Issue 5 Term 1 2023
‘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
EASTER BLESSINGS
As we come to this most sacred time in our Christian Calendar, we celebrate all that we have achieved throughout this incredibly busy and successful term. We give great thanks for inspirational, talented and generous staff that have provided so many wonderful opportunities to our students to learn, participate, represent, experience, perform and celebrate. As we pause for a time of rest and renewal we also take time to be thankful for those things that we often taken for granted such as family, friendships, good health, education, community and social connectedness. We celebrate the wonderful spirit of generosity that all in our community have shown so that the students can shine and we can all be inspired by their innovative, creative, fun-loving, positive and generous ways of being. It is this partnership between students, families and staff that make the Emmanuel Anglican College community so great! The success of this term is the outcome of a remarkable team effort. Well done and thank you to all involved.
At the College Chapel Service this week, we took time to reflect on the story of Holy Week and relive the events of Jesus and his friends as Jesus picked up his cross and carried it through the streets of Jerusalem on his way to the place where he was crucified. As we moved through events of that journey we reflected on the times in our life when we struggle, suffer, experience loss and feel exclusion. The Year 9 Drama students led a beautiful reflection which encouraged us to consider how we can help others when they feel loss, despair and failure. The ‘Good News’ of the story is that at the end of that week, Jesus and his friends were completely transformed by the Resurrection and the incredible experience of hope which it brings. As we concluded our time together, Rev Greg Ezzy prayed this wonderful blessing for all our community and as we enter Easter time, I thought I would share it with you. Many blessings.
Gracious God,
The journey of Lent has led us to the Cross and challenges us to be people of peace, love and forgiveness.
May we follow the example of Jesus in seeking justice, standing up for what is right and caring for the oppressed and forgotten.
Now we await the news of the empty tomb and the joy and hope of the resurrection.
Bless us with meaningful lives that make a difference.
Fill us with love and joy.
Revel in us hope and compassion and bless us as we go so that we might be a light to the world and a beacon of hope to others.
May we generously share our gifts and talents with each other, boldly proclaiming the good news of your love, and let your way grow in our lives and throughout the world.
May God bless you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
EAC OPEN EVENING A STAND OUT SUCCESS
On Thursday 23 March the College held our 2023 Open Evening which was a resounding success. Our Open Evening is an invitation only event for students and their families currently on our enrolments waitlist. We have received great feedback from many of the families who attended with the vast number stating how impressed they were with our student tour guides who escorted them around the campus and answered many of their questions.
Thank you to all the staff and students who put in extra hours and great effort to present our College at its best.
CLASSROOM CONSTRUCTION
You may have noticed construction underway between the Lindsay Walker Centre and the basketball courts. This will be the site for three modular classrooms which will help ease our growing pains whilst the College progresses with our site Master Plan.
The classrooms are currently being built on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and will be trucked to site in the coming weeks ready for use in Term 3.
Happy Birthday Amber
Our beloved EAC Therapy Dog Amber recently celebrated her 4th birthday. Amber is an Australian Cobberdog and an important member of our College community.
On behalf of all the students and staff here at EAC, thank you Amber for boosting our spirits when we feel low, calming us when we feel anxious and showing us all the joy that comes from canine connection.
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
A TIME TO CHERISH
It has been a busy term, probably the busiest of the year, with so much happening including sports carnivals, chess competitions, excursions, incursions, open evenings, assessment and parent teacher conferences.
It has been great to see so many of our students getting involved in service activities such as volunteering for the College Open Evening event, promoting sustainability and cooking democracy sausages! By developing their social skills our students can better find their purpose and help others. It enables them to connect with people in their community in order to increase their self-
understanding, independence and confidence.
And in all this business I challenged the students, at our assembly this week, to take the time to cherish and desire. Desire often focuses on the future. It includes the places we want to visit, the people we want to spend time with and the possessions we want to have, who we want to be friends with and what we want to spend our time doing.
I asked the students to also take the time to cherish. Cherish is about the present. Do they cherish the opportunity they have been given to shape the future, do they cherish the people who love and support and provide opportunities for them, do they cherish the teachers who work extremely hard for them, and do they cherish this beautiful part of Australia that most people in the world could only dream of living in.
So maybe during the coming two weeks break, while we are all caught up in holiday business, you might take a moment away from the things they desire and have a think about the things they cherish.
