Dear College families,

As I reflect on this morning's Graduation Ceremony, Wednesday's Colour Run, Week 6's Literacy Fun Day and the many, many other community events that have occurred throughout this term, I can’t help but express that my heart is full. Just as I was proud of each and every student who has participated with an open heart in each activity this term, giving of themselves wholeheartedly, I was equally proud of each and every Year 12 student. Throughout this year, each Year 12 student has been on a journey of discovering more about themselves, life, and their God-given purpose. And now as this schooling chapter closes it is time to put the lessons they have learned into action.

Moments such as today’s Year 12 Graduation are bittersweet for parents and teachers alike. Whilst we are incredibly excited to be part of launching these young people into adult life there is sadness in knowing that the job we have treasured is in many ways almost complete. In the words of Mary Poppins;

“With every job when it's complete
There is a sense of bitter-sweet
That moment when you know the task is done
Though in your heart you'd like to stay
To help things on their way
You've always known they must do it alone”

However, whilst there may be a sense that our job is now complete it is encouraging to know that God will continue to shape and guide each Year 12 student long past Graduation Day. Their story does not finish at the conclusion of HSC exams. Their story will continue to unfold for many years to come. In fact, we can be confident that "He who began a good work in [our students] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”(Phil 1:6).

I trust that over the holiday period each family has the opportunity to rest and connect with each other once again.

Felicity Marlow
Principal

Through school years children progress from being egocentric (focused on themselves) to influenced by key adults (parents mostly, but also teachers) and by the end of schooling the most significant influences come from peer groups (including online culture).

The desire to “develop the heart” in relation to interacting is the goal of the ‘service’ element present in the College’s framework.

The BPL Framework includes ‘Service’ as a key component of how we intend to develop students in interacting and Jesus’ direction to love others cannot be carried out without interacting. Service has been a foundational part of the BPL framework since its consultative development in 2016.

This year our students have been increasingly involved in service. I expect that at home they will have in some way shared that they have been involved in service provided by the College (although the quality of communication from children may not have been high).

Each K-12 grade has a specific service focus meaning opportunities presented as part of the timetable and there are also additional opportunities outside of regular class time including: visits to other schools, assisting with landscaping/development in Housing estates, barista service, Carevan, Love Hawkesbury, etc.   

We do this because:

• we can – in really simple terms; we’re able to help and we become aware of need. Empathy and helping others is not solely a “Christian thing”; I suggest it is part of Australian culture, yet doesn’t appear in any curriculum documents
• the Bible tells us to – this is the most significant motivator in the College and we learn that we are to live like Jesus who came to serve other, not to be served
• it communicates value to others – somebody who receives time, energy, thought, resources or effort should be able to recognise that they are valued
• it brings value to oneself – the process of considering “what do I have to offer this person/situation?” develops the value of the abilities held by that person; I believe this takes the longest time to develop, including through adulthood 

The students in Primary have also participated in Thanksgiving Week which is a very useful starting place for developing the points above because it forces students to focus on who serves them (or others) as well as who they serve, why they serve and how they serve.

And what are the outcomes?

Year 9 students (14 years old) were surveyed after their service for a term in the ELC and as can be seen below in their feedback, they enjoyed serving and are more aware of how and where they can serve others

After participating in this unit my attitude to serving others has changed

• Yes. I used to think I was really bad with kids but this experience has made me understand that my talents and abilities are able to aid me in communicating and engaging with the kids. It also made me realise how simple serving others can be.
• Yes, it is easier than I thought
• Yes, Because when I was serving I a good feeling even though no one had to know what we were serving. Even the little things I did made me feel like I really was helping out in a way
• Yes. Although I was open to serving other before this unit, I feel this unit has made me even more motivated to serve inside and outside of school.

The best part of this program was:

Colin Wood
Deputy Principal

Click here to read important information regarding the Early Learning Centre.

Click here to read important information regarding the Primary Years.

Click here to read important information regarding the Secondary Years.

The College canteen will be operating on the Summer menu for Term 4. Please check for new selections available and for the deletion of some Winter products.

To view the Summer menu click here.

The canteen now has eftpos facilities available for Secondary students only.

October Holiday Operating Hours

Monday, 10 October: 10:00am-3:30pm

The Uniform Shop will then resume normal opening hours from Thursday, 13 October.
Monday & Thursdays
8:30am-12:00pm & 12:45pm-3:30pm.  

The uniform shop accepts orders via Munch Monitor. This allows you to order and pay online. Alternatively, you can call the Uniform shop on 8889 4600. Any purchased items will be delivered to your child’s classroom.  

Christmas Card Design Competition

Calling all creative minds! Submissions for the NWCC Christmas Card Design Competition are now open. All College students are welcome to enter. The only requirement for entry is that it is a Christmas-themed design, so your imaginations can run wild.

Please email your submissions through to [email protected] by Friday, 14 October 2022.

We love having your family as part of the College community, and look forward to partnering with you in 2023 to continue to realise your desire for your child to have a Christ-centred education that inspires and equips them to build a purposeful life. However, if you are considering withdrawing your child/ren from the College for 2023, a friendly reminder to please notify the College in writing to [email protected] by the last day of Term 3 (Friday, 23 September), to ensure you provide the full term’s notice required as per your Enrolment Agreement.

Requests for Consideration for Primary Class Placements for 2023

Staff are beginning the process of creating classes for 2023. This is a complex process, where staff consider the academic and behavioural mix of students in each class, gender balance and friendship issues. There is much prayer and reflection in the organisation and creation of classes. You are invited to communicate with the College about class requests for your Year 1 to Year 6 child. Your submissions will be taken into consideration but cannot be guaranteed. Please let us know if:

• there are social concerns with your child and another, and you would like some consideration about whom your child is placed with in class.

• there are other concerns we are not already aware of that should be considered when forming classes. 

Please note that requests for specific teachers are not considered as we believe every teacher in our team is professional, capable and God's appointment at the College. 

This information is due to the College no later than Friday, 14 October, the first Friday of Week 1, Term 4. Submit your request here.

Click here to read the Primary Communication Notes.