Principal's Address
College Principal, David Proudlove, set the scene for the 30th Anniversary and new building commemorations on Monday, 13th May before introducing Board Chair, Dr Jill Ireland.
30th Anniversary and New Buildings
A great deal of very good news!
A very warm welcome, albeit an outdoors one, to a combined celebration today of the College turning 30 years old and our being able to complete something of a ‘grand opening’ of three new, very impressive learning spaces, those behind me of course, J1, J2 and J3.
To help us celebrate both these events in this special assembly, and a morning tea immediately afterwards, we are honoured to have a number of esteemed guests here with us, some of whom have associations with the College that go back to before it even was a College, what we might call the founding mothers and fathers, the parents and Board members who imagined what might be achieved here, then went about making it happen. We are also delighted to welcome many past Board members, teachers and a past Principal as well.
Thank you very much indeed for being with us today.
For many of you in the audience, of course, 30 years is more than a lifetime ago. Way back in 1994, notable events around the world included the first free, multi-cultural elections in South Africa that led to Nelson Mandela becoming President; in my home country, England, 1994 marked the first time it became possible to travel by train to France, through the engineering marvel that is the 50 km-long Channel Tunnel, following a subterranean route as much as 120 metres below the narrow strait of ocean that separates the 2 countries.
In the world of movies, the most successful film of the year at the box office was Disney’s, ‘The Lion King’, but the Academy Award for best director and film were won by Stephen Spielberg and his remarkable ‘Schindler’s List’, based on a book by an Australian author, Thomas Keneally, telling the true story of a German man who saved more than a thousand Jewish workers from Nazi concentration camps.
1994 is the birth year of British pop star, Harry Styles; American pop star, Justin Bieber and, just to show it wasn’t all just famous boys that year, it was also the year Sapphire Coast Anglican College’s own rock star, Miss Hana Matsuoka-Renton was born….!
But back to the story of this wonderful College, although continuing with a musical theme, and in fact, I would like to turn to the words of the College Song that is sung with great gusto, and pride, at gatherings throughout the year.
It is a catchy number and speaks to what we are here to celebrate today…
Unlike Costa in last Friday’s assembly, I won’t sing for you, but you’ll know the second verse is as follows:
And it my particular pleasure and honour this morning to introduce someone who, along with her husband, Steve, the first Board Chair of Bega Valley Christian College, their children, and now grandchildren, have devoted their hearts to building this College in a way I find totally mind boggling.
Dr Jill Ireland, the current Board Chair of Sapphire Coast Anglican College, has a more than 30-year association with the institution that surrounds us this morning, something that we are all a small, mostly much more fleeting part of. Jill and several other families combined their talents and energies, and I suspect not a little of their own savings; and a vast amount of time actually using their hands, despite what the song says, in laying the foundations, designing and creating the buildings themselves. These committed group also established the mission and values that have served all of us, staff and students, parents and the wider Bega Valley Christian College and Sapphire Coast Anglican College community so well; and surely will for decades, maybe centuries to come?
It's quite a legacy. But perhaps Jill, with a PhD in English (something I am extremely, and I must say rather uncomfortably aware of when I write in, and attempt the final editing of our fortnightly Newsletter, always trying to make sure my/our grammar and spelling is ‘word perfect’) would be too polite to point out that the word ‘legacy’ is defined as being, ‘something that is part of your history’.
While this College is indeed part of the Ireland family’s history, it remains very much a vivid and dynamic part of their present – the devotion and commitment remains as strong as ever.
All of us here owe Jill and her fellow founders a massive debt that they nobly do not expect to be repaid – for her, and them, it has been a labour of love, and faith, as much as one of steely determination, a multitude of skills, and endless perseverance and courage.
So, to tell us a few stories of this College, and help us celebrate both 30 years passed and a really bright Bega Valley future ahead, please welcome Dr Jill Ireland.
David Proudlove | College Principal
More Costa photos!
Student Success
CIS Swimming
Congratulations to Lily and Travis for their outstanding achievement in swimming this year. Lily and Travis attended the CIS (Combined Independent Schools) Swimming Carnival last week.
Lily swam very well, winning her heat, coming in 10th overall and achieving a new personal best of 32.78 seconds in the 50m Freestyle. Travis swam his best, coming in 11th overall. Both Lily and Travis have worked hard with training and are pleased with their fantastic results.
Snowy Mountains Grammar Equestrian
Grace and Ruby Reynolds Almond had a fabulous weekend at the Snowy Mountains Grammar Equestrian Interschools competition. It was held at the Dalgety Showgrounds.
Ruby was Champion Junior Rider, and overall reserve Champion in Year 6. Grace won Champion Junior Hunter Pony and was overall Champion in Year 1. Congratulations girls!
