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ASC NEWS ISSUE 72 | JUNE 2021

FEATURE SCHOOL

St George’s Anglican Grammar School The City is our campus

John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School The Rite Journey

From the Chief Executive Officer THE REVEREND PETER LAURENCE OAM Dear Colleagues BETTER TOGETHER I cannot recall a busier school term for ASC-wide activities. Only twelve months ago we spent much of Term Two in home learning. Even when students returned to school, most activities beyond normal classes were cancelled. With snap lockdowns and border uncertainty carrying over to the early months of 2021, some of our usual activities were postponed. Fast forward to this term, and staff from across our schools have come together on one or more occasions. These have included Christian Purposes Days (for our WA schools on April 19 and our eastern states schools on May 21); the Induction Day for Teachers new to ASC schools in Victoria/NSW on May 10; and our WA Principals and Senior Staff Retreat on May 14-15 (with the eastern states retreat planned for Term 3). Through such system-wide initiatives, our teachers and leaders come together to spend time in professional learning, personal growth and spiritual reflection.

Contents From the CEO 2 CEO’s Lambeth Award

Cobram Anglican Grammar School

St George’s Anglican Grammar School

While any independent school may run elements of these activities for their staff, there is a difference with what took place many times this past term. On every occasion, staff from many ASC schools came together to learn, reflect, network and pray. On these occasions, our teachers and leaders gather ‘as one’. When I reflect on one of the special features of life within the ASC family, it is just that…we are better together than apart. Each school is stronger by being part of a system of schools connected to one another through a common mission and purpose. Our schools are not ‘independent’ but rather ‘system’ schools in the independent sector. There is a tangible sense of ‘interdependence’. Each ASC school is very different, with its own local governing council and good leadership through a Principal and senior leadership team. Each school shines in its local community, wellresourced to serve its students and families, yet also supported by colleagues across the ASC numbering some 2,050 teachers and support staff. We came together on a number of occasions this term to engage on matters that better equip our teachers and leaders to serve the young people entrusted to their care. While there was much to learn through formal sessions, part of the benefit was the personal gain coming from spending time with one other. So much of what occurred could only happen because we took time to be with colleagues across the ASC. For me, that is one of the very best aspects of being a ‘system’ of schools. In so many ways, we are better together.

John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School 8 St James’ Anglican School

Cathedral College Wangaratta

John Wollaston Anglican Community School

Peter Carnley Anglican Community School

St Mark’s Anglican Community School

Georgiana Molloy Anglican School

Trinity Anglican College

Frederick Irwin Anglican School

Peter Moyes Anglican Community School

Staff Spotlight 19 ASC Piano Competition

Esperance Anglican Community School

Anglican Identity 23

Cover Image: St George’s Anglican Grammar School students in the City of Perth Library. Special thanks to the City of Perth for allowing us to photograph inside the building.

Images 1. Christian Purposes Day (NSW/VIC) L-R Mr Justin Beckett (Principal, Trinity Anglican College ) Mr Nick Jones (Principal, Cathedral College Wangaratta) Mr James Laussen (Keynote speaker), The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM and Mr Keith Willett (Principal, Cobram Anglican Grammar School) 2. Christian Purposes Day (WA) Presentation by Dr Craig Challen 3. Christian Purposes Day (WA) L-R Archbishop of Perth, The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Dr Craig Challen SC OAM and The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM 4. Christian Purposes Day (WA) Presentation by The Reverend Becca Stevens

CELEBRATION OF SERVICE The ASC was formed in 1985. Our first school, St Mark’s Anglican Community School, opened in 1986. Some 36 years later, almost 15,000 students are educated in an ASC school. Each year I am honoured to present to truly outstanding teachers, leaders and support staff ‘Service Certificates and Badges’ to celebrate their vocational commitment to our students. For the first time this year, 35-year service awards were added to the previous 20, 25 and 30 year awards. Congratulations to Mrs Shirley McKibbin and Mrs Peta Sinclair from St Mark’s Anglican Community School, who received 35 year service recognition. What an extraordinary commitment demonstrated by these members of our staff, who have chosen to serve our communities this way. In an era when it is said that people are more interested in committing to themselves and their own careers, often chopping and changing jobs dozens of times in their working life, how refreshing and affirming it is to have dedicated women and men who have chosen to commit to serve in one or more ASC schools for significant periods of their working lives.

Most of our Service Awards will be presented to these dedicated staff members as I visit your school during this year. However, it was a special joy to present the first Service Award to Tricia Seccull of Cobram Anglican Grammar School in May, as the first recipient to reach such a goal in one of our eastern states schools. Congratulations Tricia for 20 years of service at Cobram.

ASC CONNECT Recently we announced the launch of the ASC’s online learning program, ASC Connect. From the beginning of the 2022 school year, we will be offering Year 11 ATAR subjects using some of the distance learning tools our teachers ‘sharpened’ through the pandemic.

