Connect Magazine | Issue 4, 2024 | Enjoying Every Good Gift
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
Jesus, the Giver of Gifts
View the projects Year 12 created in 2024 2 3 4 8 10 12 16 20 22 24 28 30 32
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
Mr Ross Fotheringham
LILLY PILLY PREP
Finding thankfulness in busyness
THE WARATAH PROJECT
Read about the Term 3 Waratah events
TERM 4 CALENDAR
Find out what's coming up in Term 4
JUNIOR SCHOOL A Term of Learning, Growth and Fun
MIDDLE SCHOOL Why Christian Schools?
SENIOR SCHOOL
Redefining Success
YEAR 12 CLASS OF 2024
A photo display of the students
THREDBO EXCURSION
Learning to ski with Year 12
THE SPORT RUN DOWN
Read all about Term 3 sport
WHOLE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
Arm wrestling, cake and more
YEAR 12 D&T PROJECTS
Jazmine Dassios
Jesus, the Giver of Gifts
One of the most wonderful things about teaching is watching students express their understanding to produce beautiful and meaningful pieces of work. This can be from students in Prep delighting as they paint, through to our Year 12 students producing a detailed response about urban dynamics in a world city. There is wonder in what we learn but also in how we learn.
In this edition of Carinya Connect, we enjoy the many good gifts that God has blessed your children with. At this time of year, we focus on the work of our Year 12 Visual Arts and D&T students. Their pieces are the result of 12 months of creating, thinking, editing, and sometimes starting all over again.
At Carinya, we love to see children learning about God’s world. We believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn. We see that love of learning in young children as they quote the names of dinosaurs or the obscure names of a bug they found in a book. Learning has an emotional pull that excites us and inspires us to find meaning in the world we live in. As children delight in this process, we hope they reflect not only on the world but also on the maker and giver of their gifts.
Jesus is the source of all that exists. He is the point through which all things are made and sustained. Every aspect of a person’s gifts and abilities come from Jesus. Everything children learn about belongs to Him because he made it, he owns and controls it. We hope that in all the things children learn that they will turn it into wise and helpful action that serves Jesus and others.
There is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6
Please enjoy the images and articles that reflect the many good gifts the students enjoy, that come from Jesus for His glory.
Mr David Jones CEO & Tamworth Principal
A Message From The Board
2024 has been a year of many blessings for us at Carinya Gunnedah and Carinya Tamworth. We have celebrated 40 years of schooling, marking four decades of Christ-centered education. New buildings have been constructed, new car parks and ovals are underway, new staff members have joined, and new students have been taught. In all of this, we reflect on what it means to be schools that are from Christ and for Him.
What do we have that hasn’t come from Christ?
Each student is crafted by Jesus Christ, intentionally and personally made in His image. Their capacity to think, engage, perform, and connect with others reflects the gifts bestowed by the same Lord Jesus. This is why every student holds immense value—not for their abilities, but because they originate from Christ. They are a gift to their family, the school, and the world, given by God.
Carinya schools, too, are a gift from Christ. Every teacher, every classroom, every event, and every system within the school is from Him. Nothing has been earned or achieved as a reward; instead, it’s an unearned gift generously provided by Christ, far beyond what we could ever deserve.
Without Jesus Christ's abundant generosity, there would be no children and no school. The foundation of everything is this: it all comes from Christ.
But why has He blessed us with children and schools? The most profound reason is that everything is given to Him. Our children exist not primarily for us, themselves, or others, but for Christ. They were created to take joy in Him, ensuring He remains first and receives the honour He is due.
The same holds for our schools. They are not for us, our children, or the community. Their ultimate purpose is for Christ so that through education, we may enjoy Him, follow His will, and openly acknowledge Him in everything. In this way, He is placed first and given the recognition He deserves.
All of our efforts have meaning because they are for Christ. That’s the most compelling reason we have to raise our children in a Christ-centered environment and give them an education rooted in Him. Understanding that everything is from Christ gives us clear direction and purpose as we move forward.
