ASC NEWS | ISSUE 78 | DECEMBER 2022

FEATURES

ASC 2024 and beyond Trinity Anglican College

From the Chief Executive Officer

THE REVEREND PETER LAURENCE OAM

Dear Colleagues

LOVE GRACE MERCY

So often it takes others to remind us of the simple truths of our faith. This is especially so as we approach the end of the year. School life is so busy we just want Term 4 to come to an end…bring on the Christmas holidays!

Everything around us shouts the trappings of ‘Christmas-anity’ (my word cocktail of ‘Christianity’ and ‘insanity’). The story is retold, one hundred times a day in every shopping centre, but where’s the substance?

Last month I had the privilege of being in the room with Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham. He’s one of America’s most prominent public intellectuals. You may have read some of his books: from Destiny and Power, his biography of George HW Bush, to His Truth is Marching On, a portrait of civil rights icon and longtime US congressman John Lewis. The writings in these two books reflect his personal relationship with and intimate knowledge of both men, enabling him to paint a portrait in words that few could ever achieve.

Contents

From the CEO 2

Lanfranc awarded 4

Anglican Identity 5

Anglican Schools Commission 6

Trinity Anglican College 8

St James’ Anglican School 10

Cathedral College Wangaratta 11 Teaching & Learning 12

Peter Moyes Anglican Community School 13

St Mark’s Anglican Community School 14

Staff Spotlight 15

John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School 16

Peter Carnley Anglican Community School 17

Georgiana Molloy Anglican School 18

St George’s Anglican Grammar School 19

John Wollaston Anglican Community School 20

Cobram Anglican Grammar School 21

Esperance Anglican Community School 22

ASC Language School 23

Cover Image:

St Mark’s Anglican Community School visit to Parnngurr, an indigenous settlement of the Martu people located 370km east of Newman in the Pilbara area of Western Australia.

Beyond Bush and Lewis, I discovered first-hand how Meacham’s depth of knowledge in the fields of politics, history, religion and current affairs has the unique ability to bring historical context to the issues and events impacting daily life in 2022. It isn’t the Pulitzer Prizewinner’s many books on famous American Presidents of the past that speak most powerfully; albeit they cover greats including Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and George HW Bush. Rather, his book entitled The Hope of Glory speaks of his deep faith, as he reflects on Jesus’ seven last sayings from the cross. In it, Meacham reminds the reader that Jesus’ message from the cross was one of love not hate; grace not anger; mercy not vengeance.

Meacham is an active Episcopalian (Anglican) and was appointed the Canon Historian at National Cathedral in Washington DC one year ago. Prior to that appointment, he was active on the parish councils of both Trinity Church Wall Street and St. Thomas’ Church on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Meacham ‘walks the talk’. He well understands the complexities of ‘being Anglican’, which was evident when he delivered the keynote address at the recent conference of the USA National Association of Episcopal Schools, held in Texas. Meacham reminded those of us in that conference room only a few weeks ago that those called to serve in Anglican schools are called to live Jesus’ words of love, grace and mercy each and every day with each and every person – student, colleague, parent, stranger. This is what our schools are called to do. In a world that is complex at so many levels, you share the love of Jesus through Chapel, religious studies classes, pastoral care and well beyond. Indeed, you share it in everything you do and say each day.

Advent and Christmas can’t stand apart from the events of Good Friday and Easter. To quote Frank Sinatra, “you can’t have one without the other”! That’s the great privilege ASC schools have, as through each school year they retell the Jesus story in new and fresh ways. Simple truths in a complex world. And in so doing, we hope that each young person will embrace a life of love, grace and mercy; walking in the footsteps of Jesus, no matter what their faith tradition may be.

FAREWELLS

The end of year marks a time of farewell for a number of our dear colleagues. Space is limited here to reference all, so if you are leaving us, you go with our thanks and God’s blessing as you go on your way. I mention a few: Mr Ted Kosicki retires from Georgiana Molloy Anglican School after 17 years at GMAS, the last 12 as Principal. He served as Deputy Principal initially. A much-loved colleague among our principals’ team, Ted has given

so much to shaping the GMAS community into what it is today. He has led the school through this year’s Covid-19 challenges and retires with the appreciation of all in the ASC family. I am most grateful for Ted’s leadership and camaraderie over the years and wish he and Sue God’s blessing for the years ahead.

Mr Mike Giles has served as the ASC’s first Chief Operating Officer (COO) since the beginning of last year. He has shaped the role around his strengths as a former principal, and has come to be widely respected in this time. Mike and Judy have decided to move to Melbourne early next year to be close to family. While we all hoped Mike’s tenure would have been longer, I am grateful for his collegiality and contribution to the ASC in this senior leadership position. Every blessing to you both. Mike concludes as COO at the beginning of February.

I have appointed Mr Shane Parnell as Acting COO from that time. Shane is our Director of Technology, and worked in senior roles at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School prior to joining our Head Office team. The search for a new COO will commence shortly.

Ms Kellie Opitz joined the ASC some 3.5 years ago and has served as our first Director of Human Resources. Kellie has brought great skill and passion to the role. She has decided to take a break from this work for now, to spend time with her family. I thank Kellie for her significant contribution to the ASC as our Director of HR and wish her God’s blessing as she leaves us at the end of this year.

