Country To Coast

College Principal's Address

“(Anglican) Church notices are a fascinating part of worship. They prove that it is possible to make announcements about the Kingdom of God, while simultaneously discussing lost casserole dishes.” - Adrian Plass

It’s been a big week for Sapphire Coast Anglican College and the parish of St John the Evangelist’s Anglican Church, Bega. Last Sunday, at the parish’s AGM, two teachers were elected to the parish council through a process that, while replete with gravitas and very ably navigated by former Royal Australian Navy officer, Rev. David Luck, just occasionally slipped more into the realms of one of my all-time favourite BBC TV comedy series, The Vicar of Dibley!

We in the congregation simply loved the seamless interweaving of the profound and the prosaic. Harking back to my previous Newsletter contribution, Girl Power was very much to the fore. Not only were we blessed once again by the presence of our legendary locum minister, Rev. Mandy Wheatley (who has comic timing very much on a par with Dawn French, the actress who immortalised the fictional Rev. Geraldine Granger, Dibley’s first female vicar), but across the new committees and council, women outnumbered men substantially. While this did cause a ripple of concern along a pew or two, Rev. David pointed out that over the past 2000 years or so, men had probably been given a slightly more than even chance at representation in the Christian church, so perhaps this was just something of a localised, temporary reset? The large gathering concluded in a typically congenial fashion with lunch in the church hall, where the perennially delicious morning tea offerings of cakes and slices were augmented by traditional Australian Anglican fare in the form of a sausage sizzle. While I didn’t notice any casserole dishes, there was a remarkable array of Tupperware on display! Connections between the church and College continue to strengthen, with opportunities to worship or just explore the mysteries of faith becoming more frequent. Although this year’s Primary School Easter Hat Parade will return to the College Theatre, we will once again hold a special College service at St John’s on the morning of 2nd April, the last day of Term 1, led by our Christian Studies teacher, Kirsty Kurilowicz, with contributions from Rev. Mandy. To turn to more secular distractions, discussing classic TV series, merged with a conversation in a corridor outside my office two days earlier. Teachers were discussing literacy offerings for our students wondering if, and how, classic ‘junior fiction’ books of previous generations, such as Black Beauty, The Silver Sword or Treasure Island (apologetically rather English, but similarly the likes of Storm Boy or The Silver Brumby for Australians, perhaps?) were destined to be totally ignored by school-aged children of the 2020s? Is such a concern just rose-tinted nostalgia, or should these literary classics still be able to find devotees among the teenagers and teachers of 2026?

Maybe that is something we teachers stay out of and leave in the capable hands of parents who may have their own beloved classics.  However, I can’t conclude this article without a contemporary reminder that yesterday’s classic may not survive the test of time (and I use the term ‘classic’ rather loosely).  One of my favourite Australian maps has highly satirical labelling, from a European perspective, attempting to create an impression of this country as being far too dangerous to even consider visiting.  My outstanding Year 7s immediately recognised and appreciated the copious references to dangerous creatures, essentially everywhere from coast to coast; dingoes, jellyfish, spiders, sharks, stingrays, snakes, crocodiles, mosquitoes, even ‘razor-sharp coral’ and a questionable reference to ‘man-eating koalas?’ But what really took my breath away was their reaction to an arrow pointing to southern NSW labelled, ‘Dannii Minogue!’ It wasn’t that these very capable (maybe even ‘razor-sharp’) students knew Dannii Minogue is from Melbourne, nor that they were puzzled, perhaps even insulted by her being placed in the same category of threat as giant spiders; they simply had no idea who she was! To the rescue came ‘Sir’, who may be a Pom but had his fair share of exposure to Australian media even before emigrating... "Dannii Minogue is Kylie Minogue’s sister", I said, trying not to appear too disappointed at this missing piece of essential Aussie trivia. This intervention led instantly to my favourite Australian slang expression, ‘crickets’… silence. Not one of the 23 Year 7 students had ever heard of Kylie Minogue. Unbelievable. 

