Term 3 | Week 6 | 2025
College Principal's Address
‘There are perhaps no days of our childhood we lived so fully as those we spent with a favourite book’. - Marcel Proust
With the finale of a remarkable Book Week upon us, where better to start the Newsletter than with brief reflections on the importance, and joy of reading. While today the tangible, printed word has stern competition from a myriad electronic alternatives, the energy and enthusiasm of our students and staff, inspired and marshalled by Jen Hallenan, is proof positive that good, olde fashioned books have yet to lose their magical appeal for many.
In my Primary assembly address, I recalled one of my childhood favourites, Beatrix Potter’s, The Tailor of Gloucester. The fact that my family lived on the outskirts of that English West Country city, on the edge of the Cotswold Hills (where J.K Rowling has a home; as do other well-heeled celebrities of world renown, including George Clooney, Sir David Beckham and King Charles III) served, in later life, only to redouble my affection for the quaint story, set in the cobbled alleyways in the shadow of the magnificent cathedral. According to the inside of the dust cover on my rather faded copy, this was Beatrix Potter’s favourite of all her incredibly successful, and timeless stories.
However, not to be bogged down in nostalgia, a quick perusal of the incredible book-themed cakes on display in the College Library revealed a rather reassuring blend of classic works and newcomers on the literary scene.
I must admit I had never even heard of, let alone turned the pages of Ratburger, Fing, and The Diary of a Pug, but found great solace in being reacquainted with The Hobbit, The Lorax, Romeo and Juliet, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and even that most famous Beatrix Potter work, Peter Rabbit.
To return to the subject of Gloucester, though, my former home boasts other globally-significant literary associations. Most familiar to youngsters, the aforementioned author, J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter movie-making team created many a Hogwarts scene in the cloisters of the cathedral, undoubtedly helping to boost the worldwide sales of the series of books to a staggering 600 million copies.
While that number of books is hard to comprehend, the most successful book series of all time, even that figure is dwarfed by the estimated 6 billion copies of the Bible printed since the 6th century.
Reading, and literacy, are a major focus for us at Sapphire Coast Anglican College, not just for Book Week, but this year, and into the future. I have convinced myself that I do remember some elements of my own experience of learning to read, way back in the mists of time, but unsurprisingly at the age of 4 or 5, none of us had any idea at the time what a seminal moment that was to be in our entire lives.
Let’s celebrate and give thanks for all those who help the world’s young people open the door to an amazing world of opportunities and never forget what a privilege it is to be able to read.
‘Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.’ - Kofi Annan
David Proudlove | College Principal
Book Week
Book Week Kick-Off: A Theatrical Treat!
We’ve had a wonderful start to Book Week with two extraordinary drama performances that truly brought stories to life!
A huge thank you to Ms Gallagher and her talented Drama students for their creativity and energy.
- Years 3–6 were thoroughly entertained by the Year 11 students’ hilarious rendition of Diary of a Wimpy Kid – “Cheese Touch”, which had everyone smiling.
- Years Pre-K–2 were delighted by the enthusiastic Year 9/10 performance of Going on a Bear Hunt, joining in with singing and laughter throughout.
It’s been a joyful celebration of storytelling and performance—what a way to begin Book Week!
Book Week Cakes
Take a look at some of the incredible cakes that were created during Book Week!
Book Week Parade
Snowsports
SCAC Students win Silver!
Congratulations to Jasper Lee-Smith and Tyrone Reeve, who placed second and took home the Silver medal in the Year 5/6 (Div 4) Snowboard Giant Slalom at the recently held NSW State Snowsport Championships. Jasper and Tyler were only 0.1 seconds behind first place.
We wish to congratulate all six students who competed for SCAC in the State NSW Snowsport Championships held in Perisher. Our students placed well, taking on seasoned competitors who live and breathe snowy air all year round. In each division, there were 50+ competitors from all around NSW.
Congratulations to Jasper, Tyrone, Tyla and Ivy who secured places at the National competition being held at Mt Buller, Victoria.