ASC Connect will enhance the courses offered across our schools, providing better support for our students ASC News

From the Chief Executive Officer

THE REVEREND PETER LAURENCE OAM cont’d in the senior secondary years. It is also a way to provide career enhancing opportunities for teaching staff wishing to broaden their skill base beyond traditional face to face teaching in the classroom. ASC Connect will sit alongside programs currently offered through ASC International, which include courses such as English as an Additional Language and/or Dialect (EALD) for Years 10-12, along with English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities for students in Years 7 to 10 who are unable to enter Australia due to border closures. The 2022 pilot program for ASC Connect is likely to include the following ATAR courses delivered by ASC schools: Year 11 courses in Business Management and Enterprise, Economics, Mathematics Specialist and Religion and Life. Mathematics Methods will be delivered for offshore Year 11 students only. English as an Additional Language and/or Dialect will be available to both Years 11 and 12 students. COMMISSIONING OF NEW PRINCIPAL

such occasion, as the community celebrates her arrival and we ask God to bless her ministry of leadership and care among us. There could have been no finer place to hold such a liturgy as Perth’s magnificent St George’s Cathedral. It was truly a ‘Campbell affair’, as children Ben and Gemma delivered one of the Bible readings, with husband Stuart looking on with pride. A commissioning reminds us that the vocation of leaders and teachers is one of service. When we place the wellbeing of students at the centre of our work each day, our school communities and ourselves will be the richer. EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING Three teachers from our WA schools were recognised as top educators by the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) in its annual awards for excellence in teaching. ACEL is Australia’s leading independent body for educational leadership. From left, Mrs Tracey Toovey from St Mark’s Anglican Community School was awarded the 2021 ACEL WA Teacher Leader Award for Excellence, Mrs Nicole Brown from Peter Moyes Anglican Community School was awarded the 2021 ACEL WA Fellowship, and Dr Deborah Netolicky from St Mark’s Anglican Community School was awarded the 2021 ACEL WA Certificate of Excellence in Educational Leadership. Congratulations on your outstanding achievements.

L-R: The Reverend Sarah Stapleton (Chaplain), Mr Tom Carmody (Chair of Student Council), Archbishop of Perth, The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Mrs Tina Campbell (Principal), Mr Scott Harrnnah (Band Officer of WA Police Pipe Band), Mrs Lynne Thomson (Chair of the Board) and The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM

In March we welcomed Mrs Tina Campbell as Principal of St George’s Anglican Grammar School. It was a joy to celebrate Mrs Campbell’s Commissioning by The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Archbishop of Perth on May 17 before a full Cathedral of students, staff, family, colleagues and supporters. Special occasions in our life are marked by ceremony and ritual. The commissioning of a new principal is one

FINALLY, we have reached the mid-year break in a year of slow vaccine rollouts, sporadic Covid-19 outbreaks, snap lockdowns and continued border uncertainty. It has been tiring for everyone. For those taking a break, may you take ‘time out’ with family and friends, and most especially some time for yourself to refresh and renew. Every blessing.

COBRAM ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL

CEO’S LAMBETH AWARD ASC Chief Executive Officer, The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, has been announced as a 2021 recipient at the prestigious Lambeth Awards for outstanding contribution to the Church and wider society. Reverend Laurence was awarded the Lanfranc Award for Education and Scholarship for his achievements in making an Anglican education accessible for thousands of Australian families, through establishing and expanding a national network of low-fee Anglican schools; and for his dedication in representing Anglican schools nationally, including his leadership in the development of work on Anglican Identity in schools. Reverend Laurence is chief executive for both the ASC and the national peak body, Anglican Schools Australia (ASA). The Lambeth award recognises his contribution to both organisations. The awards, which are conferred by the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, recognised 36 people from around the globe for contribution in a variety of areas. While they are usually presented at a ceremony at Lambeth Palace, the 2021 ceremony has been postponed. ASA President Judith Tudball said Reverend Laurence was a most worthy recipient on the award. “I am sure the entire ASA community will join with me in congratulating Peter on this outstanding recognition of his service to Anglican education in Australia,” Mrs Tudball said. “During my time as ASA president, I have witnessed Peter’s passion and drive to represent Anglican schools in the wider community and his leadership in the development of work to understand Anglican identity in schools.”

IN HARMONY Harmony Day acknowledges the contributions of multicultural communities to Australian society. It is often celebrated in many communities with festivals and local events, highlighting global food and music and traditional dress. With Victorian schools returning to organising events in 2021, the entire Cobram Anglican Grammar School community came together to celebrate diversity on Harmony Day. Principal Keith Willett said that while the School’s three main pillars of Integrity, Endeavour and Community were always prominent, inclusivity was also a key value for the School community. “Harmony Day represents and reminds us of the importance of inclusiveness. Students and staff wore a splash of orange, enjoyed lunch together with many students and staff bringing traditional dishes or meals celebrating their heritage and culture,” Mr Willett said. Each student and member of staff wrote on their own leaf a ‘Message of Harmony’ for the School Harmony Tree. Mr Willett said the students played a key role in Harmony Day. “We enjoyed listening to Jett and Harlin Robbins who presented an Acknowledgement of Country, Year Ten student Salma Abdelfadil who shared her ideas on multiculturalism and Year Twelve student Meghan Gossayn who narrated the story of her family’s journey to Australia,” he said. “It was uplifting to be able to hold a special event such as Harmony Day which higlights the unity and sense of community we share here at Cobram AGS.” ASC News

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL

THE CITY IS OUR CAMPUS While most school grounds end at the gates, St George’s Anglican Grammar School students have an entire city as their campus.

