Issue 7 2024
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Peter 4:10
From the Principal
Have you seen EAC's 2024 production of Mary Poppins the Musical? The beloved classic has been brought to life by our talented students and dedicated staff, delivering sold-out performances with more than 2,300 tickets sold so far. The joy and magic of Mary Poppins has resonated with audiences of all ages, and I couldn't be more proud of everyone involved.
For those who are yet to experience this great show, a few tickets for the last few performances are still available, and can be booked online HERE. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this extraordinary production.
As we celebrate the triumph of Mary Poppins, it is also fitting to acknowledge and celebrate our College’s volunteers, especially during this National Volunteer Week. Our vibrant College community thrives on the dedication and generosity of these individuals who so kindly contribute their time and skills to enhance the experiences of our students and families.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers who played pivotal roles in the success of Mary Poppins. From the crew working tirelessly behind the scenes, to the catering team ensuring everyone is well fed and the incredible squad of parents helping with costumes, hair and makeup, your contributions have been invaluable. Your hard work and enthusiasm helped create a seamless and magical experience for all who attended.
Volunteers also play a crucial role in many other areas of our College life. The College Canteen and the Second Hand Uniform Shop are well maintained and efficiently run thanks to their unwavering commitment. Events produced by our Friends of EAC such as the annual Colour Run, Trivia Night, and Freaky Friday, all of which have become firm favorites among our EAC community, are made possible through their hard work and enthusiasm. These events not only provide fun and excitement but also foster a strong sense of community and belonging.
Moreover, volunteers enhance our educational and extracurricular programs by facilitating reading groups and helping to coach our sporting teams. Their contributions create a nurturing and dynamic environment for our students to thrive in. The impact of their involvement extends far beyond the tasks they perform; it enriches the lives of our students and strengthens the fabric of our College community.
National Volunteers Week is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism that keeps our College community vibrant and strong. I am continually inspired by the generosity and dedication of our volunteers. Your efforts are deeply appreciated, and they make a significant difference in the lives of our students and the overall success of our College.
As we revel in the success of 'Mary Poppins the Musical', let us also celebrate the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. Thank you to all who give so generously of their time and talents. You embody the spirit of community and service that makes Emmanuel Anglican College a special place.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
What's On
CALENDAR
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FlexiSchools APP
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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
STUDENTS ENJOY PLAYGROUND UPGRADES
We are pleased to announce the completion of several new additions to the school grounds which are being enjoyed by our Primary and Secondary students alike. These enhancements reflect our commitment to providing a nurturing and inspiring environment for all our students.
Among the new features are numerous tables, benches and even ping pong tables that have been strategically placed around the campus. These additions, along with newly paved and shaded areas, offer students ample opportunities for relaxation, social interaction and outdoor activities. These well considered facilities not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our College grounds but also foster a positive spiral of pride and care among the students. When students are surrounded by great facilities, they are more likely to take pride in their surroundings, leading to a more respectful and responsible College community. It is heartwarming to see students taking ownership and actively contributing to maintaining these spaces, creating a culture of mutual respect and care.
These new built areas complement the recently completed Mini Village in the Primary playground. This imaginative space has quickly become a favorite among our younger students, who delight in exploring and playing in this creatively designed area each school day. The Mini Village, with its vibrant design and engaging layout, stimulates the children’s imaginations and supports their social and cognitive development through play. It is wonderful to see the joy and enthusiasm with which our Primary students engage with this space, fostering friendships and enhancing their overall school experience.
At EAC, we remain dedicated to caring for our existing resources while continually striving for quality improvements. These new facilities are a testament to our commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment for our students. We look forward to the many ways they will enrich our teaching and learning, and foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Mrs Julie Fryer
Deputy Principal
Sports Report
Bill Turner Cup and Bill Turner Trophy
On Monday, both our U15 Boys and U15 Girls played their respective fixtures in the Bill Turner Football Competitions.
