Secondary News

It feels like just yesterday when we wrote our first newsletter of the term. We have merely blinked and found that Week 5 is almost complete. So much has happened within these first few weeks and we are now ready to embrace the last half of the term, which is set to be a very busy and eventful time. So, we welcome you to the musingings of Mrs Downing and Mr Meyer as we share some of the exciting news occurring on campus. Our prayer for all of our teachers, parents and students is that as we become weary, overwhelmed and busy that we will set our eyes on the One who gives us strength to sustain us each and every day:

What a wonderful privilege to depend on the strength of our Lord. His joy is our strength.

Parent-Teacher Interview Reflections

Our first shout-out is to everyone who attended our parent-teacher interviews. The meetings cemented our values: well known, well loved and well taught. Parents and teachers alike reflected on how much they appreciate these opportunities. If you would still like to have conversations with teachers - don’t hesitate to email or phone us. We love partnering with our families to make your child’s educational experience better each day.

Our First Assembly of the Term

The first assembly of Term 3 was run with one objective in mind: “for students, by students”. Our students did an amazing job at leading the assembly from start to finish. Students received trophies and medals for excelling at the Cross Country and Surf Life Saving carnivals, others were given certificates for Mathematics and some students even received Premier Reading Challenge awards. The report on the Geography and Art Camps made all students wish they were in Year 11 or 12, and the Student Leadership portfolio gave students a glimpse of new on-campus activities during lunchtimes each day.  A well deserved “Thank-you” to each person who made this assembly a uniquely ACC Southlands event.

Results of ATAR Entry Examinations

Year 10 students planning future academic pathways were given the opportunity to sit the ATAR Entry exams.  These exams happened on two separate days.  English and Mathematics exams were then marked by experienced ATAR teachers. Students who were more likely to excel in the General academic or ATAR pathway were identified and parent-student consultation meetings held.  The results were announced during Week 5 and Year 11 course selections are locked in for 2025.  Please continue to pray for our Year 10 students and parents during this time.

Timetables and Uniforms

Our Parent Sentral App is vital in keeping parents up to date with important information about upcoming events. Parents are also able to view their child’s live timetable. 

This is a reminder that each year group should be wearing sports uniforms twice a week and formal uniform for the remaining three days. Our Year 7-9 students wear their sport’s uniforms on Thursdays and Fridays, and Year 10-12 students on Wednesdays and Fridays.  

If a student is not wearing the correct uniform it will be noted in Sentral, our school management system, so we can keep track and provide support where needed. Students not in the correct uniform will attend a same-day detention unless a valid reason is provided. Staff discretion will be used when assigning detentions. If there are missing items such as ties or socks that lead to repeated uniform issues, the school may provide the necessary uniform pieces, with a minimal charge to the family. We will arrange a consultation with parents or guardians to discuss the situation and find a supportive solution after students have incurred three uniform infringements without valid reasons. Parents of students who are persistently wearing the wrong uniform will be asked to bring the correct uniform to school and have the uniform issue resolved.

Uniform Letter

Please use the links below to see your child's assessment calendar.

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Upcoming Events

A huge thank you to all students who have already signed up with Mr. Thomas for the ACC Athletics Carnival in Perth 27 - 29 August.  If your child hasn't yet, encourage them to participate.  

Many other events are planned during this term, including The Year 9 and 10 Adventurous Journey and Year 11 and 12 Outdoor Education Expedition.  We will be praying for amazing weather as they begin their incredible three day, two night hike through the Walpole wilderness. 

We end off the term with our annual Sydney Canberra Trip. We know that our students are eagerly counting down to this amazing trip over east. We look forward to sharing highlights and photos in our future newsletters. 

Lunch time clubs

We are very proud of our Year 11 and 12 students who have managed to get a range of clubs up and running since the start of the term. We have found that this has been a wonderful initiative that has provided our students with an outlet, be it in a physical, spiritual, intellectual, or artistic manner. Currently the following clubs are being held;

Monday: Chess Club

Tuesday: Cru Club

Wednesday: Band

Thursday: Creative Corner

Friday: Fun and Games + Mountain Biking

Breakfast Club

Mrs Beeck and her wellbeing team have been successfully getting the Breakfast Club initiative up and running every Wednesday morning. Students have been getting delicious breakfasts of vegemite toast, spaghetti, baked beans, muffins, yoghurt, fruit, cereal and milo. With a full tummy, many of our younger students have then enjoyed each other's company on the basketball court, while our high school students have loved watching the Olympic highlights while playing a range of board games. This initiative has not only enabled our students to start off the morning with a good breakfast, but has also allowed our students from various year groups to connect and get to know each other. 

OLNA

This is a reminder to parents and students that our next round of OLNA takes place in Week 8. Any students from Year 10-11 who have not yet received their OLNA in any one of the areas will be required to sit this round. 

Monday 2 September: OLNA Writing

Tuesday 3 September: OLNA Numeracy

Wednesday 4 September: OLNA Reading

A Final Word

Thank you for taking the time to read through our newsletter. We are excited about the weeks ahead and look forward to seeing all the wonderful achievements our students will make. Here's to a term filled with learning, growth, and plenty of memorable moments!

Warm regards,

Di & Will