PACIFIC STREAMS 2021 – ISSUE 2
04 THE BIRDS, THE BEES AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN...
06
12
STUDENT VOICE
4TH ANNIVERSARY AND NEW COFFEE CART
03 — FROM THE EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL
12 — HSC MUSIC NIGHT
03 — EDITOR’S NOTE
13 — LEARNING FOR LIFE BEYOND SCHOOL
08 — PARENTS ON SAFARI
14 — PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
09 — SPACE AGE LEARNING
15 — MUSIC BUILDING COMMUNITY
10 — UNDER 5s STORYTIME
16 — GROWING IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
11 — CERTIFICATE III SPORTS COACHING
18 — WINNING IN COMPETITION AND LIFE
PACIFIC STREAMS is a free publication produced by the Pacific Group of Schools. P 02 9651 0700 — E info@pacifichills.nsw.edu.au — A 9-15 Quarry Road, Dural NSW 2158 Australia 2
Editor’s Note
From the Executive
Principal
This edition, ‘Learning for Life’, is extremely exciting as we showcase the learning at each of our Pacific Group of Schools. I’m so inspired to see the creativity, passions and experiences of our students.
We each have a perspective on what it means to be a life-long learner. Our way of viewing learning has been influenced from our earliest years and experiences. Various teachers during our lifetime impact our view of learning and teaching. For me, my greatest teacher was my Nana. She taught me the love of learning. Although she never finished school, she met her greatest teacher in the Bible. The Bible is where we find the teachings of Christ, where we learn the truth.
As we know, learning is a lifelong process and the love of and for learning is evident in this edition. This edition also marks the beginning of a new section of Pacific Streams – Student Voice – where each edition will give some students the opportunity to publish their works. For the first Student Voice, Lilli Langton, Pacific Hills’ Vice-Captain, shares her thoughts on the Year 12’s recent mission trip to Pacific Brook and the experiences and insights gained during the trip.
Learning wisdom takes a lifetime. However, there are some truths we learn by faith. The one that comes to mind is grace. God’s grace is just as available to one person as it is to another person. For it was the grace of Christ that saved the human race from extinction when they sinned in the garden. God made a way for us to experience Him in all His fullness, and that way is through Jesus Christ. “I am the Way.” (John 14:6)
I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Pacific Streams and celebrate the efforts of our students. “You will show me the path that leads to life, your presence fills me with joy and pleasures evermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
DR E J BOYCE Executive Principal, Pacific Group of Schools
DR TINA LAMONT Lead Principal, Pacific Regional Schools Assistant Principal (Teaching, Learning & Strategic Planning), Pacific Hills Christian School Director, The Excellence Centre
3
FEATURE STORY
The Birds, The Bees and Everything In Between...
As parents we like to think we have some influence over the decisions and choices our children make. After many years of training and guiding our little ones through life’s moral maze, we hope that some of what we have said will pay off, and bear fruit in the actions and attitudes our children have. 4
Seeking to teach your children not just the biological aspects of sexual education, but the relational, moral and emotional implications, is such a precious gift to them. So many of our young people are unaware that the choices they are making today hold significant, often lifelong implications for their futures.
Whether it is a choice about subjects at school, which Netflix show to watch or whether to drink at a friend’s party, we hope that our children have listened to and retained at least some of what we have said. Indeed, as parents, our greatest responsibility rests with what we teach our children and what wisdom we seek to impart; about God, about life and about who they are. But the question must be asked, are we comfortable talking with our children about all spheres of their lives? Are we prepared to tackle the awkward and socially cringe-worthy topics of conversation? Are we willing to openly discuss the birds, the bees and everything in between?
Our children have questions. While they may not articulate these, they are looking for answers - through the world around them, peers or in some cases, experimentation. If we want to be a part of this chapter in our children’s lives, then we need to be the ones to take the initiative and be bold in broaching this subject with them, or at the very least, to let them know that we are available should they wish to confide in or ask questions of us. It is not necessarily the case that by having these conversations we will inevitably lead our children to follow our guidance or adopt our standards, however without this dialogue, we set our children adrift without any input, advice or family “norms” for them to claim as their own or default back to. If children have no concepts in their minds as to what their parents think is right sexually, or what boundaries they should set, many may fail to set any boundaries at all.
