Term 3 | Week 4 | 8-12 August 2022
"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed', but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"
James 2:14-16
From The Acting Principal
This week as people from around the world come together to mourn the death of Olivia Newton John, it is a montage of memories of her life that they recollect. As a singer her voice connected with generations to sell over 100 million records and as an actor and she paved the way for Australians in Hollywood. But it was for her work as an activist for environmental and animal rights causes, and as an advocate for breast cancer research that will forever enshrine her as a truly global citizen who saw the hope and joy all around her yet acted to raise awareness of causes she felt passionate about.
It is that development of social conscience and international mindedness that we strive to inspire in our students at EAC. The Secondary Art Excursion this week to the Chiharu Shiota Exhibition at GoMA introduced our students to the works of Japanese installation artist Shiota whose beautiful and disquieting works express the intangible: memories, dreams, anxiety and silence.
This week we had the pleasure of hosting our first 2022 Junior Highschool Japanese Students for a day at the College. Not since before the pandemic have students from Japan visited EAC. It is an indication of our renewed commitment to the International Student Program. What better way to passionately engage as global citizens than to embrace the language and culture of our neighbours and further expand our horizons.
Dia dhaoibh
Mr Francis McGuigan
Acting Principal
OFF THE ACTING DEPUTY'S DESK
How do we encourage our students to be responsible?
Every morning as I walk into school I see the large pile of lost property at the Front Office. Items include jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles and even sleeping bags from past camps.
It got me thinking about the amount of money that is sitting around the school in unclaimed and unnamed items and how do we teach our children to be responsible for their clothing and items that we purchase for them.
I have no magic solution to this situation, as my children are the same. We are always chasing lost hats etc., but I think it is important that we are teaching our children to be responsible for their things.
By teaching children to take care of their things, no matter how much they cost, we are teaching them to show respect. We are also developing skills such as being dependable, making good choices and being accountable for their actions. It is a crucial character trait but does not happen overnight.
The skill of responsibility begins as a toddler where children begin to solve problems and make decisions. When our child does not bring an item home from school it is important that we allow opportunities for them to problem solve. The skill to solve problems is critical to responsibility. It also allows for them to see how they are accountable if they fail to bring items home.
Any unclaimed lost property will be donated to the 2nd Hand Uniform Shop at the end of Week 7. This allows all students to have a look at all the items that are around the school before they get removed.
Let us all work together to teach our children to be responsible for their items.
Amanda Middleton
Acting Deputy Principal
Term 3 | Week 5A
Monday 15 August
- Athletics Training @ 7.30am
- Under 15s Girls Rugby Training @ 7.30am
- HSC Trials - Extension Maths + Extension History
- Matilda Rehearsal @ 3.15pm - 5.15pm
Tuesday 16 August
- Primary NCIS Netball Training @ 7.30am
- Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing
- Gold Coast Eisteddfod @ 1.30pm - 6pm
- International Competitions & Assessments for Schools (ICAS) @ 3.30pm
- After School Volleyball Program @ 3.30pm - 5pm
Wednesday 17 August
- Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing
- Year 8 Electives Presentation
Thursday 18 August
- Primary Rugby 7s Training @ 7.30am
- Year 10 Wellbeing Day
- After School Basketball Program @ 3.30pm - 5pm
- Year 9 2023 Parent Information Evening @ 6pm - 7pm
Friday 19 August
- Athletics Training @ 7.30am
- Secondary Boys Rugby 7s Training @ 7.30am
- Secondary Rugby 7s Comp
- Secondary Assembly @ 8.45am
Coming Soon...
- Friday 26 August Book Week Parade, Grandparents Day + EAC Library Book Swap
- Wednesday 21 September Years 1-6 Japanese Culture Day
- Friday 23 September EAC to host Inter School Chess Competition
Sports Round Up
Netballers Nail It!
Tuesday 9 August 2022 saw clear skies, crisp winds and Emmanuel Anglican College make a name for themselves at the Far North Coast Regional Netball Finals.
“Emmanuel, they’ll be a piece of cake”, one opponent was overheard saying... before they then walked off court stunned and disappointed.
