Know thyIMPACT
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
Our Students Journey to Japan (2024) 1 3 5 6 7 11 13
The Impact Our Actions Have on Others
FACES OF CARINYA
Meet Our Executive Team, Coordinators & Staff
2025 TEACHERS
Junior, Middle & Senior Schools
THE WARATAH PROJECT
Waratah Update & Events
THE SPORT RUN DOWN
Sports and Swimming Carnival Highlights
SCHOOL MAP 2025
Find Your Way Around the School
TERM 2&3 CALENDAR
Find Out What’s Coming Up
LILLY PILLY PREP
Term 1 With Prep & Gumnuts
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Learning, Growth and Fun
JUNIOR SCHOOL PICNIC Moments of Fun in the Sun
ALADDIN JR. Highlights of Aladdin Jr.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Ripple Effect
EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTS
Middle School 2025
SENIOR SCHOOL Events, Education & Growth
EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTS
Senior School 2025
2024 GRADUATION
An Evening of Fun and Fashion
SCHOOL TO WORK Term 1 Highlights & Coming Up Events
TRIP TO JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS
Know Thy Impact
As a school committed to Christ-centred education, we believe it is vital to reflect on the impact we are making in the lives of the children we teach.
Education is never neutral—it always shapes the heart, mind, and soul. Our responsibility as Christian educators goes far beyond imparting knowledge; we are to nurture not only a child’s intellect but also their character and faith. This is our wonderful privilege and joy.
At Carinya we believe that all of life is under the lordship of Jesus Christ. As Colossians 1:17 reminds us, He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. This includes the classroom. The impact of Jesus on children is both immediate and eternal. As children made in the image of God we work so that they will not play small in this world but rather their impact will last forever. This eternal perspective reshapes our goals in education. Academic achievement matters, and we love kids to get good marks, but it is not the end. We aim to guide students to know and love God, equipping them to serve Him faithfully in all areas of life.
We are not alone in recognising the influence schools have on children. Research also affirms the long-term impact of teaching. A 2011 study by Harvard and Columbia economists Raj Chetty and John Friedman found that high-quality teachers significantly influence not only student test scores, but also their worldview, earnings, and life satisfaction. Teachers matter—immensely.
Knowing this, we intentionally seek to measure and reflect on our impact on students for Christ.
• Are we forming students who live from a Biblical worldview?
• Do they love truth, seek justice, and show grace?
• Do they look to care for others?
• Are they growing in knowledge and wisdom, and are they becoming more like Christ?
As parents, you are vital partners in this mission. We invite you to join us in conversations, and reflection as we seek to know our impact—not for our own glory, but so that, in all things, Christ might be honoured and children might grow in their knowledge, both now and forever.
We hope that this issue of Carinya Connect helps reflect the impact that we all have in the education of your child.
Mr David Jones
Principal Carinya Tamworth & CEO
Engaging as a community to discover a world made through Jesus for His Glory.
Faces of Carinya
OFFICE & ADMINISTRATION STAFF
Mr Wayne Cottrell Receptionist
TO OUR NEW STAFF AND APPOINTMENTS
Mrs Anthea Braun Primary Teacher
Mr Matthew Dunn Secondary Teacher
Mrs Ashley Neal Secondary Teacher
Mr Jared Horsfield Secondary Teacher
Mr Sam Jenkins Secondary Teacher
Mr Matthew Stewart Promotions Officer
Mrs Amy Skewes Primary Teacher
Mrs Lauren Windle Primary Teacher
Mr Peter Thistle
Education Assistant
Miss Millie Hawes Education Assistant
Mr Josh Davis Head of Senior School
Mr Peter Spence Head of Junior School
Mrs Trudy Seaton Registrar & Office Manager
Mrs Robyn Peterson Receptionist
Mrs Emma Gower Student Care Coordinator
Mrs Sharon Lanham Accounts
Mrs Lara Bickersteth Accounts
Mrs Christina Scarborough Uniform Shop Manager
Mrs Ruth Fraser Admin Assistant
Mrs Sarah Tollis Receptionist
Mr Peter Weary Deputy Principal
Mr Grant Scarborough Human Resources Manager
Mr David Jones Principal / CEO
Mr Stephen Carter Business Manager
Mrs Bron Larkin Head of Middle School
SCHOOL COORDINATORS
If your child has issues that arise within a particular subject, please feel free to contact the relevant coordinator via the Front Office. This could include matters regarding homework and assessments.
