Secondary News
Updated: Sep 25
As we arrive at the conclusion of Term 3, I look back with gratitude for all that our secondary community has accomplished. Over the past ten weeks, our students have stretched themselves academically, represented our college with distinction on the sporting field, served the broader community, and explored Australia’s rich heritage and natural environment through our camps and excursions.
Finishing a busy term well requires determination, discipline, and mutual support. In every area of school life, our young people have demonstrated character and commitment. As we head into a well-deserved school holiday break, I pray that each of our families experience a time of rest, restoration, and quality time together.
Sports, Games & Outdoor Pursuits
State Surfing Championships
We extend our congratulations to our secondary surfing team—Melody Pirga, Annabelle Reddington, Malachi Bresanello, and Jax Auty—who recently competed at the Surfing WA State Titles. Representing our region on the state stage is a significant achievement, and these athletes showcased commendable skill, courage, and sportsmanship in the ocean. A heartfelt thank you goes to the parents who sacrificed their time, provided transport, and offered tireless encouragement on the beach to support our surfers in this endeavour.
Volleyball WA High Schools Cup Success
Our Year 11 B Division Girls Volleyball team delivered an outstanding campaign at the recent Volleyball WA High Schools Cup. Coached and supported by Mr Joseph Elliss and Mrs Melanie Lawrence, the team displayed exceptional growth, discipline, and inspiring team spirit throughout the tournament.
Their path through the competition included:
Group Stage: Strong team performances against Mercedes College and Sevenoaks Senior College.
Quarterfinal & Semi-Final: Hard-fought victories against Iona Presentation College.
Grand Final: A thrilling final match against St Mary's Anglican Girls' School.
Congratulations to team members Georgie Hart, Taliah Scott, Emily Smith, Matilda Fairley, Melody Pirga, Indy Alegado, and Alyssa Lynch on their efforts and stellar representation of the college!
GSSSSA Year 7 & 8 Soccer Carnival
Our Year 7 and 8 soccer players competed with great energy and heart at the recent Great Southern Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSSA) Soccer Carnival. Beyond the skill displayed on the pitch, we were particularly proud of the leadership, team cohesion, and sportsmanship shown throughout the day.
We extend our sincere appreciation to parent volunteer Mr Nathan Millar, Year 11 senior student Jacob Greenwood, staff member Ms Ebonee Van Burgel, and student helper Ms Tasmyn Van Burgel for their dedication in coaching, managing teams, and supporting our players.
Individual Soccer Honours
We would also like to extend a special congratulations to Year 8 student Billy Ugle for his outstanding efforts in the Albany Junior Soccer Association (AJSA) U14s season. Billy was awarded Runner-Up Fairest & Best for the competition, a massive achievement that reflects his skill, dedication, and exemplary sportsmanship on the pitch.
Great Southern Secondary School Chess Competition
Our secondary chess team recently competed in the 4th Annual Great Southern Secondary School Chess Competition hosted by St Joseph's College. Facing tough competition from St Joseph's, North Albany Senior High School, Great Southern Homeschoolers, and Denmark Senior High School, our young squad, comprising Year 11s Noah Sephton and Jacob Greenwood alongside Year 8s Troy Downing, Alasdair Mitchell, Jake Millar, Zavier Small, and Jed Abrahams, represented the college with brilliant strategy and focus.
A special congratulations goes to Noah Sephton, who made history in the individual competition by winning all seven of his matches to take home the championship trophy. Noah is the first player in the four-year history of the competition to achieve a perfect 7-0 score, an incredible feat made even more impressive given he arrived five minutes late to his first game due to an important school test, playing with only five minutes on his clock to his opponent's ten.
Academic Learning
Year 8 Albany Discover Week
While a section of our Year 8 cohort was away on tour, our remaining Year 8 students participated in Albany Discover Week. Spearheaded by Ms Dianne Downing alongside our dedicated Year 8 teaching team, this week offered students rich experiential learning opportunities right here in our local region—deepening their understanding of Albany’s unique history, culture, and ecology.
Year 8 Canberra Educational Tour Reflections
We warmly welcome home our Year 8 students and staff from their memorable educational tour to our national capital, Canberra! The tour provided invaluable real-world learning in Australian history, democracy, and governance. A massive thank you to our staff tour leaders, Mrs Heather Jefferies, Mr Michael Poole, Mr Langford Brown, and Mrs Elzean Lourens, for their outstanding care, tireless organisation, and round-the-clock supervision throughout this enriching journey.
Outdoor Education Excursions & Expeditions
Year 9 Outdoor Education: Our Year 9 Outdoor Education students recently took part in practical field excursions designed to foster a love for the outdoors while instilling sound environmental principles and conservation ethics.
Year 11 & 12 Outdoor Education Expedition: Guided by Mr Lewis Sinclair, our senior Outdoor Education students completed a demanding multi-day expedition, putting into practice advanced navigation, outdoor skills, and team leadership in challenging environments.
Community Service & Generosity
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal
At ACC, we constantly seek ways to put our faith into action by serving others. Under the leadership of Mrs Dianne Downing, our secondary school proudly participated in the Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal this term.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our students, parents, and staff, dozens of packed shoeboxes filled with practical essentials, toys, and school supplies will soon be delivered to children in need across the globe. Thank you to every family who contributed to bringing joy and hope to children this Christmas season.
Looking Ahead to Term 4
As we prepare for the upcoming holiday break, we look forward to the many exciting milestones that await us in Term 4. In particular, we keep our Year 12 cohort in our prayers as they enter their final weeks of secondary schooling. At the same time, college leadership is actively planning and preparing for an exciting 2027 school year ahead.
Summer Uniform Transition: Please be reminded that all students will transition back to the Summer Uniform from the start of Term 4. We ask parents to assist us by checking that uniforms, including footwear and grooming, comply with college standards before Week 1.
Review the full dress code via the ACC Southlands Uniform Guide.
Key Secondary Events: Term 4 Calendar
Please take note of these key dates for Term 4:
Term 3 School Holidays (Week 2):
Monday, 5th Oct - Friday, 9th Oct: Year 12 Semester 2 Mock Exams
Term 4, Week 1:
Thursday 15th Oct - Friday 16th Oct: Year 10 Outdoor Education Expedition
Term 4, Week 2:
Thursday, 22nd Oct: Year 12 Graduation Assembly (9:00 am – 10:30 am) & Graduation Dinner
Term 4, Week 3:
Friday, 30th Oct: World Teachers' Day
Term 4, Week 4:
Tuesday 3rd Nov - Thursday 5th Nov: Year 10 Wise Women Camp
Wednesday, 4th Nov: Secondary Athletics Carnival
Term 4, Week 5:
Monday, 9th Nov: Commencement of Year 11 ATAR Examinations
Thursday, 12th Nov: 2027 Year 7 Student Orientation Day
Term 4, Week 6:
Monday, 16th Nov - Fri 20th Nov: Year 7–10 End-of-Year Examinations Block
I wish to thank all of our families for your continued partnership, prayers, and support throughout Term 3. To our staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication to the academic, pastoral, and spiritual growth of our young people.
May God bless you all with a safe and restful break. We look forward to welcoming all students back on campus refreshed and ready for Term 4.