The coaches knew their teams were well prepared and underrated. They knew their netball, but to face off against huge schools in the region like McAuley Grafton, Xavier Catholic College, St Mary’s, Woodlawn, St Jospeh’s Banora and Trinity Catholic College in the Far North Coast Regional Finals was an immense task.
The Year 7 and 8 Boys team finished 5th overall and started to really find some great form by the end of the day. Special mention to the defensive pressure of Lucas Bazzana, Josh Muzzolini, and Oliver Garafano who were often playing on opponents significantly taller and still getting turnovers.
The Year 7 and 8 Girls had a phenomenal day with a record achievement for our Emmanuel girls. After finishing top 2 in their pool, they had their coaches' hearts permanently lodged in their throats while they came from behind to take the semi final to extra time against Trinity and finally win in double extra time. The girls then faced Xavier again in the Grand Final and fought back to within 1 goal. A mammoth effort requiring steely shooting, some Sarah Klau-like intercepts from Takiyah James and Charlize Hughes and excellent timing in attack (just when you needed it most) from Maddy Jewell. But most impressively was how they worked as a unit, working for each other. An all round team performance really.
The Year 9 Boys played up against teams with Year 10 students yet, all too easily they made it to the top of their pool and while the semi final pushed them to within a goal, they had some great passages of play. Well-choreographed pieces of beauty in fact. One would have sworn they actually knew how to set up an attack. Ms Campbell and Mrs Miller were never in doubt, of course. The Grand Final against tall timbers Trinity was always going to be hard. After five games of netball in the sun, legs were tired and to face a team that makes Cooper Keane look short, one would indeed prefer fresh legs. They fought hard, refused to give up and got to within one goal but went down by 4 in the end. Special mention to Max Wiggins who did a great job at WA - reliable all day long, Noah McIntosh who shut down his opponent like he was their worst nightmare, Lewis Carroll-Burgess who had the pressure shots resting on his shoulders to catch up and Jack Safranek for some of the most improved intercepts and footwork of the tournament.
State Finals in Sydney are ours in 2023 - you might have to train harder 😉
Ms Campbell
Teacher HSIE & Japanese + Netball Coach Extraordinaire
Mountain Bike Team Triumphs at Gold Coast Comp
The 23 mountain bike riders that attended the Rocky Trail Entertainment Gold Coast Schools Race had an awesome day on Friday 5 August.
The weather cooperated and we had a great day of riding at Nerang.
A summary of the day:
- Miley Spencer (Yr 8) came 2nd in her Yr 7/8 girls category - an amazing result!
- Finnigan Robinson came a narrow 4th in the Yr9/10 boys category - he kept trying to shave time off to get closer to the podium but could not quite get there
- Plenty of great times from students
- All students had fun riding the trails together
- No major injuries
- No major mechanical issues until later in the day
- The new MTB trailer made life a lot easier!
Finally, out 30 schools we came... 5th!
EAC fielded one of the bigger teams on the day, surprisingly, and our training this year has certainly paid off!
Congratulations to the students for their team spirit and effort, to teachers Kate Ashdown and Gav Hartel for their amazing organisation and support on the day and to the scores of parent helpers we had cheering on the team and marshalling the race.
We look forward to the next one!
Justin Cleverley
Music Teacher and Mountain Bike Team Leader
Music Notes
Matilda News
After an extensive and exhaustive audition process, the final cast list was announced this week. Over 70 students turned up to audition for the 20 principal cast roles and a spot in the ensemble. The cast list is varied, highlighting the spread of talent across both our Primary and Secondary Schools at EAC.
Rehearsals began on Wednesday and will continue to be held 3.15pm - 5:15pm each Monday and Wednesday for the remainder of the term. There will be the occasional Saturday afternoon rehearsals added and a boot camp in the September/October holidays. As the show starts to take shape, there will be opportunities for students to be involved in backstage elements or as front of house volunteers.
Information about ticket sales will be announced soon, so please free up your diaries from Friday October 28 to Saturday November 5.
Library Lowdown
Overdue Returns = House Points!
We are starting to get to the pointy end of the year when it comes to the EAC Interhouse Trophy and if you are after some highly coveted House Points, be sure to return your overdue library books. Each Friday of this term, Ms Jordan will tally which House has the least books overdue and award that House a MASSIVE 10 points!
