"So always treat others as you would like them to treat you."
Matthew 7:12
From The Principal
Congratulations to all involved with the Primary Swimming Carnival this week. The participation, behaviour and cooperation of the students was simply outstanding. The level of enthusiasm was fantastic and highly evident in the passionate displays of cheering, chanting and clapping. Team spirit was also highly visible with many students dressed in house colours and eager to hear the updated points scores throughout the day. There was also great enthusiasm in the water, with many heats going down to the final stroke and the place getters being separated by the smallest of margins. The spirit of competition was strong and equally matched by the sportsmanship of the competitors. When I was standing with the timekeepers at the end of the pool, I heard numerous students congratulating other competitors on their performance and then watched as they returned to the house groups excitedly talking about the race and the efforts of the other swimmers.
A huge thank you to Mr Walker and his team for all their organisation and efforts in bringing the carnival together. Thanks also to all the parents who supported the day, especially those who volunteered their time to help on as timekeepers. Once again, it was a wonderful community event.
With the hot sunny weather returning this week, I wish to remind all families of the need to ensure students have a College hat with them at all times. Students are required to wear their hats whenever they are not in a covered space. This includes while in the playground, on excursions and waiting for buses in the afternoon. The College is reviewing and renewing its Sun Safe practices and are raising awareness and reinforcing expectations regarding the wearing of a College hat. For seniors we have introduced an additional formal girls and boys hat to add to the existing broad brim hat and cap. The formal hat is compulsory for students in Year 11 in 2020.
The College and ‘Friends of EAC’ would like to develop the links that exist between all families across the College. One important way for this to be done is to establish a network of contacts based on the student’s class groups (primary). To coordinate this network in each class group we are seeking a volunteer to take on the role of Class Parent.
A Class Parent would:
- Coordinate a phone/email tree for contacting parents in a class group
- Welcome new parents and introduce them to existing parents
- Support social initiative among the parents
- Be available to support some of the initiatives of ‘Friends’
The Class Parent role is really important as it helps build the friendship networks for parents and families.
We are still looking for some parents from Year 1, Year 3 and Year 5 to volunteer for the role of Class Parent. If you are interested in nominating for such a role please contact Mrs Kate Jenkins, College Registrar on kjenkins@eac.nsw.edu.au
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
Off the Deputy's Desk
We are now getting into the swing of the term, with the novelty of the start of the year wearing off, students need to now be ingraining good study and work habits, both in class and at home. Year 12 students are currently completing some assessment items as they move towards the halfway point of their HSC journey. Our younger students will no doubt be relieved that the worst of the rain seems to have cleared away. This will mean more play time and hopefully ovals open again.
Research into student achievement often lists parental engagement with their child's education as an important contributing factor to student academic success. What does parental engagement look like in an era where often both parents work long hours to pay mortgages, school fees and other costs? If you are anything like me you are probably busy juggling the many responsibilities of modern parenting. I found some interesting research from the Australian Government regarding parent engagement and thought that it was worth sharing.
The terms parent engagement and parent involvement describe how parents and families support their children's academic achievement and wellbeing.
Parent involvement usually focuses on school-based activities such as attending events or volunteering in class.
Parent engagement encompasses children's learning at home, at school and in the community, recognising the cultural and social diversity of families and communities.
There is strong evidence linking parent engagement with improvements in academic achievement for children of all ages.
Learning at home is important in building children's confidence, motivation, capability and competence as learners. Schools and teachers with a partnership mindset can value and support learning at home by communicating effectively, building trust, and sharing information and resources with families.
With these in mind, if we can all strive to be parents who are engaged in our children's education, then we have certainly given them our best effort in terms of assisting them to navigate the complex challenges that life in the future will throw at them.
Mr Darren Parks
Deputy Principal
Reminders
Year 10 Mental Health First Aid Course
Year 10 students participate in this course over the next 3 weeks, starting in week 5 of the term. Parents can choose to opt their child out of the program but must go onto the Parent Lounge to do so. A note was sent home recently regarding this.
Year 7 Immunisations
Forms need to be returned this week for Year 7 immunisations. Please return these to Margaret at the Front Office as we need to contact NSW Health to let them know of an accurate number of vaccines.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Fundraiser
Year 12 leaders will be cooking pancakes at recess and lunch time next Tuesday to raise funds for an Anglican Easter charity. Pancakes will cost $1 and Primary will have priority at recess and Secondary at lunch time.
Ash Wednesday Services
All students will attend an Ash Wednesday Service with Rev Sal next Wednesday. These will run throughout the day.
