ASC NEWS | ISSUE 82 | DECEMBER 2023

ASC NEWS ISSUE 82 | DECEMBER 2023

FEATURES Cathedral College Wangaratta John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School

From the Chief Executive Officer THE REVEREND PETER LAURENCE OAM Dear Colleagues ANGLICAN COMMUNION SCHOOLS NETWORK The tail end of 2023 sees our nation and world as ever in need of the hope, love, peace and joy that we find in Jesus; the baby in the manger and the saviour on the cross.

With a sense of joy and a true sign of hope, The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO (Archbishop of Perth) and I recently were involved in a ‘global first’. Under the auspices of the Anglican Consultative Council (describing itself as “the most representative body of gathered Anglicans among the Instruments of Communion”), the Anglican Communion Schools Network (ACSN) was launched in late October through a global ‘Zoom room’ of gathered leaders from across the Anglican Provinces. We are thrilled that Archbishop Kay has accepted an invitation to Chair the ACSN, and I am honoured to serve as its Australian representative.

Contents From the CEO

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Across the ASC

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Anglican Identity - Christmas messages

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John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School

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Cathedral College Wangaratta

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Georgiana Molloy Anglican School

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St George’s Anglican Grammar School

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All Saints Anglican School

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St James’ Anglican School

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Trinity Anglican College

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Esperance Anglican Community School

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St Mark’s Anglican Community School

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Frederick Irwin Anglican School

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Teaching & Learning

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Peter Moyes Anglican Community School

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Swan Valley Anglican Community School

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ASC Language School

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Peter Carnley Anglican Community School

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Staff Spotlight

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Cover Image: Prefects and Primary leaders, Swan Valley Anglican Community School.

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ASC schools play a vital role in the life, ministry and mission of the Church. Our schools are the main point of contact the Church has with young people across the Communion, not just in Australia. Our hope and prayer is for this network to be an active forum for encouraging one another, learning from and praying for each other.

Over the early years, ACSN will be focusing on what it means to be an Anglican school and supporting those who oversee and lead schools across the globe to enhance their Anglican Identity.

Together with the Head of Episcopal schools in the USA, I presented the keynote session on how our schools understand and express their Anglican Identity. When I speak on this topic, I always focus on the six common threads which best express our Anglican Identity in schools – faith, reason, worship, inclusion, character and service. My hope is that all ASC schools express their Anglican Identity vibrantly, evidenced in and through these six threads.

As ACSN helps us globally to focus on matters of common mission, it’s a sign of hope; something wellneeded right now across the Communion and in our troubled world. So often our focus in schools rightly is on the hope that is deeply embedded in our Anglican Identity. Being Anglican Christians means we are people of hope, people of love, people of joy.

HEAD OFFICE STAFF CHANGES During the past term, a number of faces have changed in our office and we will be welcoming some fresh ones in the new year.

Dr Penelope Russell (Director of Teaching and Learning) leaves us after nearly five years on staff.

Penelope has been instrumental in enhancing our religious studies curriculum and resource base, overseeing the development of our first Vision for Learning, and working with curriculum leaders across our schools to enhance learning outcomes and pathway opportunities for students. She moves to the position of Director of Learning and Teaching Excellence at MLC in Claremont. Penelope will be greatly missed, both in our office and across schools.

Ms Kathryn Paul will commence in January as our new Director of Teaching and Learning. Currently serving as the Dean of Teaching and Learning at John Wollaston Anglican Community School and having previously held significant leadership positions at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, Kathryn brings a wealth of experience to this position.

The Reverend Dr Eleanor O’Donnell will commence in late January as our first full-time Director of Anglican Identity.

Eleanor has a strong background in school chaplaincy and religious studies. She is well known in both WA and Victoria, having served recently as Chaplain to Hale School in Perth. Over the past two decades, Eleanor held similar positions at Ballarat Grammar School, Geelong Grammar School, Melbourne Grammar School and St Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart. Currently she serves as the Head of Religious Education at St Virgil’s College in Tasmania.

Mr Todd Flanagan (Director of ASC International) left us in late October for an overseas posting in Kazakhstan.

Ms Kate Simeon has been appointed Acting Director of ASC International for the remainder of 2023.

Ms Aila Dann (Director of Communications) left us at the end of November after six and a half years in this position. She was our first full-time appointment in the Communications area. Aila has shaped the portfolio into one which now has three part-time colleagues joining her in the Comms team, covering graphic design, events management and social & digital media. Their work enhances both our system-wide and school-based communications. Thank you Aila.

ENTERPRISE AGREEMENTS During Term Three, it was a joy to receive confirmation from the Fair Work Commission that both the ASC’s Victorian and New South Wales Enterprise Agreements were approved. These two agreements cover all teaching and support staff in our Victorian and NSW schools respectively. Thanks to all on the bargaining teams and beyond; those in our schools, the Independent Education Unions of both Victoria/ Tasmania and NSW, and our Director of HR Mr Kiel Anthony who worked productively and cooperatively for the good of all staff covered under these agreements.

Negotiating the Western Australian agreement, which for the first time will cover all teaching and support staff in the one document, is well under way.

In many Anglican churches, we’re used to three or four purple candles (sometimes one Sunday is a pink candle) and a white one in the centre. Hope, love, peace and joy, with Christ at the centre.

In this final month of 2023, both at home and across the world, people everywhere are calling for peace.

Peace between warring people and nations, faiths and cultures.

