Term 4 | Week 7 | 25 November 2022
"With God, all things are possible"
Matthew 19:26
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Students in the Primary school participated in ‘Step Up’ day this week and had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with their 2023 class group and teacher. Quite a buzz had been growing among primary students as they speculated about who might be their teacher, what room they will be in and who will be their classmates. Over the last few weeks, teachers have gathered data and provided input into the structure of classes for 2023. Teachers have used data about students learning styles, friendship groups, educational needs, learning outcomes and group dynamics to help them formulate the class groups for 2023. It has been a very thorough and well considered process and I thank the teachers for the care they have taken in building class groups that will best support the social and educational needs of all students.
On the same day, Year 7 2023 gathered to undertake a Secondary School Experience Day. We had 24 students from outside the College join our current Year 6 cohort for a day of ‘taster lessons’, learning about daily life in the high school as well as taking the opportunity to make new friends. It was a very busy, exciting and important day for all our future Year 7 students and from all accounts, a huge success. We wish Year 6 well now as they head off to Frazer Island for their Year 6 camp.
As the Christmas season approaches, I just wish to mention a couple of things about saying 'thank you' to the teaching staff for all their work throughout the year. Teachers love what they do and treasure the young people they have the opportunity to work with. They do not expect to receive a gift and can sometimes feel quite uncomfortable when people purchase gifts for them. A simple hand made card or even gift from the student can say more and be of more value than something purchased. I would ask that families do not arrange for groups of parents to pool money to buy a collective gift as people can end up feeling obligated or excluded and the good intention is lost as people end up hurt or disappointed and the teacher may feel that they have been a source of division. I always think that the adages ‘it is not the gift, but the thought behind it that matters’ and ‘a gift made is a gift of yourself’, give good guidance about how to say 'thank you'. I appreciate your support with this matter.
Mr Rob Tobias
Principal
OFF THE DEPUTY'S DESK
Education is always the key to informing and changing a behaviour. With the prevalence of vapes and vaping reaching endemic proportions globally it is important that we stay abreast of the medical implication of this new insidious fad. Vaping.
Vapes are clouded in misconception. They contain many of the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals found in regular cigarettes. One of these ingredients is diacetyl, used in popcorn flavourings for its buttery taste. When eaten, diacetyl is usually harmless. But, when inhaled in large amounts, can lead to ‘popcorn lung' or bronchiolitis obliterans.
Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare condition that causes inflammation in the airways, leading to scarring and permanent damage. This can make it hard to breathe and once occurs, cannot be fixed. The sooner you put the vape down, the quicker your body can rebound and repair itself.
Dia dhaoibh
Mr Francis McGuigan
Deputy Principal
This Week...
Monday 28 November
- Rugby 7s Training @ 7.30am (Years 7/8 Boys, Year 9/10 Boys and Year 7/8 Girls)
- Whole College Chapel, The Lindsay Walker Centre @ 9.15am
- Library Book Fair continues
- Year 9 Marine Studies Excursion to OzFish Unlimited, Fish Habitat Restoration
- EAC Christmas Concert, The Lindsay Walker Centre @ 6.30pm
Tuesday 29 November
- Year 6 Camp departs
- Year 11 Hospitality Placements
- Library Book Fair continues
Wednesday 30 November
- NRCC T20 Cricket
- Rugby 7s Gala Day Competition, Casino (Years 7/8 Boys, Year 9/10 Boys and Year 7/8 Girls)
- Year 12 Legal Studies Incursion
- Year 11 Hospitality Placements
- Library Book Fair continues
Thursday 1 December
- Kindergarten Christmas Pageant, St Mary's Church Ballina, @ 10am - 11am
- Primary Hockey Program, Ballina Hockey Club
- Year 11 Hospitality Placements
- Library Book Fair continues
- Year 3-6 After School Basketball Program @ 3pm - 5pm
Friday 2 December
- Last Day of Canteen for 2022
- Library Book Fair last day
- All Library books to be returned
- Year 6 Camp Returns
Coming Soon...
