School Newsletter

I enjoy watching movies that are true stories. Recently my wife and I watched the movie Worth. It is based on the true story of Kenneth Feinberg, the man tasked with providing payouts to the families who were impacted by the September 11 attacks in New York through a victims compensation fund. Not everyone received the same payout, which unsurprisingly, became quite contentious.

Two of the things that I love about the Christian faith (and there are many) is that our value and our worth in God’s eyes never changes. We don’t have to earn our salvation. So much of our society is conditioned into valuing people according to external metrics; what level of revenue they can bring to the company, how many fans they can bring to the stadium, what networks and contacts they have that would be useful for us to achieve our goals. When Feinberg came up with a methodology to determine what payout families got, originally it was a purely economic decision based on their future earning potential.

I am so thankful that our wonderful God values us simply because of who we are - children of God, created in His image, dearly loved, and as Psalm 130:14 reminds us, fearfully and wonderfully made. I have never forgotten the words of a former Board member who has since gone home to be with our Saviour. He liked to remind people “God cannot love you any more, and He will not love you any less.”

Last week I had the great privilege of working with our new Student Leadership Team. We opened the Bible to a range of passages to explore what we could learn of Jesus’ example of leadership. One of the scriptures we consulted was when Jesus was baptised (Matthew 3:13-17). Most of us would be familiar with the story of John baptising Jesus. We might even recall how at this point God says “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” I wonder if you have ever reflected on the fact that it was at this point that Jesus commenced his public ministry. Even though He had not really done much up until this point, God already explains that He is pleased with Him. In other words, it’s not because of the things that Jesus has done that meant God is pleased with Him, it’s simply because of who He is.

I believe it is the same for us. God loves us and knows our value simply because of who we are and what Jesus has done for us. Sporting teams and corporations might fight over the best talent to bring to their organisations, we have a Lord and Saviour who gave up His own life to ensure we ended up on His team. If that doesn’t communicate your worth, I don’t know anything that would.

God Bless.

• Junior School Celebration Assembly at 9am - Friday 12th April (Week 11)
  
• Secondary School Celebration Assembly at 2pm - Friday 12th April (Week 11)

SIBLING ENROLMENTS FOR 2025 (& BEYOND)

You would be aware that Wyong Christian Community School is experiencing strong growth. What a blessing to be a part of such a vibrant community.

We are now receiving a high volume of Enrolment Applications from new families, particularly for Kindergarten and Year 7 in 2025.

If you currently have children who do not yet attend WCCS and intend to enrol them in any grade in 2025, please submit an Enrolment Application so that your child will have the best chance of receiving a place.

Submitting an Enrolment Application by Thursday 29th February 2024 assists us in giving priority to siblings in the grades that have spaces available.

Please note that we are only able to place siblings in the enrolment process once we have received an Enrolment Application.

Enrolment Applications can be submitted on our website by clicking here.

We are also receiving applications for 2026 and beyond and encourage families to enrol early.

Please be reminded of the unique situation for Year 7 2026.

As Year 5 this year is three classes and will continue to be three classes for Year 6 2025 and Year 7 2026 we are anticipating very few, if any, places available for new students to join WCCS in Year 7 2026. If you have a child in this grade at another school and would like to enrol them at WCCS, please submit an Enrolment Application so they can join the waiting list.

If you have any questions regarding enrolment, please feel free to contact me, as I would be happy to assist you and guide you through the process.

Mrs Alison Atherton | Registrar

KINDERGARTEN 2025 & YEAR 7 2025 INFORMATION EVENING – WEDNESDAY 6TH MARCH 2024

On Wednesday 6th March, at 6pm for a 6:30pm start, we will be hosting two Information Sessions:

• Kindergarten 2025 (and beyond) Information Evening
• Year 7 2025 (and beyond) Information Evening

Current parents of WCCS may already be familiar with most of the content shared during these sessions; however, you are most welcome to attend.

These sessions will be helpful for parents who have not yet had a child commence in Kindergarten or Year 7 at WCCS.

It will be lovely to host current and future parents on this evening.

You, or a friend considering our school, can register here.

ANZAC DAY SERVICE - TUESDAY 30TH APRIL 2024

On Tuesday 30th April at 11:45am (Week 1, Term 2), WCCS will be holding a combined K-12 Anzac Day Service in our MPC. During the service, we would like to commemorate and pay respect to the family members within the WCCS community who have both served in past wars or are still serving.

We are making a photo montage in the hope that students make deeper connections and relevance as to why we reflect on, and commemorate, Anzac Day. This year, we are encouraging students from both Junior and Secondary School, as well as staff and the community, to submit pictures of loved ones to be a part of this collage. We would also like to print these off and display these montages in the Library during April.