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL, SHEPPARTON VICTORIA

The ASC has appointed Mr Jim Laussen as the foundation Principal of All Saints Anglican School in Shepparton. An experienced educational leader, Mr Laussen is the current Principal of Overnewton Anglican Community College in Melbourne, a position he has held for 22 years. With a plan to conclude his current role at the end of this year, Jim was keen to undertake the opportunity of the role of a Foundation Principal. He is looking forward to becoming a part of the Shepparton community when he starts in April 2023.

CELEBRATIONS

A number of our schools have celebrated important anniversaries this year

Trinity Anglican College

The College celebrated a significant milestone, marking

their 20th birthday in 2022. The College has evolved from two portable buildings and a church that housed 17 foundation students and three staff, to a school of 1200 students and 140 staff. The College held a whole school birthday party in November to mark the occasion, with two current and foundation staff members, Jenny McMillan and Davina Gibb addressing the school. The day was marked by the planting of a tree, activities and games, the running of the Trinity Gift and, most importantly, sharing in the birthday cake.

Peter Carnley Anglican Community School

Peter Carnley Anglican Community School celebrated its 15th Anniversary in 2022. The School opened in 2007 with 16 staff and 128 students, growing to 142 staff and 1166 students across two campuses today. The 15th Anniversary Founders’ Day Service held in the Keith Lindbeck Centre was a true celebration of those who worked to establish the school, including School Patron, Dr Peter Carnley AC.

Frederick Irwin Anglican School – 30 Years

Frederick Irwin Anglican School recently held a dinner to mark 30 years of the Secondary school and a belated 30 years of the official opening of the Primary school in 1991. Former students, Alumni from 1991, plus current and former staff gathered at the Sebel Hotel to celebrate, with Principal Tracey Gray welcoming everyone to the evening.

1991 Foundation students Charles Jenkinson and Skye Pember, and Foundation staff member Sally Glass talked of their memories of the School.

441 Murray Street, Perth

Plans for the transformation of the office building at 441 Murray Street are now complete. From late 2024, the building will house the ASC Head Office, ASC International, and part of St George’s Anglican Grammar School. By 2030, a number of new floors will be added to enable the whole school community to be relocated to the vertical campus. This is a significant project, one that will ensure the ASC and the School are well accommodated for decades to come.

TERM 1 2023

ASC EVENTS

20 January WA New Staff Induction Day (WAASA)

23 January New Staff Induction Day VIC/NSW

13 February

ASC Heads of Music

13 March ASC Heads of Music – Zoom only

15 February Heads of Curriculum

20 February ASC Education Support

23 February ASC WA Senior Staff Meeting (Combined)

24 February WAASA Meeting of the Full Association

1 March ASC IT Committee Meeting

2 March Aspiring Leaders

2 March RAP Working Group

15 March Heads of Languages

16 March Heads of HPE

20 March Heads of Science

29 March ASC Schools Weeks Eucharist St George’s Cathedral

29-31 March ASC Principals Meetings

31 March ASC Schools Week Concert Perth Concert Hall

LANFRANC AWARDED

Anglican Schools Commission CEO The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM was presented the Lanfranc Award by the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby. The award was bestowed in the 2021 Lambeth Awards, with the formal presentation delayed due to travel restrictions. The Archbishop of Canterbury presented the award during his visit to Perth in October.

The Lambeth Awards recognise outstanding contribution to the Church and wider society, with 36 people from around the globe recognised in the 2021 awards for contribution in a variety of areas.

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.

From the Chief Executive Officer

THE REVEREND PETER LAURENCE OAM cont’d

FINALLY, as I reflect on 2022, we remember that this is the end of the third year of the Covid-19 global pandemic. For WA, it was the worst of the years, with major outbreaks once the State border opened in March. Our schools were severely impacted, yet they carried on remarkably. The pandemic has taken its toll on everyone in the community, most notably all in the medical and caring professions, as well as aged care and disability services. It has also taken its toll on all who work in schools. I wish to thank our teachers, Principals, Executive teams, Heads of Learning Areas and Houses, Chaplains, counsellors, and the many support staff working in each school. It is your commitment and dedication that has ensured teaching, learning and care was uninterrupted this year. Thank you.

2022 has been a demanding year. We know that Covid-19 won’t go away over the coming holidays. But I do pray that you will find opportunities for refreshment and renewal of body, mind and spirit. There is no time like the Christmas holidays to do so, as we celebrate the gift given us in Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Christmas Blessings to you.

To all the students, teachers, administrators, parents and families who make up our Anglican Schools community, I wish you great peace, happiness and joy this Christmas season!

As the busyness of the school year comes to an end, the stress of exams, final assessments and the extra load of the end of year time fades away, the first scent of the season of Birak (summer) fills the air, our minds and hearts turn to the wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

This year, as we experience Christmas in our more COVID-normal world, I hope it’s a time for all of joyfully reconnecting with family and friends from near and far.

The birth of the baby Jesus in those very humble circumstances many years ago, has given the greatest gift of all – his presence among us, God’s love and hope and peace, and God’s promise of forgiveness and new life for all of us. These are the greatest gifts we can receive both at Christmas time and all through the year. The shape of those gifts and how they’re packaged will be up to you and every individual, but I guarantee they’ll be a hit!

Wherever you are this Christmas, I hope you, your families and dear ones are able to feel and enjoy the great love of God which was given for everyone in the birth of Jesus, and the peace and joy that comes with celebrating that birth with those we love, each year.

The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO Archbishop of Perth

Christmas messages

Following two years of great uncertainty, it feels as if that time was all ‘crammed’ into this year, which has been exhausting and deflating at times. As we near the end of the year, it is with great excitement that we look forward to the summer holidays which will bring about the rest, refreshment, and rejuvenation we all need.

