Term 3 | Week 10 | 25 September 2019
“So then, everyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man. He builds his house on the rock. The rain comes down, the water rises, the winds blow and beat against that house. But it does not fall. It is built on rock."
Matthew 7:24-25
From The Principal
Please enjoy the Principal's address to the Graduating Class of 2019
It is with great pleasure I welcome everyone here this morning for this most significant celebration in the life of the Emmanuel Anglican College community.
Most importantly I welcome the Graduating Class of 2019 for whom we have gathered in order to acknowledge their contributions, to thank for their efforts and to congratulate on their achievements.
In particular, I also wish to warmly welcome our parents, grandparents and extended family of the graduands, as this is a very special day for you as well.
As each student comes 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. 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 leave the College today articulate and confident young men and women who are ready to take on all that lies before them.
And as the journey is long, it has also been eventful, fascinating, sometimes grueling, 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 whom we celebrate this morning.
In the reading from Matthew’s Gospel, we are reminded of the wise person who builds their house on solid rock. The storm came, the winds blew, the rains poured down and the flood came but the solid foundations ensured that the house stood firm and outlasted the storm.
It is a great story with a significant message and it made me wonder about what life lessons, values and beliefs we hope that the graduating class have learned throughout their time at EAC as they have formed the firm foundations of their character.
Many lessons come to mind but there are just a few that I hope the Year 12 have learned well and that will underpin all they do.
Year 12 I hope that you will always:
- Respect and value all those you meet, celebrating their uniqueness and embracing their difference
- Be compassionate and take the time to see life through the eyes of another
- Stand up for the voiceless, the downtrodden, the poor and the forgotten
- Invest more in your relationships than you do in monetary things
- Understand that winning isn’t everything and losing is part of life
- Know that a person’s value is not measured by what they have but by what they do for others
- Remember that good things are achieved through hard work, persistence and challenge
- Strive to be the best person you can be rather than trying to be better than anyone else
- Appreciate all that you have rather than wishing you had more and remember that the most important things in life, are not things
- And, always be thankful for, treasure and love your family
I am sure it is the hope of all gathered here that as the graduating class of 2019 you will build your lives on firm foundations. On values and beliefs that are as solid as rock and will enable you to live meaningful, compassionate and generous lives, that contribute to a better world for all.
So, Year 12, pack wisely for the journey ahead, travel with loyal and trustworthy companions, use your moral compass, set your eyes on distant and challenging goals and always remain true to yourself.
Each of you is unique and brings to life part of the story of creation that can only be told by you, so share your story generously with others.
Finally, as you leave behind the bounds of the College grounds, keep with you the wisdom and truth of our College motto - God with Us. Remembering that wherever the journey of life takes you, God will be right there with you as well.
I pray that you will always be open to God’s love, wisdom and grace and that your lives will be filled with much hope and many blessings.
And so on behalf of the College Community I say to Year 12 2019, good bye, good luck and God bless you all.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
Off the Deputy's Desk
This final week of term is one of endings and some sadness as we farewell our Year 12 cohort this Thursday at the annual Graduation Service. Year 12 students will no doubt look back on what has hopefully been the best of times and be proud of their collective achievements. They are a fine group of young men and women which was never more evident than their support of the Secondary Social last Thursday evening. They were magnificent in terms of how they helped cook the barbecue, serve the food, clean up and generally be a positive presence and great role models for the younger students. I wish them every success for the HSC Examinations and in their lives beyond EAC.
Thank you also to the Secondary SRC members who assisted with completing set up, pack up and serving the students who came to the social. Hopefully a good night was had by all the students who attended on the night. We will be supporting RSPCA with our funds raised from the Secondary Social.
In the Primary I popped down to see Peer Support in action last Friday and I saw Year 6 students working with their Kindergarten buddies and other younger students to complete activities that help to build understanding, positive relationships and a sense of mutual respect between older and younger students.
Our Year 11 students will depart for their annual retreat on the first day of next term and this retreat will assist them to develop their resilience, leadership skills and help them to crystallise their individual and personal goals for 2020. It will also play a significant part in the selection process for our College Captains, College Leaders and House Captains for 2020. I sincerely hope that the Year 11 students grasp their leadership opportunities as it is soon to become their time to leave what will hopefully be a positive impact on the ethos and life of EAC in the future.
