Issue 3 2024
‘She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’
Matthew 1:23
From the Principal
On Tuesday 5 March, we celebrated 26 years of ‘Learning, Living and Leading’ at Emmanuel Anglican College. It was a special opportunity to look back on our humble beginnings and to reflect on the journey of the courageous faith-filled founders and pioneer families who dared to dream of an Anglican school in Ballina. It was a wonderful service which was grounded in the acknowledgement that our school sits on Bundjalung Country and has been in the care of the Nyganbul clan for tens of thousands of years. Uncle Chris Cooke led a traditional smoking ceremony, which is a sign of blessing and cleansing, and invited all the staff and students to walk through the smoke as they entered The Lindsay Walker Centre. It reminded us of our role in caring for, and connecting to, the place on which our College is located as well as linking us to the very long history of the Bundjalung people and their traditions, stories and history.
As part of the service we also took time to acknowledge the hard work, commitment and dedication of a number of the EAC staff through our presentation of the 2024 Staff Service Awards. Each of the staff members who received awards have given significant service to the students and families of our EAC community. Their contributions are numerous, extremely valuable and greatly appreciated. It is in and through these generous and committed people that our core values of Courage, Creativity, Compassion, and Citizenship come to life. As they came forward, each was presented with their award by our College Captains, Jack Whitaker and Olivia Mills, who offered thanks on behalf of the staff, students and families of the College.
The recipients of the Staff Service Awards for 2024 were:
- Mrs Tina Cahill: For her passionate and dedicated service to Primary students and their learning over the last 10 Years
- Mrs Jennifer Holmes: For her wonderful and dedicated service to secondary students through teaching and leadership in the areas of HSIE and English for more than 10 years
- Mrs Kelley Malaba: For her tireless and exceptional service to the College community through her leadership of the financial and administrative life of the College for the last 10 years
- Mrs Roxanne Kent: For her passionate and innovative leadership, teaching and dedication to primary students throughout the last 10 years
Remarkably, we were able to acknowledge, honour and congratulate one member of the staff for 20 years of service to the Emmanuel Anglican College community.
- Mrs Kerrie Butler: For her 20 years of service to students and staff as a member of the cleaning and maintenance team, ensuring that the College is always presented to the highest standard.
Each of these members of staff have made a generous and significant contribution the development of the College. We pray that they may they be greatly blessed for all they have given our community throughout their time of service.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
What's On
CALENDAR
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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
EAC is delighted to welcome Sho Nishigawa and Haruki Itabashi from our sister school, Meitoku Gijuku High School, Japan. They will complete Year 10 at EAC this year.
Sho and Haruki have been warmly welcomed and supported by EAC students and staff. With this encouraging atmosphere, the boys have launched themselves into life at EAC by joining sports teams both at the College and in the local community. Sho is a talented soccer player and Haruki enjoys tennis.
The boys have made new friends easily at EAC and are enjoying learning different subjects at school - they can't believe that they get to go surfing! All this positive engagement at the College helps to improve their English language skills every day.
Sho and Haruki would like to say an extra Arigato (thank you) to their EAC Homestay Hosts who so generously support them. In turn, the families are finding the hosting experience personally rewarding as they create lasting connections around the world.
Having international students at the College is beneficial for both visiting and local students as this added diversity to the student population broadens perspectives and the exchange of cultures brings student learning to life.
We look forward to welcoming more long term international students from Italy and Germany in Term 3 this year, as well as the shorter stay tour groups from Japan in July and August.
For more information about EAC's international student program, and how to become an EAC Homestay Host, CLICK HERE.
