Issue 5 2024
‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind… and your neighbour as yourself.’
Matthew 22: 37-39
From the Principal
The College Open Evening held on Tuesday of last week was a fantastic success. More than 700 people attended the evening to tour the College, meet the teachers and learn more about the incredible learning opportunities EAC has on offer. Feedback from attendees was extremely positive and as people were leaving, many came back through the Ezzy Centre to say thank you and commented on how passionate and friendly the staff were and how much the students they had spoken to really love their school. Since then, we have received lots of phone calls and emails wanting to say thank you and congratulate everyone involved with the evening. As a very proud Principal I thought I would share with you a collection of those comments below.
Thank you to everyone who supported the evening, especially the more than 60 students who volunteered to be tour guides, our Curriculum Leaders for their displays and explanations about the various curriculum offerings, our Enrolments and Administration team for managing the communication, meeting and greeting, Ms Amanda Middleton and Mr Wayne Cross for managing the student led tours and to Mr Francis McGuigan for his coordination of the program and logistics for the evening. I must make a special mention of our Maintenance team who, despite the setback of the rain, prepared the College beautifully.
Demand for places at the College continues to grow on the back of the wonderful modelling of our students, the brilliant efforts of our staff and the incredible support of our parents and carers. I am in awe of our community and so very proud of our wonderful school. We will now work through the waitlist and begin the process of interviewing.
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.
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.
ANZAC DAY MARCHES
Emmanuel Anglican College has a proud history of supporting ANZAC Day commemorations in our local area. To this end, we have been invited to attend 2 local marches - Ballina and Alstonville. Local RSL Sub-Branches are always delighted to see school students supporting the march and honouring the traditions and sacrifices of those who have served our country in all armed conflicts.
We invite any interested students to attend either the Ballina or Alstonville marches on Thursday 25 April 2024. As ANZAC Day occurs during the Term 1 break it is anticipated that many families may be away but if your child is here, then it would be wonderful to see them march behind the College banner.
Students are welcome to wear the medals of relatives but these must be worn on the correct side of the chest (right side) in keeping with ANZAC Day protocol.
Students who attend must be attired in full College formal uniform including hats. Students should bring a water bottle and apply sunscreen before the march. Once the march finishes, students are welcome to stay for the service or may depart with their parents. Families should organise pick up arrangements so that their children are aware of what is happening at the end of the march or service. Primary students must be picked up directly from the staff attending each march or service in order to maintain student safety.
The details for each march are listed below:
Ballina
10.00am - Form up outside clock tower on River Street
10.30am - March commences
10.55am - Service commences at RSL Memorial Park
Parent pick up at RSL Memorial Park after the march or after the service
Alstonville
09.15am - Form up at Paddy Bugden VC Memorial in Bugden Avenue
09.40am - March commences
10.00am - Service at Elizabeth Ann Brown Park
Parent pick up at Elizabeth Ann Brown Park after the march or after the service
Please log into Parent Lounge HERE to accept for your child to attend either march. Please lodge your acceptance by Thursday 11 April. We hope to have a large group of our students attend the marches to honour all those who served and continue to serve our nation.
Off The Deputy's Desk
SO LONG, FAREWELL…
The College is never more alive as when it is open to our community to come and share the wonderful experiences EAC has to offer. This was wonderfully apparent during our recent Open Evening when hundreds of families on our waitlist came to experience what we have to offer students. It is this engagement, and conversations with our community, that provide the vibrancy and unique character of the College.
It is this feeling of belonging and connectedness to a forward-looking holistic learning community that I will take away from my time here at EAC. The students are the heartbeat of this College and their enthusiasm, curiosity, and resilience have inspired me every day. It has been a privilege to witness the dedication of our teachers and support staff at EAC, to the education and wellbeing of our students. Their passion for teaching and learning continues to leave an indelible mark on countless lives, thanks to their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence.
And to our parents and carers, thank you for continuing to entrust us with the education of your children. Your support and partnership are invaluable in creating a nurturing and supportive holistic learning environment.
As I bid farewell to Emmanuel Anglican College, I leave with a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful memories and experiences we have shared. While I may be moving on to new opportunities overseas, I will always cherish the friendships and connections forged during my time here.
Mr Francis McGuigan
Deputy Principal
Sports Report
PRIMARY CROSS COUNTRY ON MONDAY 8 APRIL 2024
Great news! We have been able to reschedule our Primary Cross Country to the new date of Monday 8 April 2024.
