The Vine Newsletter

Remembrance Day

The 11th day of the 11th month marks the monumental moment when the ceasefire, which ended WW1, came into effect in 1918. The College this year was able to gather together around the Cenotaph with Colby Carroll and Callum Power forming the Catafalque party. 

As we remembered the women and men who have served their nations in wars throughout the world so that we might live in peace and freedom, we were reminded of the idea of sacrifice. 

To sacrifice means to give up something that is valuable to you in order to help another person.

In times of war, sacrifice for some may be giving up money and food to give them to other people.

It may mean families giving up time with loved ones so they can go away to fight in a defence force for long periods.

And for some people, it may be the ultimate sacrifice of giving up their lives in battle.

General Lord Dannatt, a retired Senior British Army Officer, said in speaking of the sacrifice of soldiers that, 

‘In my business, asking people to risk their lives is part of the job but doing so without giving them the chance to understand that there is a life after death is something of a betrayal.’

The Bible says in John that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. In fact, Jesus is the one who died not just for his friends but also for his enemies.

God showed his great love for us by sending Jesus to die for you and me while we were his enemies. This is the greatest love we will ever experience and nothing can separate us from it.

Jesus came to the world to rescue and save. If we accept His offer of rescue, then His death buys our freedom. If we accept His offer, His sacrifice means life after death for us and peace with God for eternity. 

On Wednesday 23rd November Ridley House will be holding their charity day to raise money for Convoy of Hope Australia.

Convoy of Hope is a faith-based, non-profit organisation with a driving passion to feed the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreach, and disaster response.

In partnership with local churches, businesses, civic organisations, and government agencies, Convoy strategically offers help and hope to communities throughout Australia and the world.

Website: convoyofhope.org.au. 

For Ridley House Charity Day students can pre-purchase a Cinnamon Donut, Bag of Popcorn, Fairy Bread, Hot Dogs, Paddle Pops and assorted drinks.

Orders need to be made through  www.flexischools.com.au by 10am Monday 21st November. Orders can be made by clicking on the Food tab and then clicking the Ridley House Charity Day button where the options available can be selected and ordered.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to enjoy a treat for recess and lunch as they support children in need through donating to Convoy of Hope Australia.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, 
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

Please pray for:

Those members of the College community experiencing times of hardship and stress.

Our Year 6 students heading to Canberra next week.

Upcoming end of year events.

Praise God for:

 Successful Year 12 and 10 CEP experiences this week.

The opportunity to have Chapel services each week to learn more about God.

The incredible sunrises and weather we have had this week.

We all had lots of fun helping out with the cupcake stall. Our first group to come in and buy were the Kindergarten to Year 2. It was very chaotic! There were kids everywhere filling the whole Assembly Area.

We all thought that everything was going to sell out very quickly but because of the generosity of Year 6 shown by how many treats were supplied, we had so many to spare!

It was so exciting knowing that all the money we raised was going to such a good cause, our Compassion children! Year 6 raised over $1,700! 

Serving was a lot of fun but a bit overwhelming. However, with the help of the Year 6 volunteers, everything went smoothly and there were no problems.

There was a HUGE variety of things to choose from, such as: beautiful decorated cupcakes, cookies, honey joys, cake pops and many more yummy treats.

This was a great opportunity for the whole of Year 6 to bake and sell their treats with a smile on their face.

Addison Wilson 6 White and Ruby Manning 6 Black

The Great Library Book Hunt of 2022 

As we approach the end of the school year, we are extra busy in the Library preparing new books for 2023, stocktaking the collections, and returning and reshelving our amazing resources. 

It would be a huge help to us if you are able to locate and return any library books taking up space at home, so that we can be sure our shelves are stocked and ready for a new year of reading fun. 

Textbooks also need to be returned as soon as possible to allow us to have the resources available at the commencement of the new school year for all our students. 

We have had a wonderful year in library celebrating being reconnected with the students in our spaces and sharing the love of literature with them through Premier’s Reading Challenge, Book Parade, Koala Awards, visiting authors, Book Fair and library classes. 

Last Book Club for 2022 

Issue No.8 of Scholastic Book Club went home this week and orders need to be submitted online by Friday 25 November to be delivered before the end of term. 

Get your Christmas shopping done early and give the gift of reading. Studies consistently show the benefits of reading include increased empathy, improved vocabulary, reduced stress, increased brain connectivity and maintained cognitive function. Start your children and grandchildren on a lifelong love of reading with a gift from Book Club this Christmas. 

https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents 

On Friday 4 November we gathered to celebrate the achievements and artmaking of our elective Year 9 and 11 Visual Arts and Photography students. B Block Gallery was bustling with students, parents, and friends. Three of our talented students provided insight into their classroom experiences this year.

