"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Matthew 7:24
From The Principal
The Year 12 Class of 2020 will conclude their formal schooling this week. It has been an eventful and challenging year for Year 12 but despite the difficulty and disruption, the Year 12 students have been remarkable in the way they have adapted, pulled together and taken all of the challenges in their stride. Their commitment to their studies has not waivered and we hold great hopes for them as they complete their examinations and await their HSC results. The quality of HSC Major Works and the recent Trial HSC Examination results were very pleasing and it is clear that the students have focused their energy and have kept their eye on their study goals as they have negotiated the uncertainty that the pandemic has created. They have shown great resilience, initiative, flexibility, solidarity and determination. We are very proud of them and all of their efforts.
As they come to the end of the journey from Kindergarten to Year 12, it is with great joy that we reflect on the amazing transformation that has taken place in each student. Having commenced school knowing little about reading and writing or the world around them, unaware of how to tell the time, to use money and most likely unable to even tie a shoelace, they prepare to leave the College articulate and confident young men and women, ready to take on all that lies before them.
And as the journey is long, it is also been eventful, fascinating, sometimes gruelling, there have been successes and failures, joy and happiness, much has changed and other things have been enduring. And I know for the parents that sometimes it feels like all that can happen in one day! But it is the love, persistence, compassion and resilience of those people closest to the Year 12 students who can be most proud of the young people who are the Class of 2020.
On Tuesday morning we held a virtual Whole College Assembly to farewell Year 12. It was a delightful tribute from students and staff right across the College, recalling many fond memories and offering lots of good wishes for the future. They are certainly a unique group who are well known for their independence, strong opinions, creativity, diverse but tight knit nature, high energy and determination. They are much loved and will be greatly missed.
We wish Year 12 every blessing in the coming weeks as they complete their HSC Examinations and then celebrate their Graduation and Formal as they move into the next phase of their lives.
I leave you with a few interesting statistics regarding our Graduating Class of 2020:
- 26 Girls and 18 Boys make up the 44 students who are the Class of 2020.
- 13 students completed their entire school journey from Kindergarten to Year 12 at EAC.
- There is one set of twins, five children of staff and 2 international students in the group.
- The 44 students have studied 34 different courses for the HSC and completed more than 180 formal assessment tasks in their HSC year.
- Throughout their schooling, each member of the Class of 2020 has experienced almost 16000 hours of learning and attended more than 1000 school, cultural, sporting, faith and community based activities such as assemblies, Chapel Services, excursions, carnivals and camps.
- They have also been supported and guided by at least 40 different teachers, visited the College Office on approximately 200 occasions, used approximately 20 reams of paper, logged onto the College network more than 2000 times, visited the bathroom on 800 occasions and walked in excess of 10 million steps! Whew!
Congratulations to the Year 12 Class of 2020.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
Off the Deputy's Desk
It was almost summer like at the Cross Country on Tuesday morning. I congratulate all those students who made the effort to run the course to the best of their abilities. Cross Country is a tough, unforgiving sport with very little glamour, yet it requires an enormous quantity of grit. Grit is a behaviour that is exemplified by character and as the College’s pastoral focus of the future becomes on character development then qualities such as grit will be highlighted.
This week Mr Tobias will name the new student leadership team for 2021 and once again I want to say how wonderful it was to be involved in this process. It was a privilege to be able to interview candidates and watch speeches live. They will be a fine group of young men and women who will all bring their own gifts and talents to the positions. As the song lyric from The Who says ‘The Kids are Alright’ and the College is in good hands in 2021.
This week we farewell our Year 12 students in what may be an emotional time for them and their parents. I have been through this process twice as a parent and there will no doubt be mixed emotions from many of you. The elation of finishing, mixed with the knowledge that HSC Examinations are looming in the near distance. Given all the disruptions to their year and the cruel hand that COVID-19 has dealt them, the students of Year 12 have acquitted themselves admirably given the stress that they have been under. I wish each of them every success for their examinations and for the future.
