Term 2 | Week 8 | 2026
Newsletter Contents
- College Principal's Address
- Student Success
- Sapphire Stars
- Pre-Kindergarten
- SASSA Soccer
- Sapphire Coast Anglican College Athletics Carnivals
- Beauty and the Beast Rehearsal
- Breakfast Club
- Green Team
- Year 7 Science
- Year 8 Living Systems in Action
- Ag News
- HSC Drama
- Year 11 Biology
- Improvements to the Canteen Menu
- Community Notices
College Principal's Address
Winter’s here, so ‘tis the season for….report writing!’
"Distinguished only by his merit in English and by his conspicuous lack of success in other subjects."
(An excerpt from one of Winston Churchill’s school reports).
Despite rapidly approaching the 18-year mark for my Australian residency, the arrival of the first really cold winter mornings in the Bega Valley always prompts me to start thinking about Christmas! This is just something deeply rooted in my northern hemisphere upbringing. It is such a shame the occasion itself is 6 months or more away, but humming Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and We Three Kings to myself as I wander the campus is, I feel, a harmless pursuit, and this odd legacy typically runs its course well before the end of Term 2. We haven’t quite had the first frost on our oval, something that the athletics carnivals often seem to coincide with, but winter is here and rather than carols and mince pies, Australian education’s equivalent distraction seems to be the writing of reports. While it is certainly not a task many in the profession relish, school reports are an important facet of the life of teachers and throw light on all manner of crucially important matters; perhaps most particularly, reports are about recognising and celebrating success. I hope those that you are about to receive are an absolute pleasure to read. I have been extremely fortunate in my class allocation this year, with hardly a discouraging word needing to be written for either my Year 7 or 10 Humanities classes, such are their talents and energy. (Any teacher will tell you that it takes much longer to craft a somewhat disappointing account than one that positively glows from the page). I hope those that you are about to receive are an absolute pleasure to read. I have been extremely fortunate in my class allocation this year, with hardly a discouraging word needing to be written for either my Year 7 or 10 Humanities classes, such are their talents and energy. (Any teacher will tell you that it takes much longer to craft a somewhat disappointing account than one that positively glows from the page). Other report writing that features prominently in my responsibilities every June are the annual New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) report, typically around 30-pages that attempt to sum up all that is worth discussing over a 12-month period, and, with the very same deadline, and similar content, the annual report for Synod – the gathering, every September, of elected representatives of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn. I am delighted and blessed to be far from a solo operator for these large tomes, particularly in the case of the NESA report, with the Board Chair, Business manager, President of the Parents and Friends and several members of the senior leadership team all ‘chipping in’. More than 3000 schools upload their reports to the NESA website soon after the 30th June deadline, becoming instantly accessible to anyone with an interest in schools in NSW. While one estimate I uncovered suggested fewer than 10% of prospective families actually read the NESA reports of schools they are considering, in an extremely memorable interview soon after I arrived at Sapphire Coast Anglican College, a parent suddenly pulled a paper copy of the report from the previous year out of her handbag, and began probing me for my views on individual HSC courses’ results, and ‘how you compare to all your local rivals?’ Fortunately, I had read that edition of the report, and while hardly an authority on every subject at such an early stage, I trust my answers sufficed as their child was duly enrolled a few weeks later. And I am very pleased to ‘report’ that, for SCAC, all sorts of measures of school success have continued to trend ever upwards since then. While the remark about Winston Churchill at the outset shows how some reports failed to reveal the academic and personal attributes, and potential, on which future success was founded, how about this excerpt from astrophysicist, cosmologist, and black hole specialist, Professor Stephen Hawking’s final school report:
‘He will go far’.
David Proudlove College Principal
Student Success
Congratulations, Jessup Laidlaw, who represented the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) team at the U/14 NSW All Schools AFL Championships in Albury earlier this month.
Competing against Combined High Schools (CHS) and Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC), all three teams were closely matched, playing each other twice over the tournament. CIS finished as runners-up after two narrow early losses, before turning things around to win their final two games, including a great win over eventual champions CHS. The conditions made it even tougher, with cold, wet and muddy weather, especially on day two. Jessup played through the midfield and on the wing and had a fantastic tournament. As the only CIS player from outside a major AFL region, Jessup really pushed himself to connect with his teammates, which made the experience even more rewarding. He loved every minute of the opportunity to compete at such a high level. Jessup plays locally with the Bermagui Breakers and is part of the GWS Giants Academy. He’s looking forward to more representative games in Coffs Harbour and Canberra over the school holidays, but rates the CIS Championships as a truly special experience.
