The Vine Newsletter

Mrs Felicity Grima - Principal

The Anglican Schools Corporation Choral Festival

It was an absolute privilege to host nine schools from the Anglican Schools Corporation for its annual Choral Festival. We have missed the event the last couple of years so enthusiasm was high for its return. The College will host the Festival again in 2023. 

HSC

Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the 2022 HSC Performing Arts Showcase. I was so impressed by the talent of our students. Thank you to all the staff who have taught these students and helped prepare them for their performances. And thank you to everyone who came to support the students.

The 2022 HSC Visual Arts Exhibition will be held on 2 September from 4-6pm. I warmly invite you to join us and view the major works the Year 12 Visual Arts students have put so many hours into.  

Please continue to pray for our Year 12 students, especially as they start their Trial HSC Exams on Monday 15 August. 

P&F

The P&F held their AGM on 3 August and the following parents will hold positions in 2022/23:

President: Sunny Hunt

Vice President: Bronwyn Goodwin

Secretary: Amanda Swart 

Treasurer: Danielle Willmington 

Committee members: Erin Johnson, Di Rouggos, Wendy Mackellow-Barker 

“You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word."
Psalm 119:114

 Please pray for: 

Those families in the College community experiencing times of hardship and stress.
The upcoming Year 8, Years 5 and 6, and Year 4 camps.
Our Year 12 students beginning two weeks of Trial HSC Examinations on Monday. 

  Praise God for: 

The fabulous time Year 7 had on their camp last week.
Our dedicated P&F and the Disco!
Time spent with our Japanese exchange students.

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

The Power of the Question
Every parent will be able to recount tales of their children asking the seemingly endless “Why?” questions. Once children latch on to the power of that question, it transforms almost every aspect of life. No area seems sacred! No topic, person, place, or object escapes the “Why?”.  The power of that simple word opens up a child’s world to learning and interacting. It becomes the gateway to go beyond what they can observe or have told to them via other conversations. I am sure that I’m not the only parent who hasn’t regretted giving a long and detailed answer to a question, feeling that I have satisfied the curiosity sufficient for a 3-year-old’s mind, only to have them pipe up with … “But why?” Somehow, I told myself, I was like that too.

And that’s not surprising. As image bearers made by a creative God, it is evident that we, too, are curious, creative, passionate, and particular. But it is in our individuality and uniqueness that questions enable us to explore, connect, relate, interrelate, empathise and learn. It is central to being human and building connections with people, places, facts and ideas. It’s a powerful way of involving and being involved with others.

Questioning is a key component of our College Learning Culture. It is one of the dispositions that we believe is crucial for students to become resourceful learners. Students are encouraged to draw on the rich and rewarding world beyond themselves using the power of the question. Questions foster curiosity and inspire creativity. Questions enable learning to dig below the surface of issues, ideas and situations. They are the key to delving into the complexities of life – both their own and those of others.

So, whether you are still in the throws of emerging learners, surrounded by “Whys”, or you have growing young adults who equally are challenging you with their own set of questions, it is critical that we who have travelled further through life, take the time to engage, understand and help our learners see the world more clearly, possibly with more complexity, but definitely from someone who cares that they keep on learning.

I’ve come to realise that the power of the question never fades. There is no time in life where it is not an effective tool for understanding, empathising, learning and exploring. On its own, it’s not enough… we also need to be listeners – eager to acquire and understand more through our relationships, to apply logic and ground ideas carefully. But that’s for another time. Right now… welcome the “Why”, encourage the question and revel in the power it brings to a learner’s ability to grow and develop.

Mr Philip McMurray
Director of Teaching and Learning P-12

We Need Your Help!

Disability Provisions are supports that are provided to students who would otherwise not be able to demonstrate their abilities and level of understanding. These supports do not provide an advantage but create a level playing field for the students. Some students, for various reasons, require the use of a reader and/or writer. NESA does not allow anyone employed at the College, in any capacity, to be a reader or writer therefore we need help.

We are in need of readers and writers to assist students in examinations and assessments. You will need to have a current WWCC 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.

If you are interested in being involved, please contact Mrs Ling, the Head of Learning Support at the College on (02) 4736 8100 or a.ling@pac.nsw.edu.au

Mrs Ljubica Mansell - Deputy Principal (Primary)

Dear Families 

I pray that you are all well. 

