Secondary School Update - 8 August 2025

HEAD OF SCHOOL UPDATE Jonathan Brayshaw

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Term 3. Our Year 12 Class of 2025 will graduate at the end of this term! Please join me in praying for all of our Year 12 students as they commence their HSC Trial Examinations next week. 

It was a pleasure to visit our students at Year 8 Camp in Crosslands Reserve in Hornsby Heights. This particular camp provides students with the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone by completing a day hike, bivouac experience and camping in tents on one of the evenings. They also engaged in activities such as indoor high ropes and challenge courses, and sleeping in cabins for the other evening. I was so encouraged at the way in which students embraced this experience, displaying exemplary behaviour throughout, as well as making new friendships and developing existing ones. 

I would like to thank our staff who attended Year 8 Camp: Mrs Redden, Mrs Malcolm, Mrs Fedyczkowski, Miss Taylor, Mr Berthelsen, Mr Barton, Mr Neale, Mr Raj, Mr Johnston, as well as Miss Perry and Mr Thomson for coordinating and organising this camp. Thank you for entrusting us with the education and wellbeing of your children.

Finally, as we move forward, please know that our lines of communication are always open:

• Should you wish to communicate with your child between 8.00 am and 3.10 pm, please contact the Secondary Hub via email or phone 02 9421 7111. 

• If you need to contact your child’s teacher, the first point of contact should be with the Homeroom Teacher.

• For matters about pastoral care or information about year level programs, it is best to reach out to your child’s Year Coordinator. 

YEAR 8 CAMP Miah Perry

Year 8 students approached camp with enthusiasm and positivity that wasn’t dampened by the rain! The big 9km hike through the stunning Galston Gorge provided a chance to embrace nature, enjoy the serenity, and encourage one another to keep pushing towards the destination. It was a time where students truly thrived, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and support.

One of the highlights was the overnight campout, where students cooked a delicious teriyaki stir fry in small groups and shared stories around the dinner table. The evening ended with a cosy night’s sleep in tents.

The fun continued with climbing and rope courses, team building challenges, and problem solving activities. Our ‘Big Night of Fun’ was a standout, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and group games that brought everyone together.

Year 8 Camp wasn’t just about the physical challenges, it was a memorable time for students to grow in resilience, build relationships, and develop essential life skills in a supportive, faith filled environment. We’re already looking forward to next year’s adventure!

YEAR 8 INQUISITIVE MINDS WORKSHOP Luke Turner-Mann

At the end of last term, students from Year 8 travelled to Norwest Christian College to take part in an Inquisitive Minds maths workshop. They learned logic and problem-solving skills, taking part in two competitive rounds: one paired with a student from their own school, and one paired with a student from another school.

In the first round, Anousheh A and Vihaan P finished 3rd, while Palaash B and Aavyan B finished 5th. In the mixed schools round, Wesley C, Vihaan P, Aavyan B and Simeon T finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th respectively, with their partners. It was a challenging and rewarding experience for all of our students. Well done Year 8’s!

YEAR 10 ELECTIVE JAPANESE EXCURSION Narae Son

On Tuesday 5 August, the Year 10 Elective Japanese class ventured out to Sydney for the ultimate Japanese experience. Our first stop was at The Japan Foundation, where students practised their speaking skills and consolidated their learning on Japanese geography, seasonal activities and school life. After this, students engaged with the Japanese culture first hand - dining out at a Japanese restaurant and conversing in Japanese with the staff, visiting a Japanese 100yen shop to check out the latest imported goods from Japan and even getting a taste of authentic Japanese matcha through trying different matcha flavoured desserts. It was a day filled with many learning experiences, memories and laughter. 日本が大好き！(Nihon ga daisuki!) - We love Japan!