“If anyone wants to be a follower of mine let them take up their cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save their life will lose it; but anyone who loses their life my sake will find it”
Matthew 16: 24-25
From The Principal
Congratulations to all the students involved in the HICES Debating Competition this year. The state wide competition involves students from Stage 3 to Stage 6, initially competing in regional competitions. Debating provides an opportunity for students to develop so many skills and builds student confidence and capacity as they are challenged to speak in front of a group, develop and sustain a considered and purposeful argument and think on their feet. At the first of our two ‘double rounds’ last week we were victorious in seven out of eight debates. This is a wonderful achievement. More importantly though, the feedback about the students' cooperation, sportsmanship and behaviour was exemplary. The teams travel to Clarence Valley Anglican School this week for another ‘double round’ to determine those teams that will progress to the next level of the competition. Special thanks to Mrs Rebecca Campbell, Ms Sue McLintock and Mr Dan Walsh for their leadership of this program and work with the students.
It was wonderful to have the College Primary Band back performing to families and guests last night with the first of the evening concerts for 2021. For many of the students in Year 3 and Year 4 involved in the program, it was the first opportunity they have had to play as part of a public performance. Despite the interruptions of the last 12 months, the students performed as if they were seasoned professionals, capturing the audience with an entertaining and diverse repertoire. Each time any of our bands perform, I am amazed at the depth of talent and the growth in their confidence and proficiency as musicians. The students clearly are enjoying the opportunity to perform and play together. I wish to congratulate and thank Mr Adam Holmes and Mr Justin Cleverley for the incredible energy they bring to the program and their vision for music and band. I also wish to thank the music tutor team who work with all our budding musicians and help them build their skill and a love of music. It is an incredible program that continues to provide great outcomes for our students.
The next Band performance will be at the St Barts Mothers’ Day Fete on Saturday 8 May. The Fete is always a well planned and organised event with lots of fun things to watch, do, enjoy and eat! I encourage all our community to drop by this weekend, see the College Band and support the Parish of St Bart’s.
The NCIS Cross Country was held this week and EAC was very well represented across all age groups. Congratulations to all our students for their efforts and the cooperative manner they brought to the day. Such an event attracts more than 500 competitors and several hundred spectators. The staff commented on the responsible and independent nature of the students involved who made sure they were attentive to the announcements and that they were ready for the start of their event. There were a number of excellent student performances with EAC winning the Primary School Percentage Trophy. Thank you to Mr Walker and his team for their organising and support of our team throughout the day.
Construction of the Multi Purpose Centre continues with great haste as the attention now moves to the internal works. A really significant component of this build is the specialised hardwood flooring. Completion of the roofing and façade now allows for the laying of the floor. It has been very exciting watching the development of the building as it has taken shape over the last few months. The completion date is scheduled for mid-August, with the official opening planned for September.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
Off the Deputy's Desk
I was reading a great article in the weekend newspaper regarding perfectionism in students and how we as parents can sometimes push our children too far in the quest for perfection. This phenomenon manifests itself in academic and music spheres not just sport.
The article lists ways that parents can discourage perfectionism in their child:
- Check that praise doesn't use absolutes. For example, perfect or 100%.
- Praise their efforts, their optimistic attitude and their ability to keep going in the face of making mistakes or stumbling.
- Don't provide a running commentary on your child, as it risks making them think they are constantly performing for others.
- Celebrate errors and failures as essential steps along the way toward learning.
- Give them the opportunity to talk about their mistakes and the learning opportunities that arose from them.
Reminders
Year 10 Immunisations
A reminder that Year 10 immunisations are on Monday 17 May. These will be held in the library commencing at 9.30am. Please return your child's forms as soon as possible so that the nurses can order the correct number of vaccines.
NAPLAN
Parents and students are reminded that NAPLAN starts next week for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Mrs Boyd has sent home the timetable to families.
REACH Testing
Students in Years 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 will be sitting REACH testing in week 6 of this term. Mrs Boyd has sent home the timetable to families.
School Photos
ELC, Smith, Walker and year level photos will be taken next Monday 10 May. Sibling photos for ELC plus surnames L-Z will be taken during the breaks. All students in the Secondary need to be attired in full school uniform for next Monday.
Lizard Island Experience
Lizard Island is now going ahead from 15 May. Dr Jacob has been in touch with families of students going to Lizard Island.
Excursions and Sporting Events
Please ensure that if your child is selected in a team and invited to participate in a competition, that you give permission on Parent Lounge so that they can represent the College.
