E x p ec t G r ea t T h i n g s FROM THE PRINCIPAL Page 3
THE DEPUTY PRINCIPALS Page 6
OUR NEW STAFF Page 8 HSC HIGH ACHIEVERS Page 10 CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING HSC RESULTS Page 10 AROUND THE GROUNDS Page 13 GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH Page 15 STAYING SAFE ONLINE Page 16 PREP SCHOOL UPDATE Page 21 CAREERS DEPARMENT UPDATE Page 23 COMING UP AT CAREY Page 25
At Carey there is always a diverse richness of activity, particularly for our students, which is an indicator of our school’s role as a learning community
MR KEITH MCMULLEN Principal
I would like to welcome you all to the new school year and our new look newsletter I am regularly looking at the school calendar and never cease to be struck by how schools are such busy places Schools are centres of community.
Currently, our school leaders are reading the book ‘Flourishing Together’ by Swaner and Wolfe. While it may be hard to define specifically, I suspect we all know flourishing when we see it The authors paint a picture of “students who are exuberant in their learning and are growing socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually; in educators who love their students and their craft, and who are ever improving as
professionals and serving well together with colleagues; and in schools whose shared energy, creativity authenticity and hope overflows and blesses their community . . . flourishing is something that we intuitively know ought to be the goal of education for students, the purpose of our lives as professionals, and something we desire ultimately for our schools ”
Sadly, the reality schools often experience is far from this description. Many factors inhibit flourishing such as financial pressures, limited resources,
overworked teachers, struggles in the lives outside school or bigger societal pressures However, in reading ‘Flourishing Together’ our school leadership is taking time to focus on what fosters flourishing In doing this we are working to find fresh vision and energy to reimagine our school as we desire it to be.
Swaner and Wolfe’s research found five key domains evident in flourishing schools
1.
Purpose – a clear understanding of why we are together at school This sets the path to flourishing, uniting school members around clear goals.
2
Relationships – who are the members of our community and how to we relate to one another, where respect and are strong sense of belonging is in place.
4.
3 Resources and expertise – practicing good care of resources and building on expertise allows us to be effective and generous
5.
Learning - while an obvious central element of schools, how we learn makes the difference because when we learn together, we grow together
Wellbeing – the physical, emotional and spiritual health of students, characterised by healthy habits and developing resilience is critical to whether, and how, students flourish
Our purpose is shaped by our vision and mission for our school and community The school’s vision is ‘to see our students saved by Christ. To see our staff and students live for Christ To see our students learn, grow and flourish’ and each day we see our mission as ‘transforming lives by the proclamation of the gospel and the delivery of an excellent, Christian education accessible to the whole community’
We desire our students to be well prepared for life in terms of developing skills and building understanding along with growing character However, we also hope that our students will understand that the Bible is not, or not merely, a book about how to have a better life or how to handle life’s problems We want them to see it as an explanation of the universe and how God is in the process of restoring it to its original good and true state through Jesus Christ. Our purpose is aligned with the apostle Paul’s words in his letter to the church in Ephesus reminding them,
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:10
We all remember the teachers we loved and the way they related to us How we relate to one another and the building of a strong sense of belonging is essential for school flourishing While there may be times when we need to resolve challenges of being part of a community, how we navigate these differences together will be a good indicator of our sense of community, respect for and trust in one another Further, I have been immensely encouraged by the recent feedback I have received from both past and present parents as they reflect on the way that our staff have either worked with their children or supported their family through difficulties, or both Not only does this feedback provide great encouragement, but it also confirms the positive impact our work has in the lives of others
Our students are demonstrating outstanding results and strong growth in their learning. However, we recognise the need for ongoing development in this area and so have expanded our Teaching & Learning team (led by Mr Allard), to include a literacy specialist (Mrs N Hennesy) and a STEM and Gifted and Talented specialist (Mrs Downey) to continue to support our teaching staff and build a strong, safe and settled learning environment.
Rolling upgrades within our school provide refreshment and improvement for our students. The holiday break saw a total refurbishment of the Primary student toilet facilities and the replacement of thousands of pieces of furniture to provide for our growing student population While schools across NSW continue to struggle with staffing, I am most thankful for the provision of our teaching staff with subject specific teachers working in their area of expertise throughout the school
A further staff change is with Mrs Vanmidde moving from Primary to take on the role of Wellbeing Program Coordinator. She will be providing focused leadership on programs across the school including coordination of service-learning events, TearFund fundraising, and Reconciliation Week celebrations to name just a selection In conjunction with our pastoral care programs and counselling teams, our school’s long history of strength in this space will continue and build in serving our students.
