Term 2 | Week 7 | 2025
Principal's Address
SCAC’s AFL Squad – the ‘bursting forth of a butterfly!’
I have to admit from the outset that I am a huge fan of what truly is the only code that can lay claim to being the Australian game, Australian Rules football. Let’s face it, all the others have been introduced by foreign influencers over the centuries, whereas Aussie Rules was invented in the middle of the 19th century, by Australians, for Australians.
‘Now that cricket has been put aside for some few months to come, and cricketers have assumed some-what of the chrysalis nature (for a time only ’tis true), but at length will again burst forth in all their varied hues, rather than allow this state of torpor to creep over them, and stifle their new supple limbs, why can they not, I say, form a foot-ball club, and form a committee of three or more to draw up a code of laws’.
Thomas Wentworth Wills - a renowned cricketer and member of the Melbourne Cricket Club, quoted in 1859.
Two of the bizarre, but absolutely unwavering traditions around what is now known by all simply as ‘AFL’ were bestowed upon me within two months of arriving in Perth as an impressionable Pom back in 2009:
1. If you live south of the Swan River you barrack for the Fremantle Dockers (and as I was blessed with a very welcoming home for the first few months at a friend’s house in a southern suburb, my first AFL match experience was indeed in Dockers colours, at Subiaco Oval, the former home of AFL in Western Australia). Whereas, if you live north of the Swan River, you must be a West Coast Eagles fan.
When we settled into a home in Karrinyup, 16 km north of Perth’s CBD, working in northern suburbs schools, it was only natural to switch to following the Eagles, and our local youth team, the North Beach Tigers, for whom our son played many an exciting game.
2. It is essential to passionately support whoever is playing against Collingwood!
Imagine my unbridled joy watching the 2018 Grand Final, in which the Eagles defeated the loathed Collingwood, 79-74 in what was voted in an AFL public poll as the ‘greatest game of the last 50 years!’
I still don’t fully understand why Collingwood are so disliked, but happily continue that tradition every season. As a cyclist, I have a natural aversion to aggressively swooping magpies, though, which helps me refocus this emotion whenever necessary.
Having confessed this allegiance, I readily volunteered for the role of bus driver to accompany our Year 5 and 6 AFL squad, with their coach, Hana Matsuoka-Renton to the South Coast Finals of the Paul Kelly Cup, at a sun-drenched Hanging Rock Oval, Batemans Bay on 11th June.
AFL is not a familiar code to most of our youngsters; however, we do have a small contingent who both love and have a real talent for the game. Hana, very ably supported by a group of our senior students, James, Oscar, Leuca and Flynn invested their time and expertise in a number of lunchtime training sessions here at the College.
What emerged out of Thomas Wills’ metaphorical chrysalis is a squad of about 20 physically gifted players who have quickly learned sufficient of the game to use their ‘new supple limbs’ to great effect. While SCAC didn’t quite manage a win on the day, finding ourselves drawn against teams from AFL strongholds up and down the South Coast, our team was always competitive and displayed great sportsmanship and camaraderie.
With the prospect of Aussie rules having a higher profile in the SCAC sporting curriculum in future, who knows what might be achieved next year.
And how cool to complete our immersion in Australian culture by enjoying a delightful picnic at Hanging Rock, yet all returning home safely, students and staff!
David Proudlove | College Principal
Student Success
Congratulations to Nate Bobbin on gaining selection in the NSW CIS Under 15s Rugby League Team to play at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League National Championships.
Nate will travel to Townsville for the National Championships, to be held from June 28th to July 5th. Well done, Nate, on this outstanding achievement.
Crazy Hair Day
On Friday in Week 6, we held a Crazy Hair Day to celebrate and support the brave and generous acts of two of our students, Elliot (Year 7) and James (Year 12), along with Mrs Sally Tudor. They shaved and cut their hair to raise money for children with cancer.
Elliot has had his long hair for the past five years and decided that it was time for a chop! With the help of his family, he set up a donation page through “Kids with Cancer’ to create a ‘Wig for a Kid'. Similarly, James and Sally had the goal to raise money to have their hair turned into a fitted wig for a child undergoing cancer treatments.
So far, Sally has raised $1084 exceeding her goal of $1000, James has raised $2297 and Elliot has exceeded his goal of $3300 by raising $5795. What an awesome achievement by all three of them!
On Friday, Pre-K to Year 12 students and teachers showed great support by coming to school with their craziest hair. To raise some more money, the Year 12 Leadership Team sold coloured hairspray, glitter and hair accessories before school and at recess.
Then at lunch, it was time for the hair to go! The school gathered in support at J Block, ready to watch James, Sally, and Elliot’s hair go! Everyone showed great support and enthusiasm as the luscious locks were trimmed off.
A massive thank you to Jessie, the hairdresser, who gave her time to come and support Elliot, James and Sally. We couldn’t have done it without her. Elliot, James and Sally rock their new haircuts!
These brave efforts show the generosity and kindness of the students and teachers in our school. What an awesome day!
