Issue 9 2024
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Corinthians 13:13
From the Principal
Providing our students with opportunities to learn and grow is at the core of education. Ensuring those opportunities are diverse, future focused and allow each student to achieve in ways that are meaningful both to them as individuals and to our community as a whole, is central to our purpose at EAC.
Over the past fortnight, the opportunities for our students have been plentiful. The riot of colour and noise at our Athletics Carnivals set the backdrop for some incredible sporting opportunities and achievements. Some students set new records, others achieved their personal bests, and many stepped up to the challenge of trying a new event and contributing to their House points tally.
In the academic sphere, our students had the chance to test themselves by participating in the International Competitions and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) challenges. Designed to recognise and reward academic excellence, ICAS challenges are tackled each year by over one million Australian students and millions more worldwide. By opting in to this opportunity, our students gained invaluable experience and further developed their skills.
Meanwhile, our Year 6 students discovered opportunities for improved sustainability through their 'Exploring Fast Fashion' unit of study. This fantastic example of experiential learning is allowing these future leaders and influencers to learn about the impact of fast fashion on our environment and its associated ethical dilemmas. Hands on learning, a variety of investigations, and an immersive excursion to local retailers has brought this important issue to life, engaging our students with identifying opportunities for more mindful consumption of precious resources.
All of these outcomes began as opportunities.
We are always looking to create more opportunities for our EAC students. If you have a particular skill or experience you would like to share as a guest speaker, please let your child's teacher know. If you would like to volunteer your time to produce fun and engaging events for our College community, please email friends@eac.nsw.edu.au. If you would like to donate to the College's scholarship fund to bring opportunities to more children in our community, CLICK HERE for more information on how to do so.
As we continue to foster a rich environment of learning and growth, we open up new opportunities for every student at EAC. With the invaluable support and involvement of our community, we can ensure that each student has the chance to explore, discover, and achieve their full potential. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for helping us create a brighter future filled with opportunities for all of the students in our care.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
EAC Welcomes Yuri Taniguchi, Winner of the Princess Takamado Prize
EAC is delighted to welcome Yuri Taniguchi, an international student from Japan, who is currently enjoying a two week visit. Yuri, a Year 9 student and the 2023 winner of the prestigious Princess Takamado Prize, has impressively developed fluent English skills in just three years and we are thrilled to have her as part of our community.
The Princess Takamado Prize is a distinguished award given annually to students who demonstrate exceptional proficiency in English and contribute significantly to fostering international understanding and cultural exchange. Named after Princess Takamado, a member of the Japanese Imperial Family who is a strong advocate for education and international relations, this prize recognises outstanding achievements in language learning and intercultural communication. Winning this award is a testament to Yuri's dedication, hard work and exceptional abilities.
During her stay, Yuri will be living with the Atkinson family, who have generously offered to be her Homestay Hosts. Martha Atkinson, also in Year 9, will be acting as Yuri’s Host Sister. Martha and the entire Atkinson family are excited to share their daily life and Australian culture with Yuri, and we are confident this experience will be enriching for both Yuri and her hosts.
Throughout her time at EAC, Yuri will participate in regular classes and extracurricular activities, allowing her to experience the full spectrum of what our College has to offer. We look forward to the mutual exchange of knowledge and experiences that her visit will bring.
Please join us in making Yuri’s stay a memorable and enjoyable one. Welcome to EAC, Yuri! We are so glad to have you with us.
What's On
CALENDAR
For your personalised Calendar of Events, simply log in to Parent Lounge HERE.
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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.
Off The Deputy's Desk
The College is proud of our unwavering commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. As part of our dedication to holistic education, EAC has developed comprehensive anti-bullying programs tailored to the specific needs of students from preschool through to Year 12.
At the heart of these efforts is our guiding principle of Citizenship. EAC believes that nurturing responsible, compassionate, and engaged citizens is essential in combating bullying. By fostering a sense of community and mutual respect, we equip our students with the tools they need to contribute positively to society.
We do this through teaching our students the social and emotional skills which make up the Wellbeing Attributes of our Holistic Learning Framework: the ability to make responsible decisions, the relationship skills to work together respectfully, the social awareness to understand the impact of our actions on others, and the self awareness and self management skills required to understand and process emotions.
