Secondary School Update - 4 April 2025

HEAD OF SCHOOL UPDATE Jonathan Brayshaw

On Monday 31 March, our Secondary School came together to celebrate the rich diversity of heritage in our College community. The Heritage Assembly commenced with a powerful video, reminding us that while we come from different backgrounds and unique heritages, we are One in Christ. Throughout the Assembly, students showcased their diverse heritage through vibrant performances, highlighting the stories, traditions and histories that shape who we are. I commend all the students involved in performances for their passion, courage and talents - it was a truly special occasion!

On Wednesday 2 April, our College hosted Open Day, providing students with invaluable opportunities to serve the community. From warmly welcoming guests and assisting tour groups to sharing their musical gifts, our students displayed remarkable dedication and enthusiasm. It was also wonderful to see students invite prospective families into classrooms and share their love of learning across a variety of classes. 

On Thursday 3 April, we had the pleasure of welcoming Year 11 students from ACC Benalla in Victoria. This visit was a fantastic opportunity for our staff and students to extend hospitality, while our guests experienced a day in the life of a large Sydney school. Our College Captains and Vice Captains led a campus tour, followed by a virtual reality and studio experience, as well as time spent in our Year 11 classes. The visit culminated in a lively JOLT praise party at lunchtime, where students joined together in worship and fellowship. 

I would like to thank parents and carers for supporting us as we seek to work in partnership in helping each child grow and develop. Our team looks forward to welcoming students back on campus on Monday 28 April, wearing their formal winter uniform. On Wednesday 7 May, Secondary students will attend the Cross Country Carnival. 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 to find rest, recharge and rejuvenate. 

YEAR 11 CAMP Kiah Cavens

Year 11 students thoroughly enjoyed their Camp! Matt Purcell from ‘Social Kung Fu’ came to visit, challenging students on how they perceive themselves and others. He prompted students to reconsider their ‘inner critic.’ Students also heard about an exciting Leadership Opportunity they are invited to apply for, and were given tools to help diminish stress in Stage 6. 

The ACC Ministry Team visited on our second day, challenging students to rethink their integrity and ask the hard questions about their personal faith. 

Students also engaged in several outdoor recreational activities, such as Cart Racing, Leap of Faith and High Ropes. 

Overall, Camp was a great opportunity to set students up for academic and personal success in Stage 6. 

YEAR 12 CAMP Kiah Cavens

Year 12 students had an exciting final Camp experience, filled with meaningful and lasting memories. 

They heard from a range of speakers who spoke about leaving a legacy, finding balance, and managing stress. Students also enjoyed a wide range of outdoor recreational activities such as the ‘Giant Swing,’ Abseiling, ‘Survivor,’ and High Ropes. The ACC Ministry Team also ran a session challenging students to consider their integrity and personal faith. 

In a season where Year 12 is beginning to feel overwhelming, and the pressures of academic life feel powerful, Camp was a wonderful chance to take a break from routine, spend quality time together and have some time to ‘breathe.’ 

Please enjoy the images below of the Year 11 & 12’s camp experiences. 

A DAY AT PARLIAMENT: LEADERSHIP LESSONS AND INSPIRATIONAL ENCOUNTERS Sarah Aydin

On 20 March 2025 our Secondary School Captains, Toby Tiongson and Alysha Crawford, represented Australian Christian College Marsden Park at the NSW Parliament's Student Leadership Program. This enriching program provided an opportunity for our leaders to deepen their understanding of governmental operations and engage with key political figures.

The day began at NSW Parliament House, where Toby and Alysha attended an introduction to the NSW Parliament, followed by enlightening discussions with Members of Parliament. The highlight was meeting the Hon. Prudence Car, Member for Londonderry and Deputy Premier, who shared valuable insights into leadership roles within the government. Our Captains learned about the responsibilities and challenges faced by leaders in shaping policies and representing community interests.

Our students had the privilege of visiting Government House and meeting the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn. Her Excellency spoke about the significance of her role and the pillars of Ceremony, Constitution and Community. Her Excellency emphasised the importance of ceremonial duties in maintaining traditions and the constitutional responsibilities that ensure the government's accountability to the people.