At the beginning of all of this we celebrate the event of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who, within his context and still now, is the hope of the world. This is a story about an event that never loses the beauty, essence, reality, and impact it makes upon the lives of many people around the world.

Whether we find ourselves around the Christmas tree, the Crib reflecting on the image of a newborn baby Jesus, or even just going out to get things organised for the Christmas lunch, it is the one event that draws families and friends together across the world.

May the love and joy of Christmas bring peace to you and your family, as the spirit of Christmas fills your hearts with everything you desire or need at this time.

The Right Reverend Clarence E. Bester Bishop of Wangaratta

For all the commercialism and advertising hype, Christmas is special not simply because it is school holidays, or time with family, or giving and receiving gifts, wonderful as all of these can be, but because Christians believe it is primarily a celebration of arguably the greatest event that has ever taken place.

The British Poet Laureate John Betjeman summed it up like this:

“And is it true? and is it true this most tremendous tale of all, seen in a stained glass window’s hue, a Baby in an ox’s stall?

The maker of the stars and sea, become a child on earth for me?”

I wish all the staff, students and families a very Happy and safe Christmas!

The Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts Bishop of Bunbury

ANGLICAN SCHOOLS COMMISSION

INTRODUCING 441 MURRAY STREET, PERTH CBD

The Anglican Schools Commission will have a new home from 2024 with the purchase of a nine-storey building in the Perth Central Business District. The building at 441 Murray Street, Perth will be the new home of the ASC Head Office, ASC International, and the ASC Language School from late 2024. It will also be the permanent home for St George’s Anglican Grammar School, with a gradual move for some classes from 2025, and the full operation of the school from 2030 once five further floors are added to the building.

ASC Chief Executive Officer, The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, said there had been a broad search for a new home for the ASC and ASC International, after outgrowing the current premises in Mt Claremont. “We needed to plan for the future of the ASC. Our organisation has grown, and we are spread between our Bold Park offices and leased premises in the city,” he said.

“441 Murray Street will provide a contemporary office environment, one that provides for our Head Office needs for years to come.

“Along with the growth of St George’s Anglican Grammar School in the CBD and the need to secure a permanent new home for the school, we looked to Perth city to find the best solution.”

Reverend Laurence said St George’s is currently spread over three leased premises in William Street and faced growing demand for student places and space for additional facilities.

“Securing a permanent home for the School was a priority and this building allows for enrolment growth in the school and the space to diversify and broaden the curriculum offered,” he said.

“We are working with architects Hassell to plan the future of the building. We are creating specialist subject areas such as Dance, Textiles, Food Technology, and Woodwork and Metal Work for St George’s, as well as increasing the science, art, drama, music and design spaces. The science floor will be a true feature of the new building.”

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

Trinity Anglican College marked a significant milestone in 2022, celebrating 20 years of the College.

Since 2002, the College has evolved from two portable buildings and a church that housed 17 founding students and three staff, to a school of 1200 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 attending the beautiful 10-ha semirural campus, just outside of Albury in New South Wales.

Principal Adrian Johnson said this year, the College had taken a look back to the early days of Trinity.

“We can delight in how far our College has developed from those very humble beginnings. It is an amazing leap of faith to those first families that entrusted the education of their children to a dream on dusty paddocks in Thurgoona,” Dr Johnson said.

“We know that there are many fond memories held by these founding students.”

A whole-school birthday party was held in November to mark the momentous occasion. The morning kicked off with craft activities, crown making, and the

running of the hotly contested Trinity Gift. Lunchtime entertainment was provided by Trinity students who held busking in the outdoor Chapel.

During a whole school assembly, the College heard from two of the founding staff members, Mrs Jenny McMillan and Mrs Davina Gibb, who both still work at Trinity today.

They both had fond memories to share from the early days of Trinity and provided some entertaining stories about our original site and former students and staff members. The 2023 College Captains and Junior School Leaders then planted the celebratory tree.

The afternoon was filled with tabloid games for all year levels with senior and junior students all mixing together and having fun.

Finally, it was time for cake, with each student receiving a delicious cupcake for afternoon tea.

Dr Johnson said the College looked back with gratitude to the many staff, students, and families who forged the community of Trinity.

TRINITY ANGLICAN COLLEGE

“We are entrusted with their legacy and are here to make this the best education for our community. We now look to the future and the exciting redevelopment plans we have for Trinity Anglican College,” Dr Johnson said.

OLIVE OIL SUCCESS

St James’ Anglican School students have produced their very first release of St James’ Olive Oil, after picking olives from the School’s trees, sending them offsite for processing before bottling the oil.

Head of Junior School Dan Mornement said the release of olive oil marked a new tradition in the Junior School that had provided a fantastic learning opportunity for students to see just how the olives on the trees can turn into this great tasting product.

“Sustainability is a key pillar at St James’. To be able to help work with our students and teach them about how we can turn fruit into a product that we can eat and cook with is an invaluable life lesson in sustainability and respecting our environment,” Mr Mornement said.

The Junior School students hand-picked 51kg of olives from trees on campus in May. The olives were then taken to the Jumanga Olive Farm to produce nine litres of 17.6% oil. St James’ Olive Oil is a great tasting olive oil, full of antioxidants and health benefits far greater than that of supermarket olive oil. This year 16 bottles, 250ml each, were poured. The Junior School held a label design competition with Year 5 student, Ava, produce the winning design to feature on the bottles.

