Issue 4 Term 1 2023
‘Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence… love delights in the truth and is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes’
1 Corinthians 13 4-7
From the Principal
NAPLAN 2023 UPDATE
Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 commenced the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) this week. All students in the relevant year groups across Australia will undertake tests in four areas which include Writing, Reading, Language Conventions (spelling and grammar) and Numeracy. The test take place via online delivery and will take place over the a period of eight days.
This year we have taken advantage of the Lindsay Walker Centre as a venue for Years 5, 7 and 9. This has provided the students with a designated area that is quiet and away from the rest of the College. It has also significantly reduced the level of disruption and change for the rest of the College. Year 3 are making their first steps in the realm of formalised assessment and have risen to the challenge and mastered the task well. The testing will wrap up early next week.
The NAPLAN tests provide an enormous amount of data on each individual as well as their cohort. The data collected from the tests is also used to develop understandings about students learning from a regional, state and national point of view. While certainly an extremely important and valuable assessment tool, NAPLAN is but one of many assessment tools that teachers and schools use to gather feedback about student learning and development. Assessment takes on many forms and is designed to enable teachers to develop a profile of each student as a learner which is includes insights into their learning styles, preferences, strengths and areas for development. The greatest understanding of a student is achieved when teachers have access to a broad range of data which is used to form a profile of the student.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
At our Foundation Day Service last week, we took time to induct our Student Representative Council and present our Band Leadership Team for 2023. I congratulate the students who have been identified by their peers as having the skills and talents that mark them as a leader. I am sure they will make a wonderful contribution to EAC in the coming year. I also want to thank and congratulate all those students who were generous and courageous enough to nominate for leadership this year. A willingness to be involved, to lend a hand and to give of your time are all signs of a person with great character. To those students who did nominate and were unsuccessful, I say thank you and also encourage them to continue to look for ways to be to support the College. Whether wearing a badge or not, everyone has the opportunity to be a role model for others and to give something back to the College and our community.
I am sure you join with me in congratulating the following students and we look forward to seeing the fruits of their efforts as the year unfolds.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
ARE YOU ONE OF OUR FOUNDING STUDENTS?
In this, our 25th year, we are gathering the stories of our past students. In particular we're looking to reconnect with our founding 16 students who commenced in 1998 at our Gunundi site. If you are one of, or know of these students please reach out via email to enquiries@eac.nsw.edu.au.
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
BE CURIOUS AND COMMUNICATE
From Worm Farming to Cyber Safety, there was lots of learning happening in the Primary school this week. While strolling around the EAC Market Gardens I came across Mr Pearson and his Year 3 class busily examining the new compost bins. They have been set up by the College Sustainability Action Group and are intended to feed the nearby garden beds which are full of vegetable seedlings. The students found the bins a bit smelly but were intrigued by the nearby worm farm stocked with more than 1,000 worms who will, over the next few weeks, turn our food scraps into rich fertile soil and compost 'tea'.
Representatives from Ballina Police visited this week. During their visit with our younger students, the police described the role police play in our community and demonstrated ways in which young children can seek help when they need it. Older Primary students learnt about cyber safety with information sessions sparking much discussion. When asked, most students thought the average age for online gamers was 10 or 11 years of age but were shocked to hear that the actual average age of online gamers in Australia is 34! The need for caution when gaming online was discussed and the number one piece of advice they were given was ‘Communicate’ - communicate with parents and carers as to what platforms they are accessing, what games they were playing, who were they interacting with and, especially, when they feel uncomfortable online.
The most important lesson this week was to be continually curious, ask questions and effectively communicate. We all want to build enquiring minds and we want them to feel safe to do so.
Dia dhaoibh
Mr Francis McGuigan
Deputy Principal
Sports Report
NCIS Primary Netball Trials
NCIS Secondary Hockey Trials
Primary Rugby 7's Trials
Len Diett Shield - Rugby Union
Leader of Sport and Coaching
NCIS SECONDARY TOUCH CHAMPIONSHIPS
Four teams from EAC travelled to Tweed Heads on Friday 3 March for the NCIS Secondary Touch Championships. It was an extremely successful day out for EAC with our Open Boys and 15&U Girls coming away as champions on the day and our 15&U Boys coming away as runners up despite remaining undefeated all day, finishing only one point behind first place in the points differential.