Mrs Karen Ambler Assistant Head of Middle School - Stage 3
Mr Peter Maxwell
PDHPE Coordinator & Assistant Head of Senior School - Stage 5
Mr Peter Weary Music Coordinator
Mr Charles Bickersteth
Sports Coordinator & Assistant Head of Middle School - Stage 4
Mrs Robyn Harvey Science Coordinator & Assistant Head of Senior School - Stage 6
Mrs Peggy Maxwell TAS & Visual Arts Coordinator
Mr Zac Lukins English & Drama Coordinator
Mr Brett Jarrett Mathematics Coordinator
Mr Sean Gosson HSIE / LOTE Coordinator
ASSISTANT HEADS OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Mrs Jill Bowd Stage 1
LILLY PILLY PREP COORDINATOR
Mrs Bec Dye Lilly Pilly Prep Coordinator
LEARNING SUPPORT
Mrs Sarah Pollard Head of Learning Support
Mrs Larissa Thistle Stage 2
Mr Aaron McDonald
Year 7 to 12 Learning Support Coordinator
2025 Teachers
Mr Josh Davis, Head of Senior School davisj@carinya.nsw.edu.au JUNIOR
Mrs Trickett
Mrs Hyland
Mrs Hutton
Miss Lanham
Mrs Cook
Mr Paterson
Mrs Smith
Mrs Bowd
Mr Sproats
Mrs Anthony & Mrs Sharpham
Mrs Coonan
Mrs Martin
Mrs Thistle
Mrs Petersen & Mrs Sharpham
5-12 PASTORAL CARE TEACHERS
HEADS OF SCHOOL
Mr Peter Spence, Head of Junior School spencep@carinya.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Bron Larkin, Head of Middle School larkinb@carinya.nsw.edu.au
Pastoral Care Teachers meet with students each morning and are available to provide additional support to students. Notes regarding absences or uniform can be made directly to the relevant Pastoral Care Teachers, or to the front office via TASS Parent Lounge, Parent App, email or written note.
Mrs Windle & Mrs Paterson
Mrs Back
Mrs Lyne
Mrs Ambler
Mrs Tammy Clark
Mrs Skewes & Mrs Urquhart
Mr Seaton & Mrs Fotheringham
Mr Bickersteth & Mrs Ferguson
Mr Babicci & Mr Jenkins
Mr Chiswell & Mrs Adusu
Mrs Larkin & Mr Weekes
Mrs Woods, Mrs Cottrell & Mr Scarborough
Mr Jarrett & Miss Porter
Mr Nott & Mrs Carter
Mr Etherington & Mr Dean
Mr Jones & Mr Aaron McDonald
Mr Gosson & Mrs Batley
Mr Maxwell & Mr Lalor
Mrs Harvey & Mr Horsfield
Mr Hutchinson & Mr Lukins
Mr Norton & Mrs Hampstead
Mr Davis, Mrs Davis & Mrs Maxwell
Mrs Turnbull & Mrs Seo
Waratah Project
The Gomeroi Culture Academy offers a cultural leadership program that guides a group of Year 9 students each year in their personal development and leadership skills by supporting them to connect with and learn traditional cultural practices in a way that complements and enhances what they learn through the school curriculum.
This year, it was a delight to see Lockie Sharp Hann and Laylah Cross join the program. The richness of Gomeroi culture and the Tamworth surroundings we all enjoy, reflect the beauty and diversity of God’s creation. As Genesis 1:1 declares, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, and in Psalm 19:1, The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Violet Nicholson Participated in the GCA in 2021
Being the first student from Carinya to be selected into the Gomeroi Culture Academy was an incredible honour. It opened my eyes to the depth and richness of my culture, allowing me to gain invaluable knowledge and skills. Being a part of the academy not only connected me with my heritage but also allowed me to build meaningful friendships with both mentors and fellow members. I had the opportunity to learn many cultural skills, travel to new places, and immerse myself in the land’s beauty, making the entire experience unforgettable.
Alexz Sing Participated in the GCA in 2023
Audrey Allerton
Participated in the GCA in 2024
My favourite thing from the GCA was being able to go out on country and be a part of our culture. The excursions allowed us to connect with the land on another level and use it to make art and learn. We would take grass and wood and cut down trees, learning through experience, and it was really great.