One of the simple joys of lighting an Advent candle each week is the build-up of light expressing our growing anticipation and expectation of the birth of Jesus, the light of the world, the prince of peace. In schools, teachers are always looking to teach something by illustration. Rather than simply telling a child something is true or right, it’s preferable to demonstrate it in some way. As we grow older, often we forgo the ‘showing’, replacing it with the ‘telling’. A childhood joy of playing one of the wise men in the Nativity Play is replaced by a long sermon. Thankfully, not in schools!

In our schools, our homes and across the globe, may this Advent and Christmas be seasons of hope, love, peace and joy… with Christ at the centre.

My sincere thanks goes to every member of staff in an ASC school in Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. Each of you has made such a difference to the lives of our students this year.

January 2024 will see the opening of the 16th ASC school, All Saints Anglican School in Shepparton, Victoria. Under the leadership of the Foundation Principal Mr Jim Laussen, All Saints will open at the end of January with strong enrolments from Prep to Year 7. All Saints is the first new school built by the ASC on a greenfield site since St James’ Anglican School in Alkimos WA opened in 2015. Exciting times indeed for the ASC and the Goulburn Valley community. Read more about All Saints later in this edition of ASC News.

Enjoy the break, have a very Merry Christmas and may you enter 2024 refreshed and renewed for all the possibilities that a new year brings.

Christmas blessings…

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS It’s Advent in parishes and Christmas in schools! Each year at this time, as the first Advent candle is lit on the wreath in school chapels and parish churches, our schools are wrapping up for the year, holding carol services and retelling the great story of Jesus’ birth.

ASC News

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Across the

ASC

ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE St Mark’s Anglican Community School Head of Digital Learning Kelly Curran and Head of Library and Information Services Shirley McKibbin recently presented at the International Society for Technology in Education Conference (ISTE) in Philadelphia.

ISTE is a not-for-profit group helping educators around the globe use technology to revolutionise learning.

The pair were recipients of the Peter Foss Scholarship, which allowed them to attend the conference to learn and to promote the programs and the Year 6-8 Learn curriculum at St Mark’s.

More than 1700 people from 82 countries attended the conference which offered more than 1000 programs and sessions over five days. The St Mark’s session, Curating Curiosity: Inspiring Collaborative, Critical and Creative Learners, allowed the pair to showcase the innovative ways that students at St Mark’s have been developing their information and digital literacy skills for future readiness.

Both Kelly and Shirley said they had learnt from the vast and varied inspirational workshops, presentations and hands-on sessions at the conference, and were excited to share new global directions in artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, multimodal learning, podcasting, virtual reality and critical thinking, to name a few.

They said they had already started to incorporate some ideas into the Middle School Learn Curriculum and looked forward to broadening the integration of the concepts into other learning areas across the whole school.

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IRONMAN EFFORT Congratulations to Karen Potts who recently competed in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

Despite Karen’s busy day job as the ASC’s Director of Risk and Compliance, she had been training hard for the invitation-only Ironman event.

Karen qualified for the World Championships with a strong result at the 2022 Busselton Ironman and despite a bumpy lead up to the race, which included a stress fracture, she completed the event in style.

Karen said the experience had been amazing and she was happy to finish the race, describing the course as tough but with world-class views.

ANGLICAN IDENTITY

Outside the venue of a Valedictory ceremony I recently attended were huge light-up numbers of the year 2023, which undoubtedly served as the backdrop for many selfies and Insta posts from that night.

Whatever kind of year you’ve had, and whatever kind of year our world is going through, there is a larger and brighter backdrop to our lives which outshines any darkness.

The Gospel of John tells us that through the Son of God “all things came into being, and what has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people – the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it”. This Christmas and every Christmas, Christians throughout the world celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ as “the true light which enlightens everyone”.

As you gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday, may the joy and peace of the Christmas season bring much Light to your life and home. And may the coming year, with its hopes and fears, be held secure in the love of God. The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO Archbishop of Perth

Christmas messages

It is a story of a helpless babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. It is a story of a tired mother and proud father who could behold their newborn and feel love towards one whom they have only met for the first time. It is a story of those who travelled from afar and those who were near to experience the transforming power of God who offers hope for the future in the offering of love expressed at its best.

Why Christmas?

The word ‘Christmas’ comes from 2 words: ‘Christ’ and ‘mas’ – ‘mas’ meaning ‘Holy Communion’.

Christians believe Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem (in the present West Bank), on a divine rescue mission for human beings, roughly 2023 years ago. This was not the way most religious people expected God to appear, even though it had been foretold in some detail. A choir of Angels, a few shepherds and three or four wise men recognised him at his birth. Much later his followers and many other people came to the realisation he was what he amazingly claimed to be - the Son of God.

The prophet Isaiah called him the Prince of Peace and how appropriate in our world of war, famine and disaster, where all we can do is to work, pray and act for peace. People are intolerant of one another, emotions often run high, while there are those who are exhausted by the atrocities of all that is happening around the world.

People are still coming to the same conclusion today. Jesus’ life from birth to death and resurrection is recorded in the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Jesus Christ did and said things that no-one else before or since has done, or said.

It is in the midst of all of this that we celebrate the Christ-Event (Christmas) and we hope for a day or at least a season where many can lay down their arms, when love, generosity and hospitality can be offered and where a peaceful kingdom can be established, albeit for a moment, as we work for a lasting peace amidst the turmoil.