All students are to wear Sports uniform and may accessorise with House colours.
Please remember hats and water bottles and ensure all items are clearly labelled.
All students will be transferred to and from the College by bus during regular school hours.
We will be celebrating with icy poles on the day. Please have students bring a gold coin donation to cover costs.
A new date for the Secondary Cross Country will be announced shortly and is likely to be early in Term 2.
EAC SPORTS ROUND UP
Girls League Tag Challenge
On Tuesday, we had three teams (U14, U16 and U18) travel to Casino for their first ever league tag experience. It was a great day out, with the girls loving the opportunity to try a new sport, and achieve plenty of success in the process. Our U18 Girls went through the day undefeated to be crowned winners of their division. The U14 Girls also made it to the final, where they had a narrow loss to finish runners up in their division, and the U16 Girls had two losses and a win, but showed incredible improvement with each game played. The girls are already asking about when they can play next!
CIS Football Plate - Round 1 v SCAS
On Tuesday our Open Boys hosted St Columba Anglican College (SCAS) in the opening round of the CIS Football Plate. Coming off a heavy loss to Lindisfarne a few weeks earlier, the EAC boys were keen on restoring pride in the jersey, in front of a home crowd. St Columba took the lead early, however Kaelan Matuz-Jacobson was able to score an equaliser, levelling the score to 1-1 midway through the first half. Unfortunately a penalty goal extended the lead for SCAS to 2-1, and our boys were unable to fight their way back into the contest, conceding a further two goals to finish 4-1 in favour of the visitors. This brings our run for the Open Boys to an end in the CIS competitions, and they will now focus on NCIS early next term.
Bill Turner Cup - Round 2 v RCC
The U15 Boys success in the Bill Turner Cup continued on Tuesday with a whopping 18-0 victory over Richmond Christian College. From the opening whistle, it was clear our boys were in for a strong performance, with a couple of quick goals giving EAC a commanding lead. The goals continued to flow, and it was great to see so many of the boys find the back of the net. Goal scorers were Louis Visser (4), Jack Cohen (3), Paco Schultheiss (3), Finley Thomson (3), Thomas Bazar, Tully Churton, Henry Drew and Micah Pullen. The boys now progress to Round 3 against Byron Bay High early next term.
Finley Safranek - CIS Volleyball
Congratulations to Finley Safranek who represented the NSWCIS 15&U Boys Volleyball team earlier this week in the NSW All Schools 15&U Volleyball Selection Trials. Finley made it through to the second round of selections, and narrowly missed out on being selected for the NSW team. This is a wonderful achievement for Finley who was the only NCIS student selected to attend the trials.
Mr Mike Ryan
Leader of Sport and Coaching
CIS Primary Swimming Championships
On Wednesday 27 March, Hugo Atkinson, Cleo Beesley and Eve Drew travelled to Sydney Olympic Park to compete at the CIS Primary Swimming Championships.
They all had a great time, with lots of personal bests achieved and great sportsmanship.
Hugo Atkinson came away with a bronze medal in the 50m Backstroke and will shortly represent CIS at the NSWPSSA Swimming Championships on 11 April.
Eve Drew
- 11 Years Girls 50m Backstroke
- 11 Years Girls 50m Butterfly
Hugo Atkinson
- 12+ Years Boys 50m Backstroke
- 12+ Years Boys 50m Butterfly
Ms Heidi Craig
Lindsay Walker Centre Duty Manager
CIS Football
Congratulations and a big well done to Matthew Rullin, Freddie Portela, Jake Campbell and Reeve Mallam.
These four EAC boys travelled to Sydney this week to form a team of 12 with other selected boys from Lindisfarne, Bishop Druitt College and Byron Bay schools as part of the NCIS team to compete at Valentine Sports Park on Thursday.
The level at the competition was very high playing against other independent schools from NSW, but the highlight of the day was the teams draw with All Suburbs Independent School Sports Association (ASISSA) and our 2 goals in the second half against Southern Anglican Schools Sports Association (SASSA).
Matthew Rullin’s performances consisting of great technical ability in attack, drive, passion and leadership were rewarded by being chosen from a team of selectors to play in an end of day trial game. This included the best 21 players out of 120, for a place in the final 12 to create a CIS team to play at the next level, PSSA.