If you have a family member who you would like to include in the montage, please email a photo with the following details to me (Mrs Makepeace).

• Name of relative
• Family relation to you e.g. Great grandfather of ...
• War/s they served in or are currently serving in
• Their role e.g. a soldier, nurse, navy, pilot, peacekeeping mission, etc.

During the laying of the wreath ceremony, we are going to give students the opportunity to lay some flowers alongside the school's. Students can bring flowers on the day and when the wreath is being laid, they are able to come up and place flowers down as a sign of respect. Students who have submitted a photo montage will be given a flower and the opportunity to lay it down during the laying of the wreath ceremony. If your child is interested in doing this, please contact me at the email below.

Enquiries or photos can be submitted to lmakepeace@wyongccs.nsw.edu.au.

Mrs Linda Makepeace | HSIE Teacher

FREE PODIATRY CONSULTATIONS FOR CHILDREN

The University of Newcastle Podiatry Clinic at Wyong Hospital is offering children age 0-17 free lower limb assessments. Children will be assessed by final year students, supervised by a podiatrist. Children and their families can receive advice on footwear, flat feet, and normal development, and receive treatment of foot warts, foot and leg pain, walking problems, and night-time ‘growing pains’.

When: Monday afternoons from Monday 4th March to Monday 27th May 2024

To make a booking, or for more information, please call the Podiatry Teaching Clinic on 4394 7280.

• Pray for our upcoming Kindergarten and Year 7 Information Evenings and Twilight Tours. Give thanks for the opportunity we have to welcome families onto our school grounds. Pray that guests will feel welcome and experience God's love and presence.
  

• Pray for those in our community who are suffering from poor health or going through difficult times. Pray for God's strength, healing and peace to be with them.

• Pray that God will continue to teach us to love others the way He first loved us.

Greetings friends of Junior School

We are hitting the mid-way point of what has been an incredibly busy first term. All students have settled into their new routines and learning is taking place.

Last week was exciting with the visit to our school from Star FM. Our students were amazing. The hosts of the Breakfast Show, Gina and Matty, loved our school and made several comments to staff about how well-behaved and respectful our students were. The children had fun playing with animals from the Kindi Farm as well as interacting with some Mariners players who kindly gifted the school some soccer balls.

Last week in Chapel saw Kindergarten attending for the very first time. It was so cute seeing them wave to their Year 6 buddies who were on stage leading Chapel. We had a guest performance from our school band who were impressive.

Our School Values were introduced to the students. We are encouraging all of our children to speak and behave in a way that shows Excellence, Integrity, Respect, Service and Compassion.

With all of the excitement of last week’s Star FM visit, plus the current Taylor Swift and Pink media attention, and Easter being just around the corner; I got to thinking of the excitement and controversy around the final days of Jesus’ ministry. All of the Gospels unpack Passion Week in some form. Seeing the throngs of people lining up at the stadiums to see their idols, reminded me of the throngs of people lining the streets of Jerusalem, laying down palm fronds, coats and shouting Hosannah (please deliver us) to Jesus as He triumphally entered on the donkey.

Matthew 21:9-10 is a great example:

“The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

I am convinced that we, humans, are wired for worship and in the absence of a real saviour, humans opt for celebrities. It does make our Great Commission, to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, still relevant today as people are in search of something and someone worthy of their worship. Personally, I can only think of one.

NAPLAN is coming soon. Please read the letter below from NESA, outlining important information.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact your child’s teacher.

Upcoming Events:

• Kindergarten and Year 7 2025 Information Evening – Wednesday 6th March at 6:30pm (Week 6)
• Crazy Hair Day - Friday 8th March (Week 6)

God bless.

SECONDARY SCHOOL ASSESSMENT POLICIES

By now, your child should have received their Assessment Handbook, which outlines when their assessments will take place. In Years 9-12, more details are provided for each specific task, so students can be more informed about the details and importance of each task.

You should have also received an email via EdSmart with a link to each of these handbooks.

The front of the handbook details the policy and procedures for how the school manages Assessment Tasks, especially around missed and late tasks, etc. We have asked students to make sure they are familiar with this, so they know what to do in certain circumstances.

A few key points that are worth noting:

• Family Holidays - Our policy continues to be that students cannot use family holidays as a reason to miss tasks or request extensions.
• Technology Issues - Technology issues cannot be used as a reason to miss a task or request an extension. We recognise that from time to time there may be human error or technical malfunctions. We implore our students to make sure they have backups of their work (each student has access to Office365 Cloud Storage) and to leave enough margin with their submission times so they do not miss deadlines.

