Issue 6 2024
‘Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown to them’
Matthew 5:7
From the Principal
It has been an incredible start to the term with students involved in a myriad of exciting and fun opportunities including the Year 6 Peer Support Leadership Training Day, College Cross Country, CIS swimming and HICES Debating. The College was also proudly represented on ANZAC Day with students marching in both the Ballina and Alstonville parades. During the non-term time we also had a group of students travel to South Africa as part of a study tour where they experienced the awe of a safari and the incredible privilege of visiting Robben Island and walking in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. Meanwhile, our Marine Studies student visited the Lizard Island Research Station and were involved in daily snorkeling trips on the Great Barrier Reef to collect valuable data on behalf of the Research Station. The cast and crew of our upcoming production of Mary Poppins Them Musical attended a boot camp during the break and are very excited to finally be commencing their run of performances from next Thursday 16 May.
When I list all of these amazing opportunities I am once again reminded of the incredibly talented and generous staff that we are so blessed to have at EAC. They love their work and regularly go above and beyond to make learning fun, meaningful and engaging.
I also wish to take this opportunity to formally acknowledge and thank Friends of EAC for their incredible work and support of the College. Each year Friends of EAC make a wonderful contribution to building community and raising funds for additional resources for the benefit of all the students. On Tuesday evening, Friends of EAC held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) and took time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions that the group has made over the last 12 months.
On behalf of the entire EAC community I wish to offer sincere thanks to Mr Steve Carrigg (President), Vanessa Hansen (Vice President), Julie Billebault (Secretary), and Emma Rippon and Megan Rippon (Treasurers) as well as to the extended committee for their amazing efforts throughout the last 12 months.
I would like to make special mention of Vanessa Hansen and thank her for her involvement with Friends over the last six years. Vanessa has made a huge contribution throughout this time as Treasurer and most recently as Vice President. In particular, I wish to acknowledge and thank her for her contribution to the planning and coordination of events including the 20 Year Celebration Gala Dinner in 2018 and the Grand Affair in 2021.
I would also like to thank Janet Hale, who continues to donate her time so generously in order to keep the Second Hand Uniform Pool operating. It provides a steady stream of income to Friends of EAC and a much-needed service to the families of EAC. Thank you, Janet.
The work of Friends of EAC can only continue with the commitment and support of generous, skilled and enthusiastic members. As part of the AGM, the committee for 2024/25 is confirmed and I am so grateful to the following people for continuing/stepping up to take an active role in the leadership of Friends of EAC:
President: Steve Carrigg
Vice President: Jean Shannon
Treasurers: Emma Rippon and Megan Rippon
Secretary: Julie Billebault
Friends are still looking for people to join the committee. If you would like to be a committee member please complete THIS NOMINATION FORM and return to friends@eac.nsw.edu.au
We look forward to another wonderful year of friendship, fun and fundraising!
In other news, over the break almost 300 solar panels were installed on the roof of The Lindsay Walker Centre and late last week the system was connected. As a result I am delighted to confirm that the first stage of our plan to move to a solar powered campus is complete. The 100 kilowatt system will generate more than half our daily power usage, significantly reducing our carbon footprint and has also provided significant cost savings. The system allows the students and staff to monitor our power demand and solar supply in real time and has already been the source of learning and discussion in a number of classrooms across the College. In the coming months we will collect and monitor data from the system which will enable us to plan for stage two of the rollout which is to install enough panels to deliver all of our daytime power usages from solar generated power. Read on in our Sustainability Central section of this newsletter for more details.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
What's On
CALENDAR
For your personalised Calendar of Events, simply log in to Parent Lounge HERE.
Stay up to date with EAC announcements and news by following us on Facebook HERE.
FlexiSchools APP
Canteen orders, absentee notices, important notifications and more can all be found on EAC's app, FlexiSchools, which you can find out more about HERE.
WEBSITE
The EAC website is a treasure trove of valuable information including forms, publications and in depth information, all of which are available HERE.
WHAT WEEK IS IT?
To help clarify our College Weeks, we've created a printable quick reference guide available HERE.
MAGAZINES WANTED
We are putting the call out for the donation of any unwanted magazines suitable for our Primary students to use for a variety of learning activities.
If you have any unwanted magazines to donate, we will gratefully receive them at our Reception.
