The Vine Newsletter

Mrs Felicity Grima - Principal

College Production

It has been four long years since the College had a Musical, and since then we have experienced droughts and flooding rains and a worldwide pandemic.

While every part of the College has been impacted by COVID closures, one of the hardest-hit areas has been the Performing Arts with restrictions related to singing, dance, drama and instruments that require airflow being the last to be lifted.

With restrictions still in place and no certainty around whether June 2022 would finally see a production in the Lighthouse Theatre, we boldly decided to put on ‘High School Musical’.

And that risk has paid off!  As Principal of the College, I could not be prouder of this incredibly talented and courageous group of young people. They persevered despite the restrictions, the floods earlier in the year that prevented weekly and weekend rehearsals from happening; most of them have had COVID, influenza or other medical challenges and some of them even rendered themselves unable to walk without assistance!

Some performed on the stage, and some assisted behind the scenes with sets, choreography, makeup and costumes, playing music, directing guests or doing whatever needed to be done. I want to especially recognise the Year 11 and 12 Entertainment students who were involved in sound, lighting, and on the set.

One of the strengths of our College is the way that students from Year 5 to Year 12 can work together on a project like a Musical. It is just a delight to see our oldest students working with our younger students to mentor and encourage them. It is a testament to the culture of service and care we develop here at the College.

Another group of people I would like to acknowledge and thank are our sponsors.

-        Carters Tax Advisory

-        Box Hop.com.au

-        Mind Flare

-        Jaymark Equipment Hygiene Services

-        Devine Scapes

I would also like to thank:

The Band

Loud and Clear – for their assistance with the sound

Onsight Projects – for Set Construction

Alumni and avid supporter of College musicals - Zalia Lackey

There is a large group of staff who worked hard to make the production possible. They were stage managers, golf cart drivers, supervisors and mentors, food suppliers, maintenance and cleaning, coaches, front of house. If there was a job that needed to be done, there was always a staff member who was willing to do whatever was necessary.

The Musical would not have happened without the combined efforts of all involved, and I would particularly like to acknowledge the following staff for the huge amount of work they carried out to make it such a successful production.

Mr Nick Lane – Piano Accompanist during performances / Rehearsal Pianist

Mrs Emily DeSousa – Assistant Director and Props

Mrs Kimberley Crawford – Choreographer

Mrs Karina Chambers – Costumes

Mr David Andison – Lighting and additional Set Construction

Mr Jake Nauta – Producer and Theatre Manager

Mrs Nerida Hext – Musical Director

Miss Sophie Tucker – Director

So many people have spoken to me about the way Musicals draw our community together. It has been wonderful to have so many friends, family members, alumni and past staff some to the shows over the last 2 weeks. We have a strong community at the College and I am so pleased we have been able to come together to celebrate our students together.

I hope you have enjoyed the show and we look forward to our next Musical in 2024!

Staff Update

Mrs Joni Coleman has decided to retire and leaves us at the end of Term 2 after nearly 16 years at the College.  We thank Mrs Coleman for her service to the College and wish her a long and happy retirement, lots of travel and wonderful times spent with family and friends.

Ms Natasha Gilder is finishing up in her role as Assistant Chaplain at the College and we wish her well in her future endeavours.

Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, 

extol him who rides on the clouds;

rejoice before him—his name is the Lord.

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,

is God in his holy dwelling.
Psalm 68:4-5 NIV

 Please pray for:

Our Year 11 Dusty Boots team leaving on Friday 1 July for a week of service at Mumbil and Wellington.

A restful and relaxing holiday for our students and staff.

Those families in the College community experiencing times of hardship and stress.

  Praise God for:

Holidays! And the chance to sleep in, slow down and spend time enjoying different activities.

The cast and crew of our College production who did an incredible job.

The contribution of our 2021-2022 College student leaders to our Community during a tough time.

Mr Philip McMurray - Director of Teaching and Learning P-12

Silly, Subtle, or Serious?

