"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
John 10:10
From The Principal
Thank you once again to all our community for your wonderful support and patience with the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. The NSW Health guidelines for schools have been developed in conjunction with the Association of Independent Schools, Catholic Education and the Department of Education. These guidelines overlay the Public Health Order. As a majority of students in schools are unvaccinated and only around 50% of 12-18 year olds have had one dose thus far, restrictions on schools remain quite tight. Schools in our region are operating on Level 3 restrictions which include the following requirements:
Masks
Masks remain mandatory for all staff and for secondary students at all times when indoors. Masks remain compulsory when travelling on buses. Students from Year 3 and up are actively encouraged to wear masks. Students and staff can provide medical evidence to be exempt from wearing a mask, this includes for mental health reasons.
Masks are not required by students when outdoors. Fully vaccinated staff are not required to wear masks outdoors.
Sport
School sport involving movement into the community, mixing of age groups or competing against other schools is not permitted. This is different to the rules around community based sport. Physical activity in year groups linked to the curriculum is permitted onsite.
Singing, bands, assemblies and excursions are not permitted
Singing is not permitted in any circumstance (note that this differs to the rules regarding worship in religious centres).
Parents and visitors
Essentially, only school staff and allied health professionals can attend the site. The College Office continues to operate virtually for parents and visitors. Essential services, construction and maintenance contractors can attend the site with COVID-safe practices in place.
Enrolment and orientation processes are permitted with COVID-safe practices in place. Interviews will resume shortly but happen outside school hours.
The Lindsay Walker Centre fire safety certification process is progressing well and we are preparing to take possession of the Multi Purpose Centre. We have prepared a virtual tour to give our community a sneak preview of this incredible facility. Click below to take a look.
EAC Staff Chaplain Rev Greg is doing the Black Dog Institute, One Foot Forward walk for mental health in October, to draw attention to resources available for young people and families to cope with any anxiety and depression, being aggravated by COVID-19 and lockdowns. This walk also gives everyone who wishes, a simple way of financially supporting the reputable Black Dog Institute. Please contact Black Dog for support with mental health issues and thank you in anticipation of sponsoring this walk on behalf of EAC's support of mental health. There are further details elsewhere in Each Week but the link below is all you need to contribute.
https://www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/GregEzzy
Year 12 have moved into the next phase of their HSC preparation with the commencement of their Revision Workshop Schedule. The students are involved in study and revision workshops until Tuesday 26 October at which point they will move to home based revision as they enter their 'HSC study bubble'. We ask that you continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they work towards their HSC Examinations.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
Off the Deputy's Desk
Spending time with the Year 5 Primary students this week greatly increased my understanding of the issues faced by the tree kangaroo and the platypus as they struggle for survival in their shrinking habitats. It was the knowledgeable and passionate way that the students put forth their cases for new attitudes to be taken towards our natural environment to ensure the survival of the quintessential Australian animal species. In the heart of the Discovery Centre another group of Year 5 Primary students gave me a lesson on coding as they worked on their project for the upcoming Lego Competition. How eagerly their minds embrace technology and become their world, I admit I was struggling to keep up.
Each rainy day it was a delight to see so many immersing themselves in a book, what adventures they were having. Such are the wonderful experiences of learning that I was able to share with the Primary students.
