Secondary School Update - 21 November 2025

HEAD OF SCHOOL UPDATE Jonathan Brayshaw

Dear Parents and Carers, 

On Monday 10 November, our College community paused in solemn gratitude during the Secondary Assembly, to honour the brave men and women whose courage and dedication have paved the way for the peace and freedoms we enjoy today. We reflected that Remembrance Day is not only about remembering history, but also about character, holding fast to the values of courage, sacrifice, and service, and allowing these values to shape how we live today. Remembrance Day reminds us of the importance of putting others before ourselves, of showing gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, and of living with humility and peace. 

On Tuesday 11 November, our College Captains (Savannah Penton and Zachary Martin) and Primary Captains (Annika Benipayo and James Tuckerman), attended the Remembrance Day Service held at the War Memorial in front of Riverstone Railway Station. They laid a wreath on behalf of our College, symbolising our respect and recognition of those who have served this country. This was a meaningful occasion for our student leaders.

It was also wonderful to host the parents of our Year 7, 2026 students on the morning of Monday 17 November. Parents were invited to attend a morning tea and information seminar about Secondary School while their child participated in Year 7 Orientation. I am thankful for our student leaders and representatives who helped welcome our incoming Year 7 students and their parents with such warmth and hospitality. I would like to thank the many parents who attended. It was a highlight to meet so many of you, and on behalf of our staff, we look forward to working in partnership with you in your child’s education. 

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and wellbeing of your children. 

2025 HSC SHOWCASE NOMINATIONS & SELECTIONS

We are so pleased to present our full list of HSC Showcase nominations and selections across our 2025 Year 12 cohort. Students in NSW who excelled in creative arts and technology subjects for the HSC are celebrated in the annual HSC Showcase Season which starts in February every year.

• ONSTAGE OnSTAGE presents a selection of outstanding major works by HSC Drama students in NSW including individual and group performance, and individual projects.

  • We’re thrilled to announce that Zachary Payne has been selected for HSC Showcase OnSTAGE for his Individual Project ‘Last Days’ (a video production)! This achievement is just the beginning of what’s ahead for him and is a testament to his hard work and talent. Well Done Zachary!

  • Rachel Cain was nominated for HSC Showcase OnSTAGE for her Individual Project. She wrote and performed an original monologue, ‘Chapter 27’, which imagines the inner conflict of literary icon Jane Austen on the night following her marriage proposal.

• CALLBACK

  • We are so proud of our Distance Education student, Madison Gill, who has been nominated for HSC Showcase CALLBACK for two Core Composition dance pieces and one Major Study Performance. This is an incredible achievement and a reflection of Madison’s hard work, talent, and dedication. Congratulations, Madison!

• SHAPE

  • Zachary Payne was nominated for the HSC Showcase SHAPE for his Information Technology Multimedia Major Work, ‘BATMAN: The Weapons Showcase.’ (an incredible short film entirely using stop-motion). This is a wonderful recognition of Zach's hard work and determination this year!

  • Eleni Michael was nominated in the HSC Showcase SHAPE for her Information Technology Multimedia Major Work. Eleni is one of our Distance Education students, and has shown tremendous commitment and determination to produce her wonderful ITM work!

YEAR 10 DRAMA PRODUCTION - MACBETH

Over the last two terms, our Year 10 Drama students have been hard at work developing and rehearsing their production of Macbeth. This beloved Shakespearean classic, originally performed in 1606, was presented in a dynamic 60-minute adaptation by Cass Foster. During Service Week, the students undertook an intensive rehearsal schedule, refining every element of their performance in preparation for sharing it with our community.

Thursday’s opening show was a resounding success, with the audience captivated not only by the students’ strong performance skills but also by their impressive use of technical elements, costuming, props, and staging. For the first time in Year 10 production history, the cast also delivered a special matinee performance on Friday morning for our Year 9 cohort, who will be studying Macbeth in their English curriculum next year. At the time of writing, the cast were busy preparing for their final performance on Friday night. Their performances are an extraordinary testament to the ensemble’s commitment, creativity, and dedication to the craft of drama. It has been a privilege to witness this cohort grow, develop their performance skills, and collaborate so effectively, sharing their passion for theatre with every audience they encountered.

Faithfully led by Mr Tomalaris, this year’s production stands as a remarkable achievement. Special thanks must also go to the outstanding Year 8 Audio Visual team and to Mr Gill for organising, operating, and overseeing all technical elements - from lights and sound to the smoke machines. We extend our gratitude as well to Angel for her set design expertise and to Miss Flood for her work as stage manager.

Each rehearsal and performance has highlighted the talent, teamwork, and spirit of our Year 10 Drama students. We are immensely proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing where their artistic journeys take them next.