Laylah Cross Participating in the GCA in 2025
I am looking forward to learning and understanding more about my culture and also experiencing different cultural activities.
For me, the opportunity was a way for me to connect with my family and my people.
My highlight of GCA last year was getting to know the other people from different schools, going on camp with everyone, visiting new places and learning stories. Lyla Jenkins Participated in the GCA in 2024
Lockie Sharp-Hann
Participating in the GCA in 2025
I am looking forward to learning the Gamilaraay language and how to carve trees and weapons.
The Sport Run Down Term 1
Term 1 has been busy with weekly sports and training. We have seven weekly Basketball teams who are already halfway through their season, the cricketers finished their season, and 12 weekly Netball teams are about to take the court in Term 2.
Away from Tamworth, both our U15 and Opens Knockout Cricket teams made it to the Grand Final of the CSSA State Competition, our triathletes travelled to Sydney to compete in the CSSA State Triathlon, and our Opens Boys and Girls Football teams progressed through the first round of the CIS Football Cup.
We entered our first ever team into the Primary AFL Paul Kelly Cup, with the team making it to the Grand Final. We are gearing up for a jam-packed Term 2 full of Cross Country, Athletics, Football, Hockey, Oztag, Netball and Basketball.
The Year 5-12 Swimming Carnival was a fantastic display of energy and enthusiasm. From the first competitive race to the final event—the Carinya Cup, students gave it their all, cheering each other on and embracing the challenges. The competitive races saw students qualify through to Zone. Our representative swimmers followed up at the Zone Carnivals with more PBs and qualifications for CSSA State Swimming.
The Carinya Cup had everyone on their feet, with one of the largest fleets of boats in recent years! My standout moment was once again the Mega Relay. Year 8 absolutely smashed it, racking up an incredible 201 laps in just seven minutes. It was a perfect example of what Carinya is all about—teamwork, perseverance, and celebrating each other’s achievements.
At the K-4 carnival, the weather was on our side, with the rain holding off just long enough for our youngest swimmers to enjoy a fantastic day in the water. The community felt strong, with parents, teachers, and students coming together to encourage our Junior School students.
We are thankful to the Year 12 helpers who ran the day so smoothly, with support from the PE faculty. Year 12 stepped up as leaders and made sure everything ran like clockwork.
Mr Charles Bickersteth Sport Coordinator
2025 Swimming Carnival
TERM 2
TERM 3
EXCURSIONS + EVENTS
The events in this calendar were correct at the time of printing, teachers will communicate all important excursion and event information and changes.
Lilly Pilly Prep
Nurturing the Tenacity of Future Adults
In a world of instant gratification, teaching children resilience, patience, and perseverance is more important than ever. A child struggling to tie their shoelaces may feel frustrated, but with encouragement, they persist, improve, and succeed. It’s in moments like these that resilience takes root. Embracing challenges and pushing through setbacks is essential—not just for academics, but for a lifelong love of learning.
At Lilly Pilly Prep, we see struggle as an opportunity for growth. Whether learning to ride a tricycle, navigating friendships, or trying something new, each challenge builds grit, patience, and adaptability—the foundations of personal and academic development.
Parenting expert Maggie Dent reminds us resilience isn’t built by avoiding struggle, but by working through it. Psychologist Steve Biddulph agrees: overcoming difficulties builds confidence and strengthens emotional well-being.
Prep staff encourage grit by offering purposeful challenges—replacing easy puzzles with more complex ones and using open-ended materials. With guidance, children begin to see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
At Carinya Christian School, children often hear: “Seek the reward in the task.” The reward for learning to read is the ability to read. The reward for mastering a tricycle is the joy of riding. True satisfaction comes from the process—even when it’s hard. By facing challenges, children develop resilience and a growth mindset.
As teachers and parents, our role is not to remove obstacles but to equip children to navigate them. When we foster perseverance, we support both academic growth and personal strength—shaping lifelong learners with character and confidence.
Still, not every challenge will lead to mastery. Sometimes, we must pause, reassess or rest. God’s Word reminds us:
Therefore we do not lose heart… For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. — 2 Corinthians 4:16–18
For those who belong to Jesus, there is hope beyond struggle. In perseverance, there is growth; in faith, there is peace.
