Term 1 | Week 9 | 27 March 2019
‘Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown to them’ Matthew 5:7
From The Principal
Konichiwa! Last week I had the privilege to travel to Japan to attend the graduation and end of year ceremonies at our three Japanese sister schools. The academic school year begins in mid April and finishes mid March. The students enjoy an end of year holiday commonly known as the Spring Break.
Each of the ceremonies was very formal and celebrated the students’ academic achievements. They were all followed by a celebratory lunch involving the teachers, students and the parents. While there were many similarities to our own Graduation and Presentation Day celebrations, there were also a number of unique and special moments.
The Year 6 Graduation at Tachibana Elementary School was a very formal occasion wich included each students making a statement in both English and Japanese about their hopes for the future, prior to receiving their certificate of Graduation. Following this five students out of the group of 69 were called forward to receive a special award. It was for attending every school day of their primary schooling!
At St Margaret Anglican Girls School, the Graduation ceremony took place in the St Mary’s Chapel. It was a very traditional Anglican service with a full choir and readings from the Bible. Even though the service and singing was in Japanese, it was still possible to understand what was happening through the familiar rituals and melodies of the hymns. It was a lovely experience which reminded me of the universality of the Christian faith. Following the formal service we were invited to attend the special lunch and performance afternoon. We were amazed at the students singing but even more amazed when firstly, the staff formed a choir and sung three beautiful songs and then the parents formed a choir and also sung a a moving tribute to the students and the school. I was touched by the passion with which both the parents and the students spoke (and sang) about their school. They most genuinely love their school and teachers.
Finally we attended the Middle School Graduation at Meitoku Gijuku. I was humbled, and a little nervous, when asked to deliver the formal graduation day address but I took the opportunity to speak about the strong relationship between our two schools and congratulate the students on their many achievements throughout the year. I was delighted to have the opportunity to catch up with Sho, Takaya and Moyoko who spent last year on exchange in Year 10 at EAC. In speaking with the English teaching staff at Meitoku, I was very happy to hear that in the end of year testing, the three students had filled the top three places in the English course. Each of the students said they were missing the students and teachers at EAC and were making plans to return to Australia once they graduate from high school.
Each time I travel, I am reminded that the world over, despite the different cultures and language, children are all the same. As a guest at each of these special events I had the chance to meet many students and parents and also see the students interacting with each other, the teachers and the parents. Just like our students, they were happy, excited and energetic but were able to be attentive and focused during the formal parts of the celebration. After the graduation, there was lots of hugging, laughing and cheering, as well as a few tears of both joy and sadness. It was a wonderful opportunity and privilege to be part of such an important occasion for each of the schools.
It was also a very productive trip in terms of making plans for further opportunities for exchange and I am pleased to say that each of the schools has already booked a study tour for later in the year and plan to bring 20 students to spend a week at EAC.
Mr Robert Tobias
Principal
Off the Deputy's Desk
On Monday, I spent half the day supervising the Year 7 students who were having their immunisations. This was actually a great opportunity for me as I got to know the Year 7 students a little better as I had the chance to chat to them when they were in the waiting area. Seeing how someone faces up to adversity and a challenging situation is an interesting thing to observe. Some students were nonchalant about the whole thing whilst others were less than enthusiastic and others were downright terrified. This got me thinking about the great tapestry of individuals that make up each year level in the College. It takes all types of beliefs, attitudes, strengths and weaknesses to make a cohort and a school.
On Tuesday Mr Falvey’s 5A class gave a wonderful presentation about ‘Life in Year 5’ and how they utilise the various Habits of Mind in their learning. Mr Evans also presented House Football Cup certificates and the winning trophy went to Brockington House. It was wonderful to see the cheers of enthusiasm when the winning house was announced.
Don’t forget that Parent Teacher Interview bookings opened on Monday night and it is a very simple process to book appointments via Parent Lounge. Some staff are already fully booked so if parents cannot get an appointment they are encouraged to email the staff member to make a mutually convenient time to meet.
Finally, last Thursday evening was a wonderful community event. The Friends Primary Disco was extremely well supported by students and families and there was a combination of great food, good music and some legendary dance moves from the Primary students. I thank all the staff who assisted with supervision. However, I would particularly like top pay tribute to all the volunteers from Friends who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.

A community activity that our College can contribute to is the Ballina Sire Relay for Life. This year Relay for Life is being held on Saturday 4 May at the Alstonville Showground. I have included some details from the organisers below should your child/family wish to participate in, or donate to, Relay for Life.
Family Discount
We offer a discounted registration fee of $60 per family (2 adults, 2 children) which includes the Relay shirt for each person. Additional adults are $15 each, and children $10 each. Full priced registration is $25 per person, so this is a significant saving. We hope this package helps encourage families to join the EAC Community team.
