HEAD OF SCHOOL UPDATE Jonathan Brayshaw
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Term 3. Our Year 12 Class of 2024 will graduate at the end of this term! Please join me in praying for all of our Year 12 students as they prepare for their Trial HSC Examinations in Week 3 and 4.
On Thursday 1 August, our College Captains (Rhys Sultana and Elisabeth Cain) and Vice Captains (Emmanuel Wiriadinata and Paretea Tinokura) had the distinguished opportunity to attend a School Captains Leadership Excursion at the Parliament of NSW. Our Captains were granted the privilege of having morning tea with The Hon. Prue Car (Deputy Premier for NSW and Minister for Education and Early Learning), and The Hon. Penny Sharpe (Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Heritage, and Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council). During this time, students were able to learn more about leadership and responsibility, and also ask our political leaders questions on leadership and service.
This week, it was a pleasure to visit the boys at Year 8 Camp when they did their camp out at Crosslands Reserve in Hornsby Heights. The Camp gave students an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and build resilience. The structure of the camp meant that all students completed a hike, bivouac experience and camping in tents on one evening, and a challenge course, indoor high ropes, laser tag and sleeping in cabins for the other evening. During this time, I was reminded of their kindness, positive attitude and exceptional behaviour as a cohort, which helped make the Camp such a wonderful experience for all involved.
I would also like to thank all of our Year 8 Homeroom Teachers (Mr John Picart, Miss Meghan Flood, Mr Paul Griffiths, Miss Skye Morrison, Mr Sam Dethan and Mr Andrew Berthelsen), as well as other staff who attended: Mrs Anji Smith, Mrs Narae Son, Mrs Claire Notley, Mrs Natasha Collins, Mrs Tiarne Tranter and Mr Brett Thomson. Their unwavering commitment, dedication and care for our students ensured a successful camp experience. I would also like to acknowledge Mr Ralph Hearsey (Stage 4 Coordinator) and Mr Matt Thomson (Year 8 Advisor) for their conscientious organisation and leadership of this Camp.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education and wellbeing of your children.
A DAY OF DISCOVERY AND LEARNING Saloom Aslam
On 31 July, our Year 11 Biology students embarked on an enriching biological diversity excursion. The day was filled with exciting activities, insightful observations, and meaningful learning experiences, which showcased the incredible biodiversity of God’s creation (Genesis 1:20-27).
Students began their journey with an informative session led by the representatives of the Australian Museum, where they interacted with a variety of biodiversity exhibits. Students learned about Australia's unique flora and fauna, fossil records and the evolution of species. Interactive displays and hands-on activities made the learning experience engaging and relevant. From this session students developed an understanding of Australia's rich biodiversity and evolutionary history, insight into the adaptations and behaviours of various species, and an appreciation for the importance of preserving natural history.
Next, students visited the Botanic Gardens, where they participated in a guided tour. Students observed and identified various species of eucalyptus tree, learning about their ecological roles and significance. The tour included a hands-on activity to analyse and categorise different species adaptations. Through this experience our students were able to identify diverse plant species and their uses, and gain an understanding of the importance of botanical gardens in conservation. They also gained insight into the ecological roles of different plant species.
The final stop was an interactive session led by representatives from Taronga Zoo, where students had close encounters with various animal species such as a snake, tree frog, turtle, blue tongue skink and possum. This informative session and demonstration helped students understand different types of evolution, animal behaviour, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting endangered species. From this interaction our students developed knowledge of animal behaviour and adaptation and reached a better understanding of the role of zoos in wildlife conservation.
YEAR 8 CAMP Ralph Hearsey
Year 8 Camp was a resounding success, packed with activities that encouraged students to bond, learn, and grow together. The adventure began with an invigorating 8km hike, providing the perfect setting for students to get to know each other, offer encouragement, and practice teamwork. Along the way, they set up a bivouac, used camp cookers to make delicious pasta, and engaged in team-building games that honed their communication and collaboration skills.
The fun didn't stop there! Students enjoyed the thrill of laser tag, tested their minds with challenging brain games, and conquered indoor climbing and rope courses. The highlight was our 'Big Night of Fun,' featuring partner games, invasion games, and various teamwork activities that brought laughter and camaraderie.
