Manning Valley Anglican College continues to flourish as a vibrant, inclusive Christian community, guided by a strategic vision that places faith, identity, service, and the wellbeing of every member at its core Our commitment to nurturing resilient, independent learners is evident in the ongoing evolution of our educational programs, wellbeing initiatives, and community partnerships. The College’s strategic plan is not a static document but a living framework, regularly reviewed and refined to ensure we remain responsive to emerging needsandcommittedtoexcellence
2025 has been a year of growth, resilience, and deepened community engagementatManningValleyAnglicanCollege.Acrosstheentirespectrumof school life, our students have achieved wonderful progress academically, in leadership,throughservice,andinco-curricularpursuits Wecelebratenotonly the standout accomplishments but also the steady, everyday steps forward madebyeachstudent.Weproudlybelievethatprogress,nomatterhowsmall, is significant. Every milestone, whether it’s mastering a new concept, contributing to a team, or showing kindness, reflects our commitment to nurturing growth and empowering every individual to flourish These collective achievements, both big and small, are a testament to the spirit and determination of our students and the supportive environment fostered by our staffandcommunity.
We believe in fostering an inclusive environment that balances respect for personal autonomy with adherence to regulations, ensuring every individual is treatedfairly,equitably,andwithrespect
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the College is focused on both consolidating current strengths and pursuing new opportunities, ensuring that our facilities and learning environments are future-proofed and sustainable. Enrolment growth and the anticipation of continued expansion require us to plan for both major and minor capital works, with regular reviews to keep our vision and strategy aligned. Initiatives such as the Learning Power Approach, eMpower systems, and improved communications are becoming embedded inouroperations,providingastrongfoundationforfuturegrowth.
As we move forward, Manning Valley Anglican College remains dedicated to fostering a culture of compassion, leadership, and global citizenship. By committing to the ongoing professional development of our staff and embracing a broad range of learning styles, we aim to enrich the educational experience and strengthen our efficacy for families seeking holistic developmentfortheirchildren.
Ourgraduateswillbeequippedwiththeskills,values,andconfidencetothrive at school and beyond, embodying the Newcastle Anglican values of compassion,integrity,justice,faith,courage,andwisdom
TheCollegeischaracterisedbyaclearvisionandanongoingcommitmentto continuous improvement. We look forward to building on these foundations, ensuringthateverymemberofourcommunityisempoweredtoflourish.
In April 2024, Nathanael embarked on an extraordinary journey, participating in a camp organised by One Giant Leap. His first encounter with his space journey was at Camp Elim in Forster His five-day mini camp adventure sparked a desire to attend space camp. One Giant Leap Australia focuses on boosting STEM and space education. It provides great chances for students and teacherstolearnandcreatecareerpaths.
His experience there was transformative He forged friendships with peers who shared his enthusiasm for space exploration. The camp had fun activities that let Nathanael dive into astronauttraining,rocketscience,andmission control He said, "We worked on computer programs to fly spacecraft and build moon bases." Inspired by astronaut Gregory Chamitoff'slivestreamdetailinghis180daysin space, Nathanael set his sights on space campinAmerica
Upon return, Nathanael began fundraising for hisdreamasadreamasbigasthiscomesat a cost. Nathanael said, "I worked a lot. I did lawn mowing, cooking for different people, random jobs, and worked at a farm for a coupleofdays".
Afteronelongyearachievingatotalof$6,000 in funds. With a $1,000 contribution from the local Lions Club and support from family, he, managed to raise enough funds to secure his spotonthetripofalifetime.
"When we were put into the mission scenarios, the first two times, we were given roles I was the person helping with the EVAs, which are extra-vehicular activities, and then I was one of the ones doingspacewalksoutsidetheshuttle.For our last mission, I was the technical person, so I went down on the shuttle to Mars and helped out on the base there andwiththerovers."
Nathanael's adventure has undoubtedly opened new horizons for this budding space enthusiast When asked what's next,Nathanaelisalreadyworkingtoward the Advanced American Space Camp, whichhecanattendwhenheturns17.
