Read articles from Mr McMulllen, Mr Hudson and Mrs Coote that highlight the ways our diverse community comes together in unity.
See photos of our recent ‘A Little Night Music’, where students from across the school took to the stage, sharing their gifts with confidence and joy.
Discover how a much-loved annual event celebrates student strengths, and the joy of learning together.
E x p ec t G r ea t T h i n g s
FROM THE PRINCIPAL Page 3-4 FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPALS Pages 5-6
PREP SCHOOL Page 7 CELEBRATING DIVERSITY Page 8 OUR CAREY COMMUNITY Page 9 PARTNERING WITH TEARFUND Page 10 RECONCILIATION WEEK Page 11 LEMON TREE CAFE Page 12 A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Page 14
COMING UP AT CAREY Page 23
MORE THAN GOOD MARKS: WHAT DEFINES OUR SUCCESS
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Expect Great Things
MR KEITH MCMULLEN Principal
How do we define success in a Christian school?
This was the question posed by Associate Professor Christopher Watkin (the philosopher, not the actor) in his Isaac Armitage Lecture, which I attended last week. While the media often focuses on standardised test results or HSC league tables, this is a narrow and insufficient measure of success
Watkin’s response pointed instead to how we live together in a shared space, bringing our diverse stories and backgrounds into one community
To illustrate his point, he reflected on the people who formed the first church in ancient Philippi. In the Bible, Acts 16 tells of the apostle Paul’s time in this bustling Roman trading city and the first members of the church: These people included Lydia, a successful businesswoman; a slave girl who told fortunes; and a rough Roman gaoler and his family
It’s hard to imagine these three very different individuals as members of the same close community Yet, through their shared faith in Jesus, they became unified Despite their differences in social standing and background, they became brothers and sisters in Christ
At the lecture, the room full of leaders in Christian education, were challenged to ask ‘if you scratched under the surface, would the DNA of Acts 16 be present in your school?’
This edition of our newsletter answers that question with a strong ‘yes’, as we celebrate our students who embody unity and diversity within our community. This is a modern parallel of the community in ancient Philippi.
This Newsletter features a cover photo from our Multicultural Day Celebration earlier in the year It illustrates the greater than 60% of our students come from families whose language background is other than English. Our school is home to over 40 national heritages and multiple faith backgrounds
Multicultural Day was a fantastic way to celebrate the cultural diversity of our community and the way our students and parents contribute to the enrichment and strengthening of our relationships
Recently, staff and students participated in Reconciliation Week with the theme of ‘Bridging Now to Next’ National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. We were privileged to welcome Brooke Prentis, an Aboriginal Christian Leader and Aboriginal Education Consultant, who spent time with our school community. She encouraged us to listen, learn and understand reconciliation as accepting hands of friendship.
As a visible expression of this message, our students created a symbolic bridge through the school, starting with Prep students and stretching through to our Seniors. Together, they formed an archway representing unity, connection, and the journey toward reconciliation.
Over the past week, I have also had the pleasure to take part in a series of scholarship interviews with students excelling in academics, music, sport, and community service. I was also a guest of the Lemon Tree Café, hosted by students in our High School Learning Support class This event is always a highlight of my year. The café runs across several weeks, giving students the opportunity to prepare and serve a room full of guests, including parents and staff, with a delicious morning tea and lunch.
Both of these experiences reflect the richness of our educational programs At Carey, we meet students where they are and support them to take on their next challenge Regardless of ability, every student is welcomed, known, supported, and loved These are core to being part of a community shaped by faith.
I hope you enjoy this Newsletter, which celebrates our school’s rich diversity. At our school, every student brings their own story, which weave together into the greater narrative of the William Carey Christian School Community
When it comes to diversity, this cannot be the end of the matter. We live in a time when the world is increasingly polarised, and people find their identity, (‘who they are’) on the basis of ‘who they hate’. Our school community needs to take up the challenge to move beyond just existing together.
There are times when our differences make it hard to be in community together But we are called to pursue peace, not just any peace, but what the Bible calls shalom Shalom is abiding together in committed, interdependent, inclusive, servanthearted relationships, always seeking the best for one another.