Parents and carers, if you would like to check the status of your student's library loans, ask them to show you their online EAC Library Account which details all their borrowings and more. Students can even use their online account to reserve books and suggest additions to the Library's collection.
Coming Soon: The 2022 EAC Book Swap!
Canteen Cookup
We Need You!
Looking for a way to connect with the College, meet some new friends and fill in a morning or two? The EAC Canteen is in dire need of volunteers to help out over the coming weeks. The work is simple, the banter is hilarious and your kids will think you are a superstar! Grandparents are welcome too so please spread the word.
Email enquiries@eac.nsw.edu.au to register your interest or simply drop by the Front Office for more information.
Fresh for Kids campaign back by popular demand in 2022.
The campaign promotes fresh and vegetables and offers students the opportunities to win prizes.
Each student is rewarded for making a fresh fruit or vegetable choice. Students receive a token card to fill and will receive a stamp for their card for each day they make a fresh fruit or vegetable choice. The food choice must be fresh though (i.e. not fruit sticks, dried fruit etc.).
The campaign will run for three weeks starting Monday 22 August till Friday 9 September.
Class teachers will collect the token cards and send them to the canteen for verification and then prizes (character stickers) will be issued (while stocks last). Token cards will then be forwarded to Sydney Markets to participate in the major prize draw.
How To EAC
How to... Sign Up for School Stream
Feeling left out of the loop? Make sure you are signed up for School Stream, EAC's App. We post all sort of reminders and updates that keep our College community informed. For instructions and download links, CLICK HERE.
Early Learning Centre Corner
Pre Kindy Bravehearts
On Wednesday 10 August, the Early Learning Centre had a special visit from Bravehearts, a very special organisation who provide a coordinated and holistic approach to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.
Our Pre Kindy people learnt about the six principles of personal safety:
- Differentiating ‘yes’ and ‘no’ feelings
- Recognising the bodies ‘warning signs’
- Body ownership
- Helping children identify language and feelings associated with secrets
- Reinforcing that there is no secret that children cannot tell someone
- What to do if you feel unsafe or unsure
Children also learnt about ‘Ditto’s 3 Rules’, which are:
- We all have the right to feel safe with people.
- It’s ok to say NO if you feel unsafe or unsure.
- Nothing is so yucky that you can’t tell someone about it.
This vital topic of understanding can spark important conversations at home so please keep an ear out for learning opportunities with your child.
Primary Pulse
Your Child's Lighthouse
It was wonderful to see so many parents meeting with the Primary teachers at this week’s interviews. These conversations around academic, emotional and social development between home and school help to support students and provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to learn more about the student. Attending the interviews also shows your child that you are interested in and value their learning.
Over the years, your child’s current teacher may have taught older siblings, and the interviews can feel more like a catch up with an old friend. It has always heart warming to leave interviews, confident that your child is known and appreciated by their teacher. Teachers are often a child's greatest supporter outside of their parents.
A few weeks ago, Maggie Dent spoke to a group of parents at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre. She shared this image and message which I believe relates nicely to the connection students and their teachers make.
“Everyone on the bumpy ride to adulthood needs at least one lighthouse to ensure they thrive to become the best person they can be. They help young people take the high road and avoid the low road. They stoke the ‘spark’ within especially when they cannot find it. They are always there, safe, accepting and they believe in the inner angel or the secret warrior that lies within every human. They shine light into the darkness and they bring hope where there is none”
No debate over Primary Prowess
Over the past three terms, the EAC Primary Debating Blue team consisting of Henry Drew, Montague Hewitt, Stella Du Plessis and Aurelien Rignault have been participating in the 2022 HICES Debating Competition.
The state wide debating competition has taught the students how to construct a sound argument and create strong rebuttals against the other team. Students have been given topics which surrounded 21st century issues and were encouraged to speak to experts as well as read and watch the news. The topics were really interesting for both the students and audience alike and included:
- That children should learn to type not write
- That children need a dedicated television channel
- That Primary Schools should provide lunch to all students
- That community service should replace all fines in the court system
- That Primary School students should be permitted to walk to school
- That the Olympics should include e-sports
- That the local Indigenous language should be taught to all Primary School students
The Blue team has qualified for semi finals which is a terrific achievement. The team will be competing against Newcastle Grammar School where they will be negating the topic 'That it is inappropriate for politicians to communicate through social media.'