In the Secondary school, Friday was the last day of timetabled classes for the Year 12 students before they start their HSC Examinations Study in earnest. It was a time of great happiness at reaching this milestone in their schooling, and also of great sadness as one of life's journeys had come to an end. For those who had been at the College since Kindergarten, it was a time of reflection and for all it was an opportunity to chat with staff who had taught and guided them throughout the years. Timetabled revision lessons begin on Monday and the focus is now on ensuring that they achieve their best. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Dia dhaoibh
Mr Francis McGuigan
Deputy Principal
Term 4 Week 3
Monday 18 October
- Year 9 Examinations
- Year 10 Examinations
- Year 12 timetabled revision lessons
Tuesday 19 October
- Meerkat Productions ELC-7
- Year 9 Examinations
- Year 10 Examinations
- Year 12 timetabled revision lessons
Wednesday 20 October
- Year 11 reports distributed
- Year 9 Examinations
- Year 10 Examinations
- Year 12 timetabled revision lessons
Thursday 21 October
- Year 9 Examinations
- Year 10 Examinations
- Year 12 timetabled revision lessons
Friday 22 October
- FLL Training BEJ, SPJ, FOJ
- Year 9 Examinations
- Year 10 Examinations
- Year 12 timetabled revision lessons
- Year 12 Breakfast
Term 4 Week 4
Monday 25 October
- Year 12 timetabled revision lessons
Tuesday 26 October
- Year 12 timetabled revision lessons
Wednesday 27 October
- Secondary Chapel – online
- Primary Netball Inter House Carnival (Year 3 P1/2, Year 4 P3/4)
Thursday 28 October
- Primary Netball Inter House Carnival (Year 5 9.08am-12.08pm, Year 6 12.08pm-3.00pm)
- Year 9 Elective History Incursion HOJ
Friday 29 October
- Primary Chapel 6C - online
- FLL Training BEJ, SPJ, FOJ
- Year 7 and 8 block/assessments completed
Sports Update
EAC Futsal Program Cancelled
Unfortunately we have had to cancel the futsal program for Term 4, due to the current COVID-19 restrictions.
If you had booked your child in to the program, please refer to the recent email sent out regarding refund of payment.
We are hopeful that the program will run in Term 1, 2022. Thank you for your patience.
Heidi Craig
Sports Admin/Coaching/Duke of Edinburgh
Secondary News
Week 2 saw a number of key events occur for Year 12 as they prepare for their final stage of Secondary schooling and for the future leaders and cohort of 2022.
Year 12 Retreat
Last Tuesday, the Year 12 cohort of 2021 gathered to reflect on their school journey and their future ambitions. They heard from the Wellbeing teachers, Rev Sal and I about their journeys since schools and how dreams don't always become a reality. The students spent time affirming others within their cohort before writing a letter to their future self and reading letters from their parents which included recalling the enjoyable occasions, qualities admired, hopes and dreams and expressing your appreciation for what they have done for the family. The day finished with a service where students learnt that journeys can be different and prayer for the students as they leave the College.
Year 12 last formal day of lessons
On Friday the 2021 cohort had their last formal day of HSC lessons. This has been a challenging year for the students with the ever-changing goal posts and the students have to be admired for their resilience and ability to adapt to the changes. The day allowed them to celebrate their time at school as they now prepare for the final stage of preparation for the HSC examinations. The students will attend revision sessions at the College over the next week and a half, before spending time revising at home before the HSC Examinations.
2022 Leadership Training
On Wednesday the 2022 leadership team met together for the first time to examine what qualities they have as a leadership team and to start to work on their vision and action plan for 2022. The leadership team learnt that leaders do not have to lead from the front but about how important it is to bring others along on the journey. Each of the 2022 leaders spent time talking with the 2021 leadership team about the positive aspects of leadership at EAC and the challenges they faced. The leadership team of 2022 will meet together again in Week 4 to continue to work on their leadership plan for 2022. I look forward to working with the new leaders over the next year.
Year 12 Information Session 2022
On Friday the 2022 Year 12 cohort received their assessment booklets for the HSC and heard about the requirements to achieve an HSC. They also learnt about the importance of a work/life balance and some tips from previous HSC students to support them in managing their wellbeing during the year ahead. Mrs Evans provided some careers and university advice to the cohort as they start to consider where to after school.