Shalom is the very promise that Jesus leaves his disciples with the end of the gospel narrative:
“Peace [shalom] I leave with you, my peace [shalom] I give you.” (John 14:27)
Striving for shalom is the social evidence, indeed the ‘DNA of success’, for our school. It is a collective peace that recognises that while we may not have reached our destination, relationally or otherwise, we are choosing to journey together, weaving our many stories on a shared path toward flourishing
FROM THE PRIMARY DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
A Different Kind of King
Today and throughout history, royalty has often been associated with grandeur, fame, and a life set apart Modern-day royalty usually interact with dignitaries, celebrities, and other influential figures Their lives can seem distant and carefully curated, moving in circles of privilege and prestige. But Jesus, the promised King, turned this image of leadership upside down.
When we look at the life of Jesus, we see a radically different kind of king. He did not distance Himself from the crowds or favour the elite Instead, He moved toward the poor, the sick, the outcast, and the sinner He ate with tax collectors, touched lepers, welcomed children, and gave dignity to those whom society had rejected Jesus, the King of Kings, chose to walk closely with everyday people, especially those who were hurting or overlooked.
This was not by accident. Jesus came to show us the heart of God: a heart that values every person, not by status, power, or popularity, but simply because they are created in His image. Genesis 1:27 reminds us that each of us is made by God, uniquely designed, and yet all reflecting His likeness, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them "
Our school community reflects this truth beautifully We are a community made up of diverse tapestry of different backgrounds, cultures, languages, and life experiences Yet, we are united by God's love
These differences are not something to be hidden or overcome but are to be celebrated as part of God's rich and creative design, contributing to the unique beauty of our school. Jesus gave us a clear and powerful command that directly impacts how we live together:
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these. (Mark 12:30–31)
This calling to love is not a distant or abstract concept, but a living, breathing reality that is demonstrated in how we speak, include, listen, and care for one another
So, as we go about our day-to-day life, let us remember the kind of King that Christ models He is not distant or unreachable He is present, compassionate, and deeply interested in each of us. And He invites us, each and every one, to reflect and follow His love when interacting with those around us. We are not just recipients of His love, but can be active participants in spreading it.
In this way, we honour God and continue to build our diverse community where we love and care for each other, just as Jesus did for us.
WCCS Graduate Emily started her musical theatre journey in Year 7, starring as JoJo in the 2015 production of Seussical In Year 9, she played Von Hussler in Mary Poppins (2017), and later took the lead as Gabriella in High School Musical (2019) Throughout her time at school, she showcased her talents in many CAPA events and achieved a Band 6 in HSC Music
After graduating, Emily made her professional debut as Frankie in the Jukebox musical Jagged Little Pill, performing at the Theatre Royal in Sydney and later touring nationally. More recently, she starred as one of the Ikettes in TinaThe Tina Turner Musical, returning from a national tour.
Emily continues to use her God-given gifts in musical theatre to inspire and bring joy through performance
Joshua: From School to Supported Employment Students in the High School Learning Support Class are valued members of our school with passions and dreams for the future. Joshua, who graduated Year 12 last year with a Life Skills Higher School Certificate, was one such student. Joshua had a broad range of interests, including geography, different countries, and animals
He was a great listener and always eager to learn and help others, especially during Lemon Tree Café events where he enjoyed serving food to parents and staff
He explored supported work environments and chose Scope, where he enjoyed assembling MCoBeauty product displays for stores. Today, Joshua works with Avenue exploring his love of animals and walks dogs on Fridays.
At WCCS, we celebrate God’s design for diversity Each student is well-known, well-loved, and encouraged to explore and grow their unique gifts in a safe and supportive environment
May we continue to be a school community that reflects the unity, love, and beauty of Christ to the world.
Anthony Hudson Deputy Principal - High School
PREP Expect Great Things
NURTURING EMPATHY AND PERSPECTIVE IN PREP
One of the learning areas in the Prep School Curriculum is Ambassadors. This reflects the philosophy that children are unique individuals who are fearfully and wonderfully created by God (Psalm 139) At Prep, we celebrate and nurture the unique potential of every child, embracing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that each child and family bring to our community
A key part of developing the skills to become ambassadors both for themselves, for others and for the world they belong to, is developing empathy and seeing things from another person’s perspective Throughout the year, our Prep program incorporates intentional teaching, play-based learning, and educator-guided experiences that support the development of these foundational skills.