NESA requires each school to have assessment policies and they expect that each school follow the published policies. These policies have been written so that our assessment procedures are fair and equitable for all students.

NAPLAN

During Week 7 from Wednesday the 13th March to Friday 15th March, we will be running the annual Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN tests. It is very important that students bring their laptops to school and ensure that they are fully charged. It is also important for students to bring headphones to school for the NAPLAN examinations. Below is an outline of the test schedule that we will be running. You can also click here for a helpful information brochure for parents regarding NAPLAN from ACARA.

For all other enquiries regarding NAPLAN, please email Mrs Linda Makepeace (lmakepeace@wyongccs.nsw.edu.au).

NAPLAN Schedule 2024 - Years 7 & 9

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: SCIENCE

We have an exciting first semester planned in Science and are eagerly looking forward to all it brings.

Mr Cave is immersing his Merge group in the world of STEM by coding robots. Year 11 Biology students will embark on an ecology study at Toowoon Bay alongside the Year 9 Marine and Aquaculture Technology class. Year 12 Biology students will visit the Museum for Human Disease, while Year 11 Chemistry students will accompany the Year 12 Physics class on an excursion to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. Selected students from Years 7 to 10 will compete in the Big Science Competition, and Year 10 Science students will participate in the Annual Science and Engineering Challenge.

Along with our extension and enrichment teacher, Mrs Livette-Vial and our Science Prefect, Bluebell M, we will be once again running a Science Fair for students who are interested. This is an amazing opportunity for students who would like to extend themselves in their scientific learning.

The Science faculty is also thrilled to welcome back Ms Baker this year as she returns from maternity leave! It’s great to have the band back together again.

We are looking forward to exploring and understanding God’s creation with our students, as we learn about Science!

Mr Bradley Robson | Science Learning Leader

YEAR GROUP SPOTLIGHT: YEAR 9

2024 is going to be a thoroughly exciting year for Year 9 students! The pinnacle of the year will be heading away on the Red Centre Road Trip at the start of Term 3. This is a landmark event in the life of a WCCS student where they travel through the centre of Australia for two weeks taking in God’s remarkable creation. In the past students have visited locations such as Coober Pedy underground mines, Uluru, the Devils Marbles, and journeyed along the Adelaide River watching the jumping crocodiles. As well as being able to enjoy these experiences there will be plenty of time for students to reflect on the one who created it all and to hear from God’s Word. The trip offers an opportunity unlike any other time in the student’s life where they are whisked away from the classroom and everyday distractions to spend a considerable amount of time building relationships with their peers, teachers and God.

This year it is our prayer that students would know the love of God so deeply that they would live out Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This theme is being explored during Home Room and more deeply on the Red Centre Road Trip. Please partner with us in prayer asking God that all Year 9 students would know this truth.

Myself and the other Home Room teachers, Mr Josh Cave, Rev Matt Shorten, Mr Sean Kelly, Mrs Leah Gander, Mrs Amanda Holland, and Mrs Katie Worboys (returning later in term) are thrilled to be partnering with parents this year as we journey alongside these Year 9 students and the work God will be doing in their lives.

Mrs Jaimie Bailey | Year 9 Year Advisor

God bless.

LIST OF ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES - NOW ON OUR WEBSITE

Over the past few weeks, teachers across our school have collaborated to put together an extensive list of the current enrichment opportunities available at WCCS. Excitingly, this list of potential activities has grown even in the last couple of weeks and will constantly be adapted as new initiatives are introduced. We have placed this list on our website for easy access so that you will always have the latest, most up-to-date information.

Please click here for Years 1-6 Enrichment opportunities, and please click here for Years 7-10 Enrichment opportunities.

You will note that a few of the Term 2 opportunities, such as the History and Geography Competitions, require students to apply by early March.

WELCOME TO DEBATING 2024

Following a great deal of interest in debating, 25 Years 5-8 students were selected to participate in a Week 5 Debating Workshop, run by Masters Academy. Accompanied by 25 students from Green Point Christian College, this will be a brilliant way to kick off a great year of learning to argue politely! Due to overwhelming interest from Years 5 and 6, I will be running a further workshop in Week 6 for another group of enthusiastic potential debaters!

WRITING EXTENSION OPPORTUNITIES

Last year, a number of Years 7-10 students participated in a Writing Extension project, where they created a piece of writing in a genre of their choice, linked to the theme ‘Discover’. We will be presenting these budding authors with their final piece of writing and a certificate in our Secondary School Assembly on Monday 4th March (Week 6). Congratulations to: Toby J, Gabrielle L, Kingsley K, Judah S, Sophie M, Harper C, Lily R, Eve D, Grace C, Jasmine W, Isabelle B, Michaela C, Jack L and Ryan M. I am delighted to share with our school community, in this newsletter, a beautifully descriptive piece of work; A Picture of Tranquillity, written by Grace C (Year 10).

