Secondary News
- Jade Baker
- Jun 30, 2023
- 5 min read
In our Secondary Assembly this week, we explored the relationship between opportunities and faith, and how we find that these two concepts go hand in hand. To have faith is to have complete confidence or trust in something. To make the most of opportunities can often involve stepping out in faith. It requires a degree of faith for students who are uncertain about being away from home on a camp to trust that they will have a good time. It takes faith for students to begin to learn a new instrument and to trust that their skills will improve. It takes faith for students to believe that their hours of study will have been of benefit when they complete their exams. Yet this faith can be difficult to put into practice. For some, it might be easier to not take part, to not try or to critique those who do step out in faith. However, at ACC, we see students stepping out with faith every day. From delivering oral presentations to taking part in camps and excursions to learning new skills or even taking part in sporting competitions, our students step out in faith and make the most of their opportunities.
Exams
Opportunities have abounded this term, and assessments are a great opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning. We were very pleased with the examination period, and it has been delightful to note that many students utilised the study and revision strategies that had been taught during Pastoral Care and class time. Our next examinations for Years 7 - 11 will be in Term 4. Year 12 ATAR examinations will begin during the second week of the September school holidays and continue into Week 1 of Term 4.
Instrumental Program
Students in Years 7 and 8 have been making fantastic progress in the instrumental program. Students have been learning a variety of instruments including clarinet, saxophone, baritone, trombone, trumpet and flute. We have been fortunate to have the very talented Alan Burnfield join Mrs Goetz in delivering some fantastic tuition. We are incredibly proud of the progress that all of our students have made in learning their new instruments.
Year 8 Camp
The Year 8 Adventure Camp, held earlier this term, was an exceptionally fun event. Held in Katanning at the Kobeelya function centre, students learned more about each other and discovered more about Christianity. Take a look at the video to enjoy some highlights.
MAWA Have Sum Fun Maths Competition
Last week, selected Year 7 and Year 8 students had the privilege of representing ACC at the Mathematics Association of Western Australia’s ‘Have Sum Fun’ maths competition. Held at North Albany Senior High School, students competed against some of the best and brightest maths students from across Albany. Mrs Hardman was exceptionally pleased with the resilience, perseverance and teamwork of our students. Well done!
Year 9 Principal’s Exhibition
Last week, Year 9 students presented their Principal’s Exhibition projects for an audience of Year 7 and 8s, parents and staff. The Principal’s Exhibition is a semester-long project where students have the opportunity to learn more about a topic that they are passionate about and to create an item which will be of some use to a community. Students then presented these projects in an ‘elevator pitch’ where they explained why their product is valuable. Some of the exciting items that students created included a website chronicling Holden vehicles, a guide to using 3D printers, a pair of pointe shoes and even a handbook for understanding soil types. Some parents and grandparents even commented on how much they had learned during the presentations. Well done to the Year 9s who made the most of this opportunity.
Wise Women Camp
Earlier this month, a select group of Year 10 girls attended the Wise Women STEM camp in Perth. Our school secured funding from Murdoch University for our girls to attend a number of sessions and activities aimed at promoting careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Students took part in a ‘cold case’ forensic investigation, created science podcasts and heard from a number of prominent women in a range of STEM industries. In addition, students toured the research labs at the Perth Children’s Hospital and joined in with some investigations. Students also worked as a team to crack the codes in an escape room in Fremantle. We are exceptionally proud of our students’ participation in this event and with their maturity and enthusiasm.
Year 10 Activities
While the team were in Perth for the Wise Women event, the remaining Year 10s took part in a number of Albany activities. These included a bridge building challenge in Science and Mathematics, hiking at Oyster Harbour, attending the Deadly Great Southern Careers Expo and cooking up a storm. The conduct of our students was exceptional, and we were especially pleased to receive positive feedback from a stall holder at the careers expo, which I have copied below:
“I can hand on heart say that the students who attend ACC present as the most confident, well presented and friendly students who are genuinely interested in learning about the different services provided by all of the stall holders. At the end of the day, each of the students came back through and thanked the stall holders for being there and providing them with information – something that is not necessarily done by any other school”.
Food Bank
As part of their Year 10 Essentials for Life lessons, students have been learning about serving the community and the Food Bank food drive went exceptionally well. Thank you to all of the families who contributed - we were able to donate enough food to create over 200 meals for families in need! Students delivered the food and volunteered at Food Bank last week.
Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser
Yet again, our school community has been generous in their support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year, the Year 11 and 12 leaders, partnered with the Giovanazzi family, ran a very successful bake sale and wear red day. We are excited to announce that we raised $670 from the events on the day, plus some donations were also received from our school community online. Thank you to everyone who got involved and supported this very worthy cause.
Cross Country Presentations
At our assembly on Monday, medals were presented to our Cross Country competition winners. These students have demonstrated athleticism, sportsmanship and resilience to have achieved such amazing results. Congratulations to:
Year 7 Girls Georgia Power
Year 7 Boys Jesse Thorn
Year 8 Girls Emily Smith
Year 8 Boys Jesiah Bresanello
Year 9 Girls Shay McDonald
Year 9 Boys Jack Pens
Year 10 Girls Erin Mitchell
Year 10 Boys Henry Smith
OPEN Girls Clare Hadlow
OPEN Boys Riley Nash
ACC National Portraiture Prize
Students have the opportunity to take part in the ACC National Portraiture Prize. This competition is open to all ages, and students are encouraged to submit a portrait for the competition. Check out the video or chat to Mr Wiseman or Mrs Pitavanik for more information.
Pedal Prix
The Pedal Prix team had an amazing time at their competition in Perth recently. We are looking forward to the next event in Busselton next term. Check out the video to see some highlights from the Perth competition.
Debating Team
Students are encouraged to sign up for the 2023 ACC Debating Team. This year, skills development will take place over a number of afternoons, while the competition will be a day long event. For more information, please see Mrs Elliott.
Next Term
We have some exciting events planned for next term, including Outdoor Education expeditions, the Year 9 Busselton Camp and the Year 7 Canberra Camp.
Key Dates