Our U15 Boys continued their run of success in the Bill Turner Cup, travelling to Byron Bay High School for their Round 3 match up. In an eventful first half, our boys were able to capitalise on one of few opportunities to take a 1-0 lead into half time. In the second half, the boys clicked into gear and ran away with a comfortable 4-1 victory, thanks to two goals from Thomas Bazar and a couple of unfortunate own goals for the Byron High team. The boys now progress to Round 4, where they will face Lindisfarne in what is sure to be a tight match, having already had a 0-0 draw with them earlier in the year.
The U15 Girls faced cross-town rivals Ballina Coast in their first match of their 2024 Bill Turner Trophy campaign after being awarded a bye in the opening round due to their success last year. The match was forced to be played at Ballina Hockey Club due to all of the recent rainfall in our area. Our girls were able to quickly adapt to the smaller pitch and faster pace of the artificial turf. An opening goal to Layla Patrick from near halfway, set the girls up for a great first hitout. Frankie Moir-Dobbs scored our second goal, before Nikki Settree was able to also find the back of the net. Final score 3-0 to EAC. The girls will now progress to Round 3 against Xavier Catholic College.
Mr Mike Ryan
Leader of Sport and Coaching
Interhouse Netball Tournament
The 2024 Emmanuel Anglican College primary school interhouse netball tournament concluded with an exhilarating display of skill and sportsmanship. Students from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 participated enthusiastically, representing their Houses in a series of competitive matches.
After an intense tournament, Smith House emerged victorious, securing the top position with an impressive 39 points. Walker House followed closely, demonstrating their tenacity and earning 37 points to claim second place. Brockington House put up a strong fight, finishing third with 33 points. Purcival House displayed commendable effort throughout the competition, rounding out the leaderboard with 31 points.
The tournament showcased the dedication and teamwork of all the participants, highlighting the vibrant school spirit within Emmanuel Anglican College. Congratulations to Smith House for their outstanding performance, and well done to all the students for making this event a memorable success.
Mr Tony Lancashire
Primary Sport Leader
CIS Hockey
Our hockey trio have once again tasted success at their recent NSWCIS events. Coco Robinson was selected in the CIS 15&U Girls team and both Finn Robinson and Kalani Franklin were selected in the CIS Open Boys team. The boys' NCIS team were crowned champions of the NSWCIS event. The first gold medal NCIS has won in a team event since 2017! All three will now represent CIS at the NSW All Schools Hockey Selection Trials in June.
Mr Mike Ryan
Leader of Sport and Coaching
EAC Shines at Equestrian Queensland 2024 Regional Championships
Sienna Savage, Year 9 and Emilia Savage, Year 7 represented EAC at the recent Equestrian Queensland 2024 Darling Downs and South West Queensland Regional Championships. This was their first time competing in this prestigious event, and both students performed well.
Though Sienna and Emilia participated in a non-competitive capacity to secure their positions in the upcoming State Championships, their performances were noteworthy. According to the leaderboard, Sienna would have placed 2nd overall in combined training (a combination of show jumping and dressage results), while Emilia would have achieved 4th place.
In addition to their combined training success, both girls excelled in individual disciplines. They delivered impressive results in show jumping, dressage, and show horse events, ranking among the top riders in most activities.
Congratulations Sienna and Emilia and we look forward to sharing your continued success as you prepare for the State Championships at the end of June.
Top of the Arts
Exciting Upcoming Concerts
The Emmanuel Anglican College Concert Bands are thrilled to announce two upcoming concerts that promise to captivate audiences with a diverse range of musical performances by our talented young musicians.
Winter Concert | 6.30pm Wednesday 12 June 2024 | The Lindsay Walker Centre
Get ready for an evening of delightful music at our Winter Concert, featuring performances by:
- Mezzo Concert Band
- Junior Concert Band (Years 4 and 5)
- Year 3 Little Mozarts Band
So, You Want to Be a Rock Star? | 6.30pm Thursday 4 July 2024 | The Lindsay Walker Centre
Join us for an electrifying rock show headlined by the Emmanuel Concert Band, celebrating timeless rock classics. This concert will also feature:
- Stage 3 Rising Voices Choir
- Senior Music Students
- Solo Singers & Instrumentalists
Both of these events are free for our EAC community and no bookings are required.
