School News
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- Written by: Rivermount College Yatala, Qld
- Category: School News
A recent study, reported by Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ), showed an increase in the growth of Independent schooling in Queensland during the period 2019 to 2020. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, enrolment numbers were strengthened through this timeframe with a 4.5% growth, equating to more than 130,000 students across the Independent sector. The search for quality education remained a high priority for parents despite the global disruptions and economic impact experienced by families.
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- Written by: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School - Wyoming NSW
- Category: School News
At OLR we are proud to be recognised as the ‘family community’ school where each and every child is known and cared for as an individual. We are a co-educational Catholic school catering for children from Kindergarten to Year 6, with a strong reputation for academic success as well as our Positive Behaviour for Learning approach.
We are committed to giving your child the best academic education in a modern learning environment. In 2019 we welcomed our brand new building which consists of 8 new classrooms equipped with the latest learning resources. Our students engage in interactive learning through an indoor/outdoor setting and contemporary breakout spaces for smaller group activities.
Our Science and Technology programs build on our student's natural curiosity to learn more about the natural and man-made world around them, through coding and coding club, robotics, 3-D Print, and Information Communications Technology (ICT). Our students also have access to a range of language-based programs within our school, such as Italian lessons (from as early as Kindergarten), Public Speaking, and Tournament of the Minds. Children who have a flair for the arts are encouraged with opportunities in dance, drama, band, choir, and individual keyboard tuition. Annually our students perform in school musicals and dance troupe performances, along with the opportunity for students to enter visual arts competitions. With a clear focus on the development of each individual, our broad curriculum caters to a wide range of interests and abilities.
We are also extremely fortunate to have amazing on-site sporting facilities including a generous oval space, covered outdoor learning area, basketball court, and our very own school playground. Our students are given the opportunity to excel individually and/or with teams in athletics, cross country, rugby union, league, AFL, soccer, netball, touch, and Oz Tag (as well as off-site swimming). We also offer coaching clinics for AFL with the Sydney Swans, Soccer with the Mariners, NRL with the Roosters, and Rugby with the Waratahs. As a result of our facilities, many of our students are representing in higher levels in Polding, Broken Bay, and state levels.
Transition to kindergarten
Along with our ‘Pop up Playgroup’ operating on-site, we welcome families to our wonderfully successful school readiness program known as ‘Kinder Yana’’. The program lets the children meet their new peers and become familiar with the school environment, over 8 sessions. This allows teachers the opportunity to get to know each child’s strengths and challenges before formally beginning Kindergarten the following year. Enrolment at OLR is welcomed at any time of the year where class sizes allow.
We are a forward-thinking Catholic school, providing a Catholic education for all, within a harmonious – happy- and- connected community.
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- Written by: Emanuel School, Randwick NSW
- Category: School News
Emanuel School’s Head of Innovation and Digital Technologies (K-6), Sophie Poisel, has been awarded the
coveted Premier’s Prize for Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)
Teaching in NSW.
“In a year that has provided our teachers with unprecedented challenges demanding ingenious solutions,
Sophie Poisel from Emanuel School is a deserving winner of the Premier’s Prize for Innovation in Science,
Technology, Engineering or Mathematics Teaching in NSW,” said NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor
Hugh Durrant-Whyte. “The commitment of teachers like Sophie will ensure that today’s students are the
future prize recipients at events like this.”
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- Written by: MATTHEW FLINDERS ANGLICAN COLLEGE
- Category: School News
Students in Senior Primary at Matthew Flinders Anglican College have embraced the challenge to design a new world-class city from the ground up!
In partnership with Queensland University of Technology Design Lab and experts in design, the College hosted a ‘Design for Impact Summit’ at Flinders Performance Centre on October 6 and 7.
A short video of the Summit highlights is shared here.
The Design for Impact Summit involved our Year 5 and Year 6 students, with assistance from some of our Years 9 and 10 students, as part of an exciting design thinking immersion experience, inspired by real-life city planning.
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- Written by: Carmel School - Dianella WA
- Category: School News
Following the decision to introduce a new entrepreneur program at Carmel, we set about investigating the best of the best currently available. After a period of intensive research our Principal, Shula Lazar, headed to the USA to find out more about her preferred option: the Uncharted Learning course.
The task seemed simple enough (NOT!): uncover the best high school entrepreneurship program in the world and work out how to offer this program at Carmel.
Honestly, I didn't know much about entrepreneurship, but I do know about education. Like all the successful teaching implemented here at Carmel, I knew the program needed to be explicit, comprehensive, knowledge-based and experience enhanced.
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- Written by: St James’ Anglican School
- Category: School News
As the Kindy and Pre-Primary students returned to school to start Term 3 they were greeted with a brand new play area ready for them to road test. With an in-ground trampoline, monkey bars as well as new slides and a great big grassed area to run around on.
Over the school holidays, it was all hands on deck to ensure the completion of the new play area ready for the start of Term 3. With mud kitchens and a cubby house decked out in the St James' colours of orange and blue the new play area was bound to be a big hit.
