Newsletter

I’m a glass half full kind of person and always expect for the best outcome in any situation. Usually, this is how I am without too much effort. This year I have had to be a lot more intentional about remaining this way. We have all had to face many challenges this year which we perhaps haven’t seen before and could never have predicted. I have been amazed at the resilience and hope that our community has been able to demonstrate during this time.

When thinking through the glass filling opportunities coming out of this year I can come up with many new blessings. I’ll share some of mine.

Inspired by a colleague who decided to learn a new instrument (the bagpipes – the ultimate of social distancing instruments) I decided to learn the guitar. I’ve wanted to learn my whole adult life but never made the time. It’s been a challenge but I’m learning. I’m not that brilliant, but can play a solid C, D and G chord! My cup is filling.

My aging parents live only 40 minutes drive away but in the normal business of life it’s often hard to make time to visit them. Enter FaceTime. The current context means we have been chatting often now with video and sharing far more than we did in earlier times. My cup is filling.

One of my cousins started a chat group for my cousins and their kids. I’ve got relatives I never knew about. Their life and stories now shared are enriching my world in ways I never knew. My cup is filling.

“They” say “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. Let’s see how we go filling our cups with the new joys we are finding in this season.   My cup overflows.  Psalms 23:5.

Praise Points

~ The College mini-tours that are happening. We have had two recently. It’s so encouraging to hear how God is directing people to consider BCC. Our website is one of the ways people are not only finding out about the College but discerning what it is that sets our school apart – highly relational and pastoral, focused on helping to ensure our students are thriving across all areas. We are blessed to have a team that can convey the heart of our College in such real and engaging ways. 

~ Our College Community, and our local and extended community during this unsettling ‘COVID’ time.

~ Year 12 as they prepare for their Trial HSC Exams next week!

~ New students as they continue to settle in – that they will form friendships and find a place to belong as part of our community. 

~ Students who face significant challenges and who need to know His tender love and deep encouragement as they come to school.

~ That God’s Holy Spirit will continue to soften the hearts of our students so that the ethos of our College will be translated from ideals to a lived-out reality in the relationships our students have with each other.

~ Our Principal, Executive Team and the Board as they lead our school forward – blessing, provision and Godly wisdom as they consider future decisions and direction for BCC.

Prayer Requests

In deeply challenging times such as these, we find our rest in the unchanging nature and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

As a Christian community we understand the significance and purpose of prayer. It is the heart-beat of our College. Together we boldly pray to our Father, through the work of His Son, in the power of the Spirit.

If you have a prayer request please complete the form here. We would love to pray for you specifically, and for your family, during this time of change.

‘We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express’ Romans 8:26b

Praying Parents

Parents are invited to join our prayer group on Mondays at 8:15am and Fridays at 2:15pm, meeting at the flag pole after signing in at the College office. For more information please contact Ang Proctor mailit2us@gmail.com or phone 0409 288 000. Everyone is welcome to join in.

At the moment we are covering the Year 12 students in prayer as they prepare for the HSC and their final months at BCC. COVID-19 has added an extra layer of complexity to their year, but we know that our God is faithful and He has a plan for each of them. We are praying for their studies, but also that they grow in revelation of God’s faithfulness and understanding that when we are weak, He is strong.

If you would like to volunteer to commit to covering two Year 12 students in prayer from now until the end of HSC exams (mid Nov), please email wendy@wendyrobinson.com.au.

Here are some suggestions for what ‘covering the two Year 12 students in prayer’ looks like:
(a) When praying for your own children, include a prayer for these two young people.
(b) Every time you drive into the school grounds, ask for God’s blessing and favour on them (can be prayed in your mind, doesn’t have to be prayed aloud).
(c) Every time you wash your hands, ask for God to give them a sound mind, the mind of Christ, and strength to do each day well.
(d) Ask God to give you a specific scripture to pray for them.
(e) Ask God what He wants you to pray for them.

2020 Presentation Night Update

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

As per previous correspondence, together with the College Executive team, I have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Presentation Night, which would normally be held in the final week of Term 4. 

