Secondary School Update - 23 October 2026
SECONDARY SCHOOL UPDATE Mr Jonathan Brayshaw (Head of Secondary)
Student Leader Commissioning Service
On Monday 12 October, our Secondary School gathered together to commission our 2026/2027 College Captains, Vice Captains, Prefects and House Captains.
At Australian Christian College, the notion of leadership has a Biblical foundation. It defines a leader through the way one lives out their faith in the service of others. There was no better example of such a leader than Jesus himself. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” Matthew 20:26
Being appointed to the role of College Prefect or House Captain is an immense privilege and an expression of trust. It reflects the confidence the College has in their character and their ability to use their gifts to serve others. Prefects are called to imitate the example Jesus displayed in his life and death, by supporting the College’s vision and statement of faith. House Captains are positive role models, called to serve the College community by strengthening a sense of belonging, teamwork and community within our houses - Brumbies, Eagles, Lions and Rams.
Congratulations to the following students:
College Captains
Lillian Dent
Aarav Shah
College Vice Captains
Kesarinandan Gowda
Gabrielle Tiongson
2026/2027 College Prefects
Lillian Dent
Laetitia Fernandes
Zuri Galdones
Cooper Goodall
Kesarinandan Gowda
Charlotte Kwok
Isaiah Manabat
Ethan Michaels
Riley Pethybridge
Aarav Shah
Tanya Tiju
Gabrielle Tiongson
2026/2027 House Captains
Brumbies: Sofiya Kopbayeva & Anna Rockson
Eagles: Kara Chin & Sophia Mapalad
Lions: Sanjeet Jassal & Naethan Joseph
Rams: Denzel Ricafort & Lavanya Shriram
Library Extended Hours
We are pleased to advise families that extended hours for the library are now available to students in Year 7 and above, for the following days and times:
Tues, Wed & Thurs: 7.30 am - 5.00 pm
YEAR 11 MUSIC EVENT - “WELCOME TO SUMMER” Mrs Olivia Gonzales
This week, the Year 11 Music class kicked off Term 4 in style with their brand new performance event, “Welcome to Summer.” The concert featured an impressive range of repertoire that students have diligently developed over the course of the year. Beyond serving as a vibrant celebration of their annual progress and the arrival of warmer weather, the program delivered a wonderfully diverse showcase. The evening balanced upbeat, energetic numbers with deeply moving performances, while our talented student MCs kept the crowd entertained with plenty of warm humor between sets.
Audiences were treated to a rich array of musical genres, from iconic, high-energy guitar solos in “Thunderstruck” and smooth jazz instrumentals like “City Lights,” to heartfelt vocal ballads and delicate string ensembles in “Particles.” It was a true privilege to gain a unique glimpse into the artistic passion, musicality, and emotional investment of each performer. Throughout the night, students performed with absolute excellence, demonstrating remarkable care and support for one another while using their gifts to bless the entire College community.
A special highlight of the evening was welcoming members of the Distance Education Year 11 Music class to join their On-Campus counterparts. This collaborative opportunity allowed students to connect in person, share ideas, and learn from one another’s creative experiences. Blessed with beautifully warm weather, an inviting outdoor stage, and a delicious menu featuring top-tier steak sandwiches, it was truly an evening not to be missed!
With MADDD Night (Music, Arts, Drama, Dance & Design) just around the corner and the development of HSC major works underway, there will be many more opportunities to see our Year 11 musicians shine as they commence their final senior journey. A warm congratulations to all performing students for delivering such an exceptional evening, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the Music, Events, Studio, Catering, and Executive teams, alongside supporting staff and student volunteers, for their dedicated work in making this event such a resounding success.
SECONDARY SPORT UPDATE Mrs Mel Kewley
Selected Secondary students recently represented ACC at the Christians Schools Sports Association (CSSA) State Futsal Gala Days, showcasing their skills, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout a challenging day of competition.
The Open Girls team, captained by Grace G and led by their coach Mr Skelly, competed on Wednesday 14 October in a tight and difficult pool. They demonstrated resilience and determination to secure their place in the quarter-finals as a wildcard entry. Despite their efforts, their campaign came to an end in the quarter-finals. Impressively, one of the teams from their pool went on to win the entire competition, highlighting the high standard of competition our girls faced on the day.
The following day, Mr Kwok and the Open Boys team represented ACC with pride, displaying great effort and sportsmanship throughout the pool stage. While they were unable to progress to the finals, the experience provided a valuable opportunity to compete against other schools, challenge themselves and whilst developing their futsal skills.
Congratulations to all students involved for their efforts, positive attitudes and commitment to representing ACC. We are proud of the way both teams conducted themselves and embraced the opportunity to compete in interschool sport.