“All these activities complement the formal curriculum by extending student learning and engagement outside of the classroom.”

Principal Tina Campbell said the city played a pivotal role in the life of the School.

Humanities teacher Courtney Evans said the city was a visual classroom like no other.

“Our students and teaching staff see the city as part of their everyday school campus and utilise city facilities within their daily teaching schedules,” Mrs Campbell said.

“It’s wonderful to be able to take students out to further their learning in the HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) area. Students are able to experience Parliament House or a range of rallies and demonstrations to deepen their understanding of the curriculum and world around them that most other students would be studying in the confines of a classroom,” Ms Evans said.

“While many of our classes occur within the school building on William Street, our students study visual art at the Art Gallery of WA, visit Parliament House for Politics and Law classes, play touch rugby at the Supreme Court Gardens, train for cross country in Kings Park and paddle board on the Swan River. “Students also attend a weekly chapel service at St George’s Cathedral and undertake study sessions at the Perth City Library. Our recent drama production was performed at the Heath Ledger Theatre.” Mrs Campbell said the School also had valuable connections with a range of city businesses. “Our Business Management and Enterprise students undertake a range of projects that gives them the opportunity to work directly alongside top city-based CEOs,” she said. 6

“At St George’s we can either walk or jump on the Cat Bus and experience firsthand aspects of city life that regularly bring History, Politics and Law, Economics and Geography to life.” Mrs Campbell said the city-based location allowed St George’s students to learn from the variety of new experiences, new people, and new places that pop up within the city each day. “By having their classrooms in the middle of the City of Perth, St George’s students have the chance to develop their life skills and experiences in the midst of the city, building social awareness skills, empathising with others and understanding more clearly the diverse

6 backgrounds and cultures that make up the City of Perth,” she said. “They are also learning how to communicate with a broad range of people, whether it be the lady at the corner kiosk, the businessman standing at the crosswalk, the policeman guiding traffic on St Georges Terrace or the homeless woman asking for help. It is a life skills program outside of anything that can usually be taught within the classroom.”

St George’s also has a strong connection with the City of Perth. Mrs Campbell was recently announced as a 7 member of the City of Perth forum, Brand Perth, which is looking at creating a vision for the future development of the City of Perth. Alongside some of St George’s students themselves, Mrs Campbell will provide a voice for young people and education in the city.

Images 1. Cross country in Kings Park 2. Year 11 Politics and Law at Parliament House 3. Year 9 English at Perth City Library 4. Year 9 Outdoor Education – Orienteering 5. Rowing on the Swan River 6. Year 11 Visual Arts at the Art Gallery of WA 7. Drama and Music at the State Theatre Centre of WA 8. Chapel at St George’s Cathedral

ASC News

JOHN SEPTIMUS ROE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

THE RITE JOURNEY | NAVIGATING ADOLESCENCE Making sure students are on the right journey is part and parcel for staff at John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School. Principal Jason Bartell said adolescence could be a challenging time, with students navigating in a world of complex messages influenced by what they see and hear through the media, social networks and peers about how adults should act, the way relationships are fostered and the world they live in today.

The Rite Journey program also partners with families in helping students work through these complex times and had received positive feedback from parents. The program enables students to engage in meaningful conversations with their parents, peers and their Rite Journey teacher. “I’d never had conversations like that with my dad, it was really nice” one student said.

“As a School, we have implemented a rites of passage program titled The Rite Journey, which culminates in an Adventure Works Into Adulthood Camp for all Year 9 students,” he said.

Through the Rite Journey program, the School endeavours to empower and equip students to face the challenges of today and tomorrow through weekly class activities, discussions, challenges, a mentoring program and an Into Adulthood Camp, covering four key topics.

“This program encourages students to look back at significant events in their childhood that may have shaped their character, gain an understanding of who they are now and the type of person they would like to be as an adult.”

In the first topic, ‘Who am I really?’ students gain an understanding of themselves by exploring self-identity and the expectations placed on them by society. Discussions include self-awareness, gender identity and body image.

Students also explore their role in relationships in the second topic ‘How do I get on with others?’ Conversations include emotional literacy, listening, non-violence, anger management and healthy sexuality. Throughout the third topic, ‘Is there something more?’ students reflect on some of the deeper aspects of life including stillness, mindfulness, values, sadness, happiness, mortality and wisdom. The final topic ‘What is my purpose and what do I have to give?’ prompts students to consider their future and what they have to offer the world. Topics include leadership, intentions, kindness and gratitude. Mr Bartell said student feedback had been positive. He said many students had accepted challenges, considered the adult they want to be and were beginning to work with their mentors outside of school. “Practical opportunities and flexible content delivery enable lessons to flow around topics that students

feel are current and relevant to their needs,” Mr Bartell said. “The open sharing environment is empowering for students to voice their thoughts and feelings, knowing they are not alone and discussing healthy strategies to cope with their journey.”