Based on expert advice from both the State and Federal government, combined with Christian Schools Australia (CSA), we have prayerfully made this decision.

The current advice regarding large gatherings cannot be ignored, and as a Christian College, our desire is to always submit and adhere to the authorities that govern our land.

With this in mind, the decision to press the ‘pause button’ in 2020 provides us with an excellent opportunity to consider the current format of the BCC Presentation Night.

To that end, I ask that you take a couple of minutes to complete the following online survey regarding Presentation Night. This survey will be available throughout the month of August. 

Your response to this short survey will help develop the main focus areas for a team of staff, parent and student representatives to consider the way in which we celebrate achievement and results from 2021 onwards.

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding in this turbulent season, as we continue to be a community that trains and nurtures young people to ‘grow up into Christ’.

Ms Sharon Sopher
Principal

School Photo Day

School photographs are scheduled to be taken on Tuesday, 25th August 2020 for Secondary Students and Beginners and on Thursday, 27th August 2020 for Primary Students and Beginners.

Please be aware that all students (except S3T and Year 10) must come to school in their full Winter Formal uniform for the photos. S3T and Year 10 must come to school in their Sport uniform and change to their Formal Winter uniform before their photo session. S3D and Year 9 have subjects that will require them to also have their sport uniform to change into after their photo session.

K – 6 boys are requested to wear long sleeved shirts. K – 6 girls are requested to wear white with stripes socks, not stockings. Secondary School girls (Yrs 7-12) must wear navy opaque stockings, and Yr 11 and 12 must wear their shirts and blazers. Please ensure K – 12 boys wear ties and K – 6 girls wear their bows. Hair needs to be off the face, tied back or up. Plain surgical studs or sleepers only.

An envelope and flyer has been distributed to students. It is our preference that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes. If ordering online is not possible, order envelopes distributed and cash can be returned to the photographer on photo day.

Orders can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit advanced order code: P5L NEY LXP. Portrait and group package orders are due on photo day. Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than 24th August. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.

Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please email to enquiries@advancedlife.com.au.

ORDER NOW go to www.advancedlife.com.au and enter the code: P5L NEY LXP

Stage 4 Homework Club

BCC Learning Hub is trialling an after school Homework Club for Stage 4 students on Thursday afternoon’s from 2:50pm to 4:00pm.

Staff will be available to provide support with homework, assessment tasks, exam preparation, organisational skills and developing good study habits.

Students will have access to technology and other resources in an environment that encourages students to be focused and productive.

If you would like your child to attend please fill out the e-form below to register your child. For further information please contact our Teacher Librarian, Mrs Louise Osborn, at library@bcc.nsw.edu.au.

New Transport Page on BCC Website

Our website continues to evolve and be updated with helpful links and information for BCC families. Our latest update is a Transport Page. If you ever need to check a bus route to and from the College, order an OPAL card or contact the College office regarding our Private College bus service, then this is the place to go. https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/transport/

Keep Informed at the College

The College website continues to grow and evolve as a fantastic resource for parents and students. Make sure you take a look at our Community Hub. Why not share the weblink with friends and family and give them a look inside the BCC Community. 

BCC also communicates home to parent/caregiver’s via the Skoolbag App. Skoolbag provides an easy and convenient means of communication of essential information including the College Newsletters, notices and alerts which are communicated directly to parents and caregivers through the Skoolbag Mobile App on your iPhone, iPad or Android device. We encourage parents to download the Skoolbag App and check-in to the App on a regular basis for any announcements to keep you informed.

Entertainment Book Available Now

Entertainment Memberships are now 100% digital. Saying goodbye to the iconic Book wasn’t easy but the new Entertainment Memberships start anytime and are valid for 12 months from activation. Packed with thousands of substantial savings to delight and inspire, an Entertainment Membership is your pass to exclusive offers and quality experiences, activities and benefits. The digital membership is easy to download to start using instantly. New offers are added weekly for ongoing value all year round.

