ASC News | Issue 79 | March 2023

ASC NEWS

FEATURES

St James’ Anglican School

St George’s Anglican Grammar School

From the Chief Executive Officer

THE REVEREND PETER LAURENCE OAM

Dear Colleagues SCHOOLS WEEK

ASC Schools Week has just concluded. Originating just over a decade ago in September 2012, this biennial celebration marked the sixth time the ASC family has come together for a Eucharist in St George’s Cathedral and combined Schools Concert in the Perth Concert Hall.

Schools Week is a celebration of our Anglican Identity, as it’s expressed through worship, music and performance. The ASC’s values of Faith, Excellence, Justice, Respect, Integrity and Inclusion sit at the heart of our schools’ mission and purpose. This was reflected in a magnificent act of worship on Wednesday afternoon in St George’s Cathedral, when we joined in Eucharist with Archbishop Kay. Then again in the vibrant Schools Concert on the Friday evening, where we celebrated the gifts and talents of our students on stage and the inspiring and supportive staff behind the scenes.

Concert Director Michael Newton again brilliantly pulled together a repertoire that expressed a diversity of musical genres for our enjoyment. Choirs, orchestras, ensembles, bands and even hip hop!

A big thank you to all who worked tirelessly to ensure our Schools Week Eucharist and Concert were great acts of worship and celebration.

STAFF MATTERS

Chief Operating Officer

Ivan McLean has been appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer at the ASC, commencing early June. Last year he served as Head of Middle School at St Mark’s Anglican Community School, and currently fulfills the Acting Head of Teaching and Learning position at the school. From 2016‒2021, Ivan was Secondary Principal of the Australian International School in Malaysia; prior to moving overseas, he was Associate Principal Senior School at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School from 2007‒2015.

Ivan holds a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) from UWA, a Diploma of Education, a Master of Science from Curtin University, a Diploma of Management, a Certificate IV in Training and Education, and the Wollaston Certificate for Anglican Leaders. He is married to Dianne and has two adult children, Aimee and Liam.

The ASC continues to be well served by our Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO), Shane Parnell, who stepped into the role earlier this year from his substantive position as Director of Technology. Shane will continue as Acting COO until Ivan commences in June.

Ivan has been a long-serving member of the ASC family and I look forward to welcoming him into his new role. Director of Human Resources

Kiel Anthony commenced mid-March as Director of Human Resources, replacing Kellie Opitz who moved interstate early this year. For the past 4 years, Kiel held the position of Employment Relations Consultant at Catholic Education WA. Prior to that position, he was the Human Resources Business Partner for the Salvation Army WA Division.

Cover Image: Eucharist held at St George’s Cathedral

Kiel holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UWA, specialising in Industrial Relations, Human Resources and Management. A very warm welcome to Kiel. I extend a big thank you to Kellie Opitz who continued to support us from a distance over the past few months.

Director of New Schools

Keva Crouch leaves us at the end of this term. Keva has led this portfolio at two different times over the past decade. She was responsible for oversight of the work leading to the establishment and opening of St James’ Anglican School in Alkimos in 2015. More recently, Keva has led much of the preparatory work for our new All Saints Anglican School in Shepparton, as well as assisting with 441 Murray Street, our new highrise home from the end of next year. Keva has played a part in all the new school projects and land acquisitions of recent years. She also serves as Council Chair at St James’. Thank you Keva.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

Schools Week is over and Holy Week is upon us. That means Lent is over too! When I went to school (as a student, not teacher!), this was called ‘Lent Term’. Together with Trinity and Michaelmas Terms, the school year was divided in three - what seemed to be three very long terms when one was 15 years old! A progressive move to four terms saw the year divided evenly into ten-week blocks, nice bite-sized chunks. With it came the retrogressive step of replacing names with numbers - Terms One, Two, Three and Four. Bring back the terms Lent, Trinity and Michaelmas, I say!

Lent rarely gets a mention outside the Church. While Christmas and Easter are still hot conversational topics, and Advent even gets a look-in with the renewed popularity of the Advent Calendar, Lent isn’t a particularly ‘sellable commodity’ to the general public. Forty days leading to Easter when Christians observe a time of selfreflection, confessing failings and resolving to live a more Godly life based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Term One (or ‘Lent Term’) is such a rich one for the chapel life of our schools, from commencement services in early February, through Ash Wednesday, Lent and now Holy Week. Liturgy and ceremony play such an important role in inviting our young people to engage with the Christian story. We learn more from doing than simply hearing and seeing.

As we journey through Holy Week this year, we share the passion story again and are reminded of the significant place that the season of Easter plays in our faith, our schools and our world. It is a message of hope that we encourage children and adults alike to live out through the year. Thank you to the Archbishop of Perth, and the Bishops of Bunbury and Wangaratta, for sharing their Easter Reflections with us in this edition.

Easter Blessings...

