Connect Magazine | Celebrating 40 Years of Christ Centred Education - Issue 2, 2024
Under the rule of our sovereign God, Carinya acknowledges the Gamilaroi people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the School is built.
As we engage as a community to discover a world made through Jesus for His glory, we recognise the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this land.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation as we enjoy God’s grace to us through Jesus.
CARINYA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
25 BORONIA DRIVE
CALALA NSW 2340
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
THE STORY OF CARINYA 40 Years of History from 1984 to 2024 2 3 4 6 9 10 15 16 20 24 28 32 33
Celebrating 40 Years of Christian Education
FROM THE BOARD
Mr Ross Fotheringham
SWIMMING CARNIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Our favourite moments
TERM 2 CALENDAR
The dates you need to know
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
Reflections: From Student to Staff
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Mr Peter Spence
JUNIOR SCHOOL PICNIC
Highlights from the JS Picnic
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mrs Bron Larkin
MIDDLE SCHOOL EXCURSIONS
2024 Excursion Highlights
SENIOR SCHOOL
Mr Josh Davis
SENIOR SCHOOL EXCURSIONS
2024 Excursion Highlights
ALUMNI PROFILE
Meet Mr Stuart Brown
STAFF PROFILE
Meet Mr Alan Hutchison
CARINYA SPORT OVER THE YEARS From Sports Coordinators over the years
4
8
13
from the Principal
Dave Jones Principal and CEO Carinya
Celebrating 40 Years of Christian Education
At Carinya Christian School Tamworth
PURPOSE IS EVERYTHING
After 40 years of Christian Education, Carinya enjoys the same core beliefs upon which the school was formed. As we teach children about God’s world we celebrate the way He made each of us in His image, for His glory. We immerse ourselves in Scripture and declare, it is in Jesus that all things live, move and have their being and therefore have true meaning.
SMALL BEGINNINGS
Starting with six children in May 1984 at the Tamworth Uniting Church hall, Carinya was soon established on the grounds of an old dairy. The cottage provided the classroom, office space, library and staffroom. The original vision was to build a K-6 school with around 200 students. With a true desire for Christ centred education a group of dedicated parents and staff slowly built the school. Like the beginnings of many Christian schools the community worked together with few resources but bucket loads of commitment.
NEW FACES, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Led by Mr Grahame Smith and Mr Bruce Martin, Carinya continued to thrive. After 10 years Carinya had grown to 390 students and 36 staff, extending from Kindergarten to Year 12. The philosophy of intrinsically motivating children utilising the phrase,“Seek the reward in the task” helped build a culture of faithfulness rather than competition amongst the community.
In 1993, 12 students from our first Year 12 class graduated. Yet with the successes came challenges. Protests against the growth of Carinya resulted in limits on traffic movements coming into the school. This led to council saying that the school could no longer increase in size unless another entry was created. After much work (and prayer!) land was purchased and a new entry to the school from Calala Lane was built.
It was during the 1990s that our motto, “From Christ and For Him” and logo (the Alpha and Omega) were created. These help reinforce the foundation we still enjoy as a Christian school.
SHARING THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Carinya continues to grow with enrolments today of over 800 students. With our school in Gunnedah, which commenced in 1999, around 1100 children get to hear about Jesus every day. With a full excursion program, students also enjoy so many opportunities to learn about God’s amazing world in community together. We are thankful to our sovereign Lord for all our families who have worked together, home and school, to declare God’s glory through His creation.
from the Board
Ross Fotheringham Chairman of The Board
A School Dedicated to Jesus
The Story and Vision of Carinya Christian School
Littleness has never been a problem to God. He has never been intimidated when His people are in a small minority or when seemingly insignificant individuals seek to serve Him with gladness. His plans always include small things, and often His purposes are tied to the little people. In God’s kingdom, great things so often come from small beginnings. Such thoughts likely occupied the minds of a small group of ordinary people who, forty-six years ago, discussed starting a Christian school in Tamworth. Five years after that meeting, the Tamworth Christian Education Association was established, and in the following year, six students began their education at what was then named the “Tamworth Christian School,” now known as “Carinya Christian School”.
Over the decades, Carinya has expanded to include Carinya Gunnedah and Carinya Tamworth, now boasting about seventy-five classrooms, over a thousand students, and two hundred staff members, illustrating how the Lord’s deeds surpass our plans and exceed our hopes.