Benefits of the App include:

• User-friendly: Instantly search and redeem offers or check out the Near Me tab to find offers, wherever you are.
• Memberships start anytime: Flexible start date, Memberships are valid for 12 months from when you activate (16 months if you take advantage of the Early Bird offer now).
• New offers automatically added: As soon as a new offer is available, you get access to it. No more waiting for the next print run!
• Multiple devices: You can still share your Membership with your family. Encourage your partner and kids to download the App so they can access valuable savings when out.
• Convenient: The App means that as long as you have your phone, you have your Membership too (no more lugging around the book).
• Easy gifting: We’ve made it simpler than ever to gift an Entertainment Membership – simply purchase from your chosen fundraiser and the gift Membership will be delivered instantly to your inbox.

For the first time ever you can choose from 3 NEW digital Memberships.

If you have any queries about the College uniform, make sure you visit our dedicated Uniform page on the College website. Alternatively, get in touch with our uniform partner, Alinta Apparel.

Sign in at the Uniform Shop

You are now able to sign in at the Uniform Shop. Using your mobile phone you are able to scan a QR code for quick sign in. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping inline with Covid-19 Government regulations.

Full uniform fitting appointments

All new students, starting in 2021 are required to book an appointment for a fitting which will be held during the October Term 3 Holidays. Please book your appointment online by 28th September to secure your fitting. The booking site will be available online from the 30th of August.

In January 2021, we will be open for order collection (for lay-by collection, exchanges and late enrolments). January shop hours can be found online by logging into the customer portal.

Concert Band & Choir on hold

The NSW Government, on advice from NSW Health, has provided the following edict regarding music related activities in schools:

All school-related group singing or chanting activities and use of wind instruments in groups must cease altogether as of Wednesday, 19th August 2020.

This is in response to the recent cases of COVID-19 in school staff and students in NSW and has been implemented to further minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission in school communities.

In the recent announcement, Dr Kerry Chant, Chief Health Officer for the NSW Ministry of Health, states:

These updated measures will assist us to achieve the NSW Government’s aim of eliminating community transmission in NSW, and will support schools to continue to deliver onsite learning. I thank you and your school communities for your support and ongoing attention to providing a COVID safe environment for all students and staff.

As a Christian College, our desire is to submit to the authorities that govern our land. Practically, this means that the following ensembles and groups will need to cease until further notice:Primary Concert Band

~ Secondary Concert Band
~ Senior Primary Choir (Stage 3)
~ Saxophone Ensemble
~ Mrs Turner’s Flute Group
~ Stage 2 Recorder
~ All group singing in classes, including in Music

Our String Ensemble will still be able to rehearse, although strict hygiene protocols will be employed.

We do hope that we will see a return to normalcy soon. The College will communicate any further updates regarding the Music program as they come to hand. Thank you for your ongoing prayerful support and understanding in this matter.

Music Tutors

We have a variety of Music Tutors available at the College during College hours. We are pleased to have a new Vocal Tutor available now too. Further information can be found here Music Tutor contacts .

National Science Week

This week we have celebrated National Science Week 2020! National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of Science and Technology.

Every morning Secondary students have focused on Science in their morning Mini-Connect lessons. They’ve played Science games over lunch, participated in an interview with a Scientist in Vanuatu via Zoom and done lots of experiments along the way.

Our Year 9 iSTEM class have been working hard on a fascinating Robotics project. They are designing, building and coding a robot that can successfully complete a range of tasks, such as following a line, responding to specific colours and identifying the location of an object using ultrasound. This project is stretching and engaging students in a number of important skill areas. Their clever creations are testament to their hard work and application of these skills.

Stage 2 did a balloon experiment all about discovering seen and unseen forces around us like gravity and elasticity. When the balloon is released, we see the effect of air being blown out of the balloon. You can see the wonder on the students’ faces! As the students learn about seen and unseen forces, they are challenged to think about how they can see God’s design and creativity at work in the world.

Year 9 conducted a fascinating experiment where they made Silver! By heating Agar and Silver Nitrate and combining Zinc they observed the displacement of Silver ions, leaving pure Silver behind.

National Science Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate God’s VERY good creation. God invites us to be a part of His amazing plan to reconcile all things to Him. As a Christian community, our passion is to reflect God’s love by taking part in His plan as we observe, discover and celebrate creation through science.