"I can help out with the week in Los Angeles, assisting the younger kids who aremyagerightnow.I'lldotheadvanced one, which involves a lot more work, like three-hour to six-hour missions" said Nathanael
In terms of career aspirations for Nathanael the skies the limit! The program has a link with the University of Alamba, and Nathanael can receive a scholarship to attend if he chooses to pursue his dreams of becoming an AstronauticalEngineer.Rightnowhesays, "I want to go into the space industry, probably as an aerospace engineer, workingonandbuildingspacecraft"
NathanaelisbackinAustraliacelebrating his fifteenth birthday on the long flight home. Although the classroom isn't a spacecraft simulator, Nathanael is lucky, as are our students who love space and STEM. Thanks to a generous $15,000 donationofVEXroboticsfromtheMVACP & F, they'll get to improve their robotics skills
On October 28 this year the dream became a reality. Linked with One Giant Leap, NathanaelflewtoLosAngeleswherethetourtookthemtotheLaBreaTarPits,which Nathanaelsaid"haveacertainsmell,"butwerestill"prettycool"Coolasthefirstpart ofthetourmaybe,itisnotthemainattraction.AfterseeingthesightsofLosAngeles, includingDisneyland,itwasontoAlabamaforSpaceCamp.
The programme was designed around STEM experiences, ensuring everything was educational Aerospace Camp is delivered during the school term and is a curriculum-basedprogram Thecombinationoflessonsandtalksbyvariousexperts and practical scenarios lead to some very exciting days! Immersive activities included problem solving, team building, and design processes. They also fostered critical and creative thinking. Nathanael said, "My favourite part was probably the mission simulators" The one-hour sims in full-on mission control and the shuttles were incredible Walking in, I thought, "This is just amazing" Everything we saw was crazy. "
His journey took him to America for a total of 12 days, treated like crew members takingonrolesakintothoseatNASA Nathanaelsays,"Wewererunning14-hourdays From8:00AM,wewereoutdoingsomething,andthenat10:00,wewouldknockoff It wascrazy. "
TheAbyssalDeep
The Abyssal Deep
ByBreannaFlanagan
By Breanna Flanagan
Breanna recently won the Senior High School section of the Mid Coast Council National Water Week writing competition. Her piece titled, ‘The Abyssal Deep’, explores life without our most precious naturalresourceandshehaskindlyshared it for everyone’s enjoyment When asked about her motivation behind the short fiction, Breanna says, “A world without waterwasinteresting.”
MidCoast Council's Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said all the students who entered the competition had approached itwiththoughtfulnessandcreativity.Thisis a testament to Breanna’s creative nature and her scientific inquisitiveness Her timetable is a blend of Art Vs Science and ‘The Abyssal Deep’ is a true reflection of Breannas critical thinking and passion for thecreativearts.
TheAbyssalDeep
This morning I went to turn on the shower and was surprised when my dear Elijah opened the bathroom door His amiable demeanor seemed lost, his hand slipped the door open with cautioussolemnness “Ithinkyoushouldseethis,dear”Behindhimthesoundsofthetelevision rang indecipherably As I quickly made my way into the living room, I was unaware that with oneturnofthehandleandaslightmotiontowardsthedownpour,Iwouldn’thavebeenhereto writethis
Wesatsidebysideonthelounge,hishandfirmaroundmine TheTVblaredwitharedflashing light; the words ‘EMERGENCY WARNING’ scrolling by leading into the message that would be repeating in every headline, every history textbook and every mind until the end of days ‘Chloradina’,thatwasthenamegiventowhateveritwasthatseepedintoourwatersupply We knew nothing of what it truly was; a chemical? A form of bacteria? In what time were we to figureitout?Allweknewthenwaswhatitcoulddo.InthedaysthatfollowedI’dseencountless pictures of people reduced to a catatonic state, eyes frozen open in agony as their muscles decayed from the inside. Once we had come to terms with what we were hearing, Elijah switched the television off. As we stared shocked at the black screen the last lines of the emergencywarningrepeatedinmyhead;donotmakecontactwithanysourceofwater.
(22/10/2035)
I’ve taken to dating my accounts now. God knows what will happen in the next few days, whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be worth documenting. Elijah and I went shopping this morning. On the drive there, I was struck by how normal everything seemed. The sun was still shining, the birds were still singing in the trees that flew by as we passed the many charmingly archaic houses of our neighbourhood That normality dissolved as we arrived Inside the store, customers, familiar faces some of them, were fighting tooth and fist in the aisles over the last water bottles in the store It was such a shame, blood and bruises all for something that providedonlyatemporarysolution Elijahtookmyarmandguidedmebacktotheexit Weleft empty-handed
As everyone was, we were awaiting the next announcement In the meantime, the media swarmed with increasingly wild theories Many believed that it was all fake, some believed it wasaresultofchemicalspillsthroughtradingchannels Thevastmajorityoftheseideaswere so convoluted they couldn’t possibly be true, but people believed, such was the intoxicating nature of hysteria I tried not to notice the dryness of my lips, it would soon become the standard There was little to report when the next warning arrived, but what little drops of information we were given we made the very most of The symptoms were listed in order of severity; headaches, skin irritation, nausea and vomiting, complete paralysis and muscular degeneration There were no survivors Once infected, there was nothing that could save you Elijah watched with skepticism, but beneath his unshaken exterior I could see my own terror reflected in him. “Botulism, it sounds just like it,” he said. “It does, but surely it can’t be,” I responded sadly, our means of apocalypse has no known treatment. “Why not? Who's to say the cure to this hasn’t already been found?” There was a subtle desperation in his voice that brokemycomposurecompletely.Iheldhimcloseandhoped,allIcoulddowashope.