YEAR 7 ORIENTATION Ralph Hearsey

On Monday 17 November, we welcomed our incoming Year 7, 2026 cohort for a meaningful and engaging Orientation Day. The day was designed to help students experience a smooth transition into Secondary School, while providing opportunities to connect with new classmates, learn about College expectations and begin forming a sense of belonging within our community.

The morning opened with sessions centred around our College’s CHRIST values — Courage, Humility, Respect, Initiative, Self-Control and Trust. Through interactive activities and workshops, students explored what each value looks like in everyday school life and why these qualities are foundational to the culture we uphold so proudly at ACC. 

A key highlight of the day was the involvement of our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders, who were guided by Mrs Cavens. These leaders facilitated sessions designed to encourage team building, connection and confidence. Their leadership provided younger students with relatable role models and offered a supportive environment.

Throughout these sessions, students participated in hands-on activities that developed essential skills such as resilience, problem-solving, collaboration and positive communication. Whether they were working together on team challenges, sharing stories in small groups, or learning how to support one another during times of change, each activity was structured to help students feel more comfortable and prepared for Secondary school.

Overall, the Orientation Day was a great success. The combination of values-based teaching, peer support guidance and leadership and engaging activities ensured that students left feeling excited, informed and confident about their transition to Year 7 in 2026. We look forward to welcoming the cohort back in the near future and walking alongside them as they embark on their Secondary School journey in 2026.

PEER SUPPORT TRAINING Kiah Cavens

At the end of Week 5, our Year 10 cohort participated in a two-day Peer Support training program. This is the second year we have trained our Year 10 students to be Peer Support Leaders, and we continue to see exciting changes in older and younger students due to the impactful moments Peer Support invites. 

The purpose of the program is to set up older students to have successful, meaningful relationships with younger peers. At ACC, Peer Support is about helping students establish their own communities and support networks. After all, we are designed for community and rich relationships that challenge us to seek Jesus more and more. 

During the two days of training, students gained insight into the types of activities they would be running as Peer Support Leaders. Other sessions included segments on leadership, learning how to work in a team with different perspectives, understanding how to command attention, and appreciating the importance of listening intentionally. 

Some of the Year 10 students had the opportunity to put these skills straight into practice when they led Peer Support Sessions at the Year 7 Orientation Day. 

MONEY MATTERS EXPERIENCE Samuel Dethan

On Thursday 13 November, Year 9 Money Matters students had the opportunity to participate in an on-campus ‘Talk Money’ seminar. ‘Talk Money’ is an educational organisation that helps young people develop strong financial literacy.

The seminar explored ways to earn money, build financial independence, and navigate the workplace. Students developed an understanding of workplace rights and responsibilities, including fair pay and safe working conditions. The session also equipped them with foundational financial literacy skills, including interpreting payslips, managing superannuation, understanding tax obligations, and developing the capacity to have tough conversations with employers.

This workshop proved to be a fantastic opportunity and provided a great foundation for students planning to enter the workforce in the near future. In Money Matters, we hope students will embrace opportunities such as these to deepen their financial literacy and build the skills needed to make confident, informed decisions as they mature.

TERM 4 HSIE UPDATES Shelby Mayo

This term in HSIE, Year 8 have been learning about the ways in which our world is connected through technology, trade, tourism and transportation. Their study has included an exploration of the benefits and challenges as a result of an ever globalising world and potential solutions. This week’s focus was Fair Trade. Students participated in a role play ‘Banana Split’ activity to learn the importance of equitable trading of products and produce for our Third World trading partners and why it can be a complicated process to achieve. For the activity, students were divided into five groups with each group representing a key worker in the banana chain, the process of getting the banana from plantation to grocery store, and engaged in a debate to negotiate fairer pricing and treatment across all parties. It was impressive to see each group’s high engagement, ownership of their role and willingness to talk and listen to each other’s points of view in order to come up with the best solution. Some students were keen to share their learning below:

Ekam - Reflections on the activity

We explored how different people get different pay from the process of selling a banana. We were divided into different groups with specific roles - banana workers, plantation owners, shippers, importers, and supermarket owners. The cost of one banana was 15 cents, and every group had to negotiate with each other about what fraction they should get of the total cost. This led to various counter arguments until we came to a solution at the end which reflected real life. Banana workers and supermarket owners were the hardest to persuade because the banana workers originally had the least pay and wanted more, whereas the supermarket owners had the most and wanted it to stay the same. 

Edwina and Haniya - What we learnt

In the Banana Split activity, we learnt a variety of skills and were able to develop an understanding of a key challenge of the banana chain. We learnt how the most laborious roles in certain industries often get the least amount of pay. Through our negotiations of what was fair, we learnt the skills of communication and collaboration. The activity encouraged us to find a solution to the challenge and helped us to gain a deeper understanding of Fair Trade. 