Sapphire Stars
What a fantastic performance from our Primary Sapphire Stars! We loved seeing all their talents on display — from strings and singing to dancing and piano. So much confidence, energy and joy on stage! So proud of all our students and grateful to everyone who supported them. You were amazing!
Pre-Kindergarten
The Pre-Kindies have been making the most of the beautiful weather, enjoying lots of happy outdoor adventures! They have loved their walks down to the Ag Plot, where there is always something new and exciting to discover. The highlight was definitely visiting the adorable baby Silkies — they were a big hit, and the children were full of wonder and gentle excitement as they nursed them!
Back in the playground, the sandpit has been buzzing with activity. Busy little hands have been digging, scooping, building, and creating all sorts of imaginative masterpieces. From castles to “secret tunnels,” the children have been working together, sharing ideas, and showing wonderful teamwork and creativity. Inside the classroom, the fun has continued with lots of colourful art and craft. The children have especially enjoyed decorating their very own treasure boxes. With glitter, stickers, and bright designs, each box has turned into a special creation full of personality — just like its creator! It has been such a joy to see their proud smiles as they bring their ideas to life and create their very own little keepsakes to treasure.
Mrs Louise Fish
SASSA Soccer
Well done to our students representing SCAC at the SASSA Soccer in Broulee last Wednesday. A fantastic effort from both teams, who have each secured a place in the finals —an incredible achievement!
Sapphire Coast Anglican College Athletics Carnivals
A Celebration of Energy, Effort and School Spirit
Sapphire Coast Anglican College recently celebrated our Years 3–12 Athletics Carnival, with students enjoying a fantastic day of sport, teamwork, and House spirit. We also look forward to our Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 students having their turn at their Athletics Carnival on Monday.
Primary Athletics Carnival (Years 3–6)
Our Years 3–6 Primary students had an incredible time at this year’s carnival, embracing every opportunity to participate and challenge themselves. From sprints to relays, long jump to high jump, and everything in between, students demonstrated fantastic effort, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the day. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, enthusiastic cheering, and students celebrating their personal achievements. The strong sense of encouragement and teamwork on display made the day a truly memorable experience. A big thank you to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and families for their support in making the day such a success. Well done to all our Primary students—you should be very proud of your efforts!
Secondary Athletics Carnival (Years 7–12)
Our Secondary Carnival was equally impressive, with energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship on display throughout the day. Students gave their all across both track and field events—whether sprinting, jumping, throwing, or cheering passionately for their House teams. It was fantastic to see such strong participation, teamwork, and pride in representing each House. The encouragement shown between students truly reflected the positive culture of our College.
Looking Ahead
We are excited for our Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 students, who will take part in their Athletics Carnival on Monday. We look forward to another fun-filled day of participation, smiles, and encouragement as our youngest students enjoy their time on the field.
A Whole School Effort
Both carnivals are made possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and students behind the scenes. Their efforts ensure the events run smoothly and are enjoyed by all. Across both Primary and Secondary carnivals, we are incredibly proud of the way our students demonstrate perseverance, participation, and school spirit. These events are a wonderful celebration of what it means to be part of the Sapphire Coast Anglican College community.
Beauty and the Beast Rehearsal
Our Drama students are busy rehearsing for their upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast, and it’s already looking spectacular! From lively ensemble scenes to heartfelt moments, every rehearsal is filled with energy, dedication, and a touch of enchantment.
It’s incredible to see their hard work come together as they step into these beloved characters and bring this classic story to life. A special thank you to past student, Alice, for coming in to help rehearse and share her valuable experience from previous productions. We truly appreciate your support!
Breakfast Club
Students continue to enjoy a hot Milo and fruit toast every Friday from 8:20 am at the Moo 'n' Two... Come along and bring your friends! Especially as this frosty weather continues!
Green Team
Growing Minds, Growing Gardens: The Permi Plot Living Classroom Takes Shape
Exciting things are happening at the Permi Plot, and students have been at the heart of every nail, soil mix, and seed planted! Over the past two months, our budding builders have transformed salvaged Bega Cheese salt pallets into 10 sturdy benches - a brilliant example of creative reuse in action. Alongside these, 10 state-of-the-art wicking barrels, upcycled from salvaged wheelie bins, are taking their place along the east and west flanks of our 6x7m framed greenhouse learning space, which will soon be wrapped in greenhouse plastic to create a truly immersive growing environment.