Off The Deputy's Desk
Embracing Our Values in Every Endeavor
As the newly appointed Deputy Principal, I start this role with a sense of excitement and opportunity for the future of Emmanuel Anglican College.
Education, in my view, is not just about academic excellence but the holistic development of each individual and this is something that is deeply ingrained in the culture of our College.
At Emmanuel, we are committed to developing our students into well-rounded individuals who display courage, compassion, citizenship and creativity in everything they do, both within and beyond the classroom. These values are at the heart of our Holistic Learning Framework and the learning and wellbeing attributes which teachers have been embedding into our teaching and learning programs,
assessments and reporting throughout my time as Director of Teaching and Learning.
As I step into the role of Deputy Principal, I am excited by the chance to see how these values are embodied beyond the classroom in the diverse range of opportunities we offer our students. I already know our students are developing courage in our Duke of Edinburgh program, citizenship as members of our Sustainability Action Group, creativity in our musical, and compassion through our service learning opportunities, to name just a few examples. However there are so many more ways we are developing these, as celebrated in this newsletter, and I am excited to be part of more of these moving forward.
I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, our enthusiastic students, and our supportive parents to further develop our ability to prepare our students to be ready for the rapidly changing world beyond school.
Mrs Julie Fryer
Deputy Principal
Sports Report
Triumph Over Weather: Celebrating Success at Cross Country Carnivals
EAC Primary and Secondary Cross Country Carnivals
| Boys Age Champion | Boys Runners Up | Girls Age Champion | Girls Runners Up | |
| 8/9 Years | Jordy Durston | Andre Hartel | Eva Camp | Stormy van Dommele |
| 10 Years | Ted Garbett | Alexander Du Plessis | Nadia Wynne | Indiana Thompson |
| 11 Years | Max Martin | Sabre Smith | Eve Drew | Elsie Drew |
| 12+ Years | Zavier Hartel | Jack Higgins | Charlotte Ashdown | Pascale McRae |
| Boys Age Champion | Boys Runners Up | Girls Age Champion | Girls Runners Up | |
| 12 Years | Jacob Palmer | Rafael Blatchford | - | - |
| 13 Years | Angus Amos | Mani Pollard | Sofia McGreevy | Lillian Johnson |
| 14 Years | Henry Drew | Edward Neto | Coco Beck | Emily Edwards |
| 15 Years | Connor McGreevy | Finley Thomson | Frankie Moir-Dobbs | Asha Ledingham |
| 16 Years | Jett Beck | Morrison Gammon | Emanuelle Harding | Maddie Jewell |
| 17 Years | Robbie Mumford | Finnigan Robinson | Sindi Malaba | Zoe Latimer |
| 18+ Years | Jack Whitaker | Taj Patton | Charlotte Shepherd | Olivia Carter |
NCIS Cross Country Championships
- Eva Camp - 2nd: 8/9 Girls
- Eve Drew - 2nd: 11 Girls
- Charlotte Ashdown - 3rd: 12+ Girls (Primary)
- Bonnie McColl - 2nd: 12 Girls (Secondary)
- Angus Amos - 3rd: 13 Boys
- Henry Drew - 1st: 14 Boys
- Tully Churton - 2nd: 14 Boys
- Connor McGreevy - 1st: 15 Boys
- Asha Ledingham - 2nd: 15 Girls
- Jett Beck - 1st: 16 Boys
- Manu Harding - 3rd: 16 Girls
- Robbie Mumford - 1st: 17 Boys
- Saul Morris - 2nd: 17 Boys
Leader of Sport and Coaching
Victory and Valiant Efforts: Highlights from EAC Netball
NCIS Primary Netball Championships
In the final week of Term 1, we sent four very eager teams to the NCIS Primary Netball Championships at Tweed Heads. Our boys team only had one opponent in Lindisfarne, and they managed to defeat them in each of their two extended matches on the day to be crowned NCIS Champions! Our girls team showed some good patches of play, but were unable to get a win over either of their two opponents in Lindisfarne and Bishop Druitt. Both of the mixed teams enjoyed some success, winning a couple of their games each. Next focus is Schools Cup at the beginning of Term 3.
Primary Inter-House Netball
Last week on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 May, all students in Years 3 to 6 competed in the coveted Inter-House Netball tournament, having enjoyed weeks of preparation in their sport lessons. Mr Lancashire will announce the winners at the next assembly, with a full report in next fortnight's newsletter.
