MACQUARIE Messenger
Co‐Education – Preparing Students for Life
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the HICES (Heads of Independent Co‐Educational Schools) meeting, where leaders from across NSW came together to discuss the distinctive strengths of co‐educational learning environments It was affirming to hear a shared commitment to the model we proudly nurture here at Macquarie, in our own Prep to Year 12 community
One of the key advantages highlighted was the way co‐education prepares students for life beyond school In the wider world – whether at university, in the workplace, or in the community – young people collaborate, lead, and build relationships across genders A co‐educational setting mirrors this reality, helping students develop confidence, mutual respect, and strong interpersonal skills from an early age.
Colleagues also spoke about the academic benefits. There is a growing recognition that diverse classrooms foster richer discussion, broaden perspectives, and encourage students to challenge assumptions Boys and girls often bring different approaches to problemsolving and learning, and when these are shared, all students benefit
Importantly, co‐education supports the development of well‐rounded individuals. It provides a natural environment in which students can explore a wide range of interests –academic, spiritual, cultural, and sporting – while supporting one another’s growth, celebrating diverse strengths, and building inclusive friendships that endure
As a regional day and boarding school, our context adds an extra layer of significance. Our boarding students live and learn together in a community that values respect, kindness, and shared responsibility Co‐education strengthens this sense of belonging and equips our young people with the social and emotional skills needed to thrive in a changing world
The conversations at HICES reinforced what we see every day: co‐education is not simply about boys and girls learning side by side – it is about preparing great people for life.
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
– Exodus 14:14
Rev. Tom Owen
Senior School Senior School
More Than Marks: Lessons in Learning and Friendship
As we draw towards the conclusion of Week 7, I trust that students can reflect on Exam Week with dual feelings of relief and pride. Meeting challenges and negotiating them are key skills in a complex world. This semester, Macquarie students in Years 7-10 treated examinations with academic discipline and sincerity, and they deserve congratulations
The next stage is Reflection I urge students to treat the return of examination papers as a valuable learning opportunity. What went right and what went wrong are equally valuable pieces of information; markers on a learning trajectory. Point-in-time student annotation of examination scripts is as valuable information as a teacher’s comment on a semester report A mark or grade on a script is the culmination of one part of learning and the beginning of another
My second area of focus is friendships. Adolescent friendships are usually the source of great joy and support. Sometimes, however, the powerful dynamics of friendship may lead students into negative interaction or uncharacteristic behaviour The following extract provides some valuable advice about how to establish and maintain healthy and productive friendships:
Be Authentic: Embrace your uniqueness and don’t be afraid to be yourself. Find your circle: Look for friends who share your interests and values Surround yourself with people who lift you up and want the best for you onest with your friends can build trust s and be respectful. portant in any relationship, including on’t be afraid to voice them. u would want to be treated It’s important oyal to your friends
Junior School Junior School
Later this term, you will receive your child’s Semester 1 report In this report, you will see descriptions such as:
Working Towards – your child is developing their understanding and progressing toward the expected Stage outcomes
·Achieved – your child is meeting the expected outcomes at this point in the Stage ·Working Beyond – your child is demonstrating learning beyond the expectations for this Stage
You will also see A–E grades, which provide a summary of your child’s achievement against year-level expectations:
A – Extensive achievement: The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.
B – Thorough achievement: The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations
·C – Sound achievement (meeting expected standard): The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills
D – Basic achievement: The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.
E – Elementary achievement: The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in a few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills
It is important to interpret th where many students are still explore the new syllabuses
If you have questions about y
Mrs Keera Job
Art Competition: World Teachers Day
Create an Artwork to celebrate World Teachers’ Day 2026.
The theme is: Transforming tomorrow, today
Your artwork should be A4 and created at home Two artworks from the Junior School and two artworks from the Senior School will be selected to enter the Independent Schools NSW World Teachers’ Day art competition.
Entries due Monday, 15 June 2026 Junior School entries are to go to Mrs Munge, and Senior School to Mrs Davis
HICES CROSS COUNTRY
On Wednesday, 26 May, 30 students proudly competed at the HICES Cross Country Championships held at Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange.
Despite heavy rain the day before, which left parts of the course slippery and challenging underfoot, students embraced the conditions with determination and enthusiasm
Fortunately, the weather cleared for race day, providing ideal conditions for competition. Throughout the day, our students demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, encouraging one another and cheering competitors across the finish line
Congratulations to all students who competed and represented our School with pride A special congratulations goes to Bella L., Harry O., Maggie B., Mitch G. and Maya C., who have qualified for the next round of competition in June.
We wish these students the very best as they prepare for the upcoming championships and look forward to following their progress
LIBRARY NEWS
DUBBO SHOW – DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
YEAR 7 TAKE THE STAGE: FROM SCRIPT STUDY TO SHOW PITCH
STAFF SUCCESS
Art Competition Art Competition
World World Teachers’ Teachers’ Day Day
Create an Artwork to celebrate
Entries due Monday 15/6/26
JS Mrs Munge
SS Mrs Davis
ONE SAFE HOME CAN CHANGE A CHILD’S WHOLE STORY
Everychild deserves a safe, supportive place to grow. Becoming a foster carer with REDIE gives you the opportunity to provide care, stability and encouragement to a child or young person who needs it most.
By opening your home and heart you could help a child rediscover trust, build confidence and believe their future can be bright.
Make a meaningful difference in a young persons life
Support a young person’s wellbeing and development
Help maintain culture, identity and community connections
Provide a safe and stable home environment
AtREDI.E, foster carers aresupported every step of the way. Our team will provide guidance, training and ongoing support to help ensure both carers and young people feel supported, confident and connected.
Jesus intro to
Dubbo Presbyterian Church warmly invites you to join us for our Intro to Jesus series starting in term 3. It’ll be held in the Trade Training Centre, 1:30-3pm, Sunday afternoons, from July 26
If you’d like to find out more about Jesus in a relaxed and friendly setting then we’d love you to join us.
Here’s what some people have said about Intro to Jesus:
“Thank you so much for helping me attend the course... I've really enjoyed the program!” - Jodie
“I would like to sincerely thank the entire team for their support, guidance, and for helping deepen my understanding of who Jesus is. I am truly grateful... it means a great deal to me.” - Renee
“I really enjoyed the course, it was super helpful to understand the words and meanings behind them. To gain more clarification and understand. It made me want to learn and understand more.” - Alex
Click here to register your interest: dubbo.church/intro MAGS hall Sundays 10am
th
29 July2026 | 3:30-4:30 | $60COST
REGISTRATIONS CLOSE: 28 July 2026 th Parentscanclaimtheirchild’sactivekidsvouchersfor this program. Everyone who registers will receive a pack from GIANTS Netball
Commonly mistaken everyday foods
Clever packaging and misleading health claims can make it hard to know which snacks are everyday foods.
Try swapping these sometimes foods to everyday foods:
Muesli bars to wholegrain cereal bites
Fruit drink to plain water or plain milk
Flavoured savoury biscuits to rice cakes
Dairy desserts to reduced fat yoghurt