Each barrel features an ag-pipe inset holding up to 30 litres of water - enough to sustain a fortnight of growth between refills. Windows are on their way, accompanied by a fully automated irrigation system arching over a 4 square meter propagation bench. We were also thrilled to welcome the unmistakable Costa Georgiadis last month, who rolled up his sleeves and lent a hand - keep an eye out in the pics for his cameo appearance! Inside the space, a portable whiteboard is sparking rich conversations as students begin to truly feel the potential of what they've built together. A new dedicated tool store is keeping everything ship-shape as our love of pallet-breaking and making continues to flourish. Watch this space — it's growing fast!
Year 7 Science
Our Year 7 young scientists continue to learn about forces and gravity. For their assessment, they designed a capsule out of recycled items to house three Oreos that they launched off the J-Block balcony!
Year 8 Living Systems in Action
Our Year 8 students took a deep dive into anatomy with dissections of rabbit organs, a beef heart, and a pig’s liver. For many, it was an exciting, hands-on learning experience that brought theory to life. For others, it was a step outside their comfort zone! Experiences like this create lasting memories and help students truly understand how body systems function and work together.
Ag News
Year 8, 9 and 10
Year 8, 9 and 10 Aggies have spent the past month preparing beds in the polyhoop garden, collecting cow and chicken manure, adding worm juice and tilling the ground. They planted out winter seeds such as broccoli, cauliflower, peas, spinach and onions. In the past week, they have planted these through the beds in the polyhoop! It will be exciting to see what grows up!
Year 10 and Pre-Kindy
Year 10 students enjoyed collecting and helping our littlest students with the opportunity to show our littlest silkie chickies. Thank you, Mrs Fish, for bringing them for a visit.
Year 11
This fortnight, our Aggies continued to monitor and test our SCAC Ag soils collected from various positions on our property and learned that having clay in your soil is not such a bad thing! They also visited one of the Apps' farms in their investigation of the Dairy Manager's farm decision-making and for their Farm Case Study!
Year 12
Our Year 12 students completed soil trials to identify the porosity of various samples collected from around our SCAC property. Interested bovine onlookers came in to check and get a pat!
HSC Drama
What a privilege! Our HSC Drama students sat down this week with award-winning playwright Campion Decent to explore the craft behind his powerful verbatim theatre work Embers. With HSC examinations on the horizon, hearing directly from the playwright about his process, his choices, and the real stories that shaped the work was an extraordinary learning experience. Our students asked the questions — and Campion answered with honesty, generosity, and passion. This is what learning looks like.
Year 11 Biology
This term, Year 11 Biology students explored how materials move into and out of cells. They investigated how factors such as surface area-to-volume ratio, concentration gradients, and the properties of different substances affect the exchange of materials across cell membranes. Students also created models of the Fluid Mosaic Model, demonstrating the structure and function of the cell membrane and how it controls the movement of substances into and out of cells. It was wonderful to see students apply their scientific knowledge through hands-on learning and creative model design.
Improvements to the Canteen Menu
The SCAC Canteen has quietly undergone an overhaul over the last 18 months. We have slowly replaced, improved and crafted a new Canteen Menu for our students. Creating a menu that is both healthy and appealing to students is not always easy. However, we feel we have struck the right balance, and the positive student response suggests the menu has been well received. Looking back at the old menu and comparing it to the new menu, there are vast differences. Processed foods and high-sugar treats were standard choices each week for students. Now, students are choosing healthier treats. The low-sugar, no-additive treats have improved the attention and behaviour of students across the school. The packaging has also been reduced, and all our icy treat packaging is biodegradable. So what do we have? Introducing Pure Pops! The company is a female-led business whose goal is to supply high-quality treats to students. The fruit icy pops are made from pure fruit, sourced from local farmers. The chocolate pops are made from dark Belgian chocolate and Jersey cream. There are no preservatives or additives, making for a healthier option for our students.
We also have Feel Good Bananas, frozen organic bananas, dipped in dark chocolate. These delights are high in potassium and magnesium, great brain food. We contacted the Queensland farm directly to negotiate a lower price. That’s why we are the cheapest place to buy Feel Good Bananas in the region!
- Senior students can purchase Remedy’s Sodaly, a low-sugar, prebiotic and natural canned drink.
- We replaced the white bread rolls with low-GI, high-fibre rolls. Hidden fibre for the win!
- We have crumbed chicken for our schnitzel burgers (not processed).
- We have homemade hot and cold meals. Napoli and Bolognese pastas (gluten-free option available).
- Our Asian rice noodle salad with wombok and crispy chicken is a hit with the students. (Gluten-free chicken and vegetarian options available).
- We now offer a wide range of gluten-free and vegetarian options. Our newest addition is the Mexican vegetarian bean wrap.
Every week, our little team works hard to provide healthy options to our students. We will continue to add to the menu as the weather changes. Be sure to keep an eye out for our winter menu and weekly specials!