NSWCIS Secondary Swimming Championships
Earlier this week, seven EAC students and their parents travelled to Sydney to represent NCIS at the NSWCIS Secondary Swimming Championships. Feedback from the students who competed centred on how strong the competition was with some incredible swimmers at the meet. Although none of our students were successful in qualifying for NSW All Schools, there were a lot of personal bests and they all should be proud of their efforts for making it to CIS.
Student Spotlight
Water Polo
Congratulations to Sarah Vanem, Angus Carter and Zoe Silver who have each been selected in the Queensland Water Polo Development Program. Each of them are now focused on making their respective state teams.
Sarah also recently competed in the Queensland State Water Polo Titles as part of her University of Queensland team. Sarah's team managed to go through the entire competition undefeated to be crowned state champions and Sarah was named the Most Valuable Player, as voted by the state selectors.
Hockey
Congratulations to Finn Robinson and Kalani Franklin who have each recently been selected in NSW representative hockey teams. Finn has been selected in the NSW State U18 Boys 1st Team and Kalani in the NSW U18 Boys Blues Team. Once again, this pair of young men continue to showcase their ability on the field and we are all very excited to see how they go in their upcoming tournaments.
Top of the Arts
PLEASE SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US
Mary Poppins the Musical wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our wonderful sponsors. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the L & R Uetritz Foundation, McGrath Estate Agents, Northern Rivers Seafood, Raunik Design Group, the Hawkins family, and Beacon Veterinary for their unwavering commitment to the arts and our community.
Their contributions have not only helped bring this great production to life but have also enabled us to create lasting memories for our students and audience members alike.
As we prepare to take to the stage and transport our audience into the magical world of Mary Poppins, we extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors for their belief in our vision and their dedication to enriching the cultural fabric of our community. Thank you for helping us spread joy and wonder through the power of theater.
Mr Wayne Cross
Executive Producer, Mary Poppins the Musical
BOOK NOW!
We are thrilled to announce our matinee shows for Mary Poppins the Musical have all officially sold out and other shows are selling fast.
We encourage all those in our EAC community planning on attending the show to book their tickets as soon as possible.
This year we have included two family friendly performances commencing at 5pm on Thursday 16 and Thursday 23 May. Now the matinee shows have sold out, these early evening performances are ideal for families and those looking for an earlier night.
Introducing Anouska Gammon: Director Extraordinaire of Mary Poppins the Musical
EAC is thrilled to have Anouska Gammon directing our upcoming production of Mary Poppins the Musical. With over 30 years of extensive experience in the performing arts industry, Anouska brings a wealth of talent, passion, and creativity to the stage.
Anouska's journey in the world of performing arts began with a Diploma at Brent Street Performing Arts, followed by a double degree in Dance and Drama Education at University of New South Wales. Since then, she has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of performers through teaching and choreographing at various institutions across the state.
Notably, Anouska is a prominent figure in the performing arts scene in Sydney, serving as an active choreographer for both the State Dance Ensembles and Schools Spectacular. Locally, she co-founded and directs the esteemed Bangalow Theatre Company, enriching the cultural landscape of Bangalow and beyond.
Her commitment to education and empowerment led her to establish BANG! Academy of Performing Arts, offering a diverse range of classes in drama, musical theatre, and hip hop for students aged 4 years and up. Anouska's influence extends beyond the stage as she currently lectures at Southern Cross University in Performing Arts Education, inspiring the next generation of performers and educators alike.
With her vast expertise and infectious enthusiasm, Anouska Gammon is set to elevate our production of Mary Poppins the Musical to new heights. Her dedication to fostering creativity and excellence within the community promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
Join us in welcoming Anouska Gammon to the Emmanuel Anglican College family as we embark on this magical journey with Mary Poppins!
Join the Magical Journey: Volunteers Needed
Step right up to step in time! Preparations for our upcoming production of Mary Poppins the Musical are in full swing, and we need your help to make it a soaring success.
From the bustling streets of London to the whimsical world of Cherry Tree Lane, this iconic tale promises to captivate audiences of all ages. But behind the scenes, there's a flurry of activity as we bring this magical story to life. That's where YOU come in!