Unfortunately, family registration is not yet available on the new Relay for Life website, recently released. Please find a family registration form attached. This asks for credit card details but we do not want card numbers recorded/emailed. If possible we’d prefer families:
- Email their completed form to the NSW Cancer Council Byron office (without card details). The office would telephone the person for payment (so card numbers are never recorded).
- Each family simply calls the Byron office who can register the family over the phone.
- If the College is agreeable, completed forms with cash, could be left with College Reception. Our Byron office would then collect and register each family to the EAC team.
Completed forms can be emailed to:
Hannah.Brooks@nswcc.org.au
Hannah Nairne (Brooks) | Community Relations Coordinator
Cancer Council | Far North Coast | Northern Region
Office Telephone: 6639 1300
Entertainment
Kids’ entertainment starts at 12 noon on Saturday 4 May and runs to 4pm. We have laser tag, a jumping castle, Fauna Fetchers reptile and dingos providing multiple shows, and self-run games (e.g. totem tennis, football, soccer etc.). Shorty Brown from Byron Bay Kids Parties will be entertaining younger kids (pre-school/earlier primary) from 1 to 3pm. The opening ceremony is at 2pm. Live music will play on into the evening.
Community Participation
Several community groups and schools are performing with dancing, gymnastics and cheerleading.
Primary Students
We welcome primary students. The safety of children is paramount and we encourage younger participants to attend with parents/guardians, still registering with their school team. Younger children usually head home as evening falls. We have security guards and first aid on site to assist. If EAC Primary students wish to participate they must do so under parent supervision.
Duration
We appreciate that many people might only be able to spare an hour or two, or perhaps the afternoon. There is certainly no requirement to stay overnight, though people are most welcome to do so. There will be plenty space for family tents behind the spot allocated for your EAC gazebos.
Our team is called EAC Community 2019 in the link to donate to our team is:
https://www.cancercouncil.org.au/relayforlife/teams/ei00100441/donate
The link to join our team is:
https://www.cancercouncil.org.au/relayforlife/teams/ei00100441/#join-event
I hope to see some of our students and families out there on 4 May.
Mr Darren Parks
Deputy Principal
Term 1 Week 10
Tuesday 2 April
Teen Challenge Drug and Alcohol Education Workshop-Stage 6-9.00 am-Ezzy Centre
Stage 5-11.10am-Ezzy Centre
Wednesday 3 April
NCIS Primary Netball at Tweed Heads
Thursday 4 April
NCIS Surfing and Bodyboarding at Sawtell
Australian Geography Competition
Senior Primary Concert Band Workshop –Ballina Players Theatre
Kindy Easter Craft
Bill Turner Cup Football (Girls) vs Mullumbimby High School at Alstonville
Friday 5 April
Interhouse Cross Country-Lennox Head Cricket Club
Interhouse Cross Country-Primary-9.10am-12.20pm
Secondary-11.10-2.50pm
All students must travel to and from the Cross Country on the bus.
Term 1 Week 11
Monday 8 April
CIS Primary Football in Sydney
Tuesday 9 April
Whole College Chapel-9.00am-St Mary’s Anglican Church
Wednesday 10 April
Years 1-12 Parent Teacher Interviews -3.30-8.30pm-Primary Interviews in Ezzy Centre. Secondary Interviews in The Joan Pickup Library
Thursday 11 April
School Photo Day-Classes commence photos at 8.50 am. Individual and sibling photos will be taken on this day as well.
Primary Concert Band Performance Evening-6.15-7.30pm-Discovery Centre
Friday 12 April
Interhouse Cross Country Reserve Date
Secondary Sport
Term 1 Concludes
Chaplains Chat

If you were in an Anglican church this weekend, you will have discovered that it was Lent Three (there will be five – FYI) and in the scripture readings given for this week there is some rather confusing stories about foxes and chickens (Luke 13: 31-35), but in essence it is Jesus talking about choices and consequences. Boy don’t we know about that.
As adults we have mostly experienced the results of our choices; consequences that are both good and bad. Whilst this isn’t always comfortable, it can be a genuinely helpful learning experience. Some years ago we had a Tibetan spaniel called Molly – she was not the prettiest or smartest dog, but she was utterly loveable and very enthusiastic.
We were living on property at the time and most weekends in the cooler months we would sit outside around our fire pit. Molly was used to fire places, but try as we might, we could not train her to be sensible around the fire pit – she just kept wanting to run through it. (Yeah ok – she was nuts) Until one day, you guessed it – she got past us and went hooting through the pit…fortunately for that crazy pup, it was only coals and small! She ended up with sore paws (unbelievably hardly damaged) and smelt a little singed for a few days. You know, she never went near our fire pits again, preferring to stay close to her humans instead. Tough lesson, but well learnt.
