Term 2 | Week 6 | 3 June 2020
Prayer for the Journey of Healing
Almighty and loving God, you who created ALL people in your image, Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past. You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that sins will be forgiven.
We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced. We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families. We are sorry and ask Your forgiveness. Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless and inflicted and heal their spirits.
In your mercy and compassion walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable. Lord, you are our hope. Amen.
© National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission
From The Principal
This week’s Whole College Assembly was special for a couple of reasons as it was the first ‘virtual assembly’ we have undertaken and secondly, we had a substantial focus on Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation Week commences with National Sorry Day and celebrates the anniversary of the 1967 referendum that acknowledged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s right to vote and the 1992 High Court Decision that recognised the connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the land and sea prior to European settlement. At the assembly yesterday we heard about the importance of celebrating the indigenous heritage of this land and recognising the culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In particular, we learned about the Bundjalung people and their story and connection to the region in which we all live, learn and work.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the longest living and oldest culture of any culture or civilisation in human history. Their heritage and traditions date back at least 40 000 years (something worth celebrating!). For the Bundjalung people, their connection with this land extends back more than a 1000 generations and while much has happened to recognise and celebrate indigenous culture, for indigenous Australians there is still such a long way to go in promoting genuinely understanding, healing and hope. I encouraged all our staff and students to make Reconciliation Week part of their class discussions to explore Aboriginal culture and history and to discuss issues about reconciliation and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with a focus on ways to promote understanding, compassion and change that helps heals the wounds of the past and builds a brighter future for all.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
You can view the full assembly here:
Off The Deputy's Desk
"Good things come to those who wait."
This pithy 16th century proverb is what comes to mind as we deliberately and carefully moved towards our full resumption of face to face classes on 1 June. I thank all of our parents for their support with our staggered return to school plan. It has certainly been wonderful to see all of our students back to face to face learning and I am positive that the wait was worth it.
Online learning has certainly been a challenge for some members of our community; however, as human beings we have demonstrated our ability to adapt to challenging situations and find new ways of operating. Certainly our staff, parents and students have demonstrated and consolidated many of the Habits of Mind during the period of online learning. Upon reflection, I thought that it may be a good opportunity to discuss how we utilised these habits during the online learning process:
Persisting-
Everyone had to stick at it during the remote learning phase. There were times when everyone wanted to give in but persistence shone through in many ways.
Managing Impulsivity-
If you have a son you’ll know what I mean! If you don’t then if you have a teenager you will know what I mean! Parents and teachers all over the world deal with managing the impulsivity of young people all over the world every day.
Responding with Wonder and Awe-
Despite being in a state of lockdown there were still many chances to see the amazing world around us. I was in awe of my daughter’s artwork and responded with wonderment at the fact that I would never have been able to produce anything remotely near her standard.
Finding Humour-
There’s an old saying that if you didn’t laugh you would cry. I’m sure that many of our families have at least 1 home learning story that they could share that would bring a smile to our faces.
Precision of language and thought-
Our teaching staff need to communicate with precision when utilising Google Classroom and when zooming with students. The traditional classroom disappeared and we really needed to find precision.
Gathering Data with All Senses-
Many families got their children to be out and about and turned learning into an experiential opportunity to explore the world around them.
Listen with Understanding and Empathy-
When making our pastoral calls we had to talk to some frazzled parents and we needed to listen carefully and have empathy for their situation.
Questioning and Posing Problems-
Where do I start? We had so many questions to answer and so many problems to solve as individual teachers, faculties, families and as students.
Thinking Flexibly-
We all learned how to do this over the last 7 weeks. It was difficult but we managed to find it in us. The same, tried and tested methods had to be renewed, reviewed, refreshed and reinvented.
Thinking Interdependently-
Families, staff and students had to work together. The home school partnership and the importance of working together was never more important than at this time.
Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations-
Again, our teaching staff had never been in a situation like this and had to apply everything that they knew about content and pedagogy to a completely new medium. It was a real challenge but we did it!
Remaining Open to Continuous Learning-
Everyone has learnt something about themselves, others and the world around us throughout this process. We never stop learning and it is not always out of a book or from a device!
Taking Responsible Risks-
Our school reopening plan is an example of risk managing a situation.
Striving for Accuracy-
We all wanted to be accurate and we wanted our students to strive for accuracy and to do their best work at all times, even if they weren’t physically at school.
Creating, Imagining and Innovating-
From learning how to used Google Classroom to Zoom lessons and everything in between. Teachers all over the world have had to find new ways to connect with their students and to create a new learning platform. Parents have had to imagine situations with their children. Medical researchers are innovating as we speak as are companies which find new opportunities to produce ventilators, hand sanitisers etc.
Metacognition-
Now that online learning is almost all over we have the responsibility, as human beings to use our greatest God given gift. The ability to reflect, analyse and review our thinking, ideas and practices and to find improved ways of doing business in case we have to do this all over again. As humans, we’ve got this!
Reminders
Student Absences - The College must be notified of your child’s absence. Please contact Margaret or email attendance@eac.nsw.edu.au. Remember that if your child is unwell please do not send him/her to school.
