ASC NEWS ISSUE 70 | DECEMBER 2020
FEATURE SCHOOL
FEATURE SCHOOL
St James’ Anglican School Trading Places
Peter Moyes Anglican Community School | 20 Years and Counting
From the Chief Executive Officer THE REVEREND PETER LAURENCE OAM Dear Colleagues OH WHAT A YEAR! Christmas comes but once a year as the saying goes. My goodness, what a year it has been. From catastrophic bushfires to a devastating and world-changing pandemic. Civil unrest and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, civil disobedience and demonstrations in some of our capital cities over alleged human rights issues such as ‘lockdowns’ and ‘mask wearing’… and the USA election to end all elections, unquestionably the most divisive in recent history, in a sadly divided and COVID-19 riddled country. 2020 will be remembered for decades to come, for all the wrong reasons. Amidst this, whether you are in one of our WA schools which to date have been relatively unscathed from the global pandemic, or our three eastern states schools
Contents From the CEO 2 Mr Philip Goldsworthy | The Next Chapter
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St James’ Anglican School
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Peter Moyes Anglican Community School
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St George’s Anglican Grammar School
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Swan Valley Anglican Community School
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Cathedral College Wangaratta
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John Wollaston Anglican Community School
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Esperance Anglican Community School
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Frederick Irwin Anglican School
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ASC Language School
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Staff Spotlight 17 John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School 18 Cobram Anglican Grammar School
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Trinity Anglican College
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St Mark’s Anglican Community School
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Eighth ASC Piano Competition
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Anglican Identity 23 Cover Image: St James’ Anglican School students in the new Trade Centre 2
who have lived with the ramifications of COVID-19 in one way or another for most of this year, our schools have remained strong. I think of Cathedral College Wangaratta and Cobram Anglican Grammar School, who have spent a over half of the 2020 academic year in ‘home learning’. Who could ever have dreamt of such a situation only 12 months ago? The certainty through this uncertain year has been our teachers and support staff, Principals and leadership teams. In times of crisis, good people shine. ASC schools are communities made up of great people, and it is because of your commitment to the students in your care this year more than ever, that we have provided our families with a high quality, inclusive, caring Christian education every day through the COVID-19 pandemic. That is the ASC’s Core Purpose and is why we exist. You didn‘t miss a beat! So as the end of the school year is upon us and Christmas approaches, I want to thank each staff member across our schools, together with the team in the ASC Office who support our schools year-in yearout. You may not be able to venture far this Christmas. You may be separated by distance and closed borders, with Zoom being your only connection with family and friends in other parts of our nation or world. Yet as you spend time with those you love, it is good and right to look back with thankful hearts and the satisfaction of a job well done in this extraordinary (dare I say ‘unprecedented’) year that was 2020. The Christ-child was born into our world to bring hope to those without it, peace where it did not exist, love where hatred dwelt, comfort to those uncertain, and life and light. Each of us is called to live our life in ways that exude these things. That is the great promise and challenge of Christmas. That is the great promise Jesus brings and the challenge before us this Christmas. May God bless all in our school communities this Christmas season. We look forward to 2021 with hope for our state, nation and world. I thank our three Diocesans for sharing their Christmas message with us in this edition of ASC News.
ASC STALWARTS RETIRE At the end of this year, Mr EW (Bill) Hatton retires from the ASC Board after serving as a Director since 2006. But Bill’s association with the ASC goes back decades. In 1989, Bill was appointed as a Foundation Member of the Frederick Irwin Anglican School (FIAS) Council, which first met in October 1989. He remained a member until March 1999. Bill was Chair of School Council from 1993 to 1997, and Chair of their Building and Grounds Committee in 1991 and 1992. From ‘governor’ to ‘employee’, Bill left the School Council to take on the position of Bursar/Business Manager of FIAS mid-1999, a role he held until mid2006 when he retired for the first time! On retirement from FIAS, Bill immediately joined the ASC Board and has served faithfully on the Board and our Finance and Audit Committee ever since. Recently he joined our Capital Development Committee. 15 years of driving from your home in Mandurah to our Mt Claremont offices…that alone is a sign of your passion for the mission and work of our schools. 31 years of extraordinary service to the ASC. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Bill Hatton for your tireless commitment to FIAS and to all in the ASC family. MR PHILIP GOLDSWORTHY (Director Mission and Planning) Mr Philip Goldsworthy leaves us after over 10 years of dedicated service. Philip joined the ASC as our Director Policy and Planning and then had a ‘title change’ along the way. His role since 2010 has changed in lots of way, yet it is much the same in many others. A move over the years best described as “less policy” matters and more focus on our Anglican mission and purpose. As part of that change, Philip took on the role of ‘Executive Officer’ of the Western Australian Anglican Schools Association. At some stage over the years, Philip has convened committees, been a member of councils, supervised staff, organised religious studies curriculum and resources, planned events, explored new school opportunities, overseen the publication of ASC News… the list is as long as it is varied. He is a member of the Perth Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, General Synod, the St George’s Cathedral Chapter and is an Examining Chaplain.