Indigenous Survival Secrets Shared with Years 5 & 6
Year 5 and 6 participated in an Indigenous Survival Show with a man named Phillip Green.
Phillip showed us survival techniques that the Indigenous peoples used and how they would source food, make clothing and stay hydrated. He also showed us how they made tools to start fires, ways they carried water and much more.
Everyone had a great time seeing all the artefacts and being able to touch and interact with them.
We all enjoyed learning about how the Indigenous peoples survived and the techniques they used.
Phillip Green was a fun, knowledgeable and engaging presenter.
By Bethany Funnell and Emmy Savage (Year 5)
Congratulations Mrs Pierce!
Mrs Claudia Pierce, 4A's treasured teacher, last week welcomed her first child, little Ashton, into the world. Mum, dad and baby boy are all doing well. Congratulations from the whole College community to the Pierce's 3. Ashton, we are so happy you are here at last!
Grandparents Day and Book Parade
Secondary Scoop
Year 11 Retreat
On Tuesday the Year 11 students headed out to St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Dunoon for the Year 11 Leadership Retreat. This was an opportunity to reflect on their upcoming transition to the become Year 12 and the leaders within the school community.
It was fantastic to see the students reflect on what leadership meant to them and what it means to be a good leader.
Rev Sal did a fantastic job guiding the students through their reflection and it was an excellent day for all.
Julie Fryer
Acting Director Secondary
Sustainability Action Group: Flower Bombing Project
We have recently formed a Sustainability Action Group in the Secondary School, made up of passionate staff and students who want to work to improve the College's environment as well as that of the local and global community. This is in line with EAC's commitment to becoming more sustainable.
After the success of our involvement in National Tree Day, the next project the group has decided to focus on is a 'Flower Bombing' project, which we will implement during National Bioversity Month in September. This project will include designing, building and distributing ‘flower bombs’ to spread flowers throughout the College and regenerate our environment, increasing the biodiversity of the local environment.
If any parents have resources or experience you would like to donate, please let us know. We are looking for supplies such as wildflower seeds (ideally native), compost and clay powder as well as flower seedlings and other gardening supplies.
Jonah's Wise Words Receive High Praise
In exciting news from the HSIE department, Jonah Morris has received a Highly Commended Certificate for his entry in the 2022 Simpson Prize Competition. There were many outstanding entries and Jonah should feel greatly encouraged by receiving this Highly Commended award.
The Simpson Prize is a national competition that focuses on the service of Australians in World War I. Students were asked to respond to the following question:
To what extent have the Gallipoli campaign and the Western Front overshadowed other significant aspects of Australia's experience of the First World War?
Here is an excerpt from Jonah’s entry.
"On the 25th of April and 11th November, every Australian commemorates and dedicates the country they have now to the Australian soldiers, nurses and countless other people who fought for our country’s stability and safety. The myths of Gallipoli and the mateship and loyalty found on the Western Front overshadow other true struggles and sacrifices of the Australian First World War being the exceptionally deadly Spanish flu of 1918-1920, the campaign for Sinai and Palestine, the Australian homefront toils with Anti-Conscription and the Australian military deaths. We need to recognise these significant events due to huge efforts from people that changed history before, during and after World War 1."
We congratulate Jonah on a wonderful achievement.
Jenny Holmes
HSIE Coordinator
Students Get Informed by Ballina Shire Council
On Thursday 4 August Years 10 and 11 students attended a presentation by Mark Richardson who is the Apprentice and Trainee Support Officer for the Ballina Shire Council.
The presentation informed students of what services the Ballina Shire Council have to support our local community as well as work experience and career opportunities after school.
The College and Ballina Shire Council will be working together to give students work experience and School Based Apprenticeships and traineeship (SBAT) opportunities.
Keep The Phones For Home
Communication is a vital part of every family just as it is for the College. Students with mobile devices in use during the school day can be highly disruptive to classmates, to teaching staff and to the student themselves. As well when Students and Parents/Carers make arrangements directly to leave College grounds without first informing Front Office, unnecessary alarm can be raised and unintended distress caused.