Some of these opportunities include the Second Step social and emotional learning program, the Prep to Prestons Lodge community service project, Multicultural Day, National Reconciliation Day, and daily Bible reading and prayer. These allow the children to start to see things from another person or community’s perspective and build a child’s capacity for empathy.
As we embrace and celebrate the diversity of our children and families within the Prep School, our students are being equipped to become confident, resilient, empathetic, and active ambassadors, both now and for the future.
Michelle Larrea Director of Early Education & Care
Celebrating
This edition highlights the rich diversity at William Carey Christian School We’re taking time to recognise and celebrate the many backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that make up our community.
Whether through shared stories, cultural celebrations, inclusive learning, or everyday acts of empathy, diversity at Carey is not just something we recognise - it's something we joyfully live out together as a community of many different people
High School Education
We celebrate the diversity of our students by supporting their educational and emotional growth during this important stage of life Through a wide range of subjects and experiences, students learn to think critically, explore their God-given gifts, and challenge themselves to achieve academic excellence This helps them grow in confidence, resilience, and purpose and prepare for life beyond school
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Diversity
Multicultural Day
Each year, we celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our school community through Multicultural Day. Students come dressed in clothing that reflects their cultural heritage, and the day provides a joyful opportunity to honour the many backgrounds, traditions, and stories that make up our school community.
Reconcilliation Week
As part of National Reconciliation Week, our school participated in a visual symbol of unity, a bridge stretching from Prep through to Seniors reflecting the theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’, inviting us to consider how we can each contribute to reconciliation in Australia.
Subject Selection
Subject Selection period is coming up soon Senior students are encouraged to choose subjects that reflect their individual strengths, interests, and future goals. With a wide range of academic and vocational options available, we assist students to pursue what they enjoy, what they are capable in, and what aligns with their aspirations. It’s one of the many ways we celebrate the uniqueness of each learner and support them to grow into who God has created them to be
Lemon Tree Cafe
Hosted by students in our High School Learning Support class, the Lemon Tree Cafe runs over several weeks. Students prepare and serve a delicious morning tea and lunch to their parents and staff
The opportunity provides these students with the opportunity to grow in confidence, hospitality skills, and connection while building real-life work skills.
The Learning Centre
Primary Education
We recognise that every child is uniquely created by God We celebrate this diversity by providing a flexible and supportive environment where students are encouraged to grow, explore, and succeed through problem-solving, collaboration, and curiosity.
The Learning Centre is an extraordinary place where Primary students receive academic, social, and emotional support. More than just a space for learning, it’s a nurturing environment where students experience Tender Loving Care (TLC) and where their diverse strengths, needs, and learning styles are recognised, supported, and celebrated
Pictured above are students on Yr 10 CAPA Camp.
Celebrating Every Story
MAPS OF OUR CAREY COMMUNITY
At William Carey Christian School, our community is beautifully diverse and far-reaching We are blessed to welcome families from more than 95 suburbs across Sydney and beyond - from nearby areas like Prestons, Casula, and Glenfield to areas as wide-ranging as The Oaks, Wilton and Parramatta.
This rich mix of neighbourhoods reflects the breadth of our school family, each bringing unique perspectives, stories and strengths. Whether from bustling city centres or quieter rural outskirts, every family helps shape the inclusive and vibrant culture we value deeply at Carey
Our network of public and private bus routes service areas such as Liverpool, Casula, Prestons, Leppington, Denham Court, Oran Park, West Hoxton and beyond. This means students from diverse neighbourhoods can travel safely and comfortably each day
Our Multicultural Community
Approximately half of our students are EALD (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) learners, representing around 40 language groups and all six populated continents including Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and South America.
PARTNERING WITH TEARFUND: WCCS COMMUNITY IN ACTION
Our school is proud to continue our commitment to Tearfund, supporting a new project that aims to provide literacy and numeracy resources for communities in Ethiopia This important initiative will help young children access early education and empower families with the tools they need to improve their futures
On Thursday 3rd July, our whole school community will come together for a special day of fundraising, with two exciting events happening on the same day:
Theseeventsareapowerfulwayfor ourcommunitytorespondtoglobal needswithgenerosity,whilealso buildingconnection,empathyanda strongsenseofpurposewithinour school
Tearfund is a Christian aid and development organisation that works with local partners to help communities overcome poverty and injustice They support projects in over 20 countries, focusing on clean water, education, health and more Supporting Tearfund helps our school live out Christian values and make a real difference in vulnerable communities.