The story of Easter is well known. Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, his body put in a tomb, and a heavy stone rolled across the opening. Throughout Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, when his friends went to the tomb, they found the stone rolled back and the tomb empty.

‘He is not here, he is risen,’ was the Easter message proclaimed.

We know that the story had a happy ending. Yet we often forget that, for Jesus’ dearest family and followers, the first Good Friday was a horrific and abrupt end to everything Jesus was, did, and promised. They did not know or expect that Jesus would rise again three days later. Their anguish was deep and without any hope –something many people experience when faced with the death of a loved one or burdened by the worries and problems of life.

The Easter story shows us the bigger picture of God’s plan for us. Jesus’ victory over suffering, death and evil is God’s guarantee that his light, goodness and love will always have the final word. As you remember and celebrate the Easter story this year, may you and your family experience the joy and hope which Jesus’ resurrection brings.

Christ is risen, alleluia!

He is risen indeed, alleluia!

The Most Reverend Kay

Goldsworthy AO Archbishop of Perth

Easter messages

The resounding refrain of ‘Alleluias’ heralds the Easter Proclamation that Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again. The focus for Easter, however, is that Christ is risen and that the resurrection joy results from the pangs of Good Friday. Easter is what we have been preparing for during Lent, through fasting and prayer; with days of self-denial until, through the cross covered, elevated and revered on Good Friday, we see the tree of defeat becoming the tree of glory. One of the most uplifting Easter Day decorations are the church crosses covered with beautiful flowers, alongside the image or décor of an empty tomb, where the stone is rolled to the side. Easter signifies victory over defeat and life over death, as light shines in the darkness and beauty is born from brokenness - hope from despair. May the joy of the resurrection bring great joy to our lives as we endeavour to bring joy to others and as we live the resurrection joy, fully aware of the transforming power of God within our lives.

The Right Reverend Clarence

E. Bester Bishop of Wangaratta

In his 1st century letter to Christians in the city of Corinth, the Apostle Paul notes he had handed onto them “as of first importance” the following information: that Jesus Christ had “died for our sins”, he “was buried”, and “was raised on the third day”. Not only were these events foretold in the Old Testament, but also, says Paul, Jesus Christ subsequently appeared to individuals like Peter, the twelve disciples, and then to more than 500 people. In fact, Paul reminds them that Jesus Christ even appeared to Paul, who had been persecuting Christians up to that point. For Paul, this combined evidence was conclusive proof that Jesus Christ was who he claimed to be: the Son of God. Furthermore, argued Paul, it is also proof there is resurrection, or new life, after death. If these things were not true, Paul points out, the Christian faith would be in vain. As you may have already guessed, he, and many millions since, have reason to believe they were true.

It is these events that make Easter so important to Christians. I wish you a very Happy Easter!

The Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts Bishop of Bunbury

ASC SCHOOLS WEEK

Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.

Martin Luther King

The Anglican identity shone bright as diamonds in the last week of March, as all 15 schools came together in worship and performance for the sixth ASC Schools Week.

The theme this year was ‘Creation’ and celebrating everything that is good within it.

EUCHARIST 29 MARCH

The first significant event was the Schools Week Eucharist, presided by The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Archbishop of Perth, at St George’s Cathedral.

While the organ was played, student leaders proudly carried the school banners into the Cathedral to lead the procession at the commencement of the service.

Archbishop Kay spoke to students’ hearts and minds by using the popular music of Rihanna to liken people to diamonds, shining brightly and full of potential to be beautiful and unique.

Another highlight was the warm and powerful gospel reading in Noongar by elder, Len Collard, while students performed a wonderful dramatic interpretation.

The John Septimus Roe choir filled the Cathedral with their sweet song as they sang to celebrate God’s goodness throughout the service.

So shine bright, tonight, you and I

We’re beautiful, like diamonds in the sky

Eye to eye, so alive

We’re beautiful, like diamonds in the sky

Rihanna

CONCERT 31 MARCH

The Schools Week Concert enables music students to come together, rehearse and learn from professional conductors and musicians, culminating in a vibrant musical event at the Perth Concert Hall in front of family, friends and special guests. The concert saw nearly 400 students and professionals shine onstage as they delivered a diverse musical program, expertly led by ASC Schools Week Concert Director, Michael Newton. Choirs, orchestras, a hip hop group, rock band, stage band and percussion ensemble performed a repertoire that ranged from traditional Hungarian dances and Hansel to Amy Winehouse and Star Wars. Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture came with pyrotechnics and a sound warning in surely the most powerful moment of the evening!

The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM perfectly summed up the magnificent celebration of community when he addressed the crowd during the concert, “What a joy to have students from all 15 ASC schools with us tonight!”

ASC Schools journeyed from near and far to participate in the event, with special mention to Cathedral College Wangaratta and Cobram Anglican Grammar School from Victoria, and Trinity Anglican College from Albury New South Wales. Special mention also goes to Esperance Anglican Community School, who spent 8 hours on a bus to travel to Perth, and Georgiana Molloy Anglican School in Busselton, who journeyed for almost 3 hours.