(25/10/2035)
WhatIwouldn’tgiveforacleandropofwater.Wehaven’thadanythingtodrinkforalongwhile now and I can’t help but lose my resilience. It’s taunting; the pipes still run, the taps still turn, andwaterissoneartohandthatit’snearlyirresistible.Weneverthoughtaboutit-really,we’ve beenluckythatweneverhadto-howmuchofahumanismadefromwateralone.Itcourses through every vein, every cell, every tear. I fear what becomes of us without it. I fear most for Elijah, I hear him crying at night and I know he sees what’s coming as much as I do. I cannot hopeanymore,allIcandoispretend.Istillholdhimclose.Ipretendthathewillbealright.
(27/10/2035)
I told him not to do it, I begged him not to! Why? Why did that God forsaken thing find its way intothewater?IsawhimstandingoverthesinkandIpleadedwithhim,buthewouldn’tlisten “Chloradina,”hescoffed,“it’sjustalie,it’salljustalie!Dear,itcan’thurtyou,look,”heturnedthe tap hard and water burst through in a furious downfall I tried everything, he wouldn’t back down He held it between his hands as if it were a blessing Now he’s lying on the floor and he can’t move or speak and I can’t save him! My hand is holding his; he’s growing weaker by the hour
(28/10/2035)
He’s gone There’s nothing keeping me here now I’m half dead already, there’s nothing that could replace my longing I feel like I’m burning inside, it’s unbearable now So, I’ll do it I can imagineitnow;therapturousreliefofwaterwithinmyveins,theagonyofChloradinasevering the fragile bonds between flesh and bone Nothing could be so desirable For those who may findthis,Ibegofyou,enjoyeverymoment,everydropoflifethatyouaregiven.
When it’s gone, you’ll find that the darkest part of the sea lies not at the bottom of the ocean butintheabyssaldeepthatweretreattowhenthere’snothingleftforus.
MVAC Presentation Day MVACPresentationDay
This year, Manning Valley Anglican College welcomed everyone to the end-of-year presentationdayattheManningEntertainment Centre (MEC) It was a wonderful opportunity forourstudentstotakethestageandshine.We look forward to continuing our partnership with theMECinthefuture.
MVAC Presentation Day is a special event where we celebrate our students' achievements across the College. It’s a time to honour our community and recognise those who exemplify the MVAC values of integrity, compassion, wisdom, justice, courage, and faith. We value our Learning Power ApproachThe MVAC Way. We want to recognise all students for their hard work and commitment to the four key qualities: collaboration, engagement, resilience, and resourcefulness These qualities empower students to thrive as members of the school community and beyond. Presentation Day highlights our students'accomplishmentsandtheirpursuitof independentlearning
Whilethepresentationdayfocusesoncelebratingthepastyear,italsoprovidesan opportunity to look ahead Coming together as a community to celebrate is vital Presentation Day keeps our valued parents, caregivers, and partners informed aboutwhatliesaheadandtheCollege'sdirection.
MVAChasseenremarkablegrowthandispoisedtocontinueonthispositivepath. Celebrating our achievements on Presentation Day is our way of expressing gratitude. Thank you to our staff, students, and community. While the daily operationsoftheschooldependonmanydedicatedindividuals,werecognisethat strongsupportfromhomeisequallyimportant.Weappreciateyourpartnershipin helpingMVACnurtureyourchildren.
We hope this tradition of attending and celebrating student success continues to growwithinourcommunity.