Christians therefore celebrate Christmas to mark the birth of Jesus Christ and because of who we believe Jesus is.

As our world and society is overshadowed by the reality of consumerism and discord and our Churches and faith less infused by the true essence of the Christmas story, we are reaching that stage where we will have to be courageous to share and live this story which has transformed our world for over two millennia and two decades.

I wish you a very Happy Christmas!

The Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts Bishop of Bunbury

May Christmas be that time of peace and tranquility, as we ourselves are sometimes like the helpless babe, yet know that change will come.

The Right Reverend Clarence E. Bester Bishop of Wangaratta ASC News

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FA ITH VE •HOPE•LO

JOHN SEPTIMUS ROE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

ONE CAMPUS – ONE COMMUNITY In 2020, the Council of John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (JSRACS) put forward a recommendation to the Anglican Schools Commission (ASC) Board to consolidate the School’s two primary campuses. This recommendation was supported by the Board. The JSRACS Council had responsibility to oversee this transition and initiated a series of campus master planning sessions.

While the challenges of renovating ageing classrooms, building an addition to the existing kindergarten building and facilitating a new build existed at the same time, the architects from Hames Sharley and the staff from EMCO ensured that the process was well executed.

The completion of the Michelle Bolt Early Learning Centre was eagerly anticipated by staff, students, and families. The current kindergarten students had been watching cranes, concrete trucks, and diggers for months through the fence, and couldn’t wait to move in.

The Michelle Bolt Early Learning Centre is a spacious and contemporary building that houses four Kindergarten classrooms, two pre-kindergarten classrooms, student administration offices and Out

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of School Hours Care. Set to the side of the primary school, it faces the Bush Forever site. It has been designed with the age of the students in mind, with clear and easy to navigate spaces that promote child-led learning. The Year 11 and 12 Senior Learning Centre has a lovely outlook of the Early Learning Centre, providing students who are completing their JSR journey a look back at where they all began.

Informed by research, the value of the environment as the ‘third teacher’ has the potential to influence how children learn. The design of the building, filled with natural light, has provided staff with opportunities to intentionally design indoor and outdoor activities that are purposeful and promote learning, allow for free play and explicit teaching and foster relationships.

The outdoor environment is still a work in progress; however, the water pump, dry creek bed, sand pit, bike track and outdoor teepee are popular during the day. The students have really taken on board the responsibility for their environment and take care of the garden and their surroundings. Implementing regular opportunities to have shoes off has encouraged students to develop their gross motor skills and brain development. Having materials such as logs set into the ground for walking along and over, stones and rocks to climb, different surfaces underfoot and being barefoot is activating the vestibular and proprioceptive systems in the students’ brains, helping them to build new neural connections, orient their bodies in space, and develop crucial skills like balance and coordination. It’s also helping to develop independence. They are taking off and putting their shoes back on, surprisingly with very few lost socks.

The Michelle Bolt Early Learning Centre stands as a significant and cherished enhancement to the amenities offered by John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School. This state-of-the-art centre serves as a warm, motivational, and inclusive environment where our youngest JSR students have the opportunity to embark on their educational journey with curiosity and enthusiasm. It offers them a space that not only nurtures their learning experiences but also encourages their exploration and development, fostering a strong foundation for their future academic endeavours.

“I love taking my shoes off and putting water on my feet.”

Student from the Early Learning Centre

“Watching the ELC being built gave everyone a sense of anticipation. However, now it is complete and there is life in it, the atmosphere is positively charged with enthusiasm and energy.”

Early Learning Staff, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School

“The feel of the space is really lovely, it feels welcoming and calm and so inviting when you walk through.”

Student’s family from the Early Learning Centre

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CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA

FOR SUCCESSFUL AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR MARGARET HICKEY, CRIME REALLY DOES PAY The Cathedral College Wangaratta English and Drama teacher balances her 25-year teaching career with her career as an author and playwright.

Starting in short stories and then moving onto plays, Dr Hickey’s recent literary success came when she started writing crime fiction.

“I started writing from a young age and, like all writers, I wasn’t an overnight success. For all writers, it’s practice that you do over many years,” she said.

“My plays were my first success in writing. It’s intoxicating to see your work performed but it’s a hard gig writing a play, which takes a lot of time to write and is then performed a few times.

“I’ve had lots of failure, books that haven’t been published, short stories that have been rejected, but then I started writing crime.”

Dr Hickey has now sold over 100,000 books in Australia from her trilogy featuring protagonist Senior Sergeant Mark Ariti. The books – Cutters End, Stone Town and Broken Bay – have also led to acclaim, with Dr Hickey winning the Danger Prize for best crime novel in an Australian location, and shortlisting for both the Ned Kelly Prize and the Davitt Award for best female crime writer.

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“I’d never written crime, but I loved (author) Peter Temple and his books made me realise that crime books can also be beautiful and that the landscape can be a character,” she said.

Dr Hickey says her ideas mostly come from landscape and are always set in rural locations.

“I’ve always been interested in landscapes and writing through the lens of landscape. Every book I write, I know the landscape well,” she said.

The Australian landscape is a real gift. You can put your characters under duress without any human intervention.”

Her other great influence is teaching. Dr Hickey’s third book, Broken Bay, is dedicated to English teachers and a main character in Stone Town is named after a teaching colleague.

“My Dad was a teacher in small rural schools and was often one of my only teachers in primary school, so I owe a lot to teachers,” she said.