The play area is a welcomed addition to the ELC at St James' we encourage you to book a school tour to experience the St James' difference.
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- Written by: St James’ Anglican School
- Category: School News
Thursday 14 May was a significant day for everyone at St James’ Anglican School in Alkimos, Western Australia. The School gymnasium received its formal signage and will forever be known as the Djinda Sports Centre. Djinda, an Aboriginal word meaning stars above, reflects our beautiful clean air in the north and our desire to be stars. A perfect name for our future Orange Army stars.
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- Written by: Schools Guide Admin
- Category: School News
QLD
For latest advice and updates please visit Qld Government Department of Education website here.
The following QLD schools will be temporarily non-operational on Friday 14 February:
NSW Independent Schools
Based on information provided by The Association of Independent Schools of NSW the following NSW independent schools will be temporarily non-operational on Friday 14 February:
- Satya Sai College Dungay campus
- Satya Sai College Murwillumbah campus.
NSW Catholic Schools
Information provided by Catholic Schools NSW...
The following NSW Catholic schools will be temporarily non-operational on Friday 14 February:
- Mount St John Primary School, Dorigo
- Mount St Patrick College, Murwillumbah
- Mount St Patrick Primary School, Murwillumbah
- St Brigid's Primary School, Kyogle
- St John's College, Woodlawn
- St Joseph's Primary School, South Murwillumbah
- St Mary's Primary School, Bellingen
- Trinity Catholic College, Lismore.
Latest Updates
Latest advice and updates from NSW Government Department of Education including Public school closures can be found here.
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- Written by: Wesley College Melbourne
- Category: School News
For the first time, Wesley College’s Glen Waverley Campus will feature a dedicated Chapel, at the heart of the campus, within a new multi-storey student centre, The Drennen Centre.
The Chapel is especially meaningful to Ms Ev Kreppert, a long-serving former Wesley teacher, who made the first donation in 2008 for a spiritual meeting point for students and staff from all religious backgrounds to congregate.
‘I told Helen Drennen at the time that the campus would not be complete without a chapel and so I made an initial donation to assist the future funding of the chapel.’ Ev Kreppert said.
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- Written by: Newman College - Churchlands WA
- Category: School News
Good Evening Year 12, Families, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen
In July this year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of man’s first step onto the moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s feats will be ever etched into the minds of generations, as will be the words… one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.
In 2019 perhaps what is lesser known but equally important are the feats of two women astronauts, Christina Koch and Jessica Meir. This past Friday Koch and Meir conducted the first-ever "all woman spacewalk," during which they replaced a faulty piece of hardware that helps to power the International Space Station.
Jessica Meir speaking to the media said how much of a dream it has been for her to not only become an astronaut, but to complete a spacewalk.
“This is what I've always envisioned myself doing really my whole life.”
"I wrote this in my high school yearbook under future plans. I said: to go for a spacewalk. So, I finally checked that box and have lived that dream,"
But even more powerful came from her further reflection:
"Another dream would be to go to the moon. That's always the image I had from the very first drawing I did of when I said I wanted to be an astronaut in the first grade – was standing on the surface of the moon. So, I think maybe I'll make that my new dream."
She added:
"I would absolutely love to be the first woman on the moon. That would be my ideal mission. It is time for us to go back to the moon, and I think that we will be able to do that in the near future and I would love to be the one on that mission."
What a great story, moreover a powerful reflection on living one’s dream? Year 12, as you sit here today can you recall that drawing, that story you created as a child that lit the fire in you of what is possible in your life?
Like Astronaut Jessica Meir, is that dream still with you today in your future plans… or has it led to another dream, another ambition or hope of what might be in the years ahead.
It is important to note that living out our dreams is the sum of many opportunities, challenges, experiences and of course people who support and walk with us - with their own gifts and talents. For it was not one person behind the astronauts - Jessica Meir, Christina Koch, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.
There were thousands of people who would have contributed in some way to the Apollo 11 moon landing 50 years ago as there would for this recent incredible feat. It took many individuals, all with different talents and abilities to collaborate in contributing to this historic event. Year 12, you need to remember that you all have the ability to achieve your dreams. You will make mistakes and experience failure. You may not be rocket scientists or astrophysicists, but will be no less important, whatever the path it is you choose to travel.
We do not live in a vacuum or in isolation from others. As such, we all have the potential to impact positively on the community in which we will live by making others feel worthwhile and valued, by instilling a sense of awe and wonder, by contributing to the health and wellbeing of the people around us. There are many avenues towards achievement.
We just need to remind ourselves that we can achieve anything to which we set our minds. To overcome any challenge, you just need to dare to dream that you can reach your own moon landing.
Michelle Obama, the wife of former President of the USA Barack Obama, a leader, role model and inspiration by her own life journey says:
“You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it is important for you understand that your experience in facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.”
There is no doubt you have faced challenges in your time at school and at home.
- What have those experiences taught you?
- Have they prepared you for what lies ahead?
To answer these questions, I would like you to consider the example of the life of Saint John Henry Newman - the person by which this College is named.