Swaner and Wolfe’s five domains focus our attention on what is important for us to flourish together as a school They will guide our decision making and work throughout this school year and as the Board develops a strategic plan for the coming years, I look forward to receiving your input via a school community survey in Term 2 and consider what it means for the William Carey Christian School community to flourish together.
Mr Keith McMullen Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we start the year, we welcome everyone, particularly our new students and new staff Thank you to both students and staff in fostering a calm and settled start to each day This routine has not only created a positive and respectful atmosphere but also significantly enhances the students’ learning experience, setting the tone for a productive learning environment
Each morning, students are quietly sitting in their classrooms, attentively focusing on the person presenting messages and joining together in prayer for the day ahead. When asked, they stand and transition smoothly to their classes, displaying both discipline and respect. This expectation of calmness and attentiveness continues as they enter their classrooms, showing regard for their teachers and peers.
During our recent Parent Information Evening (P.I.E.), one family expressed their amazement at their children’s behaviour, noting how intently they listened and focused in the morning. Moments like these reflect our students' dedication to embracing these values and our staff's commitment to guiding them.
We appreciate your crucial role in reinforcing these habits at home and ensuring our students carry this respectful approach beyond the classroom Your continued support is invaluable in shaping a learning environment where every child feels prepared, valued and ready to succeed
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love ” - Ephesians 4:2
Mrs Coote Deputy Principal Primary School
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are thrilled to welcome returning and new families as we begin an exciting new year We have many new faces joining our staff, and we're looking forward to the fresh perspectives and energy they'll bring Together, we will create a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child can flourish and develop their talents and gifts
This year, we introduced a new format for families to meet their child’s teacher The ‘Parent Information Evening’ in Week 3 offered an informal setting for parents to learn about the year’s goals and the upcoming 2025 curriculum.
What’s been happening:
Our Silver Duke of Ed students tackled their first hike of the year along the Murramarang South coast.
Auditions for the school musical have begun. The upcoming production of ‘The Little Mermaid’ is an exciting opportunity for creativity and teamwork.
We launched the ‘Ready to Learn’ initiative, which outlines clear expectations including using the student planner, uniform requirements, and punctually to class. ‘Ready to Learn’ routines create classrooms that are calm, safe spaces where everyone is treated with dignity
We look forward to a year of growth, learning and unforgettable experiences Please feel free to reach out with any questions as we embark on this exciting journey together
Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead
Anthony Hudson Deputy Principal High School
The first day of school was filled with excitement as we welcomed students back for another year!
What a big few weeks it has been! It feels like only yesterday we were welcoming our students back for the first day of term There was lots of excitement and energy as friendships were rekindled and new families joined the Carey community. It has been a joy to see classrooms buzzing with learning and the school grounds filled with enthusiasm
Macey
Primary
Primary & Sport
Watson
Primary
Mrs Heidi Mosaad
LSA – Prep
Hanania
LSA – Primary
Ms Natalie Hennessy
Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning (7-12)
Primary Teacher & Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning (K-6)
HS - Science & Physics
HS - HSIE
Miss Amanda Vongratsavai LSA - Primary
Mrs Maria Varnakiotis Prep
Mrs Katie Morris HSTechnologies
Mr Stefan Varlet HS - HSIE
Mrs Paulina Cox Languages
Mr Shad Hynes LSA - Primary
Mrs Tiffany Siddens High School
Mr Will Vander Noord Primary
Mr James Donald LSA - HS
Mr Andrew Cox High School
Mr Isaac McGee Primary
We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Year 12 students in the 2024 HSC. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance have resulted in outstanding academic success, with many students earning Band 6 results across a range of subjects.
Last week, we honoured their achievements at our High Achievers Breakfast, where we proudly recognised students who excelled in their HSC Their results reflect their commitment to learning and striving for excellence
Students attended the celebration with their parents and carers, enjoying breakfast together and reconnecting with past teachers. Following this, they participated in a special assembly with our Year 11 and 12 cohort, where they received awards in recognition of their achievements.
They also took part in a panel discussion, sharing their experiences and inspiring current students as they prepare for their own HSC journeys
Congratulations to the students on their dedication to academic success, supported by the commitment of their teachers and the encouragement of their families
As our graduates step into higher education, careers, and new opportunities, we are confident they will continue to lead, serve and inspire others Their success in the HSC marks just the beginning of their journey, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the world
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations!