Ava and Alex, the Year 6 Sustainability Captain, took great pleasure in pouring the first bottles.

Alex said: “It was good to be able to pick the olives and learn how they got turned into olive oil. I enjoyed seeing how it happened.”

Mr Mornement said he was proud of the school community’s involvement in this project.

“The production of olive oil at St James’ for the first time in 2022 was a whole community activity. Parents, students, and staff all got involved. To see 200 young people very quickly harvest the olives was an impressive sight,” he said.

St James’ is grateful to parent, Helen Riley, for her generous support with this project. The Junior School plans to produce more bottles in the coming years.

ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN SCHOOL

BRINGING SOCIAL ENTERPRISE TO THE WORLD

Two Year Ten Cathedral College

Kidd and

represented the College at the Social Enterprise World Youth

held in Brisbane. Ella and Alex codesigned a workshop that was presented to people from all over the world who were there to discuss, share and reflect on how their own experiences could help develop a culture of action and change for things they are passionate about in the future.

Cathedral College Director of Studies Julie Findlay has been involved in the successful program for a number of years.

“The College has had a long-standing relationship with The Australia Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) since it began supporting schools to run Social Enterprise activities,” Mrs Findlay said.

“Our Year Nine students select an elective in which they can apply their skills to make products in a business. By developing a business, they must work together, plan, organise and negotiate, problem solve and apply financial literacy. All proceeds go to a cause of their choice. Thus far they have raised nearly $50,000 for causes they wish to support.”

Ella was thrilled to represent the College at the forum which this year focussed on ‘Co-Creating the Future’. “Everyone attending had the opportunity to present solutions to bring change by turning their passion into action. Throughout the two days, there were sessions where young and old entrepreneurs were given the chance to share their social enterprise stories and passions,” Ella said.

“I was given the chance to connect with like-minded people who held the same values as me; wanting to create positive change in the future.”

A highlight for Ella was sharing a fireside chat with Dylan Alcott which she said: “...left me even more inspired to create helpful change in our world. We all can sit back and notice what the problems are but it’s a whole different thing to act on them.”

Alex said sharing her personal experience with the program with a large audience was wonderful.

“The

workshop

the audience

experience and grasp how

created our own business. We wanted our workshop to be fun, interactive, and inspiring,” Alex said.

“I was able to share that being part of a social enterprise showed me that you can’t always do things by yourself, and I learnt that ‘if you want to go fast go by yourself but if you want to go far go with others’ and I think that’s something that everyone needs to know.”

aim of our

was for

to listen to our

we

Wangaratta students, Ella

Alexandra Tiso recently

Forum

ASC VISION FOR LEARNING

The ASC has formed a Working Party to help identify a clear Vision for Learning in ASC schools. The key objective of the Working Party is to consult and determine a Vision for Learning which articulates a unified set of values and beliefs which will drive learning culture in ASC schools.

The Working Party met in November, with a representative from every school presenting on teaching and learning culture at their school. The aim was to seek agreement on the values and beliefs central to our vision for learning, as well as an understanding of the gap between current performance and target performance across the system.

Working party members worked in small groups to consider and understand the current teaching and learning environment in each school as well as their aspirations in this space. The Group focussed on common factors across the different school communities.

A key finding is our shared belief that at the heart of learning lies the pursuit of spiritual, ethical, intellectual, vocational, and relational flourishing. That is is essential to embrace a commitment to excellence in every classroom for every student so that each student grows in wisdom – the ability to apply what is known in virtuous action for good.

The consultation process will continue during Term 4 with the objective of reaching agreement on a shared vision in 2023.

SAVE THE DATE

All educators – 2023 Guest Speakers ASC Guest Speakers in Term 1

“Everyone needs to be able to talk data” - Dr Selena Fisk

Date: Tuesday 7 March 2023, 9am-3pm

Cost: $200 per participant

This professional learning day aims to build participants’ skills and awareness of effective use of data and empower them to know the numbers and use this knowledge to target teaching and learning so that data is used for the benefit of all students.

“Inviting Students to be in the world in a different way” - Matthew Gorton (Quiz Worx)

Date: Monday 27 February 2023, 8am-3pm

This professional learning day aims to better equip teachers of religious studies in ASC schools to use narratives to invite students to see the world in a different way. It would be ideal for teachers who are unsure how to use Biblical narratives in the classroom or are seeking fresh ideas to enable them to do this in a fresh and engaging way. If you are a Primary teacher who has struggled to find your ‘grove’ teaching Religious Studies, this day will provide you with practical strategies and new ideas.

For more information about system-wide teaching and learning initiatives please contact Penelope Russell at prussell@ascschools.edu.au

DANCING THEIR WAY TO SUCCESS

The introduction of Dance Troupes at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School (PMACS) in 2022 has proven a roaring success, with a notable shift toward building a culture of performance at the School.

PMACS Head of Dance and Drama Emma Leadon announced the creation of Junior (Years 4 – 6) and Senior (Years 7 – 12) Dance Troupes at the beginning of the year. Due to a huge amount of interest and limited places available, members of each Troupe were selected via an audition process.

Coached by Performing Arts student teachers Maddy Parker (a past PMACS student) and Madi McCaw, each Troupe had the opportunity to perform at numerous events throughout the year, including the School’s Easter Service, Peter Moyes Day ceremony, Twilight Markets, Presentation Evenings, and at the Act Belong Commit Youth On Health Festival (YOH Fest) in Mandurah.