Toby and Alysha walked away with profound lessons on leadership, including the importance of integrity, commitment, and community focus. These values, demonstrated by our Members of Parliament and the Governor, inspired our captains to apply these lessons in their duties at school, encouraging a culture of respect, diligence, and community service. 

We are incredibly proud of Toby and Alysha for their exemplary representation of our College and their enthusiasm to bring back and share their learnings with their peers.

CLUBS AT ACC Eamon Marlow

ACC Marsden Park clubs have kicked off the year with enthusiasm! Teachers from across the College generously committed to offer their particular passions and interests to the student body across the year. The College’s offerings have grown to include 22 unique clubs from K-12, with more opportunities on the way. Secondary School will soon be home to the ACC Debate Club, providing students with a fantastic opportunity to hone their conversational, logical and debating skills. There is a Club to support every passion, talent, skill or interest a student has.

The Gardening Club is one of the student favourites here at ACC MP. The club meets on Mondays and Tuesdays at Lunch and invites the green thumbs of the College to get their hands dirty. A big thank you to Mr Wade for taking on this passion project and facilitating this wonderful environment. 

Mrs Kasumaputri has diligently led over 300 students in their love for badminton across the school term. The Badminton Club has quickly grown to one of the largest clubs at the College. Students cannot wait for their lunchtime slot on the court, developing their athletic ability and fostering a competitive spirit. 

The College is proud to support students pursuing their interests, and it reflects our desire to grow a strong foundation of Jesus Christ in their lives. Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”.

SECONDARY SCHOOL SPORT UPDATE Mel Kewley

Week 9 this term was a big week for our ACC sporting athletes!

On Tuesday 25 March, our swimmers headed to the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatics Centre (SOPAC) to compete in the Secondary CSSA State Swimming Championships. Approximately 20 students qualified for this event through their outstanding performance in both the ACC and Met-West Zone Swimming Carnivals. These athletes were exceptionally well behaved and represented the school proudly through both their swimming performances and their christian character and behaviour on the day. 

In other news, the State Triathlon took place on Friday March 28, at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Castlereagh. This event, run by Elite Energy, combined three sport associations (CSSA, HZSA, CASA) to host over 1,000 students competing in individual and team events. ACC had 4 students compete in individual events, contributing a huge effort to complete the swimming, cycling and running events. We also had a number of students attend to compete in team events, finishing the swim, cycle and run legs as part of a trio or duo. Congratulations to all students involved in this massive event and thank you for representing the College’s character and values beautifully. 

A special congratulations to Year 8 student Edwina B for her fantastic results at these events, achieving third in CSSA for her performance in the individual triathlon, and qualifying to represent ACC and CSSA at the CIS Swimming Championships.

SHAPE EXHIBITION INSPIRES OUR FUTURE DESIGNERS AND TECHNOLOGISTS Sarah Aydin

Last Thursday, our Year 11 and Year 12 Design and Technology students had the unique opportunity to visit the SHAPE exhibition at the Theatre for Young People. This educational excursion allowed them to explore exceptional projects from the 2024 HSC showcases in Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Textiles and Design.

The exhibition space was buzzing with creativity and innovation, featuring standout projects that set benchmarks in their respective disciplines. Our students were particularly inspired by the detailed craftsmanship and the inventive use of technology evident in each project.

A pivotal part of the day was the seminar held in The Rebel Theatre, where experts dissected the elements required to achieve a Band 6 project. The seminar also focused on the intricacies of folio submissions, providing our students with invaluable insights into how to excel in their major projects.

An unexpected yet delightful aspect of the visit was the interactive session during the seminar, where our students were randomly asked to respond to various questions related to Design and Technology. It was impressive to see each called-upon student respond confidently and accurately, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) framework we have integrated into our curriculum. This teaching strategy has not only enhanced their understanding of the subject matter but also significantly reduced their apprehension about public speaking.

We are immensely proud of how well our students represented Australian Christian College, showcasing their readiness to engage and their ability to articulate their knowledge clearly and confidently. This experience has not only enriched their academic journey but also bolstered their personal development by enhancing their public speaking skills.

Thank you to all the staff and students who made this excursion a success. We look forward to seeing how our aspiring designers and technologists apply these lessons to their own innovative projects in the future.