We are calling upon our EAC Community to lend a hand and become part of our talented team of volunteers.
As Mary Poppins herself once said, "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun." and our volunteers are assured the jobs that need doing are simple and the company ever enjoyable.
To view the full list of tasks and to sign up as a volunteer, CLICK HERE. It's quick, easy and your contribution will make a world of difference to our production.
COUNSELLOR CORNER
How to Help Kids With a Learning Disorder Build Confidence
Strategies to help your child see their worth beyond academics
Specific Learning challenges are identified in children who struggle with skills like reading, maths, staying organised or paying attention. But many students with learning and attention disorders also have social and communication problems.
Children experiencing learning disabilities often grapple with diminished self-confidence stemming from the hurdles they encounter in academic environments. When children are socialising, they have to understand what’s been said, organise their thoughts, decide on a response, and find the right words to use. These steps can be difficult for children with learning problems. Comparing themselves unfavourably to their peers can erode their self-esteem, highlighting the importance for parents and teachers to prioritise boost self-concept alongside academic support.
Children with ADHD might understand what is happening but have a hard time organising their answer. They may have trouble listening to other kids without interrupting, or waiting for their turn. Or they’ll act in unexpected ways based on their impulses.
Children with dyslexia or language disorders may have trouble making sense of complex language. It might also be hard for them to find the right words to use, have trouble keeping up with the pace of peer conversations.
When children struggle to learn, it can lower their self-esteem. They might feel they’re not trying hard enough or they may worry that they’re not as smart as other kids. If they’re ashamed about their struggles, socialising can feel even harder.
Parents play a crucial role in nurturing their child's confidence by addressing their self-perception and capabilities, guiding them to reframe pessimistic thoughts positively. Moreover, it's important to facilitate their comprehension of their diagnosis, emphasising that it doesn't define their intellect. Empowering them with an understanding of their unique learning profile equips them with the vocabulary to articulate their strengths and limitations, fostering a sense of assurance.
Rather than fixating on grades, commend your child's endeavours and foster a growth mindset that celebrates progress. Encourage them to explore personal interests beyond academic achievements, be it sports, arts, or community engagement, prioritising enjoyment over achievement. Tailor activities to their passions and aptitudes, allowing them autonomy in their choices.
Additionally, facilitate your child's sense of belonging by involving them in meaningful contributions to family, friends, and the community. Cultivating a feeling of significance and connection reinforces their self-image, while participation in altruistic endeavours promotes leadership and social skills.
By adopting these approaches, you can empower your child to navigate their learning challenges with confidence and resilience, fostering holistic growth beyond academic achievement.
Resources
Above article has been adapted from: https://childmind.org/article/supporting-the-emotional-needs-of-kids-with-disabilities/
Mrs Sandra Evans
School Counsellor
SUSTAINABILITY CENTRAL
Going Green: EAC's Exciting Solar Panel Initiative
As you may have heard, EAC has taken a big step forward in our sustainability goals with the installation of solar panels to the roof of The Lindsay Walker Centre. Harnessing the power of solar energy, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint, trim utility costs, and impart valuable lessons on sustainable practices to our students.
Solar energy, derived from the sun's rays, is a renewable and clean source of power. By adopting this technology, we are embracing a greener future while actively contributing to environmental preservation.
The solar panels, composed of numerous solar cells, directly convert sunlight into electricity. These clever panels operate without any moving parts, relying solely on sunshine to generate power. Even on cloudy days, these panels continue to produce electricity, albeit at reduced efficiency.
A recent example illustrates the impact of our solar initiative: on a cloudy day, Friday 3 May, our system reduced CO₂ emissions by an impressive 243.47 kilograms. Furthermore, these panels are now supplying approximately a quarter of our energy needs, marking a significant stride towards sustainability.
The journey towards a greener campus has been a collaborative effort involving our Sustainability Action Group, student leaders, and dedicated staff members. Their hard work and enthusiasm culminated in the successful implementation of the solar system, a milestone worth celebrating.
Looking back over the past two years, it is evident that our College's green movement has gained momentum. I'm proud to say that we are making tangible progress towards our ambitious sustainability targets for 2030.
At the heart of our sustainability efforts lies EAC's Sustainability Policy, which outlines our path to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Every member of our College community plays a crucial role in this journey, with actionable steps outlined to guide us forward.