The Junior Dance Troupe had the distinction of winning the Best in Show at the Primary School Showcase Finals at YOH Fest in their very first year. Ms Leadon said the benefits of dance extended far beyond the opportunity to perform on stage.

The success of the program has boosted the Dance curriculum at the School, with Dance now being added to the curriculum from Year 7, rather than Year 9. There are also plans to create a boys’ Hip Hop Dance Troupe in the future. Year 3 students interested in joining the Junior Dance Troupe next year are currently training in a ‘Dance Troupe Boot Camp’ in order to boost their skills prior to auditioning.

Ms Leadon said she was looking forward to the performance opportunities for the Troupes in 2023, most notably the School’s production of Aladdin Jnr.

“These dancers have shown such dedication, commitment and motivation to rehearse early in the mornings throughout the year and put themselves out there on stage in front of their peers,” she said.

“They are to be commended for their achievements, and we also thank the many parent helpers and volunteers who have assisted with hair, make-up and costumes behind the scenes – we couldn’t do it without their support.”

PETER MOYES ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

“Our 2022 Head Girl performed in the Senior Dance Troupe this year and remarked to me that being part of the Troupe had positively impacted her mental health, particularly in dealing with the stresses of Year 12,” Ms Leadon said.

ST MARK’S ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

FLOURISHING FRIENDSHIPS

Thirteen Year 9 students and staff from St Mark’s Anglican Community School experienced three days ‘on country’ where they learnt from Community Elders and local rangers, Parnngurr Community School students and immersed themselves into their culture.

St Mark’s entered into a friendship with Parnngurr Community School a few years ago. Parnngurr is an Indigenous settlement of the Martu people located 370km east of Newman in the Pilbara area of Western Australia. Martu lands encompass a significant proportion of the Little and Great Sandy Desert. Martu lands also contain the Karlamilyi National Park.

After a few false starts due to COVID, the St Mark’s team finally made it to Parngurr Community School.

Senior Chaplain Scott Rowland said the friendship between the two schools aims to engage in a relationship that helps both communities improve their cultural understandings.

“We want our students to learn about and from each other and grow in their understanding of and empathy for others,” Reverend Rowland said.

“This unique experience has enabled the students of both communities to engage with each other with respect, empathy, openness, and curiosity. Not only have they experienced life-changing moments, but they have also made wonderful memories and unique friends in the process.

“This trip means so much not only to the St Mark’s students but also the Parnngurr students, and they can not wait to be back on country in 2023.”

Here’s what our students and staff had to say about this unique experience:

“My heart is absolutely filled with joy after watching these students form strong connections within a matter of hours. They were out of their comfort zone on many occasions but not once did that stop them forming friendships for life and sharing experiences that will stay with them forever.”

Mrs Parsons.

“I enjoyed learning about their families and how they all feel connected with each other. I love how their values and life are so different to ours and enjoyed trying the bush food.”

Skye Bryant.

“I enjoyed trying all the new foods, learning from all of the Parngurr kids, and listening to the stories they wanted to tell about their life and the different things introduced to us.”

Braden Smithson.

introducing...

Parr

Religious Studies Curriculum Adviser Anglican Schools Commission

I’ve spent my entire working life in schools as an English and Religious Education teacher, with responsibilities in both Primary and Secondary. I taught in independent schools in Victoria (including Boarding) and NSW, my ‘state of origin’.

Together with my family, I’ve had the privilege to live and work in metropolitan and regional contexts, which shaped us with a broader vision of Australian schools and communities. In October, when I began with Anglican Schools Commission (ASC) as Religious Studies Curriculum Adviser, I was struck by how valuable the breadth of my teaching experience is turning out to be.

In 2018, I undertook a project with Newcastle Diocese Anglican schools. Working with Religious Education teachers, we developed a Christian Religious Education (CRE) syllabus, across city and country schools, supported by the resources of WA.

In 2022, after my wife and I relocated to Victoria, I re-connected with the ASC. My new role is to provide specialist advisory and operational support for the provision of Religious Studies in ASC schools in NSW and Victoria.

I’m looking forward to visiting ASC schools and helping teachers construct engaging Religious Studies programs.

I first began teaching in 1980 when Kindergarten came under the banner of the Preschool Board and the Education Department was in the process of trying to accommodate 4-year-olds in offsite centres.

When the plans for Frederick Irwin originated, we decided to make the move with our little family to Mandurah. The chance to teach at a ‘small country’ school in 1991 came about when the Foundation Head of Primary Mrs Sandra McCullough offered me a part time position. The next year the school doubled streamed Year 1 and for the first time, I was in a ‘formal’ classroom.

There wasn’t a year that went by we didn’t have some sort of construction appearing on campus, which made it all very exciting. After 10 years, the new Oakmont end of the school was built and I moved to Pre-Primary, then after eight years to Year 2, back to Pre-Primary and then to back to Kindy. A complete circle!

Thirty-two years at Frederick Irwin has rewarded me with an amazing experience. It is truly a family. I have made life-long friends and love seeing ex-students return with their children to continue the tradition.

I know that my association with Frederick Irwin will not end here. My grandchildren will don the Gordon Tartan and hopefully when the school celebrates 50 years, I’ll be there to reminisce the school beginnings!

Swan Valley Anglican Community School

I began teaching at Swan Valley Anglican Community School in 2012 after moving to Australia from the UK. Throughout my seventeen years in the profession, my passion for teaching has continued to grow and has remained centred on enabling each student to recognise the valuable contribution they make to the learning of others and within the community.