The students in Primary school have settled in very well into Term 3 and are enjoying being back with their friends as they start new learning opportunities.

Healthy Conversations and Behaving Online
When we are online researching topics, playing games or even chatting with our friends, we often feel that we are invisible, and no one can see or feel what we are doing. So, it’s important to know the behaviours are acceptable and unacceptable, when you are online. Here is a starting point from the Bullying No Way website about questions students can ask themselves when they are online.

Take some time to go through these questions with your child and encourage healthy conversations about being safe online.

Primary students will be learning more about being safe online through a series of activities and programs over the semester. We will share the information with our families so you can continue the conversations in your homes.

Please visit the website for more information https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/

Poetry Writing Competition
Students in Primary school will have the opportunity to combine their love of writing poetry and helping in the environment in a creative poetry writing competition.

This competition is created by Red Room Poetry in partnership with The Australian Botanic Garden, POEM FOREST invites students to use their words to make positive climate action. For every nature poem received, a tree is planted to help heal habitats and create a POEM FOREST for future generations. In 2021, over 5,000 poem trees were planted.

All POEM FOREST Prize entries are published in their digital library and students have the chance to win $5,000 in prizes, including $500 cash for each category, book packs from Magabala Books, Pantera Press, Wonderground as well as Garden tours, plants, seeds and more.

Information about the competition will be coming home in Week 4 to all families. We are excited to see all the creativity that will come from our students as well as seeing the amount of trees that will be planted for our environment.

Chapels In Primary
Over the past few weeks, we’ve had so many classes lead our chapel services on Friday and for those who have been part of these chapels, would agree that they have been wonderful. Parents and carers are welcome to attend chapel each Friday morning in the Lighthouse Theatre to hear the gospel. Please contact your child’s core class teacher for more information about when your child’s class will be hosting Chapel.

Term 3 Sports
Students in Primary have enjoyed the return of Friday sports and there are so many exciting things happening across the grades this term.

Below is an outline of the programs running on Fridays for our students from P-6.

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten – Basketball

Years 1 and 2 – Footsteps Dance

                        Soccer program

                        Ball skills and games

Years 3-6          PSSA teams will have the opportunity to play friendly games with Nepean Christian School, Penrith Christian School and the Lakes College.

                        Ball games and skills

                        Tennis

                        Footsteps Dance

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead and I look forward to sharing more updates about Primary school in the next Vine.

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

As part of the Stage 1 Science and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education syllabus, students in Year 2 had a visit from Penrith City Council EnviroMentors on Monday 1 August.  Students developed an understanding of waste avoidance and the significant amount of packaging used on food. They explored the environmental implications of using different materials to package foods, evaluating the benefits and detriments of a range of options to make an informed choice about the best or better alternative to single use packaging.

How could you reduce waste at home and in your lunch box?

Miss Meg Anderson
Primary Teacher

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

“Today we are going to have a book tasting” announced Mrs Johnson. Across the room, a sea of confused and puzzled faces looked back at the teacher. Suddenly, a burst of chatter erupted across the classroom.

“What? A book tasting? What is that?” exclaimed one student.

“You want us to eat books?” quizzed a second student.

With a smile on her face, Mrs Johnson calmly explained that they were going to spend the afternoon sampling a variety of novels. Students would look at the covers, read the blurbs, flick through the pages and possibly start the first chapter. After “tasting” several novels, students would then select three texts that they would be interested in reading.

While some students were still a little sceptical and others were as excited as children at a birthday party, soon the whole class was immersed in sampling different books.

“Oh! I just want to keep reading!” burst one student as the timer went off and students were to switch novels to ‘taste’. “I’m already hooked.”

By the end of the afternoon, 4Red students had ‘tasted’ a selection of engaging and diverse novels and had selected one they were keen to start devouring. The next generation of book worms are blossoming in 4Red.

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” – Walt Disney

Mrs Jessica Johnson
Primary Teacher

For your diaries: The Year 6 Graduation Dinner and Dance will take place on Tuesday 29 November 2022 at 6pm.  The Graduation Service will be on the morning of the same day. More details will be made available closer to the date.