Reflecting on the origins of the school, it’s essential to recall why those people came together:
1. They wanted a School that was for Jesus, one that would display His glory and bring praise to Him.
2. They aimed for a School that promoted a big view of God, the God who holds everything in His hands and is king over all.
3. They sought a School where staff members knew and loved Jesus and would reflect Him in their roles.
4. They desired a School where learning and life structures were shaped by Biblical principles, not by popular vote or prevailing wisdom. This led to values such as:
• Every child treasured and valued, made in God’s image.
• Every talent and ability seen as a gift from the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Valuing faithfulness over success.
These principles were foundational, and a board of directors was tasked with maintaining these core values so that they remain the school’s focus and passion forty years later.
Looking ahead, our hope is that Carinya remains grounded in these foundations, helping students learn about and experience the world Jesus created in ways that deepen their relationship with Him. Our prayer is for Carinya to continue as a place where education is Christ-centered, transforming students’ lives to increasingly reflect Christ, confident in the knowledge that knowing Christ changes everything.
In 1900, preacher Harry Ironside demonstrated the transformative power of Christianity in San Francisco when challenged to debate agnosticism. He countered by asking his challenger to bring just two individuals whose lives had been markedly improved by agnosticism, while he could bring a hundred transformed by the gospel. The challenger withdrew, underscoring the gospel’s profound impact.
Our prayer for Carinya Gunnedah and Carinya Tamworth is that they continue to be places where Jesus is honored, students are educated, and lives are changed by the gospel of grace.
Swimming Carnival 2024
TERM 2 CALENDAR
A trip down memory lane
Going from Carinya students to Carinya staff
Josh Davis
Whilst I may be getting old (as our Senior Students are all too happy to remind me), with a bit of time, I have been able to conjure up some memories of my schooling and the early days of Carinya. My memories are overwhelmingly positive and I am thankful to the Lord for Carinya. I have listed a few memories below - and have chosen them mainly because of the contrast of schooling at Carinya today:
• In the early stages of Carinya, there were only 6 students, and I was the only boy. These were not great stats for our school sporting teams.
• We had one teacher, Mrs Dunlop, who was fantastic. She had to teach six students from Kindy to Year 3 in one room.
• I remember moving to the current site at Carinya and classes being held in the old cottage on the property.
• The cane was still used in schools in the early days. I will leave it up to you to decide whether I received the cane regularly or not. The cane was punished in the sick bay at Carinya. So when you knew one of your mates was going to get the cane, you immediately got sick so that you could watch them receive their punishment.
While so much has changed over the years, the important things have remained the same. I am so thankful that Jesus remains central to what we do at Carinya.
Emma Gower
I started at Carinya in Year 3 in 1996 with Mrs Ross and graduated in Year 12 in 2005. One of my first memories were assemblies in G block and, a few years later, watching the PAC being built. I saw the original cottage demolished in 1998 and then Kalyptos being constructed.
I enjoyed Mr Murray’s classic jokes in Modern History and have lovely memories of Mrs Holland in the front office. We had the privilege of graduating in Year 12, and Mr Smith compared us to a type of cake in our final assembly—the same principal who remembered the name of every student across the school without fail.
After attending university and working as a nurse in various settings, I now enjoy Carinya as a staff member and, most importantly, as a parent.
Jane Carter
When you’re a kid, what you’re surrounded by seems normal. Being in a class of ten children and having lessons in an old cottage in a paddock in rural Australia seemed normal to me. The ‘library’ was in a hallway of that little, old weatherboard house and ‘sickbay’ was in the kitchen. Recess and lunch took place on the cottage’s verandah. There were trees to climb, rocks to overturn and fields to explore.
At one point, someone sprayed and joined together large barrels. We would roll them to the steepest incline, sit cross-legged inside and roll down the hill until the barrel stopped. We probably weren’t going very fast, but it felt like I was flying when I was five. Some afternoons, we would stop formal lessons, and the whole school would join ‘Fun Arvo’ for a treasure hunt or water fight. At the end of recess or lunch, we would squabble over who got to ring the hand-held brass bell.
Other things were probably much the same as they are now: we learned our sounds and how to use numbers, we sang and danced, and we grew. It was raw and wild but all the more lovely for it.