AICES Hockey Championships
Congratulations to Beau, who recently travelled to Newcastle to play in the AICES Hockey Championships. As SASSA doesn’t have a team in the competition, Beau played for NASSA, the champion team of the event. Beau really enjoyed the competition and the experience he gained is immeasurable. Well Done Beau!
Stage One News
Stage One enjoyed meeting Costa! It was very interesting to see him in real life after watching him on Gardening Australia Junior. Costa and Dan taught us how to make a worm farm. Each of us added sand, compost or worms. We also presented Costa with a special card thanking him for visiting us. We will continue to compost and make more worm farms so we can see how they work.
Year One has been busy learning addition using our 100 beads and dice to roll and add. This is a fun and hands-on way to make sure we have a great understanding of numbers to grow and develop throughout our years at school.
Our 'home reader challenge' between Year One and Year Two is going well. Keep reading every night to get us a point! Lots of us are seeing big improvements in our reading as all this practise pays off! Keep going kids (and parents)! You can do it!
Year 2 News
Year 2 have been hard at work, working as Mathematicians. They have been learning about measuring length and using informal units. Year 2 made their own tape measure and used it to measure movable and immovable objects and we even got to link in our spelling as well with our sound of the week - 'ing' - measuring and comparing lengths. Well done my Mathematicians, keep it up!
Duke of Edinburgh
Nine determined students recently undertook a memorable journey in pursuit of their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, trekking from Tathra to Merimbula and spending a night under the stars at Hobart Beach. This challenging hike served as a testament to their resilience, determination, and camaraderie.
Throughout the expedition, these students demonstrated a mastery of essential hiking skills, navigating diverse terrain with confidence and precision. From deciphering maps to setting up camp, their proficiency showcased their readiness for outdoor adventure. Moreover, facing the rigours of the hike instilled in them a sense of resilience, as they persevered through physical challenges and unpredictable weather conditions.
Despite the trials, spirits remained high, and laughter echoed through the wilderness as the students embraced the joy of exploration and discovery. Their shared experiences forged bonds that will endure far beyond the trail, creating lasting memories of friendship and adventure.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award program empowers young individuals to embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery, adventure, and service. Through a series of challenging expeditions, skill-building activities, and community projects, participants develop essential life skills, cultivate resilience, and foster a spirit of exploration. As these nine students have demonstrated, the Duke of Edinburgh program is not just about earning awards—it's about embarking on meaningful journeys that shape character, forge friendships, and inspire personal growth.
English News
Reading at SCAC
At SCAC, we understand and appreciate the value and importance of reading to grow our students' academic, emotional, and psychological development. We are also aware of the growing trend of "aliteracy", which Margaret K. Merga defines as "the state of being able to read but being uninterested in doing so."
In response, we are giving Wide Reading a big push at the start of this term, making it a high-priority throughout the year both in and beyond our English classes.
Students in Year 7 and 8 will spend the first 10 minutes of every English lesson engaging in sustained silent reading as part of the Accelerated Reader programme. Accelerated Reader is an online diagnostic program designed to:
- Isolate books that are within your child’s reading ability
- Encourage your child to read more
- Improve your child’s reading ability
- Provide information about your child’s reading progress
Our aim is to have young people reading at least 20 minutes per day. It doesn’t really matter what they read or what they read on. Electronic devices such as Kindles are fine (however phones tend to stir the temptation to scroll endlessly and mindlessly).
According to Carol Anne St. George, EdD, an associate professor and literacy expert at the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education, reading enhances literacy and helps children “grow their vocabulary and understanding of [their] world,” Moreover she believes “The closeness of snuggling up with a favorite book leads to an increase in self-confidence and imagination, and helps children gain a wealth of knowledge from the books you share. And it only takes 15 minutes a day of reading together to nurture this growth.”
Here’s why our English teachers believe reading is important:
Mrs Warrington: “Opening a book is like opening a door to another world where we can live vicariously through characters in our own imagination. It also exposes us to the ideas of others, giving us the opportunity to form our own opinions - leaving us richer for the experience.”
Mrs Gallaher: “We learn to write from what we read. Vocabulary, sentence structure and diction can be developed through the habitual process of reading.”
Mr Dowman: “Reading gives us access to a whole universe of new possibilities and changes the way we see ourselves and the world around us.”
Ms Cheadle: “Reading isn't just about flipping pages; it's about diving into a world of endless ideas and emotions, sparking curiosity and personal growth. When we lose ourselves in stories, we gain empathy by experiencing life through diverse perspectives.”
Why should we model and encourage reading?
- The impact of reading on our development, especially during our teenage years, is profound. Reading is four times more influential on intellectual progress in teens than having a parent with a degree.