Our approach is multifaceted, recognising the varying challenges faced by different age groups. For our youngest learners in preschool and early primary, the focus is on building empathy and understanding through interactive activities and story-telling. These foundational programs aim to instill the values of kindness and respect from an early age.
In the middle years, students engage in workshops and discussions that address the dynamics of peer relationships and the impact of bullying. These sessions are designed to empower students with the skills to stand up against bullying and support their peers.
For our senior students, EAC offers leadership training that includes mentoring younger students and participating in initiatives that promote a positive school culture. This peer-led approach not only helps to reduce bullying but also reinforces a sense of responsibility and citizenship.
EAC’s anti-bullying programs are a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every student feels valued and safe. Together, we are working on educating all young people in our community to create an environment where respect and kindness prevail.
Mrs Julie Fryer
Deputy Principal
Sports Report
2024 EAC Athletics Carnivals Thrill Students at Chickiba Park
Thank you to all the staff, students, parents and carers who came together this week to make the 2024 EAC Primary and Secondary Athletics Carnivals such a great success. Due to the recent bouts of wet weather, both events were held off-site at Chickiba Park this year.
Both days were action packed with students displaying great enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Stay tuned for a detailed report and full results which will be announced soon.
BILL TURNER CAMPAIGNS COME TO AN END
Both our U15 Boys and Girls Football teams played their respective Bill Turner fixtures at Saunders Oval. The boys faced Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School in Round 4 of the Bill Turner Cup, with a ticket to the regional final against Trinity Catholic College on the line. Despite numerous opportunities and a scoreless first half, our boys eventually went down 2-0, ending what looked like a very promising 2024 campaign.
The girls then faced Xavier Catholic College in their Round 3 clash for the Bill Turner Trophy. A first half goal to Layla Patrick put our girls in front, however the lead was short lived with Xavier quickly returning serve with a goal of their own. An unlikely red card to the opposing goalkeeper put our girls within reach of victory, however the match finished regular time 1-1. Going into golden goal extra time, Xavier quickly found the back of our net and it was all said and done.
Congratulations to all students and coaching staff for their success in making it this far into these competitions.
Mr Mike Ryan
Leader of Sport and Coaching
Wendy Britton’s UK Adventure with the Over 50's Women's Walking Football Team
We are proud to celebrate the recent achievements of one of our regular staff 'guest stars', Ms Wendy Britton. Wendy is recently returned from an extraordinary adventure to the United Kingdom as part of the 2024 Over 50's Women's Walking Football Team. Competing against top international teams, Wendy and her teammates, including alumni from the Matildas, showcased exceptional skill and determination, ultimately earning a prestigious silver medal.
This week, Wendy visited the Early Learning Centre to share tales from her adventure with our preschoolers. As a guest speaker, Wendy shared not only the thrill of competing on the international stage but also the joys of teamwork and perseverance.
The highlight of the visit was when Wendy proudly displayed her silver medal and team cap, allowing the children to see and even touch these symbols of her hard work and success.
Congratulations to Wendy and thank you for sharing your incredible journey with our students.
Top of the Arts
Celebrating Musical Excellence
Our Winter Concert held last Wednesday 12 June was a resounding success. The performances celebrated the musical achievements of our Concert Band musicians from Years 3 to 7. The students performed a diverse repertoire spanning a range of musical genres and their hard work and practice shone through in every note. Special mentions go to the Year 3 Little Mozarts Band, the Junior Concert Band, and the Mezzo Concert Band for their exceptional performances. Each group brought their unique energy and style to the stage, captivating the audience and demonstrating the vibrant musical talent at our college.
Mr Adam Holmes
Music and Concert Band Leader
Benefits of Concert Band Participation
Being part of the concert band program at EAC offers numerous benefits that extend beyond musical proficiency. Research consistently shows that disciplined, structured practice has a positive impact on various aspects of a student's development, including:
- Academic Achievement: Music education enhances cognitive abilities, leading to better academic performance.
- Literacy and Numeracy Skills: Learning music improves language processing and mathematical skills.
- Social and Emotional Learning: Playing in a band fosters teamwork, communication, and emotional expression.