I suspect most, if not everybody, has heard the CS Lewis line about Jesus somewhere. Lewis suggested that when people hear about the claims that Jesus makes about himself, we all get one of three choices. We can decide that Jesus must be either a lunatic (because his claims are outlandish and ridiculous), a liar (the things he says are simply lies), or we must conclude that Jesus is Lord. This famous line is a challenge to people when considering who Jesus is because he cannot be all three. People must decide on one and act accordingly.

The same is true when it comes to the beliefs we hold about learning. It has been noticed by researchers and teachers alike that frequently we slip into the habit of referring to the activities that students do as WORK. Instead, it is suggested that we should describe the activities students engage in as LEARNING. In a recent seminar, Ron Ritchhart referenced studies that have discovered that teachers prefer to work 49 times more than they refer to learning. And I think as parents, the statistics would most likely be similar.

But does it matter?

Is this just a silly, subtle, or serious issue? (To borrow a triad from Lewis)

I want to put it to you that it is serious, and we need to take note of what researchers are saying. To describe students as learners fundamentally shifts both their attitudes and those of the teachers towards the task at hand. It shifts the context from one of performance to one of progress, from one where toxic perfectionism rules to one where mistakes are okay. It’s way more than a subtle shift in terms. To quote Ron Ritchhart¹ again:

“Work is what we do for someone else; learning is what we do for ourselves.”

This not-so-subtle change in our language makes all the difference. It is OUR COLLECTIVE commitment to change the way that we refer to the activities that will build a positive learning culture, where students can have a mindset of growth and improvement. Learning opens possibilities and unlocks potential. Learning captivates curiosity and encourages exploration. Learning implies progress and hope for all our students, rather than talking about “abilities” that tend to limit and restrict. It’s not silly. Suggesting, as Carol Dweck says, when confronted by the phrase, “I can’t do that”, we say, “You can’t do that yet!” is a powerful way of communicating to students that they are capable of learning, growing, changing, and making progress.

Learning and the language we use to describe what we do daily isn’t silly or subtle; it’s serious. Just as Lewis challenged people to rethink their stance to Jesus with his “lunatic, liar or Lord” triad, we too must take time to recognise that when it comes to learning and supporting the learning culture here at the College, it might just be time to rethink our ideas about work vs learning. It’s serious.

Mr Philip McMurray
Director of Teaching and Learning P-12

1 https://upgradethinklearn.com/2019/02/10/the-power-of-learning-vs-work/

Mrs Ljubica Mansell - Deputy Principal (Primary)

Dear Families

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our students for completing an amazing term of learning as well as acknowledge the hard work the teachers have placed in guiding their learning. A special thank you to the families for your continued support as we work together in your child’s learning journey.

As you have received your child’s Semester One academic report and have met with the teachers, we encourage you to speak about it with your child. Ask them for their feedback on what has been written. Children are generally very honest and perceptive and will be able to provide a realistic assessment of their progress. Focus on the strengths reported first rather than the areas that require development. Also, consider their application to each course. As a College, we encourage students to strive for excellence and we place value on the effort and commitment they demonstrate in each area of learning. Consider what the report tells you about the development of new and unexpected skills that will be important for their learning now and in the future.

Each child’s learning journey is unique and there are many layers of learning in the classroom. Students succeed in their learning journey when they have supportive learning environments, opportunities to succeed and the support of those they look to most. Together, we will continue to build the learning opportunities of our children to help them achieve their goals. I am excited about what the new term will bring, and I look forward to sharing those moments with you all.

Kindness Project
Over the past few weeks, students in Year 6 have demonstrated their outstanding leadership qualities as they began to implement elements of the kindness project. Each morning, students have been sharing positive quotes, inspiring bible verses and words of encouragement to our students and finding new ways of encouraging others each day.

The Kindness project will continue to grow in Term 3 and we are very excited to see the new initiative our students will be implementing.