The School Board is deeply thankful for the support and goodwill of parents and students alike. We are incredibly grateful for a CEO and staff who actively live out being “from Christ and for Christ” in their work. Let’s continue to pray that this truth will become even more evident in all of our lives.
Mr Ross Fotheringham Chairman of The Board
Lilly Pilly Prep
Finding Thankfulness in the Busyness
In the hustle and bustle of daily life—school lunches, misplaced socks, weekend sports, church, and family time—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We often find ourselves racing from one task to the next, allowing urgent matters to overshadow what truly matters. Reformed theologian Kevin DeYoung captures this sentiment well: “We wake up most days not trying to serve, just trying to survive.”
Schools reflect this whirlwind, filled with back-to-back events, excursions, new curricula, assessments, and exams. Even our youngest learners, the Preppies, aren’t immune. Their days include play and learning, music lessons, ballet classes, playdates, and birthday parties. While these activities are enriching, the constant rush can dilute their significance and strip away joy, causing us to miss the beauty of each moment as we hurry toward bedtime or the next holiday.
To balance this busyness, our Prep days are designed with a daily rhythm that provides predictability while allowing for flexibility. When the weather permits, we extend outdoor play, allowing children to solidify friendships and deepen their imaginative play. Inside, activities are thoughtfully curated to nurture children’s interests, with minimal resource rotation to foster curiosity, persistence and creativity. The evolving play spaces encourage children to slow down, observe and develop their attention spans, helping them appreciate the richness of each experience.
Families frequently visit Lilly Pilly Prep, savouring the last days before big school by helping their little ones unpack, chatting with staff, and connecting with others in our community. At gatherings like “Step into Spring & Brain and Body Gym”, parents, grandparents, and younger siblings eagerly carve out time to create memories with our precious Preppies. Classes from across the school also participate, reading books, painting, and playing. These collaborations foster connection and community, inviting families and classes to come together at Prep and, if you’ll indulge me, take the time to “smell the roses.”
Amid busyness and community, fixing our eyes on Jesus alleviates our sense of overwhelm. Our priorities become more apparent, our hurried pace slows, and our gratitude deepens. Jesus is constant, reliable, and infinitely dependable—never too busy or overwhelmed for us. This realisation fosters thankfulness, serving as an antidote to the organised chaos of our lives and our priorities reset. We see His grace and majesty in everyday moments when we embrace this. As James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.”
Mrs Bec Dye Coordinator of Lilly Pilly Prep
By Ella Lawrence
"Fragmentation of Collection
Waratah Project
Year 3 LIGW Dreaming
During Term 3 , Year 3 students have been deepening their understanding of the local Gamilaraay Aboriginal people's connection to the land and why it is so significant. They have explored how human behaviour affects the environment and our shared responsibility to care for it. By studying the local history of places such as Tamworth and Calala, students have gained insight into historical and cultural importance of the land.
In addition to learning about the land, students have begun exploring the Gamilaraay language, learning words and songs highlighting the differences between spoken and written forms of communication. Through this, they have discovered how Aboriginal cultures use language in storytelling, primarily through song and art. A highlight of the unit was a visit from Senior School girls who taught the students traditional weaving techniques, allowing them to create their bracelets.
As part of their Dreaming unit, Year 3 also reflected on the beautiful way God created all people groups in His image. They are grateful for the diversity of cultures and the unique ways each culture reflects His glory. As Psalm 19:1 reminds us, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Through this learning experience, students celebrate how creation reflects God’s wonder and glory in every culture and community.
Year 10 Wingara Student Leadership Event
Five Year 10 students attended the annual Wingarra Student Leadership event at Western Sydney University, Bankstown, joining other students from AIS schools across NSW. Students participated in workshops focused on First Nations culture, including sessions on dance, leadership development, and sustainability through growing native plants. These activities promoted both personal growth and leadership skills.
They also toured the university and spoke with representatives from trade, TAFE, and university organisations, gaining insights into various post-school pathways, such as traineeships and internships.
