Deputy Principal's Address
As a school, we strive to provide opportunities for students to participate in a wide range of activities that aren’t limited just to academics that help them see the world from different perspectives and learn to value the diversity of cultures, interests, skills and talents in those they interact with each day. So far this year, students have been involved in different excursions and activities that stretch them socially, physically and academically. This has included swimming carnivals, water safety excursions, the Year 12 Drama and Visual Arts excursion to Sydney, and the Year 7 camp to Jindabyne.
All of these activities provide opportunities for our students to appreciate the differences in one another as they spend more time together than usual, as well as providing opportunities for individual growth as they challenge themselves in different environments. Our hope as a College is that we see the students grow in character – particularly in ways that reflect Compassion, Honesty, Respect, Integrity, Service and Thankfulness.
Harmony Day
Harmony Day is a day to recognise diversity within our school and the wider community and to highlight the importance of inclusion, respect and belonging for everyone. It’s a day that reflects the College values that we strive to instil in our students and see them demonstrate in their daily lives. It’s been lovely to see students embrace the day by adding a touch of orange to their uniform, or in some cases, completely adorned in orange and creating displays to show their commitment to inclusivity and developing a sense of belonging.
Student Support at the College
There are a number of ways that the College seeks to provide support for your child. If you need extra support for your child or if you would just like to pass on some information that you feel will help your child on any given day, please don’t hesitate to make contact with your child’s classroom teacher, Pre-K – Yr 2 or Yr 3 – 6 Coordinators (Primary), Crew teacher or Head of Year (Secondary) or myself. The more information we have the better we can support your child day to day.
Along with these avenues for support there are a number of other ways that the we provide to support your child:
Counselling and Wellbeing Support
The College has two dedicated counsellors onsite each week who can provide assistance with personal challenges, education on managing emotions, dealing with academic stress, or navigating difficult social issues. Students can access counselling via reception or a parent can speak with their teacher to organise for a referral to be made.
Careers Guidance
Our Careers advisor, Mrs Deb Meers, provides career counselling to students who are exploring their post-school opportunities. Year 10 will undertake a Careers unit in Term 2 that will help them explore different career options that will help with subject selections for Years 11 and 12. Mrs Meers also provides opportunities to meet one-on-one with students to discuss their options and is also happy to meet with parents about the different pathways that might be available.
Wellbeing Programs
Once again we are using The Resilience Project as the core of our Wellbeing program across the College. The Resilience Project focuses on developing an understanding of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy. Each fortnight, students spend time exploring these in-depth and are challenged to put them into action in their daily lives in order to have a positive impact on their health.
This year as part of this program we will again be taking part in the Resilient Youth Australia survey. Parents and Carers should have received notification of this via Audiri this week. Students from Years 3 – 12 will complete the survey over the last three weeks of term, along with over 900,000 students in 3,500 students across Australia.
Jay Trevaskis | College Deputy Principal
Student Success
SCAC Sailor Competes in National Titles
Year 7 student, Anouk Helton recently completed the Maricat 4.3 National Titles held at Wallagoot Lake. With sailors coming from as far as Western Australia in an attempt to take out the prestigious accolades. Ages ranged from 12 to 60 in the open fleet. Racing was close and competitive throughout the five races over the weekend of the 8th and 9th of March, with winds ranging from 5 to 15 knots from the northeast.
Anouk sailed with her father on ‘Brouhaha’, sail number 2941. This made for a big week following immediately after the three-day Year 7 camp at Jindabyne. In a hot fleet of 20 boats consisting of many multiple National Title holders, Anouk sailed consistently throughout the regatta to finish in 8th position overall. Racing was extremely close with positions changing frequently and any mistake could cost three or four places. Visiting sailors were highly impressed with the boat speed of ‘Brouhaha’ and Anouk’s sail trim, with several past champions going out of their way to meet Anouk and congratulate her on her exceptional efforts.
Well done Anouk, great effort. Best of luck for the remainder of the season.
2025 Tathra Multisport Festival
The 2025 Tathra Multisport Festival saw dozens of our SCAC community competing in the three-day event, which incorporated the Tathra Mountain Bike Festival, Wharf to Waves festival and Trail Run Australia - Tathra.
Well done to all our students who participated, with many receiving placings on the podium, including our swimmers Emma (1st), Asher (2nd), Victoria (3rd), Sunny (2nd), Charlie (2nd), Phoebe (1st), Felicity, Grace, Annelise, George, Mike and Jono.