Co-Curricular Activities
In Term 3, students will have more opportunity to enjoy co-curricular activities during lunch times in addition to what’s currently been on offer.

In addition to friendship club, choir and activities in the respective libraries, students will have the opportunity to join creative clubs like drama, dance and art as well as learn a new skill in chess. We will be rotating these activities over a fortnightly cycle and will be having student leaders in Years 4, 5 and 6 assisting the teachers during these lunchtime groups.

Parent Volunteers
We are excited to be welcoming parent volunteers back to the College in Term 3 to assist in our Literacy and Numeracy sessions as well as in other areas of the school. If you are interested in being a volunteer in our classrooms, please forward your expression of interest to Rebekah Sampson via email at [email protected] in the first instance.

100 Days of Kindergarten
Kindergarten students will be celebrating 100 days of learning on Wednesday 27 July 2022 and are encouraged to come dressed up for the occasion as they engage in activities all centred around the number 100.

Mrs Joni Coleman
I would like to personally thank Mrs Coleman for her service and commitment to Penrith Anglican College and wish her all the very best as she commencements her long service leave and retirement from teaching. Mrs Coleman’s expertise in working in education, her commitment to supporting students in their learning journeys as well as the team of teachers she has mentored, is something that will never be forgotten.

Mrs Coleman’s passion and love for Jesus radiates each day. May our Lord continue to watch over Mrs Coleman, allow her to rest and enjoy the next season in her life.

If you are travelling near or far these school holidays, I pray that your journeys are safe, filled with love, rest and good health.

Please continue to look after one another and I know that when we return in Term 3, we will be ready for yet another exciting term of learning.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’[ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

Warm regards and God Bless
Mrs Ljubica Mansell
Deputy Principal (Primary)

On Tuesday 28 June, the Junior Debating Team competed in the Preliminary Finals for HICES Debating. Dylan Carroll, Finley Gange, Callan Kobus, Zoe Lamplough, Noah Peikos and Ellen Young competed against William Carey Christian School where they argued that ‘E-Sports should be included in the Olympics’. The team worked collaboratively throughout the debate to construct convincing arguments and well-considered rebuttals. At the end of the debate, the PAC team were victorious, with the adjudicator noting that it was a wonderful debate filled with interesting points.

Congratulations to the team and good luck as they prepare for the Quarter Finals in Term 3.

Miss Amanda Fowler
Stage 3 Coordinator

Mwanzia is a new sponsor child. He has replaced Keyner who has now left the Compassion Sponsorship program. Keyner has been sponsored by the current Year 7 students since they were in Pre K until they went to the Senior School and is now sponsored by Latimer. Mwanzia will now be sponsored by Latimer. 

Mwanzia had been waiting for a very long time to receive the blessing of sponsorship. He is almost 12 and lives in Kenya with his mother and two siblings. His jobs are to clean and do errands. He likes playing group games and going to Sunday School. His favourite subject is Maths. 

In the area in which he lives there are 20,000 residents. Houses are constructed of dirt floors, mud walls, and corrugated iron roofs. The regional diet consists of maize, beans, cassava and beef. Common health problems in this area include HIV/AIDS, malaria and amoeba infections. Most adults are unemployed but some work as farmers and earn $13 per month. 

What a blessing our sponsorship is for Mwanzia! He can now have the chance to grow up to be a healthy man with the chance for an education. This means he could make wonderful changes in his community!

Mrs Sue Munce
Primary Compassion Coordinator

Congratulations to Jacob Raphael (Year 5) who recently competed in the Australian National Judo Championships, held on the Gold Coast. 

Representing NSW, Jacob competed in 6 matches and was victorious in 5 of them, receiving a Bronze medal in the Junior Boys u38kg division and a Gold medal in the NSW Team. 

Judo is a rigorous sport that builds physical fitness as well as mental endurance and you have achieved both brilliantly.  Well done Jacob!

