ASC NEWS ISSUE 71 | MARCH 2021
FEATURE SCHOOL
FEATURE SCHOOL
Swan Valley Anglican Community School | Firefighters are our heroes
John Wollaston Anglican Community School | The power of speech
From the Chief Executive Officer THE REVEREND PETER LAURENCE OAM Dear Colleagues WELCOME It is always a joy to welcome new students, teachers and support staff to the ASC family at the beginning of a new year. This year a couple of thousand new students commenced across our schools, with our system growing by over 500 new students to just under 15,000 enrolments. Another milestone for the ASC. Such growth reflects the high esteem in which our schools are held by their local communities as places of quality education, strong pastoral care and an absolute commitment to the best for every student. This was lived out through 2020 as Australia responded to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Whether students were in the classroom or learning from home, our schools responded quickly and appropriately to the learning and wellbeing needs of those in their care. ASC schools are places full of joy and curiosity; full of academic challenge and nurturing support; filled with opportunities to experience success and failure, to fall
Contents From the CEO 2 Swan Valley Anglican Community School
4
John Wollaston Anglican Community School
6
Cathedral College Wangaratta
8
St George’s Anglican Grammar School
9
St Mark’s Anglican Community School
10
Frederick Irwin Anglican School
11
ASC International 12 Staff Spotlight 13 John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School 14 Georgiana Molloy Anglican School
15
Trinity Anglican College
16
St James’ Anglican School
17
Peter Carnley Anglican Community School
18
Anglican Identity 19 Cover Image: Swan Valley Anglican Community School student holding up his ‘thank you’ drawing.
2
and to rise up. This term started with more uncertainty, as our schools in both WA and Victoria were plunged into lockdown (or a ‘circuit breaker’ as it was known in Victoria), just as we were starting up. These most recent events caused minimal disruption thanks to the timely and thorough efforts of teachers and support staff across our schools. Thank you. NEW PRINCIPAL In welcoming students and staff new to our schools this year, I extend a special welcome to Mrs Tina Campbell, who commenced in early March as Principal of St George’s Anglican Grammar School. Mrs Campbell has extensive experience in schools, both in Perth and the United Kingdom. Since 2008 she was Head of Boarding at St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School in Karrinyup. Prior to that, she was a Head of Department at Perth College. Mrs Campbell has also taught at Christ Church Grammar School and Servite College in Perth as well as in the UK. Her teaching areas are Humanities (especially History) and Physical Education. Mrs Campbell holds a Masters in International Educational Leadership, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Modern History, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Management and Leadership for Boarding. Mrs Campbell is married to Stuart and has two adult children - Ben (21) and Gemma (19). Ben is studying Physical Education teaching at Notre Dame University and Gemma is completing her second year of Commerce at Curtin University. I extend a warm welcome to Mrs Campbell as she joins the ASC community. NEW STAFFING STRUCTURE Since our founding in 1985, the ASC Office staff has grown somewhat organically, from one volunteer at the beginning to a team of 35 people in our Mt Claremont and ASCI city offices. A restructuring of operations came into effect in January, with responsibilities allocated across a series of Directors overseeing their teams. Joining the Chief Financial Officer (Mrs Irene Clarke) and me is Mr Mike Giles in the new position of Chief Operating Officer. Together we
ASC ORGANISATION
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Irene Clarke
Finance Team
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Michael Giles
DIRECTOR OF ANGLICAN IDENTITY The Reverend Patrick King
DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS Amanda Fritz
ASC ASC International Language School Team Team
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Aila Dann
DIRECTOR OF RISK AND COMPLIANCE Karen Potts
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES Kellie Opitz
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING Penelope Russell
Communications, Events and Marketing Team
DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY (ACTING) Shane Parnell
Human Resources Team
Compliance Team
Project Management and Administration Team
are responsible for carrying out the ASC’s mission and work in and through our schools. The diagram above will help illustrate the new ASC staff structure.
highlight will be our times of worship, which will be led by Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy in Perth and Bishop Clarence Bester in Wangaratta.
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER This edition comes to you as we approach or commence Holy Week. What a great way to conclude Term One. My heart gladdens when this happens, as it provides us the opportunity to journey with students day-by-day through Holy Week. Once again, we retell the stories which are central to our faith. From Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, to his betrayal and humiliation, death by crucifixion, triumphal resurrection and glorious ascension. This forms the base for not only what we believe but how we act and treat others.