The competition also doubled as an individual selection trial for a place in the NCIS teams who will travel to Penrith on Friday 5 May for the NSWCIS Secondary Touch Football Championships. There will be a strong EAC presence in these teams with 16 of our students being selected.
Congratulations to:
15&U Boys - Lucas Bazzana, Hayden Kelvin, Ben Morgan, George Morgan, Oscar O'Mara
Open Boys - Nkosi Malaba, Kaelan Matuz-Jacobson, Blake Rippon, Elvis Shakespeare, Jack Whitaker
15&U Girls - Manu Harding, Asha Ledingham, Iley Lewis, Katie Smith, Anna Wiggins
Open Girls - Ella Sweeney
Well done to all students who were wonderful representatives of the College and a special thank you to Mr Allan Kirchen from Ballina Touch for his commitment and dedication to coaching our students as well as Ms Brooke Fisher and Mr Chris Lake who were also very active in coaching our teams.
Mr Mike Ryan
Leader of Sport and Coaching
INTERHOUSE SOCCER
It was a thrilling event across the two days and a great way to end the accumulation of our soccer lessons for Term 1.
Lots of skill was shown on the field but overall it was inspiring to see some stand out moments where our young athletes displayed great levels of sportsmanship and respect for their opponents, particularly Archie Ellis-Harry, Year 3 who shook the hands of every person on the opposite team before joining his own to celebrate their win.
HOWZAT!
Well, they did it! Tom Hunt, Year 6, was a member of the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Cricket Team that went on to take out the NSW PSSA Cricket Championship on Friday at Fripp Oval, Ballina, defeating Hunter in the Grand Final. The score was CIS 10/128 Hunter 10/92.
Tom, we are all so proud of your accomplishment and your sportsmanship. You have represented the College, NCIS, CIS and yourself superbly well.
SCHOOL SPORT REPRESENTATIVE PATHWAY
For those new to the College or to New South Wales, we thought it handy to refresh how students progress through the Representative Pathway for sports right through from 'school sport' to elite national titles.
College Sport
Students are selected to represent Emmanuel Anglican College.
North Coast Independent Schools (NCIS)
Depending on the sport, students will attend NCIS team events as part of an EAC team or an NCIS individual trial.
NSW Combined Independent Schools (NSWCIS)
Again, depending on the sport, students can attend NSWCIS events as part of an NCIS team or some sports are individual nominations directly to CIS level.
NSW All Schools (Secondary) / NSW Public Schools Sporting Association (Primary)
For secondary students, NSW All Schools, also known as State, is where the three NSW educational sectors all meet, NSWCIS, NSW Combined High Schools (CHS) and NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC). Students from EAC have the opportunity to represent NSWCIS at All Schools events.
For primary students, NSWPSSA is essentially the same as NSW All Schools. Students from EAC who are selected to represent NSWCIS will compete at NSWPSSA events for a place in the state team.
School Sport Australia
This is the highest level of representation, where students who are successful at NSW All Schools are selected to represent NSW against the other states.
Top of the Arts
JAPANESE EXCURSION TO ROBINA
One of the perks of having small class sizes is the excursions are awesome!
Our two Year 10 Japanese students recently enjoyed a bespoke excursion to the Gold Coast where they immersed themselves in all things 'Nihon' at various venues including Daiso, Time Zone and the best poke bowls on the coast!
Well done to Japanese teacher Ms Nyrelle Paton for cleverly crafting the experience.
EAC'S 2023 TOUR OF JAPAN NOW FULLY BOOKED
There is a group of very excited travellers among us bound for Japan in September this year. Thank you to everyone for your expressions of interest. The tour is now fully booked and arrangements well underway. We will be sure to continue to let our community know about upcoming travel opportunities.
Library Lowdown
LOCAL LIBRARY LITERARY LINKS
Attention Year 6 to Year 12 students! Have you filled out your application to become a member of our local Richmond Tweed Regional Library yet? Forms need to be signed and returned by next Friday 24 March. Soon, Ms Nicole Eldridge, Programs and Engagement Officer from the Richmond Tweed Regional Library, will bring in library cards and also speak to Year 6 and Year 11 students about our Local Library’s services.
Ms Jasmine Jordan
Library Manager
BOOK CLUB ORDERS OPEN NOW
A heads up for those looking to fill their Easter baskets...
Click HERE to order.
Be sure to have your order in by Friday 24 March to ensure students receive their orders before the School Holidays.