YEAR 11 VISUAL ARTS STUDENTS: INTENSIVE STUDIO PRACTICE PROGRAM Miss Ella Sandeman
We are thrilled to celebrate Year 11 Visual Arts students, Lillian D and Caytlyn T, who were recently selected for the prestigious National Art School (NAS) Higher School Certificate (HSC) Intensive Studio Practice program. Located at the historic Darlinghurst campus, this program is a New South Wales (NSW) Education Standards Authority (NESA) endorsed course designed to extend high-achieving art students across the state. Securing a place in this highly competitive program is a remarkable achievement, and we praise God for the unique gifts and talents He has given these two young women.
Over the recent school holiday break, Lillian and Caytlyn dedicated their time to engaging in hands-on workshops in specialised campus studios. Working alongside other creative peers from across New South Wales and under the direct mentorship of professional practising artists, they explored advanced techniques in visual art. This intensive experience challenged them to refine their technical skills while deepening their understanding of art history and creative expression. As Christians, we recognise that our ability to create stems directly from being made in the image of God, the ultimate Creator. Watching Lillian and Caytlyn steward their God-given artistic abilities with such diligence and passion has been an immense joy.
The culmination of their hard work was showcased during a public exhibition held at the end of the school holidays. Family, friends, and members of the broader arts community gathered at the National Art School (NAS) gallery to view the students’ final artworks and preliminary sketches. The exhibition highlighted not only technical excellence but also the dedication, patience, and perseverance required to bring creative ideas to fruition.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Lillian and Caytlyn for representing the College community with such creative excellence. We pray that God continues to guide and inspire them as they prepare for their final Year 12 studies and continue to use their gifts to glorify Him.
YEAR 9 EXCURSION TO AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM Miss Meg Flood
Year 9 Legends and Legacies students recently enjoyed an exciting excursion into the city to visit the Australian Museum’s Bloodsuckers exhibition, connecting directly with their studies of Myths and Legends.
Throughout this unit, students have been exploring ancient mythologies, including Greek, Norse and Egyptian traditions, alongside folklore and legends from cultures around the world. They have investigated how stories are created, shared and transformed over time, reflecting the ways people seek to understand the world around them. The Bloodsuckers exhibition provided a fascinating opportunity to extend this learning beyond the classroom, bringing together science, medicine, history and folklore.
The exhibition explored nature’s bloodsuckers, including leeches and mosquitoes, revealing what scientific discoveries have taught us about these creatures and how human understanding has developed over time. Students also investigated the changing role of blood in medicine, examining medical devices from different periods and considering how advances in scientific knowledge have influenced medical practices. These displays encouraged students to reflect on the remarkable complexity of the natural world and humanity’s ongoing pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
A particularly engaging aspect of the exhibition was the evolution of vampire folklore and other bloodsucking creatures, from historical beliefs to their modern representations in popular culture. Students enjoyed viewing preserved specimens, discovering historical vampire-hunting tools and exploring depictions of vampires ranging from the original Nosferatu to the animated Hotel Transylvania. A highlight was seeing an original copy of Bram Stoker’s notes about Count Dracula, offering a unique glimpse into the creative process behind one of literature’s most enduring characters.
This experience also provided an opportunity for students to appreciate the wonder and diversity of God’s creation. By examining the creatures that inhabit our world and considering how human understanding of them has changed, students were encouraged to approach the natural world with curiosity and a sense of wonder. The excursion also highlighted the value of learning from different perspectives, recognising the distinction between folklore, scientific evidence and the knowledge gained through careful investigation.
It was wonderful to see our Year 9 Legends and Legacies students so enthusiastically engaging with the exhibition and making connections between their studies and the displays around them. Their curiosity, positive attitudes and respectful conduct throughout the excursion reflected the College’s values and made them outstanding ambassadors for our school community.
YEAR 12 DRAMA STUDENTS MAJOR WORKS Mr Liam Tomalaris
Term 3 was a big term for our Year 12 Drama students, it marks the end of the HSC course, as well as being the time where all major works are due. Each student should be congratulated for their efforts as each exam and submission was completed to the best of their abilities. These efforts were particularly recognised with two groups being nominated to the NSW Drama Showcase ‘Onstage’which showcases only the very best performances from the HSC across the state. Congratulations to the Trillionaires: Gabriella B, Bettina B, Naomi K, Calista Belle M and the Immune System: Kayla C, Tinotenda (TG) D, Liam S, Keren T and Andrea T.
This Year 12 Drama class has consistently demonstrated both to one another and the wider college community that we flourish when we feel safe, loved and seen. These students have grown so much in Drama over the past few years, as their performance skills have developed and their appreciation for theatrical expression has become more complex, so has their appreciation for one another and the community they have fostered. I am so proud of them, not only for their academic achievements, but for their unwavering ability to love one another.
Even through the challenges of group work, through the rising stress, assessment demands, and the pressures that come with performing, this class has rallied behind one another and sought to love, especially when it was hard. In their example it is impossible not to be reminded of the power of sacrificial and unconditional love that is modelled in Jesus, and demonstrated in the power of the community that these students have made. This class has been such a blessing to the College, to one another, and to me. I am going to miss them immensely, but I have comfort in knowing that they will be able to take this experience of community with them wherever they may land, and that this kind of love might continue to be shared.