Student Drivers
Student drivers must return their completed forms to the office. It is imperative that we have an accurate record of student drivers in order to maintain safety around the College.
Parent Teacher Interviews Term 1
I will be setting these up in the near future and will write to parents with the details regarding dates, booking procedures and venues.
TERM 1 WEEK 4
Monday 17 February
Swimming Squad Training: 6.45-8.15am - Alstonville Pool
Tuesday 18 February
Primary Interhouse Swimming Carnival: 9.00am-3.00pm - Alstonville Pool
NCIS Hockey Trials: Murwillumbah
Wednesday 19 February
CIS Secondary Tennis: Sydney
Swimming Squad Training: 6.45-8.15am - Alstonville Pool
Secondary Chapel: 8.50am - Ezzy Centre
CIS Football Cup vs Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School: 11.30am-3.00pm - Alstonville Soccer Club
Thursday 20 February
Primary Football Trials: 7.15-8.30am - Front Oval
Secondary Chapel: 8.50am - Ezzy Centre
Friday 21 February
Primary Football training: 7.15-8.30am - Front Oval
TERM 1 WEEK 5
Monday 24 February
Swimming Squad Training: 6.45-8.15am - Alstonville Pool
Tuesday 25 February
Primary Football Training: 7.15-8.30am - Oval
Year 10 Mental Health First Aid: Periods 1,3,5
Primary Assembly: 6B - 9.00am - Discovery Centre
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Fundraiser: 12 Leaders - Recess and Lunch Time
Japan Tour 2020 Parent Information Evening: 6.30pm - Ezzy Centre
Wednesday 26 February
Swimming Squad Training: 6.45-8.15am - Alstonville Pool
Ash Wednesday Services: PC-Year 7/8; Period 1-Year 9/10; Period 2-Year 11/12; Period 3-K-2; Period 4-Year 3-6
SCU University Showcase Visit: 11.15am-12.30pm - Library - Year 12 attending
Thursday 27 February
Brainstorm Productions: Years 7/8 - Ezzy Centre
Year 12 Physics Excursion: with JAJ
Friday 28 February
Secondary Sport
Year 11 Geography Fieldwork: with MIA
HICES Debating Round 1 vs LAGS: LAGS - 2.00pm-6.15pm
Chaplain's Chat
"I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10
The word abundant conjures images of an overflowing harvest basket, of much and many, an excess of something.
Jesus is recorded speaking these words in the context of a thief stealing in the night, literally of the life being stolen from the listener. The thief comes to steal and destroy, says Jesus, but I come bringing life, not just a mere existence but an abundant life. It is good to remember that here Jesus was not speaking of material abundance but of a generous life and of a life well lived.
All too often, we replace abundance with more and then with busy. Somehow, we have come to equate a busy life with being a full life. Yet in many ways, these two things cannot exist together. Not in a healthy sustainable way at least.
An abundant life is surely one that is engaged and connected, still allowing time for wholeness and growth.
We are all too well aware of the endemic nature of anxiety in our communities and I suspect the frenetic pace of life does nothing to untie the knots either.
This has challenges for us as individuals, asking us to make some serious decisions and choices in life, coming to terms with a 'less is more' existence. Let me give you an example: in my time in Israel we had long days, always up by six am ready to start the day. Many times we only stopped for meals which were spaced sporadically throughout the day. Come the evenings, some took the opportunity to head back into the town centre to be part of the nightlife, for coffee and to take in the strangeness of it all. I couldn't. Oh I wanted to, but I knew myself well enough to know that I could not maintain that pace every day AND each evening. I needed space and rest. I think I might have missed some things, but what I gained in perspective from the time to ponder and learn from each day has more than made up for it.
We all make decisions like this, time is finite, our concentration and energy is too and we know the dangers of spreading ourselves too thinly. No one wins in that.
This is vital for us to remember in our parenting. As parents of toddlers, we know that routine and rhythm in their day is helpful for their learning, their health and everyone's sanity. As a parent of our kinder kids, you might have noticed the changes in your child's need for space and rest. As parents, we are the ones who need to help them create these boundaries in their lives.
I think however, it is even more important in the lives of our teenagers. Particularly our senior students - you know...the 'kidults' who want everything now!
Parenting older teens, well frankly it can suck. Because they need as much support and strong boundaries as a toddler, but they are usually more articulate in their argument and much harder to hold tightly on your lap as you convince them that sleep is needed. It is tough, but that is our job.
We see many exhausted students, worn out from too many late nights - partying, music festivals, part time jobs, sport and sometimes study. The ongoing health ramifications are real and what it does to their mental well-being is far from positive.