THE PRIMARY STUDENTS' GAMBIT
Our Monday Lunchtime Chess Club are perfecting their mind bending moves each week. The Library is a hugely popular hang out destination with speed cubes, board games and myriad adventures waiting behind the covers of our book collection.
Canteen Cookup
COME FOR A CUPPA AND STAY FOR SOME COUNTER SERVICE
We are looking for volunteers to help out in the College Canteen in Term 2. If you are able to spare a couple of hours of a morning, please email canteen@eac.nsw.edu.au to register your interest.
Ms Christine Hall
Canteen Coordinator
Friends of EAC
FRIENDS ARE 'GO'
Our February meeting was a great success with a big boost in numbers - perhaps thanks to the change of venue from the Library to the Mezza Bar at the Ramada! Thank you to everyone able to make it on the night. Our Friends 'doors' are always open so if you're thinking of coming along next time, please do! The minutes of the meeting are available HERE.
We are all systems go on our Term 1 event, the Colour Run. The Primary kids are all abuzz with excitement around this popular event. To learn more about the Colour Run and to register your child to raise funds, CLICK HERE. Parents are welcome to come along on the day to enjoy the spectacle. Watch this space for more details around timing for the event on the afternoon of Thursday 6 April (last day of Term1).
Our next meeting will include the 2023 Friends Annual General Meeting. All committee positions will be declared vacant and we are keen to welcome new members to our ranks with fresh ideas for engagement and strengthening our College community bonds. Look out for more information and nomination forms coming soon. The meeting will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 2 May at the Mezza Bar at Ramada once again.
If you are new to the College, please know that you are already considered an important part of our community and we warmly welcome you to EAC. If you need contacts, tips or just a friendly face, please reach out to us via email to friends@eac.nsw.edu.au.
How To EAC
CLAIM YOUR COPY OF THE WAVE 2022
Missing a copy of last year's yearbook, The Wave 2022? We have copies available to any EAC family from Reception which is open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Don't miss out on the memories!
Sustainability Central
MARKET GARDEN CAFE SELL OUT SUCCESS
HERE TO HELP
BEST INTERESTS
As a follow up to last edition’s article about supporting online safety for your child when they are at home, this edition we look at the activities EAC undertakes to also support them.
One of EAC’s paramount values is embedding the best interest of children and their protection from harm at the heart of all our approaches.
Our aim is for each child within our College to be able to say with confidence;
- I am asked about what makes me feel safe
- I can talk to someone I trust about anything I have seen or done
- I know what to do if I feel unsafe online
- Teachers ask my opinion if something unusual happens
- Activities keep getting better
- I can understand what the rules mean
- I know who to talk to if I feel uncomfortable, unsafe or unhappy
- I will be believed if I speak up about something that is concerning me and action will be taken because of it
- I feel safe with the adults here
- Adults show concern for me
John Noble
Guidance Counsellor
Early Learning Centre Corner
MOMENTS AND MILESTONES
One of the many tricks of parenting children is catching a moment as it becomes a milestone. It is easy to miss the last time a child asks for help to reach a handle, build a cubby or make a friend. Before you know it they are independently wrenching open the door to the Dolphins or Whales room and rushing off to set up 'shop' with their latest best buddy. It is one of the great privileges of being an early childhood educator that we are able to witness these milestones with our ELC families and there have been lots of them of late. Congratulations to everyone on all the little wins our Dolphins and Whales have made so far in 2023. We love to watch you grow!
Ms Nicole Wilson
Director of the Early Learning Centre
Primary Pulse
'JUST LIKE YOU' FOR YEAR 1, YEAR 3 AND YEAR 5
On Wednesday 29 March, students in years 1, 3 and 5 will participate in a Variety Club incursion – Just Like You.
Just Like You is a disability awareness program designed to build understanding, acceptance and inclusion. Through celebrating differences, developing empathy and creating inclusion, students learn that people with a disability are the same as everyone else – they are ‘Just Like You’.
YEAR 2 BALLINA HISTORY EXCURSION
Our Year 2 students excitedly headed off on their first excursion for 2023 this week. The theme for the outing was to discover and investigate the historical treasurers of Ballina. Though the skies threatened to pour, the weather held out and students enjoyed visiting St Mary’s Anglican Church, Ballina Manor, Ballina Maritime Museum, Pop Denison Park, North Wall and the Lighthouse.
