Term 1 | Week 10 | 2026
Newsletter Contents
- A Message From Our Primary School Chaplain
- From the Registrar’s Desk
- Easter Celebrations
- Easter Hat Parade
- Colour Fun Run
- Student Success
- SCAC Cattle Show
- AICES Touch Football Trials in Penrith
- SASSA Soccer
- Year 11 and 12 HMS Excursion to Canberra
- Online Safety
- Ag News
- Year 7 Science
- Young Scientist
- Year 7 Technology Mandatory - Engineering
- Year 8 Tech
- Space Talk with Jaxon Liebeck
- Stage 5 Design and Technology
- Community Notices
A Message From Our Primary School Chaplain
Big Questions!
It is a privilege to teach Primary Christian studies at Sapphire Coast Anglican College. We use a curriculum with the Bible as our text, interact with workbooks, pray and sing. But question time in our lessons is an absolute favourite of mine! It is a privilege to hear the thoughts and questions of students who are deep thinkers! Some student questions from this term... When did forever begin? How old is God? What does God look like? Did Jesus die on the first Easter? How did Jesus get those superpowers to come back to life? Did God make the Easter bunny? The first Easter is the focus of our chapel services for Primary and High School. Easter is arguably the biggest celebration of the year for Christians. We remember that Jesus died on a Roman cross around 33AD/CE. We remember that Jesus came back to life and was seen by over 500 people. But, the big question for all of us to ask at Easter is… “Why?” “Why would God’s son die and come back to life for us? The simple answer is love. “God demonstrates his own love for us,” the Apostle Paul says, “in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). There is so much more to learn in the Bible about Easter – forgiveness of sin through Jesus, the peace Jesus’ followers have with God, eternal life with God, the defeat of death and much more. Let’s all be like these amazing students and keep asking big questions about Jesus. We hope you have a thoughtful and peaceful Easter and holiday break.
Kirsty Kurilowicz Primary School Christian Studies
From the Registrar’s Desk
I hope everyone has had a fantastic start to the year, and it’s hard to believe we are already breaking up for Easter, when the New Year really did not seem that long ago. It’s been lovely to see both our new and returning students settle in so smoothly. Our new students are quickly finding their feet, making new friends, and enjoying their learning, while our returning students have stepped back into school life with confidence and familiarity. The positive energy around the College has been wonderful to see.
It’s also exciting to share that we are already receiving enrolments for 2027. One of the most common reasons families tell us they choose our College is through word of mouth, recommendations from our current families or conversations within local community groups. We truly appreciate your support and advocacy. By now, many of you may have heard our fantastic radio advertisement, proudly created by our Year 6 Leaders alongside their teacher, Miss M, to help promote our upcoming College Open Day in May. Our Open Day has attracted impressive attendance over the past few years, and this year is shaping up to be another wonderful event.
Open Day is a great opportunity for families who have already enrolled for 2027, even as far ahead as 2031, to return and experience the College again together. Many families take the opportunity to bring along friends, grandparents, aunts, and uncles to share the experience. On the day, our Year 6 students (and at times our Year 5 students) proudly lead guided tours through some of the most popular areas of the College, while classes are running just as they would on a normal school day. Areas that always generate plenty of excitement include our Design & Technology workshops for wood and metal, the Agriculture plot, the Lighthouse Garden for younger visitors, our Science classrooms, and of course, the ever-popular Library.
For me, Open Day is one of my favourite days at the College. It’s a joy to welcome new faces, see our students confidently leading the way, and finish the morning by coming together over refreshments. It’s a great chance for parents to connect, for teachers to say hello, and for families to ask any questions they may have. We would love your help in spreading the word about our upcoming Open Day to any friends or family who may be considering Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Year 7, or even Years 11 and 12 for 2027 or beyond.
As we look ahead to Term 2, I would also like to warmly welcome the new families who will be joining our College community next term. We are very much looking forward to having you with us and supporting you as you settle in. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions along the way. In upcoming newsletters, you may also notice a few new additions. These updates are designed to help keep families informed and connected, and to share relevant information throughout the year. We hope you continue to find the newsletter a helpful and enjoyable way to stay in touch with what’s happening at the College.
From the Registrar’s desk, I wish everyone a safe and happy Easter and look forward to seeing you all again in Term 2.
Aimee Abraham
Easter Celebrations
Thursday, 2nd April, marked one of our many Easter celebrations. To kick off the day, our primary students gathered at St John’s Anglican Church to celebrate and praise the true meaning of Easter. As we reflect, let us not forget John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Colour Fun Run
A huge thank you to everyone who raised money, helped out, and participated in the SCAC P&F Colour Fun Run! We are so grateful to everyone who contributed and helped create a fun and memorable day for our students.