I know that it is hard to reason with a kidult, to remind them that all of life does not have to be tasted in your teens. In fact, it might be best if it isn't.
Abundant life is about having the space to breath and to appreciate all that is there - if your plate is full and you have over stuffed yourself, can you really appreciate it?
Jesus calls us to wholeness, to be fully alive and able to take in all the goodness that is on offer for us. I want this too, and I want it for those I love.
As a parent, it meant that sometimes I had to been the meanest parent and say no.
Yes, it often resulted in ugly scenes, but guess what, we all survived!
And in further news, none of my children have been damaged by not being allowed to go to 'insert event that EVERYONE ELSE is going to and you are so old fashioned'.
I reflect to myself that God's best way for me sometimes means I have to choose to walk away from things that are harmful to me, to my whole being.
As parents, we may need to be the ones that hold that for our kids.
It is hard, but picking up the pieces of tired, broken and often deeply sad kids is worse.
Can I encourage you to think over your family's weekly routine - is there space for thinking, breathing, praying and talking to each other?
What might need to go in order that you can have life, and have it abundantly?
Peace.
Rev Sal
If you are looking for some space - maybe you can start with our short course on Mindfulness, Meditation and Coffee. This will be run on Thursday mornings, in the Ezzy Centre, starting on March 5th with Rev. Dr Desiree Snyman. If you have any questions or wish to register for this, please email me at smiller@eac.nsw.edu.au.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of reflection and preparation for the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a quiet and thoughtful time, a day for setting our faces toward new life, and sorting out those 'dusty shelves' in our hearts and minds.
We will be having five Ash Wednesday services at EAC on Wednesday 26th February. You are most welcome to join us for any of these:
8.48am (Stage 4)
9.25am (Stage 5)
9.58am (Stage 6)
11.18am (K - 2)
12.08pm (3 - 6)
All our services will be held in the Ezzy Centre (please sign in at the office before making your way to the Ezzy Centre).
Sports Update
Kalani Franklin Awarded NSW CIS Red Bar Award
Congratulations to Kalani Franklin (Year 7) who has been presented with the highest sports award available for Primary School Students from NSW Combined Independent Schools Sports Council. Kalani was awarded the NSW CIS Red Bar award at the Awards Presentation Dinner in Sydney last Friday. The evening is held to celebrate the outstanding achievements of CIS' most talented athletes and officials. Kalani was presented his award for achievements in hockey.
Kalani has represented NSW CIS at the NSW PSSA Hockey championships for three years in a row. First making the team as a year 4 student and captaining the team in 2019. The NSW CIS team won the NSW PSSA championships in 2018 and were runners up in 2019. Kalani represented NSW PSSA at the School Sport Australia Hockey Championships in 2018 and 2019. Kalani was a key player for the NSW team, who won the National Championship in 2019.
Well done Kalani, we are very proud of your achievements.
Secondary Swimming Carnival
We were blessed with some fine weather on Tuesday to hold our Secondary Swimming Carnival at Alstonville Pool. College spirit was on display during the carnivals with students competing in multiple events to score points for their houses. Well done to all students who participated. Thank you to our team of teachers for helping run the carnival.
There were an amazing 31 new school records set at the carnival. Congratulations to these competitors. Point Score and age champions will be presented at the next whole college assembly.
Mr Graham Walker
Sport and Coaching Administrator
Early Learning Centre News
The Early Years Learning Framework is titled Belonging, Being and Becoming. According to this framework, experiencing belonging is knowing where and with whom you belong and is integral to human existence. Children belong first to a family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community. Belonging acknowledges children's interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities. In early childhood, and throughout life, relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging. Belonging is central to being and becoming in that it shapes who children are and who they can become.
At the Early Learning Centre we value and respect that all children and families need to feel a sense of belonging, especially at the beginning of the year when everything is new and unfamiliar.
In the Dolphins room we have begun to make 'Our Families', using recycled materials and our imaginations! Families are diverse, they come in many sizes and colours and we think this is what makes families great!
Mrs Natasha Livock
Early Learning Centre Coordinator
Primary News
"Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness." R.J. Palacio
With R.J. Palacio's book Wonder as my inspiration, I spoke to the Primary School students at their first assembly and challenged them to commit 2020 as a year dedicated to a Culture of Kindness.
"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."
One of the main themes of Wonder is to choose to be kind to others. It's important to realise that you don't always have to be right, especially if it's at the cost of hurting somebody else. I asked the students to think about this next time they are debating the intricacies of playing handball!
"Be kinder than is necessary. It's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed."