We are looking forward to a year of continuing to encourage our talented writers across the school. Year 2 Writing Extension students are learning to write and post letters (using ‘snail mail’!), Years 3 and 4 Extension Literacy students are analysing well-written texts and expanding their vocabulary with a word each day, while Year 5-12 students are encouraged to consider using the written word as a way to have their voices heard. In the What Matters Writing Competition, Year 5-12 students may submit fiction, non-fiction, poetry or prose of up to 600 words by Tuesday 14th May. For more details see https://www.whitlam.org/what-matters.
In Terms 3 and 4, we plan to launch a Micro-fiction challenge – stay tuned for more details!

Mrs Anne Livette-Vial | High Potential & Enrichment Teacher

A Picture of Tranquillity

by Grace C (Year 10)

Berry Springs was an undeniable picture of tranquillity. Even the briefest glance proved this deduction to be correct. A scintillating array of mottled colours leapt into perspective; lavish mahogany and verdant hues contrasted with the sapphire-like water. A mellifluous noise emitted as the water lapped against the shore, swirling out into the atmosphere with admirable simplicity. It felt preposterous to entertain the idea of blinking; to stop gazing at the scenery for even a second would have been punishment in itself. Every crevice and dip of the land was truly enchanting. It left you pondering about what was in the distance; what hidden spectacle hid over the horizon. Crisp air wafted past in soft waves, carrying the chirping conversation from the birds loitering above. Every aspect of the land felt alive. Lofty trees reached to the heavens, whispering tales to one another through their swaying branches. The birds and buzzing insects flittered between the foliage; their presence provided a comforting ambient noise against the scattered conversations from tourists and locals alike. Every element of the landscape was picturesque.

In the distance the spring kissed the riverbank. A few girls banded together to explore a secluded section of the island. Diving into the vast expanses of azure water was enough to make even the grouchiest of people forget their burdens. All the worries of daily life seemed to disperse as the water washed overhead. The island drew near. Remnants of dead trees peaked out from beneath the water’s surface. As they were not fully submerged, they provided a perfect foothold to hoist oneself out of the spring and into the scrub. Gorgeous trees splayed their branches above the water. A rope swung in a tantalising fashion only an armlength away from the water’s edge. The branch appeared sturdy, and the rope secure; so without further ado we all took turns swinging into the spring.

Before long, the rope was removed by two boys, so entertainment had to be found elsewhere. Turning to examine the island in more depth led to the discovery of a particular tree. The tree’s roots entwined themselves on the outskirts of the riverbank. As they meandered towards the water below; the roots took on the appearance of writhing snakes, wrestling one another until it was difficult to distinguish where one root ended and another begun. Sunlight glinted off the water's surface, reflecting warm streaks of amber that danced alluringly across the tree’s trunk. The trunk itself bent forward at a peculiar angle above the water, as though it was desperate to grasp the opposing side of the spring. The branches splayed out, boasting a small scattering of emerald leaves that rustled peacefully in the breeze. This tree was truly beguiling.

One of the girls noticed that the tree would be ideal to backflip off. Her whole demeanour radiated confidence, from her composed stance to the reassuring words that rolled off her tongue. When she spoke, her voice was laced with a fierce determination, backed by the drive to impress those around her. She held her head high, striding with purpose towards the tree.

Within seconds, she had scaled the width of the trunk and perched herself on a pendulous branch. With her back to the water, she thrust herself into the air. She committed, and triumph followed suit. The backflip she performed was rather impressive and she was well aware of that fact. The girl grew even more optimistic and held herself up with eager poise, ready to prove herself yet again. More girls appeared and a few of them clambered onto the island to jump off the tree themselves. However, the majority remained floating in the water, content with watching their friends from a distance. The confident girl was not deterred in the slightest. Once more she sprung off the branch, and once more she aced the backflip. As though stuck in a loop, she swam back to shore and strutted to the tree, her intentions overtly obvious to everyone.

Once more, the girl outstretched her arm and grasped the branch above her head, guiding herself up the trunk with ease. Her fine copper hair was no longer dancing in the breeze; on the contrary it was completely saturated and clung to her back like plaster. On previous attempts she had succeeded; her backflips into the spring were flawlessly executed. Now the stakes were higher. Not only had the handful of girls magnified into a crowd, but a teacher was spectating too. They all peered up from the spring, wary of her every move. Their presence appeared to spur her forward immensely, as she moved with unnecessary hastiness, ready to prove herself yet again. She came to a complete halt. The crowd below waited with bated breath; their eyes fixated on her. A strange stillness possessed her. Her brows were furrowed with fervent concentration as the branch swayed slightly. And then she leapt.