Our runners all had podium finishes including Lawson (outright winner of the 3.5km trail run and1st in age group) and Harrison (outright winner of the 8km trail run and 1st in age group), Sunny (1st) and Fletcher (2nd). A special mention to SCAC parent Jeffrey who won the main event, the 28 km trail run from Merimbula to Tathra in a phenomenal time of 2hr 17min!
Also, congratulations to Sunny who was awarded the Junior Dirt Master of the weekend, competing and placing in all three disciplines!
Sapphire Coast Anglican College Shines at Rocky Trail Academy
Students delivered outstanding performances at the recent Rocky Trail Academy South Coast Schools Competition in Narooma. Competing against schools from across the region, SCAC riders showcased their skills, determination, and sportsmanship on the challenging downhill and endurance tracks.
Axel Beattie led the charge, claiming first place overall, while Joe McMahon and Flynn Kelly secured third-place finishes in their respective divisions. Jarrah Van Haeff also earned a first-place victory, highlighting the depth of SCAC’s talent.
Other notable performances included Harrison Tudor (12th), Jack Moore (6th), Ben Oates (9th), Bear Laidlaw (22nd), Leroy Moore (15th), Charlie McMahon (16th), Harrison Nagle (17th), Hunter (20th), and Luke Burgoyne (28th).
The SCAC team demonstrated excellent teamwork and resilience throughout the competition, reinforcing their growing reputation as one of the strongest downhill squads in the region. Congratulations to all riders for their efforts and achievements!
Cricket
Congratulations to the five SCAC students who participated in the U11 Bega-Angledale Cricket Team Grand Final! Please check the Bega/Angledale Cricket Club Facebook page for more details.
The U13 Bega-Angledale Cricket Team Grand Final teams were Bega and Tathra. Congratulations to Bega, who won on the day and to our SCAC students from both teams who played extremely well.
Sapphire Coast Touch Football Association
Congratulations to the seven SCAC students who participated in the U10s Mixed - Aquamarine. And to those who participated in the U12s Boys - Diamond. More details can be found on the Sapphire Coast Touch Football Association Facebook page.
Pre-Kindergarten News
Each morning during Circle Time, the children exchange warm greetings, saying "good morning" to one another. This sets a positive tone for the day as we discuss various topics. Recently, the conversation turned to crocodiles, sparking the children’s curiosity. Together, we decided to research and discovered that crocodiles can grow up to an impressive 5.79 metres in length. To bring this discovery to life, we measured 5.79 metres using blocks and invited the children to lie down beside them. This hands-on activity provided a tangible and memorable understanding of just how enormous crocodiles can be, making it a truly engaging and educational experience.
Engaging in cooperative play and mathematics, the children explored an exciting challenge: how high they could build a tower of blocks before it tipped over. This activity encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and mathematical thinking, as they counted the blocks and experimented with balance and stability. It was a perfect blend of play and learning, fostering both collaboration and curiosity.
Every Wednesday, Mrs. Rachel Shovelton leads the Pre-Kindy students in their Physical Education sessions. This week, the children engaged in activities focusing on bean bag throwing and target practice. It’s wonderful to see their growing confidence and improved throwing skills as they embrace these fun and active challenges.
The Pre-Kindy students actively participate in engaging activities involving the LH Garden chickens. Each day, they collect freshly laid eggs, ensure the chickens are well-fed, check their water supply, and provide fresh green feed. Among the many culinary experiences, preparing scrambled eggs stands out as a favourite, offering both enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.
During our morning chat, we discussed the art of making our beds each day. Most of the children shared that they made their beds every morning, with some offering charming details—like how they perfectly positioned their two pillows to make the bed look just right. A few were less convincing, and a couple candidly admitted that they didn't make their beds at all. We then embarked on a hands-on activity where everyone took turns making the bed I had set up, complete with two sheets, a blanket, and a quilt cover. This turned out to be not only a fun exercise but also a wonderful lesson in responsibility.
Thoughts from Year 1
- We are learning new sounds.
- We have more windows than we had last year.
- We have been learning higher numbers.
- Our room had a sink but not anymore.
- We are learning about living things.
- We have a shelving unit for our things.
- We have some spare hats.
- We don't have a dungeon anymore, it was so handy.