- Character Building: The dedication and perseverance required in music practice build resilience and discipline.
- Critical and Creative Thinking Skills: Music stimulates the brain, encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving.
At EAC, we integrate concert band participation into our holistic education approach, ensuring our students reap these substantial benefits. Most of our primary band students receive two hours of instructed rehearsal time each week, providing them with consistent, high-quality musical training.
We are incredibly proud of our concert band students and the enriching experiences they gain through their musical journey. Here's to many more performances, achievements, and the joy of making music together!
CLICK HERE to find out more about the Concert Band Program.
EAC Hosts Australian Idol Winner Dylan Wright
The students of Emmanuel Anglican College were thrilled to welcome Dylan Wright, the recent winner of Australian Idol, who visited the cast of our 2024 production of Mary Poppins the Musical. They say you should never meet your idols, but Dylan's visit was a delightful exception. His inspiring words and engaging presence left a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Dylan took the time to share his experiences from the Idol stage, offering valuable advice and encouragement to our budding performers. His humility and genuine interest in our students' progress made the encounter even more special.
A heartfelt thank you to Dylan Wright for giving so generously of his time and making this an unforgettable experience for the EAC community. His visit has undoubtedly inspired our students to reach for the stars!
MIND MATTERS
EAC Chess Teams Shine at Gardiner Chess Northern Rivers School's Competition
On Tuesday June 18, a group of enthusiastic chess players from EAC traveled to Alstonville High School to participate in the Term 2 Gardiner Chess Northern Rivers School's competition. The event saw close to 100 competitors from various schools making it a vibrant and challenging day of chess.
EAC was proudly represented by four primary teams and one secondary team. Our players performed exceptionally well, bringing home several accolades. The Primary B team secured a commendable 2nd place, while the Primary A team achieved an impressive 3rd place. In addition to these team victories, many of our students earned individual ribbons for their outstanding performances.
The competition was not just about winning medals; it was also a fantastic opportunity for our students to enhance their chess skills and enjoy the camaraderie of their peers. All of our competitors had a great day, demonstrating sportsmanship and a passion for chess.
We are incredibly proud of our students' achievements and look forward to their continued success in future competitions.
Mrs Tina Cahill
Chessmaster and Teacher of 1A
CHAPLAIN CHAT
If God is with us, then we need not be Afraid
Come with me. I’d like you to see how we did in Secondary chapel last week. The opening slide was this painting by Noel Counihan accompanied by a brilliant quote from Nayyirah Waheed:
My mother was my first country. The first place I ever lived.
The theme was 'Creativity', one of our College values. The story is from Luke 1 where Mary is addressed by Gabriel, the strength of God. She was invited to join God in a dangerous and remarkable collaboration: carry the light of God into the world. Whilst it is called an announcement, there is room for Mary’s consent. She pauses, considers and only after a time does she reply: “Let it be as you say.” To know and tell this story is to acknowledge that all of us are addressed, by all manner of things. And that we are being addressed; we can and should engage our powers of consent. As a core value at EAC the message is simple, may we respond creatively in a way that brings light and life.
The chapel ended with these words:
"We are being addressed. May we not be distracted from the big questions and the right challenges. As we respond, may our creativity bring light and life."
If God is with us
then we do not need to be afraid.
If God is with us
then who we are is already enough.
If God is with us
then we are being addressed.
Addressed by love. Addressed by justice. Addressed by community.
If God is with us
then we are invited to join God’s creative project.
May our yes bring light and life.
At the very end of the chapel, this slide was shown:
These were the accompanying words: “If any of the words on screen mean anything to you, come to the Ezzy Centre, First Break, for a conversation. If you are wondering why I am talking about this, Gaza is destroyed, a US senator signed a tank shell saying “finish them” and all the while our College values challenge us to recognise and honour the dignity of every human being. So how we should respond? May we respond with a creativity that brings light and life.”
This picture of a boy from Gaza is what followed. Is it enough? Where should this be posted? To whom do you cry ‘ceasefire’? May our values take us past words and images to healing, creative action.
Reverend Richard Browning
Chaplain
SUSTAINABILITY CENTRAL
Join Us for Plastic-Free July
In support of 'Plastic Free July', The College Canteen will be removing single use plastic snacks, such as individual chip bags, starting in Term 3. This initiative aims to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices within our community.