L-R: Mr Philip Goldsworthy, The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO Archbishop of Perth and The Most Reverend Dr Peter Carnley AC
Unquestionably, Philip always held the ASC’s mission and purpose at the heart of his ministry and work. He will be deeply missed by all of us around the office and the system, although we will see him and Deb around the Diocese and beyond as they continue to exercise their ministry gifts. 2021 STAFF CHANGES AT THE ASC As the year closes, I have much exciting news to announce about changes to staffing in the ASC office. Joining our team in the office are a number of new people filling new or restructured positions: Mr Mike Giles joins our team in the newly created senior role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mike is a highly esteemed WA educator, coming to the ASC from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School (BCGS), where for the past 9 years he has been Principal. Prior to BCGS, Mike served as Deputy Head of Great Southern Grammar in Albany and also taught at Hale School for some 19 years. The COO is responsible to the CEO for ‘operationalising’ the ASC’s strategy, especially as it is articulated in the Strategic Plan. This involves oversight of the daily operations of the ASC to ensure they are aligned with our Vision, Core Purpose, Core Values and Strategy. Mike writes: “My passion is learning and, in particular, the conditions under which young people thrive in a Christian learning environment. The position of Chief Operating Officer at the ASC will be an opportunity to apply this passion within a thriving organisation.” Mike is an active communicant Anglican. Mike is married to Judy who is a nurse working in emergency and high dependency wards. They have two adult children – Natasha (an architect in
ASC News
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From the Chief Executive Officer THE REVEREND PETER LAURENCE OAM
Cont’d
Melbourne) and Henry (a final year Engineering student at Curtin University). Mike and Judy look forward to returning to their home in Fremantle after 9 wonderful years in Bunbury. To ‘recreate’, Mike loves music and the arts, playing the bagpipes in his spare time. He played basketball to a high level and continues to coach a team. His hobby is woodworking, and both Mike and Judy enjoy bush camping. I look forward to welcoming Mike as our new COO midJanuary. The Reverend Patrick King joins our staff in a parttime capacity next year in another new position of Director of Anglican Identity. He will continue to serve as Rector of the Parish of Fremantle. The Director of Anglican Identity will work closely with the CEO to further develop the ASC’s strategy for mission and ministry in our schools, driving our Vision and Core Values in and through our schools. Fr Patrick is well known in the ASC, as a current Board Director, New Schools Committee member and also presenter at a number of our professional learning days over recent years. He will step down from the Board at the end of this year. Prior to his current position in Fremantle, Fr Patrick was the Diocese of Perth’s Vocations Officer. Mr Shane Parnell commenced earlier this term as our Acting Director of Technology. Prior to secondment to the ASC Office, Shane was Head of IT and Operations at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School (PCACS). This is a 0.6FTE position. Shane will continue to serve 0.4FTE at PCACS. Shane is highly regarded across the system, bringing a unique combination of strong IT skills with school management experience. Those who have worked with Shane speak of his warm, friendly personable manner. 4
Mrs Penelope Russell starts 2021 in a new role as Director of Teaching and Learning. Many of you will know Penelope, who works in our office as Curriculum Adviser (Religious Studies). From January, her new role will involve providing leadership to and supporting our schools in their provision of Religious Studies, providing pedagogical leadership of Teaching and Learning and supporting our schools in their preparation of students for Senior Study and ATAR Examinations. Prior to joining the ASC staff, Penelope worked at Presbyterian Ladies College in Sydney. NEW ASC WEBSITE Last month we launched a new Website. Many months in the making, it is a vast improvement on the one that had served us for many years. The site is a source of information for all in our community. I urge you to become familiar with it over this holiday period. A very big thank you to our Communications staff – Aila Dann, Sandra Herd and Grant Hicks who worked with a website development firm. Also, if you haven’t ‘Liked’ the ASC on Facebook or Twitter please do so, as we use such social media to keep you informed of goings on across the system. Enjoy this rich edition of ASC News. Christmas blessings.
THE NEXT CHAPTER In 2010 Philip Goldsworthy made the trek to Perth to take a job with the Anglican Schools Commission as the Director, Policy and Planning, never dreaming the opportunity would last for more than 10 years. It was a natural move for the career educator who had worked as an English, Geography and History teacher in both government and faith-inspired schools, before becoming the foundation Principal of Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College in Newcastle. Philip had been a Principal for 11 years when he fractured his neck and back in an accident. After a long recovery, he began to think about a career change, and he and wife Deb made the move to WA. “I became a teacher because of the inspiring teachers I had as a student at Ballarat Grammar,” Philip said. “The ASC role was an exciting opportunity to continue to work in Anglican education and encounter new challenges.”
Philip describes himself as a ‘cradle Anglican’, and says it was natural for him to work in a faith-inspired school. “Part of my role is organising opportunities to bring people together in our Anglican identity, and to provide a platform to learn and share the story with students and staff,” he said. Philip has relished the opportunities to work with staff and students, organising professional development and student leader days, as well as key ASC events such as Christian Purposes Day and the biennial Combined Schools Concert. After more than 10 years of dedicated service, Philip retires from the ASC this month, although he will continue as the Chair of the School Council at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School (PCACS), helping drive the direction of the school, along with the new School Chapel project.
As the ASC grew, Philip’s role has evolved to focus more on the ASC’s Anglican mission and purpose, and he became the ASC’s Director, Mission and Planning. He also serves as the Executive Officer to WAASA, the WA Anglican Schools Association, bringing together all WA Anglican schools.
“I’m looking forward to the ability to safely travel and being able to relax a bit, spend time with Deb and not be as bound by office hours, while still continuing involvement with PCACS,” Philip said.
ASC Chief Executive Officer The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM said Philip’s work in his 10 years at the ASC was broad and varied.
“I’ve really enjoyed the camaraderie and working environment and although I’m retiring, I’m unlikely to leave it all behind. I’ll still be interested.” ASC News
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ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN SCHOOL
TRADING PLACES When the first cohort of Year 12 students at St James’ Anglican School starts Term 1 next year, they will have more choices than ever before.
Students enter through the ‘Corridor of Creation’, with designs throughout the building devised to inspire and facilitate the aspirations of students.
This year, the School completed another exciting project, with the building of the new Trade Centre.
Along with an outdoor classroom and café, the Centre encompasses Design and Technology, Information Technology, Metalwork, Food Technology, Motorsport, Photography and Art. Learning spaces include a large commercial kitchen with a café servery and a twostorey Metalwork area with mezzanine.
Principal Adrian Pree said the School was growing rapidly, with a continual build of new facilities necessary to keep pace with growing student numbers. “The build of the Trade Centre will be the School’s seventh build in six years,” Mr Pree said. “The constant growth in student numbers accelerated the need to build the Trade Centre which is part of our vision to create opportunities and learning for students who choose a trade pathway.” With enrolment numbers predicted to reach over 800 in 2021, the Trade Centre will provide an additional six classrooms/learning spaces. Students took ownership of their new surroundings at the beginning of Term 4 and were instantly impressed. 6
The Metalwork area contains a fabrication room which utilises oxy-acetylene torches and MIG and Stick welders. This allows students to complete fabrication and welding activities. There are also two centre lathes to shape metal and a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Plasma Cutter, to cut metal up to 16mm thick with speed and accuracy. The start of an after-school Motorsport Club has created a great deal of excitement at St James’. The School purchased old motorbikes and go-karts for students to repair and restore. The monorail crane is a welcome addition for Motorsport students, allowing engines to be removed and total vehicle restorations.
