"Ask and it will be given, search and you will find, knock, and the door will be opened to you."
Matthew 7:7
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
The NSW Independent Coeducational Schools Debating Competition kicks off this week, as we venture north to take on Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School. The College is in the process of finalising teams in each of Stages 3 through to 6. Initially, students will debate against the four other Anglican Schools in our diocese to decide the Northern NSW regional champions. The winning team of each division will then progress to compete against the winners from other NSW regions, for the opportunity to go to Sydney to compete in the State Finals. The students involved last year had a tremendous experience and relished in the opportunity to speak publicly and contest their wit, insight and arguments against the skill of their counterparts. Out of the more than 50 schools involved in the competition, EAC finished third overall and had two teams progress to the regional finals. We look forward to another very successful year in Debating.
Good luck to our six Year 12 students who have entered the Lions Youth of the Year Quest. The Quest has been running since 1964 and in 2020 is a truly national competition, designed to celebrate the talents, efforts and hopes of young people. It is open to students who are 16 years and older. The Quest to identify the Lions Youth of the Year involves three parts. Firstly, participants in the Quest are required to prepare a portfolio outlining their hopes and goals, their personal achievements and their community involvement. Secondly, they must meet with an interview panel of three judges to answer questions about what they have presented in their portfolio. Finally, they must attend a speech evening and present a prepared five minute speech on a topic about which they are passionate and they must also speak for two minutes about two impromptu topics. We certainly wish them well and look forward to hearing about their achievements in the Quest.
I am also excited about inviting all parents, grandparents and friends of the College to participate in the upcoming 'Life Groups' program which will take place in the Ezzy Centre. The first one, Mindfulness and Meditation, will run for 5 sessions commencing next Thursday 5th March at 8.45am. Information is available on the EAC website and registrations, which are limited to 20 participants, can be made with Rev Sal. These gatherings are a practical and enjoyable way for EAC to foster a Christian environment which provides avenues for parents to connect, share and reflect.
On Thursday 12th March, the College community will celebrate Foundation Day. This is a special day as we give thanks for 22 years of learning, living and leading at EAC and all the wonderful opportunities and experiences that our school brings to life. Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 will commence the day at St Mary's Anglican Church in Ballina, for a Whole College Assembly. During the assembly, we will induct the 2020 Student Representative Council. I invite all our parents to join us for this very significant celebration in the life of the College.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
Off the Deputy's Desk
This week our Year 10 students will be involved in the Mental Health First Aid course. This program, taught over 3 consecutive 75 minute sessions, aims to assist adolescents to understand how to support one another when they are encountering mental health concerns which impact negatively on their well being. I look forward to getting into some of the sessions over the next 3 weeks and sharing what will hopefully be a positive experience with the Year 10 students.
I was conducting some research regarding the Habits of Mind which we introduced to the College in 2018. The article gave much food for thought when thinking about just how useful these habits are and how often we actually use at least some of them in our daily lives.
Take a moment to join us in a snapshot of a classroom we recently observed:
Students are hard at work designing a travel brochure as part of their study of Ireland. They need to think about how much it will cost to travel there by air or by sea and develop a good rationale for why one way is preferable to another. They will also be including a recommended sightseeing schedule, determining why one schedule would be preferable to another.
These students have to analyse, evaluate, make decisions and communicate to an audience. As a group, they must work through this using the best of each student's contributions to create their product. They will need to persist, overcome challenges, strive for accuracy, think flexibly and think interdependently.
We like to call these mental qualities "Habits of Mind" - attitudes or dispositions that are necessary for thoughtful work . Without realising it, people rely on these behaviours when they encounter problems that are difficult to solve.
I wonder if the next time we complete a task in our daily work or family lives, if we would consciously consider just how valuable these habits are in helping us to navigate the tasks or challenges that we face. Costa, Kallick and Sherman, 2006.
The Year 12 Leaders did a great job of cooking pancakes for the students at recess and lunch on Shrove Tuesday. In the best of Anglican tradition, we were able to satisfy the pancake cravings, particularly of the Primary students. All of our profits from the pancakes will go to the Anglican Board of Missions Easter Appeal. Well done to all the Year 12 Leaders who were involved on your service to the College community.