STUDENT QUOTES “It’s really engaging and great to not always have a pen and paper activity like normal classes.” “It’s nice to have meaningful conversations with people you wouldn’t normally talk to in a safe environment.” “It’s like a group therapy session, good for building confidence and being able to open up, it brings you closer to the teacher too.”

ASC News

ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN SCHOOL

SUSTAINING THE FUTURE Creating new traditions with a strong focus on sustainability is part of St James’ Anglican School’s efforts to be sustainable, reduce their carbon footprint and ensure a better future for all students.

The students’ goal is to produce enough produce to sell at the St James’ Family Fun Fair in September, where the emphasis will be on market stalls offering home grown, organic, bespoke and locally sourced products.

In the Junior School, students have been given the tools to create and maintain a sustainable fruit and vegetable garden with a greenhouse. The veggie garden being only one aspect of the School’s overall vision of developing an educational experience which embraces the natural environment, outdoor activities and developing an appreciation for sustainability. As students are encouraged to participate in the veggie garden during morning fitness time, they learn while they get their hands dirty completing tasks such as weeding, planting, harvesting and monitoring insects and witnessing the cycle of life.

The Senior School students are also focussed on opportunities to recycle and renew. Hospitality students have been looking at food wastage and ways to create by-products. In the student-run St James’ Café, the team have created a herb garden to enable access to organically grown, fresh herbs to use in their cooking. They have also put the used coffee grounds to good use as a fertiliser in the herb garden, along with composting food scraps to reduce wastage within the Café.

Parent volunteers have been pivotal in getting the veggie garden underway and Pre-Primary parent Nina Dorieux said it had been a highly positive experience for students. “It is heart-warming to see and hear the students express interest, joy and amazement as they take a share in the planting and growing of vegetables, and, taking the time to exercise sustainable practices,” she said.

“We love doing our little bit of good, with the coffee grinds, food recycler and chicken scraps, it’s those little bits of good, that make us feel we are doing our bit to save our environment,” share Year 11 Hospitality Certificate students. Also in Senior School this term the Science Department has set up an aquaponics system for the Year 12 students where students create a sustainable ecosystem for 15 rainbow trout whose waste will go towards growing crops including lettuce, carrots, coriander and cabbage.

CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

SEEDS IN SPACE! They might look like ordinary Year Seven students, but they recently embarked on a mission to space! As part of their studies in Year Seven Agriculture and Horticulture, Cathedral College Wangaratta students sent seeds to the International Space station. The seeds spend six months in space so scientists can study how space affects them. The seeds have since been sent back to Earth to be planted at the College. Students will analyse and compare the growth of the returned seeds. Teacher Amanda Naish said students would now study the growth of six seeds that had been sent to space and six seeds that had stayed on Earth.

Student Abbey Cagalj said that she has been very excited about the project and the fact that she has held something that has been in space. When asked what she thinks will happen, Abbey feels the growth rates will be similar: “I actually think they will grow at the same rate but I think the taste might be different due to the lack of oxygen in space.” Students have learnt about topics such including space in general, the significance of growing plants in space, the germination process of plants and tips in making their own plant chambers to grow Basil. Cathedral College was the only Australian school to participate in this round of the program.

“We have set up a time lapse camera to take images for the next 30 days to capture the growth of the seeds,” she said. “Students will have to make observations, take photos and record plant growth, and then plot a graph using data collected and hypothesize how plant growth will be different in microgravity conditions. “Once we have collected our data, we share it with The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) where they use our data to compare and analyse it with the eight other countries that have also participated in the program.” ASC News 11

JOHN WOLLASTON ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

JUMPING TO THE TOP Students at John Wollaston Anglican Community School have a long-standing tradition of competing in Equestrian, at both a State and National level. For more than 24 years, students have represented the School displaying their passion for the sport they love. This year, two Equestrian students put on a stunning performance at the 2021 Saddles Plus Interschool Equestrian Festival at the State Equestrian Centre, Brigadoon. At just 9 years old, Year 4 student, Matilda March was the youngest rider in her classes, competing in Showjumping and Combined Training on her two horses, Judaroo Espionage (Jasper) and Redgum Little Miss Giggles (Giggles). Matilda was in outstanding form achieving 1st place in the Primary 60cm Showjumping Championship class, the Primary 70cm Showjumping Championship class and the Primary 70cm Showjumping Participant class. She also achieved 2nd place in the Primary 60cm Showjumping Participant class and 3rd place in the Primary 60cm Combined Training Championship class. Matilda said: “I was so happy and excited to compete in the Interschool Equestrian Festival. My Dad used to compete in Equestrian and I want to follow in his footsteps. My goal is to work towards jumping higher in our next competition.” For Year 7 student, Eva Anning, this was her first taste of competing at an interschool event. Riding The Brass 12