The dates are: Western Australia – Monday 19 April at HBF Stadium, Mount Claremont New South Wales / Victoria – Friday 21 May at Cathedral College, Wangaratta
In the first Holy Week of 1st Century Palestine, Pontius Pilate asked the question “What is truth?” (John 18:38). This question is as relevant in 2021 as it was ‘way back then’. A core purpose of an ASC school is to enable students to learn by questioning, to excite curious minds and questioning hearts, that they may discover what is true and right as a foundation that sets them in good stead for a lifetime. It is timely to ask ourselves that same question: “What is truth?” CHRISTIAN PURPOSES DAYS Early next term our annual Christian Purposes Days will be held in both Perth and Wangaratta. Due to COVID-19, last year’s WA Christian Purposes Day was cancelled.
Separate details will be forwarded to you prior to the day. A COVID-SAFE EASTER Border arrangements and restrictions differ in each State and are subject to change should any COVID-19 cases be detected in the community. You are encouraged to consider the implications of interstate travel during these school holidays by checking and following State Government advice and ensuring you have the relevant permits where required. Protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Remember to regularly and thoroughly wash your hands, stay home when sick, cover coughs, wear masks as appropriate and maintain physical distance where possible. Have a holy and safe Easter. Every blessing.
We look forward to gathering as colleagues for this important day as together we focus on the spiritual and wellbeing aspects of our work and life. As well as exceptional keynote speakers again this year, a ASC News
3
SWAN VALLEY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
FIREFIGHTERS ARE OUR HEROES! A devastating bushfire which swept through the north-east of Perth in February, combined with a State shutdown due to COVID-19, provided an unusual start to the year for Swan Valley Anglican Community School (SVACS) students. Starting on February 1, the fast-moving bushfire originated in Wooroloo, 45 kilometres north-east of Perth in the Shire of Mundaring, and by the following day the bushfire emergency had spread to the Shires of Chittering and Northam, as well as the City of Swan. By 6 February, the bushfire had travelled 26km from its source and the School was in the middle of the red Emergency Alert Zone. For three days, the school community was on high alert, with many staff and students evacuated from their homes as the fire approached. As the school was already in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown, there were no people on site during the fire. Luckily, no SVACS families lost their homes, however, some larger land holdings were badly burned. The school campus was fortunately unscathed. The fire destroyed at least 86 houses and 2 fire trucks. No lives were lost, however, the effect on local wildlife, 4
stock and pets was devastating. The fire coincided with a five-day lockdown of the Perth metropolitan region that started at 6pm on 31 January, due to a case of COVID-19 outside of hotel quarantine. Many in the school community reached out to help others. Primary Teacher Sam was evacuated and sought refuge at his mother-in-law’s house. On hearing that fellow teacher Tam had also been evacuated, Sam invited Tam’s family and pets to join them. The evacuees were all provided with food and shelter for five days. They all soon realised how very blessed they were to have met each other at Swan Valley Anglican Community School and that they were able to support each other so well beyond the school gates. A wonderful example of Good Samaritans at work! When school finally reopened on Monday 8 February, our Primary School students wanted the firefighters in our fire stations and volunteer fire brigades to know how much we appreciate their wonderful work in keeping our communities safe. They decided to design and make the most beautiful, thoughtful thank-you cards to send to our amazing firefighters all around the South-West of our state. In total, around 650 handmade cards of appreciation were sent to 63 different stations and brigades.
Bunbury Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service posted on their Facebook page: Massive thank you to all the students at Swan Valley Anglican Community School who sent us these awesome pieces of art! You’ve made our day!! While we wish we were visiting your amazing part of WA under better circumstances, it was our pleasure to help out where we could. Parkerville Volunteer Bushfire Brigade sent the following message: The Parkerville Volunteer Bushfire Brigade recently received a package of pictures, drawn by students from your school. The Brigade would like to acknowledge this lovely gift. Please thank the students and teacher who organised this lovely gift, members really appreciate this type of thoughtfulness. Gingin Volunteer Fire & Rescue posted on their Facebook page: We received some absolutely beautiful drawings to thank us for helping at the Wooroloo fire from the students at Swan Valley Anglican Community School. We love them and they are hung on the fire station wall! Our thoughts and prayers remain with all those people who lost their homes and are now setting about rebuilding their lives. They have a long journey ahead of them.
I was really close to the fire. I live on Shady Hills View and the fire was only 900m away from my house. On Tuesday night, when the fire started, we packed our car full of our irreplaceable things. The fire was glowing like the sun. By that time, 55 houses had been burnt down. On Wednesday, we came back home because the fire had calmed down, but just in case it got worse again we kept our car all packed up. WE EVEN TOOK OUR DOGS. On Thursday morning, we had to evacuate again because the news reports said that Shady Hills View needed to evacuate. Mum decided we were going to leave again. Mum’s friend came to pick my sister and me up. Mum repacked the car because it was a bit messy. While mum was packing the car, a helicopter came over our house with a megaphone telling us to evacuate so Mum left as quickly as she could. WE THANK THE FIRE FIGHTERS FOR SAVING US AND OUR ESTATE. WE ARE SO LUCKY OUR HOUSE DIDN’T BURN DOWN! - Indigo, Year 4
ASC News
5
1.