Opal Cards Tap On and Off

We would like students to understand the importance of tapping on and off with their Opal card every time they travel to and from school. When students receive their Opal card, it is a condition of use that students must tap on at the beginning of a trip and tap off at the end of a trip at an Opal card reader. Although school travel is free, this provides NSW Transport with very important information that allows them to better plan bus, ferry and light rail services for us by helping them to know how many services need to be provided for our College. We do not want any current services cancelled.

To encourage students to tap on and off on every ride Newcastle Transport are giving students the chance to be rewarded for it!

Drop-off & pick-up zone

Thank you for your ongoing patience during drop-off and pick-up time.

As we continue to maintain government directed standards throughout this COVID-19 season, please take note of our current drop-off and pick-up arrangements.

What remains the same?
~ 2.40pm car pickup for Primary school students (and their Secondary siblings) AND separate Secondary School pick-up zone

~ Parents and Caregivers are welcome to park their cars in allocated car parks, and collect their children, whilst maintaining social distancing measures

~ Parents and Caregivers may physically collect their children from the path outside the black gate

What is changing?
~ In the pick up/drop off line, if necessary, parents may assist their child getting in/out of the car by getting out of the car themselves and helping with seat belts etc. This should be a quick and efficient process, to avoid traffic congestion.

The recently erected black gate will be locked from 8:40am. Any student arriving after 8:40am must enter via the canteen side entry and sign-in at the student office before going to class.

The family surname signs we have provided to Primary School parents for display on the car sun-visor or windscreen has helped the process flow reasonably well, with all things considered. Cars without this display make it difficult to identify during pick up, which does slow the process considerably. We kindly ask that parents remember to display the signs every afternoon at pick up.

If you have lost or require a sign to be made for you, please contact Deb Paardekooper on deb.paardekooper@bcc.nsw.edu.au or 4922 8311.

Alumni Sporting Success

We are proud of our students past and present and we’d like to highlight the success of some of our Alumni students in the sporting arena.

Focusing on women in football, or soccer for those who often get the name mixed up with other dominant codes in Australia, two of our Alumni have gone on to forge successful careers in football playing for our local A-League/W-League teams or playing for Australia!

Lauren Colthorpe attended the College from  Kinder to Year 10, 1991 to 2001 and went on to represent Australia in football. Lauren played for the Brisbane Roar in the inception season of the W-League from 2008 through to 2011. Lauren played 5 Under 20 caps for Australian and earned 51 caps for Matildas.

Emily Van Egmond attended the College from Years 4 to 6, 2003 to 2005 she too went on to represent Australia in football. Emily has played at the professional level from a very early age, playing all over the world in various top level female competitions including clubs such as: Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers, Orlando Pride, Western New York Flash, Seattle Reign FC, Fortuna Hjorring, VFL Wolfsburg and she currently plays for Melbourne City. Emily earned 15 caps for the Young Matilda’s from 2007-2013 and has earned 97 caps in the Matlida’s and is currently one of the team Captains.

Save the date – Year 8 into 9 Virtual Information Night

In 2020, the Year 8 into 9 Information evening, where Year 8 students choose their Stage 5 2021 elective subjects will be held virtually on Tuesday, 1st September (Week 6) from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Families will have the opportunity to Zoom teachers and ask more questions about the various subjects on offer in 2021.

In addition, a support website will be shared prior to the Information evening to help students and parents make their 2021 subject choices. On the Thursday before, students will enjoy a subject expo where teachers will discuss the subjects in a face-to-face setting. We encourage you to save the date.

BCC Beginners 2021 Orientation Schedule

The dates for our BCC Beginners Orientation 2021 schedule are as follows:

Wednesday, 14th October – 5:00pm to 6:00pm – Information Evening (Virtual + Zoom)
Tuesday, 17th November – 9:30am to 11:00am – Orientation Morning #1 (Kiss n drop)
Friday, 20th November – 9:30am to 11:00am – Orientation Morning #2 (Kiss n drop) 

Further information and support material will be shared throughout Term 3 in the lead-up to these events.