RECONCILLIATION WEEK
National Reconciliation Week invites all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. It’s a time to listen, reflect and ask how we can each play a part in building relationships and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community. In schools, this includes creating spaces where truth is told, voices are heard, and students are encouraged to grow in understanding, empathy and action
at Carey
As part of National Reconciliation Week, the William Carey school community came together to create a powerful visual symbol of unity We created a human bridge stretching from Prep through to our Senior students This moving display reflected the 2025 theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’, encouraging us all to cons we can contribute to reco in meaningful and lasting
We were honoured to welcome Brooke Prentis, an Aboriginal Christian Leader and Aboriginal Education Consultant, who shared a message of hope, friendship and truth-telling She encouraged our community to see reconciliation as an invitation to reach out, accept hands of friendship, and walk forward together
LEMON TREE CAFE
Over the past few weeks, our High School Learning Support students hosted the Lemon Tree Café, a much-loved annual event that celebrates the rich diversity within our school
This project-based learning program helps students in Learning Support develop important skills such as numeracy through the counting of money, food technology and preparation, hospitality, communication, and customer service, all within the context of running a café
From morning tea served in fine china to a delicious homemade lunch and dessert, the experience is always a highlight for those who participate But what makes the Lemon Tree Café so special is the joy of seeing students shine. Families, staff, and students come together in a space that values inclusion, celebrates strengths and reminds us that everyone has something to offer
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
A Celebration of Student Talent
A Little Night Music was a beautiful evening that showcased the wideranging musical abilities of our students. From moving vocal performances to energetic ensembles and original compositions, students from across the school took to the stage, sharing their gifts with confidence and joy. It was a wonderful celebration of student talent and a reminder of how music fosters community, connection and creative expression Thank you to everyone who supported and participated in this special event.
YEAR 10 TEXTILES Expect Great Things
EXPLORING CREATIVITY THROUGH EMBROIDERY
Our Year 10 Textiles class recently completed their beautiful wall hangings unique pieces inspired by things they treasure. Drawing on personal interests like movies, books, Bible verses, music and more, students worked
diligently on their textile art pieces to bring their ideas to life Each work is a creative reflection of what inspires them. Well done, Year 10!
YEAR 9 TEXTILES
Our Year 9 Textiles Technology students have wrapped up their first project of the year, a custom-made hoodie! Featuring a cosy pocket, ribbed cuffs and hem, and a warm hood, each one was carefully crafted from knit fabric. Just in time to keep them warm this winter!
This is just one of the many hands-on and creative projects students enjoy in our TAS subjects
DONATE TO BUILDING FUND
Dear William Carey Community,
Each year, as the end of the financial year approaches, we ask our families and community members to consider giving a tax-deductible donation to the School’s Building Fund Thanks to the generosity of our community in the past, money raised has been used across the School Most recently Building Fund donations contributed to the improvement of student facilities including the construction of bus bay toilet facilities and upgrade to those in the Primary These upgrades have helped enhance student access, comfort and safety Generous past donations to our Building Fund have also freed up other funds for further projects throughout the School.