Monday 5 December
- Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 Picnic Day activities at EAC
- Year 3 and 4 Picnic Day excursion to Tuff Nutterz, Byron Bay
- Year 5 Picnic Day excursion to Ballina Ten Pin Bowling
- Year 6 Picnic Day excursion to Ballina Pool and Waterslides
- Year 7 to 11 Picnic Day activities at EAC
Tuesday 6 December
- Years 3, 4 and 5 Student Academic and Special Awards Presentation Ceremony, Lindsay Walker Centre @ 9.15am - 10.30am
- Years 1 and 2 Student Academic and Special Awards Presentation Ceremony, Lindsay Walker Centre @ 2pm - 3pm
- Year 9 and 10 Music incursion
Wednesday 7 December
- Years 7 and 8 Student Academic and Special Awards Presentation Ceremony, Lindsay Walker Centre @ 9.15am - 10.45am
- Years 9 and 10 Student Academic and Special Awards Presentation Ceremony, Lindsay Walker Centre @ 11.30am - 1pm
- Last Day of Term 4
Thursday 8 December
- Vacation Care opens
Thursday 15 December
- Early Learning Centre and Vacation Care Last Day for 2022
Wednesday 21 December
- Administration Office Last Day for 2022
Sports Round Up
Footy Fever Brings Great Results
We had a very successful day this week at the NCIS Primary Touch Football Championships at Saunders Oval in Ballina.
Both our boys and girls teams came away as champions in the competitive divisions! Our mixed teams also had success with one team winning their division, and the other team having two wins and two losses, to finish just outside the placings.
Thank you to Mr James Pearson, Mr Tod Falvey, Mr Jack Murphy and Ballina Touch's Mr Al Kirchen for preparing our teams in the lead up to the event and coaching them on the day. Thank you also to Ms Heidi Craig for her assistance with all of the administrative work behind the scenes and Mr Ben McRae for catering the event.
Mr Mike Ryan
Leader of Sport and Coaching
2022 Staff vs Students Cricket Match
Tensions were high at the College today for the 2023 Students vs Staff Cricket Match. The power dynamic was somewhat unbalanced with countless detentions handed out on questionable grounds. There was most certainly a discrepancy in fitness levels between the teams with Students eclipsing Staff in almost every aspect of physical prowess, however, it was when the 'umpire' found it irresistible to get involved and hit the wicket, that things really got rowdy!
Congratulations to the Staff who won with a score of 2/46 while the students put in a gallant effort to score 5/36.
One thing is for certain, there'll be a 'next time'.
Thanks to Mr Mike Ryan and our Leader of Sport and Spirit, Jackson Bond for organising today's match.
Hockey! Hockey! Hockey!
This Term our Year 4, 5 and 6 students have been introduced to the fast paced fun of Field Hockey. With cooperation from the Ballina Hockey Club, students have learnt how to play along with some impressive tricks to practice. You never know, we may have a future Kookaburra or Hockeyroo in our ranks!
Top of the Arts
Stella Payne as Mrs Wormwood
Max Whitaker as Miss Trunchbull
Matilda Nominated for Gold Palm Theatre Awards
Congratulations to the Matilda cast and crew for your nine nominations in the Gold Palm Theatre Awards!
Eliska Gidding as Mrs Phelps, the Librarian
Charlotte Ashdown as Matilda
Library Lowdown
A Famous Author in our Midst!
A member of our EAC Community has recently published their tenth book! Steve Hall, husband of our Canteen coordinator Ms Christine Hall, just happens to be a world renowned expert on all things RMS Titanic has recently released 'RMS Titanic in 50 Objects' and kindly donated a copy to the Joan Pickup Library.
The design and demise of the Titanic has piqued the curiosity of generations with the current EAC cohort no exception. This great publication looks at the world-famous liner through the objects that tell her story. Sheet music recovered from the body of a musician, a full-sized replica of her First Class Entrance Hall clock, a lifeboat from a fellow White Star Line ship – all of these objects and more come together to tell not only the tragedy of the ship herself, but also that of her passengers and crew. The book has wonderful photographs and illustrations and is already a hit with students in both Primary and Secondary.