JUNIOR SCHOOL PRESENTATON DAY 2025
AWARDSRECIPIENTS
Year1M
ACADEMICACHIEVEMENTandEFFORTin
ENGLISH-OliverChapman
ACADEMICACHIEVEMENTandEFFORTin
MATHEMATICS-SaigeDurie
ACADEMICACHIEVEMENTandEFFORTin
SCIENCEandTECHNOLOGY-Emily Muldoon
ACADEMICACHIEVEMENTandEFFORTin
HSIE- HazelKerr
ACADEMICACHIEVEMENTandEFFORTin
PDHPE-ArchieRichards
ACADEMICACHIEVEMENTandEFFORTin
CREATIVEARTS-PoppyWillis
ACADEMICACHIEVEMENTandEFFORTin
MUSIC- AylahLeggett
ACADEMICACHIEVEMENTandEFFORTin
CHRISTIANSTUDIES-MobyFischer
Year1P
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT and EFFORT in ENGLISH-LexiRains
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT and EFFORT in MATHEMATICS-TobiasGill
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT and EFFORT in SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY - Haris Luiting
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT and EFFORT in HSIE-IsabellaDoak
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT and EFFORT in PDHPE-JaxonHenry
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT and EFFORT in CREATIVEARTS-AlburyLee
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT and EFFORT in MUSIC-LucyBrennan
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT and EFFORT in CHRISTIANSTUDIES-IndianaRoyal
TheImprovementAward for Year 1 goes toGraysonHailes
TheCitizenshipAwardfor Year 1 goes to PiperDurie
The Academic Achievement Award for Year1goestoSaigeDurie
Award for Christian Values in Year 11 goesto:ChelseaHogg Improvement Award for Year 11 goes to:EllahSutton Citizenship Award for Year 11 goes to: MatildaDunn
TheAcademicAwardforYear11goes to:AnnekeMacAulay
ParentsandFriendsAward
EachyearatManningValleyAnglicanCollegewe have several students who perform at an exceptional level Today, we acknowledge their trulywonderfulachievements
TheParentsandFriendsAwardsarepresentedto one student in the Senior School who has demonstrated a willingness to assist others and havemadeselflesscontributionstotheschool
The Parents and Friends Senior School Award goesto:AbigailGribble
EmergingCreativeTalentAward
This award acknowledges a student who has made a significant contribution to Creative Arts within the school Today, we award a young creative talent whose artistry brings value to our school community and may well bring value to greater society in the future The Emerging CreativeTalentawardgoesto: IslaBrown
The Pereira Shield is donated by the Pereira family. Mr. Pereira was a musician and father of Tegan who completed Year 12 at MVAC in 2016
This award is presented to a student whose passionforMusicbroughtjoytoourcommunity ThisyearthePereiraShieldisawardedto: JackMathers
In the area of sport, we acknowledge and praise the efforts of students who not only participate in sportbutrepresenttheschoolwithdistinction
TheStage4SportawardsgoestoEmmaBourke JackCroker
TheStage5SportawardsgoestoAmayaCross FinlayQuince
TheStage6SportawardsgoestoBronteEady
CreativeExcellenceAward
The creative excellence award recognises a student who has made an outstanding contribution to the Creative Arts and performing artswithinourschool Today,wehonourastudent whose creativity and talent enriches our community and holds the promise of making an impactbeyondourschoolintheyearstocome
TheawardgoestoAmali-LeighShultz
Principal’sAward
The Principal’s Award is presented to Senior School students who are judged to have best served our school community in 2025 This year the Senior School Principal’s Awards are presentedto:
AvaFalzon
TheSueWhitemanAward
Mrs Sue Whiteman retired at the end of 2016, after 14 years at MVAC. Mrs Whiteman was a foundation teacher at the College, helping to start the school, was Head of Senior School and was Acting Principal in 2013 There are literally thousands of children who owe an understanding and a passion for Mathematics, as well as a confidence in themselves to Mrs Whiteman The Sue Whiteman Award is presented to a student whohasachievedsuccessacrossavarietyof disciplines and who embodies the values of theCollege
TheSueWhitemanAwardto: BronteEady
TheTUCGoFurtherAward
ThisAwardispresentedtoastudentwhohas extended themselves in their studies and/or supportedtheirpeers,especiallyinthefaceof adversity,set-backsorpersonalchallenges
TheTUCGoFurtherAwardispresentedto: MatildaDunn
AustraliaDefenceForceAwards
The Australian Defence Force sponsors two awards in the Senior School, the Future InnovatorsAwardandtheLongTanAward.
ADFFutureInnovatorsAward
The“ADFFutureInnovatorsAward”recognises the recipients’ science and mathematics abilities while highlighting the value the Navy, Army and Air Force place on STEM skills and STEM career opportunities within the Defence Forces.
