"So always treat others as you would like them to treat you."
Matthew 7:12
From The Principal
Thank you to all those parents and friends of the EAC community who joined us at St Mary’s Anglican Church last Thursday, as we celebrated Foundation Day. Our Chapel Service was a wonderful celebration of all that makes our College such an outstanding community. From inducting our new Student Representative Council, celebrating the incredible success of our swimmers at the NCIS Swimming Championship, to being entertained by the remarkable secondary school band and praying together to give thanks for all the blessing and gifts we share each day, it was a fantastic way to acknowledge all that the founders and pioneers have created and the legacy that we all share in today.
We also took time to officially launch the Towards 2030 Strategic Plan and unveil our vision to grow our school community and to enhance the wonderful learning opportunities, programs and facilities of the College in the coming decade. A copy of the new plan was distributed to all members of our community electronically. Further detail will be released as we move forward this year and outline the specific plans for growth and development we have in each of the eight areas of strategic focus. When the students returned to College following the Chapel Service, the secondary students were involved in a number of House based activities which culminated in the staff and senior student tug-o-war house challenge. I am very proud to say that Walker (of which I am a member) won the challenge!
After lunch all of the students from Kindergarten to Year 12 were involved in the Foundation Day Mini-Fair. Students in the Secondary school coordinated and ran a series of stalls, events and experiences and the Primary students were invited to come along and try the food, games, activities and challenges that were on offer. Fundraising on the day gathered over $1100 which will be donated to a charity selected by the newly elected SRC at their first meeting in the coming days. It was a fantastic afternoon and a great way to cap off a tremendous celebration of our school. At the end of the day I spoke with two Kindergarten students and asked them how they enjoyed their day, to which one replied, “It was the best day of my life ever!" – you can’t beat that!
Once again I ask everyone to be proactive in relation to reducing the risk of spread of Covid19. Please continue to promote and practice suitable health and hygiene habits. If a child displays any cold or flu symptoms, we ask that you do not send them to school and seek the appropriate medical advice. Please see the updated advice emailed to all families on March 16 regarding the College’s response and how we can all continue to support efforts to minimise the risk in our community.
EAC Community Update - Covid19
Letter from Chief Health Officer
The College is developing processes to ensure continuity of teaching and learning should an extended closure eventuate. We plan to use the technology and systems available to maintain communication with families and continue student learning. I ask for people’s patience, appreciate your great support and will continue to update you regarding the situation when new information comes to hand.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
OFF THE DEPUTY'S DESK
This week sees schools across Australia involved in the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. At Emmanuel Anglican College we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone.
You are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone.
I have inserted a copy of a pocket card from Bullying. No Way! with tips on what to do if your child talks to you about bullying. Parents know their children best and know the best way to tailor communication to their needs. Adapt these tips to what works for you and your child.
If your child talks to you about bullying:
- Listen calmly and get the full story. Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. After they’ve told you their story, ask questions to get more details if you need: who, what, where, when. Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child’s experience, try to keep calm to avoid more distress to your child.
- Reassure your child they are not to blame. Many children blame themselves and this may make them feel even worse. You could say things like, ‘That sounds really hard to deal with. No one should have to put up with that.’ or ‘I’m so glad you told me. You should be able to feel safe at school; that’s not fair at all’.
- Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do. A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation.
- Visit bullyingnoway.gov.au to find some strategies. The website has tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practise strategies at home to help your child feel more confident.
- Contact the school. Your child may be reluctant for you to do this, so discuss the idea and reassure them that the school would want to know and is able to help. Make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher and, if you need to, ask to talk with the principal. Contact the school immediately if you have a concern about your child’s safety.
- Check in regularly with your child. Keep the conversation going. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and their feelings. Your ongoing support is important.
As a College community we have planned a number of proactive, educational activities designed to teach your child about bullying, to educate them to be an upstander rather than a bystander and to engage each of our students in taking individual and collective responsibility for supporting one another and the College’s ethos. In the Primary there will be poster competitions across the grades and in the Secondary there will be activities organised by leaders as well as targeted lessons from the Bullying No Way program. This includes students signing a pledge to not engage in behaviour that would constitute bullying.
Last year we reviewed our response to bullying flowchart and our College policy by consultation with student focus groups, staff and parent focus groups and am confident that our policy and practices are robust and contemporary in approach.
If you are looking for support for yourself to deal with a bullying situation, you will find ideas on the Bullying. No Way! website for parents. As well, please feel free to contact the school if you would like to discuss any aspect of our approach to preventing bullying.
Thanks for your support to make Emmanuel Anglican College a great school for everyone.
Please note that all inter-school sporting and cultural events are cancelled as are events inside the College that involve large gatherings. This is to slow the spread of COVID19. Our students and staff will no doubt rise to the challenge that this outbreak will present to our lives, and we now need to work together to support one another.
