Recently, Georgiana Molloy Anglican School (Georgiana Molloy) welcomed staff and students from its Japanese sister school, Sanda Gakuen High School. Since formalising a partnership in August 2022, multiple exchange visits have occurred and their bond has grown. The next exchange will see a group of staff and students from Georgiana Molloy head to Japan later this year.
Guests from Sanda Gakuen have been warmly received by their host families and have had fun exploring the South West, as well as experiencing day to day life in an Australian school.
Esperance Anglican Community School, the sole boarding school in our system, offers a distinctive student experience on the stunning edge of the Southern Ocean in Esperance, Western Australia. Here, students find a home away from home, embracing a unique blend of academic life and coastal living.
Days often begin with the refreshing option of an early morning beach walk, surf, or swim, with some students even taking the chance to throw in a fishing line before heading to breakfast and commencing their school day.
After school, students can dip into the various activities that await them back in the Boarding House. Whether it’s a swim in the local pool, club sports practice, a game of footy on the top oval, or a run along the beach, there’s always something active to look forward to. The games room also offers a fun retreat, with options like table tennis, pool, and air hockey.
Weekends often involve heading back to the family farm to help, a nod to the students’ traditional heritage. When not on the farm, they can enjoy exploring local highlights such as Cape Le Grand, participating in fishing and surfing clinics, climbing Frenchman Peak, visiting the Sunday markets, or joining in a Sunday BBQ and movie night.
Boarding is more than just accommodation—it’s about becoming part of a family, sharing adventures, and building lasting connections that extend well beyond graduation.
When St George’s Anglican Grammar School (St George’s) and Cathedral College Wangaratta (Cathedral College) teamed up for a student exchange, it was an eye-opening experience between two different worlds. The idea for this initiative was sparked during a Principal’s conference, where St George’s Principal, Mrs Tina Campbell, and Cathedral College Principal, Mr Nick Jones, envisioned a program that would bring students from diverse learning environments to connect and grow together.
Urban Meets Rural: A New Perspective
St George’s students, who are educated in a multi-level city campus and explore the CBD regularly as part of their learning, had the opportunity to learn to be welcoming hosts and share their local knowledge. The Year 10 student hosts eagerly embraced their roles, forming new friendships during classes, mealtimes, and city adventures.
For the Cathedral College students, whose school sits at the foothills of Victoria’s mountains on a sprawling 15-hectare campus more than two hours away from Melbourne, the exchange was a chance to immerse themselves in a different setting.
‘As the initial hosts, our students were proud to introduce the Cathedral College students to our vertical school in the heart of the City of Perth. It was wonderful for the exchange students to experience the hustle and bustle of city life while at school,’ said St George’s Principal, Mrs Tina Campbell.
A New Learning Adventure
An exchange student, Charlotte, was struck by the longer school days, the abundance of stairs, and the bustling atmosphere of St George’s Terrace, Perth’s central business street. Amelie noted the different class structures, while Sophia had to adjust to taking the train daily—a contrast to her usual commute.
‘The exchange program provided our students with the unique opportunity to experience living and learning in another state. This allowed them to recognise themselves as part of a community of learners much broader than just Cathedral College Wangaratta,’ said Cathedral College Principal, Mr Nick Jones.
Outside the classroom, the students made the most of their time in Perth. From snorkelling at Yanchep Lagoon to enjoying sprawling beaches and visiting local theme parks and large shopping centres, the exchange offered lots of new experiences. For many, the highlight was the chance to meet the quokkas on Rottnest Island, a unique experience only possible in Western Australia.
‘The thing I enjoyed the most about WA was that the beach was so close, as is everything – shops, trains, and it’s not a long drive to get anything you want,’ said Charlotte.
‘What I loved the most about my time in WA was meeting my host family, who were so lovely and welcoming. Plus, I got to experience what life was like living in the city, it was a great experience for me,’ said Amelie.
‘Overall, the memories I have made here are so amazing. I can’t wait for the exchange girls to come to Cathedral and for us to show them our school,’ said Sophia.
Eager Anticipation
St George’s Year 10 exchange students are preparing for their visit to Cathedral College in the last three weeks of Term Three. They look forward to exploring life in a rural setting, complete with the possibility of snow—a stark contrast to the sunny beaches of Perth.
Mrs Jenny Crutchett, Head of Arts at Frederick Irwin Anglican School, has reached the rank of 8th Dan in taekwondo, the second highest possible. She now joins an exclusive league of ‘Grand Masters’, a title held by only thirty other Australians.
To achieve this rank, Mrs Crutchett underwent a rigorous exam in Korea, which included participating in an endurance test, presenting a comprehensive thesis and detailing her taekwondo journey.