Bear (Teddy), Eva achieved amazing results, placing 4th in the Secondary 45cm Showjumping Participant class and 10th in the Secondary 60cm Showjumping Participant class. Eva said she had been to a couple of State events but had never ridden in any of them. “I felt really nervous before the event but when I started riding Teddy in the warm up, I forgot about my nerves and just rode,” Eva said. “I like riding because it creates a connection with an animal stronger than any other. When I’m riding, I forget about everything else that’s going on in the world. I forget about homework I must do or how early I must get up for training in the morning. It’s just one moment of my life where it’s just me and Teddy.” Competing in Equestrian events demands dedication with the students training several times a week practising various skills and working with their horses. Matilda and Eva are well supported by their families and staff. Equestrian coach and Science teacher, Rebecca Phillips said she was incredibly proud of the sportsmanship, skill and presentation of John Wollaston riders at the event. “Matilda and Eva are dedicated riders who have a bright future in the sport,” she said.

RISING TIDES Peter Carnley Anglican Community School (PCACS) is home to an exciting and ground-breaking initiative this year, with the launch of the TIDES Programme. The unique programme - which stands for Technology, Innovation, Design, Enterprise and Sustainability celebrates the connection between real world challenges, the future of work and student ownership of our global future. New TIDES coordinator Mr Kim Flintoff is well known for his work with Curtin University, facilitating student agency in cutting-edge projects. “The TIDES Programme gives students an opportunity to use their voice and have greater control of their own learning,” Mr Flintoff said. “Not only will they draw on their own personal interests and passions, their learning will be shaped by a variety of experiences and challenges facing our world at local, national and international levels.” TIDES is designed to develop the holistic concept of human competency, including cognitive and metacognitive skills, social emotional skills and physical and practical skills. The programme is also allowing the School to expand beyond the school gate, with many enticing partnerships and projects in the pipeline.

PETER CARNLEY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

A substantial redesign of the Senior School Timetable and Senior School Curriculum offerings has given all Year 7-10 students the opportunity to immerse themselves in TIDES in 2021. Some of the initial TIDES activities for year groups include: • Year 7s explore the Design Thinking Process. Small teams embark on a sustained challenge-based STEM Learning experience in preparation for entry in the Game Changer Awards 2021. • Year 8s develop challenges that draw on Design Thinking and collaboration to find solutions to a range of concerns facing our School and the local community. • Year 9s invest in the STEM4Innovation Hospital Immersion Challenge, assisting Professor Fiona Wood to design COVID safe operating theatres at Fiona Stanley Hospital. • Year 10s launch their journey as global citizens through the Balance of the Planet Programme developed by the Learning Futures team at Curtin University, gaining an in-depth understanding of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Principal Felicity House said TIDES was an example of the school’s innovative approach to learning design and complemented a comprehensive suite of curricular and co-curricular opportunities available to every PCACS student.

ASC News 13

ST MARK’S ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

WINNING WITH TECHNOLOGY St Mark’s Anglican Community School students are imagining the future and keeping up with cutting-edge technology thanks their strong digital technologies program.

oceans, homelessness, air pollution, people living with disabilities and bushfires. Each group then researched their problem and proposed solutions using existing AI technologies,” he said.

The entire Year 7 cohort of students participated in the Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior program this year, where they were challenged to be the change they would like to see in the world, using Digital Technologies - and more specifically Artificial Intelligence - to enact that change.

Mr Blair said both the teachers and students had embraced the project-based learning initiatives in digital technologies, with St Mark’s conducting the largest hackathon in Australia this year.

Head of Digital Technologies Rob Blair was one of only five teachers nationwide recognised in the National Imagine Cup Junior Awards for his outstanding contribution to education. Mr Blair was recognised as a Teacher of Distinction by the Microsoft K-12 Education Lead Travis Smith and Director of Education at Microsoft Australia, Tiffany Wright. Mr Blair said students worked in groups to imagine amazing solutions using Artificial Intelligence to solve real-world problems. “Some of the areas in which our innovative students worked were to create solutions to plastics in our 14

GEORGIANA MOLLOY ANGLICAN SCHOOL

PLAYGROUND FOR THE ‘BIG KIDS’ Transitioning from Primary School to Middle School doesn’t mean you suddenly have to stop being a kid according to staff at Georgiana Molloy Anglican School. The School has recently installed a playground for students in Years 7, 8 and 9 to support the health, learning and social inclusion of all teenagers and provide safe spaces for them to be on the playground, without compromising the comfort and activities of younger children. The playground is a nature inspired space which offers scope in challenge and creative play and is but tailored to suit the needs of this particular age group. Principal Ted Kosicki said everyone should have the ability to play – even the older kids.

But the success of the new playground is best measured by the students. “Ten out of ten, absolutely love it,” Year 7 student Odin said. “We get to escape to our place that is not a ‘baby’ playground and get some stress release ready then for the afternoon ahead.” This space allows for students to meet with their friends, be active or just take it easy and socialise. The playground project was supported by the fundraising efforts of GMAS Parents & Friends Association and by the GMAS maintenance staff.