Photo credit:  RC Sport Photography

It’s been a busy term in our library spaces and we have enjoyed sharing the Premier’s Reading Challenge, KOALA voting and shortlist, Book Parade and National Simultaneous Storytime with the students. We’ve also marked important anniversaries such as Sorry Day and of course International Star Wars Day (May the 4th) when we had a special assistant helping us cover new books!

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and healthy holiday.  It's great weather to rug up and read!

Library Staff

Mr Leighton Corr - Deputy Principal (Secondary)

As we reach the end of Term 2 and I reflect on what has made this term successful, in my opinion it has been all the activities where people have been able to come together.

We don’t always realize how important relationships are, but after seeing the time, effort and energy that our students put in to create our recent College Musical I am convinced that relationships remain key to a school thriving. It was wonderful to see students in so many cohorts, with different backgrounds and levels of experience engaged in the Musical. It was one of the things we missed greatly during the pandemic, the ability for people to come together and build connections with one another.

This sentiment was extended as I proudly watched our outgoing Student Leadership Team run PAC Spirit Day in the last week of the Term. They had an idea, worked with other people and facilitated an event that was not only a lot of fun, but again successfully brought people together in a way that fostered a sense of belonging in our students.

Finally, this week I had to chance to watch our Year 11 mentoring program in action. This involves every Year 11 student having 1-2 Year 7 buddies who they meet with and talk with. They get to know them and also work through things that might be relevant or helpful in their first year of High School. I was so impressed with our Year 11 students and the leadership they were able to demonstrate.

At PAC we want our students to have positive connections with their peers and staff and in the last few weeks, it has been a joy to see this in action in so many different ways.

I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful break and some time with friends and family.

Mr Leighton Corr
Deputy Principal (Secondary)

On Thursday 30 June, the Primary and Secondary campuses were awashed in red, black and white mufti clothing as the College held its annual College Spirit Day.  The aim of the day is to increase our students' sense of belonging and to spread some positivity.  The idea was formed by the 2020-2021 College student leaders during the Covid pandemic last year. The student leaders organised games during lunch for Primary students, and in Secondary School, different year groups were combined and they participated in a round of trivia games, Bingo, and volleyball. The ultimate ending to a perfect afternoon of comradery was the much anticipated tug-o-war between students and staff.  

During Term 2, Year 9 has focused on one of the most famous Shakespearean tragedies, Romeo and Juliet. We have observed and discussed the plot of the story in depth. We reviewed certain quotes and scenes which held poetic nuances and other clever double-meanings. After a few weeks, teachers put us to the test, writing an in-class essay about whether the tragic ending that Romeo and Juliet is known for, could’ve been avoided. We discussed this using the evidence that we had broken down as a class.

I found this topic engaging as I have never studied a text in such detail before. The more quotes and scenes that we had analysed in-class, the more intrigued I became because of the hidden clues and references that I would’ve never picked up. Learning about Romeo and Juliet this term was a beneficial learning experience for me.

To finish off the unit, students have been assigned a group project to work through on the last few days of school. This project requires a group of 3-5 students to re-enact any scene from Romeo and Juliet. However, the twist is acting the scene out in a modern-day setting, using modern-day language. My group has chosen the scene where Tybalt (Juliet’s Cousin) challenges Romeo to a duel. We have collectively decided that we will set the scene in a relatively open space and say lines that aren’t as dramatic and poetic as the original, perhaps even having a more simply and contemporary vocabulary.

Please enjoy these freeze frames of our performances!

Teagan Kumar
Student

Food Product Development
Year 10 Food Tech students completed a food design task, to develop a ‘line extension’ of a ‘New Food Product’.

The challenge was to take an existing recipe or product and modify it to suit a new target market. Students conducted market research, trialled their recipes and asked consumers to give feedback on their products.

They also developed a design folio, describing the steps taken in creating a new food product, along with new packaging and marketing strategies.

Their passion for chocolate was evident in many of their products!