Mrs Amanda Middleton
Director of Secondary
Primary Update
eSafety
We’ve certainly seen the amount of screen time add up for our Primary Students this year due to the necessity of delivering Home Learning in this format. For many, as our kids get older, the endless repeats of Bluey and Peppa Pig on YouTube start to give way to gaming videos, epic fails, unboxing (that’s right, videos of kids unboxing toys is a big thing), how to make slime, the Norris Nuts and the list goes on. As our kids pass through the phases it’s always wise to keep up with what your child is viewing and what levels of restrictions you place on their devices. My go to site for the best information around this is the eSafety commission, specifically the page on Taming Technology https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice/taming-technology. The eSafety website provides easy to follow guides for updating Parental Controls, setting good habits, understanding Privacy online and even how to tackle those difficult, but vital, hard to have conversations.
SRC News
The Primary SRC, led by the Primary Captains and supported by the House Leaders have come up with the idea of Fun Week in the Primary. Fun Week will run throughout First Break every day of Week 5. The SRC and House Captains will host daily fun activities for the Primary students to be involved with, including The Floor is Lava, Ninja Warrior and a ball games competition. Keep an eye out for the poster in next week’s newsletter.
Just Like You
In Week 5, our Years 3, 4 and 5 students will be involved in an online interactive session entitled Just Like You. The sessions are supported by the children’s charity Variety and aim to educating primary school students to develop understanding, acceptance and inclusion of people with a disability, learning that people with a disability really are JUST LIKE YOU! Our Years 3 and 4 students will develop an understanding of the different forms of disabilities, including physical, invisible and sensory disabilities and learn how to empathise with challenges people with disabilities may face. Our Year 5 students will be involved with discussions challenging pre-conceived ideas around disability. Students look at their own role in society and their contribution to positive and negative mindsets and practice integrating alternative modes of communication and movement in to their classroom environment.
We look forward to our students being involved in such an important learning opportunity.
Mr Wayne Cross
Director of Primary
Clubs
This week Primary clubs started again for Term 4. Due to restrictions this term, Clubs are offered in Stage cohorts only. To add variety to their playtime options and meet new friends, please see the poster below and speak to your child about attending a club throughout the week.
One Foot Forward
REV GREG EZZY WALKS 80KM THIS MONTH, TO SUPPORT AUSTRALIANS LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS.
Hi EAC Family
Did you know that 1 in 5 people experience symptoms of mental illness each year? In fact, every day in Australia, 8 people will die from suicide.
Mental illness can be debilitating and can have a devasating impact on not only those living with it, but those around them.
This month, representing EAC, I'll be putting one foot forward and walking 80km to make a difference to the lives of people touched by mental illness and suicide.
The money I raise will fund support services for people who need them most, as well as life changing research into the prevention and treatment of mental illness.
Support EAC's challenge and help change the lives of people living with mental illness! And remember, Black Dog is there for all of us, anytime.
Simply click here to make a donation through our page.
Thank you so much for your support.
Rev Greg Ezzy
EAC Staff Chaplain
Canteen
Fresh for Kids
Eat Fresh & Win campaign is on again. The campaign promotes ‘Fresh’ fruit & vegetables and offers students the opportunity to win prizes.
Each student is rewarded for making a fresh fruit or vegetable choice. Students will receive a token card to fill out and will receive a stamp for their card for each fresh fruit or vegetable choice they make (1 per day max). It MUST be fresh not fruit sticks, dried fruit etc. The campaign will run for three (3) weeks starting Monday 18 October until Friday 5 November.
Class teachers will collect the token cards and send them to the canteen for verification and then minor prizes will be issued (while stocks last). Token cards will then be forwarded to Sydney Markets to participate in the major draw.
Canteen Menu 2021
The Canteen menu complies with the NSW Healthy School canteen strategy. Further items will be added as the year progresses.
Please note that items change in price from time to time.
Please note there will be NO canteen counter service during Term 4. Please order online or manually using paper bags.
Online Canteen Ordering
We are excited to be able to offer online Canteen ordering via the 'School Stream' app. 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.
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.
Christine Hall - Canteen Supervisor
contact: chall@eac.nsw.edu.au