REMINDER - Primary Compassion Competition in Term 3 will take place throughout Week 5. Bring a coin to support your Compassion Child.

Justin Gonzalez Alcazar
Justin Gonzalez Alcazar is 10 years old and lives in Mexico with his mother and father. His father is employed but only sometimes. Justin’s job is to run errands and care for the animals. He likes to play group games, dance, play soccer and go to Bible class. He has no siblings.

Justin has been sponsored by the current Year 3 since they were in Pre-K.

Justin lives on the plains of Villa Comaltitlan where there are about 26 700 residents. Houses are constructed of dirt floors, brick walls and corrugated iron roofs. The regional diet consists of maize, beans and rice. Common health problems are gastrointestinal infections and respiratory illnesses. Most adults work as day labourers and earn the equivalent of $151 per month! This area is in desperate need of clean water, schools and vocational training centres.

Justin is one the 2 million children in the Compassion Child Sponsorship program. Life can be very challenging for children living in poverty, especially when difficulties get in the way of daily life. Justin has the chance to grow and learn just like people in developed countries. He also has the chance to hear the life-changing message of Jesus’ love.

Mrs Sue Munce
Compassion Coordinator

CBCA Book Week 2022 is being celebrated across Australia from 20-26 August culminating in the announcement of winners in all categories of the Book of the Year awards. Our library classes have been introducing students to the shortlisted books which will be available to borrow after the winners are announced at noon on Friday 19 August. 

Warm up with a good book - With cold mornings and evenings, August is the perfect time to get cosy and read! Here in the Library we are celebrating 2 very exciting reading events this month. 

The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge closes for 2022 on Friday 19 August. Penrith Anglican College has a long history of participating enthusiastically in this program, with students from Kindergarten to Year 9 completing the reading challenge each year. It’s not too late to log any books read since September 2021 via the official website at this link 

https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html 

If you have any questions or need help getting over the line please email us at librarians@pac.nsw.edu.au.

We congratulate everyone who has already completed the Challenge and are proudly filling our Walls of Fame with their names! We hope to fill every available space on these windows with successful students by Friday 19 August. 

Library Staff

Penrith Anglican College had the pleasure of hosting a group of students from Japan during the first two weeks of Term 3.  The Japanese students followed their assigned buddies around the College, made new friends, practised their English skills and experienced what an Australian classroom looks like.  When not in class, the students participated in various activities, including a traditional Australian open campfire cookout, cooking kangaroo and damper amongst other things.  The Japanese students were made welcome throughout their stays with host families for the duration of the trip and had the opportunity to sightsee around the Sydney region.  Thank you to our generous host families and we hope our visiting students enjoyed their time in Australia and wish them a safe return to their families in Japan.

Mr Timothy Pigot
Head of House - Ryle

Year 12 student Benjamin Mallin has been featured in a book!  Titled ‘Trail Blazer: Pursue Your Passions, Impact Your Community & Stand Out While Navigating Year 12’, it features students who were in the top 10 achievers in the ‘Trail Blazer’ Awards last year. Congratulations on all your achievements Ben!

Bring your coins on Friday 19 August (Week 4) and support our Compassion Child program!

Camp Review
The three days spent at Collaroy was a lovely refresher from schoolwork and assessments. We did multiple activities, and when we finished each one, a feeling of achievement is what we’ve accomplished. Giant swing was the most popular activity, it seemed that the louder you screamed the more fun you had. The vertical challenge was definitely a challenge, as many fellow students would have to come out of their comfort zone to reach the top. The other activities were all just as exhilarating, and each student was able to find something new to try.

On the second afternoon we all ventured to the beach, and though it was the speck of winter, we were able to have a joyous time, playing volleyball and of course the famous sandcastle competition, (No winner was officially decided but afterwards the beach looked like a kingdom). Each night we either had games night or trivia. These times were great for bonding and creating new relationships and strengthening old ones. It also used the last of our energy before heading to bed.

The Christen Discovery Sessions in the morning or afternoon, were a good to time to clear our head space and think about God. Mr Thurlow and Mrs. Heath’s talks about God were very interesting and entertaining. We were able to discuss different topics like how to spread the word of God and The Book With No Words. Even at camp, we were able to learn important lessons about our Lord.