Ash Wednesday signals the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. I am trying to work out what my Lenten sacrifice will be this year. Lent is a time when we examine ourselves, our relationships with others, and our attitude towards faith. Lent is a time when we can undertake our own spiritual journey as we move towards Easter. I trust that our students will engage authentically and respectfully with the services that Rev Sal has planned for Ash Wednesday. What a great time for us to all pause and reflect on Jesus' journey all those years ago.
Reminders
Upcoming NCIS Events
If your child is selected please log in to the Parent Lounge to accept the activity and please remember to update your child's medical details if they have changed recently.
Wearing Uniform Correctly
Please support us by ensuring that your child is wearing his/her uniform correctly when they leave the house in the morning. This may mean that you have to exercise some 'tough love' by asking them to remove that make-up, brush their hair or polish their shoes. However, most importantly they learn the discipline of conforming to rules and supporting the ethos that the 'look' of our students is about something bigger than themselves.
Year 9 Camp
Year 9 Camp is coming up soon, please ensure that you have accepted, paid and updated your child's medical details. It promises to be an exciting outdoor education opportunity for our Year 9 students.
Friends of EAC
Friends are always on the lookout for new members and volunteers. No experience is necessary and it is a great way to give back to your child's College community.
Clean Up Australia Day
Clean Up Australia Day is this Sunday, 1st March. This is a great family activity to be involved in, so why not find a site in your local area and volunteer.
Daily Absences
Please contact the College if your child is absent due to illness or unforseen circumstances. Contact can be made by phone (call or sms) or via email. Early contact is always appreciated and helps us avoid sending you a text asking you to account for your child's whereabouts. Contacting us will ensure that your child's absence is not listed as unexplained. Unexplained absences require further follow up from the College under our attendance policy. The EAC Attendance Policy is designed under the philosophy that students must be at school each day during term time. Obviously, unforseen circumstances arise, but I reinforce that attendance at school is in legislation and is not optional. Full attendance ensures that your child does not miss important academic work, social, sporting or cultural opportunities.
Mr Darren Parks
Deputy Principal
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
Japan Tour 2020 Parent Information Evening: 6.30pm - Ezzy Centre
International Homestay Program Information Evening: 7.15pm - Ezzy Centre
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Fundraiser: Outside S block - Primary at recess and Secondary at lunch
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 at LAGS 2.00pm-6.15pm
Term 1 Week 6
Monday 2 March
Swimming Squad Training: 6.45am-8.15am - Alstonville Pool
Tuesday 3 March
Primary Football Training: 7.30am-8.30am - Oval
College Photo Shoot
Primary Chapel: 9.00am - Discovery Centre
Year 10 Mental Health First Aid Course: Week 2
Ballina Lions Youth of the Year: 6.30pm - Ballina RSL
Wednesday 4 March
Swimming Squad Training: 6.45am-8.15am - Alstonville Pool
Thursday 5 March
NCIS Swimming Championships: 7.10am-3.45pm - Alstonville Pool
Friday 6 March
Secondary Sport
Chaplain's Chat
Ash Wednesday
I was talking with my Year 6 class this week about the things that make each of us into the people we are. We discussed traditions that we might have in our family, and our surprise to discover not everyone has the same.
That's how I felt discovering that not everyone grew up with Ash Wednesday and Lent. I am such a cradle Anglican that I genuinely thought it was part of everyone's calendar. I was wrong.
For me, the traditions of Ash Wednesday and the practice of Lent are deeply embedded in who I am and what this time of year holds for me.
One of the things that I have loved about the Anglican tradition is the richness of the signs and symbols we use - but all too often, we forget to invite others into these stories.
So, if this is new ground for you - let me invite you into a season of prayer and reflection and deep wondering.
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent and is forty days before Easter...but that forty days don't include Sundays (because Sundays are always a celebration day).
I like to think of Ash Wednesday as a doorway, an entry into what can be a beautiful time of year.
Those who come to the services that day will have the opportunity to think deeply on those things that clutter our hearts and minds, that are a distraction, that hurt or suffocate the truth of who we can be.