Mrs Bec Dye Coordinator of Lilly Pilly Prep
Junior School
Peter Spence Head of Junior School
spencep@carinya.nsw.edu.au
Home and School Together
At Carinya, “Home and School Together” is a foundational principle. We recognise that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers, with the God-given responsibility to educate them. As Proverbs 22:6 says, Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Carinya partners with parents in this journey, and as I reflect on Term 1, I’m grateful for our strong community.
Junior School is always a hive of activity, from classroom learning to larger events that bring parents and students together. Each event is designed to nurture academic growth, life skills, and a deep sense of belonging. One of the greatest indicators of success at Carinya is the invaluable partnership we share with parents. Your active involvement embodies our “Home and School Together” philosophy.
A great example of this is the parents who volunteer each week to assist with reading. Their support helps teachers provide personalised learning, fosters a love for literature, and boosts students’ confidence. This shared responsibility strengthens our community and is loved by all the kids.
Our recent class picnics—featuring sausage sizzles, slip and slides, and jumping castles—were more than just fun. They gave families a chance to connect, helped children build social skills, and reinforced the joy of shared experiences.
We’ve also had many other wonderful events this term, starting with the K-4 Swimming Carnival, which highlighted community, inclusion, confidence, and fun. Kindergarten’s annual Colour Day sparked creativity and self-expression, while Year 3’s Fairytale Dress-Up Day and Year 4’s Chinese Cultural Celebration Day brought learning to life in memorable ways.
These events, combined with the daily learning in our classrooms, create a ripple effect—shaping not just academic progress but also character, confidence, and resilience. When children see their parents and teachers working together, they feel secure, valued, and supported in their growth.
We don’t just educate minds; we nurture hearts and shape futures.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership—your involvement makes a lasting impact.
Dates to remember...
Carinya Cross Country
Wednesday 7th May
K-2 Athletics Carnival Tuesday 20th May
Primary Athletics Carnival Wednesday 4th June
Grandparents & Visitors Day Friday 20th June
K-6 Parent Teacher Interviews Tuesday 12th & Saturday 16th August
The
thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
Term 1 in K-4
Kindergarten - Bus Safety | Pet Ownership | Colour Day
In Term 1, Kindergarten students learned about bus safety through both classroom discussion and real-world practice, gaining practical skills for safe travel. Kindergarten also enjoyed a fun and informative session on responsible pet ownership, featuring a trainer and a very friendly dog, to help them understand how to care for animals with kindness. Colour Day brought joy and discovery as students explored how colour affects our feelings, choices, and the world around us.
Year 1 - A Bug’s Life
As part of their science exploration, Year 1 students delved into the fascinating world of bugs. They investigated the anatomy of insects and invertebrates, observing features like antennae, segments, and shells up close. Through hands-on experiences with creatures such as worms and snails, students discovered how different bugs are specially suited to their environments. Students then took to the task of designing and modelling their own imaginative bugs, bringing together their knowledge in a fun and memorable way.
Year 2 - Lego Education
This term, Year 2 students have been busy building more than just LEGO models. Using iPads and LEGO Education kits, they’ve worked in pairs to complete step-by-step projects with bricks, gears, and sensors. Each build has been a hands-on opportunity to practise fine motor skills, follow instructions, and collaborate with a partner, with the room full of quiet focus, shared laughter, and the joy of watching each creation come to life.
Year 3 - Fairytale Day
Year 3 students stepped into a world of wonder for Fairytale Day, dressed as beloved characters from classic stories. They gathered for story time with Grandma, enjoyed a short play performed by Senior School students, and took part in a range of activities. From making fairy bread to decorating sweet treats, the day was filled with creativity and delight. Along the way, students explored the structure and meaning of traditional tales, learning how stories shape imagination, values, and the way we see the world.
Year 4 - Chinese Cultural Celebration Day
Dressed in bright reds and traditional styles, students stepped into a joyful celebration of Chinese culture. In the lead-up to the big day, they explored shape, colour, and symbolism through Chinese-inspired artworks. With help from friends and family, they designed and built colourful kites. Taking to the open spaces, students filled the sky with colour in a beautiful celebration of culture and a reflection on the God who brings order, beauty, and connection to every season.