THE POWER OF SPEECH Students with hearing loss are thriving at John Wollaston Anglican Community School thanks to the Telethon Speech and Hearing Outpost Support Program.
The School is one of just 12 schools in the Perth metropolitan area, and the only Anglican school, operating a Telethon Speech and Hearing Outpost (TSH) on the campus which allows students to be fully immersed in all aspects of school life. Located in the Learning Enrichment Centre, the Outpost supports students of all ages in individual and small group settings. There are currently six students with moderate to severe hearing loss who receive support through the Program. Principal Anne Ford said the School was fortunate to have a Telethon Speech and Hearing Outpost. “Our Teachers of the Deaf and Education Assistants play an important role in supporting students with hearing loss so they can thrive in a classroom setting,” Ms Ford said. “Students receive assistance from outpost staff based on their individual needs with support covering areas such as extra language, speech, listening, social and emotional development.” 6
JOHN WOLLASTON ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Students take an active part in school life with their peers and are only withdrawn from classes if necessary. Teacher of the Deaf, Kendra Buss said Outpost students were able to participate in the whole school program as well as receive specialist instruction from the TSH team. “Parents are very appreciative that their children can learn alongside their peers in a caring, inclusive environment, whilst receiving specialist support at school to help them reach their potential. TSH students enjoy the opportunity to engage with each other, with one student recently saying he felt part of a ‘tribe’,” she said. The School hold an annual TSH Power of Speech event which celebrates the development and achievements of TSH students in Years 1 to 6, exposing students to public speaking and helping them develop the high-level skills required to give a three-minute speech in front of more than 150 people. In 2020, Year 3 student Abeer Ghous, won the Category 2 Award for his speech, ‘Be Kind, Be Strong’. In front of family members, VIPs and TSH staff, Abeer engaged and impressed the audience and judges with his explanation of what it means to be kind, leaving the
audience with the quote: Kindness is contagious, let’s make it go viral. Abeer encourages more TSH students to get involved in the competition and said: “The Power of Speech is for everyone. I was nervous before the event but proud afterwards. I really enjoyed listening to the other speeches too.” A DREAM JOB FOR SKYE
John Wollaston Anglican Community School 2020 graduate, Skye McKennay is well on her way to her dream career as a qualified chef. 2.
3.
As part of the School’s (Vocational Education and Training (VET) program, Skye undertook a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and won a School Curriculum and Standards Authority VET Certificate of Excellence for Tourism, Hospitality and Events. But Skye said none of it would be possible without the support of the School’s Telethon Speech and Hearing Outpost. “The support I received over the years was absolutely phenomenal. If I ever needed help, no matter the time of day, someone would be available and ready to assist,” she said. “As a VET student, the collaborative effort between the TSH Outpost Program and my teachers was outstanding and really improved the way I learned as a student.
4.
“With an overwhelming amount of support from my VET Coordinator, Mrs Susan Leach and the TSH staff, I was able to confidently push myself to achieve many of my goals throughout my schooling career. One such goal led me to apply for an apprenticeship as a Chef and pursue my dream career,” Skye said. “My time at John Wollaston gave me many opportunities to showcase my skills and volunteer my time at community events which really helped me get my foot in the door.” 4
5. Images 1. Abeer Ghous reading with Teacher of the Deaf, Kendra Buss. 2. Education Assistant, Judith Coffey assisting Year 7 TSH student, Noah Barton. 3. Insert: 2020 graduate, Skye McKennay 4. Abeer Ghous at the 2020 TSH Power of Speech event. 5. ELC students with their loud socks
Skye is currently completing her Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Bentley TAFE and finishing her fulltime apprenticeship at the Pan Pacific Hotel. LET’S GET LOUD
Staff and students at John Wollaston Anglican Community School donned loud and crazy socks recently to raise more than $800 for Telethon Speech and Hearing (TSH). Principal Anne Ford said the day was an annual event during Hearing Awareness Week and supported TSH and the School’s Outpost. ASC News
7
CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA
A REAL GAME CHANGER A new Sports Academy at Cathedral College Wangaratta is being hailed as a game changer for regional students. The College launched the Cathedral College Wangaratta Sports Academy (CCWSA) this term in partnership with the Murray Bushrangers. There are currently 11 students enrolled in the program and while the majority are footballers, there are two talented cricketers involved this year with the possibility of expanding the program to include more sports in the future. Program Coordinator Dale Carmody said the Sports Academy aimed at developing young footballers in the region in partnership with the Murray Bushrangers. “The College already has strong ties with the ‘Bushies’, and together we are looking at developing a culture of excellence,” he said. We want to focus on the whole person, and concentrate on academic, personal and sporting development and performance through individualised programs.” Students within the College can apply for the program as well as interested students in the wider region. Students must be currently in the Murray Bushrangers 8
program. The Sports Academy is available to male and female students. Mr Carmody said students will complete a normal VCE sequence over Year 11 and 12 and have a specialised timetable that includes conditioning training, skill development, nutritional studies and wellbeing. “It is great that we can develop young people in the region without them having to relocate to Melbourne. They will have the best support available to them,” he said. Principal Nick Jones said the College was excited to be able to offer such a wonderful opportunity to regional students. “These academies are often only available to students in cities or larger regional towns. To have something like this available in Wangaratta and be able to offer these students a Cathedral Education while developing their craft is very exciting,” Mr Jones said.
ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL
SMASHING BOUNDARIES Quiet but determined, St George’s Anglican Grammar School student Sienna Ryan has challenged tradition to become a top emerging talent in the growing sport of women’s cricket. After outgrowing tee ball, Sienna decided to give cricket a go, and was recently selected for the Western Australian U19 women’s team and the Australian U15 Women’s Cricket Squad. With the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup win, cricket is one of the fastest growing sports for girls and women in Australia, with registrations exploding from 47,831 to 76,413 over the last four years. In 2019, Sienna became an inaugural member of the Western Australian Cricket Association’s (WACA) new Female Winter Academy, which provides top emerging female cricket players within Western Australia the chance to train alongside the Western Fury and Perth Scorchers. The greatest challenge for students such as Sienna, is balancing the demands of school life with sporting commitments. Sienna gives a deeper insight into how cricket and school work can be managed successfully. What do you enjoy most about playing cricket? For me, cricket is a positive environment, and the people are all very friendly and like another family within my life. I also enjoy the training! Describe your highest/greatest achievement? I was recently selected as part of the Australian U15 Women’s Cricket Squad. Unfortunately, due to
COVID-19 we will not be playing much this year, but it was exciting to be selected. What are your weekly commitments for cricket? I train four or five times each week. Club training is two hours per session and WACA Academy training is about three hours per session. How does St George’s support your cricket life? St George’s has provided me with a wide range of support, especially in allowing me to have extra study periods within my school-based timetable so that I can catch up on all my school work and perform well both academically and on the cricket field. How does playing cricket make you a better student? Playing cricket helps me understand the importance of teamwork and has built my resilience in coping with disappointments. It has also increased my confidence and communication skills as I have needed to interact with people of all ages. What is your future aspiration? My dream is to graduate school achieving to my potential and to play for the Perth Scorchers. I believe that one can aspire to do both. Who is your favourite sporting hero? Sophie Devine, a member of the New Zealand Cricket and Hockey Teams. Sophie is a world champion and is also known as a great communicator and this has helped her achieve her goals. She plays with passion, commitment, fairness and always looks like she is having fun. She is an inspirational hero having become the first player, male or female, to score six consecutive T20 scores of over fifty. ASC News
9
ST MARK’S ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
OUTDOOR EDUCATION A WINNER St Mark’s Anglican Community School’s Outdoor Education program has been recognised for its innovation and outstanding contribution in the Western Australian Outdoor Recreation Awards, taking out top spot in the category of Innovative Program Award.
Dr Picknoll said that the School’s Outdoor Education program stood out in a number of ways, with the development of cross-curricular learning opportunities being a key factor in its success in the Awards.
Examples of cross-curricular activities in the St Mark’s Outdoor Education program include: • Year 9 students constructing their own wooden canoes/kayaks building on knowledge developed in Design & Technology lessons. • Working with the Home Economics Department to develop recipes and food preparation suited to challenges presented during the Outdoor Adventure Expeditions, such as dehydrating food. • Creating augmented reality sandboxes to assist student understanding of terrain, by transforming 2D maps to 3D terrain modelling. In the Year 9 and 10 programs, Science-based learning, such as biotic sampling, is also included in the expeditions. • Humanities and Social Sciences links sees intercultural learning embedded in the program, with Indigenous guest speakers joining students on the Year 10 expedition to talk about the connection to land, management of natural resources and identifying bush tucker. • The Year 9 students have built wooden picnic tables as part of the community component of the course, which are now used by all students around the School’s campus.
“To date, not many schools are integrating Outdoor Education with other learning areas, but the St Mark’s approach is one of the best ways to meet the
The School’s Outdoor Education program is delivered to all students from Years 6 to 10 and is also available as a WACE General course for students in Years 11 and 12.