NEWCOMER CONNECTIONS STRENGTHEN AT AFTERNOON TEA
This week students new to EAC in Years 4, 5 and 6 celebrated their settling in with a special afternoon tea celebration. It is hard to believe it has been just eight weeks since the start of the College year and we met these wonderful new additions to our College community. The afternoon tea was a great opportunity to mark the moment, check in on how everyone is doing and strengthen our connections.
EAC PRIMARY DEBATING TEAM GETS READY FOR ACTION
Watch out, the EAC Primary Debating Team is in training for their first 2023 competition to be held in Grafton next week.
Good luck team!
Secondary Scoop
UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS
Emmanuel Anglican College has clear uniform expectations that we have been reminding Secondary students of during the last few weeks. Uniforms are important to schools for a number of reasons including creating and promoting a sense of belonging and teaching students about expectations regarding uniform requirements that are required within workplaces.
Students have been reminded of what our uniform expectations and are being supported in wearing the correct uniform on the correct day. The College uniform expectations can be found on our website HERE.
Some of the main areas of uniform infringement is regarding sports shoes. The policy states that sports shoes need to be supportive. This means that basketball shoes and skateboard shoes are not acceptable.
The other main area of infringement is regarding jewellery. There are clear expectations that necklaces need to not be seen and that girls can only wear one pair of earrings.
If a student is out of uniform for a particular reason they will require a note from a parent or carer. This note is then shown to the Pastoral Care teacher. If the parent community could help in enforcing these expectations it would be greatly appreciated.
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
Student Representative Council
Last week the Student Representative Council (SRC) were inducted into their roles at the College. They have been actively working this
term to promote a number of initiatives at the College. This includes encouraging students to consider the environment and develop more sustainable practices, lunchtime music and sporting competitions and fundraising events. The SRC will be running a BBQ at the College for the NSW State Election on Saturday 25 March to raise money for EAC's World Vision sponsor child. Please come and support this great initiative.
YEAR 9 AND YEAR 11 DISCOVER TOGETHER
On Thursday 2 March, a group of dedicated Year 9 Marine Studies and Year 11 Biology students travelled to Hastings Point to carry out fieldwork.
The day started with a visit to the Marine Discovery Centre at Hastings Point to learn all about the rocky shore. The very knowledgeable and engaging Rhett, presented information about rocky shores and relationships in ecosystems and wowed us with close-up live video of creatures collected that morning.
Despite being in such a harsh environment, the species that inhabit rocky shore environs have amazing adaptations that enable them to not only survive but thrive in this ecosystem. We then walked to the nearby rock platform where students were able to explore and observe the animals in situ. The students then collected data on species distribution across the rocky shore for their research projects. A fabulous day of sun, surf, microscopes, models, samples and best of all, collaborative learning.
Year 11 students began their data collection, each having planned their own unique investigation while Year 9 students assisted as very capable research assistants and also carried out their own investigations.
Thanks to Ms Louise Charter for her fantastic support and photos.
Ms Kate Ashdown and Dr Justine Jacob
Teachers of Science
EASY AS π
This week our Year 7 Mathematics students celebrated International Pi Day in classic genius style with coding, making bracelets that represented the first 10 digits of pi, telling some truly awful pi jokes and, of course, eating pies! The students really got into the spirit of the day and roundly enjoyed themselves!
Here are five fascinating facts about pi:
The symbol for pi has been in use for over 250 years. The symbol was introduced by William Jones, a Welsh mathematician, in 1706. The symbol was made popular by the mathematician Leonhard Euler.
Since the exact value of pi can never be calculated, we can never find the accurate area or circumference of a circle.
March 14 or (in American date format) 3/14 is celebrated as pi Day because 3.14 are the first digits of pi. Math nerds around the world love celebrating this infinitely long, never-ending number.
The record for reciting the most number of decimal places of pi was achieved by Rajveer Meena at VIT University, Vellore, India on 21 March 2015. He was able to recite 70,000 decimal places. To maintain the sanctity of the record, Rajveer wore a blindfold throughout the duration of his recall, which took an astonishing 10 hours! Can’t believe it? Well, here is the evidence.
Pi is actually a part of Egyptian mythology. People in Egypt believed that the pyramids of Giza were built on the principles of pi. The vertical height of the pyramids have the same relationship with the perimeter of their base as the relationship between a circle’s radius and its circumference.
Northern Rivers News
