Secondary School Update - 25 September 2026
Updated: 16 hours ago
SECONDARY SCHOOL UPDATE Mr Jonathan Brayshaw (Head of Secondary)
Year 12 Graduating Class of 2026 This week, our focus has been on celebrating the incredible achievements of our Year 12 Graduating Class of 2026 and acknowledging the remarkable impact they have had on our College community. The week commenced with Monday’s Year 12 breakfast, followed by students leading a Creative Assembly for the entire Secondary School. Year 12 enjoyed a touch football match against the teachers, followed by a BBQ lunch. On Tuesday, the students spent the day together at Manly with their Homeroom Teachers: Miss Barton, Mr Thomson, Mr Tomalaris, Mr Yi, as well as Mr Raj, Mr Palu and their Year Coordinator, Mrs Aydin. The week culminated with the Graduation Ceremony and guard of honour, followed by a wonderful Valedictory Dinner on Thursday evening.
Secondary School While we have rightly focused on farewelling our senior students, I would like to take a moment to recognise all of our secondary students. They showed immense respect, kindness and gratitude toward the Year 12 Graduating Class, and their participation in the guard of honour was a touching display of warmth and thankfulness. Their engagement this term has been nothing short of admirable, and I am appreciative of the way they have applied themselves in every aspect of College life.
Thank You Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thankfulness to parents and carers for your ongoing support. It is a privilege to partner with you in the education of your children, as we work together to help each child form into the people God has created them to be. Our team looks forward to welcoming students back for their final term of the year on Monday 12 October, wearing their formal summer uniform. Further details for Term 4 will be communicated during the school holidays. We pray that this school break offers students and families an opportunity to find rest, recharge and rejuvenate.
SECONDARY ENCOUNTER 2026 Mr Alex Jacobi
Encounter 2026 was our biggest yet! With over 400 students registered for the event, six youth groups in attendance and 45 external guests, the afternoon and night were filled with many fun and memorable moments. Our afternoon event included basketball, games, tug-of-war, line dancing, a photo booth, and a Western-themed best-dressed competition, with two students receiving $50 gift vouchers for their efforts. In the evening, students showcased months of hard work with a video opening featuring a student dance and student stories. Students heard a powerful story of forgiveness from our guest speakers and watched a mini documentary of their story produced by our very own student team. Many in attendance walked away with a renewed sense of hope and inspiration to receive and walk in the forgiveness that Jesus offers us.
We want to say a huge thank you to all the teachers and guests that supported the evening and to the Student Ministry Team and Encounter Teams that made the night happen, thank you!
DUKE OF EDINBURGH ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY Mr Paul Griffiths
During Week 6 this Term, students from Year 9, Year 10, and Year 11 completed their Adventurous Journey (AJ) Section for the respective level of the Duke of Edinburgh Framework. Both the Bronze level; Year 9, and the Silver level; Year 10 and Year 11, were camping out at Crosslands Reserve learning essential camp, navigation and team skills.
Year 9 were away for a one night, two day camp where they hiked into Crosslands carrying all their gear and despite the quite drizzly weather had an amazing time. Games and challenges were played, and the following day they hiked up what is commonly known as “Heartbreak Hill”, feeling a great sense of achievement in completing their AJ.
The Silver group of Year 10 and Year 11 students stayed from Tuesday to Friday and combined with a group of students from Arndell Anglican College. After the first day of hiking, Day 2 and 3 was spent learning and mastering the technique of paddling in a canoe as they made their way down Berowra Waters. As the days progressed they learned more about their Arndell counterparts and connected well with them, often starting or joining in the various activities as a group.
Each student demonstrated great resilience in each hike, canoe, and camo activity, as well as showcasing their great aptitude for the CHRIST values we strive for at ACC. Whether it was canoe paddling, hiking across various terrain, solving riddles and mind games or the more casual lunch stops that provided opportunity for rest or connecting with each other through soccer juggling competitions, it was amazing to see just how far each individual student had come on their own journey. The camp leaders from Black Diamond were equally impressed with how each student bounced back quickly from any adversity they encountered, and with how encouraging and welcoming they were to the Arndell group. It was a great time of trials and teamwork but also laughs and joy, which ultimately finished up on Friday after they too ascended Heartbreak Hill and completed their final debrief, saying goodbye to newfound friends at Arndell as some may look toward progressing to their Gold Level and more adventures.
MARKET DAY 2026 Mr Samuel Dethan
Market Day 2026 provided our Year 9 and 10 Money Matters students with an exciting opportunity to demonstrate their business acumen and put their classroom learning into practice. Most importantly, the event enabled students to raise valuable funds for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child initiative. After weeks of planning, preparation and anticipation, students brought their business ideas to life and transformed the College's MPC into a vibrant marketplace for the day.
In total, students established 17 different businesses, each with the goal of serving the wider school community. With Years 5-12 as their customers, students had to consider what products would appeal to their target market and how they could operate effectively during the event. The range of food on offer was impressive, with businesses selling everything from pizza, milkshakes and loaded fries to baked goods and other creative treats. Each group was responsible for developing its own product, considering pricing, organising supplies, promoting its business and managing sales throughout the day.
While the food and atmosphere were certainly highlights, Market Day provided students with an invaluable opportunity to experience first-hand the challenges and rewards of running a small business. Students had to make decisions about costs and pricing, work collaboratively as a team, communicate with customers, manage their money and respond to unexpected challenges as they arose. These are skills that extend well beyond the classroom and provide students with valuable insight into the realities of entrepreneurship and business.
Most importantly, Market Day provided our students with an opportunity to use their skills and efforts to make a meaningful contribution to others. The funds raised for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child will help support an important charitable initiative, giving students the opportunity to see how business can be used not only to generate profit, but also to serve others and contribute to a worthwhile cause. This sense of purpose was evident throughout the day and added an important dimension to the students’ experience.
The success of Market Day was also made possible by the servant-hearted nature of our students and the support of staff and the wider school community. It was fantastic to see students working together, serving others and contributing to such a positive atmosphere throughout the event. The willingness of students to step outside their comfort zones, take responsibility and support one another was particularly encouraging.
Ultimately, Market Day demonstrated that learning can be both practical and purposeful. Our students gained valuable experience in business and entrepreneurship while using their time, creativity and effort to support an important charitable cause. We are incredibly proud of the initiative, creativity, teamwork and generosity displayed by our Year 9 and 10 Money Matters students and grateful to everyone who helped make Market Day 2026 such a memorable and worthwhile experience.