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In the future, students may also be allowed to build their own go-karts with lawnmower engines. If the Motorsport Club generates enough interest, a Motors and Machines option for Year 9 or 10 students will be considered. The possibility of a Year 11 course in 2022 is also under review. Mr Pree said senior school students at St James’ would now be able to choose between ATAR, Trade and General subjects. 2
“This allows multiple pathways for all students to discover, practise and master their unique skill sets,” he said. “There is no such thing as alternate pathways at St James’. All students are on their own journey and we don’t value any choice over another. “St James’ welcomes its first cohort of Year 12 students in 2021. These young adults will not only complete an excellent education but develop the life skills that are required to face a challenging world. “With the endless opportunities on offer at St James’, the Trade Centre is a unique and exciting point of difference for the community.”
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Images 1. Student Motorsport projects. 2. Year 4 student, Richard Nkosi working on his caterpillar art. 3. Impressive backlit artwork as you enter the Trade Centre. 4. Year 7 students working in the Food Technology room.
The completion of the Trade Centre is not the end of the expansion, with the School commencing their Stage 4 Building in January next year. The Stage 4 building will add specialist Music and Drama rooms, as well as an additional eight classrooms and a new Library. ASC News
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Foundation Principal, Mr Allan Shaw, was appointed in March and began working on site in June.
2006
Construction of Stage 1 commenced - this area is now the Primary School.
School grows to 1000 students enrolled for 2006 across Kindergarten to Year 12.
Parent and student interviews for places in Kindergarten to Year 8 in 2000, commenced in July. Mr Brian Rowe was appointed as the School’s second Principal in April 2005.
1999 The Middle School and Science buildings were officially opened on 6 April 2002.
In June 2005 design work began for the Allan Shaw Centre building, the home of Performing Arts at the School.
Mr Douglas Swingler commenced as the School’s third Principal in 2006.
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1998 The School’s site was purchased by the Anglican Schools Commission in July. Marcus Collins Architects were appointed to design the School.
The School opened with 254 students from Kindergarten to Year 8 and 22 staff on 1 January 2000.
2000
The Creative Arts building was completed in January 2004. It contained the “Waves” Café, Design and Technology rooms, and Food Technology facilities. Senior School Students and Visual Art shared this space until their buildings were available.
2007 Death of Mr Peter Moyes School Patron 9 July 1917 - 27 July 2007
In November 2004, the School’s Inaugural Year 12 cohort of 32 students graduated.
PETER MOYES ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
When visitors arrive at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School next year, they will be able to take a walk through time.
To commemorate the School’s 20-year anniversary, a walkable timeline is being created to mark significant points in the School’s history. Led by the Head of Visual Arts, Ms Jacky Harrison, the beginning of the timeline project was unveiled in November, with the completion scheduled for 2021. Principal Benjamin Lomas said the School had come a long way from its early days as the fifth school established by the Anglican Schools Commission. “The School was named after former Christ Church Grammar Headmaster, Mr Peter Moyes, who was 8
20 YEARS AND COUNTING instrumental in the establishment of the Anglican Schools Commission,” Mr Lomas said. “The timeline includes plaques dedicated to our School Patron, Mr Moyes, our previous School principals and the completion of significant building and expansion projects.” Mr Lomas said there had been many changes over the 20 years of the Mindarie-based School, which opened its doors in February 2000 with just 246 students from Kindergarten to Year 8 and 22 staff. “With rapid growth and an expanding population area in the north coastal area of Perth, today the School has more than 1,300 students across Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, who are supported by over 180 dedicated teachers and support staff,” he said.
The Allan Shaw Centre, named in honour of the School’s first Principal, was formally commissioned on 31 August 2009.
2009
The Doug Swingler Senior School, named in honour of the School’s inaugural Head of Senior School and former Principal, was formally commissioned on 14 May 2012.
2019
2012
2011 The Creative Arts building was officially opened in February 2011, providing a permanent site for Visual Arts Studios along with improved research and resource facilities for Senior School students.
St Gregory’s Chapel was commissioned on 26 July 2019.
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2017
Foundation Kindergarten students graduate Year 12.
The School’s first Pre-Kindergarten students began.
The Gymnasium was officially opened on 16 May 2016.
2018
Construction of the Main Administration Building is completed in September 2016.
Mr Benjamin Lomas began as Principal in July 2018.
In December, the School exceeded over 1000 students who have graduated Year 12.
School patron Mr Peter Moyes marks the first step in the School’s new walkable timeline that charts the 20-year history of the School.
2020
2010 Mr Julian Dowse commenced as Principal in 2010.
“To mark the School’s important milestone in 2020, several celebratory initiatives have been organised including a Smoking Ceremony, Commemorative Badges, a House Captains’ Tree Walk and the timeline. “Unfortunately, some of our other plans, including a Gala Dinner and our Peter Moyes Day Festivities were postponed due to the pandemic, but we look forward to enjoying these celebrations in 2021.”
2016
added to the School’s 20 Years of Service Honour Board.” Mr Parkes, the Head of Year 12 and a Humanities and Social Sciences teacher, has worked in many teaching roles across the years including as a Primary School Teacher, while Mrs Starcevich assists students at the Health Centre, following her many years as an Education Assistant in the Primary School.
Mr Lomas said the School also celebrated its people, with two Foundation staff members still serving the School community today. “Mr Larry Parkes and Mrs Cindi Starcevich were both were presented with a 20-year ASC Service Recognition Award by ASC CEO The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM this year and were the first staff to be ASC News
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ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL
RAISING THE ROOF St George’s Anglican Grammar School’s music students took to the roof for their first CBD Rooftop Music Concert of the year.