A Warm Winter Welcome
Last Sunday, in the Anglican Parish of Bega, we celebrated the coming of the Holy Spirit. We read about this in Acts 2:1-21. The timing and the celebration are just right for our Parish because the Spirit is presently leading us through a great and joyous period of upheaval and renewal. Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus promised the coming of the Spirit, who he also referred to as the Advocate; that breath of God to teach us to be Christ's followers, to unite us as one in Jesus, to help us pray, to love one another, and to equip us to share Christ's love with all the world.
The scriptures refer to the Spirit using imagery such as a breath of wind, or a dove of peace, cleansing water or indeed, a tongue of fire. In the cold of this winter, the fire image is particularly apt, as a source of warmth and light, an attracting and inviting image, drawing us to one another and drawing us to God.
We would like to extend that invitation and warmth, and love to you too. All are most welcome to join us at St. John's, each Sunday at 10.00am. Come and meet Rev. Mandy and the team, join us in worship and fellowship, and see what the Lord is doing among us.
A massive thank you goes to James Aitken, Leuca McDonald, Oscar Bryant & Flynn Kelly, who have worked on training with the kids during their recess and lunch times.
SASSA NEWS
CIS Cross Country
Congratulations to Lola Foster, Stevie Boone, Scout Foster, Clara Peres and Jonathan Ireland who competed at the NSW Combined Independent Schools Cross Country carnival on 12th June 2025. Well done on their great results in the statewide competition.
Soccer
SCAC Open Boys Soccer Win Grand Final
Congratulations to the SCAC Open Boys soccer team for winning the grand final at the Secondary SASSA Soccer carnival. Well done to the Open Girls team for playing well against some tough opponents. We would like to thank Mr Shannon, Mr Crowley and Mrs Moulton for coaching and attending this trip.
SASSA Primary Soccer
Last Thursday, our school’s junior soccer teams travelled to Broulee to participate in the SASSA Soccer tournament. Both teams put great effort and energy into each game, even after being challenged by stronger and better-established teams. As the day progressed, our students gained confidence and were able to put into practice some of the skills learnt at school. It was a great opportunity for our junior teams to experience teamwork and sportsmanship. We would like to thank Mr Ramirez and Mrs Milliss for coaching the teams, and Mr Gyngell for driving the team to Broulee.
We look forward to hearing how our Under 14 Boys and Girls teams go at their SASSA carnival in Week 9.
SCAC Jazz Band
The SCAC Jazz Band has been busy, out and about in the community over the past few weeks.
Last month, they were invited by the Down South Jazz Club to open proceedings on their monthly jazz night at Club Sapphire. They were welcomed by a crowd of 50+ jazz enthusiasts and played so well that they were asked to return again!
Next stop was the Pambula Rotary Markets on Sunday of the King's Birthday long weekend, where the band presented the same set, which is just getting tighter and tighter. We were asked back there as well!
A big shout out to Jazz parents for their enthusiasm and support of these extra-curricular commitments. Thank you!
Be sure to catch the SCAC Jazz Band at the Country Fair this Saturday at 10:30am, where they will be retiring a number of the current pieces in their repertoire...
Forensic Science Workshop
Last week, our school library transformed into a real-life crime scene as students took part in an engaging forensic science incursion run by Education Interactive. The session was designed as a murder mystery case study, where students stepped into the shoes of forensic investigators to solve a simulated crime.
Throughout the session, students examined evidence such as DNA samples, blood types, and even photos of bruises and bullet wounds. It was a thrilling opportunity for students to see how science is used in crime-solving and explore career pathways in forensic science.
Students described the incursion as an “interesting experience” and “very interactive.” One student shared, “Everyone was very excited — it felt like we were real forensic scientists.” Another noted, “We got to learn about DNA and blood samples, which was really cool.”
We thank the Education Interactive team for delivering such an engaging and memorable experience.
Madita Wolf | Year 10 German Exchange Student
Madita joined Year 10 at Sapphire Coast Anglican College as an exchange student from Germany at the beginning of 2025. She fitted in immediately, and we loved having her here. Madita impressed us all during the Year 10 camp with her outstanding ice skating - while the rest of us slipped, flailed and slammed into the ice! We hope Madita remembers her time at SCAC with fondness (and recovers from the abundance of cakes). Here are some messages from teachers:
Crew and Wellbeing:
We thank Madita for bringing a fresh perspective and maturity into our CREW class. She has been a polite and enthusiastic addition to our group and has participated in all the activities with gusto. Our class wishes Madita a safe trip home and all the best for the future.
From Mr Shannon
Food Technology:
Thank you to Madita for making spatzle with a simple tomato and garlic sauce before she left to go home to Germany. Madita has been with us for 4 and a half months as an exchange student.
From Mrs Moulton
Agriculture:
Madita has been a very valued member of Mrs Flower's Agricultural Technology team, presenting to her class on the very different agricultural systems in Germany. In their recent Paddock to Plate assessment, Madita created for her team an amazing traditional German Goulash dish using chuck steak braised over many hours with paprika. Her beautiful nature and quiet insights have been a delight and very insightful to her class, who will dearly miss her!