As parents, there are numerous ways you can contribute to our sustainability initiatives:
- Embrace Eco-Friendly Practices at Home: Engage in recycling, energy conservation, and waste reduction efforts within your household.
- Promote Waste Reduction: Opt for reusable items in lunchboxes and eliminate single-use plastics like chip packets.
- Opt for Sustainable Transportation: Utilize public transportation or carpooling to reduce carbon emissions during school runs.
- Encourage Community Engagement: Participate in our Facebook group dedicated to swapping, selling, or sharing secondhand items, fostering a culture of reuse and resourcefulness.
As a united college community, we can create a greener and more climate positive future for our students and generations to come.
Mrs Kate Ashdown
Leader of Curriculum (Technological and Applied Studies/Vocational Education and Training)
Library Lowdown
Exciting Events Ahead at Joan Pickup Library
Our Joan Pickup Library is buzzing with activity this month. From captivating storytime sessions to the much-awaited Scholastic Book Fair, we have a lineup of events that you won't want to miss.
First up, mark your calendars for Wednesday 22 May, as we join the Australian Library and Information Association's National Simultaneous Storytime. This year, we will be diving into the delightful pages of "Bowerbird Blues" by Aura Parker - a moving story of longing and connection, that unfolds as the bowerbird's search sends him soaring across the sea, sky and city.
But that's not all! From 20 to 24 May, we are rolling out the red carpet for our annual Scholastic Book Fair. This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on new reads for your personal collection. Our dedicated Year 5 Library Monitors will be working to ensure everything runs smoothly during the fair. Plus, they will be on hand to offer recommendations and assist students to find their next literary treasure.
Remember, the Scholastic Book Club deadline is fast approaching on Monday 20 May. To make your purchases hassle-free, we kindly ask that you complete your transactions online using a credit card at www.scholastic.com.au/LOOP.
Ms Amy Quitoriano
Library Resource Centre Manager
EAC ESSENTIALS
Join the Excitement: First Lego League Teams Forming Soon for STEM Challenge
It's almost time to choose teams for the upcoming First Lego League, a STEM-based competition. This year's challenge, Submerged, has an ocean theme and promises to be exciting. We are looking to form three teams: one for Year 5, one for Year 6, and a combined team
for Secondary students (Years 7 to 10).
The Regional Competition will be held at Hastings Secondary College Port Macquarie on Saturday 16 November, with the National Championships taking place at Macquarie University on Saturday 30 November. Students will need to make their own way to the venues.
If your students are interested in participating, please contact Mrs Julie Beavis at jbeavis@eac.nsw.edu.au. Keep in mind that this is a significant commitment, as preparation will begin in the first week of Term 3. We are excited to see the enthusiasm and dedication of our students in this extracurricular activity.
CLICK HERE to check out the great season reveal clip.
FlexiSchools App Success
Thank you to the almost 400 families who have already adopted the FlexiSchools app.
We have switched to FlexiSchools based on feedback from our College community, focused research, and the shared experiences from our network of sister schools.
FlexiSchools is an Australian owned and operated application that is easy to use and allows for improved efficiencies behind the scenes for both The College Canteen and our Administration team.
Initial feedback from parent and carers is that FlexiSchools is already their preferred mode of placing orders, receiving notifications and accessing regularly used resources such advising student absences.
FlexiSchools is now the only way to submit your online Canteen orders. Canteen orders may still be placed using a paper bag and the correct change, or over the counter using either cash or card (payments using mobile phones are not accepted).
We will be phasing out our use of SchoolStream for notifications and reminders over the course of Term 2. We encourage all EAC families to download the FlexiSchools app, freely available from both Apple's App Store and Google Play, and set up your family's profile.
An added feature of FlexiSchools is the ability to manage your online orders. Users can edit, cancel and reschedule their orders from within the app.
If you have any questions or feedback, please email enquiries@eac.nsw.edu.au.
BAKERS DELIGHT FUN BUNS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA
Bakers Delight, suppliers of one of The College Canteen's favourite treats - pink iced fun buns - are raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
From now until Wednesday 29 May, 100% of proceeds from their fun bun sales will be donated to BCNA.
More fun buns ordered through our College Canteen will equal more sales for Bakers Delight and more funds raised for BCNA.
Fun buns are $2 each and can be ordered through the FlexiSchools app or over the counter using cash or card.