A highlight of the event was the evening dinner, where keynote speaker Hayley McQuire, a United Nations representative and past student, shared her journey. A university graduate also discussed his experience leaving home to pursue higher education, encouraging the students to set goals and persevere as they approach the HSC and beyond. The trip also included sightseeing around Sydney, with time for shopping and a ferry ride across the harbour.
Mrs Esther Fotheringham
"Brain Vomit "
Paint marker on a wooden board
By Ryan Sharp
"Silent Expression "
Block printing on fabric
By Jebediah Brechin
TERM 4 CALENDAR
Musi c Tuiti on
Mr Shorten has lived and breathed playing the guitar since first being introduced to the instrument at the age of nine. With 20 years of experience playing and studying the guitar, bass and drums, he aims to provide students with the tools to get a lifetime of enjoyment from making music and appreciating their creative potential. He also owns his own tuition business, 7 Mile Music, which has grown from the initial two students to over sixty students receiving personalised, one on one tuition.
Mr Shorten currently provides music tuition at Carinya for students on guitar, bass guitar, and drums. He says, “It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside Carinya students and their families over the past two years. Music has always been a central part of my life and continues to remind me of the importance of faithfully utilising the gifts God has given each of us.”
For any enquiries relating to music tuition please contact Mrs Debra Batley via the front office.
Meet Mr Shorten Music Tuition Teacher
By Bella Pollard
Junior School
Peter Spence Head of Junior School
spencep@carinya.nsw.edu.au
Learning, Growth, and Fun
As Term 3 ends, it's time to reflect on the many memorable events and learning experiences in Junior School. This term, students engaged with inspiring themes, ventured on exciting excursions, celebrated creativity, and came together as a school community. Our weekly Kids Bizz assemblies focused on the theme of "God's Great Rescues." Through the stories of Moses and the Exodus, Elijah and the widow, Jonah and the fish, and Daniel in the fiery furnace, God’s rescues were evident. The ultimate rescue plan was seen in Jesus and His death on the cross.
Kindergarten took a hands-on approach to learning at Brown's Dairy Farm, where they explored the world of dairy farming and learned about milk production. Year 1 turned their Geography lessons into an adventure, exploring both natural and man-made features around Tamworth, including Moonbi Lookout, Bicentennial Park, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Guitar. This helped students apply classroom learning to the real world. Year 2 embraced the outdoors at Chaffey Dam, conducting water testing and activities that deepened their understanding of natural resources and the need to protect them.
Year 3 explored electricity at the Power Museum, gaining fascinating insights into how electricity has shaped the modern world through hands-on exhibits and engaging displays. The term wouldn’t have been complete without Book Week, a favourite annual tradition. This year's theme, "Reading is Magical," inspired students to dress as characters from their favourite books, turning the school into a lively parade of adventurers and storybook figures.
The Kindergarten Teddy Bear's Picnic was a special moment, being the first orientation event for the 2025 class. Both parents and children enjoyed an afternoon of fun and friendship, with Year 10 Students volunteering to paint faces and each child receiving a school readiness pack.
Finally, Year 4’s Poetry Cafe returned, showcasing weeks of writing and publishing poems. Parents joined for a morning of collaborative poetry writing, student readings, and a delightful morning tea, celebrating creativity and community.
As we wrap up the term, we thank God for the growth and learning that has taken place, leaving a lasting impression on students and families. We look forward to what the next term will bring as we continue to grow and learn together.
By Keris Matumaini
"White Washed " Bleach on black fabric
Term 3 in K-4
Kindergarten - A Visit to Brown’s Dairy Farm
As part of our Living in God’s World unit, Kindergarten visited Brown's Dairy Farm to learn how farmers care for their land and animals. We saw a cow being milked by machine and learned how milk travels from the farm to shops. We also met weekold calves and discovered why they are separated from their mothers. After making our own milkshakes, we learned how tractors help with farm work. The visit gave us a better understanding of farming and its connection to God's world.
Year 1 - Reading and Learning during Book Week
As part of Book Week celebrations, Year 10 students paired up with Kindergarten and Year 1 to share stories and read aloud. The event emphasised how reading can bring people together, with some of the younger students especially enjoying the Year 10s' creative use of funny voices for different characters. This playful approach helped make reading fun and encouraged a positive attitude toward books, turning it into a shared and joyful experience for everyone.