In addition to the structured activities, there was ample free time for futsal, volleyball, and table tennis. These moments provided further opportunities for team bonding and forging lasting friendships. The Year 8 camp was not only a physical challenge but also a fantastic opportunity for students to develop essential life skills in a supportive and fun environment. We're already looking forward to next year's adventure!
CLUBS UPDATES Tiarne Tranter
At Australian Christian College, we know that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. Our Clubs Program lets students dive into their interests, make new friends, and learn new skills. From sports and arts, to technology and community service, there is something for everyone in our Secondary School. In this article, we’ll give you a sneak peek at some of our amazing clubs.
To learn more and sign up, check out this link.
Running Club Last term, the Running Club focused on building endurance and improving personal bests. We met once a week for afternoon runs, incorporating varied routes to keep sessions engaging. Members showed remarkable progress, with many achieving new milestones. This term, we are looking forward to further enhancing our training with interval workouts, long distance runs, and hill training. It promises to be another term of fitness, camaraderie, and personal growth for all our Club members.
Cake Decorating Cake Decorating Club meets every Wednesday afternoon. We engage in various activities that include cupcakes, celebration cakes, cookies and fondant modelling. Members of our Club enjoy learning new techniques and skills as well as socialising together in a safe environment.
One of our goals is entering decorated cakes into local community competitions like the Hawkesbury Show. Last year, a number of the members received Second Place and Highly Commended awards. The Club runs with the help of dedicated staff that give of their time to make the afternoon such a popular club to be a part of.
Academic Support The Tuesday Lunchtime Academic Support group is a dedicated space for Secondary students seeking help with assessment tasks and classwork. The group meets every Tuesday from 1.15 pm to 1.40 pm in A1.10. Led by a team of motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated Year 12 mentors, and supervised by Mr. Yi, these sessions offer a supportive environment to address academic challenges and enhance understanding of coursework. Students are encouraged to sign up and take advantage of these open sessions to receive targeted assistance and improve their academic performance. Join us for focused support and collaborative learning!
Vegetable Garden Club The new ACC vegetable garden has well and truly begun growing, and Club members are really enjoying the inaugural planting season. The students started planting winter vegetables and herbs towards the end of last term and are now enjoying the fruit (or vegetables) of their labour.
The Vegetable Club was the recipient of a generous donation of plants from Bunnings Marsden Park, which has enabled the seven raised beds to be quickly filled with a large variety of flowering plants, as well as vegetables and herbs. Some of these have included Impatient, Kalanchoe, Lavender and Petunias in the aesthetic garden bed near the entrance, as well as vegetables (Spinach, Lettuce and Carrots) and a variety of herbs. Plans are in place to add a few more mature citrus trees in the next few weeks.
All Club members have been demonstrating a great deal of passion and initiative in designing, planning and tending to the vegetable garden in these early days. A special thanks to Mrs Barton for her valuable efforts and Dr Bill Rogers and his daughter, Elizabeth McPherson, who have been instrumental in their advice for the many potential uses of this new space in a school context.
Chess Club Last term, the Chess Club focused on improving chess skills while enjoying friendly competition against students from different Year Groups. We met every Friday during lunch, and each game was recorded to determine the top players. The highlight of last term was being selected for the Chess team and representing the College in the Inter-School Chess Competition, where we qualified for the semi-finals happening in Term 3. This term, we are looking forward to further enhancing our opening moves and learning advanced chess strategies to prepare for future tournaments. Additionally, members will have opportunities to improve their game and learn new tricks to gain a deeper understanding of effective chess play. It promises to be another term filled with strategy, fun, team building, and personal growth for our players.
RYAN LUKER
Congratulations to Ryan Luker who during the July School holidays, was invited to attend the College Prospects Showcase on the Gold Coast to exhibit his skills in front of US College Coaches and Major League Baseball Scouts.
Ryan also competed in the Down Under Winter Classic baseball tournament on the Gold Coast, competing against teams from Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. Ryan and his team took out the title winning the U16 age group. Amazing achievement Ryan!
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