As with anything, we have the potential to do the bare minimum or to do more than is asked of us. When it comes to being kind, we should always do the maximum amount possible because you never know what putting in that extra effort could do for somebody else.
"It's not enough to be friendly, you have to be a friend."
While being friendly is a great thing, it's important to recognise when somebody really needs a friend and that just being friendly isn't enough. Being a friend is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone.
"Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness."
Have the courage to be kind and you will create friendships that build your character into a better you.
I want to inspire random acts of kindness every day at EAC. I set the students a challenge to collect a Kindness Bingo card from their classroom and, throughout the term, their mission is to tick off the random acts of kindness featured on the card. When complete, they are to write their name on the back and return it to their teacher. At assemblies throughout the term, I will be randomly selecting a bingo card out of the box and students can win their own copy of the book Wonder.
It has been a wonderful start to the year and I am enjoying meeting all of the students as I come and go across the classes. I have been made feel very welcome at EAC and look forward to working with all of the students and their families in my new role.
Mr Wayne Cross
Directory of Primary
Year 6 - Leadership
In Year 6, students have been learning about leadership qualities and what they can do to lead by example in the Primary School.
Last week, the students researched leadership vocabulary and wrote definitions for each word. They discussed which renowned leaders inspired them and what leadership qualities they showed. Students worked together to research these different leaders that they aspired to be like, both fictional and real, and explained how they lead. Then they came together and talked about different ways that they could lead this year using the leadership qualities of their nominated leaders as a guide.
The students did a fantastic job of coming up with suggestions for how they could be a good Year 6 leader and presented how they were going to do this in 2020 for the students at the first Primary School Assembly last Tuesday.
Mr Paul Christensen
Leader of Welfare - 4-6 / Year 6 Teacher
Secondary News
Year 12 get creative with local author!
Year 12 were excited to welcome local, renowned writer Susan Armstrong this week! We enjoyed her creative writing workshop where we learned to take responsible risks with creating and imagining. During the session, we explored the power of free writing, learned to use stronger verbs and discovered how to create stronger pieces of creative writing. This was great preparation for our English assessment and the HSC and we are so appreciative for her tips and guidance in creative writing!
Mrs Rebecca Campbell
Leader of Curriculum (English & Arts), Secondary Teacher (English)
International Student Program
International Student Homestay Host Program
INFORMATION EVENING
Are you interested in hosting an international student?
We invite all interested hosts to attend an information session
on Tuesday 25 February 2020 at 7.15pm
in the Ezzy Centre
Bring your questions and let us know what your preferences are for hosting. We look forward to seeing you there.
Jennifer Buddee
International Program Coordinator
jbuddee@eac.nsw.edu.au
Educational and Cultural Study Tour
Friends of EAC
Canteen
EAC Canteen opens at 8.30am and operates 4 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, with special lunches on Tuesdays, canteen is open on Tuesdays for general sales at LUNCH only.
Or via the EAC website, go to Publications, then Forms & Documents, then scroll down to Canteen.
Special lunch order dates:
Sushi - 3 & 17 March
Noodle Box - 25 February, 10 & 24 March
Subway - 7 April
Noodle Box – Tuesday 25 February
Noodle Box will be available from the canteen next Tuesday 25 February. If you would like to order Noodle Box for your child’s lunch next Tuesday please complete the order form then attach your order to a paper bag with your payment enclosed. This should then be put in the canteen basket on Monday morning, 24 February.
Order forms are available at the canteen or online.
Primary lunch orders:
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 child’s lunch please provide two (2) bags. Please remind your child to place their lunch/recess bag in the class tub NOT directly to the canteen.
PLEASE DO NOT STAPLE / TAPE BAGS CLOSED, FOLDED IN 4 WORKS WELL
BAG 1: Name, Class, Teacher, Lunch Order (John Smith, 5A, Mr Falvey, 1 Junior Pie)
BAG 2: Name, Class, Drink/Cold Order (John Smith, 5A, Mr Falvey, 1 Orange Juice)
Any change will be placed in the bag for return with the child’s lunch order.
Can you help in the canteen?
The EAC Canteen runs with one paid member and a team of volunteers. For this to continue, we need the support of parents, grandparents etc to help out. If you are able to help in the canteen on the below dates, please email Christine Hall at chall@eac.nsw.edu.au.
Dates where help is required:
February: 19th, 24th, 26th, 27th
March: 4th, 6th (pm), 9th, 16th, 18th (pm), 19th (am), 23rd, 26th
April: 2nd, 3rd (pm), 6th
Christine Hall
Canteen Supervisor
0414 811 668
Community News