Special thanks to

• Concert Director: Michael Newton.

• Guest Conductors: Elise Chong, Perry Joyce, and Stephen Williams.

• Guest Artists: Marc Earley, Scott Griffiths, Elise Reitze-Swensen, the team from Boss Arts Creatives, and organist Allesandro Pittorino.

• School Heads of Music.

• Helpers and supporters from across the schools and ASC network.

IMMERSING STUDENTS IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

The local environment provides the perfect setting for learning about sustainability and wildlife preservation at St James’ Anglican School. With a natural coastline within a few steps and a community beach just a cycle ride away, teachers regularly embrace the environment by taking learning outdoors.

St James’ Anglican School Principal Mr Adrian Pree said that teaching students about the environment within their local community builds on their connectedness to nature and surroundings.

Mr Pree said students are taught the importance of biodiversity being earth-focused, and respectfully sharing their school with the local creatures and plants.

“Whether exploring local bushland, planting, harvesting one of the many edible gardens within the school, or heading to the ocean for snorkelling lessons, there is never an opportunity for outdoor learning and environmental teaching to be missed,” Mr Pree said. The campus offers an abundance of gardens for quiet reflection, wellbeing, and learning about agriculture and horticulture. Featuring indigenous bush-tucker, herb and vegetable planters and mature fruit trees, the

“For students to be able to understand and care for nature, we must fully immerse them in it. Whether getting in the water and seeing for themselves or learning first-hand from conservationist guest speakers, we strive to utilise natural resources and local knowledge to teach our students the importance of sustainability and preservation.”

school grounds are home to a vast variety of plants, animals, insects and micro-organisms.

Marine programs allow for meaningful studies of local marine wildlife and conservation. Students from all years learn about marine conservation through the SLSWA Beach Safe program, SCUBA lessons, sailing programs, or St James’ Orange Army.

Students can attend a marine camp on Rottnest Island, where they participate in hands-on learning about

Mr Pree

ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN SCHOOL

the natural environment and local wildlife. They learn how to safely catch and release ocean wildlife, and to navigate the island respectfully.

Planning is underway for a future school trip to explore the Abrolhos Islands. The Islands lie about 60 kilometres west of Geraldton on the Western Australian coast, and consist of 122 islands clustered into three groups. The Islands offer incredible opportunities for marine and wildlife spotting and provide an ideal location to learn about the natural world.

After the success of the schools’ 2019 ‘Carnaby’s Cockatoo Project,’ which saw students revegetate school land to provide a habitat for local wildlife, students started a Carnaby’s Cockatoo Habitat Building Club in 2023. They have already had a visit from an environmentalist from ‘Carnaby’s Crusaders’, a registered not-for-profit charity, who assisted students with ideas for the design and construction of their own artificial breeding hollows. They will continue to research and test their designs, and the finished products will be proudly placed amongst the school grounds for cockatoos to inhabit.

CURRICULUM INSPIRED BY CITY LOCATION

Students at St George’s Anglican Grammar School are stepping outside the school grounds as part of a new program that leverages the school’s CBD location as an extended campus.

The future-focused ‘Inspired Minds’ program draws in the context of the inner-city environment to provide students with learning opportunities that equip them with skills for success beyond the school campus.

Students interact with diverse city spaces and organisations to gain insights into the workings of top organisations and thriving industry sectors. Program units such as ‘Out and About in Perth’ help Year 7 students become more confident within the city surrounds.

The ‘Money Management’ unit has introduced Year 9 students to the world of corporate banking within the heart of the Perth CBD.

St George’s Anglican Grammar School’s Head of Curriculum, Mr Anthony Bochrinis, said the program aims to diversify the student experience within the lower school, where greater flexibility for learning can easily be linked to students’ interests.

“In the Western Australian Mathematics Curriculum, there

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL

is little scope to have a deep dive into personal taxation, budgeting, the stock market and the many necessary lifelong financial literacy skills,” Mr Bochrinis said. “Yet, our Year 9 IM Money Management Unit, which all Year 9 St George’s students will undertake, will bring these topics to life as students see the importance of this knowledge within our city-based setting”.

Mr Bochrinis said the encompassing program includes elements of philosophy, media studies and photography, and an introduction to the service component of the Ignite and Duke of Edinburgh Awards programs.

“It is however some of the priceless life lessons and the cultivation of independence that makes the Inspired Minds program so unique.

“Perhaps most importantly it makes their school life at St George’s both inspirational and fun, something that as educators we all aspire to achieve for our students.”

Mr

Bochrinis

TRINITY ANGLICAN COLLEGE

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM IS THE BEES KNEES

After successfully applying for a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant, Trinity Anglican College Year 4 teacher, Mr Jarryd Thurling, was thrilled to launch the ‘The Bee Team’ project late last year.

