Secondary School Update - 20 February 2026

HEAD OF SCHOOL UPDATE Jonathan Brayshaw

It has been an exciting start to the year in our Secondary School community. In just four weeks of term, students have embraced a wide range of opportunities for learning, connection and personal growth. Highlights have included the Year 7 Orientation, the Swimming Carnival and Ministry Leader Commissioning. 

Ministry Leader Commissioning During the Secondary Assembly on Monday 16 February, our Ministry Leaders from Years 7-12 were formally commissioned into their roles in front of our Secondary School community and families. This was a significant and encouraging moment, as students were publicly prayed for and set apart for leadership in 2026. 

I would like to sincerely thank Mr Alex Jacobi and the Ministry Team for leading the Ministry Leader Commissioning and for the care, guidance and discipleship they provide as these students serve our Secondary School across their various portfolios and responsibilities. We look forward to seeing how God will work through each of these young leaders as they serve with courage, humility and integrity.

Years 7-12 Homeroom Teacher Interviews I would like to extend my gratitude to the many parents and carers who attended the Years 7-12 Homeroom Teacher Interviews on Thursday 5 February. These conversations provided an invaluable opportunity for Homeroom Teachers and Year Coordinators to hear from families about how we can best partner together to support each student in the year ahead.

Student Planners Each student in Secondary School received a Planner this week. The Planner plays an important role in supporting students’ organisation and executive functioning, as well as strengthening communication between students, teachers and families. Teachers will regularly check Planners. 

Students will be required to:

• Carry their Student Planner at all times.

• Keep the Planner neat and orderly, without graffiti of any kind. Failure to do so may require the purchase of a replacement Planner.

• Record daily activities, assessments, homework and study tasks.

As a means of working in partnership with families, we ask parents and carers to: 

• Use the Planner as a form of communicating with the Homeroom teacher. 

• Read and sign the Planner every weekend, noting any comments from College staff. The Planner provides valuable insight into your child’s learning and any emerging concerns, and your feedback is always welcome. 

• Please contact the Homeroom teacher or Year Coordinator named at the front of the Planner if you have any concerns or questions. 

College Hats As previously communicated, the wearing of hats for outdoor learning, sport and break times is mandatory. Students who do not have a hat or fail to wear it during outdoor learning, sport and break times will receive a formal lunch detention and will be required to remain indoors next to the Pastoral Care Office at break times. I would like to thank parents and carers for their partnership and support in ensuring their child has a College hat to wear on campus. 

If you have any questions, you can head to the Community Portal (also accessible through our website) and refer to the ‘Uniform’ section for more information, including our College Uniform Guide. Please note that these sites and documents are regularly updated.

Arriving at School on Time Establishing consistent routines is crucial in nurturing discipline and responsibility in our students. Arriving at the College by 8.30 am ensures students are present for Homeroom and Year Meetings. This is where students are able to check-in with teachers and peers, hear important announcements, and participate in daily activities that help build a strong sense of belonging and connection within the school community. 

Communication Channels As we move forward, please know that our lines of communication are always open:

• Should you wish to communicate with your child between 8.00 am and 3.10 pm, 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. 

‘ONSTAGE’ EXCURSION FOR DRAMA STUDENTS Liam Tomalaris

Early this term Year 12 Drama once again were given the opportunity to go to NESA’s annual OnStage showcase. This showcase displays some of the best Drama HSC major works from the previous year. As always, the students loved the opportunity to see theatre in action, especially as it gives them a little insight and perspective into their own work, giving them directions on how they can best develop and shape their own works to be as effective as possible. 

This year in particular was special for us at ACC, as it was the very first time one of our own students represented the College at the showcase with their own Major Work. Former Year 12 student Zachary Payne, from the class of 2025, had his Video Drama selected to be showcased,  picked from all other Video Drama submissions by students in NSW. His film ‘Last Day(s)’ was an excellent example of an exemplary project, utilising film techniques and elements of drama to create a hilariously engaging and poignant film. We congratulate Zachary on his excellent effort and great success in his Drama Major Work. 

SECONDARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL Jono Skelly

On Tuesday 3 February we held our annual Secondary Swimming Carnival at Blacktown Aquatic Centre. This was an amazing day filled with joy, laughter and friendly competition. Community spirit was at an all time high, and both our own staff and the venue staff were so impressed with how our students encouraged one another and behaved with integrity throughout the course of the day. 

