Secondary School Update - 26 June 2026

SECONDARY SCHOOL UPDATE Mr Jonathan Brayshaw

Year 10 Camp Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Year 10 Camp. This particular camp is designed for students to demonstrate teamwork skills while exploring an unfamiliar environment. Students were based on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour, and engaged in an amazing race style chase around the CBD. They were also involved in a Community Service Program called Take Love, run by Anglicare. It was rewarding to see students develop independence, problem solving and initiative during the camp. I would like to commend students for their excellent behaviour, and thank our staff for their involvement in the camp. 

Years 7-10 Parent/Teacher Interviews We look forward to seeing many of our students’ parents and carers at the upcoming Years 7-10 Parent/Teacher Interviews held on Friday 17 July. To make a booking to see your child’s teachers, please refer here, which will take you to the correspondence sent on Friday 19 June. We highly encourage students to attend these interviews alongside their parents and carers, as it is a valuable opportunity for them to take ownership of their learning journey and actively engage in meaningful conversations about their progress. 

School Holidays Finally, I would like to thank parents and carers for supporting us as we seek to work in partnership in helping each child grow and flourish. Our team looks forward to welcoming students back on campus on Monday 20 July, wearing their formal winter uniform. Detailed information for Term 2 will be communicated to parents and carers during the school holidays. We pray that the school break is an opportunity for students and families to find rest, recharge and rejuvenate. 

YEAR 11 WORSHIP NIGHT Ms Tamara Kunz

Last week, our Year 11 cohort came together for an incredible 'Worship Night' themed ‘A Pulse of Peace - Shalom’. Even after a busy school day, the students brought unmatched energy, passion, and a ready heart to the evening.

What made the night truly special was that it was entirely student-led. From the talented musicians and MCs to the team managing logistics and food, the collaboration was a brilliant display of leadership and a genuine desire to serve their community.

The night began with students bonding over a delicious dinner prepared by the Year 11 catering crew, with the fantastic support of Mrs. Haora.

Moving into the chapel, worship was interwoven with powerful, vulnerable testimonies from Zuri, Violet, and Angel. Their willingness to share their unique faith journeys deeply resonated with the room. The evening culminated in a powerful time of prayer, where students rallied around their peers to uplift and support one another.

Thank you to everyone who made this inspiring night of faith and community possible!

YEAR 12 BIOLOGY EXCURSION Ms Isabel Barton & Mrs Anji Smith

On 22 June, Year 12 Biology students from both On-Campus and Distance Education attended an excursion to the UNSW Museum of Human Disease. The session began with an engaging lecture on infectious and non-infectious diseases commonly encountered in Australia, including strategies for successfully answering HSC-style questions. This introduced students to the specimens found in the museum, as well as guiding students through comparing and contrasting healthy and damaged tissues and organs.

Students then completed a workshop on infectious and non-infectious disease. They explored the museum's fascinating collection of donated specimens, allowing them to connect classroom learning with authentic examples of human disease and gain a deeper appreciation of the impact of disease on individuals and society. .

While the museum can be very confronting, students were able to expand knowledge, and connect disease to real cases. Many students found the excursion both fascinating and informative, especially those keen to pursue the biological sciences at a tertiary level. It was a great excursion!

YEAR 10 CITY EXPERIENCE CAMP Mrs Kaylie Neave

Our Year 10 students recently participated in the City Experience Camp, a three-day adventure designed to develop independence, teamwork, problem-solving and initiative while exploring Sydney. Throughout the camp, students worked in activity groups to navigate unfamiliar environments, complete challenges and take responsibility for achieving group objectives.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the camp was the outstanding behaviour displayed by our students. They represented the College exceptionally well in public settings, demonstrating respect, maturity and care for others. Staff were encouraged to see students offering their seats to members of the public on trains and ferries, showing concern for a lost child, and consistently supporting and encouraging one another throughout the experience.

The camp program included a range of activities designed to challenge students and build resilience. Students participated in exciting city-wide Amazing Race style challenges across Darling Harbour, Manly and the Royal Botanic Gardens, requiring them to work together, communicate effectively and think strategically. They also took part in discussion groups, community service activities with Anglicare's Take Love program, and meal budgeting experiences where students were responsible for planning and purchasing meals within a set budget.

A major highlight was the Choose Your Own Adventure evening. Working within a budget, student groups planned their own experiences across the city. Some groups enjoyed bowling, escape rooms and special dining experiences, while others chose different activities that reflected their interests. This activity provided a valuable opportunity for students to practise decision-making, budgeting and teamwork while creating lasting memories with friends.

Students also thoroughly enjoyed exploring Manly on the second day, taking part in challenges, enjoying the coastal environment and strengthening friendships as they worked together throughout the day.

The camp was a tremendous success, made possible through the dedication of both staff and students. Our teachers led the students exceptionally well throughout the program, providing guidance, encouragement and support at every stage. We are incredibly proud of the way Year 10 conducted themselves and the positive example they set throughout the camp.

SUBJECT SELECTION & CAREERS EXPO EVENING Mrs Sharon Le Grange

On the 11 June our Year 10 students and their parents had a wonderful opportunity to find out more about Stage 6 and other possibilities available to them after leaving school at the Subject Selection and Careers Expo evening. 

The evening was introduced by Mr Brayshaw and started with a talk by Miss Kenny explaining the HSC, ATAR and assessments task. This was followed by Mrs Harvey explaining the availability of external courses. 

Students and their parents and carers were then able to speak to the subject teachers for further information and advice about the subjects available for Year 11 and 12. Many good conversations were had with the students, parents and teachers over the evening. This will help them decide on their subjects for next year. 

There were also 27 external providers from universities, colleges and other organisations such as the Fire and Rescue and Christian providers of Stage 6 courses or post school opportunities. Students chatted with the universities' staff to find out about entry requirements, early entry and courses available. The Year 10 students took advantage of the evening to speak to the external providers and to Mrs Harvey our careers, external studies and VET coordinator.