The School usually uses their unique outdoor area to hold a number of events on the rooftop of the citybased school and Head of Music Michael Newton said the end of year concert was a celebration. “After many event cancellations due to the impacts of Covid-19 restrictions, it was fantastic to be back on our CBD rooftop for our annual Term 4 Music Concert, featuring all of our bands and ensembles, select soloists and some original student compositions,” Mr Newton said. Around 100 students were involved in the concert as either performers or crew, with students from Years 7 to 11 taking part.
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The concert featured bands such as the percussion ensemble, vocal ensemble, flute ensemble, swing band and rock bands.
Mr Newton said it was a fabulous demonstration of the depth of musical talent in the school.
Soloists and original student composition performances are also featured with notable performances by Standard Deviation for their original piece title ‘Apricots’, the Jazz Ensemble, the Swing Band, and Tom Sweeney on Alto Saxophone.
“Performing live challenges extends students. It provides a huge sense of satisfaction for the students and, by performing outside their normal comfort zones, it builds strong self-belief within the students,” he said.
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SWAN VALLEY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
COMMUNICATION SIGNS Early years students at Swan Valley Anglican Community School now have an additional way to express their needs, with students learning to communicate through Auslan signing.
Auslan is the majority sign language of the Australian Deaf community. It is signed using facial expressions, as well as hand and body language. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, Auslan has become more and more visible in our community, with interpreters becoming unlikely local celebrities during daily government press conferences.
“Young children, particularly those with limited language, often find it difficult to orally express their feelings and emotions. In these situations, children can be encouraged to describe their emotions and feelings through Auslan signing.” Ms Powell said Auslan could also be used very effectively with children who struggle to communicate with their teachers and peers due to having English as a second language, a language background other than English, or a specific learning need. Auslan can also help children with Autism Spectrum Diagnoses in connecting their feelings to facial expressions.
The School’s Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Pre-Primary Teachers recently completed an 8-week Auslan course. After they had achieved fundamental competency, teachers then taught simple signing to their own students.
Using Auslan signing has now become an integral part of the pastoral care program for early years students at the School. Auslan signing has also become a regular part of the morning greetings in many classes.
Principal Melissa Powell said there were a number of underlying reasons for embracing this approach.
The highlight for the Pre-Primary cohort was presenting a song at a whole school assembly when they used only Auslan signing instead of singing – an extra bonus during COVID-19 times!
“Signing is the representation of information through seeing, hearing and movement. Research has shown that the more pathways that are created in the brain, the stronger the chance of transferring information to long-term memory,” she said.
Images 1. Sign for happy 2. Sign for angry 3. Sign for frustrated 4. Sign for scared 5. Sign for excited 6. Sign for sad ASC News 11
CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA
REGIONS DELIVER Students journey from afar in all directions to get to school each day at Cathedral College Wangaratta. Principal Nick Jones said a recent audit of the geography of the College’s students revealed its true status as a regional College. “We are truly a College that caters for the regions. Students travel from far and wide, with more than 70 per cent of the student population travelling to the College each day via our bus network,” he said. “Part of Cathedral College Wangaratta’s strategic plan is that we are ‘A College focused on proactively serving a broad regional base across multiple communities’. With so many of our students travelling to the College from various towns and regions, it is imperative that we keep our families connected and promote a sense of belonging.” Mr Jones said they travelled to towns in Terms One and Four to provide parents from those communities with an opportunity to catch up for coffee and a chat. “In the past, we have staff attend ANZAC day services in their home towns with our students. We travel to local primary schools to meet with students commencing at the College in Year Seven,” he said. “We are mindful that being part of such a geographically broad community means that parents may find it difficult to attend events on-site, so we are 12
very conscious of providing a sense of community, within a community, in these towns.” A large portion of Cathedral College staff also live outside of the Wangaratta city limits. Head of Junior School Greg Newbold resides in Beechworth and says the College’s unique regionality exposes students to areas beyond their own backyards. “It enhances the concept that we are part of a larger community. Our students are from a wide range of backgrounds and represent the towns they are from. We also acknowledge the commitment that parents make in relation to the travel involved.” Students come from a variety of towns from Yarrawonga and Rutherglen in the north, to Bright and Whitfield in the south. The towns in the region are unique, each with their own distinctive attributes. Beechworth is known for its incredible history, Bright for the being the beautiful alpine town at the foot of the mountains, Yarrawonga for being the water sports capital of Victoria, Benalla for its Street Art, and Milawa and the King Valley for wines and produce.
JOHN WOLLASTON ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
LEADING IN LEARNING For more than 13 years, John Wollaston Anglican Community School has been offering thriving learning experiences to Primary students as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Leading the charge as the only Anglican School offering the programme in Western Australia, John Wollaston is helping prepare students to become active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. Deputy Head of Primary and PYP Coordinator Fiona Currey said the IB PYP programme had been a transformative journey for John Wollaston. “Teachers have adapted and significantly grown as educators becoming more collaborative in the delivery of the programme,” she said. The PYP is an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary approach that builds students’ conceptual understanding, and holistic development. With an emphasis on inquiry, students develop knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes of the IB Learner profile that help make a difference in their lives, their communities and beyond. Principal Anne Ford said the culmination of the PYP programme was the Year 6 Exhibition where students
lead their own inquiry on a globally significant issue or topic of their choice. “The PYP has enabled students of all abilities to explore areas of personal interest and challenge themselves,” Ms Ford said. “The Year 6 PYP Exhibition gives students greater agency around their learning, allowing them to be more active, inquiring and confident learners.” John Wollaston has recently completed an evaluation process for the programme, receiving numerous commendations. IB World Schools Manager Steve Wishart stated John Wollaston’s “practice exceeds the requirements of the programme and indicates significant areas of strength within the School. It is evident that programme implementation and management is of high quality, serving the needs of the school community and joining those schools with exceptional programmes across the Asia Pacific region.” “As a World School authorised to deliver the PYP, I am very proud to have our school regarded so highly in the Asia Pacific region,” Ms Ford said. “It is an honour and something we hope to build upon in the future.” ASC News 13
ESPERANCE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
NETBALL MENTORS SCORING GOALS The Netball Specialist Program at Esperance Anglican Community School is going from strength to strength, with two staff members recently achieving National Advanced Coaching Accreditation with Netball WA.