“It’s a ‘challenge by choice’ playground that is open to all age groups,” Mr Kosicki said. “It caters to the passive and adventurous mindsets. “Once students enter this stage in their education, from increased school workload to new social pressures, they benefit immensely from active breaks during the school day.” ASC News 15

TRINITY ANGLICAN COLLEGE

Hunter McBurnie

TEAM HUNTER LEADING THE WAY Trinity Anglican College is flying high as Australia’s top team, raising more than $147,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.

“Our thanks to the Trinity and wider community in coming together to remember Hunter in this incredible way,” she said.

Staff and students shed and coloured their locks in the World’s Greatest Shave in memory of Trinity Year 8 student Hunter McBurnie, who passed away in January this year after a long battle with blood cancer.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support for Team Hunter. It was an amazing effort by everyone and I’m so proud of our Trinity community.”

Hunter was originally diagnosed with a rare form of Lymphoma in August 2017. In 2018, more than 100 of Hunter’s fellow students raised almost $45,000 in the World’s Greatest Shave to show their support for Hunter as he underwent treatment. This year the College community aimed to raise $100,000 but easily surpassed this for a tally of $147,418.64 for Team Hunter. Fifteen hairdressers helped 85 students and 12 teachers shave their hair for the cause, while a further 149 coloured their hair to raise money. The event was live streamed from the Multi-Purpose Hall at Trinity so the wider community could see the hype that was unfolding during the event. Representatives from The Leukaemia Foundation attended to show their support. Organiser Megan Craig said the event meant a lot to the College community, with students, staff and parents keen to be involved. 16

FREDERICK IRWIN ANGLICAN SCHOOL

NEW CHAPLAIN Frederick Irwin Anglican School’s new Chaplain, The Reverend James Tabor, has taken to his new role with enthusiasm and a passion for educating all students. At his recent Commissioning, the former Royal Navy chaplain said the role of the chaplain was a unique one. “To the outsider, the chaplain is the representative of God, the spiritual leader and the ‘life coach’ in a specific context. The chaplain is everyone’s friend and advisor, the confidant, the listener,” he said. “This shares many characteristics with the pastor, the priest or the religious leader in wider society, but the chaplain is different, because of the context. “Unlike the Church on the outside, the chaplain meets the community where they are, and works and lives alongside that community. Happiness, sadness, life and loves are shared, and hopes, dreams and successes are celebrated.” Reverend James was most recently the Rector of the Parish of Pinjarra-Waroona and previously served as Chaplain in the Royal Navy for many years. He regularly shares his knowledge of and passion for the Defence Forces with students, particularly on significant days of remembrance such as ANZAC Day.

He is passionate about education and the development of faith and spirituality in young people as a means of building resilience, self-confidence and wholeness. Reverend James is looking forward to introducing a range of exciting projects and programmes for students and staff. Reverend James has a degree from the University of Western Australia and trained for ministry at Oxford University, where he was awarded an Honours Degree in Theology. He also has a Masters Degree in Law. Reverend James is something of an amateur apiarist, enjoying beekeeping, along with sailing and reading. He is married and has three adult children. ASC News 17

PETER MOYES ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

INAUGURAL SCHOLARSHIPS LAUNCHED Peter Moyes Anglican Community School recently launched their inaugural Scholarship Program for students entering Year 7 and Year 11 in 2022. Principal Benjamin Lomas said the launch of the Scholarship program was an exciting milestone for the School and for families in the area. “For existing PMACS families, the Scholarships represent an opportunity to recognise their child’s achievements and be rewarded in terms of reduced tuition fees, while for prospective families, it presents an opportunity to perhaps access an education experience for their child that would not have been possible without a fee reduction in the form of a Scholarship,” he said. Scholarships providing remission on Tuition Fees will be awarded to students displaying academic merit and general excellence, promoting a culture that celebrates personal endeavour and achievement across many different disciplines. Successful candidates will also show a commitment to positively contribute to the life of the School and to demonstrate the School’s Values of: Faith, Excellence, Compassion, Respect, Responsibility and Courage. Mr Lomas said a key driver in the decision to launch the Scholarship program was to attract families to 18

the Mindarie-based school from suburbs beyond the typical intake area. To target these families the school used geo-targeted Facebook advertising and the Australia Post Unaddressed Mail service to conduct a letterbox drop throughout 22 suburbs in the northern coastal corridor. “We’ve been very encouraged by the high level of interest in the Scholarships, from families right across the northern coastal suburbs. We’ve also been receiving enquiries already regarding Scholarships for students entering Year 7 and Year 11 in 2023,” he said. Formal offers of Scholarships will be presented in late June, with details for 2023 Scholarships released in early 2022.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

introducing. .

Mari Green

Brenton de Villiers

Elda Cappi

Rite Journey Coordinator

English Language Teacher

Head of Department (Early Years)

Trinity Anglican College

ASC Language School

Swan Valley Anglican Community School

When I was in high school I would have never imagined I would become a teacher. I always knew I wanted to work in finance and business so my aim was to complete a Bachelor of Business Accounting. However, part way through my degree, I realised this occupation did not fulfil me. Growing up on a sheep and cattle farm in Talgarno Victoria, I had a passion for Agriculture and my mentor at the time advised me to combine my love of business with agriculture. This enabled me to pursue a career in agribusiness for the next 4 years after completing my accounting degree.