The Bee Team meets weekly on Thursday afternoons as a co-curricular program for students in years 4–6 at Trinity Anglican College.

Students learn about the importance of bees, beekeeping and bee conservation in theoretical and practical components.

The theoretical component includes learning about bee life cycles, the roles performed by bees, Queen bees, the pros and cons of various hives, finding bees, hive management and disease identification.

The practical component sees students donning beekeeping suits to get hands-on with the management of the hives. Students practice record keeping, honey extraction, weighing, bottling, label design, advertising, sales and the allocation of charity donations from the honey sales.

Mr Thurling said that the program had introduced students to a fun and interactive approach to learning across a range of areas including biology, agriculture, community connections, innovation and product design.

“Our students are thoroughly enjoying these unique, fun, and engaging sessions,” said Mr Thurling.

“It’s a great initiative to be able to provide our students and future beekeepers with a practical understanding of bees, their role in the environment, and the products derived from beekeeping.”

“Our students are very fortunate to experience one of nature’s most amazing little creatures!”

Mr Thurling

Kwobadiny Sports Centre

NEW SPORTS CENTRE COMING SOON

The centre will feature an abseil tower, rock climbing wall, dedicated weights room, two classrooms, and an accessible lift for travel between the ground and first floors.

The double gymnasium features two large fans, a Health and Physical Education staff office, large female and male changerooms, gym and climbing equipment storerooms, two large sporting equipment storerooms, two undercroft change rooms and toilets, a laundry, workshop and maintenance office.

Principal, Mrs Tracey Gray, is excited that the new Sports Centre is only a few weeks away from completion.

“We are so excited to welcome students and their families into this amazing new space, and we are looking forward to many future games, carnivals and events being held here,” she said.

Mrs Gray is proud to announce the name of the new facility: ‘Kwobadiny Sports Centre’

Head of Health and Physical Education (HPE), Mr Peter Skeggs, said that the HPE staff were excited at the prospect of moving into the new sports centre and the opportunity to use such an impressive new facility.

“Our students have also been very keen to get to see and play on the new courts, they’re so excited to start using the unbelievable new centre that has been built for students here at Frederick Irwin Anglican School,” said Mr Skeggs.

“The new sports centre creates an enormous opportunity to further enhance our existing programmes and develop new courses, particularly in the context of outdoor education with the new climbing wall and abseiling tower.”

The introduction of the Kwobadiny Sports Centre Scholarships will complement the new centre and provide budding athletes with a fantastic opportunity at the school.

“We look forward to the opening with great anticipation,” said Mr Skeggs.

“Local elder and leader, George Walley, was instrumental in helping us decide the perfect name for our new Sports Centre,” she said.

Six large banners, representing each House and its mascot, will hang from the top story of the double gym.

FREDERICK IRWIN ANGLICAN SCHOOL

“The name is a local Noongar name meaning ‘to get really good in body and mind’, which is a fantastic meaning for our new centre.”

Mrs Tracey Gray, Principal

Frederick Irwin Anglican School is eagerly preparing to open their new sports centre, a state-of-theart facility to complement their sporting ground.

TEACHING & Learning

There has been much chatter in the media about student pathways, university entry requirements and the integrity of school credentials.

Our education system and its end goals can seem to be portrayed as simply shaping graduates to fit into an economy, rather than a community. It can seem that the purpose of education is about instrumentalism, rather than driving a love for learning.

The beauty of our shared Anglican identity is that it orientates us. An ASC education is one that connects young people to an Anglican community. A community that values faith, reason, worship, inclusion, character and service.

Our Anglican identity provides the basis of what we understand to be meaningful and significant. We value the love of learning and embrace the challenge of excellence, while empowering students to lead a purposeful life. That is why we embrace the diversity of each student cohort and seek to provide multiple pathways.

During 2022 there were approximately 1127 year 12 students at ASC schools. Across the cohort, they achieved vocational qualifications, university preparation courses and ATAR courses.

Excellence at ASC Schools

We celebrate the success of our VET and general students, including the Year 12 student from Georgiana Molley Anglican School who received a Certificate of Excellence in Primary, Environmental and Animal Care, and the student from Peter Carnley Anglican Community School who received a Certificate for Excellence in Tourism, Hospitality and Events.

A total of 603 ASC Year 12 students graduated with an Australian Territory Admissions Score (ATAR) in 2022. Students achieved excellent results, including the following highlights:

• St James’ Anglican School students achieved a median score of 88.85

• John Wollaston Anglican Community School students achieved a median score of 88.05

• St Mark’s Anglican Community School students achieved a median score of 87.90

• Esperance Anglican Community School (a small but mighty cohort of 7 students) achieved a median score of 86.35

• John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School achieved a median score of 85.58.