Last week, Pope Francis presided over mass in front of over 60,000 people in a sun-drenched St. Peter’s Square where he declared Newman a saint, along with four women saints. Becoming Saint put simply means your life was one full of heroic deeds, it made a difference to many. Thousands of people from schools, universities and churches from countries across Europe and North America were there to honour him.
I too had the privilege to be in attendance at this incredible event representing the only named Newman College in Australia.
For note, Newman lived in the 19th Century; he was a theologian, poet and priest. But what he was revered for was his pursuit of academic excellence as a writer and critical thinker. His prolific writing focused on the search for truth and the freedom of conscience. Newman’s writings fostered community and prioritized education. He sought to inspire people to do the same in a time of great division and inequality between social classes, men and women, countries and more specifically between Catholics and Protestants.
Newman’s writing promoted inclusion, underpinned by the notion of human dignity:
It is a call on every one us, not as simply the better way, but as a matter of life and death, to cherish a personal affection for each other, and to show all kind, attentive and humble service to each other; and in this great duty the difference between superiors and their subjects, old and the young, men and women, simply vanishes; these differences cannot exist.
Saint John Henry Newman’s invitation to us is to live our life to be one of humble service and affection to each other. If this can underpin our intent and be the foundation for lives, our future, no matter what challenges we face, will be assured.
To that end, we celebrate today your time here at this remarkable PK-12 College of over 1900 students.
At Newman College our culture is strengthened and supported by our characteristics of presence, love of work, simplicity, in the way of Mary and family spirit.
They drive the cultural elements that shape who we are, what we represent and what we are going to become.
The fundamental beliefs and assumptions in this community are that you all have the potential to succeed. Our Vision for Learning Shine through discovery – let you light shine asks this of us -- that we can be excellent; we have license to let our light shine.
Year 12, you are a magnificent exemplar to our College of this Vision by your participation and willingness to ‘have a go’. You have exemplified the Marist notion of presence by the way you have valued relationships, through:
- your reflection and spirituality at the Senior Retreat,
- the highs and joys of the College Ball,
- your collaboration with your teachers,
- your respect and support of Mrs Bramanto, your PCG teachers and College Leadership Team,
- and when one of you were down someone was always there to lend a hand of support
You have demonstrated a willingness to get involved and have the flexibility to try new things in our co-curricular initiatives; be it in ministry, creative and performing arts and / or sport.
Year 12, you have stood up for what you have believed to be right and just. Your leadership group, so well led by Courtney and Matthew, and so many others advocating on many issues. In particular the promotion of fundraising efforts for Marist Solidarity and Caritas Australia and the College’s strategic direction on the use of renewable energy and recycling has been outstanding.
Your efforts, demonstrated by application, resilience, discipline, shared values, friendships and selfbelief have enhanced our Newman culture.
Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents and for sharing your leadership. Your time in this community, be it 6 or 14 years, is valued and acknowledged.
Let us put our hands together for the Graduating Class of 2019!
We may not all want to go to the moon, but we all have moon like aspirations that sit deep within all of us. You finish today at Newman, but your lives really are just beginning. This is the start!
Your foundation has been laid; the pillars are in place.
So, going forward…
- what life do you intend to lead?
- what opportunities will you grasp?
- and what difference will you make?
Like those remarkable astronauts -- be resilient; seek to overcome adversity; the challenges, the opportunities
- Do what you love to do
- Seek to make a difference in the world, to transform the world and to be an agent of change.
We wish you all the best in the next stage of your journey. We will pray for you as you seek to make your mark in the world.
In the words of St John Henry Newman:
Let us grow in wisdom and love
and act with courage to choose what is right.
May we always be open to change
and have the strength to accept what is new and valuable.
Give us peace and happiness in what we do.
We ask this through Jesus, Your Son, and Mary, our Mother.
Amen.
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- Written by: Kimberley College, Carbrook QLD
- Category: School News
Year 10 at Kimberley College is undergoing changes to better serve as a transition year between middle school, senior school and the future. Kimberley College, a school in Carbook that opts out of formalised testing until senior school, will keep its successful multi-graded primary and middle school classes but make adjustments to the structure of Year 10 to introduce students to the workflow, assessment pattern, and nature of testing of Year 11 and 12. The changes are in response to the new QCAA system that replaces Queensland’s former OP grading.
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- Written by: MORETON BAY COLLEGE, MANLY WEST QLD
- Category: School News
Bayside’s first ‘buddy bench’ to encourage inclusion and friendship among students as part of mental health week Queensland’s largest private mental health facility has partnered Moreton Bay College to create a more inclusive playground for students, today confirming plans to install bayside Brisbane’s first ‘buddy bench’ to overcome the challenges of making friends at school.
- The Moreton Bay Colleges' win back to back national Mountain Bike Championships
- Dance Success
- The Science behind 'PLAY' at PCACS
- WHY CHOOSE A GIRLS' SCHOOL?
- Number 1 on the Northern Beaches
- Noosa students a hit in Japan
- Finding Time for Joy!
- The importance of explicit instruction
- BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards
- Peace Performing Arts Centre Opens to Applause