Last Friday the Year 12 students challenged the staff to a game of Dodgeball on the courts. In what was a hard fought and very even contest, a draw seemed a fitting result. The students won the Trivia Contest and can certainly claim a moral victory, even though there were some competitive elements that were brought to the surface on both sides. Regardless of the result, a great time was had by all.
At lunchtime on Friday Rev Sal coordinated a Climate Change Action in the Undercover Area. We were visited by members of the Anglican Parish of Ballina, along with Ms Tamara Smith MP, State Member for Ballina. Thank you to Rev Sal, Siena Seymour and all the students who spoke so passionately on the day. We were really impressed with the quality of their speeches and hopefully the students that attended were able to think more deeply about where they stand on this important issue.
It certainly promises to be an exciting finish to the term and I hope that all of our students take the opportunity to make the most of their break before we return for what is likely to be an action packed fourth term. I look forward to working with our staff, students and families for the last term of the year as we plan all the activities and events that are synonymous with the celebration of the end of one year and undertake the planning processes necessary with preparing for a new one.
Mr Darren Parks
Deputy Principal
Upcoming Events
Term 4 Week 1
Monday 14 October
Year 11 Retreat-Coffs Harbour
Year 6 Interrelate
Tuesday 15 October
Year 11 Retreat-Coffs Harbour
Whole College Assembly-9.00am-UCA
Friends Meeting
Year 6 Interrelate
Primary Basketball Trials-7.15am-8.30am
Wednesday 16 October
Year 11 Retreat-Coffs Harbour
Thursday 17 October
HSC Written Examinations-English Studies, English Standard, English Advanced, EALD, Japanese Beginners
Friday 18 October
HSC Written Examinations-English Standard, English Advanced, EALD, Music 1, Music 2
Secondary Sport
Year 6 Interrelate
Secondary Schools Surf Lifesaving League-Coolangatta
Term 4 Week 2
Monday 21 October
Year 7 and Year 10 Immunisations-9.00am-Library
HSC Written Examinations-None on this day
Tuesday 22 October
HSC Written Examinations-Japanese Continuers
NCIS Tennis Championships-Primary/Secondary-Grafton
Wednesday 23 October
HSC Written Examinations-Modern History, IDT
Thursday 24 October
HSC Written Examinations-PDHPE
Year 11 Parent Teacher Interviews-3.30-6.30pm-Library
HSC Information Evening-6.30pm-Ezzy Centre
Friday 25 October
HSC Written Examinations-Mathematics Standard, Mathematics, Mathematics Extension
Kindergarten Excursion to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
NORPA Excursion
Secondary Sport
Sports Update
NSW CIS Secondary Athletics
Congratulations to the following students who competed at the NSW CIS Secondary Athletics Championships in Sydney on Tuesday this week: William Cass, Kiana Hale, Rose Johnson, Chelsea Maund, Sofia Ribechini, Priya Singh-Pangly, Jack Whitaker and Bailey Wilson.
All our students performed well against some strong competition. Well done to Bailey Wilson (Year 8) who won a Bronze medal in the 14 years boys high jump, with a personal best of 1.71m.
Other top ten finishes were from Jack Whitaker in High Jump, Long Jump and 400m, William Cass in Shot Put and Discus, Chelsea Maund in 400m, Priya Singh-Pangly in Discus and 400m.
Congratulations to all our competitors on these fantastic results. Thanks to the Athletics Coaching team, especially coach Greg Potts for preparing the students.
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.
Primary Boys: Chris Weingarth, Anthony Coutinho
Primary Girls: Annie Peart, Elizabeth Laverty
15 & Under Boys: Finley Parker, Ziggy Kowalski
15 & Under Girls: Ella Peart, Sylvie Peart
Open Boys: Jozef Kowalski, Ethan Jorgensen
Open Girls: Annie Milne, Brianna Nay
Mr Graham Walker
Sports and Coaching Administrator
Primary Swimming Intensive
Over the past two weeks, our Primary students have been involved in an intensive swimming program. This is an essential life skill program for our students who live in the wonderful Northern Rivers, where we have access to a multitude of water activities.
The program was held at the Alstonville Swimming Pool and our students were blessed with fine weather over the period.
The Kindy to Year 4 students focused on developing their swimming skills, while our Year 5 students completed a lifesaving program and Year 6 participated in learning and playing the game of water polo.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the program and all students showed great improvement in their swimming and/or water polo skills across the week.