Year 2 - Chaffey Dam Excursion
Year 2 students went to Chaffey Dam as a part of their Science unit on water, they explored the countryside, observing the local plants and wildlife. Mr Sproats guided them in testing the water’s pH levels, while Mr. Turnbull introduced them to fishing. The day ended with a boat ride, offering a new perspective of the dam. It was a fun, hands-on experience that deepened their understanding of water and nature.
Year 3 - Tamworth Powerstation Museum
During Term 3, Year 3 visited the Powerstation Museum in Tamworth. They learned about Tamworth being the first city in the southern hemisphere to have municipal lights. Students enjoyed hands-on activities, generating electricity on a bike, experimenting with static electricity, testing different light bulbs, and learning from the knowledgeable volunteers.
Year 4 - Poetry Cafe
Year 4 students and their parents had a wonderful time at our Poetry Cafe, where creativity and imaginations flowed freely. They explored different styles of poetry, learning techniques like structure, rhyme, metaphor, repetition, and alliteration. Using their imaginations, they crafted their own poems, which were then proudly recited to the class.
Middle School
Bron Larkin Head of Middle School
larkinb@carinya.nsw.edu.au
Why Christian Schools?
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Colossians 1:15-16
What does it mean to send your child to a Christian middle school? I thought I would take the opportunity to reflect on a full and varied Term 3 and also on the idea of Christian schooling.
Carinya is strongly committed to a purpose, which informs everything we do. Our school motto, ‘From Christ and for Him,’ says it all. We are a community of Christian staff who seek to glorify the Lord Jesus in this place. Rather than discreet scripture classes, we integrate a Christian worldview into our learning. We read the Bible to students in the morning, pray with them, and seek to build solid relationships as we learn and play. We believe this is a biblical approach to schooling. Middle School allows us to take little learners and transition them, over four years, into young people who are growing in independence and resilience and who are ready for the rigours of Senior School.
Over the last decade, we have witnessed significant challenges to developing independence and resilience in young people. Middle School staff have been working hard to try and address these issues from a school perspective by encouraging students to be responsible for their actions, helping them relate to each other in healthy and respectful ways, doing some bush walking together as a class and encouraging our students to look for ways to help others and serve the school community, rather than focus on their concerns.
Many of you also pursue these objectives with your children at home, and we appreciate the skills, gifts, and attitudes that your children bring to the rich tapestry of school in our community. It is a delight to share with Middle School children why we pursue these characteristics in our students. It is only because of what Jesus has done, saving his people, when we had no right to expect such mercy. Because of this, we always encourage students to treat their peers and staff as image bearers, valuable and respectable because of who we are. Season 6:
Year 5 - Character Crusade
Year 6 - WW1
Incursion
At the beginning of Term 3, Years 6 and 9 had the privilege of meeting Shane Blackman from WW1 Living History. Shane captivated us with stories of Australian soldiers on the Western Front, bringing history to life with fascinating artifacts and his deep knowledge of the subject. He answered all of our questions with well-researched, evidence-backed explanations. One of the highlights was trying on an authentic soldier’s uniform.
The Year 5 Character Crusade was a memorable day where students and teachers dressed as fictional book characters, part of our 'Friends and Foes - Novel Study' unit. The class novel focused on robots, and students created a 'Novel Showbag' for homework, showcasing their chosen stories. Parents and carers viewed the displays, including Junk Sculpture artwork. Students presented on book characters, story plots, and authors, while Year 5 teachers entertained with a reader’s theatre performance from The Wizard of Oz. T e r m 3 i n M i d d l e S c h o o l
Year 7 - Stomp Rockets
During Term 3, Year 7 students teamed up to design and build their own stomp rockets and launchers. After flying standard rockets and measuring the distances, they broke into groups to experiment with different nose cone shapes, fin designs, and body lengths. Each group aimed to find the most successful combination. They then built the ‘ultimate rocket’ based on their findings. Along the way, students learned about trajectory, inertia, gravity, and the importance of experimental design—all while having a blast!