Mrs Crutchett has practised taekwondo for 35 years and spent eight years focused on achieving her 8th Dan. She is set on the next milestone, the ninth and final Dan. Less than ten people in Australia hold the highest rank in Taekwondo!
‘I enjoy the opportunity to integrate taekwondo skills into teaching practices by teaching self-defence and using it for stage combat in drama classes,’ Mrs Crutchett said.
‘In the future, I might look at running wellbeing classes for staff.’
I recently presented at the Western Australian Technical Support in Schools Association (WATSSA) 2024 Conference on the importance of Leading Upwards, Outwards and Inwards in the context of school IT teams. One concept I discussed was the need for life-long learning and its importance in helping us grow and develop. This is not a new concept and is one that many areas of a school would find relevant. To dig a little deeper, ask yourself these three questions:
Do I encourage the sharing of ideas?
How do I promote the importance of self agency and developing a growth mindset?
Do I take risks and engage in flearning (Learning from failure)?
Reflecting on these questions can help facilitate a culture of collaboration and assist you in identifying areas of growth and development for yourself and the teams you lead.
Encouragement is crucial to life-long learning. It is important that we encourage ourselves and those around us to seek new and exciting challenges. So go on, give it a go!
Cobram Anglican Grammar School is preparing to integrate drone technology into its educational curriculum.
Upper Junior School students will be introduced to flying Tello ‘EDU’ micro-drones in a secure inside environment. Senior School students will learn to develop surveying and mapping skills, explore aerial photography and videography, and harness problem-solving and teamwork skills.
The school’s long-term vision is to expand the program progressively and eventually provide certified training to enable students in Year 11 and Year 12 to attain a Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot).
“This initiative reflects our school’s commitment to providing a quality education that meets the demands of industry best practice and embraces modern technologies that will shape our future workforce,” said Mr Keith Willett, Principal.
The drone program will offer students a comprehensive learning experience beyond the basics of flying. They will delve into the intricacies of robotics, aviation safety and regulations, and the vast applications of drone technology. Drones are already significantly impacting industries such as agriculture, photography, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring.
Mr Anthony McConnell, a Technology Teacher, has been at the forefront of coordinating the new program and is looking forward to the additional learning opportunities the drone devices will provide students of various ages.
“We have decided to integrate drones into the classroom to help students develop essential skills like focus, depth perception, and coding. By providing hands-on learning experiences, drones make complex subjects such as programming more engaging and less daunting, better-equipping students for future technological careers,” Mr McConnell said.
“As educators it is our job to inspire a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers and drone technology certainly has the capacity to do this,” Mr McConnell added.
An exciting program of works has commenced at Swan Valley Anglican Community School, which will lead to the construction of two significant new buildings as part of the ‘Building 10 Project’.
A two-storey building—Building 10—will be orientated to take advantage of the sweeping views across the lake and the hills beyond. The building will be light, bright, and airy, and it will include a large outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the lake. The building will feature:
PK-12 Resource Centre/Library;
5 Specialist Classrooms (Textiles, Art, Media, 2 x IT Laboratories);
1 General Classroom;
Year 12 Private Study Room;
Secondary Pastoral Care Hub;
Secondary student services;
Staff room and meeting rooms;
Principal and Deputy Principal offices; and a
Boardroom
The second building—Building 10A—will be a single-storey block consisting of seven classrooms with operable walls. This will enable the block to be configured flexibly, for example, as one huge single room or multiple large rooms during events such as exams. The building will include a wide undercover walkway to provide additional space for lockers and shelter for students.
The commencement of the project was marked by a turning of the sod and site blessing ceremony attended by special guests The Right Reverend Hans Christiansen, Assistant Bishop of Perth, and The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM.
The school community eagerly awaits the new buildings, which will transform the campus and bring many inspiring new spaces!
Mrs Michelle Chomiak, a Digital Technology and Computer Science Teacher at St Mark’s Anglican Community School and an alumna from the Class of 1991, has been nominated as a finalist for the ‘Fish Nankivell Secondary School Teacher of the Year – Non-Government’ at the 2024 Australian Education Awards. This prestigious nomination recognises her exceptional contributions to St Mark’s and the broader digital technology educational community.
Passionate about the intersection of IT and education, Mrs Chomiak is committed to advancing technology and STEM fields, particularly encouraging more girls and women to participate. She excels in this dynamic learning area, enjoys sharing knowledge with colleagues, and supports other teachers as a Digital Technologies Coach. She recently completed her Master of Education and regularly instructs for the Girls Programming Network.