The Canning brothers, Harrison Canning (Year 9) and Xavier Canning (Year 5) recently returned from Grafton where they competed and placed Third at the Hockey NSW State Championships as members of the Nepean Hockey U15 Boys representative team.  Their coach was full of praise for three of the older boys, one of whom is Harrison, for their display of leadership and sportsmanship. Xavier, the youngest member of the team, was also given special mention for his awesome goal keeping skills. Congratulations Harrison and Xavier on your achievements and for the way you conducted yourselves.  For more details of the rounds, please see the newspaper article below.

We are in need of readers and writers to assist students in examinations and assessments. You will need to have a current WWC number for volunteers, which can be applied for online and is free of charge. You would also need to be at least double vaccinated for COVID-19.

The Lewers Art Gallery has art programs during the school holidays that might be of interest to families.  Bookings are essential: https://www.penrithregionalgallery.com.au/learning/school-holiday-workshops/

Mrs Helen Muller
Primary Gifted & Talented Coordinator

The College believes that music education and student creativity does not need to be confined to classrooms. One of the fantastic opportunities we offer is the chance to perform at a variety of venues and events throughout the year.

On Wednesday 29 June, Lennox Village Emu Plains Shopping Centre welcomed our talented Year 7-12 students from Concert Band and Senior Choir to perform an hour of exciting tunes to serenade and entertain their shopping customers.

With classic hits such as Adele’s Easy On Me, Walking on Sunshine, James Brown’s funky hit, I Feel Good, among many others - this was a live performance not to be missed!

Congratulations to all the students involved in the Concert Band and Senior Choir for their dedication and fabulous efforts leading up to this event. A special thank you to our soloists Ava Mika and Sam Lucas (Year 11) for their moving performance of Hillsong’s Lead Me To The Cross on guitar and voice, Seini Taumalolo (Year 8) singing her beautiful arrangement of Lullaby with ukulele, Liam Ruan (Year 8) for his fantastic performance of River Flows in You on piano and Elena Tomaras for singing her groovy rendition of Broken Hearted, accompanied by Elysia Castillejo on electric guitar.

We would also like to thank all the parents and family members who came to show their amazing support for our students, and also our staff members Mr Adrian Munn, Mr Jake Nauta, Mrs Jane Drayton, Mrs Felicity Grima, Mrs Sharon Moore, Mr Jon Wright, Mr Nick Lane, Mr David Thurlow and Mrs Irene Samuels for their incredible involvement - from supporting our students, taking photos, driving the College bus, to setting up sound equipment, accompanying, recording video, supervising students, organising the event and rehearsing weekly with each ensemble.

Joining a music ensemble is a wonderful way for your child to enjoy a jam-packed year of playing music and making new friends in a supportive environment. Come and chat to the Music Department about joining today!

On Wednesday 22 June, Year 11 Music 1 students played for their adoring fans in the beautiful outdoors!

The Tiered Learning Centre was flipped around, and Year 11 students performed to students and staff on the oval during lunch time.

Students are working through the topic “Music for Small Ensembles” and performed covers of existing songs in a different style. Students enjoyed performing so much, they kept coming up with songs to play!

Thanks to all the staff who attended the event and for their support. Special thanks to Year 11 and 12 Entertainment students, as well as Mr Nauta for his expertise in setting up and mixing.

Mr Nick Lane
Head of Performing Arts

On Wednesday 22 June, Years 3 and 4 were visited by a guest drummer – the wonderful Nick Craig! Nick is a drum tutor at Penrith Anglican College and he performed and spoke about his passion – playing drums! If you are interested in private music lessons with Nick – please let us know!

There are also a variety of other instruments available to learn from at the College, please email [email protected] if you would like to learn another instrument. More details can be found here: https://www.penrith.nsw.edu.au/learn/secondary/co-curricular/

Thank you to Nick for giving up his time to play for Years 3 and 4.