Specifically, are we willing to guide our children in terms of their sexual education and practice? Or is this immensely significant area of our children’s lives just too much of a potential minefield to even contemplate discussing? Too often I hear of Christian families where well intentioned, godly parents fail to have proper discussions with their children about sexuality and respectful relationships because it is just “too hard”.
No one ever said that being a parent would be easy! In fact, there are many aspects of parenthood that can be profoundly confronting and personally challenging in ways that we could never have imagined. Yet, as is often the case in life, it is sometimes through these difficult moments that we experience the greatest growth both in our relationships and as individuals. May God continue to give each of us the wisdom and grace we need to love and teach our children in ways which truly meet their needs and bring greater glory to Him.
Yet, while it can be daunting or even terrifying, these are discussions that we must have. It is so important for parents to be a voice of honesty, wisdom and insight for their children in a world that can be so hollow and confusing. Too many of our young people are crying out for wise counsel and guidance through the turbulence of adolescence and the myriad of changes that are happening emotionally, physically, mentally and sexually. And we as parents must step up to this challenge. As Christians, our conversations about this at home need to start early and run deep. It is not sufficient to tell our children that they should abstain from sexual relationships outside of marriage without teaching them why this is important and how to attain this goal. We need to recognise and pre-empt the challenges and questions they will face at all stages of their development, and be the first voices in before the internet, social media and YouTube seek to fill in the “curiosity gaps”.
LAUREN GRAHAM Director of Wellbeing Pacific Group of Schools
Ideally, parents should be thinking very early into their parenting journeys about when and what information they should give their children, and what culture of discussion they wish to build into their families about this topic. Obviously, information needs to be sensitively handled and age appropriate, however, it is much easier to create an environment of openness and honesty if you begin when your children are young.
Recommended Resources “Birds and Bees By the Book” (Ages 7-10) and “Growing Up By the Book” (Ages 10-14) Both Christian resources by Patricia Weerakoon
If, however, you have not been in the habit of guiding your children through the sexual aspects of their development, unless your children are now adults themselves, it is never too late to start. 5
Year 12 Mission Trip Reflection We were all a little confused when this mission trip was suggested to us. We were confused for a lot of reasons; why were we going, where were we going, did we have the time to spare? All these questions seem so silly now to the seventeen of us Year 12 students that went to Pacific Brook Christian School in Muswellbrook recently, along with two of the most amazing teachers any of us could have asked for, Miss Smith and Mr McConnell. This mission trip, which we were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to go on, will probably mark the last mission trip for many of us. As graduation looms nearer and nearer, each one of us is finding our schedules to be fuller and our classes more stressful and the ‘so... what are your plans for after school’ question being asked so much more frequently. It is easy to lose yourself and forget to do things just for the joy of it in this season, but that’s what made this trip even more meaningful. We were only gone for two days, we had a jam-packed time serving our School community, growing closer to each other and connecting with our God. Although it seems like a lifetime ago since we were 7 years old, we had so much fun running a mini-Olympics with the 80 K-7 students at our sister School. The children were all so welcoming and so excited to play games and run competitions with us. Although it was slightly chaotic at
times, it was a wonderful experience to bring such joy to so many little faces, just by putting coloured ribbons in our hair, zinc on our faces and teaching sub-par chants! Later that night we were thrilled to host the biggest event that Pacific Brook had seen! We set up the microphones and tuned our instruments as we prepped for a barbecue and worship night! Although not without its hiccups, we were in awe at the sense of community there and their willingness to learn new songs and listen to 17 teenagers who, in all honesty, had no idea what they were doing! As we continued to worship, long after the families had gone home, we all realised how blessed we are to be able to worship such a kind and loving God, who would bring us all together to praise Him in a small Year 2 classroom and feel His tangible presence in that moment. We carried the joy of this into the next day, where we woke much earlier than most of us would have liked and donned our finest painting clothes to paint murals and hopscotch and handball courts for all the kids to enjoy long after we were gone. Although we were all so worn-out from the hard work and the early morning, it was all the little moments (of creating cardboard slides down grassy hills and serving burgers to young families), as well as knowing we had helped create an even more fun school for kids whom we got to know over the two days, that really made the trip, and us, so, so grateful for the opportunities and blessings God has given to us. LILLI LANGTON School Vice-Captain, Pacific Hills
7
PACIFIC COAST
6. Family/School partnerships need committed, collaborative and Godly leadership
PARENTS ON SAFARI
7. Family/School partnerships improve student motivation and learning
VET Hospitality Students
We want to equip our School community to positively impact student outcomes. By building relationships and partnerships, we aim to encourage and inspire all of our parents to engage in their children’s education confidently and feel included, valued, and influential in school life. One key strategy that has helped us develop family/school partnerships and empower you, the parent, is the Parent Learning Safari.