Nat Turnbull
I have been working at Carinya since 2015, and before that, I was a student there, finishing in 1995. I was a student at another high school before coming to Carinya and discovered that when the teacher’s worldview is focused on a very real Jesus and the Bible, it creates a great schooling environment, very different from what I was used to.
Carinya looked very different from what you see today. Our whole school assemblies were held in G Block, with all the walls folded back. There was no PAC. We often sang in the assemblies, the favourites being “The Servant King” and “As the Deer Pants for the Water.”
Our weekly senior assemblies stood in a courtyard before the current C3 Science room.
The Senior Study used to be in the library, and Year 12 used a little mezzanine in the library (now SS1) as their study spot. When I started at Carinya, the old E block, now demolished, was brand new.
Another thing new at the time was the Agriculture class taught by Mr Stephen Dean. Three-unit maths was taught by Mr Alan Hutchison, and other classes were taken by Mrs Bron Larkin and Mr Andrew McDonald.
Mr Josh Davis and Mrs Clare Weary were students in the year behind me. We had some mature-age students in our year who were invited to join the school to help bolster numbers. Being a student at Carinya and continuing to be a staff member was a blessing.
junior school
Peter Spence Head of Junior School
spencep@carinya.nsw.edu.au
As we reflect on our 40th year of operation as a school, we can give thanks to God for an amazing start to the year!
It has been a real privilege to see the learning that is taking place. Forty years ago the founders of the school envisaged a school where children would be pointed to Jesus in all that they learned. One of the great things about teaching children, particularly K-2, is the skill development you see. Children often go from being unable to do something to having a huge smile as they start to achieve success. This has been evident in all grades during this term, but it is particularly pronounced in Kindergarten, where children are embarking on their reading journey. In Years 3 & 4, children are refining their skills as they learn to develop their writing with increasingly complex sentence structures, read books with harder sentences and greater vocabulary, solve more complex mathematical problems and develop their social competency as their sense of self continues to emerge. We enjoy seeing this academic growth in our children today, just as we enjoyed it 40 years ago. As 40 years ago we taught children to be faithful to God, using their skills and abilities to serve Him and others, so we teach them today.
Importantly, amazing academic growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Working and living in a school community is very important. Thus one of the founding principles of the school was “home and school” together. We saw this in action earlier this term. Whilst the skies turned grey and the clouds became heavy, it was great to see so many people turn out for the Prep - Year 4 picnic back in February. This was a great way to start the year where parents got to talk to each other and meet their child’s teacher. Realistically, it was just an awful lot of fun! The two jumping castles and inflatable dart board were enjoyed by lots of children, yet it was the bungee run that was a hit across all ages. I could see a number of parents wishing the line wasn’t so long so they could have a go. The highlight for many children, and some parents, were the slip’n’slides. Two slippery runs were set up where the free-flowing water and frothing, foaming bubbles led to squeals of delight, and that just from the dads! Seriously, it was an enjoyable evening for all, home and school working together during Term 1 2024 just as it has over the last 40 years.
Dates to remember...
Carinya Cross Country
Wednesday 8th May
K-2 Infants Athletics Carnival
Tuesday 21st May
Primary Athletics Carnival Wednesday 12th June
Primary Athletics Carnival
Monday 29th May
Grandparents and Visitors Day Friday 21st June
The students have also enjoyed many other activities this term. Early on everyone enjoyed a great day participating in novelty events at the Junior School Swimming Carnival. Year 12 ran a number of different events that the children cycled through, ensuring that all children, not just the competitive swimmers, got to have fun and build confidence. Later in the term, Kindergarten enjoyed visits from the dog educator being taught about being safe around dogs and went on a short bus ride with Tamworth Bus Lines, learning all about bus safety. Colour Day was, of course, a highlight of their term! Year 1 and Year 2 enjoyed excursions linked to their LIGW units investigating the past. Year 3 finished their Fairytales unit by dressing up as their favourite character and learning through a number of fairytale-themed activities. Finally, Year 4 conducted a cultural study of China and culminated their unit by dressing up, presenting their learning, and enjoying a cultural treat (Chinese food).
Whilst we celebrate 40 years of operation as a school, we are thankful that this term has been busy, and packed full of learning. We look forward to another in Term 2 where we seek to live and work together as a community that points to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all that we do.