Other news - ANZAC Day
Congratulations to Francois van Kempen and Ethan Jorgensen for their participation in the Ballina ANZAC Services as members of the catafalque party. This is indeed a great honour for these young men who represented their branch of the Naval Cadets.
Mr Darren Parks
Deputy Principal
Term 2 Week 4
Monday 10 May
Secondary Touch Football Training - 7.30am-8.30am - Saunders Oval
School Photos - 9.08am-1.28pm - LS1
Athletics Training - 7.30am-8.30am
Tuesday 11 May
NAPLAN Testing Window Opens
NAPLAN Testing - Year 3 Writing; Year 5 Writing; Year 3 Reading; Year 5 Reading
Primary Touch Football Training - 7.30am-8.30am - Saunders Oval
Wednesday 12 May
Walker Chapel - 8.48am - UCA
NAPLAN Testing - Year 7 Writing; Year 9 Writing
Thursday 13 May
Purcival Chapel - 8.48am - UCA
NAPLAN Testing - Year 3 Language Conventions, Year 7 Reading
Friday 14 May
NRCC Hockey Training - 7.30am-8.30am - Ballina Hockey Centre
Athletics Training - 7.30am-8.30am - Cumbalum
Primary Assembly - 11.48am - Discovery Centre - 2B
NAPLAN Testing - Year 5 Language Conventions, Year 9 Reading
Primary Peer Support - 12.38pm
Secondary Sport - 1.28pm-3.08pm
Saturday 15 May
Lizard Island Experience until 22 May
Term 2 Week 5
Monday 17 May
Athletics Training - 7.30am-8.30am - Cumbalum
NAPLAN Testing - Year 3 Numeracy, Year 5 Numeracy
Year 10 Immunisations - 9.30am - Library
Year 8 Headspace Workshop
Shakespeare Carnival Regional Final - Armidale
Tuesday 18 May
NAPLAN Testing - Year 7 Language Conventions
NCIS Touch Football - 7.45am-4.00pm - Goonellabah
Wednesday 19 May
NAPLAN Testing - Year 9 Language Conventions, Year 7.1 and 7.2 Numeracy
Primary Interhouse Touch Football - 11.00am-3.30pm - Saunders Oval - Year 3 and 4
Thursday 20 May
NAPLAN Testing - Year 9 Language Conventions; Year 7.3 and 7.4 Numeracy
Primary Interhouse Touch Football - 11.00am-2.30pm - Years 5 and 6
Kindergarten Wildlife Incursion
Friday 21 May
NRCC Hockey Training - 7.30am-8.30am - Ballina Hockey Centre
Athletics Training - 7.30am-8.30am - Cumbalum
NAPLAN Testing - Catch up day
Primary Chapel - 11.48am - 4A - Discovery Centre
Primary Peer Support - 12.38pm
Secondary Sport - 1.28pm-3.08pm
Saturday 22 May
Lizard Island Experience Returns
Sports Update
NSW CIS Secondary Swimming
Congratulations to the following students who competed at the NSW CIS Swimming Championships in Sydney last week: Poppy Robinson, Jackson Bond, Jacob Bazar, Connor McGreevy, Alastair Miller, Ellen Miller and Ava Parker Gray. The swimmers performed very well in this high level competition with many personal best times. Highlights of the competition include:
Alaistair Miller (Year 11) - 2nd 50m fly, 2nd 100m fly, 3rd 100m free, 4th 50m free, 6th 200m fly
Jackson Bond (Year 10) - 5th 50m back, 6th 50m fly, 8th 50m free, 10th 100m free
Poppy Robinson (Year 10) - 8th 200m breast, 8th 50m back, 9th 100m breast
Ellen Miller (Year 8) - 10th 50m fly
Ava Parker Gray (Year 10) - 5th 50m free, 5th 50m back, 5th 50m breast
Athletics Training Program
We are pleased to be able to offer our students specialist athletics training programs. These training programs are designed to assist our students prepare for their College Athletics Carnivals and the College representative team prepare for the NCIS and NSW CIS Athletics Championships.
Coaching staff
Our athletics coaching program will be headed up by experienced coach Greg Potts. Mr Potts will be assisted by coaches Graham Lees and Angelique Tittleton, along with College staff.
Training
Session 1 - Mondays 7.30am-8.30am sprints and jumps
Session 2 - Fridays 7.30am-8.30am sprints and throws
Open to
Year 3 to Year 12 students
Dates
From Monday 17 May to Monday 30 August
Venue
Cumbalum Athletics Field
Transport
Parents to transport students to the venue, there will be a bus to school at the end of training.
Permission
Parent permission is required via the Parent Lounge before attending sessions.