Mr Darren Parks
Deputy Principal
Term 1 Week 9
Monday 23 March
College Photo Shoot: All day
Tuesday 24 March
Year 7 Mental Health First Aid: Session 2 - Periods 1, 3, 5
Wednesday 25 March
Secondary Chapel: 8.50am - Year 8 - Ezzy Centre
Thursday 26 March
Secondary Chapel: 8.50am - Year 9 - Ezzy Centre
Term 1 Week 10
Monday 30 March
NAPLAN Online Omnibus Practice Test
Tuesday 31 March
Year 7 Mental Health First Aid: Session 3 - Periods 1, 3, 5
Wednesday 1 April
Secondary Chapel: 8.50am - Year 10 - Ezzy Centre
Thursday 2 April
Secondary Chapel
Chaplain's Chat
Wow!
What on earth is happening around us?
It is hard to believe that this is the same country that literally two weeks ago was still holding hands and singing ‘we are one, but we are many….’.
From the community heart that swelled over the awful summer months and bushfires, where we felt so utterly helpless and yet pulled together to get things done. People went out of their way to be exceedingly compassionate and thoughtful towards others.
Now? We are witness to appalling scenes in supermarkets over something as simple as toilet paper! Every person for themselves has been writ large in many places, and in scenes akin to something from Dad’s Army (sorry if you’re too young for this reference) others are running around in a flat shouting don’t panic!
Seriously though -
don’t panic!
This is not a time for panic, it is a time for thoughtful and mindful behavior.
A time when we need to show compassion to our neighbours and be genuinely aware of the needs of those around us.
I am not going to give you advice on how to Covid proof your home and family during this time – there are plenty of wise and well-equipped people and websites to do this.
Instead I want to remind us all of the people that we were during the bushfire crisis – remember, we knew how to care, to put aside the horror and find the best way to help. Ironically in this health crisis it IS in our control to do something, and to make a difference by following some simple and thoughtful actions.
Can I encourage you to check in with those who are vulnerable – the elderly, immunosuppressed and those with pre-existing health conditions. Make a call and see if anything is needed, sometimes just a hello is enough.
If things are cancelled, postponed or items hard to come by, let’s remember that being inconvenienced and disappointed is not the same as experiencing hardship.
This is an excellent time for a reality check isn’t it? A reminder of all that we take for granted – readily available food, freedom of movement, access to education and activities at our fingertips.
We really do have much to be grateful for, much to be generous with – so perhaps as we pull together (whilst maintaining an appropriate amount of social distancing) to keep pull that Covid curve in our favour – we can also bump up the kindness, gratitude and thankfulness curb!
Oh…and wash your hands!
Peace.
Rev. Sal
SPORTS UPDATE
NCIS Swimming Results - Apology
The results published in last week's newsletter were incomplete, please see below for a full list of results and accept our sincere apologies for this omission.
Age Champions
10 Girls Abigail Matthews
11 Girls Coco Robinson
15 Boys Milos Safranek
16 Boys Alastair Miller
17 Boys Lachlan Walker
18 Girls Abigail Hanna
Runners Up
12/13 Boys Jayden Matthews
14 Girls Charlotte Shepherd
15 Girls Poppy Robinson
15 Boys Jackson Bond
16 Boys Samuel Hanna
17 Boys Hamish Walker
18 Girls Alanah Osborne
Third Place
10 Girls Sarah Vanem
13 Girls Ellen Miller
NCIS Primary Football (Soccer) Tournament
On Tuesday 10th March, the EAC primary girls and boys soccer teams had an early start for their carnival at Bishop Druitt College in Coffs Harbour.
Each team has been training hard over the past 4 weeks, with each student's soccer skills and positional game play improving under the guidance and tutelage of our soccer coach (Wendy Britton) and sports coaching staff. The excitement was building on the bus journey to Coffs Harbour, as the players have been keen to test themselves against the other NCIS soccer teams.
It was difficult playing conditions as it had rained heavily overnight and the ovals were soggy and a little muddy. However to the teams' credit they adapted well to the conditions, even in the games they played during the day in the rain.
The girls had a difficult game to commence the tournament, however it proved to assist them to focus in the following round games, which they won. The boys won their first game and from the start there were positive signs of good skills and team work.
Following the success of their pool game wins, the boys finished on top of their pool and the girls second overall. As expected, the semi-final games were close games. The boys had an epic semi final game with Lindisfarne that involved 3 extra times with 2 player drop offs each extra time, and then as there was still no result, there was a penalty shootout which EAC lost 2:1. The girls were successful in winning their major semi final, ensuring they progressed to the grand final.