Mr Francis McGuigan
Deputy Principal
Sports Report
SWIMMING RESULTS
EAC Primary Swimming Carnival
| Placings | ||
| 1st | Brockington | 359 |
| 2nd | Walker | 305 |
| 3rd | Smith | 286 |
| 4th | Purcival | 261 |
| Age Champions | |||
| 8 Boys | Roy Clarke | 8 Girls | Micha Baker |
| 9 Boys | Joshua Drew | 9 Girls | Eleni Kikiras |
| 10 Boys | Ted Garbett | 10 Girls | Cleo Beesley |
| 11 Boys | Kobe Miller | 11 Girls | Eve Drew |
| 12+ Boys | Hugo Atkinson | 12 Girls | Charlotte Ashdown |
| Runners Up | |||
| 8 Boys | Artie O'Grady | 8 Girls | Willow Thompson |
| 9 Boys | Thomas Hunt | 9 Girls | Tilly Klasterka |
| 10 Boys | Anthony Kikiras | 10 Girls | Georgia Rushby |
| 11 Boys | Micah Pullen | 11 Girls | Elsie Drew |
| 12+ Boys | Oscar Priivald | 12+ Girls | Zia Folscher |
| Records | ||
| Eve Drew | 11 Girls 50 Free | 32.07 |
| Eve Drew | 11 Girls 50 Breast | 44.6 |
| Eve Drew | 11 Girls 50 Back | 40.78 |
| Eve Drew | 11 Girls 50 Fly | 36.41 |
| Hugo Atkinson | 12+ Boys 50 Free | 30.36 |
| Hugo Atkinson | 12+ Boys 50 Breast | 43.44 |
| Hugo Atkinson | Open Boys 200 IM | 2:56.66 |
| Hugo Atkinson | 12+ Boys 50 Back | 36.56 |
| Hugo Atkinson | 12+ Boys 50 Fly | 33.44 |
| Hugo Atkinson | Open Boys 100 Free | 1:09.19 |
| Joshua Drew | 9 Boys 50 Free | 38.59 |
| Placings | ||
| 1st | Walker | 692 |
| 2nd | Purcival | 557 |
| 3rd | Smith | 529 |
| 4th | Brockington | 476 |
| Age Champions | |||
| 12 Boys | Jacob Palmer | 12 Girls | Mila Manion |
| 13 Boys | Zachary Kikiras | 13 Girls | Addison Collins |
| 14 Boys | Henry Drew | 14 Girls | Sarah Vanem |
| 15 Boys | Finlay Stevenson | 15 Girls | Coco Robinson |
| 16 Boys | Hayden Kelvin | 16 Girls | Lauren Cooke |
| 17 Boys | Lachlan Trease | 17 Girls | Ellen Miller |
| 18+ Boys | Taj Patton | 18+ Girls | Charlotte Shepherd |
| Runners Up | |||
| 12 Boys | - | 12 Girls | Ayumi Dole |
| 13 Boys | Thomas Hunt | 13 Girls | Zoe Silver |
| 14 Boys | Anthony Kikiras | 14 Girls | Coco Beck |
| 15 Boys | Micah Pullen | 15 Girls | Amelia Atkinson |
| 16 Boys | Oscar Priivald | 16 Girls | Franceska Payne |
| 17 Boys | Finnigan Robinson | 17 Girls | Ava Delaney |
| 18+ Boys | Jack Whitaker | 18+ Girls | - |
| Records | ||
| Jacob Palmer | 12 Boys 50 Free | 34.82 |
| Ellen Miller | 17 Girls 50 Free | 29.31 |
| Ellen Miller | 17 Girls 50 Fly | 33.66 |
| Coco Robinson | 15 Girls 50 Free | 29.47 |
| Coco Robinson | 15 Girls 50 Breast | 41.57 |
| Coco Robinson | 15 Girls 50 Back | 34.37 |
NCIS Primary Swimming Championships
On Thursday 22 March, we hosted the NCIS Primary Swimming Championships at Alstonville Aquatic Centre. Once again, EAC performed exceptionally well, finishing 3rd overall in the school total points score, but claiming first place in the percentage point score, based on our results and the number of students enrolled at EAC.
At an individual level, we had six students qualify for CIS. Congratulations to Charlotte Ashdown, Hugo Atkinson, Matthew Rullin, Eve Drew, Cleo Beesley and Joshua Drew who have all been selected in the NCIS Primary Swimming Team.
Special mention to Eve Drew who broke a 20 year NCIS record in the 11 Girls 50m Butterfly!