Thank you to the Halls for their kind donation and congratulations on the success of the book.
Lachlan Saul, Year 12 with a donated copy of 'RMS Titanic in 50 Objects' by Steve Hall
Book Fair Continues
Our scholastic Book Fair has been a great success this week. Thank you for supporting our venture which will ultimately mean more books for the Joan Pickup Library as well as for avid readers at home. So far we have qualified for more than $1,000 in resources for the College that will benefit all students.
The Book Fair continues until next Friday 2 December.
If you would prefer to purchase without giving the Christmas game away, parents and carers are invited to visit the Book Fair between 8.15-8.45am and 3-3.30pm each day.
Please note there are no EFTPOS facilities to pay at the Joan Pickup Library so be sure to bring cash or top up your online credit via the Scholastic portal.
For student purchases and pick ups, parents and carers can deposit an amount on the Scholastic portal. Students can then select their books in person at the Joan Pickup Library and any change can be given in cash.
Bring It On Back
As our College year draws to a close, the time has come to round up your Library books and return them to the College. Bonus points if you can locate and return all your items before notices are sent out by email next week. TIP: check your junk mail folder from communications from library@eac.nsw.edu.au.
Canteen Cookup
Last Week of Canteen for 2022
The EAC Canteen will have its last day of operations for 2022 next Friday 2 December. In the lead up to the summer holidays, regular menu items will be removed as they sell out so that excess stock is not held over the break. Perennial favourites Chicken Goujons and Mini Beef Pies will be available right up until the last day. SchoolStream will be updated daily to show only those items still on offer.
Thank you for your understanding and for all your support in 2022.
Ms Christine Hall
Canteen Coordinator
How To EAC
How to... Advise the College of Early Holiday Departures
It is that time of year again when holidays beckon and family commitments loom large. If your child will be finishing the College year prior to Wednesday 7 December, please advise us by emailing attendance@eac.nsw.edu.au. For students in Years 4 to 12, please also write a signed note in their Planner advising which day will be the student's last day at College for 2022. This will ensure any end of year procedures, including the return of working materials, are carried out and any unnecessary absentee notices are not sent.
Early Learning Centre Corner
Primary Pulse
What a Wonderful Week
Thank you to all our Primary students for their excitement and enthusiasm during this week's Step Up Day. Each year level had a great taste of what is to come in 2023 with teachers and classes announced. Our Year 6 students enjoyed their first foray into the world of Secondary and represented the Primary School with panache. I was especially proud of the welcome atmosphere our students created for classmates moving to EAC from other schools.
Another highlight this week was the Kindergarten and Year 1 Mini Athletics Carnival and Cross Country. After both events were postponed earlier this year due to wet weather, there was a sense of joy and relief that these two highly anticipated events were at last given the go ahead. During events such as these, the wonderful advantage of the College is on full display with Secondary students on hand to cheer and champion their youngest peers.
Mr Wayne Cross
Director of the Primary School
3, 2, 1... LEGO!
On Sunday 27 November, our Year 6 Team 1 named 'Beyond Energy' will be competing in the National First Lego League Competition at Grace Lutheran College in Rothwell, Queensland.
It is going to be a big day. Students must start the competition at 7:30am, and winners will be announced at 5 pm.
I’d like to wish the very best of luck to Alran Ainsbury, Henry Drew, Monty Hewitt, Samuel Mooney, Curtis Moore, Noah Weatherhead, Summer Smith, Julia Scopesi and Benjamin DeMarco.
Ms Julie Beavis
Teacher - Mathematics and Computing
Secondary Scoop
Last week our Year 8 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) and Year 11 Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) Studies students had the privilege of experiencing wheelchair basketball.
Students had a great time and gained a better understanding of the challenges faced by those in wheelchairs as well as the fun that can be had regardless of physical ability.
Thanks to Robert Piper from 'Roadshow' by Wheelchair Sports NSW ACT for introducing our students to this fast paced and dynamic sport.