The ADF Future Innovators Award for 2025 goesto:RubyAlmond
LongTanAward
The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Awards started in 2006 to recognise students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader local community TheyareawardedtoastudentinYears10and 12 to recognise those who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and “mateship”, characteristics that are integral to Australian society Jessica Pryke was awarded the Long Tan Award for Year12attheGraduationinSeptember. This year’s Year 10 recipient of the Long Tan Awardis:NyahSimmons
AroundtheGrounds
Waratah at MVAC WaratahatMVAC
Towards the end of the year, students participated in a weaving workshop, where they encouraged friends to attendandsharetheirculture.
Uncle Russ expertly led the workshop, demonstrating the intricate ways natural fibres can be woven to create stunning works of art. This workshop providedanopportunityforsomeofour Year 6 Indigenous students to become familiarwiththeSeniorSchool
Students have participated in multiple workshops throughout the year. Uncle Russ continued to visit classes and provide a cultural perspective Having an Elder on site to share cultural knowledgewithallstudentshasbeena highly successful initiative. Some classes built model Ganya's while learning about living conditions for Aboriginal people. We acknowledge andappreciatethevaluabletimeUncle RusshasdedicatedtoMVACgrounds.
LPATheMVACWayis thefocus
During 2025, the College’s Learning Power Approach (LPA) teaching and learning framework ‘The MVAC Way’ has once again been pivotal in providing directionforourJuniorSchoolstudentsintheiracademic,spiritual,culturaland sporting endeavours, with the framework’s dispositions: Collaborative, Engaged,Resilient,andResourcefulguidingtheirprogressthroughouttheyear. In the Junior School we began the year with a focus on being ‘Collaborative’. Thisallowedourstudentstodeveloptheirabilitytoworkasateaminallareas oftheirschoollife.Whethertheywereworkingasamemberofasmallgroupin the classroom or representing their house group, our students eagerly embraced the opportunity to show compassion, kindness and understanding for their fellow students. Our focus on being collaborative also allowed our Junior School community to welcome and support our many new students to settle into their new school environment and quickly become part of team MVAC.
During Term 2 the focus shifted to encouraging our students to be ‘Engaged’ learners in all areas of their school life This allowed us to challenge our students to develop their character strengths by engaging in the many opportunitiesonoffertothemoutsidetheclassroom.Acceptingthischallenge was made easier by our dedicated teachers who went above and beyond to provide our students with an incredible range of extra-curricular activities for themtoengagein
Term3sawourstudentsflexingtheirlearningmusclesintheirquesttobecome more‘Resilient’learners.Thisfocusonbeingresilientallowedthemlearnhowto digdeepwhenfacedwithchallengesintheirlearning,andwhentryingoutfor representative teams It has been wonderful to see so many of our students embracing the opportunity to muster up the courage required to work their waythroughchallengingsituationsintheclassroomandontheplayground
In Term 4 we wrapped up the year by challenging our students to become more‘Resourceful’learners,whoareself-directed,readytolearnandwillingto set goals that help them become more actively involved in their learning journey For our students, this process started at the beginning of each school day as they worked their way through the READY acronym with their teachers, and carried on throughout the day as they encountered opportunities to becomemoreorganisedandreliableinsideandoutsidetheclassroom–traits thatwillservethemwellheadingintothe2026schoolyear.
Finally, I would like to thank the entire Junior School community for supporting allthatwehavedonethisyeartoallowourstudentstolettheirlightshineinall areas of their school experience. At MVAC we are truly blessed with a supportive and united school community who have gone above and beyond this year to help our students flourish I hope you have a safe and restful Christmasbreak,andI’llseeyouallin2026readyforanotheryearintheJunior SchoolatMVAC.
MrNeilMacAulay
HeadofJuniorSchool
CelebratingaRemarkableYearin theSeniorSchool
2025 has been a memorable and inspiring year at MVAC, marked by achievement,growth,andtheembodimentoftheMVACWay
Webegantheyearbycelebratingacademicexcellencewiththepresentation of our 2024 College Dux, Eden Rogers a moment that set the tone for the months ahead. Our rowing program reached new heights, with students proudly competing at the national level, showcasing their dedication and discipline.
School camps offered both challenge and enjoyment, building resilience and camaraderieamongstudents.Stage4and5studentstookimportantstepsin their educational journey by selecting subjects for 2026, demonstrating thoughtfulengagementwiththeirfutures
Our Indigenous dance group continues to flourish, sharing culture and creativity through powerful performances. Educational excursions locally and in Sydney enriched learning beyond the classroom, while sporting success, particularly in hockey, highlighted our students’ teamwork and competitivespirit.