Thanks to our wonderful community, the fundraising total was almost $19,000 and a special mention to our top fundraisers: 1st - Winter, 2nd - Callum and 3rd - Lucian. We look forward to our fundraising prizes arriving early next term. Well done to all involved. Your support, enthusiasm, and community spirit made the event such a fantastic success.
Student Success
Hagan Moon
Congratulations to Year 4 student Hagan, who recently raced in Round 1 of the Australian Kart Championships in Coffs Harbour. Hagan qualified fastest, staying in the top 5 for all heats in a field of 29 of the best in Australia... finishing 2nd overall! Also in March, Hagan competed in the ACT State Titles Blue Plate, winning 1st place in the state!
Next, Hagan is chasing the VIC State Championships Blue Plate #1 in Albury on 11th April, followed by Round 2 of the Australian Kart Championships in Ipswich, QLD on 16th May. Tune in and watch him race on 7+Plus. Well done, Hagan, we can't wait to see where your racing journey takes you next!
Far South Coast Cricket Awards Season
Congratulations to Caiden Orum and Xavier Louie for their achievements in cricket. Caiden was named the top wicket taker for Under 11s in the 24/25 season and was part of the overall winning team last season, representing Bega Angledale Livers Under 11s. Xavier was named the top wicket taker for Under 14s in the 25/26 season and was called to play in the B-grade competition, and was part of the winning team representing Tathra.
SCAC Cattle Show
The Cattle Show season for 2026 is over. On Thursday evening, March 26th, the Cattle Show team met at the Commercial Hotel to have dinner with Steve Robertson (Robbo) to thank him for his help during the show season.
The students put in money and organised a gift for Robbo - a show hat box, which he loved! Robbo has been an integral part of our show team. Without him, we would have no team, as we show his cattle and have learned how to prepare and parade stud cattle. Thank you so much, Robbo. If anyone wants some Murray Grey cattle, I can highly recommend his. Their temperament is fantastic! On another note, good luck to Molly Burns as she travels to the Sydney Royal Show over the Easter holidays to compete in Meat Sheep and Dairy Cattle Judging. We look forward to hearing how she goes.
Mrs Raelene Flower
AICES Touch Football Trials in Penrith
On Thursday, 26th March, nine SCAC students travelled to Penrith to join their fellow SASSA teammates for the AICES Touch Football Trials. Representing the U18 Girls were Ella, Sophie and Leah, while Piper and Zoe took the field in the U15 Girls team. Lawson, Marcus, Hunter and Jessop rounded out our SCAC contingent in the U15 Boys team. Conditions on the day were tough — 33°C with 45% humidity — but that didn't dampen the spirit of our students, who competed against six regions throughout the day. Results:
- U18 SASSA Girls – 3rd place (congratulations also to a St Peter's Broulee teammate who earned a shadow position in the AICES team!)
- U15 SASSA Girls – 4th place
- U15 SASSA Boys – 7th place
The Hunter Region Independent Schools (HRIS) took out all three divisions on the day — well done to them! The AICES teams have been selected and will compete in the upcoming CIS trials in Sydney. Our SCAC students were a credit to themselves and their school, competing with pride and determination throughout. A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and carers who supported their children with transport, accommodation and logistics. We'd also like to extend our gratitude to the SASSA coaches, whose warmth, expertise and encouragement made the day a wonderful experience for all involved. Touch Football continues to be a sport in which our region truly shines — congratulations to all who participated
SASSA Soccer
We recently had 44 secondary students proudly represent SCAC at the SASSA Soccer tournament in Nowra, with our U15 Girls, U15 Boys and Open Boys teams competing. In very hot conditions, our students showed outstanding resilience, teamwork and determination throughout the day. A special mention to the seven players selected to progress to AICES, well done to Bryn, Luke, Charles, Josh, Lawson, Elliott, and Millie!
Thanks to our amazing teachers/coaches who make these opportunities possible, Mr Jack Shannon, Mr Ben Crowley, and Mrs Jenny Weber. Your time and dedication are greatly appreciated! Finally, a shout out to our wonderful P&F Committee for our flash new representative sports jerseys, how amazing do they look?!
Year 11 and 12 HMS Excursion to Canberra
Our Year 11 and 12 Human Movement Studies students recently enjoyed a fantastic excursion to Canberra, packed with hands-on experiences that brought their classroom learning to life! The adventure began with a Raiders vs Bulldogs NRL game — and while the skies opened up and the rain poured down, it only added to the memorable atmosphere! The students took it all in good spirit, making for a game (and a story!) none of them will forget in a hurry.