- There is a door where there used to be a room.
Primary SASSA Swimming
Lara placed 3rd in 8-10 Girls 50m Butterfly and 8-10 Girls 50m Backstroke. The 8-10 Boys and 8-10 Girls both place 3rd in their respective Freestyle Relay races. Congratulations to our swimmers!
Year 7 Camp
There’s something special about taking learning beyond the classroom and swapping desks and textbooks for mountain paths, lakes, and campfires. This term, our Year 7 students set off on an unforgettable adventure to the Snowy Mountains, and what unfolded was far more than just a change of scenery.
Over the course of the camp, students were challenged to step outside their comfort zones, push through moments of doubt, and support one another through the experiences they shared. From navigating mountain bike trails and paddling across calm alpine waters in canoes, to racing the rafts they built together with nothing but barrels, ropes, and teamwork. Each day offered opportunities to grow, connect, and laugh, especially when those rafts didn’t quite go to plan.
A true highlight came in the form of Mt Kosciuszko. With resilience and determination, every single student made it to the summit. The climb was no easy feat, but watching the students encourage one another and dig deep to reach the top was nothing short of inspiring. It was a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when they believe in themselves and each other.
Our evening around the campfire was a quieter kind of magic. As stories were shared and lollies passed around, staff had the privilege of seeing another side of the students. It was a pleasure to see their kindness, humour, and curiosity. These were the moments where friendships deepened, laughs were shared, and a real sense of community began to take shape.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 7 students, not just for the physical challenges they conquered, but for the way they embraced each moment with openness. This camp was more than just an adventure; it was the start of something lasting. We look forward to seeing the strength and connections they’ve built continue to shape their journey through high school.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Food Tech
Year 7 Food Tech students enjoyed a healthy chocolate fondue platter. Yes, healthy. They also had carrots and fresh fruit.
Year 10 Food Technology students researched potato recipes. Agriculture students planted and harvested 30 kg of potatoes which were cooked in different recipes throughout the term.
Year 8 and 10 Aquatics
Year 8: Developing Skills and Confidence
This term, our Year 8 students have been making a splash in their aquatics program. Through a series of engaging and challenging activities, they have been honing their swimming techniques, improving their water safety knowledge, building their overall confidence in the water and even participating in aqua aerobic performances. From mastering different swimming strokes to learning essential lifesaving skills, our students have shown growth and enthusiasm. It's been wonderful to see their progress and the joy they experience as they become more proficient swimmers.
Year 10: Diving into Water Polo
Meanwhile, our Year 10 students have taken their aquatic skills to the next level by diving into the exciting world of water polo. Throughout the term, they have been learning the rules and strategies of the game, developing their teamwork and communication skills, and enhancing their physical fitness. Water polo has provided a fantastic opportunity for our students to challenge themselves, work collaboratively, and have a lot of fun in the process.
We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work and commitment in the aquatics program. Keep up the great work, and let's continue to make waves in the pool!
Year 10 PASS Shines in AFL Coaching and Umpiring
Year 10 PASS students have been making remarkable strides in their AFL coaching assessments, showcasing their skills and dedication both on and off the field. Recently, they had the opportunity to umpire a full day at the Paul Kelly Cup Primary Gala Day, where they displayed exceptional confidence and maturity. Their ability to manage the games and make fair decisions was commendable, earning them praise from participants and spectators alike.
In addition to their umpiring duties, 10PASS students also assisted in the K-2 AFL skills session. Their enthusiasm and patience in teaching younger students the basics of AFL was truly inspiring. The younger students benefited greatly from their guidance, learning new skills and having fun in the process.
Congratulations to all 10PASS students for their hard work and dedication. Your efforts are not only enhancing your own skills but also contributing to the growth and enjoyment of AFL in our community. Keep up the fantastic work!
Year 12 Jackets
Excitement filled the air this week as our Year 12 students received their long-awaited leavers jackets. Featuring personalised nicknames and school colours, the jackets mark a proud milestone in their final year. We’re thrilled to see the Class of 2025 wearing them with pride as they lead us through their final year.
Canteen News
We are excited to announce the arrival of our toasted ham and cheese wraps and chicken, cheese and mayonnaise wraps, both available from next week and selling for $4 each.