In Term 3 we had a topic called ‘Home’ which required us to take photos of both the interior and exterior of our houses. We then made them into Kaleidoscope type images which were inspired by Khaled Sabsabi.  Charlie White - Year 9 Photography and Digital Media

The unit Action/ Reaction that we did in Term 3 asked us to respond to a design brief from the Penrith City Council. The brief asked us to create an illustration which focused on Penrith icons and targeted a youthful audience. Many of us incorporated images of Penrith Plaza, the Nepean River, Penrith Panthers, and the Fire Museum. We also designed a character which could be used in future advertising. I really enjoyed this topic because we were able to use posca pens to create these images. The images we made were full of colour and fun characters such as snakes wearing clothes, different types of birds and panthers wakeboarding on the Nepean river. Claire Nicholls - Year 9 Visual Arts

In the Body Attack unit, we were encouraged to explore the pain and suffering of the internal body and looking at the body in distorted ways. We created a charcoal artwork, having a personal meaning to each of us. We experimented with various forms of charcoal to create detailed and intricate artworks. The unit inspired us to consider the human condition in more unconventional approaches to investigate the inner turmoil of our bodies.

Visual Arts taught us new skill, experimenting with new mediums and developing techniques to communicate visually. We have been challenged to develop aesthetic appreciation and awareness. Each task has required problem solving skills and allowed us to see the world in a new perspective. Amelia Forti - Year 11 Visual Arts

We congratulate all our creative students on the high standard of their artmaking. You should be very proud of your achievements.

Mr Steven Lewis
Head of Visual Arts  

After a delay at the beginning of the year due to COVID, our Year 12 students were finally able to get away to beautiful Lake Macquarie for their CEP camp in this past week. The camp was run by excellent young men and women from CRU and focused on leadership and study skills, both topics of great importance to our most senior students.

The leadership and study skills sessions were engaging and fun for the students, however, they represent only one aspect of the CEP experience. Year 12 were also challenged to push their boundaries when Using CRU’s amazing 10m rock climbing tower, build teamwork by competing in a vigorous outdoor game of laser tag and acquire new skills and support each other as they learned to sail 12 ft catamarans on the clear waters of Lake Macquarie.

Each day started with a time of Christian Discovery where the students were able to dig deeply into the book of Mark and discuss challenging questions with their leaders, and each night finished with a testimony from one of the CRU leaders who were keen to share how Jesus had changed and shaped their lives. 

On Tuesday we had a big night of fun and dressing up, everyone coming as a character from their favourite movie or TV show, while CRU ran a range of games and activities. In all it was 3 days in a great location with great people, food and activities – all of which point us to the love and favour God shows us in Jesus every day!

Mr Janzen

Chaplain

Year 10 students have had an week of much learning and thinking about real world issues as well as the opportunity to try new things and push their own boundaries, to prepare them for their final two years of schooling.

On Monday 14 November, students completed the final course subject for the Certificate I in Active Volunteering. 

Tuesday 15 November saw Dave and Katie Kobler from Your Choicez speaking with students about respectful relationships, consent and related matters.  Students were given the chance to work in small groups throughout the day to explore the issues being spoken about.

Wednesday was a day focused on Leadership. The College expects all of our senior students to show leadership, and provide opportunities for each and every student in Year 11 to be involved in mentoring Year 7 students. Throughout the day students engaged as a whole year group. They also spent  time with their own gender and then worked in smaller teams to solve puzzles and complete challenge activities.

On Thursday and Friday, students enjoyed an activity-based CEP camp experience. We look forward to sharing their camp experiences in the next Vine newsletter.

Mrs Fiona Wright
Director of Student Development 10-12

Ergo-Stool Design Project

Year 10 students were challenged to design a stool for a target market of a specific age group.  The height of the stool must be justified by using anthropometric data so that it is ergonomically suitable for the intended users.

The stool's design must also appropriately use metal for the legs and use fabrication techniques that include bending, rolling and riveting, and the seat must be made from timber, be manufactured with a widening joint and incorporate decorative design elements that appeal to the target market.

Mrs Diane Catto
Head of Technologies

2022 saw the return of ICAS in its traditional format. This year the College was once again involved in testing student’s abilities in Years 3-10 across English, Maths and Science. Students were registered by their parents/carers and sat these tests at the end of Term 3.

ICAS assesses the higher order thinking and problem-solving skills needed for success in English, Mathematics and Science. Students who ranked in the top 1% were awarded a High Distinction, the next 10% were awarded Distinctions, the next 25% were awarded Credits, the next 10% were awarded Merits and the rest of the participants were awarded Participation Certificates. The College’s most outstanding results are listed below:

ICAS Science:

• Distinction – Neo Wu (Year 3), Aaryan Angrish (Year 4), Gavinu Wijayarathna (Year 4), Raphael Qu (Year 5), Oliver Clark (Year 7), Elizabeth Godwin (Year 9)
•  Credit – Jeremy Clark (Year 3), William Edwards (Year 3), Joel Lamplough (Year 4), Paul Andrawis (Year 4), Cruz Hunt (Year 4), Mahie Kehal (Year 4), Lucas Robinson (Year 4), Adam Horsley (Year 7), Gurshan Kehal (Year 7), Mannat Mann (Year 7), Asef Rahman (Year 7), Elliott Witten (Year 7),

ICAS English:

•  Distinction – Cruz Hunt (Year 4), Oliver Clark (Year 7), Gurshan Kehal (Year 7), Elliott Witten (Year 7)
•  Credit – Methuja Amarasena (Year 3), Mannat Kaur Gill (Year 3), Neo Wu (Year 3), Aaryan Angrish (Year 4), Oliver Johnson (Year 4), Ansh Khanna (Year 4), Gavin Wijayarathna (Year 4), Lewis Clark (Year 5), Jeremiah Yoo (Year 5), Aditi Angrish (Year 7), Asef Rahman (Year 7), Aryan Patial (Year 8)

ICAS Maths:

• Distinction – Neo Wu (Year 3), Cruz Hunt (Year 4), Gurshan Kehal (Year 7), Asef Rahman (Year 7)
•  Credit – Jeremy Clark (Year 3), Scarlett Sturt (Year 3), Joel Lamplough (Year 4), Aaryan Angrish (Year 4), Oliver Johnson (Year 4), Mahie Kehal (Year 4), Spencer Witten (Year 5), Andrew Hood (Year 6), Oliver Clark (Year 7), Adam Horsley (Year 7), Mahsilan Shantharajah (Year 7), Elliott Witten (Year 7), Aryan Patial (Year 8), Keerat Singh (Year 9)

A Principal’s Award for students who deserve special recognition for their efforts in ICAS was also awarded to:

• Science – Neo Wu (Year 3)
• English – Oliver Clark (Year 7)
• Maths – Cruz Hunt (Year 4)

Congratulations to these students and all students who participated in these tests. The College will again offer Maths, Science and English testing for students in Years 3-10 in 2023.

Mrs Kathryn Clarke
Secondary Gifted and Talented Coordinator

Congratulations to the following Year 7 students who were selected to represent PAC at the upcoming NASSA Gala Day on 25 November 2022. The whole PAC community wish you every success!

Katelyn Ferguson
Amali Galea
Chloe Georgijevic
Klarissa Goodwin
Kiera Gurney
Pavreen Kaur
Ava Maurer
Siaola Ofa
Charlotte Oliver

Coaches: Charlotte Bradford and Ava Mika
Manager: Miss Lauren Kenny

Mrs Amanda Houison
Director of Sport

Click on the link https://share.gingerbreadfolk.com.au/PenrithAnglicanCollegePandF to place your order by 30 November.

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.

We are looking for people to help students who require disability provisions for exams.

If you are interested or wanting to know more about being an Exam Reader or Scribe, there will be a training session on Monday 21 November from 9:30 – 10:30am.

Please email Mrs Alexandra Ling on [email protected] for further details.

Work Experience Week during 7 - 11 November gave students the opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of careers and workplaces. Careers being sampled by students ranged from Opthmalmic to Floristry, Early Childhood Education, Primary School Teaching, the Construction and Surveying industry, Pharmacy, Transport and Supply Chains to Hospitality and the Australian Defence Force. We are so pleased to have received wonderful feedback from employers about students' attendance and performance, and are grateful for their participation in the program. Many of our students have reported that they enjoyed the week and found it to be rewarding.  Some are even thinking about careers they hadn't considered prior to work experience week.

Mrs Fiona Wright
Director of Student Development 10-12

What did you learn that you didn't expect?
I learnt that engineering is a very practical workplace and not much desk work 

What was the best/worst thing about your experience?
Best thing was the working environment and people, and the worst thing was when I had nothing to do.

What advice would you give to another student who is considering the same career? 
Ask a lot of questions is my advice.

Isabella Robson

What did you learn that you didn’t expect?
I learnt how to spray paint which I didn’t expect to do when I was there because I didn’t think we would have that kind of freedom in our build.

What was the best/worst thing about your experience?
The best thing was building the ROV submarine, the worst thing was probably waiting around when we had nothing to do because we had finished.

What advice would you give to another student who is considering the same career?
It is really fun and hands on for the work experience but at the start don’t expect to be building stuff all the time and straight away, there is a lot of testing, cleaning and maintenance that is also involved.

Timothy Batcheldor

What did you learn that you didn’t expect?

I was doing a UNSW Civil and Environmental Engineering Work Experience Program, so I expected to mostly be learning about structures and how they affect the environment. Instead, there was lots of information about different types of engineering, including electrical and structural engineering. We went to lots of different sites to learn about various topics, which I didn’t expect because I assumed the work experience would focus mainly on civil and environmental engineering. However, due to the variety of information available and the differing types of engineering that we experienced, I have actually decided that I would rather focus on mechanical engineering as opposed to civil engineering. I think this is great, because I have gotten a much better idea of what sort of engineering I would like to do, and I definitely didn’t expect to.

What was the best/worst thing about your work experience?

I have mentioned in the previous question that the best thing was being able to learn about and experience lots of different types of engineering, which helped me decide which engineering field I would like to focus on. The worst thing was probably the first day, where we did lots of surveying activities. None of it was bad, but I just found it very boring because I had already done very similar activities at a Maths in Surveying excursion earlier this year, and decided that surveying was not for me. But overall, my work experience was great and very informative.

What advice would you give to another student who is considering the same career?