The trip then took the group to the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise at the University of Canberra, where students had the incredible opportunity to participate in a real laboratory session. Brave volunteer Amelia stepped up to have her VO2 Max tested — giving her classmates a front-row seat to the kind of sports science research they've been studying in class. The excursion wrapped up at the Australian Institute of Sport, where they explored the world-class training facilities and got to watch elite athletes in action — including the Australian Women's Wallaroos rugby union team and a group of talented gymnastic athletes. Seeing Australia's best up close was truly inspiring for our budding sports scientists! A wonderful trip all round — a big thank you to the staff who accompanied the students and made it all possible!
Miss Stacey Budden
Online Safety
Stage 3 students attended an informative presentation with Senior Constable Tim Morrow, focusing on the importance of staying safe online.
Students gained valuable insights into managing their online presence and strategies to stay safe in an ever-connected world. A big thank you to Senior Constable Morrow for sharing his expertise and supporting our students to be safe and informed digital citizens.
Ag News
Animal Production: Big calves, little calves, chickens, and chickies. Plant Production: Carrots, celery, corn and watermelon!
Year 9 planted out a winter patch and commenced setting up our electric fence purchased by P&F, thank you, and soon to move our older calves up. Year 8 and 9 Aggies worked together completing farm maintenance before the holidays. Year 7 and 8 students enjoyed baby silkie chicks born in time for the Easter Season!
Year 7 Science
This fortnight in Year 7 Science, students have been learning about our sun, earth, moon, solar system, tides and seasons. They have enjoyed carving out the phases of the moon in Oreo icing! Truly memorable!
Young Scientist
Sass Winslow, from Year 7, is entering the Young Scientist competition for 2026 and is measuring the effect of ingredient changes in “Elephant Toothpaste” (a chemical reaction that causes a “foam explosion”).
Our Year 7 science class were happy to help Sass with her research on Monday and Tuesday as we learned to make elephant toothpaste and then varied the recipe for Sass to record the results. It is always fun to have a class outdoors, make “explosions” and study chemical formulas!
Year 7 Technology Mandatory - Engineering
This term, 7MT4 have been exploring forces and motion, investigating both engineering marvels and failures to better understand how design impacts performance. Students have developed their understanding of key engineering principles and are now able to apply them in practical contexts. As part of their major task, students designed and constructed a balsa wood bridge with a focus on achieving a strong strength-to-weight ratio. This required careful consideration of concepts such as compressive and tensile strength, as well as triangulation and symmetry.
The class produced an impressive range of bridges, all demonstrating creativity and technical skill. The winning bridge, designed by Olive and Lindsey, weighed just 15.3 grams and successfully held 5200 grams—a fantastic achievement. The class has now moved on to their next challenge: designing and building mousetrap-powered cars, which will be raced at the end of the term.
Year 8 Tech
This term, 8MT2 were the first Year 8 class to complete their acrylic light project. Throughout the process, students worked collaboratively to problem-solve and refine their approach as they progressed. Students developed a range of timber skills, including accurate measuring, sawing and planing, as well as learning how to safely use a drill to create pilot holes, countersink, and assemble components. They were then introduced to basic electronic circuits and built their confidence in soldering—some discovering that steady hands are definitely an advantage!
The class also explored CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) to design custom graphics, which were then precision-cut into acrylic for their final pieces. This was a fantastic project, completed to a high standard, showcasing a wide range of practical and technical skills. Well done, Year 8!
Mrs Kate Mamone
Space Talk with Jaxon Liebeck
Year 9 Science students recently had the exciting opportunity to participate in a live Zoom session with Jaxon Liebeck, a former regional Western Australian student who is now working in the space industry. Jaxon shared his journey from growing up in a small country town to becoming a Flight Director for a successful Moon mission, highlighting the challenges and opportunities along the way. His story was particularly inspiring for our students, showing that coming from a regional area is no barrier to achieving big goals, and encouraging them to explore the wide range of careers and opportunities available in STEM-related fields.
Mrs Casey Hoynes
Stage 5 Design and Technology
Stage 5 Design and Technology students have been working with HDPE and LDPE to design and produce coasters and herb strippers. Throughout the project, students followed the design process, beginning with prototyping in cardboard and refining their ideas through multiple iterations.
A strong focus was placed on ergonomics and functionality, with students testing and improving their designs to ensure they were practical, comfortable to use and effective in purpose. This iterative approach allowed students to develop thoughtful, well-resolved products while building their confidence in working with plastics. Whilst the herb strippers are due at the end of the term, the students took home their coasters in Week 7. This was a great project to get the students using new materials and understanding that great designs require several awesome failures and modifications. The outcomes demonstrate creativity, precision and a clear understanding of the design process.