Secondary News

It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of Term One. This term, students have had many opportunities to learn, to grow and to build new connections with their school community. Students have already enjoyed camps where they have built the foundations for the strong relationships that will support them on their secondary journeys. In addition, students have enjoyed the warmer weather during their Physical Education lessons in the surf at Middleton, competed against one another in our ACC Chess competition and settled into their learning routines.

Year 8 students recently returned from their camp in Busselton. The team were assisted by Cru West, and they took part in activities such as hiking, caving and they even challenged themselves on the high ropes course. Mr Pitman, Mrs Jefferies and Mr Ellis did a wonderful job in leading the group and they were so proud of the students’ willingness and mature approach to the camp.

Year 11 and 12 Outdoor Education students completed their first expedition last week. This camp is an essential component of the Outdoor Education course and the teams’ performance on the camp is assessed. Students develop skills in leadership, resilience, team work, while also demonstrating care for their environment. The team trekked out to Waychinicup and its surrounds and enjoyed some spectacular weather. Mr Sephton, Mr Hunt and Ms Van Burgel were very proud of the efforts of the team.

Easter is the most holy time in the Christian calendar. It is a time when we reflect upon Christ’s sacrifice and the undeserved grace and love that God extends to us each day. This week, we commenced our acknowledgement of Faith Week by hosting our Faith Week assembly. Our whole school gathered to share a time of prayer, bible readings, worship songs (complete with actions) and to hear words of wisdom from our chaplain, Mrs Jansz. It was a most moving service, and we pray that each heart in our school community was able to learn more about God’s great love for them.

This week, we have sent out our Interim reports and held our Student Progress Meetings. We love these opportunities to connect with parents so that we can better partner in the education of our students. If you were unable to attend but would love to connect with a teacher, please contact the school office to book a time for next term.

Our chess team recently competed in our very first ACC Chess Championships. We had great participation from our chess enthusiasts and the competition was fierce. This is the first in a series of chess competitions for the year. We will soon compete against Bethel in a Christian schools competition, before taking on the wider Albany and surrounding schools in the Great Southern Schools chess competition. Congratulations and a huge thank you to Mr Wiseman for championing chess in our school.

This week is our Surf Lifesaving Carnival. Held annually at Middleton Beach, this is a culmination of our Year 7 – 10 Physical Education lessons and Outdoor Education lessons, where students have trained on the sand and in the surf to be ready to compete. This is always a great event, where we can enjoy our fantastic beaches here in Albany. We are looking forward to some great weather and a good time of competition and community.

We have been really proud of our students’ efforts in presenting themselves well this term. Uniforms have been worn very well by the vast majority of our students and this has helped to raise the sense of belonging in the school community.  Next term is Winter Uniform, so it is time to check that these items fit well and make any necessary orders, book in haircuts and ensure that students have everything that they need to start the term well. The school rain jacket is particularly warm for these cooler months and is able to be worn with both sport and formal uniforms. Next term, we will be particularly focusing on:

• Correct formal jumpers with the formal uniform (no sport jackets permitted)

• Formal black leather school shoes to be worn with the formal uniform (no sport shoes permitted)

• Correct school socks

• Boys wearing ties

• Boys’ hair must be cut above the collar and mullets are not permitted

• Girls’ hair must be a natural colour and neatly tied back

• Makeup is not permitted

Please note that if a student comes to school wearing their sport jacket with their formal uniform, they will be asked to remove it. Also, students will be asked to remove makeup.

I trust that your families will have a refreshing break over the Easter period and that this will be a time of connection, rejuvenation, and fun. I pray that all of our families will come to a deeper understanding of God’s love in this time.