WENDY WALKING OVERSEAS
Our very own Football Coach and regular ELC guest star Ms Wendy Britton will shortly travelling to represent Australia at the 2024 Walking Football World Championships as part of the Over 50s Womens Team. The World Championships will be held in Chesterfield, United Kingdom.
To learn more about Walking Football and Wendy's journey, CLICK HERE.
We wish Wendy the very best of luck on this great adventure!
Top of the Arts
Meet the Marys
We are thrilled that Annie Peart and Stella Payne will be sharing the lead role of Mary Poppins in our 2024 production of Mary Poppins The Musical. Both girls are practically perfect in every way to embody this much loved character.
Both Annie and Stella hold a deep passion for music and performance and will be most familiar to the EAC audience as the sweet Miss Honey (Annie) and the sassy Mrs Wormwood (Stella) in our 2022 season of Matilda. Annie’s most recent theatrical performance has been in Byron Casting’s production of High School Musical, whilst Stella has been performing her original songs at venues such as the Eltham Hotel.
Annie and Stella have proven in rehearsals to bring out different elements to Mary Poppins, who is a multilayered and somewhat misunderstood literary figure. I can guarantee that together with their own team of Michaels and Janes, each show will be distinctively different. Make sure you secure your tickets to both an Annie and a Stella show to see for yourself.
Mr Wayne Cross
Producer - Mary Poppins The Musical
GET READY FOR THE WIND TO CHANGE
EAC families will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to Mary Poppins ahead of the general public during a limited pre-sale period commencing Monday 29 April. We encourage you to consider now which performances you will be attending and your ticketing requirements, as it is expected tickets will sell out quickly.
There will be eight performances in total on the following dates and times;
- 5pm Thursday 16 May | Family Show
- 7pm Friday 17 May | Opening Night
- 2pm Saturday 18 May | Matinee Performance
- 7pm Saturday 19 May | Evening Performance
- 5pm Thursday 23 May | Family Show
- 7pm Friday 24 May | Evening Performance
- 2pm Saturday 25 May | Matinee Performance
- 7pm Saturday 25 May | Evening Performance
Tickets will be $35 per adult, $25 for students aged 18 and under. Family Passes for 2 adults and 2 students will also be available for $100.
Watch this space for further announcements and we look forward to welcoming you to the show!
MIND MATTERS
TEAM EAC MAKES THEIR MOVE
This week saw EAC once again host the Northern Rivers competition of the Gardiner Chess Tournament. This popular event showcases the wonderful facility we have with The Lindsay Walker Centre, as well as the great talent and sportsmanship of our Primary and Secondary chess champions.
The competition was attended by students from schools throughout the Northern Rivers and Team EAC certainly achieved well.
Teacher of Primary and Chess Captain
Individual Places
Primary
- William Davis 1st EAC
- Byron Rushby 2nd EAC
- Jack Higgins 3rd EAC
Secondary
- Oscar Priivald 2nd
Groups
EAC 1 - 1st Place
- Jack Higgins
- Darcy Clare
- William Davis
- Oliver Darnell
EAC 2 - 2nd Place
- James Fryer
- Jett Goldberg
- Oliver Carol Burgess
- Charlie Walshe
EAC 6 - 3rd Place
- Jeremy Thomson
- Jamie Wadsworth
- Lachlan Moore
- Byron Rushby
CHAPLAIN CHAT
SO... WOULD YOU EAT IT?
Reflections from our College Easter Service, held Tuesday 26 March 2024.
After a season of change, there is often a season of pain and grief. After this season passes, there is a time for welcoming and receiving joy. When that journey has been made, there comes a fourth season: so what do we do with what we know? How are we to live? Or more specifically, how do we mature in service?
These four paths gave shape to the College Easter Service. Behind this pattern is an extraordinary work by Alexander John Shaia which can be found at https://www.quadratos.org/.
A man named Tony Rinaudo walked through this cycle and came to ask "How can I make the biggest difference? How can I use what I know to serve the good of others?" His answer took him to Niger to work as an agronomist with a plan to plant trees, and this is what he did.
He planted thousands and thousands of trees, but they all died. All of them. In despair, he sat in the dirt and prayed. Somewhere here his eyes were opened – and the answer was right in front of him. Clumps of shoots hugged the ground and were all around him. Rather than seeing these shoots as weeds, he saw for the first time for what they really were. They were the shoots of one of the original forest trees, pushing out, busting to regrow. Beneath the surface of the dusty land remained the roots of the forest, waiting to re-emerge.