Please don’t forget to place your order before 9 pm on Tuesday. To make life easier you can always purchase the next three or four weeks in advance. If you do purchase ahead and your child is away on our Canteen day. You can cancel your order by 9 pm Tuesday or please phone reception before 9 am Wednesday. Please understand that if you phone in late to cancel and your order is being processed, it may not be suitable for a refund.
We look forward to updating you on more new Canteen additions from Term 2!
Meet Our New Teacher
Hi SCAC Community my name is Rachel Shovelton and I have joined your lovely school as a PDHPE teacher for two days a week. I teach Pre-Kindy, Kindy and Year 7, 8, 9 and 10. It’s a bit of a jump in age groups but I don’t mind! I have been teaching for 19 years in various primary schools in Victoria and NSW as a Primary PE Specialist and in Year 9 Specialist programs.
For the past 8 years, I have lived with my family of 3 kids and my husband on a remote off-grid self-sustainable residential campus, located on 114 hectares in East Gippsland’s beautiful Croajingolong National Park. The campus is also a working farm with cattle chickens, ducks, turkeys, poddy calves, and alpacas! There are two ways to get in and out of the campus one is by car for an hour or by boat for half an hour, so I drove my kids to school in a boat for five years! But my commute is now much easier from Pambula to SCAC.
Outside of the school environment time is always busy with 3 kids in Pre-Kindy, Year 5 and Year 7. So on the weekends, we are usually at a beach, fishing, on the boat or at some sporting event. Looking forward to meeting you around school!
Music With Mr Fitzgerald
Year 7 are getting ready for their solo performances of Elvis Presley's 'Love Me Tender'.
During the last two weeks at Open Mic Lunch, we have witnessed improvised performances, covers, and original works in progress. With the continuation of Kayleb Williams' unbroken lunchtime streak. Next week we will see Madeleine Grady, Charlotte Larsen and more!
Library News
A big thank you to the wonderful P&F for donating a new book-covering machine, the Library staff are very grateful. To all the families that purchased books at the Book Fair, the Library was able to purchase many new resources, thank you!
It’s great to see primary students engaged and excited in their Library lessons, with story time, reading, book discussions, crafts and activities, researching and technology time.
Kindy’s have been listening to and enjoying the book ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’. Junior primary students have been learning about animal life cycles and are producing a book on the topic of bees. Upper primary students have been exploring ‘Epic’, an online platform for reading.
The Library is a hub of productive study time for Year 11/12 students, it’s great to see them fostering and developing their study habits. Well done!
P&F News
At Sapphire Coast Anglican College, we are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated and passionate members of our community who give their time, energy, and expertise to the Parents and Friends Association (P&F). I would like to celebrate two remarkable women, Kirsty Umbers and Kirsty Mitchell-Blacker, for their outstanding contributions over more than a decade to the association and the broader school community.
On Wednesday, 12th March both Kirsty Umbers and Kirsty Michell-Blacker were awarded Life Members of the Sapphire Coast Anglican Colleges Parents and Friends Association, Congratulations.
To Kirsty Umbers: We love your infectious passion, uplifting energy, strong social connections, and delightful cheekiness! As a lady who wears many hats, Kirsty has gone above and beyond in organising fundraising events, supporting our students, and creating an amazing sense of community among parents. Her knack for bringing people together and her enthusiastic approach to P&F activities have made a lasting impact on our association.
Kirsty Mitchell-Blacker, who served as Secretary, has been equally devoted to ensuring the smooth running of the association. Her meticulous organisational skills, attention to detail, and dedication have helped keep our P&F on track. Kirsty has always had the best interests of the students, parents, and school at heart, ensuring that every decision was made with the greater good in mind.
We are grateful for their unwavering dedication to the P&F and the positive influence they have had on our school community over the years.
Kaycee Orum | The Parents and Friends Association
SCAC Interschools Equestrian Jamboree
10th May, 2025
The SCAC Interschools Equestrian Competition will look slightly different this year. Instead of the two-day competition at Bega Showground, we will be having a blast competing in a sporting jamboree with novelty events such as bending, barrels, flags, keyhole and many more.
The popular stockman’s challenge will be another event, which requires riders to navigate their horse through obstacles and over jumps at pace.
There will be plenty of opportunities for volunteers to participate in making the SCAC event a success. Please call the school and ask for Trish Warrington should you wish to help out.
Ag News
THIS JUST IN: Chickies Hatched in Ag!