At Pacific Coast Christian School (PCCS), we believe that you, the parents, play an essential role as the first educators of children. As we know, learning is not limited to the classroom. The ongoing, active engagement of parents, families, and communities, significantly impacts a child’s success at school. With this in mind, Pacific Coast Christian School’s Parent Engagement Learning Model aims to:
Early in Term 2 we held our first Safari, which was a huge success, and the overall feedback was very positive. Parents came and explored PCCS at a Twilight Safari, where they were led on an interactive expedition through different stations. Dinner and childcare were provided on the night, allowing more parents to attend the sessions.
Educate for eternity through building sustainable and effective partnerships with parents and families to improve student engagement, achievement, faith and wellbeing. The verse that underpins this model is 1 Corinthians 3:9 “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
The interactive expedition moved through the following stations: Canvas - Providing a window into the application: Canvas.
The seven core principles of our approach are:
Reading - Discussing strategies to engage students in reading.
1. As parents, you are the first educators of your children 2. Learning is lifelong and occurs inside and outside school
Home learning spaces - Exploring how to set students up for success at home.
3. School communities flourish when diversity and strengths of families are valued and leveraged 4. Parent engagement expands responsibility and resources
Service opportunities - Discovering the different service opportunities that we offer.
5. Family/School partnerships grow from mutual trust, respect and responsibility
21st Century Skills - Helping students transform their knowledge and skills to build a better world. 8
PACIFIC COAST
A feature of the night was the opportunity for our VET Certificate II Hospitality students to display their course skills, by catering and serving the families who attended the Safari. The students gained valuable experience in their serving and the families were well catered for and fed.
SPACE AGE LEARNING
On Wednesday, 19 May our Junior School students blasted off into space and participated in National Simultaneous Storytime with 1,980,280 other readers in 33,418 locations from New Zealand, Thailand, UK, Canada, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
Each Safari this year will have a slightly different focus, but all with the same aim: proactively encourage you, our School parents and families, to explore your role in your child’s learning journey and provide opportunities and resources that support your family/School partnership. As we look forward to our next Parent Safari in the coming months, please let us know of any specific areas you would like us to focus on.
This year was all about space and our solar system. The book “Give me some space” by Philip Bunting was read live by NASA Astronaut Shannon Walker from the NASA International Space Station!
Thank you, parents and families, for placing your child with us and allowing us to join you in their lifelong education journey. We are privileged to partner with you.
We love that our students are taking giant leaps in their language and literacy skills through events like these. What an astronomical experience!