Mr Mike Ryan
Leader of Sport and Coaching
Student Highlights
Tom Hunt
On Friday 23 February 2024, NSWCIS held their Awards Evening at the Sydney Cricket Ground to present awards to CIS Member School students and staff for their outstanding performances and contributions throughout the 2023 school sport year. Our very own Tom Hunt, now in Year 7, was celebrated as part of the NSWCIS Primary Team of the Year. Tom was part of the prestigious NSWCIS Primary Boys Cricket Team in 2023 who won the NSWPSSA Cricket Championships, the pinnacle of school competition. Congratulations Tom.
Evie Fletcher
Congratulations to Evie for her selection in the North Coast Basketball U14 Girls squad that will be competing in the Nunawading Tournament in Melbourne over the June long weekend.
Jack Higgins
Well done to Jack who recently represented NCIS at the CIS Primary Tennis Championships. He won 4 out of his 6 matches and just missed out on the play-offs (top 8) by a couple of games. Following CIS, Jack remained in Sydney as he has been chosen in the Tennis Australia Super 12's Training Squad (NSW), for the best performing tennis players in the state.
Northern Eagles Touch Football
Congratulations to George Morgan and Asha Ledingham who have both been selected in the Northern Eagles Junior Regional Representative Touch Football teams.
U10 Boys Futsal
Ballina Sharks Futsal Club U10 Boys team is dominated by EAC students and recently won the Ballina Futsal Championships. The team worked amazingly through the whole Futsal season and showed fantastic growth and maturity. It’s a wonderful result for them.
NCIS Primary Football
On Wednesday 14 February, EAC took four football teams (1 girls, 1 boys and 2 mixed) to Coffs Harbour to compete in the NCIS Primary Football tournament.
All teams performed well, worked well as a team, showed great sportsmanship and endured some pretty extreme heat during the day.
Well done to Matthew Rullin, Freddie Portela, Jake Campbell and Reeve Mallam who have been selected in the CIS team to compete in Sydney in April.
Results
- Boys 2nd
- Girls 3rd
Thanks to Mr Paul Pryor, Mr Tony Lancashire, Ms Wendy Britton, Ms Taylah Ledingham and Ms Heidi Craig for their assistance with training and on the day.
NCIS Secondary Touch Football Championships
A successful day up at Palm Beach for our EAC Secondary Touch teams.
Results
- Open Boys - 1st
- Open Girls - 3rd
- U15 Boys - 2nd
- U15 Girls - 2nd
Congratulations to the following students who were chose to represent NCIS at the upcoming CIS Touch Football Championships on 13 March:
Open Boys - Kalani Franklin, Hayden Kelvin, Kaelan Matuz-Jacobson, Ben Morgan, Samuel Southwell, Jack Whitaker
Open Girls - Manu Harding, Iley Lewis
U15 Boys - Sam Carrigg, Tully Churton, George Morgan, Edward Neto, Oscar O'Mara, Henry Rose
U15 Girls - Annie Docherty, Siri Harding, Asha Ledingham, Frankie Moir-Dobbs, Holly Roberts, Anna Wiggins
Top of the Arts
SPIT SPOT! MARK THOSE CALENDARS!
Save the date for Mary Poppins, EAC's 2024 production of Mary Poppins The Musical.
Show Season
Special Preview Show: Thursday 16 May 2024
Opening Night: 7pm, Friday 17 May 2024
Matinee Performance: 2pm, Saturday 18 May 2024
Evening Performance: 7pm, Saturday 18 May 2024
Evening Performance: 7pm, Friday 24 May 2024
Matinee Performance: 2pm, Saturday 25 May 2024
Finale Performance: 7pm, Saturday 25 May 2024
Watch this space for announcements around ticket sales.
CHAPLAIN CHAT
What If?
Our whole College gathered in The Lindsay Walker Centre for our 2024 Foundation Day Service. Here below is a portion of the shared service.
Let us assume it is possible for an object to represent the essential character of a person, to symbolise if you like, their true self. Where would you put it? On what would it stand?
It would be called an altar. This here is our altar.