Secondary Friday Sport Years 7-10 - Friday sport recommences on Friday 5 June. Students to wear sports uniform on this day.
Canteen - Canteen is operating under an order only system for the remainder of Term 2.
Student Uniform and Grooming - Students need to adhere to the rules for grooming and uniform as stated in the College Planner. If your son needs a haircut please get this done. We will be following up with students and parents and need your support with regards to the upholding of our standards.
Assessment - All assessment items that are due must be completed by the due date without exception.
Mr Darren Parks
Deputy Principal
Term 2 Week 7
Monday 8 June
Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday
Tuesday 9 June
Primary Chapel-Via Screencast
Friends Meeting-Via Zoom
Wednesday 10 June
Secondary Chapel-Via Screencast
Thursday 11 June
Secondary Chapel-Via Screencast
Friday 12 June
Secondary Sport-Years 7-10
Term 2 Week 8
Monday 15 June
Nil
Tuesday 16 June
Nil
Wednesday 17 June
Secondary Chapel-Via Screencast during Morning PC lesson
Thursday 18 June
Secondary Chapel-Via Screencast during Morning PC lesson
Friday 19 June
Secondary Sport-Years 7-10
Chaplain's Chat
Hands up if you are looking forward to things going back to normal?
I know that we are already starting to see some things returning to what we have been used to with more shops opening, things like boot camps kicking off again and larger numbers of people being allowed to gather.
Obviously and significantly, virtually all the schools have all their students back on campus and this week we joined them as we welcomed all our students and staff on Monday.
Still many restrictions stay in place and it looks like we will be moving with caution for some time.
Do you think we ever will return to what was?
Frankly, I am not sure I want to return to everything the way it was pre Covid 19. As an introvert (yes yes, before you argue that I am an extrovert… it’s all about where we get our renewal and energy and I love solitude and being alone! ) Anyway… as an introvert I have loved being able to spend time at home, connecting at a distance and the slower pace of life. I have loved being able to go to church in my PJ’s on a Sunday morning, whilst drinking a coffee! My family are scattered all over the place, yet we have more intentionally connected and have shared family meals over FaceTime…and I have discovered that I am not good at Trivia even when played online!
I have also liked the new found appreciation we have for the ‘average’ worker – cleaners, those who work in grocery stores, and the service industries. The people we didn’t realise we relied on, yet we do. May we never take them and their work for granted again.
And of course, teachers. Especially our teachers. I know many of you are sick of hearing about what a magnificent job our teachers have done, pivoting their teaching on the head of a pin to provide the best for our students. But I am going to continue to remind us of this, ALL our staff, teachers, cleaners, administration staff…everyone here at Emmanuel Anglican College has given their everything to make things as normal, as smooth and as safe as possible. For all the staff - the school holidays over Easter passed in something of a blur of preparation for lessons, and planning for every feasible outcome and potential government decision.
Not once have these wheels stopped turning. Not. Once.
Some felt we did not do enough, others that we did too much – what I do know is that everyone gave their best and I am jolly proud of our whole staff community.
It is not over yet – we still have challenges to face, and disappointments to come to terms with. Camps that will not be able to go ahead, excursions that cannot happen, special events that will not be as they have previously. This is the lasting legacy of the pandemic. As tempting as it will be to look for someone to blame – it is no one’s fault and as we have done already, we will need to embrace new ways of being and doing.
The one thing I hope we do not lose, in fact I hope we find an increase in – gratitude. More than simply feeling grateful, I hope we find the words and actions to express it.
May we learn to notice those things we have taken for granted in the past, and name them and thank those who make a difference in our lives.
Finally – if you are feeling deeply grateful that your kids are ‘finally’ returning to school full time….maybe now is a good time to share some appreciation for the staff here.
If you are going to miss your kids – may be now is a good time to be grateful for the care and support our students are offered here.
I know many of our community are facing some new and challenging times, for this we pray:
It's difficult to live with uncertainty.
However bad a situation,
knowing what you have to face
means that you can start coming to terms with it,
facing your fears,
planning your strategy.
When the 'big picture' is too big or too blurred
and indistinct,
it's easier to focus on small details,
to try to control what you can.
The world has changed,
how does that affect our living in the meantime?
How do I need to change?
How do I want to change?
Is it possible to live each day as a new opportunity,
while knowing that it feels the same as yesterday?
I need your help, God,
to listen for you in the clamour of voices calling for my attention,
to focus on you in the midst of competing priorities,
to trust you in this time of uncertainty.
Amen.
Peace
Rev. Sally
NSW CIS National Representative Medallions
Congratulations Lachlan Walker (Year 11), Finnigan Robinson (Year 7) and Kalani Franklin (Year 7), who have been awarded NSW CIS Medallions. These awards are presented to students who represented NSW at the National Schools Championships during 2019.
Kalani and Finnigan represented NSW in hockey, winning the gold medal at the National Championships. Lachlan represented NSW in swimming, winning medals at the National Championships in the backstroke events.