I know Andy Warhol promised us all a minimum of ‘15 minutes of fame’, but I am astonished Kylie’s impact hasn’t transcended the generations. Why, she was even a special guest at the Dibley Village Fete in series 1, 1994, when Elton John had to cancel. There’s so much educating to be done, if only there was less curriculum!

David Proudlove College Principal

Deputy Principal's Address

The government’s new social media bans have been in place for children under the age of 16 for approximately three months. Other countries are starting to consider introducing similar laws, aimed at protecting young people from the influence of social media environments. Regardless of the age of your child and whether they are legally allowed to have a social media account, screen time, and device use continues to be a cause of conflict for many families.  Last week, The Resilience Project hosted a Digital Wellbeing for Families webinar that families from our school community had the opportunity to attend. If you were unable to attend, I highly recommend accessing the recording of the webinar provided below. Some of the interesting statistics from the webinar included the following:

• 75% of parents think it’s difficult to control their child’s digital habits, and negotiating use causes conflict in the home.
• 24% of primary-aged students reported being online between 10pm and 6am
• 58% of secondary-aged students reported being online between 12am and 6am
• 70% of primary-aged students and 56% of secondary students reported getting at least 8 hours of sleep.

They also noted that research shows that teens feel the pressure of not being online and missing out on things that happen, and so working out a plan for how they can ‘catch up’ on everything before going to school each day might be a useful way of managing the pressure to always be online. The webinar presented some helpful strategies for modelling positive use of technology, such as ‘commenting on your phone use’. That is, explaining what you are doing on your phone (eg. ‘I’m just looking for a dinner recipe, would you like to come and look too’ or ‘I’m trying to complete this form for school, would you like to help me’) so that you give context to how you are using your phone and modelling a positive use of your device to your children. A resource that was highlighted in the webinar was the eSafety Commission's ‘E-Safety guide’. This guide provides information about different apps and websites children might want to use, including what they are, how people use the app, the minimum age for using it, how to protect your information on the app, and, importantly, how to block and/or report inappropriate content. You can find the guide here: The eSafety Guide | eSafety Commissioner Having access to this information should make it much easier for parents to start a conversation with their child about their concerns. Or when it would be appropriate to use these apps, come up with an agreed age for downloading it, and set appropriate boundaries for use. It provides information about a wide range of social media apps and websites far beyond those that you may already be familiar with.  Webinar Recording: The Resilience Project presents: Digital Wellbeing for Families - Zoom

Jay Trevaskis Deputy Principal

From Our Director of Teaching and Learning

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'" - Martin Luther King Jr.

 At the heart of our Anglican tradition is a simple yet profound calling: to live a life shaped by love, generosity and service. As scripture reminds us to…serve one another humbly in love (Galatians 5:13). Serving others is a way of being, not just a valuable act to enhance a university application. Service can be formed through small choices each day.    When service is offered quietly and without recognition, it has the power to transform both giver and receiver. It reflects the example of Jesus, who showed us that true greatness is found in humility and care for others. In this spirit, Mahatma Gandhi reminds us, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’  I have found this to be especially true when life presents challenges. Service can provide perspective and remind us of what we have to be grateful for.    Within our College community, these acts of kindness create a ripple effect. They build trust, strengthen relationships and nurture a deep sense of belonging. They also shape our young people in lasting ways - teaching them their worth is not defined solely by achievement, but by character and contribution to our community and world. As 1 Peter 4:10 encourages us, ‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others...’    In a world that can focus on what we take or gain, service steers us to what we can give to others. Anne Frank wrote, ‘No one has ever become poor by giving’. This truth sits at the heart of our commitment to 100% Kindness.    We see this lived out in meaningful ways across our school. Our Little Lights program is one such example. Each week, our delightful students, Mala, Charlie, Clem, Saanvi and Klancy, give their time with quiet dedication. Whilst our students interact and play with their toddlers, they enable mums in our community to take a much-deserved and needed moment to socialise or quietly feed younger ones. The ripple effect of this service is felt right across the Anglican Diocese, capturing the hearts of many. 