Three international students enrolled at St George’s Anglican Grammar School achieved outstanding results as part of the Western Australian Universities’ Foundation program (WAUFP). Two of the students achieved a score above 99 and the third student achieved first place in the WAUFP Mathematics Specialist program.

We acknowledge the incredible efforts of the teachers that led and supported students’ learning journeys.

COMING UP

We look forward to learning from Brooke Prentis in June. Brooke is a descendent of the Wakka Wakka peoples, an Aboriginal Christian leader, and a theologian and Chartered Accountant with over 15 years’ senior management experience.

Teachers can hear Brooke speak about embedding Aboriginal perspectives in the curriculum on Monday 12 June (Perth) and Thursday 15 June (South-West)

Religious educators can hear from Brooke about Aboriginal spirituality, deep listening and, learning to be guests of ancient hosts on ancient lands on Wednesday June 14

Brooke will run student forums about ‘voice, treaty and truth’.

The highest ATAR across ASC schools was 99.90 and was awarded to a student at St Mark’s Anglican Community School.

52 students attending Western Australian and Victorian ASC schools achieved an ATAR over 95.

REVEREND JEAN-PIERRE COMMISSIONED AS SENIOR CHAPLAIN

After many years serving the students, staff and community of Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, Reverend Jean-Pierre Schroeder was officially commissioned as the School’s Chaplain on 28 February 2023.

The commissioning service was attended by Reverend Jean-Pierre’s family, friends, fellow ASC School Chaplains, ASC School Principals, Executive and Council, together with students and staff.

The commissioning was presided over by The Right Reverend Kate Wilmot, Assistant Bishop of Perth. Also welcomed were special guests The Venerable Tony Drayton, Archdeacon of Perth and The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, Chief Executive Officer of the Anglican Schools Commission.

Reverend Jean-Pierre commenced as PMACS’ Senior Chaplain in July 2021, having faithfully served as Chaplain since April 2017.

At the service, PMACS Principal Benjamin Lomas reflected on Jean-Pierre’s many contributions to the school over the past six years, including his involvement in the service learning programme, teaching Christianity, religion and life classes, leading chapel services, providing pastoral support, and hosting bible study groups.

Mr Lomas highlighted the many areas beyond the school where Reverend Jean-Pierre contributes. These include participating in the Royal Australian Air Force as chaplain, and competing in half-marathons and writing novels in his spare time.

“It is an honour to be commissioned as Senior Chaplain of Peter Moyes Anglican Community School. I have always felt at home in this community and we have all supported one another, particularly in the last few challenging years. I will draw on these strong relationships throughout my journey as Senior Chaplain, and I thank staff, students, friends, family and the wider community for joining me in celebrating this special occasion.”

Reverend Jean-Pierre

Mr Loma said they are blessed to have Reverend JeanPierre as part of the PMACS family.

Reverend Jean-Pierre thanked staff and students for formally welcoming him into the role and taking part in the celebrations.

PETER MOYES ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

ST MARK’S ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

FUTURE READY FOCUS

Last year, the inspiring ‘Future Ready’ curriculum launched at St Mark’s Anglican Community School. The program provides opportunities for students to engage in cross-disciplinary topics, and learn transferable skills and future-ready proficiencies.

The curriculum consists of four courses: Learn (years 6–8), Explore (years 6–8), Challenge (years 9–10), and Enrich (years 9–10) across two dedicated weekly sessions.

The courses focus on personalised learning and exploring possible futures, meaning students engage in learning opportunities that equip them with the skills and dispositions that will best serve them in an uncertain and shifting world.

The students initiate learning projects, design learning processes, and engage in solutions to authentic problems. Students say that the classes help them get better at studying, taking notes and researching.

Here is what students had to say about the courses:

“I learn so much and can use the information in different classes”

“…helps to grow my project managing skills, teamwork skills and important abilities I will need in my future”

“I am very thankful we have this subject”

“…helping me handle problems in real life”

“I have loved having my inspiration lead me, and also having lots of fun”.

“…helping me understand more about me and what my passions are”

“It is one of my favourite classes”.

“…a highlight of my day”

“…learn lifelong job skills and useful skills for later in life.”

“It is an amazing course”

Mrs Julie Findlay Director of Studies

introducing...

I began teaching in the UK at an Anglican Grammar in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Having trained as a Science and Geography teacher, I was curious about the overlap in curriculum topics. This interest in curriculum development has since been a theme in my whole teaching career.

After taking part in a teacher exchange program at Carey, Melbourne, in 2002 I moved to the King Valley, just as Cathedral College was advertising for teachers for a new school opening in 2003. The thought of being able to teach in an Anglican school with similar values to St Aidan’s was very appealing. At first, I taught Humanities and gradually took on responsibilities in curriculum development. Today I am the Director of Studies.

As the school celebrates 20 years, I have reflected on what has been the highlights over the years. Firstly, it is the many students we have helped to find their purpose over the years. I admire the faith the early students and their families had in the school. This faith helped build a strong community and a sense of belonging.