Mr Graham Walker
Sport and Coaching Administrator
Music Notes
Primary Concert Band Workshop
Last week the Primary Concert Band participated in a workshop day. The workshop focused on improving instrumental and ensemble skill, as well as the band values that guide our attitude and actions within the band program.
The students are to be commended for the positivity and application they displayed throughout the day. The students' behaviour was excellent and they showed a high level of engagement during rehearsal and workshop sessions. It is a pleasure to work with these students.
Mr Adam Holmes
Concert Band Leader
EAC's Concert Series
Secondary News
Friendship is important to wellbeing
One way to be happier is to increase the quality of our friendships. Whether you are a social person or a loner, friendships are important. One of the ways to remain engaged and interested at school, at work or in life is to enjoy the company of the people that we are with.
One of the most overlooked benefits of friendship is that it helps keep our minds and bodies strong. In fact, it's as important to our physical health as eating well and keeping fit. A Harvard study concluded that having solid friendships in our life even helps promote brain health.
Friends help us deal with stress, make better lifestyle choices that keep us strong, and allow us to rebound from health issues and disease more quickly.
Friendship is equally important to our mental health. One study even suggested spending time with positive friends actually changes our outlook for the better. That means we're happier when we choose to spend time with happy people.
Some tips to maintain friendships include:
1. Look people in the eye
Gaining brief eye contact with people communicates interest and trust. One simple way to do this is to mentally remind yourself to notice the colour of other people’s eyes as you say hello to them.
2. Smile and say hello
While the minimalist "hi" accompanied by a shrug may seem cool, it can also come across as disinterested and uncaring. Smile genuinely when you meet people and let them know you are glad to see them.
3. Call people by their name - a lot
Most people feel liked and reassured when someone calls them by their name. Try to use their name at least twice in a conversation, once when you meet them and once when you say goodbye.
4. Be where you are
One of the easy ways to stand out as a good friend is to be with people when you are with them. This means rather than checking messages, or scrolling through social media or sending texts you actually stop, talk, look at and listen to the people you are with.
5. Feel lucky to know them
One of the really simple ways to be a good friend to someone is to decide that you are lucky to know them.
6. Ask people what they think
One way of getting past the awkward stage in conversation is to not just ask people what they have been doing but also what they think about something. Seeking their ideas shows that you value them.
7. Get to know a lot of people
Not everyone you meet will be a close friend. The more people you get to know even a little bit, the more likely you will be able to find friends. It can also be good in life to know some people as good acquaintances as well as having close friends.
8. Get to know people who are different
One of the ways to live an interesting life is to talk to people who are different than you. Getting to know people from different countries and backgrounds will enrich your life and stretch your ideas.
9. What young people want in a friend
When young people were surveyed about what they looked for in a friend. They said:
Humour
Kindness and caring
Non judgemental
Honesty
Trustworthy
Happiness
10. Say hello to people you don’t know
All of your friends were strangers once. Maybe it is time to start saying hello to some people you would like to be friends with but don’t know yet.
It is important to remember that friendships do not develop overnight. A recent study of freshman at university found that it can take:
- 50 hours of time together to move from acquaintance to casual friend.
- 90 hours to go from casual friend to friend.
- More than 200 hours before you can consider someone your close friend.
We have to put that time in. You can't snap your fingers and make a friend. Maintaining close relationships is the most important work we do in our lives - most people on their deathbeds agree.
- study author Jeffrey
Remember the best way to lose an enemy is to make them into a friend: Abraham Lincoln
Information amended from skodel: www.mylearningstrengths.com
Mrs Amanda Middleton
Director of Secondary
Northern Rivers Careers Expo
On Thursday 29 April students in Years 10-12 attended the Northern Rivers Careers Expo at Goonellabah Aquatic Centre. Students were provided with the opportunity to speak with TAFE, University and College providers about their career choices in the future. There were a range of interactive opportunities for the students to participate in including making their own hand moisturiser, learning how to sort medication (M&Ms) and using interactive glasses.
It was wonderful to see students engaging with a range of career providers and reflecting on their careers after they complete school.
Year 9 Elective History
The Year 9 Elective History class has been studying a wide variety of exciting and interesting archaeological sites with the focus on conservation and reconstruction. For their assessment task, students were asked to create a reconstruction or model of a site of their choosing to show what it looked like at the height of its power. This could take the form of a lego model, diorama, hand drawn diagram or sketch, digital diagram or sketch using Google Drawing, digital reconstruction (using tinkercad) or minecraft. They also had to provide an analysis of the importance of the site and the ways that sources have contributed to our understanding of it. An assessment of the preservation and conservation methods undertaken at the site was included as well.