Dia dhaoibh
Mr Francis McGuigan
Deputy Principal
DEMOCRACY SAUSAGES FOR ALL
EAC were proud partners in democracy recently with our Student Representative Council (SRC) hosting a BBQ at the College to serve the crowds voting in the New South Wales State Election. Thank you to everyone who chose EAC as their polling place and to our Directors of Primary and Secondary for supporting our SRC.
Sports Report
by Mr Mike Ryan, Leader of Sport and Coaching
PRIMARY SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
NSWCIS Primary Swimming Championships
Eve Drew
- 2nd 8-10 Years Girls 50m Butterfly
Emily Evans
- 3rd 11-13 Years Girls 50m Freestyle Multi-Class
- 3rd 11-13 Years Girls 50m Breaststroke Multi-Class
- 3rd 11-13 Years Girls 50m Backstroke Multi-Class
- 2nd 11-13 Years Girls 50m Butterfly Multi-Class
- 2nd 11-13 Years Girls 100m Freestyle Multi-Class
NSWCIS Primary Boys Football Championships
Results:
- Loss 0 - 6 v IPSHA
- Win 3 - 2 v HZSA
- Loss 0 - 2 v CSSA
- Win 2 - 1 v HICES
SECONDARY SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
NCIS Secondary Swimming Championships
New College Records
Sarah Vanem
- 13 Years Girls 50m Freestyle - 30.36
- 13 Years Girls 50m Backstroke - 35.72
- 13 Years Girls 50m Breaststroke - 41.46
Coco Robinson
- 14 Years Girls 50m Backstroke - 33.91
- 14 Years Girls 100m Freestyle - 1:04.77
- 12-14 Years Girls 200m Individual Medley - 2:46.82
Ellen Miller
- 16 Years Girls 50m Freestyle - 30.02
- 16 Years Girls 50m Backstroke - 37.03
- 16 Years Girls 50m Butterfly - 33.41
- 16 Years Girls 100m Freestyle - 1:10.09
Poppy Robinson
- 17+ Years Girls 100m Freestyle - 1:07.34
- 17+ Years Girls 200m Individual Medley - 2:45.54
Age Championships
12 Girls: Zoe Silver - First
12 Boys: Samuel Mooney - First, Aurelien Rignault - Third
13 Girls: Sarah Vanem - Third
14 Girls: Coco Robinson - First
16 Girls: Ellen Miller - Third
16 Boys: Finnigan Robinson - Second
17 Girls: Charlotte Shepherd - Second
18 Girls: Poppy Robinson - First
NCIS Surfing Championships
NCIS Secondary Football Championships
- Win 2 - 0 v TAS
- Loss 0 - 1 v LAGS
- Loss 0 - 2 v BDC
- Win 4 - 1 v CSS
Open Girls
- Win 3 - 0 v KAS
- Draw 0 - 0 v LAGS
- Loss 0 - 3 v BDC
16&U Boys
- Draw 2 - 2 v BDC
- Win 6 - 0 v CSS
- Loss 0 - 1 v LAGS
- Win 3 - 0 v LS
15&U Girls
- Win 1 - 0 v BDC
- Loss 0 - 2 v LAGS
- Win 3 - 1 v LS
- Open Boys: Cooper Keane, Jack Whitaker
- 16&U Boys: Harry Cass, Jacob Neto, Connor Redden
Bill Turner Cup & Trophy - Round 2
BAILEY BOUND FOR USA
The incredibly talented Bailey Wilson, Year 12, who we have been reporting on for his Athletics achievements (see more about that below), is now trailing for basketball big time in the USA. Bailey is saving to travel to America to trial for several College basketball teams in an effort to fulfil his dreams and his potential by representing Australia among some of the most prestigious basketball players in the world.
BAILEY DOES IT AGAIN!
More congratulations are in order for Bailey following his outstanding performance at the recent 2023 Australian Open and Under 20 Track & Field Championships held in Brisbane. Bailey achieved a whopping 2.04m high jump smashing his personal best and scoring fourth in the competition. Bailey, thank you for being such a terrific ambassador for EAC and we wish you all the best as you continue to shine.
TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN
EAC's 2023 Mountain Biking team are back in full swing with another epic training session, this time at the New Italy Mountain Bike Forest located 50kms south of Ballina.
This was the first training session with both established team members and those joining the team for the first time this year. The group performed very well and the team dynamic is supportive and excited.
2023 is looking like a great year for our mountain bikers!