Don't miss these fantastic opportunities to support our young musicians and enjoy some wonderful performances!
Mr Adam Holmes
Music and Concert Band Leader
Junior Concert Band performance at the Mothers' Day Fete
On Saturday 11 May, the Junior Concert Band performed at the St Bartholomew's Anglican Church Mothers' Day Fete.
Braving the torrential rain, members of the Junior Concert Band entertained the large crowd for 45 minutes.
The performance included a variety of music including contemporary pop hits through to some toe tapping rock and roll classics.
Special mention to our experienced musicians, Matthew, Sunny, Charlotte, Evie and William who came along to support and perform with our young musicians.
Mr Adam Holmes
Music and Concert Band Leader
COUNSELLOR CORNER
Understanding and Supporting Children with ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that makes it particularly challenging for children to concentrate, stay still, follow directions and control impulsive behaviour. While it's normal for young children to be occasionally distracted and restless, children with ADHD experience these behaviours much more frequently and intensely than their peers. This difficulty in settling down, focusing, and completing tasks can make it hard for them to meet expectations at school, lead to conflicts at home, and cause problems in their interactions with peers.
ADHD is often misunderstood as simply an attention deficit, but experts explain that it’s more about an inability to control and direct attention. Children with ADHD might show intense focus, or hyperfocus, on activities they find exciting, such as video games, but struggle to maintain the same focus on less stimulating tasks like schoolwork or daily routines. This intense concentration can make it difficult for them to switch their attention, often leading to conflicts when they are asked to stop an engaging activity.
Video games and other highly stimulating activities can further complicate attention regulation for children with ADHD. These activities can create a trance state, making it even harder for kids to manage their focus and transitions.
Many children with ADHD also face challenges with executive functions, which are the self-regulating skills needed for tasks like getting dressed or completing homework. These include planning, organising, time management, decision-making, shifting between tasks, controlling emotions and learning from mistakes.
As children with ADHD grow older, their symptoms may change. About a third of those diagnosed will no longer meet the criteria by young adulthood. Typically, hyperactivity decreases with age, but inattention can become more problematic as schoolwork becomes more demanding and supervision decreases. Impulsivity may also become a concern during adolescence, leading to risky behaviours. Even if ADHD symptoms become less visible, the internal struggle with attention and restlessness can persist into adulthood.
Experts recommend against waiting for children to outgrow ADHD, as ongoing struggles and conflicts can have lasting negative impacts. Instead, teaching children skills to manage their symptoms is crucial. Here are some strategies for helping children with ADHD navigate school and life:
Medication and Communication
- Medication Consideration: Consult specialists about medications, which can be an important part of ADHD management along with therapies.
- Communicate with School: Inform teachers about the ADHD diagnosis and collaborate to create a supportive environment, recognising that ADHD alone might not warrant a Personalised Support Plan (PSP).
Skills and Strategies
- Teach Organisation Skills: Help children break down tasks and assignments, manage time, and plan long-term projects, adapting methods based on their age.
- Collaborate with Teachers: Maintain close contact with teachers to monitor assignments and deadlines, rewarding task completion, especially for younger children.
- Boost Self-Esteem: Celebrate strengths and address potential self-esteem issues caused by negative feedback or social challenges, fostering a positive environment.
- Advocate for Flexible Learning: Ensure that accommodations, such as extended time on assignments or modified tasks, are available to help children succeed academically.
Encouraging Independence
- Promote Independence: Teach older children to use tools like checklists and daily planners to manage their responsibilities autonomously.
- Social Skills Development: Support the development of social skills and work with educators to create an inclusive environment that encourages positive interactions.
