintaining Uniform Standards at EAC
At EAC, our commitment to high standards is reflected not only in our academic achievements but also in our appearance. As we transition through the changing seasons, it is an ideal time to refresh and reinforce our uniform expectations. Maintaining uniform standards is a key aspect of upholding one of EAC's values: Citizenship.
Wearing the College uniform with pride fosters a sense of belonging and unity among students. It demonstrates respect for the College community and contributes to a positive learning environment. By adhering to uniform guidelines, students show their commitment to representing EAC with dignity and respect.
To support families in maintaining uniform standards, the Friends of EAC Second Hand Uniform Shop is open every Tuesday during term time from 2:30pm to 3:30pm in The Ezzy Centre. This is a valuable resource for obtaining uniform items at affordable prices. New uniforms are also available from The School Locker.
We encourage parents and students to refamiliarise themselves with EAC's Uniform Requirements which are available HERE on the EAC website.
Mrs Julie Fryer
Deputy Principal
CHAPLAIN CHAT
Where in the World?
Where in the world is it possible to see all these in the same walk: a common kingfisher, an osprey on a tree branch chomping on a small snapper, a koala joey cuddling its mother and a few humpback whales singing to each other, audible from the headland?
Our backyard is the answer. Last Saturday at Byron Bay specifically.
What a beautiful world we live in! What a profound responsibility is ours to care for it.
Damon Gameau is a world class storyteller. His latest film, Future Council, was released recently to rave reviews. He is an impassioned advocate for safeguarding the planet and passing on its abundant beauty to our children’s children. He has many mechanisms for leveraging transformative changemaking but his preferred is storytelling. An odd choice maybe when there is grave urgency to limit heat trapping, global warming and species loss. He is subversive. He is also right (see his 2023 TEDx Sydney). The stories we tell ourselves shape the way we relate to the world. If the story we tell ourselves is that we are apart from nature and above it, that nature is an object, a resource for use, then it should not surprise that nature groans under the weight of our reckless profiteering. We have to find another story. Gameau suggests that Christianity is complicit in this destructive story. He argues persuasively that humans thinking they possess a divine authority to subdue the earth is a story with a continued catastrophic effect on the planet. He is right. But on this one, there is no need to find another story. We need only remember the original.
For the next five weeks the Church across many denominations celebrates the Season of Creation which ends on Sunday 6 October with the Feast of St Francis. Inside this story is all we need to address creation as a brother would a sister, to recognise our interrelated connection is for mutual flourishing. The way we reflect the image of God is to walk humbly together and safeguard the good of creation for generations not yet born.
May we never tire of the necessary work of safeguarding creation. May we, of EAC, be ever more vigilant, persuasive and generous in this necessary work.
Join me in this prayer inspired by Brook Prentis, Wakka Wakka woman and Christian leader;
Great Creator Spirit, we cry out to you in prayer
May the destruction of Country be turned to restoration
May we love all our neighbours; our land neighbour; bird, fish, rock neighbour; river, sea and valley neighbour
May the gift we have borrowed from those unborn be returned better than we received it
In our care for our kin of every kind, may we, and the whole earth, be blessed
Amen
Rev Richard Browning
Chaplain
Primary Pulse
Go the Extra Smile Week: Spreading Joy and Positivity at EAC
This week, our EAC Primary students wholeheartedly embraced 'Go the Extra Smile Week', a special initiative dedicated to promoting joy, a sense of belonging and overall wellbeing. Throughout the week, students have been finding creative and heartfelt ways to make each other smile and feel valued. Whether it’s lending a helping hand to a classmate, sharing a kind word or simply spreading positivity, our students are demonstrating the power of small acts of kindness and fostering a positive and inclusive school environment.
Today our students enjoyed a special performance by Meerkat Productions of 'Being Jimmy Baxter' and 'Timeless', both shortlisted for the 2024 Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award. This performance not only entertained but also inspired our students, highlighting the importance of literature and storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding.
We are also delighted to welcome students from St Margaret's Elementary School in Tokyo, Japan. Their visit has been a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing our students to form new friendships and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
Adding to the excitement, our adventurous Year 3 and 4 students are participating in the Coastal College program each week during Term 3. Swapping classroom confines for stunning coastal landscapes, they learn about marine life and ecosystems, applying their studies to real world scenarios through hands on experiences.
Go the Extra Smile Week is a reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy in our daily lives. We are incredibly proud of how our students have embraced this initiative, making a positive difference and creating a happier, more connected College community.
Mr Wayne Cross
Director of the Primary School
Book Week Parade and Grandparents Day: A Student's Perspective
The 2024 EAC Book Week Parade and Grandparents Day were filled with excitement and joy as our Primary students showcased their creativity and celebrated the love of reading. The event brought together students, teachers and families for a day of fun and memorable moments. Here are some delightful recounts from our Year 1 students, capturing the essence of this special day.
