Primary School Update - 21 March 2025

HEAD OF SCHOOL UPDATE Melanie Woods

Please see below updates from our Head of Primary, Melanie Woods.

I am thrilled to constantly witness our students learning as I walk past our classrooms! At this stage of the term, routines and learning continue to be mastered. We are filling our valuable time together with teaching and training; we train and practice routines that support the students in the teaching space. These methods help maintain order in routine and working environments, which facilitate opportunities for rich and deep teachings. From our Kinders reading and writing simple sentences, to our students learning how to sit a timed test (NAPLAN), to our Year 6 students leading and public speaking at Assemblies; it is all so exciting. Looking into this landscape you can see vibrancy, joy and a passion for learning!

NAPLAN Champions Our students in Year 3 and 5 have just been working through their NAPLAN this week. Prior to the test, they have been spending time with their teachers getting familiar with the format of NAPLAN. This brought ease and comfort for them. The students were commended on how mature, calm and determined they were to give this test their best shot. We are proud of their ‘can-do’ attitudes.

‘I See You, Star’ Morning Tea Every Face Has a Place at our College and we continue to embed into the lives of all our students that we know them and that we see them. We want the students to know that we see their kindness, we see when they are respectful, when they are learners, when they make Christ-like decisions and when they make wise and safe choices. To celebrate their hard work and efforts, some students are invited to attend an ‘I See You, Star’ morning tea each week, hosted by Mr Parsonage and myself (Mrs Woods). This is an opportunity to spend quality time with them, thank them, and congratulate them for their good work.

Below is a list of who have been given an ‘I See You, Star’ award and attended the celebratory morning tea:

Avianna C, Avyaan D, Ayla E, Bella H, Cruz B, David A, Davidson G, Destiny M, Diondre Y, Divit C, Edward B, Ella F, Ellette L, Ethan W, Grace L, Gracelyn F, Havish P, Hunter A, Ishika B, Jackson G, Jaina W, Jason C, Jemimah H, Jonathan K, Julius L, Kal-Elle D, Kate H, Keeva D, Leviticus T, Liliola T, Madison W, Mason S, Michael C, Miriam W, Nathan S, Noah P, Olivia M, Olivia T, Orville O, Rael S, Reyanna P, Sachi D, Samantha A, Sarah O, Sebastian D, Shyelle V, Vihan P, Vir P, Willow S, Yuna C, Zion I.

Looking after the ‘Whole Child’ We discuss often in our community how we endeavour to look after the ‘whole child’. We understand that it is not just academics our College is pursuing, we also aspire to grow and nurture the social, emotional, physical and spiritual.

Two programs that are used in Primary and Secondary are ‘PULSE’ and ‘PeaceWise’. Both these programs aim to support our children in growing personhood. In this newsletter, I would love to tell you about PULSE and next time, celebrate the benefits of PeaceWise

PULSE wellbeing check-ins are regular, quick assessments designed to gauge student well-being and provide a platform for students to easily and safely express their needs, fostering a supportive environment.

PULSE check-ins provide a simple and accessible way for students to communicate their feelings and needs, allowing the teachers to identify potential issues early and provide timely support.

The benefits of PULSE:

Early Intervention: Identifies students who may be struggling, enabling timely support and interventions.
Increased Visibility: Provides school leaders with insights into student wellbeing levels across the school, years, and classes.
Safe and Accessible: Offers a safe and accessible way for students to reach out for help.
Positive Culture Building: Encourages gratitude and positive interactions.

PULSE has enabled us to support the students at ACC in a timely and helpful way and we have seen how the support has improved student welfare.

YEAR 4 CAMP Our students were counting down the sleeps to our Year 4 camp and it certainly lived up to expectations! Year 4 headed off to the great bush location of Wedderburn Christian Campsite. This is the epitome of Australian bush, where they were surrounded by big gum trees, wattle, sandstone, fun activities and even local koalas in the trees at night. The students were kept very busy with rock climbing, trust games, a flying fox, strategy games, bush craft, archery and a good old fashioned campfire at night with singing and roasting marshmallows. Please enjoy the photos as you see the students relishing their experience and the company of one another. Loads of special memories were made and we are thankful to God for the opportunity to be together, amongst his beautiful creation!

3K NAPLAN ACHIEVEMENTS Kellie Mitton

Over the past few weeks, 3K have been diligently preparing for NAPLAN 2025. Through practice sessions, problem-solving activities, and refining their writing and numeracy skills, they have approached these assessments with dedication and determination.

On the morning of the tests, we spent time praying for God’s guidance, wisdom and peace. It was beautiful to see so many students keen to pray for the NAPLAN tests. After reflecting on our tests, it was obvious that God was there to help each and every one of us and he certainly answered our prayers.

Each student should be incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they have embraced this new challenge.

SUCCESSES IN 4C THIS WEEK! Judy Carlos

We thank God for how He enabled 4C to use their God given talents when they performed ‘Promises’ by Maverick City at Assembly this week. After Claire A introduced the class to the audience, some sang, Cayden T played the chords, and Jeremiah P played a melody on the keyboard. As the slides showed the lyrics, it highlighted some impeccable artistry by Claire A, and tech expertise from Aryan B and Vihaan T. When Aveer S plucked on his guitar during the song, the voices of both Amelie D and Rylie G came alive. Advik P continued his complementary strumming up until the end of the song. It was a roaring success and a performance that was widely loved, and thoroughly enjoyed by 4C.

After the performance, 4C went back to their classroom learning and their regular routine. I was encouraged to see that Samuel T volunteered to support his friend Kiaan D during the first half of lunch. By midweek, the class was buzzing while they worked hard on their group’s narratives, writing some sizzling starts.

Week 7 featured a different kind of learning. Students strengthened their friendship bonds with each other and forged new ties as they boldly explored outside of their usual circle of friends. Our Year 4 Camp was the perfect backdrop to do so, with God-sustained resilience sealing the wonderful memories of our adventures at Camp!

In Week 8, we had another cause for celebration: Aleesha J had accumulated a total of five prestigious medals in her hands, all earned in 2025! She had fantastic achievements, earning bronze medals in Sparring, Traditional Forms, and Sword. She also earned two silver medals in Sumo in two different tournaments. Let us continue to support her as she continues to prepare herself to represent the country in her upcoming global tournament in the United States of America (USA).

APRIL HOLIDAYS FREE EVENT

These April school holidays, NSW Parliament is excited to open its doors for the fourth annual Festival of Democracy!

When: Tuesday 15 April, 9.30 am – 3.00 pm

Where: NSW Parliament House, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney

This jam-packed day of discovery, learning, and hands-on activities will bring civics, citizenship and the history of Australia’s first and oldest legislature to life for 5-12 year olds and their parents/carers:

Step inside history with guided chamber tours.
Get creative in arts and crafts workshops.
Go behind the scenes with special video and documentary screenings and learn about how laws are made.
Travel through time to meet the suffragettes and Henry Parkes.
Participate in a story reading of the signing of the Magna Carta.
Take to the floor in a mock committee hearing.
Learn about voting with the NSW Electoral Commission.
Engage with the role of Legal Aid in assisting NSW citizens.

Get involved, have fun and learn at this free and one-day-only event! Parents/carers can learn more and get their free ticket by visiting: https://education.parliament.nsw.gov.au/free-event-festival-of-democracy-2025/