My second highlight is the staff team that are passionate about learning, supporting and providing a varied and rich learning experience for such a wide range of students. This passion is seen in and out of the classroom, helping students to understand that it is their attitude and personal skills which will help them navigate life.

In my role, I feel privileged to work with so many people who have helped the school to grow and develop a positive, safe and caring learning environment. I look forward to continuing this work in the future.

Kallen Williams

Physical Education Esperance Anglican Community School

After completing 7 years educating in the Peel region, I moved my young family and treasured border collie down to the beautiful town of Esperance in 2022 to begin a valuable role at Esperance Anglican Community School.

Together with my wife Taylor, I have had the pleasure of teaching young people in the Health and Physical Education learning area, with a particular focus on Australian Rules Football, where I developed and expanded a specialised AFL academy. I also combined my passion for teaching and athlete performance away from the classroom, coaching my beloved South Mandurah Falcons to an A grade men’s premiership in 2021 in the Peel Football and Netball League.

In 2020 I was offered an exciting and valuable opportunity to expand my expertise and become involved with the Big Picture Australia program, a learning design that promotes creativity, curiosity and independence through personalised and passion-based learning. The Big Picture philosophy promotes an environment that education is not a one size fits all model and that our young people are unique and driven in the right setting.

I am very proud to be leading the Big Picture program at EACS and embedding its engaging and innovating philosophies around our college. I look forward to the possibility of this rewarding education design embedded throughout ASC schools in the future.

Deborah Harrison

Education Assistant Georgiana Molloy Anglican School

I am an education assistant and foundation staff member at Georgiana Molloy Anglican School. This year we are celebrating our 20th Birthday.

Our beautiful school opened the doors to a meagre 128 students on 4 February, 2003. Surrounded by farmland 20 years ago, so much has changed. In our formative years of growth, build-afterbuild rolled out rapidly, but foremost we were growing a community.

Similar to giving birth and seeing the developmental milestones of a child, the growth of GMAS has been an exhilarating journey filled with highs and lows, celebrations in season and out of season.

I have always been passionate towards people, families and above all, children. It has been an honour and privilege being part of the GMAS story. I have been amazed by our changes, inspired by the uniqueness of our staff and the diversity of people who bring new ideas and dynamic pedagogical ways into the lives of our young learners, in our everchanging world.

Students have often taught me to see them how Christ sees, rather than from my own perspective. GMAS is more than my place of employment, it is my community and place of belonging. My hope is that those who come for a season to our school feel that deeper sense of belonging. The essence of GMAS is community and “together we can”.

Cathedral College Wangaratta

JOHN WOLLASTON ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

CRASHING INTO FIRST PLACE!

A team of three students from John Wollaston Anglican Community School (JWACS) have triumphed over 700 teams across Australia to win the National Lego Championship.

As the national champions, the team ‘Crashers’ will represent Australia at the world championships held in Houston, Texas, this April.

The FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League is the world’s largest science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competition. While around 700 000 students from more than 100 countries compete annually, friendly competition is at the heart of the challenge.

Teams participate in project-based learning by building and programming a robot with Lego mechanisms, to complete a mission about energy creation and storage. The hands-on project saw students engage in research, problem-solving, coding, engineering and robotics.

The practical learning experiences, combined with the innovation and design challenges, see participants build core values essential for post-school and professional life.

“The most enticing part about Lego League was to learn new skills related to STEM, such as coding and building, and it has drawn my interest in technology as it is such a big field and is changing every day,” said Crashers’ Team member, Thomas Bowman.

“The best part of Lego League is that anything you want to do can become a reality, whether it be your experiments or robot innovation, without restricting your imagination.”

Lego League started as an after-school activity in the secondary clubs program. The Crashers worked their way to national success after winning competitions across Perth.

“If I could choose one area of STEM to be an expert in, it would be engineering because I love to build and learn how things work,” said Crasher’s team member, Marley Bassett

The team said they are looking forward to the opportunity to compete on an international stage, next month.

Cheria LeVaillant (Crashers’ team member)

NEW BASKETBALL ACADEMY SHOOTS AND SCORES

Former Olympian and NBL Wildcat legend, Ricky Grace, has custom-designed the first specialist sports program for Peter Carnley Anglican Community School (PCACS).

The PCACS Basketball Academy launched this year to provide students with the opportunity to develop the technical skills, fitness, and mental approach required for higher-level competitive success.

“The PCACS Basketball Academy is a natural fit for our community, where a love of sport, in particular basketball, has been harnessed to engage and extend these talented young people. Through the academy, students will develop strength of mind and body,” said Principal Ms Felicity House.

The academy supports student basketballers in their pursuit of domestic, national and international basketball competitions.

Mr Grace and his team are highly experienced in delivering systematic basketball training and coaching programs. They have created an environment that prioritises player enjoyment as well as skill development. As a result, students are already flourishing in the academy.