First born in South Africa, my family and I migrated to New Zealand before relocating to Western Australia in 2007. While living in Perth, I see the world as my home. One of my favourite travel destinations is Japan. I find its history and architecture, modern and traditional, fascinating. Even more so, just how different the Japanese language is to English and all the complexities that come with it (like the several levels of formality you need to know to address someone correctly).

I started as an Education Assistant in the school’s foundation year (2006). I recall having to set up the classrooms, walking across sand carrying furniture from one building to the other. Although there were limited resources, the atmosphere and morale of the staff was one of excitement and positivity. We were all very keen to meet the new students and their families.

It wasn’t until I began training graduates in my current role that I found my passion for teaching. My family thought I was crazy to leave my role in agribusiness to become a teacher. However, they now see it is the best decision I have ever made. Teaching to me isn’t a job if you love what you do. Teaching has helped me fulfil my passions and experience some amazing teaching moments. Since commencing at Trinity in 2018, I have been teaching in the HSIE department, taken on the role of Rite Journey Co-ordinator for our Year 9 Students and have introduced the College to Agriculture. Teaching students content and curriculum is only one aspect of teaching that I love; my main passion is community involvement. For the past two years at Trinity I have managed the co-curricular Rural Fire Service (RFS) Cadets for our Year 9-10 students and have provided students with resilience and growth through the Rite Journey Program. These programs provide students with life skills, networking and actively being part of the community. I believe education and community involvement is key to success in life.

Because of my interest in travel and global cultures and languages, I specialised in linguistics and Japanese at the University of Western Australia, then followed by a Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education in TESOL and LOTE at Edith Cowan University. However, I still felt dissatisfied with my knowledge in second language acquisition, so I gained a Master of TESOL at Curtin University to ground my teaching practice. Now at the ASC Language School, I enjoy helping students from diverse nationalities and linguistic backgrounds transition to mainstream studies. It has been an interesting journey so far. During my first year at the Language School, we pivoted to remote learning in Term 1 and continued with a hybrid teaching model where we taught students on campus as well as new remote students. This year the Language School programs have expanded to help language development for many different types of students. I am enjoying helping to create some of our new courses and looking forward to seeing them grow. When we are able to travel again, I look forward to meeting my students in person. And most definitely I will be found in a traditional Izakaya in Kyoto drinking some fine sake.

In 2008 I was offered the opportunity to teach Italian from Pre-Primary to Year 7. This was an experience that led me to realise that I had a passion for teaching, and I was encouraged by my colleagues to pursue this passion. To this day, this decision remains as one of my greatest highlights here at SVACS. Each role I have had has not only allowed me to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone, but to also follow my passion and teach students to be critical thinkers and develop their thirst for knowledge. More recently, having the opportunity to challenge myself further in my current role, has given me the opportunity to support others and develop leadership skills. I feel very lucky to be part of a school that has a holistic and inclusive philosophy to teaching and learning. The management are supportive and approachable and are also willing to listen to the ideas of others. The staff are friendly, and the students are respectful. Although the school has grown immensely over the years, I feel the pastoral care and compassion for others has remained the same.

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2021 ASC PIANO COMPETITION A record 214 entries from 11 ASC schools were received as part of the ninth annual ASC Piano Competition. The competition has seven categories based on AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) equivalent grades, and a novice section. With the entire 2020 competition held online, 2021 competitors outside of Perth who were unable to attend the competition day at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School (PMACS) were still able to take part with digital entries. Thirty-three digital entries were received from Cathedral College Wangaratta in Victoria and Georgiana Molloy Anglican School in Busselton. The overall winner for the second consecutive year was Swan Valley Anglican Community School student Jordan Scott. Special recognition was given to students who had competed in five or more ASC Piano Competitions, including two PMACS students – Joscelyn Melendez and Bobby Yang – who had competed in all nine competitions. Special thanks were given to ASC Piano Competition coordinator Bronwyn Booth and adjudicators Tracie Wootton, Jangoo Chapkhana and David Goldfinch. 20

ASC PIANO COMPETITION OVERALL WINNERS 1st Jordan Scott |Swan Valley Anglican Community School 2nd Emily Saito-Noble | Peter Carnley Anglican Community School 3rd Christian Blair, Sydney Blair, Xavier Blair | Georgiana Molloy Anglican School CATEGORY WINNERS FAITH - Preliminary/Grade One 1st Callista Lim | John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School 2nd Liam Sinclair | Cathedral College Wangaratta 3rd Roi Allardyce | Peter Moyes Anglican Community School JUSTICE - Grade Two/Three 1st Emily Saito-Noble | Peter Carnley Anglican Community School 2nd Oscar Bevan | Georgiana Molloy Anglican School 3rd Vikaash Surendran | John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School INTEGRITY - Grade Four/Five 1st Daniel Ciccullo | St Mark’s Anglican Community School 2nd Estelle Afonso | John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School 3rd Hugo Wong | St George’s Anglican Grammar School DIVERSITY/RESPECT - Composition/Arrangement/Improvisation, Duet/Ensemble 1st Hudson Merema | Frederick Irwin Anglican School 2nd Joscelyn Melendez, Bobby Yang | Peter Moyes Anglican Community School 3rd Christian Blair, Sydney Blair, Xavier Blair | Georgiana Molloy Anglican School EXCELLENCE - Grade Six/Seven/Eight or Diploma 1st Jordan Scott | Swan Valley Anglican Community School 2nd Queenie Nguyen | John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School 3rd Joscelyn Melendez | Peter Moyes Anglican Community School