The girls' grand final was against Bishop Druitt teams who had a number of supporters from students who had stayed back after school to cheer for their players. Not to be out done, the EAC boys and parents were vocal in their support for the team throughout the final.
The grand final was played in tough conditions as it was raining, making the ball slippery and difficult to control. In the girls' final, EAC had significant possession and a number of opportunities, but was continuously denied by Bishop Druitt. The game was a draw at full time which sent the game into extra time, where each team had to drop off two players. After the time allocated there was still no result, so two more players from each team were dropped off, which is when Bishop scored their final goal. Whilst disappointed, our players conducted themselves in an excellent manner congratulating the other team and referee. The girls finished a well deserved 2nd and the boys 4th in the 2020 NCIS soccer tournament!
A number of the students in the boys team played very well during the carnival and this culminated in 4 players (Thomas Bazar, Henry Fleeting, Ronald Mostert and Finley Thomson) being selected in the NCIS primary boys team, which will compete in Sydney at the NSW CIS carnival (possibly later this year).
Thank you to our maintenance staff for their assistance in preparing the gear we took to the carnival, Graham Walker for all his background preparation, Wendy Britton (coach) and Sarah Coghill for her assistant coaching and team management role and all parents who attended the tournament and ensured their daughter/son came to the early morning training sessions.
A special mention to all of our students who demonstrated sportsmanship on the field all day and excellent behaviour and manners to officials and staff.
Mr Randall Evans
Sport Coach & Duke of Edinburgh Leader
Congratulations to Hayley Oakes National Mountain Bike Champion
Hayley successful defended both her U17 XCO and XCC titles again in Bright, Victoria. She had a phenomenal ride in the XCO on Friday and won by 6.46 minutes. She did 3 laps in 56.48.
The XCC was 15 minutes plus 1 lap of an approximately 1km short course and Hayley led from the start and won by 52 seconds.
EAC is very proud of Hayley's outstanding performance.
Mr Graham Walker
Sport and Coaching Administrator
PRIMARY NEWS
Amber the Therapy Dog
Last week, we welcomed Amber the Therapy Dog to EAC. Amber has been introduced to the College to build on our welfare support structures for the students. She has the capacity to sense and respond to students and adults who are anxious, distressed or emotional in a way that works to settle and comfort the individuals. She was introduced to the Primary students at a special assembly on Friday, where Miss Guest discussed Amber’s role at EAC and the rules around interacting with Amber. Miss Guest told the students that Amber is a staff member and when she is wearing her yellow vest, she is at work. She discussed the four simple rules around Amber: Approach, Ask, Pet, Goodbye and to only have three students with Amber at a time. Amber will be with a handler at all times and timetabled to a variety of classes, or work with Mrs Evans in her counselling office. I am sure your children spoke at length about Amber after the assembly. She has already proven to be a wonderful addition to EAC.
Getting Along
A constant theme in my messages at the Primary Assemblies over the past few weeks has been that of kindness. Many students have completed the Kindness Bingo cards to go into the draw to win copies of the book Wonder and often talk to me on the playground about kind things they have done. This week, we called all students who play handball to a special meeting to go through the rules and routines of this popular break time activity. Unfortunately, it is an area where kindness can be easily pushed to one side in pursuit of sporting excellence. We spoke to the students about the importance of fair play and ‘taking it’ if you get out, as in most cases any trouble that arises is when students refuse to leave their square if they believe they are not out. Reinforcing that defeat isn’t the end of the world is a powerful message that needs to start at a young age.
It is common that kids will struggle to maintain a positive attitude if they are defeated, but praising their effort rather than praising the outcome is important. Pointing out good sportsmanship instead of just praising the final outcome will help them to understand that winning is not more important than trying your hardest or being kind to others. Parents and teachers doing this also provides good role modelling of these behaviours which children will learn from and hopefully mimic. The scenes that are playing out across the media at the moment of shoppers fighting over supermarket products, whilst modelling terrible behavior to our younger generation, provide us a springboard to discuss this behaviour with our kids and have them suggest kinder ways that these people should act. More talk about looking out for the older generation and those with needs or showing kids clips of people taking toilet rolls to elderly neighbours is what we need more of.
I found when my own girls were much younger the simple game of Snakes and Ladders was a way to show that in some games and situations, you have no control over the outcome, so therefore just have to accept the decision and be thankful for the experience. It can be tempting to throw a game to let your child win, but dealing with the meltdowns at a young age will pay off over the long haul. Of course, if you do win, modelling the behaviour of a graceful winner is essential. “Thanks for the game”, “Wasn’t that a fun game”; focusing on the fun that was had, not the outcome. I know there will be a day soon when I hear such phrases as I walk past the handball courts, but in the meantime….we’re working on it!