On Friday it was Book Character Day. All the primary students went to The Lindsay Walker Centre. The teachers were characters from books. Mrs Cahill was a giraffe. Mr Cross played some fun music. Then it was our turn to walk on the catwalk. It was very fun. After that we went back to our classroom and grandparents came to look and see what it was like. Finally they went to morning tea and we said goodbye to our grandparents.
by Hannah Robinson, Year 1
On Friday Primary students went to The Lindsay Walker Centre. It was Book Character Day. Mums, Dads and Grandparents had a very good time because they got to see their grandchildren. They loved the costumes. I was very proud. I loved my costume. I was a groovy Greek.
by Leo Zavala-McGuiness, Year 1
CLICK HERE to enjoy highlights from our 2024 Book Week Parade and Grandparents Day.
Secondary Scoop
Year 7 and 11 Camp Adventures
This week has been fantastic for the Secondary wellbeing team with both Year 7 and 11 camps offering memorable experiences.
Year 7 Camp
From Monday to Wednesday, Year 7 students attended the Coffs Coast Adventure Centre, engaging in a variety of activities such as zorb ball, a giant swing, canoeing, zip lining, laser tag and an obstacle course. These activities provided students with opportunities to challenge themselves, develop resilience and forge friendships across the entire cohort.
Combined Year 7/11 Day
On Wednesday, Year 7 and 11 students came together for a day filled with House based challenges, celebrating the connections made through the EAC Peer Support program. Year 11 leaders guided Year 7 students through 'Minute to Win It challenges and an exhilarating game of capture the flag.
Year 11 Camp
Year 11 students extended their camp stay, focusing on self-reflection and leadership development. They presented their leadership speeches, followed by a vote for our College leaders for 2025. The camp provided a unique opportunity for students to bond, reflect on their roles as leaders and create lasting memories.
Thank you to the College staff who attended the camps, built connections with the students and made these enriching opportunities possible.
Year 7 Experience Day
On Thursday we hosted the second experience day for the incoming Year 7 cohort of 2025. Students participated in a variety of taster lessons after learning about the history of EAC. A highlight for many was the pizza making activity in the Food Technology lessons.
It was wonderful to witness the excitement of the students as they gained insight into what it will be like to be a Secondary student at the College, providing them with an opportunity to start forming connections.
Year 8 Retreat
Next Monday, Year 8 students will participate in their first retreat in Secondary school. Held at St Mary’s in Ballina and led by Rev Rich, this retreat will offer students a chance to deepen their understanding of the values and ethos of the College. We look forward to the meaningful experiences and reflections that will come from this retreat.
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
EAC Drama Students Shine at DramaWorks
We are thrilled to announce that our Year 12 Drama class's Group Performance and Cassidy Curnow's solo performance piece, "Boot," have both been nominated to perform at DramaWorks. DramaWorks is a prestigious showcase featuring the best HSC drama performers from across our region.
This nomination is a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent of our students and their teacher, Mrs Mechelle Anderson. Congratulations to all involved for this outstanding achievement!
DramaWorks will be held on Wednesday 11 September. Tickets are available through the Byron Theatre website. Don't miss this opportunity to support our talented students and witness some of the finest drama performances in the area!
DIGITAL DISPATCH
What to Do When Your Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Is Broken
Hello and welcome back to another installment of EAC's Digital Dispatch!
This topic covers the steps to take if your Microsoft Surface Pro 9 computer is broken. Whether the issue is user damage or a device fault, we encourage all students to visit the Help Desk located in the library for assistance.
Categories of Computer Issues
- User Damage
Examples: Smashed screens, bent chassis, and liquid damage.
Students are entitled to two claims under our accidental damage protection insurance. If a third claim is necessary, Microsoft will bill EAC for the repair or replacement, and this cost will be passed on to the student's account.
Note: Accidental damage protection insurance does not cover the keyboard (type cover), protective case, or charger. - Device Fault
Examples: Desktop failing to load, WiFi controls disappearing from the menu, and device failing to boot after an update.
Regardless of the type of issue, please bring your device to the Help Desk in the library to have it examined and repaired as needed. Our team is here to ensure that your learning experience remains smooth and uninterrupted.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
EAC ESSENTIALS
SCHOOLSTREAM SOON TO CEASE
A reminder that EAC uses the FlexiSchools app for reminders and notifications as well as processing online orders for The College Canteen.
At the end of this term, EAC will cease to use the SchoolStream app.
FlexiSchools is free to download from Apple's App Store and Google Play and we encourage all EAC parents and carers to download the app and establish a profile before the end of this term.
We are confident our EAC community will enjoy this change and welcome your feedback to enquiries@eac.nsw.edu.au.