“Teaching has been so good for the creative field, and I love it when students say they want to be a writer.”

Dr Hickey is quick to point out that Cathedral College had been overwhelmingly supportive of her career, as well as a wonderful school attended by her three sons.

“There are so many skills on our staff. My writing is visible to more people, but we have so many amazing people here doing leading things in many fields,” she said.

Following her success, publishers Penguin Random House have offered a further two-book deal, and Dr Hickey is moving to a landscape closer to home. The next two books will be set in the high country in northeast Victoria and will feature a new protagonist.

Dr Hickey intends to stick to writing novels, but is also keen to see her new play, Clarissa and Pip, come to life when it is performed in Wangaratta next year.

“Once I’ve written things, I don’t mind how it goes.

I’m not sentimental, I love doing it but whether they fly or they fail, I don’t mind.”

Margaret Hickey, Cathedral College Wangaratta English and Drama teacher

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GEORGIANA MOLLOY ANGLICAN SCHOOL

GEORGE A WELCOME PRESENCE Georgiana Molloy Anglican School’s beloved wellness dog, George Molloy, has been a treasured member of the school community for just over a year. His presence has brought immeasurable joy and happiness to students and staff.

George, a Groodle (a Golden Retriever and Poodle mix), is not just a furry companion; he plays a crucial role in enhancing the wellbeing of all who encounter him.

The benefits of having dogs in schools are welldocumented. They provide emotional support, reduce stress, and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

George, with his wagging tail and friendly demeanour, does all of this and more. He has a unique ability to connect with students in need, offering comfort and solace during challenging times.

George is not just a lovable face; he is becoming a trained therapy dog. His regular training ensures that he can effectively assist students and staff in various ways, including easing anxiety and boosting overall morale.

While he spends most of his time with the Junior Primary students, he’s also in the process of learning how to work with Early Years students, fostering a love for reading in young minds and learning the importance of a gentle approach in their interactions.

“With a school that has over 1300 students and staff, George has become a cherished figure, known and loved by many,” Interim Principal Meg Watson said.

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“New families are warmly welcomed by his friendly presence, and school tours with George providing a delightful and memorable introduction to the school community.”

Year 5 student Violet said George, who loved to be petted, was a lovable, funny addition to the GMAS Community.

“We in Year 5 love having him wander around in our classrooms, making us laugh with his silly doings. He makes us happy,” she said.

“We have some hilarious moments with George. George loves to open doors, has an appetite for shoelaces, and loves to bark during class presentations.”

In a world where stress and anxiety often run high, the presence of a wellness dog like George Molloy brings a sense of calm and comfort to the school environment.

His ability to brighten the day of anyone he meets is a testament to the powerful impact that dogs can have in educational settings, making George an invaluable part of Georgiana Molloy Anglican School’s mission to create a positive and nurturing learning environment.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL

BEYOND ST GEORGE’S: FROM THE CITY TO THE SNOW A new exchange program launched this month by St George’s Anglican Grammar School will allow city students to swap the bustle of William Street for rural life in Victoria.

Beyond St George’s is an inaugural partnership with Cathedral College Wangaratta, enabling Year 10 students from both schools to trade places and experience being part of a substantially different school.

The vertical school in Perth’s CBD will welcome up to four Cathedral College students for four weeks in March before selected host students from St George’s set off for the township of Wangaratta 230km northeast of Melbourne in a reciprocal arrangement in August.

“This will be an amazing opportunity to experience education at another Anglican Schools Commission school in a different state and potentially even be involved in some weekend skiing on the skifields in the region,’’ St George’s Principal Tina Campbell said.

“Exchange students will often create long-lasting friendships and develop a lifelong appreciation for, interest in and understanding of the value of diversity within the world.’’

The benefits of exchange programs have already been visible at St George’s this year, with the arrival last term of German Year 11 Rotary Youth Exchange student Marlene von Gossler from Switzerland.

St George’s also celebrated the news that Year 12 student leader Niamh Bingham had been selected for an international Rotary Youth Exchange placement in Denmark, starting early in the new year.

Both students embarked on an international exchange to venture beyond their comfort zones, discover a new culture, make new friends and deepen their education.

“Each exchange student will have the chance to learn more about themselves and to develop new strengths and independence, to learn about others, their lives and cultures, and to expand their perspective on life beyond that of Western Australia.”

Tina Campbell, Principal, St George’s Anglican Grammar School ASC News 11

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ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN SCHOOL

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A NEW BEGINNING When Jim Laussen decided to step down as Principal of his Melbourne-based school after 22 years at the helm, he never thought he would end up in Shepparton.

But when he saw the call for a Foundation Principal of Shepparton’s first Anglican school, he felt the pull of a new challenge.

“I thought this is too good an opportunity and I knew I wanted to be the Principal,” he said.

Coming on board in April this year with an Executive Officer for support, Mr Laussen has been at the coalface of the project, which has ranged from working with a steering committee and project managers for the school’s build, to designing uniforms and hiring a new workforce.

All Saints Anglican School will open in Term 1, 2024, catering from Prep to Year 7 in its first year and growing to a Prep to Year 12 school by 2029.

Mr Laussen said being a part of setting up a new school had been a challenging but rewarding process.

“Children are at the beginning and the centre of every decision,” he said.

“One of the most exciting moments so far was the first meeting of all new families, with about 300 people attending the first get-together.”