JAMES VAN GELDEREN
ALISON ZYLSTRA
Assistant Principal
Librarian
9
PACIFIC VALLEY
UNDER 5s STORYTIME
On the 26th of April, Under 5s Storytime commenced at Pacific Valley Christian School. It is held every second Monday during school term, commencing at 8:30am for a BYO morning tea and a 9am start, concluding at 10am. What happens at Under 5s Storytime? The morning is structured as follows. Children enter the room to “playing stations” that are set up around the room designed to allow for individual engagement in developing fine motor skills and being creative. We then gather collectively for a time of singing, storytime and fun. Children have the opportunity to complete a craft activity based on the story. The room is filled with beautiful noise and laughter of engaged children, learning and exploring God’s creation. We end with some more individual “play time” and our group “goodbye” song. What do the Under 5s think of Storytime? It is a room full of laugher and fun designed to engage and stimulate little growing minds, with lots of smiling faces. What are the hopes for Under 5s Storytime? The purpose of Under 5s Storytime is to build connection with families in the Clarence Valley and spread the news of the amazing facility that Christ has blessed us with at Pacific Valley Christian School. Christian music is played in the background and each week we sing “Who’s the King of the Jungle” by Colin Buchanan. We have made connections within the existing family base of PVCS as well as families who have no previous connection with the school. Starting with 8 children, we have grown to over 17 children in the short six weeks we have been running Storytime. We also have been blessed with barista made coffee each Storytime, thanks to Valley Hope School, and it is well received by our busy parents who enjoy that special treat. What do the parents think of Storytime? How has it been received? See the following quotes from some of the Mums: Jess: “I wish Storytime could be on every week. There is so much variety for the kids. It brings the children and the parents together.” Rosie: “I just don’t want it to end.” Amy: “Storytime is a very welcoming environment and the kids have had so much fun.” Ash: “We get to catch up with friends and play with different toys and read new books and have a coffee.” OLIVIA SHARROCK
AMY BROWN
Middle School & Senior School Teacher
Parent Volunteer
10
PACIFIC VALLEY
CERTIFICATE III SPORTS COACHING
This year Pacific Valley Christian School is one of the first schools in the Pacific Group of Schools to launch Sports Coaching under VET through the AIS. Students in Year 11 and 12 are completing a Certificate III in a compressed model over one year. This course is an excellent opportunity for students who are looking to work or further their study in the sport and recreation industry. The Certificate III course develops students’ coaching, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, using different communication styles; practices managing and organising teams and event; and includes the development of leadership skills and working with other staff and team coaches. The Certificate III in Sports Coaching is both a practical and theoretical course with students completing several modules including: • First Aid • Working in a community coaching role • Workplace Health and Safety • Equipment management • Coaching participants up to intermediate level • Risk Assessments • Coaching skills & knowledge • Facilitate inclusion for people with a disability • Instruct strength and conditioning techniques. Students have had an excellent opportunity to work with the PDHPE classes to coach students in Years 5-10 across several sports including touch football, netball, soccer, cricket, and rugby league. They have also worked as community coaches and have taken several sporting teams to the CSSA gala days. During these gala days, students took on leadership roles to coach and mentor students in competitive sporting environments. Our Certificate III students have also been working with our Valley Hope School, taking students through several health, fitness, and sports activities, learning to work with diverse students with different needs. This course also exposes students to the fitness industry with students working and training in the gym where they have had the opportunity to learn how to manage and maintain gym equipment, instruct fitness activities, and use strength and conditioning techniques to design and instruct gym exercises. Overall, it has been wonderful to see our students learn and grow in these skills, and we look forward to how they will utilise them into their future working lives. CHARMAINE LUCOCK Teacher
11
PACIFIC VALLEY & VALLEY HOPE
HSC MUSIC NIGHT
Recently, members young and old of the Pacific Valley Christian School and Valley Hope School community came together to enjoy a program of music featuring the HSC Music 1 students. Such was the demand for space in the hall that more seats had to be put out, while others opted for dancing up the back. The students performed their Preliminary HSC performance assessment pieces. These songs ranged in style from 60’s Rock & Roll and Funk all the way to more recent hits from popular singers such as Sia. We look forward to their next performance night with great anticipation. MR ANTHONY BROWN HSC Music Teacher
VALLEY HOPE