The qualification goes towards the School’s status as one of only four Tier 2 schools in Netball WA’s Specialist School Endorsed Program, and the only regional school to attain this level. The program aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills across a broad range of areas within the sport. The Advanced Coaching Accreditation adds to the expertise as coaches, Sharelle Walter (above left) and Terina Dell’Agostino (above right) also hold their National B Badge in umpiring. “Both Sharelle and Terina work tirelessly within the local netball association and they have both coached at the association and regional level,” Associate Principal Lisa Marquis said. “Sharelle and Terina have travelled with the students to competitions to hone their skills and provide them with exposure of higher-level competitions. “They are fantastic advocates for the development of netball within the Esperance region and for our students. They are well known around the association and town for their volunteering, having both held 14
major roles in the association for 20 years.” Sharelle said that her own experience had influenced her involvement in the game. “I had such a great start with my own netball, experiencing other volunteers working hard to make the association stronger, that I felt the need to contribute as well,” she said. “Netball not only is a great sport, it develops friendships and relationships that see us well into our older years.” More than 50 students have participated in the program which is now in its third year. Moving into their fourth year, the program is also branching into the male competition, which is a growing part of the sport. “The Specialist Netball Program develops our players, not only as athletes, but as officials, coaches and umpires,” Terina said. “EACS can proudly boast the achievements of helping coach Sarah Curnow to her National B Badge this September. Our Year 10 students are in the process of completing their Development Coaching Accreditation, which is an outstanding achievement as well. “We want our students to grow their skills, contribute to the netball community and become role models to other aspiring athletes.”
FREDERICK IRWIN ANGLICAN SCHOOL
SECOND GENERATION OF GRADUATES On the eve of its 30 Year celebrations in 2021, Frederick Irwin Anglican School recorded another first at their 2020 graduation. The event was the first time that two Foundation graduates from 1996 were watching their own children graduate.
“The fact I could select a subject like Physical Education Studies and pursue sports I was interested in was a bonus. Being able to surf during school time for me when I was 16 and 17 was great! Now, as a parent, it is these opportunities that my own children get to enjoy,” he said.
Israel Carmody is the father of graduate Noah Carmody and is currently an English teacher at the School and Assistant Head of Arnold House, while Kate Benson (nee Harris) is the mother of Hannah Benson. Kate is also one of the original group of Year 8 students who started in 1992.
Principal Kerry Robertson said the graduation event was a special one, particularly in light of the 30 Year Anniversary celebrations that will commence in 2021.
Kate said growing up together and being the oldest from Year 8 until Year 12 as a Foundation student was a unique experience. “I wanted my girls to attend because I appreciate the morals and respect that are taught and encouraged,” she said. Kate said she was proud of being a former student and seeing her daughter graduate from the same school. Daughter Hannah agreed: “It’s really been fun bonding over teachers that we’ve shared,” she said. Israel started at Frederick Irwin in Year 11 in 1995 and said there were distinct differences when he moved from a Perth school.
“To have two graduates in this 2020 group who happen to be the children of our original graduates in 1996 is a momentous occasion and special for all involved,” she said. Both Noah and Hannah are proud that they are graduating from the same school as their parents and said they couldn’t believe they were the first children of the original graduates. “It is exciting I am graduating from the same school as my dad did, and that I am one of the first children of a Foundation Scholar graduating from this school,” said Noah, who is also a School Prefect. Hannah plans to study psychology at UWA and supporting young children in abusive homes, while Noah plans to study Education and follow in his father’s footsteps. ASC News 15
ASC LANGUAGE SCHOOL
A S C
LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Par t of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)
A HOLIDAY WITH A DIFFERENCE This year will be a very different holiday experience for international student August Yiyun Liang.
“This will be my first time spending holidays in Perth and the first time for Christmas as we don’t celebrate Christmas in China,” she said.
At this time of year, August and her fellow international students are usually preparing to return to their home countries to see family and friends but travel this year is prevented by international border restrictions.
She said she had many plans to reduce boredom over the summer including finding a job, taking driving lessons, cooking Chinese and Korean food, and visiting the beach.
August said she missed her family and would like to return home to Heilogjiang, China to see them but did not want to jeopardise finishing her Australian education as she prepares to enter Year 12 at St George’s Anglican Grammar School.
“I’m looking forward to going to the beach, I love the beach. I love photography. I have a new camera and I’m looking forward to taking lots of amazing photos.”
“I will miss my family because my hometown is experiencing winter snow which is beautiful and we usually travel to the mountains to see my grandparents which I will miss very much. I miss my friends back home as well,” August said. She said international students had come together to support each other through the sadness of missing family and she coped by spending time with her friends. “I like St George’s as I have made lots of friends with the local students as well as international students. The teachers here are really nice and really help you to fit in,” August said. And although she will miss celebrating Chinese New Year with her family in January, August is looking forward to different experiences, including an Australian Christmas. 16
ASC Director of International Programs, Amanda Fritz, said ASC International (ASCI) is gearing up to keep international students busy and active over the break, introducing a new holiday program. “As students are unable to return home over the festive period this will be their first time experiencing an Australian Christmas with their host families,” she said. Mrs Fritz said the ASCI Student Services team had created a broad program of summer holiday activities for international students, with ASCI Student Ambassadors such as August, coming along to assist with the events. Events include an Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt in the city, the ropes course and flying fox at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre, a visit to Lazer Blaze, getting up close with Australian Wildlife at Caversham Wildlife Park, and days dedicated to cupcake decorating and creating a mixed media artwork.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
introducing. .
Wahnita Banwell
Eloise Hicks
Ariel Wee
Payroll Officer
School Counsellor
Georgiana Molloy Anglican School
Peter Carnley Anglican Community School
International Marketing Manager
I have been fortunate over the last 19 years to work for two ASC schools. Peter Moyes Anglican Community School in Perth and in recent years, Georgiana Molloy Anglican School in Busselton, where I work as the Payroll Officer and Bookkeeper.