Primary Pulse
YEAR 6 IMPRESS WITH THEIR CIVIC EXPERIENCE
During Stage 3’s Civic Experience last term, Year 6 students benefited from a series of talks by guest speakers. These individuals shared personal immigration narratives, shedding light on the trials of relocating to a new country. They offered valuable insights into the factors that drove their decisions to move. Among these speakers were Mr McGuigan, who migrated from Ireland, and Mrs Payne, who moved from South Africa. Their accounts fostered empathy among students, deepening their appreciation for the challenges of leaving one's homeland.
A return visit of Isabelle Borrrelli, Vice President of Ballina Region for Refugees, left a lasting impact. Since her previous visit in 2023, the organisation has flourished, providing vital support to refugees in our area. Students were inspired by the organisation's growth, and impressed that it was visited by the Governor General during Refugee Week last year. As Refugee Week 2024 approaches, Year 6 will be seeking opportunities to contribute to this cause.
These diverse perspectives, alongside the exploration of quality literature and research, informed a substantial assessment piece for Year 6. I was impressed by the students' level of comprehension, empathy, and active engagement throughout Term 1.
Ms Ellie Darnell
Leader of Curriculum - Stage 3
Primary Debating Team Excels in HICES Competition
The Primary Debating Team put their exceptional speaking abilities on display during Rounds 2 and 3 of the HICES Debating competition. They faced formidable opponents from some of the leading schools in the region, including St Columba Anglican School and Bishop Druitt College, but they delivered outstanding performances.
While they won one debate and lost another, they demonstrated their ability to engage in thought-provoking conversations about a range of topics. We are immensely proud of our team's accomplishments and eagerly anticipate their future success as they advance to the knockout rounds of this year's competition.
Mr Daniel Walsh
Debating Coach
Exciting Initiatives Shape Primary School Experience
Last Friday, our Year 6 students ventured off site to Ballina Surf Club at Lighthouse Beach for a day dedicated to leadership training for EAC's Peer Support Program. Students learned about leadership, teamwork, personal growth, and how to build lasting friendships. The day's agenda included hands-on workshops, team-building activities, and challenging discussions that sparked enthusiastic participation from all.
These students were excited to put their new skills to the test on Wednesday with the formal commencement of the Peer Support Program across the whole of the Primary school. The program will feature sessions held every Wednesday during Period 6, and allows Primary students the opportunity to gather in groups to connect and learn more about each other and themselves.
This year, our focus is 'Keeping Friends'. Through a series of structured activities and insightful discussions, students delve into the intricacies of maintaining strong and enduring friendships. It's a journey of discovery and growth, empowering our young learners with valuable social skills that extend far beyond the classroom walls.
Parents and carers are encouraged to engage with their children about the Peer Support Program each week. By discussing the concepts explored during these sessions, families can reinforce the lessons learned and further nurture the development of positive relationships.
Mr Daniel Walsh
Primary Pastoral Leader (Year 4 to 6)
BUDDY BUNNIES
Just before Easter, our Early Learning Centre students joined students in 5A for a craft session. Maddie and Zarah have shared the following from this experience:
We were so excited and kept peering over our shoulders until we saw them coming. Once they were here, we got paired up with them. They were so cute! We made a little Easter Bunny craft with them and gave each of them an Easter egg to take home. They looked so happy and we hoped they really enjoyed sharing this time with us. We are looking forward to being real Year 6 Buddies next year.
Ms Merilyn Mulé
Wellbeing Leader (Kindergarten to Year 3)
Primary Sport Star Award
Congratulations to Makenzi Ainsworth, winner of our Term 1 Primary Sport Star Award. I have noticed lots of students across all grades showing great teamwork, leadership, using manners, offering to help and more, however during Term 1 there was no bigger improvement than Makenzi. It is fair to say in Year 2 and Year 3, Makenzi wasn’t fond of sport and often found it difficult to participate. Now in Year 4, Makenzi has absolutely turned it around. Not only taking part in all activities, but trying her best, listening to key learning points, answering questions and even speeding down the beach at the Primary Cross Country event. Makenzi is a great example of how your efforts, no matter where you start from, can be recognised and rewarded. Well done Makenzi.