4TH ANNIVERSARY AND NEW COFFEE CART Recently, on May 14, Valley Hope School celebrated four years of Christian Education. The 4th Anniversary celebration was held at a very enjoyable lunch time event which provided students with the opportunity to serve parents and staff from both Valley Hope and the wider Pacific Group of Schools. Dr Boyce, our Executive Principal, travelled from Sydney to attend as well as other Pacific Group staff. The ceremony was God-honouring and a joy to witness. The event showcased the new coffee cart, with students serving coffee and pizza cones. One class prepared pizza cones, while the other served hot drinks. Students were particularly excited to prepare food or drinks for their parents and show them the ‘Valley Van’ in action. As well as using the coffee cart at the Anniversary, the Senior School students have also used it to prepare hot drinks for the Under 5’s Storytime playgroup being run by Pacific Valley. They appreciated using devices to take the orders and facilitate interactions with genuine customers. Well done Valley Hope students for your enthusiastic use of the new coffee cart (Valley Van) and your servant hearts towards your parents and staff of the School. NATHAN MURRAY Director
12
NEW HOPE
LEARNING FOR LIFE BEYOND SCHOOL
As I reflect on the journey of New Hope School over the years, I am both thankful for the opportunity we have to challenge our students in their learning and the privilege we have to work with parents/carers to prepare our students for life beyond school. We acknowledge our students each have different interests and strengths. As such, we work closely with our students to explore these interests and link them to work opportunities. This year we have focused on engaging a range of disability service providers outside of the School community. By exploring different workplaces, our students have had the opportunity to develop new skills through practical experiences. Our students have developed their skills in working as a team, following instructions, completing tasks, and communicating effectively. We are thankful for the partnerships that have been formed this year, particularly with NOVA Employment and the Endeavour Foundation at Castle Hill. We look forward to expanding these programs to meet the needs of our students in the future. A few words from our students: “I like doing lots of different jobs, packing supplies and taping the boxes. I’ve enjoyed meeting the staff and talking with new people.” – Benjamin (BJ) “I’ve enjoyed my time at Endeavour, learning how to do different packing jobs. My favourite task was sorting and packing the salad dressings and learning how to quality control the final product.” – Cameron “I enjoyed visiting NOVA each week because it was all about getting a job and preparing for the future. We learnt about managing money, different industries and how to look for a job.” – Gemma “I enjoyed Endeavour the most. I learnt many new skills such as folding and taping the boxes, working as a team on the production line and packaging goods.” – TJ NATHAN FRANCIS Assistant Director
13
PACIFIC HILLS
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IN JUNIOR SCHOOL – LEARNING FOR LIFE
Future Problem Solving (FPS) is a research-based, academic program that teaches problem solving strategies, collaboration, critical and creative thinking, and effective communication. The Pacific Hills approach helps develop Biblically based leadership skills and provides a unique opportunity for students to learn and apply essential life skills in the 21st century.
data and develop Action Plans to see the current transition program tailored to suit the specific needs of the current students. It is hoped that this process will bring to light some of the hidden challenges faced by the Year 4 students as they transition, whilst also providing them with skills to positively navigate other changes that later occur in life.
In Junior School, the FPS program has been integrated into the Year 4 curriculum. Collaboratively, the students identify an issue that is real to them. By applying a range of taught strategies, the students design actual solutions to these problems through an action plan. In past years, the students identified the connection between the School environment and having a positive School culture to enhance learning. They researched to identify areas where things could be improved and made an action plan to see it through. The action plan involved the maintenance team, gardening club and all Junior School students. The improvements were made to the school gardens near the Junior School classrooms and every child in Junior School planted a flower in the gardens.
Head of Junior School
SCOTT COUSINS
This year an FPS Action Plan is being developed by the Year 4 students to enhance their transition from Junior School to Middle School. Moving to Middle School is seen as a big step and the Year 4 students have expressed concerns about this process. It makes good sense for this to be the project for FPS this year and the students are very engaged in the process. The Year 4 students conducted research by questioning a panel of Middle School staff and students to learn about the challenges which have occurred previously. Additional research was conducted to identify the main concerns held by the current Year 4 students. In Term 3 they will use this 14
PACIFIC HILLS
MUSIC BUILDING COMMUNITY IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
I can still remember the songs that my wife and I made up and sang to our children before they could even speak. Songs about brushing teeth and bath time, about Biblical truths and bedtime (usually snippets from Colin Buchanan songs!), along with other silly nonsense songs that I would be embarrassed to sing in public. The songs reinforced truths and behaviours that we felt were important, but they were also fun and helped to develop a close connection between us. In a similar way I have seen a number of our Middle School music programs helping to develop community and bring connection between our students.