From this simple observation began what is now called Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration. Of the many stems trying to reshoot from one tree, the task is to choose one and remove all the others. The farmer returns in two months and does the same again. And again. As a result, the most extraordinary thing occurs. Deserts have been stalled and forests have regrown. It is quite simply remarkable. Tony Rinaudo’s work in Niger alone has reforested over 6 million hectares (CLICK HERE to learn more).
The strange thing is, we are asked by God to participate in the work. To do that, we do not need to plant anything. Rather, our task is to work with what already is before us. The work is to trim the wild regrowth and let the trees that already exist, rise above the ground to become a forest again. There is no surer way to change the climate for good, than turning desert into forest. The trees bring back life, restore soil, capture water, make a habitat for insects and birds and create the environment for flourishing human life.
If the Easter story is in any way real, then the work is already done. Jesus’ radical solidarity with the human condition, his suffering, shame and humiliation of death as an outcast, has changed everything. Already human beings are children of God, worthy of grace and love - every single one. Already there is no separation between us, each other and God. It means that we never have to give another dignity. They already have it! All we have to do is attend to the reality before us and treat each other with kindness. This means compassion is not an act of will, reaching towards others out of our generosity. It is first a recognition that the other already possesses dignity. Compassion is the activity of aligning ourselves to reality.
We are responding with solidarity because we are already bound as humans, already one family.
At the Easter service a 5.5kg loaf of bread made by a student, was used as an instrument for storytelling. Before it was torn open on the altar, these words were spoken:
What if this bread is real?
What if this bread can become a part of you?
What if the bread gave you the courage to turn towards others with compassion, bringing light and life in all that you do?
Would you eat it?
At the beginning of the project of Jesus, we hear these words in Luke:
In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high
shall break upon us,
to shine on all who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death
and to guide our feet into
the way of peace.
Christ has died. Christ is risen. May we each have the courage to walk in the way of peace.
Amen
Rev Richard Browning
Chaplain
Library Lowdown
EGGSELLENT EFFORT
Ms Amy Quitoriano
Library Resource Centre Manager
Friends of EAC
WHATS APP GROUPS
Our Friends of EAC are working on ways to help our community connect better.
One of their initiatives is the establishment of a WhatsApp group for each cohort.
Groups can be joined by scanning the QR codes above.
If you are aware of any WhatsApp groups for the current Year 2 cohort, please email friends@eac.nsw.edu.au.
EAC ESSENTIALS
Homestay Hosts
As we are now calling for expressions of interest from our EAC community for Homestay Hosts in 2024, we thought it timely to share this great news story from one of our Homestay Host families from 2023...
"Our family had the pleasure of hosting Manami and Kotoko, two 12 year old students from St Margaret's Rikkyo, during their visit to Emmanuel Anglican College in August 2023.
It was a memorable and enriching experience for our whole family. So much so, that we subsequently visited Manami and Kotoko, and their families, during a family holiday to Tokyo in January 2024. We plan to do so again in future.
Our children gained a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture and life, along with new friendships that we hope and expect will be lasting. We also simply had a lot of fun.
We recommend hosting to any EAC families that might be considering it."
Amy Quitoriano and Ben Eade
2023 EAC Homestay Hosts
The Wave 2023 | Copies Available
We have copies of our 25th Anniversary edition of The Wave available for pick up from Reception.
This publication is free for all EAC families and a great memento of 2023.
Our Reception is open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays.
YOUR LOST PROPERTY WANTS YOU
Already we are seeing jackets and jumpers coming out as the weather cools. Please ensure all items are clearly labelled so we can easily return lost property to students. A good tip for labelling navy items is to use a white or silver acrylic paint marker.
We also currently have an abundance of water bottles in Lost Property. If you are missing a water bottle, please ask your child to check Lost Property and save these water bottles from ending up in landfill!
Canteen Order Changes Coming
As part of our continuous quality improvement processes, the College has identified a more efficient platform for our College Canteen orders. We will be switching our online order from SchoolStream to the new platform from Term 2.
We will also be using this new platform as a booking system for our ticketed events, including our upcoming production of Mary Poppins The Musical.
Watch this space for further details in the coming weeks.