Parents and carers can help by purchasing bulk packs of chips or snacks and portioning them into reusable containers for school lunchboxes. This small change can make a big difference in reducing our environmental footprint.
We encourage everyone to get involved and learn more about reducing plastic use. Please take a moment to participate in THIS QUIZ and watch THIS VIDEO to better understand the impact of plastic waste and how we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
Thank you for your support as we strive to make EAC a more sustainable place!
Ms Kathryn Ashdown
Leader of Curriculum (Technological and Applied Studies and Vocational Education and Training)
Friends of EAC
EAC ESSENTIALS
BUS PASS CHECKS
Please ensure your child has a valid pass for the bus they travel on to and/or from EAC. This requirement extends to other students who may be travelling with them for playdates, sleepovers and the like.
For our private EAC Bus students, casual and permanent bus passes can be booked HERE.
For public services, Travel Pass application scan be made HERE.
Checks on travel passes are scheduled for the coming weeks and so we encourage all EAC students who use either the private or public bus services to ensure their passes are both valid and ready for presentation on each and every trip.
Last Chance for Uniform Shop in Term 2
The Friends of EAC Second Hand Uniform Shop will be open next Tuesday 25 June from 2:30pm to 3:30pm in The Ezzy Centre. This is your last chance this term to top up your uniform stocks so be sure to stop by and find what you need.
We also welcome donations of gently used uniforms. Donations can be dropped off at Reception any time between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Your contributions help support our College community.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Early Learning Centre Corner
The Benefits of Play-Based Learning
Play based learning offers a dynamic approach where different types of play are encouraged, recognising the important roles that both children and educators play in the learning process. According to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2.0, this approach supports intentional and responsive teaching practices.
This week, our preschoolers demonstrated the power of play based learning by coming together to create a shop. Inspired by their own ideas, the children collaboratively planned and set up the shop, utilising their emerging literacy skills in the process. They wrote signs and created menus, showcasing their ability to apply literacy in a meaningful context.
As educators, we are committed to responding to the children’s interests and ideas. This project provided an excellent opportunity for them to express and develop their literacy skills through play, reinforcing the value of a responsive and engaging learning environment.
Ms Nicole Wilson
Director of the Early Learning Centre
Primary Pulse
Magic in the Classroom: Young Students Experience Augmented Reality with Year 5 Mentors
On Tuesday, students from the Early Learning Centre (ELC) came to Year 5C to learn about using technology as part of the Kindy Links program.
First, the ELC students had to colour in a picture of a variety of animals skating, playing soccer and exploring. Then, once they had completed this, using an app called Quiver, the Year 5 students put their iPads over the top of the picture that the ELC students coloured in and their picture came to life using augmented reality.
After this, the Year 5 students helped them to write a sentence or two about what was happening in the picture.
Finally, Year 5 printed their pictures to remember their experience.
It was wonderful to see the excitement on their faces when their drawings came to life and the connection that the students made through the session.
Mr Paul Christensen
Teacher of 5C
Year 6 Students Bridge Cultures with Tokyo School in Virtual Exchange
Today, our Year 6 students engaged in a Zoom call with their peers from St Margaret's Elementary School in Tokyo. During the call, students practiced their language skills, shared aspects of their daily lives and explored each other's cultures through lively discussions and interactive activities.
The excitement was overflowing as friendships began to form across continents. This Zoom session is a precursor to an upcoming exchange program with several St Margaret's students scheduled to visit EAC later this year. Both EAC and St Margaret's are enthusiastic about our continued partnership which promises to foster deeper understanding and lasting international friendships. This collaboration exemplifies the enriching experiences that global connections can offer to our students.
To learn more about how you can engage with our visiting students from St Margaret's as a Homestay Host, CLICK HERE.