Term 1 Highlights
COLOUR DAY Kindergarten
At the close of Term 1, Kindergarten delighted in a Colour Day to mark the end of an exceptional term. The day brimmed with scientific explorations, storytelling, melodies, and artistic creations. It proved a splendid avenue to honor the magnificence of God and the splendid array of colors He has created. Among the highlights were the vibrant Skittles arrangement, the color explosion, and the mesmerising walking rainbow! Engaged as budding scientists, Kindergarten relished in making hypotheses and witnessing the outcomes firsthand. Witnessing the smiles and enthusiasm radiating from everyone was wonderful.
THE OLDEN DAYS Year 1
Students in Year 1 were taken back in time to life in the past. Students came dressed in their olden day outfits ready for a morning at Calala Cottage. Teachers checked students’ nails and hair to ensure they were in pristine condition before boarding a modern day horse and carriage (a bus). At Calala Cottage students were shown the Moonbi Beehive School which looked like it was taken straight from the 1800s. They heard about the cane and some of the punishments students were given for disobeying the rules. Everyone agreed that school now sounds much nicer. Year 1 had a great time learning about how God remains the same even when His world is ever-changing.
PLAN AND CREATE CONSTRUCTION Year 2
Year 2 students worked on a unit called ‘Little Scientists’. They were given the task of combining and manipulating objects starting with the letter ‘P’. Students had to use the design process -Ask, Think, Design, Build, Test & Improve as they created something new. The students had a lot of fun being creative.
FAIRYTALE DAY Year 3
Fairytales are loved by many for their classic stories and meaningful lessons. They introduce us to storytelling and language, teach important values, and even spark ideas for costumes! A much-anticipated event in Year 3 is the Fairytale Dress-Up Day during Term 1. Joined by parents and carers, students have the opportunity to dress as their favorite characters. Our classroom transforms into a creative workshop for building imaginative creations. Students also have the opportunity to participate in fairytale-themed drama acts, assisted by senior school drama students.
CHINESE NEW YEAR Year 4
During Term 1, Year 4 students, families, and staff enjoyed the LIGW unit, ‘Chinese Celebrations,’ diving deep into Chinese folktales, kite-making, and enjoying delicious Chinese cuisine. Creativity shone through as students presented Google Slide projects exploring Chinese traditions and showcased artworks featuring cherry blossoms, bamboo, and pandas. Fun Chinese-inspired costumes added to the festive atmosphere, creating a memorable day filled with laughter, learning, and cultural appreciation.
Junior School Picnic 2024
middle school
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalm
19:1
Bron Larkin Head of Middle School
larkinb@carinya.nsw.edu.au
As I reflect on 40 years of Christian schooling in Tamworth, and look forward to 40 more years, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness to the Lord Jesus for His provision of Carinya. We continue to focus on presenting Jesus to our students, building relationships amongst the school community and teaching curriculum from a Christ-centered perspective.
All of these goals were the focus of our whole year excursion program. Students in Middle School spent time together in Newcastle, Sydney and at Lake Keepit. These trips saw students doing archery, challenging themselves on a high ropes course, trying to master surfing, finding their way through the centre of Sydney, enjoying time at the beach together, participating in meal preparation and studying God’s word.
All excursion leaders reported that relationship building was the main outcome of these camps. Staff facilitate the building of friendships between students, as well as kind and mutually respectful relationships between staff and students. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their belongings and their behaviour. A student in Year 8, who had expressed a lot of nervousness and reluctance about attending camp, reflected that he was really glad he went and was encouraged to stay. He felt like he grew in resilience from pushing through and doing something he found really difficult. Another Year 8 student, who was terrified of the idea of surfing, said that the thrill of standing up on a surfboard was something that will stay with her for a long time. Lifelong memories are made on these yearly camps, and excursions are one of the things Year 12 students reminisce about as they are preparing to leave school. Students are pointed to Jesus, and the one relationship that is worth more than anything in this world.
Another highlight of Term 1 was the swimming carnival. This year saw the inaugural ‘mega relay’, another opportunity for year groups to build community. Participation was the aim of the game and the students loved it! There was fierce competition amongst the year groups, with students working out early that the year group who put the most students in the pool would win. A great new initiative from the PE department.
Can I encourage you and your family to join with us in giving thanks to God for 40 years of Christian education in Tamworth this May.
Dates to remember...