It was great to see all of our students get behind their Houses not only during their House chants, but also whilst cheering each other on during individual races. The Rams House was successful in taking home the win for the first Carnival of the year, with an imposing 400 point lead. Will they be able to hold this lead for the remainder of the year?

Individually, we saw many students not only demonstrate resilience through their efforts in multiple races, but also their excellence through an array of spectacular results. With an impressive number of students qualifying for the Zone Swimming Carnival, we look forward to seeing them continue to strive and push themselves all for the Glory of God!

VISUAL ARTS EXCURSION Skye Musumeci

Last week, our Years 9-12 Visual Arts students, accompanied by Mrs Sposobin, Mrs Lewis and Mrs Musumeci, headed into the city for a full day at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW). 

We were intentional about spending equal time across each exhibition so students could engage deeply rather than rush through. A major highlight was ARTEXPRESS, the annual exhibition showcasing exemplary Higher School Certificate (HSC) Visual Arts Body of Work submissions from across New South Wales. For our senior students especially, this was incredibly valuable. Seeing resolved Bodies of Work in a professional gallery space helped them understand the level of conceptual strength, refinement and commitment required. There’s something powerful about standing in front of work created by students not much older than themselves and it makes the standard feel real and achievable.

We also explored Dangerously Modern at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which examines how early 20th Century Australian artists challenged traditional art conventions. Artists such as Grace Cossington Smith and Margaret Preston embraced bold colour, expressive brushwork and modernist ideas that were initially controversial. Students reflected on how innovation in art often requires courage, as these artists redefined what Australian art could be.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was experiencing The Key’s Under the Mat by Mike Hewson. The interactive installation invited students to move through the space and discover subtle architectural illusions for themselves. There was a lot of curiosity, double-checking and genuine excitement as students realised what had shifted around them. It was a fantastic example of how contemporary art can actively involve the audience rather than simply be observed.

Our senior students also had the opportunity to walk through an exhibition by Ron Mueck. His hyper-realistic sculptures created a noticeable stillness in the room. The scale, detail and emotional weight of the works sparked thoughtful conversation and reflection.

It was a full day of looking closely, thinking critically and enjoying the experience together. Students returned inspired, motivated and more confident in understanding how artworks function within a professional gallery context.

YEAR 12 ENGINEERING STUDIES PUSH DESIGNS TO THE BREAKING POINT Jonathan Hobbs

Last week, the Year 12 Engineering Studies cohort traded their standard timetable for an intensive four-day practical immersion. The classroom was transformed into a bustling design studio as students tackled one of the discipline's defining challenges: bridge design and construction.

The brief was clear but the execution complex: design a bridge, predict its performance, build it, and then destroy it.

From Concept to CAD  The week commenced with rigorous research. Working in teams, students investigated bridge typologies, utilising Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to model their concepts. By running digital simulations, teams could 'stress test' their virtual bridges, identifying weak points and optimising geometry before committing to physical materials.

The Build and The Break  Crucially, the practical work was interspersed with targeted lessons covering key mechanics concepts from the HSC course. Students revised moments, equilibrium, and stress analysis, immediately applying this theoretical knowledge to their evolving projects.

Once designs were finalised, students applied hands-on skills to construct their bridges, quickly realising that precision is paramount. The highlight was undoubtedly the testing phase. Tension was high as teams brought their structures to the Transverse Beam test. One by one, the bridges were loaded until the inevitable, and often spectacular, "snap" at the point of failure.

Analysing the Aftermath  Following the testing, students transitioned back to the role of analysts. They compiled detailed reports, comparing calculated theoretical loads against actual failure points to identify why structures failed and offer recommendations for future improvements.

Beyond the mechanics, the topic was a valuable opportunity for students to grow in character. Collaboration, perseverance and problem-solving were essential, reminding students that challenges often strengthen both ideas and people. As a Christian community, we recognise that the gifts of creativity and intellect are God given, and activities like this encourage students to use those talents responsibly and in service of others.

It was a week filled with genuine learning, teamwork and joy, leaving the Year 12s well-equipped for their upcoming assessments. Congratulations to all teams for their innovation and resilience.