Secondary News

We are well and truly into the swing of things this year, with camps, incursions and learning happening in all classrooms. I have been particularly struck by how smoothly the majority of our new students have integrated into the culture and expectations here at Australian Christian College. I have really enjoyed having conversations with students about why we want all of our students to work hard and make the most of the opportunities that are available to them. Similarly, I’ve enjoyed chatting about the purpose of some of the rules that we operate within at our school and listening to student feedback about these. Our goal is always to ensure that our students feel safe, are well known and cared for and feel equipped to learn. 

Year 7 Swimming Lessons

Year 7s are right in the midst of a very busy first term of high school. We have been most impressed with the way that they have handled their transition and the growth in confidence that we are already seeing. Last week, Year 7 students completed swimming lessons down at Emu Point. They have had some lovely weather and were very fortunate to have lessons down at the beach on the hottest recorded Albany day! 

Year 7 Camp

This week, Year 7 are enjoying their camp at Busselton. This camp aims to help students at this early point of the year to develop the resilience and relationships that will positively impact their secondary journey. Parents have been kept well informed via the private Year 7 Busselton Camp Facebook Group, where daily photos and updates have been shared. So far, students have been zip-lining at Forest Adventures, exploring the Ngilgi Cave, exploring the jetty and even playing team games down at the beach. We are looking forward to catching up with them to hear all about their adventures. 

Year 9 Camp

Year 9 students are also enjoying their camp at Busselton. They have undertaken a number of adventurous activities, including exploring the self-guided Giants Cave, taking on the high ropes at Forest Adventures and even coasteering at the Injidup Natural Spa. The Year 9s conducted themselves with maturity and positivity, and we are very proud of their efforts. 

Surf Lifesaving

This term, students in Years 7 - 10 have been participating in surf lifesaving lessons at Middleton Beach. They have been gaining confidence in the waves, in addition to practising relays, races and board skills. These lessons will culminate in our annual ACC Surf Lifesaving carnival, held in front of the surf club at Middleton Beach on the 28th of March. 

Year 11 and 12 Great Southern University Roadshow

Year 11 and 12 students participated in the Great Southern University Roadshow. Representatives from the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University and the University of Notre Dame came to talk with students about applications, scholarships and general university information. We also heard from the Great Southern Universities Centre, which provides local support for students who are studying from Albany. Students had the opportunity to ask questions that would help them to plan their post-school pathways. 

Year 8 Camp

The Year 8 camp is coming up quickly and we are excited for them to travel to Busselton on the 12th of March. The camp will be run in conjunction with Cru West, who will be running all of the activities. Students will have the opportunity to go caving, climbing at Forest Adventures, hiking and they will explore the Busselton townsite. We are keen to see continued growth in confidence and resilience from our wonderful Year 8s. 

NAPLAN 

NAPLAN testing is coming up soon. All students in Years 7 and 9 will complete their NAPLAN assessments from 13th to 19th of March. While these assessments are an important measure of student progress, they are not the only measure that we use. During the NAPLAN period, it is important that students maintain their usual routines, ensuring that they get enough sleep, exercise and nutritious food. 

Uniforms

Most students have been looking fantastic in their Summer uniforms and we really value how the uniform helps our students to feel a sense of belonging within our school community. We really appreciate the haircuts that have been happening and the shoes that have been purchased. However, there are a few areas that we still need to tighten up on. In particular, the sport jacket cannot be worn with the formal uniform. Also, sports shoes must be low-cut and supportive sneakers or runners (not canvas shoes such as Vans or Converse as these provide inadequate support). Please see the uniform guide for more information.

Even though we are still in the midst of Term 1, it is time to start planning for Winter uniforms in Term 2. Please check your current uniforms for sizing and order early so that your child is ready for the commencement of Term 2.