The Perfect Day for a Picnic
There’s nothing quite like a sunny day, blue skies, and a Kindy Picnic to bring smiles all round! Our littlest learners had a ball on the giant slip and slide, bouncing on the jumping castle, and climbing all over the play equipment. Everyone enjoyed a relaxed sausage sizzle and coffee catch-up while the kids made the most of the fun. Laughter, sunshine, and good company made it a beautiful way to connect as a community and start the year together!
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
To wrap up 2024 with something truly special, Carinya Christian School lit up the stage with a joyful and energetic production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr.. With over 50 students from Years 3 to 12 involved, the show was a colourful celebration of creativity, teamwork, and talent.
From the moment the curtain opened, it was clear just how much heart had gone into every part of the performance. Students had been rehearsing since the beginning of Term 4, and their hard work came to life through vibrant costumes, catchy songs like “Friend Like Me” and “Prince Ali”, and the magic of “A Whole New World.”
More than just a fun show, the musical was a reminder of the gifts God has given each of us. In the words of Psalm 139, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” That truth was on full display as students used their talents to bring joy to their families, friends, and the wider school community.
Middle School
Bron Larkin Head of Middle School
larkinb@carinya.nsw.edu.au
The Ripple Effect
Dates to remember...
Carinya Cross Country
Wednesday 7th May
7-12 Parent Teacher Interviews
Tuesday 13th & Saturday 17th May
Secondary Athletics Carnival
Monday 2nd & Tuesday 3rd June
In the heart of every community, schools play a vital role in shaping the next generation. But a Christian school offers something more. It doesn’t just educate; it nurtures, guides, and inspires. Its impact stretches far beyond the classroom, touching lives in lasting and meaningful ways.
Over the years, Carinya has seen many students graduate and go on to make significant contributions in medicine, education, ministry, business, and service. Past students are known not only for their academic achievement, but for their integrity, compassion, and faithfulness. Employers often tell us they prefer to hire Carinya graduates for their reliability and willingness to serve. Many former students credit the school’s focus on servant leadership as a key influence in their approach to life and work. These stories remind us that when Christ is at the centre of education, the ripple effect is both real and far-reaching.
That same impact is seen in the everyday experiences of school life. Excursions—whether to an art gallery, a beach, a mission trip to Fiji, or surfing with friends—are more than just fun days out. They’re powerful opportunities for students to explore God’s world, step outside their comfort zones, and build independence, deeper friendships, and a stronger sense of purpose. These shared experiences often become some of their most cherished school memories, reinforcing a love of learning and a heart for service and stewardship.
None of this would be possible without the strength of partnership between school and home. A supportive parent body is the backbone of a thriving school community. When families are actively engaged and aligned with the school’s mission, students feel secure, valued, and motivated. This strong foundation of trust enables students to flourish.
When faithful teaching, meaningful experiences, supportive families, and a Christ-centred environment come together, students are truly engaged. At Carinya, learning is a journey of spiritual and personal discovery. Students ask big questions, explore God’s Word, and grow in wisdom, courage, and compassion. They’re not just preparing for exams—they’re being shaped to lead, serve, and care for others as employers and employees, carers and friends.
A Christian school doesn’t just shape students—it transforms families and communities. As we look around our region and see the influence of past students, dedicated parents, and passionate teachers, we’re reminded that education grounded in Christ changes lives—for today and for eternity.
Primary Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 4th June
K-6 Parent Teacher Interviews
Tuesday 12th & Saturday 16th August
7-12 Parent Teacher Interviews
Tuesday 19th & Saturday 23rd August
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
e r m 1 i n M i d d l e S c h o o l
Year 5 - First Overnight Adventure
In Term 1, Year 5 embarked on their very first overnight school excursion to Lake Keepit. The students embraced the adventure with activities like canoeing, archery, rock climbing, swimming, group games, and the beloved water slide. It was a time of challenge, laughter, and growing friendships that made for an unforgettable experience.
Year 6 - STEM Challenge
Students travelled to the TRECC in Tamworth to participate in an interschool Science and Engineering Challenge. They explored electricity transmission, bridge building, aircraft design, and weatherproofing structures, alongside other brain-teasing challenges. Each task encouraged teamwork, creative thinking, and real-world problem-solving. It was a day of discovery sparking curiosity and confidence in STEM learning.