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FUTURE CAREERS For students in Years 10-12 at Esperance Anglican Community School, Careers Camp can provide a glimpse into future possibilities. Esperance students make the 700km trek to Perth for the camp to visit universities and training providers and to get a taste of living away from home. Students visit all five WA universities (University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University and the University of Notre Dame) as well as the WA Police Academy, Tafe and creative media training provider SEA Qantm. Associate Principal Lisa Marquis said the camp was a valuable opportunity for students to understand the many options available for school leavers, whether it was university, further training or the workforce. “Being able to visit universities and training providers allows students to experience what it might be like to study at one of these places after graduation,” Mrs Marquis said. “Reading about a course is not the same as visiting and talking to other staff and students about their experiences. They also use experience using public transport around Perth and what it might be like to live in university housing.” 22

ESPERANCE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL Year 11 student Finlay McKenzie said: “I enjoyed careers camp as it gave me an insight into which university I want to go to and the course that I’d like to attend once I have left school. Since camp I now want to go to Murdoch and do a bachelor of secondary education because they have a massive campus and an amazing onsite accommodation.” Year 12 student Macey Podmore said the camp was a great experience even though she did not plan to attend university. “Touring all the different campuses and hearing from current students gave a big insight into uni life. We stayed at Trinity College and got to experience how it is living semi-independently. I would definitely recommend Careers Camp to everyone, whether you’re interested in uni or not,” she said. Year 10 student Regan Mott said: “The Careers Camp experience for me was beneficial in the way it not only helped me understand which universities would suit what area I would like to pursue in the future, but also in the way I was able to determine which universities had the lifestyle and facilities that I would enjoy during my time there.”

ANGLICAN IDENTITY

The Reverend Justine Coverdale John Wollaston Anglican Community School Being the new chaplain in an Anglican school can be challenging. Every school has its own culture, busy calendar and ways of doing things and the chaplain is expected to be involved in just about every aspect of school life. ‘Being involved’ can mean anything from organising the Valedictory service to comforting a distressed parent or judging a bake-off competition. Every chaplain has to find their own way of being present. As I approach the end of my first semester at John Wollaston Anglican Community School, I am pleased to report that I am beginning to find my way. Beyond simply being involved, I am building relationships and claiming that which is core to chaplaincy – namely, keeping the rumour of God alive and planting the seeds of future faith. By far my greatest privilege and joy is introducing children and young people to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus. For many students and staff, a school chapel service is their first experience of ‘Church’ and I take seriously my responsibility to make a positive and lasting impression of Christianity. In my view, what sets Anglican schools apart from some other faith schools is our diversity and inclusivity. We are not only open to all comers, but we celebrate and value difference - John Wollaston Anglican Community School being an excellent example of this. I am looking forward to a long association with Anglican schools.

from the Chaplains

The Reverend Patrick King Anglican Schools Commission While technically not a chaplain myself, it’s a great privilege to spend time with those who serve across all our schools; walking alongside them in their ministry as they in turn journey with each and every member of our communities. In my role as Director of Anglican Identity, I have been challenged to consider and encourage our distinctive Anglican character. When we think about our personal identity, we often think about things we do - sport or hobbies, good deeds (or bad deeds!), the things we give out and put into the world. But when we look deeper, we realise that our true identity is shaped and nurtured far more by what we receive in life - the care from loved ones, instruction from teachers, and indeed the unconditional love that we receive from God. In their presence in our schools, our chaplains more than simply ‘model’, rather they ‘become’ that unconditional love of God, made tangible in our communities. In their nurture and care for us, we receive the nurture and care of God, and in that receiving, our identity is shaped and formed. God is present in our midst as the love we show for one another.

The Reverend Kim Thomas Peter Carnley Anglican Community School I came to PCACS at the beginning of the year in 2020 knowing that there hadn’t been a Chaplain here for two years and wondered how much of the Anglican identity remained. The school had done so well and hardpressed teachers had done a sterling job covering chapel services, but there was very much a sense of ‘thank goodness you are here!’ It became apparent that this was now an opportunity to regroup, look at just what being an Anglican School means and how we can express the rich diversity of faith and Anglican worship to both staff and students. In chapel services we strive to ensure growth in character, behaviour and faith in an Anglican setting and invite people to experience God’s love through God’s son Jesus. Anglican Schools give people the opportunity to explore belief and worship, with the understanding that there are many who come with differing beliefs and some no belief at all. I never take for granted both the privilege and calling I have as a Chaplain and thank God daily that God uses me for God’s glory in this place.

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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