Team Results
- 2nd Snowboard Giant Slalom Division 4 Male – Jasper Lee-Smith, Tyrone Reeve
- 7th Snowboard Giant Slalom Division 4 Female – Tyla Lee-Smith, Ivy Reeve
- 4th Snowboard Cross Division 4 Male – Jasper Lee-Smith, Tyrone Reeve
- 5th Snowboard Cross Division 4 Female – Tyla Lee-Smith, Ivy Reeve
Individual Results
- 18th Snowboard GS - Div 4M - Jasper Lee-Smith
- 13th Snowboard Cross - Div 4M - Jasper Lee-Smith
- 14th Snowboard GS - Div 4M - Tyrone Reeve
- 19th Snowboard Cross - Div 4M - Tyrone Reeve
- 26th Snowboard GS - Div 4F - Tyla Lee-Smith
- 15th Snowboard Cross - Div 4F - Tyla Lee-Smith
- 21st Snowboard GS - Div 4F - Ivy Reeve
- 29th Cross - Div 4F - Ivy Reeve
- 25th Alpine - Div 2F - Sophie Williams
- 28th Ski Cross - Div 2F - Sophie Williams
- 29th Snowboard GS - Div 2M - Jamie Haynes
Jamie Rides the Half Pipe with 4x Half Pipe World Champion Scotty James
Jamie was one of 120 kids riding in the Mooki’s mini pipe cup at Thredbo. He was fortunate enough to get Scotty’s ‘Spirit of Mooki’ Award for effort, courage and progress over the day, and most importantly for pipe etiquette and politeness. Congratulations Jamie!
MT Stromlo MTB
Check out our MTB team at the ACT championships in Mt Stromlo this morning!
Pre-Kindergarten News
Yesterday morning, our Pre-K students visited the Hospitality room to participate in a collaborative cookie-making activity with the Year 9 and 10 students. This engaging session formed part of an assessment task for the older students, while providing a fun and educational experience for our youngest learners. The Pre-K children thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to develop new skills in a hands-on environment—and of course, the highlight was taking home their delicious creations. Each child will be bringing home a bag of freshly baked chocolate cookies today. We extend our sincere thanks to Mrs Moulton for thoughtfully organising this enriching activity.
Year 1 News
Year 1 have been looking at Jesus calling Peter to follow him. One activity we discussed was thanking God for something that made us happy. Here are some of their thoughts:
I am happy because...
- You saved us in Jesus
- I have a family
- All the good things in my life
- A family
- I have a home
- We have food
- God's gift of food
- God loves me
- I am good at lessons
- I play with my sister
- I am good at fishing
- You give us food and water
- I have a dog
- I am happy about playing with my friends
- I can run fast
I am very impressed by the thought that they expressed without any suggestions from me.
Year 7 Science
Year 7 Science delves into the world of BUGS with their designer insect/arachnid research task, requiring them to design and model a bug that is adapted to a particular habitat! They have done such an amazing job!
Year 7 Visual Arts
Year 7C Visual Art has been working on making artworks using local Indigenous techniques. Students have been designing ideas for Indigenous style scratchboards in the shape of local native animals and boomerangs. Yugyel Lhazin, of 7C, has produced an amazing design for her boomerang shape and Sierra Bootes for her Indigenous artwork.
Year 11 Leadership Speeches
On Thursday, 21st August, eight Year 11 students, Lucy Berman, Emma Cook, Yves Groenewoud, Amelia Hodges, Liana Hruskova, Flynn Kelly, Eoin Riethmuller, and Henry Trevaskis delivered speeches as part of their applications for the 2026 Sapphire Coast Anglican College Leadership Team.
The students shared their thoughts on our school values, how they plan to motivate and engage the school community, and even included warm greetings in Czech that added a touch of global connection. From encouraging participation in sports carnivals, supporting extracurricular events like the Country Fair (where fairy floss triumphed over the popcorn), to promoting awareness days such as RUOK Day and NAIDOC Week, it was clear each student is ready to lead with enthusiasm and care.
Several students reflected on challenges they faced earlier in high school and how they overcame them, making themselves relatable to peers who may feel like they don’t always fit in. Their thoughtfulness and commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive school environment was inspiring.
Delivering a speech in front of hundreds of people is no small feat, and our students did so with courage and poise, even with the occasional microphone fumble. I have watched this group grow in maturity since Year 8 and am incredibly proud of their efforts. Our school celebrates differences, and these speeches were a wonderful reminder of the diverse strengths and voices in our community. Well done to all students for stepping up and sharing their ideas so confidently. Miss Hopkins.