Year 7 - Camp Elim
Year 7 kicked off the year with an exciting excursion to Camp Elim in Forster. From rock climbing and water sports to swimming and team challenges, students were stretched, encouraged, and given space to bond as a cohort. It was a week filled with fun, connection, and memories that will last well beyond Term 1.
Year 8 - Viking Food Traditions
Year 8 HSIE students were transported to another time as they took part in a Virtual Viking Feast. Among the delicacies sampled were pigs’ hearts, mould-riddled cheese, and non-alcoholic ginger ale—true to Viking tradition. It was an immersive and memorable way to engage with history beyond the classroom.
E x c u r s i o n H i g h l i g h t s
Senior School
Josh Davis Head of Senior School davisj@carinya.nsw.edu.au
A Christ-centred worldview
This term, our Senior School assemblies have explored building a Jesus-centred worldview. We’ve discussed how societal messages often promote ideas that, while appealing, leave us empty.
One of the concepts that we explored was the pursuit of happiness. People often strive for happiness through material possessions and fleeting pleasures; however, these things fail to provide lasting contentment. Studies, such as those conducted by a UC Berkeley research team, have demonstrated that placing excessive value on happiness can actually lead to lower levels of well-being.
The more people strive to feel happy, the more they become preoccupied with their emotional state, leading to disappointment and dissatisfaction when those elusive feelings don’t materialise.
The truth is that true contentment and lasting satisfaction cannot be found in the transient things of this world. The latest gadgets, the most thrilling experiences, and the most fleeting moments of pleasure ultimately leave us wanting more. We are left with a void, a persistent sense of incompleteness.
True fulfilment, we’ve emphasised, comes from finding our purpose. The Bible tells us what this purpose is and shows us where we can find true satisfaction and contentment.
As Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39, we are called to love God and our neighbours. This shifts our focus from self-gratification to something greater.
At Carinya, we want students to understand this purpose. We want them to enjoy the gifts God has given them, using these skills to serve others. More than that, we believe that their greatest joy will be found in using those gifts to serve Jesus. In this pursuit, we find the contentment that the world seeks.
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
Dates to remember...
Carinya Cross Country
Wednesday 7th May
Careers Expo Parent Information Night
Tuesday 13th May
Parent Teacher Interviews (7-12)
Tuesday 13th & Saturday 17th May
Year 10 Work Experience Week
Monday 23rd to Friday 27th June
Year 12 HSC Trials
Friday 25th July to Monday 4th August
7-12 Excursion
Tuesday 5th to Friday 8th August
7-12 Parent Teacher Interviews
Tuesday 19th & Saturday 23rd August
Year 11 Exams
Wednesday 17th to Thursday 25th September
Year 12 Farewell Assembly
Friday 26th September
E x c u r s i o n H i g h l i g h t s
Year 12
School to Work
Chris Davis School to Work Liaison
davisc@carinya.nsw.edu.au
School to work transition planning is a journey, and one that is best begun as early as possible. Research is currently showing that beginning career conversations in Year 6 is ideal, and that the three most helpful aspects of the journey are Work Experience, career conversations and exposure to workplaces. Many students have been able to spend time exploring and adventuring as part of the journey this term.
Finance Friday was initiated for Year 10 in Week 1, thanks to the generous support of Roberts & Morrow, and the tireless efforts of The Tiny Foxes who have set up the platform, ‘Life Skills Academy’. Year 10 have access to the platform for the whole year, but have engaged with it during Pastoral Care on Fridays, and been able to learn and develop their financial literacy and life skills.
The inaugural Year 11 Sydney Tertiary Tour set out from Carinya on Sunday 23rd February and in a day and a half, walked 40 000 steps while exploring 4 universities and 4 residential colleges in Sydney. After lunch, on Tuesday 25th February, they joined the Year 11 Excursion and continued their road trip south to Canberra.
While Years 7 - 11 were away on excursions, Year 12 enjoyed two careers events; a Speed Networking Event with local business representatives from Teys, Apollo Engineering, Hanlons, Formline Group, 88.9FM, TRC, and a special guest appearance from Mr Jim Lamrock. It was an absolute privilege for our students to spend time with each of these industry gurus, chatting about work and local opportunities over a smorgasbord morning tea.