Positive Reinforcement and Professional Collaboration
- Positive Reinforcement: Reinforce positive behaviours and achievements to motivate children with ADHD and encourage continued effort.
- Work with Mental Health Professionals: Collaborate with psychologists or counsellors to address emotional and behavioural challenges, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the child’s well-being.
- Encourage Extracurriculars: Support participation in activities that align with the child's interests to build self-esteem and provide social opportunities.
By understanding ADHD and implementing these strategies, parents and educators can create a supportive framework that addresses the unique needs of children with ADHD, helping them thrive throughout their academic journey and beyond.
For further information, please visit the following sites:
https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au
https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/adhd
Mrs Sandra Evans
Counsellor
SUSTAINABILITY CENTRAL
Waste Free Wednesdays
We are excited to bring back Waste Free Wednesdays for Term 2 and we invite all students and families to join us in making a positive impact on our environment. Here are some Top Tips to help make your child's lunchbox both eco-friendly and waste-free:
Involve Your Kids
- Lunchbox Choices: Involve your children in selecting their lunchbox ingredients. Offer them two healthy options and let them pick one. When kids choose their food, they are more likely to enjoy and finish it.
- Morning Prep: Let your children help prepare their lunchboxes each morning. This not only teaches responsibility but also ensures they approve of their meals.
Reduce Food Waste
- Fruit and Veggies: Cut up fruits and vegetables instead of packing whole pieces. Larger fruits, like apples, are often left half-eaten, leading to unnecessary waste.
- Right Quantity: Make sure to pack just the right amount of food for each break and lunch to avoid leftovers.
Creative Food Ideas
- Eat It Up: Encourage your kids to eat any leftovers from their lunchbox before they have an afternoon snack. This helps reduce waste and teaches good habits.
- Freshen Up Veggies: If carrots or other vegetables have gone soft, simply place them in water to crisp them up. They make a great, fresh snack for the lunchbox.
- Chilled Sandwiches: Butter frozen bread straight from the freezer and add your child's favorite fillings. By lunchtime, the sandwich will be perfectly defrosted and ready to eat.
- Frozen Yogurt: Extend the shelf life of yogurt by freezing it. Pack it frozen, and it will be nice and cold by lunchtime.
Reuse and Recycle
- Leftovers for Lunch: Repurpose dinner leftovers for the next day's lunch. Leftover pasta or other dishes can be a delicious and waste-free alternative to traditional sandwiches.
- Bottle Your Own Drinks: Opt for reusable water bottles instead of boxed juices. This not only reduces plastic waste but also saves money.
By participating in Waste Free Wednesdays, you help teach your children the importance of reducing waste and caring for our environment. Together, we can make a difference one lunchbox at a time!
Let’s make Emmanuel Anglican College a leader in sustainability. Join us every Wednesday and help create a greener future for our children.
Library Lowdown
EAC Joins 2024 ALIA National Simultaneous Storytime with Bowerbird Blues
On Wednesday 22 May, our primary students at Emmanuel Anglican College enthusiastically participated in the 2024 Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS). This year's featured book was the enchanting Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker. The event, which aims to promote the importance of reading and literacy, saw thousands of students across the nation engaging with the same story at the same time, fostering a shared love for books and storytelling.
Bowerbird Blues tells the captivating tale of a bowerbird's creative journey to find his voice and build the perfect bower. Aura Parker's vibrant illustrations and heartwarming narrative captivated the young audience, sparking their imaginations and inspiring a variety of creative activities.
Following the reading, students engaged in a series of crafting sessions inspired by the book. They crafted their own miniature bowers using natural materials such as twigs, leaves, and feathers, mirroring the resourcefulness of the bowerbird. This hands-on activity not only reinforced the themes of the story but also encouraged students to appreciate nature and express their creativity.
Ms Amy Quitoriano
Library Resource Centre Manager
EAC ESSENTIALS
Auf Wiedersehen Lilly!