Yeshaya Ram and Dorothy Koo both achieved outstanding HSC results in Science Extension this year This exciting and rigorous course has been at offered William Carey Christian School since 2021 as it is a relatively new NESA course
Yeshaya secured first place in the state in the HSC Science Extension course and Dorothy secured third place. This subject delves into research methods and scientific philosophies, equipping students with advanced investigative skills.
For her major project, Yeshaya explored alternative methods for breaking down plastics, aiming to contribute to solutions for global waste challenges Reflecting on her experience, she shared that the course helped her develop valuable research and statistical analysis skills, which will be invaluable for university studies
We are thrilled to announce that both students also received Young Scientist Awards Dorothy was awarded 4th place as ‘Young Scientist of the Year’ and awarded 1st place in the Year 11-12 Chemistry Investigation Category for her project ‘Unreinforced perfluorosulfonic acid ionexchange membranes and lower brine concentrations in chlor-alkali electrolytic cells’.
Yeshaya was awarded 3rd place in the Year 11-12 Biology Investigation Category for her project ‘Comparing the Consumption and Depolymerisation of Expanded Polystyrene, LowDensity Polyethylene and High-Density Polyethylene by Tenebrio Molitor’
Congratulations to Yeshaya and Dorothy on these remarkable achievements!
“I wanted to try and do something to cure global waste. I really enjoyed the research process in science extension. It taught me so many skills and statistical analysis that really paved the bridge for university,” - Yeshaya
Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald, Dec 2024
At William Carey Christian School, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring space for students to learn and thrive Our maintenance team has been working hard, delivering upgrades throughout the school
New carpet has been installed in several classrooms, providing a fresh, comfortable learning environment. New flooring in Prep ensures a safe, modern space for our youngest students
Some art rooms in G Block now feature new flooring, enhancing creative spaces Facility Upgrades
Bathroom renovations in the Primary Quad are complete
Work has begun on installing new toilets in R Block, ensuring improved facilities
Landscaping and vegetation upgrades improve the school grounds' aesthetic
Outdoor learning spaces are being enhanced to support interactive lessons beyond the classroom
Fresh grass in key areas makes outdoor spaces more inviting and functional.
Sandstone edging around garden beds enhances both aesthetics and structure.
These projects are part of our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance our environment ensuring it remains a place where students feel comfortable, inspired, and ready to learn We thank our maintenance team for their dedication in bringing these improvements to life Stay tuned for further updates as these projects continue, and we look forward to seeing students and staff enjoy the upgraded spaces in the months ahead!
Sandstone edging has been added around garden beds, improving both aesthetics and structure. walked the Murramarang South Coast line Next stop for the Team is
Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Kokoda 2025
In July 2025, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh students will embark on a wonderful journey across the Kokoda Track. They will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of heroes and learn about the important history that links Australia and Papua New Guinea. A history that was forged in battle where the terms courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice were etched into the Australian soldier image forever.
They will also immerse themselves into the culture alongside their porters who are descendants of the magnificent ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ who diligently served the Australian soldiers in their time of need.
Bibles for Kokoda
Students will have the opportunity to distribute bibles as part of the Bibles for Kokoda project Parents and Carers can be involved by purchasing a Bible for $10 from the uniform shop, leaving a message inside for students to take to Papua New Guinea and distribute to the locals
THOMAS
WCCS is a proud supporter of Safer Internet Day which is celebrated on the 11th February. It is a perfect match with our endeavours to teach our students just how to use technology, but how to use it wisely and respectfully.
This year, we marked the occasion by spending time during week 1 going through our school’s ICT user agreement with students across the school Students sign the agreement to show their understanding of the expectations for using devices and the internet safely at school. In the younger years, classes worked together to create a class ICT agreement that will guide their device use throughout the year
Have you ever thought about creating a Family Tech Agreement?
�� Why is it important?
A tech agreement helps set clear boundaries, ensuring that everyone in the family is on the same page when it comes to screen time, online safety, and healthy tech habits. Whether it's gaming, social media, or homework, having guidelines can make a big difference!
2
�� Tips to get started: Discuss Together: Get everyone involved kids, teens, and parents Let everyone share their thoughts on screen time and technology use
1. Set Clear Limits: Define screen time for different activities (homework, fun, family time, etc )
3.
5.
Online Safety First: Talk about internet safety, privacy, and the importance of respectful online behavior.