Kindergarten 2021 Orientation Schedule

The dates for our Kindergarten Orientation 2021 schedule are as follows:

Wednesday, 14th October – 6:00pm to 7:00pm – Information Evening (Virtual + Zoom)
Thursday, 22nd October – 9:00am to 10:30am – Orientation Morning #1 (Kiss n drop)
Monday, 2nd November – 9:00am to 10:30am – Orientation Morning #2 (Kiss n drop) 
Tuesday, 17th November – 9:00am to 10:30am – Orientation Morning #2 (Kiss n drop)   

Further information and support material will be shared throughout Term 3 in the lead-up to these events.

Pythagoras Project –getting the right angle in your chosen field!

For every teacher of Mathematics there is one question that looms menacingly over every topic ––“Sir, has this got anything to do with, you know, ……. the real world?”

The class understood Pythagoras’ Theorem (Of far more use than his less popular ‘Serum’ which many found hard to swallow):

“In any Right Angled Triangle
The Square of the Hypotenuse is Equal to
The Sum of the Squares of the other 2 Sides”

They were able to apply it to find unknown sides or angles but, more importantly, understand that the reverse was also true – provided the 3 sides obeyed the Theorem then the angle opposite the longest side must be 90 degrees i.e. a right angle!

Armed with only a 22.8m tug of war rope, measuring tape, calculator and electrical tape we embarked on the first stage of our project –to check whether the alleged right angles painted on the basketball court were in fact 90 degrees.

But there was a problem! The class had identified that a basic 3 4 5 Pythagorean Triad required the rope be first divided into 12 equal parts. They then proceeded to mark off intervals of 3, 4 & 5 parts but…………….there was some rope left over!

After much re-measuring, recalculating and head scratching the class made the impossible decision to recheck the length of the entire rope in the unlikely event that Mr Hannam’s initial measurement was out. It was true, apparently overnight, the rope had swelled in the heat from 22.8 to 23.1m. The old electrical tape markings were removed, the calculator hummed, and a new set of 3 4 5 dimensions was barked across the basketball court. The tension in the air was palpable as the triangle was pulled out into a triad confirming that the court painters were dead accurate.

Satisfied that we now had an ancient but accurate measuring device, the class took to the oval to stake out a perfectly rectangular field like farmers of old. Thus proving that Mathematics always has a practical application in the ‘real world’, and that ancient property line disputes might have once been resolved in a rigorous tug-of-war!

Important COVID update from 18 August 2020

Dear Parents and Caregivers

The AISNSW has provided the latest updates from the NSW Department of Education to support efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Below are the ways in which these updates will affect BCC.

The following principles underpin these guidelines:
· Schools continue to be safe and operations are in line with AHPPC and NSW Health guidelines.
· All students should be learning on-campus unless they are unwell or have a medical certificate to support their absence.
· Existing infection control protocols at schools, and new health and safety measures put in place will help maintain the health and safety of students and staff.
· All activities permitted at school are safe and appropriate in living within the COVID-19 environment.
· Schools continue to monitor and plan for any changes in local circumstances that may arise, including changes in health advice or local restrictions.

New COVID-19 testing requirements
In particular, I’d like to draw your attention to the fact that our staff are vigilant in recognising when our students are exhibiting flu like symptoms during teaching and learning activities and where identified, students are sent to the sick bay where they can be isolated. The ladies in the College Office will arrange for a parent or caregiver to collect the student and take them home.

If a student has been absent due to flu like illness, or develops flu like symptoms while at school, they are not to return to school until they have a negative COVID-19 test and are symptom free. The negative COVID-19 test result, must be sighted and received by the College before their return to school.

Our teaching and support staff follow the same guidelines with regards to their own health.

I would appreciate your continued cooperation to keep our College students and families safe and to play our part in diligently doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Sharon Sopher
Principal

Mini College Tours

We will be holding a Primary School College Mini Tour on Wednesday, 26th August, a Secondary School College Mini Tour on Thursday, 3rd September and a Beginners Mini Tour on Tuesday, 8th September, all from 9.15am. Numbers are limited so please register here. Morning tea provided. All welcome.