students’ abilities to work as a team, encouraging greater communication skills and self-discipline. Thank you to Mr Yabsley-Bell and his team, as well as other passionate Pacific Hills staff, for their commitment to encouraging the building of community through creativity within Middle School. GAVIN NEALE Head of Middle School
The first is the Middle School choir, Vocal Vibes. The students have performed a number of times this term and I have been impressed with their growing confidence, energy and quality. The students are encouraged to see this expression of creativity and talent as a reflection of our creative God and an opportunity to use their gifts to glorify Him and build others up. The second is our Middle School Worship band. At the start of the year, I had the privilege of sitting down with one of the prefects in Senior School and hearing about their heart to encourage and mentor our younger students. Since then, the Middle School Worship Band has flourished, improving each week. This is a testimony to the wonderful role models of the Senior School students and their willingness to invest in the lives of these young people. The third is our OneMaker Music Camp. This was a great opportunity for our Middle School students to spend an intensive period of time improving their skills and building connections across grades and even between schools. The culminating concert on the Tuesday evening was a wonderful affirmation of all the hard work from the students and staff involved. An event like this helps to develop our 15
PACIFIC HILLS
GROWING IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN SENIOR SCHOOL
Christian community is a blessing. And it is good for us! It is during these times where we find unity, connection, belonging and growth. The Bible calls us to live in fellowship and community and reminds us of the benefits of these moments.
A CALL TO WORSHIP
Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. – AW Tozer
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
We have an old piano at our house, it weighs about a million tons and is cracked all down its side, but in this way, it possesses a kind of ethereal beauty. My dad learned to play on it as a kid, I have tinkered on it, and my brother Tom taught himself to play the “Up” theme song on it. But the truth is, it quickly goes out of tune and needs someone to come in and re-tune it regularly.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:5) Here in Senior School, we have a great community of young people who love to serve each other, and like all teens, love to meet together! Each term our Prefect Body is responsible for putting on a Worship Night for our community. This team organises the whole evening, connecting with speakers, band members, organising food, student games and testimonies. While the structure of the evening varies, the focus is on worship, Bible teaching and fellowship. It is incredible to watch 100 teenagers come together and unite, singing praises of worship to our great God. At our recent Term 2 Worship Night, our School Vice-Captain Lilli Langton introduced the evening with the following words:
Now I don’t quite know what makes it go out of tune, whether it is us moving it from place to place, its age or just generally losing its balance over the course of time, but if I’m honest my heart is a little like my piano. It quickly goes out of tune with God’s way. Like the hymn writer of old wrote in Come Thou Fount, my heart is “prone to wander” and in its fickleness needs constant re-tuning. And I’m inclined to believe worship is our tuning fork Psalm 117: 1 & 2 says, “Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.”
16
This Psalm is the shortest Psalm in the Bible. In fact, it fits on just two lines as I read it, and yet it is key to who we are as a community of God-fearing Christians and what we do. It is seen by scholars and pastors alike as a “call to worship”, much like a call to arms, we are directly instructed to worship; to praise Him with our whole lives. Worship is the one thing that we can do for God, as worship itself requires someone lower to put themselves in a position of adoration and affection to something of greater value. He knows that worship for us as humans is grounding, formational and shapes us. It makes us more human, more like He intended for us to be, and it tunes us and puts us in step with His Spirit. So, I ask you to dwell on this as we worship our Lord God, the creator of our bodies and our souls, the inventor of music and life itself, and the Saviour of a planet so broken that we think we don’t need saving. Remind yourself that God is already here. He issues an invitation to worship and your job as a worshipper is to respond with joy to that incredible, mind blowing and astounding fact. So, despite the discomfort or counter-cultural idea of full and total surrender, come, let us worship our God together. LILLI LANGTON School Vice-Captain
JO LAPOINTE Assistant Head of Senior School
17
PACIFIC HILLS
CSSA GYMNASTICS 2021 – WINNING IN COMPETITION AND LIFE!
On Thursday 3rd June, 2021 seven PHCS students represented the school in the annual Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG/WAG) CSSA competition, held at the Sydney Gymnastics & Aquatic Centre, Rooty Hill. CSSA stands for Christian Schools Sports Association.