The award is aimed at recognising organisations that demonstrate a high level of innovation in program design, participant involvement or subject matter. St Mark’s was also a finalist in the Outstanding Contribution to Outdoor Learning category of the same awards. This category focuses on the efforts and contribution of an individual or organisation to the advancement of Outdoor Education, demonstrating a significant impact on students, participants and/or peers. St Mark’s Head of Outdoor Education, Nick Irwin, was also nominated in the category of Outstanding Outdoor Education Practitioner. The School’s program was nominated by Dr Duncan Picknoll, the senior lecturer and coordinator of the Bachelor of Outdoor Education program at the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle.
10
criteria for the subject, as outlined by the Australian Curriculum,” Dr Picknoll said.
FREDERICK IRWIN ANGLICAN SCHOOL
From students to teachers: Above - Ms Kara McShane, Ms Molly Cave, Ms Sophie Jones, Mrs Catherine Rayner, Meadow Springs Primary Campus. Right - Mrs Bianca Baker and Mrs Sky Kettle, Halls Head Primary Campus
30 YEARS OF FREDERICK IRWIN Frederick Irwin Anglican School celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year, with many activities taking place to acknowledge this significant milestone.
Currently, the school has 23 teaching and administration staff who are former students, including some from the original group in 1991.
Principal Kerry Robertson highlighted the importance of the anniversary.
One unique family, the Carmodys, made up of Israel, Nathaniel and Holly, are all siblings and former students working at the School. This year 2020 graduate Noah, and son of Israel, joined the team as the School’s Sports Trainee.
“Frederick Irwin continues to grow, and the strength of the School community is clear as it celebrates 30 years in the Peel region,” she said. Although COVID-19 has postponed some events such as their 30 Year Fete, Frederick Irwin is still going ahead with a range of activities, including the 30-Year Videos, which showcases former students and staff members and their memories of the School. The stories can be found on the website and provide a wonderful journey back in time. The School also recently finalised a 30 Year drone video/photograph using the Years 7-12 students. There are also virtual and physical time capsules being finalised, including video messages from current Prefects and plans for the physical capsule to be dug up when the School turns 50. Ms Robertson said one aspect of Frederick Irwin’s history of which the School was particularly proud, is that former students return to teach at the school, often bringing their own children to begin their journey as students.
When speaking with various staff members, they return because the school continues to support the concept of a community and family, and they want to continue this experience for students that they once had. Year 5 teacher Jessica Walmsley returned to the School to teach after graduating in 2012. “I wanted to return as a teacher because of the strong sense of community and belonging,” she said. This feeling is replicated by many of the staff who are at the School. “When you walk around the School, there is a strong sense of connectedness, of community and it is something that we have worked hard to develop over the years,” Ms Robertson said. “Frederick Irwin will continue to celebrate this milestone during 2021 and looks forward to another wonderful 30 years.” ASC News 11
A S C
INTERNATIONAL
ASC INTERNATIONAL
Par t of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME With a passion for mentoring young people and making international friendships, hosting an international student was an easy choice for Lisa Sampson.
The warm and caring hospitality of the Sampson family left a lasting impression on Shinn, who fell in love with Western Australia.
While Lisa’s daughter was studying Japanese at university, she decided to sign up as an ASC International (ASCI) homestay host and in 2020 the family welcomed Shinnosuke Nakai, a Year 10 student from Japan.
Before leaving Perth last December, Shinn asked to be a lifelong student ambassador for ASC International. As a student ambassador, Shinn is keen to return to Australia and share more about the Aussie lifestyle with his entire family and hundreds of school mates, who eagerly followed his adventures on social media.
Lisa said their experience hosting Shinn was a highly positive one for all the family. “It was lots of fun sharing stories and experiences and a chance to learn and teach the English language,” she said. “Shinn was a very studious and polite boy who helped with household chores such as emptying the dishwasher and folding the laundry daily. I really appreciated this about him. He fit in perfectly with the family and it was a great experience for the whole family to make connections and help shape a young person’s life. “Shinn also gave us many insights into his way of life and we really loved showing him how beautiful and great Western Australia is. It gave us an excuse to get out and do more things together as a family. The additional income was also handy.” 12
ASCI Director of International Programs Amanda Fritz said living with a local Australian family provided a wonderful immersive learning experience for students and hosts, with many lifelong friendships being formed. “The benefit of managing our own homestay program in ASCI means we work together as a team with our host families and schools to ensure students feel welcome and supported,” Mrs Fritz said. “There are many options for hosting, including shortterm programs, starting from two weeks, as well as hosting opportunities in regional locations.” If you are interested in becoming an ASCI host family, please contact ASCI Accommodation Coordinator Lia Simmonds on homestay@asci.edu.au
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
introducing. .