What if in every person there is an inward sea, and in that sea there was an island and on the island an altar and before the altar a pillar of fire and smoke, and only that which bears the marks of authenticity can pass by the pillar of fire and through the smoke, to be placed upon the altar? (adapted from Howard Thurman)
What if the same is true for us, this place, Emmanuel Anglican College? What names our true self? And what could symbolise these? And could they pass through the smoke and be placed upon the altar, bearing the marks of EAC’s authenticity, calling us by our right name
So we ask the hills and the land to be our witnesses. We ask, can these four lanterns pass through the smoke to be placed upon the altar and by being on the altar, name our true EAC identity?
We say Jesus is our model. But what does Jesus say about himself?
Jesus stood before the people and took the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
Jesus, God with us, says
I am the one on whom the spirit rests.
I am the one in whom scripture is fulfilled.
I am the one who addresses the poor with good news
The captives with release
The blind with sight
The oppressed with liberation
Emmanuel, God with us, says:
I am the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot put it out.
I am the way and the truth and the life.
Emmanuel says I am with you, even to the end of the age.
Lantern 1: Compassion
If God is with us then we have already encountered compassion. Our dignity is affirmed. We are freed to move towards others with kindness.
Lantern 2: Creativity
If God is with us then we are trusted co-creators, and no imagination is too big, no obstacle too difficult.
Lantern 3: Courage
If God is with us then who we are matters, and fear is not the last word.
If God is with us then we are good to stand where we are, as we are, for a good bigger than we are.
Lantern 4: Citizenship
If God is with us then we already belong and community is the beginning, the end and the way.
If God is with us then our presence can be the liberation of others.
Here before us are four signs of who we are, tested by the smoking. Four values that address us and call us into authenticity. Here before us are four lanterns representing four words, four values that describe who we are and who we are becoming. They are tested by the smoking. They address us and call us into authenticity. But the words are not real, indeed, they do not even exist unless, until, they are lived inside a person and take root within a people. So the test of the authenticity of the words is not the words themselves, but us. We are being addressed. With Jesus as our model we are being addressed by Compassion, Creativity, Courage, Citizenship. May the flame of these values burn in us, and we are found to be who we say we are.
Rev Richard Browning
Chaplain
EAC ESSENTIALS
Primary Pulse
Eureka for Year 5
Enjoy the following recount of the recent Year 5 Gold Rush excursion experience, written by Cleo Beesley and Max Martin.
Last Wednesday, Year 5 went on a 2 hour bus ride to Beenleigh to experience what it was like to live in the Australian Goldfields in 1854. This interactive learning program was called ‘Eureka Excursions’. It included activities like role-playing, tent making, observation and mapping activities. We even got our own gold mining licenses!
Firstly, we pulled up and were greeted by a policeman on horseback. He was definitely in character and we almost felt like we’d gone back in time. He spoke to us about what it was like on the Goldfields during that period of time. He took us down a hill to a notice board when his horse became very anxious. The policeman thought his horse had sensed something, so they went to check it out. While they were gone, a bushranger approached us and told all of us to get down! He said he was looking for gold and thought some of the students were hiding it in their bags. He stole Jack’s school bag and took his chips! He also found a bag of gold in Jack’s backpack! We still don’t know how it got there.
Just then the policeman came back and put the man in custody. We all walked to where the actual town was located and started to explore the Goldfields.
Our first activity was at the General Store, where we pretended to be shopkeepers and customers who were buying supplies like flour, sugar, pots and pans, etc. They had all sorts of old items and replicas of products that were used in 1854.
Next, we went panning for gold. We were shown how to use a cradle and the pan properly. Everyone found gold, so we were all really excited! We were a bit disappointed that it wasn’t real though.
We then got into groups of 5 and were given a map of the town. We had to find the names of bushrangers, but it was all in code. We had to walk all over the town to get the clues, to decipher the code and get the names. This was a lot of fun.
Finally, we played a game of who could get the most gold. We received fake money every time we found a piece of gold. The bigger the piece, the more money. We were given lollies in exchange as well.