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Mr Laussen’s hope for the School is that it will be a private school with an open door.

He has valued being a part of the ASC system during the set-up process, with plenty of assistance and expertise on offer from ASC staff and fellow ASC schools.

“I can’t tell you how different it is and how good it is to be a part of a system,” he said.

“We are now looking forward to welcoming all our students to school for the start of Term 1 next year.”

Jim Laussen, Principal, All Saints Anglican School

ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN SCHOOL

HONOURING STUDENTS’ COMMITMENT TO SERVICE Service-learning is an integral part of the St James’ Anglican School community. Service Colours are now awarded to student volunteers who demonstrate an exceptional level of commitment to their community.

The first Service Honours were awarded to Freya O, Liam R and Annabel L this year. The award is a reflection of their dedication to volunteering within their school and to their community.

Spreading delicious joy Students bring in chocolate stockings which are donated to a local charity that prepares food hamper for local families during the festive season.

“In Service-learning, we empower our students to actively engage with their community, fostering social responsibility,” Service-learning coordinator Mrs Stacey Syme said.

Fundraising initiatives Throughout the year, students are encouraged to participate in uniform-free days, crazy sock day, and Show Your Colours Day to raise money for mental health initiatives run by Headspace and to contribute to vital cancer research.

“It’s about nurturing personal growth while creating lasting positive impacts.”

Some of the many Service-learning opportunities at St James’ include: Anglicare Ambassadors To help raise awareness about homelessness and support Anglicare WA’s vital work, St James’ participates in the annual Anglicare Ambassador program. “Being an Ambassador means not just talking about change, but actively working towards it,” said Anglicare Student Ambassador Ruby S. Providing meals St James’ collected non-perishable food items for Food4All, an organisation that helps families in Yanchep. Staff and students distributed nutritious food items and meals to people in need.

Making student lunches St James partnered with Eat Up Australia to provide lunches for students at nearby primary schools.

Together, the St James’ School community prepared 1,800 sandwiches across three mammoth sessions.

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TRINITY ANGLICAN COLLEGE

EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Trinity Anglican College has formalised a new partnership with neighbouring Charles Sturt University to help benefit students and staff on both campuses.

The two educational institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding recently, with plans for ongoing collaboration. This includes developing the local Thurgoona-Wirlinga area as an education hub and working together to create courses that align with the educational needs of industry and interprofessional development.

Trinity Anglican College Principal Adrian Johnson said the MOU meant that the institutions would collaborate to bring benefits to university and school students, as well as offering opportunities for teaching staff.

The school would build on the program to provide classroom experience to university students while exploring new ways to involve Trinity students in the life of the university.

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“We want our students to be involved and learn from university programs and projects. This could include anything from fieldwork in the wetlands to using the university’s mountain biking course,” Dr Johnson said.

“We also hope that our teaching staff will be able to work with university academics on projects related to education and teaching practice.”

Dr Johnson said the Memorandum of Understanding formalised their joint commitment to promoting better outcomes for students, opportunities for staff and reassurance to families that there are world class education options available in the regional centre of Albury-Wodonga.

The MOU was signed by Trinity Principal Dr Adrian Johnson and Charles Sturt Faculty of Arts and Education Executive Dean, Professor John McDonald.

ESPERANCE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

STAGE 5 DEVELOPMENT TO MEET GROWTH Students at Esperance Anglican Community School (EACS) are set to benefit from a new expansion at the school, with the approval of the Stage 5 Development project.

The expansion includes a host of new facilities to be built during the 2024 school year. The development includes a new school café with the construction of a new dining hall and commercial kitchen, four new classrooms and a food technology room. It also includes a refurbishment of the administration area and the creation of a new science laboratory.

Principal Jordan Smith said the expansion was in response to the growth in enrolments and would provide state-of-the-art facilities, supporting a variety of pathways available to EACS students.

“These new facilities will allow us to offer further opportunities to our students in a General pathway such as Hospitality, complementing our established ATAR and Big Picture pathways,” he said.

“This is an investment in our school and our school community and is part of our commitment to provide opportunities, facilities and an all-round education to students to enable them to develop their individual skills and interests.”

“The dining hall and commercial kitchen will be a new facility for our boarding house but will also benefit all students during the day as our brand-new school café.”

Mr Jordan Smith, Principal

“The new classrooms and refurbished science laboratory ensures we have room to grow, and the best facilities on offer for local students.”

The new buildings will be constructed next to the current Administration Building at the front of the School.

The project will be built by local building company Dixon Construction and work is set to start immediately on the project, subject to local approvals.

Mr Smith said he looked forward to seeing the new facilities taking shape over the next year and benefitting all EACS students into the future.

He said the new facilities would be multi-purpose to benefit the entire school community. EACS is the only ASC school to provide a boarding option for students on campus.

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ST MARK’S ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

PARNNGURR: A STUDENT REFLECTION During the early morning of Saturday, 2 September, an excited group of 12 Year 9 students and five staff members started their long 1600km journey by road to Parnngurr in the East Pilbara desert country.

STUDENT REFLECTION

By Charlie Anderson-Nicholls This camp will be something I remember forever. As soon as I heard I received the invitation at the end of 2022, I was overjoyed with excitement and anticipation. Nothing would stop me from going. Fast forwarding to Term 2, 2023, four days from setting off to the middle of the outback, a shock meeting awaited us that Wednesday … the camp had been postponed for a term.