Last week, we had a dozen gorgeously cute chickies hatch (from 15 eggs), as several excited students watched on! Even Year 7 Science were able to witness such an amazing start to life! Our new little incubator was set up 20 days before with the filling of a little water tank and the press of a button (and several prayers later!)... Thank you to our Year 10 Aggie, Mason Seymour, and his family for supplying a dozen Araucana eggs (aka Easter Egg chickens), we are very excited to watch these little chickies grow... and look forward to sending them off to SCAC families once we know whether they are a hen or rooster! We have teachers and students happy to take on either.
This fortnight in Year 8 Ag, students enjoyed watching chickies hatch and assisted in the maintenance of the brooder box, cleaning out and replacing wood shavings, and topping up water and feed. They also handed out chicks carefully to younger years. During their lessons, we went to the farm and packed up our farm chicks - but not without enjoying a hug or being a human perch!
Year 9/10 Aggies
Our Year 9/10 Aggies have been busy tending to our calves and enjoying our newest Ag chickies.
Today we boiled up, with school herbs, the last of our FarmBot potatoes and turned it into a delectable mash that we carried up to 9/10 Food Tech. Meantime, their Food Tech peers were baking up some lovely cheesy wedges. Our combined classes of around 40 students then shared a POTATO BANQUET! While they still have their potato assessments to complete - there is nothing better than being able to eat what you are studying!
Year 11 Agriculture
This fortnight, our Year 11 Aggies attended their first Farm Case Study Visit at JimBill's Dairy - North Bega. Students learned about the 60-Point Rotary Dairy. Dick Buesnel was incredibly informative, and his team gave a great rundown of how this farm operates along with daily, weekly, and annual farm management decision-making.
When Textiles Visits Agriculture
Year 8 Textile peers visited the farm to "Soil their Socks!" By planting socks made of various materials - especially cotton, students can observe both the microbial action that occurs within soils on natural plant-based substances in comparison to synthetic materials. In a throw-away country, Cotton Australia are seeking for school students to see the importance of using/wearing clothing made from crops grown on the land.
Senior Paddock to Plate Excursion - Northern Bega Valley...
This term, Year 11 and 12 Agriculture and Hospitality students travelled to the northern part of the Bega Valley on our combined Paddock to Plate excursion.
For Senior Agriculture students, this excursion forms the basis of the course where students in Year 11 learn about management decisions from the farm to the consumer. Year 12 students consider quality and quantity marketing specifications for a product (dairy) from the farm gate to the consumer.
Hospitality Seniors learnt about the journey of raw products from farms to their customers' plates. Year 11 Hospo students took a Workplace Health and Safety focus on the food product journey while 12 Hospo students specifically needed to provide details of Paddock to Plate for their upcoming exams.
Part 1: PADDOCK "Kimber's Dairy"
Students learnt about milk production, filters, quality checks, feed pads and calf raising, including lovely little Wagu calves as an addition to the dairy enterprise on this farm. Thank you, Sammy Smith, for a very informative session.
Part 2: Baking, Factory and Bakery - Honorbread Bermagui
Ag-Hospo Seniors learnt about the processing step in the chain where products are value-added under strict food handling and hygiene rules. We learned about the ingredients that go into making sour doughs, the farms from which they came and why Honor's select from these suppliers. The focus is on quality and using local produce.
Excitingly, Honor's had prepared many delectable croissants for students to egg wash, before they were baked and provided for all students to enjoy!
Part 3: The Plate! Boneless Cafe Bermi
Finally, the last step of the journey was the 'customer experience' during our visit to Boneless Cafe which served some amazing vegetarian meals using Honorbread and Tilba milk. Mr Pepper, our fantastic bus driver for the day, marvelled at his enormous tofu burger. We all pondered how he might go about eating such a tower of agricultural and hospitality goodness!
Community Notices
2025 UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS
We encourage students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to visit university Open Days with family, carers or friends. These Open Days are both interesting and informative and have special events to learn about studying and living at university. Course Convenors are available to discuss the content of courses and the employment outcomes of study areas.
The link below has all the Open Days that are covered by the NSW University Admissions Centre. If a university is missing from this list, it may not have a specific Open Day, and you should check what they might be offering on their website. Please confirm the details of Open Day with the institutions and explore the program for the day on their website before travelling to attend on-campus events.
If you would like to discuss university opportunities, please contact Debbie Meers, or visit her at the Parent Teacher Interview nights.