I began my career teaching in Theatre Arts, Photography and English in Catholic schools. I completed a Masters of Religious Education and discovered my passion for exploring human nature and spirituality through running retreats and serving on Campus Ministry Teams. I taught Philosophy and Religious and Values Education in the Anglican system and later completed a Graduate Diploma of Counselling and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology which led to a role as school counsellor.
Schools are unique and no one day is the same. I enjoy problem solving, high level multitasking and the fast pace of work which comes with most financial positions. I love the sound of the children playing, learning and laughing outside my office window. Every staff member here contributes to the education of each child. I love that what we do every day makes a difference. Outside of my work at GMAS I am a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician with St John Ambulance. Despite working full time, I always make the time to put in one or two shifts each week. Every job is different. Shifts can cover anything from transporting sick and injured patients to hospital to attending emergency and non-emergency calls. It is a great honour and privilege to care for and help people and I have met the most amazing people along the way. I have been extremely blessed in my life and I have reached a stage where I have the time to give back and help people. I have found that the time I have invested as a volunteer is one of the most valuable and rewarding things I have done.
Before arriving at Peter Carnley Anglican School, I briefly stepped into the business world as a Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Consultant working across Australia with schools, corporations and government agencies to teach the fundamentals of wellbeing science and best practice. I loved this experience and found it both challenging and rewarding, and while I occasionally collaborated with other consultants in delivering programs, I found myself missing the camaraderie and support of colleagues. It turns out that extroverts really DO need people! Being the School Counsellor at PCACS has been a profoundly rewarding role as I have the privilege of walking alongside students as they discover their strengths and meet their challenges. My desire to understand human nature continues, and my students provide beautiful lessons on this for me every day.
ASC International I was an Air Force kid. We moved to Perth in 1993 when my father was deployed to the RAAF Pearce Air Base. The education system in Australia was so different and refreshing; I thrived in high school and thoroughly enjoyed university. After graduation, everyone in Singapore told me that I should become an English teacher because I was a girl, so naturally I joined the Defence Ministry to write National Education programs for soldiers. After running a few events, I decided that teaching was better and went back to university for my Grad Dip. I spent the next decade teaching Cambridge O Level English and Humanities. My prior experience with outreach and event management meant I often ended up taking on marketing duties in the schools where I worked which is how I fell into marketing and student recruitment. Today, I am very grateful for my life in Perth. I never forgot Australia’s endless blue sky and ocean and kept wanting to come back. I was able to return to do my PhD, and now have a very meaningful job which builds bridges between Australia and Asia and straddles education and marketing. As the Marketing Manager for ASC International, I get to indulge in my passion for geopolitics, education, event management and Asian desserts. The travel restrictions in 2020 have made international student recruitment very challenging. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about innovations in ways I could never have imagined. I feel lucky to work with dynamic and committed colleagues and agents who want to help each child achieve their study goals. When we figure out solutions together, and see remote students start their courses, the satisfaction is bone-deep. ASC News 17
JOHN SEPTIMUS ROE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
UNITED IN SONG With a goal of uniting Choral Choirs from local schools, regardless of choral traditions, Choir Directors Ry Charleson from John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (JSRACS) and Hugh Lydon from Aquinas College joined together to create a spectacular event celebrating the traditional service of All Souls Requiem.
Under the direction of Mr Hugh Lydon, the St. Paul’s Chapel Choir at John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School teamed up with the Schola Choir of Aquinas College, and joined the professional singers at St Mary’s Anglican Church in South Perth and organist and director Alessandro Pittorino, for two moving services in celebration of All Souls Day. This solemn event is to commemorate the souls of the faithful who have departed. Choir director Ry Charleson said students from the Chapel Choir met likeminded singers their own age, from a different choral tradition and joined to create incredible music. At the heart of both services, one held in St. Paul’s Chapel at JSRACS, the other at St Mary’s Anglican Church of South Perth, was the profoundly beautiful Requiem of French composer Gabriel Faure. JSRACS student and Chapel Choir Chorister, Anton 18
Coomblas, said he enjoyed singing with students from another school. “Working with people that I didn’t know or sung with previously was a challenge but the experience of working with a different choir teacher and choir conductor and working with the soloists was wonderful and one I won’t forget,” Anton said. Both groups of students prepared and rehearsed separately before combining in the St Paul’s Chapel for the first time during our weekly Evensong. On the following Sunday evening, St Mary’s Anglican Church played host to the gathering of two separate religious traditions, which was made possible through their professional music program and commitment to encouraging the next generation of church musicians. “It was incredible after a year that was so disrupted and distanced, to have a gathering of people join in worship and music and we look forward to being able to work together again,” Mr Charleson said. “The Choral Programme is an integral part of the JSRACS landscape, one that has provided opportunities to perform internationally and with talented students such as those at Aquinas College.
COBRAM ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL
IT’S A GREAT RELIEF TO BE BACK… The 2020 school year has been particularly challenging for students and staff in the ASC’s Victorian schools. In his first six months at Cobram Anglican Grammar School, Principal Keith Willett reflects on the challenges and the triumphs.
The 2020 school year has certainly been a different one. Like most schools, we at Cobram Anglican Grammar School completed many days engaged in remote teaching and learning.
herself and her students and said the most rewarding aspect of the COVD-19 period was being able to re-establish relationships with her students upon the return to face to face learning.
Our Foundation to Year Two students and our VCE cohort were at home for 61 school days. Year Three and Four 66 days and Year Five to Year Ten missed the most face to face schooling with 72 days. That is nearly 15 weeks of the school year spent away from the campus.
Year One and Two teacher Jacinta Robbins is also a parent of three children: “The most challenging aspect for me during Remote Teaching and Learning was balancing planning, teaching, assisting my three children with their studies at home in addition to being mum and wife. The hours seemed endless and the uncertainty of whether or not my students were learning, completing the work while maintaining good mental and physical health concerned me at times. The most rewarding aspect for me was seeing the gorgeous smiling faces of our students when we returned. They were so happy to be back at school and to be reunited with their friends. It was also a relief to feel like an actual teacher again.”