A special mention to our fabulous Primary teachers who assisted with the logistics of getting the students ready for swimming each day, so that they had maximum time in the water. Also a shout out to the wonderful staff at the Alstonville Swimming Pool for the care they demonstrated to our students and for running such a great swimming program.
Mr Randall Evans
Primary Sport Coach
Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey
In last week's issue we shared some photos from the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. Below are some images captured of our Bronze group of Year 9 students on their journey from Minnie Waters to Red Rock.
Mountain Bike - Dirt Masterclass
Our very own Hayley Oakes (year 10) was one of two national mountain bike athletes who recently led a masterclass with kids at New Italy. Read the full Lismore Echo article here:
Primary News
On Wednesday our Primary students attended a performance by Lucas Proudfoot. He is a proud Bundjalung man who presents Indigenous Australian culture in a dynamic, fun and informative show.
The students experienced different aspects of Aboriginal culture through a contemporary, musical performance. It was a funny, entertaining and educational experience, enjoyed by all.
Ms Jody Baker
Primary Teacher - Kindergarten
Secondary News
Science News
Congratulations to Year 10 Student Hamish Walker on being selected to attend the Australian Science Olympiads Summer School at ANU. Hamish received a High Distinction for his participation in the Big Science competition for Biology and then went on to compete at the Australian Science Olympiad, placing in the top 24 of 1800 students who competed. From summer school, the top 4 students will be selected to participate at the International Biology Olympiad, to be held next year in Nagasaki, Japan.
We wish Hamish the best of luck for his participation in the Australian Science Olympiads Summer School.
Olympics Unleashed
Last Friday, Samantha Wells (Winter Olympian) spoke with Year 9 students as part of the 'Olympics Unleashed' program, which delivers face-to-face lessons aimed at improving students' ability to set goals, overcome challenges and build self-esteem.
A gymnast from three-years of age, Sam made her World Cup Aerial Skiing debut in 2012. Sam's continuing rise up the ranks in Aerial Skiing has seen her place 18th at the Sochi Olympic Winter Games, compete at 31 World Cups - featuring in 17 finals (top 12) and make the finals in both World Championships she has entered, placing 6th and 10th.
Sam spoke with students about the importance of being the best version of yourself - whether in the classroom, the playground, the sporting field or at home.
College Infrastructure Update
Architect's Impression
From the Office
Lost Property
This term there has been an extraordinary amount of lost property collected from around the school grounds. If your child is missing any uniform items including glasses, hats, jumpers, jackets or plastic containers, drink bottles or lunchboxes please come to the office and check if your lost items have been found.
It is preferable that all items brought to school are clearly named so that in the event they are misplaced they can be returned.
Friends of Emmanuel
Freaky Friday Update
COLOUR RUN - FRIENDS OF EAC GIFT CARD WINNER
Congratulations to Chloe Ford in Year 2 who is the winner of the Friends $50 gift card. Chloe is the first student to reach $500 in donations for the Freaky Friday Colour Run!! Your gift card can be collected from the Front Office.
CALL FOR SPONSORS
As well as supporting students participating in the Colour Run, if you are a business owner, sign up as an event sponsor and give your business great exposure to a loyal market. Contact friends@eac.nsw.edu.au for more information, we would love to hear from you.
BOOK FREAKY FRIDAY TICKETS
Book your Freaky Friday tickets online now!
It's not too late to register for the Colour Run - simply jump online at schoolfundraising.com.au and create a student profile page. Once you do this and raise at lease $1 online, you will be entered into the $20,000 Ultimate Family Experience!
If you have any questions about the colour run please contact the School Fun-Run Office on 1800 FUN RUN.
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.
Canteen opens at 8.30am and the Menu is available here:
Canteen Menu 2019
2019 Winter Menu
IMPORTANT NOTE: pizza currently NOT AVAILABLE
SPECIAL LUNCH DATES TERM 4
Sushi Dates: 22 October, 5 & 19 November
Noodle Box Dates: 29 October, 12 & 26 November
Subway Date: 3 December
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 APPEARS TO WORK 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 required will be placed in the bag for return with the child’s order.
TERM 4 DATES WHERE HELP IS REQUIRED:
October: 14, 17, 21, 23, 24 (AM), 28, 30
November: 4, 6, 7, 11, 14, 18, 20, 21 (AM), 25
December: 2, 4
Christine Hall
Canteen Supervisor
0414 811 668
Community News