“Students are not only developing the fundamental offence, defence and transition skills of basketball, they

are also learning about essential team play, tactics and decision-making. Fitness, strength training and nutrition are equally important elements in the development and improvement of our young basketballers”, said Mr Grace.

PCACS Basketball Coordinator, Mr Josh Wallace, believes that the specialist sports coaching programme is having a profound effect on students’ basketball ability.

“The students in the programme are rapidly improving. Their basketball fundamentals have advanced dramatically, their ability to make decisions during game play has developed, and they have expanded on their basketball knowledge with their theory lessons in class,” he said.

“We are now also starting to see some of our older students in the programme give back by helping out some of the younger year groups during their sessions before school.”

“The comradery displayed by students within the programme is ahead of where I had expected it to be, and it is a reflection of the character of students we have at PCACS.”

PETER CARNLEY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Mr Josh Wallace

SWAN VALLEY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

COLLABORATING FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

Swan Valley Anglican Community School’s new Learner Profile has earned them a place as a research partner in the innovative ‘New Metrics for Success’ collaboration project led by the University of Melbourne.

The project recognises the need for refreshed approaches to education and assessment to best prepare students for a markedly different future. It brings together progressive school leaders, nationally and internationally recognised academic researchers and thought-leaders, with system, sector and industry leaders.

The collaboration will see the school:

• work with schools who have moved away from the traditional ‘grammar of schooling’

• generate new and validated assessment tools for complex competencies

• generate reports that recognise a broader range of what a learner knows and can do

• connect with national and international networks of like-minded leaders.

The opportunity to work with the University of Melbourne came about through the launch of the new Swan Valley Anglican Community School Strategic Plan 2023-2027

“Swan Valley Anglican Community School was established in 2006. After 17 years, it was time to review the school’s mission, vision and values,” Principal Ms Melissa Powell said.

“As a result, and after much consultation, the school now has a new set of guiding statements, including a new Learner Profile.”

Our Foundation

Swan Valley Anglican Community School is a Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 independent, coeducational school of the Anglican Schools Commission.

Our Anglican Identity is the guiding pillar for all that we do.

Our Mission

To inspire our students to be the best they can be, whatever pathway they choose.

Our Vision

Our students will have integrity and be aspirational, accountable, courageous and community-minded. They will make a positive contribution to humanity.

Our Values

• Commitment

• Compassion

• Excellence

Our Learner Profile

• Inclusion

• Resilience

• Respect

In an ever-changing world, we strive to develop aspirational and accountable young people within a culturally aware environment.

Each child is known and inspired to approach learning in ways that promote curiosity, creativity, collaboration and independence.

Each child will pursue a learning journey in which individual perspective and voice is valued. Our students will be:

• Accountable

• A spirational

• Collaborative

• Creative

• Critical Thinkers

• Inclusive

• Reflective

• Resilient

AS C

ASC LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Enrolments at ASC International have grown by 25%, compared to the same time last year. The record increase represents more than just positive data about growth, the real value is in the growing diversity within ASC schools.

There are more than 120 students enrolled at ASC International, representing 14 different nationalities studying within the ASC school network. Students hail from countries such as China, Vietnam, India, Zimbabwe and Japan. Australia’s world-class education and reputation as a friendly and accommodating country make for a compelling destination for international education. Having a diverse student composition sees friendships formed across different cultural backgrounds. These connections help students deepen their appreciation and empathy for people that are different from themselves. Students emerge from their education as adults that champion inclusivity and embrace diversity. Another benefit of international education is that it gives Australian students the opportunity to see their lifestyle and culture through another lens. Interactions with students from other countries gives them unique insights into what it means to be Australian.

Three international students studying in ASC schools share their experiences of learning and living in Australia:

Student: Bhone

Myint Wai Yan (Benji), Myanmar School: St George’s Anglican Grammar School

What do you like about Australia?

It is independent and all the people are so friendly. The country is so green too.

What do you like about school?

The teachers and friends I have, they are so good, friendly and courteous. I like how the school supports and take care of the students in many ways other than education. The school takes care of our mental health, fitness and physical health. The school teaches us about our life skills as well. I like the fact that the school teaches us and supports us for other important things that we need in life other than the education.

Ten students from Mejiro High School in Tokyo spent term one at ASC schools in Perth. They embraced the opportunities and challenges of living an unfamiliar country and attending a new school with open arms, minds and hearts.

Excerpts from the weekly updates students prepare about their time in Perth provide vivid insights into the experiences of an international student.

‘This week, I made even more friends. I exchanged contact information and messages after school. It’s a lot of fun because I get to know a lot of new things and learn English.’

‘I learned that it is very important here to act and speak up even if you make mistakes.’

‘…my mindset about my English has changed since coming to Australia. I now feel as if English has become a part of me, not just a tool.’

