Secondary News

A warm welcome to the new school year! A special greeting to those joining our ACC Southlands community for the first time. My name is Mr Wee, and I am privileged to step into the role of Head of Secondary On Campus. I also want to extend my thanks to Mrs Downing and Mr Meyer for their leadership in overseeing the secondary school during Semester 2 of 2024.

It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout from families and students at our opening ceremony. A special mention to our music band for their outstanding performance—what an incredible start to the year! Moments like these remind us of the vibrant and supportive community we have at ACC Southlands.

“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” — Deuteronomy 6:6-7

It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child. At ACC Southlands, we believe that a strong partnership between parents, students, and teachers is essential for each child’s growth—socially, intellectually, physically and spiritually

Getting the Basics Right

To start the year well, we are focusing on three key areas:

• ACC Summer Uniform – Ensuring students take pride in their appearance.

• Positive Behaviour Expectations – Encouraging courage, humility, respect, initiative, self-control and trust.

• Student Code of Conduct – Reinforcing a culture of excellence and integrity.

Who to Contact for Support

To ensure your child feels known, loved, and supported, our Pastoral Care teachers are the first point of contact for any student concerns:

Year Group	Pastoral Care Teacher
Year 7.1	Mr Daniel Pitman
Year 7.2	Mrs Helen Pirga
Year 8.1	Mrs Tammy Goetz
Year 8.2	Mrs Heather Jeffries
Year 9.1	Mrs Dianne Downing
Year 9.2	Miss Ebonee van Burgel
Year 10.1	Mrs Christina Woonings
Year 10.2	Mr Kier Perryman
Year 11	Mr Will Meyer
Year 12	Mrs Melissa Patterson

For additional support:

• Learning Support: Mrs Aneen Lamble leads our dedicated Learning Support team, working alongside Education Assistants to support students with additional learning needs.

• Wellbeing Team: Mrs Holly Beeck, along with Mr Paul Ritchie and Mrs Sharon Morton, provides pastoral and emotional support to students navigating the highs and lows of school life.

Timetables & Organisation

Student Timetables – Your child has received their timetable from their Pastoral Care teacher. This includes their subjects and respective teachers.

Student Diaries – To help students develop responsibility and organisation, all secondary students have been issued a Student Diary for 2025. This is a key tool for:

• Tracking homework, assignments, and key dates

• Setting personal learning and well-being goals

•  Developing good organisational habits

Parent Support: Please encourage your child to bring their diary daily. Teachers will be reinforcing its use, and we invite you to check in with your child about its content. Students who frequently forget their diary will complete a reflection on personal organisation, and if it becomes a pattern, we will work together on strategies for support.

We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to partnering with you in your child’s journey. Thank you for your continued support!

Blessings,

Mr Wing Kuen Wee

Head of Secondary On Campus

Australian Christian College Southlands