4. Lead by Example: Show your kids how to balance screen time and real-life time.
Tech-Free Zones: Consider designating techfree zones (like the dinner table or bedrooms) to encourage face-to-face connection
Just like at school, having an agreement at home can help reinforce those same values and create consistency across environments
To help, we’ve located some great resources which can guide you through the process Both contain some wonderful examples of the types of things families could discuss when setting up their family tech agreement. We recognise the incredible work of the organisations who created these resources for families to use
Creating a Tech Agreement - Primary Students
Creating a Tech Agreement - High School Students
Last year's Year 10 Textiles students used their skills to make a difference Our students put their creativity and craftsmanship to work, designing and sewing handmade superhero capes for children in hospital through Capes 4 Kids Australia Inc. These capes help bring hope, strength, and encouragement for young patients facing difficult times Thank you to our students and teachers for their dedication, generosity, and compassion in bringing this initiative to life.
“My daughter and I have been attending Carey Cubby for over 2 years now and we look forward to it every Wednesday We enjoy the singing, dancing, story time and free play with all our friends. It's a great way to engage in a relaxed, gentle, and kind environment. My daughter has made friends with children she will start school with, and I am blessed to also have made close friendships with the other parents.” - Danielle, WCCS Parent
Carey Cubbyhouse is a Playgroup for parents and carers of children who are not yet school age and is open to all members of the community. It runs Wednesdays 8:45am to 10:15am.
At the Year 3 Science Show, students were captivated by dynamic dry ice demonstrations, explorations of water formations, and intriguing displays featuring flammable liquids and electricity
These interactive experiments, run by Kaleidoscope Science, not only brought science to life but also ignited a spark of curiosity and enthusiasm among our young learners
Our Prep students have had a wonderful start to 2025, settling in smoothly and embracing their new routines with excitement. They are enjoying getting to know their teachers, making new friends, and exploring all the engaging activities designed to support their learning and development. The recently upgraded Prep space has been a fantastic addition, providing a bright, modern, and welcoming environment where students can learn, play, and flourish. It has been great to see their enthusiasm as they discover all the new features of their refreshed learning space. We are looking forward to the year ahead!
Mrs Michelle Larrea, Director of Early Learning
University Discovery Day
On Friday, 21st February, Year 12 students immersed themselves in the dynamic environment of the University of Wollongong. They attended engaging lectures, explored various campus facilities, and enjoyed a relaxed lunch with friends at The Duck Pond
This visit provided a valuable glimpse into university life, which we hope helps prepare students as they consider their options after leaving school.
University of Sydney HSC Preparation Courses
University of Sydney HSC Preparation Courses (Years 10-12) – Enrol Now for April School Holidays
Get ready for the HSC with expert-led preparation courses designed to strengthen your subject knowledge and exam skills These intensive holiday sessions help consolidate your studies and boost confidence Courses available in Essay Writing (Years 10-12), Study Methods (Years 10-12), HSC Business Studies, HSC Chemistry, HSC Physics, HSC Economics, HSC English Advanced, HSC Biology, HSC MathematicsStandard 2. Find out more.
How to Find and Prepare for an Apprenticeship:
Looking for an apprenticeship? The process is similar to job hunting employers create vacancies and choose apprenticeships to train staff. Learn how to research, apply, and start your training Learn more
Apprenticeship Support Services:
We connect apprentices, trainees, and employers with essential resources, including:
Wage subsidies & financial incentives
Administrative & compliance support
Mentoring & workplace guidance
Job boards & digital management tools
Get started
WPC Group - Apprenticeships & Traineeships
Explore career opportunities in Automotive, Hospitality, Business, Carpentry, Electrical, Welding, Horticulture, and more. WPC Group offers: Mock interviews & resume help
Workforce preparation
Apprenticeship & traineeship opportunities
Learn more
ADF Gap Year - Register Your Interest
Spend 12 months in the Navy, Army, or Air Force, gaining valuable skills, travelling Australia, and making lifelong friends all while earning a salary. Register here
Discover diverse career paths in local government and explore job opportunities across different fields. Explore careers
Below is the current schedule for our before and after-school extracurricular activities Please note that all bookings are managed directly by the individual providers.
Tennis Bookings: Register Here
Football Life Bookings: Register Here
UDC Bookings: Email info@unitedance com au or Register Here
Code Camp Bookings: Register Here
Cricket Bookings: Register Here
Basketball Bookings: Register Here
Homework Club: Register Here
Friday Night Reminders: www wccs nsw edu au/carey-friday-night-reminders/ Friday Night Reminders are sent out every week with important information for parents and carers
Enrolment Reminder: If you have a child who you want to enrol for Prep, Kindergarten or Year 7 in 2026, please ensure you submit application forms as soon as possible
For term dates and holidays, please go to the Term Dates page on our website: https://wccs nsw edu au/term-dates/