Virtual College Tours Now Available

Do you have friends and family who cannot make it onsite to check out the College on a Personal face-to-face Tour? Maybe you know of folk who are considering a relocation to the Hunter region? Why not encourage them to join our College Registrar, Ms Teena Knott, on a Virtual College Tour. For more details and to book a face-to-face or virtual tour, click here

School Photo Day

School photographs are scheduled to be taken on Tuesday, 27th July 2021 for Primary, Secondary and Beginners #1 Students and on Thursday, 5th August 2021 for Beginners #2 Students.

K – 6 boys are requested to wear long sleeved shirts. K – 12 girls are requested to wear navy opaque stockings, not socks. Yr 11 and 12 must wear their shirts and blazers. Please ensure K – 12 boys wear ties and K – 6 girls wear their bows. Hair needs to be off the face, tied back or up. Plain surgical studs or sleepers and one watch only.

An envelope has been distributed to students. It is our preference that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes. If ordering online is not possible, order envelopes and cash can be returned to the photographer on photo day.

Orders can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit advanced order code: P5L NEY LXP. Portrait and group package orders are due on photo day. Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than 26th July. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.

Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please email to enquiries@advancedlife.com.au.

ORDER NOW, go to: www.advancedlife.com.au and enter the code: P5L NEY LXP

Staffing Update

Each year, we find ourselves in the position of not only welcoming incoming staff but also having to farewell staff. It is with sadness that we farewell Mrs Rappeneker after 31.5 years of faithful service at the College. She commenced as a Primary Teacher, after which she was the Head of Middle School and now, she is the much loved Head of Student Services and Wellbeing. Mrs Rapp as she is affectionately known, has gone above and beyond without question or complaint in service of hundreds of children for the sake of their learning. I would like to publicly thank Mrs Rappeneker for her significant contribution to Kingdom Education and pray that God will continue to bless the work of her hands.

Mrs Bethany Clothier joined the Student Services department 2.5 years ago and has now completed training as a Mathematics teacher. Bethany is pursuing work in her chosen field and we find ourselves saying goodbye to Bethany at the end of the term. I suspect we will continue to see her at the College as a casual teacher in the interim. We thank Bethany for her contribution in assisting students with their learning and wish Bethany well in her career change.

We also farewell Mrs Farnworth, our fabulous Kindy Aide at the end of the term. Mrs Farnworth has been a welcome addition to our team and the kids have absolutely loved her bubbly nature and enthusiasm. We wish her God’s best as she moves back to New Zealand.

All positions will hopefully be filled by the start of the new term.

Ms Sharon Sopher
Principal

School Photo Day

School photographs have been re-scheduled and will be taken on Monday, 30th August 2021 for Primary, Secondary and Beginners #1 Students and on Thursday, 7th October 2021 for Beginners #2 Students. We will be taking Sibling photos on Monday, 30th August and any families with a Beginners #2 child on Thursday, 7th October.

Please note a reminder of our Winter Formal Uniform requirements for the day:
~ Kindergarten – Year 6 boys are requested to wear long sleeved shirts.
~ Kindergarten – Year 12 girls are requested to wear navy opaque stockings, not socks.
~ Year 11 and 12 must wear their shirts and blazers.
~ Kindergarten – Year 12 boys wear ties.
~ Kindergarten – Year 6 girls wear bows.
~ Hair needs to be off the face, tied back or up.
~ Plain surgical studs or sleepers and one watch only.

An envelope has been distributed to students. It is our preference that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes. If ordering online is not possible, order envelopes and cash can be returned to the photographer on photo day.

Orders can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit advanced order code: P5L NEY LXP. Portrait and group package orders are due on photo day. Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than 26th August. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.

Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please email to enquiries@advancedlife.com.au.

ORDER NOW, go to: www.advancedlife.com.au and enter the code: P5L NEY LXP

Shark Tank

In the last week of Term 3, Year 11 Business Studies students participated in our annual Shark Tank Young Entrepreneurs competition.  The students were tasked with pitching a new business idea to a group of local business ‘sharks’ along with a detailed business plan.  They also had the opportunity to exhibit their business idea to Secondary students in the College Library. A huge congratulations to Lachlan Hales for winning the Shark Tank pitch and Alleluya Hamisi for winning the People’s Choice Award. We are so proud of all of these students for their hard work and dedication, their ability to remain focused despite setbacks, plus their passion for business.

