Secondary School Update - 9 May 2025

HEAD OF SCHOOL UPDATE Jonathan Brayshaw

Dear Parents and Carers, 

It has been an eventful and encouraging start to Term 2, and I am delighted to share some highlights from the first two weeks.

We commenced our time together as a community by holding an ANZAC Commemoration Service, to honour the sacrifices that were made, and that continue to be made, in the defence of freedom and redeeming of peace. I would like to thank all of our students for being respectful throughout the Service. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend a special mention to our College Captains and Vice Captains, Toby Tiongson, Alysha Crawford, Samuel Jones, Naomi Mayan; and also to our Cadet representatives, Lochlan Evers, Kinjal Jain, Aryan Gangju, Ishan Adluri, Harshita Rathore, Keith Casey and James Patel, for their involvement in leading our Secondary School in the ANZAC Commemoration Service.

On Thursday 1 May, we had our Secondary School Photo Day. If your child was absent from school that day, catch up photos will take place next Monday 12 May. Please click here to order your child’s College photos for 2025. This link will expire on Wednesday 18 June. Orders placed after this date will incur a late fee and will only be eligible for a digital portrait file. 

The Secondary Cross Country Carnival at Rouse Hill Regional Park on Wednesday 7 May was a wonderful display of encouragement, courage and teamwork as students participated in the course and House games such as tug-of-war and volleyball. I would like to thank our students for their incredible House spirit and excellent behaviour throughout the day. I would also like to thank our Sports Coordinator, Mrs Melanie Kewley, as without her amazing organisation this community event would not have been the success that it was. 

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

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

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

• For serious concerns involving your child, or for issues pertaining to more than one Stage or a group of students, it is best to contact the Head of Secondary. 

I would like to thank parents and carers for supporting us as we work in partnership to help each child grow and flourish. 

YEAR 11 MODERN HISTORY EXCURSION Shelby Mayo

On Tuesday 6 May, our Year 11 Modern History students participated in an excursion at the Sydney Jewish Museum at The Central Synagogue in Bondi Junction. This was a day geared around their current unit where they have been studying the ways in which history is constructed, using the Holocaust as a case study. Through a look at photographs and personal testimonies, students were shown how history can be pieced together from various perspectives using evidence. The day included a session where students practiced and developed their source interpretation skills, a workshop with artefacts and a talk from Holocaust survivor, Yvonne Engelman. 

Below are some student reflections on the day:

Today's excursion was incredible, but what resonated with me most was hearing Yvonne's story. Listening to her personal account of surviving the Holocaust was a humbling experience. It was heartbreaking to imagine the fear, loneliness, and uncertainty she faced in the camps. Her story made me reflect on the importance of family, food, and freedom. I'm grateful for the opportunity to hear her story and appreciate the simple things in life even more. - Gracie Garcha

My favourite part of the day was the privilege of hearing from one of the few living Holocaust survivors who survived labour and extermination camp, Auschwitz. Yvonne talked not only about her experience, but also about the lessons she derived from it. There were four main things she taught us: to obey and respect our parents, to keep hope and faith, to always help others, and to never hate. It was so moving to hear that someone who experienced horrors that very few people can say they’ve experienced holds these lessons so close to her heart, and continues to teach them to as many people as she can. It really encouraged me to think deeply about the important things of life. - Isabella Parker

I found learning about the amount of evidence we still have on the event fascinating and how much it can tell us about the Holocaust. From the general public led by propaganda posters blaming the Jews and fueling hatred, to photographs and artefacts revealing the conditions of the ghettos, to the documented names memorialising the people lost. - Liam Sigalat

SECONDARY CROSS COUNTRY Mel Kewley

It has been an exciting start to Term 2, with the Secondary Cross Country Carnival being held this week. While our Primary students competed on campus last week, our Secondary students made their way to Rouse Hill Regional Park for the event on Wednesday 7 May. 

The day started with the 17+ Boys race, who were joined by the Head of Secondary, Mr Brayshaw, who came in second behind student Micah K. The warmer weather conditions and a hilly course made the races more difficult for some, but it was wonderful to see so many students running their best, competing with friends and encouraging each other. It was fantastic to see all our competitors persevere to finish the race, many with some quite impressive times. 

Meanwhile, on the Oval, the novelty events were a highlight for many. The House volleyball competition was closely fought and the Tug-of-War events brought out a fiercely competitive House spirit, as students surrounded the competitors, cheering loudly for their House mates.  This House spirit continued until the end of the day where the War Cry competition made for a loud and exciting finish. 

Congratulations to the following students, who came first in their age groups; 

• 12 Years: Aarav R and Angelina B

• 13 Years: Braxton F and Edwina B

• 14 Years: Simeon T and Lavinia T

• 15 Years: Isaiah G and Sophia C

• 16 Years: Jake M and Gloria A

• 17+ Years: Micah K and Alysha C

Thank you to everyone involved for making the Cross Country Carnival a superb day to celebrate and enjoy community together. 

HSC PERFORMANCE NIGHT Kaylie Neave

Our College’s HSC Performance Night was a tremendous success!

Students embraced the opportunity to present two of their HSC pieces, delivering outstanding performances with the dedicated support of the Creative Arts team and many additional supporting staff. The event highlighted the impressive diversity and talent within the Year 12 cohort, including a standout showcase from the very first Year 12 Distance Education Music class.

Adding to the evening's excitement were dynamic performances from the Year 11 On Campus class, further elevating the night’s energy and creativity.

Our Stage 5 elective Music students are looking forward to showcasing their talents at our annual Jazz Cafe performance night at the end of this term.