Year 8 - Language Class with Aletheia Shonan Junior and Senior High School Students
Year 8 students had a special opportunity to join visitors from Aletheia Shonan School, our partner in Japan, for a Japanese language class. In this unique workshop, Australian and Japanese students teamed up to create self-introductions in each other’s language. At the end, they presented their introductions to the class, fostering authentic interactions with native speakers. This hands-on experience deepened the students' learning and helped them connect with their Japanese peers on a meaningful level.
Senior School
Josh Davis Head of Senior School
davisj@carinya.nsw.edu.au
Redefining Success
The end of Term 3 marks the culmination of 13 years of schooling for Year 12. This group has been overwhelmingly supportive, positive and keen to contribute to the school community.
Before the Year 12 final assembly, I asked students from Years 9-11 about their memories of this particular group. Unsurprisingly, they had a number of fond memories, including playing on the same sporting teams, enjoying bus trips, sharing significant conversations, and enjoying combined events. Whilst not perfect, this group will certainly be missed by both students and teachers.
Year 12 has also shown many skills over the years. Within the group, there are athletes, writers, mathematicians, scientists, musicians, and artists. As Year 12 progresses to the HSC and their future, it is important for them to have the right perspective of what it means to be successful with their abilities.
Unfortunately, the world's measures of success often end in unhappiness. It is important for us to redefine success by shifting our focus away from the worldly measures of wealth, power, fame, and material possessions - instead embracing a deeper understanding of success, which is rooted in purpose.
True success can only be realised when we align our lives with our God-given purpose, which the Bible reveals as:
1. Loving the Lord our God and 2. Loving our neighbour as ourselves
Success, then, is not about personal gain but about using our unique gifts to serve Jesus and others. It is our hope and prayer that Year 12 will be thankful for the gifts that God has given them and delight in using these gifts faithfully, humbly and thankfully.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
"Who Am I?"
collage By Owen Crothers
"The Secret Life of Me"
Pastels & paint on paper
By Blake Handsaker
Photography
Benjamin Wilkie
Faith Dauti
Cameron Neader
Blake Handsaker
Blake Tongue
Brandon Woods Brianna Moss
Claudia Spence Eliana Faulks Ella Lawrence Emily Brooker
Georgie Petty Hanna Williams Jace Hindmarsh Jake Lynch
Jazmine Dassios
Jessie Fotheringham Jebediah Brechin
Alice Roach Anika Wood Annabel Richards Bailey Cook Bella Pollard
At Carinya, students are encouraged to participate in team sports for various reasons, including health benefits, social interaction, and the opportunity to contribute to the Carinya community by utilising their abilities to honour God.
Charles Bickersteth Sport Coordinator
When students prioritise the needs of others over their own, we see increased cohesion within teams, the development of closer friendships, improved teamwork, and a more successful overall team dynamic. Students can use their gifts to enhance team performance by encouraging and supporting their team mates, communicating positively, and creating an environment where teammates feel safe to make mistakes. This approach not only enhances enjoyment in sports but also allows for the effective use of God-given talents in a way that honours Him.
Throughout Term 3, I have witnessed numerous examples of this positive culture at Carinya, both in weekly sporting activities such as netball and basketball, and in various representative teams that have competed during the term. The practice of utilising our abilities to benefit others has produced many of the desired outcomes mentioned above, enabling both individuals and teams to enjoy their sporting experiences and the time spent together entirely.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Philippians 2:3-4
k s
EPOXY RESIN RIVER COFFEE TABLE
By Violet Nicholson
SKATEBOARD RACK
By Jebediah Brechin
MODERN MACHINERY SHED MODEL
By Bailey Cook
By Anika Wood
AXE STYLED ELECTRIC GUITAR By Keris Matumaini
SIT TO STAND WORKSTATION WITH BACKPACK By Joshua Beavan
BACKYARD LANDSCAPE REDESIGN MODEL By Jace Hindmarsh
RECYCLED BOTTLE 3D PRINTER FILAMENT By Owen Crothers
