Term 3 I The Way Newsletter I Friday 23 August 2024

What a joy it was to see the children dress up and have fun for Book Week. Thank you for coming along and being a part of the Book Week spirit. I greatly enjoyed reading ‘Robert the Rose Horse’ by Joan Heilbroner to the Junior School today. From the youngest to the oldest, I had their attention with a good book about a horse who sneezes! Thank you, Ms Hansford, for lending the book to me (it was a new read for me too!). It was originally written in the 1960s and is still able to capture the minds of children today. I personally love getting lost in a fantasy book because it stretches my mind and sweeps me away in an epic adventure. I hope you’ve been able to share with your child the kind of books you’ve enjoyed in the past as part of Book Week. It’s not too late, the week isn’t over yet!

As I walked around during the open classrooms after the parade, I saw students showcasing and sharing their learning with you. I trust this was a precious time of connection together as you got a glimpse into their learning journey and daily life at College for 2024. The warmth, smiles and community in the classrooms made for a lovely end to this special day.

Below are a few ideas to promote a love of reading in your homes. Why not pick one to do tonight or try one over the weekend?

- Read together with your child

- Read in front of your child (a book you love!)

- Visit a local library

- Watch read-aloud videos of books

- Participate in the Premiers Reading Challenge

- Encourage your child to write a story about their weekend and illustrate it

- Create a reading routine -such as before bed or after breakfast in a comfy, inviting place

A friendly reminder that the College is closed on Monday so we will see you all again on Tuesday.

Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power – Ephesians 6:10

This week is Book Week, and the college is buzzing with some truly unique characters—literally! Teachers are roaming the halls dressed as their favourite book characters, from Snow White to Steve Irwin. It's a wild and wonderful sight to behold!

As for me, I'm a huge book lover, and nothing gets me more excited than diving into a good book. So, can you guess which one is my favorite? Surprise, surprise—it's the Bible. What I love most about the Bible is that it's more than just a book. As I read it, I find that it reads me!

Hebrews 4:12 beautifully captures this: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

The Word of God is alive, powerful, and transformative. It doesn't just sit on the page; it works in us, exposing our thoughts, motives, and deepest desires. Some people shy away from reading the Bible because it reveals truths about ourselves that we might not be ready to face. But that's exactly why I encourage you to read it—so that it can read you.

Allowing God to speak into your life through His Word can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. If you're wondering where to start, don't worry—I've got some tips for you!

While I love the feel of a good paper Bible, Bible apps are fantastic, too. I highly recommend the YouBible App. It offers the Bible in multiple languages and provides resources to help you understand and apply its teachings. Plus, it has answers to those tricky questions you might have about God.

So, why not give it a try? Let the Bible read you, and see how it can transform your life.

A reminder that we have a Mid-Term Break on Monday 26 August. This is a pupil free day.

Please note that the College will closed on this day and there will be no staff on site.

College will commence on Tuesday 27 August as normal. 

To receive an award is a recognition to your hard work, excellence and service in the College. 

Congratulations to the following Junior School assembly award recipients:

On Friday, 16 August, our College held a marketing photo shoot, capturing the essence of our community. We were fortunate to have sunshine throughout the day, with the storm holding off until we were finished. Thank you to all the staff and students who participated. Your support made the day a success.

Fathers, Grandfathers and Guardians, you’re invited to come along for a free breakfast in the Rawdon Middleton VC Sporting Complex Courtyard.

Please come anytime between 7am and 8.15am to enjoy your breakfast. Students may only attend if accompanied by a parent/guardian. The event will conclude at 8.30am. Senior School students must go to class for Period 1 at 7.55am.

This is a free event for the College Community, however bookings are essential. This event is for Dads, Grandads, father figures, and students. We kindly request that Mums and Grandmas refrain from attending to ensure it remains their special moment. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Please book by Wednesday 28 August. 

Booking are essential thac.nsw.edu.au/book

Year 7 & 8 Incursion

The Year 7 and 8 cohorts had heaps of fun during their incursion on Wednesday. The Marine Team celebrates the National Science Week by creating awareness of the future of our oceans and explores marine science and innovation to achieve long-term sustainability of our oceans.

This informative and entertaining sketch set to highlight what is ocean sustainability, how oceans impact our planet, solutions that generate healthy oceans and how YOU can help to ensure the survival and thriving of different species in an ever-changing world.

Year 9 Excursion – Mount Annan Botanical Gardens

Celebrating this year National Science Week – Species Survival – More than just sustainability, the Year 9 students visited Mount Annan Botanical Gardens taking part in a range of activities focusing on the Ecosystems module in from their Science curriculum. At the Plantbank and Herbarium, our Year 9 Scientists were introduced to the valuable research being done on freezing the seeds of plant species that are either sensitive to climate change, or under threat due to human activities such as urbanisation.

When successful, frozen in liquid nitrogen at -190 degrees Celsius, the seeds will be preserved for over 100 years, allowing our descendants to appreciate nature’s beautiful wonders. On their outdoor enquiry-based activity on Environmental Change and Management, students learnt how to analyse the pH and quality of soil samples before enjoying a relaxing, yet informative walk through one of the Botanical Gardens trials.

Year 9 Academic Seminar

The Year 9 Students enjoyed getting hands-on during their academic seminar on building structures to sustain natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes.

The activity was the practical component of the Plate Tectonics topic in their Science curriculum where they are learning about the movement of tectonic plates and its effects.

Year 10 Excursion - Australia Museum

As part of their Science curriculum, the Year 10 students embarked on a learning journey offering a scaffolded approach to exploring the topic of Evolution, Natural Selection and Geological Time.