As parents we often want to shield our children from the consequences that life brings, the problem is, how then do they learn? Obviously we keep them safe, but there is a huge difference between safe and cosseted. It is well understood that facing the falls and getting back up again is what builds resilience, which in turn builds capacity – for growth, new learning and building strong character. My word it is hard to watch in our own children; my lads were, well, lads.
As such, it’s fair to say that they were often in scrapes, minor ones; forgetting homework, uniform issues, and some more serious ones that led to detentions. How I wanted to bail them out, make excuses for their behaviour. But in the end, it wasn’t acceptable behaviour to me either, so they had to wear it. At the time it hurt, watching them hurt, however I firmly believe that such lessons helped them to develop a stronger sense of self, responsibility for their own actions and awareness of their impact on the world around them.
Thinking about this has challenged me this Lent to contemplate my choices and the impact of my choices on the world around me. Whether that be the things I purchase to the way I treat others; I often speak to our students about ‘being the change they want to see’, now it is time for me to do a check in on if I am walking the talk. Lent seems like a good time for this. To be frank, I’m not enjoying all that I discover…but I am taking it slow, reflecting deeply and trying to stay true to my commitment to give up those parts of my behaviour that are unhelpful to myself and others, and to pick up a new attitude.
I found this clip today – made me laugh…and swallow a little guiltily! A good way to help us reflect on ourselves during Lent.
https://youthministry360.com/products/hd-video-illustration-animated-argument-lent
I want to share with you today – a prayer, poem that has helped to shape my thinking and praying this past week as we contemplate what we can bring to God…as the Primary students were reminded in their Ash Wednesday chapel – nothing is too big or too small to talk to God about. Ahh I love that – God is not afraid of our tough thoughts, or our vulnerability.
It’s not wrong to ask where you are, God,
when innocent children go hungry,
or are abducted as sexual slaves
or die of curable diseases,
or are forced to fight in adult wars;
It’s not wrong to question and doubt,
to shake our fists and cry in grief and anger;
No, what would be wrong would be to just accept this
as somehow “your will”,
it would be wrong to justify it
to explain it,
to be unmoved by it,
to deny it;
But it would be equally wrong to use this as evidence
that you don’t exist or don’t care,
to leave ourselves and our vulnerable ones
at the mercy of our cynicism,
our unbelief,
our apathy;
And so we come, and we offer our worship,
through our tears;
We choose to praise you as a gracious and merciful God
through our tears;
We choose to proclaim your justice and salvation
through our tears;
And as we do, we choose to believe that
wherever there is suffering and injustice,
your tears flow and your heart is broken,
you cry in grief and shake in anger;
And it is your mercy and compassion that drives us,
and others like us
to work for healing and justice
through the pain and burden of our tears. Amen.
Peace
Rev Sal
Sports update
Women in Sport NBN News Article
Congratulations to Jade Corrigan, Hayley Oakes, Stella Atkinson and Lara Truman for your fantastic achievments in sport. NBN News carried this report last week.
https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2019/03/21/sporting-superstars-at-ballinas-emmanuel-anglican-college/
NSW CIS Primary Swimming Championships

Congratulations to the following students who represented EAC and North Coast Independent Schools at the NSW CIS Swimming Championships in Sydney last week: Ellen Miller, Felicity Walker, Jayden Matthews, Coco Robinson, Zoe Campbell, Abigail Matthews and Sarah Vanem. The CIS Championships were held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
All students performed very well with some great personal best times in their events. Highlights include Coco Robinson making the final in the 50 m Backstroke and finishing 6th overall. In addition, the junior girls relay team of Coco Robinson, Zoe Campbell, Abigail Matthews and Sarah Vanem also made the final and finished sixth overall. Congratulations to all competitors.
Thanks to parents for supporting your children by taking to the event and to training in the lead up.
Mr Graham Walker
Sport and Coaching Administrator
NCIS Secondary Basketball Championships
Last Tuesday our Secondary Basketball teams travelled to Coffs Harbour to compete in the NCIS Basketball Championships. The Boys event was held at the Sports Central Stadium and the girls was held at Bishop Druitt College. All teams performed well against some strong competition. The highlight of the championships was our Under 15 Boys making the Grand Final where they went down to Lindisfarne. Well done to the team of Angus Wilkie, Sam Harding, Nkosilathi Malaba, Bailey Wilson, Abe Tasker, Noah Truman and Zane Crowe. Our Open girls were also had a good day finishing third overall. Congratulations to all students who participated. Thanks to Mr Kelly, Mrs Miller and Coach Nash Campbell who were coaching of our teams in the lead up to the event and on the day.
Primary News

Mini Cross Country
As part of our KindyLinks program, students from the Early Learning Centre joined Kindergarten to run in a mini cross country event. All students participated with enthusiasm and cheered each other on.