I have been fortunate to work in educational settings that have focused on improving learning outcomes for students from different backgrounds and capabilities. One of the most rewarding aspects of the job remains being in the classroom where I can implement different pedagogical practices and seek to engage students through creative and collaborative tasks, and critical thinking skills. I have found inspiration and great value in my work as a mentor which has led to my own personal growth.

In recent years, the Humanities Learning Area has faced challenges nationwide due to declining student numbers.

At Swan Valley Anglican Community School, we have remained committed to demonstrating the relevance of studying Humanities as it develops skills that are highly desired by employers.

I am blessed to be a member of a team that strives for excellence and embraces change, and I am thankful for family and friends for their support and much needed laughter!

Rebekah Overton Head of Department: Humanities

Sally Glass Kindy Teacher Frederick Irwin Anglican School

Ian

BRINGING BRAILLE TO SCHOOL

Yvonne Burton’s special talent for braille is helping visually impaired students at John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (JSRACS) access their full range of learning materials in the classroom.

The JSRACS Education Assistant is part of the Education Support Services team at the School, working to assist students to reach their full potential, and says it is vitally important that educational institutions provide these services.

l keys correspond to one of the six dots in the braille cell. While the program offers automatic transcription, like all translation programs, it is not always correct –this feature is mainly used when a document needs to be converted last minute.

“In these circumstances, I still make sure to check every line of braille so that the student is not at a disadvantage,” Yvonne said.

“Once converted to braille, I then use the embosser to create a hard copy of the translation on paper for my student.”

Yvonne learnt braille many years ago and now works closely with visually impaired students to convert their learning materials and enable them access work at the same time as their peers.

These include materials such as worksheets, booklets, and tests. Diagrams and images also require modification with the student receiving a description of the visual component or a tactile version of a graph or chart, through a program called the Duxbury Braille Translator. A braille ‘cell’ is made up of six dots, like a domino, with each letter using a different pattern. When converting a document to braille, only six keys on the keyboard are used to transcribe. The s, d, f, j, k, and

Another tool vision-impaired students may use, is a Polaris device; a small computer with braille keys. The student uses this to type up their work, which is copied to a USB and automatically transcribed to print once opened by the teacher. Once marked, the edited document can be uploaded to Polaris which is then transcribed back to braille for the student.

While Yvonne converts some materials for her students, she highlighted the importance of organisations such as the Education Department’s School of Special Education Needs: Sensory. Organisations such as these provide larger materials such as textbooks in braille, ensuring students with sensory impairments aren’t disadvantaged.

JOHN SEPTIMUS ROE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

“By providing resources such as these we ensure all students regardless of learning requirements are not at a disadvantage, and we as educators are able to provide them a sense of inclusiveness within the classroom,” she said.

IGNITING A SPARK

Peter Carnley Anglican Community School (PCACS) hosted more than 400 students and 80 teachers from 40 schools for the ‘It Take a Spark’ conference exploring STEM innovation.

Deputy Premier and Science Minister, The Honourable Roger Cook opened the conference. Conference attendees came from as far as Busselton, Mt Barker, Northam and even the Gold Coast to attend the event.

In conjunction with the School’s annual Arts and Technologies Week, the conference featured workshops and inspiring presenters as well as hands-on displays and an expo, all focused on the possibilities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Attendees were immersed in a variety of minimasterclasses from industry guests including experiences with Virtual Reality, drone design and programming, renewable energy explorations, a STEAMpunk Excursion, Intelligent Robots, Minecraft Education and the secret Science of Cryptography to name a few.

Designed to ignite and support students in co-designing and co-leading the learning in their respective schools, ‘It Takes a Spark’ was created by Dr Adrian Bertolini and Rachel Manneke-Jones. Partnered by Engineers Australia, the conference was also supported by a wide range of industry sponsors, including scholarship funding provided by the University of Western Australia and the City of Kwinana who supported six schools with 11 teachers and 89 students who may otherwise be unable to attend.

PCACS is at the forefront of STEM Innovation, recognised as one of the country’s most forward-thinking schools in The Educator’s 5-Star Innovative Schools 2022 list. Through the unique TIDES programme, students dive deep into the fundamental concepts of STEM to ensure they are future ready.

The TIDES Programme stands for Technology Innovation Design Enterprise and Sustainability. The Programme emphasises interdisciplinary, crosscurricular, collaborative, and community-linked learning experiences to foster increased learner engagement, development, and autonomy.

“TIDES has elevated our student experience as they engage in real life problem solving activities, providing a sense of agency and hope as they tackle complex issues, such as those confronting the climate and our environment,” Principal Felicity House said.

Through TIDES, PCACS is developing a stimulating and engaging STEM culture and the conference provided an opportunity for students across a variety of schools to meet and explore the possibilities that come with STEM innovation.

Following the success of this year’s conference, PCACS will host the conference again in 2023.

Click here to see ‘It Takes a Spark’ video

GEORGIANA MOLLOY ANGLICAN SCHOOL

PHILOSOPHICAL THINKING A WINNER

Students from Georgiana Molloy Anglican School (GMAS) are tackling the hard questions as they take part in the annual South West Philosothon.

Hosted at GMAS, the Philosothon is a competition where students from Years 7 to 11 investigate ethical, moral and philosophical questions using the framework of the ‘communities of inquiry’.

The event helps students develop higher order thinking and communication skills through a series of insightful and inclusive discussions with students from other schools.