Carinya Cross Country
Wednesday 8th May
Parent / Teacher Interviews (Yr 7 - 12)
Saturday 11th and Tuesday 14th May
Marshall Ballantine-Jones Sessions
Wednesday15th May and Friday 17th May
Parent Night Marshall Ballantine-Jones
Wednesday 15th May - 7:30pm
Year 8 Elective Talks
Wednesday 29th May
Secondary Athletics Carnival Tuesday 11th June
Primary Athletics Carnival Wednesday 12th June
Term 1 Highlights
ADAPTATIONS Year 5
During Term 1, Year 5 investigated a Core Studies unit called Adaptations. We explored how God has created animals with various adaptations to survive and adapt to His world, focusing on animals like penguins and polar bears. As part of this unit, we conducted some Science experiments that investigated how blubber works in insulating and keeping animals, such as whales, warm. We also studied behaviors like ‘huddling,’ where penguins huddle and rotate to keep warm. Our experiments were a hands-on learning experience that complemented this unit.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING DAY Years 6 and 8
During Term 1, students from Years 6 and 8 participated in the Science and Engineering Challenge. Teams employed their creativity and problem-solving skills in various tasks like designing earthquake-proof towers, Indigenous fish traps, balsa wood gliders, and more. One highlight was the wind turbine mission, crafted by our own Mr. CooperWhite! These challenge days are a fun and engaging way to explore the diverse careers that science and engineering can offer.
THE KING TUT ROAD SHOW Year 7
In Term 1, Year 7 had the pleasure of experiencing the King Tutankhamun Roadshow. Throughout the day students got to participate in a variety of activities including making traditional Egyptian clay stamps, seeing real artefacts and learning how to draw Egyptian hieroglyphics.
YEAR 5
LAKE KEEPIT
YEAR 7
SYDNEY
senior school
Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty.
Psalm 93:4
Josh Davis Head of Senior School
davisj@carinya.nsw.edu.au
Term 1 was another busy term, where students were able to extend their learning with many opportunities outside of the classroom. In Senior School alone, excursions included: The annual camps to Canberra, Sydney, Gold Coast and the Blue Mountains; many Outdoor Education expeditions; and sporting trips away to zone and state for cricket, soccer, triathlon and swimming.
As we reflect on the last 40 years of education at Carinya, I was lured into looking at the excursion program from 1993 when I first hit Senior School as a student at Carinya.
The program consisted of:
• Year 5 Lynchwood
• Year 6 Mount Seaview
• Year 7 and 8 Warrumbungles
• Year 9 and 10 Oberon and Hill End
• Year 11 Canberra
• Year 12 Bendemeer
I don’t remember much from the ‘Oberon and Hill End’ trip. According to Mr Murray’s article in the school magazine, the ‘real highlights’ were exploring old mine shafts, machinery, graves and buildings from the goldfields. Funnily enough, my only memory was convincing some of the year group to indulge in wild blackberries before one of the long bus trips… resulting in multiple versions of a fluorescent purple coloured vomit as we drove the bends to Jenolan Caves.
Many things, not just the excursion program, have changed over the past 40 years at Carinya. What hasn’t changed is Jesus’ sovereignty and divine authority over all creation, including Carinya. It is only by His grace that the school is where it is today.
It is my hope and prayer that in another 40 year’s time, that Carinya is not only known as a great school, but as a place that continues to keep Jesus central to everything that we do.
Term 1 Highlights
PEEL VALLEY DAIRY FARM Year 9 Agriculture
The Year 9 Agricultural class visited Peel Valley Dairy to develop an understanding of a local production system. The students learned about the operations of a 200 Jersey cow dairy farm that produces a million litres of fresh milk each year. They enjoyed watching the milking process, observing baby calves drinking milk from buckets, and hearing from the owner about the new technology he uses to maximise productivity from his herd.
BOULDERING Year 10 Outdoor Education
Year 10 Outdoor Education students put their bouldering skills to use at Blue Hole in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park at the end of Term 1. Throughout the term, they had been developing their skills and strength on the school’s climbing wall. However, facing the challenge of a natural rock surface proved to be a valuable Outdoor Ed experience. Every student achieved multiple climbs, and it was great to see them working together, guiding their classmates up the boulders.
