Secondary News

The focus of our last secondary assembly was ‘learning’ and it has been encouraging to see the learning that has been happening throughout the secondary school this term. Our Year 7s have been learning to adjust to highschool, and they have enjoyed working with different subject teachers and heading down to the beach for their Cadets and Physical Education lessons. At the other end of the school, the Year 11s have also made the huge leap to senior secondary studies. They have learned to juggle either a demanding ATAR schedule or General studies with Tafe days and work placements. Throughout the school, we have had learning happening academically, socially and spiritually, and we are so pleased with the progress that our students have made.

Year 12 News

Year 12 students have been working diligently in their lessons, and teachers have been remarking how pleased they are with their work ethic, commitment and positivity. The Sport Portfolio are busily preparing an Easter Egg Hunt for the secondary students next week. They are also looking forward to supporting Mr Thomas with the Surf Lifesaving Carnival this week. The Community Portfolio have been meeting to discuss participation in the Anzac parade next term, and we are looking forward to seeing more students getting involved this year.

Student Progress Meetings

Student Progress Meetings went exceptionally well on Monday afternoon. Our teachers always look forward to meeting with parents and they have expressed their thankfulness for the wonderful partnership and parental support that is evident in these meetings. If you missed your appointment and would like to meet with your student’s Pastoral Care teacher, please contact the office to make a booking.

Interim Reports

Interim reports were sent home last week. I have heard that some parents have had trouble reading the reports correctly. If you are having trouble, please try the following:

• Access on a computer rather than a mobile device (iphones will show ‘a’ rather than a tick)

• Open the report in a web browser (eg. Google Chrome)

• Open with Adobe Acrobat

If you are still having difficulties, please contact the office for assistance.

Defence Force Visits

In Week 8, recruitment officers from the Defence Force visited senior secondary students. They met with Year 10 students as part of their Essentials lesson, and with Year 11 and 12 students during their Pastoral Care lesson. The officers shared some of the benefits of joining the ADF, including opportunities for further qualifications and study, travel and salary. They also shared information about the ADF Gap Year program. This is an opportunity where young people can be paid to train with the Navy, Air Force or Army for 12 months without obligation. For more information, check out their website.

Naplan

Secondary students in Year 7 and Year 9 have now completed all their Naplan assessments. This is the first year that ACARA have scheduled for the Naplan assessments to be completed in March, so results will be distributed earlier than in previous years. Naplan is a useful tool for schools to review the teaching and learning progress, and these results are combined with other forms of assessment to determine how to better support student learning. We are very pleased with the effort that students demonstrated over their assessment days.

Harmony Day

Our secondary students engaged in some learning activities during Pastoral Care time that explored topics including racism and tolerance during Harmony Week. Students in Year 7 plus some students in Years 9 and 10 also made Harmony bracelets to wear during the week. These bracelets symbolise the unity and the strength that is created with diversity.

Faith Week

Faith Week is our College’s reflection on the Easter message, and is one of the most important times in the Christian calendar. Faith Week is an opportunity to pause and praise God for the incredible love that He has for each one of us, and the sacrifice that He made through his son, Jesus. Students explored the Easter message with a clear focus on the message of hope. Parents are most welcome to attend at 9am at Living Water Anglican Church.

Year 8 Camp

Year 8 Camp is booked in for Week 2 of next term. We are headed somewhere unique this year with our campsite at the historic Kobeelya accommodation in Katanning. We are looking forward to building positive relationships, growing in confidence and having a great time. Further information will be sent to Year 8 parents and families in coming days.

Uniforms

Our college uniform is a unifying feature for our students here in Albany and across our national network of schools. Wearing the school uniform neatly demonstrates pride in our College community and is an important life skill that is necessary throughout our lives, whether this be for the workplace, sporting teams or even community groups. Most secondary students wear their uniforms exceptionally well and visitors to our school often comment on the fantastic presentation of our secondary students. However, there are individuals who have been making poor uniform choices and we will continue to address this. Some particular areas to note are:

• Formal and sport uniform cannot be mixed, ie. sport jackets cannot be worn with the formal uniform.

• Correct socks must be worn

• Formal uniforms must be worn with black, leather school shoes

• Hair must be neatly tied back, a natural colour and no extreme styles are permitted

• Necklaces or chains, rings, bracelets and multiple earrings are not permitted

• Shirts are to be tucked in

• Uniforms should fit correctly (appropriate length, not oversized or baggy)

Next term is winter uniform, so now is a great time to check that items still fit correctly and to place uniform orders so that your student is ready for a great start. The winter rain jackets are very warm and can be a great addition to either the formal or sport uniform.

To assist our students with developing the skills to wear their uniforms correctly, we may require parents to deliver the correct uniform items before their student can participate in lessons or parents may be required to collect their student from school. Where incorrect socks or other items are consistently worn, the College may issue the student with the correct uniform item and an invoice.

Energy Drinks - Health Warning

Energy drinks are increasing in popularity with young people. Often, these drinks contain high amounts of caffeine and sugar, and the consensus is that energy drinks are not safe for teenagers. They have been linked to irregular heart rhythms, sleep disruption, weight gain, tooth decay, diabetes and mental health problems. In addition, they can cause sleep issues, poor learning and performance, plus they may increase the risk of drug and alcohol use. It is for these reasons that energy drinks are prohibited at Australian Christian College. Students cannot consume, exchange or be in possession of any form of energy drink while at school. In addition, all versions of Prime Energy drink are prohibited, including the ‘hydration’ sports version which is labeled as unsuitable for children under the age of 15. We recommend that students consume water.

Sport News - Mr Thomas

On Friday 31st of March, the Year 6-12 students had their annual Surf Life Saving Carnival at Middleton Beach. Despite an ominous weather forecast, all of our students participated and it was a successful day. We have also just finished mapping out our new cross country course on the school grounds and surrounding bushland. Our primary and secondary cross country will be held early in Term 2, and students will begin training in PE lessons this week in preparation. A reminder that running club with Mrs. Bresanello is on every Wednesday morning, 7:30am at Collingwood oval for any students wishing to take on some extra training.