Having purchased a colourful climbing frame and slide, I was surprised at how many small pieces stared back at me when I opened the box lid on arrival. It was our lovely Charles and Luka who assembled these many, many pieces for me without a bat of an eyelid. Their service to Little Lights was the highlight of my week. It was a simple act, yet one filled with generosity of spirit and time. All the students mentioned ask for nothing in return. It is not about recognition. It is about how we care for others.   Whilst we continue to learn and grow together, let us nurture in our students a spirit of generosity grounded in faith and expressed through action—forming young people who will make a meaningful difference in the world. 

Millie Proudlove  Director of Teaching and Learning 

Primary School Christian Studies

Who Are You?

 If you were to tell somebody, “I AM _______” I wonder how you would answer? “I am… sporty, a parent, dramatic, chilled, a student, a gamer, a person, a vegan?   Jesus uses the phrase “I AM” in the Book of John in the Bible. There are seven “I AM” statements recorded by Jesus’ friend John over 2,000 years ago.   In staff devotions and high school chapel this term, we have looked at some of these statements…

1. Jesus said I AM the Bread of Life
2. Jesus said I AM the Light of the World
3. Jesus said I AM the Gate & Good Shepherd

At Easter, we are particularly amazed by the third statement in John 10:11 and 14. Jesus said:  

“I am the Good Shepherd and the Good Shepherd gives up his life for the sheep… “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me”

  Not long after Jesus spoke these words, he died and came back to life to save us.  Easter is a great time to think about all these claims of Jesus - and to ask the question – “How well do you know Jesus?”

A Great Easter Book!

  The greatest Easter “story book” is actually the eyewitness account of the very first Easter in the Bible.   As Easter gets closer, there are lots of ways you can connect with this true story.   You might like to pick up a traditional Bible and read the original accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Many of my friends also find the Bible App on their phone a quick, free, and easy way to read the Bible. Other friends prefer listening to an audio version on their phone.

If your children would enjoy an age-appropriate version, our school library has many options, including picture book Bibles, Bible story books, and full-text Bibles for children and teens.   There’s a reason why Jesus’ life story has been called “The Greatest Story Ever Told” (also the title of a 1965 Hollywood movie). The story of Jesus tells how a loving and holy God sent His Son to earth to save us.  

“Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us… Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by the life of his Son” - Romans 5:10 (CEV)

There really is no greater true story than that.

Kirsty Kurilowicz Primary School Christian Studies

Primary SASSA

For primary students in Years 5 and 6, there will be opportunities to trial for the Primary Boys’ and Primary Girls’ SASSA Soccer Teams. The SASSA Primary Soccer Carnival will be held in Broulee in Term 2 on 28 May. The competition format is 9‑a‑side. We will be organising a bus for the day trip to Broulee, and further information will be provided next term. Please chat with Mr Ramirez or Mrs Louie for more information about training and trail days.

Mrs Lisa Louie

Year 7 Camp to Jindabyne

Year 7 recently returned from an unforgettable camp in Jindabyne, filled with adventure, challenge and plenty of memorable moments. Over the course of the three days, students stepped outside their comfort zones, supported one another and embraced every opportunity to learn and grow together. One of the biggest highlights of the camp was the hike to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, the highest point in Australia. Despite the "longest walk in the world" (not a fact), every student made it to the top. A fantastic achievement that showed determination, teamwork and resilience. Students also took part in a range of exciting activities throughout the week. Mountain biking tested both skill and courage as students tackled steep corners and challenging tracks, many showing great bravery getting on and off the chair lifts for the first time, and for some, this was their first camp. The raft-building challenge encouraged teamwork and creativity, while the canoeing activity added a fun twist with team challenges along the way. A visit to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre helped students learn about the incredible engineering and history behind the Snowy Mountains Scheme, giving them a deeper appreciation for the region. Some of the favourite camp memories included singing on the bus, marshmallows around the campfire, getting unexpectedly caught out in the rain, early morning wake-up calls and the shared sense of achievement when everyone reached the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. The camp was a fantastic opportunity for students to build friendships, develop confidence and support one another through new challenges. Year 7 should be proud of the courage, resilience and teamwork they demonstrated throughout the week.