In the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics competition:
From Pacific Hills Christian School, our MAG representatives were Jobey Mok (6E), Ethan Thorrold (6M) and Isaac So (8A), and our WAG representatives were Ellie Boyce (4M), Adrienne Thorrold (4F), Amy Lee (6M) and Janine Lee (8W).
Janine Lee was entered in the senior category with Amy Lee, Adrienne Thorrold and Ellie Boyce competing in the junior category. All four girls performed very well in their respective divisions. Janine placed 1st on Floor, Ellie came 4th on Vault, Amy placed 1st on Bar and Adrienne 1st on Beam. Adrienne and Amy placed 2nd and 3rd overall in their respective divisions.
The Pacific Hills Women’s Artistic Gymnastics girls reaped their first fruits of this year’s competition season and no one returned home empty handed!
In the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics competition: A great day was had by all and competition was stiff! Ethan achieved two 1st, two 2nd, and two 3rd placings on his 6 apparatus, and ended up winning his Level 4 Open MAG. Jobey took out the first overall prize for Level 6 Age MAG with a score of 49.5 out of a possible 60 – a very impressive performance, even including 3 uncharacteristic tumbles off 2 apparatus! Isaac competed in a tough Level 7 Open competition and achieved 3rd overall in his bracket.
There was a great spirit amongst all our girls throughout the day and they also enjoyed the support of Mr Mok and some of the Pacific Hills boys who entered in the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics running alongside them. Well done to each of these dedicated athletes! We are looking forward to seeing them reap more fruits in the next competitions.
The boys represented the school with pride and distinction and should be commended on an outstanding effort! Bring on 2022!
MRS JANA THORROLD Accredited WAG coach
MR JASON MOK Year 6 Teacher
18
• It reminds me to drink lots of water
Competition gains – not just in gymnastics:
• It helps me concentrate and switch on to improve
From such outstanding efforts in both the girls’ and boys’ competitions, it would be easy to just focus on congratulating them all on such excellent results. But it is also important to congratulate them on their ‘behind the scenes’ efforts, the training, skills acquisitions and perseverance (life skills) that all our sports students experience in their preparation for events such as these.
• With violin practices, sometimes it is easy to learn after gym because I’m switched on and ready to be effective in my practice • It helps me sleep at night because gymnastics tires me out.
From Janine:
Much hard work and commitment goes into competitions such as these and many hours of training and preparation, both physically and mentally are involved. Following this recent competition, two of our gymnasts were interviewed about the ‘bigger picture’ of gymnastics and how being involved in this sport has helped them in other parts of life. Jobey Mok and Janine Lee were asked how gymnastics has helped them in ways other than just gymnastic skills, in other learning experiences. Here is what they said:
• Gymnastics has given me discipline in a way that has helped me to be focused in my studies and strive for excellence in all that I do • Gymnastics is all about perfecting every skill and routine, which motivates me to aim high in my learning and school life • I am so grateful to have learnt all of these qualities through gymnastics!
From Jobey:
With reflections such as these, our sports students are destined to reap many excellent wins, both in their chosen sport and in life. Resilience, perseverance, and a desire to do your best in all things are positive life lessons that we all want.
• Gymnastics helps me to have more resilience and to keep persisting and persevering at tasks that are challenging • At school, it helps me be more focused, and at times gives me an incentive to pull through the day because I am looking forward to the next 3.5 hours after school at gym
We pray God’s blessing on our students as they practise and learn how to compete but also as they learn how to use these experiences in the ‘bigger picture’ - for life.
• At home, I can do flips on my trampoline and on the grass. I keep an eye on living healthily, with what I eat and the workouts
KATHRYN LATTOUF
• It helps me keep fit to do other sports like basketball
The Excellence Centre
19
You will show me the path that leads to your presence fills me with joy and pleasures evermore. psalm 16:11
life,
PACIFIC HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL — PACIFIC COAST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PACIFIC VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL — PACIFIC BROOK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL NEW HOPE SCHOOL — PACIFIC HOPE SCHOOL — VALLEY HOPE SCHOOL