Culturally, the HSC Showcase was a standout event, a vibrant celebration of student talent and hard work that left a lasting impression on all who attended Our debating teams also shone brightly, engaging in spirited competition and representing the College with confidence, clarity, and respect. Their success was not only measured in wins, but in the way they upheldthevaluesofrespectfuldiscourseandcriticalthinking.
MVAC students have continued to serve as proud ambassadors at community events, demonstrating leadership and a strong sense of civic responsibility. Whether representing the College at ANZAC Day services, local celebrations, or charity events, their presence has been marked by maturity andpride.
A particular highlight has been the work of our Year 12 students, who led initiatives around donations and community support. Their efforts ranging from fundraising for local causes to volunteering their time reflect the compassion and generosity that define our school spirit. These actions speak volumes about the kind of young adults they are becoming: thoughtful, engaged,andcommittedtomakingadifference
Of course, no year is without its challenges. But through it all, we never veered far from what we hold dear as a College. The MVAC Way resilience, engagement, collaboration, and resourcefulness remained our compass, guiding us through every success and setback These learner dispositions are not just words on a page; they are lived out daily in classrooms, on sporting fields,inperformancespaces,andwithinourbroadercommunity.
As Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley once said, “When you have a dream you have to work hard to achieve that dream Your dreams whenyouareyoungcanbetheforcethatkeepsyougoing.”Thatspiritlivesin ourstudents,andit’swhatmakesMVACtrulyspecial.
Aswelookaheadto2026,wedosowithprideinwhathasbeenachievedand confidence in what is to come. The Senior School continues to thrive, and the futureisbright
It was a joy to witness the participation of Shanese & Shanika Ananth, Neve Baker, Sophie & Charlotte Heath, Harry & Emily Muldoon and Samuel and Finlay Quince in the Education Sunday celebration at Taree’s Saint John’s AnglicanChurch SpecialthanksareextendedtotheReverendNatalieQuince for her liturgical leadership and warm hospitalitytoward the MVAC community,notonlyonthatoccasionbutalsotheHolyWeek/Easterservices andtheFinalEucharistforourYear12Graduates.
2025marked10yearsoftheWAY(WinghamAnglicanYouth)group,tirelessly run by the Reverend Brian & Mrs Kara Ford and others from Saint Matthew’s Anglican Church in Wingham and Saint Luke’s Anglican Church in Tinonee. It has been a fruitful ministry leading to many MVAC students exercising leadership both in the context of youth group itself as well as the Friday evening church service that follows God, in His kindness, had used WAY to prepare many MVAC students for the sacraments of Baptism, First CommunionandConfirmationandwearedeeplythankfulforthat.
MVAC would also like to express our profound gratitude to the Reverend HelenQuinnofSaintPeter’sAnglicanChurchinHarrington,theReverendMark HarrisofSaintAlban’sAnglicanChurchinForsterandPastorRusselSaunders OAM of the Purfleet Community Church for their ministry and prayerful supportoftheMVACcommunity.
Godbless ��
Congratulations Year 6
Year 6 students are getting ready to move from Junior School to the exciting world of Senior School. This transition is an important step in their young lives. They are preparing to take on new responsibilities and explore fresh interests. Having grown and thrived in Junior School, they have become capable and ambitious learners, eager to make their mark. As they step into a larger environment,theywillcontinuetolearn,grow,andcreatelastingmemories.
Itwasafabulousmomenttosharewithourcommunity.Thehallwasfulltothe brim, and there was a lot of mixed emotions in the crowd. Proud to see them achieving and growing, but also a little nervous about the end of the Junior Schooljourney
They danced and celebrated throughout the evening. We thank our Year 6 teachers Mrs Ellie Day and Mrs Tameika Leggett for their organisation of this event. We also thank our Junior School Teacher's Assistants for their tireless effort Theyworkedharddecoratingandmakingsureeverythingwasjustright forthenight.
Next up was author/poet/slam poet Joel McKerrow. He performed some slam poetry, talked about getting started with writing and about the stories behind his books. His advice was to be "in the moment" when writing. Focus on being descriptive and making the story interesting If you’re stuck, start by writing fromamemory
After Joel we had indigenous illustrator Jade Goodwin. Her tip for being great at illustrating is to "practice, practice, practice". As well as speaking about her books,shedidabriefillustratingworkshop withthestudents.