Students are required to hand in their mobile devices prior to the commencement of lessons and retrieve them at the end of the day. Devices are held securely in the Front Office.
As a Parent or Carer, if you need to communicate a message to your child during the course of the day, please contact the Front Office who will arrange for a notification to be sent as soon as possible.
Students wishing to communicate with their loved ones during the day can also do so via the Front Office.
Essentially, there is always a way to get a message through quickly and in line with College protocols.
To keep Student's focused and in line with College policy, mobile devices found to be in use on College grounds during school hours will be confiscated until the end of the day.
Let College be a welcome break from the constant barrage of messaging and notifications that come with mobile devices. If you would like to discuss your personal situation further, please email enquiries@eac.nsw.edu.au.
Free Short Courses for Year 12 School Leavers!
Yes, you read that right! Northern Rivers Community College has secured funding through the NSW Government to offer free short courses to local Year 12 School Leavers to maximise their job-ready potential. Courses include;
- Barista Training
- Food Safety Supervisor
- Responsible Service of Alcohol
- Responsible Conduct of Gabling
- First Aid training
- Construction White Card
Northern Rivers Community College have campuses in Alstonville and Yamba.
To secure a place contact Northern Rivers Community College by phone 02 6628 5426 or email enquire@northcoastcc.edu.au
Laptop Cases Save The Day!
All EAC laptops are issued complete with a protective case to help guard against mishap, spills and thrills.
Parents, Carers and Students, please check your EAC laptop case is on.
Preventable damage may lead to additional charges to your College account which can be an unaffordable surprise for many.
If your EAC laptop case needs replacing, please contact enquiries@eac.nsw.edu.au.
Fishing Excursion Catches On
Year 9 Marine Studies recently enjoyed a fabulous fishing excursion to Faulks Reserve, Ballina.
Students enjoyed great weather as they caught, identified and released an impressive range of fish.
All fish were released once we measured and recorded our data. These excursions always prove popular with Students as they are able to put theory into practice at one of Ballina's most iconic locations.
Friends of EAC
Parent-to-Parent Contact Groups Coming Right Up
On Thursday 11 August, Friends of EAC met to discuss opportunities for the College and agreed that parent-to-parent contact groups would be of great benefit throughout the College community. There are currently a handful of Facebook and What'sApp groups in use in several year groups which are working well. The groups share reminders, tips, lost property identifiers, social events and more.
Friends will look to achieve a consistent approach across the College so parents with students in multiple cohorts might have more consistent tools to use and to set up a reliable template for future year groups to follow.
Watch this space for updates in the weeks ahead.
Honor Roll: Spotlighting Success from the Broader College Community
Blessings abound with the College receiving a generous donation of an incredible artwork by EAC's own Mrs Andrea Cheers. Mrs Cheers is our go-to secondary maths relief teacher and also happens to be one of the Northern Rivers most talented artists.
Mrs Cheers donated work, titled 'Aslan', features an incredibly detailed lion executed in pastels and is already a favourite of the staff in the Front Office where the work is displayed.
Each of Mrs Cheers' works include a hidden rabbit and the challenge is set to find Aslan's rabbit when you have the opportunity to view the piece on your next visit to the Front Office.
"It took weeks to complete" said Mrs Cheers of the work. "I wanted to donate the piece to the College in recognition of all the support given to me and my family over the years both as a teacher and as a parent."
Aslan is the second piece of Mrs Cheers' works to feature on the walls of the Front Office. The much admired and often complimented waratah print in the Principal's office is also by Mrs Cheers.
As well as detailed, photo-like pastel originals, Mrs Cheers also creates stunning paper sculptures and regularly treats staff to her incredible baked treats.
Mrs Cheers works on commission and has sold her works to buyers from all over the world. As well, Mrs Cheers' works have been displayed at the prestigious Tweed Regional Art Gallery and Margaret Olley Art Centre.
You can view a showcase of Mrs Cheers works at https://www.instagram.com/andreacheers/
Aslan, 2020, Andrea Cheers
Northern Rivers News