Mr Wayne Cross
Director of Primary
Teddy Bears' Picnic
Students from the Early Learning Centre joined Kindergarten and their teachers for a Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Students enjoyed listening to a story, singing songs and sharing morning tea together.
When discussing what they enjoyed most about the picnic, students from KA and KB shared the following:
Harrison - I liked seeing the pre-kindys.
Grace - I liked bringing my teddy to school.
Archie - I liked being with Sid my Penguin.
Willow - I liked having morning tea with the ELC.
Elijah - I liked bringing my teddy to school.
Heidi - I liked having fun and eating with the ELC.
Mrs Merilyn Mule
Pastoral Leader K-3 and Learning Support Teacher Primary
Foundation Day Mini Fair
Last Thursday at school we had a mini fair for Foundation Day. We had a celebration.
First we got three tokens from Mrs Mac.
Next we walked to the undercover area. I saw my sister.
Then I went duck fishing. I won lollies. It was very fun.
After that I had pizza.
Then I got a tattoo and them I had sushi.
I bought two more tokens. After that I went to the chill out zone.
Finally we packed up for home time.
Alexander Cook 1B
On Thursday the high school students set up a mini fair for primary for Foundation Day.
First I went to get a lolly bag and it was good.
Next I got a crystal on my cheek.
Then I had a go at the duck game. I won a prize. It was fun.
Then we got ice cream.
Finally I got extra tickets.
Then I sat down.
I can’t wait to go again!
Esme Addenbrooke 1A
Primary Assembly - 5A
In 5A we have been learning about forces, and the way a parachute floats and lowers slowly to the ground.
We displayed different parachutes made from different materials and the various effects these have on the parachute landing. We explored the different types of forces and what happens when particular forces are applied together. In this task we needed to use a range of learning habits including working as a team and being observant when working out the effects that each material has on the lowering of the parachute. Being accurate when collecting information and recording facts ensured our construction was correct, in relation to our sketches. We had to be thinkers when including different findings into our parachute designs.
We have incorporated this task into English, Mathematics and Art. We made a play to show our learning at last week's assembly about what we have been doing in class, as well as showing our creative parachute ideas.
Our distinct way of showing our learning creates creative minds and healthier work habits.
Ms Malia Storey
Primary Teacher Year 5
Secondary Update
Foundation Day Inter-House Competition
Team spirit was at the for front of activities in the middle session of Foundation Day. All Secondary Students participated in a range of inter house activities that focused on team building and community spirit. Each activity required the students in each year group to work in Houses to compete and determine the most successful House.
Activities included a Trivia competition, Dodgeball, Tug o War and a Team building activity which required teams to design an obstacle course for a marble.
The final event of the time was a Staff and Student House tug o war competition. Teachers supported Year 12 students to determine the strongest House. Purcival and Walker fought hard to win the title, with Walker narrowly showing their strength.
Congratulations to the House Captains for their leadership in the activities and for all students for showing their team spirit.
Mrs Amanda Middleton
Director of Secondary School
Mental Health First Aid Course
The Mental Health First Aid course (for young people aged 15-18) was an open and interactive conversation in our class environment about mental health issues and wellbeing. Over three weeks we learned about different mental health issues, helping a friend in a mental health crisis and helping a friend who is developing a mental health problem. Our class had an open discussion about the “thoughts, feelings and behaviours triangle”, and how they associate amongst each other. The program was based on the Teen MHFA action plan, guiding us to learn how to detect issues within our friends, ask how they are, listen to what they have to say and encourage them seek help. This type of learning made us think about ourselves and how others think, feel and act more deeply. The Teen MHFA course helped us to engage in a conversation that is surrounded by stigma. We felt comfortable talking to a professional about mental health and now feel comfortable talking to others. We were very fortunate to have this opportunity that will assist us in any crisis situations, and would like to thank Trent Chapman for the valuable instruction.
By India Trevan and Anneke du plessis - Year 10
Amber starts work
On Friday 13th March, Amber started work at the College. Amber was introduced to all students at Primary and Secondary assemblies where they were provided with guidelines on how to interact with her.
This week, Amber has started to work to her timetable. She is being introduced to each primary class during library lessons and will be attending Pastoral Care lessons in the secondary school.
Students and staff have responded positively to Amber and her work at the school.
If you have further questions regarding Amber, please contact Mr Cross (Director of Primary School) or Mrs Middleton (Director of Secondary School).
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:
Noodle Box - 24 March
Subway - 7 April
Noodle Box – Tuesday 24 March
Noodle Box will be available from the canteen next Tuesday 24 March. 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, 23 March.
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:
March: 19th(am), 23rd, 26th
April: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th
Christine Hall
Canteen Supervisor
0414 811 668
Community News