After 9 months in Australia, exchange student Lilly Wollatz, Year 10, enjoyed her final day at EAC on Friday 17 May.
Lilly has really enjoyed school life here at EAC and will miss the many friends in Years 9 and 10 she has made. However, it won’t be long before some of those friends land on her door step in Germany!
Lilly is most grateful for the kindness and generosity of her homestay families.
Ms Jennifer Buddee
International Student Coordinator
Primary Pulse
Exploring the Impact of Fast Fashion: The Innovator’s Experience
This term's Experiential Learning in Year 6 will delve into the significant impact of Fast Fashion on global environments and human welfare. Through The Innovator’s Experience, we aim to educate and empower students to understand and address this pressing issue through various hands-on activities and projects.
Did you know that only 15% of clothing donated to charity shops in Australia is resold? The majority ends up in landfills or is shipped to countries like those in Africa, where it creates severe problems for local communities. In Chile, fashion waste has become so severe that the collections are now visible from space! With overconsumption and overproduction expected to rise by 40% by 2030, it is crucial to take action now.
Throughout the term, our students will explore the negative effects of Fast Fashion and investigate businesses working to combat this issue. They will compare these businesses to brands they frequently purchase from, gaining a deeper understanding of sustainable practices.
With the inclusion of guest speakers, clothes mending, retail excursions, clothing sales and Op Shop challenges, we hope to change the mindset of our students and inspire them to become conscientious consumers.
Ms Ellie Darnell
Leader of Curriculum - Stage 3
Outdoor Classroom Day at EAC
Thursday 23 May was Outdoor Classroom Day. As we develop our Coastal College and Experiential Learning programs, we feel outdoor learning is something we are making a reality here at EAC.
From the Outdoor Classroom Day website comes this mission statement:
We want to make people understand that spending time outdoors is as important for children’s development as learning to read and write. We want to show how learning outside of the classroom engages and excites children in spectacular ways. We want everyone to understand that outdoor play is the key to improving children’s health, wellbeing and happiness. We want to make it clear that outdoor play and learning is not ‘nice to have’, it is essential for children’s development.
Students could be seen making use of our outdoor veranda spaces, Mini Village and Garden Chapel. Thankfully the weather was kind to us this week and we could get outside to enjoy our beautiful spaces.
Mrs Roxanne Kent
Leader of Foundational Learning
Building a national picture of child health
From May 2024, EAC, along with thousands of others across the country, will participate in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC).
The AEDC is a teacher-completed census (similar to a questionnaire) which provides a comprehensive picture of how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school.
The AEDC is an Australian Government Initiative and is completed nationally every three years.
Children don’t miss any class time while the AEDC is completed, and parents/carers don’t need to supply schools with any new information.
The data collected through the AEDC is used by schools, communities and governments to better understand children and families’ needs, and identify the services, resources and support they need.
AEDC data is reported at a school, community, state/territory and national level. AEDC results for individual children are not reported and the AEDC is not used as an individual diagnostic tool.
Some teachers have found that completing the AEDC made them more aware of the needs of individual children and their class, and that the data was useful for planning for transitions to Year 1 and developing programs.
Participation in the AEDC is voluntary, however the AEDC relies on all schools with children in their first year of full-time school participating in the collection. Parents/carers don’t need to take any action unless they choose not to include their children in the census.
To find out more about the AEDC and how it is being used to help children and families visit: www.aedc.gov.au.
Secondary Scoop
Supporting students at EAC
Each year the College undertakes the Mission Australia Youth Survey which provides valuable feedback to support the wellbeing programs at the College. The voices of more than 19,500 young people aged from 15 to 19 years from all around Australia are captured and look at a range of themes including: study and work, personal concerns, wellbeing and community support and connections.
One of the main issues that students outlined were personal challenges were coping with stress and school and study problems.