From Mrs Flower and Mrs Marksel
English:
Madita has been an absolute delight to have in our class this semester. Her quiet, thoughtful nature shone through in everything she did, and she approached the challenge of studying History, which were entirely new topics in a second language, with genuine curiosity and consistent effort. Madita’s interest in Australian culture, including her request to send resources home to share, reflected her deep engagement and open-mindedness. We’ll miss her calm presence and valuable contributions. Farewell, Madita!
From Miss Cheadle
PDHPE:
Madita has been a wonderful addition to Sapphire Coast Anglican College during her time on exchange. In PDHPE lessons, she consistently demonstrated kindness and cooperation, engaging positively with her peers. Madita showed a genuine enthusiasm for all class activities, particularly excelling in volleyball, where her keen interest and team spirit truly stood out. Her presence has been greatly valued, and she will be missed by both staff and students.
From Mr Crowley
Spanish:
Madita has been a valuable member of the Year 9/10 Spanish elective class this year. She brought an enthusiasm for learning languages (speaking German, English and French already) and was able to reflect on and share aspects of German culture. We really appreciated Madita’s clarifying questions about both English and Spanish, and her bravery in travelling across the world to do her exchange (possibly inspiring some others to do the same…).
From Miss Strelnikow
Maths:
Madita is a great student of Mathematics Advanced and Extension Pathway Stage 5. She worked consistently in each lesson and attended every math tutorial. She is kind and hardworking. Madita is welcome to come back anytime. All the best!
From Mrs Greenhalgh
Drama:
Madita was a delightful addition to the Drama classroom! We have loved having her enthusiasm in our class. We will miss her. All the best, Madita.
From Mrs Gallagher
SCAC Mountain Biking
Rider of the Week is back, but for a limited time only. Last week's Rider of the Week was Jarrah Van Haeff, who clocked the fastest time down Old School in secondary sport on Friday afternoon. Will he back it up again this week, or will one of the other challengers take the crown? There was less than one second between the top three last week.
Year 7 Science
This week, Year 7 Science students came together to experience electrostatic forces using the Van de Graaf generator! They highly enjoyed zapping each other and watching hair sticking out on end! Then on to magnetic forces... can we make them as exciting?! Of course we can...
Agriculture News
Year 8 Update
Our Year 8 Aggies were eager to check the front paddock pastures that had grown a further foot or two in a month! When I was eventually able to round them all up, we discussed the difference in height and growth of our crops across the paddocks... Overall, students absolutely loved their frolic in the amazing fields of oat and rye! Thanks again to Andrew Ireland of SFS and all those who have contributed to our beautiful, vast meadows of green. A small new flock of actual sheep is planned for next term!
Chickens
This week, our Year 8 and 9/10 Aggies spent time caring for our farm chickens and cleaning out their home, ready for the SCAC Fair. We are still awaiting our chicks, incubated in the classroom, to show whether they are roosters or hens before we send them home with students (with permission from parents/carers).
Calves
Year 8 and 9/10 Aggies continue to tend to Willy (Holstein) and Marmalade (Jersey). Willy lost his horn last week and was sprayed purple. Our carrot crop required thinning out, so students carried out this task and then enjoyed feeding the baby carrots to their bovine friends.
Senior Agriculture
Students in Year 11 and 12 Agriculture, led by our Agriculture Teacher, Mrs. Flower, tested samples for eggs and other microbes in our farm animals' digestive systems. Both classes are learning about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems, and this hands-on microscopic work consolidated the theory component in each course.
Green Team Grows On: Winter Veggies, Compost Heat & Soil Regeneration
The SCAC Permi Plot Green Team has been getting their gloves dirty and their skills sharpened as they embrace all that winter growing has to offer. From tender propagation to planting and harvesting, our student growers are becoming increasingly connected with the patch – and it shows!
This term has seen the team sow a winter cover crop to replenish and regenerate the soil, ensuring it’s brimming with life come spring. Their first harvest of sweet potatoes was a delicious reward for months of care, and a clear sign that their green thumbs are growing strong.
Meanwhile, over in the natives nursery, the team has successfully plumbed in a brand-new digital irrigation system – a feat of modern gardening that’ll keep our plants hydrated with precision all year-round.
And in the heart of the compost zone, the team celebrated a major milestone: their first official turning of the legendary ‘Costa Compost’! With thanks to the voluntary efforts of Mick Yarrah, the heap has reached a toasty 62°C – perfect pasteurising temperature – setting us up with a rich supply of organic compost for the year ahead.
Back in class, Year 5/6 students have been deep diving into the concepts of regenerative agriculture through the lens of the Three F’s: Food, Fibre and Fuel. They’ve explored the differences between conventional 'linear' systems and more sustainable 'circular' models, while considering a myriad of ways we can draw on natural processes to meet our needs without exhausting the earth’s resources.
A huge shout-out to the Green Team for their dedication, teamwork, and muddy-booted enthusiasm. Our patch – and the planet – is better for it.