Finally, as we near the end of our first full term of the year, there are many of our staff and students who certainly need a break. I encourage all of our families to hopefully find some time to slow down, smell the roses and enjoy what will hopefully be a more upbeat holiday period than what we saw at Easter and in June this year. If you are travelling then please travel safely and take care. Life is so precious!
Term 4 commences for students on Tuesday 13 October and I look forward to seeing our students back for what will hopefully be a wonderful finish to what has been a very strange and challenging year.
Mr Darren Parks
Deputy Principal
Term 4 Week 1
Monday October 12
Student free day - Staff Professional Learning Day
Tuesday 13 October
Term 4 commences
Whole College Assembly - Filmed and sent out via Screencast
Years 4,5,6 Swimming Intensive - Alstonville Pool until Friday 16 October
Friends Meeting - Via Zoom - TBC
Friday 16 October
Secondary Sport Years 7-10 - Periods 5 and 6
Term 4 Week 2
Monday 19 October
Primary Swimming Intensive - K-3 - until Friday 23 October
Year 11 Hospitality Work Placement until Friday 23 October
Tuesday 20 October
NCIS Tennis Championships - Grafton - TBC
Whole College Chapel - Induction of New College Leaders - Virtual Chapel tbc
HSC Examinations
Wednesday 21 October
Year 11 Parent Teacher Interviews - Via Telephone
HSC Student Information Session - Period 6 - Library
HSC Parent Q and A via Zoom - 6.30-7.30pm
HSC Examinations
Thursday 22 October
HSC Examinations
Friday 23 October
HSC Examinations
Secondary Sport - Years 7-10 - Periods 5 and 6
Chaplain's Chat
It has been seriously impressive watching the staff and students this term. I know they were all amazing in the first half of the year, pivoting on a coin to flip those classrooms and keep on teaching and learning in whatever way was needed and necessary at the time. It might seem to the outside eye that Term 3 has meant a return to normality; after all, we are back at school, back in the classroom. Yet nothing is as it was.
I am beginning to realise that it is not the big stuff that trips you up - it is the little things. Like, not singing Happy Birthday (I mean...I never thought I would miss that, I cringe when it is directed at me!), blowing out candles, giving hugs, working in groups, singing together. Holding another's hand when they are sad, baking and sharing treats. These are just some of the things that we can't do. Not really. Not without so much thinking and planning going into it.
I understand why we cannot, and it has taught me an important lesson - to cherish the simple things and never to underestimate the importance of these things in filling our tanks. At this end of term, everyone's tank is running a little low and the smallest of kindnesses really can make a difference. This morning I walked into my office to discover some mysterious stranger has left me the cutest pot plant. I felt so lifted and seen.
And then...another staff member to whom I had raved about her sensory bottles, she made me my own! I was so excited and again, felt cared for and seen. What a start to the week and I know it has given me the zing I need to get through this last week. My tank has had a little top up just when it was most needed.
I wonder how you fill your tank. What about your kids? Then there is the family tank? We each have our own way of recharging, as adults we know (in our heads at least) that we need time to refresh and renew ourselves. So do our kids, sometimes they need a little help with that, it is a learned behaviour and we may have to force them to come sit and look at the clouds with us, breath in some sea air. Our families need that too, shaking up the routine a little – watching a movie together in the morning because everyone feels a bit sluggish, making sandcastles together (our kids were into digging holes…I don’t even know!).
I know that not everyone has school holidays at home, but even so, I hope that this non term time might bring a break in the pressure of the daily routine and a little more times for relaxation and some silliness too.
As for me – I am going feral camping…no amenities, no power, just us, the tent, a fire to cook on and our hiking boots. Oh…and my crochet!
Peace
Rev Sal
A School Holiday Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for this holiday—
an extra chance for fun and play.
There’s so much I can learn and do
even if I’m not in school.
All the beauty and gifts abound.
The world you created is all around.