Primary Pulse
IDOL MOMENTS
I’m sure I was not the only one who slipped into school holiday mode over the Easter long weekend. I hope you and your family enjoyed this special time together and the ‘get up’ on Tuesday wasn’t too difficult. I had the pleasure of attending the annual Blues Fest event over the weekend and was delighted to see so many EAC students and families sharing the experience of live music with one another.
I have shared a good news story with my music classes and the Mary Poppins cast over the past few weeks as a good friend and neighbour of mine, found himself in the world of Australian Idol. Dylan Wright, touted as the ‘young dad from Bangalow’ was superb throughout the competition and ultimately went on to be crowned winner of Australian Idol 2024. He was often asked on the show, and continues to be throughout his media appearances since, what inspired him to pursue a career in music. He answer is his mum. Dylan’s mother encouraged him as 14 year old to get out and busk on the streets of Gymea as she believed there was something special about her boy. His mother was diagnosed with MS and Dylan was her carer through some tough years until her passing. He stayed by her side, always entertaining her and impressing her with his musical ability.
I shared this story with the kids as it’s easy to see those who reach the highest of heights as 'overnight successes'. It’s not overnight. It’s years of commitment. It’s not giving up and it’s having at least one person who believes in you. I trust that all of our students have you in their corner and with the warmth I felt in the room between teachers and parents on Wednesday night at the Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences, you can be sure that we are right behind them also. I hope they drew some inspiration from Dylan’s story, even if it was just the line ‘be good to your mum!’. You may enjoy his new single Paper Heart which also has a great message for all.
We still have a few major events remaining for Term 1. This week saw the Gardiner Chess competition here at EAC. With the 69 students who trialed whittled down to the top 26 players in Primary, we were extremely competitive on the day. Chess Club is available for Stage 2 and 3 students each Friday at First Break for those wishing to further enhance their skills.
Next week’s sporting calendar features NCIS Netball and The Brian Kelly Rugby League Cup on Tuesday and of course our Primary Cross Country will now be held on Monday 8 April.
Term 1 will culminate with a special Band performance for Years 3, 4 and 5 next Friday 12 April 2024 at 12:15pm in the Senior Undercover Area, and the Colour Run to be held from 1:30pm on the College Oval. Students must bring an old shirt (preferably white) and a towel. You may also like to pack an extra towel for your car if you are picking the kids up. Parents and friends are warmly welcomed at both the Band and Colour Run events and Friends of EAC are looking for volunteers to assist with the event. Thank you to those families who have been able to raise some funds through the Colour Run online system. If the success of our recently installed Mini Village is anything to go buy, our next playground initiative made possible through these fundraising events will be warmly welcomed by the students.
Mr Wayne Cross
Director of the Primary School
What is Fruit Break?
Each morning we ask our Primary students to bring along some fresh fruit or vegetables to eat at 'Fruit Break'. For the benefit of our parents and carers, we thought we would explain what Fruit Break is and share some tips on how to support your child in this daily school routine.
When the bell rings at 8.48am each school day, all EAC students move to their classrooms. For our Primary students, this will mean lining up in designated areas outside to await further instructions from their teacher.
Kindergarten and Year 1 will take out their lunchbox and water bottle from their school bags and sit in the undercover areas adjacent to the Gunundi building. Older year groups will unpack their lunchbox and water bottle and file directly into their classrooms and sit at their desks.
All students will then have the opportunity to select a piece of fresh fruit or veg from their lunchbox and have around 5 to 10 minutes to eat. At the end of that 5 to 10 minutes, students will pack their lunchbox back into their school bag, wash their hands and prepare to commence their lessons for the day.
At EAC we believe Fruit Break allows students opportunity to refuel, reset and be ready to start their day of learning and engagement.
Some helpful tips for Fruit Break;
- Fruit or veg should be fresh (rather than dried or processed)
- Fruit or veg needs to be consumed within 5 to 10 minutes and so large portions may not be suitable
- Whole pieces of small fruit are best (mandarins, grapes, bananas, apples, cherry tomatoes, qukes, bananas, snow peas)
- Chopped pieces of fruit or veg also work well (watermelon, orange, pineapple, carrot, celery)
- Yoghurt or homemade smoothies may be packed as an alternative to fruit or veg, however processed drinks including flavoured milks are not suitable for Fruit Break
- Canteen orders are not delivered until First Break at 10.48am, and so are not available in time for Fruit Break
If you have queries around Fruit Break, please contact your class teacher.