Ms Heidi Miller
Teacher - PDHPE, PASS and SLR
Year 8 Wellbeing Students Have Good Deeds All Sewn Up
Whilst learning about the realities of life in developing nations, our Year 8 Wellbeing students have identified a practical way to help through the Days for Girls program.
Days for Girls has the vision to ensure every woman and girl in the world has ready and feasible access to quality sustainable hygiene products and health education. The program's primary activity is creating and distributing kits of sustainable feminine hygiene kits to women and girls in impoverished communities which help alleviate suffering and discrimination and maximise opportunities to participate in education and employment.
Our Year 8s spent last Friday morning learning patterns and sewing techniques to produce shields, liners and underwear that together with a washcloth and reusable bag form an invaluable set that is then distributed to targeted communities throughout Pacific, Africa and beyond.
Well done Year 8 on contributing to this vital cause and using your skills and learning to create positive change in the world around you.
Ms Melissa Tonnet
Teacher - Legal Studies and Human Science and Its Environment (HSIE)
Year 9 Marine Studies Rocks
Dr Justine Jacob's Year 9 Marine Studies students continue to be the envy of the College with another awesome adventure, this time to Julian Rocks in Byron Bay.
Julian Rocks Nature Reserve, traditionally known as “Nguthungulli”, is one of Australia's top dive sites, lying just 2.5km out from Cape Byron. Julian Rocks is located within the Cape Byron Marine Park where temperate and tropical waters meet, resulting in an incredibly diverse and abundant array of marine life.
Honor Roll
Introducing Our 2022/2023 Brockington House Captains
Jasmine Hassey and Raquel Van Merwyk
Hi, my name is Jasmine Hassey and I am very excited to be the Brockington House Captain for 2023. I have attended Emmanuel since pre-kindy in 2010. Throughout this time, I have always aspired to be a leader. I have experienced many facets of College life including sports, debating and being a member of the student representative council. This has allowed me to develop new interests. As Brockington House Captain, I hope to be a role model to younger peers and I am extremely grateful to be a part of the amazing leadership team for 2023.
Hi, my name is Raquel and along with Jasmine, I am a Brockington House captain for 2023. I have been at EAC since year 7 and have loved participating in all aspects of school life. Throughout secondary school, I have always looked up to student leaders and I will strive to be a role model for students as well as an approachable, friendly person they feel comfortable talking to.
My goal for Brockington this year is to increase House participation and spirit. I hope to apply my enthusiastic and organised nature to this role in order to make Brockington the best it can be. I hope to boost the culture of the House to promote more support, encouragement and enthusiasm which will then influence the already unique and bright school culture. I am so excited for the year to come and to be a part of the leadership team for 2023.
Introducing Our 2022/2023 Purcival House Captains
Hannah Hobson and Bailey Wilson
Hi, my name is Hannah Hobson and I am one of the Purcival House Captains for 2023. I have attended Emmanuel ever since pre-kindy in 2010 and I have cherished every moment and every opportunity in my years of schooling through sport, academics and community service. Some of the activities that I have participated in throughout my schooling include canteen volunteering, being part of the Student Representative Council and being part of the NCIS Netball team. My goal for Purcival in 2023 is to continue to bring the year groups together as a House and enforce a positive culture of passion, teamwork, kindness and respect for the College.
I am so excited to be leading Purcival House this year and I cannot wait to see what the year will bring!
Hi my name is Bailey Wilson but feel free to call me Bales. I am the new Purcival House captain for 2023. I have completed all my schooling years at Emmanuel and I am looking to give back to the students through this leadership position. I have been privileged to have started here at a young age and been able to watch the College grow from a small group to such a large, diverse variety of people, and am only looking forward to helping our College grow even further.
My goal as Purcival leader is to lead the House with dedication and pride to wear the green colours and only make our House more inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Being widely involved in sports and competing in a variety of high level programs and competitions, I also hope to lead the House as a team and involve everyone to participate and encourage themselves to be the best they can.
“A leader is someone who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” John C Maxwell
Northern Rivers News