Today’s a chance to go explore,
try new things, and discover more.
I’ll miss my teacher and my friends
just as happens on weekends.
But I know that for today,
I’m thankful for this holiday.
Sports Update
College Tennis Championships
The College Tennis Championships were held at the Ballina Courts last Thursday and Friday. There was some terrific tennis played on the day with some thrilling finals, several going down to a tie break to decide the championships.
Congratulations to the following students who were age champions and runners up.
Mr Graham Walker
Sport and Coaching Administrator
Francisco | Schultheiss | Primary Boys Champion |
Finley | Thomson | Primary Boys Runner Up |
Amelia | Atkinson | Primary Girls Champion |
Anna | Wiggins | Primary Girls Runner Up |
Oscar | Parker | Under 15 Boys Champion |
Kale | Stotter | Under 15 Boys Runner Up |
Mili | Docherty | Under 15 Girls Champion |
Franceska | Payne | Under 15 Girls Runner Up |
Finley | Parker | Open Boys Champion |
Ziggy | Kowalski | Open Boys Runner Up |
Sylvie | Peart | Open Girls Champion |
Ella | Peart | Open Girls Runner Up |
College Cross Country Championships
On Monday this week we held our College Cross Country Championships. The track this year was a circuit around the College grounds. There were some fantastic performances from our students, with some very close finishes and also some run away winners. Good College spirit and House spirit were on display from all students. Congratulations to the following Age Champions and Runners Up. The winning House shield will be presented at an upcoming school assembly. Thank you to all the College staff who helped run the event, especially Mr Evans, Miss Coghill and the Maintenance staff.
Mr Graham Walker
Sport and Coaching Administrator
Primary Cross Country Results
Zia | Folscher | Age Champion | 8 | Girls |
Charlotte | Ashdown | Runner Up | 8 | Girls |
Noah | Kotek | Age Champion | 8 | Boys |
Oliver | Carroll-Burgess | Runner Up | 8 | Boys |
Eva | Donovan | Age Champion | 9 | Girls |
Ava | Bazzana | Runner Up | 9 | Girls |
Aurelien | Rignault | Age Champion | 9 | Boys |
Matthew | Litvensky | Runner Up | 9 | Boys |
Abigail | Matthews | Age Champion | 10 | Girls |
Lara | Neaves | Runner Up | 10 | Girls |
Curtis | Moore | Age Champion | 10 | Boys |
Henry | Drew | Runner Up | 10 | Boys |
Zoe | Campbell | Age Champion | 11 | Girls |
Stella | Payne | Runner Up | 11 | Girls |
Sam | Carrigg | Age Champion | 11 | Boys |
Finley | Thomson | Runner Up | 11 | Boys |
Katie | Smith | Age Champion | 12 Primary | Girls |
Sarah | Jacob | Runner Up | 12 Primary | Girls |
William | Shepherd | Age Champion | 12 Primary | Boys |
Hayden | Kelvin | Runner Up | 12 Primary | Boys |
Secondary Cross Country Results
Franceska | Payne | Age Champion | 12 Secondary | Girls |
Jett | Beck | Age Champion | 12 Secondary | Boys |
Madison | Paice | Age Champion | 13 | Girls |
Felicity | Walker | Runner Up | 13 | Girls |
Robbie | Mumford | Age Champion | 13 | Boys |
Kelly | Campbell | Runner Up | 13 | Boys |
Ava | Scotcher | Age Champion | 14 | Girls |
Chelsea | Maund | Runner Up | 14 | Girls |
Zephyre | Westover-Jones | Age Champion | 14 | Boys |
Mahli | Smith | Runner Up | 14 | Boys |
Mikala | Campbell | Age Champion | 15 | Girls |
Taylah | Ledingham | Runner Up | 15 | Girls |
Jed | Saunderson | Age Champion | 15 | Boys |
Oliver | Payne | Runner Up | 15 | Boys |
Hayley | Oakes | Age Champion | 16 | Girls |
Ella | Peart | Runner Up | 16 | Girls |
Shuta | Sugahara | Age Champion | 16 | Boys |
Toby | Mumford | Runner Up | 16 | Boys |
Annie | Milne | Age Champion | 17 | Girls |
Lachlan | Walker | Age Champion | 17 | Boys |
Hamish | Walker | Runner Up | 17 | Boys |
Stella | Atkinson | Age Champion | 18 | Girls |
Alanah | Osborne | Runner Up | 18 | Girls |
Primary Cross Country
Secondary Cross Country
SCU Headstart Program
Congratulations Caley Lloyd, Lara Truman and Milla Saul who have graduated from the SCU Headstart Program. The students completed the university course ‘Australian Legal System’. They’ve experienced university level academics and earnt themselves University direct entry.