GO THE EXTRA SMILE
It was a vibrant and uplifting week in the Primary School BACK in Week 6 as students embraced the wellbeing focused agenda of ‘Go the Extra Smile Week'. With a break from homework, students had more time to engage in activities that nurtured their creativity and relaxation.
The College grounds came alive with colourful chalk drawings adorning the sidewalks, showcasing the artistic talents of our students. As they let their imaginations run wild, laughter and camaraderie filled the air, fostering a sense of community spirit and simple affirmations about our wellbeing.
Mindful colouring sessions provided a tranquil escape for students, allowing them to unwind and refocus their minds. Amidst the hustle and bustle of school life, these moments of quiet reflection were cherished by both students and staff alike.
Excitement peaked with the much anticipated disco, where students danced the day away, celebrating friendship and joy. The infectious energy of the disco illuminated the our Innovation and Discovery Centres, creating memories that will be cherished for the rest of the year.
To conclude the week, we embraced 'Brighten Up Your Uniform Day', where students adorned themselves in vibrant colours and quirky accessories. The school was a kaleidoscope of hues, reflecting the diversity and individuality of our student body.
Through this wellbeing focused week, we reinforced the importance of balance, creativity, and self-care in our students' lives. By prioritising their mental and emotional wellbeing, we empower them to thrive academically and personally.
Mr Daniel Walsh
Primary Pastoral Care Leader (Year 4 to Year 6)
Secondary Scoop
Year 9 Camp
Next week, many of the Year 9 cohort will be challenged both physically and mentally as they attend a four day program at Camp Kokoda. Over the four days, students will complete a range of team activities designed to develop their skills in working with students outside their peer group and also be challenged by cooking their own meals, camping in tents and surviving without showers.
This camp is a great opportunity for students to develop their resilience and further build the character attributes that the Wellbeing Program at EAC models.
'Resilience' is the ability to adapt to difficult circumstances that you can’t change, and keep on thriving. To support the building of resilience, this camp provides challenges that develop students’ social skills, positive thinking habits and the determination to get things done.
Social skills are important building block for resilience. They include skills for making and keeping friends, resolving conflict, and working well in teams or groups. Developing good social skills helps with communication and a range of problem solving strategies used to overcome challenges. The camp also provides opportunities for students to feel confident, capable and ready to achieve - all important aspects of resilience. Important skills in this area are goal setting, planning, being organised and self-disciplined, being prepared to work hard and being resourceful.
I know that all the students will have a wonderful time and develop life long friendships from this camp.
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
NSW Parliament Regional Roadshow
Last week, Year 12 EAC students Roilehsar Chong, Ash Daniel-Williams and Matthew Smith attended the NSW Parliament Regional Roadshow at the Southern Cross University campus in Lismore. The Youth Forum, hosted by the Hon Ben Franklin MLC and Greens MLA Sue Higginson, was an opportunity for school leaders from across the region to discuss effective regional representation and the future of parliamentary democracy. Students engaged in lively dialogue about such issues as HECS costs, cost of living pressures, affordability of housing and climate change. There was also an opportunity for students to participate in a documentary video and to test their knowledge of the Legislative Council and Parliament.
Below is a recount from the attending students.
The NSW Legislative Council, in conjunction with Youth Services, kindly invited us to participate in a political discussion revolving around the concerns of the youth in the region. Many points were brought up including; the cost of living crisis, HECS debt, and apathy for political understanding. The thought provoking nature of the forum allowed us to have open conversations with other students from schools with different backgrounds, and with two members of parliament; the Honourable Ben Franklin and MP Sue Higginson. Witnessing both members of Parliament become so invested in what we had to say, instilled us with a sense of hope for the future. It was apparent that members of parliament were highly engaged in our regional issues which sometimes lacks the same recognition as larger cities. The Honourable Ben Franklin formulated a report based on the ideas discussed, to advocate for better policies in the Legislative Council that affect the younger generation.
YEAR 9 DUKE OF EDINBURGH WALK ON
Last Thursday, our Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze students completed the training and preparation component of their Adventurous Journey which will take place next week during the Year 9 camp at Camp Kokoda.
Students were briefed on first aid and survival techniques, packed their own hiking bags, set up tents, learned to cook on an trangia, and also navigated and hiked more than 8km through Ballina.
A big thank you to Mr Graham Lees, Miss Taylah Ledingham and Max Raguse, Year 10, for assisting on the day.
Miss Ellese Morrissey
Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader
Northern Rivers News