Nathan Abbott
Jacinta Robbins
Sheena Richardson
Teacher | Head of Boarding
Foundation Teacher | F-2 Year Level Co-ordinator
Café Manager
Esperance Anglican Community School During my high school years I had no idea of what I wanted to do after school, but I knew I loved playing with all areas of technology, especially pulling things apart – much to the annoyance of my mum. After year 12, I completed a Certificate 3 and 4 and Diploma in Information Technology and began working as a ICT Officer at Canning Vale College. I loved the interactions with staff and helping them to trouble shoot all areas of IT within the school as well as training staff. It was here that I realised that I would enjoy working within the school setting as a teacher. In 2012, my wife and I along with our young children returned to Esperance, her hometown. I was lucky enough that Esperance Anglican Community School was looking for an IT and Networking Consultant, I applied and won the position. In 2016, my wife Amanda, also a teacher at EACS and I took on the role of Boarding House supervisors, we moved on site and now manage the boarding staff and students. When I’m not working, I love to ride dirt bikes around the amazing dune systems in Esperance and have recently taken up surfing. We enjoy the pristine coastline in and around our local area, fishing, surfing and swimming in what I think are some of the world’s best beaches.
Cobram Anglican Grammar School When people ask me why I love my job, it is because our school community feels like family. I work, teach and interact with very caring, respectful, kind and amazing people every day which doesn’t make work feel like a job. Not only am I lucky enough to work with great people and teach terrific students, but my three children, who also attend Cobram Anglican Grammar School, are able to relish the wonderful opportunities that are available to them at an ASC school. I have been a teacher at Cobram Anglican Grammar School, for nine years now, in between some Maternity Leave. I grew up in Shepparton and when I am not at work, I love spending time with my family, watching the Richmond Tigers and exercising.
Peter Moyes Anglican Community School I have been the Waves Café Manager at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School for 20 years. In this time, I have seen the School grow significantly from only a few hundred students and staff to over 1400. I also have two grown up children who both attended the School when they were younger. The Waves Café provides students and staff with delicious and nutritious foods throughout the year. We focus on incorporating lots of fresh and wholesome ingredients into our menu, with nearly everything prepared on site in our modern, industrial kitchen. We provide catering for School events, such as Valedictory, and external events including Synod. We have also prepared lunches for other nearby schools. The Café team goes above and beyond to provide a quality service.
I currently teach Foundation and this year have taken on a new role as the Year Level Co-ordinator for F-2 which has been wonderful to be able to engage and support students and parents from across these three streams in our school.
I am a Chef by trade, receiving my qualification through the British Women’s Royal Air Force. Prior to my time at PMACS I was the Head Chef at Club Capricorn and preceding this worked at AQWA as their Food and Beverage Manager.
I remind my students often, “Life is better when you’re laughing” which is one of my favourite quotes and is even more appropriate after the turbulent year we all experienced in 2020.
I have enjoyed working at PMACS over the past 20 years and am very proud of the great Café we have established within the PMACS village.
ASC News 13
JOHN SEPTIMUS ROE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
NO PLANET B: STUDENTS DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY A passion for sustainability by a Year 10 student at John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (JSRACS) is the driving force behind changes at the School in 2021. In an effort to make positive change in the School, Year 10 student Falak, with the support of fellow student Maddison, put forward a proposal to Principal Jason Bartell for dedicated rubbish bins around the School that separated general waste and recycling. Falak provided solutions that were tailor-made for JSRACS, which would be both cost effective to implement and beneficial to the community. “I am passionate about sustainability and wanted to make a difference at JSR and knew if I could meet with Mr Bartell, I could show him that it would be easy to start making a change,” Falak said. The student proposal specifically targeted rubbish distribution and just how much rubbish consistently went to waste. As a result of their proposal, JSRACS now has separate, brightly coloured recycling bins, to ensure they are easily identifiable by students. Falak and Maddision also designed a poster and made videos to be shown in both the Primary and High School assemblies, drawing attention to the necessity of undertaking more sustainable practices. 14
The recycling bins encouraged more students to become educated on sustainability practices as well as encouraging students to think twice before throwing rubbish into the bin. “We were so happy to see our ideas come into action, and people actually starting to think about the issue themselves,” Falak said. Principal Jason Bartell said the two students increased sustainability practices at the School and highlighted ways that students could lead change in the community. “They act as role models, encouraging other students to believe in their ability to change the world around them, sparking positive, proactive change. These positive changes hopefully find their way beyond the school, into homes now and in the future,” he said. “No matter how small, all students can make changes that act as a catalyst for the wider community, and we are proud that these students have turned their learning into action. “From early learning to senior school, we ensure our students are empowered to believe in the value and impact they have in their community.”