Lastly, they saw Corey Tutt, an Indigenous science author and reptile expert, signing his books and doing a reptile display outside!
A fun filled initiative led by our wonderful CollegeLibrarianMrsStonehouse.
Students from Years 3 to 5 enjoyed a wonderful day at the Inspired Readers Festival last week at the Charles Sturt, Port Macquariecampus.
The day was sponsored by the Dymocks Children'sCharities.
Students were able to listen to a total of fourauthorsandanillustrator
Nat Amoore was next, and was so engaging,thestudents,andstaffwereallin stitches! She spoke about her writing originating from her life experiences, with somefictionthrownin!
Joel McKerrow Talks about graphic novels
CarpeDiem Showcase
What a night! The Carpe Diem Showcase was full of surprisesandtalents.
Our Carpe Diem students impressed with their displays on topics of interest, novelists, and reimaginedboardgames!
The VEX robotics were on full display with challenges forthosebraveenoughtogivethemago.Theywere certainly a hit with everyone in the room It will be an exciting year ahead to see what creations are made as the students begin to explore the full range of the VEX robotics. Again we thank the P & F for their wonderfuldonation.
The evening was interactive, and all guests were treated to a comedy act by the Year 6 students to close the night. The skit they performed had some familiar characters we all know and love - our Junior School Staff - which had everyone in stitches It was theultimatecurtaincloser,andeveryoneagreesthat wehavegotfutureTVstarsinthemaking.
We thank Mr MacAulay and the Carpe students for their wonderful efforts and performances We can't waittoseewhattheydeliverin2026.
More photos have been uploaded into the MVAC photogalleryineMpower.
AUSSIE ARK ADVENTURE AUSSIEARKADVENTURE
Year12Geographystudentsrecentlyembarkedon an unforgettable fieldwork experience at Aussie Ark, located in the pristine Barrington Tops This enriching excursion forms a crucial part of their studies on global sustainability allowing them to gain hands-on knowledge in a unique environment
During their stay, students participated in a guided tour of Aussie Ark’s facilities, which were established in 2011 with a focus on conserving the endangered Tasmanian Devils. This provided insight into the essential work being done to protectnativespeciesandpreservebiodiversity Theadventurecontinuedasstudentsexploredthe World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops rainforest Engaging in a variety of fieldwork activities, they delved into the complex ecosystems and unique characteristicsofthisremarkablehabitat.
This immersive experience offered students an invaluable opportunity to connect theoretical learning with real-world application, fostering a deeper appreciation for environmental conservation and the intricate balance of rainforestecosystems.
YoungWritersnominationforRory
Congratulations to Rory T on receiving a nomination for potential inclusion in Young Writers2026
This showcase features top major works by HSC English Extension 2 students in NSW. The selected pieces span various literary forms and are published in Young Writers If Rory is selected, his work will be included in the final publication.
We commend Rory for his efforts and would also like to acknowledge the teachers who supportedhimalongtheway
Regardless of the selection outcome, we could notbeprouderofRoryandhisnomination.
Welldone,Rory!
TheCupboardsarefull!
We are so grateful to our community for all the generous donations we received at our Christmas muftiandfooddrivedayonWednesday3Dec.We managedtofillanentireclassroom,whichwethen loadedupanddeliveredtotheBlueCrossChurch
These donations will be transformed into hampers for those in need this Christmas. Your kindness will bringjoytomanythisyear!
We truly embraced the festive spirit! The playgroundandclassroomsbuzzedwithChristmas cheer as everyone donned their best Christmas outfits.
The day kicked off with an amazing vibe when a surprise flash mob broke out in the town green As thecrowdgathered,MariahCarey’stunesfilledthe air, and everyone joined in the fun! It was the perfect way to start our Christmas-themed mufti day
You can find more photos from the day in the MVAC Photo gallery on eMpower. Thank you all for makingthisdaysospecial!
DigiEdClaymation
Year 8 Students were lucky enough to becomeshortfilmmakersthroughtheDigiEd incursionthisterm
Digi Ed specialise in claymation workshops. Students use the Stopmotion / Claymation process to storyboard, build characters, animate (using the latest digital software), edit and upload their movie for digital download.
Students improved their narrative writing skills They explored the Science & Technology syllabus strand “Information & Communications” and used elements from theCreativeArtssyllabus.
Wewereveryimpressedwithallthestudents efforts,andhereisatastertherework.Please enjoy 'Pancake Problem' by Liam, Ben and HarguninYear8V.