Though our first year of high school has been challenging and exhausting, camp was a great time to escape and truly find relationships with our peers and go out of our comfort zones, and most importantly have fun. Overall year seven thought that camp was a great experience, and we can’t wait for next year's camp!

Keira Gurney and Annika Noakes
Year 7 Students

Year 8 Circles

Students in year 8 have been using their knowledge of measurement and circles to design their own TANGRAM problems.

Students have developed their own design, constructed it using illustrator and Mrs Chambers very generously took the time to cut these shapes on the Laser Cutter.

Proud students took their puzzles home to share their knowledge of Circles with family and friends.

Mrs Corrine Robinson
Mathematics Teacher

As part of the PDHPE syllabus, Year 10 attended BStreetSmart last Tuesday 2 August, a road safety initiative focused on promoting safe behaviour as drivers, riders and passengers. Students were exposed to the realities of a crash scene scenario through a simulation with NSW Police, Fire & Rescue NSW and the NSW Ambulance Service, following casualties all the way to hospital. They also heard stories of the impact of road accidents, from drivers, passengers & also the families of those involved. It was a sobering experience as students heard challenging accounts of the way lives has been changed. The event was a sobering and powerful experience for many, promoting reflection on how students make decisions when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle or interact on our roads. Students will continue to unpack these themes in PDHPE classes over the next few weeks as we promote safe road behaviours. 

Mr Darryl Kelshaw
Head of PDHPE

Last week Yr 11 Biology students headed to Long Reef at Collaroy to explore and learn about the unique rock platform ecosystem. Thankfully it was a lovely sunny day although the wind was rather chilly. Initially, we learnt from the AUSECO educators about the changes that happen throughout the day on the rock platform and all that species that inhabit this area need to be able to survive. Students learnt about how brown kelp has structural adaptations to thrive in the area.

Much to the surprise of our students, to reach the platform they needed to walk through water that came to their mid-calf, which added to the adventure. Whilst on the platform students learnt to identify different flora and fauna and then conducted quadrats and a transect to determine the abundance and distribution of the marine life. They counted the many periwinkles, nobbly winks, waratah anemones and barnacles among many other things. They also measured the abiotic factors of the area inclusive of water temperature and salinity.

In the afternoon students spent time identifying the different species on the rock platform and found sea slugs, a marine fireworm and two elusive Sydney rock octopuses that despite determined efforts of students, stayed carefully hidden under a rock. Students really valued doing this practical work in the field, and the setting was rather spectacular. Many of our biologists thought the highlight of the day was looking for the animals in the afternoon and were thankful for the chance to learn in the field.

Miss Adele Crane and Mr Benjamin Voller
Science Teachers

On Friday 29 July, Clever Cookie Academy presented an invaluable seminar to our Year 12 HSC students to help them to prepare for their upcoming HSC English exams.  Thank you to our dedicated English staff for organising this opportunity and for going above and beyond for our students.

Year 12 Hospitality students ran a lunchtime Café event for staff on Thursday 4 August, in the Hospitality space.  They prepared a range of espresso-based coffees & demonstrated skills in preparing and serving food & beverages. The class was assisted by 11 Hospitality students in back-of-house.  

The theme for food on the Menu was ‘Comfort Food with a Touch of Culture’.

Starters: Mini Meat Pies, Cheese and Bacon Sausage Rolls
Main: Butter Chicken with Steam Rice or Flatbread
Dessert Bar: Double Chocolate Wattleseed Cheesecake, Lemon Ricotta Tart, Waffles with Berries, Cream or Ice cream

Staff always look forward to supporting our students, and we thank Mrs Diane Catto and the Year 12 Hospitality students for their hard work in putting together this exceptional event.  

On Wednesday 3 August, Penrith Anglican College played host to the first TASC Choral Festival in 4 years. There were nine schools in attendance from across the State, with a total of 568 singers forming 18 choirs. They all  participated in choral workshops, technical rehearsals, concert performances, fellowship and praise. The Lighthouse Theatre was full of singers and the day was completely filled with joy. 