We are given the opportunity to wear the sign of the cross, marked in ash and usually on our forehead. This is a twofold sign - a sign of our desire and commitment to 'start again', and God's promise to always give us that chance.
'Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return'
Even the ashes tell a story.
Firstly - the ashes are made from the Palm Crosses made and distributed for Palm Sunday the previous year. This is particularly meaningful as it marks the change in people's thinking in the story of the last week of Jesus' life on earth. The first Palm Sunday was a time of excitement, heralding Jesus as king, the messiah...yet in the space of a week, those voices changed from support, through fear to condemnation. How quickly they turned their backs on the messiah...how quickly we turn our eyes from God.
Ashes have a long history in the story of God's people - a sign of repentance, sorrow and grieving. An outward sign of God's promise to always forgive and always give a fresh beginning.
This is why we wear the ashes.
This is why Ash Wednesday is so meaningful.
The mark that says, we can start again, we will start again.
And following that...the season of Lent to delve deeply into what that might mean and look like for us.
Again - if you would like to be a part of any of our Ash Wednesday Services, please come and join us:
8.48am - Year 7/8
9.25am - Year 9/10
9.50am - Year 11/12
11.15am - Year K/2
12.00pm - Year 3-6
All services will be in the Ezzy Centre. Please sign in at the front office and come over.
Peace.
Rev. Sal
SPORTS UPDATE
Swimming Carnival Results
The Primary Swimming Carnival was held at Alstonville pool on Tuesday of last week. There was great school spirit on display and many fantastic efforts in the pool. Congratulations to all students on a wonderful day. Well done to the below students who are the 2020 Age Champions and runners up for primary and secondary carnivals.
Smith House was the overall winner for 2020, with Walker second, Purcival third and Brockington fourth.
2020 Age Champions
| 8 | Primary Boys | Hugo Atkinson | Luca Howard-Bath |
| 9 | Primary Boys | Matthew Litvenski | Zachery Kikiras |
| 10 | Primary Boys | Henry Drew | Anthony Kikiras |
| 11 | Primary Boys | Sam Carrigg | Thomas Bazar |
| 12 | Primary Boys | Jayden Matthews & William Shepherd | |
| 12 & 13 | Secondary Boys | Finnigan Robinson | Luke Bond |
| 14 | Secondary Boys | Elvis Shakespeare | Jacob Bazar |
| 15 | Secondary Boys | Jackson Bond | Milos Safranek |
| 16 | Secondary Boys | Alastair Miller | Ziggy Kowalski |
| 17 | Secondary Boys | Lachlan Walker | Hamish Walker |
| 18 | Secondary Boys | Alex Chapman | Blake Stewart |
| 8 | Primary Girls | Zia Folscher | Chalotte Ashdown |
| 9 | Primary Girls | Sylvie Thomson | Sofia Foukkare |
| 10 | Primary Girls | Abigail Matthews | Sarah Vanem |
| 11 | Primary Girls | Coco Robinson | Zoe Campbell |
| 12 | Primary Girls | Olivia De Marco | Katie Smith |
| 12 & 13 | Secondary Girls | Ellen Miller | Summer Thompson & Felicity Walker |
| 14 | Secondary Girls | Charlotte Shepherd | Skye Maclean |
| 15 | Secondary Girls | Poppy Robinson | Mikala Campbell |
| 16 | Secondary Girls | Charlotte Kean | Jade Harris |
| 17 | Secondary Girls | Jasmine Thompson | Kirsten Smith |
| 18 | Secondary Girls | Abigail Hanna | Lara Truman |
Primary Swimming Carnival
NSC CIS Tennis
Well done to Sylvie and Ella Peart who represented EAC at the NSW CIS Secondary Open Tennis Championships in Sydney last week. This is a very high standard competition with some of the best tennis players in NSW competing. The championships were held at Pymble Ladies College. Both girls held their own, winning a match each and being competitive in all their other events.
Congratulations Sylvie and Ella, we are very proud of your efforts.