In our fast moving society life can be stressful and there are many demands and stresses put on students as they juggle school, part time employment, sport and social connections. There are also times within the school year when youth experience more stress such as when there are a large amount of tests and assignments to complete or examination times. In these stressful times we find that teens become cranky, annoyed and scattered in their interactions with others.
Here are 10 ways in which we can support our children to manage their stress;
- Balance work and play. Encourage them to make time to work on your tasks and goals (like schoolwork, chores, or practice). But be sure to make time for things you enjoy, too (like playing music, working out, playing with a pet, or spending time with friends). Even if it’s only a few minutes, daily time to relax and recharge lowers your stress.
- Plan your day. Using a calendar or planning app to keep track of your daily schedule. Fill in your class times, tests, and when assignments are due. Having a plan and a daily routine lowers stress.
- Stick to your plan. Of course, planning is no good if you don't do what you plan. Make it a routine to look at your planner every day. Check off what you’ve done. Get ready for what’s coming up. Make a routine time to study.
- Support them when they ask for help. Schoolwork, grades, and tests are a big source of stress for many people. Keeping on top of it all isn’t always easy. Students are encouraged to ask their teacher for help as required. There is also Homework Help which
operates on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in the Joan Pickup Library. - Use the positive energy of stress. Don’t put things off until the last minute. That’s too stressful. And it’s hard to do your best if you’re in a rush.
- Support them in deal with problems as they come up. Don’t ignore everyday problems — but don’t stress out about them either. Instead, figure out how to handle them.
- A healthy Diet. Food effects mood, energy, and stress level. By choosing foods that are good for you it will help to reduce stress.
- Get enough sleep. After a long day of school and activities it is important to ensure your child is getting enough sleep so that they are refreshed and are prepared for the next day of learning and activities.
- Exercise every day. Stress melts away when you’re working out, playing a sport, or dancing to your favorite music. Exercise does more than keep you fit. It’s a way to manage stress, lower anxiety and depression, and make your mood more positive.
- Breathe deeply. When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take some deep, slow belly breaths. Belly breathing is quick and sure way to turn off your body’s fight-or-flight (stress) response.
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
Year 12 Students Engage with History Guru Jonathon Dallimore on 'Constructing History'
Our Year 12 Extension History class attended a zoom session on Friday 10 May with Jonathon Dallimore from the History Teachers Association, where they consolidated their learning on their first HSC topic 'Constructing History'.
Jonathon is a highly experienced Extension History teacher and is somewhat of a ‘guru’ in this field. It was a wonderful opportunity for our regional students to access his advice and knowledge without having to travel to the Sydney area.
Jonathon spoke about the way history is constructed ranging from the Greek poet Homer to more contemporary historians. His passion for history is inspirational and is always delivered in a manner that students find both interesting and accessible.
Mrs Jenny Holmes
Leader of Curriculum (Human Science and Its Environment)
Year 11 Drama Class Wins Regional Shakespeare Carnival, Advances to State Finals with 'King Lear' Performance
Our talented Year 11 Drama class has won the Regional Shakespeare Carnival Competition in Armidale moving them on to represent EAC at the State Grand Finals in Sydney this coming June.
It was a physical theatre devised work about the madness of King Lear.
Judges feedback was, "It was a very sophisticated piece and stood out for its clarity and power in both story and complexity of thematic exploration."
Mrs Mechelle Anderson
Teacher of Drama and Visual Arts
The physics and engineering of fun!
Last Friday, our Year 11 and Year 12 Physics and Engineering Studies students had the opportunity to travel to Dreamworld to see some of the amazing practicalities of their subjects.
Students were given a run down on the physics and engineering of Dreamworld's newest rollercoaster, the Steel Taipan, and tasked with coming up with an idea for their own coaster. They then spent the day experiencing all the thrills Dreamworld had to offer, all while taking photos of the well designed structures and systems and collecting ride acceleration data to be analysed later.
Mr Jarryd Hawkes
Teacher of Backyard Engineering, Maths and Physics
Northern Rivers News