The Australia Through Time learning journey through the Australian Museum introduced our curious young minds to Eric, the Pliosaur, the Thylacine and the Diprotodon. In addition to this, they investigated the impact the shifting of continents had on species survival, specifically how this influenced the life and death of dinosaurs.

Keeping to the theme of this year’s National Science Week – Species Survival – More than just sustainability, the learning journey though Australia’s history served as a timely reminder of the importance of looking after our natural resources and the devastating impact it may have if we do not.

Year 11 Biology Excursion - Minnamurra Rainforest 

The Year 11 Biology excursion to Minnamurra Rainforest in New South Wales is an immersive experience designed to deepen students' understanding of rainforest ecosystems.

Nestled within Budderoo National Park, Minnamurra Rainforest provided a unique opportunity to explore diverse flora and fauna, observe ecological interactions, and to study the intricate balance of biotic and abiotic factors in a subtropical rainforest environment. Students were engage in hands-on activities such as species identification, data collection – both abiotic and biotic, all while experiencing the natural beauty and biodiversity that make this rainforest a vital area for conservation and scientific study. This excursion not only reinforces classroom learning but also inspires a greater appreciation for the complexity and importance of rainforest ecosystems in this awesome wonder of God – Earth.

Comment from Liz(Presenter): “Thank you for being such a lovely group of students. You do represent your school well and I wish you all the best with your studies and your future.” Joel Casanova was ask to say something in return and he replied with: “you are welcome.”

Calla Raats & Roderick Fortuin
Senior School Teacher - Science

On Monday (Week 5), Year 10 and 11 attended a Maths in Careers seminar organised by our Careers Advisor Mrs Ghabrial. 

We’re very thankful for the various staff who volunteered to be interviewed by Mrs Low including: Dr Gawthorne, Mr Stoker, Mrs Clarke, Mrs Pasapera, Mr Cleur and Mrs Symons. Each speaker shared the level of mathematics they attempted in the HSC, how they have used mathematics throughout their careers. There was also a special presentation from guest speaker, Chad Smith from 1300Apprentice who spoke to those who are interested in a career in trade.

We hope the students found the seminar useful as they consider future career prospects and how maths may be used. Thank you to all who were involved.

Marian Low
Mathematics Coordinator

This week, Year 9 Japanese students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese language and culture. Students from the College visited the Nihongo Tanken Centre (Japanese Experience Centre), a purpose-built Japanese-style building, in the grounds of Kirrawee High School, featuring tatami rooms, paper sliding doors and a traditional Japanese garden.

Mieko Sensei and Taka Sensei started the visit by explaining and demonstrating the etiquette of entering and moving about in a Japanese house, using only Japanese. Working in 4 groups representing the 4 seasons, the slipper-clad students participated in games to enhance their understanding of the language they have been learning at College and test their knowledge of the hiragana and katakana writing systems.

A short break for morning tea enabled students to taste some Japanese rice crackers and discover more features of the interior of the building. Students sat in the sunny Japanese garden to eat a bento lunch before bringing all the day’s activities together in a final quiz.

Mieko and Taka spoke only Japanese all day, challenging our students to grow in their listening and speaking skills. Well done Year 9 Japanese and thank you to the Nihongo Tanken Centre, for a wonderful excursion.

Fiona Byrne
Languages Coordinator & Year 8 Advisor

Monday 19 August was our big day, the Year 10 students ran a range of stalls ranging from Acai to barbecue with a range of delicious desserts as well.

Between them the students raised over $2000 for The Kids Cancer Project, their nominated charity which funds research into childhood cancer.

Students learned valuable life lessons about organising a business, stock levels, the importance of cleanliness and health and safety.

Thanks also to our trusty team of Year 11 accountants in training from Year 11 Business Studies who came and did the cash up and followed correct cash handling procedures.

Andrea Kemp
HSIE Coordinator - Social Science

This year, our Year Five students have taken part in “Socratic circles” on a range of texts and topics. Socratic circles (or seminars) are student-led conferences where the topic is provided but the content of the discussion is decided by those offer opinions or questions within the circle. There is a strong emphasis on making your voice heard but also listening to other members in the group. Respectful boundaries are set up at the beginning of the discussion and each member is held accountable by a partner who sits in the “outer circle.”

The partners are not allowed to speak, but must observe carefully and provide useful feedback. Here is what some of our Year Five students had to say about Socratic circles:

“It’s a way of expressing our thoughts and emotions while letting us all get a turn to speak.”
– Violet

“Socratic seminars are a great way for students to share their learning and opinions without feeling the stress of talking to the whole class.”
– Calvin

“Socratic seminars helped me to talk more freely and to hear about other people’s amazing facts about a topic.”
– Tamara

We look forward to continuing to use this useful tool in the weeks and months ahead.

Peter Butchatsky
Year 5 Team Leader

CASA Football Gala Day

In Week Three, our students attended the CASA Football Gala Day. The CASA Football Gala day was a great experience for our Year 7 boys, Year 7-9 Girls and 10-12 Girls and Boys Football Teams. They came up against some tough competition and although there were mixed results across different teams, a lot of success was had. In particular our 10-12 Boys Football Team were undefeated all day and victorious in the Finals. I am very proud of their efforts and wish them all the best as they now all enter their finals season for their weekend club teams.  

AICES Volleyball Gala Day

In Week Four, our students attended AICES Open’s Volleyball Gala Day. The AICES Opens Volleyball Gala Day was a wonderful opportunity for our MISA Volleyball teams to come together and develop their volleyball skills and team cohesiveness. Our girls team came 2nd overall and our boys came 3rd. This was an excellent achievement for our college as the level of competition was fierce. 

Mrs Irene Focas
Sports Coordinator - Senior School