EAC STUDENTS KEY TO CLUB'S SUCCESS
The Alstonville Water Polo Club's U16 Boys Team features mostly EAC students as players and an EAC parent as coach. The team recently competed at the Queensland State Titles ands took out Bronze in their division.
The decider to award third and fourth places was an absolutely nerve wracking game that ended up in a 6-6 draw at full time. A penalty shoot out then resulted in a 10-10 draw! The game went into overtime with Gus Carter, Year 9, saving a key goal and winning the match 12-11.
It was an amazing team with great sportsmanship on show from everyone. Congratulations to EAC players Gus Carter, Archie Cook, Alex Howard-Bath, Hayden Kelvin and Ben Vanem.
Top of the Arts
WELCOME TO EAC
Last week EAC welcomed a group of visiting junior high school students from Japan! This was our first Japanese group visit since pre COVID and we are all thrilled to rekindle our strong Japanese connections.
Visiting students were paired with 'buddy' families who hosted their stay and bought them to and from College each day where they have been participating in myriad activities to get a taste for Australian school life.
Some of the activities the students have participated in include studying mime with Year 9 Drama students, creating boomerangs and mingling with students during lessons and recess.
The group had a terrific time with great friendships formed and memories sure to last a lifetime.
EAC TAIKO DRUMMERS
In just five weeks a group of bright eyed novice primary students have transformed into passionate and proficient Taiko drummers! Thanks to the talented staff of Byron Taiko, our students have come along in leaps and bounds as evidenced at their performance at this week's EAC Easter Eggstravaganza. The audience of parents and loved ones were delightfully impressed with the talents of the Taiko drummers and our Kindergarteners, Year 1s, Year 2s and Year 6s were in rapt awe at the power, volume and coordination on display.
Thank you Ms Jennifer Buddee for bringing Taiko to EAC and, with it, yet another way for us to appreciate the culture of Japan.
GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER
Our Junior Concert Band held their fist workshop for 2023 this week and it was a booming success. Led by Mr Adam Holmes, the band got back to basics with beats and rhythms and perfected their performance skills ready for the year ahead. The students had a great day together and are looking forward to showing off to our College community at several upcoming events to be announced in Term 2.
THE SHAKESPEARE CARNIVAL
All the world’s a stage…
Last week students from Years 9, 10 and 11 competed in the Shakespeare Carnival in EAC's Drama Space. In order to compete, students first read, research and study a Shakespeare play. Each drama class then creates a performance either as an ensemble script, group devised or Physical Theatre. Students are to be congratulated on the quality of their acting and theatrical ideas and will in future perform to friends and family. Some groups will be selected to represent EAC at the Regionals to compete against other schools in Port Macquarie in May.
Ms Mechelle Anderson
Teacher of Drama
Mind Matters
NO DEBATE AROUND EAC
The EAC Debaters made the journey to Clarence Valley Anglican School (CVAS) in Grafton on Friday 24 March to kick off the 2023 Debating season.
The Middles Team for students in Years 7 and 8, had an impressive win against a spirited CVAS. Lara Neaves, Tess Ball, Yssy Matricardi and Hadleigh Unsworth presented a clear and sustained argument that was unable to be dismantled by their opponents.
The Seniors Team for students in Years 9 and 10 also had a win that can only be described as crushing. The team of Olivia de Marco, Max Whitaker, Harper Ainsbury and Aoife Kingston made light work of their less experienced opponents.
The Opens Team had a bye.
As the Juniors Team of Year 5 and 6 students also won their debate, EAC had a clean sweep of the day!
Thanks to Mr Daniel Walsh and Mr Christopher Walton for accompanying me with the students.
Ms Sue McLintock
Teacher of English and Creative and Performing Arts
EAC CHESS TEAM MAKES THEIR MOVE
The newly formed 2023 EAC Chess Team clocked up their first win for the year against Xavier Catholic College. The teams were neck and neck to the very end but emerged victorious in the final points score.
The team barely had time to enjoy their triumph before their next competition - The Gardiner Chess Northern Rivers Inter-School Chess Competition. Thanks to the excellent facility we have here with the Lindsay Walker Centre, our College was a a natural fit for this sizeable event held Thursday 30 March. Students from Alstonville High, Alstonville Public, Holy Family Catholic Primary, Lismore High School, Richmond Christian College, Trinity Catholic College and Xavier Catholic College came to compete with our impressive EAC team which includes students from Year 2 all the way through to Year 12.