Mr Tony Lancashire
Primary Sport Leader
Year 4 Culinary Creations Shine: A Recap of the 2024 Cooking Experience Day
In what is becoming a popular annual event, last Friday was the 2024 Year Cooking Experience Day. This day is the culmination of weeks of work by students to plan and prepare a restaurant worthy experience that combines learning outcomes from across the curriculum.
Following is a recount of the day from Year 4...
"This term, Year 4 made a divine and refreshing fruit punch, a traditional Napoletana pasta that takes you to the heart of Italy, and a caramelised sticky date pudding with gooey caramel sauce and ice cream as pure as snow. 4A and 4B were grouped into 6 top-class
restaurants; Bee Amazing Restaurant, Fabulous Flowers, Farmland Restaurant, Salty Seaside Restaurant, Eat your Vegetable Restaurant and Frutti Tutti Restaurant.
Together, two groups made the sensational sticky date pudding, another two groups made the savoury Napoletana pasta and the final two made the fruit punch.
Before we started as chefs to bake, cook, and prepare all three fabulous meals, we set our tables by placing our centrepieces in the middle of the table, decorating with origami outer pieces and placing our hand drawn placemats around the table.
After we had a fun time making our amazing meals, the waiters set the tables by bringing cutlery, cups, and jugs full of tropical fruit punch, placing the pasta into the bowls, and bringing it to the table. The refreshing fruit punch made your taste buds tingle, the Napoletana pasta was on the next level with the yummy pasta and tasty sauce. The final course was one of the best desserts we had ever tasted.
The judges came and we presented our restaurant sustainability plan and talked about the values of the restaurant. Overall, it was a very fun experience for all of us."
Recount by Year 4 students in collaboration with Ms Eliza Armstrong, Teacher of 4A
Secondary Scoop
Monday Mornings with Middleton
This term, I will be meeting with a different Pastoral Care (PC) class each Monday to provide an opportunity for all students to provide their perspectives and experiences at EAC. Student Voice allows students to actively participate in the decision making at school and provide their views which shapes their educational experiences. Along with these morning discussions, focus groups will be held with students in each year groups to gain a deeper understanding on processes and procedures at the College. Not everything students request will be implemented, but these discussions will inform strategies to support positive culture at EAC.
Police Liaison Talk
This week, Year 7 and 8 students met with the Richmond Command's Police Liaison Officer to speak about relevant issues that impact our youth. The Officer outlined the law regarding online social media and cyber bullying and suggested strategies to support students as they navigate social media and connecting with their peers outside of school. If there are ongoing social media issues, I encourage parents to report these to the Office of E-safety and to the social media provider.
Livingworks safeTALK
The College will be offering the safeTALK course to students at the College aged 15 and older to learn about how to reach out to someone thinking about suicide, and overcome attitudes that act as barriers to help. This course provides participants with strategies to talk openly about suicide and learn the 4 step TALK model. Students from the College who undertook this training last year found the strategies invaluable when supporting, and talking to, their peers. Further information regarding the course and opportunities to register will be available on Parent Lounge.
SRC Cancer Council Fundraising Event
There are more than 200 different types of cancer that can impact people who we love. As a College community we all know someone close to us who has experienced a battle with cancer sometime in their lives, and celebrate when the research has been used to support positive treatments. This term, the SRC will be raising funds for the Cancer Council through a Biggest Morning Tea breakfast.
This breakfast is open to students in Years 10-12 and parents/carers on Thursday 23 May from 7.30-8.30am in the Ezzy Centre. Please purchase your ticket via FlexiSchools for this event and help raise valuable funds for this organisation.
Uniform Expectations
As we move into the cooler months of the year, I wanted to remind everyone of our College uniform expectations. All students may wear the College navy jacket or jade knitted jumper with their formal unform, and a navy scarf in the cooler weather. Navy tights can be worn with the Girls formal uniform and navy trousers can be worn with both the Girls and Boys formal uniform. Year 12 students are only allowed to wear their Year 12 jersey on a Friday. If students are in the incorrect uniform, they are to bring a note to school outlining the situation. They will then be issued with a uniform pass for the day.
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
Rose Johnson Named Finalist for 'VET in Schools' Student of the Year
Congratulations to Rose Johnson, Year 12, for her outstanding achievement as a finalist in the VET in Schools Student of the Year category for the 2024 North Coast and Mid North Coast Regional Training Awards.