Proposed European Tour 2025: Information Night
We have received a good number of expressions of interest for the proposed European Tour in April 2025. This exciting tour will take students to London, Paris, the Western Front, Berlin, Nuremberg and Munich.
To provide more detailed information about the tour, we have arranged an information night for next Thursday 5 September, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm in The Ezzy Centre. Natalie Levy from Libertas Travel will be presenting a comprehensive outline of the tour and will be available to answer any questions.
During the information night, we will cover important topics such as visas, accommodation, itinerary, travel, safety, costs, payment plans, transport and any other queries you may have.
If you are unable to attend the information night but are still interested in the tour, please email Mr Greg McDonnell at gmcdonnell@eac.nsw.edu.au.
We need a minimum of 20 students and parents for the tour to proceed.
We hope to see you at the Ezzy Centre on Thursday to learn more about this incredible opportunity.
Library Lowdown
Celebrating Book Week
Book Week was so full of magic this year! The Joan Pickup Library was a buzz of excitement with much discussion about costumes, new books and decoration of our library. The Library Monitors were so helpful in processing, covering and shelving a selection of new books for the library.
Exciting New Arrivals
Our shelves have been updated with a fantastic selection of new books across our Junior fiction and non-fiction collections. There are exciting new gripping thrillers, fabulous fantasy fiction and interesting non-fiction hidden gems. Many of these titles were requested by the students and they have been positively received.
In the Senior collection some new titles are on display with more to come.
Special Collections Highlight
Earlier this year, an additional collection was created in the library. This collection was created to connect our older Primary students seeking novels with more mature themes and characters, while still being age appropriate. The new Middle Fiction collection includes fiction and graphic novels for students aged between 10 and 13 years. The focus of this collection is to continue to excite and engage our fiction fanatics and maybe entice those that are more reluctant.
Australian Children’s Literature and Illustrators
The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), Book of the Year Awards is an event that coincides with Book Week.
The CBCA Book of the Year Awards honour the outstanding contribution Australian writers and illustrators make to children's literature. Our library has a wonderful collection of these awarded and notable books. The library catalogue displays all the current and previous CBCA winners available to borrow. To browse this collection and others, visit the EAC website.
Donations and Sharing
Book Week also highlighted the strong sense of community that our library fosters. During the week, two students donated books to the library. This is a wonderful way of giving books a second life and adding to our collection.
If you have quality titles in great condition, we will happily accept donations at Reception (open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday).
Sally Rippon, Australian Children’s Laureate 2024-2025
‘All kids can be readers’ is Sally Rippon’s theme as Australia’s Children’s Laureate.
The Children's Laureate is appointed on a biennial basis and must be an Australian author and/or illustrator of children’s and/or youth literature. The role of the Australian Children's Laureate is to promote the transformational power of reading, creativity and story in the lives of young Australians.
If you would like to know more about how you can assist your children in reading as a parent or educator Sally has published a book titled Wild Things: How We Learn to Read and What Can Happen If We Don’t. It offers awareness around neurodivergency and learning difficulties and how they may be best supported at home and in the classrooms, and assurances for parents who are concerned their children don’t read enough or the ‘right’ kind of book.
Sally Rippon’s Billie B. Brown and Hey Jack! books are ideal for our students in Kindergarten Year 1 and Year 2, and are available to borrow from the library. I am available to recommend and match books with students reading levels and interest, to explore the magic that lies within.
If you would like more information about the work and events Sally Rippon is presenting, visit her website https://www.sallyrippin.com/childrens-laureate.
Ms Amy Quitoriano
Library Manager
Reminder: Term 3 Scholastic Book Club Orders Now Open
Orders are now open for the Term 3 Scholastic Book Club. This is a great opportunity for students to explore new books and foster a love of reading.
To place an order, simply visit the Scholastic Book Club website, select the books your child would like and complete the payment process online. This convenient method ensures a smooth and secure transaction for everyone.
Orders for Term 3 will close on Friday 13 September 2024.
We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to enrich your child's reading experience.
Happy reading!
EAC Participates in Write a Book in a Day Competition
After winning the top prize in last year's competition, EAC is once again participating in the Write a Book in a Day competition. This unique event offers students the chance to work collaboratively and creatively while raising funds for The Kids' Cancer Project.
Since 2009, Write a Book in a Day has contributed over $1 million to bold childhood cancer research through The Kids' Cancer Project. This competition not only fosters teamwork and creativity among students but also supports a vital cause.
If you would like to sponsor one of our teams for this year's competition, please visit Write a Book in a Day and search for Emmanuel Anglican College to find a team or student to sponsor.
Please dig deep! Every donation brings us one step closer to ending childhood cancer for the 950 children diagnosed every year in Australia. Thank you for your support and generosity.
