Secondary School Update - 1 May 2026

SECONDARY SCHOOL UPDATE Mr Jonathan Brayshaw

It has been an eventful and encouraging commencement to Term 2, and I am delighted to share some highlights from the first two weeks. 

On ANZAC Day, some of our Student Leaders participated in the Dawn Service at Riverstone, to honour the sacrifices that were made, and that continue to be made, in the defense of freedom and redeeming of peace. Our Student Leaders, led by our College Captains, Zachary and Savannah, did a truly wonderful job of representing the College. I am grateful to all the Student Leaders that attended to honour the service men and women of our country. 

The Secondary Cross Country Carnival at Rouse Hill Regional Park was an excellent display of encouragement, courage and teamwork as students participated in the course and House games. One of the highlights of the day was Year 12 defeating the Secondary Staff in tug-of-war. I would like to thank our students for their incredible House spirit and superb behaviour throughout the day. 

On Thursday 23 April, we had our Secondary School Photo Day. If your child was absent from school that day, catch up photos will take place next Monday 4 May. 

Please click here to see the original information note, including ordering instructions for your child’s College photos for 2026. Orders placed after June 18 for individual photos, and June 30 for sibling photos, will incur a late fee and will only be eligible for a digital portrait file. 

Finally, as we move forward, please know that our lines of communication are always open:

• Should you wish to communicate with your child between 8:00am and 3:10pm, please contact the Secondary Hub reception via email or on 02 9421 7111. 

• If you need to contact your child’s teacher, the first point of contact should be with the Homeroom Teacher.

• For pastoral care matters or information about year level programs, please contact your child’s Year Coordinator. 

It is a privilege to be partnering with you in the education of your child. 

SECONDARY SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY Mr Jonathon Skelly

In the sports department we kicked off Term 2 with a bang, jumping straight into our Secondary Cross Country Carnival on Wednesday 22 April. We had a great turnout of students with a fantastic participation rate. The weather was beautiful and our students demonstrated an amazing house spirit to match. 

The course that the students ran was tough, with lots of steep inclines, but that didn’t stop students from running their course with some impressive times. A big shout out to one student in particular, Logan H who ran the 6km course in a time of 22 minutes and 26 seconds, averaging a 3:45/km pace! We look forward to seeing how well our top students perform at the upcoming CSSA State Cross Country. Stay tuned for more!

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION SERVICES Mrs Tiarne Tranter

On Monday 20 April, our Secondary School gathered for our annual ANZAC Commemoration Service, pausing to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our nation.

Our student leaders led the service with maturity and reverence through readings, prayers and reflections on the sacrifice of our nation's service men and women. We were especially proud of our cadets, Aryan G, Ishan A, Lochlan E, Keith C, and James P, who represented the College in laying a wreath as part of the formal proceedings.

As part of this service, we were privileged to hear from Mr Bruce Shaw of the Riverstone-Schofields RSL, whose address encouraged students to reflect on the cost of freedom and the enduring values of courage, sacrifice and service.

On ANZAC Day, a number of our students attended the Riverstone Dawn Service, demonstrating great respect and a willingness to engage in this important act of remembrance within the wider community. We are grateful for the efforts of those who attended.

Above all things, these services reminded us that we look to Jesus Christ who made the ultimate sacrifice for us and are grateful for him as our true source of hope and peace.

Lest we forget.

YEAR 8 MEDIEVAL INCURSION Miss Meg Flood

In the final weeks of Term 1, our Year 8 students stepped back in time as they participated in an engaging Medieval themed incursion, bringing their studies of the medieval period vividly to life. Through an interactive and hands-on experience, students explored the world of knights, warfare, and daily life in ways that extended far beyond the classroom.

A thrilling Medieval Show by James Adams Historic Enterprises brought history to life in a memorable and immersive way. Students were treated to demonstrations of medieval weaponry, shields, and armour, igniting their curiosity and allowing them to engage directly with the past. As part of the performance, students were able to view and handle a range of historical artefacts and replicas, experience being placed in the pillory, and learn about some of the more dramatic and challenging aspects of medieval life.

Students also had the opportunity to try on replicas of chainmail and armour, giving them a firsthand understanding of the weight and physical demands faced by medieval soldiers. Under careful supervision, they handled a variety of weapons and watched demonstrations of longbows, crossbows, and even a ballista. These engaging moments not only captured students’ attention but also deepened their understanding of medieval warfare, crime and punishment and technology.

Beyond the excitement, the incursion encouraged students to reflect on the different perspectives of people and how our societies have developed and changed over time. As they learned about a time period often remembered by conflict and hardship, students were prompted to consider the importance of peace, compassion, and justice. This provided a valuable opportunity to connect their historical learning with Christian values, reminding them of the call to treat others with love, act with integrity, and seek peace in their own lives.

It was encouraging to see students approach the experience with enthusiasm, respect, and a genuine desire to learn and explore. This incursion has greatly enriched our Year 8 History studies, helping students to connect knowledge with experience while also reflecting on how lessons from the past can shape the way we live today.

YEAR 7 CAMP AT NARRABEEN Mrs Sarah Aydin

Recently, our Year 7 students packed their bags and headed to the Sydney Academy of Sport & Recreation in Narrabeen for a memorable camp experience. While school camps are always full of fun, physical challenges, and excitement, they are also profound opportunities for personal growth.

Camp strips away the familiar routines and comforts of home, and in doing so, it reveals true character. What we witnessed from our Year 7 students was incredibly encouraging.

A massive highlight of the trip was seeing our students courageously step outside their comfort zones. From trying entirely new activities and navigating the unfamiliarity of being away from home, to pushing through personal fears and fatigue, the students embraced every challenge head-on. They did not back down when things got tough; instead, they showed remarkable bravery.

Even more impressive than their bravery was how deeply they cared for one another. We witnessed countless quiet moments of kindness that truly embodied the spirit of our school community. Students were actively looking out for each other by:

• Checking in on peers throughout the day.

• Sitting alongside those who were feeling homesick or struggling with a challenging activity.

• Constantly offering loud cheers and quiet words of encouragement to help each other keep going.

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you." - Ezekiel 36:26

As staff, watching these beautiful interactions reminded us of this promise from Ezekiel. During camp, we saw genuine glimpses of that new heart in action. Through their compassion, courage, and patience, our students showed us exactly what it looks like when faith is lived out practically. They weren't just participating in activities; they were lifting each other up in love.

The feedback from both our teachers and the external camp leaders at Narrabeen was outstanding. They specifically noticed our students' respect, their willingness to have a go, and their overwhelmingly positive attitudes. But beyond just good behaviour, the leaders noticed their hearts. The character of ACC was on full display to everyone they interacted with.

Camp environments are tiring, uncomfortable, and stretching by design. That pressure is exactly when true character shows most clearly. Even in the most exhausting moments of the week, our Year 7's consistently chose kindness, respect, and perseverance.

That kind of character does not happen by accident. It is a beautiful reminder to our entire community that everything we do each day matters. The daily expectations, the consistency in our classrooms, and the intentional conversations are shaping hearts. Camp was wonderful evidence that those seeds of faith are taking root and growing beautifully.

Well done to our Year 7 students for representing themselves, their families, and our College with such incredible heart!