Year 12 Hospitality
Pete Fulton, who has been a long-time student at SCAC, celebrated his 18th birthday on Monday with a cake and sausage rolls at lunchtime. His grandmother, Lesley, came along to help sing Happy Birthday!
Ag News
Calf Feeding
At 8:20am every morning, our Ag plot comes alive with SUPER dedicated students who are dropped at the farm by SUPER dedicated parents for our SUPER cute calves to be fed. These amazingly dedicated students have taught our GORGEOUS furry farm animals: Megsie, Rosa and Otis, to bucket feed and move them every morning to their poddy paddock where they can run and frolic! These same students take time out of the day to clean out the shed of stinky straw and refresh all and sundry!
Icy Weekend at SCAC
Year 8 Ag
Year 8 Agriculture students continue to learn skills in feeding calves and sheep! Their greatest learning, for Year 8s, is to control 'quietness and calm' amongst the animals! Some do this better than others, but we have half a year!
Year 9/10 Ag
Year 9/10 Agriculture students have their doubles on a Tuesday morning, where they empty the calf shed of straw, wash down and have been enjoying moving our beautiful calves down to the poddy plot. They also calculated new feed rations and measured out milk powder ready for the arvo shift.
Year 11 Ag
Year 11 students took time away from theory work to walk and feed our calf babies. They also regularly check on our sheep babies.
Senior Class Excursion
Last week, Year 11 and 12 Agriculture students visited Mrs Brown's Dairy at Quaama. What an amazing excursion! Mark was amazingly informative on making management decisions related to all the available robotics. Students enjoyed listening to how calves are managed through robotic feeding systems, along with being inspired by robotic collars, and just how much we can learn from each animal on these.
Araucana Rooster Looking for a Home
We have a beautiful Araucana rooster (aka Easter egg rooster) seeking rehoming... scared of our BIG Jarrad - this rooster is hand-reared and should be a lovely rooster if you are seeking a new one!
Green Team: From Water Stories to Soil Science
This term, students have taken big steps in understanding how our natural systems connect - from the movement of water to the health of soil.
In Water Walk & Wonder, classes explored how water shapes our world. Starting from high ground, students traced the water’s journey downhill, observing how it collects in creeks, ponds, and dams before eventually reaching the coast. Along the way, they saw how water erodes soil, carries particles, and sustains life. Experiments with dyed water showed how capillary action can pull water upwards through sand. To complete the cycle, students made handmade paper pots from recycled paper, planting seeds that will be watered and monitored in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, in Soil Detectives, and with thanks to the senior Green Team for all their prep work, students became junior scientists, investigating why some areas of the garden thrive while others struggle. Using pH test kits, they matched soil samples against colour charts and considered natural amendments — lime, sulphur, or wood ash — to balance conditions. These hands-on investigations revealed how soil chemistry underpins plant health and food security.
Together, the activities have deepened students’ understanding of cycles, stewardship, and sustainability — equipping them with practical skills and sparking curiosity about the stories written in earth and water.
Peacemaking in High School Chapel
In High School Chapel, we have been looking at Jesus' speech to a group on a mountain 2000 years ago (the sermon on the mount) from the Book of Matthew, Chapter 5 in the Bible. The theme in Week 5 was "peacemakers".
I asked Ms Henderson to smash up all the things we mistakenly think bring us peace with God.... "being good", "being great" and "being your best self" were all smashed with a hammer; not because they are bad things, but because they don't bring us peace with God. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the only way to gain peace with God, as seen in the final photo.
Romans 5:1-2 (GNB) says:
"Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"
A big thank you to Ms Henderson for being a great volunteer helper.
Kirsty Kurilowicz | Primary School Christian Studies
Connected Parenting Webinar
As part of our partnership with The Resilience Project, our community has access to their Connected Parenting Webinar presented by parenting expert Lael Stone. The focus of the webinar is to support parents in building stronger relationships with your children through positive communication.
Monday 8th September, 6:30-7:45pm (75 minutes) AEST
The webinar will focus on how parents can:
- Build stronger connections with your children.
- Support them through challenging and frustrating situations.
- Create a culture of cooperation in simple ways.Manage your own triggers as a parent.
- Understand and support big emotions in a way that helps children become emotionally resilient.
Please see the attached flyer for more information about the webinar and Lael Stone. The webinar will also be recorded so parents who are unable to attend live will be able to access the recording following the event.
You can register HERE.