A special mention to our Primary students who tried out for the Chess Team. The Primary trials for team selection were particularly well attended. Well done and congratulations to all our students who tried out.
Library Lowdown
TAKE THE LIBRARY WITH YOU
Dreading the chants of 'I'm bored' over the upcoming Easter Holidays? Never fear, ePlatform is here. EAC's Joan Pickup Library is pleased to provide online access to all our students and their families to ePlatform's complete library of ebooks, audio books and more. Follow these instructions to get set up and ready to read: CLICK HERE.
Ms Jasmine Jordan
Library Manager
LIBRARY MONITOR LOWDOWN
Do you want to learn how to play chess or improve your chess skills? Chess Club is up and running for Years 1 to every Monday during 1st Break. Come along whether you are an advanced player or a beginner.
It is wonderful that most students at EAC Primary are very responsible library users. Just a reminder to those who can be forgetful - please make sure you return your overdue library loans before the break. This will avoid an email being sent home to families.
Book Club orders have closed. If you have not already received your order it will arrive before the school holidays.
Speaking of the school holidays, you may like to read and listen to books via the Library's eBook and audiobook service - ePlatform. Audiobooks are great for road trips. If you don’t know how to access the ePlatform, make sure you ask Ms Jordan before the break. She can provide you with instructions to take home.
Thank you to Ms Nicole Eldridge from the Richmond Tweed Regional Library service who came to EAC this week to bring library cards to those students who applied and talk about our local library services.
That’s it from the Year 5 Library Monitors. Happy Reading!
Canteen Cookup
TERM 2 READY
The Canteen will reopen for business as usual right from the beginning of Term 2 on Wednesday 26 April. If you're keen to get a headstart on Term 2, you can pre order through the SchoolStream app.
Thank you to everyone for your patronage, your volunteer hours and your support in Term 1.
Ms Christine Hall
Canteen Coordinator
Friends of EAC
How To EAC
RETURNING LATE FROM HOLIDAYS?
If your children will be returning late from the Easter Holiday break, please let us know so we can update your child's attendance status for the start of Term 2. You can advise us via any of the following methods;
- SchoolStream App under 'Attendance'
- Email attendance@eac.nsw.edu.au
- Text 0416 906 263
- Phone 02 6681 5054
The first day back for Term 2 will be Wednesday 26 April (the day after ANZAC Day).
Stay safe and enjoy the break!
Sustainability Central
STUDENTS SWITCH OFF FOR GOOD
On Friday 24 March, EAC observed Earth Hour by switching off all unnecessary equipment, lighting and appliances during the first lesson of the day. EAC students and staff alike are focused on reducing the College's carbon footprint and increasing our sustainability practices. Already in 2023 the College has increased our Market Garden initiatives and is in the process of rolling out sorting centres across the Campus to improve our resource recovery capability. Thank you for supporting us on this journey and thanks in particular to Ms Luanne Millhatton for enthusiastic support of Earth Hour and all things sustainability.
STUDENTS PLEDGE TO BE THE DIFFERENCE
In preparation for Earth Hour, our Secondary students came together to develop strategies they can each employ to better their sustainability practices. These strategies were distilled into a series of pledges that students could easily remember and infuse into their day to day practices. Thank you students for setting such a fine example for us all to live by.
BRILLIANT BRANDING
One of the activities our Sustainability Action Group has been undertaking is the development of a logo they can use to readily identify their initiatives to the College Community. Congratulations to Macey Elliott, Kirsty Hawkins and Kai Manion, all from Year 9, who together developed the winning logo for the Group.
HERE TO HELP
Early Learning Centre Corner
ELC EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA
Our ELC students are busily preparing for Easter with craft a-plenty and a groundswell of excitement is forming around the rumoured possibility of an egg hunt the coming week.
As well as bonnets and baskets, we have also seen a spike in the popularity of pretend police role playing with a police station set up and improvised uniforms at the ready. In response to this interest we are now looking to schedule a visit from members of our local police force so we can chat in person about the important roles police play in our community.
Another highlight from the past fortnight was the annual ELC/Kindergarten Teddy Bears Picnic. This great event sees our pre-kindy students venture into the Big School for lunch with friends new and old together with their favourite teddies. Thank you to KA and KB for welcoming us so warmly and to Mr Tobias for bringing along his own favourite teddy Barney to share in the delight.
Ms Nicole Wilson
Director of the Early Learning Centre
Primary Pulse
WHAT A WEEK!