At the end of the day, we hopped back on the bus and watched Mr Bean.
We all had a fantastic time and everyone loved it.
Written by Cleo Beesley and Max Martin, Year 5
You're Welcome!
This week, Emmanuel Anglican College hosted a morning tea to celebrate the successful integration of our newest students from Years 4, 5, and 6. The event aimed to ensure a warm welcome and smooth transition for these young learners, fostering a sense of belonging within our College community.
Attendees enjoyed a spread of tasty treats and engaged in conversations that highlighted the supportive environment at EAC. It's heartening to witness the positive impact of such initiatives, fostering friendships and easing the acclimatisation process. Here's to a thriving College community where every student feels valued and at home.
Introducing Our Primary Student Representative Council
This week our Primary Student Representative Council (SRC) was formally inducted and has already begun its work to make our Primary school the best it can be.
Secondary Scoop
Tips to prepare for school assessments
Over the past weeks, students have started to receive their first assessment tasks for 2024 and Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students participated in assessment information sessions. Parents and students have also received a copy of the assessment timetable and types of assessments this year. All students are provided the College assessments four weeks prior and these have clear guidelines regarding submission of these tasks.
As students start to prepare for tasks the following tips will help them;
- Start early - It is a good idea to have a look at the assessment and start early
- Plan ahead - Plan what is required and make sure that you allow time to review the information
- Have an organised study space - Structure and a quiet place to complete tasks helps to ensure success in meeting the timeframes
- Don't be afraid to ask for help - College staff are always willing to help with any questions that students may have about tasks and Homework help is also available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
- Review tasks before submitting - It is a great idea to get someone else to read the task prior to it being submitted to ensure the task meets the required criteria
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
COLLEGE GYM ACCESS FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS IN YEARS 9 TO 12
As part of our ongoing efforts to provide an enriching educational experience for our students, we are excited to inform you about an opportunity to utilise our school gym in The Lindsay Walker Centre (LWC) - commencing in Week 8.
Our College gym is not only a space for physical activities but also a place where students can engage in social interactions, team building and personal development. We believe that fostering a sense of community and wellbeing is essential for their growth. With your consent, students will have the chance to participate in supervised gym sessions outside of school hours.
To ensure the safety and security of all students, we have implemented strict guidelines and protocols for gym usage. Trained staff members will always be present to supervise activities, provide a workout plan to follow and appropriate safety and health measures will be in place at all times.
The gym will be open to students at the following times:
Monday: No Gym
Tuesday: Year 9 and 10 Girls - 7.45am to 8.30am
Wednesday: Year 9 and 10 Boys - 7.45am to 8.30am
Thursday: Year 11 and 12 Girls - 7.45am to 8.30am
Friday: Year 11 and 12 Boys - 7.45am to 8.30am
Students will be able to book their spot to use the gym by coming to the LWC and registering their name the day before their allocated year spot, on a first come first served basis. There are 12 spots available for each session. If students can not make their booking they need to email tlancashire@eac.nsw.edu.au to cancel. If a no show occurs the next morning without communication, that particular student will lose the privilege of booking a spot for the following week. Students will be inducted into the gym on their first session. All processes will be reviewed in the April Holidays, ready for Term 2.
Before your child can proceed we kindly request your permission to grant them access to the school gym. Please take a moment to accept the invitation on parent lounge, indicating your consent for your child to access the school gym outside of school hours under staff supervision.
We greatly appreciate your continued support in providing our students with well rounded educational experiences.
By granting permission for gym usage, you are contributing to the growth and development of your child and their peers. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this opportunity will have on their overall wellbeing.
Mr Tony Lancashire
Primary Sport Leader and College Gym Program Manager
EAC STUDENTS REPRESENT AT LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR
On Tuesday 5 March, Ava Walheim and Jacob Neto participated in the Lions Youth of the Year competition. This competition is held annually and gives students the opportunity to showcase their contribution to EAC and wider community, and their passion for the local region.
Ava spoke about youth crime in the region, whilst Jacob spoke about the importance of surf safety.
Although neither student progressed to the next round, they were outstanding representatives for EAC to the community.