This upset everyone, and as a result, people dropped out of the camp due to other commitments.

After an entire term’s wait, the camp was finally getting closer, again.

Everyone was filled with joy as we were leaving on a 20-hour drive up to the community. And yes, 20 hours might seem like a long time to drive, but without a doubt, it is something that I would do again just to see the kids and people from the community and spend time with them.

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As soon as we arrived, the community was nothing like anyone was expecting, so much larger and more sophisticated than you would think from a town in the middle of nowhere. After a night in little shacks, we met the kids in the school that morning. Within the first half an hour of playing on the playground, kicking the footy, or shooting a basketball, we all had made such good relationships and bonds with the kids.

Finally, it was the time that everyone had been waiting for, going out on country. Over the two nights there, stories were shared, bush skills learnt, and relationships built. It was a bit of a shock as soon as we arrived; there was nothing but bush, dirt and hills, but so much to learn. Every minute, I was learning something new: how to make spears, find witchetty grubs and sand goanna, build humpies, make damper, cook kangaroo tail, and the list goes on. So many highlights were shared as well, swimming in the waterhole, humpy building or sitting around the campfire yarning on for hours.

When we arrived back in the community and said our goodbyes, it was a moment of sorrow for everyone. Who knew that some of us would be in tears, leaving the kids and the community after just 48 hours since meeting them for the first time. Nothing will ever break those bonds and friendships, and the community and its people will lay everlasting memories in our hearts.

When we arrived back, I was almost confused; the reality of school and normal life was so bland, restricted and orderly: wake up, go to school, get home and do sport or homework, and that’s it. Out there, it’s so free; run where you want, do as you please and find a witchetty grub on the way. It really gave me a whole new perspective on Indigenous culture and their values.

Family is everything to them; it’s their way of life and what keeps a community together. Their country is pristine and beautiful, providing them with everything they need. It is really so much more than a little community surrounded by bush and dirt.

PURPLE FOR INCLUSION DAY

FREDERICK IRWIN ANGLICAN SCHOOL

Students at Frederick Irwin Anglican School celebrated their first ‘Purple Inclusion Day’, wearing purple clothing or gold sports shirts to celebrate Inclusion and raise awareness of International Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day. The day was organised

by Learning Enrichment Coordinators Mrs Pat Rehm (Meadow Springs Campus) and Mrs Bianca Baker (Halls Head Campus). It allowed Primary students and staff to celebrate their School community being inclusive and diverse, and part of an environment in which students feel welcomed and safe.

Principal Tracey Gray, was delighted with the day and said the School had added Inclusion as a Core Value last year.

“We want everyone to have a sense of belonging at our school and today demonstrated that everyone matters and everyone has gifts to share,” Mrs Gray said.

Frederick Irwin Anglican School parent, Sarah James attended the day as a guest speaker. Sarah spoke with students in Years 3 to 6 about her journey as being

‘different’ and how her challenges had made her into the remarkable woman she is today.

Sarah James is a dynamic and energetic author, innovator and technologist. She has also written a book called Are You Ready to Change the World? Technology Leadership for the Future.

Sarah is highly passionate about neurodiversity. “Being a Mum in a neurodiverse family is challenging, but thinking differently is part of life,” she said.

“It’s good to be different, if we were all the same life would be boring. May this be the start of many more inclusive days to come.”

Sarah James, Author, Innovator and Technologist

Mrs Rehm said it was a privilege to work at a school that valued inclusion.

“Feeling included gives us a feeling of belonging and being inclusive means that we can embrace everyone,” she said.

ASC News 17

TEACHING

& Learning

VISION FOR LEARNING LAUNCH It was a momentous day for the Anglican Schools Commission, with the official launch of the ASC Vision for Learning. Developed in consultation with our schools, the Vision for Learning is a unified set of values for teaching and learning in ASC schools.

It was launched by Chief Executive Officer The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM and Board Chair Mrs Lynne Thomson.

ASC Director of Teaching and Learning Dr Penelope Russell conducted a workshop with Principals and school Directors of Teaching and Learning to help equip schools to implement the Vision.

TERM 1 2024 | ASC EVENTS

January

February

March

19 WAASA Induction Day for Teachers New to Anglican Schools

13 Heads of Teaching and Learning 14 Heads of Music Committee 20 Learning Enrichment 21 WA Senior Staff Meeting Secondary 21 WA Senior Staff Meeting Primary 21 Anglicare Ambassadors – 2024 WA Ambassadors Launch 27 WAASA Religious Educators’ Professional Learning Day 28 IT Committee

1 Aspiring Middle Leaders

22 NSW/VIC Induction Day for Teachers New to ASC Schools

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5 Heads of HPE 6 NSW/VIC Chaplains & RE Educators 7 RAP Working Group 8 Heads of Languages 15 WAASA Chaplaincy Day 26 Wollaston Certificate for Anglican Leaders

PETER MOYES ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

IMMERSING IN INDONESIAN CULTURE Peter Moyes Anglican Community School (PMACS) students have a range of opportunities to better understand Indonesian culture and language, particularly through student exchange programs.

The School hosted two student exchange programs from Indonesia this year, marking the seventh instalment of the exchange program with Margie School, PMACS’ sister school in Surabaya, East Java.

During this exchange, eight Indonesian students from Margie School spent a week with PMACS students in Term 3. They experienced a day in the life of a Peter Moyes student, participated in Indonesian classes, and shared insights about teenage life in Indonesia versus Australia.