This year, Building Fund donations will provide capacity for the school to invest in projects being prepared for readiness in 2026-2027, including:
Roofing for the outdoor sports area and ‘car-lines’ and upgrade to tiered seating,
Additional classrooms in the High School, Carpark upgrade,
Improved school community space at the front of the school, with additional seating and shade
Please prayerfully consider making a contribution to our Building Fund before 30 June.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Keith McMullen Principal
KIDS’ LIT QUIZ
Earlier this term, a group of Year 6 and Year 7 students participated in Kids’ Lit Quiz, a competition where teams were challenged with over 100 questions relating to literature. Questions spanned a wide variety of topics such as colours, dogs, orphans, music and more. Both teams demonstrated strong teamwork and showed great collaboration and a love for reading. It was a tough competition with 24 other teams competing Our teams finished 11 and 13 which is an outstanding result Well done to all! th
YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION
Last week, our Year 12 Geography students embarked on an exciting fieldwork trip to Sydney The excursion began with an exploration of Barangaroo and Darling Harbour, where students investigated how this once-industrial area has been transformed into a vibrant, modern precinct that blends culture, business, and sustainable urban design
After soaking in the sights and lights of Vivid Sydney during an overnight stay, the group travelled to Chowder Bay in Mosman There, they snorkelled through the fascinating kelp forest ecosystem, gaining first-hand insight into marine biodiversity. Students also conducted water testing and field observations to assess how the ecosystem is being affected by human activity, and discussed ways to sustainably manage these impacts
It was a hands-on, memorable experience that brought classroom learning to life and deepened students’ understanding of the dynamic interactions between people and environments
BUSINESS STUDIES EXCURSION
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On Thursday, 5 June, our Year 12 Business Studies students had the unique opportunity to visit the Garlos Pies manufacturing facility in Sydney This exciting excursion provided students with valuable insights into real-world applications of business operations, as well as a closer look at one of Australia's most iconic pie brands Students were given a tour of the factory During the tour, students were taken through the entire production process, from the sourcing of ingredients to the automated assembly lines and rigorous quality control procedures Overall, the excursion was an engaging and educational experience that brought textbook concepts to life.
A big thank you to Garlos Pies for hosting us and inspiring the next generation of business leaders.
BRONZE DUKE OF ED
Duke of Ed Bronze Hike
Recently, our Bronze Duke of Ed group set off on an overnight hike through the beautiful Glenbrook National Park It was a great opportunity for students to challenge themselves, build new skills and enjoy the outdoors together. Well done to all involved!
YEAR 8 VISUAL ARTS
Our Year 8 Visual Arts students recently completed vibrant self-portrait skate deck artworks, showcasing their creativity and individuality. Using bold colours and personal symbolism, each board tells a unique story,
reflecting the diverse personalities and artistic styles within the class. They are currently on display in the Library
Well done to our Year 8 Visual Arts students!
CAREER PATHWAYS
On Friday 23 May, a former student returned to school to speak with our Year 12 students about what he has been doing since finishing in 2024. rd Alex P is currently studying at ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy) as he prepares to take on an Officer role with the Australian Defence Force
He shared the pathway he took to get to where he is now, as well as encouraging our students to persevere with their studies as they consider their plans for 2026 and beyond Thank you Alex for sharing your inspiring story with Class of 2025.
YEAR
Year 3 students brought the story of Zacchaeus to life through a creative and joyful Bible skit, sharing its message of grace and transformation with the school community at a recent Primary Assembly
YEAR 11 MARKET DAY
Our Year 11 Business Studies students brought creativity and energy to the Primary Quad for their annual Market Day Primary students used tokens to enjoy a range of fun, student-led stalls packed with games, challenges, crafts, and prizes There were plenty of stalls to explore! There were stalls such as: ‘Sharp Shooters Arena’ with air hockey and target games, ‘Toilet Toss’ a twist on the traditional bag toss game and ‘Dip, Dazzle, Den’ offering mini makeovers The Photo Booth captured smiles, while Crafty Corner provided face painting and papercrafts. There were also sports-based stalls like ‘Ultimate Shooting Frenzy’, ‘Blitz Battles’, and ‘Beyblast League’ which encouraged friendly competition Other stalls like ‘Mission Cup-possible’, ‘Lucki Ducki’, and ‘Quack ‘n’ Catch’ added excitement Sensory fun came from ’Slime Time’, with other games like ‘Rolling Riches’ and ‘Boo Bags’ keeping students engaged.
Well done to our Year 11 students for hosting such a vibrant and enjoyable day for Primary!
Expect Great Things
1:30pm–2:30pm
Bring a picnic and come onsite to enjoy afternoon tea with your child.
RSVP: events.humanitix.com/picnic-andpages-wccs
Want to catch up on past stories or revisit something you read? You can view current and past editions of our school newsletter anytime on our website. It’s a great way to stay connected with what’s happening across our school community
Go to the Newsletter page on our website, under the Community tab.