Rose’s dedication, commitment, and passion have set her apart, earning her this well deserved recognition.
As Rose stands on the threshold of completing her Year 12 education, this nomination serves as a fitting acknowledgment of her remarkable efforts in vocational education and training. Through her perseverance and enthusiasm, she exemplifies the spirit of excellence that Emmanuel Anglican College seeks to instill in all its students.
We extend our warmest wishes to Rose as she progresses further in her academic and professional endeavors. Her achievement underscores the importance of VET pathways in shaping the future workforce and driving innovation and success in our communities.
Mr Ben McRae
Student Services Officer - Pathways and Partnerships
Year 10 Computing Tech Dives into Data with M&Ms
Calling all data whizzes! Year 10 Computing Technology is embarking on a thrilling exploration of data analysis, a skill crucial in today's information age. To kick things off, students will be diving into a colourful and delicious activity – yes, you read that right!
Using a classic candy – M&Ms – as their data set, students will be introduced to the exciting world of spreadsheets. This hands-on activity aligns perfectly with the NSW Computing Technology syllabus, equipping them with fundamental data analysis skills.
Through this activity, students will learn:
- Data collection: How to gather information and organise it in a spreadsheet.
- Data manipulation: Sorting and filtering data to uncover patterns and trends.
- Data visualisation: Presenting their findings through colourful charts and graphs.
Imagine analysing the colourful M&Ms to discover the most common colours, or the distribution of colours within a pack. Analysing data can be this much fun!
This engaging activity is just the first step in their data analysis journey. Throughout the term, students will develop their skills to analyse real-world data sets, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
So, stay tuned for further updates on how Year 10 Computing Technology continues to unlock the secrets hidden within data!
Ms Julie Beavis
Teacher of Digital Literacy, Information and Software Technology and Mathematics
EAC Students State Finalists for Australian Brain Bee Challenge
Congratulations to Georgie Buchanan and Olivia De Marco, Year 10, who have both made it to the New South Wales State Finals of the Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC).
The ABBC is an annual competition for students in Year 10 to learn about the brain and its functions, learn about neuroscience research, find out about careers in neuroscience and to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses.
The program was started in Australia in 2006 to address a number of deficiencies in the public's perception of science in general, and neuroscience in particular.
The Brain Bee Challenge provides current and accurate information on the latest advances in neuroscience research, its value to the community, and promotes careers in science and technology.
This event is funded by the Australasian Neuroscience Society. Winners of Round 1 progress to further rounds of the Brain Bee Challenge, culminating in the International Brain Bee World Championships.
In August, Georgie and Olivia will travel to Sydney and the University of New South Wales to compete and we wish them well!
Mr Gavin Hartel
Leader of Curriculum (Science)
Students Push Boundaries: Exploring Olympic Weightlifting at CrossFit Centaur Valor!
Embracing the power of athleticism, our Year 10 students have been engaging with CrossFit Centaur Valor this term. Through immersive sessions, students are delving deep into the realm of Olympic weightlifting, unraveling the intricate world of sports biomechanics. More than simply lifting weights, these sessions help students understand the science behind every movement.
Ms Kellie Guest
Teacher of Human Movement Science, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education and Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation
New South Wales Junior Chess League Round 2
After routing St Mary's in the first round last term, we faced a much tougher challenge against The Rivers Secondary College:
- Anthony was attacking early, but left his kingside open and fell to a piece sacrifice trap leading to a well played mate. EAC down 0-1.
- Josh had a balanced early game with attacking chances on each side. His opponent missed chances and made some inaccuracies, Josh was able to capitalise and take material and close out the game well. Tied 1-1.
- Lukyn traded pieces off early, leading to a tense middle game. Lukyn walked into a king and rook fork then further blundered his knight, leaving him with King and 7 pawns vs King, rook, knight and 5. Looking lost for all money, his opponent pressed too hard, allowing Lukyn to promote twice and he was able to convert an exciting game. EAC leads 2-1.
- Will sacrificed material early for a big advantage in activity. His opponent left his king exposed and trapped in the corner, and succumbing to Will's pressure blundered his bishop and quickly fell to a well calculated checkmate thereafter. EAC wins 3-1.
Well done to the team!
Mr Jarryd Hawkes
Backyard Engineering, Maths and Physics
Northern Rivers News