The students produced amazing works which really brought history to life!
Mrs Jennifer Holmes
Secondary Teacher
HICES Debating Rounds 1 and 2
On Thursday 30 of our students from Years 5-12 enjoyed a day of debating at Bishop Druitt College in Coffs Harbour. We faced four other schools and argued topics such as "That smartphones should be banned in schools for all age groups" and "The Federal Government should be able to override state security descriptions".
We are exceptionally proud of our teams as we won seven out of eight of our debates, making it EAC's most successful day of debating so far!
We look forward to our next round of debating this Friday.
Primary Update
Assembly
At the Primary Assembly last week, our Year 4A students presented on the topic of ‘What makes school enjoyable?’ The resounding factors that lead to an enjoyable experience were friendships and fun. The students went on to see who has the biggest affect in the area of friendship and fun and decided that the teachers and their friends played the biggest role. To thank the teachers for inspiring some fun, each teacher was presented with a chocolate bar, a (fake) $50 note and were serenaded with the Golden Girls theme song ‘Thank you for being a friend’. Thank you to our Year 4A students for reminding us to have some fun.
Our Bronze Award recipients received their certificates and we presented our Cross Country champions with their medals and celebrated Purcival’s success at taking home the overall Primary Cross Country Shield.
I’d also like to congratulate our debaters for their success at HICES Debating in Coffs on Friday. A further detailed report will feature in the newsletter following the conclusion of their final round.
Year 2 Excursion
On Tuesday I went on an excursion with my class. First, we went to St. Mary’s Church and saw the cross and oils too. Next, we went for a historical walk and saw all the old houses. Then we went to the Maritime Museum and learned that Henry Rous named the Richmond River and we also had a look at all the big and little boats.
After that we went to Missingham Park for lunch. After lunch we played in the grassy area. Finally, we went to the lighthouse and took a photo then went back to school.
Peyton-2A
On Tuesday 27th April Year 2 went on an excursion. First, we went to the Church and I learnt a lot. Next, we went for a walk and saw a lot of old houses. Then we all went to the Naval Maritime Museum and we learnt a lot about boats. I think people really enjoyed it. After that we all went to the park and when we got there we all got to eat our lunch. After that we had some playtime then we went to the lighthouse and then all of us took a photo. Finally, we all went back to school and finished the day off.
Zarah- 2A
Early Learning Centre News
The wet weather last week didn't stop our students from the Early Learning Centre getting together with Kindergarten students for some fun indoor games. Students enjoyed learning to hula hoop, balance a bean bag on their head in a relay race, throw a ball and knock down the pins in a bowling game.
Mrs Merilyn Mulé
Pastoral Leader K-3
Please consider donating any Band Shirts that your child may have grown out of. The new shirts are delayed and unfortunately won't be available for a few months.
Walker Fundraising BBQ
Friends of EAC
Plus don't forget Mother's Day Morning Tea this Friday!
Canteen
Please contact Christine Hall if you are ableto help in the Canteen on Fridays.
Canteen Menu 2021
The Canteen menu complies with the NSW Healthy School canteen strategy. Further items will be added as the year progresses and the Winter Menu will be available in terms two and three.
Please note that items change in price from time to time.
Emergency Lunch
At times, for various reasons, students may require an emergency meal (basic sandwich), this will be provided with a canteen note sent home requesting payment, please send in the money to the Canteen ASAP.
Online Canteen Ordering
We are excited to be able to offer online Canteen ordering via the 'School Stream' app. Please refer to the recent letter to all families with instructions on how to download the app to your phone, tablet or computer.
Once the app is installed you will be able to view and select from the canteen menu by clicking on Canteen. This will bring up the canteen order form where you will be able to enter the child's details and select desired items from the dropdown lists under the relevant headings and pay. You will be prompted to tick which break you require your selection for.
All online orders must be completed and submitted prior to 8.45am on the day they are required, to enable Canteen staff enough time to prepare and distribute orders.
Manual Canteen Ordering
If you are unable to use the 'School Stream' App please place the money in a paper bag of sufficient size to fit all of the items. If you are ordering a drink with your child’s lunch, please provide two (2) bags. Please write the information on the LOWER half of the bag. If money is short we will substitute items to the value received.
REMEMBER, if ordering at both breaks, you must have a separate bag for each break.
Any change required will be placed in the bag for return with the child’s order.
All orders must be received at the canteen before 9.15am.
Christine Hall
Canteen Supervisor
contact: chall@eac.nsw.edu.au