Secondary News

A Season of Reflection and Gratitude

As we reach the final day of a productive Term 1, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our parents, caregivers, and staff. Your steadfast support and open communication have been vital as we navigated the rhythms of the term together. We value the partnership we share with our families, including the difficult conversations that allow us to grow and better support our students.

This week, and particularly as we head into the Easter break, our hearts turn toward the significance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. At the core of our college identity is the message of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. While we acknowledge that we are not a perfect community, we find our strength and guidance in these grace-filled principles, striving for the excellence that is found in Christ. May this Easter season be a time of renewal and hope for your entire family.

Faith Week Assembly

It was a joy to gather as a secondary community today for our Faith Week Assembly. Our focus was "Love in Action," drawn from the theme in John 15:12-17: "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." We explored how love is not merely a feeling but a choice to serve and support those around us. It was encouraging to see our students reflect on how they can practically model this Christ-like love within our college and the broader Albany community as they head into their holidays.

ANZAC Day Remembrance

While we are all looking forward to a well-earned break, I would like to share an early invitation for our community to participate in the ANZAC Day March on Saturday, 25th April 2026.

In Albany, we have a unique connection to the ANZAC legacy, yet we are seeing fewer school-aged children participating in these vital commemorations. As a school community, we have an important role in keeping this tradition of remembrance alive. We have already begun conversations with students regarding the significance of ANZAC Day during our assemblies, and we would value seeing a strong representation of both students and staff marching together in uniform.

• When: Saturday, 25th April

• Assemble: 9:30am in front of Paperbark Merchants

• March Commences: 10:00am

• Conclusion: The main service typically concludes by 11:30am

Thank you for considering joining us for this meaningful act of remembrance. We will send a further reminder during Week 1 of next term.

Student Progress Interviews

Thank you to all the parents and caregivers who attended our recent Student Progress Interviews. We greatly value the time you took to meet with our pastoral care and subject teachers. These conversations are a vital part of our desire to partner with families to support both the academic success and the overall wellbeing of our students. Our staff will continue to follow up with families where specific areas of support were identified to ensure every student is empowered to reach their potential.

Sporting Excellence - Carnival Highlights and Swimming Success

A huge thank you to our students for their enthusiastic participation in the recent Surf Life Saving and Interschool Carnivals. The smooth running of these days is a testament to the hard work of our staff, with a special mention to Mr Stuart Thomas for his exceptional coordination of these events.

We also celebrated our swim team’s efforts at the GSSSSA ‘B’ Division Swimming Carnival, where we placed 4th out of 6 schools. A special mention must go to our Year 12 Distance Education students, twins Melina and Dimitrios Dimitriadis-Pierce, who travelled all the way from Perth to bolster our team. Their commitment to the college spirit is highly commended!

Looking Ahead: Cross Country - Save the Date

Please mark your calendars for the ACC Secondary Cross Country Carnival on Thursday, 30th April (Week 2, Term 2). Further details will be shared in the new term. Please note that top-performing students from this event will be selected to represent the college at the GSSSSA Secondary Interschool Cross Country Carnival on Tuesday, 5th May.

The CEM Portraiture Prize 2026

We are excited to announce the return of The CEM Prize for its fourth year! This national portraiture competition is a wonderful opportunity for our Secondary students to showcase their creativity beyond the classroom.

Students are invited to create a 2D portrait (A3 size) of someone they know personally, focusing on relationship and meaning. Finalists will be featured in the National Online Virtual Exhibition, with prizes including art gift cards of up to $300.

• Media: Any 2D materials on A3 paper

• Entry: Submit a photograph of the work via the official online form

• Deadline: Friday, 25th September 2026

Winter Uniform Transition

As we transition into Term 2, students will be moving into their winter uniforms. We take great pride in our high dress standards, as they reflect a student’s respect for themselves and their college community.

In Secondary, we are particularly focused on ensuring our young men are wearing the correct trousers as specified in our Uniform Guide. We appreciate your support in ensuring your child is fully equipped for the cooler weather and arrives each day meeting our grooming and presentation expectations. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation in maintaining these high standards.

Term 2: Upcoming Dates for your Diary

• Friday, 24th April: Year 12 ACC & Bethel Ball

• Saturday, 25th April: ANZAC Day March (Albany CBD)

• Thursday, 30th April: ACC Secondary Cross Country Carnival

• Tuesday, 5th May: GSSSSA Secondary Interschool Cross Country Carnival

I wish all our parents, students, and staff a safe, restful, and blessed holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for a wonderful Term 2.