ANSWERING THE CALL After recognising the call to ministry in 2014, Georgiana Molloy Anglican School (GMAS) Christian and Religious Studies teacher Justine Richmond began the journey towards ordination. After much hard work and study, Reverend Justine Richmond was ordained at St Boniface Cathedral in Bunbury on 6 March 2021. In an introduction to the ASC community, ASC News shares an interview with Reverend Justine which showcases her amazing passion for life and helping others. Tell us about your career. After graduating university, I worked for the Commonwealth Bank. One of my jobs in the Bank was to do promotional panels for job vacancies and helping young people find a position that suited their skills and gifts. My family ran a commercial laundry in Busselton for 15 years, it was during this time that our connections with GMAS began. Our children started at GMAS on the day the school opened in 2003. I began teaching Italian at GMAS in 2006. Ten years later I took on the role of Christian and Religious Studies Teacher, having begun to study a Graduate Diploma in Chaplaincy in 2014. It was at this point that I began to discern the call to ordained ministry. I was ordained a deacon in November 2019. What are your fondest moments at GMAS? I love my interactions with the students and staff. I teach so many students there are very few that leave
GEORGIANA MOLLOY ANGLICAN SCHOOL
this school in Year 12 whom I have not taught. The pastoral nature of my job and being able to share the highs and lows of life with the students is a huge privilege. One of the things that brings me great joy working in the secondary school is talking to kids about their passions and helping them find the right pathway. What is a typical day like for you? I wake early and prepare for my day in a very mindful and prayerful way. My school days are full, with teaching, organising things for chapel, meeting with students or staff. After school, I sometimes have meetings, otherwise I will prepare for the next day or do some study. My evenings are less eventful, cooking and sharing an evening meal with the family, and I tend to fall asleep quite early. The church has a custom of saying daily offices, and I say prayers at the end of the day, as well as at the beginning. What role do you play in your community? I have been a Board member of Saint Mary’s Community Care for 15 years, and very involved in a local children’s charity called BUZ, which runs social and emotional well-being programs in schools. I am also involved with the GMAS Sustainability Committee and our diocesan Sustainable Living Working Party. I am passionate about caring for God’s creation and simple living. “If I start the day calmly and with God, it sustains me for the day ahead. I am always amazed at what I can achieve if I put myself in that space every morning.” - Justine Richmond ASC News 15
TRINITY ANGLICAN COLLEGE
REGIONAL SUMMIT SUCCESS Trinity Anglican College hosted the Anglican Schools Commission’s first Regional Education Summit last month, with staff from Trinity, Cathedral College Wangaratta and Cobram Anglican Grammar School in attendance. Trinity Anglican College Principal Justin Beckett said the summit was organised at the Albury-based College to allow all staff from the three eastern regional schools to attend a full day conference. “Regional schools face added expense to send large numbers of staff to capital city conferences in Sydney and Melbourne, so we designed and organised our own conference for staff close to home,” Mr Beckett said. More than 280 staff from the NSW and Victorian ASC schools gathered to hear two keynote speakers and take part in a variety of breakout sessions.
16
Mr Beckett said exposure to professional learning was important for regional staff and regional education outcomes. “It’s an important time to be involved in regional education. There is clear evidence that students who come from rural or regional areas are often disadvantaged compared to their metropolitan counterparts,” he said. “These challenges were exacerbated for students in border communities in 2020, with months of border closures, border permits, learning at home and hybrid teaching models.
Two keynote speakers addressed the summit, with Glen Gerreyn sharing his message of hope in ‘Wellbeing at Work’, while Michael Griffin talked on ‘Mindset: The Elephant in the Classroom’.
“The encouraging news is that good schools and good teachers can make a compelling difference for students in regional areas. The Regional Education Summit brought quality educators and support staff together to learn from each other and continue to provide great outcomes for our regional students.”
Staff were able to attend a broad range of breakout sessions with the keynote speakers and staff from the three schools.
Mr Beckett said the New South Wales and Victorian ASC schools hoped to replicate the Regional Education Summit each year.
ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2021 - ESTABLISHING YEAR 12 TRADITIONS When St James’ Anglican School was established in 2015, they were always looking forward to the year when their first cohort of Year 12s would walk through the gates. This is the year. The Class of 2021 are 23 close knit students, who are now creating the traditions of the future. Being the foundation Year 12s, they are enjoying many firsts, including electing their School Captains, donning their leavers’ jackets, creating their very own Leavers’ Hub and attending the Year 12 rite of passage, their School Ball. School Principal, Mr Adrian Pree, chose to acknowledge the 12s as the student leaders of the School, and provide them with an opportunity to step up. He offered them the privilege of leaving the school grounds at lunchtime to visit the local shopping centre. While less than a minute’s walk across the road, the level of trust was vast. Mr Pree introduced the 12s to the local shopkeepers, setting clear expectations of their behaviour and the students have respected and honoured the trust placed in them.