Senior School Gifted and Talented Coordinator Brad Taylor said the event promoted inclusiveness by encouraging students from different schools, both public and private, to engage in respectful and wideranging conversations. He said students competed in mixed age groups, allowing them to access a diverse range of views.

“The South West Philosothon provides students who are strong critical thinkers and enjoy in-depth discussions, with an outlet to spend time with students of a like mind and attitude. This is important for the students as it is a wonderful opportunity to engage in types of conversations that makes them feel included and heard,” Mr Taylor said.

An example of questions that were discussed at this year’s event included ‘Are artistic forgeries valuable?’ and ‘Should we welcome our cyborg future?’.

“Although the South West Philosothon is a competition, it is really about using the spirit of cooperation to develop a shared understanding on important topics by fostering a sense of community,” Mr Taylor said.

“It also develops each student’s critical, creative and cooperative thinking skills, which will be vital for the jobs of the future and to address the major issues that face all communities such as climate change.”

The event also includes members of the community, with judges and facilitators drawn from academia, business, education and past and present students.

“The South West Philosothon was an amazing event, and I loved the fact that everyone was able to share their view point, instead of one person having full control over the conversation.”

Ewan Davies, Year 7

“I really enjoyed communicating with students of all ages and backgrounds throughout the community of inquiries. It was a really rewarding experience, opening my mind to concepts I had not previously considered.”

Abbey Lloyd, Year 11

BUILDING HOUSE SPIRIT

School spirit is at the top of the agenda at St George’s Anglican Grammar School with a renewed focus on building on House spirit and unity in 2022.

Head of Pastoral Hilton Hardman said a commitment to continuously review and improve the School’s Pastoral Care Program led to a focus on building House identity through a range of initiatives.

“Students with school spirit do more than show support for their school. They perform better academically, are more socially and civically engaged, and are happier in general than their less-spirited peers,” he said.

At the beginning of the year, St George’s introduced a school-wide Token System awarded for commendations, with each token representing one House point.

“The Token System has allowed for in-themoment acknowledgement and reward for behaviour in line with the School values,” Mr Hardman said.

“The tokens have been directly linked to the School Houses, with students placing their tokens into their respective House Jars located on the Ground floor of the School. It is a visual summary of positive behaviours within each of our three Houses.”

The token system means all students can support their House to be awarded the House Cup at the end of the year.

“Everyone can get involved and contribution to the House Cup is not only limited to those students who excel in sport, academics or music. Each day when they enter or leave the School, they can see the

number of tokens in their House jars beginning to increase and it has been a strong factor in increasing house spirit and friendly competitiveness between the houses this year,” Mr Hardman said.

“It is a delight to see the students enjoying friendly banter and debate over which House will be the first to get their name etched onto the trophy.”

To further create House unity and connectedness, each student received a House badge at a formal House Assembly, with the Year 12 House Captains sharing the importance and meaning behind their House identity. House badges have quickly become a key feature on school blazers and are worn by St George’s students with pride.

All staff have also been provided with a House badge, creating House unity between staff and students, with only the Principal remaining neutral to support all Houses equally!

House Flags are also prominent, displayed at reception and carried by the House Captains through the city to St George’s Cathedral for the School’s weekly Chapel Services.

House activities are also allocated time each term as part of the Positive Pastoral Care Program. These activities rotate between the Houses and are changed each year. This year students took part in the St George’s Amazing Race around the city, a sausage sizzle in Kings Park, and team games throughout the School.

These new initiatives have fostered friendships, heightened the sense of belonging to each of our House groups and built on the connections that were already established through our House based vertical PCG groups.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL

JOHN WOLLASTON ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

LEARNING FOR THE FUTURE WORLD

In order to equip students with skills for the future world of work, John Wollaston Anglican Community School (JWACS) has introduced a new Year 9 Science Challenge option to harness and integrate science, technology, innovation, and knowledge.

Science Challenge has been designed for students who possess a passion for the sciences to develop a local, national and global outlook. Aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Science Challenge is a project-based science course with a focus on scientific method.

Year 9 Science Challenge students are involved in project-based learning, including a variety of competitions where they identify and test solutions to real world problems. Consistent with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Future of Education and Skills Project 2030, the Year 9 Science Challenge course embeds the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values students need to thrive and shape their word.

Dean of Teaching and Learning Kathy Paul said students tackled complex problems through teamwork and collaboration, while fostering essential skills such as diverse thinking and creative problem-solving.

“Science Challenge has been designed and introduced at John Wollaston this year to extend and enrich our students through an interdisciplinary learning environment,” she said.

“It is wonderful to see our Year 9 students building their future by thinking creatively and working collaboratively to solve real world problems.”

The Science Challenge students also connect with industry partnerships, collaborating with Plastic Oceans Australasia, an organisation dedicated to changing the world’s attitude to waste within a generation through the use of science. A recent project has been to create a biodegradable bioplastic to replace containers at the school café, with students submitting their projects to the STAWA Science Talent Search.

Science Challenge students have also been actively engaged in a variety of competitions including the 2022 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize for Secondary students. With a theme of ‘Change’, students were required to create a short film which communicated a scientific concept in an accessible way.

Year 9 student, Jack Halstead, was awarded Highly Commended for his short film, ‘The Changes with COVID-19’. In recognition of Jack’s success in this nationwide competition, his short film will be available to view online via the Australian museum website.