SPORTS SPORTS AllSchoolsRowing
On Friday 28 November, the MVAC Rowing Team travelled to the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith, to compete in both the NSW All Schools RowingChampionshipsandtheNSWSprintChampionships
Ourteamofdedicatedrowers AvaF,HaydenMc,JackC,EmmaB,WilliamK and Nathanael N represented MVAC with outstanding commitment and sportsmanship.
Saturday’s All Schools Regatta was unfortunately cut short due to severe weather, including wind gusts of up to 100km/h, leading to safety concerns. Before the event was cancelled, Ava F was able to compete in her race, securing a bronze medal in the Women’s U17 Single Scull. An incredible achievementinchallengingconditions!
Thankfully, Sunday’s NSW Sprint Championships went ahead, giving the students the chance to compete in fast-paced 500m sprint racing a fun changefromtheusual1000mand2000mdistances.
Our Stage 2 and 3 Netball and Soccer Teams hosted Joey's teams for a friendly competition. This event aimed to help them play in new locations andfaceotherschoolteams.
The students sang the College Song at full volume, and our teams ran through the guard of honour with so much pride on their faces! The atmosphere was high and students gave it their all both on and off the field.
We are very grateful to St Joseph's Primary School, Taree for travelling to MVAC for the day. It is always great to see staff and students from both schools come together. The friendly matches are often amongst friends thatplaysociallytogetherinweekendcomps.
More photos will be uploaded into eMpower later today for parents and carerstoview.
Welldonetoeveryoneinvolved.
AnglicanSchoolsCup
Senior School students travelled to Coffs Harbour to participate in the AnglicanSchoolsCup(ASC).
TheASC,alsocalledtheBishop'sCup,isaregionalsportingcompetitionfor NorthernNSWAnglicanschoolshostedbyBishopDruittCollege(BDC) The competition brings together students from Anglican Schools across NorthernNSWforadayofsports.
This year, MVAC competed in Touch Football, Netball, Golf, Chess and Football (6-a-side) Our 7/8 Boys touch football team were a standout on theday.Theywentthroughundefeatedandweredominantwinnersintheir grandfinal.
Inotherresults,our7/8&9/10GirlsNetballteamsbothfinished3rdintheir divisions, the 9/10 Football Boys finished 4th and the Chess team finished 3rd.
ItwasfantasticdayandMVACareproudtobeapartofit.Congratulations to all students and coaches who were involved. We look forward to attendingagainnextyear.
In the Junior Division, the Year 3 team was placed 14th and the Year 4 team was placed 17th outofthe30teams
Throughout the very long day, these students represented their College with good behaviour and great sportsmanship. A very special congratulations to James, Jimmi, Samuel and Ben who took on the role of leaders for their teams to ensure that their team players went to the correctgamelocation,andthesefourstudentsalsokeptthescorefortheirteam.
In one of the greatest achievements on the RugbyfieldfortheCollege,ourJuniorSchool Rugby7ssidetookonthemightoftheHunter Region at the Hunter PSSA Primary Rugby 7s Carnivallastweek.
The team were outstanding throughout the day, finishing their pool games undefeated and progressing through to the semi-finals. Afterahard-foughtbattle,theywentdown5 tries to 3 but proudly secured third place overall
Congratulations to all players for their courage, skill, and sportsmanship you’ve doneMVACproud!
ISHE
What an event! The Tamworth Interschool Horse Extravaganza takes place at AELEC every October. This year, a small team of MVACriderssetofftocompete
The team of riders proudly wore their MVAC saddlecloths and uniforms They competed in several disciplines, including CombinedTraining,Dressage,andShowjumping.
The MVAC team were true competitors all weekend and the team spirit and energy was excellent Transporting riders and horses to competitions is tough We appreciate the hard work and commitmentfromeveryoneinvolved.Greatjob,parents!
We are so incredibly proud of every rider with a special mention going to our Senior rider Ella Currie Ella achieved fantastic results, but also displayed true leadership skills as an excellent role model for the younger students providing guidance and knowledge all weekend
Finished 5th in her Combined Training CT3 65cm dressage element.
Just out of the placings for overall scores due to a tough round in theshowjumpingat65cmheight
AylaLuitingh&MylaniAurora
Came away with some great scores on the board and competed at new heights in the show jumping Out of the placings, but so muchexperiencegained
Our riders were outstanding over the weekend. They were great teammates,supportingeachotherandfriendsfromotherschools
This is a sport that teaches all of The MVAC Way disposition in spades. It doesn't always go to plan, but dedication and resilience goalongwayintheequestrianworld Welldoneteam