Following the Networking event, representatives from four regional universities set up a presentation and mini-expo known as the University Showcase. These Future Student teams spend a month on the road speaking to regional school students, and we were grateful to be able to host an event this year. Many Year 12 students found the session valuable, informative and motivating, heading straight out and beginning their university applications straight away.
In Week 6, Year 10 & 11 students had the opportunity to attend the Health Careers Forum at the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health (UNDRH) Campus. Students engaged with academics and current students from a range of Allied Health professions and participated in hands-on activities in the simulated learning lab.
On Monday 23rd March, a group of Year 12 students embarked on the Coastal University Tour, travelling to Coffs Harbour to visit Southern Cross University Campus and residential accommodation, with a special trip to the SCU National Marine Science Centre. The presentation was mind-blowing, and the presenter was passionate about marine creatures and environments. The group stayed in cabins in Nambucca Heads overnight, before heading to Port Macquarie for the Charles Sturt University Explore Day. This event allowed students to consolidate their course preferences while becoming familiar with the Port Macquarie campus.
UAC opened for Year 12 applications on Wednesday 2nd April. To help students get started a Year 12 Parent Lunch was held, which was a great time to get together with parents who are nearing the end of their school journey with one of their children.
The final Careers event for the term was the Whitecard Course, on Thursday 3rd April. Twenty students were able to obtain their Whitecard, so now can pursue Work Experience and jobs on Construction sites.
Another exciting part of the term was the opportunity for students and staff to connect with Carinya alumni, Mitchell Clark, Yasu Akioka, Nathan Carter and Josh Parker.
Career Events in Term 2
Looking ahead, Term 2 offers an exciting lineup of career-related opportunities, including:
• Friday 2nd May - University of New England Open Day | Years 11 & 12 are invited to attend
• Tuesday 6th May - Acadiam | Years 9-12 Indigenous students
• Thursday 8th May, 3.30pm - 6.30pm - First Aid & CPR course | Years 10, 11, 12 invited to attend
• Thursday 8th May, 5pm - 6.30pm - University of Sydney Regional Tour | Parents & students invited to attend
• Tuesday 13th May - New College Meet & Greet morning tea | Parents & students invited to attend
• North West Careers Expo:
- Tuesday 13th May, 6am - 7.30pm | Parent session
- Wednesday 14th May, 12pm-2pm | Years 10, 11, 12
• Friday 23rd May - Legal Aid WHS Seminar | Year 10 for Work Experience
• Tuesday 27th May - Year 11 Elective afternoon
• Careers on Country:
- Wednesday 28th May | Years 9 & 10
- Thursday 29th May | Years 11 & 12
• Friday 6th June - Apollo Engineering Launch Pad Program
• Thursday 19th June - Surveying Unleashed
• Monday 23rd June to Friday 27th June - Year 10 Work Experience
Work Experience
Work experience gives students a valuable opportunity to explore a range of industries firsthand while building personal strengths and professional skills. It boosts confidence in full-time work and strengthens key workplace abilities like communication, teamwork, initiative, time management, and problem-solving.
Some Year 10 students even secure job or apprenticeship offers through their placements. For all students, stepping into a real-world workplace is a valuable and often eye-opening experience that connects classroom learning with future goals.
Throughout the week, students will receive a check-in call from a teacher. Those placed locally in Tamworth will also be visited by a staff member.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men... You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23–24
Japan Trip 2024
The 2024 Carinya Japan Trip took place from Saturday 16 November to Thursday 28 November 2024. The group departed Tamworth early at 6:30 am, connecting in Sydney, and arrived at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport at 8:00 pm that evening. Staying overnight near the airport in Tokyo, students travelled to Aletheia Shonan High School in Chigasaki, where they were warmly welcomed.
They participated in a rich cultural exchange and stayed with host families from Sunday 17 to Saturday 23 November. They then travelled by Shinkansen to Kyoto, explored historic sites, enjoyed a traditional Shabu Shabu dinner, and took part in a challenge day in Nara.
On Tuesday 26 November, the group toured Himeji Castle on their way to Hiroshima, where they visited the Peace Park and Museum—providing a powerful opportunity to reflect on the need for peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation in light of God’s justice and mercy. The trip concluded with the group’s return to Australia on Thursday 28 November, arriving home via Sydney after a deeply enriching and memorable journey.
We are thankful for the growth in cultural understanding, international friendship, and spiritual reflection that this opportunity provided to our students.