COFFS HARBOUR FIELD STUDY Year 11 Geography
Year 11 Geography students travelled to Coffs Harbour for two days during Term 1 to study marine biology and the impact of the intertidal zone on mangrove areas. As part of the trip, they visited the aquarium at Southern Cross University, where they encountered sea urchins and got the chance to befriend much-loved sea cucumbers. They also conducted a field trip in a nearby estuary, observing the flora and fauna of the mangrove areas. Additionally, they recorded measurements of salinity and oxygen levels in the water and along the exposed estuary bank.
ADVANCED ENGLISH Year 12
In March, the Year 12 Advanced English class travelled to Sydney for a symposium on two plays: The Tempest and The Crucible. Students found it very helpful to see these dramatic works performed live in the theatre and the accompanying commentary was invaluable for their HSC studies. We also ate lots of great food, wrote creatively in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, wandered through the city, had ramen, explored Sydney Uni by night and dipped our toes at Clovelly Beach. Jake’s pajamas and Piper’s penchant for frozen meat pies will not soon be forgotten.
Dates to remember...
Carinya Cross Country Wednesday 8th May
Parent / Teacher Interviews (Yr 7 - 12) Saturday 11th and Tuesday 14th May
Parent Night - Careers Expo Tuesday 14th May, 6:00 -7:30pm
Northwest Regional Careers Expo Wenesday 15th May
Marshall Ballantine-Jones Sessions Wednesday15th May and Friday 17th May
Parent Night Marshall Ballantine-Jones Wednesday 15th May, 7:30pm
Year 10 Subject Selection Afternoon Tuesday 28th May
Secondary Athletics Carnival Tuesday 11th June
Senior School Science Night Thursday 13th June
Year 10 Work Experience
Monday 24th - Friday 28th June
YEAR 9
YEAR 10
YEAR 11 CANBERRA
YEAR 12
STUDY WEEK
ALUMNI PROFILE
Stuart Brown
Attended Carinya from 1986-88, 1990-99
Graduated: Year 12, 1999
What are your earliest memories of your schooling at Carinya?
The amazing Mrs Dunlop in Kindergarten! A beautiful caring and nurturing start.
What is one of your favourite memories from your schooling at Carinya?
I seem to recall eating snails in Mr Murray’s French class? Our Outdoor Ed trek through Barrington Tops with Mr Woodley- pure grit! The opportunity to be part of our first major school musical in the P.A.C.!
What aspirations do you remember having early on in your education?
I have always had dreams of doing something with music along with having a deep conviction of faith. Both these aspects of my life were really encouraged and nurtured at Carinya. I wouldn’t have ever imagined though, that I would end up being a worship/music director and pastor in a church!
How do you think your schooling at Carinya has influenced you as a person/your values/your pursuits? Immensely! It was always a safe and encouraging place. There was an incredible culture of community and strong relationships with peers and teachers. That was an amazing foundation and springboard for my future and developed a strong sense of belonging and confidence.
What is one way Jesus has changed your life?
I believe he has directed my steps in so many ways - most of the time not what I would have imagined, but so much better than I could have planned!
I also would like to add, I was always impressed with how our teachers were so open, warm and caring and shared their faith in so many different ways both in the classroom and beyond. There was a genuine interest in our lives and a number of teachers took extra time to draw out the gold in us.
Getting to know you
• What are you are doing now? I’m the Associate Pastor and Music Director at The Grainery Church.
• What was your favourite excursion? The Snow/Skiing excursion to Canberra/Perisher Blue.
• What was your "go to" packed school lunch? Definitely 2 Minute Noodles.
• What was your favourite subject? My favourites would have been Modern History and Music.
• What game did you play in the playground? I used to love playing Soccer with my friends.
STAFF PROFILE
Alan Hutchison
Longest Serving Teacher at Carinya Tamworth
Employed as a teacher from 1989 - Current
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Belmont, NSW, Australia.
What is your job in the school, and how long have you been doing it? Teacher: 35 and a bit years.
What is the best thing about working in a Christian school?
Working together with a group of like-minded Christians to point children to Jesus as their creator, the ruler of this world and the only one in whom salvation is to be found.
What part of your own schooling do you think had the most significant impact on your life? How enjoyable it was to learn things from teachers who were interested in both their subjects and the students they taught.
What other job have you done in your life and what did you enjoy, or not enjoy, about it?