Introducing our Student Leaders
Now that our full student leadership team has been inducted, we would like to introduce some of our key office holders as they describe some of their priorities for the year ahead.
Olivia Mills, College Captain
As one of EAC’s Captains for 2024, I would like to foster our holistic school community through the celebration of all students and their individual achievements, in addition to supporting student-driven initiatives such as wellbeing and culture days, all paired with a positive and can-do attitude!
Jack Whitaker, College Captain
I would like to achieve a stronger connection between the year levels and hopefully create a stronger sense of community within the College. I would also like to implement more mental health-focused wellbeing lessons, especially in the higher year levels.
Koko Le Roy, Student Leader (Arts and Culture)
As Arts and Culture Leader 2024 my goal is to encourage a cohesive, inclusive environment for all students to grow kindly and creatively.
Elise Edminston, Student Leader (Service and Sustainability)
I am excited to find new ways to help people and communities in and outside the College in 2024.
Priya Singh-Pangly, Student Leader (Sport and Spirit)
I aim to promote togetherness within our school by not only encouraging participation through sporting events, but by recognising the individuals in our community who boost school spirit and raise the overall morale of our learning environment through different extracurricular activities.
Sindi Malaba, Student Leader (Student Representative Council President)
As 2024 SRC president my goal is to actively advocate for the needs and concerns of the student body, whilst collaboratively working with my peers to come up with new initiatives to bring to our College community.
Marlie Koenen, Brockington House Captain
As one of Brockington's House Captains for 2024, I intend to build strong foundations for the House, and in doing so foster and encourage meaningful connections between all students.
Emerson Leyden, Brockington House Captain
As House Captain, I am striving to increase participation in House events and to create a safe environment for students.
Roilehsar Chong, Purcival House Captain
I aspire to leave my mark on Purcival by fostering a culture of participation, fun, and winning.
Sophia Chadwick, Purcival House Captain
My goal as Purcival House Captain is to create a fun and engaging environment for my House to rise to the top, and make the best comeback EAC has ever witnessed!
Hayley Kaye, Smith House Captain
I aspire to create a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable and is able to enjoy participating as well as giving everything their best.
Thandi Malaba, Smith House Captain
As House Captain in 2024 my goal is to strive for inclusivity and participation from all.
Matthew Smith, Walker House Captain
I would like to encourage Walker House to achieve greatness in all aspects of College life including sporting, academia, and encourage House spirit. I aspire to lead Walker through unity and aspiration to win.
Joshua Williams, Walker House Captain
To me, the most important aspect of school life is participation. Whether it be on a sporting field or inside a classroom, I will always strive to increase the participation of all students and raise House spirit.
Year 10 discover Mechatronics
Our Year 10 Computing Technology students have been diving into the fascinating world of Mechatronics. Armed with the versatile Microbit Inventor kit, they’ve embarked on a journey of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.
What is Mechatronics? Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field that merges mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer science. It’s all about designing intelligent systems seamlessly blending physical components with smart control mechanisms.
Microbit Inventor Kit: A Playground for Ideas The Microbit, a compact programmable microcontroller, has become our students’ favourite tool. With its onboard sensors, LEDs, and programmable features, the possibilities are endless.
We can’t wait to see the ingenious projects our students will unveil. Stay tuned for updates as they bring their ideas to life!
Mrs Julie Beavis
Teacher of Digital Technology, Digital Literacy, Information, Science and Technology, and Mathematics
SENIOR DRAMA HAPPENINGS
Our senior Drama students have approached their studies with an abundance of creativity and driven commitment. The Year 11 students are devising a captivating physical theatre piece based on King Lear whilst the Year 12 students have just completed their assessment performance of excerpts from the Australian plays Stolen and Neighbourhood Watch. There is plenty of performing arts coming up at EAC with the Shakespeare Carnival Competition, Mary Poppins Musical and our annual Just For Show production which will include the HSC Drama Showcase and Year 11 Drama play.
Ms Mechelle Anderson
Teacher of Drama and Creative Arts
Northern Rivers News