Thank you to all the parents who attended the event, it was lovely to see so many join us. A special thanks to our House Captains: Summer, Cooper, Harry and Luke who demonstrated the track and ran with each group of students guiding them through the course and also following from behind to ensure everyone kept together.
Merilyn Mule'
Inter-house Football (Soccer) Tournament
On the 6th and 7th March in hot and humid conditions was held the first ever Primary School Inter-house Football (Soccer) Tournament. This historical event was history in the making for all Yr 3-6 primary school students as they were competing in the first ever Primary School Inter-house Tournament.
Special mention goes to Ms Britton for her help and referring duties on the day and all of the Primary School teaches for their assistance in managing the house teams and scoring.
Particular congratulations goes to all primary school students who participated in the tournament with fairness, kindness and respect for teammates, the opposition and referees.
In order to determine the winner of the Inter-house Football (Soccer) Tournament points were awarded for the position that each house finished within Year 3 to Year 6 for the tournament. To provide recognition for the winners of each year group it was decided that the individual house winners in each year group receive a winning house certificate. The final house point scores are outlined below:
Yr 3 House Point Scores
In 4th Purcival, 3rd Brockington, 2nd Smith and 1st Walker
Yr 4 House Point Scores
In 4th Walker, 3rd Smith, 2nd Brockington and 1st Purcival
Yr 5 House Point Scores
In 4th Purcival, 3rd Walker, 2nd Smith and 1st Brockington
Yr 6 House Point Scores
In 4th Purcival, 3rd Smith, 2nd Brockington and 1st Walker
The overall combined Football (Soccer) Tournament House Points were as follows:
In 4th Place on 11 pts was Purcival;
In 3rd Place on 16 pts was Smith
In 2nd Place on 20 pts was Walker
In 1st Place on 21 pts and the winners of the 2019 Primary School Inter-house Football (Soccer) Tournament Trophy was Brockington
YEAR 5 - HABITS OF MIND
The Habits of Mind are strategies that we use to reach our goals. Some of The Habits of Mind include: persistence, thinking flexibly, accuracy and thinking about our thinking. We use all of these all the time when we do all different subjects. For example in mathematics we have to be persistent to get the answer, we use it in debating, chess and sport. The Habits of Mind helps us complete a task no matter how hard the task is. We will not stop until completion.
By Max, George, Rayissa and Jack W
In mathematics we do maths groups. In these groups we have been doing subtraction and addition with trading. We have also worked on decimal addition and subtraction. We use habits of mind in maths such as: thinking flexibly, demonstrating persistence and thinking about our thinking. We also have the option of joining extension maths. Extension maths has harder questions and requires a lot more thinking and persistence.
By Josh and Archie
In PDH we are learning about considering choices when it comes to drugs, alcohol and tobacco. The most recent thing we have done is finding out what is in a cigarette and what it does to the body. The habits of minds 5A are using are thinking about our thinking, listening with understanding and empathy, applying past knowledge to new situations and gathering data through all senses.
By Gisele Edmiston and Aoife Kingston
In Music we are learning more complex songs as we are getting better. This is because we are persisting, meaning we don’t give up. Until we reach our goal. Another Habit of Mind used in music is thinking flexibly, meaning we try new strategies if one doesn’t work. This helps us reach our goals and let’s us go above and beyond. Everyone in Year Five enjoys music because of it.
By Olivia De Marco & Eva Rylands
In Science we are doing our bunsen burner test where we need to be very careful and observant not to burn ourselves. In Science, in Stage Three we use the high school labs so we can use the correct equipment: bunsen burners, lab coats, safety glasses, tripod, beakers.....It's a lot of fun.
By Melanie and Lucas
In sport you have to be persistent and accurate when your passing the ball . You have to be a thinker to out think your opponent and think what your friend is thinking. The House cup for Soccer needed all of these strategies for us to win.
By Jack C, Will S, Cooper B and Jayden M
Friends of Emmanuel

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:
SUSHI DATES: APRIL 2
SUBWAY DATES: APRIL 9
Sushi – Tuesday 2 April
Sushi from IGA, will be available from the canteen next Tuesday, 2 April. If you would like to order Sushi for your child’s lunch next Tuesday please complete the order form found here:
Attach your order to a paper bag with your payment enclosed. This should then be put in the canteen basket on Monday morning, 4 March .
The EAC Canteen runs with 1 paid member and a team of volunteers, for this to continue we need the support of parents, grandparents etc to help out. Please check which dates you are able to help, and click on these. I will contact you within 24 hours to confirm your times.
DATES WHERE HELP IS REQUIRED
March: 25, 27
April: 1, 4 AM, 8
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 lunch order.
Christine Hall
Canteen Supervisor
0414 811 668