Nick Craig Biography

Nick brings a wide range of experience to his drum and percussion tutoring. He was a member of the NSW Arts Unit’s top-tiered Jazz Orchestra, gaining valuable experience and multiple performance opportunities along the way at Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Opera House and the opening of the International Jazz Festival in Melbourne in 2019. He received a nomination and then selection into the prestigious ENCORE showcase.

He is a graduate of the esteemed Talent Development Project, a joint initiative between the New South Wales Department of Education and the entertainment industry. It is now the most successful youth training and development program in the music and entertainment industry in Australia and Nick continues to be employed there as a mentor to upcoming graduates.

He is currently at university studying music production and is heavily involved with the studio/recording side of the music industry. He is a proficient session drummer/percussionist with a large amount of experience in live performance, and studio work.

He is a regular on his church music roster and states that playing in church is a great way to utilise his gifts for God and he is grateful to have had the opportunity and mentoring from a young age. He also volunteers on the worship team for Soul Survivor which seeks to encourage and equip young people to be passionate worshippers and followers of Christ.

In his spare time, he enjoys rehearsing and playing regular gigs with his band Cøsmix. 

Nick has a piano background, strength in most musical genres, a passion for teaching and enjoys seeing his students’ progress.

Mr Nick Lane
Head of Performing Arts

The latest version of our Community Business Directory is now available for download.

The Community Business Directory acts as a link for business and families to support each other.  This initiative has been created by the Parents & Friends Association for businesses of Penrith Anglican College families rather than a general advertising site to assist our College Community during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Each business in the Directory has a direct link with a College family.

Please note, the Parents & Friends Association, Penrith Anglican College and their staff will not be liable for any interactions or transactions that occur between any parties connected through this P&F Initiative. The Parents & Friends Association has not vetted the information, products or offerings provided by these businesses. 

We will continue to update this document and post a link to the updated version on the website and the College App.  If you would like your business to participate in the Community Business Directory, please fill out the form via this link. There is no cost involved.

We are excited to be able to support our College families in this way, and hope you find this Directory helpful.

The weather was perfect for the Pre-K to 2 Sports Day this year. We were able to utilise The Paddock this year which meant that we had many new activities. The students very keen to get out and about and be involved in all the different activities. Again, the chicken throw was the highlight of the day! There was no better way to finish off the carnival than with a refreshing Zooper Dooper. A special mention to the Year 6 Leaders for running the activities on the day.

Mr Chris Hall
Primary Sports Coordinator

Congratulations to the following students who received their Awards at the Secondary Assembly on Thursday 23 June:

Athletics

 And a shout out to Isabella Degei (Year 11) who broke the 16 years girls Shot Put record, with a throw of 10.40m!

Cross Country

Futsal Teams
The following students have been selected into the Years 9-10 Futsal teams:

Years 9 & 10 Girls
Charlotte Butler
Estella Connelly
Elizabeth Godwin
Zoe Hoesterei
Ellisa Patterson
Vanshika Rathore
Isabella Robson
Krystal Walton
Lucy Young

Years 9 & 10 Boys
Cailen Acland
Mehar Aulakh
Michael Calopedis
Kuren Chauhan
Nate Ciantar Pirrone
Ranveer Dhaliwal
Reuben Marshall
Fletcher Phillips
Samuel Wright

Representation at School Sports Australia Triathlon
Congratulations to Hannah Roots (Year 11) who has been selected to represent NSW at the School Sports Australia Triathlon in Hervey Bay (Qld) from 6 – 9 September. Unfortunately, the NSW All Schools Triathlon could not be held earlier in the year, due to unsafe conditions following our very rainy start to the year, and the NSW team was selected based on students’ experience and achievement with Triathlon. Hannah is one of six girls in her age group who was selected to represent NSW, which reflects her dedication to both her training regime, and passion for representing the College. We look forward to hearing of Hannah’s success following the SSA event!

Mrs Amanda Houison
Director of Sport