A warm welcome from Mrs Felicity Grima to visiting Principals, TASC members and our Guest Choral Specialist Ms Lucy McAlary launched the day. Mr Nick Lane was met with cheers when he declared the Choral Festival officially open. The participating choirs were from Danebank, Oran Park Anglican College, Thomas Hassle Anglican College, Roseville College, Rouse Hill Anglican College, Richard Johnson Anglican College (from both Oakhurst campus and Marsden Park campus), Orange Anglican College and Macquarie Anglican College (who needed an overnight excursion to travel all the way from Dubbo) and of course, Penrith’s Senior Choir, under the direction of Mrs Irene Samuels and The Crotchet Crew Choir (Years 4-6), conducted by Mrs Michelle Foreman and accompanied by Mrs Samuels.   

The concert itself went for just over 2 hours. The students all clapped and hurrah-ed each other in a spirit of shared passion for singing and kind support for fellow performers. There was excitement, hand-jiving and inspirational singing all the way to the end. Mr Nick Lane acted as MC, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere by facilitating Mexican waves, interviews, prize-giving, bible verses and some really bad musical jokes. 

Many thanks to the teachers, students and staff of Penrith Anglican who made this successful event possible and accommodated and welcomed our special guests and visitors. We look forward to the possibility of hosting TASC Choral Festival again next year.  

Mrs Michelle Foreman
Music Teacher

Congratulations to all our Dance, Music and Drama students who performed beautifully in front of families, friends and staff at the 2022 Performing Arts HSC Showcase on Friday 5 August. The standard of the performances was a testament to the students' talent and hard work, and we are so proud of you all.

The Penrith Anglican College 2022 HSC Visual Arts Exhibition will take place on Friday 2 September 2022, featuring the HSC Visual Arts Body of Work.  The exhibition will take place in B Block from 4pm - 6pm, with official welcome and light refreshments at 5pm.  We look forward to welcoming you on the day.

Mr Steven Lewis
Head of Visual Arts

This coming school holiday, for the first time, PAC is hosting a day CRU camp! Called CRU Rush, it will run from 26 – 30 September and cater to a range of students from Kindy to Year 6. Kids from within our school and kids from outside our school are welcome to sign up and attend. 

Mr David Janzen
College Chaplain

Colour Run is back in 2022!

This important fundraiser will be held on 13 September 2022 to raise funds for new sporting and athletics equipment which will be a great benefit to all students. 

The support of the College community is always an important factor in ensuring events are successful – both in terms of our fundraising efforts and as an exciting and rewarding day for the students that participate. 

The Parents and Friends Association values your participation and support and is dedicated to ensuring that your support is properly acknowledged and makes the best use of your limited and valuable time and resources. 

The Colour Run is the major fundraiser that the P&F will undertake in 2022. The P&F delivers very real benefits to the students in our school. A previous example of this is the shelter at the bus bay that provides protection for the students from the weather. 

The P&F are looking for sponsors for the following: 

• 7 x Colour Station Sponsors ($250 each colour)
• 4 x Glasses Sponsors ($150 each)
• 4 x Zooper Dooper Sponsors ($100 each)

Any sponsorship offers will be greatly appreciated. Full details regarding Sponsorship Benefits will be provided on request. 

We thank you in anticipation and look forward to the opportunity of working with you. If you would like to provide sponsorship, please contact Sunny Hunt 0422 222 915 or email pandf@pac.nsw.edu.au. 

Sunny Hunt
P&F President

The Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment (the department) would like to advise all parents and guardians that it collects certain information about your child’s school, its staff, and student body.  For more details, a copy of the 2022 Census Privacy Notice is available here. It explains what we collect in Census, why we collect it and how we can use the data.

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.

Latimer House staff and students are busy preparing for the upcoming charity day on Wednesday 7 September. It will be a fun-filled day where students will be able to wear their best 70’s or 80’s outfits with a splash of red. At lunchtime, there will be music and games with the option to have a pre-purchased sausage sizzle and drink.

The charities that the school will be supporting are Take Love and Shift. Our donations to these two charities will help support people in need of clothing and those in need of temporary housing due to hardship.  

More details regarding lunch pre-orders and donations will be sent out in the next few weeks so stay tuned.

Mr David Thurlow
Head of House – Latimer