Mrs Chomiak’s recent accolades include the ACS (WA) ‘1962 Educators Award’ for significant contributions to ICT education in 2023, the ‘St Mark’s Peter Foss Scholarship’ in 2023, ‘WiTWA Shining Star’ for STEM/Digital Education in 2022, and the ECAWA’s ‘Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year’ in 2018.
Congratulations to Michelle on this outstanding achievement! Award winners will be announced on August 9, 2024, at The Star Event Centre.
Peter Carnley Anglican Community School (PCACS) has launched a Netball Academy for students in Years 7-10 this year. Led by Miss Lauren Rudrum, a Development Accredited Coach, the Academy offers students the chance to enhance their netball, leadership, and teamwork skills.
The program covers theoretical and practical aspects of netball, teaching students about rules, tactics, fitness, nutrition, and injury prevention. Additionally, the Academy enables students to earn accreditation as coaches and umpires.
This year, the school hosted a netball team from Singapore, providing an exciting day of intense international competition.
“We aim to cultivate a culture of excellence and enjoyment in netball at PCACS, helping our students reach their full potential,” said Ms. Felicity House, Principal.
“The Academy students share a strong bond as teammates, striving to excel not just for themselves but for their team.
They aspire to improve as players, coaches, and umpires, representing the future of this wonderful sport, from community grassroots to elite national and international levels.”
Selected students at Georgiana Molloy Anglican School are now benefiting from an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program designed to enhance learning and well-being through direct interaction with horses.
The program is led by an accredited EAL Practitioner from Horse Sense. The practitioner holds a Bachelor of Education in Primary School Teaching and brings 20 years of equine experience to the program.
EAL is an experiential learning approach where participants engage with horses to develop social-emotional skills, foster personal growth, and enhance professional abilities such as leadership and teamwork. This method is gaining popularity in Australia and globally, benefiting diverse individuals, including National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) clients, children, adolescents, and adults.
Since the introduction of Equine Assisted Learning at the school, there have been significant improvements in students’ emotional regulation and self-confidence. Weekly visits to Horse Sense have helped students with anxiety become more relaxed and engaged. At the same time, those facing behavioural challenges have shown better emotional management, leading to fewer disruptions and improved peer relationships. Activities such as grooming and feeding horses have instilled a sense of responsibility and empathy in the students.
Horses, known for their intelligence and sensitivity, provide non-judgmental feedback that helps individuals regulate their nervous systems, enhance emotional regulation, and model healthy emotional expression. They help to create a safe, trustful environment for learning, further contributing to the program’s overall success.
Esports (electronic sports) is making waves at Swan Valley Anglican Community School, with the Year 8 teams recently showcasing their prowess in the 2024 FUSE Cup ‘Rocket League’ State Finals.
The FUSE Cup is a premier international school Esports competition dedicated to providing young students with a safe, inclusive, and supportive platform for structured Esports competitions while promoting positive gaming behaviours and digital well-being.
In ‘Rocket League,’ players aim to score goals using vehicles controlled by drivers and powered by rocket boosters, blending elements of physics, mathematics, technology, and physical education. It’s a game of strategy, skill, and teamwork, offering participants a dynamic and engaging challenge.
Both Year 8 teams demonstrated exceptional skill, advancing to the Semi-Finals after defeating opponents including Christ Church Grammar School and Methodist Ladies’ College. Students Jai Garner and Luke Robinson maintained their winning streak all the way to the Grand Final.
Their victory over Servite College secured them the prestigious title of WA State Champions, earning them a coveted spot in the upcoming Australian National Championships slated to take place on the Gold Coast later this year.
Cobram Anglican Grammar School Chinese Teacher, Mr Geoff Brown, recently reached a significant milestone in his career: overseeing the publication of two books – one for Chinese Teachers in Victoria and one for students. Over the past year, Mr Brown has worked towards this goal as part of his involvement in the Victorian Teaching Innovation Fellowship Program.
“I want these resources to be easily accessible for all Chinese Teachers across Victoria, especially those in rural areas where access to these types of materials can be limited.”
Mr Brown highlighted the books’ versatility: “Teachers can read these to students to model language.
“They have curriculum links that fit into the curriculum for Chinese and cross-curriculars for Science.”
The resource book includes assessment and extension activities for Years 3-6 students. Mr Brown said he followed a rigorous process to develop the student book, “It took a bit of time as I wanted to make sure that the language I was using was appropriate for a Year 1-2 age level in English and in Chinese as well.”
In considering the space themed illustrations for the book, Mr Brown, who also teachers cartooning, explained that he wanted to have easy-to-draw icons, such as aliens and spaceships, “…that would appeal to younger children and look quite quirky and funny.”