Mind Matters
Debating Teams Triumph in HICES Competition
Congratulations to our incredible Opens and Middle debate teams for their recent victories in the HICES Debating competition! Both teams have secured their spots in the semi finals, showcasing their outstanding skills in argumentation, critical thinking, and teamwork. We are so proud of our students for their dedication and hard work and we will be cheering them on as they prepare for the next round!
The Middle Debate Team, consisting of Banjo Holt from Year 7 and Henry Drew, Montague Hewitt and Aurelien Rignault from Year 8, argued in the affirmative on the topic 'Implement a tax on fast fashion'. Their compelling arguments and cohesive teamwork led them to a well deserved victory.
The Open Debate Team, comprising Harper Ainsbury, Year 10 and Roi Choing, Zoe Marr and and Will Saunders, Year 12, faced the challenging topic 'High schools should eliminate standardised tests'. They argued in the negative, demonstrating their exceptional debating prowess and critical thinking abilities.
Both teams competed against Northholm Grammar from Sydney.
We look forward to seeing Team EAC's continued success in the semi finals.
Sports Report
NCIS Athletics
On Tuesday, 104 EAC students braved the heat of Coffs Harbour to compete in the NCIS Athletics Championships. It was a terrific day for our students as the announcer seemed to continually be calling out EAC when reading through the results of each event.
Overall, EAC finished third in the total points scores but we once again managed to claim the percentage points championship across both Primary and Secondary divisions!
Congratulations to all students who proudly represented our College and specifically those students who placed in the individual age championships:
PRIMARY
- Junior Boys (8-10 years): Rafferty Holt - 2nd, Ondy Franco - 3rd
- Senior Boys (12+ years): Matthew Rullin - 1st
SECONDARY
- 13 Boys: Anderson Feeney - 2nd, Aurelian Rignault - 3rd
- 14 Girls: Sarah Vanem - 1st
- 14 Boys: Henry Drew - 2nd
- 15 Girls: Asha Ledingham - 3rd
- 15 Boys: George Morgan - 2nd
- 16 Girls: Manu Harding - 1st, Iley Lewis 2nd
- 16 Boys: Hayden Kelvin - 1st, Ben Morgan - 2nd
- 17 Girls: Ava Delaney - 3rd
- 17 Boys: Kaelan Matuz-Jacobson - 3rd
- 18+ Boys: Lukyn Patrick - 3rd
We now have 54 students who have qualified to compete at NSWCIS with the Primary Championships as soon as next Friday and the Secondary Championships not until the last week of term. Good luck to all EAC students as you continue your success at the next level.
Mr Mike Ryan
Leader of Sport and Coaching
Jett Beck - School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships
Our cross country superstar Jett Beck (Year 11) represented NSW last week at the School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships in Melbourne.
In the 16/17 Years Boys Individual 6.3km Race, Jett came in 17th position with a time of 22:34.51. The three students who all placed on the podium were invitational competitors from New Zealand, meaning that Jett actually finished 14th in Australia.
As a 16 year old, this was a great result for Jett in the combined age group as most of the competitors in front of him were 17.
Jett's time qualified him as part of the NSW 5 x 3000m relay for the team event on Friday. Coming in 3rd place behind New Zealand and Queensland, Jett and the NSW boys claimed the bronze medal.
Jett's sights are now set on the Australian Athletics Cross Country Championships in Launceston where he is currently competing alongside fellow EAC student Robbie Mumford. We can't wait to hear how both boys go in Tasmania.
Top of the Arts
EAC Shines at Gold Coast and Lismore Eisteddfods
Our talented students have once again demonstrated their musical prowess at both the Gold Coast and Lismore Eisteddfods, bringing home numerous awards and accolades.
Gold Coast Eisteddfod
Last week, our Secondary Concert Band ventured north to compete in the prestigious Gold Coast Eisteddfod. Competing against approximately 50 schools, our students truly held their own, impressing the judges with their outstanding performance. The judges' comments were highly complimentary, praising the band's musicality and precision. Most importantly, the staff noted that our students were incredible ambassadors for the College, upholding the highest standards both on and off the stage. The Emmanuel Concert Band received a Gold Award and placed fourth overall, an exceptional achievement considering the strong competition.
Lismore Eisteddfod
Meanwhile, our Primary choirs and Junior Concert Band attended the Lismore Eisteddfod, delivering extraordinary performances and securing top positions. The Mini Melodics Stage 2 Choir, Rising Voices Stage 3 Choir, and Junior Concert Band brought home a remarkable array of awards, including:
- First Place: Primary School Choirs Years 3 and 4
- First Place: Vocal Ensemble Years 5 and 6
- Second Place: Year 3 Choir
- Third Place: Year 6 Band
- Highly Commended: Year 5 Band and Year 4 Band
Northern Rivers News
