Secondary News

Welcome and buckle up, because this nine-week term is packed to the brim with non-stop action! Term Three ended with an epic Sydney-Canberra trip, followed by Year 12 ATAR exams during the last week of the holidays. 

Although we are only in week two, we have already had our Year 10 students cater for the Year 12 graduation lunch. We also started off week two with our first assembly of the term where we were joined by Mr Rick Wilson MP to celebrate our students who travelled to Canberra. We are also getting ready to launch the nomination process for new portfolio leaders and prepare to farewell our Graduating Class of 2024. 

Later on in the term, Year 11 ATAR exams will get underway, followed closely by exams for Years 7-10, plus our senior students will be embarking on a Futures Camp. Oh, and did we mention Band Camp? Then there’s Show Day, Open Night, Year 7 Orientation Day, and the Year 7-11 Presentation Event. And that’s just scratching the surface—there's so much more! Hang on tight to Phillippians 4:6-7

Year 12 Mock Exams/Farewell to Year 12’s

Imagine this: It’s Monday, 30th September 2024, the last week of the September break.

9 a.m and you are at school. As you step into the exam room, the weight of the moment settles in. After listening to the rules and regulations for both your mock exams and the finals that lie ahead, reality hits—you’re about to embark on the first of ten, three-hour exams that will span until 11th November.

Our dedicated Year 12 ATAR students have now completed their mock exams, marking the end of their in-school assessments. Teachers have spent the first week of Term 4 reviewing these exams and offering valuable feedback to help sharpen their focus. Week 2 will be all about fine-tuning preparation. For some, the final exams begin as early as 28th October, while the majority will start the following day. Let’s keep all our ATAR students in our prayers, asking for peace, clarity, and the strength to make these exams a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of the past twelve years.

We will gather as a community to farewell the Graduating Class of 2024 on Thursday, 18th October from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Living Water Church, followed by a private evening celebration at the Hilton starting at 5:30 p.m. Let’s come together to honour this milestone and celebrate the remarkable journey of our Year 12 students!

(Be sure to check out the Year 10 Essential Class Farewell article)

Portfolio Leader Feedback Chess:

Chess

The Chess Club has seen steady growth in participation throughout the term. Meeting regularly at lunchtime in room A3, the club remains a favourite for its core group of regular players, while consistently drawing in new faces each week.

The club’s popularity has revealed a large number of avid chess players at ACC, and it’s clear that this space has provided them with a valuable opportunity to hone their skills. With chess boards always ready for use, students of all levels have been able to engage in friendly matches, fostering a supportive and challenging environment for all.

Additionally, the club has sparked increased interest in chess competitions, with more students now willing to take part in both internal and external tournaments. The Chess Club’s development has played a key role in encouraging players to test their abilities on a more competitive level. 

(Written by Charli Sephton)

Creative Club

I've loved watching more and more people come in and join, it's so lovely to watch as people from all age groups join and come together, and it is so beautiful seeing all of the colouring-ins spread out on the table that people have been working on over the lunch times and seeing as they get more and more colourful and start to be finished ready to go on a wall and be displayed. I've loved trying to teach some of the junior secondary kids and people I've never really spoken to how to start their crochet and watch as they start to understand it better, and I would love to keep teaching them. Mrs Wooings has been incredible and has gone above and beyond and bought books and crochet hooks and some embroidery and other bits and bobs that people have loved that diversified the options of activities people could choose. Also thank you to the people who donated wool and books that's so generous of them and doesn't go unappreciated. It's been really amazing just watching everyone do their own thing and be creative, people drawing and talking with their friends all doing something is awesome to see and was what I wanted from the club. It's been nice to see people do things like that because it's so fun and sometimes refreshing to do something like that which isn't school work and is really mindful. 

(Written by Sharni Bennett)

Year 10 Essentials Class Lunch Feast for Year 12 students

As we poured out of the school bus, we were warmly greeted by Mr. Ramsay, Mr. Meyer, and Mr. Wee. The anticipation in the air was palpable, setting the stage for what would be a truly unforgettable day. Before we entered the Carnaby Function Center at Church of Christ, we gathered for a memorable devotion. Mr. Thomas, with symbolic flair, lit our "sparkler" as Mr. Meyer offered words of wisdom. ACC was like the lighter, with our teachers as the flame that ignited our passions, and we, as students, sparkled—sometimes brightly, sometimes dimly. The takeaway was clear: surround yourself with people who fuel your spark, those who uplift you and encourage you to shine brightly.

Entering the hall under the applause of a Year 10 guard of honour, we felt celebrated as we passed through an archway of white, blue, and gold balloons. Each of us found our seat, marked by beautifully printed name cards, adding a personal touch to the occasion.

The menu was nothing short of exceptional, reminiscent of fine dining at the Ritz or Hilton. We began with the "Whirlwind Temptation"—garlic-infused bread scrolls, warm and perfectly seasoned. The main course, a succulent chicken parmi paired with “spudtacular” wedges and a Harmony Harvest Salad, was a gastronomic delight, but the real magic came from the moments we shared around the table—laughter, stories, and reflections. The experience reached its peak with the arrival of the "Dessert Surprise," a sweet indulgence that capped off the meal beautifully.

We were farewelled with stunning purple-violet and light green floral arrangements, thoughtfully decorated with blue bows and beads—a heartfelt thank you to Aria for her artistry and time.

To the Year 10 students, you made this day unforgettable with your catering, kindness and applause. A huge thank you to Ms. Van Burgel, Mrs. Wooning, and Mrs. Thomas for your tireless effort in making this event possible. And finally, a special thank you to Mrs. Sephton and Mrs. Gill for all the behind-the-scenes work that ensured everything came together so seamlessly. We are deeply grateful for the memories you’ve helped create.

Summer Uniform

Term 4, our students wear their summer uniforms. For our students to take advantage of the beautiful weather, they will require a hat when they venture out to the playground. Should you need any uniform items, please remember to order through our school uniform shop.

Assessments for Term 4

As we approach the final term of the year, we would like to remind you of our end of year examinations. 

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

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Examinations

Year 11 ATAR Exams: Start 4 November and conclude on 11 November. Please refer to the exam timetable for details.

Attendance Requirements for Year 11 ATAR Students: Students are required to attend school until 15 November in order to check Exam scripts and complete ATAR courses.

Attendance Requirements for Year 11 General Students: Students must be available to attend school until 15 November, if necessary, to complete or resubmit assignments that are incomplete or unsatisfactory.

Last Official Day for Year 11 Students: 20 November, following the conclusion of the "Futures Camp" returning from Perth.

Year 7 to 10 Exams: Students will complete their MESH (Mathematics, English, Science and HASS) exams during Periods 1 or 2 from Monday to Thursday of Week 6 (11th to the 14th November). The exam timetable will be provided soon—stay tuned!

A Final Word

We look forward to the many events that lie ahead this term as we know that Term 4 is one that goes by very quickly. We thank you for your continued support in the life of ACC.

Regards

Di & Will