While many have spoken about the challenges associated with COVID-19 my strong sense is that there were also many triumphs. A great example of this was the solidarity, collaboration, creativity and professionalism shown by our staff. The announcement of remote Teaching and Learning 2.0 had the potential to throw all into a state of despair. As Principal, I was humbled and appreciative of the efforts of our teachers as we revised our strategies to accommodate the needs of our families and students across Term 3 and into Term 4. There is no doubt that the learning experience for all teachers was huge as we continued to refine and adjust our approach to delivering curriculum and their reflections on this time speaks volumes. English teacher Chris Hargreaves reflected on her pandemic teaching experience: “The most difficult elements of remote teaching and learning were the difficulties with communication. Trying to converse via a chat room was no substitute for being face to face.” Chris was concerned about the disconnect between
Upon our return to face to face schooling we were quick to seize upon any opportunity to celebrate the social elements of being at school. Operating in a COVID safe manner was a little restricting but this did not stop us. There remains much work to complete as we prepare for 2021. Transition days for new students have been compromised and we work hard to make up for any missed learning due to COVID-19. As a school we look forward to completing 2020 and will reflect with a range of emotions and observations. I can only acknowledge my appreciation and admiration for the manner in which our families and staff have collaborated for the best possible outcomes in very different and challenging circumstances. ASC News 19
A FITTING FAREWELL
TRINITY ANGLICAN COLLEGE
In a year filled with uncertainty and challenges, staff at Trinity Anglican College wondered if they would be able to farewell their 2020 graduates at all. An easing of restrictions at the right time, meant students were able to celebrate their achievements and farewell their school community. Trinity Anglican College Dean of Student and Staff Wellbeing Jon Field reflects on the experience of the class of 2020.
No one expected 2020 to present so many challenges to our Border community. We had bushfires, the COVID-19 virus, border closures and months of border permits. But together, we have built courage and resilience and learnt to appreciate the important things, and our Year 12s overcame these many challenges and graduated from the College.
has received a nomination in Drama for ‘On Stage’; and Tom Summerfield has received a nomination for ‘Encore’, at which the best of the Major Work Projects in Music are performed. Hattie Evans also took out a major award at the Rockfest Band Competition, being announced as the Best Solo Artist of the Year.
The 2020 College Captains, Charlotte Male and Ethan Goodacre, described 2020 as “a year filled with surprise, uncertainty and new discovery”.
While we are yet to receive HSC results for 2020, it is the character displayed by our student body, parents and teachers this year that has been truly inspirational. This is exemplified in the year 12 cohort who may feel cheated by the fact that we only managed to fit in the Swimming Carnival before shutdown and the fact that opportunities to function as a leadership group and enjoy activities as a cohort have been limited. They have approached the end of the year and their final examinations with an admirably calm stoicism that has been an amazing example to the rest of our student body.
They have weathered what the year has thrown at them. They have embraced opportunities to celebrate as a cohort, rare as these opportunities have been and they have accepted changes with admirable grace. After some uncertainty around what celebrations would take place this year, we were thrilled to farewell the graduating class with their final chapel service and assembly, followed by a Guard of Honour as they exited the College. When you watch this video, you can truly imagine what it feels like to be a part of our Trinity community. Despite the difficulties, students continued to achieve. This year, we have already received news that two of our Year 12 students have been recognised for their very high results in their major works. Ethan Goodacre 20
We are incredibly proud of these students, and they leave the College knowing they are ready for anything. The Roman philosopher, Seneca the Younger, said that excellence withers without adversity. The Year 12 cohort of 2020 has allowed their excellence to thrive through this adversity and will remain an example for years to come.
ST MARK’S ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
CYBER CHALLENGE ACCEPTED Students from St Mark’s Anglican Community School and Cobram Anglican Grammar School were up for the challenge as they used their cybersecurity skills and know-how to compete in Edith Cowan University’s Cybersecurity Capture the Flag event.
Forensics, Social Engineering and Cyber Safety, as well as Pen Testing. The first day concluded with a ‘Learn to Linux’ session.
Edith Cowan University Programs Coordinator Michelle Ellis said Capture the Flag events were training sessions for people working in cybersecurity to understand popular techniques used for cyber-attacks along with the art of defence.
Sunday was the main competition, with students working through challenges that included reverse engineering, steganography, web exploitation, software exploitation, and cryptography. ECU students were on standby to help where they could. Prizes were awarded to the winning team for each division sponsored by ECU’s Institute for Securing Digital Futures. Runners up received a prize sponsored by Trustwave.
“However, these cyber challenges were developed by ECU computing and security students with the mandate to keep the challenges simple and appropriate,” Dr Ellis said.
The St Mark’s Team, comprising of Year 11 students Memphis Marshall, Alexander Nichols, and Matthew Benstead came third in the Intermediate Division, narrowly beating Cobram.
“We didn’t want to expose the high school students to the many industry tools used to detect criminal activity.”
St Mark’s and Cobram students are familiar with Cybersecurity and CTFs. St Mark’s Digital Technologies teacher Michelle Chomiak and Melonie Smith have both been teaching their students cybersecurity essentials through their engagement with Cisco’s Introduction to Cyber Security course and Cyber Taipan.