Images:

Year 9 Science Challenge Incursion with the International Centre for Radio Astonomy Research (ICRAR)

Jack Halstead: 2022 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize

Click here to see Jack Halstead’s video

ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL

CONNECTING AGAIN

After two years of staying apart, the Cobram Anglican Grammar School community embraced the return to connectivity at their muchanticipated Open Night and Family Barbeque.

More than 200 members of the school community gathered to explore the campus, eager to celebrate a magnificent school year.

Principal Keith Willett said the Open Night was a dualpurpose event, with newly enrolled families invited to attend as part of the extended school network.

“The event also gave us a fantastic opportunity to showcase our classrooms which were beautifully decorated with the work of students, who put an enormous amount of effort into ensuring each parent who walked through the door experienced a true taste of what that particular class had been learning and creating over the course of 2022,” he said.

There was a variety of entertainment on show, including a special performance from the School Ukulele Club, which was the group’s first experience playing in front of a live audience under the guidance of their teacher Trish Chmiel.

There was a wide range of entertainment and activities with a long queue for Funky Faces face painting throughout the night, while Mr Jon O’Dwyer had the gym pumping and tunes flowing, as the doors were opened to anybody interested in trying out the new gym equipment acquired over the past couple of years.

An ensemble of Year 10 and Year 11 students volunteered their time in the Foods Room to ensure nobody went home hungry. They relished the challenge of cooking over 200 sausages, 100 chicken steaks and 150 burgers for parents, family members

and friends, ably supported by Mrs Carolyn White, Mrs Sharon Bird and Principal Keith Willett.

Year 10 student Madison McDiarmid assisted in the kitchen and said school events such as the Open Night were invaluable to improving the overall school experience for students and parents alike.

“It’s so important that we have nights like these as it provides our families with a great opportunity to get to know each other better and form new relationships,” she said.

“It was also pretty heart-warming seeing our Junior School and Senior School students mingling over the course of the evening. It was fairly evident that our connectivity and school spirit is really starting to grow again after the COVID years.”

COBRAM

THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY

Connection and community is a high priority for students and staff at Esperance Anglican Community School (EACS), and the arrival of new Principal Jordan Smith has provided a renewed sense of the community coming together.

Mr Smith comes to EACS from John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School where he was Associate Principal – Middle School. Previous to that, Mr Smith held positions as Head of Secondary School at Ellenbrook Christian College and Head of Middle School at Serpentine Jarrahdale Grammar School.

Mr Smith said his introduction to the School community had been highly positive.

“A truly genuine and warm welcome has been offered to me personally and to my family. It is very special when your senior students take the time to welcome you to their School,” he said.

Mr Smith that sense of welcome and engagement extended to the wider community.

“As a small school in a remote location, engaging with the broader community is vital. We recognise that the School is part of the wider community, not just a community in itself, and this allows the School to truly flourish,” Mr Smith said.

The School regularly engages in numerous communitybased activities including the Esperance and Districts Agricultural Show and the Esperance Community Concert. These events provide an opportunity for connection and for valuable conversations to occur.

“At EACS we are implementing community-based events such as the Principals’ sundowner to not only engage with our current parents but welcome all members of the community,” Mr Smith said.

“This inclusive nature allows the School to seek further opportunities for its students by engaging with local business and community groups.

Mr Smith said the inclusive community attitude extended to the School’s students supporting and helping each other.

“In speaking with numerous students who have commenced in Term 4, each has had a similar positive story to tell,” he said.

ESPERANCE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

“The students, teachers and support staff have been welcoming and have shown real kindness. Coming from another country I struggle to understand what is said, however, there is one classmate who helps explain things to me.”

EACS student

Images: EACS Executive Principal Jason Bartell, School Captains Lauren Ware and Kacie Goodman and new Principal Jordan Smith at the recent Founders Day. EACS Band members attending the Esperance Music Festival.

NETWORKING THE NEW NORMAL

With Australia’s open borders and the influx of international students returning to WA, ASC International (ASCI) is developing new networks to build enrolments for the ASC Language School and ASC schools.

An essential part of this process is networking and developing relationships with organisations both domestically and internationally. At a local level, ASCI works closely with agents, connecting students from around the world to our schools. Other networking events take place in a global context through national and international organisations, conferences and school fairs.

Director of International Todd Flanagan recently attended the ASC Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) held at the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Mr Flanagan said attending targeted international education events provided an opportunity to showcase the uniqueness and quality of the ASC and its schools.

“AIEC is a good example of how those involved in educating international students work together in developing this important market for the Australian economy,” he said.

“With more than 1600 international education professionals in attendance, information gathered at AIEC can have a significant effect on current global trends and markets, and contacts made can result in developing new areas of focus to increase the enrolments to ASCI, and ultimately into our ASC schools.”

“International education is a major economic driver for Western Australia and Australia. One of the priority sectors of our government is to significantly increase the number of international students and grow the international education sector,” Mr Flanagan said.

“ASCI’s representation at events such as the Australian International Education Conference provides a vital opportunity to develop ongoing relationships, particularly as ASC begins to build its operation as a national education provider.”

After a challenging few years, international education is recovering from the effects of the global pandemic, with the numbers of international students returning to pre-Covid levels. Mr Flanagan said this meant ASCI was well positioned to reach a historical enrolment record of international students and continue to provide pathways for students seeking a first-class education within ASC schools throughout Australia.

Mr Flanagan said attending the conference also provided the opportunity to raise the ASC’s national profile.

Part of The Anglican Schools Commission

ASC LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Image: Delegates from around the world, including Todd Flanagan Director ASC International, met at the AIEC conference at Gold Coast Queensland recently.