Margie students also played a pivotal role in the annual ‘A day in Indonesia at PMACS’ event. They led engaging Indonesian cultural workshops, including dance and “Wayang” making, and assisted teachers with Indonesianthemed games. Their performances at the Indonesian School Assembly celebrated the rich cultural diversity of Indonesia through dance and song. Host families embraced the time spent with their overseas guests, exploring tourist attractions such as Caversham Wildlife Park and Fremantle Prison, providing Margie students with a taste of Australian nature and history.

The School also welcomed 30 students from the Global Prestasi School (GPS) in Jakarta this October. The program, which has been running successfully for the past two years, allows PMACS students to deepen their knowledge of Indonesian language and culture through conversational practice.

Year 7 student Lewis Wagstaff said: “My experience with my Indonesian Exchange student from GPS, Javaro, was an amazing memory and one I will remember for the rest of my life. I have loved this opportunity of taking Javaro around the school and showing him what schooling life is like in WA. I hope he enjoyed his experience at PMACS and I hope to meet with him again in the future.”

The bonds formed between PMACS students and their Indonesian counterparts were evident, with many host students eagerly looking forward to visiting Jakarta in 2024 for the PMACS Immersion Tour to Indonesia.

PMACS Head of Languages, Ibu Maya Swailes, is proud of the School’s dedicated Indonesian language program.

ASC News 19

SWAN VALLEY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

RESPECT Each year Swan Valley Anglican Community School Principal Melissa Powell chooses a theme for the whole school. In 2023, the theme has been RESPECT, one of the School’s new values.

On the first day of Term 1 at the Welcome Assembly, Ms Powell outlined the importance of Respecting Others, Respecting Ourselves and Respecting Our Environment.

To help staff and students focus on the theme, the Technologies Department made some large red letters to spell RESPECT. Throughout the year, staff and students took these letters to all kinds of school events – excursions, incursions, carnivals and important occasions. This was not only lots of fun and an opportunity for creative photography, but also a time to engage in conversations with students about the importance of respecting the opinions of others, even if they disagree with them, as well as the value of self-respect.

“One special highlight of the year was undoubtedly when all students and staff from Kindy to Year 12 got together to perform a choreographed dance to the song RESPECT by Aretha Franklin,” Ms Powell said.

“Secondary students were paired with their Primary buddies. Everyone was having so much fun that it was decided to perform the dance three times in a row!”

Watch the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-whH9ijLxg 20

From Pre-Kindy to Year 12, the whole community has found meaningful ways to focus on RESPECT. Roger the Respectful Rooster has visited Early Years classrooms looking for respectful behaviour.

When Roger finds a student being

especially respectful, he perches himself on their desk

for the day!

Pre-Primary classes have

enjoyed having a RESPECT wheel. When a student

demonstrates RESPECT,

they are allowed to spin the

wheel. Prizes have included

reading a book with a friend,

being the line leader, or even being

allowed to take shoes off in the classroom!

Junior Years students have shown “Respect for Our Environment” by collecting Containers for Change, with the money raised being spent on new playground equipment. The popular Eco Club has recently been awarded a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant to set up a small kitchen garden project.

Secondary students have been provided with conversation starters to use when engaging with their Primary buddies, including how to discuss self-respect and the importance of knowing that you are worthy and treating yourself with care. During the whole school LapA-Thon, students ran, walked and skipped around the oval with their buddies while listening to uplifting tunes and engaging in important and respectful conversations.

ASC News 21

A S C

LANGUAGE SCHOOL

ASC LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Par t of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)

ADVANCING INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS ASC International representatives recently visited China and Vietnam to reconnect with business partners in the region.

Chief Executive Officer, The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, accompanied by staff members from ASC International visited Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The venture reaffirmed the ASC’s commitment to international education and enabled the exchange of ideas for future growth.

The trip began in China with meetings with education agents in bustling cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. The agents serve as the bridge between aspiring students and world-class educational opportunities, ensuring that the learning path is smooth and accessible.

One of the most significant revelations from the series of meetings was the exponential growth in the number of students seeking education abroad, particularly from China and Vietnam. As economic landscapes evolve and educational aspirations soar, an increasing number of students are opting for international learning experiences.

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The desire for a well-rounded education and exposure to different cultures has become a driving force for Chinese students, leading them to explore opportunities in countries like Australia.

Vietnam, too, is experiencing a similar wave of enthusiasm for international education. According to data published by the Department of Education Australia, China is still the leading market for Australian education, with more than 150,000 students studying in Australia from January to July 2023. Vietnam comes in sixth with more than 27,000 students studying in Australia for the same period. The demand for Australian schools has dramatically risen after the pandemic, with a 37 per cent surge in school enrolment and a 232 per cent increase in ELICOS enrolments.

PETER CARNLEY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY At Peter Carnley Anglican Community School the Year 11 Outdoor Recreation Camp is an expedition offering a unique opportunity for personal growth, team building, and connection with nature. This annual adventure goes beyond the classroom, providing students with handson experiences that encourage leadership skills, self-reliance and teamwork.

As the students embark on this journey, they discover the beauty of the outdoors and the strength within themselves. Whether it’s navigating a rugged terrain, setting up a campsite, or braving the elements, students are confronted with situations that push them beyond their comfort zones. In overcoming these challenges, they discover untapped reservoirs of resilience, determination, and courage within themselves.