Schools formed teams of four to enter PeCan+ CTF 2020 which had more than 75 cyber challenges across three levels of difficulty, delivered to over 100 secondary school-aged students. The event was delivered face to face on ECU’s Joondalup campus and online to the participating interstate Canberra and Victorian teams. On day one, participants had a training session with ECU students who developed the challenges presenting ‘how-to and hints and tricks’ for finding solutions to the challenges. The day also featured guest speakers sharing stories about careers in Digital
Both St Mark’s and Cobram run their cybersecurity classes as a co-curricular activity where students from Year 8 and above can attend training sessions learning investigative, problem solving, and ethical hacking skills. Students also learn about CTFs through working through Pico and ‘Over The Wire’ cyber challenges. The program is a great opportunity for students to be exposed to the dilemmas faced by people who don’t practice basic cybersecurity. ASC News 21
ASC PIANO COMPETITION OVERALL WINNERS 1st Jordan Scott |Swan Valley Anglican Community School 2nd Cindy Jones | St Mark’s Anglican Community School 3rd Christian Blair, Sydney Blair, Xavier Blair | Georgiana Molloy Anglican School CATEGORY WINNERS FAITH - Preliminary/Grade One 1st Emily Saito-Noble | Peter Carnley Anglican Community School 2nd Deborah Lau | St James’ Anglican School 3rd Matthew Melendez | Peter Moyes Anglican Community School JUSTICE - Grade Two/Three 1st Annabel Lucas | St James’ Anglican School 2nd Daniel Ciccullo | St Mark’s Anglican Community School 3rd Edwina Everard | Cathedral College Wangaratta INTEGRITY - Grade Four/Five 1st Estelle Afonso | John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School 2nd Sydney Blair | Georgiana Molloy Anglican School 3rd Queenie Nguyen | John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School DIVERSITY/RESPECT - Composition/Arrangement/Improvisation, Duet/Ensemble 1st Jayden Kock | Swan Valley Anglican Community School 2nd Christian Blair, Sydney Blair, Xavier Blair | Georgiana Molloy Anglican School 3rd Olli Francesconi | Georgiana Molloy Anglican School EXCELLENCE - Grade Six/Seven/Eight or Diploma 1st Jordan Scott | Swan Valley Anglican Community School 2nd Cindy Jones | St Mark’s Anglican Community School 3rd Bobby Yang | Peter Moyes Anglican Community School
EIGHTH ASC PIANO COMPETITION A global pandemic was not enough to stop the annual ASC Piano Competition from forging ahead, albeit in a virtual manner.
were announced by a video made for schools by Bronwyn Booth.
Peter Moyes Anglican Community School (PMACS) Head of Music Justin Tonti-Filippini said the Eighth ASC Piano Competition was to have been hosted by PMACS in June this year but was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Mr Tonti-Filippini thanked the many students, teachers and parents involved, the Anglican Schools Commission, Philip Goldsworthy and the ASC Heads of Music.
To ensure that students could still compete and show their skills, the PMACS Music Department organised a virtual event which took place during August and September.
“We especially thank Philip Goldsworthy who has kept us together since our first ASC combined event in 2010. We will miss his able, innovative and friendly leadership and wish him the very best in retirement,” he said.
Mr Tonti-Filippini said ASC pianists videoed themselves playing pieces that would be entered in one or more of the five categories. Categories are based on AMEB or equivalent Grades. Videos were then shared with our three adjudicators: Tracie Wootton, David Goldfinch and Melita Bursac. “There were 166 student entries from 12 ASC schools which is the highest number of schools we have had over the eight years this event has run,” he said. Congratulations to the many finalists, winners and especially our overall winners. Winners of the categories 22
Schools taking part included Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, St James’ Anglican School, Swan Valley Anglican Community School, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School, Peter Carnley Anglican Community School, St Mark’s Anglican Community School, Frederick Irwin Anglican School, John Wollaston Anglican Community School, St George’s Anglican Grammar School, Georgiana Molloy Anglican School, and from the eastern states, Cobram Anglican Grammar School, and Cathedral College Wangaratta.
ANGLICAN IDENTITY
As we look back over a year none of us could have imagined, and look forward to Christmas, the word ‘outbreak’ is not far from most minds, and ‘outbreak’ can be used as readily about the baby born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem twenty centuries ago, as it can to Covid-19. This is a threshold moment, just as that was. The outbreak of the virus, troublingly small but very remote so far as we were concerned, arrived on our doorstep in the blink of an eye, threatening illness and death, turning our world upside down. Understandably, there were outbreaks of fear and panic, selfishness and greed. Hopefully, we will never again witness nasty scuffles in supermarket aisles as senseless hoarding played out in some places. When quarantine measures were introduced, outbreaks of thoughtlessness or something more sinister led to some people skipping isolation and putting others at risk. Yet for these instances of bad behaviour, there were many more unexpected outbursts – outbursts of kindness, concern for one another, selfless acts of love. We discovered that those we routinely undervalue, such as cleaners and transport workers, are the real heroes of everyday life along with doctors and nurses who went on risking their own health and their families rather than abandon their vocation and calling. At Bethlehem, God was found in a newborn child, small and weak and helpless, an outbreak of Love pure and simple. In the baby Jesus love has been born anew in an unlikely place, easily overlooked. May our eyes and hearts open wider this Christmas, giving birth to fresh outbreaks of grace and peace.
Christmas messages
It has been a very strange year. You can tell how strange when the headline in the newspaper reads: “PM sends troops to save Christmas!” We particularly think of Year 12’s whose final year at school has been so unusual, but also all the staff, students and parents who have coped with school closure, developing and using online and blended learning, and adjusting to all the changes this has entailed.
Following a year with so many uncertainties, challenges and difficulties in many parts of our country, we look with hope towards Christmas and the celebrations that will be associated with it. We are excited that borders in many States and Territories might be open for free travel and connection between family and friends, especially after so many were unable to connect to loved ones throughout the year.
The degree of Covid change and disruption experienced this year can cause us to re-assess what we most value – personally, and as a community. It may make us appreciative when we think of how tough so many places around the world are doing it still.
Even if not all restrictions are lifted, we thank God for modern technology that keeps us together even when separated and we know that things will change.
Christians affirm the Christmas story and life of Jesus Christ are also extraordinary events which have the power to change our personal and community priorities, with or without the PM’s troops! I wish you a special and blessed Christmas!
The Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts Bishop of Bunbury
I give thanks for the hard work and adaptability throughout this year of all staff and students at our Anglican Schools and congratulate those students successful in graduating, despite the uncertainties experienced through the year. Christmas is indeed a time for connecting but, in reality, it is the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s gift to the world and we celebrate Jesus who we need to make the focal point of our festivities. I pray that, as we celebrate Christmas with friends and loved ones, whether in person or ‘virtually’, we will experience love, joy and peace in our hearts.
The Right Reverend Clarence E. Bester Bishop of Wangaratta
The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO Archbishop of Perth ASC News 23
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