It was a spectacular sight. The girl hadn't flipped... she'd slipped!!

She descended down,

down,

down,

down,

down further still. Until at last there was a collision. You can rest assured that she was alright. No injuries were bestowed upon her in the slightest. Not even her confidence received a battering. She resurfaced from the water and continued as if nothing had happened, still repeating the loop she’d become accustomed to.

 Time was of the essence at Berry Springs. Vast expanses of cerulean water coincided with the lush scrublands. Elegantly tangled flora sprawled up the rugged cliff faces, forming unique pathways that were begging to be discovered. This tree and the adjoining spring were one of several breath-taking sights displayed on that trip. To provide descriptions of each individual location would take a length of time, and words on paper are ineffable; they will never paint a picture that will live up to the raw first-hand experience. Just existing in those places, gazing up in absolute awe at the distinctive quirks each landscape held was astounding. Countless core memories were formed through the discovery of Berry Springs.

This piece was inspired by the Year 9 Red Centre Road Trip I went on in 2023, which held a place close to my heart. In particular, the location of Berry Springs indelibly impacted me. The memories and experiences I made on that adventure have shaped me as a person, to the extent they now make part of who I am. Reminiscing on these places and the people who were there with me brings a smile to my face.

On Tuesday 30th January, Secondary School dived into their sporting program for 2024. The school community came together on what was a warm and sunny day at Wyong Olympic Pool for the annual Swimming Carnival.

The Carnival once again saw a great amount of participation in recent years with many of the students getting involved in the swimming events, as well as promoting house spirit by dressing up and getting involved in a variety of dry land and water novelty events.

It was a wonderful day of competition which saw our best swimmers perform personal bests and break some long-standing records. Throughout the day, there were some stand-out performances in each age group. Other highlights included the house dance-offs, music and singalongs that occurred throughout the day, and the always entertaining teachers vs students race.

A massive congratulations and well done to all students who got involved, particularly those who have excelled in the pool this year and who have been awarded Age Champion:

A special congratulations to Isabelle B (Year 11), Noah J (Year 9), Tyler H (Year 8), Mathias W (Year 8) and Bonnie M (Year 7) for breaking multiple records combined. Fantastic work team! Students can find their times on the Secondary Sport CANVAS page.

Secondary Swimming House Points

The final tallies of House points include points awarded for swimming events, house spirit and novelty events and student helpers on the day. The total points tally for the 2024 Swimming Carnival are:

Congratulations Liddell – Swimming Carnival House Champions of 2024!

Thank you to all the students, staff and supporters who came along, got involved and contributed to a great carnival.

Mr Nathan Irvine | Secondary School Sports Coordinator

Congratulations to all students who have qualified for the upcoming Secondary School HCSS Zone Swimming Carnival. Parents have already received an EdSmart slip with information regarding this event. If you have any questions, please get in touch. All the best to our swimming team who will be competing on Wednesday 6th March at Peninsular Leisure Centre, Woy Woy.

Mr Nathan Irvine | Secondary School Sports Coordinator

The Library staff would like to extend a warm welcome to all new students and parents who started at WCCS this year. The following information provides a brief overview of our Library services.

Library Staff & Open Hours

• Teacher Librarians: Mrs Hutchings (Monday-Friday) & Mrs Stubbs (Wednesday-Thursday)
• Library Assistants: Mrs Creanor (Monday-Thursday) and Mrs Hughes (Tuesday & Friday)
• Opening Hours 8:30am-4pm, Monday to Friday

Canvas

All library information can be accessed on Canvas via the Library page (students use their usual network login). The following can be found on Canvas:

• Oliver: The library catalogue Oliver is where students can search for books, and other resources.
• Clickview, Encyclopedia Britannicia and World Book, ebooks.
• Junior School Resources: Accelerated Reader, Storybox, Premier’s Reading Challenge.
• Secondary School Resources: These guides provide information on referencing, plagiarism, subject resources, website evaluation, HSC resources and many more (process in making).

Reading

The Library holds a wide variety of books from picture, fiction, young adult and senior fiction, and non-fiction. We also have a section for adults. We encourage parents to visit and borrow from the Library as well.

We look forward to seeing you in the Library.

Mrs Bronwyn Hutchings & Mrs Christina Stubbs | Teacher Librarians