It was wonderful to see so many parents on site at the Parent Information Night last week. Attending these nights are a great way to show your child that you are interested and invested in their learning. Many Stage 3 students took the opportunity to attend the meetings with their parents and this proved to a successful addition to the evening.
This week our Primary students have had a full schedule of learning and extracurricular activities. On Monday, the Junior Concert Band held a workshop day. Tuesday featured the Whole College Chapel for Years 2-12. Wednesday showcased the Easter Bonnet, Boot and Belt Parade for students in Kindergarten to Year 2, as well as the Mini Mozarts and Junior Concert Band concert for students in Years 3, 4 and 5. Finally, Thursday marked the highly anticipated Colour Run. What a week!
Mr Wayne Cross
Director of the Primary School
YEAR 5 SURVIVE THE WILD
2023 has seen the return of the Year 5 rite of passage... Camp!
Our cohort of 10 and 11 year olds set out for Darlington Beach with four teaching staff in tow. Archery, massive Velcro dart boards and supersized Connect4 games were just the start of this epic adventure. Students also experienced the Bear Grylls Survival Course, rampaged on the waterslide and were momentarily awed by the beauty of one of the best beaches on the Coffs Coast.
The Bear Grylls Survival Course was a highlight for many. During the course, the students tested their limits by starting fires using flint, camouflaging themselves into their natural surroundings, and hunting for bush tucker. Some of the students even demonstrated their bravery by consuming mealworms.
The Year 5 camp served as an opportunity for our largest cohort of new students to create lasting memories and build strong bonds that will endure throughout their time together at EAC and beyond.
For many families, Year 5 Camp is the first experience children have of a night away from home and from their parents and carers. Well done everyone on taking this bold step into the unknown. The countdown for Year 6 Camp in 2024 is definitely now on!
Secondary Scoop
A LITTLE BIT OF INFLUENCE CAN GO A LONG WAY
Many of you might have heard of Prime Hydration, a drink promoted and owned by KSI and Logan Paul, social media influencers. These brothers have created a craze around the world with teenagers lining up for hours before supermarkets open to buy this product as it sells out so quickly.
The rise of this product and many others is due to social media influencers. A social media influencer is someone who has an online following based on their personality, skills and can be sponsored for product promotions.
Children and teens follow influencers for many reasons. There is so much to offer in the online world and these influencers provide information relevant to their audience and provide comfort for teens. Research shows that 70% of teens say they trust influencers more than regular celebrities.
These social media influencers have varied impacts on teens lives and mental health. To help navigate this online world it is important for parents to stay involved. This might simply be following who your child follows on social media or talk regularly with your child about what they have watched on social media and discuss the information.
So next time your teen talks about an influencer or trend, take notice and have those conversations about positive role models within society.
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
EAC IN PERFECT HARMONY
Tuesday 21 March was Harmony Day for 2023. Harmony Day is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Our Secondary students, undoubtedly with the support of their families, baked up a storm for the annual EAC Harmony Day Bake Sale which was a sell out success!
EYES OPEN TO ECONOMICS
This week our Year 12 Economics students enjoyed a privileged invitation from Business NSW to attend a business breakfast with Dr Sherman Chan. Dr Chan is Business NSW's Chief Economist and a principal analyst for the NSW Treasury. The students, lead by Ms Luanne McIllhatton, all thoroughly enjoyed the lively and practical presentation and commented enthusiastically about how the presentation and Dr Chan bought real life relevance to their study.
Thank you to Jane Laverty, Regional Director, Northern Rivers, Business NSW for the invitation.
VISIT TO SCU NATIONAL MARINE CENTRE
Year 9 Marine Studies students visited the Southern Cross University National Marine Centre in Coffs Harbour. Stephan Soule, the Education and Outreach Manager gave a lecture to the students about fish biology, morphology and evolution. The students then dissected a flathead, Platycephalis fuscus, to examine its internal anatomy and to gain insight into how the structure of each component serves its function in a fish. The day was capped off with a tour through a series of aquariums that highlighted the diversity of species found in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, just off the coast from Coffs Harbour, where both tropical and temperate currents meet.
Dr Justine Jacob
Teacher of Science and Mathematics
COASTAL CLEANUP PROMOTES WELLBEING
Our Year 10 students recently participated in a clean up of a section of Ballina's coastline and waterways as part of our College Wellbeing program. Students reaped the benefits of contributing positively to the community and enjoyed taking positive action to improve our environment.
Northern Rivers News