‘This was my first experience of beach volleyball, and it was difficult to move quickly, compared to regular volleyball. However, as I played with my friends, I was gradually able to get the hang of it and had a lot of fun playing.’

‘I strongly felt that I would like to spend the rest of about one month without running away from anything, not forgetting that I am allowed to study in such a wonderful place and that I am given experiences that I cannot have in Japan.’

Student: WANG, Yingyi (Daisy), China

School: St Mark’s Anglican Community School

What do you like about Australia? There are so many things to like about Australia. Definitely the people, everyone is so nice and inclusive to each other. They always come up to you and check up on you. Also the scenery. The beaches are absolutely beautiful.

What do you like about school?

I love the students, they are all so kind and are always willing to help you. They love making friends and I can see some of them as lifelong friends. The teachers are so kind and patient. Each of them has a unique teaching style. They love students asking questions and they are always there to help.

Student: Yashvee Soni, India

School: Swan Valley Anglican Community School

What do you like about Australia? I like how people in Australia are welcoming and friendly to everyone. There is no discrimination towards anyone, and everyone is treated equally.

What do you like about school? As an international student, my school provides me with good education, teachers are supportive, and my peers are helpful to me.

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

One of the most important transitions our students make each day is moving between their home and school. To support this transition, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School is licensed to provide out of school hours care (OSHC) for students from PreKindergarten to Year 6.

The OSHC program helps families balance their caregiving responsibilities while benefiting students’ social and emotional engagement in the school setting. With play and leisure at the core, the program aims to provide an experience that enriches students’ lives and supports the balancing act for working families. While there is a purposeful distinction between OSHC and the structure of the school day, the programme includes relevant and meaningful learning opportunities during term and vacation time.

Educators may work with the same children and families from year to year, providing a sense of stability and consistency for children as they transition to new classrooms and new teachers.

Co-ordinator, Milijana Korac, has 18 years’ experience providing OSHC and sees the school community as her extended family.

“I have the rare opportunity to educate, care for and watch lots of JSR students grow up from pre Kindy to year 7, as well as build and keep close relationships with their families. It makes me feel really special.”

Ms Korac

JOHN SEPTIMUS ROE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

FAITH HOPE•LOVE

NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW FACES

The winds of change have swept through Cobram Anglican Grammar School (CAGS) this year. The school has a new Head of Senior School, Mr John Thompson, a new Head of Junior School, Mrs Fiona Clark, and a new School Chaplain.

Father Victor Adams was officially licensed and commissioned as the school’s Chaplain on the first day of March. He has assumed responsibility for conducting school chapel services each Wednesday and is assisting with delivering Pastoral Care.

Father Victor’s calming influence, friendly demeanour and engaging chapel services have all been hallmarks of his fleeting time at the school. CAGS Principal, Mr Keith Willett, spoke of his delight in welcoming Father Victor into the school community.

“Having the services of a Chaplain two days per week is a major development for our school in terms of strengthening our Anglican Identity through means such as prayer and spiritual mentorship. Also, having Father Victor in our classrooms assisting our teachers with the delivery of RAVE classes illuminate our students’ understanding of what it means to be a student in an Anglican school,” Mr Willett said.

Father Victor will provide spiritual comfort to the students and staff members of CAGS and he will act as an everpresent conduit between the school, the local parish (St Margaret’s), and the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta. The school was founded and built with the unwavering support of the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta, and there has been a strong relationship between the two parties ever since. The appointment of Father Victor as the School Chaplain further enhances this partnership and ensures the school’s Anglican Identity remains its heartbeat.

CAGS Year 12 student and Captain of Anglican Identity, Emily Orsida, said she is looking forward to working with Father Victor throughout the year.

“His role is only going to grow as he becomes more familiar with the school, which is really exciting and he’s very fun to work with. As an Anglican school, having a dedicated School Chaplain is something we should be really proud of and it just feels right. Father Victor’s Chapel services are very authentic and they bring the feelings and customs associated with church to our school which is really nice,” Emily said.

In his brief time at the school so far, Father Victor has experienced plenty of highlights, including his Commissioning, where his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, Ruth and Nathan, were present to share the special moment. He led the school’s Ash Wednesday service and now conducts weekly Lenten reflections at the cross.

Father Victor said he fully embraces his new role and relishes the opportunity to work with the school’s students.

“It’s very exciting. I’ve been working at schools on and off but this role gives me the chance to spend two full days at school. I want to make the chapel services exciting and interesting so our students are engaged and can actively participate. I have found the students here to be very friendly, kind and respectful. My next goal is to learn as many names as possible!”

Father Victor

COBRAM ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Images:

Top: Father Victor with his wife Elizabeth and their children Nathan and Ruth. This was taken following his commissioning service.

Bottom: Father Victor Adams (middle), School Captains, Head of Anglican Identity Shea Doyle (far left), Head of Senior School John Thompson (top left), Principal Keith Willett (top right), and Head of Junior School Fiona Clark (far right).