Console operator at a service station. Enjoy - the peacefulness of 3 a.m. Not enjoy - cleaning up vomit from those returning home from the nearby nightclub.
What is a book (other than the Bible) you would recommend everyone read? Knowing God by J.I Packer.
If you had 1 million dollars to spend in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
Holiday to Great Britain and Germany with my wife; give some to my children to help with house purchase; sizable gift to my church; store some for retirement; rest to a range of charities.
If you had to live in another place for 12 months, where would you choose and why? Germany - its history, aspects of its culture, natural beauty and proximity to the rest of Europe.
What is one practical way that Jesus has made a difference in your life? When I find myself looking over the fence at other people’s lives, I am reminded that in Christ, I have all that I will ever need.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Gardening, reading, camping/bushwalking/hiking.
What is your favourite food?
Dark chocolate (95% minimum).
Reflections from the Sports Coordinators Carinya Sport Over the Years, from 2000 - 2024
Wayne G reen
My time as Sports Coordinator at Carinya was marked by the overwhelming student participation in sports, with 44 teams in 6 sports at its peak. This was made possible by the significant support from parents and staff, notably Noel and Rosalie Bracken, who were instrumental in our rugby events and sports excursions. The school’s community feel was unique, fostering connections through sport in a way that differed from the club-based structure outside of Tamworth.
Some memorable moments include a training incident where a student accidentally broke a couple of my ribs, and the many hours I spent driving the minibus for sports trips. I also valued the guidance from Mr. Woodley, who taught me crucial interpersonal skills, and the contributions from Josh and Chrissy Davis, who brought their expertise in PE when they joined.
Overall, my seven years at Carinya were incredibly rewarding, thanks to the opportunity to work closely with the students and their families in sports.
2000-2006
Chris Davis
2007 - 2008
It was a privilege and a joy to coach students and take them away to compete all around the state. I marvelled at the resilience and commitment shown by the Carinya students who would thoroughly enjoy the six-hour one-way trip to competitions, their no-fuss attitude to sleeping on a classroom floor with bright green ‘Exit’ lights, and particularly, the community spirit they showed in looking after each other at events and cheering each other on.
There are a couple of stand-out memories for me from this time, including the inaugural Carinya Touch Football team (you know who you are!) and my introduction to the many cricket fields around Tamworth. (This came in handy once I became a parent.); Sitting on a mini-bus, holding my heavily pregnant belly (35 weeks) on my last sport trip to the coast.
Knowing Mr Davis & I and all the kids on a trip, we’re in good hands with Joel Adams on the team. If we broke down or needed to put water in the bus, he was the man, and when he finished Year 12, he passed the baton onto Nick Wall.
Kate Hampstead
As I write this reflection while traveling back to Tamworth on a mini-bus with students after the CSSA Triathlon in Sydney, I’m reminded of the joys of taking students away for sport. My time as Sports Coordinator at Carinya (2009-2012) was truly a privilege. From Monday night Water Polo to Saturday morning Cricket and everything in between, I cherished every moment outside the classroom, getting to know the kids from K-12 and their parents.
The intense Water Polo grand finals, the trips away, the early mornings at carnivals, and gala days are all etched as fond memories. The overwhelming support from parents and staff made my job enjoyable. Witnessing kids play sport faithfully and enthusiastically, regardless of the result, was always a joy.
Their commitment to bring glory to their creator through sports was inspiring and left a lasting impact on me. Their dedication and passion they displayed on and off the field truly exemplified the spirit of Carinya.
2009 - 2012
2013- 2024
Charles Bickersteth
Our community’s steadfast resilience in celebrating victories and supporting each other through challenges has been inspiring.
Taking the reins from Kate Hampstead in 2013, I was deeply moved by the unwavering dedication of both staff and parents to our sports program. In 2024, this commitment endures, with tireless efforts devoted to fostering sports at Carinya.
Accompanying students on sporting trips has been a highlight for me. Whether traveling by minibus, coaching alongside parent volunteers, or sharing classroom floors, these experiences have forged lasting bonds.
Weekends spent cheering on our teams at Gipps St Sporting Fields or the Sports Dome have brought immense joy, showcasing the unity of the Carinya community. I’m grateful for the contributions of parent volunteers and dedicated staff to our sports program’s success. Together, we continue to build a community where sport transcends mere competition.