A BOOK FOR MORE THAN JUST BEDTIME
In Term 1, Trinity Anglican College celebrated the achievements of their Year 4 Teacher, Mrs Eleanor Pearson, who recently became a published author.
Eleanor shared the journey of writing her debut book, Books are NOT Just for Bedtime, with the Junior School students and explained, “Around eight years ago, when my children were young, I conceived the idea for this book.”
In 2022, she submitted her manuscript, accompanied by Illustrations by Ms Angela Perrini, to a publisher. The story’s purpose is to convey that books are more than bedtime tales; they’re companions for every moment.
As part of her book release, Eleanor held a competition for students to create a new scene for her book. This activity proved a huge hit with students, and many wonderful scenes were created! Winners were awarded a signed copy of Eleanor’s book at the Junior School Assembly.
FROM STAGE TO PAGE
Ms Peta Flanigan, Drama Teacher and Artistic Director of Snapshot Youth Theatre Company, is succeeding on her mission to share the power of storytelling with the world? She is the author of over twenty books and stories in print and the founder of an independent publishing company, Gumnut Press.
Her work has earned her numerous accolades over the years. In 2023, she won the following awards:
Gold in the Best Blogger/Author/Writer category and also in the Hustle & Heart category at the ROAR Awards
Silver in the Women in Literature category at the Women Changing the World Awards
Third place in the Paranormal Short category at the National Excellence in Storytelling Contest
Finalist for her novel Cupcakes and Cauldrons at the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards
Finalist in the Side Hustle Superstar category in the ALIBI Awards (Australian Ladies In Business Initiative)
With an impressive array of awards and a bookshelf brimming of her own work, Ms Flanigan inspires storytellers and students alike.
On 2nd April, a small group of staff and ASC representatives congregated for a ‘Breaking of the Ground’ ceremony, to mark the commencement of construction for the new Early Years Centre and Administration buildings at the Frederick Irwin Anglican School Halls Head Campus.
The project will span approximately eight months and see both buildings ready for operation in 2025. Shelford Constructions, who built the School’s Kwobadiny Sports Centre at the Meadow Springs Secondary Campus, will lead the build.
The new buildings will include enhanced facilities to support students’ learning and extracurricular activities. They feature four new classrooms for the new double-stream Kindergarten and Pre-Primary students and a state-of-the-art administration building.
Canon James Tabor, the School Chaplain, led the ceremony, which included Mrs Tracey Gray, Principal; Mrs Judy Sparkes, School Council Chair; Mr Trent Costelow, Business Manager; Mrs Lynne Thomson, ASC Board Chair; Mr Franzl Shannon, ASC Director of Capital Projects; and Mr Joseph Pascuzzi, ASC Chief Financial Officer.
Each participant symbolically broke ground, infusing Canon James Tabor’s service with heartfelt prayers: ‘That a School may meet here from which, by the power of your Holy Spirit, your people are sent forth into this community and all the world as champions of justice and peace to all peoples.’
Mrs Tracey Gray highlighted the role of the new building, “This will enable Halls Head Campus to have additional facilities that support the needs of our families and staff and is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved.”
John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (JSRACS) recently commemorated a significant milestone with the official Opening and Blessing Service of two new buildings: the Michelle Bolt Early Learning Centre and the Bromilow Learning Centre.
The ceremony, presided over by Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy AO DD, was attended by esteemed guests including current and former School Council members and representatives from the Bolt and Bromilow families.
These new structures stand as tributes to the significant contributions of individuals who have shaped the school community and its former Beechboro campus, where the Michelle Bolt Library and the Michael Bromilow Centre once stood.
The new buildings honour the past while providing fresh new spaces for early learning and secondary students.
Excitement is building at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School as preparations are underway for the upcoming ‘FIRST Tech Challenge’. Students currently enrolled in Robotics courses in Year 9 and Year 10 are immersing themselves in robotic theory while building and programming REV robots in anticipation of the event.
The ‘FIRST Tech Challenge’ is a collaborative venture open to teams of up to 15 members spanning Years 7 to 12. Participants are tasked with designing, constructing, programming, and operating robots, culminating in thrilling head-to-head competitions.
Guided by adult coaches and mentors, this challenge is a platform for students to hone essential STEM skills and apply practical engineering principles. Throughout the experience, students learn the value of perseverance, innovation, and teamwork. The challenge commences at the end of Term 2, with competitions running until the final showdown in mid-Term 4.
The School is enthusiastic about potentially hosting an inaugural ‘FIRST Tech Challenge’ at their Wellard Campus, pending interest from other schools. If you are interested in introducing this enriching challenge to your school’s curriculum for either 2024 or 2025, please reach out to TIDES and Robotics Coordinator, Mrs Bev Wild, via email at [email protected].