Alana and Anousheh - What we learnt

Our class learnt many skills that we could apply in a wide range of situations outside of school. We learnt how to debate and communicate effectively which strengthened our knowledge of the content. We also learnt the importance of thinking of others and seeing situations in perspective in order to be fair. We learnt about the organisations which champion Fair Trade, their efforts to ensure fair treatment and distribution of resources, and reduction of child labour and domestic violence toward women as well. Their efforts help farmers and workers all around the world!

MEGACRU MINISTRY EVENT Alex Jacobi

On Wednesday 19 November, our student worship team had the privilege of leading worship at an event called ‘MegaCRU’. MegaCRU is a gathering coordinated by Christian Religious Union (CRU) and attended by Christian schools across Western and North-West Sydney. Nearly 400 students came together for this significant event, making it their largest attended MegaCRU.

Our worship team, made up of students from Years 8–12, courageously led the worship sessions with humility, maturity, and a genuine heart to honour God. The experience was both faith-building and deeply encouraging. Many shared how meaningful it was to stand alongside peers from other schools, united in the same hope and calling. 

We are proud of our worship team for the way they represented our College, not only through their musical ability, but through their servant-hearted attitudes and their desire to glorify God. Their example reflects our ongoing commitment to nurture students who use their gifts for the Kingdom and contribute to the College and broader community with integrity and faith.

Special thank you to our worship team: 

Year 12 - Valentina VS, Ashley G; Year 11 - Arya N, Chelsea W, Micah K; Year 10 - Ethan W, Peter P, Nathania A; Year 9 - Jayden E

SAMARITAN’S PURSE OUTING Natasha Collins

On behalf of our College, thank you to every parent, family member and student who supported Operation Christmas Child 2025. For those who may not be familiar, Operation Christmas Child is a ministry that sends shoeboxes filled with gifts to children living in disadvantaged communities around the world.

​​Australian Christian College is honoured to have partnered with Samaritan’s Purse over the years to spread the joy and love of Christ, so that children across the globe may know how deeply they are loved by the Creator of heaven and earth.

Last Friday, we sent a total of 766 shoeboxes to the Operation Christmas Child warehouse! Robert, a volunteer driver from the ministry, was amazed as he watched students and staff carry out box after box. He shared powerful stories from Cambodia and rural South Africa, stories of children whose lives have been touched through simple gifts like a pencil case, a small bouncy ball or much needed stationery. Robert’s words reminded the students and staff of the profound impact our College community is having, often without even realising it. It was moving to think about the transformative nature of love expressed through something as simple as a shoebox. It was also a joy to witness classes rally together, determined to bless as many children as possible. Our students are so thoughtful, loving and kind. 

Across both Primary and Secondary, through our Christmas shirt fundraiser, BBQ lunch and GoFundMe page, we raised $4,035.55. These funds will cover postage costs and help support the ongoing work of Samaritan’s Purse in these same communities.

Earlier this week, a group of Year 10's travelled to the Operation Christmas Child warehouse, where we helped pack thousands of shoeboxes ready to be sent to children overseas. Our students served with purpose and joy, knowing they were the last set of eyes to see each box before a child opens it on the other side of the world.

I am incredibly proud to be part of such a generous and compassionate community. Thank you for your kindness, your effort and your heart. Because of you, children around the world will experience joy, hope and love this Christmas. Thank you and may God bless you and your family in this festive season.  

“Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did it for me” - Jesus, Matthew 25:40

YEAR 9 VIRTUAL REALITY INCURSION – MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP (MAF) Kaylie Neave

Our Year 9 students recently took part in an exciting Virtual Reality incursion presented by Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). MAF is a Christian mission organisation dedicated to delivering both practical and spiritual care to people living in some of the most remote and hard-to-reach communities around the world. With around 120 aircraft serving in more than 25 countries, a MAF plane takes off or lands somewhere in the world every few minutes, bringing help, hope and the message of God’s love to those in need.

During the incursion, students experienced what it is like to be an MAF pilot through an immersive Virtual Reality medevac simulation, soaring above the mountains and jungles of Papua New Guinea. This engaging experience allowed students to appreciate the incredible work of missions and to explore the variety of careers available to those who serve in the field, whether as pilots, engineers, teachers, medical professionals or support staff.

The visit from MAF was an inspiring and eye-opening experience that encouraged students to reflect on how faith and service can come together to make a real difference in the world.

SAHASRA FROM 7V

Congratulations are in order for one of our Year 7 students, Sahasra. Sahasra was selected for the National Acrobatics Championship which was conducted in Gold Coast recently. She returned to our community after proudly winning a gold and bronze medal. Congratulations Sahasra!