01 Growing our Anglican Identity

Strategic imperative: To create places of welcome and inclusion, grounded in Anglican beliefs, values and practices.

Our Anglican identity defines what we understand to be meaningful and significant.

Coming together in worship, reflection, learning and celebration is a vital activity for us. It drives a strong sense of connectedness within our School communities and beyond.

We support our Schools in being vibrant and welcoming places for students, where faith is promoted and lived.

Throughout the last year, we have continued to drive initiatives and hold events that support our Chaplains and teachers in their delivery of worship, religious studies classes, and the evolution of school cultures that reflect Anglican beliefs, values and traditions.

1.1 Engaging Events

Anglican Identity Day

24 April — WA

26 May — Vic/NSW

ASC Principals, Chaplains and teaching staff came together to hear from inspiring speakers who illuminate Anglican Identity. The day culminated in the celebration of the Eucharist, led by The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Archbishop of Perth, in WA, and The Right Reverend Clarence E Bester, Bishop of Wangaratta, in Vic/NSW.

In WA, Dr Donna Cross OAM, Emeritus Professor, spoke about teacher wellbeing and Mr Mark Glasson, CEO of Anglicare, raised awareness around growing homelessness and domestic violence.

In Vic/NSW, Bishop Clarence Bester spoke about his faith journey during apartheid and Tony Rinaudo AM, Principal Climate Action Advisor, World Vision Australia, spoke about the importance of forest regeneration.

Senior Staff Retreats

25–26 August 2022 — Vic/NSW

19–20 May 2023 — WA

The retreat brought together senior leaders for a weekend of reflection, learning, collaboration, fellowship, prayer and worship. Both retreats were conducted by Bishop Clarence Bester.

New Staff Induction Day

20 January 2023 — WA

23 January 2023 — Vic/NSW

We welcomed more than 100 new school staff members to the ASC at the annual induction days. These events help new teaching and support staff establish connections and learn about the ASC culture. They promote a sense of belonging while encouraging collaboration and teamwork.

Student Leadership Days

28 October 2022 — Year 11

5 May 2023 — Year 12

To empower and inspire students to develop essential leadership skills and qualities, we hold two Student Leadership Days each year. The days give Years 11 and 12 students opportunities for personal growth and foster collaboration while promoting a sense of responsibility towards their school and community. Archbishop Kay Goldworthy led both days.

School Chaplains: Nurturing Faith and Community

The Reverend Victor Adams was officially licensed and commissioned as the Chaplain to Cobram Anglican Grammar School in March 2023. He has assumed responsibility for conducting weekly chapel services, providing pastoral and spiritual care to students and staff, assisting teachers to deliver Religious and Values Education classes, and acting as a conduit between the school, the local parish and the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta.

Father Victor’s calming influence, friendly demeanour and engaging chapel services have seen him become a valued and important part of the school community, illuminating its understanding of Anglican identity.

1.2 School Chaplains

Our Chaplains are central to each school’s Anglican identity. They provide pastoral care and play an important role in supporting students’ spiritual, social and mental wellbeing.

Professional learning days see Chaplains and religious educators engage in a day of storytelling, presentations, workshops, reflection and hearing from Christian leaders.

Four ASC Chaplains have been officially commissioned since July 2022:

• The Reverend Dr Gift Makwasha, St George’s Anglican Grammar School, August 2022.

• The Reverend Justine Coverdale, John Wollaston Anglican Community School, August 2022.

• The Reverend Jean-Pierre Schroeder, Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, February 2023.

• The Reverend Victor Adams, Cobram Anglican Grammar School, March 2023.

1.3 Religious Studies

We have appointed a Religious Studies

Curriculum Advisor to support our Director of Teaching and Learning and to assist us with the continuous development and refinement of our religious studies curriculum and modules. This year, we added new units to our curriculum, including a unit dedicated to women in the Bible, while other units have been updated, such as ‘World Religions’.

The Wollaston Certificate for Anglican Leaders is an introductory certificate in theology and was developed by the Wollaston Theological College in association with the ASC.

The Western Australian Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority has approved our application to recognise the Years 11–12 course as an endorsed program. That means that students who complete the course will receive a C grade on their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

Pastoral Care Programs: Building Belonging

The Positive Pastoral Care Program at St George’s Anglican Grammar School sees Houses allocated dedicated time for activities such as a sausage sizzle in Kings Park, team games, and participation in the CBD ‘Amazing Race’.

The activities foster new friendships and deepen existing connections, while building a heightened sense of belonging and renewed House spirit and unity.

1.4 Service Learning

The ASC remains committed to supporting All Saints Anglican School in Samoa and providing meaningful service-learning experiences for our students.

In 2022, an ASC delegation visited Samoa and New Zealand to meet with the Schools, Diocese and the Primate of New Zealand.

• After the decommissioning of their Beechboro campus at the end of 2022, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School donated surplus school furniture to Samoa, with the ASC Special Mission Fund covering the cost of shipping.

• Three service-learning trips for students are planned for Samoa in the second half of 2023.

Shining Bright Like Diamonds

Anglican Identity shone brightly in March at the sixth ASC Schools Week. Our Schools came together in worship for the Eucharist at St George’s Cathedral and performance at the Perth Concert Hall.

Schools Week is a celebration of Anglican Identity, as it is expressed through worship, music and performance. The theme this year was ‘Creation’ and celebrating everything that is good within it.

The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO spoke to students’ hearts and minds at the Eucharist, using the popular music of Rihanna to liken people to diamonds, shining brightly and full of potential to be beautiful and unique. Her words certainly rang true at the concert, where nearly 400 students and professionals came together to deliver a gloriously vibrant and diverse show.

2.1

Growth in Schools and Enrolments Over Time

Anglican Schools Commission opened

John Wollaston opened 235 students

2023: 1,205 students

Frederick Irwin opened 175 students 2023: 1,459 students

Peter Moyes opened 246 students 2023:1,688 students

Swan Valley opened 127 students 2023: 1,294 students

Esperance opened 9 students 2023: 209 students

ASC Language School acquired by ASC

St George’s acquired by ASC (2000)

200 students

2023: 494 students

St James’ opened 61 students 2023: 986 students

Frederick Irwin opened Halls Head campus 132 students 2023: 178 students

John Septimus Roe opened initial campus

John Septimus Roe opened Mirrabooka campus

199 students

2023: 1,688 students

Georgiana Molloy opened 128 students 2023: 1,133 students

Peter Carnley opened 146 students 2023: 1,211 students

Cathedral College acquired by ASC (2003) 34 students

2023:1,028 students

Cobram acquired by ASC (2000)

Trinity acquired by ASC (2002)

17 students

2023: 1,241 students

26 students

2023: 394 students

Peter Carnley opened Early Learning campus

All Saints Shepparton due to open 2024 St Mark’s opened 240 students 2023: 1,854 students