A key part of the Year 12 program has been a focus on transition to life beyond school. In Term 1 the students have had the opportunity to meet individuality with ASC Chair and educational expert, Mrs Lynne Thomson. Under the tutelage of Mrs Thomson, who has a wealth of experience in facilitating students through their options and pathways, the students have been setting goals and planning for their futures. Mr Pree said, “The students are very fortunate to have one of the foremost educators in Western Australia share her wisdom with them, at such a crucial time of their decision-making for their career pathways”. As the year progresses the Year 12 program will continue to evolve with fresh experiences and new milestones for the Class of 2021.
Their mature approach has extended to the leadership of the school, as they build connections across the younger years. This term the Year 12s hosted a sausage sizzle lunch for the Year 7s in their Leavers Hub. This was aimed at breaking down barriers while creating an inspiring vision of what it means to be a ‘big kid’ at St James. ASC News 17
PETER CARNLEY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
PIVOTAL POINT IN THE JOURNEY Developing the foundations for leadership and independence is an important outcome for students at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School’s Year 5 camp. Head of Junior School Shirley Steel, said the camp was a starting point to prepare students with the skills needed in the senior school. “The adventure camp is a key part of the Year 5 journey and for many students this age, a couple of nights away from home is a new experience within itself. This can create a variety of different emotions for students, including over-excitement, nervousness and sometimes homesickness,” Mrs Steel said. “Year 5 is often a year when children grow in maturity, sometimes more so than in their final year of Junior School. They gain greater independence and confidence from being given more responsibility for their own learning in and out of the classroom. It is also about encouraging independence in preparation for bigger things to come.” The Camp is designed around skills and activities which encourage communication and trust, support, teamwork and self-esteem. The program is designed so that every student meets an unfamiliar or new challenge over the three-day period. 18
From kayaking, raft building and skiing on the Waroona Dam to Abseiling and exploring the natural bush on an incentive hike, the Camp offers a variety of physical and mental challenges that push students outside their comfort zones. Director of Upper Junior - Events and Leadership James Morris said the School recognised the importance of the Year 5 Camp for both students and their families in developing the foundations of basic leadership skills and independence. “The experience not only accelerates this development but encourages students to apply new skills in unfamiliar surroundings,” Mr Morris said.
ANGLICAN IDENTITY
Dear Friends, Easter 2021 will be very different from last year. Churches will be open, and we will be able to gather for worship on the Church’s holiest day as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This Easter, we will be able to celebrate and feast with family and friends together, and not separated by the lockdown we were all part of in 2020; and our children will once again enjoy the thrill of an Easter egg hunt. This Easter, we will be free to travel and holiday locally during the term break. Easter reminds us of the core message and promise of the Paschal season – that better days always await us. Even as we find ourselves on the threshold of the unprecedented and still unfolding ‘new normal’, we can walk on with hope and with confidence in Jesus’ victory over death and evil. I wish you and your family a holy and joy-filled Easter, and a safe and refreshing term break. The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO Archbishop of Perth
Easter messages
Easter is the most important Christian festival. It is Mission Accomplished. Christians believe Jesus Christ is part of the trinitarian God, who came to live as one of us, was put to death on Good Friday and was restored to life, literally resurrected, on Easter Sunday morning. This unique event convinced his followers then and countless millions of people since that Jesus Christ is who he claimed to be: the Son of God. It means what he said and did, recorded especially in the four gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, carry extraordinary significance. It demonstrates the extent of God’s love for all of us. It means we can still encounter the risen Christ, as St Paul famously did. It enables anyone, who so wishes, to experience God’s grace and it provides warrant for a quality of hope and of joy, sometimes in the face of overwhelming odds, that is unsurpassable. The Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts Bishop of Bunbury
In an historical context, as for many, but definitely in my lifetime, I have never experienced an Easter the way we did in 2020. I recall the sadness around the Holy week services and how many felt helpless and alone, not being able to celebrate these holy mysteries at this most holy time. Yet it was during this time last year when we began to realise the gifts we have in time, purpose and event and how we should treasure the moments of being able to meet, to gather and to engage in a personal way. Not being able to make a ‘big fuss’ over the events of Easter in the way that we normally do it, reminds us of the events of Easter as it happened so many years ago. There was the cross and the empty tomb signifying death and life, sadness and hope. For some the cross was foolishness and the empty tomb probably made no sense. For us it is the fact that death and sadness can bring about life and hope, which is so much needed in our world today. May Easter 2021 bring new life and hope in the midst of sadness, pain and even uncertainty and may we all know the transforming power of God as we are filled with the love of God and love for each other. Every blessing, The Right Reverend Clarence E. Bester Bishop of Wangaratta
ASC News 19
The Anglican Schools Commission Inc. PO Box 2520 Mt Claremont WA 6010 P (08) 9286 0290 F (08) 9384 5023 E info@ascschools.edu.au W www.ascschools.edu.au