NCIS Secondary Hockey Trials
Congratulations to Kalani Franklin, Finnigan Robinson, Eliza Grosser and Olivia Van Zwieten, who were selected in the NCIS Hockey teams to compete at the NSW CIS Championships in Sydney in March. The trials were held in Murwillumbah last week. Well done also to Poppy Robinson who was named as reserve. Thank you to Miss Guest for taking the students on the day and helping select the teams.
NSW CIS Cup Football
The EAC Open boys football team played in the NSW CIS Cup knock-out competition last Wednesday against Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School. The boys did their best but were outplayed by a strong Lindisfarne team and went down 4-0. Thank you to Mr Brenton for coaching the boys on the day.
Mr Graham Walker
Sport and Coaching Administrator
Early Learning Centre News
How does a vegetable garden grow? Dear me, does anybody know? How does a sweet potato grow in the glorious summer sun? After many months of care, watering, mulching and waiting, we finally got to dig up our sweet potato crop.
It appears this is the most joyful part of the gardening process - the discovery of the bounty. Once gathered, we washed, counted and peeled each one, ready for cooking next week. A Floorbook was used to document children's voices and understandings.
Secondary News
Bullying No Way!
Last week the secondary school students participated in an assembly which challenged current attitudes and approaches to bullying, through analysis of current data on bullying.
Bullying is something that 1 in 2 people under the age of 25 will experience in their lifetime, but it is a behaviour that we often find difficult to define, as bullying comes in all shapes and sizes and there are a huge amount of misconceptions about it.
Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships, through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It causes people to feel anxious, hurt, humiliated and intimidated.
Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated over time.
Students were reminded that bullying is not accepted at EAC and that the school is a welcoming, safe place where students come to learn and to develop positive friendships. They were challenged to be an upstander rather than a bystander, to stand up against bullying if they witness it and report it to a staff member.
Students were informed of a number of ways that bullying can be reported within society. Serious online bullying should be reported to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner, whilst bullying behaviour that may be a crime should be reported to the authorities.
Kids Helpline (kidshelpline.com.au) is a free, 24 hour a day, 7 days a week service that can support children and young people who want to talk to someone about issues, whilst eheadspace (headspace.org.au/eheadspace) offers an online chat or email service for young people aged 12-25.
The College will continue to educate students against bullying and participate in National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Friday 20th March 2020.
Mrs Amanda Middleton
Director, Secondary School
Friends of EAC
Friends of EAC - AGM
“Friends” provides an integral role in supporting the endeavours of the College.
Meetings are usually held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month within the school term. The meetings are held in the Joan Pickup Library at 7:00pm with everyone in the school community welcome.
The meetings are a great way to learn about school events, general information, school activities, fundraising opportunities and events, and to make new friends.
“Friends” supports the school in a broad range of ways, some of these include:
- The 2nd hand uniform shop
- Primary school discos
- Family and parent events such as trivia nights and gala dinners
- Creative arts exhibition
- Mothers day morning tea
- Grandparents day
- Freaky Friday
- Coordination of Class Parents
- BBQ’s and canteen at school carnivals
- EAC Business Directory Registration Form
- Fundraising and social events
We aim to foster a cooperative, supportive and connected community by creating events where parents and families of our school can come together to have fun fundraising.
All Friends Office Bearer positions will be declared vacant at our AGM on Tuesday 10th March 2020.
Nominations are sought for the following positions:
- President
- Vice President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Committee Member (10 required)
For further information please see the attached nomination form or contact friends@eac.nsw.edu.au.
Friends of EAC Office Bearers Nomination Form - 2020 AGM
Mrs Jodie Manning-Hayter
President, 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 - 10 & 24 March
Subway - 7 April
Sushi – Tuesday 3 March
Sushi from IGA will be available from the canteen next Tuesday 3 March. If you would like to order Sushi 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, 2 March.
Order forms are available at the canteen or online. Please note that Sushi has gone up in price to $3.80. SUSHI ORDER FORM
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:
March: 4th, 6th (pm), 9th, 16th, 18th (pm), 19th (am), 23rd, 26th
April: 2nd, 3rd (pm), 6th
Christine Hall
Canteen Supervisor
0414 811 668