Mr Ross Urane
Year 11 Business Studies Teacher

School Photo Day

School photographs have again been re-scheduled and pending Covid-19 restrictions will now be taken on Tuesday, 5th October 2021 for Primary, Secondary and Beginners #1 Students and on Thursday, 7th October 2021 for Beginners #2 Students. We will be taking Sibling photos on Tuesday, 5th October and any families with a Beginners #2 child on Thursday, 7th October.

Please note a reminder of our Summer Formal Uniform requirements for the day:
~ Kindergarten – Year 6 boys are requested to wear short sleeved shirts.
~ Year 7 – 12 girls are requested to wear white striped socks, not stockings.
~ Year 11 and 12 must wear their shirts and blazers.
~ Hair needs to be off the face, tied back or up.
~ Plain surgical studs or sleepers and one watch only.

An envelope has been distributed to students. It is our preference that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes. If ordering online is not possible, order envelopes and cash can be returned to the photographer on photo day.

Orders can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit advanced order code: P5L NEY LXP. Portrait and group package orders are due on photo day. Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than 1st October. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.

Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please email to enquiries@advancedlife.com.au.

ORDER NOW, go to: www.advancedlife.com.au and enter the code: P5L NEY LXP

HSC Student Care Packages

Our Year 12 students had their HSC Trial exams this week. Like many schools in our area, this is the first time we’ve had to run online exams. We’re so proud of the way our students have responded to this change. To support these fantastic young men and women, the amazing Mrs Fraser and Mr Miller, organised care packages that were (safely) delivered to front doors by staff. We’re praying for you Year 12, that you’ll draw on God’s peace, love and kindness in these turbulent times.

Prefect Devotions

It has been remarkable how our community has come together during remote learning. One of the most encouraging aspects of this time has been how our Year 12 and Year 11 student leaders have led the College in a devotional series on the Fruit of the Spirit. Each Prefect chose a specific fruit and spoke on how we could be developing it in our lives, providing practical and simple applications, while also not losing sight of our dependence on God for personal and spiritual growth.   

What’s more impressive, is that they prepared these devotions during their Year 12 Trial Examinations and  their Year 11 Yearly Examinations. Staff and students all appreciated their desire to serve our College and help us to not lose sight of what is most important. While our Year 12 and Year 11 students have demonstrated their usual grit and resilience, they have also displayed something even more important: loving service. It is easy to be proud of our student leaders and their proactive kindness to our Community. 

We’d love you to take the time to sit down with your morning cuppa over the next few days and enjoy these
devotions yourself: https://bcc.nsw.edu.au/devotions-from-our-prefects/ 

Well done, Prefects. 

School Photo Day

School photographs have again been re-scheduled and pending Covid-19 restrictions will now be taken on Tuesday, 2nd November 2021 for Beginners, Kindergarten, Years 1, 2, 6, 11 and 12 students and on Tuesday, 16th November 2021 for Years 3, 4, 5, 7 8, 9 and 10 students. We will advise closer to the time which of these days we will be taking Sibling photos.

Please note a reminder of our Summer Formal Uniform requirements for the day:
~ Kindergarten – Year 6 boys are requested to wear short sleeved shirts.
~ Year 7 – 12 girls are requested to wear white striped socks, not stockings.
~ Year 11 and 12 must wear their shirts and blazers.
~ Hair needs to be off the face, tied back or up.
~ Plain surgical studs or sleepers and one watch only.

An envelope has been distributed to students. It is our preference that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes. If ordering online is not possible, order envelopes and cash can be returned to the photographer on photo day.

Orders can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit advanced order code: P5L NEY LXP. Portrait and group package orders are due on photo day. Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than 29th October. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.

Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please email to enquiries@advancedlife.com.au.

ORDER NOW, go to: www.advancedlife.com.au and enter the code: P5L NEY LXP