Learning Area Coordinator - Health and Physical Education Simon Bell said Outdoor Recreation was a classroom without walls.

“It’s where students become immersed in the lessons from nature. It’s not just about managing the elements; it’s about thriving in the face of challenges, forging bonds with peers, and uncovering strengths they never knew they possessed,” he said.

Principal Felicity House values the camp experience so much, she joins the students abseiling at Wilyabrup.

“It is a joy to be on the cliff top encouraging students to make the descent. The character of each student is well on display,” Ms House said.

At the completion of each day, the students gather for moments of reflection that transform the camp experience into a journey of self-discovery. These reflective sessions become invaluable opportunities for the students to discuss the day’s events, sharing not only the triumphs but also the challenges they encountered.

The Outdoor Recreation expedition is a blend of thrilling activities and thought-provoking challenges, designed to push students beyond their limits. Whether kayaking from the River Mouth of Margaret River as part of the Bushtucker Tour, hiking 12 km along the Cape to Cape trail or conquering the rock faces of Wilyabrup Sea cliffs, each activity serves as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles in life and being near the beach and river instills a sense of environmental stewardship in students.

Abseiling down a sea cliff is fearsome for some students who can be uncertain of their abilities, but with encouragement from their classmates they find the confidence to take on the challenge. Completing the descent successfully generates an immense sense of accomplishment.

ASC News 23

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Jade Drew

Pia Kelly

Franzl Shannon

Careers Co-ordinator

Manager, Community Engagement and Marketing

Director of Capital Projects

Cobram Anglican Grammar School After completing secondary school, I dedicated 10 years to nursing before transitioning to work with an RTO, specialising in vocational training in the community services sector. In 2011, our family relocated to the mining town of Karratha in Western Australia. During my time there, I had the privilege of working with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries WA – Apprenticeships Australia, managing the Woodside Energy apprenticeship and traineeship program.

After nearly five years in Karratha, we returned to Victoria to be closer to family.

This move inspired me to start working with secondary students. My goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills required for a smooth transition from school to the world awaiting them.

Before relocating to Cobram, I worked in a secondary school in the south east suburbs of Melbourne with over 1500 students.

The allure of a “tree change” pulled us to Cobram, a place we had spent countless holidays and home to my husband’s family.

The beauty of Cobram, the warmth of its people, and the strong sense of community made it all the more appealing. Working in a smaller, rural school has allowed me to provide personalised one-on-one guidance and tailor career programs for each student.

Over the last 12 months, I have been concentrating on enhancing our school’s career program by introducing initiatives such as the VCE Vocational Major certificate and the ‘Project Ready’ program in 2024.

Both are designed to prepare our students for the ever-changing world of work, aligning opportunities with their individual pathways and learning styles.

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introducing. .

John Wollaston Anglican Community School In June this year, I started at John Wollaston Anglican Community School as the Community Engagement and Marketing Manager.

My background is Brand Marketing, Events and Sponsorship; having worked previously for Ticketmaster, Diageo, Perth Racing and CIFT Conferencing in the UK. While I am familiar with marketing, I am new to the ‘education space’ and therefore very grateful to my wonderful colleagues at JWACS for their support and patience as I become familiar with all the education acronyms!

Outside of John Wollaston Anglican Community School, I am mum to my son, 15, and daughter, 12. We live on acreage not far from the school, our property is an equestrian facility and I train and compete dressage horses.

Having only seen Primary and Secondary School through the lens of being a parent, I have really enjoyed learning the school workings and operations as a staffmember.

The best part of working at John Wollaston? For me it’s all about the people; our staff are inclusive, dedicated professionals who genuinely care about the school, our students are remarkable young people who always have a smile for me. I am getting used to being called ‘Mrs Kelly’ at work!

Anglican Schools Commission I was an early graduate of the ASC’s foundation school, St Mark’s Anglican Community School.

Since then, I have worked in the building industry, completing my studies towards my Builders Registration which I attained in 1999. I established my own construction business in 2001.

I have continued my involvement as a member of the St Mark’s community through the Old Scholars Association in numerous capacities and was asked to join the St Mark’s School Council in 2001.

I currently serve as the Council’s Deputy Chair. In 2021, I added parent of St Mark’s to my links to the community when my son commenced Kindy.

I was invited to be a member of the ASC Board in 2022, a position I resigned from when accepting my current position of the Director of Capital Projects for the ASC. Outside work I enjoy long distance running to stay fit, camping, and downhill skiing when time and family permit. I am married to Angela, and we have two energetic children, George, 6, and Chloe, 1, who enjoy doing Lego and woodwork with their Dad.

Carrie Box - Year 1, Georgiana Molloy Anglican School

Taylah Wheelock - Year 2, Swan Valley Anglican Community School

ASC News 25

Jizelle McIntyre, Elsie Hackett and Brooklyn Nguyen - Year 2, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas

Claudia Kerr - Year 5, Cathedral College Wangaratta

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Zoe Mudzingwa - Year 2, Frederick Irwin Anglican School

Isabelle C - Pre-Primary, Peter Carnley Anglican Community School ASC News 27

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The Anglican Schools Commission Inc. Head Office: 5 Wollaston Road, Mt Claremont WA 6010 Victoria/NSW Office: 3 The Close, Wangaratta VIC 3677 E info@ascschools.edu.au W www.ascschools.edu.au