Secondary Scoop
Ensuring Online Safety: The Role of Education and Legislation in Australia
Technology is part of our everyday life. Within the Australian population, 88% of the population own a smartphone and approximately 78.3% of the population are social media users. With access to digital technology and social media, comes significant responsibilities. Last week, the news reported a teenager being arrested for sending a series of explicit images and manipulating these through Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The eSafety Commissioner provides a large amount of information regarding how to manage social media issues and be safe online. This is also a platform where abuse can be reported. In 2021, the Online Safety Act ensured laws were created to protect again severe online abuse that is harmful to the mental and/or physical health of an individual. This includes severe harassment and threats, sharing explicit images without consent and illegal and violent content. Online safety laws can direct online platforms and service providers to remove harmful online material from the internet and ensure that when this content is reported to the eSafety Commissioner, that it is investigated.
Some tips to support online safety include protecting personal information by turning on privacy settings and ensuring you use a different password for each account. It is also important to be conscious of your online profile and not post anything that could put you in danger or affect your reputation.
Each year, students at the College undertake the Mission Australia Youth Survey. In 2023, 11.2% of 15-19 year olds were extremely concerned about the impacts of social media with 44.5% not being concerned at all.
As a College, we spend a large amount of time educating students about the impact of social media and the impacts of cyberbullying. This education includes providing opportunities for the students to gain a deeper understanding of our EAC Anti Bullying Policy, source support from the police and external providers, and use resources from online providers like the eSafety Commissioner. Although the College can provide education, it is open and regular communication at home on the use of social media that supports students in making good choices.
If we all work together we can ensure at we are all safe online.
Ms Amanda Middleton
Director of the Secondary School
All Roads Lead to Coffs….
On Friday 14 June, a group of keen Year 12 History students headed off very early to the annual History Teacher’s Association Higher School Certificate (HSC) Study Day at Coffs Harbour.
During the day the students attended a variety of lectures on various topics related to their HSC study for Modern History, Ancient History and Extension History. Students were provided with vital tips, tricks and advice on how to tackle their HSC (and Trial HSC) examinations.
Each year this day provides a wonderful opportunity for our regional students to access the knowledge of experts and to engage in their love for all things related to History.
As always the students represented our College well and were wonderful ambassadors for EAC. Thanks to Mr Jared Rose for accompanying us this year. I can’t wait for our next trip to Coffs next year!
Mrs Jennifer Holmes
Teacher of Ancient and Extension History and Leader of Curriculum Human Science and Its Environment (HSIE)
Screen Futures Shine Bright
On Friday 14 June our Year 11 Drama students attended the Screen Futures Workshop. The workshop explored the dynamic world of the multimedia industry and provided students with invaluable insights into various aspects of the industry including editing, filming, screenwriting and acting.
A highlight of the event was the opportunity for students to meet Maia Mitchell, an Australian actress and singer renowned for her work in film and television. Maia has received various accolades, including nominations for eight Teen Choice Awards. Born and raised in Lismore, she began her career on Australian television playing lead roles in Mortified, Trapped and Castaway. During the workshop, Maia shared her journey in the industry, offering advice and insights into the audition process.
Mr Ben McRae
Student Services Officers - Pathways and Partnerships
Year 10 Japanese Excursion: A Culinary and Cultural Adventure
This week our Year 10 Japanese students enjoyed an immersive cultural experience at Bayside Yakiniku. They learned about the rich traditions of Japanese cuisine and practiced their Japanese language skills in a real-world setting. The students enjoyed classic dishes like sushi, tempura, and teriyaki. This experience brought the Year 10 Japanese curriculum to life and fostered a greater understanding of Japanese culinary traditions.
Ms Brigette Campbell
Teacher of Japanese and Leader of House Purcival
Year 11 Legal Studies Students Gain Insight at Brisbane Supreme Court
Yesterday, Year 11 Legal Studies students embarked on an educational excursion to the Supreme Court of Brisbane. Their visit included the unique opportunity to sit in a courtroom within the Brisbane Supreme Courts and listen to an insightful presentation by Her Honor Justice Brown. Justice Brown elaborated on the pivotal role of a Supreme Court Justice and provided a detailed explanation of the court's operational procedures.
Following this presentation, the students observed several live court cases, which offered them a firsthand glimpse into the judicial process. This experience significantly enriched their comprehension of the legal system, allowing them to witness the application of theoretical knowledge in real world scenarios.
Ms Melissa Tonnet
Teacher of Commerce, Human Science and Its Environment (HSIE) and Legal Studies
Northern Rivers News