To reach this level of achievement, the boys have passed through five levels of school competition. This is an outstanding achievement, congratulations boys, your school community is very proud of you.
Mr Graham Walker
Sport and Coaching Administrator
Crazy Sock Fun!
On Thursday 4 June, we have invited the whole school to wear a pair of silly or crazy socks with your school uniform in support of those affected by COVID-19. To support this cause, instead of a gold coin donation, we ask students if they can donate non-perishable food items or little luxuries to be distributed to those in need. Some examples of food are canned foods, soups, long life milk, or bottled water. These donations will be given to St Andrews Anglican Parish Lismore to distribute to those in need around our local area. Donation boxes will be available in each classroom for students to place their items.
I hope everyone turns up in silly socks to have some fun and show your support for those affected by COVID-19.
Lara Truman
SRC
EARLY LEARNING CENTRE NEWS
Jingi Wala, Bundjalung Nation - land, sky and water.
We sing our Acknowledgement to Country each and every day we meet at the Early Learning Centre. As a child, I never knew the first nation names of the lands in which I lived and went to school. There was little interaction with place, the natural world and all its' inhabitants. We know that EAC was built on a swamp and wonder if this is why we see so many water birds, or is it because we are surrounded by water - Bundjalung water! Reconciliation is a BIG concept, so we embed Indigenous perspectives every day at the ELC. The Richmond River floated a log downstream until it reached Pimlico, whereby an ELC Educator sliced the log into sections for the children to decorate with Australian Aboriginal colours - red, yellow and black. We placed our symbol cards next to our paperbark, encouraging conversation and inspiring creativity. We are all "In This Together".
Mrs Natasha Livock
Early Learning Centre Coordinator
Secondary NEws
SRC to donate food from Crazy Sock Day to the Anglican Parish of Lismore
The first SRC meeting for the year was a little different to the past. The meeting was held via zoom and provided opportunity and discussion about how to help the local community. It was felt that many families have struggled during the Covid-19 crisis and that the school community an opportunity to support those in need.
The decision was made to collect emergency food items for the Anglican Parish of Lismore for their emergency pantry. The Lismore Parish includes a range of suburbs and rural villages including Goonellabah, Dunoon, Nimbin and Wyrallah and is linked to caring for the local community through Anglicare. The Parish provides compassionate support for resettled refugees, the homeless and those in need of emergency food. The emergency food pantry relies entirely on donations.
All students are asked to support this parish by bringing in non-perishable food items on Thursday 4 June to support the parish with their emergency pantry. Suggested items include:
List of goods that could be bought for our Food Pantry (All tins to have ring pull lids):
- Instant noodles in packets or individual cups (any favours)
- small cans of tuna (plain seems to be more popular)
- instant soup
- small packets of sultanas
- small cans of corn, chick peas, veg’s etc.
- personal toiletries
- small jars of toothpaste
- soap
- shampoo
- disposable nappies(various sizes)
- talc powder
- muesli bars
- tins of food e.g. Meat and veg’s one pot dinner
- Spaghetti and baked beans
- Packets of Pasta and Pasta sauce
- milk powder
- long life milk
- small cans/jars of coffee/ Milo or hot chocolate
- individual packets of instant pasta e.g. macaroni cheese for 1 serving
- small packets of rice.
Mrs Amanda Middleton
Director of Secondary
Year 7 checking in with their mates
As Year 7 students returned to school they participated in a team building activity in their Pastoral Care lessons. This was a way that they could reconnect within their Pastoral Care groups and share experiences of remote learning. An important topic was ‘checkin in’ with their mates and acknowledging that when you work as a team you can experience a greater sense of connectedness.
The photographed activity shows students working together to build a ‘pyramid of cups’ using only a piece of string and a rubber band.
Importance of clear communication - Year 8
Last week Year 8 learnt about the importance of clear communication when engaging in a "blind drawing" competition. It looks like there may be a few Picasso's in the making!
Ms Kellie Guest
Stage 4 Coordinator
From The Office
We apologise for any inconvenience.
Canteen
Purchases from the canteen can only be made by pre-ordering.All orders must be received at the canteen before 9.30am.The canteen will operate Monday to Friday.NO counter service will be provided.
The revised menu is below for your information and is also available on the College website.
All orders must be received at the canteen before 9.30am.
Please place the money in a paper bag of sufficient size to fit all of the lunch items.
If you are ordering a drink with your 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 RECESS, you must have a separate recess bag.
RECESS: Name, Teacher, PC Class, Recess Order
John Smith, Mr Falvey, 3A
Recess
Cheesymite Scroll
Pack Sultanas, Small
LUNCH BAG 1: Name, Teacher, PC Class, Lunch Order
John Smith, Mr Falvey, 3A,
Lunch
1 Snack Pie
LUNCH BAG 2: Name, Teacher, PC Class, Drink Order
John Smith, Mr Falvey, 3A,
Lunch
1 Orange Juice
Any change required will be placed in the bag for return with the lunch order.
Christine Hall
Canteen Coodinator
COMMUNITY NEWS