- Starting early with books sets the stage for a lifetime of reading enjoyment and skill. Kids who can express their love for a book at the age of three tend to be stronger readers in primary school. And when we cultivate independent reading habits in school, it paves the way for continued enjoyment and growth.
- Beyond just making us smarter, reading also contributes to our well-being, with many of us finding solace in books before bed. By switching off devices and picking up a book instead, we can also have better quality sleep.
These insights remind us of the many benefits of embracing a reading culture, especially during our formative years. It's not just about becoming smarter; it's about nurturing our minds and souls for a lifetime of fulfillment.
Food Technology News
Amidst the rhythm of each school week, Fridays stand out as a beacon of communal spirit and service, exemplified by our cherished tradition: the Friday Breakfast Club. This weekly gathering serves not only as a source of nourishment but as a testament to the collaborative ethos that defines our school community.
The dedication of our students is palpable as they rally together, arriving early to ensure the seamless execution of Breakfast Club operations. Whether meticulously setting tables, preparing delectable fare, or extending warm hospitality to their peers, their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment is truly commendable.
In tandem with our commitment to culinary excellence, our Year 11 students partake in a specialised hospitality programme, refining their craft under the tutelage of esteemed barista, Sergio. Through hands-on instruction, they elevate their coffee-making proficiency, infusing each cup with a touch of artistry and care.
Meanwhile, our Year 12 students embrace leadership roles, taking under their wing the Year 7 cohort. Beyond imparting culinary skills, they serve as mentors, nurturing bonds of camaraderie and solidarity among their younger peers.
Complementing these endeavours, our Year 8 students showcase their culinary prowess through the creation of sumptuous Boston buns, enriching the Breakfast Club experience with their delectable offerings.
Library News
Not only do we have many fantastic books in our library, but we also have some very talented artists at SCAC displaying their art.
Upcoming event - National Simultaneous Storytime is happening Wednesday, 22 May at 12 noon, to register for this free virtual event NSS Register at home for the storytelling of Bowerbird Blues.
Year 11 Technology
Year 11 Design and Technology students unveil their recently completed side tables. The project was conceived to hone their proficiency in woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, and laser cutting techniques. Encountering tools previously unexplored, students embraced the challenge, emerging with newfound skills and confidence. Through meticulous planning and hands-on experimentation, they navigated the intricacies of design and construction, transforming raw materials into functional works of art.
Mountain Biking at Stromlo
Congratulations to Joe, Harrison, Charlie, Ben and Fletcher who represented SCAC at the Rocky Trail Academy Canberra School MTB Competition at Stromlo on Friday, 3rd May. The boys rode extremely well and showed amazing sportsmanship amongst a field of many larger schools, well done boys!
House of Cards
We require from buildings two kinds of goodness: first, the doing their practical duty well: then that they be graceful and pleasing in doing it. - John Ruskin
It takes a community to educate a child, constructing a sense of belonging, identity and learning. Numerous College staff have reported what a joy our Year 11 cohort are to teach, observe and supervise, and youngsters such as Lizzie are a gift to their peers, our community, and our staff.
News from Music
We were thrilled to see the beginning of the SCAC Concert Band last week! Under the direction of conductor Mr Julian Gonzalez, this group of young musicians sounded incredible in just their first rehearsal.
There's nothing better than making music together!
SASSA Soccer Gala Day
The SASSA Soccer Gala Day held in Nowra recently, witnessed the courageous performance of SCAC. Soccer enthusiasts from across the region gathered to see young talents in action, with SCAC players showcasing remarkable skills and sportsmanship. Thanks to Mr Shannon, Mrs Moulton, Mr Crowley, and Mr Aidan Shannon for taking the students to Nowra. It was an unforgettable event, marked by SCAC's stellar performance and the vibrant atmosphere of cheers and camaraderie on the field sidelines! Well done to Josh Croxford, Chiranjeev Randhawa and Savannah Papalia for making the SASSA team at the next level, we wish you all the best.
Spanish Excursion
The Year 9/10 Spanish elective had the privilege of hearing a presentation about Spain and Spanish traditions in our recent trip to Canberra. We were hosted at the Spanish Resource Centre by the Spanish embassy and learnt about different cultural festivals. Students recreated the New Years Eve (la nochevieja) eating 12 'grapes' at the stroke of midnight. Students then participated in a Spanish 'Breakout', decoding Spanish messages to identify the code to divert a 'disaster'. The codes related to artworks by famous Spanish artists which are hosted in the Prado Museum in Madrid.
In the afternoon the group visited the National Museum of Australia to view the 'Discovering Ancient Egypt' exhibit. The Year 11 Ancient History students have been investigating this Ancient civilisation and appreciated viewing the amazing artefacts.
A huge thank you to Mr Jack Shannon for driving us to and around Canberra, and Mrs Susan Monck for joining us.