We are very proud of these students!
Mrs Mellissa Evans
College Counsellor
Primary Update
End of Term Message
Well, we made it to the end of Term 3 without any major hiccups. If you’d have asked me at the start of the term if we’d make it to Week 10 without another lockdown period, I wouldn’t have confidently said yes. With the outbreak in Melbourne, the teachers had Seesaw warmed and ready to go. How fortunate that this did not happen and the happy sounds of children continued to be heard throughout the classrooms all term. Many things remained modified or virtual such as our assemblies and Chapel services, Choir classes took on a new life without the students being able to sing, even Bush Dancing in Year 3 was done as socially distanced dancing! Right hand (air!) clap, left hand (air!) clap, (don’t) grab your partner by the hands!!
I want to wish all of our families a safe and happy holiday break and I look forward to welcoming the students back in Term 4, rested and ready for the final term of the year.
Mr Wayne Cross
Director of Primary
Book Week 2020 - Reminder!
Traditionally a Term 3 event, Book Week has been moved this year. The official Book Week is now 17-23 October. As these new dates clash with our planned Intensive Swimming sessions for half of our student body, the EAC Primary Book Week Parade will be held Friday 30 October. We are working on a COVID safe plan for all students to be able to parade past all classes and we will endeavor to make the event virtual so that parents can see all the colour and excitement of this much loved school tradition. On the day, students are invited to wear their costume to and from school.
Primary Swimming Intensive
Don’t forget as the holidays wrap up to get ready for the Primary Swimming intensive, which runs for the first two weeks of Term 4. Mr Walker has previously emailed the full itinerary to all of our families to ensure your child is prepared for their daily lesson.
Week 1 Term 4, Tues 13 - Fri 17 Oct
1 | All Year 4 | 10.10 am | 10.30-11.10 | 11.20 am | 11.40 am |
2 | All Year 5 | 11.00 am | 11.20 - 12.00 | 12.10 pm | 12.30 pm |
3 | All Year 6 | 11.50 am | 12.10-12.50 | 1.00 pm | 1.20 pm |
We will have exclusive use of the 50m pool for these programs.
Week 2 Term 4, Mon 19 - Fri 23 October
1 | All Kindy | 10.10 am | 10.30-11.10 | 11.20 am | 11.40 am |
2 | All Year 1 | 11.00 am | 11.20 - 12.00 | 12.10 pm | 12.30 pm |
3 | All Year 2 | 11.50 am | 12.10-12.50 | 1.00 pm | 1.20 pm |
4 | All Year 3 | 12.40 pm | 1.00-1.40 | 1.50 pm | 2.10 pm |
We will have exclusive use of the 25m pool for these programs.
Swim Program Focus
K to Year 3: Swimming Lessons and stroke correction in groups based on ability level
Year 4: Swim and survive
Year 5: Lifesaving skills
Year 6: Water polo
Canteen
Important Reminder:Primary students need a separate bag for drinks.Please refer to the Term 3 Menu when ordering.
The Canteen menu for Term 3 is below for your information and is also available on the College website.
Please note: burgers are not available at the moment.
All orders must be received at the canteen before 9.15am.
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